"You are wrong, caballero; Don Pedro is a cristiano Viejo" (an old Christian, i.e. a descendant of the early conquerors), "who exercises hospitality after the fashion of old times: nothing makes him happier than to practise it."
"Most unfortunately, important affairs call me to some distance, and I fear I shall have no time to stop at his hacienda."
"Forgive the question," said Don Estevan; "but have you really the intention of entering the prairie?"
"Why do you ask, caballero?"
"Because we are here on the extreme Indian frontier; and unless you retrace your steps, it is only towards the wilderness you can bend them."
"Well, then, it is my intention to go into the desert."
Don Estevan made a gesture of surprise.
"Forgive my pertinacity," said he; "but without doubt you must be acquainted with the desert you intend to enter?"
"By your leave, señor, I am thoroughly acquainted with it."
"And knowing its dangers, dare you enter it alone?"