"Where do these men meet?"
"You will find most of them at a low pulquería in the new Pueblo de San Lucar. But do you really intend to venture within the presidio?"
"Assuredly. Now, one word more: can I count upon you when the hour for action arrives?"
"You can, if what you purpose is right."
"Aha! You are already beginning to impose conditions."
"Have I not told you so?—Or shall I remain neuter?"
"No; I have need of you. You will, I suppose, inhabit the house you bought? Every day a trusty person shall inform you of the course of events; and when the proper moment comes, I know you will be with me."
"Perhaps I may; but happen what will, do not depend too much upon it."
"I do depend upon it, nevertheless, and I will tell you why. At present you are under the impulse of love, and naturally your reasoning succumbs to the influence of the passion that masters you. But before a month is over, see what will inevitably happen. Either you will succeed,—and satiety, following on the heels of sated passion, will make you glad to return to the wilderness,—or you will fail, and jealousy and wounded pride will inspire the lust for vengeance, and you will seize with joy the opportunity I shall offer you to glut it."
"I see clearly that very shortly we shall not understand each other at all," said the Mexican with a melancholy smile. "You always reason from your evil passions, so great is your hatred of men, and the contempt you feel for the human race; while I only listen to my good feelings, and suffer myself to be guided by them."