By degrees the darkness had become less palpable: the sky decked itself in iris colours, the horizon grew red, the sun, although not yet visible, gave tokens that it would not be long ere he rose, to replace with floods of dazzling light the pale rays of the few stars still visible in the profound blue of heaven.
A thousand pungent odours rose from the earth; and the morning breeze, passing over the foliage of the trees, made it tremble and murmur, while it twisted the mists hanging over the river into the most fantastic folds.
At length Don Estevan, to whom the pause was becoming as embarrassing as it was to the other, determined to break the silence.
"I will be frank with you, caballero," said he. "I heard everything that passed in your conversation with the Tigercat; not a word escaped me. This will show you that I know all, and am aware that Don Fernando Carril and Stoneheart are one and the same person."
"Yes," said the Mexican, bitterly, "I see you are an excellent spy. You have chosen a sorry trade, caballero."
"Who can tell? Perhaps, before we have finished our conversation, you may be of a different opinion, señor."
"I doubt it. But allow me to remark, that you have a singular mode of showing hospitality towards the guests God sends you."
"Let me explain first; then, after you have heard what I have to tell you, I shall be ready, caballero, to give you the satisfaction you demand—if you still insist on it."
"Speak, then; and let us finish this somehow or other," replied Don Fernando impatiently. "The sun has already risen; I hear them moving and talking in the rancho; the people will soon make their appearance, and hinder, by their presence, any explanation between us."
"You are right; we must settle this; and as I have as little inclination to be interrupted as you, follow me. What I have to say is too long to be spoken here."