Don Leoncio felt deeply moved by the affection of his old servant, and replied:
"Thanks, Luco; you are indeed a good and trusty fellow."
"And yet, in spite of the happiness I feel in seeing you once more, I wish you had not returned at such an unlucky moment. Mi amo, the times are bad; the tyrant is more powerful than ever in Buenos Aires."
"I know. Unfortunately, I could not postpone my journey, in spite of the perils to which I should be exposed."
"¡Válgame Dios, señor! This is a terrible life we are now leading."
"What is to be done? We must all take our share of the unavoidable. Are my orders fulfilled?"
"Yes, all, mi amo: your brother is forewarned. Unluckily, I could not go myself to inform him: I was forced to send a guacho, of whom I knew little. But do not be uneasy, señor; your brother will not fail to be here in a few hours."
"Good; but you seem to have come here in considerable numbers."
"Alas, it could not be helped; I am so spied after, mi amo. I was obliged to use the most extraordinary efforts to induce the lieutenant to bring so few."
"We had very nearly run into his arms."