"What! Adieu! You will leave us?"
"Certainly; do you think I intend to remain all night with you?"
"I hoped, at least, you would not leave unfinished the work you have undertaken."
"I do not understand you; caballero."
"Will you abandon us thus? Will you leave my daughter in her present state, lost in the wilderness, without the means of escape,—in the depths of this forest, which has been so nearly fatal to her?"
The unknown frowned several times, then cast a stolen look on the girl. A violent struggle seemed to commence in his bosom; he remained silent for several minutes, uncertain how to decide. At last he raised his head.
"Listen," said he in a constrained voice; "I have never learnt to lie. At a short distance I have a jacal (hovel), as you would call the miserable calli (cottage) which shelters me; but, believe me, it is better for you to remain here than to follow me there."
"And why?" said the stranger, surprised.
"I have no explanation to give you, and I will not lie. I only repeat: believe me, and remain here. Nevertheless, if you persist in following me, I will not oppose it; I will be your faithful guide."
"Danger menace us under your roof? I will not stop on such an hypothesis: hospitality is sacred in the prairies."