"I have," answered the hunter laconically, and turning from him.
"I am rejoiced at this circumstance," resumed the old man, addressing Don Pedro; "thanks to it, you will reach your home on your own horses, and without the loss of anything belonging to you."
"How shall I ever repay all the obligations I owe you, señor?" said the hacendero, with great emotion.
"By not thanking me for them: my conduct towards you has been very simple, and solely dictated by the interest I took in your unlucky position."
Although nothing could be more evident than the Tigercat's intention to make a courteous answer, his words were uttered with such a hissing accent, his voice was so ironical, and his tone so sarcastic, that the effect produced was quite contrary to what he intended. Without exactly comprehending the reason, Don Pedro felt he had met with an insult instead of a compliment.
"Let us end this," said Stoneheart abruptly. "The sun is already high; and it is time to set out, if you would cross the forest before nightfall."
"In all sincerity," said the Tigercat, "notwithstanding the chagrin I feel at seeing you depart, it is my duty to warn you that, if nothing detains you here, you will do well to commence your journey."
Don Pedro and his companions rose, and, accompanied by the two hunters, descended into the plain.
During the words which had been exchanged on the teocali, the mounted Indians had disappeared, leaving the animals of the Mexicans at the place where they had first halted.
The hacendero, before he mounted, turned his head several times in the direction in which the Indian's had vanished.