"What are you looking for?" asked the old man, uneasy at this repeated movement.
"You will excuse me," answered Don Pedro; "but I am afraid to enter without a guide into that pathless forest; and I do not see the one you were good enough to promise me."
"Nevertheless he stands before you, señor," said the Tigercat, pointing to the hunter.
"Yes," said the latter, looking defiantly at the old man, "it is I who am to be your guide; and I give you my sacred word, that in despite of savages, be they beasts or men, I will conduct you in safety to your hacienda."
The Tigercat made no answer to these words, which were evidently spoken for his behoof; he contented himself by shrugging his shoulders, while an indefinable expression settled on his mocking lips.
"Oh!" said the hacendero, "We have indeed nothing to fear if you are to be our guide, señor; the generosity of your late conduct is a sure guarantee for the future."
"Let us go," said the hunter briefly, "we have already lost too much time."
The travellers mounted without replying.
"Adieu! And good luck," said the Tigercat, when he saw them ready to start.
"One word, if you please, caballero," exclaimed the hacendero, bowing slightly to his host.