"We will wait here until the greatest heat of the day is over," said the guide, breaking silence for the first time since they had left the teocali.
"Content," said the hacendero, smiling; "indeed, you could not have chosen a fitter spot."
"One of the baggage mules carries food and other refreshment, of which you may avail yourself, if you choose; they have been provided for your use."
"And you—will you not join us?" asked the hacendero.
"I am neither hungry nor thirsty; do not trouble yourself about me; other duties claim my attention."
Thinking it useless to insist, Don Pedro dismounted, lifted his daughter from her saddle, and placed her on the turf beside the brook. The horses were tethered, and all settled themselves to snatch a few moments of repose.
Stoneheart, after silently helping the peones to unload the mule which carried the provisions, and spreading them out before Don Pedro and his daughter, absented himself with hasty strides, and was soon lost in the forest.
"What a strange fellow!" said the capataz, while doing honour to the food before him.
"His conduct is incomprehensible," answered Don Pedro.
"But I believe him honest, in spite of his rough manner," said Doña Hermosa; "up to the present his proceedings towards us have been irreproachable."