While he spoke these words, his features became animated, and his eyes flashed; but he soon resumed the impassiveness of marble.
"I promised to conduct you in safety to your home," he said, "and I will do so."
"Is there any danger to be feared?" inquired Don Pedro.
"There is always danger," he replied bitterly, "in the desert more than elsewhere."
"Are we threatened with treachery?"
"Ask me no questions; I will not reply to them. Listen to my words, and profit by them. If you wish to preserve your scalps, you must place implicit confidence in me, whatever I may do, and obey me, without fear or hesitation, in everything I may order. All I shall do will be done with but one aim—your safety. Do you consent to these conditions?"
"We do," exclaimed Doña Hermosa fervently; "we will not doubt your loyalty, and will act entirely according to your council."
"I swear it," said the hacendero.
"It is well; now I will be answerable for everything. Put aside all anxiety. Do not speak to me; I have need to collect my thoughts."
Bowing carelessly, he betook himself to a little distance, and seated himself at the foot of a tree.