Tranquil, who was more warmly attired in the garb of Mexican Campesinos, did not appear to notice the cold at all; with his rifle between his legs, he gazed out into the darkness, or listened to any sound perceptible to him alone, while he talked to the Negro, disdaining to notice either his grimaces or the chattering of his teeth.
"So," he said, "you did not see the little one to-day Quoniam?"
"No, no, I have not seen her for two days," the Negro answered.
The Canadian sighed.
"I ought to have gone myself," he went on; "the girl is very solitary there, especially now that war has let loose on this side all the adventurers and border-ruffians."
"Nonsense! Carmela has beak and nails; she would not hesitate to defend herself if insulted."
"Confusion!" the Canadian exclaimed, as he clutched his rifle, "If one of those Malvados dared to say a word—"
"Do not trouble yourself thus, Tranquil; you know very well that if any one ventured to insult the Querida Niña, she would not want for defenders. Besides, Lanzi never leaves her for a moment, and you are aware how faithful he is."
"Yes," the hunter muttered, "but Lanzi is only a man after all."
"You drive me to desperation with the ideas which so unreasonably get into your head."