"Well, you will see. As, however, I fear some imprudence on your part, I wish to see you start before me, that is all."
"Are you speaking the truth?"
"Of course I am. In five minutes I shall have joined you again."
"Do you promise me, then?"
"Do you fancy I should find any fun in remaining here?"
"What do you intend doing?"
"Here are the Indians; begone, and do not forget to start at full gallop so soon as I open the door of the venta, and ride in the direction of the Venado ford."
"But I expect—"
"Begone, begone," he interrupted her quickly, as he pushed her toward the corral, "it is all settled."
The maiden unwillingly obeyed: but at this moment loud blows against the shutters were audible, and the half-breed profited by this demonstration of the Indians to close the door leading into the corral.