"Yes.'
"Well, my friend, I did well in insisting upon knowing the motives of your present uneasiness."
"Ah!"
"Yes, for you have interpreted the omen with which you were favoured, in a very different way from what you should have done."
"How so?"
"Let me explain: this foreboding signifies, on the contrary, that with prudence and indefatigable vigilance you will foil all treachery, and lay beneath your feet any bandits who dare to attack you."
"Oh!" the arriero exclaimed, joyfully; "Are you sure of what you assert?"
"As I am of salvation in the other world," the Captain replied, crossing himself fervently.
The arriero had a profound faith in the Captain's words, for he held him in great esteem, owing to his evident superiority; he did not dream, consequently, of doubting the assurance the latter gave him of the mistake he had made in the interpretation of the omen which had caused him such alarm; he instantly regained his good spirits, and snapped his fingers mockingly.
"Caray, if that is the case, I run no risk; hence it is useless for me to give Nuestra Señora de la Soledad the wax taper I promised her."