"I am glad to believe it—ah! A final recommendation, of secondary importance, but, for all that, serious."
"What is it?"
"The Spaniards frequently hunt, or make excursions in the savannahs of the Artibonite; watch them, though without letting them perceive you; let them not have the slightest suspicion of what we are meditating against them, for the least imprudence might have excessively grave consequences for the success of our plans."
"I will act with prudence, be assured."
"Now, my lad, I have only to wish you a pleasant trip, and successful result."
"Will you allow me, in my turn, to ask you a question before departing?"
"Speak, I allow it."
"For what reason have you, who possess so many brave and devoted friends, instead of applying to one of them, chosen an obscure engagé, whom you hardly know, to confide to him so difficult and so confidential a mission?"
"Are you anxious to know?" the adventurer asked, laughingly.
"Yes, if you do not consider the question indiscreet."