"Oh!" cried he, earnestly, "I swear to you, Don Emile, by all that is sacred in the world, that whatever you ask of me, at whatever time, or in whatever place, I will do it without hesitation, even if it risked that life which you have twice saved, and which henceforth belongs to you."
"I rely upon your word, Señor Don Zeno," seriously answered the young man; "I will remind you of it, if occasion requires."
"You will always find me ready to keep my word."
Too weak to remain longer standing, he seated himself before the fire, and his friends took their places by his side.
[CHAPTER XIII.]
EXPLANATIONS.
The fire had been lighted; the four men, conquered by sleep, and fatigued by the struggle which they had had with the lions, were wrapped in their ponchos and their blankets, and were not long in getting to sleep.
When the sun appeared on the horizon, the four men awoke nearly at the same time.