"I am a bold man, as you are yourself. My pride revolts at the thought of dying a ridiculous death in this mousetrap, and I wish to escape—that's all."
"By Jove! You please me by speaking like that; you are really a charming companion."
"You flatter me, señor."
"No. I tell you what I think; rely on me as I rely on you, and we shall do wonders, I am sure."
"Keep your mind easy; we shall do our best, and if we fail, it will only be after having disputed our life inch by inch in a desperate struggle. But first, where are we?"
"We are at a few steps from the Valle del Tambo, where we should already have been in safety a long time ago, had it not been for this cursed avalanche."
"Very well—but," stopping himself suddenly; "did you not hear something?" asked he.
"Yes," answered the Pincheyra; "several times I have heard that noise strike on my ear."
"By Jove! And you have told me nothing of it."
"I feared that I was deceived; besides, you know that the country we are traversing is a desert, and that no one can be here."