"You flatter us, señor; but the business seems to us a thorny one."
"Very thorny," said Sacatripas, shaking his head.
"Bah! It requires a little skill, that is all. You are known for good patriots. In the escort, you will probably meet friends, or, at least, acquaintances; no difficulty will be made in receiving you, and when the occasion presents itself, well—you will seize it!"
"That's it—we will seize it. Is it important to kill them?"
"Upon my word—that is your business. Provided that you give me an undeniable proof that you have accomplished your mission, I shall not require anything else. You will see, you will reflect. Prisoners are often very embarrassing in the desert when you have not enough men to guard them, so that they cannot attempt to escape. But you will do as you shall think best."
"That is to say, that we have carte blanche?"
"Just so."
"Good! It is well to understand one another, in order that we may not commit errors which will have to be much regretted. Where do you think we shall meet our two personages."
"As to that, you cannot make a mistake. They come from Tucumán, and will, of course, take the bank of the Rio Dulce, as there is no other practicable path."
"Have they already set out?"