"It is not a question that I would ask you; it is a prayer that I desire to make."
"Prayer or question, speak, monsieur; I will answer you."
"Sir, my companion and I are Spaniards, from Europe—that is to say, strangers to this country. If you leave us here, we shall inevitably be lost, ignorant as we are of the route that we ought to follow."
"When do you wish to go?"
"Mon Dieu, señor! That is just what troubles us," said the captain, joining in the conversation.
"Just so; then you desire—"
"Mon Dieu! We desire to reach its advanced posts, and that as soon as possible."
The Montonero reflected for some time.
"Gentlemen," he at last answered, "what you wish is very difficult; it is evident that you will have great trouble in passing through our troops. I only see one way of getting you out of the difficulty, but I fear that you would not accept it."
"What way is this?" cried the two Spaniards.