"Very easily—the more so, as it seems that he has something to say to you."
"Indeed."
"Yes, and he even ordered me to ask you if you would allow him an interview after dinner."
"Most heartily; I am entirely at his orders; especially," the Captain added, with a smile, "since I am his prisoner."
"That is true; well, eat quietly, and while you are doing so I will convey your message."
Hereupon Ruperto left the Captain, who did not require the invitation to be repeated, but vigorously attacked the provisions placed before him. His meal was soon over, and he had been walking up and down for some time, when he saw the Jaguar approach. The two men bowed ceremoniously, and examined each other for some moments with the greatest attention.
Up to this moment they had hardly seen one another; their interview of the previous evening had taken place in the darkness, and then fought obstinately; but they had found no time to form mutual opinions as they now did with the infallible glance of men who are accustomed to judge in a second, persons with whom they have dealings. The Jaguar was the first to break the silence.
"You will excuse, Caballero," he said, "the rusticity of my reception: banished men have no other palace save the dome of the forests that shelter them."
The Captain bowed.
"I was far from expecting," he said, "so much courtesy from—"