"Deuce take all false shame!" he said, as he gave him the letter. "Why should I not confess that I cannot read? A man whose life has been spent in the desert ought not to fear confessing an ignorance which can have nothing dishonouring for him. Read, read, my lad, and let us know What our doubtful friend wishes."
And he took the log from the young man's hands.
Loyal Heart took a rapid glance at the paper. "The letter is laconic," he said, "but explicit. Listen:
"'The Jaguar has kept his word. Of all the Mexicans who accompanied the conducta, only one is alive free and unwounded—Captain Don Juan Melendez de Gongora. Will the friends of the Jaguar have a better opinion of him?'"
"Is that all?" Tranquil asked.
"Yes."
"Well," the hunter exclaimed, "people may say as they please, but, by Heavens! The Jaguar is a fine fellow."
"Is he not, father?" a gentle voice murmured in his ear.
Tranquil started at this remark, and turned sharply round. Carmela was by his side, calm and smiling.