As to himself, he continued his route on foot.
It was a few minutes after his coming out of the wood that Malco Diaz, for the first time, perceived the horse that galloped so rapidly before him.
This explanation that Diogo, with a saturnine air, gave to Malco, further increased his fury.
"You have killed a horse that I loved—a noble beast, that I shall with difficulty replace. I ought, then, to kill you, Malco; but I shall not redden my knife with your blood."
"You would do wrong, Diogo," sullenly answered Malco, "for I swear to you, that on the first opportunity I will kill you."
"You will act according to your instincts, Malco. I know that you are a wicked man."
"I will kill you—I swear it by my share of paradise."
"Your share in paradise would appear to me very doubtful, my poor friend; but that is not the question now."
"What do you mean to do, then, since you say you do not wish to kill me?"
"What I promise I intend to perform, Malco; no, I will not kill you, but I will place you in a position where it is impossible for you to injure me."