"You!"
"Pardon; this needs an explanation. I am afraid—not to die, for from the moment you announced to me your formal intention, I reckoned on the sacrifice of my life."
"Then, what is it you mean?"
"I mean, my lord, that I do not fear to die, but that I am dreadfully afraid of being killed like a beast."
Notwithstanding the gravity of the situation, the marquis burst out laughing.
"Bah, bah!" said he; "Things, I am convinced, will turn out better than you suppose."
"I wish so, without hoping it, your Excellency."
"Let us see; you believe you are in a position to guide us to the spot where the Paulistas are at this moment."
"Nothing is more easy than to proceed on the journey, my lord, but I cannot guarantee it."
"How is that?"