"Why should we?" said his companion, smiling.
"Why, the force of habit may lead you away, and, believe me, at this moment it would be a wrong to yourself to allow yourself thus to be led."
"Fear nothing. I shall be with you as frank as possible."
"Um!" said the young man, with a half-convinced air; "However, it matters not, I will risk it; so much the worse for you if you do not keep your promise, for I have no other interest but yours."
"I am convinced of it; speak, then, fearlessly."
"First, one question. You are going to Tucumán?"
"Have I not told you so?"
"Just so. A part of the men who accompany you are disguised soldiers that the government of Buenos Aires has given you to serve you for the escort."
"How do you know that?"
"In a way which it is difficult to guess. So you are charged with a political mission?"