"I cannot say so exactly. In any case he will not long delay; we shall see him again this evening or tomorrow."
"The devil! What am I to do, I who reckoned on him?"
"How is that?"
"Why, to tell me the route I ought to take."
"If that is all, there is no reason why you should torment yourself; he has requested me to beg you not to quit the rancho before his return."
"But I fear to discommode you. You are not rich, as you yourself have told me."
"Señor," answered the gaucho, with dignity, "strangers are envoys from God. Even if it might please you to live a month in my humble rancho, I should be happy and proud of your presence in my family. Do not say any more, I beg you."
What more could I object? Nothing. I resigned myself, therefore, to wait until the return of don Zeno.
The breakfast was pleasant enough; the ladies exerted themselves to bring out my good humour, by loading me with cares and attentions.
Immediately after the meal, as don Torribio prepared to mount his horse, I asked to accompany him. He agreed; I saddled my horse and we set out at a gallop across the pampa.