"Bah," said don Zeno, "do not trouble yourself about that. Those fellows have a tough hide. Let us go and dine."
This cold cruelty disgusted me; however, I refrained from any remark, and I entered into the rancho. I was still a novice; but I was to witness, at a later period, scenes compared with which this was but child's play.
After dinner, which, contrary to custom, was prolonged for a considerable time, don Zeno ordered the son of the gaucho to bring in the guide.
He entered in a minute. Don Zeno looked at him for some seconds with attention, and then said—
"Do you admit you have merited the punishment I have inflicted?"
"I admit it," answered the Indian, in a sulky voice.
"You are aware that I know where to find you?"
"I know it."
"If at my request this caballero agrees to pardon you, will you be faithful to him?"
"Yes, but on one condition."