The count and Curumilla, preceded by Valentine, rapidly crossed the camp, greeted in their passage by the affectionate salutes of the adventurers, who were delighted to see them returned. As they approached headquarters, the shrill sounds of a jarana, with which were mingled the melancholy notes of a voice singing the romance del Rey Rodrigo, smote their ears.
"Perhaps it would be better, before going further," the count said, "to ask some information from Don Cornelio."
"Yes, especially as it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to obtain it from Curumilla."
"I am going to him," the latter remarked, having overheard the few words exchanged by the friends.
"Then it is all for the best," Valentine said with a smile.
Curumilla turned a little to the left, and guided the two men to a jacal of branches which served as the Spaniard's abode, and before which the noble hidalgo was at this moment seated on a stool, strumming his jarana furiously, and singing his eternal romance, while rolling his eyes in a most sentimental way. On seeing the two friends he uttered a shout of joy, threw his guitar far from him, and ran toward them.
"Capa de Dios!" he shouted as he seized their hands, "you are welcome, caballeros. I was impatiently expecting you."
"Is there anything new, then?" Don Louis asked anxiously.
"Hum! a good deal; but I suppose you are not going to remain on horseback?"
"No, no, we will join you."