"Ah!" he said with a laugh, "here are my deserters returned. Good morning, gentlemen."
The latter, astonished at this merry reception, which they did not at all comprehend, remained dumb. Don Rafaël then noticed their gloomy and embarrassed air.
"Hilloh! what is the matter with you?" he asked seriously. "Are you the bearers of ill news?"
"Perhaps so," Valentine answered sadly. "May Heaven grant that I am mistaken!"
"Speak—explain yourself. I was mounting to go and obtain news about you; but as you are here, it is unnecessary."
The hunters exchanged an intelligent glance.
"Of course we will furnish you with all the details you may wish for."
"All the better. In the first place, then, dismount and come into the house, where we shall converse more at our ease."
The hunters obeyed, and followed Don Rafaël into a vast apartment which served as the hacendero's business room. When they entered Valentine opposed the closing of the door.
"In that way," he said, "we shall not have to fear listeners."