"El Buitre!" he exclaimed, striking his forehead.
"Come," the other said with a laugh, "I felt certain that you had not forgotten me, compañero."
This, unexpected meeting was anything but agreeable to the colonel; still he considered it prudent not to let it be seen.
"By what accident are you here, then?" he asked.
"And you?" the other answered boldly.
"I! My presence is perfectly natural, and easily to be explained."
"And mine too."
"Ah!"
"Hang it! I am here because you are so."
"Hum!" the colonel said, maintaining a reserve. "Explain that to me, will you?"