"Oh, oh!" the hunter said; "these people appear very eager to speak with me. Attention!"
Hereupon he stopped, raised his rifle to his shoulder, and aimed at the nearest man.
"Halt," he said, "or I fire!"
"Capo de Dios! you are quick, caballero," an ironical voice answered. "You do not allow yourself to be easily approached; but uncock your rifle—you see that we are unarmed."
"Apparently so, I grant; but who guarantees me that you have not arms concealed about your person?"
"My honour, sir," the first speaker answered haughtily. "Would you venture to doubt it?"
The hunter laughed.
"I doubt everything at night, when I am alone in the desert, and see before me four men whom I have every reason for believing are not my friends."
"Come, come, sir, a little more politeness, if you please."
"I wish nothing more. Still, you requested this interview; hence you are bound to accept my conditions, and not I yours."