"I suppose nothing, general. I am certain of what I assert, that is all. What probability is there that a great personage like you, general, Governor of Sonora, and Lord knows what else, would lower yourself to solicit from a poor fellow of a hunter like myself an interview at night, in the heart of the desert, unless he hoped to obtain a great advantage from that interview? A man must be mad or a fool not to see that at the first glance; and Heaven be thanked, I am neither one nor the other."
"Suppose that things are as you state?"
"Suppose it, then; I have no objection. Now come to facts."
"Hum! that does not appear to me so easy with you."
"Why so? Our first relations, as you reminded me just now, ought to have proved to you that I am easy enough in business matters."
"That is true. Still the transaction I have to propose to you is of rather a peculiar nature, and I am afraid——"
"What of? That I shall refuse? Hang it! you understand there is a risk to be incurred."
"No; I am afraid that you will not exactly catch the spirit of the affair, and feel annoyed."
"Do you think so? After all, that is possible. Would you like me to save you the trouble of an explanation?"
"How so?"