"Of you, then, there is one I know," he continued, pointing to Ruperto, who gave a silent nod of assent. "I never, to my knowledge, injured that man; on the contrary—"
"That is true," Ruperto answered.
"I never saw you, so you can have no feelings of animosity against me."
"That is correct. This is the first time Providence has brought us face to face."
"There remains this Indian warrior, who, like yourself, is a perfect stranger to me."
"All that is correct."
"For what reason, then, can I be your prisoner? Unless, as I cannot believe, you belong to those birds of prey, called pirates, who swarm in the desert?"
"We are not pirates, but frank and honest hunters."
"A further reason why I should address my question to you again, and ask you if I am your prisoner or no?"
"The question is not so simple as you suppose, although we have no reproaches to bring against you personally. Have you not insulted or offended other persons since you have been on the prairie?"