"I will tell him."
"Now put the canoe in the water; and good luck."
"Heaven grant you may succeed in saving my poor Niña," the old servant said, with an emotion he could not overcome. "I would joyfully give my life for her."
"Go in peace, my friend," Marksman answered, affectionately. "You have already sacrificed much."
The adventurers then left the grotto, not without first looking round to see there was no danger. A profound silence prevailed beneath the impenetrable forest covert. They then raised on their shoulders the canoe, in which they had placed provisions for the comrade who was about to leave them, and it soon floated lightly on the water. Bermudez took his parting farewell, and then turning away, with an effort, leaped into the canoe, seized the paddles, and went off.
"We shall meet again soon," Don Mariano said, with emotion.
"Soon, if Heaven decree it!" Bermudez answered.
"Amen!" the adventurers piously murmured.
Marksman followed, for a long time, the course of the canoe, and then turned hastily to his comrades. "His is a devoted heart," he muttered, as if speaking to himself. "Will he get there?"
"God will protect him!" Don Mariano answered.