The young man could not refrain from laughing at the coolness with which his comrade emitted this singular opinion. "Well, then," he said, "what reason have you to find fault with my plan?"
"Because it is bad. If the Indians cannot kill me, that does not prove they will not wound me. Believe me. Don Miguel, let us be prudent: if one of us is disabled at the start, what will become of the other?"
"That is true; but have you any other plan to propose to me?"
"I think so."
"Well, let me know it. If it be good, I will adopt it; I am not at all sweet on myself."
"Good; can you swim?"
"Why ask?"
"Answer first, and then I'll tell you."
"I swim like a sturgeon."
"And I like an otter; we are well paired. Now, pay attention to what I am going to say."