"One moment, Señor! I have dispatched one of the retainers of my master to keep watch; perhaps it would be well to wait his return."
"Just so; however," said Emile, "in order not to lose time, it would be well to leave here, and mount horse, that would allow the gaucho to overtake us. As soon as he comes we will proceed on our journey."
"Well said; only I am somewhat embarrassed at this moment."
"Why?"
"Why, to mount a horse, it is necessary to have one, and I fear some of us have none."
"I have thought of that; do not bother yourself about that little circumstance. There are, in the rancho, six horses that I have had brought here today," said Tyro.
"Oh! then nothing prevents us; let me just give a look out, and I will tell you when it is time to rejoin me."
And after having with a gesture ordered his companions to follow him, the Montonero disappeared in the gallery.
There only remained in the cavern the two ladies, the painter, and the Guaraní.
"My good Tyro," then said Emile, "I do not know how to acknowledge your devotion; you are not one of those men whom one pays, but, before separating, I should wish to give you a proof of—"