While exchanging these bitter complaints, the two men had proceeded side by side, and had left the camp, saluted on their passage by the sentinels at the entrenchments.
They continued thus to advance into the country till they had reached a rather retired spot—a kind of elbow formed by a turn in the canyon in which they were, and where they could be neither seen nor heard; while they, on the other hand, could see a considerable distance to right and left up and down the road which led to the camp, and on which no one could have appeared without being discovered.
"I think, Señor Frenchman," said Don Pablo, stopping, "that this place will suit you; be so good, then, as to speak without further delay."
"So I will," answered the Frenchman, placing on the ground the butt end of his gun, and leaning his two hands on the end of the barrel, as he cast a suspicious look around him.
"Oh! We are quite alone; come," pursued Don Pablo, with an ironical smile, "you can speak without fear."
"It is not fear which restrains me just now, but I have so many things to say to you that I do not really know how to commence."
"As you like; only, make haste if you wish me to hear you to the end. In a few minutes, perhaps, I shall be obliged to leave you."
"The Spanish officer whom you expect will not be here for an hour at least; we have time, then."
"How do you know that I expect a Spanish officer?"
"What does that matter, if it is so?"