"I am happy to hear it," continued Tom Mitchell; "but before we go any farther, allow me to say a word to this young Frenchman. In that room you will find a friend."
"A friend!" cried Oliver; "Impossible! You know I have only recently reached this country."
"Take my advice," said the outlaw, with a smile.
Oliver shrugged his shoulders, as if yielding to a foolish whim, and went in to find himself face to face with Durand.
"Now," said the outlaw, "I have not told all; I have left out certain matters which personally concern yourself. One moment, and you shall judge for yourself. Excuse me if I have to touch upon a very tender topic—that of love."
"Captain!" cried George.
"Pardon me. You love a charming girl, whom you have followed into the desert with as much devotion as men show in the search of gold. To this I have only to add that the girl is as beautiful and as good as an angel."
George bowed his head to hide his confusion.
"Her father is against you, I know. But the important fact is that a terrible calamity threatens her and you."
"Pray explain yourself," George cried.