"Caspita! Do I think so? Ask these caballeros. A miracle has saved you!"
"It is very singular! I cannot recollect anything of what you speak. When we left our friends all at once, the storm broke out."
"That was it! and your recollection is correct. Your horse took fright at a flash of lightning and ran away. When we came up with you, you were lying senseless in a ravine."
"What you say must be true, for I feel bruised, and my whole frame seems weak and exhausted."
"That is it! But, I repeat, fortunately you are not wounded; only I thought it best to bleed you."
"I thank you; the bleeding has done me good, my head is not so hot, my ideas are more calm! Thank you, my friend," he added, taking his hand.
"Perhaps you are not strong enough yet to sit on horseback." he said.
"Yes, I assure you, my strength is completely restored; besides, time presses."
Saying these words, Don Tadeo rose, and asked for his horse. A soldier was holding it by the bridle. Don Tadeo examined it attentively. The poor animal was filthy; it looked as if it had literally been rolled in the mud. Don Tadeo knitted his brow; he could not make it out. Don Gregorio laughed in his sleeve; it was by his orders that, to mislead his friend, the horse had been put in this condition.
"I can but wonder," said Don Tadeo, "when looking at this poor beast, how we both escaped!"