Don Tadeo reflected for an instant; he cast an inquiring glance round upon the mountains, and then said:
"Those means I can furnish you with; we cannot be more than ten leagues from one of my haciendas."
"Are you certain of that?"
"Yes, thank Heaven!"
"To be sure we are not!" the Linda cried, joyfully.
"And you believe that if we could reach that hacienda——"
"We shall be safe," Don Tadeo interrupted; "for I have there five hundred devoted peons."
"Oh!" said the Linda, "do not lose an instant. Don Tadeo; write a word to your major-domo; tell him what a desperate situation you are in, and order him to hasten to your assistance."
"It is Heaven that inspires you, señora!" Don Tadeo cried.
"Oh!" the Linda replied, "it is because I would save my daughter!"