"Miserable scoundrel!" cried the general.
"Hold!" said the Linda.
"What! do you defend this man?" the astonished general exclaimed. "The accomplice of Cornejo, it was he who inflicted upon you that frightful wound."
"Oh! I know all that," the Linda replied with a smile; "but I forget and forgive Don Ramón Sandias."
"Very well," he said, "since you desire it, Doña Maria; I pardon as you do."
The senator could not believe his ears; but, at all hazards, he seized the extended hand, and shook it with all his might, Antinahuel smiled contemptuously.
"If this is the case," he said, "I will leave you together; it is useless to bind the prisoner."
"Oh! my dear benefactors!" exclaimed Don Ramón, rushing towards them.
"Stop a bit, caballero!" cried Don Pancho; "we must now have a little talk together."
At which words the senator stopped in confusion.