"Man is sent on the earth to suffer," Valentine gravely replied. "Each of us has his cross to bear here: Don Miguel de Zarate, his son and General Ibañez are a proof of my assertion."
At the name of Don Miguel, a vivid blush purpled the stranger's cheeks, and his eye flashed, despite all his efforts to remain unmoved.
"I have often heard of Don Miguel de Zarate," he said, with a bow. "I have been informed of the dangers he has incurred—dangers from which he only escaped by the aid of a man—an honest hunter."
"That hunter is before you," Don Miguel said. "Alas! We have other and greater dangers still to incur."
The stranger looked at him attentively for an instant—then stepped forward, and crossed his arms on his chest.
"Listen!" he said, in a deep voice. "It was truly Heaven that inspired you to come to my help—for from this moment I devote myself, body and soul, to your service; and I belong to you as the haft does to the blade. I know the reason that compelled you to break up all old habits to visit the frightful solitudes of the Far West."
"You know it?" the hunter exclaimed, in surprise.
"Everything," the stranger firmly answered. "I know the treachery which cast you into the power of your enemies. I know, too, that your daughter has been carried off by Red Cedar."
"Who are you, then, to be so well informed?" Valentine asked.
A sad smile played for a second round the stranger's lips.