The adventurer, after carefully rubbing his horse down, hobbling it, and giving it its ration of maize on his zarapé, lay down on the grass, and fumbling in his alforjas, produced a ship biscuit and a piece of goat's milk cheese, which he was preparing to eat with good appetite, when the count, who had curiously watched the arrangements of this frugal meal, walked up and bowed courteously to him.
"Caballero," he said, "will you do me the honour of sharing my breakfast?"
The Canadian raised his head, and looked at the speaker in surprise.
"Why do you make me this offer, señor?" he asked.
"Because," the count answered frankly, "I wish to break the ice, and remove the coolness prevailing between us. What I have seen you do today," he added, pointing to the eagle's body, "proves to me that you are a man of heart. People of your stamp are rare, and I wish to have your esteem, if not your friendship."
"What I did to save a wretched bird, caballero, I would not hesitate, under any circumstances, to do for a man; but permit me to remark that I see nothing in it but what is perfectly natural."
"Perhaps so; but, unhappily, few men comprehend their duties in the same way."
"I pity them, caballero, though I dare not blame them, for each man acts according to the instincts which God has implanted in his heart."
"Do you accept the modest breakfast which I have had the honour of offering you?"
"Although I am naturally very sober, and usually content myself with the smallest thing, I should think I was offering you an insult by declining, señor. Hence, I gratefully accept your invitation."