"I will ride at your pace," the hunter replied; "besides, the sun is still high."
"The hospitality we have to offer will be sad, señor; family grief has, unfortunately, banished joy for ever from my hearth. I ask you, therefore, to excuse any formality which may be visible in the countess's reception of you."
The Canadian bowed politely, and they went on. In about an hour, they perceived the lofty and thick walls of a vast hacienda, built on the top of a scarped rock.
"Oh, oh!" the hunter said, admiring the strength of this majestic building, "That is an admirable fortress."
"It is the hacienda to which I am taking you, señor, and of which I am the owner."
"¡Viva Dios! I regret that a citadel like that is not in the possession of the party I have joined."
"Yes," the count said, with a sigh, "its position is well chosen."
"Admirably. With a good garrison, it would be possible to hold out for a long time against an army."
"Alas! There was one ill-omened day on which these strong walls, defended by a garrison of brave and devoted men, could not save it from being taken by storm, and plundered by the Comanches."
The count heaved a deep sigh as he uttered these words. The hunter, afraid of saddening his host by dwelling on a subject which seemed so painful to him, tried to turn the conversation.