[CHAPTER XVI.]
DIEGO LÓPEZ.
The count did not give the hunter time to make many observations.
"Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."
"That is true," the hunter said with a smile.
"You understand, I suppose, that I am not desirous to let you examine in detail fortifications which you may be ordered to attack within a few days."
"Quite true, señor. I did not think of that; your prudence is legitimate."
"However," the count continued, "be assured, señor, that, with the exception of the care I am compelled to take in hiding from you our resources and defensive measures, you will have no cause to complain of the manner in which you will be treated here."
"I am convinced of that beforehand, señor."