"I alone," the Canadian answered; "your presence at the hacienda would be more injurious than useful. Allow Don Aníbal's grief time to calm before presenting yourself to him."
The young man felt the force of the adventurer's reasoning, and hung his head sadly, though without offering any objection.
"I will accompany you, señor," said the count. "I trust that my intervention with Don Aníbal will not prove in vain."
"What are you thinking of, Excellency? In the present state of affairs, do you not fear being regarded as an enemy?"
"Politics have nothing to do with the step I propose taking in your company, señor. Moreover, do you not remember that I have sworn never more to serve the Spanish government? I am, therefore, free to act as I please."
"I have no remarks to make to you on that subject, Excellency; perhaps it is better that it should be so; besides, you know better than I do what line of conduct you ought to hold."
"Believe me, my friend, that the one I am adopting is the best."
"Then," Don Melchior remarked, sadly, "you condemn me to remain here?"
"Yes, till you receive fresh orders, my friend," the Canadian said good-humouredly; "but do not feel vexed, young gentleman; get well again as quickly as you can, and you shall enter on the campaign against the redskins in our company."
"Do you promise me that?" the young man asked, with a start of joy.