"Come hither, señores," he said, "and be good enough to tell me who you are."
Only two advanced. When they reached the lighted portion of the jacal, they dropped the corner of the zarapé which covered the lower part of their faces, and at the same moment doffed their vicuña hats, the broad brims of which fell over their eyes.
"The Canadian!" Don Aníbal exclaimed, with a start of surprise.
"Count de Melgosa?" Don Pelagio said, no less astonished.
The newcomers were really Oliver Clary and the count.
"It seems as if you did not expect us, General," the Canadian said gaily.
"On my word I did not," Don Pelagio replied, as he held out his hand to both. "I did not expect either of you; but you are not the less welcome."
"Thanks," said the count.
"Why, I thought you were dead, Señor Clary," the priest continued.
"Well," the Canadian said, "it was touch and go. You simply sent me to a wild beast. But, no matter; I managed to get out of his clutches."