"Your assumption was correct, I am really leaving the hacienda. What then?"
"Very good. You are at liberty to do so. I have no right to control your actions; but be kind enough to inform me where you are going, in order that I may tell my master."
"For what object?"
"I am merely obeying the orders I received, señor. I am but a servant;" and he added, with a marked stress on the words, "perhaps it is as well for your own sake that my master should know where you are going."
The young gentleman reflected for a moment.
"Forgive me, Diego López," he said, presently, "the rather rough way in which I received you. I did wrong to act thus, for you are a worthy man. Tell your master that I am resolved to try and save Doña Emilia and her daughter, and that is why I quitted his hospitable roof."
The peon shook his head sadly.
"Alone, señor?" he said; "take care."
"Heaven will aid me, my friend."
"I have no right to prevent you, I have no wish to do so, but if I may be permitted to make a remark?"