The half-breed made a sign to his men to conceal themselves in the doorways, and walked alone toward the two gentlemen, while feigning the movements of a belated passer-by. The torch bearers had re-entered the prison, and the governor was mounting his horse, and taking leave of Leon.
"I thank you, general," the latter said, "for the eagerness you have displayed in setting me at liberty."
"On learning your arrest, captain, General Soto-Mayor hurried to tell me that he would be answerable for you, and to beg me to release you from prison, which I should have done sooner had I not been compelled to be absent from Valparaíso the whole day, for an affair of the highest importance."
"Pray believe, general, in my deep gratitude."
"Do not forget, if any misadventure were again to happen to you, to apply to me, and I will hasten to come to your aid."
Leon bowed his thanks for the last time, and the two gentlemen parted. The general, followed by his escort, returned to the palace, and Leon walked toward the Calle San Agostino. He had not gone twenty yards when he came face to face with Diego, who had turned back to meet him.
"Good evening, Leon," he said to him.
"Diego! you here! what do you want here, imprudent man?"
"I came to save you, but I see that you do not require my assistance, and I congratulate you on it."
"Thanks, brother!" Leon answered, with emotion. "As you see, I am free."