"I will not kill you: not because I am afraid, for I know not such a feeling," the Mexican said, "but because I disdain to shed the blood of an enemy who is defenceless, even if he be, like you, an unclean coyote."
"Kill me, I say, if thou canst, but insult me not. Hasten! For my warriors may lose patience, sacrifice thee to their wrath, and thou mightest die unavenged."
"You are jesting; you know perfectly well that your warriors will not move an inch so long as I hold you thus. I propose to offer you peace."
"Peace!" the chief said, and his eyes flashed. "On what conditions?"
"Two only. Cucharés, unfasten the reata, but watch him closely."
The lepero obeyed.
"Thanks," the chief said as he rose to his knees. "Speak; I am listening—my ears are open. What are these conditions?"
"First, my comrade and myself will be free to retire whither we please."
"Good, and next?"
"Next, you will pledge yourself to remain with your warriors, and not return to the hacienda in the disguise you have assumed for the next twenty-four hours."