"Yes, as well as a man can who has only gone along it twice."
"By heavens!" the count exclaimed, "We can push on now; nothing need keep us longer. Diégo Léon, order 'the boot and saddle' to be sounded, and if you are a good guide you shall have proofs of my satisfaction."
"Oh, you can trust to me, excellency!" the lepero answered with a dubious smile. "I certify you will reach the spot whither I have to guide you."
"I ask no more."
Blas Vasquez, with that instinctive suspicion innate in all honest minds when they come across wicked persons, felt an irresistible repugnance for the lepero. This repugnance had displayed itself from the first moment of Cucharés' appearance in the hall the previous evening. While he was talking to the count he therefore examined him closely. When he had ended, Blas made a sign to the count, who came up with him. The capataz led him to a distant corner of the room, and whispered in his ear,—
"Take care; that man is deceiving you."
"You know it?"
"I am certain of it."
"Why so?"
"Something tells me so."