"Shall I be paid?"
"Amply. Does that suit you?"
"Yes."
"Then you will remain?"
"I will."
The count went away, not noticing the strange expression in the glance the Indian turned on him.
[CHAPTER IX.]
A MEETING IN THE DESERT.
About three musket shots' distance from the hacienda, in a thicket of nopals, mastic trees, and mesquites, intermingled with a few mahogany cedars, wild cottonwood trees, and pines, just an hour before sunset, a horseman dismounted; hobbled his horse, a magnificent mustang, with flashing eyes and fine chest; then, after turning an inquiring glance around, probably satisfied with the profound silence and tranquility pervading at the spot, he made his arrangements for camping.