"Be it so," the monk said with an effort. "I will do it; but remember, demon, if I ever hold you in my hands, as I am this day in yours, I shall be pitiless and make you pay for all I suffer at this moment."
"You will be right to do so—it is your due; still I doubt whether you will ever be able to reach me."
"Perhaps."
"Live and learn. In the meanwhile I am your master, and I reckon on your obedience."
"I will obey."
"That is settled. Now, one thing more; how many men have you enlisted this evening?"
"About twenty."
"That's not many; but, with the sixty I shall supply, we shall have a very decent band to hold the Indians in check."
"May Heaven grant it!"
"Don't be alarmed, my master," the squatter said, re-assuming the friendly tone which he employed at the outset of the conversation; "I pledge myself, to lead you straight to your placer. I have not lived ten years with the Indians not to be up to all their tricks."