"What," Don Miguel exclaimed, "do you intend to come with me?"
"Did you ever doubt it, Don Miguel? If so, you insulted me. You will need all your friends to go in search of your daughter, and inflict on that demon of a gringo squatter the chastisement he deserves. No, no; I will not leave you under such circumstances, for that would be committing a bad action; besides, I shall not be sorry," he added with a smile, "to get out of the sight of the government for a time."
"My friend, I thank you," the hacendero said, as he took his hand. "I have long known that you were entirely devoted to me; I am pleased to receive this new proof of your friendship."
"And you accept it?" the general asked gaily.
"Most heartily; the help of an iron arm like yours must be most useful to me under the painful circumstances in which I am placed."
"That is settled, then; we will start together, Mil rayas! and I swear we will deliver Doña Clara."
"May Heaven grant it," the hacendero said, sadly.
The conversation then dropped, and the two friends proceeded in silence. A quarter of an hour later they reached the Trail-hunter's bivouac.