And the monk rose.
"You are really going?"
"Caray! Do you fancy I mean to sleep here?"
"Very good. You understand that you need not count on me for your expedition?"
"I am sorry for it; but I will try to find someone to take your place."
"Thank you."
The two men were standing, and the monk had put his foot in the stirrup. Red Cedar also appeared ready to make a start. At the moment of separation a sudden idea seemed to occur to the squatter.
"By the way," he said carelessly, "be kind enough to give me some information I require."
"What is it now?" the monk asked.
"Oh! a mere trifle," the squatter remarked indifferently. "It concerns a certain Don Pedro de Tudela, whom I think you formerly knew."