"That is possible, Excellency," the ranchero answered, with more assurance than might have been assumed; "but I have only to deal with Fray Ambrosio."
"In that case you can go to the deuce, for I shall certainly not help you in your plans."
Andrés Garote, thus brutally received, was not discouraged, however; he shrugged his shoulders with a cunning look, and assumed his most insinuating tone.
"There is no knowing, Excellency," he said.
"Hum! That seems to me difficult."
"Less so than you fancy, Excellency."
"How so?"
"You bear a grudge against Red Cedar, I think?"
"How does that concern you, scoundrel?" Bloodson asked, roughly.
"Not at all; the more so as I owe him nothing; still, it is a different affair with you, Excellency."