"It is tempting Heaven."
"No, it is asking for a miracle, that is all. Believe me, my friend, God never abandons those who fully trust in Him. He will come to our help."
"Still," the hacendero began; but Valentine quickly interrupted him.
"Enough," he said; "you have sworn to obey me. I have sworn to save you; keep your oath as I shall mine."
His comrades, awed by Valentine, bowed their heads and made no reply.
"Brothers," the hunter said, solemnly, "let us pray that God will not desert us."
And, giving the example, he fell on his knees on the rock, his comrades imitating him. At the end of a moment, Valentine rose again.
"Have hope," he said.
The hunter then walked to the extremity of the platform and bent over the abyss, and his comrades followed his movements without comprehending them. After remaining motionless for some minutes, the hunter rejoined his friends.
"All goes well," he said.