"Irrevocably."
"Here, then, Babbler," said the captain, giving the guide a magnificent diamond pin which he wore in his hunting shirt, "here is my earnest."
"Oh!" the bandit exclaimed, seizing the jewel joyfully.
"That pin," said the captain, "is a present I make you in addition to the eight thousand dollars I will hand over to you on receiving Doña Luz."
"You are noble and generous, captain," said the guide; "it is a pleasure to serve you."
"Still," the captain rejoined, in a rough voice, and with a look cold as a steel blade, "I would have you remember I am called he who kills; and that if you deceive me, there does not exist in the prairie a place sufficiently strong or sufficiently unknown to protect you from the terrible effects of my vengeance.
"I know that, captain," said the half-breed, shuddering in spite of himself; "but you may be quite satisfied I will not deceive you."
"I hope you will not! Now let us separate; your absence may be observed. In nine days I shall be here."
"In nine days I will place the girl in your hands."
After these words the guide returned to the camp, which he entered without being seen.