All that I saw, all that I heard, charmed me in this abode; it had a perfume of kindness about it which made the heart beat responsively.
When the sharp edge of appetite was a little blunted, the conversation, which had languished at first, became general.
"Well! Belhumeur," the grandfather asked my guide, who, seated beside me, was vigorously employing his fork, "have you found the track of the jaguar?"
"I have not only found one track, general, but I fear the jaguar is not alone, and has a companion."
"Oh! oh!" said the old man, "are you sure of that?"
"I may be deceived, general, and yet I don't think I am. Ask Loyal Heart; I had something of a reputation yonder, in the prairies of the West."
"Father," said the hacendero, making an affirmative sign, "Belhumeur must be right, he is too old a hunter to be at fault."
"Then we must have a battue, to rid ourselves of these dangerous enemies. Is not that your opinion, Don Rafaël?"
"That was my intention, father. I am glad you approve of it. Black Elk is warned, and everything is ready."
"The hunt may take place as soon as is agreeable, everything is in order," said an individual of a certain age, seated not far from me.