"You are surprised to see me, I think, Caballeros," he said, with a smile to the Jaguar.
"I confess it," the latter said, with a bow no less polite than the one made to him.
"The matter is clear enough, however. I like a plain and distinct understanding. In the letter I delivered to you myself yesterday, I gave you the meeting at the Cueva del Venado, to discuss grave matters; as you will remember."
"I allow it."
"But," Sandoval continued, with the calmness and intrepid coolness that characterised him, "we had hardly separated ere I made a reflection."
"Ah! And would it be indiscreet to ask its nature?"
"Not at all. I reflected that, under the circumstances, regarding the position in which we stand to each other, and as I had not the honour of your acquaintance, it might possibly happen that you would place in me all the confidence I deserve, and that you might leave me to kick my heels in the grotto."
The two insurgents exchanged a smiling glance, which Sandoval intercepted.
"Ah, ah!" he said, with a laugh; "it appears that I guessed right. In short, as I repeat that we have serious matters to discuss, I resolved to come direct to you, and so cut this difficulty."
"You did well, and I thank you for it."