"I am so glad!" he exclaimed, "for I feared you would not come."
"What is it to you, boy, whether I come or stay?" asked the tzin, abruptly.
"It is much to me, which I hope you will live to learn. But now, tzin Euet, let it be enough for you to know that I am here to help you," returned the lad in some confusion, caused by tzin's abruptness.
"But I would like to know who you are, that takes so much interest in my welfare."
"My name is Hualla, tzin—just Hualla, but you must not question me. Time is precious to us, and we must hasten. In yonder woods, toward the lake, we may find security. When we are there you shall know where I came from."
"I already know where you came from, for I have seen you in our army; but I would know more: I would know why you are interested in me," persisted the tzin.
"We are losing time; let us be off," returned the youth, evasively, and with increasing anxiety.
"Is there no one with you?" questioned the tzin.
"No one; I am alone."
"My young friend, I can not walk; how then, do you imagine, am I going to reach those woods without assistance?" Spoken in a tone of disappointment.