“Carramba! that is a high figure.”
“True, friend,” continued the major-domo, “then the projected marriage will take place to the mutual satisfaction of all parties. Such is the object of our journey to Tubac. If, therefore, you can conduct me to him whom you describe as the sole survivor of this expedition, we shall perhaps learn from him what we wish to discover.”
The conversation had reached this stage, when, at some distance from the house where it was taking place, a man was seen passing, with his head bent downwards.
“See!” said one of the party, pointing to the man in question; “there goes your sole survivor.”
“In truth, it is a person whose conduct is sufficiently mysterious,” added the host. “For some days past he has done nothing but come and go, from one place to another, without informing any one of the object of his journeyings.”
“If it please you, we shall question him?” proposed one.
“Hola! friend!” cried another of the party; “come this way; here is a gentleman who is anxious to see and speak with you.”
The mysterious unknown approached at the summons.
“Señor cavalier,” said the major-domo, courteously addressing him, “it is not to gratify an idle curiosity that I now address you; but the master whom I serve feels a natural anxiety at the disappearance of a friend, whose death he would greatly deplore. What do you know of Don Estevan de Arechiza?”
“Many things. But, pray what is the name of the master of whom you speak?”