“Don Augustin Peña—proprietor of the Hacienda del Venado.”
A ray of joy lit up the countenance of the unknown.
“I am able,” he said, “to furnish Don Augustin with all the information he may desire. How many days’ journey is it from hence to the hacienda?”
“Three days’ journey, with a good horse.”
“I possess a capital one; and if you can wait for me until to-morrow evening, I shall accompany you, and communicate with Don Augustin in person.”
“Be it so,” answered the major-domo.
“Very well,” added the man of the red handkerchief; “to-morrow at this same hour we will start, so that we may travel by night, and so escape the heat.”
Saying this, he took his departure, when the major-domo remarked:
“It must be agreed, gentlemen, that nothing can exceed the complaisance of this cavalier of the red handkerchief.”
The arrangement did not satisfy the bystanders, who were thoroughly disappointed; but their interest was renewed, on seeing the man of the red handkerchief pass by on horseback, and depart at full speed towards the north.