"Right, Luciano! But we are placed in a difficult position. Before all things I must have my daughter; for her sake I must overlook many things."
"True, señor! Nevertheless, you know as well as I, that the Tigercat is a miscreant without faith or honour. Do not trust him too far."
"I am obliged to trust him. Have I not given my word?"
"You have," growled the _capataz;_ "but I have not given mine!"
"Be cautious, Luciano; and, above all things, do not excite his suspicions."
"Make yourself easy on that score, señor. Your honour is as dear to me as my own; but I dare not leave you without means of defence, though it please you to trust yourself with a wretch as determined as he."
With these words, the _capataz_ cut short the conversation, and left the _jacal_, to prevent further remarks from his master. "Ha!" said he, as he met El Zapote; "You are the very man I want, my friend!"
"Me, _capataz!_ That is capital! What is to be done?"
"Come with me a while," replied the _capataz;_ "I must tell you the matter where we cannot be overheard."
An hour later,--that is to say, a little after eleven in the morning,--the Tigercat arrived at the camp, as El Zopilote had asserted. The chief was dressed as a _gambucino_, and carried no weapons--at least, none were visible.
As soon as the sentinels recognised him, they allowed him to pass, and led him to the _capataz_, who was walking backwards and forwards. The Tigercat cast a scrutinising look around him the moment he entered the camp. Everything seemed in its usual state, and the chief saw nothing to excite suspicion. He approached the _capataz_.
"What do you want here?" asked Don Luciano roughly.
"I wish to speak to Don Pedro de Luna," quickly replied the Tigercat.
Without further ceremony, the _capataz_ led him to the _jacal_. "Enter," said he; "you will find Don Pedro there."
"Who is there?" said a voice from within.
"Señor," replied the _capataz_, "it is the Indian who asked the favour of a conversation with the chief. Come, enter!" he added, addressing the Tigercat.
The latter made no observation, but went into the _jacal_ with the _capataz_.
"You asked to speak with me," began Don Pedro.
"I did," said the chief in a gloomy tone; "but with you alone."