"Do you still feel indisposed?" he asked, the last time the prisoner made his attempt.
"Not at all!" replied the _vaquero_ hastily; "Not at all."
"I am glad to hear it; but," added he slowly, and emphatically, "your inability to sleep made me anxious about you."
The _vaquero_ took the hint, shut his eyes without another word, and did not open them again till daylight.
Don Fernando was already alert, and had saddled the horses. "Aha! Awake at last?" said he.
"Capitally; only I feel a little numb. Gentle exercise would soon restore the circulation."
"The effects of the dew," said the hunter imperturbably; "the nights are cold."
"The devil!" said the _vaquero_, grinning. "I hope I shall not catch the rheumatism."
"I think not. The ride will do you good."
While he said this, Don Fernando had hoisted his companion on his shoulders, and thrown him across one of the horses. But on second thoughts, he freed his legs, and set him upright in the saddle; reflecting that useless cruelty would only harden the man against him, who could give such precious information when the proper moment arrived. The _vaquero_, who feared he was about to make the journey slung over the horse like a bale of merchandise, felt grateful for the half-liberty allowed him, and made no objection when Don Fernando took the precaution of buckling his legs together under his horse's belly.
In this manner the two men rode to the camp, talking on different matters, and apparently the best friends in the world.
All the time Don Fernando was telling his story, El Zapote had assumed the _nonchalant_ attitude of a man perfectly satisfied with himself; nodding his head affirmatively at certain passages, and smiling at others with an air of modest gratification. When the former ceased speaking, he thought it time to put in his word also.
"You see, señores, I made no objection whatever to following this estimable caballero; which means to say, that I am ready to obey all commands you may please to lay on me."
"Here is a compliment," said Don Fernando, with a malicious smile, "which would evidently have been addressed to others, but for the surprise of yesterday!"
"Oh, fie, caballero!" retorted the _vaquero_, assuming a look of indignant denial.