Cuéllar, flattered in his heart by the count's remarks, gave him a gracious smile.
"Hum," he said, "what you say may be true up to a certain point. Well, who are the hostages you desire, and how many are they?"
"Only one, señor, you see that it is very trifling."
"Very trifling, indeed; but who is this hostage?"
"Yourself," the count answered distinctly.
"Canarios!" Cuéllar said with a grin, "You are a cool hand: that one would in truth be sufficient."
"Because I refuse, caray! And who would be security for me, if you please?"
"The word of a French gentleman, caballero," the count hastily replied, "a word which has never been pledged in vain."
"On my word," Cuéllar continued with that bonhomie of which he possesses so large a share and which, where it suits him, causes him to be taken for the best fellow in the world: "I accept, caballero, let what may happen, for I am curious to try that word of honour of which Europeans are so proud: it is settled then that I act as your hostage: now, how long am I to remain with you? It is very important for me to settle that point."
"We will ask no more of you than to accompany us within sight of Puebla: once there you shall be at liberty, and you can even, if you think proper, take with you an escort of ten men to secure your return."
"Come, that is speaking; I am yours, caballero. Don Melchior, you will remain here during my absence and watch that everything goes on right."
The count, after whispering a few words to the majordomo, again addressed Cuéllar.
"Señor," he said to him, "be kind enough to give orders for the peons to be brought here: then, while you remain with us, Ño Leo Carral will go and make all the preparations for our departure."
"Good," said Cuéllar, "the majordomo can go about his business: you hear, my men," he added, turning to the guerilleros who still stood motionless, "this man is free, bring the peons here."
Some fifteen poor wretches, with their clothes in rags, covered with blood, but armed as had been agreed, then entered the drawing room: these fifteen men were all that remained of the defenders of the hacienda. Cuéllar then entered the room in the doorway of which he had been hitherto standing, and without being invited to do it, posted himself behind the barricade. Don Melchior, feeling the false position in which he was placed, now that he remained alone, facing the besieged, turned away to retire; but at this moment don Andrés rose, and addressed him in a loud and imperious voice.