In fact, the silence of men accustomed to desert life is peculiar; they pass whole days without uttering a word, only speaking when necessity obliges them, and generally substituting for oral language that language of signs which, in the first place, has the incontestable advantage of not betraying the presence of those who employ it to the ears of invisible enemies constantly on the watch, and ready to leap, like birds of prey, on the imprudent persons who allow themselves to be surprised. When the hunters' appetite was appeased, the one whom the Captain called John lit his short pipe, placed it in the corner of his month, and, handed the tobacco-pouch to his comrade. "Well, Sam," he said in a low voice, as if afraid of being overheard, "I fancy we have succeeded, eh?" "I think so too, John," Sam replied with a nod of affirmation; "you are deucedly clever, my boy." "Nonsense," the other said disdainfully; "there is no merit in deceiving those brutes of Spaniards; they are stupid as bustards." "No matter, the Captain fell into the hole in a glorious way." "Hum! it was not he I was afraid of; for he and I have been good friends for a long time; but it was the confounded monk." "Eh, eh, if he had not arrived just in time, he would probably have spoiled our fun; what is your opinion, John?" "I think you are right, Sam. By Jabers, I laughed at seeing him writhe under the chicote." "It was certainly a glorious sight; but are you not afraid that he may avenge himself? these monks are devilishly spiteful." "Bah! what have we to fear from such vermin? He will never dare to look us in the face." "No matter, we had better be on our guard. Our trade is a queer one, as you know, and it is very possible that some day or other this accursed animal may play us an ugly trick." "Don't bother about him; what we did was all fair in war. Be assured that, under similar circumstances, the monk would not have spared us." "That is true; so let him go to the deuce; the more so as the prey we covet could not be in a better situation for us. I should never pardon myself if I let it escape." "Shall we remain here in ambush?" "That is the safest way; we shall have time to rejoin our comrades when we see the recua enter the plain; and, besides, have we not to meet somebody here?" "That is true, I forgot it." "And stay, when you speak of the devil--here is our man." The hunters rose quickly, seized their rifles, and hid themselves behind a rock, so as to be ready for any event. The rapid gallop of a horse became audible, approaching nearer and nearer; ere long a rider emerged from the gorge, and pulled up calmly and haughtily at about two paces from the hunters. The latter rushed from their ambuscade, and advanced toward him, with the right arm extended, and the palm of the hand open in sign of peace.