"Gentlemen," the insurgent continued, "you are free. Any other in my place would, doubtless, have profited by the bad position in which you were, to impose on you conditions far harder than those I demanded of you; but I only understand a fair fight, steel against steel, chest against chest. Go in peace, but take care, for hostilities have begun between us, and the war will be rude." "One word before separating," said the General. "I listen, Caballero." "Whatever may be the circumstances under which we may meet at a later date, I shall not forget your conduct of this day." "I dispense you from any gratitude on that account, General; the more so, because if I acted thus it was for reasons entirely strange to you." "Whatever be the motive of your conduct, my honour urges me to remember your conduct." "As you please; I only ask you to remember our conditions." "They shall be punctually carried out." The Jaguar, upon this, bowed to the General; the latter returned his salute, and, making a sign to his officers to follow him, left the room. The young Chief listened attentively to the sound of the retiring footsteps, and then drew himself up. "What!" he exclaimed with surprise, on perceiving the Colonel, "are you still here, Señor Don Juan?" "Yes, brother," the latter answered, in a sad voice, "I am still here." The Jaguar walked rapidly up to him, and took his hand. "What have you to say to me, brother?--have you a fresh misfortune to announce?" "Alas, friend, what greater misfortune could I tell you of than that which, by ruining our dearest hopes, has plunged us into despair?" "Have you received news of our friends?" "None." "Tranquil?" "I know not what has become of him." "Loyal Heart?" "Has also disappeared." "Listen, brother, this situation cannot endure long; whatever happens, it must cease. Time fails me at this moment to explain to you certain matters you ought to know; but we will meet tomorrow." "Where, and at what hour?" "At the Salto del Frayle, at two in the afternoon." "Why so far and so late, brother?" "Because between this and then something will happen, which I cannot tell you at present, but which will doubtless oblige me to cross the bay and seek shelter on the mainland." "I have no right to ask you for an explanation, brother; but take care. Whatever you may attempt, you will have to deal with a rude adversary; the General is furious against you; he has his revenge to take; and if you furnish him with the opportunity, he will not let it slip." "I am convinced of it, friend, but the die is cast; unfortunately, we follow different roads. Heaven will help the good cause. Your hand once more, and good-bye." "Good-bye, brother, and it is settled that we meet tomorrow." "Death alone can prevent me being at the place of meeting I have selected."