"That is his intention, I believe; but, although he is at the head of nearly twelve hundred determined bandits, I do not think his nails, and those of his comrades, will be hard enough to dig a hole in such stout walls." "That is in God's hands. Have you finished your narrative?" "Very soon." "Go on, then." "Before restoring me to liberty, the Jaguar inquired after you and Doña Carmela with considerable interest. Then he wrote a few words on a piece of paper, which he handed me, with a recommendation to be sure and give it you so soon as I rejoined you." "Good Heaven!" Tranquil exclaimed, in agitation, "And you have delayed so long in executing your commission!" "Was I not obliged to tell you first what had happened to me? But there is no time lost, for here is the paper." While saying this, Quoniam drew a paper from his pocket, and offered it to Tranquil, who almost tore it out of his hands. The Negro, convinced that he had carried out his commission excellently, did not at all comprehend the hunter's impatience; he looked at him for a moment with an air of amazement, then shrugged his shoulders almost imperceptibly, filled his pipe, and began smoking, not troubling himself further about what was going on around him. The hunter quickly unfolded the paper; he turned it over and over in his hands with an air of embarrassment, taking a side glance every now and then at Loyal Heart, who had drawn a burning log from the fire, and now held it within reading distance, for night had completely set in. This went on for some minutes; at length, Loyal Heart, understanding the reason of the hunter's hesitation, resolved on speaking to him. "Well," he said, with a smile, "what does your friend Jaguar write?" "Hum!" said the hunter. "Perhaps," the other continued, "it is so badly written that you cannot make out his scrawl. If you permit me, I will try." The Canadian looked at him. The young man's face was calm; nothing evidenced that he had a thought of making fun of the hunter. The latter shook his head several times, and then burst into a hearty laugh. "Deuce take all false shame!" he said, as he gave him the letter. "Why should I not confess that I cannot read? A man whose life has been spent in the desert ought not to fear confessing an ignorance which can have nothing dishonouring for him. Read, read, my lad, and let us know What our doubtful friend wishes." And he took the log from the young man's hands. Loyal Heart took a rapid glance at the paper. "The letter is laconic," he said, "but explicit. Listen: "'The Jaguar has kept his word. Of all the Mexicans who accompanied the conducta, only one is alive free and unwounded--Captain Don Juan Melendez de Gongora. Will the friends of the Jaguar have a better opinion of him?'" "Is that all?" Tranquil asked. "Yes." "Well," the hunter exclaimed, "people may say as they please, but, by Heavens! The Jaguar is a fine fellow." "Is he not, father?" a gentle voice murmured in his ear.