"Is what you are saying true?" Diego López asked, as he drew close to the hunter. "Why should I tell a falsehood?" "Well! Why did you not tell that to El Señor Conde?" "Tell him what?" "That you are a Catholic." "Hang it, for the very simple reason that he did not ask me." "That is true; but no matter, it is a misfortune." "Why so?" "Because you would have been present at the anniversary service." "What anniversary?" "The one held every year at the hacienda in remembrance of the assassination of the brother of the Señor Conde, who was treacherously killed by the redskins." "I am really vexed that I did not know that sooner, for I should have made a point of attending that service. Stay, in order that you may not have the slightest doubt about me," he added, as he took out of his bosom a small silver cross, hanging round his neck by a steel chain, "look at this. Is it a heretic plaything?" "Good," the peon said, with evident satisfaction. "I see that you are a worthy man, and not a dog of an Englishman. Do you love the English?" "I cannot bear them." "Our priests say that they will all be condemned." "I hope so," the Canadian said, with a laugh. "They deserve it, for they are _gringos_." "So we are friends?" "Yes; and to prove it, I will give you a piece of advice, if you like." "Out with it; it is always worth having." "Must you absolutely see the governor directly you arrive?" "Yes." "That is vexatious." "Why so?" "Well!" Diego López said, looking at him with some hesitation, "Do you know the name the people give the governor?" "No, I do not; but tell it to me; I shall be glad to learn it." "Well! They call him the Shark." "Ah! An ugly name, especially if deserved." "Oh, yes, it is deserved," the peon said, with an involuntary shudder. The hunter reflected for a moment. "Hang it," he muttered, "what a wasps' nest I have got into!" Then he said aloud-- "And, now, what is the advice you wish to give me?" "You will be dumb?" "As a fish; go on." "Well, if you will believe me, in spite of the letter my master gave you for the governor, you will wait to present it to him till the count has rejoined you." "Confusion! Then you suspect that I am incurring some danger?" "A terrible one." "Hang it, hang it, that is not reassuring." "I will lead you to a cousin of mine who is an arriero. You will remain concealed at his house till tomorrow, and so soon as my master arrives I will warn you." "My friend," the adventurer replied seriously, "I thank you for your advice. I see that the interest you feel in me induces you to give it me, but, unluckily, it is impossible for me to profit by it. I must present myself without delay to the governor, in spite of all the peril to which I may be exposed. But as a warned man is worth two, I shall take my precautions accordingly. But I fancy that is the town we can see." "Yes," said the peon, "I shall feel obliged by your leading me straight to the governor's palace."