"General," he replied, "I have strictly obeyed the orders you were pleased to give me. The division you placed under my command is at its post; but I thought it my duty myself to lead to you these four persons, who came to my main guard, and requested to be immediately brought into your presence." "Ah!" the general continued, taking an inquiring glance at the strangers, whom the darkness prevented him from recognizing. "Who are they?" "They will tell you themselves, General. Now that my task is accomplished, permit me to retire and return to my post." "Go, señor. Perhaps it would have been better had you not left it." The colonel made no reply, but bowed and went out. Almost immediately after he could be heard riding away at a gallop. There was a momentary silence, during which Don Pelagio carefully examined the four persons still standing motionless. At length he decided on addressing them. "Come hither, señores," he said, "and be good enough to tell me who you are." Only two advanced. When they reached the lighted portion of the jacal, they dropped the corner of the zarapé which covered the lower part of their faces, and at the same moment doffed their vicuña hats, the broad brims of which fell over their eyes. "The Canadian!" Don Aníbal exclaimed, with a start of surprise. "Count de Melgosa?" Don Pelagio said, no less astonished. The newcomers were really Oliver Clary and the count. "It seems as if you did not expect us, General," the Canadian said gaily. "On my word I did not," Don Pelagio replied, as he held out his hand to both. "I did not expect either of you; but you are not the less welcome." "Thanks," said the count. "Why, I thought you were dead, Señor Clary," the priest continued. "Well," the Canadian said, "it was touch and go. You simply sent me to a wild beast. But, no matter; I managed to get out of his clutches." "All the better. But you must require rest. Who are the persons accompanying you?" "One is a confidential peon of mine; the other a prisoner whom Señor Don Olivero took," the count answered. "Yes, yes," said the hunter; "we will talk about that scamp presently." "To what fortunate accident may I attribute your presence here, Señor Conde?" "A wish to see you, caballero." "Ah, ah!" the general said, with a piercing glance, "Has grace fallen on you at last?--will you at length consent to join us? It would be a great pleasure to us, Señor Conde." "You are nearer the truth than you suppose, Señor Padre," the count replied with a smile. "I am not on your side, as you pretend to suppose; but, on the other hand, I am no longer opposed to you; I have sent in my resignation, and, in one word, am neutral for the present." "That is a bad position, Conde." "Perhaps so, señor; but, for the present, I wish to keep it. Moreover, to be frank, I will confess that I have come more especially to see Don Aníbal." "Me?" the hacendero exclaimed, as he stepped forward.