"Clary," the general said to him, sternly, "why this hesitation? Would you refuse to do what I ask of you?" "I do not refuse, General," he said sharply, "I only call attention to an impossibility." "Nothing is impossible when a man has a firm will. Moreover, any discussion is useless," he added, laying a marked stress on his words, "_the hour has arrived, and the master awaits_ for you to answer distinctly." The hunter started at these words, and said, with a respectful bow-- "Very good, I will obey, since you insist, Excellency. You know that you can do anything with me; but on one condition." "I will have no conditions." "Pray listen to one remark." "Be brief, for time presses." "I claim the right to choose my companions. We are going to undertake a campaign in which we shall leave our scalps, if not our carcases; and as I am greatly attached to mine, I must be sure of the men I take with me." "What you ask is quite fair, my friend, and if you have no other condition to make--" "No other, General." "Then I grant it." "Very good; with your leave, I will set to work at once. Two words, however, before I leave you." "Speak, my friend." "The desert has its laws, which no one cares to infringe. Personally I have no animosity against the Indians; on the contrary, I have always lived on good terms with them, and only a few days ago a Comanche chief welcomed me to his camp as a friend." "What conclusion do you draw from that?" "None at all; still, as I must break these pleasant relations, I request, once again, that the whole management of this affair may be left in my hands. Before mounting, I will come to an understanding with my friend, Moonshine." "Very good." "Don Aníbal, you will let yourself be guided by me; for I presume that you intend to accompany us?" "Can you doubt it, señor?" "Well, it would, perhaps, be better for you to remain with the general." "No, no, I will go on this expedition; for no one is more interested than myself in its success." "That is true. Well, as you please." "I, too, will accompany you, Don Oliver," said the count. "Very well, caballero." "But there is another person who would not forgive you for leaving him behind. Don Melchior Díaz; you will not forget to warn him, I trust, señor, for you know that we promised it to him." The general and the hunter exchanged a meaning glance. "That is my business," the former remarked, "so do not trouble yourself, Señor Conde." "Now, I will be off," the Canadian continued; "however long my absence may be, do not feel anxious about it. When I rejoin you, I shall be perfectly sure of the road we have to follow." "Can you not tell us, at least, who the people are you mean to take with you?"