Without displaying the slightest surprise, the Sumach or Oliver, whichever the reader likes to call him, rose from his humble couch, carefully wrapped himself in his zarapé to guard against the night dew, and after making certain that his pistols were still in his girdle, and that his knife moved easily in its sheath, he followed his mysterious conductor without any hesitation. The latter, to whom the hacienda appeared familiar, led him through several passages and apartments feebly lighted by smoking candles fastened to the wall, into a room of small dimensions, completely devoid of furniture, with the exception of two equipales and a table. This stranger, who was wrapped up in a large cloak that completely concealed his features, opened a dark lantern, took a glance round the room, shut the door, placed the light on the table, sat down, and made the Canadian a sign to imitate him. "Sit down and let us talk," he said. The adventurer bowed; then, with the utmost coolness he laid his pistols on the table within reach, seated himself and rested his head on his hands, looking cunningly the while at the stranger. "I am quite ready to talk." "Why do you take this precaution?" the other said, pointing to the pistols. "Hang it," he said, "for a very simple reason; it is that I may have an argument handy to convince you, should our conversation grow warm." The stranger began laughing. "You are prudent," he said. "Prudence is the mother of safety," the Canadian answered, sententiously. "I do not blame you," the stranger continued, still laughing. "I am free to confess, indeed, that I am delighted to see you behave thus." "In that case, all is for the best." "As for me, look," he said, as he opened his cloak. "I have not so much as a pin about me." "That is easy to comprehend," said the adventurer, "for you are at home." "What do you mean?" the stranger asked, in surprise. "What do you know about it?" "I mean that you are in your own country, while I am a foreigner; that is all." "Ah, very good; but in order to reassure you completely, and prove to you that I wish to deal above-board with you, look at me," he said, as he took off the broad-brimmed hat which concealed his face. "Father Sandoval!" the Canadian exclaimed in surprise, recognizing the priest. "Silence!" the latter said quickly. "Not so loud. Have you forgotten that our interview must be secret?" The Canadian silently shook his head, and, uncocking his pistols, returned them to his belt. "Why do you frown so?" the priest asked him after examining him attentively. "Are you vexed at recognizing me?" "Oh no, it is not that," he answered. "What is it, then?" "On my word, I confess that I am trying in vain to discover what you, a person I do not know, have so secret and important to say to me." "Are you sure of that." "How, sure of it?" he exclaimed, with surprise. "Yes," the priest remarked with a smile.