When the sharp edge of appetite was a little blunted, the conversation, which had languished at first, became general. "Well! Belhumeur," the grandfather asked my guide, who, seated beside me, was vigorously employing his fork, "have you found the track of the jaguar?" "I have not only found one track, general, but I fear the jaguar is not alone, and has a companion." "Oh! oh!" said the old man, "are you sure of that?" "I may be deceived, general, and yet I don't think I am. Ask Loyal Heart; I had something of a reputation yonder, in the prairies of the West." "Father," said the hacendero, making an affirmative sign, "Belhumeur must be right, he is too old a hunter to be at fault." "Then we must have a battue, to rid ourselves of these dangerous enemies. Is not that your opinion, Don Rafaël?" "That was my intention, father. I am glad you approve of it. Black Elk is warned, and everything is ready." "The hunt may take place as soon as is agreeable, everything is in order," said an individual of a certain age, seated not far from me. The door opened, and a man entered. His arrival was saluted with cries of joy. Don Rafaël rose eagerly, and went towards him, followed by his lady. I was the more astonished at this welcome, from the newly arrived guest being nothing but an Indian _bravo_, or independent; he wore the complete costume of the warriors of his nation. Thanks to the numerous sojourns I had made among the redskins, I thought that this man must belong to one of the numerous tribes of the Comanches. "Oh! Eagle Head! Eagle Head!" shouted the children, surrounding him with glee. The Indian took them in his arms, one after the other, kissed them, and got rid of them by giving them some of those little toys which the aborigines of America cut with such exquisite taste. He then advanced smiling, saluted the numerous company assembled in the hall with perfect ease, and took his place between the master and the mistress of the house. "We expected you before sunset, chief," said the lady, in a friendly manner: "it is not right to disappoint your friends." "Eagle Head was on the track of the jaguars," said the chief, sententiously; "my daughter must not have cause for fear; the jaguars are dead." "What! have you already killed the jaguars, chief?" said Don Rafaël, eagerly. "My brother will see. The skins are very handsome; they are in the court." "Well, chief," said the old gentleman, holding out his hand to him, "I see you are determined always to be our Providence." "My father speaks well," the chief answered, bowing; "the Master of Life counsels him; the family of my father is my family." After the repast, I was conducted by Don Rafaël to a comfortable bedroom, where I was not long in falling asleep, though my dreams were very busy with all I had seen and heard during the evening.