ce of the hunter also added to the pleasure thus newly arisen
within his breast. He remembered the solicitude which the Canadian had
exhibited in dressing his wound--which he now extended even to giving
him nourishment--and the thought occurred to him that in this man he
might find a friend as redoubtable for his herculean strength as for his
dexterity and courage. He no longer felt so lone in the world--so
abandoned.

On the other hand, Bois-Rose sat looking at his _protege_ and apparently
delighted to see him enjoy his repast. The heart of the trapper was
fast warming into a strong friendship for this young man.

"Stranger!" said he, after a considerable interval of silence, "it is
the custom of the Indians never to inquire the name or quality of a
guest until after he has eaten of their bread. I have followed their
example in regard to you; and now may I ask you who you are, and what
happened at the hacienda to drive you forth from it?"

"I shall willingly tell you," answered Tiburcio. "For reasons that
would have no interest for you, I left my hut and started on a journey
to the Hacienda del Venado. My horse, overcome by thirst and fatigue,
broke down on the way. It was his dead body, as you already know, that
attracted the jaguars, so adroitly destroyed by you and your brave
comrade."

"Hum!" interrupted the Canadian, with a smile; "a poor feat that--but go
on. I long to hear what motive any one could have for hostility to a
mere youth scarce twenty years old, I should fancy."

"Twenty-four," answered Tiburcio, and then proceeded with his narrative.
"I came very near sharing the fate of my poor horse; and when, about
two hours after, you saw me at La Poza, I had just arrived there--having
been saved by the party in whose company you found me. But what motive
those gentlemen could have, first to rescue me from death, and then
afterwards attempt to take my life, is what I am unable to comprehend."

"Perhaps some rivalry in love?" suggested the Canadian, with a smile;
"it is usually the history of young men."

"I acknowledge," rejoined Tiburcio, with an air of embarrassment, "there
is something of that; but there is also another motive, I believe.
Possibly it is to secure to themselves the sole possession of an
important secret which I share with them. Certain it is, that there are
three men whom my life appears to discommode; there is one of them
against whom I have myself sworn vengeance, and althou