know that you don't wish to sell any."

"No, I don't."

The powder is surely mine, I thought to myself; and, after walking about
twenty paces, I again took up the subject.

"Even if your powder was very good, I wouldn't buy it of you; I know men
like you mean what they say; nevertheless, if you like, I will make an
exchange."

"What could you give me?" replied Torribio, with affected indifference;
"I don't want any of your birds, and my gun is quite as good as yours,
if not better."

"That's true enough, therefore say no more about it."

And I continued to follow my guide, who walked slowly on. He soon turned
round again.

"The magic glass," said he, with a great effort.

"Come! now we've got to the point," murmured Sumichrast.

"It is a bargain, if your powder is good," said I.

"Will you really give the glass to me?" cried the Indian, his eyes
lighting up with joy.

"I am always a man of my word," I replied.

Torribio hurried on so fast that Lucien was obliged to run in order to
keep up with us. After crossing the stream, our guide conducted us to
his hut, and showed us four cases of American powder which was quite
sound, and more than five or six pounds of assorted shot.

I was overjoyed at this discovery; but I maintained an indifference
quite equal to that of our guide, who was squatting down on the ground
with his chin resting between his knees.

"Here is the telescope," I said.

His features remained perfectly motionless, but his eyes sparkled and
his hand trembled slightly as he seized the object of his longing. I
showed him how to use and clean the instrument; then, loaded with the
boxes, which were so precious to me, and followed by my companions, I
returned to Coyotepec's dwelling.

"Why didn't Torribio say at once that he was willing to exchange his
powder for the telescope?" asked Lucien.

"The reason is, because an Indian always tries to conceal his wishes and
passions."

"But why didn't you offer him the instrument directly?"

"If I had shown too much eagerness, very probably he would have refused
to make an exchange, and the Indian seldom retracts what he has once
said."

Of course, l'Encuerado, always the most extravagant in its use, was
perfectly delighted to see our stock of ammunition trebled.

We had scarcely finished our dinner, when we heard the sound of a
guitar: the Mistec, after having preached, had succeeded in convincing
his congregation that a dance was the prope