Part 55 (1/2)
”Ave Maria Purisima!” he said.
”Sin pecado concebida!” the dragoon answered, imitating the American's gesture.
”Santas tardes!” the new comer went on.
”Dios les da a Vm buenas!” the other immediately answered.
These necessary formulas of every meeting exhausted, the ice was broken, and the acquaintance made.
”Dismount, Caballero,” the dragoon said; ”the heat is stifling on the prairie; I have here a famous shade, and in this little pot cecina, with red harico beans and pimento, which I think you will like, if you do me the honour to share my repast.”
”I readily accept your flattering invitation, Caballero,” the American answered with a smile; ”the more readily because I confess to you that I am literally starving, and, moreover, exhausted with fatigue.”
”Caray! In that case I congratulate myself on the fortunate accident that occasions our meeting, so pray dismount without further delay.”
”I am going to do so.”
The American at once got off his horse, removed the bit, and the n.o.ble animal immediately joined its companion, while its master fell to the ground by the dragoon's side, with a sigh of satisfaction.
”You seem to have made a long ride, Caballero?” the soldier said.
”Yes,” the American answered, ”I have been on horseback for ten hours, not to mention that I spent the morning in fighting.”
”Cristo! You have had hard work of it.”
”You may say so without any risk of telling an untruth; for, on the word of a hunter, I never had such a tough job.”
”You are a hunter?”
”At your service.”
”A fine profession,” the soldier said with a sigh; ”I have been one too.”
”And you regret it?”
”Daily.”
”I can understand that. Once a man has tasted the joys of desert life, he always wishes to return to it.”
”Alas, that is true.”
”Why did you give it up then, since you liked it so much?”
”Ah, why!” the soldier said; ”through love.”
”What do you mean?”
”Yes, a child with whom I was so foolish as to fall in love, and who persuaded me to enlist.”
”Oh, hang it!”