"'Tis probable, certainly, señora," the worthy man answered.
"In that case you will have no objection to do me a service?" she went on, looking at him with her most fascinating smile.
"You know, señorita, that I would throw myself into the fire for you."
"I do not wish you to put your friendship to such a rude trial, my good Blas; still I thank you for your kindly feeling."
"Oh! A very easy matter. You know," she said lightly, "that for a long time I have wished to have two jaguar skins as a carpet for my bedroom?"
"No," he replied simply; "I was not aware of it."
"Ah! Well, I tell it you now, so you know it."
"I shall not forget it, señorita, you may be sure."
"Thanks; but that is not exactly what I want."
"Oh! So soon as I am my own master again you can depend on me."
"I do not wish you to expose your life to satisfy a whim."
"No; I have a way to procure them more easily."
"A renowned Tigrero arrived at Guaymas a few days back."
"Don Martial Asuzena?" he quickly interrupted her.
"Well, I heard that he has brought from his last hunt on the western prairies some magnificent jaguar skins, which, I have no doubt, he would be willing to sell at a fair price."
"Here," she said, drawing a small, carefully-sealed note from her bosom, "is a letter you will give that man. I describe in it the way in which I should like to have the skins prepared, and the price I am willing to give. Here is the money," she added, as she handed him a purse; "you will arrange the matter for me."
"There was no occasion to write," the capataz remarked.
"Pardon me, my friend, you have so many things to think of, that a trifle like this might easily slip your memory."
"Well, that is possible; so perhaps you have acted wisely."
"Well, then, it is agreed--you will perform my commission?"
"No, my friend. But stay, one word more. Do not say anything to my father. You know how kind he is; he would want to make me a present of them, and I wish to pay for the skins out of my own purse."
The capataz began laughing at the joke. The worthy man was delighted at sharing a secret, however slight it might be, with his darling child, as he called his young mistress.
"It is settled," he said; "I will be dumb."
The girl gave him a friendly nod and withdrew. What was the meaning of the note? Why did she write it? We shall soon learn.