One thing, however, I must ask," he continued.

"How will you deliver me from the hate of yonder black devil by the fire?
But for you he would have taken my life long since, and when he discovers that you do not intend to kill me, he will assuredly make an attempt to do so." "I have no doubt he would if he had a chance," replied Ridge, "but we must take turns at watching, and see that he doesn't get one.

I will remain on guard the first half of the night, since you need sleep more than I, and will also show how fully I trust you by restoring your pistol." "Your confidence will not be misplaced, senor." With these arrangements perfected, the little camp sank into quiet, the only sounds being the chirping of insects, the harsh cries of night birds, and those made by the horses, which occasionally snorted at some fancied alarm.

The two white men lay in their respective hammocks under the rude thatch of palm leaves, while Dionysio occupied a similar but smaller shelter beyond the fire.
For a long time Ridge watched the flicker of its flames, until they finally died down, and the darkness was only illumined by the fitful flashing of fire-flies.

As these were the most brilliant he had ever seen, his eyes followed their zig-zag dartings until they exercised a hypnotic influence, and his heavy breathing showed him to be fast asleep.
A few minutes later the occupant of the other hammock lifted his head and listened.