"It is to him that we apply for your ransom.

You, senor, shall write the letter, and Sancho and Pedro shall carry it down.

It will be placed, without danger to us, in your brother's hand.
We have our ways....

Then, in turn, your brother shall ride forth, with a single companion, from the town, and in a clear space that we shall indicate, put the ransom beneath a certain rock, turning his horse at once and returning the way he came.

If the gold is put there, as much as we ask, and according to our conditions, you shall go free as a bird, senor, though perhaps with as little luggage as a bird.