His views also amused
me, although they were not novel. But after a while I grew tired
of listening, yet I listened still, agreeing with him, and
leading him on to let him have his fill of talk, always hoping
that he would come at last to speak of personal matters and give
me an account of his history and of Rima's origin. But the hope
proved vain; not a word to enlighten me would he drop, however
cunningly I tempted him.
"So be it," thought I; "but if you are cunning, old man, I shall
be cunning too--and patient; for all things come to him who
waits."
He was in no hurry to get rid of me. On the contrary, he more
than hinted that I would be safer under his roof than with the
Indians, at the same time apologizing for not giving me meat to
eat.
"But why do you not have meat? Never have I seen animals so
abundant and tame as in this wood." Before he could reply Rima,
with a jug of water from the spring in her hand, came in;
glancing at me, he lifted his finger to signify that such a
subject must not be discussed in her presence; but as soon as she
quitted the room he returned to it.
"Senor," he said, "have you forgotten your adventure with the
snake? Know, then, that my grandchild would not live with me for
one day longer if I were to lift my hand against any living
creature.
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