Torres had obviously little to fear from this meeting, and so he went
on running toward the monkey's corpse.

But the young men, who were taking the same direction, had less
ground to cover, and coming forward a few paces, found themselves
face to face with Torres.

The latter had recovered his presence of mind.

"Many thanks, gentlemen," said he gayly, as he raised the brim of his
hat; "in killing this wretched animal you have just done me a great
service!"

The hunters looked at him inquiringly, not knowing what value to
attach to his thanks.

Torres explained matters in a few words.

"You thought you had killed a monkey," said he, "but as it happens
you have killed a thief!"

"If we have been of use to you," said the youngest of the two, "it
was by accident, but we are none the less pleased to find that we
have done some good."

And taking several steps to the rear, he bent over the guariba, and,
not without an effort, withdrew the case from his stiffened hand.

"Doubtless that, sir, is what belongs to you?"