.OTk0.NjQ0NDc

at left top corner: 5 at right top corner: 6

a sufficiently serious obstacle to oppose our progress, But on this was seated an object which at first sight, seemed indeed enough to account for Mulo’s trepidation and Miguel’s fright. The side of this bump of rock facing us being to leeward and at the same time abrupt, was uncovered by snow looking something like a chair. On this was seated, dressed it seemed at the first blush, in a zamarra and with collar well up over the ears, powdered with snow and with head bent down over his chest, the old gentleman himself, for I saw at once that the little of his face which was exposed from the collar of his coat, was not human. I could see too his shaggy eyebrowes laden with snow flakes, and encircled with icicles, beneath which peered a pair of small but twinkling eyes

I next word underlined: was taken “aback”. That’s the truth.

However, seeing that Sir Diablo was disposed to be civil, and retained his cool seat quietly, only grumbling audibly at the wretched weather, so unlike what he had been accustomed to, farther south. I regained my presence of mind, and thinking that such an opportunity might not be presented again even in a long life, I advanced a pace nearer, and determined to have a good look, cost what it might.

Demonio evidently considered himself affronted by my propinquity, for he raised his head, and mumbling in a low indistinct tone and in a language I was ignorant of a few words, perhaps of displeasure. I feared too he was going to punish my aggression, for rising from his sitting posture, he lifted his hand; but just as I expected to see his Satanic Majesty rise upon his hoofs, and unfold his unmisteable posterior appendage, what should I behold but a fat and shaggy bear stand grinning on me.

Here’s a word, flashed across my mind. My pistols were in my valise and loaded. I crept back, por Dios word, I exclaimed to Miguel, as I fumbled for my pistols. Of course every strap was frozen and obstinately fastened. But at length I reached them. Creeping past the mule