noon
`` When I hear the echoes of the Sierra repeat the sounds of my shell , I can fancy myself among the mountains of Tehuantepec , where I used to hunt the tiger -- in pursuing my profession of _ tigrero _ . Or at other times I may fancy it to be the signals of the pearl-seekers in the Gulf , when I followed the calling of a _ buzo _ -LRB- diver -RRB- ; for I have hunted the sea tigers who guard the banks of pearls under the water , as I have those that ravage the herds of cattle upon the great savannas . But time passes , cavallero ; I must say good day to you . I have to reach the hacienda of Portezuelo by noon , and it 's a long journey to make in the time . _ Puez , adios , cavallero _ ! '' So saying , the Indian strode off with that measured step peculiar to his race ; and was soon lost to my sight , as he descended into the ravine on the opposite side of the plateau . As I returned towards the inn I could hear the prolonged notes of his marine trumpet rising up out of the chasm , and reverberating afar off against the precipitous sides of the Sierra Madre .