ACROSS COUNTRY.
Turning towards the two gauchos, who were carelessly leaning over the
side of the boat--
"I have paid you, you are free now to leave us," said the Guaraní to
them, "unless you consent to make a new bargain with this gentleman, in
whose name I have engaged you."
"Let us see the bargain," answered one of the two gauchos.
"First, are you free?"
"We are."
"Is it for both that you answer me?"
"This; this _caballero_ is my brother; his name is Mataseis, and mine
Sacatripas: where one goes, the other follows."
Tyro bowed with a delighted air. The reputation of these two
_caballeros_ had long been known, and Tyro was well acquainted with
it. They Were two of the most noted bandits of all the Banda Oriental,
Under present circumstances, nothing could have happened better. Men of
the sack and of the cord, their arms were red up to the elbow. For a
real, they would, without hesitation, have assassinated their fathers,
but their word was their bond. Once given, they would not have violated
it for the possession of all the mines of the Cordillera. It was their
only failing, or, if it be preferred, their only virtue. Man, that
strange animal, is so constituted that he is neither complete for good,
nor for evil.
"Very well," resumed Tyro, "I am happy, _caballeros_, to have to do
with men like you; I hope that we shall understand one another."
"Well, let us know what you want," answered; Mataseis.
"Would you like to remain in the service of this _caballero?_"
"On what conditions? Besides, it would be well to know if the service
will be hard," pursued the positive Mataseis.
"It will be; it will commit you to do all, you understand--_all,_"
added he, intentionally emphasizing the last word.
"That is the least consideration, if it pays well."
"Five _onces_ per month each; will that suit you?"
The two bandits exchanged a look.
"Agreed," said they.
"Here is a month in advance," resumed Tyro, taking a handful of gold
from his pocket, and handing it to them.
The gauchos held out their hands with a movement of joy, and instantly
pocketed the gold.
"Only, understand that a month begun must finish, and that when you
wish to quit the service of this _caballero,_ you must give him eight
days' notice, and refrain from doing anything against his interest
during the week after the breaking off the engagement. Do you accept
these conditions?"
"We accept them."
"Swear, then, to keep them faithfully."
The two bandits opened their ponchos, took in their hands the
scapularies hanging at their necks, and, taking off their hats, and
raising their eyes to heaven with an emotion worthy of a more Christian
oath--
"We swear on these blessed scapularies to keep the conditions accepted
by us," said they, both together; "may we lose the portion we hope for
in Paradise, and be damned, if we fail in the oath we freely give."
"Very good," said Tyro; and turning towards the Indian, while the
gauchos, after dropping their scapularies, put them in their breasts
again--"And you, Neno, will you remain in the service of your master?"
he asked.
"That would be impossible," boldly answered the Indian; "I have another
master."
"Very good; you are free. Go."
Neno did not require the request to be repeated. After bowing to the
painter, he leaped lightly out of the boat, and proceeded hastily
towards San Miguel.
The Guaraní followed him a minute with his eyes; then, leaning towards
Sacatripas, he whispered a word into his ear.
The bandit made an affirmative gesture with his head, gently touched
his brother's arm, and both, rapidly landing, set off running, and
disappeared in the darkness.
"These demons will be very valuable to you, master."
"I believe so, but they appear to me atrocious scoundrels; unhappily,
in the circumstances in which I find myself, perhaps I shall be obliged
some day or other to make use of their services."
The Guaraní smiled, without answering.
"Do you not consider the conduct of this Neno shabby, after so many
kindnesses that I have done him?" pursued the painter.
"You do not yet know all that he has done, master."
"What do you mean?"
"It is he who has betrayed you, and who has sold your head to your
enemies."
"You knew that!" cried the young man, with violence, "And you have
brought this wretch with us? We are ruined, then!"
"Listen, master," coldly answered the Guaraní.
At this moment a cry of agony pierced the air. Although far off it
had such an expression of anguish and of grief that the painter
involuntarily trembled, and felt himself covered with a cold
perspiration.
"Oh!" cried he; "It is the cry of a man who is being murdered. What
is happening? _Mon Dieu!_" And he made a movement to jump out of the
barque.
"Stop, master," said Tyro, "it is useless; the treachery of Neno need
no longer be feared."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, master, that your gauchos have commenced their services;
you see that they are valuable men. Go and rejoin the ladies, while
I conceal the boat with the aid of these worthy _caballeros,_ whom I
already see running in this direction."
The young man rose, without answering, and quitted the boat, staggering
like a drunken man.
"It is frightful!" murmured he; "And yet, perhaps, the death of this
wretch may save the life of three persons."
He proceeded to the gallery and rejoined the ladies, who were trembling
close to each other, not understanding the prolonged absence of the
young man, and naturally frightened by the death cry, the mournful echo
of which had reached them.
The sight of the Frenchman reassured them.
"What shall we do now?" asked the marchioness, in a low voice.
"In a few minutes we shall know," answered Emile; "we must wait."
At this moment the Guaraní appeared, followed by Mataseis.
"I have sunk the barque," said the Indian, "in order to destroy the
traces of our journey. The brother of this Señor has gone out as a
scout; come."
They followed him.
The Indian proceeded in the darkness with as much ease as in full
daylight. The fugitives were soon sufficiently near for the sound of
several voices to reach them.
Tyro twice imitated the sound of an owl. A profound silence immediately
reigned in the cavern; then a man appeared, holding in one hand a
lantern, with which he showed a light, and in the other a loaded pistol.
This man was Don Santiago Pincheyra.
"Who goes there?" asked he, in a threatening tone.
"A friend," answered the painter.
"Ah! Ah! Your expedition has succeeded, it appears?" answered the
Montonero, replacing the pistol in his girdle. "So much the better; I
began to be uneasy at your long absence. Come, come, all our friends
are here."
They entered.
There were, indeed, a dozen Montoneros in the cavern.
With a delicacy which, in such a man, would not have been suspected,
the Montonero approached the two ladies, whom, notwithstanding their
costume, he had discovered, and, bowing to them as he presented them
with silk neckerchiefs--
"Cover your faces, ladies," said he, respectfully. "It will be better
for no one to know who you are. At a later time you would not, perhaps,
be much pleased to be recognised by one of the companions whom fate
gives you today."
"Thank you, Señor; you are really a _caballero_," graciously answered
the marchioness; and, without any further remark, she concealed her
features with the neckerchief, and in this she was immediately imitated
by her daughter.
This happy thought of the Montonero preserved the _incognito_ of the
fugitives.
"As to us," continued he, addressing the painter, "we are men capable
of answering for our acts, are we not?"
"It is of little consequence for us to be recognised," answered the
latter; "but what hinders us from setting out? Is everything ready?"
"Everything is ready; I have a numerous troop of bold companions
concealed like _guanacos_ in the thicket. We will leave when you like."
"Well, I think the sooner the better."
"Let us go, then."
"One moment, Señor! I have dispatched one of the retainers of my master
to keep watch; perhaps it would be well to wait his return."
"Just so; however," said Emile, "in order not to lose time, it would
be well to leave here, and mount horse, that would allow the gaucho to
overtake us. As soon as he comes we will proceed on our journey."
"Well said; only I am somewhat embarrassed at this moment."
"Why?"
"Why, to mount a horse, it is necessary to have one, and I fear some of
us have none."
"I have thought of that; do not bother yourself about that little
circumstance. There are, in the rancho, six horses that I have had
brought here today," said Tyro.
"Oh! then nothing prevents us; let me just give a look out, and I will
tell you when it is time to rejoin me."
And after having with a gesture ordered his companions to follow him,
the Montonero disappeared in the gallery.
There only remained in the cavern the two ladies, the painter, and the
Guaraní.
"My good Tyro," then said Emile, "I do not know how to acknowledge
your devotion; you are not one of those men whom one pays, but, before
separating, I should wish to give you a proof of--"
"Pardon, master," quickly interrupted Tyro, "if I interrupt you. Did
you speak of separating?"
"Yes, my friend, and believe me, that this causes me real sorrow; but I
have no right to condemn you any longer to share my bad fortune."
"You are then discontented with my services, master? If it is so,
excuse me, I shall try for the future better to understand your
intentions, in order to execute them to your entire satisfaction."
"What!" cried the young man, with a joyful surprise, "You intend to
follow me, notwithstanding the bad position in which I am, and the
dangers of all kinds which surround me?"
"These dangers would themselves be an additional reason for me not
to leave you, master," he answered, with emotion, "if I had already
not decided on not abandoning you. Although I may not be of much
account--although I may be but a poor Indian--nevertheless, there are
certain occasions when one is happy to know that there is a devoted
heart available."
"Tyro," said the Frenchman, profoundly touched with the simple and
sincere affection of this man, "you are no longer my servant, you are
my friend, take my hand. Whatever may happen, I shall never forget what
has passed this moment between us."
"Thank you, oh! Thank you," answered he, kissing his hand; "then you
agree that I shall accompany you."
"_Pardieu!_" cried he, "It is now between us for life and death; we
will never leave each other more."
"And you will speak to me as before."
"I will speak to you as you wish; are you content?" pursued he with a
smile.
"Thank you once more, master. Oh! Make your mind easy; you shall never
repent the kindness that you have shown me."
"I know it well; therefore, I am easy. Go, and you have but to try and
reassure me."
"Come," said the Montonero, reappearing; "all is ready; we only wait
for you; as to the horses--"
"I will take care of that," answered Tyro.
They then went to the gallery; the horses of the young man were not in
the stable which had been assigned to them, but he did not disquiet
himself on that account.
They soon came out into the midst of the underwood, where, the night
before, the Spaniards and the patriots had waged so furious a battle. A
numerous troop of horsemen was stationed motionless and silent before
the entrance of the cavern.
The Guaraní had taken precautions; when the Montonero came out into the
open air, he immediately found the gaucho, holding several horses by
the bridle.
"Here are your horses, ladies," said he, addressing them; "here are two
coursers of very sure and swift pace."
The marchioness thanked him. The Indian fastened behind the horses the
valises that she had given him, and then assisted the mother and the
daughter to place themselves in the saddles.
Emile, the Montonero, and the gaucho were already mounted.
Two horses still remained--one for Tyro, the other for Sacatripas.
At the moment when the Guaraní put his feet in the stirrups, a sharp
whistle was heard in the woods.
"There is our scout," said he; and he answered the signal.
Sacatripas, indeed, almost immediately appeared.
The gaucho appeared to have been running rapidly; his chest heaved, his
face was covered with perspiration.
"Let us go, let us go!" said he, in a sad voice; "If, we do not want to
be smoked out like wolves. In less than half an hour they will be here."
"The devil!" cried the Montonero; "That is bad news, companion."
"It is certain."
"What direction must we take?"
"That of the mountains."
"So much the better--that is what I prefer;" and then raising his
voice, "Advance!" he cried; "And do not let us spare the horses!"
The horsemen applied the spurs as they loosed their bridles, and
all the troop darted forward in the darkness with the rapidity of a
hurricane, taking the plain in a right line, clearing ravines and
thickets without taking count of obstacles.
The two ladies were placed between Emile and the Guaraní, who were
themselves each flanked by a gaucho. There was something strange
and fantastic in the mad flight of this black legion, flying in the
darkness, silent and sad, with the irresistible rapidity of a whirlwind.
The flight continued thus for several hours; the horses gasped; some
even began to stumble.
"Whatever happens, we must stop an hour," murmured the Pincheyra; "if
not, we shall soon be dismounted."
Tyro heard him.
"Let us only reach the rancho of the Quemado," said he.
"What good will that be?" sharply replied the Montonero; "We are still
two leagues from it at least; our horses will be completely knocked up."
"What matter? I have prepared a relay."
"A relay! We are too numerous."
"Two hundred horses await us."
"Two hundred horses! Mercy! Your master is very rich, then?"
"He?" said the Indian, laughing; "He is as poor as Job. But," added he,
significantly, "his companions are rich, and I have been preparing this
flight for twelve days, foreseeing what would happen today."
"Then," cried the Montonero, with feverish emotion, "ahead! Ahead!
companions, though the horses be killed!"
The journey was continued with feverish rapidity.
A little before sunrise they reached the rancho. It was time they did
so; the horses were only kept up by the bridle; they stumbled at each
step, and several had already fallen never to rise again.
Their masters, with that careless philosophy which characterises the
gauchos, after having relieved them of their saddles, and having
charged themselves with them, had abandoned the horses and followed the
cavalcade as well as they could by running.
The rancho of the Quemado was in some respects but a vast shed, to
which was attached an immense inclosure filled with horses.
At three or four leagues behind, were extended, as a sombre barrier,
the first chain of the Cordilleras, whose snowy tops masked the horizon.
On the order of Santiago, the fatigued horses were; abandoned after
their saddles had been removed, and, each Montonero entered the
enclosure, whirling his lago round him.
Each man had soon caught the horse which he wanted, and proceeded to
harness it.
There remained eighty or one hundred horses in the inclosure.
"We must not leave these horses here," said the Montonero; "our enemies
would make use of them to pursue us."
"It is easy to avoid that," observed Tyro; "there is a _yegua madrina_,
we will put a bell on her; the horses will follow her; ten of our
companions will set out in advance with them."
"_Pardieu!_ You are a valuable comrade," replied the Montonero,
joyously; "nothing is more easy."
The order was immediately given by him, and the spare horses were soon
out of sight, in the direction of the mountains, under the escort of
some horsemen.
The horses, thus at liberty, could make long tracks without fatiguing
themselves. This mode of relay is generally adopted in America, where
it is almost impossible otherwise to procure fresh horses.
"Now," resumed the Montonero, "I think we shall do well to mount horse
again."
"Yes, and to set out again," added Emile, extending his arm towards the
plain.
In the first rays of the sun, which glittered on their arms, a
numerous troop of horsemen was perceived coming towards them at full
speed.
"_Rayo de Dios!_" cried Don Santiago; "The scout was right; we were
closely followed; the demons have made haste, but now it is too late
for them. We do not fear them any longer. To your saddles, and ahead!
Ahead!"
They set out again.
This time the journey was not so rapid. The fugitives believed
themselves safe, not to be overtaken. The lead they had gained was too
great, and, according to all probability, they would arrive at the
mountains before the patriots could reach them.
Once in the passes of the Cordilleras, they were saved.
The flight, however, could not but be fatiguing to the two ladies, who,
accustomed to all the refinements of luxury, could only keep themselves
on horseback by dint of energy and of will, and stimulated especially
by the fear of again falling into the hands of their persecutors. Tyro
and his master were obliged to keep constantly by their side, and watch
over them attentively. Without this precaution they would have fallen
from their horses--not so much by reason of the fatigue they suffered,
though that fatigue was great, but because sleep overcame them, and
prevented them, notwithstanding all their efforts, from keeping their
eyes open and guiding their horses.
"But who has betrayed us?" suddenly exclaimed Don Santiago.
"I know him," answered Sacatripas.
"You know him, Señor? Well, then, you will do me the pleasure of
telling me, will you not?"
"It is useless, Señor. The man who has betrayed you is dead; only he
has been killed two hours too late."
"That is unfortunate, indeed; and why too late?"
"Because he had had time to speak."
"A good many things can be said in two hours, especially when there is
no interruption. And you are sure of that?"
"Perfectly sure."
"At least," philosophically replied the Montonero, "we have the
consolation of being certain that he will speak no more--there is
something in that. As to the men who follow us," added he, turning
round, "we--"
But he suddenly checked himself, uttering a horrible oath, and bounding
from his saddle.
"What is the matter?" asked Emile, with uneasiness.
"_¡Mil demonios!_--that these pícaros are gaining on us every moment,
and that in an hour they will have reached us."
"Oh! Oh!" quickly cried the young man; "Do you think so?"
"Why, look yourself."
The painter looked; the Montonero had spoken truly. The enemy's troop
was sensibly approaching.
"_¡Caray!_ I do not know what I would give to know who are these
demons."
"They are part of the squadron of Don Zeno Cabral I even believe that
he is among them."
"So much the better!" said the Montonero, with rage; "I shall perhaps
have my revenge."
"Do you intend to fight these people?"
"_Pardieu!_ Do you think that I will allow myself to be shot from
behind, like a cowardly dog?"
"I do not say that; but it appears to me that we can redouble our pace."
"What good will that be? Do you not see that these fellows have with
them a fresh _recua_, and that they will still overtake us? We had
better anticipate them."
"As affairs stand, I believe, with you, that that will be best," said
Emile, who feared that the Montonero might suppose he was afraid.
"Good!" answered Don Santiago, "You are a man! Let me act."
Then, without anyone foreseeing what was his intention, he made his
horse suddenly dart off, and dashed at full speed to the front of the
patriots.
"Tyro," then said Emile, addressing the Guaraní, "take with you the two
brothers that you have engaged in my service, and put the marchioness
and her daughter in safety."
"Señor, why separate us?" asked the marchioness, with a sorrowful air;
"Would it not be better for us to remain near you?"
"Pardon me for insisting on this temporary separation, Madame. I have
sworn to do all I can to save you, and I will keep my word."
The marchioness, overcome, either by the lassitude she suffered, or by
the sleep which, spite of her efforts, weighed down her eyelids, only
answered by a sigh.
"You will not abandon these ladies under any pretext," continued the
young man, addressing the Indian; "and if misfortune happen to me
during the combat, you will continue to serve them, as far as they
require your protection. May I reckon on you?"
"As on yourself, master."
"Advance, then! And God protect you."
On a sign from the Indian the gauchos took by the bridle the horses of
the two ladies, and setting off at a gallop, they took these horses
with them, without the fugitives, who perhaps had not a thorough
knowledge of what was passing, trying to oppose them.
The painter, who, as they galloped, followed them with his eyes, saw
them disappear in the midst of a thick cluster of trees, where the
first chain of the Cordilleras commenced.
"Thank God! Conquerors or conquered, they will not fall into the hands
of their persecutors," said he; "I have kept my promise."
Suddenly, several shots afar off were heard. Emile looked round and
perceived Don Santiago, who was returning at full speed towards his
troop, brandishing his carbine above his head, with an air of defiance.
Three or four horsemen were in hot pursuit of him.
Arrived at a certain distance the Spaniard stopped, shouldered his
carbine and fired, and then started off again at a gallop.
A horseman fell; the others retreated.
The Spaniard soon found himself again in the midst of his own people.
"Halt!" cried he, with a voice of thunder.
The troop immediately stopped.
"Companions, loyal subjects of the king," continued he; "I have
reconnoitered these _ladrones;_ they are scarcely forty. Shall we fly
any longer before them? Advance! And long live the king!"
"Forward!" repeated the troop, rushing forward with him.
Emile charged with the others--with rather a sullen air, it is true;
he cared as little for the king as for the country, and it appeared to
him wiser to have made their escape as rapidly as possible; but as, in
reality, it was his own cause that these men were defending--as it was
to protect him that they fought--he was obliged to take heart against
fortune, and not to remain in arrear.
Notwithstanding their small number, the patriots did not appear at all
intimidated by the aggressive return of the Spaniards, and continued
bravely to advance.
The shock was terrible; the two troops resolutely attacked each other
with their swords, and soon found themselves mingled together.
In the _mêlée_ Emile recognised Don Zeno Cabral. He darted towards
him, and, striking with the chest of his horse that of his adversary,
fatigued with a long journey, the latter was overthrown.
Leaping immediately to the ground, the young man immediately put his
knee to the chest of Don Zeno, and putting the point of his sabre to
his throat--
"Surrender!" said he.
"No!" answered the latter.
"Death! Death!" cried Don Santiago, who now came up.
"Let the fight cease," answered Emile, turning towards him; "this
gentleman has surrendered, on condition that he shall be free to return
to San Miguel with his companions."
"Who has authorised you to make conditions?" said the Montonero.
"The service I have rendered you, and the promise you have made me."
The Spaniard suppressed a gesture of rage.
"Well," answered he, after a pause; "you wish it; let it be so, but you
will repent of it. Retreat!"
And he left.
"You are free," said the young man, holding out his hand to Don Zeno,
to aid him in rising.
The latter darted a fierce look at him.
"I am obliged to accept your offer," said he, "but all is not finished
between us. We shall see one another again."
"I hope so," simply answered the young man; and, remounting his horse,
he rejoined his companions, already a good way off.
Two hours later, the Spaniards penetrated the first defiles of the
Cordilleras, while the patriots returned leisurely and sufficiently
discontented at the result of their expedition to San Miguel de
Tucuman, where they arrived at nightfall of the same day.
END OF BOOK I.
BOOK II.--THE MONTONERO
CHAPTER I.
EL RINCÓN DEL BOSQUECILLO.
It was about the middle of a southern summer; the heat during the whole
day had been suffocating; the dust had covered the leaves of the trees
with a thick layer of a greyish tint, which gave to the landscape--
picturesque and varied as it was in the _Llano de Manso_, where our
narrative recommences--a sad and desolate appearance, which, happily,
was soon to disappear, thanks to the abundant shower of the night,
which, in washing the trees, would bring back to them their primitive
colour.
The _llano_ presented, as far as the eye could reach, in all
directions, only an uninterrupted chain of low hills, covered with a
yellowish grass, dried up by the burning rays of the sun, and under
which myriads of red grasshoppers uttered in emulation of each other
their sharp twitterings.
At some distance on the right was a little stream, half dried up, which
meandered like a silver ribbon, bordered with a narrow fringe of mastic
trees, of guanas, and of thistles. Only on an elevated shore of this
stream, called the Rio Bermejo, and which is an affluent of the Parana,
there was a thick wood, a kind of oasis, planted by the all-powerful
hand of God in this desert, and the fresh and green foliage of which
strongly contrasted with the yellow tint which formed the chief feature
of the landscape.
Black swans allowed themselves carelessly to drift on the stream;
hideous iguanas wallowed in the mire; flights of partridges and
turtledoves rapidly flew to the shelter of the trees; here and there
vicuñas and viscachas were bounding and playing in the air; and high
in the air large bald vultures were wheeling their flight in broad
circles.
From the profound calm which reigned in this desert, and from its wild
appearance, it would seem to have remained as it had come from the
hands of the Creator, and never to have been trodden by a human foot.
But it was not so; the Llano de Manso--the furthermost plains of which
reached the banks of the Grand Chaco, the almost impregnable refuge of
the Indian bravos, or of those whom the cruelty of the Spaniards had,
after the dispersion of the missions founded by the Jesuits, thrown
back into barbarism--is in some respects a neutral territory, where all
the tribes, by a tacit understanding, had their rendezvous for hunting.
It is incessantly traversed in all directions by warriors belonging
to tribes the most hostile to each other, but who, when they meet on
this privileged territory, forget for the time their rivalry or their
hereditary hatred, to remember only the hospitality of the llano--that
is to say, the freedom that each one ought to have to hunt or travel as
he pleased.
The whites have but rarely, and at long intervals, penetrated into
this country, and always with some apprehension; so much the more,
as the Indians, continually beaten back by civilisation--feeling the
importance of preserving this territory for themselves--defended its
approaches with unspeakable fury, torturing and massacring without pity
the whites whose curiosity or ill fortune brought into this region.
However, notwithstanding these apparently insurmountable difficulties,
bold explorers have not been afraid to visit the llano, and to traverse
it at their risk and peril, with the design of enriching the domain of
science by interesting discoveries.
It is to them that the wood of which we have spoken, and which appears
an oasis in this sea of sand, owes its charming name of Rincón del
Bosquecillo, out of gratitude, no doubt, for the freshness they have
found there, and the shelter that has been offered them after their
long and fatiguing journey in the desert.
The sun was rapidly setting on the horizon, considerably lengthening
the shadow of the rocks, bushes, and a few trees here and there
scattered in the llano. The panthers already commenced to utter their
hoarse and mournful growlings as they sought their drinking places; the
jaguars bounded out of their dens with dull cries of anger, lashing
with their powerful tails their panting sides; troops of wild oxen and
horses fled frightened before these dreadful kings of the night, whom
the first hours of evening rendered masters of the desert.
At the moment when the sun, having reached the level of the horizon,
was drowned, so to say, in waves of purple and gold, a troop of
horsemen appeared on the right bank of the Rio Bermejo, proceeding
apparently towards the bank of which we have spoken, on the summit of
which was the thick wood called the Rincón del Bosquecillo.
These horsemen were Indian Guaycurus, recognisable by their elegant
costumes, by the band which circled their heads, and especially by the
matchless grace with which they managed their horses--noble sons of the
desert--as fiery and as untameable as their masters.
They formed a troop of about fifty men, all armed as warriors, and not
having any tuft of ostrich feathers or streamers at the point of their
lances--which showed that they were on some important expedition, and
not united for the chase.
A little in advance of the troop were two men, chiefs, as was shown by
the vulture's feather placed in their red bands, and whose external
appearance contrasted strongly with that of their companions.
They wore variegated ponchos, trousers of brown holland, and boots
made of leather from horse's legs. Their arms--_laco bolas_, lance
and knives--were the same as those of their companions; but here the
resemblance stopped.
The first was a young man of twenty-two at the most. His figure was
tall, elegant, supple, and well formed; his manners noble, his least
gesture graceful. No painting, no tattooing, disfigured his expressive
features, of almost feminine beauty, but to which--an extraordinary
thing in an Indian--a black beard, short and frizzled, gave a masculine
and decided expression. This beard, added to the dull white of the
skin of the young man, would have made him pass easily for a white
man, if he had worn a European costume. However, let us hasten to
state that among the Indians men are often met with whose skin is
completely white, and who appear to belong to the Caucasian race. This
singularity, therefore, did not attract any attention among their
companions, who attached no other importance to it than to cause them
to manifest for them a greater respect, believing them to be descended
from the privileged race of men who first united them into tribes, and
taught them the first elements of civilisation.
The young man, whose portrait we have briefly sketched, was the
principal chief of the warriors by whom he was at this moment followed.
He was named Gueyma, and notwithstanding his youth, he enjoyed a great
reputation in his tribe for wisdom and bravery.
His companion, as far as it was possible--in spite of his upright
figure, his hair black as the raven's wing, and his countenance free
from wrinkles--to fix his age with any certainty, was about seventy.
However, as we have said, no sign of decrepitude was observable
in him; his eye shone with all the fire of youth, his limbs were
supple and vigorous; his teeth, of which not one was missing, were
brilliantly white, rendered more striking by the dark hue of his
complexion, although, like the other chief, he had neither tattoo nor
painting; but, in default of physical signs of old age, the expression
of severity on his fine and intelligent countenance, his emphatic
gestures, and the measured slowness with which he let fall the least
word, would have proved to every man accustomed to the Indians that
this chief was very aged, and that he enjoyed among his people a great
renown for wisdom and prudence, rather holding his place at the council
fire of the tribe, than at the head of a war expedition.
In the centre of the troop were two men who, by their complexion and
their clothing, it was easy to recognise as Europeans.
These men, though they were without arms, appeared to be treated, if
not as completely free, at least with a certain consideration, which
proved that they were not looked upon as prisoners.
They were two young men of twenty-five or twenty-eight, dressed in the
costume of Brazilian officers, with fine bold features, and careless
and hearty expression. They galloped in the midst of the Indian
warriors without appearing to concern themselves in any way as to the
place whither they were being conducted, and talked gaily, changing
from time to time a few words in a good-humoured tone, with the
warriors nearest to them.
The sun had set below the horizon, and perfect darkness had almost
immediately replaced the light of day--as happens in all intertropical
countries, which have no twilight--at the moment when the Indians were
ascending at a gallop the scarcely-traced path which led to the summit
of the bank, and gave access to the wood.
Arrived in the middle of a glade--from which sprang a stream of water,
clear and limpid, which, after a tortuous course through the rocks,
fell in the form of a splendid cascade into the Rio Bermejo, from a
height Of forty or fifty feet--the young Gueyma chief stopped his
horse, leaped from his saddle, and ordered his warriors to instal
themselves in a camp for the night; his intention being not to go
farther that day.
The latter obeyed; they immediately alighted, and quickly occupied
themselves with securing the horses, giving them provender, lighting
the watch fires, and in preparing the repast for the evening.
Some five or six warriors had alone preserved their arms, and were
stationed on the outskirts of the glade, to watch over the safety of
their companions.
The two Brazilian officers, no doubt fatigued with the long journey
during the great heat of the day, had, with a sigh of relief, heard the
order of the chief, and had obeyed it with a speed which testified to
the desire which they felt to take repose.
Twenty minutes later the fires were lighted, a covering constructed to
shelter the whites against the abundant dew of the morning, and the
warriors, clustered in little groups of four or five, ate with a good
appetite the simple provisions placed before them--consisting for the
most part of yams, baked under ashes, of the meal of manioc, and of
meat dried in the sun, and roasted over the fire--the whole accompanied
with limpid water from the stream--a wholesome and fortifying beverage,
but in no way liable to get into the heads of the guests.
The chiefs had, through a warrior, invited the Brazilian officers to
take part in the meal--a courteous invitation that the latter had
accepted with so much the more pleasure as, with the exception of
gourds full of sugar cane brandy, which they carried at their saddles,
they were completely without provisions, and at over time thought they
were condemned to a forced fast--a prospect all the more disagreeable
for them, as they were literally dying with hunger, not having had
the opportunity, since the previous evening, of taking any other
refreshment than a little brandy, diluted with water, a regimen quite
insufficient for them, but to which they had resolutely submitted,
rather than exhibit their distress to the Indians, amongst whom they
had accidentally been thrown. Happily for them, the Guaycurus chiefs
had noticed this forced abstinence, and had kindly put an end to it by
inviting the young men to sup with them--a proceeding which had the
double advantage of saving the pride of the officers, and of breaking
the ice between them and the Indians.
However, as often happens between persons who do not know each other,
or who at least know one another but little, the first few minutes were
embarrassing to these four companions, so different in manners and
disposition.
The officers, after a ceremonious bow, which the chiefs acknowledged in
a very awkward fashion, seated themselves on the grass, and attacked
the provisions set before them, at first with a certain forbearance
which politeness demanded; but they soon gave way to the imperious
demands of their appetites.
"_Epoï!_" said the old chief, with a smile of good humour, "I am happy,
gentlemen, to see you so much enjoy so poor a meal."
"Upon my word," answered one of the officers, laughing, "poor or not,
chief, it comes at a time when we cannot disdain it."
"Hum!" said the second, "it is just twenty-four hours since we have
eaten; and that is rather a long time."
"Why did you not say that before?" resumed the chief; "We would
immediately have given orders for you to have the necessary provisions."
"A thousand thanks for your kindness, chief; but it neither suited our
dignity nor our disposition to make such a request to you."
"The whites have strange scruples," murmured Gueyma, speaking rather to
himself than to the officers.
However, they heard the remark, to which one of them replied--
"It is not a question of delicacy, chief, but an innate feeling of
propriety amongst men who not only respect themselves, but also in
themselves respect those whom they are charged to represent."
"You will excuse us, Señor," pursued Gueyma, "we Indians, almost
savages, as you call us, know nothing of those subtle distinctions that
you are pleased to establish; the life of the desert does not teach
such things."
"And we are, perhaps, only the more happy that it is so," added the old
chief.
"Possibly," answered the officer; "I will not discuss so futile a
point with you. Let us quit this subject, and allow me to offer you a
mouthful of brandy."
And after having uncorked his gourd, he presented it to the chief.
The latter, pushing away the gourd, looked in astonishment at the
officer.
"You refuse me?" asked the latter, "For what motive, chief? Have I not
accepted what you have offered me?"
The Indian several times shook his head.
"My son is not accustomed to be in the company of the Guaycurus," said
he.
"Why this question, chief?"
"Because," answered he, "if it were otherwise, the young pale chief
would know that the Guaycurus warriors never drink that liquid which
the whites name ardent spirits, and which makes them stupid; the water
from the springs which the Great Spirit, Macunhan, has profusely
scattered in the desert is sufficient to slake their thirst."
"Excuse my ignorance, chief; I had no intention of offending you."
"Where there is no intention, as the paleface says," answered the old
chief, smiling, "an injury cannot exist."
"Well spoken, my master," gaily pursued the young man. "I should have
been annoyed if an inconsiderate action on my part had disturbed the
good understanding which ought to exist between us; so much the more,
as I wish to ask you a few questions, if it is not inconvenient."
The meal was concluded. The two chiefs had rolled up some tobacco in
palm leaves, and were smoking; the officers had lighted their cigars.
"What are the questions that the paleface wishes to ask me?" pursued
the Indian.
"First, let me tell you, that since chance has brought me among you, I
am a prey to continual astonishment."
"_Epoï!_" said the chief, smiling; "Indeed!"
"Upon my word, yes. I had never seen an Indian. At Rio de Janeiro,
when they spoke to me of the redskins, they were represented as men
quite savage, fierce, faithless--entirely sunk in the most horrible
barbarism. I thus acquired an impression which, according to what I now
see, was most erroneous."
"Ah, ah! And what does the paleface now see?"
"Why, I see men brave, intelligent--enjoying a civilization different
to ours, it is true, but which is civilization, nevertheless--chiefs
like you and your companion for example, speaking the Portuguese
language as well as myself, and who, in all circumstances, act with a
prudence and wisdom, and a circumspection which I have often regretted
I have not met with in my own countrymen. That is what I have seen
among you up to the present time, chief, without taking account of the
white complexion of your companion, which--you will admit--added to his
features, and the expression of his countenance, gives him rather the
appearance of a European than of an Indian warrior."
The two chiefs smiled as they exchanged a stealthy look, and the elder
resumed, with an expression of pride--
"The Guaycurus are descendants of the great Tupinambas, the ancient
possessors of Brazil, before the whites had robbed them of their
territory. They are called by the palefaces themselves _Cavalheiros_.
The Guaycurus are masters of the desert; who would dare to resist
them? When many winters shall have blanched the hair of my son, and he
shall have seen other Indian nations, he will recognise the immense
difference that exists between the noble Guaycurus and the miserable
savages scattered here and there in the _llanos_."
The young officer bowed affirmatively.
"So," said he, "the Guaycurus are the most civilised among the Indians?"
"The only civilised," answered the chief, with pride; "the Great Spirit
loves and protects them."
"I admit it, chief; but that does not explain to me how it is that you
speak our language with perfection--a perfection which you warriors are
far from attaining, for they can scarcely understand a word I say to
them."
"The Cougar has lived many years," answered he; "the snows of many
a great winters have fallen on his head since he saw the light. The
Cougar was a warrior before the paleface was born. At that time the
chief visited the great villages of the whites; for several moons he
even lived amongst them as if he had formed part of their families. He
thus loves them, although he has left them forever to rejoin his tribe.
The whites taught the Cougar their language. Has my son any other
questions to ask him?"
"No, chief; I thank you sincerely for the frank and friendly way in
which you have been pleased to answer me. I am the more delighted
at the sympathy which you say you have for my countrymen, as in the
circumstances in which we are placed, this sympathy cannot but be very
conducive to the satisfactory termination of the business we have in
hand."
"I hope it may be so."
"And I also, with all my heart. Are we still far distant from the place
where the interview is to take place? I confess that I am anxious for
the conclusion of the treaty between us."
"Then let my son rejoice, for we have reached the spot assigned by the
Guaycurus captains, to the chiefs of the palefaces. The interview of
which he speaks will take place probably tomorrow, two or three hours
at most after sunrise."
"What! We have already reached the place called by the Spaniards the
Rincón del Bosquecillo?"
"It is here."
"Thank God, for the general will not be long before he comes here,
as we have already come; and now, chief, accept again my thanks. I
am going, with your permission, to take a few hours' repose, which I
really want, after the fatigues of the journey which has just finished."
"Let my sons sleep; sleep is good for young men," answered the chief,
with a benevolent smile.
The officers immediately withdrew under the awning prepared for them,
and were not long before they slept.
The chiefs remained, facing each other.
The Guaycurus warriors, stretched before the fires, slept, enveloped in
their ponchos.
But the sentinels watched, and were motionless as bronze statues, their
eyes open to the surrounding country, and their ears ready for the
least sound.
A complete calm reigned in the desert; the night was warm, clear, and
starlight.
The Cougar looked for a moment pensively at his companion, and then,
after looking inquiringly around him--
"Of what is Gueyma thinking at this moment?" said he, with a gentle
voice, and in a tone of tender nation; "Is he communing with his heart?
Do his thoughts recall the pleasant memory of Dove's Eye, the Virgin
with the azure eyes or is his spirit busy with the meeting scheduled
for tomorrow?"
The young man trembled, raised his head and cast an uncertain look, in
which a spark glowed, on the old chief, who looked at him sadly.
"No," he replied with a voice, silent and broken by inner emotion: "my
father has not clearly read in the heart of his son; the memory of
Dove's eye is ever present in Gueyma's soul: she need not be called up
to shine even more. The result of the conference that will take place
tomorrow is not of the young chief's concern. His mind is elsewhere;
he wanders in the midst of the clouds guided by the wind to seek his
father."
The face of the old chief suddenly grew dark with these words; he
frowned his brow and answered after a while with an uncertain,
emotional voice:
"Is that thought still tormenting you, my son?"
"Still!" replied the young man with some animation; "Until the Cougar
has fulfilled his promise."
"Which promise is that, that my son reminds me of?"
"This, to reveal to me my father's name; because I never knew him as
a child; and because the warriors of my nation sadly turn their heads
when I ask them why he left from our midst so long ago."
"Yes, surely," replied the Cougar, "I did promise that to my son, but
he gave me another one, doesn't he remember?"
"Yes, my father; forgive me, I do remember, but my father is good, and
will be tolerant toward a young man and pardon an impatience that only
comes forth from his childish love."
"My son is not only one of the most feared warriors of his nation, but
also one of the most renown chiefs; he must be the example of patience
for all. It will seal his mouth better, if I don't disclose the secret;
to learn that when he is so impatient the men will follow him therein,
to give him this and this only thought; it is: to see him once happy."
After he had spoken these words in a tone both stern and moved, the old
chief wrapped his poncho around him, stretched himself on the ground
and closed his eyes.
Gueyma gave him a glance with a mixture of indescribable anger,
reverence and despondency; then he sighed deeply, and let his head
sink to his chest, overwhelmed by sleep. He lay down beside his fellow
tribesmen. Soon there were no more people awake in the whole of the
Indian encampment, except for the sentinels appointed to watch over the
common safety.
CHAPTER V.
THE TREATY
The night was calm; nothing disturbed its peaceful and majestic
tranquillity. The guardsmen kept watch with a conscientious alertness
over the repose of their kinsmen, which is not very often the case
among the Indians.
At about half past four in the morning, the darkness gradually began to
give way to the still faint glow of the first daylight; the sky painted
itself with broad strokes of changing colours, which at last blended
into a brilliant red, and the sun appeared rising above the horizon as
if it had come from a furnace, suddenly illuminating the heavens with
its resplendent rays, which resembled flakes of fire.
In the desert the first hours of the morning are the sweetest and the
most splendid of the day.
Nature, on awaking calm and refreshed, appears during the darkness to
have resumed all her powers. The freshened foliage is pearled with dew;
a light and transparent mist rises from the ground, and is speedily
absorbed by the sun; a fresh breeze ripples the silvery surface of the
rivers and the lakes, agitates the branches of the trees, and sends a
quivering through the tall grass, from the midst of which rise every
now and then the heads of affrightened oxen, wild horses, deer, or
gazelles; while the birds, joyously clapping their wings, make their
morning toilet, or fly about with cries and twitterings of pleasure.
The Indians are not generally heavy sleepers; so the sun had scarcely
appeared above the horizon than they all awoke and proceeded to dress,
washing themselves every day; for the Guaycurus, contrary to other
American tribes, number among their characteristics that of strict
cleanliness, and even have a kind of coquetry in the arrangement of
their picturesque clothing.
At the voice of Cougar, they united in a semicircle, their eyes turned
towards the rising sun, and addressed a fervent prayer to the radiant
orb of day--not that they look upon it as positively a god, but because
it is, according to their belief, the visible representative of the
invisible Divinity, and the great dispenser of benefits.
We have remarked with astonishment this worship rendered to the sun in
all the countries of America, as well in the south as in the north, and
which, although varied in form, is everywhere in substance the same in
all the indigenous tribes. Moreover, this natural religion must be more
easily understood by primitive races, who thus render homage to what
the more forcibly strikes their eyes than their senses.
This pious duty accomplished, the warriors arose, and immediately
shared the labours of the camp.
Some led the horses to water; others rubbed them down carefully; some
went to cut wood, in order to rekindle the smouldering fires, whilst
some five or six chosen warriors, leaping on their barebacked horses,
started off into the savannah, to procure by hunting the necessary
provisions for their breakfast, and that of their companions.
In a few minutes the camp offered a most animated picture; for just
as the Indians are idle and careless when their wives, to whom they
abandon all the domestic work, are with them, so they are active and
alert in their war expeditions, during which they cannot claim their
wives' assistance.
The Brazilian officers, awakened by the noise and movements which were
being made around them, came out from the canopy under which they
had passed the night, and proceeded gaily to mix among the groups of
Indians, having themselves also to tend their horses, and to see that
nothing had occurred to them during the night.
The Guaycurus received them in the most cordial way, laughing and
talking with them, affably inquiring if they had well slept, and if
they were completely recovered from their fatigue of the previous day.
Soon all was in order in the camp; the horses which had been led to
water were again attached to pickets, with a good supply of fresh
grass; the huntsmen returned loaded with game; and the morning meal,
prepared in all haste, was soon served to the guests on large banana
and palm leaves, which served for plates and dishes.
Immediately after breakfast, the Cougar--after having conversed
some minutes with Gueyma, who, although the principal chief of the
detachment, appeared only to act under his counsel--dispatched several
scouts in different directions.
"Your friends are late in arriving," said he to the Brazilian officers;
"perhaps something has occurred to hinder them. These men are charged
to ascertain the state of affairs, and to announce to us their
approach."
The officers bowed as a sign of assent; they had nothing to reply to
this observation, especially as they themselves began to be uneasy at
the delay of the persons expected.
Several hours thus passed. The Guaycurus warriors talked among
themselves, smoked, or fished from the banks of the Rio Bermejo; but no
Indian wandered far from the camp, in the midst of which was raised, as
a standard, the long lance of Gueyma planted in the ground, and having
floating at its summit a white banner made with a handkerchief borrowed
from the officer.
About eleven in the morning the sentinels signalled the appearance of
two troops coming from two opposite directions, but both riding towards
the camp.
The Guaycurus chief dispatched two warriors towards these troops.
The latter returned in a very few minutes.
They had recognised the strangers. The first were Macobis, the others
Trentones.
But almost immediately appeared a third troop, then a fourth, then a
fifth, and at last a sixth.
Scouts were immediately dispatched to meet them, and they were not long
in returning, announcing that they were detachments of Chiriguanos,
Langoas, Abipones, and Payagoas.
"_Epoï!_" answered the Cougar, at each announcement which was made to
him; "The warriors will camp at the foot of the hill; the chiefs will
come up near us."
The scouts then set off at full speed, and proceeded to communicate to
the captains of the different detachments the orders of their chief.
Arrived at a certain distance from the bank, on the summit of which
the camp of the Guaycurus was established, the Indian detachments
stopped, uttered their war cry with a resounding voice, and, after
having executed certain evolutions, making their horses caracole, they
proceeded to establish themselves at the points which had been assigned
to them.
The chiefs of their detachments, followed each by two warriors more
particularly attached to their persons, ascended the hill at a gallop
and entered the camp, where they were received in the most cordial
way by the Guaycurus chiefs, who were mounted on horseback, and had
advanced some paces to meet them.
After a rather long interchange of compliments, in which all the
minute exigencies of Indian etiquette were studied, the chiefs
proceeded together towards the council fire, where all sat down without
distinction of, place or rank.
There was then perfect silence in the assembly. The slaves gave to each
some tobacco rolled in palm leaves, and sent round the _maté_ that the
chiefs drank slowly and religiously, according to custom.
When the cup had passed from hand to hand, and when the last puff of
smoke had been drawn from the rolls of tobacco, Gueyma made a gesture
with his hand to claim attention--
"Allied captains of the powerful and invincible tribe of the
Guaycurus," said he, "I am happy to see you here, and at the readiness
you have shown in coming at the invitation of the members of the
supreme council of our tribe. The reason for this extraordinary
assembly is extremely important; you will soon learn it. It is not for
me, and I should fail in my duty as a faithful ally, if I tried on this
occasion to influence your ultimate determination, which your interests
alone must of course decide. Let it suffice, at present, to know that
your friends the Guaycurus have thought it right only to act in this
affair with your consent, and the assistance of your counsel."
A Payagoa chief, aged and of respectable aspect, bowed and answered--
"Captain of the Guaycurus, although still very young, you unite in
yourself the prudent circumspection of the agouti with the fervid
courage of the jaguar. The words that you utter are inspired by the
Great Spirit. In the name of the captains here present, I thank you
for the latitude you give us in leaving us entire freedom as to our
determinations. We shall, you may be convinced, know how to distinguish
the true from the false in this affair; that we are now ignorant of,
and, availing ourselves of your wisdom, conclude it according to the
laws of justice, while we conform to the interests of the tribes of
which we are the representatives."
The other chiefs then bowed, and each in his turn, with his hand placed
on his heart, pronounced these words--
"Emavidi Chaïme, the great captain of the Payagoas, has spoken as a
prudent man; wisdom is in him."
At this moment one of the sentinels signalled the approach of a
numerous troop, shown by a thick cloud of dust which rose on the
horizon.
"Here are those with whom we shall now confer," said Gueyma. "To horse,
brothers! And let us go to meet them, to do them honour, for they come
as friends, which has permitted them to come safe and sound upon our
territory."
The captains immediately rose and mounted their horses, that their
slaves held by the hand behind them.
Gueyma and the Cougar put themselves at their head; the troop, composed
of some fifteen chiefs, all chosen horsemen and warriors, renowned
in their tribes, rode like a hurricane from the top to the bottom of
the hill, and darted at full speed through the plain, raising in its
passage thick clouds of greyish dust, in the midst of which it was not
long in disappearing completely.
Meanwhile the newcomers rapidly approached, although with some
circumspection, demanded by the rules of strict prudence.
The troop was composed but of ten horsemen, of whom two were Indians,
and appeared to act as guides to those who followed them.
The latter were whites--Brazilians--as was easy to discover by their
costume.
He who rode at the head of the little troop was a man of some fifty
years. With noble and haughty features, and refined and elegant
manners, he wore the rich gold-embroidered uniform of a general.
Although he sat upright and firmly on his horse, and his full black eye
seemed to flash with all the fire of youth, nevertheless, his greyish
hair, and the deep wrinkles of his forehead, added to the careworn and
pensive expression of his countenance, gave proof of a life which had
been much tried, either by passions or the chances of continual war.
The horseman who was at his side wore the costume of a captain, and the
insignia of an aide-de-camp; he was about twenty-three or twenty-four.
He had a proud eye and noble and regular features; his countenance
indicated bravery; and an expression of bantering carelessness gave to
it an undefinable air of knowing confidence.
The six other horsemen were dressed in the costume of soldiers of the
Conquista; one of the two bore the insignia of a sub-officer.
As to the Indians, who probably acted as guides to, the troop, they did
not carry any apparent arms, but thanks to the war dress and by the
feather planted in the bright red band which circled their forehead, it
was easy to recognise them as Guaycurus chiefs.
Both--warriors of a certain age, and of sombre and reserved
appearance--galloped silently side by side, their eyes obstinately
fixed in front, and not appearing in any way to occupy themselves with
the Brazilians, who came a few paces after them.
As they rode, the two officers talked with a freedom which, considering
the difference of grade, showed a certain intimacy between them, or at
least a long acquaintance.
"Here we are at last, arrived at the Bosquecillo," said the captain,
casting a curious look around him, "and this river is the Rio Bermejo,
which we have been obliged twice already to cross. Upon my word--
saving the respect that I owe you, general--I am happy to see at last
this mysterious territory, which these brutes of Indians guard with
such jealous mistrust."
"Hush! Don Paulo," answered the general, placing a finger on his lips,
"do not speak so loud; our guides can hear you."
"Bah! Do you think so, general? At this distance?"
"I know the sharpness of ear of these fellows, my dear Don Paulo; take
my advice; be prudent."
"I will follow your counsel, general--especially as, according to what
you tell me, you have had some experience of these Indians."
"Yes," answered the general, with a suppressed sigh; "I had something
to do with them on a terrible occasion; and although long years have
flown since then, the memory of it is always present to my thoughts.
But let us quit that subject, and speak of the occasion which brings
us today in these parts. I do not conceal from you, my friend, that,
honourable as may be the mission which has been confided to me by the
Government, I consider it extremely difficult, and as presenting very
few chances of success."
"Is that really your opinion, general?"
"Certainly. I should not wish to speak diplomatically with you."
"Do you fear treachery on the part of these Indians?"
"Who knows? However, as far as I know of the manners of the tribe with
which we have especially to do, I feel assured that all will be done
honourably."
"Hum! Do you know, general, that our friends would be in a terrible
position if the fancy seized these Indians to violate the right of
nations? For--pardon me, general, for saying so--it appears to me that
if our guides should have the desire to leave us in the lurch, nothing
would be more easy for them, and then, what hostages--when they had
gone--would answer for the lives of our companions?"
"What you say is very true; unhappily, I have not been able to take
any other measures. I ought, in the interest even of our companions,
to leave these Indians free, and to treat them honourably; their
disposition is very gloomy; they do not pardon what they believe to be
an insult. Moreover, one thing reassures me; it is, that if they had
the intention of betraying us, they would not have waited until this
moment to do so; a long time ago they would have abandoned us."
"That is true; and in fact, if I am not deceived, here we are at the
rendezvous."
"Or at least we shall arrive there before half an hour."
"Our guides have, without doubt, perceived something now, general; for
you see they have stopped, and are turning towards us, as if they had a
communication to make to you."
"Let us rejoin them, then, as soon as possible," answered the general,
spurring his horse, which set off at a gallop.
The two Indians had indeed stopped to await the Brazilians. When
the general had reached them he ranged his horse near theirs, and
immediately addressing them--
"Well, captains," said he to them, in a cheerful voice, "what has
happened that you stop thus short in the middle of the path?"
"My brother and I have stopped," sententiously replied the elder of the
two chiefs, "because the captains come to meet the palefaces, to do
them the honour which is their due in their quality of ambassadors."
"We have then just reached the place?"
"Look," pursued the chief, stretching out his arms towards the hill,
which was distant at the most a mile from the spot where they were.
"Ah! Ah! So I was not deceived; this hill is indeed the Rincón del
Bosquecillo?"
"That is the name which the palefaces call it."
"Very well, I am charmed to know it with certainty. You say then,
chief, that the captains are coming to meet us?"
"You see that dust?" resumed the Indian; "It is raised by the hasty
feet of the captains' horses."
"If it is so, captain, I shall be obliged to you, captain, to inform me
what I ought to do."
"Nothing. Wait and respond to the friendly reception of the captains
when they arrive."
"That is what I will do with pleasure. By the way, I avail myself of
the opportunity of thanking you personally, captain, for the honour
with which your companion and you have guided us hitherto."
"We have accomplished our duty; the pale chief; does not owe us any
thanks."
"However, captain, honour compels me to acknowledge the loyalty with
which you have acquitted yourselves of this duty."
"Tarou Niom and his brother I-me-oh-eh are Guaycurus captains;
treachery is unknown to them."
At the first name pronounced by the Indian chief the general had
imperceptibly started, and his black eyebrows were for a moment knitted.
"The name of my father is Tarou Niom?" asked he, as if he had wished to
know it for certain.
"Yes," laconically answered the Indian; and he added, after a short
pause, "these are the captains."
In fact, almost immediately the tall grass appeared to divide, trodden
down by several horses, and the Indians appeared.
"The palefaces are welcome on the hunting grounds of the Guaycurus,"
said Gueyma, after he had gracefully bowed to the general; "the
warriors of my tribe and of the allied tribes are happy to see them
amongst them."
"I thank the captains for their kind words," answered the general,
"and especially for the distinction with which the allies honour me in
coming thus to meet me. I am ready to follow the captains to the place
whither they please to conduct me."
After some other commonplace politeness, the two troops, blended into
one, resumed the direction of the hill.
A few minutes afterwards the Brazilian officers, escorted by the Indian
chiefs, reached the summit of the hill, where they were received with
marks of the most lively joy by their countrymen.
As soon as they had reached the camp, Gueyma stopped his horse, and,
placing his right hand on the shoulder of one of the two officers, who
had come forward to meet the newcomers, he turned towards the general--
"Here are the two hostages confided by the palefaces to the Guaycurus
captains; these men have been treated by us as brothers."
"Indeed," answered immediately one of the two officers, "we hasten to
state that we have only to praise the conduct pursued towards us, and
the attentions of which we have been the object."
"I think," said the general, "that the two Guaycurus captains confided
to our keeping, to answer for the safety of our hostages, have not had
to complain of the manner in which they have been treated by us."
"The palefaces have acted honourably towards the Guaycurus warriors,"
answered Tarou Niom, bowing to the general.
After some few words the Brazilians were ceremoniously conducted before
the council fire, where a felled tree had been prepared to serve them
for a seat.
The general took his seat, having his officers at his side, while the
soldiers silently ranged themselves behind.
The Guaycurus chiefs and the captains of the other allied nations
crouched on their heels in the Indian fashion, in face of the whites,
from whom they were only separated by the fire. The rolled tobacco
and the cigars were lighted, then the _maté_ was presented to the
Brazilians, and the council commenced.
"We beg," said Gueyma, "the great captain of the palefaces to repeat,
as it has been agreed before the captains of the allied tribes, the
propositions that he addressed to us on the Salto Grande, where we met
at his request. These propositions, communicated by us to the allied
captains, have been, I ought to state, well received by them; however,
before engaging themselves definitely, and contracting an offensive
alliance with the palefaces here assembled, against other men of the
same colour, the captains wish to be assured that these conditions will
be strictly and honourably executed by the whites, and that the red
warriors will not afterwards have to repent having opened a complacent
ear to perfidious counsels. Let my father speak, then the chiefs will
hear him with great attention."
The general bowed, and after having looked attentively on the crowd
which, so to speak, hung upon his lips, he rose, leant carelessly on
the handle of his sabre, and commenced in Portuguese--a language that
the greater part of the chiefs spoke with case, and which they all
understood.
"Captains of the great allied tribes," said he, "your white
grandfather, the powerful monarch that I have the honour to represent,
has heard your complaints; the tale of your misfortunes has moved
his heart, always good and compassionate, and he has resolved to put
an end to the disgraceful vexations of which, for so many years, the
Spaniards have made you the victims; therefore, he has sent me to you
to communicate his benevolent intentions. Listen, then, to my words;
for although it is my mouth that pronounces them, they are in reality
the expression of the sentiments of your white grandfather."
A murmur of pleasure received this first part of the general's
discourse. When silence was re-established, he continued--
"The Spaniards," pursued he, "in contempt of treaties and of justice,
not content with oppressing you--you, the true possessors of the
soil we tread--have traitorously seized on large, rich, and fertile
territories, belonging for a very long time to the powerful monarch, my
master. These territories he means to recover by force of arms. Since
the perfidious Spaniards continually break, in the most dishonourable
way, the treaties concluded with them, my sovereign, seizing the
opportunity which presents itself, to render you that justice to which,
as his children, you have a right, takes your cause in hand, makes
it his own, and will protect you in everything. He engages that the
hunting grounds which have been so unjustly taken from you shall be
restored, and he also engages that not only your liberty, but your
life, your flocks--in fact, all that you possess--shall be respected.
But it is just, captains, that you should show yourselves grateful for
the aid that my sovereign deigns to accord you, and that you will be as
faithful towards him as he is towards you. This is what, through me,
the powerful sovereign whom I represent demands of you: you shall arm
your chosen warriors, of whom you shall form detachments of horsemen
under the orders of experienced captains. These detachments shall
abandon the Llano de Manso--or, as you call your territory, the valley
of Japizlaga; at a signal given by us, and from several points at the
same time, they will invade the provinces of Tucuman and Cordova, so as
to effect their junction with the Indians of the Pampas, and to harass
the Spaniards, to whatever faction they belong, and wherever they may
be met with, only attacking isolated parties, and acting as pioneers
and scouts, to the troops which the king, my master, will, under my
orders, and those of the other chiefs, send into the enemy's territory.
The war ended, all the promises made through this _quipu_," added he,
throwing into the midst of the assembly a stick split halfway up, and
garnished with cords of several colours in the form of chaplets, having
seeds, shells, and flints strung upon it, and separated by knots tied
in various ways, "their promises, I say, shall be strictly kept. Now, I
have given my _quipu_ thirty mules, loaded with lassos, bolas, ponchos,
frazadas, bits for the horses, knives, &c., wait at the entrance of the
llano, under the care of some soldiers. If you please, you can share
among yourselves the treasures that the king, my master, deigns to
present to you. On my return, if my propositions are accepted, I will
give the order that all shall be given to you. I await, then, the reply
through your _quipu_, persuaded that you will not falsify the word
given, and that the king, my master, shall be able confidently to rely
on your loyal assistance."
Warm applause followed the general's speech, and he sat down again with
the most unequivocal manifestations of sympathy.
The slaves again sent round the _maté_, and the Indian captains
commenced to converse among themselves, although in a low voice, and in
a language incomprehensible to the Europeans.
We will here draw the reader's attention to a peculiarity that we have
only met with in these regions, and especially among the Guaycurus.
The men and the women have a language which presents striking
differences; moreover, when they discuss diplomatic questions before
the envoys of a foreign nation--as occurred at the present time--they
produce by the contraction of the lips a hissing which has received
among them certain recognised modifications, and which has thus become
a distinct language.
Nothing is more curious than to be present at a serious deliberation,
hissed in this way by the orators, with modulations and graces, which
are really remarkable, and which produce a strange and mysterious
effect.
The general talked in a low voice with his officers, sipping his
_maté_, while the captains in turn discussed his propositions, as he
conjectured, at least; for it was impossible for him to understand
anything, or even to seize a single word in the midst of this continual
hissing and chirping.
At last Gueyma rose, and after having claimed silence by a majestic
gesture, he replied to the general in Portuguese--
"The captains," said he, "have listened to the words of the grand
captain of the palefaces with all the attention they deserve; they have
considered attentively the propositions which he has been charged to
make to them. These propositions the captains find just and equitable;
they accept them, begging the captain of the palefaces to thank their
white grandfather, and to assure him of the respect and devotion of
his children of the desert. From the twelfth sun after today the war
detachments of the allied tribes will be ready, at the first signal,
to invade the enemy's frontiers. I have said it; there is my _quipu;_
a troop of warriors shall accompany my father, the captain, to do him
honour, and bring back the presents intended for the chiefs of the
allied tribes."
After these words he sat down, and threw in his _quipu_--a movement
which was imitated by the other chiefs.
The general thanked the council, requested his aide-de-camp to gather
up the _quipus;_ and the treaty was thus concluded.
An hour later the Brazilians, to whom the hostages had been given up,
left the Rincón del Bosquecillo in company with a detachment of chosen
warriors, and again took the road to the plantations, after having
derided, with Gueyma, Tarou Niom, and the principal captains, upon
supplementary measures for the success of the projected invasion, and
upon the means to be employed for the Brazilians and the Indians, under
all circumstances, to communicate with each other.
CHAPTER III.
THE COUGAR.
About a month had passed since the conclusion of the treaty between
the Brazilians, the Guaycurus, and their allies of the Rincón del
Bosquecillo. At the foot of a steep mountain, surrounded by ridges
and ravines, the rugged soil of which was covered with a thick forest
of oaks, a numerous troop of horsemen was camped at the entrance of a
canyon--the dry bed of a torrent--the soil of which was covered with
stones rounded and smoothed by the action of the water, which was at
this moment exhausted.
This troop, composed of some 250 or 300 men at the most, wore the
characteristic costume of Guaycurus Indians.
It was evening. The camp, firmly established and watched over by active
sentinels, was, by its position, completely sheltered from attack.
The warriors were sleeping, lying before the fires, enveloped in their
ponchos, their arms placed within reach of their hands, so as to be
ready to make use of them at the least alarm.
A little behind the camp, on the flank of the mountain, the horses were
feeding on the grass, and the young shoots of trees, carefully tended
by six Indians, well armed.
Two men, seated before a half extinguished fire, having each a carbine
placed near him on the grass, were talking and smoking, and every now
and then sipping their _maté_.
These two men were Gueyma and the Cougar; the troop was placed under
their immediate orders. It was composed of the youngest, the most
vigorous, and most renowned warriors of the tribe.
From the time when, at the signal given by the Brazilian Government,
this troop had crossed the Spanish frontier, and had--like a flight of
birds of prey--fallen on the enemy's territory, terror had accompanied
it; murder, incendiarism, and pillage had preceded it; behind it,
it had left only ruins and corpses; in its presence fear chilled
the courage of the inhabitants, and made them abandon as rapidly as
possible their poor ranchos, to fly from the cruelty of these barbarous
Guaycurus, who spared neither women, children, nor old men, and who
appeared to have taken an oath to change into a desert the rich and
fertile fields, in the midst of which they traced a furrow of blood.
They had thus traversed, like a devastating hurricane the greater part
of the province, and had reached the Rio Quinto, not far from which
they were camped, on the environs of a little town named Aquadita, a
miserable place, the inhabitants of which had taken flight, abandoning
all they possessed at the news of the approach of the Guaycurus.
The treaty concluded between the Brazilians and the Indians could not
have been more advantageous to the former, for this reason: from the
discovery of America, the Portuguese and the Spaniards continually
disputed possession of the New World. Placed side by side in Brazil and
Buenos Aires, they could not long remain without making war.
When the family of Braganza was obliged to abandon Portugal, to take
refuge in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil became the real centre of Portuguese
power, and the king contemplated aggrandising his empire, and of adding
to it what, in some respects, he reasonably considered his natural
frontiers--the Banda Oriental, and the course of the Rio de la Plata.
The war lasted a long time, with alternations of success and disaster
on both sides. England offered her mediation, and peace was on the
point of being concluded; but, at the epoch we are dealing with, the
Brazilian Portuguese, profiting by the troubles which desolated the
Rio de la Plata, and especially the Banda Oriental, abruptly broke the
negotiations, called out an army of 10,000 men, under the orders of
General Lecor, and invaded the province--the lasting object of their
covetousness--skilfully making their movements cooperate with those
of the Indian bravos, with whom they were leagued, and who themselves
rushing from their deserts with the fury of wild beasts, had invaded
the Spanish territory from the rear, and had thus placed them between
two fires.
The picture presented at this time by the insurgent provinces was one
of the saddest that could be offered as a warning to the wisdom of
governors, and the good sense of peoples.
The ancient vice-royalty of Buenos Aires, previously so rich and
flourishing, had become a vast desert, its towns heaps of cinders;
all its territory was but a vast battlefield, where were incessantly
contending armies fighting each for its own interests, drowning
patriotism, in streams of blood, and replacing it by private ambition.
The Brazilian Portuguese, rendered stronger by the weakness of their
enemies, had, almost without striking a blow, occupied the principal
strategic points of the Banda Oriental. The gaining of two battles
would render them masters of the remainder, and make this province fall
into their hands.
Such was the situation of the country at the moment when we resume our
narrative, which we have been obliged to interrupt, to put the reader
in possession of these facts, indispensable to the understanding of
those which follow.
The night was dark; the moon, veiled with clouds, only shed at
intervals a pale and trembling light, which impressed a stamp of
sadness on the features of the landscape; the wind sighed gloomily
through the branches of the trees. The two chiefs, seated side by side,
were talking in a low voice, as if they feared that their companions,
stretched near them, might hear their conversation. At the moment we
place them on the scene, Gueyma was speaking with some animation, while
his companion, listening attentively to what was said, only heard
it with an ironical smile, which raised the corers of his slender
lips, and gave an expression of sarcasm to his fine and intelligent
countenance.
"I repeat it, Cougar," said the young man, "affairs cannot go on like
this; we must return, and that not later than tomorrow, on the day
after at furthest. Do you know that we are now more than 150 leagues
from Rio Bermejo, and from the Llano de Manso?"
"I know it," coldly answered the old chief.
"Look you, my friend," pursued the young man, with impatience, "you
will finish by putting me in a rage, with your provoking impassibility."
"What would you like me to answer you?"
"How should I know? Give me an opinion--advice; tell me something, in
fact. The situation is grave, even critical, for us and our warriors.
We have set out on an adventure, like a herd of wild bulls, destroying
and scattering everything on our passage, and now, here we are, after
a devious and aimless journey, brought to a stand at the foot of the
mountains, in a country that we do not know, separated from friends and
allies that might have aided us, and surrounded by enemies who, on the
first opportunity, will, no doubt, assail us on all sides at once."
"That is true," observed the Cougar, bowing his head affirmatively.
"Observe," pursued Gueyma, with increasing animation, "that I do not
address to you any reproach, my friend; but several times I have wished
to retreat, but each time you have opposed yourself to it, and have
induced me to continue to go forward. Is not that true?"
"It is true, I admit it."
"Ah! You admit it--very well; but you have probably had some design in
acting thus?"
"I have always a design, Gueyma; do you not know that?"
"I know it, indeed, for your wisdom is great; but I should like to know
this design."
"It is not yet time, my friend."
"That is always what you say. However, our position becomes
intolerable. What is to be done? What is to become of us?"
"Still to push on in advance."
"But to go where? To do what?"
"When the moment arrives I will instruct you."
"Come, I give up any further discussion with you, Cougar. It is playing
with myself to try and oppose you when you have made up your mind.
Only, as I shall afterwards have to render an account of my conduct
to the great chiefs of my nation, if I escape safe and sound from the
dangers which threaten us, and as; I do not wish to take upon myself
the responsibility of the events which, no doubt, will soon transpire,
I have a request to make."
"What is it, my friend?"
"It is, at break of day, to convene the council, to explain frankly to
the warriors the precarious situation in which we are placed, and your
firm determination to push forward, whatever happens."
"You wish it, Gueyma?"
"No, my friend, I desire it."
"The one is as good as the other; no matter, you shall be satisfied."
"Thank you, my friend; I see in this your habitual honour."
"In this only?" said the old man, with a sad smile.
The young man turned his head without answering.
"Cougar," he resumed, after a pause, "the night advances; we have
nothing more to say; with your permission I will go to sleep, I am
not made of granite, like you--I am horribly fatigued; I want to get
strength for tomorrow, which, no doubt, will bring rough work."
"Sleep, Gueyma, and may the Great Spirit give you calm repose."
"Thank you my friend; but you--are you not going to sleep also?"
"No, I must watch moreover, I intend to profit by the darkness to try a
reconnaissance about the camp."
"Would you me to accompany you, my friend?" briskly asked the young
chief.
"It would be useless; sleep. I shall be equal to the task I have set
myself."
"Do as you like, then, my friend; I do not say any more."
Gueyma then carefully wrapped himself in his poncho, stretched himself
comfortably before the fire, closed his eyes, and some minutes
afterwards he was sunk in profound sleep.
The Cougar had not changed his position; crouched before the fire, his
head reclining on his breast, he was reflecting.
The Indian thus remained for a considerable time--so motionless, that,
from a distance, he rather resembled one of those idols of the East
Indies, than a man of flesh and blood.
At last, after about an hour, probably passed in serious meditation, he
gently raised his head, and looked anxiously around him.
A death-like silence pervaded the camp; the warriors were all sleeping,
with the exception of a few sentinels, placed behind the entrenchments,
to watch over the general safety. The Cougar rose, tightened his
girdle, seized his carbine, and proceeded slowly towards the spot where
the horses were feeding.
Having reached this spot, he gave a light whistle. Almost immediately a
horse came out of the group, and rubbed his head against the shoulder
of the chief.
The latter, after having patted him with his hand, put a bridle on him,
and, without making use of the stirrup, bounded into the saddle, after
having tightened the girth, relaxed for the horse to feed more easily.
The sentinels, although they noticed the various movements of the
chief, did not address to him the least observation, and he left the
camp without anyone appearing to notice his departure.
The warriors had for a long time been accustomed to these nocturnal
absences of their chief, who, from the commencement of the expedition,
set out thus nearly every night from the camp, without doubt to go on a
discovery, and always remained several hours away.
The Cougar had set out from the camp slowly; he preserved the same pace
while he thought he was in view of the sentinels, but as soon as a
ridge of ground had concealed his movements, he loosed the bridle gave
a slight click with his tongue, and the horse immediately setting off
at full speed, ran with extraordinary velocity in a right line without
concerning himself with obstacles which were met with on the route, and
which he escaped with great agility without slackening his course.
He galloped thus for about an hour and a half, and reached the bank of
rather a broad river, whose waters, like a silver ribbon, contrasted
strongly with the dark shapes of the landscape.
Having reached the banks of the river, the chief threw the bridle on
the neck of his horse.
The intelligent animal sniffed at the river for some time, and then he
boldly entered and forded it, scarcely becoming wet up to the chest.
Immediately when he was on the other bank, the horse set out again at a
gallop, but this time its course was short, lasting only a quarter of
an hour or twenty minutes.
The spot where the chief went to was an immense and desolate plain,
where there were but ragged shrubs, and in which, here and there, were
rather high hillocks of a blackish sand.
It was at the foot of one of these hillocks that the chief stopped.
He immediately alighted, rubbed down his horse carefully, covered him
with his poncho, to prevent his chilling after the violent exercise to
which he had been for so long a time subject, and, throwing the bridle
on his neck, he left him free to browse, if he liked, on the scanty and
withered grass of the savannah.
This accomplished, the chief put his hands to his mouth, and three
distinct times, at equal intervals, he imitated the cry of the screech
owl of the Pampas.
Two or three minutes passed. The same cry was repeated three times at a
considerable distance, and then the precipitate gallop of a horse was
heard.
The chief hid himself as well as he could behind the hillock, loaded
his carbine, and waited.
Soon he perceived the outline of a horseman emerging from the darkness,
and rapidly approaching the place where he was.
Having come a certain distance, the horseman, in place of continuing to
advance, stopped short, and the cry of the screech owl again broke upon
the silence of night.
The Cougar repeated his signal; the horseman, if he had only waited for
this answer, immediately resumed his gallop, and soon found himself
within pistol shot of the Indian.
A second time he stopped, and the sound of a gun being loaded was heard.
"Who goes there?" cried a firm voice, in Spanish.
"A friend of the desert," immediately answered the chief.
"What hour is it?" pursued the unknown.
"The hour of vengeance," again said the chief.
These passwords exchanged, the two men put up their guns, and advanced
towards each other with the utmost confidence.
They recognised each other.
The stranger immediately alighted, and grasped cordially, as that of an
old friend, the hand which the chief held out to him.
The unknown was a white. He wore the elegant and picturesque costume of
the gauchos of the Pampas of Buenos Aires.
"I have waited a long time for you, chief," said the stranger. "Has
anything happened to prevent your coming?"
"Nothing," replied the latter; "only the camp is far off; I have been
obliged, before setting out, to wait till my companion was decidedly
asleep."
"He still knows nothing?"
"Is it not agreed between us?"
"Just so; but as you have, you say, the greatest confidence in him, I
thought that perhaps you might think fit to tell him."
"I have not wished to do anything Without informing you--so much the
more as he is a chosen warrior, a chief of acknowledged wisdom, and,
more than all, a man of honour under all circumstances. I have not
liked to risk taking him into confidence on so serious a matter without
having in hand the certain proofs of the treason of the general."
"These proofs I bring in my _alforjas_;[1] I will give them to you. It
is important for the success of our project that Gueyma be informed of
it. Otherwise, when the moment had come to strike the grand blow--and
that will not be long--he would doubtless counteract our plans, and
cause them to fail."
"You are right; I will tell him all immediately on my arrival at the
camp."
"Very well, I count upon you."
"Make yourself easy on that head; now, what must we do?"
"Continue to go on in the same direction."
"I thought so; My companion begins to be uneasy at seeing me thus
pushing forward in an unknown country."
"When you have informed him he will make no more difficulties."
"That is true but is this journey to last much longer?"
"Watch with care your approaches, for tomorrow we shall probably meet."
"_Epoï!_ You will not fail us at the critical moment?"
"Trust to me; I have given you my word. Our movements will be so
planned that both will act at once--the one in advance, the other in
arrear; they will be taken as by the throw of a net. If we give them
time to recognise us they will escape, so skilful are they. I cannot,
therefore, too much urge you to act with the greatest circumspection."
"In your turn, trust in me, Don Zeno. If I your word, you have mine."
"I trust you, then."
"You remember our agreement?"
"Certainly."
"And you will act accordingly?"
"Blindly, although--permit me to tell you--I do not understand your
demand."
"One day you will understand me, and then, take my word for it, Don
Zeno, you will thank me."
"Be it so; as you like, Diogo, you are an undecipherable man, and
wrapped in mystery; I give up your explaining yourself."
"And you are right," answered the chief, laughing; "for you would lose
your time and your pains; only remember, Don Zeno, that, white or red,
you have not a better friend than I am."
"Of that I am convinced, Diogo; however, I avow that I am very much
concerned on your account. If some day you tell me your history, I
expect to hear marvellous things."
"And terrible things also, Don Zeno. This history, if you will have
patience for some time longer, I promise to tell you; it will interest
you much more than you think."
"It is possible; but, meanwhile, let us think of the affair we have in
hand."
"Leave that to me; I must quit you."
"Already! We have scarcely had time to exchange a few words."
"I have a long journey to make, you know."
"True; I will not retain you, then."
"And the proofs that you are to give me?"
"You shall have them in a moment."
"Of what do they consist?"
"In _quipus_, and especially in letters. You know how to read, do you
not?"
"Enough to decipher these papers."
"Then all is right; here is the affair," added he, drawing a rather
voluminous packet from his _alforjas_, and handing it to the Indian.
"Thank you," answered the latter; "thank you, and shall soon see you
again, eh?"
"Most probably we shall see one another again, even today."
"So much the better; I should be delighted if it were all over."
"And I also."
The two men once more shook hands. The gaucho remounted his horse, and
set off; he soon disappeared in the darkness.
The Cougar whistled to his horse, which came running at his call, and
he set off in the direction of the camp. His horse, refreshed by the
rest he had had during the conference of the two men, appeared to
annihilate space.
The Indian reflected. His ordinarily sombre countenance had a joyous
expression which was not natural to it. He pressed to his chest the
packet which the gaucho had given him, as if he feared it Would
escape him; and as he galloped he spoke to himself, and at times
allowed exclamations of pleasure to escape him, which would have much
astonished the warriors of his tribe, if they had heard him.
He made such haste that he re-entered the camp about two hours before
daybreak.
After having sent his horse among the others, he laid himself down
before a fire, taking care to wrap his precious packet in his poncho,
and to place it under his head, to be certain that it should not be
carried away then he closed his eyes, murmuring in a low voice, and
between his teeth--
"I have well earned two or three hours of repose and I think I shall
sleep well, for now I am content."
Indeed, five minutes later he slept as if he would never wake again.
However, at sunrise the Cougar was one of the first awake, and the
first up.
Gueyma, crouched near him, waited his awaking.
"Already up?" said the old chief to him.