"Of their projects?" Don Gregorio asked, "are they mad enough, then, to think of attacking us?"
"The pale woman has made Antinahuel swear to deliver her friend, who is a prisoner."
"Ay, ay!" said Don Gregorio, "but that project is more easily formed than executed, chief."
"The soldiers are obliged to traverse the Canyon del Rio Seco."
"It is there that Antinahuel will attack the palefaces with his mosotones."
"Sangre de Cristo!" Don Gregorio exclaimed, "What is to be done?"
"The escort will be defeated," Don Tadeo observed.
"Perhaps not!" said the count: "I know the chief; he is not the man to cause his friends embarrassment without having the means of showing them how to avoid the peril he reveals to them."
"Unfortunately," Don Tadeo replied, "there exists no other passage but that cursed defile; it must absolutely be cleared, and five hundred resolute men might not there only hold a whole army in check, but cut it to pieces."
"That may be all very true," the young man replied persistently; "but I repeat what I have said--the chief is a skilful warrior, his mind is fertile in resources."
"I was sure of it!" Louis cried. "Now then, chief, speak out! Do you not know a means of enabling us to avoid this dangerous passage?"
"I will not certify that," the Ulmen replied; "but if my brothers the palefaces will consent to allow me to act, I will undertake to foil the plans of Antinahuel and his companions."
"Speak! speak, chief!" the count exclaimed, vehemently; "explain to us the plan you have formed; these caballeros rely entirely upon you."
"Yes," Don Tadeo replied, "we are listening to you anxiously, chief."
"But," Curumilla resumed, "my brothers must act with caution. I require to be left absolute master."
"You have my word, Ulmen," said Don Gregorio; "we will only act as you command us."
"Good!" said the chief; "let my brothers listen."
And without more delay he detailed to them the plan he had formed, and which, as might be expected, obtained the general assent. Don Tadeo and the count entered enthusiastically into it, promising themselves the happiest results. By the time the last measures were agreed to and all was arranged the night was far advanced, and the four speakers stood in need of some repose. Curumilla in particular, having slept but little for several days, was literally sinking with fatigue. Louis alone appeared to require no repair for his strength. But prudence demanded that a few hours should be given to sleep, and, in spite of the counts remonstrances, they separated.