"Brother," said Long-Scalp, appearing in the doorway, "two Spanish chiefs, followed by several lanceros have come to offer propositions of peace to the toqui of the twelve nations."
"General Don Pedro and Colonel Don Juan de Soto-Mayor," the Indian replied.
A smile of triumph played round the half-breed's lips.
"Does my brother, Tahi-Mari, consent to receive them?"
"Yes," Diego continued, assuming his Indian stoicism. "My brother will assemble the great chiefs around the council-fire, and I will come thither."
"The betrothed and the brother. They have arrived too late," Diego said, so soon as he was alone.
And he left the hut, in order to preside at the council. Inez was motionless on the couch of Tahi-Mari, the great chief of the Araucanos.
After wrapping himself carefully in his cloak, Leon pensively went along the streets leading to Crevel's inn. Diego's last words incessantly reverted to his mind, and he asked himself why the Indian had recommended him so eagerly to proceed to the posada. Another peculiarity, also, kept his mind on the rack; he had seen Diego take from the hands of the people waiting for him a large parcel which had all the appearance of a human body. He had also fancied that he heard a dull and plaintive groan from this bundle. "What could it be?" Leon asked himself in vain.
At length he reached the Calle San Agostino. The door of Crevel's inn was ajar, and a bright light illumined the interior. Leon went in. Crevel, seated at his bar, was talking in a low voice with Wilhelm, who, with his arms leaning on the chimney, was probably telling him some improper anecdotes, for the two men were laughing most heartily. The unforeseen arrival of the captain alone arrested the flow of their hilarity, and they exchanged a meaning glance which did not escape Leon.
"We were waiting for you, captain," Crevel answered.
"Thanks; but I would advise you to extinguish your lights, for people might be surprised at seeing them so late."
"Give me the key of the green room," Leon continued. "I need rest, and I will throw myself on the bed for an hour."
Crevel and Wilhelm looked at each other again, and winked in a most peculiar way.
"Oh, perfectly, captain," the landlord replied. "You can go up, the key is in the door."