"Listen to me in your turn, chief; we are henceforward bound to each other by our common interests. I am convinced that if we mutually aid each other, and support each other frankly and loyally, we shall obtain magnificent results."
"Good! my brother will explain his views."
"I will not beat about the bush; this is the treaty I propose to you: help me frankly in recovering the power I have lost--give me the means of avenging myself on my enemies, and I will abandon to you for ever, in full proprietorship, not only the entire province of Valdivia, but, still further, that of Concepción as far as Talca."
At this magnificent offer the countenance of Antinahuel did not betray the least trace of emotion.
"My brother," said he; "gives what is not his."
"That is true," the general replied, curtly; "but I shall have it if you assist me, and without me you will never have it."
The chief slightly knitted his brow; the general feigned not to perceive it, but continued--
"It is for you to take it or leave it, chief; time passes."
The matter being put to him so shortly, the Toqui reflected a minute, then turned towards the general.
"Who will guarantee the execution of my brother's promise?" he said, looking him full in the face.
"Let my brother name what guarantee he demands," said the general.
"A smile of undefinable expression curled Antinahuels lips. He made a sign to Black Stag, who rose and left the tent."
"Let my brother wait a moment," said the Toqui.
The general bowed without replying. At the end of a few minutes Black Stag returned, followed by an Araucano warrior bearing a kind of rickety table, hastily knocked together, of badly-jointed pieces of wood. Upon this table the Toqui silently placed paper, pens, and ink.
"The palefaces," he said, "possess much learning; they know more than we poor ignorant Indians do; my brother knows that. I have been among the whites, and have seen many of their customs; let my brother take this pen, and let him repeat to me there," he added, "what he has just said to me; then, as I shall keep his words, the wind will not be able to carry them away."
The general seized the pen, and dipped it in the ink.
"Since my brother mistrusts my words," he said, in a tone of pique, "I am ready to do what he desires."