As soon as the Chilians had evacuated the rock, Antinahuel turned with an air of ill-humour towards General Bustamente.
"I have done as my brother desired," he said; "what more does he wish?"
"Nothing at present, chief, unless you, on your part, consent also to depart."
"My brother is right; we are no longer of any use."
"Absolutely none; but since, henceforward, we are free to act as we please, if agreeable to my brother we will go to the council lodge."
"Good!" the Toqui replied, following with a malevolent glance the last ranks of the Chilian soldiers.
The general placed his hand resolutely on his shoulder, at which the Toqui turned sharply round.
"What does the white chief want?" he asked.
"To tell you this, chief," the general replied, coolly; "of what consequence are thirty men, when you can immolate thousands? What you have done today is the height of policy. By sending away these soldiers, you appear to accept your defeat, and renounce, as feeling yourself too weak, all hopes of vengeance."
The brow of the chief expanded, and his look became less savage.
"Yes," he murmured, as if speaking to himself, "there is truth in what my brother says; in war we must often abandon a hen to obtain a horse afterwards. Let us go to the council lodge."
Antinahuel and the general, followed by Black Stag, returned to the toldo.
"That young man who presented himself here possesses a great heart," Antinahuel said, looking at Don Pancho; "my brother, doubtless knows him?"
"On my word no," the general remarked; "I saw him this morning for the first time; he is one of those vagabonds from Europe who come to rob us of our wealth."
"Yes; as we are naturally interested in a brave man. I should be happy to meet him again."
"Unfortunately," the general said, "that is not very probable."
"Who knows?" the chief observed in a pensive tone, "but let my brother listen; a Toqui is going to speak."
"Whilst that young man was here," Antinahuel resumed impassively, "I examined him attentively; when he did not think my brother was looking at him, he cast strange glances at him."
"I do not know him, I tell you, chief," the general replied; "and suppose he should be my enemy?"
"An enemy should never be despised," said Antinahuel; "the meanest are often the most dangerous. But let us return to the subject of our meeting: what are my brother's present intentions?"