"This: as soon as Don Tadeo has accomplished the duties of a good citizen, it is evident to all of us that he will resign immediately a power he has accepted quite against his will."
"What, then, will be his most anxious desire?"
"To set off in search of his daughter," said Louis.
"Granted; but there an impassable obstacle will rise."
"The want of a guide to conduct him to us."
"Fortunately," Valentine continued, "it is not yet too late. Don Tadeo requires to have with him a man entirely devoted to him, perfectly acquainted with the country we propose to search, who could follow us on our track."
"Well," Valentine resumed, "that man is Joan."
"That is true," the Indian observed, "I will be his guide."
"Joan will leave us, I will give him a letter which Louis will write, and in which I will inform Don Tadeo of the mission with which our friend is charged."
"Good," said Curumilla, "our friend thinks of everything; let Louis write the letter."
"Well," cried Valentine, "now I think of it, it is all the better that this idea did not occur to me before."
"Because poor Don Tadeo will be so happy to hear from us."
"Is it not? Well then, write the note, brother."
The count did not require to be told twice, but set to work immediately, Joan on his side.
"Brother," Valentine said to him on giving him the note, which the Indian concealed under the ribbon which bound his hair, "I have no instructions to give you; you are an experienced warrior."
"Has my brother nothing to say to me?" Joan replied, with a smile. "I leave my heart with you; I shall know where to find it again."
He bowed to his friends; then the brave Indian departed rapidly, bounding like a guanaco through the high grass.
"Brave fellow!" Valentine exclaimed, as he re-seated himself before the fire.
"He is a warrior," Trangoil-Lanec said proudly.
"Now, chief," continued the spahi, "suppose we have a little chat."
"Well, I will explain myself; the task we have undertaken is a difficult one! I would even add, it is impossible, if we had not you with us; Louis and I, notwithstanding our courage, would be obliged to renounce it; for in this country, the eyes of the white man, however good they may be, are powerless to direct him."
Trangoil-Lanec reflected for a few minutes, and then replied--