"That is understood," he cried to Valentine; then addressing the chief--"You see," he said, "my companions are of my opinion."
"What does my brother wish then?" Antinahuel demanded.
"Pardieu! simply to go away," the young man replied.
Antinahuel, Black Stag, and the general consulted for a moment; then Antinahuel said--"We agree to your terms; my young paleface brother is a great heart."
"That is well," the count replied; "you are a brave warrior, chief, and I thank you; but I have still one favour to ask you."
"Let my brother explain; if I can grant it I will," Antinahuel observed.
"Well!" the young man replied; "you yesterday took many prisoners--give them up to me."
"Those prisoners are free," the Toqui said with a forced smile; "they have already rejoined their brothers."
Louis now understood whence the unexpected increase of the garrison had come.
"I have nothing more to do, then, but to retire," he continued.
"Oh! your pardon! your pardon!" the senator exclaimed, "I was one of the prisoners!"
"That is true," Don Pancho observed; "what does my brother say?"
"Oh! let the man go," Antinahuel replied.
Don Ramón did not require this to be repeated; he followed the count closely. Louis bowed courteously to the chiefs, and regained the summit of the rock, where his companions awaited him with great anxiety.
A few hours later the gorge had fallen back again into its customary solitude, which was alone troubled at intervals by the flight of condors, or the terrified course of guanacos.
The Araucanos had faithfully observed the conditions of the treaty; and the Chilians quietly retired, without perceiving a single enemy's scout. They took the road to Valdivia. But it was night; the darkness which enveloped the earth confounded all objects, and rendered the march exceedingly painful. The tired horses advanced with difficulty, stumbling at every step. Valentine dreaded with reason, losing his way in the darkness; when they arrived, therefore, on the bank of a river, which he recognised as that which, a few days before, had been the spot where the treaties had been renewed, he halted and encamped for the night. Everyone rummaging in his alforjas, a species of large pockets, drew forth the charqui and harina tostada which were to comprise his supper. The repasts of men fatigued with a long journey are short, for sleep is their principal want. An hour later, with the exception of the sentinels, who watched over the common safety, all the soldiers were sleeping soundly. Seven men alone, seated round an immense fire, in the centre of the camp, were talking and smoking.