"Giacomo," he said to the Italian, who was making arrangements for a start, "we have arrived at the spot where our search will really begin. It is impossible for all three of us to dream of entering the city, which must be in the heart of this forest. On the other hand, I may have occasion to require men here in whom I can trust; you will therefore go back to the Parumo of San Juan Bautista. So soon as the band arrives you will take the command and lead it to the spot where we now are."
"It must be. Take careful note of the road we have followed, so as to make no mistake."
"However, when you return with our comrades, you will try to find a shorter and more direct route."
"This grotto is large enough to shelter you all; you will remain in it with your horses, and not quit it, save on an order from me--you hear?"
"One last recommendation. I have told you that it was important for the success of the enterprise I am undertaking that I should find all my men here in case of need. Remember, then, that I expressly forbid you letting yourselves be trapped by the Redskins, and you must show them that they are but asses when compared with a clever smuggler."
"We will prove it to them, captain, and I will take it on myself."
"In that case, you will set out directly, while we proceed through this forest, which seems the most entangled that I ever saw."
"One moment--hang it!" Wilhelm exclaimed; "do you not see, captain, that breakfast is ready?"
In fact, Wilhelm, as a man who did not care to run after adventures on an empty stomach, had blown up the fire smouldering in the ashes, and roasted some superb slices of bear meat.
"Wilhelm, you are growing greedy," said Leon, affecting a tone of reproach.
"Captain, when a man has his stomach full he can march a long distance without feeling fatigued," the German answered sententiously; "besides, the morning air sharpens the appetite."
"Very good, then, but we must make haste," Leon resumed, amazed at this long sentence.
Wilhelm had spoken the truth in asserting that the morning air sharpened the appetite, for, in spite of the toughness of the meat which composed the staple of their meal, it was disposed of in a twinkling, which leads to the supposition that the idea which the German had was not inopportune.