"Then tell, me, Pietro, do you and your comrades wish to be tortured, to be suddenly set upon and killed by the Indians?"
The gaucho started and flushed again, while a puzzled expression came over his face.
"Surely not, master," he said quickly. "But there is always the danger, and how can we avoid it?"
"Come into the house and I will tell you," answered Mr. Blunt shortly.
Turning, they went into the one big room and sat down at the table, on which the tall Englishman spread out a plan of the Entre Rios country, which showed the estancia stretched out on the pampas.
"We are here," he said, putting his finger on a wide stretch marked "Mr. Blunt's estancia." "You see we are close to the Indian country, which extends beyond us into the interior. The Indians have for many years now been moving closer to the ranchos, for they are then within reach of the beasts they steal, and still so much in the wilds that the gauchos and their masters do not care to follow. But we shall do that. The señor here has proposed that we build forts close to each corral. Into those forts our men can dash when the Indians appear, and if they have time to drive the beasts into the corral, all the better, for then their rifles will be able to keep the enemy from touching them. You know that Indians like to fall upon their victims when they are least expected, and do not care to attack houses and forts."
"That is true, señor. They are cowards at heart, I think. Cruel and fierce when all is in their favor, but wanting in dash at other times. They would not easily take a fort. This plan promises well, for it will save the lives of men and many valuable beasts."
"It might do even more," suddenly interposed Dudley. "A flare might be arranged at the top of each fort, and fire be put to it the instant the Indians appeared. The smoke would be seen during the day, and the flame at night. That would spread the alarm, so that the gauchos all over the estancia would know within a few minutes of the Indians' coming."
"And at once ride here," cried Mr. Blunt. "That is a good suggestion and shall be adopted. Now, Pietro, what have you to say to all this?"
"What can I say, señor, but that the scheme promises well? I can see that a fort close to each corral will allow the gauchos to reach safety before the Indians come; for if a tower be built, a watchman can be stationed there and give early warning. Then there is a flare to warn all the rest, and while they assemble, the fort and the beasts in the corral will occupy the attention of the Indians. They will find us ready, and their rush will fail. There will be fighting, and they will retire at once, unless they are in great strength, when the señors will send for help and drive them away."