The chiefs were struck by the negligent way in which the major doubled the strength of their army.
"My father," Churlakin continued, "is not terrified at the number of these warriors who obey a single chief."
"Why should I be so?" the major said, whose attention the surprise of the Ulmens had not escaped, "Has not my nation vanquished more numerous armies? But we are losing our time in useless words, chief."
"My father must have patience."
"Finish your Indian circumlocutions then."
"The army of the great nations is encamped in front of Carmen, in order to obtain satisfaction for all the wrongs the palefaces have made us endure since their invasion of America."
"Explain yourself clearly. Why do you invade our frontiers? Have we failed in our engagements? Of what do you complain?"
"My father pretends to be ignorant of the just motives for war we have against the whites. His nation has made a treaty with the white men who dwell on the other side of the mountains, and who are our enemies; hence, his nation has no friendship for us."
"Chief, this quarrel is ridiculous. Confess that you desire to plunder our farms, steal our cattle and horses, and I can understand you; but if we were at war with Chili, you would act in the same way. The jest has lasted too long; let us come to facts. What do you want?"
"My father is clever," Churlakin said, with a laugh. "Listen! this is what the chiefs say—'The Negro Ulmen, against our rights and his own, sold to my father's ancestors a land which did not belong to him, without the consent of the other Ulmens of the country.'"