"You mean it?"
"I am resolved."
"Good, I will myself lead you to the camp of the Aucas."
All three returned to Don Valentine Cardoso's house without exchanging a word. Night had completely set in; the streets were deserted, the silent town was illumined by the flames of Población del Sur, and the diabolical outlines of the Indians could be seen passing among the ruins and crumbling walls.
"Go and get ready, señoritas; I will wait for you here," Pedrito said with a melancholy accent.
Mercedes and Doña Concha entered the house. Pedrito, thoughtful and sad, sat down on one of the steps in front of the houses. The two girls soon re-appeared, dressed in full Aucas' costume, with painted faces, and impossible to recognize.
"Oh!" said the bombero, "Here are two real Indian girls."
"Do you believe," Doña Concha asked him, "that Don Torribio alone possesses the privilege of changing himself at his pleasure."
"Who can contend with a woman?" Pedrito said, shaking his head; "And now, what do you demand of me?"
"Your protection to the first Indian lines."