At this unexpected insult, she uttered a shriek of terror, and making a superhuman effort, freed herself from his arms, pushing him from her with all her strength. The savage staggered backwards, and, too drunk to keep his legs, dropped to the ground, giving vent to a cry of rage; but, springing up in an instant, he rushed like a jaguar on Hermosa.
Ña Manuela threw herself hastily before her.
"Back!" said she, resolutely placing her hand on the Indian's chest; "This girl is my sister."
"El Zopilote is a brave who never puts up with an insult," replied the savage, frowning, and unsheathing his knife.
"Will you kill her?" exclaimed Manuela in terror.
"Yes, I will kill her, unless she consents to follow me to my toldo. She shall be the wife of a chief."
"You are mad," said Manuela. "Your toldo is full, and there is no room for another fire."
"There is room for two," replied the Indian, grinning. "Since you are her sister, you shall go with her."
The noise collected a crowd of Indians round the two women, who were thus the centre of a circle it would have been impossible to break through.
Manuela instantly comprehended the danger of their situation; she saw they were all but lost.