"Wagh!" said a jeering voice; "What is passing here?"
And a man placed himself before the two women.
"The amantzin!" muttered the Indians; and taking fresh courage, they again crowded round their prisoners.
Manuela shuddered, overcome with despair at seeing her hopes annihilated; still the resolute woman determined to make one more effort.
"The Wacondah loves the Indians," she said; "it is he who sends me the amantzin of the Apache braves."
"Indeed!" said the sorcerer, with a sneer; "And what does he want with me?"
"None but yourself may hear."
"Wagh!" said the amantzin, placing his hand on her shoulder, and looking at her attentively; "What proof can you give me of the mission with which the all-powerful Spirit has charged you?"
"Will you save me?" said Manuela, whispering rapidly in his ear.
"That depends on her," answered the sorcerer, fixing his glittering eyes on the girl.