"See!" said Manuela, presenting to him the rich bracelets of gold and pearls she took from her arms.
"Wagh!" replied the sorcerer, hiding them in his bosom; "They are beautiful! What does my mother require?"
"First of all, to be freed from these men."
"And afterwards?"
"Deliver us first."
"It shall be as you will."
The Indians had remained motionless, impassive spectators of the scene. They had heard nothing of this short conversation. The amantzin turned towards them, exhibiting a countenance distorted with fear.
"Fly!" said he in terrible accents; "This woman brings misfortune! The Wacondah is angry! Fly, all; fly!"
The Indians, who had only been restored to confidence by the advent of their sorcerer, seeing him a prey to a terror they could not comprehend, first crowded together, and then dispersed, without asking further questions.
As soon as they had disappeared behind the toldos, the sorcerer turned to the two women.