"Why the devil did you refuse to read the letter?" Louis asked.
"In good truth," Valentine replied, "I can scarcely tell you why; but what you said of the expression of this man's countenance, produced a certain effect upon me. He inspires me with no confidence, and I am not anxious to be the depository of secrets which he may some day reclaim in a disagreeable manner."
"Yes, you are right! We may, some day, congratulate ourselves upon this circumspection. Hush! I hear footsteps."
And the chief re-entered the room.
"I know the contents of the letter," he said; "if my brothers see the man who charged them with it, they will inform him that I am setting out this very day for Valdivia."
"We would, with pleasure, take charge of that message," replied Valentine; "but we do not know the person who gave us the letter, and it is more than probable we may never see him again."
The chief darted at them a stolen and deeply suspicious glance.
"Good! Will my brothers remain here, then?"
"It would give us infinite pleasure to pass a few hours in the agreeable society of the chief, but with us time presses; with his permission, we will take our leave."
"My brothers are perfectly free; my toldo is open for those who leave it, as well as for those who enter it."