"That is true; I will, therefore, go and command a council, composed of the Apo-Ulmens and Ulmens of my nation, and submit the words of my father to them."
The General with difficulty suppressed an expression of anger.
"You must, doubtless, be joking, chief," he said—"your words cannot be serious."
"Antinahuel is the first toqui of his nation," the Indian replied, haughtily; "he never jokes."
"But you must give me your answer now—at once—in a few minutes!" cried the General; "who knows whether we may not be obliged to march within an hour from this time?"
"It is my duty, as much as it is my father's, to enlarge the territory of my people."
At this moment the gallop of a horse was heard approaching; the General flew to the entrance of the tent, where an orderly officer appeared. The face of this officer was bathed with perspiration, and spots of blood stained his uniform.
"General!" he said breathlessly.
"Silence!" the latter hissed, pointing to the chief, who, though apparently indifferent, followed all his movements attentively. The General turned towards Antinahuel.
"Chief," he said, "I have orders to give to this officer—pressing orders; if you will permit me, we will resume our conversation presently."