"Why should I do it?" he remarked carelessly; "of what consequence is the life of the man to me?—the palefaces are not my brothers."
"No; but his life is precious to me, for the sake of my vengeance! He alone can deliver up my enemy to me! He shall live, I tell you!"
"Good! My sister will deliver him, then, as she is so anxious to save him."
"You alone could do it, chief, if you would," she observed.
Antinahuel fixed his eyes upon her.
"What makes you suppose I would?" he said.
"Listen to me, chief!" the Linda cried. "You love that woman—that puny, palefaced thing, do you not?"
The Indian started, but made no reply.
"Oh! do not endeavour to deceive me; you cannot blind the eyes of a woman. The hatred you bear to Don Tadeo is changed into love in your heart at the sight of this creature."
"Well! and suppose it should be so?" he said, evidently moved.