"I knew there was something more behind," said Don Tadeo, with a sad smile; "go on, my friend, let us hear this news, I am listening to you."
"Yesterday, as you know, General Bustamente renewed the treaties of peace with the Araucano chiefs."
"He did."
"I cannot tell what fugitive or what scout gave them information of what had taken place here; but by evening they had learnt the defeat and capture of the General."
"I can understand that; go on."
"A kind of furious madness immediately seemed to possess them, and they held a great war council."
"In which, I suppose, they decided upon breaking the treaties; is not that it?"
"Exactly."
"And most likely determined upon war with us?"
"I suppose so; the four toquis cast the hatchet into the fire, and a supreme toqui was elected in their place."