The Indian obeyed without a word, and when the exchange was made, Curumilla said—
"I could kill my brother; prudence would even require me to do so, but pity has entered my heart—Joan has wives and children, he is one of the brave warriors of his tribe; if I let him live, will he be grateful?"
The Indian had expected that he was going to die, but these words restored him to hope. He was not a bad man at bottom; the Ulmen knew him well, and was satisfied he would keep his promises.
"My father holds my life in his hands," Joan replied; "if he does not take it today, I shall remain his debtor—I will lay down my life at a sign from him."
"Very well!" said Curumilla, returning his knife to its sheath, "my brother may rise, a chief keeps his word."
The Indian sprang upon his feet, and fervently kissed the hand of the man who had spared him.
"What does my father command?" he asked.
"My brother must repair as fast as possible to the toldería which the Huincas name Valdivia. He will seek Don Tadeo, the Great Eagle of the Whites, and relate to him what has passed between us, adding, that I will save the prisoner, or die."
"Is that all?"
"Yes. If the Great Eagle requires the services of my brother, he will place himself without hesitation at his orders. Farewell! May Pillian guide my brother! and let him never forget that I was not willing to take the life that was in my power!"