The Tigercat waved his band to his wives, who left the calli, and after a short meditation, spoke as follows:
"I trust my brothers, and my heart opens before them like a chirimoya" (a kind of American pear), "to show them my secret thoughts: I have sorrowed for many days."
"My father sorrows for his son Stoneheart," said the amantzin.
"No; I care not where he is now; I can find him again when I want him. But I have a secret mission to confide to a safe man. Till this morning, I hesitated to open my heart to you."
"Let my father speak; his sons listen."
"To hesitate longer would be to compromise things sacred. You will to horse, Zopilote; I have no words for you: you know where I send you. Induce these men to aid our enterprise; it will be a notable service."
"I will do it. Do I go at once?"
"Without delay."
"In ten minutes I shall be far hence;" and, saluting the chiefs, he went out.
A few minutes later, the sound of a horse's hoofs fading away in the distance announced his departure.