The blows ceased.
The half-breed unbarred the door, and opened it.
The Indians rushed into the interior with yells and howls of joy.
Lanzi slipped on one side to let them pass; he gave a start of joy on hearing a horse set out at full gallop.
The Indians paid no attention to this incident.
"Drink!" they shouted.
"What would you like to have?" the half-breed asked, seeking to gain time.
"Fire-water!" they yelled.
Lanzi hastened to serve them, and the orgy began.
Knowing they had nothing to fear from the inhabitants of the venta, the Redskins had rushed in so soon as the door was opened, without taking the precaution to post sentries; this negligence, on which Lanzi calculated, gave Carmela the opportunity of escaping unseen and undisturbed.