The partisan looked at him with profound attention; then, appearing to take a sudden resolution—
"Au revoir, Señor Don Emile," said he, in a sorrowful voice; and lifting his hand to his hat, which he slightly raised, set off at a full gallop.
The young man followed him some time with his eyes along the windings of the route; when at last he had disappeared on the border of a forest, into which he plunged without slackening his pace, the painter shook his head.
"There is evidently something in the wind; I must watch more than ever!"
The two chiefs, after having skinned the lions, were proceeding to rub the inside of the skins with ashes, so as to preserve them from decomposition until they could dry them in the sun.
It was about seven o'clock in the morning. The camp of the Guaycurus was not more than half a league from the spot where the partisan had established himself for the night; the distance, then, could be accomplished in very little time.
"Well!" asked the painter, "What shall we do now, chiefs?"
"What you like, señor," answered the Cougar; "the skins are prepared; it only remains for us to shoulder them."
"That shall devolve on me," said the young man; "I have already given you sufficient trouble."
The old chief smiled gently.