In about half an hour the chiefs rose.
"I thank my brothers for their hospitality," said Tarou Niom; "if they permit me, I will return to visit their dwelling."
"We shall be happy and honoured by it," answered Emile, for himself and his companions.
After various compliments, the chiefs took leave, and went out.
"You see that I do not lose any time," said Arnal.
The latter grasped his hand with affection, and they separated.
The Indians grouped without had seen their two principal chiefs eat with the strangers. Henceforth the latter were sacred for them; the pact was sealed.
At the end of eight days the number of Indians concealed in the forest amounted to nearly 15,000 men; it was no longer a detachment, but a veritable army.
Tarou Niom had several times visited the foreigners, and shared their meals. The latter, therefore, enjoyed great consideration.
Each day Arnal made them a visit. Only when Emile, uneasy at the movement which he observed around him, tried to address some questions to him, in order to know what passed, the chief closed his mouth.