"I am satisfied, Don Albino. Your arrangements are well made; you have shown yourself in this matter an officer of experience and foresight."
"You are a thousand times too good, general," answered the young man, blushing with pleasure.
Towards the evening another message from Don Juan Armero announced that, on account of an accident, General Moratín would not arrive for three days.
This news, far from annoying Zeno Cabral, gave him great satisfaction as he had been informed, in another quarter, that the Brazilians would not be at the rendezvous till the same time. This singular coincidence, giving him time to make his final plans, perfectly squared with them.
The two following days were employed by Zeno Cabral in incessantly reconnoitering the plain, so as to assure himself of the positions occupied by his allied detachments, and enable him to modify those of which he did not approve.
If we may use the expression, the plain, although apparently still unpeopled, was literally bristling with troops; all the friendly or vassal tribes to the Guaycurus had sent their contingents. The Guaycurus, in order to be ready for any event, had even decided to despatch their last detachment—that commanded by Gueyma and Diogo, or the Cougar.
Some twenty warriors, under the orders of Arnal, were stationed in the glade to protect the French painter and the two ladies.
The young man with the curiosity of an artist, and much interested in all that was passing round him, had earnestly entreated Tarou Niom to be allowed to follow him. The chief, who was much pleased with the disposition of the young man, had given way and had consented to take him, as well as Tyro. Arnal had remained alone at the camp with Dove's Eye, the marchioness, and Doña Eva.
The evening before the day on which General Moratín was to arrive Zeno Cabral went to pay a visit to Tarou Niom.
The great chief of the Guaycurus received the Montonero with the greatest honour and marks of the highest esteem and friendship.