As soon as he was in the path, he cast an inquiring look around him, to as to assure himself that he was quite alone with his companion; then he turned towards him, and appeared to wait till the latter should speak.
Arnal hesitated a minute. His eyebrows lowered as under the influence of some oppressive thought. The old chief smiled gently, as if to encourage him.
At last the warrior decided to speak; but, instead of the language of the Guaycurus, it was in Spanish that he spoke.
"How is he, since I saw him?" asked he. "Has he seen him?"
"Reassure yourself: he is well. All has passed in that interview better than you and I could have dared to hope," quickly resumed the chief.
"You swear it, Diogo?"
"On my honour, señor—" But immediately bethinking himself, he added: "Caballero, they have sworn friendship; they have exchanged arms."
"Oh, I thank heaven," cried Arnal. "But he?"
"He is always the same."
"What have you said to him?"