"My brother, has the Grand Sarigue seen the whites?"
"No."
"Good! Come."
After having exchanged these few words, Don Diogo obeyed the injunction that was thus given him, and boldly came out of the thicket, although, despite the success of his stratagem, he did not feel himself completely reassured.
The Indian, whom he recognised at the first glance to be Tarou Niom himself, was so convinced he was dealing with one of his own warriors, that he did not even give himself the trouble to examine him. Moreover, the chief appeared to be preoccupied.
"These dogs, then, have not ventured to scour the plain during the darkness?" asked he.
"No," answered Diogo, "they remain together like poltroon dogs, they do not dare to stir."
"I thought them more brave and skilful. They have with them a man who knows the desert well—a traitor, as to whom I reserve myself to put hot coals into his eyes, and cut out his lying tongue."
The captain inwardly trembled at these threats, which were addressed to him.
"This dog shall die," said he.