"The Guaycurus warriors are not weak women," answered Diogo; "a journey of a few hours on horseback takes nothing from their vigour."
"My brother has well spoken; what he says is true. My ears are open; the words of Tarou Niom always rejoice the heart of his friend."
"Tarou Niom is prudent," answered Diogo; "he knows that the Pai dogs now tread the sacred earth of the Guaycurus and the Payagoas. Treason has come with them."
Then, removing from his girdle, where he had placed it, the knife that the chief had sent by him, he presented it to the Payagoas.
"Here," said he, "is the keaio of Tarou Niom. Does the captain, Emavidi Chaime, recognise it?"
The chief took it in his hands, considered it for an instant with attention, and, replacing it on the table—
"I recognise it," said he; "my brother can speak."
Diogo bowed as a sign of acknowledgment, passed the knife again into his girdle, and answered—
"Here are the words of Tarou Niom; they are graven in the heart of the Grand Sarigue. Tarou Niom reminds the captain of the Payagoas of his promise; he asks him if he has really the intention to keep it?"
"Yes, I will keep the promise made to my brother, the captain of the Guaycurus. This very day the grand council will assemble, and tomorrow the war canoes will ascend the river; I myself will direct them."