"No; there has been a surprise; but come, Diogo, a moment with you privately, and I will explain what has happened."
The captain followed him.
When they were out of sight of the Brazilians, the marquis commenced his narrative.
Two hours after the departure of Diogo, a shower of burning arrows had rained suddenly on the camp from all sides at once, and that in so desperate a way that at first the Brazilians did not know where to run, or in what manner to defend themselves. The fire had almost immediately burst out with such an intensity that it was impossible to extinguish it; a burning arrow having, unhappily, fallen in the waggon which contained the powder, the vehicle was blown up, killing and wounding several men.
The Guaycurus had profited by the fright of the Brazilians, to attempt a furious assault, during which the remainder of the munitions had been almost wholly expended.
Diogo sadly shook his head at this painful narrative; then he commenced his own, which his companion listened to with profound attention.
When he had finished, there was a momentary pause.
"What do you recommend?" at last asked the marquis.
"The situation is almost desperate," decisively answered the captain. "The most prudent course, in my opinion, would be to try a sortie; to try and open a passage for ourselves."
"Yes," murmured the marquis, aside, "perhaps that would be better; but I wish to wait a bit. I have dispatched a scout to gain information about the enemy."