"That tomorrow will be too late."
"So, in your opinion, it would be necessary—"
"To leave immediately, my lord."
"Well, let it be so; let us set out."
In this circumstance, as in all the preceding, Diogo did not neglect any precaution.
Four of his soldiers, tried and experienced men, were at first dispatched by him in advance.
In the preceding assault the waggons and the baggage had been burnt, and the greater part of the mules had been killed, so that the caravan, relieved of its load, was in a position to accelerate its march.
Diogo caused the horses' feet to be covered with bags of sheepskin, filled with sand, in order to stifle the sound of their steps, and ordered the mouth of each animal to be fastened with a lasso.
"Companions," said he, when each man was in his saddle, "not a cry, not a sound! We are attempting; at the present moment an expedition on which safety depends; if we are discovered we shall be lost."
"One word, Diogo," said the marquis to him. "Why have you insisted on our leaving so suddenly?"