"Is such the thought of the chief of this caravan?" asked Tarou Niom.
"Not only his thought, but his design."
"Very well; but what are the riches which these men intend to seize?"
"The gold and the diamonds which are in the country."
"They know, then, that there are some?"
The half-caste smiled with sarcasm.
"Not only they know it," said he, "but also they know so well all the bearings of the country, that they can go there without a guide."
"Ah!" said the Indians, fixing upon him a scrutinising look.
"It is so," said he without being disconcerted.
"And who, then, has so well informed them about the riches of our country?" asked the Guaycurus.