"Oh, I have nothing much more to add, except that they informed me that, in case you refused to accept this condition, you would be inevitably attacked."
"And about Malco? Did they tell you nothing more about him?"
"Not a word, my lord."
"So that you are completely unaware where this wretch hides himself?"
"Absolutely, my lord; I thought that what the Guaycurus chief had told me was of such great importance, that you would desire to be informed of it as soon as possible, so I have returned as rapidly as I could."
"You have done well, my friend; I thank you. But in such circumstances as these," he asked, "how would you act?"
"I should beat a retreat."
"Beat a retreat; never!"
"Then we shall be massacred to the last man."
"No matter, I will push ahead. You will not abandon me?"