Some moments more, and the descent would be finished.
Don Roque approached Don Diogo, and touching him lightly on the shoulder—
"Well," said he, smiling, "we shall soon be on the plain, and we have not seen a living soul. Believe me, captain, the threats made by the Indians are but rodomontade; they have tried to frighten us, that is all."
"Do you speak seriously, my lord?" said the Indian. "Do you really believe what you say?"
"Certainly, dear Don Diogo; and everything, it appears to me, gives me reason to do so."
"Then you are taking a wrong view of it, your Excellency, for I certify to you that the Guaycurus have advanced nothing that they do not intend to carry out."
"Do you fear an attack?" said the marquis.
"An attack—not, perhaps, immediately, but at least a summons."
"A summons; on the part of whom?"
"Why, on the part of the Guaycurus, probably."