"By no means, my lord; let us hear what this man has to say to us."
"What good will it be?" said he, with scorn.
"If it were only to know the projects of those who have sent him."
The marquis hesitated an instant, then placing his carbine again in his shoulder belt—
"Well, that is possible," murmured he; "better allow him to explain himself. Who knows? Perhaps they desire to treat with us."
"It is not probable," answered the captain laughing; "but, in any case, if you will permit me, my lord, I will go and question him."
"Do so, do so, Don Diogo; I am curious to know this message."
The captain bowed; then, after having thrown down his tromblon, his sabre, and his knife, he proceeded at a trot towards the Indian.
"You are mad," cried Don Roque, darting towards him; "what, do you abandon your arms? Do you wish, then, to be assassinated?"
Don Diogo smiled, shrugging his shoulders with disdain, and, holding back the marquis's horse by the bridle to prevent him advancing any further—