And they dismounted. During the few sentences exchanged between the count and the Spaniard, Valentine had bent down to the Indian chiefs ear, and whispered a few words, to which Curumilla replied by nodding his head in affirmation. The two Frenchmen then entered the jacal at the heels of Don Cornelio, while the Araucano led away the horses.
"Sit down, gentlemen," the Spaniard said, pointing to several stools scattered about.
"Do you know that you have puzzled me considerably, Don Cornelio?" the count said to him. "What has happened, then, during my absence?"
"Nothing very important in a general point of view: our spies have brought in most reassuring news as to the movements of the enemy. As, however, the acting commandant will make his report to you, I do not wish to talk with you about those matters."
"Has anything else occurred peculiarly interesting to me?"
"You shall judge. You remember that, before your departure, you ordered me to watch over Doña Angela—a singular commission enough for me."
"How so?"
"It is enough that I know why. However, I performed my delicate task, I dare to say, with all the gallantry of a true caballero."
"I thank you for it."
"Yesterday an Indian arrived at the mission, bearer of a letter for the commandant."