On seeing the two men, Doña Laura made a sign of terror, and buried her face in her hands. The hunter saw that he must precipitate events, so he turned to his guide, "The Wacondah is powerful," he said, in an imposing voice; "the sacred tortoise supports the world on its shell. His spirit eye is on me; it inspires me. I must remain alone with the patients, that I may read in their faces the nature of the illness that torments them."
The High Priest hesitated; he fixed on the pretended physician a glance which seemed to try and read his most secret thoughts. But, although accustomed for many years to deceive his countrymen by his mystic juggling, he was, after all, an Indian, and, as such, as accessible to superstitious fears as those he deluded. He therefore hesitated, "I am the Amantzin," he said, with a respectful accent. "The Wacondah can only view with satisfaction my presence here at this moment."
"My father can remain, if such is his pleasure; I do not compel him to retire," the Canadian answered boldly, as he was determined to gain his point at all hazards. "Now I warn him that I am in no way responsible for the terrible consequences his disobedience will entail. The Spirit that possesses me will be obeyed, for it is jealous. Let my father reflect."
The High Priest bowed his head humbly. "I will retire," he said; "my brother will pardon my pressing." And he left the apartment.
The Canadian silently accompanied him to the door of the vestibule, closed it carefully after him, and ran back to the young ladies, who recoiled with terror. "Fear nothing," he whispered; "I am a friend."
"A friend!" Doña Laura exclaimed, who had fled, all trembling, into a corner of the room.
"Yes," he continued hastily; "I am Marksman, the Canadian hunter, the friend, the companion of Don Miguel."
Doña Laura sat up in her hammock, and a cry of surprise and joy burst from her chest.
"Silence!" the hunter said; "they may be listening."
Doña Luisa gazed with dilated eyes on this scene, whose meaning escaped her.