When the barque touched the bank, the Guaraní respectfully helped the two ladies to land, and then, going up to the entry of the cavern—
"Will you, ladies," said he, "enter this cavern, where we will speedily rejoin you."
The ladies obeyed.
"And we?—" asked the painter.
"We have still something to do, master," answered the Indian.
The peculiar stress with which these words were pronounced astonished Emile, but he took no notice of it, convinced that the Guaraní must have some serious reason to induce him to answer in so peremptory a way.