"Tyro," then said Emile, addressing the Guaraní, "take with you the two brothers that you have engaged in my service, and put the marchioness and her daughter in safety."
"Señor, why separate us?" asked the marchioness, with a sorrowful air; "Would it not be better for us to remain near you?"
"Pardon me for insisting on this temporary separation, Madame. I have sworn to do all I can to save you, and I will keep my word."
The marchioness, overcome, either by the lassitude she suffered, or by the sleep which, spite of her efforts, weighed down her eyelids, only answered by a sigh.
"You will not abandon these ladies under any pretext," continued the young man, addressing the Indian; "and if misfortune happen to me during the combat, you will continue to serve them, as far as they require your protection. May I reckon on you?"
"As on yourself, master."
"Advance, then! And God protect you."
On a sign from the Indian the gauchos took by the bridle the horses of the two ladies, and setting off at a gallop, they took these horses with them, without the fugitives, who perhaps had not a thorough knowledge of what was passing, trying to oppose them.
The painter, who, as they galloped, followed them with his eyes, saw them disappear in the midst of a thick cluster of trees, where the first chain of the Cordilleras commenced.
"Thank God! Conquerors or conquered, they will not fall into the hands of their persecutors," said he; "I have kept my promise."