Zeno Cabral cast an inquiring look at the Cougar, who, up to that time, had sat mute and impassive during the conversation.
"My brother can speak," said the old chief; "the word of Gueyma is the word of a captain; nothing can make him change it."
"Only let my brother pay the most serious attention to what I am about to say. I will only do what I propose on one condition."
"I am listening."
"My brother will not be able to dispose, under any pretext, of the captives placed in his hands without my authority; under no pretext can he give them liberty without I consent to it. For the rest, the Cougar knows my intentions, and he has promised to conform to them."
"Is it true?" asked Gueyma of the old chief; turning towards him.
"It is true," laconically answered the latter.
"The Cougar," resumed the young man, "is one of the wisest warriors of my tribe; what he says is always good: it is my duty to follow his example; I adhere to what the white chief wishes."
Zeno Cabral bowed his head as a sign of thanks, and, spite of himself, a gleam of satisfaction for an instant illumined his austere face.
Gueyma resumed: