"I have done as my brother desired," he said; "what more does he wish?"
"Nothing at present, chief, unless you, on your part, consent also to depart."
"My brother is right; we are no longer of any use."
"Absolutely none; but since, henceforward, we are free to act as we please, if agreeable to my brother we will go to the council lodge."
"Good!" the Toqui replied, following with a malevolent glance the last ranks of the Chilian soldiers.
The general placed his hand resolutely on his shoulder, at which the Toqui turned sharply round.
"What does the white chief want?" he asked.
"To tell you this, chief," the general replied, coolly; "of what consequence are thirty men, when you can immolate thousands? What you have done today is the height of policy. By sending away these soldiers, you appear to accept your defeat, and renounce, as feeling yourself too weak, all hopes of vengeance."
The brow of the chief expanded, and his look became less savage.
"Yes," he murmured, as if speaking to himself, "there is truth in what my brother says; in war we must often abandon a hen to obtain a horse afterwards. Let us go to the council lodge."