Don Tadeo was much moved by this proof of love which the population offered him. He felt that, however great private interests may be, they are small in comparison with those of a people; that it is great and noble to sacrifice them to it, and that he who knows how to die bravely for the welfare of his fellow citizens fulfils a holy and a grand mission. His determination was formed at once. He drew his head proudly up, and saluted with a smile the joyous groups which pressed around him on his passage, clapping their hands and shouting "¡Viva Chile!" He arrived at the cabildo thus escorted.
He dismounted, ascended the steps of the palace, and turned towards the crowd. The immense square was paved with heads. The windows of the houses were thronged with people; and all the crowd were uttering deafening cries of joy. Don Tadeo saw that a few words were expected from him. He made a gesture, and a profound silence immediately prevailed.
"Dear fellow citizens!" said the King of Darkness, "my heart is touched more than I can express with the extraordinary mark of sympathy you have given me. You shall always see me in the front rank of those who fight for liberty. Be always united for the public welfare, and tyranny will never succeed in conquering you."
This little warm address was hailed with reiterated "¡Bravos!" and prolonged cries of "¡Viva Chile!"
Don Tadeo entered the palace. He there found assembled the superior officers, the alcaldes, and the principal leader of the Dark Hearts. All rose at his entrance. Since the King of Darkness had regained his popular enthusiasm he had recovered all his faculties.
"Caballeros," he said, "I am happy to find you assembled at the cabildo. Moments are precious. General Bustamente has allied himself with Antinahuel, the Grand Toqui of the Araucanos, in order the more easily to regain his power. This is the reason why he made his pronunciamiento in this remote province. Delivered by the Araucanos, he has taken refuge among them. We shall soon see him at the head of those ferocious warriors, invading our frontiers and desolating our richest provinces. I repeat to you our moments are precious! A bold initiative alone can save us. But, to take the initiative, I must have on my part, I whom you have made your leader, regular powers granted by the senate."
These words, whose justice every one acknowledged, created a profound sensation. To the serious objection raised by Don Tadeo, it was difficult to make a reply. Don Gregorio approached him, holding a folded paper in his hand.
"Take this," he said, presenting the open paper to Don Tadeo: "this is the reply of the senate of Santiago to the manifesto you addressed to them after the fall of the tyrant; it is an order which invests you with supreme power. As, after the victory, you resigned the power into my hands, I had kept this order secret. The moment is come to render it public. Don Tadeo de León! you are our leader."
At this intelligence all present arose with delight, crying with enthusiasm, "¡Viva Don Tadeo de León!"
He took the paper and ran his eyes over the contents.