"The Indian named Joan, who once served you as a guide, has just arrived."
"Let him come in! let him come in!" cried Don Tadeo, rising.
Joan now entered.
"What brings you here?" asked Don Tadeo. "Speak! my friend!"
"The white chiefs are preparing to set out upon the track of Antinahuel."
"God bless them! they are noble hearts!" Don Tadeo exclaimed.
"My father was sad last night when he parted from us."
"Yes, yes," the poor father murmured.
"Before taking the track, Don Valentine felt his heart softened at the thoughts of the uneasiness you would doubtless experience; he therefore made his brother with the dove's eyes trace this necklace."
Saying these words, he drew out the letter which was carefully concealed under the ribbon that confined his hair, and presented it to Don Tadeo.