Antinahuel knitted his brows; but quickly resuming his Indian impassiveness, he said—
"I have been wrong; my father will pardon me: I wait to hear the condition he will impose."
"The conditions are these: the Araucanian army will lay down their arms, the two women who are in their camp will be placed this very day in my hands, the Grand Toqui, and twelve of the principal Apo-Ulmens, shall remain as hostages at Santiago, until I think proper to send them back."
A smile, of disdain curled the thin lips of Antinahuel.
"Will my father not impose less harsh conditions?"
"No," Don Tadeo answered, firmly.
The Toqui drew himself up proudly.
"We are ten thousand warriors resolved to die; my father must not drive us to despair," he said.
"Tomorrow that army will have fallen under the blows of my soldiers, like corn beneath the sickle of the reaper."
"Listen, you who impose such arrogant conditions upon me," the chief replied; "do you know who I am—I who have humbled myself before you?"