"And did he hear you?"
"Certainly he did, for he answered me. I redoubled my efforts—he had disappeared, and left no traces behind."
"And you thence conclude—"
"That his numerous enemies seized him and carried him off."
"But who can tell whether, after having killed him, they have not carried away the body?"
"Why should they do that? Don Tadeo dead, could only inconvenience them, whereas, as prisoner, they probably hope that by restoring him to liberty. Or perhaps, by threatening to kill him, they will have their hostages given up."
Don Gregorio was struck with the justness of this reasoning.
"It is possible," he replied; "there is a great deal of truth in what you say—what do you mean to do?"
"A very simple thing, my friend. In the environs are concealed two Indian chiefs."
"Well?"