"I will go and inquire whether our great Toqui is disposed to receive you; but I much doubt whether he will condescend to listen to Cheapolo-Huincas."
"Fool!" the other replied angrily; "make haste."
"Be patient, Don Gregorio, in Heaven's name!" one of the two officers exclaimed.
At the expiration of a few minutes a sign was made from the bank that the Chilians might advance. Antinahuel, seated under the shade of a magnificent espino, awaited the officers. They stopped before him, and remained motionless.
"What is your will?" he asked, in a stern voice.
"Listen to my words, and mark them carefully," Don Gregorio replied.
"Speak, and be brief," said Antinahuel.
Don Gregorio shrugged his shoulders disdainfully,
"Don Tadeo de León is in your hands," he said.
"Yes; the man is my prisoner."