"My brother will follow me," the Indian remarked.
He made an imperceptible sign to his companion, who quitted his hiding place. Trangoil-Lanec followed them, casting around an apparently careless glance. In a few minutes they reached the camp, whose situation was admirably chosen.
The arrival of the warrior created a stir in the camp, which was, however, quickly repressed. Trangoil-Lanec was conducted into the presence of the chief, and as his reputation was high among his compatriots, Antinahuel, to do him honour, received him in the most elevated part or the camp. The two chiefs saluted each other.
"Is my brother Antinahuel hunting with his young men?" asked Trangoil-Lanec.
"Yes," the Toqui replied, laconically.
"Has my brother been fortunate in his hunting?"
"Very fortunate," said Antinahuel, with a sinister smile; "let my brother open his eyes."
"Wah!" said Trangoil-Lanec, "palefaces! My brother has had good sport indeed; he will get a heavy ransom for his prisoners."
"The toldo of Antinahuel is solitary—he wants a squaw to inhabit it."
"Good! I understand; my brother will take one of the pale women."