"The one upon which you appointed to light the signal fire?"
"Yes; let us hasten to prepare it."
The three men constructed an immense pile of wood.
"Now," said Curumilla, "rest, and do not stir till my return."
And without entering into further detail, Curumilla sprang down the steep declivity of the mountain, and disappeared among the trees. The two friends sat down near the pile, and waited pensively the return of the Ulmen. The troop commanded by Joan approached the defile, simulating all the movements of Indians, and were soon within gunshot of the Canyon. Antinahuel had perceived them, and had for some time been watching their movements. Notwithstanding all his cunning, the Toqui did not for an instant suspect a stratagem. The presence of Joan at the head of the troop, whom at the first glance he had recognised, completed his conviction.
Joan plunged into the defile without evincing the least hesitation; but scarcely had he proceeded a dozen yards when an Indian sprang out of a thicket, and stood in front of him. This Indian was Antinahuel himself.
"My son comes late," said the Toqui, casting a suspicious glance at him.
"My father will pardon me," Joan replied, respectfully; "I had notice only last night."
"Good," continued the chief; "I know my son is prudent. How many lances does he bring with him?"
"A thousand."