"For all that, we cannot remain here," said the young man. "It is incontestable that in a few days we shall fall into the hands of these demons."
"Yes." said Curumilla.
"Well, I confess," the count continued, "that this prospect is not flattering. But I think there exists no position so bad that men cannot be extricated from."
"Does my brother know any means?" the Ulmen asked.
"In two hours night will be here. Then, when the Indians have fallen asleep, we will depart silently."
"Indians do not sleep," said Curumilla, coolly.
"The devil!" the young man exclaimed; "if it must be so, we will pass over their dead bodies."
"I allow," said Don Tadeo, "that this plan does not appear to me absolutely hopeless, I think, towards the middle of the night we might try to put it into execution."
"Good!" replied Curumilla, "I will act as my brothers please."
Since the departure of Valentine in the morning, the four men had not had time to eat, and hunger began to assert its claims, therefore they took advantage of the repose the enemy allowed them to satisfy it. The repast consisted of nothing but harina tostada soaked in water—rather poor food, but which want of better made our adventurers think excellent.