[CHAPTER XIX.]
THE APPEAL.
The Araucanos had faithfully observed the conditions of the treaty; and the Chilians quietly retired, without perceiving a single enemy's scout. They took the road to Valdivia. But it was night; the darkness which enveloped the earth confounded all objects, and rendered the march exceedingly painful. The tired horses advanced with difficulty, stumbling at every step. Valentine dreaded with reason, losing his way in the darkness; when they arrived, therefore, on the bank of a river, which he recognised as that which, a few days before, had been the spot where the treaties had been renewed, he halted and encamped for the night. Everyone rummaging in his alforjas, a species of large pockets, drew forth the charqui and harina tostada which were to comprise his supper. The repasts of men fatigued with a long journey are short, for sleep is their principal want. An hour later, with the exception of the sentinels, who watched over the common safety, all the soldiers were sleeping soundly. Seven men alone, seated round an immense fire, in the centre of the camp, were talking and smoking.
"My friends," said Valentine, taking his cigar from his mouth, "we are not far, I think, from Valdivia."
"Scarcely ten leagues," Joan replied.
"I believe, with deference to better advice," Valentine continued, "that we shall do best before we take that rest of which we stand so much in need, to examine our position."
All bowed in sign of assent.
"What occasion is there for discussion, my friend?" said Don Tadeo warmly; "tomorrow, at daybreak, we will proceed toward the mountains, leaving the soldiers to continue their march to Valdivia, under the conduct of Don Ramón."
"That is the best plan," said the senator: "we are all well armed; the few leagues before us present no appearance of serious danger: tomorrow, at daybreak, we will separate."