"And what can that be?"
"The want of a guide to conduct him to us."
"That is true," the four men exclaimed.
"What is to be done?" Louis asked.
"Fortunately," Valentine continued, "it is not yet too late. Don Tadeo requires to have with him a man entirely devoted to him, perfectly acquainted with the country we propose to search, who could follow us on our track."
"Yes," said Trangoil-Lanec.
"Well," Valentine resumed, "that man is Joan."
"That is true," the Indian observed, "I will be his guide."
"Joan will leave us, I will give him a letter which Louis will write, and in which I will inform Don Tadeo of the mission with which our friend is charged."
"Good," said Curumilla, "our friend thinks of everything; let Louis write the letter."