"Well," cried Valentine, "now I think of it, it is all the better that this idea did not occur to me before."
"Why so?" said Louis in astonishment.
"Because poor Don Tadeo will be so happy to hear from us."
"That is true," said the count.
"Is it not? Well then, write the note, brother."
The count did not require to be told twice, but set to work immediately, Joan on his side.
"Brother," Valentine said to him on giving him the note, which the Indian concealed under the ribbon which bound his hair, "I have no instructions to give you; you are an experienced warrior."
"Has my brother nothing to say to me?" Joan replied, with a smile. "I leave my heart with you; I shall know where to find it again."
He bowed to his friends; then the brave Indian departed rapidly, bounding like a guanaco through the high grass.
"Brave fellow!" Valentine exclaimed, as he re-seated himself before the fire.