"We are at your orders, general," Leon and Diego said. And they followed Don Juan, who led them apart from the muleteers.
"Gentlemen," he said to them, when he fancied himself out of earshot, "I received strange news last night; it seems that the Indians have risen, and are disturbing the province of Valdivia; hence we must try to reach the city as speedily as possible."
Diego affected surprise.
"Really," he said, "that is extraordinary."
Then, after appearing to reflect for a moment, he added—
"Must you absolutely pass through Talca?"
"No; but why that question?"
"Because," Diego answered, "I know a road across the mountain which shortens the journey twenty leagues."
"That is true," said Leon; "by crossing the mountain we shall save a day's march."
"In that case, gentlemen, let us do so, for when a man is in a hurry to arrive, he must choose the shortest road. Ah! bye-the-bye," he added, "before forming a determination, I must consult with General Don Pedro, in order to know if he consents to accompany us without stopping at Talca."