"Himself. My brother did not look in his face when he passed before him? What answer shall I give the chief?"
"That I am coming to the council."
The Indian bowed and departed, and the old chief rose, and, after courteously taking leave of Leon, went to the council. The captain took advantage of the freedom granted him to take a turn round the city, and try to pick up the topographical information of which he stood in need.
Not knowing how his stay in the city would terminate, or how he should get out of it, he studied most carefully the formation of the streets and the situation of the buildings, in the event of an attack or an escape. When he returned to Meli-Antou's lodge, the latter had got back and was awaiting him with a certain amount of impatience. On remarking the animation depicted on the Indian's features, Leon thought that he had, perhaps, discovered something concerning him, and advanced with a considerable amount of suspicion.
"My brother is really a great Jagouas?" Meli-Antou asked, as he looked searchingly at him.
"Did I not tell my father so?" Leon answered, who began to believe himself seriously menaced.
"My brother will come with me, then, and bring the implements of his art."
It would not have been prudent to refuse; besides, nothing as yet proved that Meli-Antou had any evil intentions; hence Leon accepted.
"My father can go on, and I will follow him," he contented himself with answering.
"Does my brother speak the language of the Spanish barbarians?"