"I have lived for a long time on the banks of the Salt Lake, and I understand the idiom which they employ."
"All the better."
"Have I to cure a Spaniard?" Leon asked, who wished to make sure of what was expected of him.
"No," said Meli-Antou, "one of the great Moluchos chiefs brought here some time back two paleface women; it is they who are ill; the evil spirit has seized on them, and they are at this moment in danger of death."
Leon started at this unexpected revelation; his heart all but stopped beating, and an involuntary shudder agitated all his limbs. He was compelled to make a superhuman effort to drive back the profound emotion which he experienced, and to answer Meli-Antou in a calm voice:
"I am at my father's orders."
"Let us go, then," the Indian answered.
Leon took up his box of medicaments, followed the old man, and both, leaving the lodge, proceeded towards the Palace of the Vestals.