"Silence," the other replied, "and listen."
The captain obeyed, and looked at the persons who were conversing, while not losing one of the words which they interchanged.
"I cannot imagine," said Don Juan, "how it is that you, whom I fancied at Santiago, are now only a few leagues from Talca."
"It is because a good many strange things have happened since my arrival in that city."
"What are they?" asked Inez, whose curiosity was aroused.
"Speak, Don Pedro, I implore you," said Don Juan in his turn.
"I will do so, general. The Chilian government, which, as you are aware, is unable to cope with the incessant invasions of the Araucano Indians, reluctantly agreed to treat with them, and supply them annually with necessaries, such as corn, tools, and weapons which they might have need of. At various times, however, it attempted to shake off this disgraceful yoke; and the Indians, beaten and dispersed in various encounters, appeared to comprehend how ridiculous these claims were, and have refrained, during the last two years, from claiming the tribute, and making incursions into the territory of the republic. Hence, what was our astonishment when, four days ago, we saw arrive at Santiago a dozen Indian bravos in their war paint, who marched haughtily in Indian file, and proceeded with the silence that characterizes them toward the Government Palace."
"'What do you want?' the officer of the guard asked them at the moment when they passed through the gates."
"'Art thou a chief?' one of the Indians replied, who appeared to exercise a certain authority over the rest."
"'Yes,' the officer replied, without hesitation."