They followed him, with some difficulty, through the crowd that accompanied them with shouts, and whom they were obliged to stop and thank. On reaching a small street near the square, and which was nearly deserted, Curumilla led them to a house before which he stopped.
"It is here," he said, as he tapped twice.
The door opened, and they entered a courtyard, in which were three ready saddled horses, held by a groom, which they at once mounted.
"Thanks, brother," the hacendero said, warmly, as he pressed the chiefs hand; "but how did you learn our deliverance?"
The Araucano smiled pleasantly. "Let us go," he said, making no other answer.
"Where to?" Don Miguel asked.
"To join Koutonepi."
The three men started at full speed. Ten minutes later they were out of the town, and galloping across the plain.
"Oh!" General Ibañez said, gaily, "How pleasant the fresh air is! How good it is to inhale it after remaining for two months stifled between the walls of a prison!"
"Shall we soon arrive? Don Miguel asked.