CHAPTER XXX.
The fact may perhaps be forgiven that our five young friends considerably overslept themselves, and did not awake next morning until long after the Indians had arisen and were about. After many weeks on the hard ground at night, the luxury of the Indian skin couches was a novel change to every one, the consequence being little sleep to begin with, followed by slumber, heavy, fatigued, and prolonged.
When, therefore, the two girls and three lads arose, they found life in the Indian camp both awake and in full swing. Not only that, but unusual activity appeared to reign therein.
“Something’s up,” said Harry knowingly, as the five stood together watching the busy scene. “I wonder where Aniwee is. She would tell us?”
“Why, there she is, Harry,” put in Mary eagerly, and pointing towards several mounted figures at the far end of the toldos riding their way.
These proved to be Piñone, Aniwee, Graviel, Chorlo, and Coquet; and our young friends at once walked to meet them.
“What’s up, Aniwee?” inquired Topsie, as the Indians reined up on reaching them and she noted a disturbed look in Aniwee’s face.
“A Chasqui has just arrived,” answered the Indian Queen, “with a message from Cuastral. The Cristianos are raiding our country in force, and some are entering it by way of Patagonia. Cuastral warns Gilwinikush of the approach of a large body of Cristianos, and has begged him to advance at once and attack them by Las Manzanas, while he himself encounters them from the other side. Seven days ago the Chasqui left Cuastral’s camp, and lo! he is only here to-day, though he has ridden hard.”
“This is serious news, Aniwee. And what is going to happen?” again inquired Topsie.