That night, therefore, our white friends found themselves seated around a roaring camp fire, in front of the same tolderias which they had occupied on the first night of their arrival in the land of the Araucanians. Aniwee had been “put to bed,” so to say. That is, she had been relegated to a couch in her tolderia, and ordered by doctor Topsie to lie quite still, her head being bandaged up with cold water. Piñone was in constant attendance, and Blancha never left her side, while Graviel hovered about anxious and depressed.
They were discussing a fine steak of ostrich picane, several of these fleet birds having been bolased that day, and consequently tasted for the first time by Sir Francis, Lady Vane, and their children, though to Harry and Topsie they were of course no strangers. Every one pronounced the meat delicious, and supper was appreciated that night more than it ever had been during their wanderings. A strange rest had settled upon every one, and the quiet which reigned was doubly felt after the excitement and turmoil of that eventful day. The prisoners were all bivouacked in the neighbourhood of a thick copse, and were liberally provided with meat at the earnest request of Sir Francis, who had begged that they might be properly treated. But around them Araucanian warriors kept stern watch, the sentinels being replaced every three hours.
“Heigh ho!” exclaimed Harry, as the time arrived for turning in. “We have had a jolly time of it, and no mistake. I’ve enjoyed our trip uncommonly. Won’t I spin the fellows a yarn when I rejoin my ship!”
“And draw the long bow, too,” laughed Mary, as she dived into her tolderia, and evaded the pretended blow which her cousin levelled at her with his clenched fist.
Thus night fell upon Las Manzanas and the safe return of our white friends.
CHAPTER XXXII.
CONCLUSION.
Three weeks had passed away since the events related in the last chapter, a three weeks full of fun and adventure for our young friends.