CHAPTER V.
No sooner did the Indians catch sight of the approaching cavalcade, than they hastened to meet it with loud cries of welcome. But these rejoicings were turned to anger when they learnt of the danger that had threatened their baby Cacique. As may be imagined, both Graviel, and those who had been instrumental in saving her from, and defending her against the Cristianos, came in for an extra share of applause and congratulation from the large body of Indians that thronged around their Queen. Graviel was at once carried off by his mother and relations to be carefully attended to. He was loth to leave his little charge’s side, and only consented to do so, on receiving strict orders from Aniwee to that effect.
Meanwhile La Guardia Chica, under the superintendence of Blancha, was carried to the chief toldo, and most of the warriors dispersed to their various tolderias to doff their gay war attires for the every-day habiliments of Araucanians, while Aniwee issued orders for the saddling and bridling of eight of her most wary-footed and renowned hunting steeds for the use of herself and her white friends.
“Will the white Caciques be ready to set off at short notice?” she inquired of Topsie, who was nearest to her.
“Most certainly, Aniwee,” replied this latter with alacrity. “We shall be ready whenever you are, and are all excitement and eagerness to see how the Araucanians hunt the baguales.”
“Aniwee remembers the two baguales which the Caciques captured in Patagonia,” continued the Queen. “Are they still alive?”
“Yes, Aniwee, alive and flourishing. I and my brother sent them across the sea to our own country; but the Araucanians capture them differently to what we did, I suppose?”
“You shall see,” remarked Aniwee briefly, “and you shall take part in the hunt. I will arrange for twenty-five of our best hunters to accompany me. You will all be provided with horses of my own, skilled in the chase and wary-footed, which know their business well. Meanwhile, yonder tall tolderias on either side of the chief one, are the two reserved for the white Caciques. You may wish to visit them ere setting out on the hunt. Has Aniwee spoken well?”
The question having been answered in the affirmative, every one repaired to their different quarters to make ready for the hunt.