In a short time the Indians rode up, bringing provisions of meat, apples, and araucarias. It was arranged to snatch a brief rest, and start on the search with the break of dawn, which would come early. In spite of the protestations of her tribe, Aniwee had decided on accompanying the relief party, and had left La Guardia Chica in Graviel’s care, with Inacayal to rule in her absence. She would have been less easy could she have seen the villainous smile with which the Cacique bade her farewell, but Graviel witnessed it.
CHAPTER VIII.
Grey dawn was just beginning to shed its uncertain light over the long chain of the white-robed Andes, when Harry, whose sleep had been nothing but a disturbed and fitful doze, sprang up. He at once turned his attention to lighting a fire and getting some water to boil for the purpose of making maté, and then he looked to see if any of the others were awake.
The Indians still slept with the exception of Aniwee, who rose up and joined the lad, and then, one by one, Sir Francis, Lady Vane, and Freddy came over to the fire.
While Aniwee made and mixed the maté, plans were laid for the guidance of the relief party. The Queen was quite resolved on accompanying them, in spite of her superstitions, which showed that the true spark of courage, which had always been a characteristic of Aniwee, still gleamed in her heart. It was decided that each person should carry his or her cartridge belt, well stocked with ammunition, and a supply of maté, matches, and meat were also to be taken. The latter consisted of long hard strips, which had been dried in the sun, and which were therefore not heavy to carry.
As a matter of duty, though no one was hungry, every one of the party about to set forth made a hearty and full meal, and Shag’s comforts were seen to and provided for. Poor Shag! His side was very stiff, and no doubt as painful in proportion, but the honest fellow would give no thought to his own sufferings, his thoughts being still with his mistress. When, therefore, the time arrived for setting out he was all there.
“Now, Shag, lead on; dear old Shag, find Topsie,” exclaimed Harry eagerly; and the sagacious animal, with a hark of delight, sprung forward nose to the ground.