“Ah! then thou knewest that they were not dead?” asked one of the guards sharply; and at once Guaitu perceived the mistake he had made.
“I never said it,” he retorted angrily. “I was struck with wonder, that is all.”
“It is so much,” answered the Warrior guard who had previously spoken, “that I shall report it to the Caciques.”
Guaitu ground his teeth and remained silent, as he caught a warning glance directed at him by his fellow-captive. The shout which had so startled the guilty wretch increased in volume, and was repeated again and again. At length the flaps of the tolderia were drawn aside, and a messenger entered, bearing an order to the guards from Cuastral that the prisoners were to be conducted before him.
On being led forth from the tolderia, Kai Chileno found time to whisper to Guaitu:
“They forced confession from me on the threat of slow torture. All is therefore known.”
His confederate looked at him angrily, but could not reply, for the guards hustled him roughly forward. A huge ring, many files deep, surrounded Cuastral, Piñone, Aniwee, and our white friends as the captives were led forward. A savage shout greeted their appearance, and many an angry look was bent upon the offenders, who nevertheless assumed a defiant air.
Cuastral and Piñone, arrayed in snow-white drawers, neat potro boots adorned with silver spurs, and magnificent ponchos, looked very different to the wild beings whose appearance had so startled Graviel the day before. This latter, who had recovered from his wild frenzy, occupied his old position at Piñone’s side, Aniwee being next to Cuastral.
“Guaitu and Kai Chileno,” began the chief as the two prisoners were brought to a halt opposite him, “you are prisoners on a charge of having joined in a vile and wicked conspiracy, whereby was sought to destroy the reigning chiefs of the Araucanians, and substitute in their places Inacayal and his wicked assistants. Your plots have failed. Everywhere I have despatched messengers to warn the Warrior tribe against Inacayal, to slay him if they can. A hunted wanderer in any case he will become. Thou, Kai Chileno, hast confessed to stealing the little Cacique. Dost thou still assert as true that thou didst place her on Traucos’ Rest, and didst thence see her borne away by Traucos?”
“Cuastral,” replied the Indian addressed, “it is even so. What I confessed yesterday is the truth. I can say no more. Yet was not my life promised me on condition that I disclosed the secret of her whereabouts?”