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diff --git a/43716-0.txt b/43716-0.txt index 0ee900f..c5da2fb 100644 --- a/43716-0.txt +++ b/43716-0.txt @@ -1,4 +1,4 @@ -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 43716 *** +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 43716 *** THE ADVENTURERS @@ -12207,5 +12207,4 @@ THE END. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventurers, by Gustave Aimard - *** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 43716 *** diff --git a/43716-8.txt b/43716-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index b66fe45..0000000 --- a/43716-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,12594 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventurers, by Gustave Aimard - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The Adventurers - -Author: Gustave Aimard - -Release Date: September 14, 2013 [EBook #43716] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURERS *** - - - - -Produced by Marc D'Hooghe at http://www.freeliterature.org - - - - -THE ADVENTURERS - -A Story of a Love-Chase - -BY - -GUSTAVE AIMARD - -AUTHOR OF - -"LAST OF THE INCAS," "QUEEN OF THE SAVANNAH," - -ETC. - -LONDON - -WARD AND LOCK, 158, FLEET STREET. - -1863. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -With the publication of the present and the ensuing volume, "The Pearl -of the Andes," I am enabled to perfect the most important series of -Aimard's Tales of Indian Life and Adventure. To preserve uniformity, the -volumes of this series should be arranged in the following order on the -book-shelf;-- - - 1. THE ADVENTURERS. - 2. THE PEARL OF THE ANDES. - 3. THE TRAIL-HUNTER. - 4. PIRATES OF THE PRAIRIES. - 5. THE TRAPPER'S BRIDE. - 6. THE TIGER SLAYER. - 7. THE GOLD SEEKERS. - 8. THE INDIAN CHIEF. - 9. THE RED TRACK. - -Gustave Aimard has a precedent in Fenimore Cooper for introducing the -same hero in a long range of volumes, and, like his great predecessor, -he has so arranged, that each work should be complete in itself, and -not necessitate the purchase of another. But Aimard has one marked -advantage over Cooper; for while "Leather-Stocking" is but a creation -of the fancy, or, at the most, the type of the Backwoodsman, the Count -Louis who figures as the hero of Aimard's series, is a real man. Count -de Raousset Boulbon, had he succeeded in his daring attempt of founding -an independent kingdom in Mexico, would in all probability have become -the Napoleon of the West. A gallant adventurer and thorough gentleman, -he staked his life upon the issue, and ended his career the victim -of unparalleled treachery, as Aimard has faithfully recorded. Hence -Aimard's romances have the great merit of being founded on an historic -basis, and but little fiction was required to heighten the startling -interest of the narrative. - -Valentine Guillois, there is very little doubt, is intended for the -Author himself, with all his qualities and defects. When he first -reached the New World, he was the true, reckless Parisian; but constant -intercourse with nature rendered him a generous and thoughtful friend -of humanity. So soon as he returned to civilization, he began recording -the history of his past life; not so much as a livelihood, as for -the pleasure he felt in living once again the life of excitement and -adventure which he had known among the Indians. Hence his books are -written without an effort; they flow spontaneously from his pen; and the -absence of artistic effect is the best guarantee of their truthfulness. - -It is not surprising, consequently, that M. Aimard's books have met -with such extensive popularity. They have been translated into nearly -every modern language, and the Author is now generally recognised as the -French Cooper. The reception given to his stories in this country has -been most flattering, and each day heightens their popularity. Hence -it is not too much to assume that they will become standard works, -especially with young readers, for whom they are especially adapted; -because M. Aimard has never yet written a line which could prove -offensive to the most delicate mind. - - L.W. - - -CONTENTS. - - - I. THE CHAPARRAL - II. THE FOSTER BROTHERS - III. THE RESOLUTION - IV. THE EXECUTION - V. THE PASSAGE - VI. THE LINDA - VII. HUSBAND AND WIFE - VIII. THE DARK-HEARTS - IX. IN THE STREET - X. SWORD-THRUSTS - XI. GENERAL BUSTAMENTE - XII. THE SPY - XIII. LOVE - XIV. THE QUINTA VERDE - XV. THE DEPARTURE - XVI. THE MEETING - XVII. THE PUELCHES - XVIII. THE BLACK JACKAL - XIX. TWO OLD FRIENDS - XX. THE SORCERER - XXI. THE OBSEQUIES OF AN APO-ULMEN - XXII. EXPLANATIONS - XXIII. THE CHINGANA. - XXIV. THE TWO ULMENS - XXV. THE SUN-TIGER - XXVI. THE MATRICIDE - XXVII. THE JUSTICE OF THE DARK-HEARTS - XXVIII. THE TREATY OF PEACE - XXIX. THE ABDUCTION - XXX. THE PROTEST - XXXI. SPANIARD AND INDIAN - XXXII. IN THE MOUNTAIN - XXXIII. ON THE WATCH - XXXIV. FACE TO FACE - XXXV. THE REVOLT - XXXVI. THE LION AT BAY - XXXVII. THE TRUCE - XXXVIII. TWO ROGUISH PROFILES - XXXIX. THE WOUNDED MAN - XL. ARAUCANIAN DIPLOMACY - XLI. THE COUNCIL - XLII. THE NIGHT JOURNEY - XLIII. TWO HATREDS - XLIV. THE RETURN TO VALDIVIA - XLV. THE FATHER REVEALS HIMSELF - XLVI. CURUMILLA - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE CHAPARRAL. - - - -During my last sojourn in America, chance, or rather my good star, led -me to form an acquaintance with one of those hunters, or wood rangers, -the type of whom has been immortalized by Cooper, in his poetical -personage, _Leather-Stockings_. - -The strange circumstance by which we were brought together was as -follows. Towards the end of July, 1855, I had left Galveston, terrified -at the fevers prevalent there, which are so fatal to Europeans, with the -intention of visiting the north-west portion of Texas, a country I was -then unacquainted with. - -A Spanish proverb somewhere says, "It is better to go alone than in -bad company;" and, like all other proverbs, this possesses a certain -foundation of truth, particularly in America, where the traveller is -exposed at each instant to the chance of meeting rogues of every hue, -who, thanks to their seducing exterior, charm him, win his confidence, -and take advantage of the first occasion to remorselessly plunder and -assassinate him. - -I had profited by the proverb, and, like a shrewd old traveller of the -prairies, as I knew no one who inspired me with sufficient sympathy -to lead me to make him my travelling companion, I had bravely set out -alone, clothed in the picturesque dress of the inhabitants of the -country, armed to the teeth, and mounted upon an excellent half wild -horse, which had cost me twenty-five piastres--an enormous sum in those -countries, where horses are considered as worth little or nothing. - -I carelessly wandered here and there, living that nomadic life which -is so full of attractions; at times stopping at a _toldería_, at -others encamping in the desert, hunting wild animals, and plunging -deeper and deeper into unknown regions. I had, in this fashion, passed -through, without any untoward accident, Fredericksburgh, the Llana -Braunfels, and had just left Castroville, on my way to Quichi. Like -all Spanish-American villages, Castroville is nothing but a miserable -agglomeration of ruined cabins, cut at right angles by streets choked -with weeds, growing undisturbed, and concealing multitudes of ants, -reptiles, and even rabbits of a very small breed, which spring up -beneath the feet of the few passengers. The _pueblo_ is bounded on the -west by the Medina, a slender thread of water, almost dry in the great -heat seasons; and on the east by thickly-wooded hills, the dark green of -which forms a pleasing contrast with the pale blue of the sky. - -At Galveston I had undertaken to deliver a letter to an inhabitant of -Castroville. The worthy man lived in this village like La Fontaine's rat -in the depths of its Dutch cheese. Charmed by the arrival of a stranger, -who, no doubt, brought him news for which he had been long anxious, he -received me in the most cordial manner, and thought of every expedient -to detain me. Unfortunately, the little I had seen of Castroville had -sufficed to completely disgust me with it, and my only wish was to get -out of it as quickly as possible. My host, in despair at seeing all -his advances repulsed, at length consented to allow me to continue my -journey. - -"Adieu, then," he said, warmly pressing my hand, with a sigh of regret; -"since you are determined to go, may God protect you! You are wrong -in setting out so late; the road you have to travel is dangerous; the -_Indios bravos_ are up; they assassinate without mercy all the whites -who fall into their hands--beware!" - -I smiled at this warning, which I took for a last effort of the worthy -man to detain me. - -"Bah!" I replied gaily; "the Indians and I are too old acquaintances for -me to fear anything on their account." - -My host shook his head sorrowfully, and retreated into his hut, making -me a last farewell greeting. I again set forward. I soon began to -reflect that it was full late, and pressed my horse, in order to pass, -before nightfall, a _chaparral_, or large thicket of underwood, of at -least two miles in length, against which my host had particularly warned -me. This ill-famed spot had a very sinister aspect. The mezquite, the -acacia, and the cactus constituted its sole vegetation, while here and -there, whitened bones and planted crosses plainly designated places -where murders had been committed. Beyond that extended a vast plain, -called the Leona, peopled by animals of every description. This plain, -covered by grass at least two feet in height, was dotted at intervals -with thickets of trees, upon which warbled thousands of golden-throated -starlings, cardinals, and bluebirds. I was anxious to reach the -Leona, which I saw in the distance; but ere I did so, I had to cross -the chaparral. After examining my weapons, and looking carefully in -all directions, as I could perceive nothing positively suspicious, I -resolutely spurred my horse forward, determined, if attacked, to sell my -life as dearly as possible. - -The sun, in the meantime, was sinking rapidly towards the horizon, the -ruddy hues of closing day tinged with their changing reflections the -summits of the wooded hills, and a fresh breeze agitated the branches -of the trees with mysterious murmurs. In this country, where there is -no twilight, night was not long in enveloping me in thick darkness, and -that before I had passed through two-thirds of the chaparral. - -I was beginning to hope I should reach the Leona safe and sound, when, -all at once, my horse made a violent bound on one side, pricking up its -ears, and snorting loudly. The sudden shock almost threw me out of the -saddle, and it was not without trouble that I recovered the mastery -over my horse, which displayed signs of the greatest terror. As always -happens in such cases, I instinctively looked round me for the cause of -this panic; and soon the truth was revealed to me. A cold perspiration -bedewed my brow, and a shudder of terror ran through my whole frame, at -the horrible spectacle which met my eyes. Five dead human bodies lay -stretched beneath the trees, within ten paces of me. Among them was -one of a woman, and one of a girl about fourteen years of age. They -all belonged to the white race. They appeared to have fought long and -obstinately before they fell; they were literally covered with wounds; -and long arrows, with jagged barbs, and painted red, stood out from the -bodies, which they had pierced through and through. The victims had all -been scalped. It was evidently the work of Indians, marked with their -sanguinary rage, and their inveterate hatred for the white race. The -form and colour of the arrows told me that the perpetrators of this -atrocity were the Apaches, the most cruel plunderers of the desert. -Around the bodies I observed fragments of both wagons and furniture. The -unfortunate beings, assassinated with refined cruelty, had, no doubt, -been poor emigrants on their way to Castroville. - -At the aspect of this heartbreaking spectacle, I cannot express the pity -and grief which weighed upon my spirits; high in the air, urubus and -vultures hovered with lazy wings over the bodies, uttering lugubrious -cries of joy, whilst in the depths of the chaparral the wolves and -jaguars began to growl portentously. - -I cast a melancholy glance around: all immediately near to me was quiet. -The Apaches had, according to all appearances, surprised the emigrants -during a halt. Gutted bales were still ranged in a symmetrical circle, -and a fire, near which was a heap of dry wood, was not yet extinguished. - -"No!" said I to myself, "whatever may happen, I will not leave -Christians without burial, to become, in this desert, the prey of wild -beasts." - -My resolution, once formed, was soon carried into execution. Springing -to the ground, I hobbled my horse, gave it some provender, and cast some -branches of wood upon the fire, which soon sparkled and sent into the -air a column of bright flame. Among the necessaries of the emigrants -were spades, pickaxes, and other agricultural instruments, which, being -of no use to the Indians, they had disdainfully left behind them. I -seized a spade, and, after having carefully explored the environs -of my encampment, to assure myself that no immediate danger need be -apprehended, I set to work to dig a grave. - -The night had now set in; one of those American nights, clear, -silent, full of intoxicating odours, and mysterious melodies chanted -by the desert in praise of God. Extraordinary to say, all my fears -had vanished, as if by enchantment! Though alone in this sinister -place, close to these frightfully-mutilated carcasses, watched in the -darkness, no doubt, by the unseen eyes of wild beasts, and, perhaps, -of the murderous Indians, some incomprehensible influence sustained -me, and gave me strength to accomplish the rude but sacred task I had -undertaken. Instead of thinking of the dangers which surrounded me, I -found myself yielding to a pensive melancholy. I thought of these poor -people, who had come from distant lands, full of hope for the future, -to seek in the New World a little of the comfort and well-being which -were denied to them at home, and who, scarcely landed, had fallen, in an -obscure corner of the desert, by the hands of ferocious savages. They -had left in their own country friends, perhaps relations, to whom their -fate would for ever remain a mystery, and who would for years reckon -the hours with anxiety, looking for their much-wished return, or for -intelligence of their success in their bold undertaking. - -Except two or three alarms caused by the rustling of the leaves in the -bushes, nothing occurred to interrupt my melancholy duty. In less than -three-quarters of an hour I had dug a grave large enough to contain the -five bodies. After extracting the arrows by which they were transfixed, -I raised them one after the other in my arms, and laid them gently -side by side at the bottom of the grave. I then hastened to throw in -the mould again, till it was level with the sod; and that being done, -I dragged upon the surface all the large stones I could find, to keep -wild beasts from profaning the dead. This religious duty accomplished, -I breathed a deep sigh of satisfaction, and bowing my head towards the -ground, I mentally addressed a short prayer to the Almighty, for the -unfortunate beings I had buried. - -Upon raising my head, I uttered a cry of surprise and terror, while at -the same time mechanically feeling for my revolver; for, without the -least noise having given me warning of his approach, a man was standing -within four paces of me, watching me earnestly, and leaning on his long -rifle. Two magnificent Newfoundland dogs were lying carelessly but -quietly at his feet. On observing my gesture, the unknown smiled with a -kindly expression, and holding out his hand to me over the grave, said-- - -"Fear nothing! I am a friend. You have buried these poor people; _I_ -have avenged them--their assassins are dead!" - -I silently pressed the hand that was so frankly extended to me. -Acquaintance was formed--we were friends--we are so still! A few minutes -later we were seated near the fire, supping together with a good -appetite, while the dogs kept watch against intruders. - -The companion I had fallen in with in so curious a manner was a man of -about forty-five years of age, although he did not appear to be more -than thirty-two. He was tall and well made; his broad shoulders and -muscular limbs denoting extraordinary strength and agility. He wore the -picturesque hunter's costume in all its purity, that is to say, the -_capote_, or surtout (which is nothing but a kind of blanket worn as a -robe, fastened to the shoulders, and falling in long folds behind), a -shirt of striped cotton, large _mitasses_ (drawers of doeskin, stitched -with hair, fastened at distances, and ornamented with little bells), -leather gaiters, moccasins of elk skin, braided with beads and porcupine -quills, and a checked woollen belt, from which hung his knife, tobacco -pouch, powder horn, pistols, and medicine bag. His headdress consisted -of a cap made of the skin of a beaver, the tail of which fell between -his shoulders. This man was a type of a hardy race of adventurers who -traverse America in all directions. A primitive race, longing for -open air, space, and liberty, opposed to our ideas of civilization, -and consequently destined to disappear before the immigration of the -laborious races, whose powerful agents of conquest are steam and the -application of mechanical inventions of all kinds. - -This hunter was a Frenchman, and his frank, manly countenance, his -picturesque language, his open and engaging manners, notwithstanding -his long abode in America, had preserved a reflex of the mother country -which awakened sympathy and created interest. - -All the countries of the New World were familiar to him; he had lived -more than twenty years in the depths of the woods, and had been engaged -in dangerous and distant excursions among the Indian tribes. Hence, -although myself well initiated in the customs of the redskins, and -though a great part of my existence had been passed in the desert, I -have felt myself often shudder involuntarily at the recital of his -adventures. When seated beside him on the banks of the Rio Gila, during -an excursion we had undertaken into the prairies, he would at times -allow himself to be carried away by his remembrances, and relate to me, -as he smoked his Indian pipe, the strange history of the early days -of his abode in the New World. It is one of these recitals I am about -to lay before my readers--the first in order of date, since it is the -history of the events which led him to become a wood ranger. I do not -venture to hope that my readers will take the interest in it which it -excited in me; but I beg them to have the kindness to recollect that -this narrative was told me in the desert, amidst that grand, vast, and -powerful nature, unknown to the inhabitants of old Europe, and that I -had it from the lips of the man who had been the hero. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -THE FOSTER BROTHERS. - - -On the 31st of December, 1834, at eleven o'clock in the evening, a man -of about twenty-five years of age, of handsome person and countenance, -and aristocratic appearance, was sitting, or rather reclining, in a -luxurious easy chair, near the mantelpiece, within which sparkled a -fire that the advanced season rendered indispensable. This personage -was the Count Maxime Edouard Louis de Prébois-Crancé. His countenance, -of a cadaverous paleness, formed a striking contrast with his black -curly hair, which fell in disorder upon his shoulders, covered by -a large-patterned damask dressing gown. His brows were contracted, -and his eyes were fixed with feverish impatience upon the dial of a -charming Louis Quinze clock, whilst his left hand, hanging carelessly -by his side, played with the silky ears of a magnificent Newfoundland -dog which lay by his side. The room in which the Count was sitting was -furnished with all the refinement of comfort invented by modern luxury. -A four-branched chandelier, with rose-coloured wax candles, placed upon -a table, was scarcely sufficient to enliven the room, and only spread -around a dim, uncertain light. Without, the rain was dashing against -the windows violently; and the wind sighed in mysterious murmurs, which -disposed the mind to melancholy. When the clock struck the hour the -Count started up, as if aroused from a dream. He passed his thin white -hand across his moist brow, and said, in a dissatisfied tone-- - -"He will not come!" - -But at that moment the dog, which had been so motionless, sprang up and -bounded towards the door, wagging its tail with joy. The door opened, -the _portière_ was lifted by a firm hand, and a man appeared. - -"Here you are at last!" the Count exclaimed, advancing towards the -newcomer, who had great trouble to get rid of the caresses of the dog. -"I had begun to be afraid that you, like the rest, had forgotten me." - -"I do not understand you, brother, but trust you will explain yourself," -the other replied. "Come, that will do, Cæsar; lie down! you are a very -good dog, but lie down!" - -And drawing an easy chair towards the fire, he sat down at the other -side of the fire, in front of the Count, who had resumed his place. The -dog lay down between them. - -The personage so anxiously expected by the Count formed a strange -contrast with him; for, just as M. de Prébois-Crancé united in himself -all the qualities which physically distinguish nobility of race, the -other displayed all the lively, energetic strength of a true child of -the people. He was a man of twenty-six years of age; tall, thin, and -perfectly well proportioned; while his face, bronzed by the sun, and -his marked features, lit up by blue eyes sparkling with intelligence, -wore an expression of bravery, mildness, and loyalty of character that -created sympathy at first sight. He was dressed in the elegant uniform -of a quartermaster sergeant of the Spahis, and the cross of the legion -of honour glittered on his breast. With his head leaning on his right -hand, a pensive brow and a thoughtful eye, he examined his friend -attentively, whilst twisting his long, silky light-coloured moustache -with the other hand. - -The Count, shrinking before his earnest look, which appeared trying to -read his most secret thoughts, broke the silence abruptly. - -"You have been a long time in responding to my message," he said. - -"This is the second time you have addressed that reproach to me, Louis," -the soldier replied, taking a paper from his breast; "you forget the -terms of the note which your groom brought yesterday to my quarters." - -And he was preparing to read. - -"It is useless to read it," said the Count, with a melancholy smile. "I -acknowledge I am in the wrong." - -"Well, then, let us see," said the Spahi gaily, "what this serious -affair is which makes you stand in need of me. Explain: is there a woman -to be carried off?--Have you a duel on hand?--Tell me." - -"Nothing that you can possibly imagine," the Count interrupted him -bitterly; "therefore do not waste time in useless surmises." - -"What the devil is it, then?" - -"I am going to blow out my brains." - -The young man uttered these words with so firm and resolute an accent, -that the soldier started in spite of himself, and bent an anxious glance -upon the speaker. - -"You believe me mad, do you not?" the Count continued, who guessed his -friend's thoughts. "No, I am not mad, Valentine; I am only at the bottom -of an abyss from which I can only escape by death or infamy, and I -prefer death." - -The soldier made no reply. With an energetic gesture he pushed back his -chair, and began to walk about the room with hurried steps. The Count -had allowed his head to sink upon his breast in a state of perfect -prostration of mind. After a long silence, during which the fury of the -storm without increased, Valentine resumed his seat. - -"A very strong reason must have obliged you to take such a -determination," he said coolly; "I will not endeavour to combat it; but -I command you, by our friendship, to tell me fully what has led you to -form it. I am your foster brother, Louis; we have grown up together; our -ideas have been too long in common, our friendship is too strong and too -fervent for you to refuse to satisfy me." - -"To what purpose?" cried the Count, impatiently; "my sorrows are of a -nature which none but he who experiences them can comprehend." - -"A bad pretext, brother," replied the soldier, in a rough tone; "the -sorrows we dare not avow are of a kind that make us blush." - -"Valentine," said the Count, with a flashing eye, "it is ill judged to -speak so." - -"On the contrary, it is quite right," replied the young man, warmly. "I -love you, I owe you the truth; why should I deceive you? No, you know my -frankness; therefore do not hope that I shall listen to you with my eyes -shut. If you want to be flattered in your last moments, why send for me? -Is it to applaud your death? If so, brother, farewell! I will retire, -for I have nothing to do here. You great gentlemen, who have only known -the trouble of coming into the world, know nothing of life but its joys; -at the first roseleaf which chance happens to ruffle in your bed of -happiness, you think yourselves lost, and appeal to that greatest of all -cowardices, suicide." - -"Valentine!" the Count cried angrily. - -"Yes," continued the young man, with increased energy, "I repeat, that -supreme cowardice! Man is no more at liberty to quit life when he -fancies he is tired of it, than the soldier is to quit his post when he -comes face to face with his country's enemy. Your sorrows, indeed! I -know well what they are." - -"You know?" demanded the Count with astonishment. - -"All--listen to me; and when I have told you my thoughts, why, kill -yourself if you like. Pardieu! do you think when I came here I did not -know why you summoned me? A gladiator, far too weak to fight the good -fight, you have cast yourself defencelessly among the wild beasts of -this terrible arena called Paris--and you have fallen, as was sure to -be the case. But remember, the death you contemplate will complete your -dishonour in the eyes of all, instead of reinstating you or surrounding -you with the halo of false glory you are ambitious of." - -"Valentine! Valentine!" cried the Count, striking the table forcibly -with his clenched hand, "what gives you a right to speak to me thus?" - -"My friendship," the soldier replied, energetically, "and the position -you have yourself placed me in by sending for me. Two causes reduce you -to despair. These two causes are, in the first place, your love for -a coquettish woman, a Creole, who has played with your heart as the -panther of her own savannahs plays with the inoffensive animals she is -preparing to devour.--Is that true?" - -The young man made no reply. With his elbows on the table, his face -buried in his hands, he remained motionless, apparently insensible to -the reproaches of his foster brother. Valentine continued-- - -"Secondly, when, in order to win favour in her eyes, you have -compromised your fortune, and squandered all that your father had left -you, this woman flits away as she came, rejoicing over the mischief -she has done, over the victims she has left on the path she has trod, -leaving to you and to so many others the despair and the shame of having -been the sport of a coquette. What urges you to seek refuge in death is -not the loss of fortune, but the impossibility of following this woman, -the sole cause of all your misfortunes. I defy you to contradict me." - -"Well, I admit all that is true. It is that alone which kills me. What -care I for the loss of fortune? She alone is the object of my ambition! -I love her--I love her--I tell you, so that I could struggle against -the whole world to obtain her!" the young man exclaimed with great -excitement. "Oh, if I could but hope! Hope--a word void of meaning, -invented by the ambitious, always implying something unattainable! Do -you not plainly see the truth of what I say? There is nothing left me -but to die!" - -Valentine contemplated him for some minutes with a sad countenance. -Suddenly his brow cleared, his eye sparkled; he laid his hand upon the -Count's shoulder. - -"Is this, then, more than a caprice? Do you really love this woman?" he -said. - -"Have I not told you that I am ready to die for her?" - -"Ay; and you told me at the same time that you would struggle with the -whole world to obtain her." - -"I did--and would." - -"Well, then," continued Valentine, fixing his eyes earnestly upon him, -"I can help you to find this woman again--I can." - -"You can?" - -"Yes, I can." - -"Oh! you are mad! She has left Paris, and no one knows into what region -of America she has retreated." - -"Of what consequence is that?" - -"And then, besides, I am ruined!" - -"So much the better." - -"Valentine, be careful of what you say," the young man remarked with a -sigh; "in spite of my reason, I allow myself to believe you." - -"Hope, man! hope, I tell you." - -"Oh, no; no, that is impossible!" - -"Nothing is impossible; that is a word invented by the impotent and the -cowardly. I repeat that I not only will find this woman for you again, -but that she--she herself, mind--shall be afraid lest you should despise -her love." - -"Oh!" - -"Who knows? You yourself may then, perhaps, reject it." - -"Valentine! Valentine!" - -"Well, to obtain this glorious result, I only ask two years." - -"So long?" - -"Oh, such is man!" cried the soldier, with a faint, pitying laugh. "But -an instant ago, and you were anxious to die, because the word had never -stood in its true light before you; and now you have not the courage to -look forward, or wait two years, which constitute only a few minutes of -human life!" - -"Yes, but----" - -"Be satisfied, brother--be satisfied! If in two years I have not -fulfilled my promise, I myself will load your pistols--and then----" - -"Well, and then?" - -"And then you shall not die alone," he said coolly. - -The Count looked at him. Valentine seemed transfigured: his countenance -wore an expression of indomitable energy, which his foster brother had -never observed in it before; his eyes sparkled with unwonted brilliancy. -The young man avowed himself conquered; he took his friend's hand, and -pressing it warmly, said-- - -"I agree!" - -"You now, then, belong to me?" - -"I give myself entirely up to you." - -"That's well!" - -"But what will you do?" - -"Listen to me attentively," the soldier said, sinking back into his -chair, and motioning to his friend to resume his seat. At this moment -the clock struck the hour of midnight, and, from a feeling for which -they could not account, the young men listened silently and reflectively -to the twelve strokes which resounded at equal intervals upon the bell. - -When the echo of the last stroke had ceased to vibrate, Valentine lit a -cigar, and turning towards Louis, whose eyes were intensely fixed upon -him, "Now, then," he said slowly, emitting a puff of thin blue smoke, -which went curling gracefully up towards the ceiling. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE RESOLUTION. - - -"I am listening," said Louis, leaning forward as if to hear the better. - -Valentine resumed with a melancholy smile. - -"We have now reached the 1st of January, 1835," said he; "with the last -vibration of midnight your existence as a gentleman has come to an end. -From this time you are about to commence a life of trials and struggles; -in a word, you are about to become a man!" - -The Count gave him an inquiring glance. - -"I will explain myself," Valentine continued; "but in order to do that, -you must, in the first place, allow me, in a few words, to recall your -history to you." - -"Surely, I am well enough acquainted with that," interrupted the Count, -in a tone that displayed impatience. - -"Well, perhaps you are; but, at all events, listen to my version of it; -if I err, put me right." - -"Follow your own humour," the Count replied, sinking back into his chair -with the air of a man whom politeness obliges to listen to a tiresome -discourse. - -Though he saw it, Valentine appeared to take no notice of this movement -on the part of his foster brother. He relit his cigar, which he had -allowed to go out, patted the dog, whose great head was lying upon his -knees, and began, as if convinced that Louis gave him the most profound -attention. - -"Your history is that of almost every man of your rank," said he. "Your -ancestors, whose name can be traced to the Crusades, left you at your -birth a noble title, and a hundred thousand francs a year. Rich, without -having had occasion to employ your faculties to gain your fortune, -and consequently ignorant of the real value of money, you spent it -heedlessly, believing it to be inexhaustible. This is just what has -happened; only, one day, when you least expected it, the hideous spectre -of ruin rose up suddenly before you, and you had a glimpse of want, -that is, of the necessity for labour; and then you drew back terrified, -declaring there was no refuge but in death." - -"All that is perfectly true," the Count interrupted; "but you forget to -mention, that before forming this last resolution, I took care to put -my affairs in order, and to pay all my creditors. I then became my own -master, and had a right to dispose of my life as I thought fit." - -"Not at all. And it is this which your education as a gentleman has -prevented you from understanding. Your life is not your own; it is -a loan which God has made you. It is, consequently, nothing but an -expectation, a _waiting_, a passage: for this reason it is short, -but the profit of it is due to humanity. Every man who wastes the -faculties which he holds from God in orgies and debaucheries, commits a -robbery upon the great human family. Remember that we are all mutually -responsible for one another, and that we ought to employ our faculties -for the advantage of the whole." - -"For Heaven's sake, brother, a truce to your sermons! Such theories, -more or less paradoxical, may succeed with certain people, but----" - -"Brother," Valentine interrupted, "do not speak so. In spite of -yourself, your pride of race dictates words which you will ere long -regret. Certain people! there you have let slip the great word. Oh, -Louis, Louis! how many things you have yet to learn! But that we may -know what we are about, reckoning all your resources, how much have you -left?" - -"Oh, I scarcely know! A pitiful sum." - -"Well, but how much?" - -"Good Heavens! some forty thousand francs, I suppose, at most, which may -amount to sixty thousand by the sale of these luxurious trifles," the -Count said carelessly. - -Valentine started up in his chair. - -"Sixty thousand francs!" he cried; "and you are in despair! and have -made up your mind to die! Senseless fellow! why, these sixty thousand -francs, well employed, are a fortune! they will enable you to find the -woman you love! How many poor devils would fancy themselves rich with -such a sum!" - -"What do you mean to do, then?" - -"You shall see. What is the name of the lady you are in love with?" - -"Doña Rosario del Valle." - -"Very well. She has, you say, gone to America?" - -"Ten days ago; but I, in justice, must observe to you, that Doña -Rosario, whom you do not know, is a noble and amiable girl, who has -never lent an ear to one of my flatteries, or given favourable heed to -the ruinous extravagances which I committed to please her." - -"Ah, that is very possible! why, then, should I seek to rob you of this -sweet illusion? Only it makes me the more puzzled to perceive how, under -these circumstances, you could manage to melt your fortune, which was -considerable, like a lump of butter in the sun." - -"Here! read this note from my broker." - -"Oh!" said Valentine, pushing back the paper; "you have been dabbling -on the Stock Exchange, have you! Everything is now easily explained, my -poor pigeon; the kites have plucked you nicely! Well, brother, you must -take your revenge." - -"Oh, I ask nothing better!" said the young man, knitting his brows. - -"We are of the same age; my mother's milk nourished us both; in the -eyes of God we are brothers! I will make a man of you! I will help -you to put on that armour of brass which will render you invincible. -Whilst you, protected by your name and your fortune, allowed life to -glide luxuriously away, only plucking its flowers as it passed, I, a -poor wretch wandering over the rough pavement of Paris, carried on a -gigantic struggle to obtain a mere existence; a struggle of every hour -and every minute, where the victory for me was a morsel of bread, and -experience most dearly bought; for often, when I held horses, sold -theatre checks, or acted clown to a mountebank--in fact, when I went -through the thousand impossible shifts of the Bohemian, depression and -discouragement nearly choked me; often and often have I felt my burning -brow and throbbing temples clasped in the pinching vice of want; but I -resisted, I girded myself up against adversity; never did I allow myself -to be conquered, although I left upon the thorns of my rugged path many -of the rags of my most fondly-cherished illusions; while my heart, -writhing with despair, has bled from twenty wounds at once! Courage, -Louis! henceforth there will be two of us to fight the battle! You shall -be the head to conceive, I the arm to execute; you the intelligence, I -the strength! Now the struggle will be equal, for we will sustain one -another. Trust in me, my brother; a day will come when success will -crown our efforts!" - -"I can fully appreciate your devotion, and I accept it. Am I not, at -present, your property? Entertain no fear of my resisting you. But I -cannot help telling you that I fear all my attempts will be in vain, and -that we shall be forced, sooner or later, to fall back upon that last -means which you now prevent me having recourse to." - -"Oh, thou man of little faith!" Valentine said, cheerfully; "on the road -which we are about to take, fortune will be our slave!" - -Louis could not repress a smile. - -"We must, at all events, depend upon the aid of chance in what we are -about to undertake," he said. - -"Chance! chance is the hope of fools; the strong man commands it." - -"Well, but what do you mean to do?" - -"The lady you love is in America, is she not?" - -"I have already told you so several times." - -"Very well, then, we must go thither." - -"But I do not know even in what part of America she resides." - -"Of what consequence is that? The New World is the country of gold--the -true region of adventurers! We shall retrieve our fortunes whilst -searching for her; and is that so disagreeable a thing? Tell me--this -lady was born somewhere?" - -"She is a Chilian." - -"Good! she has gone back to Chili, then; and it is there we shall find -her." - -Louis looked at his foster brother for a moment, with a species of -respectful admiration. - -"What! do you seriously mean that you will do this, brother?" he said, -in an agitated voice. - -"Without hesitation." - -"Abandon the military career which offers you so many chances of -success? I know that in three months you will be an officer." - -"I have ceased to be a soldier since the morning; I have found a -substitute." - -"Oh, that is not possible!" - -"Ay, but it is done." - -"But your old mother, my nurse, whose only support you are!" - -"Out of what you have left we will give her a few thousand francs, -which, joined to my pension, will suffice for her to live on till we -come back." - -"Oh," said the young man, "I cannot accept of such a sacrifice--my -honour forbids it!" - -"Unfortunately, brother," Valentine said, in a tone which silenced the -Count, "you have it not in your power to prevent it. In acting as I -propose to do I am only discharging a sacred duty." - -"I do not understand you." - -"What is the use of explaining it to you?" - -"I insist." - -"Very good; and, perhaps, it will be better. Listen:--When, after -having nursed you, my mother restored you to your family, my father fell -sick, and died at the end of an illness of eight months, leaving my -mother and myself in the greatest want; the little we possessed had been -spent in medicines, and in paying the doctor for his visits. We ought to -have had recourse to your family, who would, no doubt, have relieved us; -but my mother would never consent to it. 'The Count de Prébois-Crancé -has done as much as he ought,' she remarked, 'he shall not be troubled -any more.'" - -"She was wrong," said Louis. - -"I know she was," Valentine replied. "In the meantime, hunger soon began -to be felt. It was then I undertook all those impossible trades of which -I just now spoke to you. One day, as I was carrying my cap round in the -Place du Trône, after swallowing sabres and eating fire, to the great -delight of the crowd, I found myself face to face with an officer of the -Chasseurs d'Afrique, who looked at me with an air of pity and kindness -that melted my heart within me. He led me away with him, made me relate -my history, and insisted upon being conducted to the shed where I and -my mother lived. At the sight of our misery the old soldier was much -affected; a tear, which he could not restrain, flowed silently down his -sunburnt cheek. Louis, that officer was your father." - -"My noble and good father!" the Count exclaimed, pressing his foster -brother's hand. - -"Yes! yes, noble and good! he secured my mother a little annuity which -enables her to live, and took me into his own regiment. Two years ago, -during the last expedition against the Rey of Constantine, your father -was struck by a bullet in his chest, and died at the end of two hours, -calling upon his son." - -"Yes," the young man said, with tears in his eyes, "I know he did." - -"But what you do not know, Louis, is, that at the point of death your -father turned towards me--for, from the moment he had received his wound -I had never left him." - -Louis again silently pressed the hand of Valentine, whilst the latter -continued-- - -"'Valentine,' he said to me, in a faint voice, broken by the rattle of -death, for the mortal agony had commenced, 'my son is left alone, and -without experience; he has nobody but you, his foster brother. Watch -over him--never abandon him! May I depend upon your promise? it will -mitigate the pain of dying.' I knelt down beside him, and respectfully -seizing the hand he held out to me, exclaimed--'Die in peace! in the -hour of adversity I will be always by the side of your Louis. Two tears -of joy at that awful hour dropped from your father's eyes; he said, in a -faltering voice--'God has heard your oath and murmuring your name, and -clasping my hand, he expired. Louis, I owe to your father the comfort -my mother enjoys; I owe to your father the feelings that make me a man, -and this cross which glitters on my breast. Can you not now comprehend, -then, why I have spoken to you as I have done? While you held your -course in your strength, I kept aloof; but now that the hour has arrived -for accomplishing my vow, no human power can prevent me from doing so." - -The two young men were silent for a moment, and then Louis, laying his -face on the soldier's honest chest, said, with a burst of tears-- - -"When shall we set out, brother?" - -The latter looked at him earnestly-- - -"You are fully resolved to commence a new life?" - -"Entirely!" Louis replied, in a firm tone. - -"Do you leave no regrets behind you?" - -"None." - -"You are ready to pass bravely through all the trials to which I may -expose you?" - -"I am." - -"That is well, brother! it is thus I wish you to be. We will set out as -soon as we have settled the balance of your past life. You must enter -on the new existence I am about to open to you quite free from clogs or -remembrances." - - * * * * * - -On the 2nd of February, 1835, a packet boat belonging to the -Trans-Atlantic Company left Havre, directing its course towards -Valparaiso. On board this vessel, as passengers, were the Count de -Prébois-Crancé, Valentine Guillois his foster brother, and Cæsar their -Newfoundland dog--Cæsar, the only friend who had remained faithful to -them, and whom they could not think of leaving behind. Upon the quay -a woman of about sixty years of age, her face bathed in tears, stood -with her eyes intently fixed upon the vessel as long as it remained in -sight. When it had disappeared below the horizon, she cast a desponding -glance around her, and with a heavy heart bent her steps towards a house -situated at a small distance from the beach, where she remained three -days. - -"Do what is right, happen what may!" she said, in a voice stifled by -grief. - -This woman was the mother of Valentine Guillois. She was the most to be -pitied, for she was left alone! - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE EXECUTION. - - -Towards the end of the year 1450, Chili was invaded by Prince -Sinchiroca, afterwards Inca, who gained possession of the valley of -Mapocho, then called Promocaces, that is to say, the place of dancing -and rejoicing. The Peruvian government, however, was never able to -establish itself in the country, on account of the armed opposition of -the Promocians, then encamped between the rivers Rapel and Maulé. Hence, -though the historian Garcilasso de la Vega may place the limits of the -territory conquered by the Incas upon the river Maulé, everything proves -they were upon the Rapel, for, near the confluence of the Cachapeul with -the Tingerica, which from this point takes the name of Rapel, start the -ruins of an ancient Peruvian fortress, constructed exactly like those of -Callao and Asseray, in the province of Quito. These fortresses served to -mark the frontier. - -The Spanish conqueror, Don Pedro de Valdivia, founded, on the 24th of -February, 1541, the city of Santiago in a delightful position upon the -left bank of the Rio Mapocho, at the entrance of a plain a hundred miles -in extent, bounded by the Rio Parahuel, and the mountain of El Pardo, -which has an elevation of not less than four thousand feet. This plain, -which is also bathed by the Rio Maypo, forms a natural reservoir, in -which the light soil brought down from the neighbouring heights has -found a level, and created one of the richest territories of the New -World. - -Santiago, which at a later period became the capital of Chili, is one of -the finest cities in Spanish America. Its streets are broad, built in -straight lines, and refreshed by _acequias_; or rivulets of clear and -limpid water; while the houses, built of _adobes_, only one story high, -on account of the earthquakes so frequent in this country, are vast, -airy, and well situated. It possesses a great number of monuments, the -most remarkable of which are the stone bridge of five arches, thrown -over the Mapocho, and the Tajamar, or breakwater, formed of two brick -walls, the interior one of which is filled with earth, and serves to -protect the inhabitants from inundations. The Cordilleras, with their -eternally snow-crowned summits, although eighty miles distant from -the city, appear suspended over it, and present an aspect of the most -majestic and imposing kind. - -On the 5th of May, 1835, towards ten o'clock in the evening, stifling -heat oppressed the city; there was not a breath in the air, or a cloud -in the heavens. Santiago, generally so joyous at this hour of the -night, when beams from black eyes and smiles from rosy lips are seen at -every balcony, and each window seems to challenge the passer-by with -the twanging of _sambecuejas,_ and snatches of Creole songs, appeared -plunged in the deepest sadness. The balconies and the windows were -filled, it is true, with the heads of men and women, packed together as -closely as possible, but the expression of every face was serious, every -look was thoughtful and uneasy: no smile, no joy could be witnessed; but -on all sides were sorrowful brows, pale cheeks, and eyes filled with -tears. - -Here and there in the streets numerous groups were stationed in the -middle of the causeway, or upon the steps of the doors, conversing in a -low voice, but with great vivacity. At every instant, orderly officers -left the government palace, and galloped off in various directions. -Detachments of troops quitted their barracks, and marched, with drums -beating, to the Plaza Mayor, where they formed in line, passing silently -amidst the terrified inhabitants. The Plaza Mayor on this evening -afforded an exceptional appearance. Torches, waved about by individuals -mixed with the crowd, threw their red dull reflections upon the -assembled people, who seemed to be in expectation of some great event. - -But among all these people assembled on one spot, and whose number -increased every second, not a cry, not a word could be heard. Only, at -intervals, there arose a nameless murmur--a noise of the sea before a -tempest--the whisper of a whole anxious people--the hoarse fury of a -storm lashing all these oppressed breasts. The clock of the cathedral -heavily and slowly struck ten. - -Scarce had the _serenos_, according to custom, chanted the hour, ere -military commands were heard, and the crowd violently driven back in all -directions, with cries and oaths, accompanied by blows from gunstocks, -divided in two nearly equal parts, leaving between them a wide, free -space. At this moment arose the sounds of religious chants, murmured in -a low, monotonous tone, and a long procession of monks debouched upon -the square. These monks all belonged to the order of the Brothers of -Mercy. They walked slowly in two lines, with their hoods pulled down -over their faces, their arms crossed upon their breasts, their heads -hanging down, and chanting the _De Profundis_. In the middle of them ten -penitents each bore an open coffin. Then came a squadron of cavalry, -preceding a battalion of militiamen, in the centre of which body, ten -men, bare headed, with their arms bound behind them, were conducted, -each riding with his face toward the tail of a donkey, whose bridle -was held by a monk of the order of Mercy; a detachment of lancers came -immediately after, and closed this lugubrious procession. - -At the cry of halt, given by the commander of the troops drawn up -upon the Plaza, the monks separated to the right and left, without -interrupting their funeral chant, and the condemned remained alone in -the middle of the space left free for them. These men were patriots, -who had attempted to overthrow the established government, in order to -substitute another, the more broad and democratic basis of which would -be, as they thought, in better accordance with ideas of progress and the -welfare of the nation. These patriots belonged to the first families of -the country. - -The population of Santiago viewed with sullen despair the death of -the men whom they considered as martyrs. It is even probable that a -rising in their favour would have taken place, if General Don Poncho -Bustamente, the minister at war, had not drawn out a military force -capable of imposing upon the most determined, and obliging them to be -silent spectators of the execution of men whom they could not save, but -whom they entertained a fierce hope of avenging at a future day. - -The condemned alighted; they piously knelt, and confessed themselves to -the monks of Mercy nearest to them, whilst a platoon of fifty soldiers -took up a position within twenty paces of them. When their confession -was completed, they rose up bravely, and taking each other by the hand, -ranged themselves in a single line in front of the soldiers appointed -to put them to death. In spite, however, of the great numbers of troops -assembled on the Plaza, an ominous fermentation prevailed among the -people. The crowd rocked about in all directions. Murmurs of sinister -augury and curses, pronounced aloud against the agents of power, seemed -to remind the latter that they had better finish the affair at once, if -they did not wish to have their victims torn from their hands. - -General Bustamente, who calmly and stoically presided over this -dismal ceremony, smiled with disdain at this expression of popular -disapprobation. He waved his sword over his head and commanded "right -about face," which was executed with the rapidity of lightning. The -troops faced the insurgents on all sides; the front rank pointing their -muskets at the citizens crowded together before them, whilst the others -appeared to take aim at the balconies encumbered with people. This was -followed by so dead a silence, that not a word was lost of the sentence -read by the proper officer to the patriots--a sentence which condemned -them to be shot as traitors, or accomplices in a conspiracy designed -to overthrow the constituted government, and plunge their country into -anarchy. - -The conspirators listened to their sentence with silent firmness; but -when the officer, who trembled in every limb, had finished reading it, -they all cried, as with one voice, - -"Viva la Patria! Viva la Libertad!" - -The General gave a signal, and a loud rolling of the drums drowned the -voices of the condemned. A discharge of musketry resounded like a clap -of thunder, and the ten martyrs fell, once again shouting their cry of -liberty, a cry doomed to find an echo in the hearts of their terrified -compatriots. - -The troops filed off, with shouldered arms, ensigns flying, and band at -their head, past the dead bodies, and regained their barracks. When the -General had disappeared with his escort, and the troops had left the -Plaza, the people rushed in a mass towards the spot where the martyrs -of their cause lay in a confused heap. Every one wished to offer them a -last farewell, and to swear over their bodies to avenge them, or to fall -in their turn. - -At length, by degrees, the crowd became less compact, the groups -dispersed, the last torches were extinguished, and the spot where, -scarce an hour before, an awful drama had been accomplished, was left -completely deserted. A considerable time elapsed before any noise -disturbed the solemn silence which brooded over the Plaza Mayor. - -Suddenly, a heavy sigh escaped from the heap of bodies, and a pale head, -disfigured by the blood and dirt which stained it, arose slowly from -this human slaughterhouse, pushing aside with difficulty the carcasses -which had covered it. The victim, who, by a miracle, survived this -bloody hecatomb, cast an anxious look around him, and passing his hand -over his brow, which was bathed in a dark perspiration, said vehemently-- - -"My God! my God! grant me strength to live, that I may avenge myself and -my country!" - -Then, with incredible courage, this man, too weak from the blood he had -lost, and was still losing, to stand, or to escape by walking away, -began to crawl along upon his hands and knees, leaving behind him a long -wet track, and directing his course towards the cathedral. At every yard -he stopped to take breath, and to place his hands upon his wounds, which -motion rendered more painful. Scarce had he left the centre of the Plaza -and its horrid sacrifice fifty paces behind him, and that with immense -difficulty, when, from a street which opened just before him, issued two -men, who advanced with hasty steps towards him. - -"Oh!" the unhappy man cried, in utter despair, "I am lost! I am lost! -Heaven is not just!"--And he fainted. - -The two men, on coming up to him, stopped with great surprise; they -leant over him, and examined him with care and in an anxious manner. - -"Well?" said one of them, at the end of a minute or two. - -"He is alive!" the other replied, in a tone of conviction. - -Without uttering another word, they rolled up the wounded man in a -_poncho_, lifted him on their shoulders, and disappeared in the gloomy -depths of the street by which they had come, and which led to the -Canadilla suburb. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE PASSAGE. - - -It is a long voyage from Havre to Chili. The man accustomed to the -thousand agitations and the intoxicating whirlwind of the atmosphere of -Paris, necessarily finds the life on shipboard, the calm and regular -life, insipid and monotonous. It is certainly tedious to remain months -together in a vessel, confined to a cabin a few feet square, without -air and without sun, almost without light, and to have no walk but the -narrow deck of the ship, no horizon but the rolling or the tranquil -sea--at all times and everywhere nothing but sea. - -The transition is very trying. The Parisian, accustomed to the noise -and perpetual motion of a great city, cannot at once enter into or -comprehend the poetry of the sailor's life, of which he knows nothing, -or the sublime pleasures and keen enjoyments which those granite-hearted -men, exposed incessantly to a struggle with the elements, constantly -experience; men who laugh at the tempest and brave the hurricane; who, -twenty times a minute, stand face to face with death, and at last feel -such a contempt for it that they end by not believing in it. The hours -are of interminable length to the passenger who pines for the land; -every day appears an age to him. With his eyes constantly turned toward -a point which he begins to imagine he shall never gain, he sinks, in -spite of himself, into a species of gloomy nostalgia, which the sight of -the wished for port is alone powerful enough to dissipate. - -The Count de Prébois-Crancé and Valentine Guillois had, then, undergone -the dispersion of all the illusions and all the ennuis attendant upon a -first sea voyage. During the first days they were employed in recalling -the vivid remembrance of that other life from which they had parted -for ever. They talked over the surprise which the sudden disappearance -of the Count would cause in the fashionable society from which he -had fled without warning, and without leaving any means of tracing -him. Forgetting for awhile the distance which separated them from the -America to which they were bound, they dwelt at great length upon the -unknown pleasures which awaited them upon that golden soil, that land -of promise for all sorts of adventurers, but which, alas! often offers -those who go thither in the hope of gaining an easy fortune, nothing but -disappointment and sorrow. - -As every subject, however interesting it may be, must in the end grow -exhausted, the two young men, to escape the fatiguing monotony of the -voyage, had the good sense so to arrange their existence as to prevent -tedium from gaining the influence over them which it had upon the -other passengers. Twice a day, morning and evening, the Count, who was -perfectly well acquainted with Spanish, gave his foster brother lessons -in that language, lessons by which he profited so well, that after two -months' study, he was able to carry on a conversation in Spanish. When -he had made such progress, the young men employed no other language, -either between themselves or with the persons on board who understood -it. This habit produced the desired result; that is to say, Valentine, -in a very short time, spoke Spanish, which is not difficult to acquire, -as fluently as French; and then, in return, Valentine occasionally -became the professor. He made Louis go through gymnastic exercises, in -order to develop his natural strength, accustom his body to fatigue, and -render him capable of supporting the rude exigencies of his new position. - -We will here, for a moment, return to the character of Valentine -Guillois, a character of which the reader, from the young man's manner -of acting and speaking, might form a completely erroneous opinion, and -this we think it our duty to rectify. Morally, Valentine Guillois was -a young fellow quite unacquainted with himself; hot-headed, giddy in -the extreme, the surface had been slightly vitiated by reading chosen -without discernment; but the foundation was essentially good. He -united in himself all the characteristics of a class whose knowledge -of the world is obtained from romances and the dramas of the Faubourg -du Temple. He had sprung up like a mushroom upon _the pavé_ of Paris, -performing for bread, as he himself said, the most eccentric and -impossible things. As a soldier, he had lived from hand to mouth, -happy in the present, and careless of a future whose existence was so -uncertain for him. But in the heart of this thoughtless _gamin_ a new -sentiment had germinated, and, in a very short time, taken deep root,--a -hearty devotion to the man who had held out his hand to him, had had -pity on his mother, and who, by dragging him from the slough in which he -was plunged, without hope of ever rising, had given him a consciousness -of his own personal value. The death of this benefactor had struck -him like a clap of thunder. He felt all the importance of the mission -with which his dying colonel had charged him, the responsible burden -he imposed upon him, and he swore, with the firm resolution of keeping -his oath, cost what it might, to watch, like an attentive and devoted -brother, over the son of him who had made a man of him equal to other -men. The two most prominent points of Valentine's character were, an -energy which obstacles only augmented instead of depressing, and an iron -will. - -With these two qualities, employed to the extent to which Valentine -carried them, a man is sure to accomplish great things, and, if death -does not surprise him on the road, to attain, at a given moment, the -object, whatever it may be, which he has marked out for himself. In the -present circumstances, these qualities were invaluable to the Count de -Prébois-Crancé, a man of a dreamy, poetical nature, weak character, and -timid mind, who, accustomed from his birth to the easy life of people -of fortune, was entirely ignorant of the incessant difficulties of the -new life into which he found himself suddenly cast. As always happens, -when two men gifted with such opposite qualities meet, Valentine was -not long in gaining over his foster brother a great moral influence, an -influence which he employed with infinite tact, without ever rendering -his companion aware of it; he appeared to do everything according to -his will, whilst imposing his own upon him. In short, these two men, -who loved each other thoroughly, and had but one head and one heart, -perfected each other. - -The mode of speaking employed by Valentine in the early chapters of -this history, was not at all habitual to him, and had truly astonished -himself. Rising to the level of the situation in which the resolution of -the young man he wished to save placed him, he had comprehended, with -that sound common sense which he unwittingly possessed, that instead -of desponding over the misfortune which struck his foster brother so -unexpectedly, it was his duty, on the contrary, to endeavour to impart -to him the courage he was deficient in. Thus, as we have seen, he -found in his heart arguments so peremptorily decisive, that the Count -consented to live, and gave himself up to his counsels. Valentine did -not hesitate. The departure of Doña Rosario furnished him with the -excuse he needed for dragging his foster brother from the Parisian gulf -which, after having swallowed up his fortune, threatened to swallow up -himself. Perceiving, before all else, the necessity for expatriating -him, he persuaded Louis to follow the object of his love to America; and -both set out gaily for the New World, abandoning the country which, like -other emigrants, they fancied had been so ungrateful to them. - -Often during the passage the young Count had felt his courage flag, -and his faith in the future abandon him, when thinking of the life of -struggles and trials that awaited him in America. But Valentine, by -his inexhaustible gaiety, his incredible store of anecdotes, and his -incessant sallies, always succeeded in smoothing the wrinkles from the -brow of his companion, who, with his habitual carelessness and want of -energy, allowed himself to sink under that occult influence of Valentine -which remoulded him, without his cognizance, and gradually made a new -man of him. - -Such was the state of mind in which our two personages found themselves -when the packet boat cast anchor in the roads of Valparaiso. Valentine, -with his imperturbable assurance, doubted of nothing: he was persuaded -that the people he was about to have to do with were very much beneath -him in intelligence, and that he could manage very well to attain the -double object which he aimed at. The Count entirely depended upon his -foster brother for finding for him the woman he loved, and whom he had -come so far to seek. As to retrieving his fortune, he did not even dream -of that. - -Valparaiso--Valley of Paradise--so named probably by antiphrasis, for it -is the filthiest and ugliest city of Spanish America--is nothing but a -depot for foreigners, whom commercial interests do not call into Chili. -Our young men only remained there long enough to equip themselves in -the costume of the country; that is to say, to assume the Panama hat, -the _poncho_, and _polenas_; then, each armed with two double-barrelled -pistols, a rifle, and a long knife in his belt, they left the port, and, -mounted on excellent horses, took their course towards Santiago, on the -evening preceding the day on which the execution we have described in -the preceding chapter was to take place. The weather was magnificent;-- -the rays of a burning sun rendered the very dust golden, and made the -stones of the road shine like jewels. - -"Ah!" said Valentine, as soon as they found themselves upon the superb -road which leads to the capital of Chili; "it does one good to breathe -the air of the land--_caramba_, as they say here. Well, now, here we -are in this boasted America, and now we must set about collecting our -harvest of gold." - -"And Doña Rosario?" said his foster brother, in a melancholy tone. - -"Oh! we shall have found her within a fortnight," replied Valentine, -with astounding confidence. - -With these consolatory words, he animated his horse with the spur, and -the distance before them rapidly diminished. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -THE LINDA.[1] - - -The night was gloomy; no star glittered in the heavens; the moon, -concealed by clouds, only spread a wan, pale light, which, when it -disappeared, rendered the darkness the denser. The streets were -deserted; but at regular intervals the furtive steps of the serenos, who -alone watched at this hour, were audible. - -The two men whom we have seen upon the Plaza Mayor, bearing away the -wounded man, walked for a long time, loaded with their strange burthen, -stopping at the least noise, and concealing themselves in the depths of -a doorway, or in the angle of a street, to allow the serenos to pass, as -they would be sure to require a reason for their being in the streets -at that unusual hour. Since the discovery of the conspiracy, orders had -been given that at eleven o'clock every citizen should be within doors. -After many turnings and windings, the strangers stopped in the street El -Mercado, one of the most secluded and narrow in Santiago. They appeared -to be expected, for a door was opened at the sound of their steps, and -a woman, dressed in white, and holding a candle, the light of which -she shaded with her left hand, appeared on the threshold. The two men -stopped, and one of them, taking a steel from his pocket, struck the -flint so as to produce as few sparks as possible. At this signal--for it -evidently was one--the woman extinguished the light, saying with a loud -voice, but as if speaking to herself-- - -"Dios proteja a Chile (May God protect Chili)!" - -"Dios lo ha protegido (God has protected it)," the man with the flint -and steel replied, as he replaced his utensils in his pocket. - -The woman uttered a cry of joy, which her prudence suddenly repressed. - -"Come in, come in," she said in a low voice; and in an instant the two -men were beside her. - -"Is he alive?" she asked, with intense anxiety. - -"He is alive," one of the strangers laconically replied. - -"In Heaven's name, come in!" she exclaimed. - -The bearers, guided by the woman, who had relighted her candle, -disappeared in the house, the door of which was immediately and softly -closed after them. All the houses of Santiago are alike, with respect -to their internal arrangements. To describe one is to describe all. -A wide doorway, ornamented with pilasters, leads to _the patio_, or -great entrance court, at the end of which is the principal apartment, -generally the dining room. On each side are bed chambers, reception -rooms, and cabinets for labour or study. Behind these apartments is the -_huerta_, or garden, laid out with taste, ornamented with fountains, and -planted with orange trees, citron trees, pomegranates, limes, cedars, -and palm trees, which grow with incredible luxuriance. Behind the garden -is the _corral_--a vast enclosure appropriated to horses and carriages. - -The house into which we have introduced the reader, only differed from -the others in the princely luxury of its furniture, which seemed to -indicate that its inhabitant was a person of importance. The two men, -still preceded by the woman, who served them as guide, entered a little -room, whose window opened on the garden. They laid their burthen down -upon a bed, and retired without speaking a word, but bowing respectfully. - -The woman remained for a moment motionless, listening to the sound -of their retreating footsteps; and when all was silent, she sprang -with a bound towards the door, the bolts of which she fastened with -an impetuous gesture; then, returning and placing herself beside the -wounded man, she fixed upon him a long and melancholy look. - -This woman, though really thirty-five years of age, appeared to be -scarcely more than five-and-twenty. She was of an extraordinary, but a -strange style of beauty; it attracted attention, commanded admiration, -but created an instinctive repulsion. In spite of the majestic splendour -of her graceful form, the elegance of her carriage, the freedom of her -motions, full of voluptuous ease,--in spite of the purity of the lines -of her fair face, slightly tinged by the warm rays of an American sun, -which the magnificent tresses of her black hair beautifully enframed, -her large black eyes, ornamented with long velvety lashes, and crowned -by perfectly-arched brows, her straight nose, with its mobile and rosy -nostrils, her little mouth, whose blood-red lips contrasted admirably -with her pearl-white teeth--in spite of all these rich endowments, -there was in this splendid creature something fatal, which chilled the -heart as you contemplated her. Her searching glance, the satirical -smile, which almost always contracted the corners of her lips, the -slight wrinkle, which formed a harsh, deep line along her white -brow--everything about her, even to the melodious sound of her voice, -with its strongly-accentuated pitch, destroyed sympathy, and produced a -feeling of hatred, rather than respect. - -Alone in that chamber, dimly lighted by one flickering taper, in that -calm and silent night, face to face with that pale, bleeding man, whom -she contemplated with stern, contracted brows, she resembled, with her -long, black hair falling in disorder from her shoulders on to her white -robe, a Thessalian witch, preparing herself to accomplish some terrible -and mysterious work. - -The stranger was a man of, at most, forty-five years of age, of lofty -stature, strongly built, and well proportioned. His features were -handsome, his brow noble, and the expression of his countenance proud, -but frank and resolute. - -The woman remained for a considerable time in mute contemplation. -Her bosom heaved, her brows became more and more contracted, and she -appeared to watch the too slow progress of the return to sensibility -of the man her emissaries had saved from death. At length words forced -their way through her compressed lips, and she murmured in a low, broken -voice,-- - -"Here he is, then; this time, at least, he is in my power! Will he -consent to answer me? Oh! perhaps I had better have left him to die." - -She paused to breathe a deep, broken sigh, but almost immediately -continued:-- - -"My daughter! my daughter! of whom this man has bereaved me! and whom, -in spite of all my researches, he has hitherto concealed in some -inviolable asylum! My daughter! he must restore her to me; it is my -will!" she added with inexpressible energy. "He shall, even if I had -to deliver him up again to the executioners from whom I have ravished -their prey! These wounds are nothing; loss of blood and terror are the -sole causes of this insensibility. But time passes--my absence may be -noticed. Why should I hesitate longer? Let me at once know what I have -to hope from him. Perhaps he will allow himself to be softened by my -tears and prayers. What, he! he to whom all human feeling is unknown! -Better for me to implore the most implacable Indian! He will laugh at my -grief, he will reply by sarcasms to my cries of despair;--oh! woe, woe -be to him if he do so!" - -She looked earnestly at the wounded man, who was still motionless, for -another instant, and then, adding resolutely, "I will try," she drew -from her bosom a small crystal phial, curiously cut, and raising the -head of the unknown, made him inhale the contents. This was followed by -a moment of intense expectation; the woman watching with an anxious eye -the convulsive movements which are the precursors of the return to life, -as they agitated the body of the wounded man. At length, with a deep -sigh, he opened his eyes. - -"Where am I?" he murmured in a faint voice, then sank back, and closed -his eyes again. - -"In safety," the woman replied. - -The sound of the voice produced upon the wounded man the effect of an -electric shock. He raised himself quickly, and looking around him with a -mixture of disgust, terror, and anger, asked in a hollow voice,-- - -"Who spoke?" - -"I!" the woman replied haughtily, placing herself before him. - -"Ah!" he said with a gesture of disgust, and sinking back upon the bed; -"you again! ever you!" - -"Yes, I! still I, Don Tadeo! I, whose will, in spite of your disdain -and your hatred, has never faltered! I, in short, whose assistance you -have always obstinately refused, and who have saved you, in spite of -yourself." - -"Oh! that is an easy matter for you, madam; are you not on the best -possible terms with my executioners?" - -At this reply the woman could not repress a movement of anger; a sudden -redness flitted across her face. - -"No insults, Don Tadeo de Leon!" she said, stamping her foot; "I have -saved you! I am a woman, and you are under my roof!" - -"That is true," he replied, rising and bowing to her with ironical -respect; "I had forgotten that, madam; I am in your house. Have the -goodness, then, to direct me the way out, that I may be gone as quickly -as possible." - -"Do not be in such haste, Don Tadeo--you have not yet sufficiently -recovered your strength. Within a few steps, you perhaps would fall -again, to be raised up by the agents of the power which, this time, I -swear to you, would not let you escape." - -"And who told you, madam, that I should not prefer being retaken and -executed a second time, to the chance of remaining longer in your -presence?" - -There was a moment of silence, during which the two interlocutors -observed each other attentively. The woman was the first to speak. - -"Listen to me, Don Tadeo," she said. "In spite of all your efforts, -destiny, or, speaking more correctly, woman's genius, which nothing can -resist, has brought us together once again. If you live, if you have -received only slight wounds, it is because I lavished my gold upon the -soldiers charged with your execution; I wished to force you to that -explanation which I have so long demanded of you, which you so often -have refused me, but which you can now no longer avoid. Submit, then, -with a good grace. We will afterwards separate, if not good friends, -at least indifferent, never to meet again. Though I do not wish to -establish any claim upon your gratitude, you certainly owe your life to -me; were it for that service alone, you are bound to hear me." - -"What! madam," Don Tadeo replied, proudly, "do you think that I consider -what you have done was rendering me a service? By what right have you -saved my life? You know me but ill if you fancied I should allow myself -to be softened by your tears. No, no, I have been too long your dupe and -your slave to do so. Heaven be praised! I know you well now; and the -Linda, the mistress of General Bustamente, the tyrant of my country, the -executioner of my brothers and myself, has nothing to expect from me! -All that you can say, all that you can do, will be to no purpose. Spare -yourself, then, I advise you, the trouble of pretending a gentleness -which neither accords with your character nor your mode of life. I -madly loved you, a young, pure, and prudent girl, in the cabin of the -worthy _guaso,_ your father, whose death was caused by your scandalous -life; you were then called Maria. At that period, would I not have -sacrificed my life and my happiness for you?--you know I would. Many -times have I given you proofs of that boundless love; but the Linda, the -shameless courtezan, the Linda, the woman branded on the brow like Cain -with the seal of infamy, the miserable creature--I know her not. Away, -madam!--away! There can be nothing in common between you and me." - -And with a gesture of proud authority he waved her from him. - -The woman had listened to him with flashing eyes and heaving bosom, -trembling with rage and shame. Drops of perspiration stood upon her -face, which glowed with a feverish redness. When he had finished, she -seized his arm, pressed it with her utmost strength, and placed her face -close to his. - -"Have you said all?" she muttered from between her teeth. "Have you -heaped insults enough upon me? Have you cast sufficient mire in my face? -Have you nothing more to add?" - -"Nothing, madam," he replied, in a tone of cool contempt. "You can, when -you please, summon your assassins--I am ready to receive them." - -And throwing himself upon the bed, he waited with an air of the most -insolent indifference. - - -[1] This word, which has no equivalent in English or French, is in the -Spanish language the highest expression of physical beauty in woman. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -HUSBAND AND WIFE. - - -Doña Maria, notwithstanding the fresh and bitter insult she had just -received from Don Tadeo, did not yet renounce the hope of softening -him. When she recalled to her mind the early years, already so distant, -of her love for Don Tadeo, his devotion to her smallest caprices, when -she could bring him trembling and prostrate to her feet by a glance or -a smile, and the entire abnegation he had made of his will, in order -to live for her and by her; notwithstanding all that had since taken -place between them, she could not persuade herself that the violent -and deeply-seated passion he had entertained for her, the species of -worship he had vowed to her, could have entirely disappeared without -leaving some slight traces behind. Her pride revolted at the idea of -having lost all her empire over the lofty nature which she so long had -moulded at her pleasure like soft wax, under the burning impression of -wild caprices. She fancied that, like most other men, Don Tadeo, deeply -wounded in his pride, loved her still without being willing to admit it, -and that the virulent reproaches he had addressed to her, were flashes -of that ill-extinguished fire which still smouldered in his heart, and -whose flame she should succeed in reviving. - -Unfortunately Doña Maria had never given herself the trouble to study -the man she had married, and whom her beauty had so long held in -subjection. Don Tadeo had been nothing in her eyes but an attentive, -submissive slave, and, under the apparent weakness of the loving man, -she had not discovered the powerful energy which formed the foundation -of his character. And yet the history itself of their love had been a -proof of that energy, and of a will which nothing could control. Doña -Maria, then fifteen years of age, dwelt with her father in a _hacienda_, -in the neighbourhood of Santiago. Deprived of her mother, who had died -in giving her birth, she was brought up under the care of an old aunt, -an incorruptible Argus, who allowed no lover to come near her niece. -The young girl, ignorant as all girls brought up in the country are, -but whose warm aspirations led her to desire to know the world, and to -launch into that whirlwind of pleasures the sound of which died without -an echo in her ears, waited impatiently the arrival of the man who -should introduce her to these delights, of which, although unknown, she -had formed seducing ideas. Don Tadeo had only been the guide charged -with initiating her into the pleasures for which she thirsted. She -had never loved him; she had only said to herself, on seeing him and -learning he was of a noble family, "That is the man I have been looking -for." - -This hideous and selfish calculation is made by more girls than -we may fancy. Don Tadeo was handsome. Doña Maria's self-love was -flattered by the conquest; but if he had been ugly and disagreeable, -it would not have altered her course. In her extraordinary character, -a strange conjunction of the most abject passions, among which shone -here and there, like diamonds gleaming in the mire, a few feelings -which attached her to humanity, there was the spirit of two women -of ancient Rome; Locusta and Messalina were united in her: ardent, -passionate and ambitious, covetous and prodigal, this demon, concealed -under the outward form of an angel, acknowledged no other laws but her -own caprices; and all means, by which she could satisfy them, to her -appeared good. - -For a long time, Don Tadeo, blinded by passion, had submitted without -complaining to the iron yoke of this infernal genius; but when the day -arrived that the scales fell from his eyes, he measured with terror the -depth of the abyss into which this woman had cast him. The frightful -disorders to which, under the sanction of his name, she had abandoned -herself, imprinted on his blushing brow a stigma of infamy: the world -believed him to be her accomplice. - -Don Tadeo had by Maria an only daughter, a fair girl of angelic beauty, -at the period of our history fifteen years of age, whom he loved in -proportion to the sufferings her mother had inflicted upon him. He -trembled to think of the frightful future which lay before this innocent -creature. For four years he had been separated from his wife; and -during that time she had set no bounds on her irregularities. One day, -Don Tadeo presented himself unexpectedly at the house of his wife, and -without saying a word as to his ulterior intentions, took away his -daughter. From that time--nearly ten years--Doña Maria had never seen -her child. - -A strange revolution was effected by this step in the mother's feelings; -a new sentiment, so to say, germinated in her soul. A thing, till that -time unknown to her, happened; she felt the pulses of her heart beat -for another--she grieved at the remembrance of the little angel who had -been ravished from her. What was the sentiment? She, herself, knew not; -she only ardently wished to see her child again. During six years she -contended, publicly and privately, with Don Tadeo, to have her daughter -restored to her. The father was deaf and dumb; she could never learn -what had become of her. Don Tadeo, who, since he ceased to love her, had -studied the character of the woman of whom he had made an implacable -enemy, had taken his precautions so prudently that all Doña Maria's -researches proved fruitless, and all her attempts to obtain an interview -remained without a result. She imagined that he was afraid of yielding, -if face to face with her; and she resolved, cost what it might, to force -him to grant her the interview to which nothing had been able to make -him consent. - -Such was, at the moment we bring them on the scene, the position of -the two personages who now doubtless met for the last time. It was an -extraordinary position for both; an unequal contest between a wounded -and proscribed man, and an ardent, insulted woman, who, like a lioness -deprived of her whelps, was resolved to succeed, whatever might happen, -and compel the man whom she had forced to hear her, to restore her -daughter to her. - -Don Tadeo turned towards her. - -"I am waiting," he said. - -"You are waiting?" she replied, with a friendly smile. "What do you -expect, then?" - -"The assassins whom you doubtless have at hand, in case I should be -unwilling to reply to your questions concerning your daughter." - -"Oh!" she said, with an air of repulsion, "how can you, Don Tadeo, have -so bad an opinion of me? How can you pretend to believe that, after -having saved you, I should deliver you up to those who have proscribed -you?" - -"Who knows?" he replied, in a strongly ironical tone. "The heart of -women of your class, Linda, is an abyss which no man can pretend to -sound. You, who are incessantly seeking eccentric pleasures, perhaps -would find an unknown enjoyment and a charm in this second execution, -which, besides, would not at all compromise you, as I am already legally -dead to the world." - -"Don Tadeo, I know how unworthy my conduct towards you has been, and -how little I deserve your pity; but you are a gentleman, and, as such, -do you think it does you honour to load with insults, however merited, -a woman who is your wife, and who, after saving your life, with no -intention of reinstating herself in your favour, merely makes a claim, -at least upon your pity, if not on your esteem?" - -"Very well, madam; nothing can be more just than your observations, and -I subscribe to them with all my heart. I beg you to pardon me for having -allowed myself to utter certain words; but, at the first movement, I -was not master of myself, and I could not keep down in the depths of my -heart the feelings which were stifling me. Now, accept my sincere thanks -for the immense service you have rendered me, and permit me to retire. -A longer sojourn, on my part, in this house, is a robbery of which I -render myself guilty towards your numerous adorers." - -And, bowing with ironical courtesy to his infuriated wife, he made a -movement towards one of the doors of the room. - -"One word more," she said. - -"Speak, madam." - -"Are you resolved to leave me ignorant of the fate of my daughter?" - -"She is dead." - -"Dead!" she cried, in a voice of terror. - -"For you--yes," he replied, with a cold smile. - -"Oh, you are implacable!" she shrieked, stamping her foot with rage. - -He bowed, without making any reply. - -"Well, then," she resumed, "it is now no longer a favour I implore--it -is a bargain I propose to you." - -"A bargain?" - -"Yes, a bargain." - -"The idea strikes me as original." - -"Perhaps it is; you shall judge for yourself." - -"I listen, but time presses, and I--" - -"Oh, I will be brief," she interrupted. - -"I am at your service," and he reseated himself, smiling, exactly like a -friend on a visit. The Linda followed his motions with her eye, without -appearing to attach any importance to them. - -"Don Tadeo," she said, "during the many years we have been separated a -great number of events has taken place." - -"Quite correct," said he, with a gesture of polite assent. - -"I will say nothing to you of myself--my life is known to you." - -"Very little of it, madam." - -She cast a savage look at him. - -"Let that pass," she said, "it is of you I would speak." - -"Of me?" - -"Yes, of you, whose moments are not so completely absorbed by patriotism -and the effervescence of political ideas as not to leave you a few for -more intimate joys and emotions." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Why do you feign ignorance?" she said, with a perfidious smile; "I am -sure you understand me." - -"Madam!" - -"Do not deny it, Tadeo! Tired of the ephemeral love of women of my -class, as you have just now so well said, you seek in the pure heart of -a young girl emotions more in accordance with your tastes; in a word, -I know you are in love with a charming young creature, worthy in all -respects of being the wife of your choice, if I, unfortunately, did not -exist." - -Don Tadeo fixed upon his wife a scrutinizing look while she was -pronouncing these words. As she finished, a sigh escaped him. - -"What, are you aware?" he exclaimed, with well-feigned surprise. "You -know--" - -"I know that her name is Doña Rosario del Valle," she replied, satisfied -of the effect she thought she had produced upon her husband; "why, it is -the freshest news in Santiago! all the world is talking of it. How was -it likely it should escape me, when I take such an interest in you?" - -The Linda interrupted herself, and laid her hand on his arm. - -"It is of very little consequence," she added; "restore me my daughter, -Don Tadeo, and this new love of yours shall be sacred to me--if not--" - -"You are mistaken, madam, I tell you." - -"Beware, Don Tadeo!" she remarked, with a glance at the clock; "by this -time the woman we were speaking of is in the hands of my agents." - -"What do you mean?" he cried, in great agitation. - -"Yes," she replied, in a husky tone, "I have had her carried off. In a -few minutes she will be here. Beware! I repeat, Don Tadeo! if you do not -tell me where my daughter is, and if you continue to refuse to restore -her to me--" - -"Well," he said, haughtily, looking her full in the face, and crossing -his arms, "what then will you do?" - -"I will kill this woman!" she replied, in a gloomy but firm tone. - -Don Tadeo looked at her for a moment with an undefinable expression, and -then burst into a dry, nervous laugh, which chilled the woman with fear. - -"You will kill her!" he cried, "unhappy woman! Well!--kill that innocent -creature!--Call in your executioners--I will be mute." - -The Linda sprang up like a lioness, and rushed towards the door, which -she opened violently. - -"This is too much!--Come in!" she called out, loudly. - -The two men who had brought in Don Tadeo appeared, poniard in hand. - -"Ah!" the gentleman said, with a contemptuous smile, "I know you again -at last." - -At a motion from the Linda the assassins advanced towards him. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -THE DARK-HEARTS. - - -As we have seen, the people had dispersed almost immediately after the -execution of the patriots. Everyone carried away in the depths of his -heart the hope of avenging, at an early day, the victims who had so -nobly died, with the cry for a time left without an echo, of Viva la -patria! A cry checked by the bayonets of the soldiers of Bustamente, but -which must soon give birth to fresh martyrs. - -And yet the square, though it seemed a desert, was not so. Several -men, folded in dark cloaks, and with broad-brimmed hats, pulled down -over their eyes, were grouped in the recess of the coach entrance of a -house, and were conversing earnestly together in a low voice, keeping an -anxious look-out the meanwhile. These men were patriots. - -In spite of the terror which hovered over the city, they had, by dint of -prayers, obtained from the archbishop of Santiago, who was a true priest -according to the gospel, and at heart devoted to the liberal cause, -permission to pay the last rites to their unfortunate brethren. - -No part of the dismal drama which followed the execution had escaped -them. They had seen Don Tadeo rise like a phantom from the heap of -carcasses which covered him; they had heard the words he had pronounced, -and were preparing to go to his succour, when the two strangers, -appearing suddenly, raised his body and bore it away. This carrying off -of a half dead man had surprised them exceedingly. After exchanging a -few words, two of them went in pursuit of the mysterious strangers, -probably in order to learn to what house the wounded man was taken, -whilst the others, twelve in number, advanced to the middle of the -square. - -They anxiously bent down and examined the bodies stretched at their -feet, hoping, perhaps, that another victim might have escaped the -slaughter. Unfortunately, Don Tadeo was the only one saved by some -inexplicable mystery. The nine other victims were all dead. After a long -examination, the patriots stood up again with a painful sigh of regret, -and one of them went and knocked at a lower door of the cathedral. - -"Who is there?" was immediately asked from the interior. - -"_One for whom the night hath no darkness_," the man who had knocked -replied. - -"What do you want?" the voice asked again. - -"_Is it not written: Knock and it shall be opened to thee_?" the -stranger added. - -"_Our country!_" said the voice. - -"_Or vengeance!_" the man promptly replied. - -The door opened, and a monk appeared. His cowl pulled down over his -face, prevented his features being seen. - -"Well," he said, "what do the _Dark-Hearts_ require?" - -"A prayer for their murdered brothers." - -"Return to those who sent you; they shall be satisfied." - -"Thanks for all!" the unknown replied; and, after bowing respectfully to -the monk, he rejoined his companions. During his absence they had not -been idle, but had placed the bodies upon hand barrows concealed under -the arcades of the place. - -At the expiration of a few minutes a brilliant light inundated the -place; the cathedral doors were opened. The interior was seen to be -splendidly illuminated, and from the principal door issued a long -procession of monks, each bearing a wax light in his hand; they chanted, -as they walked, the service of the dead. At the same moment the gates -of the government palace were thrown open as if by enchantment, and a -squadron of the Ceras, with General Bustamente at their head, advanced, -at a trot, towards the procession. - -When the monks and soldiers met, they stopped as of one accord. The -twelve unknown men, folded in their cloaks, and grouped round the -fountain which forms the centre of the square, anxiously awaited the -denouement of the scene about to take place. - -"What is the meaning of this procession, at such an unusual hour?" the -general haughtily demanded. - -"It means that we have come," the monk who walked first replied, with a -firm voice, but in a melancholy tone, "to take up the victims you have -struck down, and give them honourable burial." - -"And who, pray, are you?" the general asked, sharply. - -"I?" the monk replied, in the same firm tone, and throwing back his -cowl upon his shoulders--"I am the archbishop of Santiago, primate of -Chili, invested by his holiness the Pope with the power of binding and -unbinding on earth." - -In Spanish America, all persons yield without hesitation to the religion -of Christ. The only power that is real is that of the priests. No one, -however high he may be placed, ventures to struggle against it: he knows -beforehand that, if he did, he would be sure to be crushed. The general -knitted his brows, struck his forehead forcibly with his hand, but was -constrained to admit himself conquered. - -"My lord!" he said, with a bow; "pardon me! In these times of civil -discord, we often, in spite of ourselves, confound our friends with our -enemies. I was ignorant that your lordship had given orders for prayers -to be offered up for these criminals, and still more so that you would -deign to perform this task in person--I beg leave to retire." - -During this scene, the patriots had concealed themselves behind the -pillars of the place, where, thanks to the darkness, they remained -unseen by the general. As soon as the military had disappeared, at a -sign from the archbishop the bodies were borne into the cathedral. - -"Beware of that man, my lord," whispered one of the unknown in the -archbishop's ear; "he darted at you the glance of a tiger as he retired." - -"Brother!" the priest replied calmly; "I am prepared for martyrdom." - -The service commenced. As soon as it was terminated, the patriots -retired, after warmly thanking the archbishop for his kindness towards -their dead brethren. Scarce had they proceeded a few steps along a -narrow street, edged by mean dwellings, when two men rose from behind an -overturned cart which concealed them, and coming towards them, said in a -low voice-- - -"Our country!" - -"Vengeance!" one of the unknown replied. "Come on!" - -The two men approached. - -"Well!" said he who appeared to be the chief. "What have you learnt?" - -"All that it is possible to know," one of the newcomers replied. - -"Whither have they transported Don Tadeo?" - -"To the mansion of the Linda." - -"To the residence of his wife! Of the woman who is now the mistress -of the General Bustamente!" the chief replied anxiously. "By the holy -Virgin! my comrades, he is lost, for she hates him mortally. Shall we -allow him to be assassinated without an effort to save him?" - -"That would be base cowardice," they replied unanimously. - -"But how can we introduce ourselves into the house?" - -"Nothing more easy; the garden walls are very low." - -"Come on, then! there is not a minute to be lost!" - -Without another word, they all hastened off in the direction of the -Linda's house, which, as we have said, was situated in the faubourg -of the Canadilla, the handsomest quarter in Santiago. The windows, -hermetically closed, did not allow one ray of light to pass; not a -sound could be heard, and the house seemed deserted. The patriots stole -silently round the walls, and when they reached the back, they easily -climbed the fence by sticking their poniards between the bricks, and -sprang into the garden. Here they looked carefully about them, and, -after a short pause, proceeded with stealthy steps towards a pale, -trembling light, which sent a feeble beam through the chink of a -shutter. They were within a few paces of this window, when they suddenly -heard the noise of what appeared a scuffle, and a terrible cry was -uttered, mingled with the crash of furniture and imprecations of rage -and pain. Bounding forward like panthers, the strangers, who had covered -their faces with masks of black velvet, dashed at the window, which flew -in a thousand fragments around them, and entered the salon. - -And it was time for them to arrive. Don Tadeo, with a stool, had split -the head of one of the bandits, who lay lifeless upon the floor; but -the other had got him down, and, with his knee upon his breast, was on -the point of stabbing him. With a pistol shot, one of the unknown blew -out his brains, and the wretch rolled in his agony close to his dead -companion. Don Tadeo sprang up quickly, exclaiming-- - -"By the Virgin! I thought my hour was come!" Then, turning towards the -masked men, he said--"Thanks, caballeros! thanks for your very timely -succour! One minute more, and it would have been all over with me! The -Linda is expeditious!" - -The courtesan, with features contracted by rage, and clenched teeth, -looked on without appearing to see, overwhelmed, confounded by the scene -which had so rapidly taken place, and which had, in a few minutes, -ravished from her the vengeance which she thought had this time been so -certain. - -"Without bearing malice, madam," said Don Tadeo in a jeering tone, "this -is a match deferred. Your fertile imagination will no doubt soon furnish -you with the means of taking your revenge!" - -"I hope so," she said with a sardonic smile. - -"Seize this woman," the leader of the unknown commanded; "gag her, and -bind her securely to the bed." - -"Bind me!" she cried in a paroxysm of anger; "me! do you know who I am?" - -"Perfectly well, madam," the stranger replied drily. "You are a woman -for whom honourable people have no name. Libertines have given you that -of the Linda, and your present lover is General Bustamente. You see, -madam, that we are not unacquainted with you." - -"Beware, sir," she hissed; "I am not to be insulted with impunity." - -"We do not insult you, madam; we only wish, for a time, to put it out -of your power to do mischief. In a few days," he continued, in a quiet, -firm tone, "we will determine what shall be done with you." - -"Done with me!--me!--who then are you, with faces you dare not reveal, -and who presume to speak to me thus?" - -"Who we are,--learn!--We are the _Dark-Hearts!_" At this terrible -announcement, a convulsive trembling shook the limbs of the woman, who, -retreating to the wall, a prey to intense terror, exclaimed in a faint -voice; "My God! my God! I am lost," and sank down fainting. - -At a sign from the leader, one of his companions bound her securely, and -after gagging her, fastened her to the foot of the bed. Then, taking Don -Tadeo with them, they departed by the same way they had entered, without -taking any heed of the two assassins lying upon the floor. Before he -left the room, the chief pinned a piece of parchment to a table with -a dagger. Upon this parchment were written a few words of terrible -import:-- - -"_The traitor Pancho Bustamente is cited at the expiration of -ninety-three days!"_ - - THE DARK-HEARTS. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -IN THE STREET. - - -As soon as they were outside of the house, the masked men, at a sign -from the leader, dispersed in various directions. When they had -disappeared round the corners of the neighbouring streets, the chief -turned towards Don Tadeo, who, scarce recovered from the trying emotions -he had successively gone through, and weakened by the blood he had lost, -as well as by the prodigious efforts his last struggle had cost him, -was leaning, half fainting against the wall of the house he had been so -fortunately enabled to quit. A flood of bitter reflections rushed upon -his brain; the incidents of that terrible night almost unsettled his -reason: in vain he tried to recover the train of his ideas which had -been so often and so violently broken. The stranger looked at him for -a few minutes with profound attention; then approaching him, he laid -his hand quietly upon his shoulder. At this sudden touch, the gentleman -started as if he had received an electric shock. - -"What!" the unknown said in a tone of reproach, "scarcely entered on the -good fight, and you despair already, Don Tadeo?" - -The wounded man shook his head. - -"You, Don Tadeo, whose lofty brow has never bent before revolutionary -storms; you, who in the most trying circumstances have always remained -firm, are now pale and cast down, without faith in the present, or hope -in the future, and have lost strength and courage through the vain -threats of a woman!" - -"That woman," he replied mournfully, "has always been my evil genius. -She is a demon!" - -"And suppose," the unknown exclaimed energetically, "that this woman -should succeed in getting up another of the infamous schemes in which -her brain is so fertile, a man of heart takes courage in a struggle? -Forget these impotent hatreds that can never reach you; remember what -you are; look boldly at the glorious mission which is imposed upon you." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Do you not understand me? Can you believe that God, who has this night -allowed you so miraculously to escape death, has not great designs -in store for you? Brother," he added, in a tone of authority, "the -existence that has been restored to you is not your own, it belongs to -your country!" - -A moment of silence followed this appeal, during which Don Tadeo -appeared a prey to profound despair. At length, looking at the unknown, -he said with bitter despondency-- - -"What is to be done? Heaven is my witness that my only desire, my sole -happiness, would be to see my country free. But during the twenty years -we have been struggling we have done nothing, alas! but pass from one -tyranny to another, each time riveting afresh the chains which bind -us. No! Heaven itself seems to forbid our contending longer against an -implacable destiny. You know well from experience that citizens cannot -be improvised from slaves. Servitude destroys moral virtue, abases the -soul, and degrades the heart. Many generations must pass away before the -inhabitants of this unfortunate country will be fit to form a people!" - -"By what right do you presume to fathom the designs of Providence?" -the unknown replied, in an imposing tone of voice. "Do you know what -is reserved for you? Who tells you that the passing triumph of our -oppressors is not granted by God, in His boundless wisdom, in order to -render their future fall more terrible?" - -Don Tadeo, restored to himself by the manly words of his disguised -friend, drew himself up proudly, and looked attentively at the speaker. - -"And who are you," he said, "whose sympathetic voice has stirred the -most secret fibres of my heart? Who authorizes you to speak thus? -Answer! Who are you?" - -"Of what importance is it who I am," the unknown remarked, calmly, "if -I succeed in persuading you that all is far from being lost--that the -liberty which you believe for ever destroyed has never been so near -triumphing, and that it only perhaps requires one sublime effort to -recover it!" - -"But still?" the wounded man said, persistently. - -"I am he who, a few minutes ago, saved your life. That ought to suffice." - -"Not so," Don Tadeo said, warmly, "for you conceal your features under a -mask, and the very circumstance you named gives me a right to see them." - -"Perhaps it does," the unknown said, slowly removing his mask, and -revealing to Don Tadeo, in the pale beams of the moon, a countenance -with manly, marked features, and wearing a frank and loyal expression. - -"Oh! my heart did not deceive me!" Tadeo cried--"Don Gregorio Peralta!" - -"Yes, it is I, Don Tadeo!" the young man, he was scarcely thirty, -replied--"and cannot comprehend the depression of the man whom the -avengers have chosen as their chief." - -"How do you know? Notwithstanding our friendship, I have always -concealed from you--" - -"Were you not condemned to death?" Don Gregorio interrupted. "Your -companions elected me _King of Darkness_ in your place, that is, they -placed in my hands an immense power, as they had done in yours, of -which I was left the uncontrolled disposal. Death unbound the oath of -silence imposed upon the brethren. Your name was unknown to all; I was -as ignorant that you were the energetic chief who had made our society -a power, as you were, my dear friend, that I was one of your soldiers. -But, thanks be to God, you are saved, Don Tadeo! Resume your place. -You alone, under present circumstances, are able to fill worthily the -post which our confidence has assigned you. Become again the King of -Darkness! But," he added, in a deep, concentrated tone, "remember that -we are the avengers; that we ought to be without pity for ourselves -as for others; that one feeling, and one alone, ought to live in our -souls--the love of our country!" - -Then followed a short silence; the two men appeared to be reflecting -deeply. At length Don Tadeo raised his head proudly. - -"Thanks, Don Gregorio!" he said, in a firm voice, and pressing his -hand--"thanks for your rough words; they have restored me to myself. I -will prove myself worthy of you. Don Tadeo de Leon no longer exists; -the hired assassins of a tyrant have shot him tonight upon the Plaza -Mayor. No one is left but the King of Darkness! the implacable leader -of the Dark-Hearts! Woe be to them whom God shall bring across my path! -for I will crush them without pity. We shall triumph, Don Gregorio; -for from this day I am no longer a man, I am the avenging sword, the -exterminating angel, fighting for our country!" - -While uttering these words, Don Tadeo had drawn his imposing stature up -to its full height; his handsome, noble features became animated, and -his eyes sparkled in accordance with his speech. - -"Oh," Don Gregorio exclaimed, cheerfully, "I have found my friend again! -Thank God! thank God!" - -"Yes, my brother," the leader continued, "from this moment the real -struggle between us and the tyrant begins--a struggle without pity, -without truce, and without mercy, which can only terminate in the -complete extinction of our enemies. Woe be to them! Woe!" - -"No time is to be lost; let us begone!" Don Gregorio said. - -"But whither am I to go?" Don Tadeo asked, with a sardonic smile. "Am I -not legally dead in the eyes of all? My house is no longer mine." - -"That is true," the lieutenant of the Dark-Hearts murmured. "Well, never -mind that! Tomorrow the news of your miraculous resurrection will be a -thunderclap to our enemies! Their awaking will be terrible! They will -learn with stupor that the invincible athlete, whom they thought they -had for ever crushed beneath their feet, is up again, and ready to renew -the contest." - -"And this time, I solemnly swear," Don Tadeo cried, with energy, "the -fall of the tyrant alone shall terminate it. But you are right; we -cannot remain longer here. Come home with me; for a time you will be -there in safety; unless," he added, with a smile, "you prefer asking an -asylum of Doña Rosario?" - -Don Tadeo, who had taken Don Gregorio's arm, stopped suddenly at this -question, of which his friend did not suspect the terrible extent. -A convulsive shudder darted through his frame, a cold perspiration -inundated his face. - -"Oh," he exclaimed, in a tone of agony, "my God! I had forgotten!" - -Don Gregorio was terrified at the state he beheld him in. - -"In heaven's name, what is the matter?" he asked. - -"What is the matter!" the chief replied, in a voice choked with emotion, -"that woman--that serpent whom we have weakly failed to crush--" - -"Well, what of her?" - -"Oh, I have but this moment recollected a horrible threat she made. Good -heavens! good heavens! What is to be done?" - -"Explain yourself, my friend; you quite terrify me." - -"By her orders, Doña Rosario this very night, was to be carried off; and -who knows if, furious at my escape from her assassins, that woman has -not by this time put her to death?" - -"Oh, that is frightful!" Don Gregorio cried. "What is to be done?" - -"Oh, that woman!" the wounded man replied; "and not to be able to act, -or to know how to thwart her horrible schemes." - -"Let us fly to Doña Rosario's residence!" Don Gregorio said. - -"Alas! you see I am wounded; I can scarcely support myself." - -"Well, when you can no longer walk, I will carry you," his friend said, -resolutely. - -"Thanks, brother! May God help us!" - -And the two men, the one leaning upon the other, set off, as fast as the -state of Don Tadeo would permit, towards the residence of the lady whom -they were so anxious to save. But, in spite of the earnest will that -animated him, Don Tadeo felt his strength fail him; and, notwithstanding -all his efforts, it was with extreme difficulty he sustained himself. -Whilst labouring on thus, the noise of horses' footsteps reached them -from a distance. Torches gleamed up the street, and a troop of horsemen -appeared in sight. - -"Oh, oh!" Don Gregorio said, stopping, and endeavouring to make out who -those persons could be, who, in defiance of the police regulations, -dared to be passing along the streets at this hour of the night. - -"Let us stop," Don Tadeo replied; "I see the glitter of uniforms. They -are the spies of the minister of war." - -"By Saint Jago!" cried Don Gregorio, "it is General Bustamente himself! -The two accomplices are going to have a little chat together." - -"Yes," the wounded man said, in a faltering voice; "he is going towards -the residence of the Linda." - -As the horsemen were but at a short distance, the two men, fearing to be -surprised, turned quickly into a side street, and the General and his -suite passed by without seeing them. - -"Let us begone as fast as possible," Don Gregorio said; and his -companion, aware of the urgency for prompt flight, made a desperate -effort. They resumed their course, and had walked for about ten minutes, -when they heard the steps of more horses coming towards them. - -"What can this mean?" the wounded man said, endeavouring to smile; "Are -all the people of Santiago running about the streets tonight?" - -"Hum!" said Don Gregorio, "I will find out this time." - -All at once a female voice was heard in a lamentable tone imploring help. - -"Make her hold her tongue, _carajas!_" a man said, coarsely. - -But the sound of that voice had reached the ears of Don Tadeo and his -friend. At that voice, which both had recognized, they were roused to -feelings of deep interest and anger. They pressed each other's hand -firmly; their resolution was formed--to die or to save her who called -upon them for help. - -"Holloa! what is this about?" another individual said, pulling up his -horse. - -Two men, standing firmly in the middle of the street, seemed determined -to bar the passage of the horsemen, of whom there were five. One of them -held a woman before him on his horse. - -"Holloa!" cried the one who had just spoken, "get out of the way, if you -don't wish to be ridden over." - -"You shall not pass," a deep voice replied, "unless you release the -woman you are bearing off." - -"Shan't we?" the horseman remarked with a laugh. - -"Try," said Don Gregorio, cocking his pistol; a movement silently -imitated by Don Tadeo, whom he had supplied with firearms. - -"For the last time, stand out of the way!" the horseman shouted. - -"We will not!" - -"We will ride over you, then!" and turning towards his companions, -"Forward!" he cried angrily. - -The five horsemen advanced with uplifted sabres upon the two men, who, -firmly fixed in the middle of the street, made no effort to avoid them. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -SWORD-THRUSTS. - - -In order to make the facts that follow intelligible, we must leave Don -Tadeo and his friend in their critical position, and return to the two -principal personages of this history, whom we have so long neglected. -We saw in a preceding chapter the two foster brothers gaily leaving -Valparaiso, to repair to the capital of Chili, like Bias, carrying all -their fortune with them, but possessing over the philosophical Greek the -immense advantage of being amply furnished with hopes and illusions, two -words which, in this life, have but too frequently the same meaning. - -After a rather long ride, the young men had stopped for the night in -a miserable _rancho_ constructed of mud and dry branches, the dismal -skeleton of which stood out on one side of the road. The inhabitant of -this miserable dwelling, a poor devil of a peon, whose life was passed -in guarding a few head of lean cattle, gave our travellers a frank and -hospitable reception. Quite delighted at having something to offer them, -he had cheerfully shared with them his _charqui_--strips of meat, dried -in the sun--and his _harina tostada_--roasted corn--the whole washed -down with cups of detestable _chicha_. - -The Frenchmen, who had been literally dying of hunger, were glad of even -these humble viands, however little savoury they might be, and after -ascertaining that their horses were comfortably provided for, they lay -down, wrapped in their ponchos, upon a heap of dry leaves, a delicious -bed for fatigued men, and upon which they slept soundly till morning. - -At daybreak, our two adventurers, still accompanied by their dog Cæsar, -who, whatever he might think, expressed no astonishment at this new kind -of life, but trotted seriously beside them, saddled their horses, bade -farewell to their host, to whom they gave a few reals in return for -his hospitality, and set forward again, looking with earnest curiosity -at every object that presented itself to their view, and surprised to -find so little difference between the New World and the Old. The life -they were beginning, so different from that they had hitherto led, was, -for them, full of unexpected charms, and they felt like schoolboys in -holiday time. Their lungs seemed to expand to inhale the fresh, sharp -breeze of the mountains. Everything, in their eyes, wore a smiling -aspect; in a word, they felt they lived. - -It is about thirty-five leagues from Valparaiso to Chili, as the people -of the country are accustomed to call the capital of the Republic. The -handsome, broad, and well-kept up road, which was formerly cut through -the mountain by the Spaniards, is rather monotonous, and completely -devoid of interest for tourists. Vegetation is rare and poor; a fine -and almost impalpable dust arises with the least puff of wind. The few -trees, which stand at long distances from each other, are slender, -stunted, dried up by both wind and sun, and seem, by their wretched -appearance, to protest against the efforts at cultivation which have -been made on this plateau, which is rendered sterile by the strong sea -breezes and the cold winds of the Cordilleras which sweep over it. - -At times may be seen, at an immense height, like a black dot in space, -the great condor of Chili, the eagle of the Andes, or the savage vulture -in search of prey. At long intervals pass _recuas_ of mules, headed by -the _yegua madrina_, whose sonorous bells are heard to a great distance, -accompanying, well or ill, the dismal chant of the muleteer, who thus -endeavours to keep his beasts going. Or else it is a _guaso_ of the -interior, hastening to his chacra or his hacienda, and who, proudly -mounted upon a half wild horse, passes like a whirlwind, favouring you -as he goes by, with the eternal "Santas tardes, caballero!" - -With the exception of what we have described, the road is dull, dusty, -and solitary. There is not, as with us, a single hostelry affording -accommodation for horse and foot; these would be useless establishments -in a country where the stranger enters every house as if it were his -own home. Nothing! Solitude everywhere and always; hunger, thirst, and -fatigue must be expected and endured. - -But our young men perceived nothing of this. Enthusiasm supplied the -place of all they wanted; the road appeared charming to them; the -journey they were making, delightful! They were in America; beneath -their feet was the soil of the New World, that privileged land, of which -so many surprising accounts are given; of which so many people talk, and -about which so few know anything. Having landed only a few days before, -while still under the impressions of an endless passage, the weariness -of which had weighed down their spirits like a mantle of lead, they -beheld Chili through the enchanting prism of their hopes; reality did -not yet exist for them. What we have here said may appear a paradox to -many people; and yet, we are satisfied that all travellers of good faith -will acknowledge the exact truth. - -At times travelling at a steady foot pace, at others enjoying a laugh -and a gallop, our young men, to whom the political events of the Chilian -Republic were very uninteresting, and who, consequently, knew nothing of -what was going on, arrived quietly within a league of Santiago, at about -eleven o'clock in the evening, just at the moment when the ten Chilian -patriots were falling on the Plaza Mayor, beneath the balls of General -Bustamente's soldiers. - -"Let us pull up here," Valentine said cheerfully; "it will give our -horses time to breathe." - -"Pull up! what for?" Louis asked. "It is late; we shall not find a -single hotel open." - -"My dear friend," Valentine replied, with a laugh, "you are still a -Parisian to the backbone! You forget that we are in America. In that -city, of which the numerous steeples dimly stand out on the horizon -before us, everybody is long since asleep, and all the doors are closed." - -"What shall we do, then?" - -"Pardieu! why, we will bivouac. The night is magnificent. The heavens -display all their jewelry; the air is warm and balmy; what better could -we desire?" - -"Oh, nothing, of course!" Louis replied, laughingly. - -"Well, then, we have, as you see, time to chat a little." - -"Chat, brother! why, we have done nothing else since morning." - -"Pardon me, I don't agree with you. We have talked much, about all sorts -of things, of the country in which we are, and of the manners of the -inhabitants, little as we know about them; but we have not talked in the -manner I mean." - -"Explain yourself more clearly." - -"Look you, brother; an idea has just struck me. We know not what -adventures await us in that city, yonder, before us. Well! before we -enter it, I should like to have a sort of final conversation with you." - -The young men took off their horses' bridles, that the animals might -have the advantage of a few tufts of grass which sprang up here and -there; and, stretching themselves luxuriously upon the ground, they lit -their cigars. - -"We are in America," Valentine resumed; "in the country of gold, upon -that soil where, with intelligence and courage, men of our age can in a -few years amass princely fortunes!" - -"Do you know, my friend----" interrupted Louis. - -"Oh, perfectly!" said Valentine, cutting him short. "You are in love, -and you are seeking the object of your love; that's understood: but that -does not at all interfere with our projects--quite the contrary." - -"How is that?" - -"Pardieu! that's plain enough. You know, do you not, that Doña -Rosario--that's her name, I think--" - -"Yes." - -"Very well, then; you know she is rich, do you not?" - -"There's no doubt of that." - -"Ay, ay! but be it understood, not rich as with us: that is to say, some -fifty thousand francs a year--a paltry pittance!--but rich as people are -here--a dozen times over millionaires!" - -"Probably she may be," the young man said impatiently. - -"That's capital! You must understand, then, that when we have found her, -for we _shall_ find her, and that soon, you can only demand her hand by -producing a fortune equal to her own." - -"The devil! I never thought of that," said the young man. - -"I know you did not; you are in love; and, like all other men afflicted -with that disease, you think of nothing but the person you love. -Fortunately, however, I am with you, to think for both; and whenever you -have spoken to me of love, I have replied by reminding you of fortune." - -"That is true. But how is fortune to be made so promptly?" - -"Ah! ah! you have come to that question at last," Valentine said, -laughing. - -"I know no profession," Louis continued, following his own idea. - -"Nor I either. But let not that alarm you; people succeed best in things -they don't understand." - -"What's to be done?" - -"I will think of it; so set your mind at rest. But you must be well -convinced of one thing, and that is, that we have set foot in a land -where the ideas are quite different from those of the country we have -left; where the manners and customs are diametrically opposite." - -"You mean to say--" - -"I mean to say that we must forget all we have learnt, in order that -we may remember but one thing--our desire quickly to make a colossal -fortune." - -"By honourable means?" - -"I am acquainted with no other," Valentine replied, seriously. "And -remember, brother, that in the country in which we at present are, the -point of honour is not at all the same as in France, and many things -which with us would appear false coin are here deemed good and passable. -On this point a word to the wise! You understand me, don't you?" - -"Nearly, I think." - -"Very well! Imagine we are in an enemy's country, and must act -accordingly." - -"But----" - -"Do you wish to marry the woman you love:" - -"Can you ask me such a question?" - -"Allow me to act, then, as I see best! But, above all, when chance -throws a good opportunity in our way, let us be careful not to miss it." - -"Act just as you please." - -"Well, that is all I had to say to you;" and throwing away the remains -of his cigar, he rose from his recumbent position. - -They were soon again in the saddle, and, at a foot's pace, resumed their -way towards the city, chatting as they went. - -Midnight was striking by the clock of the Cabildo at the moment when -they entered Santiago by the Canada. The streets were deserted and -silent. - -"Everybody is asleep," said Louis. - -"So it seems," Valentine replied. "Let us look out, notwithstanding. If -we find no door open, we can then but compound for a night's bivouac, as -I suggested." - -At this moment two pistol shots were heard, mingled with the gallop of -horses. - -"What can that be?" said Louis. "Assassination is going on here!" - -"Forward! cordieu!" replied Valentine. - -They clapped spurs to their horses, and galloped at full speed in the -direction whence the sound proceeded. They soon reached a narrow street, -in the middle of which two men on foot were bravely contending with five -on horseback. - -"Have at the horsemen!" Valentine shouted; "help the weaker party!" - -"Be of good heart, gentlemen!" said Louis; "help is at hand!" - -And timely help it was for Don Gregorio and his friend. A minute later, -and they must have succumbed. The providential arrival of the Frenchmen -quickly changed the appearance of the fight. Two horsemen fell dead from -pistol shots fired by the young men; while a third, knocked down by Don -Gregorio, was silently strangled by Cæsar. The other two thought it -high time to decamp, leaving their fair prisoner behind them. She had -fainted; and Don Tadeo, leaning against the wall of a house, was upon -the point of following her example. Valentine, with the presence of mind -acquired in his old profession of a Spahi, secured the horses of the -bandits killed in the skirmish. - -"Quick, gentlemen! to the saddle!" Valentine said to the Chilians. - -Louis had already dismounted, and was attending to the young lady. - -"Do not leave us," Don Gregorio remarked; "we are surrounded by enemies." - -"Fear nothing!" said Valentine, "we are quite at your service." - -"Many thanks!--A little assistance, if you please, to place my friend, -who is wounded, on horseback." - -Once in the saddle, Don Tadeo declared he felt sufficiently strong to -keep his seat without help. Don Gregorio placed the still inanimate -young lady before him. - -"Now, gentlemen," he said, "nothing remains for me but to thank you most -cordially, if your business will not allow you to remain longer with us." - -"I beg to repeat, caballeros, that we are at your service." - -"We have no pressing demand upon our time; we will not leave you till we -are assured you are in safety," Louis said, with animation. - -"Follow me, then," said Don Gregorio, with a bow; "and do not spare the -horses; it is an affair of life and death." - -And the four horsemen set off as fast as their horses could bear them. - -"Eh! eh!" said Valentine, in an undertone to his foster brother. "Here -is an adventure that promises something! We are losing no time at -Santiago! What think you?" - -"We shall see!" Louis replied, in a more thoughtful tone. - -No light had gleamed out, no window had been opened, during the combat. -The streets remained silent and gloomy; the city seemed abandoned. -Nothing was to be heard but the clatter of the horses' feet upon the -rough pavement of the streets through which they galloped. The cathedral -clock struck two as they passed across the Plaza Mayor. Don Tadeo could -not repress a sigh of relief when glancing at the spot where on, only a -few hours before, he had so miraculously escaped death. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -GENERAL BUSTAMENTE. - - -Don Tadeo was right, when, on seeing General Bustamente pass, he said he -was on his way to visit his mistress. It was, in fact, to the residence -of the Linda the General was going. On arriving at the gate, one of his -men dismounted, and knocked. But no one answered; and at a sign from -the General, the soldier knocked louder. But still all remained silent; -there was no movement within. He began to feel uneasy. This silence was -the more extraordinary from the General's visit having been announced, -and he was, consequently, expected. "Oh! oh!" he said, "What is going on -here? Knock again, Diego, and knock in a way to make yourself heard!" - -The soldier knocked with all his strength, but still uselessly. Don -Pancho's brow contracted; he began to fancy some misfortune must have -occurred. - -"Break open the door!" he cried. - -The order was instantly obeyed; and the General, followed by his escort, -entered the house. In the Patio all dismounted. - -"Be prudent," said the General in a low voice to the corporal who -commanded the escort; "place sentinels everywhere, and keep a sharp -look-out whilst I search the house." - -After giving these orders, the General took his pistols from his -holsters, and, followed by some of his lancers, entered the house; -but everywhere the silence of death prevailed. After passing through -several apartments, he arrived at a door, which, being a little ajar, -allowed a stream of light to pass. From the other side of this door -proceeded something like stifled groans. With a kick of his foot, one -of the lancers dashed open the door; the General entered, and a strange -spectacle presented itself to his astonished eyes! Doña Maria, tightly -bound, and gagged, was fastened to the foot of a damask bed, saturated -with blood. The furniture was broken and disordered, whilst two dead -bodies, lying in a pool of blood, made it evident that the room had been -the scene of a desperate conflict. - -The general ordered the dead bodies to be removed, and then desired to -be left alone with the lady. As soon as the lancers had departed he shut -the door, and approaching the Linda, he hastened to release her from her -bonds. She was senseless. - -On turning round to place the pistols he had retained in his hands on -the table, he drew back with astonishment, and almost with terror, as -he perceived the dagger standing erect in the middle of it. But this -instinctive feeling lasted only a moment. He went quickly up to the -table, seized the dagger, which he carefully drew out, and eagerly took -up the paper it had pinned down. - -"_The tyrant Don Pancho Bustamente is cited at the expiration of -ninety-three days! - - _"THE DARK-HEARTS."_ - -he read in a loud, harsh tone, and then crushed the paper violently in -his hand. "Sangre de Dios! Will these demons always make a mock of me? -Oh! they know that I show no mercy, and that those who fall into my -hands----" - -"Escape!" said a hollow voice, which made him start involuntarily. - -He turned sharply round, and beheld the Linda, with her vicious eye -fixed upon him with a demoniacal expression. He sprang towards her. - -"Thank God!" he cried warmly, "you are again restored to your senses. -Are you sufficiently recovered to explain the scene that has taken place -here?" - -"A terrible scene, Don Pancho!" she replied, in a tremulous voice; "a -scene, the bare remembrance of which still freezes me with terror." - -"Are you strong enough to describe it to me?" - -"I hope so," she replied. "Listen to me attentively, Don Pancho, for -what I have to tell concerns you, perhaps, more than me." - -"You mean this insolent summons, I suppose?" he remarked, showing it. - -She glanced over it, and replied-- - -"I did not even know that such a paper had been addressed to you. But -listen to me attentively." - -"In the first place, have the goodness to explain to me what you just -now said." - -"Everything in its turn, General; I will not fail to explain everything, -for the vengeance I thirst for must be complete." - -"Oh!" he said, a flash of hatred gleaming from his eye, "set your heart -at ease on that head,--whilst avenging myself, I will avenge you." - -The Linda related to the General what had passed between her and Don -Tadeo in the fullest details--how the Dark-Hearts had snatched him from -her hands, and the threats they had addressed to her on leaving her. -But, with that talent which all women possess, of making themselves -appear innocent in everything, she represented as a miraculous piece of -awkwardness on the part of the soldiers charged to shoot him, the fact -of Don Tadeo being alive after his execution. She said that, attracted -by the hope of avenging himself upon her, whom he suspected of being no -stranger to his condemnation, he had introduced himself unseen into her -house, where by a strange chance she happened to be alone, having that -evening permitted her servants to be present at a _romeria_ (a fête), -from which they were not to return before three o'clock. - -The General had not for an instant the idea of doubting the veracity of -his mistress. The situation in which he had found her,--the incredible -news of the resurrection of his most implacable enemy, altogether so -confused his thoughts, that suspicion had no time to enter his mind. -He strode about the room with hasty steps, revolving in his head the -most extravagant projects for seizing Don Tadeo, and, above all, for -annihilating the Dark-Hearts,--those never-to-be-caught Proteuses, who -so incessantly crossed his path, thwarted all his plans, and always -escaped him. He plainly saw what additional strength the escape of Don -Tadeo would give to the patriots, and how much it would complicate his -political embarrassments, by placing at their head a resolute man who -could have no longer any considerations to preserve, but would wage war -to the knife with him. His perplexity was extreme; he instinctively -felt that the ground beneath him was mined, that he was walking over -a volcano, but he had no power to denounce to public opprobrium the -enemies who conspired his ruin. The recital made by his mistress had -produced the effect of a thunderclap upon him; he knew not what measures -to employ in order to counteract the numerous plots in action against -him on all sides, and simultaneously. The Linda did not take her eyes -off him for a moment, but watched upon his countenance the various -feelings aroused by what she told him. - -We will, in a few words, introduce to the reader this personage, who -will play so important a part in the course of the following history.[1] -General Don Pancho Bustamente, who has left in Chili a reputation for -cruelty so terrible that he is generally called _El Verdugo_, or the -executioner, was a man of from thirty-five to thirty-six years of age, -although he looked near fifty, a little above the middle height, well -made, and of good carriage, announcing altogether great corporeal -strength. His features were tolerably regular, but his prominent -forehead, his grey eyes deeply set beneath the brows, and close to his -hook nose, his large mouth and high cheek bones, gave him something of -a resemblance to a bird of prey. His chin was square, an indication -of obstinacy; his hair and moustache, beginning to be streaked with -grey, were trained and cut in military fashion. He wore the magnificent -uniform, covered at every seam with gold embroidery, of a general -officer. - -Don Bustamente was the son of his own works, which was in his favour. -At first a simple soldier, he had, by exemplary conduct and more than -common talents, raised himself, step by step, to the highest rank of the -army, and had in the last instance been named minister-at-war. Then the -jealousy which had been silent whilst he was confounded with the crowd, -was unchained against him. The General, instead of despising calumnies -which might have died out of themselves, gave them some degree of -foundation, by inaugurating a system of severity and cruelty. Devoured -by an ambition which nothing could satisfy, all means were deemed good -by him for the attainment of an object he secretly aimed at, which was -the overthrow of the republic and government of Chili, and the formation -of Bolivia and Araucania into one state, of which he would cause -himself to be proclaimed Protector--an object which, besides the almost -insurmountable difficulties it presented, ever appeared--owing to the -universal hatred which the General had aroused against himself--to slip -further from his grasp each time he thought he was about grasping it. - -At the moment we bring him on the scene, he found himself in one of the -most critical circumstances of his political career. He had in vain -shot the patriots _en masse_--conspiracies, as always happens in such -cases, succeeded each other without interruption, and the system of -terror which he had inaugurated, far from intimidating the population, -appeared, on the contrary, to urge them on to revolt. Secret societies -were formed; and one of these, the most powerful and the most terrible, -that of the Dark-Hearts, enveloped him in invisible nets in which he -struggled in vain. He foresaw that if he did not hasten on the _coup -d'état_ he meditated, he should be lost beyond redemption. After a -rather long silence, the General placed himself by the side of the Linda. - -"We will be avenged!" he said, in a deep tone; "be but patient." - -"Oh!" she replied, bitterly, "my vengeance has commenced!" - -"What do you mean by that?" - -"I have caused Doña Rosario del Valle, the woman Don Tadeo de Leon loves -so passionately, to be carried off." - -"You have _done_ that?" said the General. - -"Yes, and in ten minutes she will be here." - -"Oh! oh!" he exclaimed; "and do you mean to keep her with you?" - -"With me!" she cried; "No, I thank you, General. I hear that the -Pehuenches are very fond of white women; I will make them a present of -her." - -"Oh!" Don Pancho muttered, "women will be always our masters! they alone -know how to revenge themselves! But," he added aloud, "have you no fear -lest the man to whom you have confided this mission should betray you?" - -She smiled with terrible irony, - -"No," she said; "that man hates Don Tadeo more than I do, if that be -possible; he is working out his own vengeance." - -At the same instant steps were heard in the chamber preceding the room. - -"You will see, General--here is my emissary. Come in!" the Linda cried. - -A man appeared; his face was pale and haggard; and his clothes, torn and -disordered, were stained in various places with blood. - -"Well!" she exclaimed, in a tone of intense anxiety. - -"All has failed," answered the man, breathless with haste and terror. - -"What!" the Linda shouted, with a cry like that of a wild beast. - -"There were five of us," the man continued, quite unmoved, "and we -carried off the _señorita_. All went on well till within a short -distance from this house, when we were attacked by four demons, who came -I know not whence." - -"And you did not defend yourselves, miserable cowards!" interrupted the -General violently. - -The bandit gave him a cold look, and continued impassively-- - -"Three of our number are dead, and the leader and myself wounded." - -"And the girl?" the Linda asked passionately. - -"The girl was recaptured by our opponents. The Englishman has sent me to -you to learn if you still wish him to carry off Doña Rosario?" - -"Would he attempt it again?" - -"Yes. And this time, he says, he is certain to succeed if the conditions -are the same." - -A smile of contempt played round the lips of the courtezan. - -"Repeat to him this," she replied; "not only shall he receive the -hundred ounces if he succeeds, but, still further, he shall have a -hundred more; and that he may be in no doubt of my promise," she added, -rising and taking from a drawer a rather heavy bag which she handed to -the bandit, "give him this; there is the half of the sum, but bid him -despatch!" - -The man bowed. - -"As to you, Juanito," she continued, "as soon as you have acquitted -yourself of this mission, return, for I shall, perhaps, want you here. -Begone!" - -The bandit disappeared instantly. - -"Who is that man?" the General asked. - -"A poor devil whom I saved some years ago from certain death. He is -devoted to me, body and soul." - -"Hum!" said the general, "he has rather too cunning an eye not to be a -rogue." - -The Linda shrugged her shoulders. - -"You are mistrustful of everybody," she said. - -"That is the way not to be deceived." - -"Or to be deceived the more easily." - -"Perhaps so. Well, you see this abduction, so admirably planned, and the -success of which was certain, has failed." - -"I can only repeat what you yourself said to me just now." - -"What is that?" - -"Patience! But, pray, what are your present plans?" The General rose. - -"Whilst you are carrying on against our enemies," he said, in a low, -stern tone, "a guerilla warfare of ambuscades and treacheries, I, on my -part, will wage an open war against them--a war in the face of the sun, -but as merciless as yours. Their blood shall flow in streams over all -the territories of the Republic. The Dark-Hearts have summoned me in -ninety-three days. Well, I take up the gauntlet they have thrown to me." - -"That is well!" the Linda replied. "And now let us so arrange our plans -that they may not fail like their predecessors. We must come to an end -with these miserable plotters, and in doing so, take a revenge that will -make an impression on others." - -"It shall be a vengeance! I will stake my head on the game. Oh," he -added, "I hold them! I have found the means I sought to make them all -fall into my hands; let them sleep for a while in deceitful security, -but their awakening shall be terrible!" - -And, having saluted the Linda with the greatest courtesy, the General -retired. - -"I leave you a few soldiers to watch over your safety till the return of -your servants," he said, as he went out. - -"Thank you, thank you!" she replied, with a bland smile. - -The Linda, when left alone, instead of seeking the repose so necessary -after the excitement of the night, remained plunged in deep thought. -At sunrise she was still in the same place, in the same position. She -was still reflecting, but her features became animated; a sinister -smile curled her pale lips; and her eyes, though apparently fixed upon -vacancy, emitted portentous flashes. Suddenly she sprang up, and passing -her hand rapidly over her brow, as if to efface its wrinkles, she cried, -in a tone of triumph-- - -"And I, too, will succeed!" - - -[1] Reasons of the highest consideration oblige us to change the names -and the portraits of the personages of this history, as the majority -still exist. But we vouch for the correctness of the facts we relate. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -THE SPY. - - -When the young lady was delivered, the four men set off as fast as they -could go, with regard to her ease. In ten minutes they were out of the -city, and with the change of the road their speed was increased. The -route they took was that which leads to Talca. - -"Eh, eh!" Valentine said, laughing, to his foster brother; "we seem to -be playing at prisoners' bars. We enter the city by one gate, to leave -it immediately by another. We shall not have an opportunity of seeing -the capital of Chili this time." - -With the exception of these few words, to which Louis only replied by a -careless shrug of the shoulders, no other conversation took place during -the hour which their rapid journey lasted. By the pale light of the moon -the trees on each side of the road seemed to defile like a legion of -melancholy phantoms. Ere long the white walls of a _chacra_ (large farm) -stood out upon the horizon. - -"Here we are," said Don Gregorio, pointing with his finger. - -They reached the house in a few minutes. The gate was open, but a -man was standing evidently on the watch. The fugitives dashed like a -hurricane into the _patio_, and the gates were immediately closed behind -them. - -"What has happened, Tio Pepito?" Don Gregorio asked, before he was quite -off his horse, of the man who appeared to have expected him. - -"Nothing, _mi amo_" (my master), "nothing of consequence," replied Tio -Pepito, a little thick-set man, with a round face, lit up by two grey -eyes, sparkling with cunning. - -"Have not the persons I expected arrived?" - -"Pardon me, _mi amo_. They have been at the _chacra_ more than an -hour. They say they must begone immediately; they are waiting for you -impatiently." - -"That's well. Announce my arrival to them, and tell them I shall be at -their service in two or three minutes." - -The mayoral, for this man was the major-domo of the _chacra_, entered -the house without reply. Don Tadeo also, who seemed to know perfectly -well where he was, disappeared, bearing the young girl in his arms. The -two Frenchmen were left alone with the chacrero, who advanced towards -them. - -"Now that you are, as we suppose, for the present at least, in safety, -sir," said Valentine, "we have only to take our leave of you." - -"Not so!" Don Gregorio exclaimed; "it must not be so. _Diable_! as you -Frenchmen say," he added, smiling; "chance does not so often procure -us such friends as you, to allow us to part with you thus when we have -met you. You will remain here, if you please. Our acquaintance must not -terminate so." - -"If our continuing here can be of any service to you," Louis replied, -courteously, "we are at your command." - -"Thank you," he said, in a slightly agitated voice, and pressing their -hands warmly; "I shall never forget that I owe to you the lives of -myself and my friend. In what way can I be of service to you?" - -"Well," Valentine said, laughing, "in every way, and no way, as it may -happen, caballero." - -"Explain yourself," Don Gregorio replied. - -"_Dame!_ it is clear enough; we are strangers in this country." - -"When did you arrive?" the Chilian said, examining them attentively. - -"Faith! very recently. You are the first persons we have spoken to." - -"That is well," Gregorio said, slowly. "I told you that I was at your -service, did I not?" - -"Yes, and we sincerely thank you; although we hope never to have -occasion to remind you of this obliging offer." - -"I perfectly appreciate your delicacy; but a service like the one you -have rendered me and my friend is an eternal bond. Take no heed of your -future fortune, it is made." - -"Pardon me, pardon me!" said Valentine, earnestly; "we do not understand -one another at all; you mistake us. We are not men who expect to be paid -for having acted as our hearts dictated. You owe us nothing." - -"I do not propose or pretend to pay you, gentlemen. I only wish, in -order to attach you to me, to propose to you to share my good or evil -fortune; in a word, I offer myself to you as a brother." - -"In that case we at once accede," said Louis, "and will endeavour to -prove ourselves worthy of such an offer." - -"I have no doubt you will. Only I beg you not to be misled by my words; -the life I am leading at present is full of perils." - -"I can suppose that," said Valentine, with a laugh. "The scene at which -we have been present, and the _denoûment_ of which we perhaps hastened, -makes it pretty evident that your existence is not of the most peaceful -nature." - -"What you have as yet seen is nothing. Do you know nobody in this -country?" - -"Nobody." - -"Your political opinions, then, are unformed?" - -"As regards Chili, completely." - -"Bravo!" Don Gregorio exclaimed, with delight; "if we agree on that -point our compact will be for life and death." - -"We do agree," said Valentine, laughing; "and if you conspire--" - -"Well?" the Chilian asked, fixing an inquiring look upon him. - -"Why, we will conspire, too, pardieu! That is agreed." - -The three men exchanged a cordial pressure of the hand, and then Don -Gregorio called the major-domo to conduct them to the chamber which was -prepared for them. - -"Good night! or rather good morning!" he said, on quitting them. - -"Come!" said Valentine, rubbing his hands, "matters are going on well. -We shall not want for amusement here." - -"Hum!" Louis replied, with a tone of something like uneasiness; -"conspire!" - -"Well, and what better?" said Valentine. "Does that frighten you? -Remember, my friend, that the best fishing is in troubled waters." - -"In that case," Louis remarked, taking up the gay humour of his -companion, "if my presentiments are just, ours will be miraculous." - -"I expect so, firmly," said Valentine, bidding good night to the -major-domo, who retired, after bowing respectfully. - -The _cuarto_ (chamber) in which the young men found themselves, was -whitewashed, and entirely destitute of furniture, with the exception of -two oak frames furnished with dressed hides, which served as beds, a -massive table with twisted feet, and four seats covered with leather. -In a corner of the room burned a little green wax light before a -badly-engraved print supposed to represent the Virgin. - -"Eh!" said Louis, casting a glance around him, "our friends, the -Chilians, do not seem to consult comfort much." - -"Bah!" Valentine replied, "we have all that we require. A man can sleep -soundly anywhere when he is fatigued. This chamber is better than the -bivouac we were threatened with." - -"You are right. Let us take a little rest then, for we don't know what -tomorrow has in reserve for us." - -In a quarter of an hour they were both fast asleep. At the moment the -Frenchmen went into the house with the major-domo, Don Tadeo came out by -another door. - -"Well?" Don Gregorio asked, anxiously. - -"She is asleep. Her terror is abated," Don Tadeo replied. "The joy she -experienced at seeing me, whom she believed dead, brought about a very -salutary crisis." - -"I am glad to hear it! In that quarter, then, we may be at ease?" - -"Completely." - -"Do you feel yourself strong enough to be present at an important -interview?" - -"Is it necessary that I should be present?" - -"I think it quite right that you should hear the communications that one -of my emissaries is about to make me." - -"It is very imprudent of you," said Don Tadeo, "to receive such a man in -your own house!" - -"Oh! do not alarm yourself! I have known him for a long time. Besides, -he is not aware whose house he is in; he was brought hither blinded, by -two of our brethren. In addition to which, we shall be masked." - -"Well! since you desire it, I am at your commands." - -The two friends, after having covered their faces with black velvet -masks, entered the apartment in which were the persons who waited for -them. This apartment, which served as a dining room, was very large, and -furnished with a long table; it was faintly illumined by two sconces, -in which burned small candles of yellow tallow, yielding so doubtful a -light that objects could be seen but indistinctly. Three men, wrapped -in variegated ponchos, and with broad-brimmed hats pulled down over -their eyes, were carelessly smoking their slender papelitos, whilst -warming themselves round a copper _brasero,_ placed in the middle of the -apartment, and in which some olive-stones were slowly burning. At the -entrance of the leaders of the Dark-Hearts, these men rose. - -"Why," asked Don Tadeo, who at the first glance recognized the emissary, -"why did you not wait, Don Pedro, for the meeting tomorrow, at the -_Quinta Verde,_ to communicate to the council the revelations you have -to make?" - -The man thus named as Don Pedro bowed respectfully. He was an individual -of about thirty-five years of age. He was tall, and his countenance, as -sharp as the blade of a knife, wore a cunning, roguish expression. - -"What I have to state only indirectly concerns the Dark-Hearts," he said. - -"Then, of what importance is it to us?" Don Gregorio interrupted him. - -"But it greatly concerns the leaders, particularly the King of Darkness." - -"Explain yourself then, for he is before you," Don Tadeo remarked, -taking a step forward. - -Pedro darted a look at him which seemed to endeavour to penetrate -through the tissue of his mask. - -"What I have to say will be brief," he replied,--"I leave to you the -care of judging of its importance. General Don Bustamente will be -present at the meeting tomorrow." - -"Are you sure of that?" the two conspirators exclaimed with a degree of -astonishment that denoted incredulity. - -"It was I who persuaded him to do so." - -"You?" - -"Yes, I." - -"Are you ignorant, then," Don Tadeo exclaimed with great warmth, "in -what manner we punish traitors?" - -"I am no traitor; on the contrary, I deliver into your hands your most -implacable enemy." - -Don Tadeo replied only by a suspicious glance. - -"The General then is ignorant?" - -"Of everything," said Don Pedro. - -"With what purpose, then, does he wish to introduce himself among us?" - -"Can you not guess? For that of obtaining your secret." - -"But he risks his life." - -"Do you forget that every adept must be introduced by a sponsor, who -alone knows him? No one sees his face. Well, _I_ introduce him," he -added, with a smile of strange significance. - -"That is true. But if he should suspect you of treachery?" - -"I must undergo the consequences; but he will not suspect me." - -"Why not?" Don Gregorio asked. - -"Because," the spy replied, with a cynical smile, "for ten years the -General has employed me, and during those ten years he has had only -cause to praise me for the services I have rendered him." - -A momentary silence followed. - -"Here!" said Don Gregorio, after a long pause, "this time it is not ten -ounces, but twenty, that you have earned. Continue to be faithful to us." - -And he placed a heavy purse in his hands. The spy seized it with a -gesture of avidity, and concealed it quickly under his poncho. - -"You shall have no reproach to make me," he replied, with a bow. - -"I hope we shall not," said Don Tadeo, with difficulty repressing an -expression of disgust. "Only remember, we should be merciless." - -"I know it." - -"In that case, farewell." - -"Farewell till tomorrow." - -The men who had brought him, and who during the conversation had -remained motionless, at a sign from Don Gregorio approached the spy, -bandaged his eyes again, and led him away. - -"Is that fellow a traitor?" asked Don Gregorio, as he listened to the -retreating steps of the horses. - -"It is our duty to suppose him one," the King of Darkness replied, -gravely. - -The two friends, instead of seeking the repose which must have been -so necessary to them, talked together for a long time, in order to -arrange all the measures of safety which were required by the importance -of the scene about to take place on the morrow at the meeting of the -conspirators. In the meantime Don Pedro had been quickly led back -to Santiago. On arriving at one of the gates, his guides left him, -disappearing in opposite directions. As soon as he was alone, he removed -the handkerchief from his eyes. - -"Hum!" he said, with a sinister smile, as he tossed up in his right hand -the purse Don Gregorio had given him. "Twenty ounces make a purse of -gold. Now let us see if General Bustamente is as liberal as his enemies. -By the Virgin! the news I carry him are worth something to him! Let us -try to get the best price for them." - -After having cast his eyes around to see if the coast was clear, he set -off at a sharp trot towards the government palace, muttering to himself-- - -"Bah! times are hard. If a man did not manoeuvre a little, he would find -no means of bringing up his family honestly." - -This reflection, of a rather dubious morality, was accompanied by a -grimace, the expression of which would have given Don Tadeo cause for -suspicion if he had seen it. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -LOVE. - - -On the morrow the two Frenchmen were awakened by the rays of the sun. -The day promised to be a brilliant one, for there was not a cloud in -the heavens. A light vapour, full of penetrating odours, arose slowly -from the earth, drawn up by the beams of the sun, whose warm influence -increased every minute. The morning breeze refreshed the air, and -invited them to inhale it. The young men, perfectly recovered from their -fatigue, sprang cheerfully from their humble beds and dressed themselves -in haste. - -The chacra, of which they had only a glimpse the night before by -moonlight, was an immense farm, consisting of extensive buildings, -and surrounded by fields in full cultivation. The greatest animation -prevailed everywhere. Peons, mounted on half wild horses, were driving -out the cattle to the artificial meadows, whilst others were running -about after the horses they were getting together, in order to lead -them to the drinking place. In the patio the major-domo was overlooking -the women and girls engaged in milking. In short, this residence, which -had appeared to them so silent and dismal the night before, assumed -by daylight an appearance of life and cheerfulness delightful to -contemplate. - -The cries of the peons mingled with the lowing of the cattle, the -barking of the dogs, and the crowing of the cocks, and formed that -melodious concert which is only to be heard on a farm, and which always -rejoices the heart. - -It is a justice that we willingly render here to the Chilian republic -when we say that it alone of the southern states of America appears -to understand that the wealth of a country consists not in the number -of its mines, but in the encouragement given to cultivation; and that -this country, while possessing rich mines of gold, silver, and precious -stones, only places their produce in the second rank, whilst it reserves -its principal solicitude for agriculture. Chili is as yet young as a -nation. There manufactures and the arts are in their infancy; but the -farms are numerous, the fields well cultivated, and soon this country -will be called upon, there is no doubt, through its system of labour, -to become the entrepôt of the other American powers, which it already -provides in a great measure with corn and wine, from Cape Horn to -California. - -Behind the chacra extended a well-kept up garden, in which oranges, -pomegranates, and citrons, planted in the open ground, grew amidst -limes, apples, plums, and all the other fruits of Europe. Louis was -agreeably surprised at the aspect of this garden, with its numerous -alleys, in which a thousand birds of brilliant colours warbled gaily -under the foliage of the tufted thickets of jasmine and honeysuckle. -Whilst Valentine went, followed by Cæsar, to look at the operations of -the peons and smoke his cigar in the patio, Louis felt himself led by -his dreamy spirit to indulge in poetical reveries, and to seek a few -minutes' solitude in the Eden which lay before him. Urged by an unknown -power, intoxicated by the sweet odours which embalmed the atmosphere, he -glided into the garden, casting around him a vaguely questioning look. - -The young man went dreaming along the garden walks, mechanically pulling -to pieces with his fingers a rose which he had gathered. He had walked -thus for nearly an hour, when he was roused by a slight noise among -the leaves, at a short distance from him. He instinctively raised his -head, just in time to catch a glimpse of a light white robe which was -disappearing among the trees, but too late to completely distinguish the -person who wore it, and who appeared to trip over the dewy grass like -a white phantom. At the sight of this mysterious apparition the young -man felt his heart bound in his breast; he stopped trembling, and the -emotion he felt was so powerful, that he was forced to lean against a -tree for support. - -"What can be the matter with me?" he murmured to himself, as he wiped -the cold perspiration from his brow. "I am mad!" he continued, with a -forced smile. "I think I see her everywhere. Heavens! I love her so -deeply that, in spite of myself, my imagination brings her before me -unceasingly. That girl, of whom I just caught a glimpse, is probably the -same we last night so miraculously saved. Poor child! Fortunately she -did not see me; I should have frightened her. Better avoid her by going -out of the garden; in my present state I should alarm her." - -And, as always happens in such cases, he set off, on the contrary, in -the very footsteps of her he had only caught a glimpse of, but whom, by -one of the instinctive feelings of sympathy which come from God, and -which science can never explain, he had nevertheless recognized. - -The young girl, reclining in the depths of an arbour, like a hummingbird -in its bed of muss, with a pale face, and her eyes cast down to the -earth, was listening, pensive and sad, to the joyous melodies which the -birds chanted in her absent ear. All at once, a slight noise made her -start and raise her head. The Count was before her! She uttered a faint -cry, and endeavoured to fly. - -"Don Louis!" she exclaimed. - -She had recognized him. The young man sank on his knees at the entrance -of the arbour. - -"Oh!" he cried, in a voice trembling with emotion, and with an accent of -the most earnest entreaty, "for pity's sake, remain, madam!" - -"Don Louis!" she repeated, already recovered, and feigning the most -perfect indifference. Young girls, even the purest, possess in a high -degree the talent of concealing their feelings, and of deceiving persons -with regard to the emotions they really experience. - -"Yes, it is I, madam," he continued, with an accent of the most -respectful passion; "I, who, to see you again, have abandoned -everything!" - -The young lady displayed some slight surprise. - -"For Heaven's sake!" he resumed, "allow me once more, if but for an -instant, to contemplate your adored features! Oh!" he added, with a look -of deep affection, "my heart had told me you were here, before my eyes -had perceived you." - -"Caballero," she said, in a tremulous voice, "I do not understand you." - -"Oh, fear nothing from me, madam!" he interrupted her vehemently; "my -respect for you is as profound as---- - -"Pray, caballero," she said, earnestly, "rise; if anyone should surprise -you thus!" - -"Madam," he replied, "the avowal I have to make to you, requires me to -remain in the position of a suppliant!" - -"Oh, caballero!" - -"I love you, madam!" he said, in broken accents; "I know not what gives -me the boldness to pronounce a word which in France I did not venture -to breathe in your ear, and which I have never allowed to pass from my -heart to my lips. But even if you banished me from your presence for -ever, once again I must tell you that I love you, madam; and if you do -not return my love, I shall die!" - -The maiden looked at him for a moment with a melancholy air; a tear -trembled on her long eyelashes; she took a step towards him, and holding -out her hand, upon which he imprinted a burning kiss, said softly,-- - -"Rise." - -The Count obeyed. Doña Rosario sunk back upon the bench behind her, -and appeared plunged in profound and painful meditation. Both remained -silent, Louis watching her with intense anxiety, and a throbbing heart. -At length she raised her head, and exhibited a countenance bathed in -tears. - -"Caballero," she said in a melancholy tone, "if God has permitted us to -meet once again, it is because, in His divine goodness, He has judged -that a decisive explanation should take place between us." - -The young man appeared anxious to speak. - -"Do not interrupt me," she continued, "or I shall not have the courage -to finish what I have to say to you. You love me, Louis; your presence -here is an incontestable proof of it--you love me; and yet how many -times, during my short residence in France, have you cursed me in -secret, accusing me of coquetry, or, at least, of unaccountable levity!" - -"Madam!" - -"Oh!" she said, with a faint smile, "since you have avowed your love -for me, I will be frank with you, Louis; and although it be my duty to -deprive you of all future hope, I am at least anxious to justify the -past, and leave you a remembrance of me that nothing can tarnish!" - -"Oh, madam! why do you repeat such things to me?" - -"Why?" she said, with a look full of melancholy, and in a voice -harmonious as the sigh of an Æolian harp, "because I have faith in that -love, so warm, so young, so true; which neither daily indignities nor -vast distances have been able to conquer--because, in short, I also love -you! do you not plainly see that, Louis?" - -On hearing this confession, so ingenuous, and made in a tone so -sorrowful that the young girl appeared no longer to belong to earth, the -Count felt struck by a terrible presentiment; his heart was wrung with -doubtful agony. Trembling, bewildered, he gazed on her with the fixed -and desperate eye of one condemned to death, who is listening to the -reading of his sentence. - -"Yes!" she resumed, with feverish eagerness; "yes, I love you, Louis, I -shall always love you; but never, never, can we be united." - -"Oh, that is impossible!" he cried, raising his head vehemently. - -"Listen to me," she said, in a tone of authority; "I do not order you to -forget me, Louis; a love like yours is eternal: alas! I feel that mine -will last as long as my life. You see, my friend, I am frank; I do not -speak to you as a maiden ought to speak; I unfold my heart before you, -leaving you to read it as you would your own. Well, this love, which -would be for us the height of felicity,--this communion of two spirits, -which blend with each other to form one blissful whole,--this boundless -happiness must be dispersed for ever, without chance of recovery, -without hesitation!" - -"Oh, I cannot consent!" he exclaimed, in a voice broken by sobs. - -"But it must be so, I tell you!" she continued, wild with anguish. -"Great Heaven! what more do you require of me? Must I confess everything -to you? Well, then, since it must be so, know that I am a miserable -creature, condemned from my birth, pursued by a terrible hatred, -which follows me step by step, which watches me incessantly; and some -day--tomorrow, perhaps today--will crush me without mercy! Obliged -to change my name constantly; flying from city to city, from country -to country; wherever I may go, this implacable enemy, whom I do not -know, and against whom I cannot defend myself, pursues me without -intermission." - -"But I will defend you!" the young man said, with confident energy. - -"And I, on my part, am not willing that you should die!" she replied, -with an accent of ineffable tenderness. "To attach yourself to me is -to court destruction. I went to France to seek a place of refuge. I -was obliged to quit that hospitable land with the greatest suddenness. -Arrived here only a few weeks since, but for you, last night, I should -have been lost! No, no, I am condemned; I know I am, and I am resigned; -but I will not drag you down in my fall! Alas! I am, perhaps, doomed to -suffer tortures still more horrible than those I have hitherto endured! -Oh, Louis, in the name of the love which you have for me, and which I -fully share, leave me the supreme consolation in my wretchedness of -knowing that you are safe from the torments which overwhelm me!" - -At this moment Valentine's voice was heard at a short distance, and -Cæsar came wagging his tail to his master. Doña Rosario gathered a -blossom of the _suchil_ which grew close to them, and presented it to -the young man, after having for a moment inhaled its sweet odour. - -"Here," she said, "my friend, accept this flower, the only memorial, -alas! that will remain with you of me." - -The young man concealed the flower in his bosom. - -"Someone is coming," she continued, in broken accents. "Swear, Louis! -swear to quit this country as soon as possible, without endeavouring to -see me again." - -The Count hesitated. - -"Oh!" he cried, "some day, perhaps,----" - -"Never on earth. Have I not told you that I am condemned? Swear, Louis, -that at least I may hope to meet you again in heaven." - -She pronounced these words with such a tone of despair, that the young -man, overcome, in spite of himself, made a gesture of assent, and let -the almost inarticulate words escape his lips,-- - -"I swear to do so!" - -"Thanks! thanks!" she cried wildly, and hurriedly imprinting a kiss upon -the brow of her prostrated lover, she disappeared with the lightness of -a fawn amidst a thicket of standard roses, at the moment when Valentine -became visible at the turning of the walk. - -"Why brother," the soldier said gaily, "what the deuce are you about -here, at the bottom of the garden? Breakfast is waiting for you. I have -been looking for you this hour; and if it had not been for Cæsar, I -should not have found you now." - -The Count turned towards him, his face lathed in tears, and threw his -arms round his neck. - -"Brother! brother!" he cried, in an accent of despair; "I am the most -unhappy of men!" - -Valentine looked at him in astonishment. The Count had fainted. - -"What on earth is all this about?" said the soldier, casting a -suspicious look around him, and laying his foster brother, who was -motionless as a corpse, gently upon a grassy bank. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE QUINTA VERDE. - - -Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious -situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is -still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with -white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet -eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, -palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each -other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable -rampart. It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions -and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by -a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced -it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as -it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled -that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled -beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red -torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and -as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became -extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, -had waved them about madly. This habitation was named the "Quinta Verde." - -By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like -the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all -the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of -general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for -power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the -revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal -whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families? This is -what many people, at various periods, had been anxious to know, though -they had never been able to find out. Nobody ostensibly inhabited this -quinta, in which, on certain days, noises were heard which filled with a -superstitious terror the worthy _guasos_ living in the neighbourhood. - -The day after that on which the events occurred which open this history, -the heat had been oppressive, the atmosphere heavy, and the sun had -gone down amidst a flood of purple vapour, the precursors of a storm -which burst with fury as soon as night had completely closed in. The -wind bent down the trees as it whistled through them, the collision of -the branches producing a melancholy sound; the heavens were black, not -a star was to be seen; and large grey clouds coursed rapidly across -the zenith, covering all nature with a leaden pall. In the distance -resounded the howlings of wild beasts, among which was occasionally -mingled the hoarse, sharp barking of stray dogs. - -Nine o'clock struck slowly from a distant steeple; the sound of the -metal, repeated by the echoes from the hills, vibrated with a plaintive -tone over the deserted landscape. The moon, fitfully emerging from -behind the clouds which veiled her, spread for a few seconds a pale -and trembling light over the scene, giving it a fantastic aspect. This -fugitive ray of doubtful light, nevertheless, enabled a small troop of -horsemen, who were painfully ascending a winding path on the side of a -mountain, to distinguish, at a few paces before them, the black outline -of a house, from the top window of which beamed like a pharos a red, -uncertain light. This house was the "Quinta Verde." - -At about four or five paces in advance of the troop rode two horsemen, -muffled carefully in their cloaks, the flaps of their hats pulled down -over their eyes, appeared, in the darkness, to be a needless precaution; -but it, nevertheless, showed that these personages were very anxious not -to be recognized. - -"Heaven be praised!" said one of these horsemen to his companion, as -he pulled up his horse, to look searchingly around him, as far as the -darkness would permit; "I hope we shall soon be there." - -"In a quarter of an hour, at latest, General, we shall be at the end of -our journey." - -"Do not let us stop, then," the one addressed as General said; "I am -impatient to penetrate into this abominable den." - -"One moment, General!" the first speaker continued. "It is my duty to -warn your Excellency that there is still time to retreat; and that -would, perhaps, be the more prudent step." - -"Please to observe this, Diego," said the General, fixing upon his -companion a look which gleamed in the semi-obscurity like that of a -tiger-cat--"in the circumstances in which I am placed, prudence, as you -understand the word, would be cowardice. I am quite aware what I am -called upon to do by the confidence placed in me by my fellow citizens; -our position is most critical: the liberal reaction is raising its head -in all quarters, and we must put an end to this ever-reviving hydra. -The news of Don Tadeo's escape from death has spread with the rapidity -of a train of gunpowder; all the malcontents of whom he is the leader, -are in almost open action; if I were to hesitate to strike a great blow -and crush the head of the serpent which hisses in my ears, it would -tomorrow, perhaps, be too late; hesitation has always been the ruin of -statesmen in affairs of importance." - -"And yet, General, if the man who has furnished you with this -information should--" - -"Be a traitor? Well, that is possible--ay, even probable; therefore, -I have neglected nothing that may neutralize the consequences of a -treachery which I foresee." - -"By the Virgin! General, in your place, however--" - -"Thank you, old comrade, thank you for your solicitude; but enough of -this subject, you ought to know me well enough to be sure that I shall -never flinch from my duty." - -"I have nothing more to do, then, but to wish your Excellency well -through your undertaking; for you know you must arrive alone at the -Quinta Verde, and I can escort you no farther." - -"Very well, wait here then; make your men dismount for a time, keep a -sharp watch, and execute punctually the orders I have given you. I am -going on." - -Diego bowed respectfully, but with an air of anxiety, and withdrew his -hand, which had been placed on the bridle of the General's horse. The -latter more carefully enveloped himself in his cloak, the folds of which -had become too loose, and gave the usual jockey signal to excite his -horse. At this well-known sound the horse pricked up its ears, and being -thoroughbred, although fatigued, set off at a gallop. - -After a few minutes of this rapid travelling, the General stopped; but -it appeared as if his journey was completed, for, dismounting, he threw -the bridle on his horse's neck, with as little care what became of it as -if it had been a hack post-horse, and walked with a firm step towards -the house, which he had held in view some time, and from which he was -now not more than ten paces distant. This was soon cleared. When he -reached the gate, he stood for a second and looked around him, as if -endeavouring to penetrate the darkness; but all was calm and silent. -In spite of himself, the General was seized with that vague fear which -takes possession of the most courageous man when in face of the unknown. -But General Bustamente, whom the reader has no doubt recognized, was too -old a soldier to suffer himself to be mastered long by an impression, -however strong it might be; with him this had lasted but an instant, and -he almost immediately recovered his usual coolness. - -"What the devil! am _I_ afraid?" he murmured, with an ironical smile, -and going boldly up to the gate, he knocked three times at equal -intervals with the pummel of his sword. In an instant his arms were -seized by invisible hands, a bandage was placed over his eyes, and a -voice, faint as a breath, murmured in his ear-- - -"Make no resistance, twenty poniards are at your breast; at the first -cry, at the least opposition, you are a dead man. Reply categorically to -our questions." - -"All these threats are needless," the General replied, in a calm -voice; "as I came here of my own free will, I can have no intention of -resisting--ask, and I will answer." - -"What do you come to seek here?" the voice said. - -"The Dark-Hearts." - -"Are you ready to appear in their presence?" - -"I am," the General replied, still impassive. - -"Do you dread nothing?" - -"Nothing." - -"Let your sword fall." - -The General quitted his hold of his sword, and felt at the same moment -that his pistols were taken from him. - -"Now, step forward without fear," said the voice. - -The prisoner found himself instantly at liberty. - -"In the name of Christ, who died upon the cross for the salvation of the -world, Dark-Hearts, receive me among the number of your brethren!" the -General then said, in a low and firm voice. - -The double gates of the Quinta Verde flew open before him, and two -masked men, each holding a dark lantern in his hand, the focus of which -he directed on the stranger's face, appeared in the entrance. - -"There is still time," said one of the unknown; "if your heart be not -firm, you may retreat." - -"My heart is firm." - -"Come on, then, as you think yourself worthy to share our glorious task, -but tremble if you have the least intention of betraying us," said the -masked man, in a deep, sonorous voice. - -The General felt, notwithstanding the recklessness of his character, -a cold shudder run through his limbs at these words; but he quickly -surmounted this involuntary emotion. - -"It is for traitors to tremble," he replied; "for my part, I have -nothing to fear." - -And he boldly stepped into the Quinta Verde, the doors of which closed -after him with a dull, heavy sound. The bandage which covered his eyes, -and which had prevented those who had interrogated him from recognizing -him, notwithstanding their efforts to do so, was then removed. After -proceeding for more than a quarter of an hour along a circular corridor, -lighted only by the red flickering flame of the torch carried by the -guide through this labyrinth, the General was suddenly stopped by a door -in front of him. He turned hesitatingly towards the masked men, who had -followed him step by step. - -"What do you wait for?" said one of them in reply to his mute -interrogation. "Is it not written, _Knock and it shall be opened unto -you?_" - -The General bowed in sign of acquiescence, and knocked loudly at the -door. The folding panels drew back silently into the wall, and the -General found himself at the entrance of a vast hall, whose walls were -covered with long red draperies, gloomily enlightened by a bronze lamp -and several chandeliers suspended from the ceiling, which shone in an -uncertain manner upon the countenances of about a hundred men, who, -with naked swords in their hands, fixed their eyes upon him through the -black masks which concealed their faces. At the bottom of this hall was -a table covered with a green cloth, at which were seated three men. Not -only were those three men masked, but, as a further precaution, before -each of them a lighted torch was planted on the table, the dazzling -flame of which allowed them to be but vaguely seen. Against the wall was -a crucifix, between two hourglasses surmounted by a death's-head with a -poniard run through it. - -The General manifested no emotion at this imposing _mise en scène_. A -smile of disdain curled his lip, and he stepped boldly forward. At this -moment he felt a light touch on the shoulder, and, on turning round, -perceived that one of the guides was holding out a mask to him. In spite -of the precautions he had taken to disguise his features, he eagerly -seized it, placed it on his face, folded his cloak round him, and -entered. - -"_In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti!_" he said. - -"_Amen_!" all present replied, in a sepulchral tone. - -"_Exaudiat te Dominus, in die Tribulationis,_" said one of the -personages behind the table. - -"_Impleat Dominus omnes petitiones tuas_," the General replied, without -hesitation. - -"_La Patria!_" the first speaker rejoined. - -"_O la Muerte!_" replied the General. - -"What is your purpose in coming here?" the man who up to this time alone -had spoken, asked. - -"I wish to be admitted into the bosom of the elect." - -There was a momentary silence. - -"Is there anyone among us who can or will answer for you?" the masked -man then asked. - -"I cannot say; for I do not know the persons among whom I find myself." - -"How know you that?" - -"I suppose so, as they, as well as I, are masked." - -"The Dark-Hearts," said the interrogator in a deep tone, "consider not -the countenance; they search souls." - -The General bowed at this sentence, which appeared to him to border upon -the ridiculous. The interrogator continued:--"Do you know the conditions -of your affiliation?" - -"I know them." - -"What are they?" - -"To sacrifice mother, father, brothers, relations, friends, and myself, -without hesitation, to the cause which I swear to defend." - -"What next?" - -"At the first signal, whether it be by day or night, even at the foot of -the altar, in whatever circumstance I may be placed, to quit everything, -in order to accomplish immediately the orders that shall be given me, in -whatever manner they may be given, and whatever may be the tenor of that -order." - -"Do you subscribe to these conditions?" - -"I subscribe to them." - -"Are you prepared to swear to submit yourself to them?" - -"I am prepared." - -"Repeat, then, after me, with your hand upon the Gospels, the words I am -about to dictate to you." - -"Dictate!" - -The three men behind the table rose; a Bible was brought, and the -General resolutely placed his hand upon the book. A faint murmur ran -through the ranks of the assembly. The president struck the table with -the hilt of his dagger, and silence was re-established. This man then -pronounced in a slow and deep toned voice the following words, which the -General repeated after him without hesitation:-- - -"I swear to sacrifice myself, my family, my property, and all that I -can hope for in this world, for the safety of the cause defended by -the Dark-Hearts. I swear to kill every man, be he my father, be he my -brother, who shall be pointed out to me. If I fail in my faith, if I -betray those who accept me as their brother, I acknowledge myself to -be worthy of death; and I, beforehand, pardon the Dark-Hearts who may -inflict it upon me." - -"So far well!" replied the president, when the General had pronounced -the oath. "You are now our brother." - -He then rose, and stepping across the hall, stood full in front of the -General. - -"Now," he said in a solemn threatening voice, "answer me, Don Pancho -Bustamente. As you, of your own free will, take a false oath before a -hundred persons, do you think we should commit a crime in condemning -you, since you have had the audacity to place yourself in our power?" - -In spite of his assurance, the General could not repress a start of -terror. - -"Remove the mask which covers this man's face, so that everyone may know -that it is he! Ah! General; you have entered the lion's den, and you -will be devoured." - -The noise of a distant commotion was heard. - -"Your soldiers are coming to your rescue," the president resumed, "but -they will come too late, General; prepare to die!" - -These words fell like the blow of a mace upon the brow of him who found -himself thus outwitted; he, nevertheless, did not yet lose heart; the -noise evidently approached; and there could be no doubt but that his -troops, who surrounded the Quinta Verde on all sides, would soon gain -possession of it; all he wanted was time. - -"By what right," he said haughtily, "do you constitute yourselves judges -and executioners of your own sentence?" - -"You are one of us, and are bound by our sentence," the president -replied, with an ironical smile. - -"Beware of what you are about to do, gentlemen," the General added in a -haughty tone; "remember I am minister-at-war!" - -"And I am King of Darkness," the president cried in a voice that froze -the very blood of the General; "my dagger is more sure than the muskets -of your soldiers; it does not let its victims escape. Brethren, what -chastisement does this man deserve?" - -"Death!" the conspirators replied. - -The General saw that he was lost. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -THE DEPARTURE. - - -Sergeant Diego, when left by General Bustamente a few paces from the -Quinta Verde, was very uneasy regarding the fate of his leader, and -entertained dismal presentiments. He was an old soldier, and well -acquainted with all the machinations and treacheries practised in this -country between inveterate enemies. He had been far from approving of -the General's undertaking, for he knew better than anyone how little -confidence ought to be placed in spies. Constrained, ostensibly, to -obey the order he had received, he had resolved, _in petto_, not to -leave his leader without help in the wasps' nest into which he had -cast himself headlong. Diego entertained for General Bustamente, under -whose orders he had served ten years, a profound regard, which entitled -him to certain freedoms, and his entire confidence. He immediately -placed himself in relation with two other officers of the detachment, -ordered, like himself, to watch the mysterious house whose dark outline -cut gloomily across the cloudy sky, and around which there was a close -blockade. He was walking about, biting his moustache, and swearing to -himself, determined, if the General did not come out within half an -hour, to obtain an entrance by force, if necessary, when a heavy hand -was laid upon his shoulder. He turned sharply round, stopping short in -an oath that was passing his lips, and saw a man standing before him: it -was Don Pedro. - -"Is that you?" he asked, as soon as he recognised him. - -"Myself," the spy replied. - -"But where the devil do you come from?" - -"No matter; do you wish to save the General?" - -"Is he in danger?" - -"In danger of death." - -"_Demonios!_" the sergeant shouted; "he must be saved!" - -"For that purpose I am here; but don't speak so loud." - -"I will speak as you like, provided you will tell me." - -"Nothing!" Don Pedro replied, "for there is not a minute to be lost." - -"What is to be done?" - -"Listen! A detachment must feign an attack upon the gate by which the -General entered; another will watch the environs, for the Dark-Hearts -have roads known only to themselves; you, with a third detachment, will -follow me; I will undertake to introduce you into the house--is that -agreed upon?" - -"Perfectly." - -"Make haste, then, to inform your colleagues; time presses." - -"Instantly; where shall I find you again?" - -"Here." - -"Very well; I only ask five minutes," and he strode away in haste. - -"Hem!" thought Don Pedro, as soon as he was alone; "we should be -prudent when we wish affairs to be profitable; from what I heard, they -will condemn the General, and they must not be allowed to go as far as -that, for my interests would suffer too seriously; I have manoeuvred -so as to be safe from all suspicion; if I succeed, I shall be more in -favour with the General than ever, without losing the confidence of the -conspirators." - -"Well!" he said, as he saw Diego coming towards him. - -"Everything is done," replied the sergeant, out of breath. "I am ready." - -"Come on, then, and God grant it may not be too late!" - -"Amen!" said the soldier. - -Everything was done as had been arranged; whilst one detachment -vigorously attacked the gate of the Quinta Verde, Don Pedro led the -troops commanded by Diego to the opposite side of the house, where a -low window was open; this window was grated, but several bars had been -removed beforehand, which left the entrance easy. Pedro commanded the -soldiers to be silent, and they entered the house one by one. Guided by -the spy, they advanced stealthily, without meeting with obstacles of any -kind. At the end of a few minutes they came to a closed door. - -"This is it!" said Pedro, in a low voice. - -At a sign from the sergeant, the door was beaten in with the butt end -of their muskets, and the soldiers rushed into the room. It was nearly -empty, its only occupant being a man stretched motionless upon the -floor. The sergeant sprang towards him, but recoiled with a cry of -horror--he had recognised his leader--General Bustamente lay with a -dagger sticking upright in his breast. To the hilt of the dagger was -tied a long black strip, upon which were written these words in red ink: - -"_The Justice of the Dark-Hearts!_" - -"Oh!" cried Diego; "Vengeance! Vengeance!" - -"Vengeance!" the soldiers repeated, with rage, mingled with terror. - -The sergeant turned round towards Pedro, whom he believed to be still by -his side; but the spy, who alone could guide them in their researches, -had thought it prudent to steal away. As soon as he saw that what he -dreaded had happened, he had disappeared without anybody observing his -departure. - -"No matter!" said Diego. "If I demolish this den of assassins, from -bottom to top, and don't leave stone upon stone, I swear I will find -these demons, if they are buried in the centre of the earth." - -The old soldier began searching in all directions, whilst a surgeon who -had followed the detachment paid attention to the wounded man, whom he -endeavoured to restore to his senses. - -The Dark-Hearts, as the spy had truly said, had paths known only -to themselves, by which they had quietly departed, after having -accomplished their terrible vengeance, or executed their severe justice, -according to the point of view in which an act of this nature and -importance is viewed. They were already far off in the country, safe -from all danger, while the soldiers were still ferociously searching for -them in and about the house. - -Don Tadeo and Don Gregorio returned together to the chacra, and were -astonished, on their arrival, to find Valentine, whom they supposed to -be in bed and asleep long before, waiting for them at that late hour, -to request a few minutes' conversation. In spite of the very natural -surprise which the demand at such a singular hour excited, the two -gentlemen, who supposed the Frenchman had serious reasons for acting -thus, granted his request, without making the least observation. The -conversation was long--so long, that we think it useless to repeat it -here in detail, but will satisfy ourselves with giving our readers the -end of it, which sums it up perfectly. - -"I will not insist," said Don Tadeo, "although you will not tell us -your motives. I believe you to be too considerate a man, Don Valentine, -not to be convinced that the reasons which force you to leave us are -serious." - -"Of the greatest seriousness," the young man replied. - -"Very well. But on leaving this place, in which direction do you intend -to bend your steps?" - -"Faith! I own frankly--besides, you know already that I and my friend -are in search of fortune--that all directions are the same to us, since -we must, above everything, depend upon chance." - -"I am of your opinion," replied Don Tadeo, smiling. "Listen to me, -then. I possess large estates in the province of Valdivia, which it -is my intention to visit shortly. What prevents you going that way in -preference to any other?" - -"Nothing, that I know of." - -"I, at this moment, stand in need of a man whom I can depend upon, to -undertake an important mission into Araucania, to one of the principal -chiefs of the people of that country. If you are going to the province -of Valdivia, you will be obliged to traverse Araucania in its whole -length. Are you willing to undertake this commission? Will that -inconvenience you?" - -"Why should I not?" said Valentine. "I have never come face to face with -savages; I should like to see what sort of people they are." - -"Very well; now is your opportunity. That is agreed upon then. You wish -to start tomorrow, do you not?" - -"Tomorrow! Today, if you please--in a few hours, for it will not be long -before the sun will be up." - -"That is true. Very well, then; at the moment of your departure, my -major-domo shall place, on my part, written instructions in your hands." - -"Caramba!" said Valentine, laughing; "here am I transformed into an -ambassador!" - -"Do not joke, my friend," said Don Tadeo, seriously. "The mission I -confide to you is delicate--dangerous, even; I do not conceal that from -you. If the papers of which you will be the bearer are found upon you, -you will be exposed to great dangers. Are you still willing to be my -emissary?" - -"Pardieu! Wherever there is danger there is pleasure. And what is the -name of the person to whom I am to remit these despatches?" - -"They are of two descriptions. The latter only concerns yourself; during -the course of your journey you can make yourself acquainted with them; -they will instruct you in certain matters you should know in order to -secure the success of your mission." - -"I understand--and the others?" - -"The others are for Antinahuel, that is, the Tiger Sun, and must be -delivered into his own hands." - -"A queer name that!" Valentine replied, with a laugh. "And where am I to -find the gentleman rejoicing in such a formidable title?" - -"By my faith, my friend," replied Don Tadeo, "I know no more than you -do." - -"The Araucano Indians," interrupted Don Gregorio, "are a rather -wandering race, and it is sometimes difficult to find the one you are in -search of." - -"Bah! I shall find him, be assured of that." - -"We do entirely rely upon you." - -"In a few hours, as I have told you, I shall myself set out to place in -a convent in Valdivia the young lady whom you so fortunately saved; it -will, therefore, be in Valdivia I shall await your answer." - -"I beg your pardon, but I have not the least idea where Valdivia is," -observed Valentine. - -"Don't be uneasy on that account; any child in this country can direct -you the way thither," Don Gregorio replied. - -"Thanks." - -"And now, if you change your mind when we meet again, and consent to -remain among us, remember we are brothers, and do not hesitate to inform -me of your new determination." - -"I can neither, reply yes or no, sir; if it depended upon me, we should -continue to see each other frequently." - -After exchanging a few more friendly expressions, the three men -separated. At sunrise, Louis and Valentine, mounted on magnificent -horses, which Don Tadeo had forced them to accept, rode away from the -chacra, followed by Cæsar. Valentine had received his despatches from -the hands of the major-domo. As they were quitting the farm Louis -turned round instinctively, as if to salute with a last look a spot -he abandoned for ever, and which contained all that was dear to him. -A window was gently opened, and the face of the fair girl appeared -through the small interval, bathed in tears. The two young men bowed -respectfully towards the necks of their horses, and with a deep sigh -from Louis, they moved on as the window closed. - -"Adieu! oh, adieu for ever!" murmured Louis, choking with emotion. - -"Ah, perhaps!" said Valentine; and, to rouse his friend from his grief, -he put his horse into a gallop, and they soon lost sight of the chacra -in the windings of the road. - -Within four hours from their departure Don Tadeo and Don Gregorio -likewise set out on their journey to Valdivia, for the purpose of -placing Doña Rosario in the convent. But the enemy of whom they thought -they had relieved themselves at the Quinta Verde, was not dead; the -dagger of the King of Darkness had not proved more sure than the bullets -of the General. The two enemies were destined soon to meet again. -Notwithstanding the seriousness of the wound he had received, thanks -to the intelligent cares lavished upon him, but more particularly, -thanks to his excellent constitution, General Bustamente was soon in a -convalescent state. Don Pancho and the Linda, from that time united by -the strongest of ties--a common personal hatred--prepared to take their -revenge upon Don Tadeo, and that of the bitterest nature. The General -signalized his restoration to health by cruelties of the most flagrant -kind towards every man suspected of liberalism, and by inaugurating -throughout the republic a pitiless system of terror. Don Tadeo was -pronounced outlawed; his friends were cast into dungeons, and their -property was confiscated; and then, when the General thought that all -these vexations must bring his enemy to bay, and he had nothing to dread -from him or his partizans, under the pretence of visiting the provinces -of the Republic, he set out for Valdivia, accompanied by his mistress. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -THE MEETING. - - -As the principal incidents of this history are now about to take place -in Araucania, we think it necessary to give our readers some account of -this people, who alone of all the nations the Spaniards encountered in -America, succeeded in resisting them, and had, up to the time we treat -of, preserved intact their liberty and almost all their territory. The -Araucanos or Moluchos inhabit the beautiful country situated between the -rivers Biobio and Valdivia, having on one side the sea, and on the other -the great Cordilleras of the Andes. They are thus completely enclosed -within the Chilian republic, and yet, as we have said, have always -remained independent. It would be a great error to suppose these Indians -savages. The Araucanos have adopted as much of European civilization as -suited their character and their mode of living, and have rejected the -rest. From the most remote times these peoples had formed a national -body, strong and compact, governed by wise laws rigorously executed. The -first Spanish conquerors were quite astonished to find in this remote -corner of America, a powerful aristocratic republic, and a feudalism -organized almost upon the same plan as that which prevailed in Europe -in the thirteenth century. We will here enter into a few details of the -government of the Araucanos, who proudly style themselves _Aucas_--free -men. These details concerning a people too little known, up to this day, -cannot fail to interest the reader. - -The principal chiefs of the Araucanos are the Toquis,[1] the Apo-Ulmens, -and the Ulmens. There are four Toquis, one for each territorial -division; they have under their orders the Apo-Ulmens, who, in their -turn, command the Ulmens. The Toquis are independent of each other, but -confederated for the public good. Titles are hereditary, and pass from -males to males. The vassals or Mosotones are free; in time of war alone -they are subject to military service; but, in this country, and it is -this which constitutes its strength, every man in a condition to bear -arms is a soldier. It may easily be understood what the chiefs are when -we state that the people consider them only as the first among their -equals, and that their authority is consequently rather precarious; -and if, now and then, certain Toquis have endeavoured to extend their -authority, the people, jealous of their privileges, have always found -means to keep them within the bounds prescribed by their ancient usages. - -A society whose manners are so simple, and interests so little -complicated, which is governed by wise laws, and all the members of -which have an ardent love of liberty, is invincible, as the Spaniards -have many times found to their cost. After having, in several attempts, -endeavoured to subdue this little corner of land, isolated amidst their -own territory; they have ended by acknowledging the futility of their -efforts, and have tacitly admitted their defeat by renouncing for ever -their projects of obtaining dominion over the Araucanos, with whom -they have contracted alliances, and across whose territory they now -peacefully pass on their road from Santiago to Valdivia. - -The Carampangue--in the Araucano idiom, refuge of lions--is a charming -stream, half torrent, half river, which comes bounding down from the -inaccessible summits of the Andes, and, after many capricious windings, -loses itself in the sea two leagues to the north of Arauco. Nothing -can be more beautiful than the banks of the Carampangue, bordered by -smiling valleys, covered with woods, with apple trees loaded with fruit, -rich pastures in which animals of all kinds range and feed at liberty, -and high mountains, from the verdant sides of which hang, in the most -picturesque positions, clusters of cabins, whose whitewashed walls shine -in the sun, and give life to this enchanting landscape. - -On the day when we resume our narrative, that is, on a beautiful morning -in July--called by the Indians the month of the sun--two horsemen, -followed by a magnificent black and white Newfoundland dog, were -ascending, at a sharp trot, the course of the river, following what is -called a wild beast's track, scarcely marked in the high grass. These -men, dressed in the Chilian costume, surging up suddenly amidst this -wild natural scene, formed, by their manners and their vestments, a -contrast with everything which surrounded them; a contrast of which -they probably had no idea, for they rode as carelessly through this -barbarous country, abounding in perils and ambushes without number, as -they would have done along the road from Paris to Saint-Cloud. These two -men, whom the reader has, no doubt, recognized, were the Count Louis -de Prébois-Crancé and Valentine Guillois, his foster brother. They had -passed in turn through Maulé, Talca, and Concepción; and on the day we -meet them again, in the middle of Araucania, they had been full two -months on the road, travelling philosophically along with their dog -Cæsar upon the banks of the Carampangue. This was the 14th of July, -1837, at eleven o'clock in the morning. - -The young men had passed the night in an abandoned _rancho_ which -they had fallen in with on their way, and at sunrise resumed their -journey; so that they now began to be sensible of the calls of hunger. -Upon taking a survey of the spot where they found themselves, they -perceived a clump of apple trees, which intercepted the rays of the -sun, and offered them a shelter for their repast and a little rest. -They dismounted and sat down at the foot of a large apple tree, leaving -their horses to browse upon the young branches so abundant around -them. Valentine knocked down a few apples with a stick, opened his -_alforjas_--large cloth pockets placed behind the saddle--drew out some -sea biscuit, a piece of bacon, and a goat's milk cheese, and the two -young men began eating gaily, sharing their provisions with Cæsar in a -brotherly way, whilst he, seated gravely in front of them, followed with -his eyes every morsel they put into their mouths. - -"Caramba!" said Valentine, with a satisfied smile; "it is comfortable to -have a little rest, after having been on horseback from four o'clock in -the morning." - -"Well, to tell the truth, I must own I am a little fatigued," Louis -confessed. - -"My poor friend, you are not, as I am, accustomed to long journeys. It -was stupid of me not to remember that." - -"Bah! on the contrary, I am getting accustomed to them very well; and -besides," he added, with a sigh, "physical fatigue makes me forget----" - -"Ah! that's true," Valentine interrupted; "come! I am happy to hear you -speak thus--I see you are becoming a man!" - -Louis shook his head sorrowfully. - -"No," he said, "you are mistaken. As the malady which undermines me is -without remedy, I endeavour to play a manly part." - -"Yes, hope is one of the supreme illusions of love; when it can no -longer exist, love dies." - -"Or he who experiences it," said the young man, with a melancholy smile. - -This was followed by a silence, which Valentine at length broke. - -"What a charming country!" he cried, with feigned enthusiasm, for the -purpose of giving the conversation another direction, as he swallowed, -with delectation, an enormous piece of bacon. - -"Yes, but the roads are very bad." - -"Who knows?" said Valentine, with a smile: "they say the roads to -Paradise are of that kind; this may be the way thither." Then addressing -the dog, "And you, Cæsar, what do you think of our journey, old boy?" - -The dog wagged his tail, fixing his eyes, sparkling with intelligence, -upon the speaker's face, whilst he eagerly devoured all that was given -to him. But he stopped suddenly in his masticating operations, pricked -up his ears, turned his head sharply round, and balked furiously. - -"Silence, Cæsar!" said Valentine; "what do you bark in that manner for? -You know right well we are in a desert, and that in a desert there is -nobody but the devil!" - -But Cæsar continued to bark without heeding his master. - -"Hum!" said Louis, "I do not agree with you; I think that the deserts of -America are thickly peopled." - -"Well, perhaps you are right." - -"The dog's barking is not usual; we ought to take precautions." - -"I will see," said Valentine; and addressing the Newfoundland, "Come! -come! hold your tongue, Cæsar! You are tiresome! What's the matter with -you? What teases you? Do you scent a stag? Caramba! That would be a -glorious godsend for us." - -Here he rose, and cast an inquiring glance around, but he immediately -stopped, and seized his rifle, making a sign to Louis to do the same, in -order to be prepared for whatever might happen. - -"Diable!" he said, "Cæsar was right, and I must confess myself a stupid -fellow. Look yonder, Louis!" - -The other turned his eyes as directed. - -"Oh! oh!" he said; "what is this?" - -"Hum! I believe we shall soon discover." - -"With God's help!" Louis replied, cocking his rifle. - -Ten Indians in war costume, and mounted on magnificent horses, were -drawn up within twenty paces of the travellers, though the latter were -quite unable to comprehend how they had succeeded in approaching so near -to them without being discovered. Notwithstanding Valentine's efforts, -Cæsar continued to bark furiously, and endeavoured to rush upon the -Indians. The American warriors, motionless and impassible, made neither -gesture nor movement, but they surveyed the Frenchmen so closely and -persistently, that Valentine, not very patient in his nature, began to -find himself excessively annoyed. - - -[1] This word comes from the verb _toquin_, which means to _judge_, to -_command._ - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -THE PUELCHES. - - -"Eh! eh!" said Valentine, whistling sharply to his dog, who immediately -came to him; "these fellows do not seem to have friendly intentions; we -must be upon our guard: who knows what may happen?" - -"They are Araucanos," said Louis. - -"Do you think so? Then they are devilish ugly!" - -"Well, now, for my part, I think them very handsome." - -"Ah, yes; that may be in an artistic point of view. But, ugly or -handsome, we will await their coming." - -The Indians talked among themselves, and continued to look at the young -men. - -"They are consulting to determine with what sauce they shall eat us," -said Valentine. - -"Not at all----" - -"Bah! I tell you they are." - -"Pardieu! they are not cannibals!" - -"No? So much the worse; that's a defect. In Paris, all the savages -exhibited in public are cannibals." - -"You madman! you laugh at everything." - -"Would you prefer my weeping a little? It appears to me that at this -moment our position is not so seducing in itself that we should seek to -make it more dismal." - -These Indians were for the most part men of from forty to forty-five -years of age, clothed in the costume of the Puelches, one of the most -warlike tribes of Upper Araucania; they wore the poncho floating from -the shoulders, the calzoneras fastened round the hips and falling to -the ankle, the head bare, the hair long, straight, and greasy, gathered -together by a red ribbon, which encircled the brow like a diadem, and -the face painted of various colours. Their arms consisted of a long -lance, a knife, a gun hanging from the saddle, and a round buckler, -covered with leather, ornamented with horsehair and human scalps. - -The man who appeared to be their chief was a man of lofty stature, -expressive features, hard and haughty, but still displayed a certain -frankness, a very rare quality among Indians. The only thing which -distinguished him from his companions was a feather of the eagle of the -Andes, planted upright on the left side of his head, in the bright red -ribbon that confined his hair. - -After having consulted with his companions for a few minutes, the chief -advanced towards the travellers, making his horse curvet with inimitable -grace, and lowered the point of his lance in sign of peace. When -within three paces of Valentine, he stopped, and, after saluting him -ceremoniously, in the Indian fashion, by placing his right hand on his -breast, and slowly bowing his head twice, he said to him in Spanish:-- - -"My brothers are Muruches--foreigners,--and not Culme-Huinca--despicable -Spaniards. Why are they so far from the men of their own nation?" - -This question, asked in the guttural accent, and with the emphatic tone -peculiar to the Indians, was perfectly understood by the young men, who, -as we have before observed, generally spoke Spanish themselves. - -"Hum!" Valentine said to his companion, "here is a savage who appears to -have a little curiosity about him--what think you?" - -"Bah!" Louis replied, "answer him, at all events that will do no harm." - -"Why, no, that is true; we cannot easily be more compromised than we are -already." - -And turning towards the chief, who waited impassibly, - -"We are travelling," he said, laconically. - -"What! alone, thus?" asked the chief. - -"Does that astonish you, my friend?" - -"Do my brothers fear nothing?" - -"What should we fear?" said the Parisian in a bantering tone. "We have -nothing to lose." - -"What! not even your hair?" - -Louis could not refrain from laughing, as he looked at Valentine. - -"Ah! ah! what, he is laughing at the disordered state of my hair, is he, -the ugly wretch?" Valentine grumbled, vexed at the observation of the -chief, and quite mistaking his intentions. "Stop a bit!" then he added, -in a loud voice, "Have the goodness to pass on, gentlemen savages. Your -remarks are not pleasant, I can assure you." - -He cocked his rifle, and lifted it to his shoulder, as if taking aim -at the chief. Louis, who had attentively followed the progress of the -conversation, without saying a word imitated the action of his friend, -directing the barrel of his rifle towards the group of Indians. The -chief had, doubtless, understood but little of the speeches of his -adversaries, but far from appearing terrified at the menacing attitude -they assumed, he seemed to contemplate with pleasure the martial and -firm deportment of the Frenchmen; and putting gently on one side the -weapon pointed against his breast, said in a conciliatory tone: - -"My friend is mistaken. I have no intention of insulting him. I am his -_penni_--brother--and his companion's likewise. Were not the palefaces -eating when I and my young men came up?" - -"Faith! yes, chief, you say true," interrupted Louis, with a smile; -"your sudden appearance stopped the progress of our humble repast." - -"Part of which is very much at your service," continued Valentine, -pointing with his finger to the provisions spread upon the grass. - -"I accept your offer," said the Indian, cordially. - -"Bravo!" cried Valentine, throwing down his rifle, and preparing to -resume his seat on the grass; "to table, then!" - -"Yes," replied the chief, "but upon one condition." - -"What is that?" the young men asked together. - -"That I shall furnish my part." - -"Agreed," said Louis. - -"Well, that is but fair," Valentine added; "and it will be the more -acceptable, from our not being rich, and having but meagre fare to offer -you." - -"The bread of a friend is always good," the chief said, sententiously. - -"That is admirably answered! But, at this moment, unfortunately, our -bread is only stale biscuit." - -"I will remedy that;" and the chief said a few words in the Molucho -language to his companions, who began to rummage in their alforjas, and -quickly produced maize tortillas, some charqui, and several leathern -bottles filled with chica--a sort of cider made of apples and Indian -corn. The whole was placed upon the grass before the two Frenchmen, who -were wonderstruck at the sudden abundance which had succeeded without -any transition to their late short commons. The Indians dismounted, -and sat down in a circle round the travellers. The chief, then turning -towards his guests, said with a pleasant smile-- - -"Now, then, let my brothers eat." - -The young men did not require the cordial invitation to be repeated, but -vigorously attacked the provisions so frankly offered. For the first few -minutes silence prevailed among the party, for all were too well engaged -to talk; but as soon as appetite was a little appeased, conversation was -resumed. - -Of all men, Indians, perhaps, understand the laws of hospitality -the best. They have an instinct of social conventions, if such an -expression may be allowed, which makes them divine at once, with -infallible correctness, what the questions are that may be properly -addressed to their guests, and the point at which they should stop to -avoid committing any indiscretion. The two Frenchmen, who for the first -time found themselves in contact with Araucanos, could not overcome -the surprise caused by the knowledge of life, and the noble and frank -manners of these men, whom, on the faith of accounts more or less false, -they were accustomed, in common with all Europeans, to consider as gross -savages, almost destitute of intelligence, and quite incapable of any -delicacy of behaviour. - -"My brothers are not Spaniards?" the chief said, half interrogatively. - -"That is true," Louis replied; "but how did you discover that?" - -"Oh!" he said, with a disdainful smile, "we are well acquainted with -those _chiaplos_--wicked soldiers. They are too old enemies to allow us -to commit an error with regard to them. From what island do my brothers -come?" - -"Our country is not an island," Valentine observed. - -"My brother is mistaken," the chief said emphatically; "there is but one -country that is not an island, and that is the great land of the Aucas." - -The two young men bowed their heads before an opinion so peremptorily -put forth--all discussion became impossible. - -"We are Frenchmen," Louis replied. - -"Frenchmen! ah! a good brave nation! We had several French warriors in -the time of the great war." - -"What!" said Louis, with excited curiosity, "have French warriors fought -with you?" - -"Yes," the chief remarked, proudly; "warriors with grey beards, and -breasts marked with honourable scars, which they received in the wars of -their island, when they fought under the orders of their great chief, -Zaléon." - -"Napoleon?" said Valentine, quite astonished. - -"Yes; I believe it is so the palefaces pronounce his name. Did my -brother know him?" the chief added, with ill-concealed curiosity. - -"No," replied the young man. "Although born in his reign, I was never -able to get sight of him, and he is now dead." - -"My brother is mistaken," said the Puelche, solemnly; "such warriors as -he do not die. When they have performed their task upon earth they go to -Paradise--to hunt with Pillian, the master of the world." - -The young men bowed, as if convinced. - -"It is very singular," said Louis, "that the reputation of that powerful -genius should have spread to the most remote and unknown regions of the -globe, and be preserved pure and brilliant among these rude men; whilst -in that France, for which he did everything men invariably seek to -lessen it, and even to destroy it." - -"Like all their compatriots, who, from time to time, traverse our -hunting grounds, our brothers have, doubtless, trading purposes in -coming among us. Where are your goods?" said the chief. - -"We are not traders," replied Valentine; "we came to visit our brothers, -the Araucanos, of whose wisdom and hospitality we have heard much." - -"The Moluchos love the French," the chief said, flattered by the -compliment; "my brothers will be well received in our villages." - -"To what tribe does my brother belong?" asked Valentine, inwardly -delighted at the good opinion the Indians entertained of his compatriots. - -"I am one of the principal Ulmens of the sacred tribe of the Great -Hare," the chief said, proudly. - -"Thank you--one word more." - -"Let my brother speak; my ears are open." - -"We are in search of a Molucho chief, to whom we have a message from a -friend of his, with whom he has had much dealing." - -"What is the chief's name?" - -"Antinahuel." - -"Good!" - -"Does my brother know him?" - -"I know him. If my brothers will follow me they shall see the toldo of -a chief in which they shall be received like pennis. When they have -rested, if they desire it, I will myself conduct them to Antinahuel, the -most powerful Toqui of the four Uthal-Mapus of the Araucano confederacy." - -"What province is governed by Antinahuel?" - -"The Piré-Mapus, that is to say, the interior of the Andes." - -"Thanks, brother." - -"Will my brothers accept the offer I have made them?" - -"Why should we not accept it, chief, if, as I believe, it is made in -earnest?" - -"Let my brothers come, then," the chief said, with a smile; "my toldería -is not far off." - -The breakfast was over, and the Indians were mounting. - -"We may as well go," said Valentine, in French. "This Indian appears to -speak cordially and honestly, and it will give us a capital opportunity -of studying interesting manners and customs. What do you think, -Louis?--It may prove very amusing." - -"Well, I see no harm that accepting the invitation can do." - -"God speed us, then!" - -And with a bound he was in his saddle, imitated by Louis. - -"Forward!" cried the chief, and the party set off at a gallop. - -"Well, it must be allowed," said Valentine, in his cheerful way, "that -these savages, if savages they are, have some redeeming qualities -belonging to them. I begin to take a warm interest in them. They are -true Scotch mountaineers for hospitality. I wonder what my regimental -comrades, and more particularly my old friends of the Boulevard du -Temple, would say if they could see me now! Houp! After me, the end of -the world!" - -Louis laughed at this outburst of the incorrigible _gamin_, and, without -further inquiries, the young men gaily abandoned themselves to the -guidance of their new friends, who, after leaving the banks of the -river, directed their course towards the mountains. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -THE BLACK JACKAL. - - -In order to make the facts which follow intelligible, we are obliged -here to relate an adventure which happened more than twenty years before -the period at which our history commences. - -Towards the end of the month of December, 1816, on a cold, rainy night, -a traveller, mounted on an excellent horse, and carefully wrapped in -the folds of an ample cloak, was following at a round trot the road, -or rather the blind path, on the mountains which leads from Cruces to -San-José. This man was a rich landowner, who was making a journey into -Araucania, for the purpose of treating with the Indians for a large -number of cattle and sheep. Having left Cruces about two o'clock in the -afternoon, he had been delayed on his way by settling some business with -various _guasos_, and he was hastening to gain a hacienda he possessed -at some leagues from the spot where he then was, and where he reckoned -upon passing the night. - -The country at the time was not in a state of tranquillity. For several -days past the Puelches had appeared in arms upon the frontiers of Chili, -and made incursions into the territories of the republic, burning the -chacras, and carrying off the families they surprised. These marauders -were commanded by a chief named The Black Jackal, whose cruelty spread -terror among the people exposed to his depredations. - -It was, therefore, with some anxiety, mixed with secret apprehensions, -that the man we have spoken of made all speed along the desolate road -which led to his hacienda. Every minute only added to his fears. The -storm, which had threatened all day, burst forth at last with a fury -of which we have no conception in our climates. The wind roared loudly -through the trees, bending some, and uprooting others. The rain fell in -torrents, and the lightning became so vivid, that the horse began to -plunge and rear, and refused to advance. The rider spurred the restive -animal, and endeavoured, as well as the darkness would permit, to -discover whereabouts he was. After surmounting immense difficulties, he -saw at length, in the distance, the shadow of the walls of his hacienda, -and the lights which shone like guiding stars, when suddenly his horse -bounded on one side in such a way as almost to unseat him. When, with -much trouble, he had recovered his command of the animal, he looked -round to see what could have frightened it so, and perceived, with -terror equal to the horse's, several men of sinister appearance standing -motionless before him. The horseman's first movement was to seize his -pistols, in order to sell his life as dearly as he could, for he had no -doubt he had fallen into an ambuscade of bandits. - -"Keep your hands from your weapons, Don Antonio Quintana," said a rough -voice; "we desire neither your life nor your money." - -"What do you want then?" he replied, in a tone that showed he was a -little reassured by that frank declaration, though he still kept on the -defensive. - -"Hospitality for this night, in the first place," said the other. - -Don Antonio endeavoured to ascertain if he knew the man who was speaking -to him, but he could not distinguish his features through the darkness. - -"The doors of my dwelling always fly open to the stranger," he remarked; -"why have you not knocked at them?" - -"Knowing you must come this way, I preferred waiting for you." - -"What else do you desire of me, then?" - -"I will tell you under your own roof; the open road is a place ill -adapted for imparting confidence." - -"If you have nothing more to say to me now, and are as willing as I am -to get under shelter, we will continue our journey." - -"Go on, then; we will follow you." - -Without exchanging another word, they directed their course towards the -hacienda. Don Antonio Quintana was a resolute man, as the manner in -which he had replied to the men who had so rudely barred his passage -proved him. In spite of the fluency with which the one who had spoken -employed the Spanish language, he had, at the first word, by his -guttural accent, perceived he was an Indian; and with him fear had -immediately given way to curiosity, and he had not hesitated to grant -the hospitality asked, knowing that the Araucano, Puelches, Hueliches, -or Moluchos, never violate the roof under which they are welcomed, and -that the hosts who shelter them are held sacred. - -On arriving at the hacienda, Don Antonio found he was not mistaken; the -men who had accosted him in so strange a manner were really Indians. -There were four of them, and with them was a young woman with a child -at the breast. The hacendero welcomed them to his dwelling with all the -minute forms of Castilian courtesy, and gave orders to his peones or -Indian domestics, terrified at the savage appearance of the strangers, -to assist them with everything they might desire. - -"Eat and drink," he said, "you are at home, here." - -"Thanks!" replied the man, who had till that time been spokesman. "We -accept your offer with as good a will as you give it, as far as regards -food, of which we stand most in need." - -"Will you not rest till day?" asked Don Antonio; "the night is dark, and -the weather frightful for travelling." - -"A black night is what we desire; besides, we must depart immediately. -Now, allow me to put my second request to you." - -"Explain yourself," said the Spaniard, examining the speaker attentively. - -The latter was a tall, well-made man, of about forty; his -strongly-marked features and his commanding eye proclaimed that he was -accustomed to exercise authority. - -"It was I," he said, without preamble, "who directed the last invasion -made upon the palefaces of the frontiers. My mosotones were all killed -yesterday in an ambuscade by your lanceros; the three you see with me -are all that remain of a troop of two hundred warriors; the others are -dead. I myself am wounded, hunted, tracked like a wild beast; we are -without horses to rejoin our tribe, without weapons to defend ourselves -if we are attacked on the plain. I come to ask of you the means of -escape from our pursuers. I will neither deceive nor surprise your good -faith. I am bound to tell you the name of the man whose safety you hold -in your hands. I am the greatest enemy of the Spaniards; my life has -been passed in contending with them. In a word, I am The Black Jackal, -the Apo-Ulmen of the Black Serpents." - -On hearing this redoubtable name the Chilian could not suppress a start -of terror; but immediately recovering his self-possession, he replied in -a calm voice, and in a kind tone. - -"You are my guest, and you are unfortunate, two titles sacred with me. I -desire to know nothing more; you shall have horses and arms." - -A smile of ineffable sweetness lit up the countenance of the Indian. - -"One last prayer," he said. - -"Speak." - -The chief took by the hand the young Indian squaw, who had remained -cowering and weeping in a corner, rocking her child in her arms, and -presented her to Don Antonio. - -"This woman belongs to me; this child is mine," he said, "and I confide -them both to you." - -"I will take charge of them; the woman shall be my sister, the child my -son," the hacendero replied kindly, and after the Indian fashion. - -"The Apo-Ulmen will remember!" said the Puelche chief, in a voice -trembling with emotion. - -He imprinted a kiss upon the brow of the poor little creature, who -smiled upon him, cast upon the woman a look beaming with tenderness, -and rushed out of the house, followed by his companions. Don Antonio -supplied them with arms and horses, and the four Indians disappeared in -the darkness. - -Many years passed away ere Don Antonio heard anything of the Black -Jackal; the woman and the child remained at the hacienda, and were -treated as if they had been members of the Chilian's family. The -hacendero had been married; but, unfortunately, after a year, which -promised to be the commencement of a long and happy union, the wife died -when giving birth to a beautiful little girl, whom her father named -Maria. The two children grew up together, watched over by the anxious -solicitude of the Indian woman, loving each other like brother and -sister. - -At length, one day, a numerous troop of Puelches, magnificently equipped -and mounted, arrived at Rio-Claro, the town in which Don Antonio -resided. The chief of these Indians was the Black Jackal, who came to -redemand his wife and son of him to whom he had intrusted them. The -interview was very affecting. The chief forgot his Indian stoicism; he -gave himself up to the feelings which agitated him, and enjoyed the -happiness of finding again, after such a length of time, the two beings -he held dearest in the world. When it became necessary to depart, and -the children learnt they were to be separated, they shed abundance of -tears. They had been accustomed from their infancy to live together, and -they could not comprehend why they were not to continue to do so. - -Don Antonio had extended his traffic over different parts of the -frontiers; he possessed chacras, in which the breeding of cattle -was carried on upon a vast scale. The Black Jackal, who had sworn -a perpetual friendship, became of great use to him in his business -transactions; he often put him in the way of making excellent bargains -with his compatriots, and, what was still more serviceable, protected -his property from the depredations of plunderers. Every year Don Antonio -visited all his chacras in Araucania, and passed a couple of months -among the tribe of the Black Serpents, with his friend, the Black -Jackal. His daughter accompanied him in all these journeys, on account -of the friendship that existed between the children. Things went on thus -for many years. - -At the period when our history commences, the Black Jackal was dead: -he had fallen, like a brave warrior, with his weapons in his hand, in -a combat on the frontier; his son, Antinahuel, now about thirty-five -years of age, who promised to tread in his footsteps, had been elected -Apo-Ulmen in his place, and afterwards Toqui of his Uthal-Mapus or -province, which made him one of the principal men of Araucania. Don -Antonio had likewise died, shortly after the marriage of his daughter, -Doña Maria, with Don Tadeo de Leon, brought to an untimely grave by his -grief at her misconduct, which had produced terrible scandal in the -upper classes of Santiago. - -Doña Maria for some years past had only seen Antinahuel at long -intervals; but between them their friendship remained as warm as in -the days of their childhood; and, on the part of the Indian warrior, -it was carried so far that he obeyed the least caprice of the young -woman as an imperative duty. Great, then, was the astonishment of the -warriors of the tribe of the Black Serpents, when, in the evening of -the day on which we have resumed our story, they saw Doña Maria arrive -on horseback, accompanied only by two peons, at their toldería, and go -straight towards the rancho of the Toqui. On perceiving her, the usually -gloomy face of the chief was suddenly lighted up with an expression of -gladness. - -"Eglantine of the Woods!" he cried, in a joyous tone, "does my sister -then still remember the poor Indian?" - -"I have come to visit the toldo of my brother," she said, turning her -brow towards him, upon which he impressed a kiss; "my heart is sad, -grief devours me--and I have remembered my brother." - -The chief cast a look upon her of anxiety, mingled with sorrow. - -"Although it be to trouble that I owe the visit of my sister, I am, -nevertheless, rejoiced to see her." - -"Yes," she resumed, "when we are in trouble we think of our friends." - -"My sister has done well in thinking of me; what can I do for her?" - -"My brother can render me a great service." - -"My life is my sister's; she knows she can dispose of it at her -pleasure." - -"Thank you! I was certain I could depend upon my brother." - -"Everywhere, and at all times." - -After bowing respectfully to Doña Maria, he led her into his rancho, -where his mother had prepared everything worthy of the visit of one whom -for so many years she had loved as a daughter. - - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -TWO OLD FRIENDS. - - -Antinahuel--the Tiger Sun--was at this time a man of about thirty-five -years of age. In stature he was tall, and in his carriage majestic; -everything in his person announced a man accustomed to command, and made -to rule over his fellows. As a warrior, his reputation was immense, -and his mosotones held him in superstitious veneration. Such was, -physically, the man whom Doña Maria de Leon came to visit; what he was, -morally, we shall soon see. - -The cloth was laid in the toldo,--we make use of the expression, the -cloth was laid, advisedly, because the Araucano chiefs are perfectly -well acquainted with European customs, and almost all possess dishes, -plates, and silver spoons and forks. It is true, they only make use of -these upon great occasions, and for the purpose of display; for, as -to themselves, they carry frugality and plainness to an excess, and -when they are alone with their families, are content to eat with their -fingers. - -Doña Maria seated herself at the table, and made a sign to Antinahuel, -who stood respectfully beside her, to keep her company, and to take his -place opposite to her. It was clear to the Indian chief that his sister, -as he called her, who for some years had completely neglected him, must -have been induced by some powerful interest to seek him thus in his -remote village. But what could the interest be which led a delicate -woman, accustomed to all the luxurious comforts of life, to undertake a -long and perilous journey in order to come and talk with an Indian in a -miserable toldería, hidden in the midst of the desert? - -On her side, the young woman was a prey to still greater uneasiness, -for she was anxious to discover whether, in spite of her neglect of the -chief, she had preserved the boundless power she had formerly exercised -over that Indian nature, which civilization had softened rather than -subdued; she feared lest the long forgetfulness in which she had left -him had made her lose her prestige in his eyes, and that coolness and -indifference might have succeeded to the warm friendship of early days. - -When the repast was ended, a peon brought in the _maté_[1] the infusion -of the Paraguay herb which, with the Chilians, takes the place of tea, -and of which they are very fond. Two chased cups, placed upon a filagree -salver, were presented to Doña Maria and the chief; they lit their maize -_pajillos_, and smoked, whilst sipping their _maté_, reflectively. After -a few minutes' silence, which was beginning to be embarrassing to both, -Doña Maria, who perceived that Antinahuel was resolved to act on the -defensive, determined to open the attack. - -"My brother," she said, with a smile, "is surprised at my sudden arrival -at his toldería." - -"It is true; the Eglantine of the Woods has appeared unexpectedly -amongst us, but she is not the less welcome on that account." - -And he bowed. - -"I am glad to observe that my brother is as gallant as ever." - -"No; I love my sister, and I am happy to see her, after being so long -deprived of her presence." - -"I know your friendship for me, Penni; our childhood was passed -together, but it is a long time since that time. You are now one of the -caraskens, whilst I am only, as formerly, a poor woman." - -"The Eglantine of the Woods is my sister, her least wishes shall always -be sacred with me." - -"Thanks, Penni! But let us drop this conversation, and talk of our early -years, which, alas! so quickly glided away." - -"Yesterday exists no longer," he said, sententiously. - -"That's true," she replied, with a sigh; "why, indeed, should we talk of -times that can never come back?" - -"Does my sister intend to return to Chili?" - -"No; I have left Santiago for a time; I intend, for a season, to take up -my abode in Valdivia; I left my friends to continue their route, whilst -I came on to pay my respects to my brother." - -"Yes, I know that the man whom the palefaces call General Bustamente, -though scarcely cured of a dangerous wound, set off, a month ago, to -visit the province of Valdivia, I, myself, intend shortly to visit that -city." - -"There are many palefaces from the South there at present." - -"Among these strangers are there any that I know?" - -"Good heavens! how can I tell? Yes, there is one, Don Tadeo, my husband." - -Antinahuel raised his head in astonishment. - -"I thought he had been shot!" he said. - -"He was." - -"Well?" - -"He escaped death, though grievously wounded." - -The artful woman endeavoured to read what impression the news she had so -coolly imparted made upon the stoical face of the Indian. - -"Listen to me, my sister," he resumed, after a minute's pause; "Don -Tadeo is still your enemy, is he not?" - -"More so than ever." - -"Good!" - -"Not content with having basely abandoned me, and having torn from me -my child, the innocent creature who alone consoled me and enabled me to -support the sorrows with which he has overwhelmed me, he has crowned -his insults by publicly paying his addresses to another woman, whom he -takes with him everywhere, and who is at this moment his companion at -Valdivia." - -"Hum!" the chief said, carelessly. - -Accustomed to Araucanian manners, which permit every man to take as many -wives as he can support, he found the action of Don Tadeo perfectly -natural. This did not escape Doña Maria: an ironical smile curled for -a second the corners of her lips, and she continued, negligently, but -looking earnestly in the face of the chief-- - -"Yes, the woman is called, as I hear, Doña Rosario de Mendoz; and is, -they say, a beautiful creature!" - -That name, pronounced with such apparent indifference, produced the -effect of a clap of thunder upon the chief; he sprang up, his face -inflamed, and his eyes sparkling. - -"Rosario de Mendoz, did you say, my sister?" he shouted. - -"Good heavens! I hardly know," she replied. "I have only heard her -name--I believe that may be it--but," she added, "what interest can my -brother take in it?" - -"Oh! none," he said, as he quietly resumed his seat. "Why does not my -sister avenge herself upon the man who has abandoned her?" - -"To what purpose? and, besides, what vengeance can I hope for? I am but -a weak and timid woman, without friends, without support; in short, -alone." - -"And I?" said the chief; "what am I, then?" - -"Oh!" she replied, warmly; "I would not on any account that my brother -should constitute himself the avenger of an insult which is personal to -myself." - -"My sister is mistaken; in attacking this man I avenge my own insult." - -"My brother must explain himself--I do not understand him." - -"That is what I am going to do." - -"I am all attention." - -At this moment Antinahuel's mother entered the toldo, and, approaching -the chief, said in a humble, but sad tone,-- - -"My son is wrong in thus recalling old remembrances, and opening ancient -wounds again." - -"Woman!" the Indian replied, "Retire! I am a warrior! My father left me -a vengeance. I have sworn, and I will accomplish my oath!" - -The poor mother left the toldo with a sigh. The Linda, whose curiosity -was excited to the highest degree, awaited impatiently the chief's -explanation. Without, the rain fell pattering upon the leaves of the -trees; at intervals a blast of night wind, loaded with uncertain sounds, -came whistling through the ill-joined boards of the toldo, and caused -the flame of the torch which lighted it to waver unsteadily. The two -speakers, though absorbed in their own reflections, involuntarily lent -an ear to these nameless sounds, and felt a depression of spirits they -could not account for. The chief raised his head, and inhaling, one -after another, several mouthfuls of smoke from his pajillo, which he -puffed out brusquely, commenced in a low voice,-- - -"Although my sister is almost a child of the nation, as my mother nursed -her, she has never been made acquainted with the history of my family. -The history I am about to relate will reveal to her that I have against -Don Tadeo de Leon an old hatred, ever kept alive; and which, if I have -to the present moment appeared to allow to slumber, it has been because -that man was the husband of my sister: the conduct of Don Tadeo towards -my sister frees me from the promise I had made myself, and leaves me -liberty of action." - -Doña Maria bowed assentingly. - -"When the vile Spaniards," he continued, "conquered Chili, and reduced -its cowardly inhabitants to slavery, they dreamt of subjugating -Araucania in its turn, and marched against the Aucas, whose frontiers -they violated. My sister sees that I take up my recital from the -beginning. The Toqui Cadegual was one of the first to convoke a grand -council of the nation, on the plain of the Carampangue. Named Toqui, one -of the four Uthal-Mapus, he gave battle to the palefaces. The conflict -was terrible! It lasted from the rising to the setting of the sun. Many -Molucho warriors departed for the happy prairies of the Eskennane, but -Pillian did not abandon the Aucas; they were conquerors, and the Chiaplo -fled like timid hares before the terrible lances of our warriors. -Numbers of palefaces fell into our hands; among them was a powerful -chief, named Don Estevan de Leon. The Toqui Cadegual might have employed -his rights, and have killed him, but he did nothing of the kind: so far -from it, he led him to his toldo, and treated him with kindness, as a -brother. But when did Spaniards ever show themselves grateful for a -kindness? Don Estevan, forgetful of the sacred duties of hospitality, -seduced the daughter of the man to whom he owed his life, and, one -day, disappeared with her. The grief of the Toqui was immense at this -unworthy and disloyal treachery. He swore to wage from that time a -pitiless war against the palefaces, and he kept his oath: all Spaniards -taken by them, whatever their age or sex, were massacred. These terrible -reprisals were just, were they not?" - -"Yes," said the Linda laconically. - -"One day, Cadegual, surprised by his ferocious enemies, fell, covered -with wounds, into their hands, after a heroic resistance, during which -all his brave Mosotones had allowed themselves to be killed by his side. -In his turn, as it happened, Cadegual was in the power of Don Estevan de -Leon. The Spanish chief recollected the man who had, years before, saved -his life. He was merciful. After cutting off the hands, and scooping out -the eyes of his prisoner, he restored to him his daughter, of whom he -was tired, and sent him back to his nation. The Toqui was led back by -his child, whom he pardoned. When he joined his tribe, Cadegual called -together his relations, related to them what he had suffered, showed -them his bleeding and mutilated arms, and, after having made his sons -and all his relations swear to avenge him, he allowed himself to die of -hunger, that he might not survive his shame." - -"Oh, that is frightful!" Doña Maria cried, affected, in spite of herself. - -"That is nothing yet!" the chief resumed, with a bitter smile; "let -my sister listen to the sequel. From that time, an implacable destiny -has always hung over the two families, and continually brought the -descendants of the Toqui Cadegual in contact with those of Captain -Don Estevan de Leon. During three centuries, this ardent, inveterate -struggle has lasted between the two families, and will never terminate -but by the extinction of one, or perhaps both of them. Up to the present -time, the advantage has almost always been on the side of the Leons; -the sons of the Toqui have very often been conquered, but they have -always remained firm and implacable, ready to re-commence the combat at -the first signal. At the present day, the family of Don Estevan has but -one representative, Don Tadeo--a representative formidable through his -courage, his fortune, and the immense influence, he exercises over his -compatriots. He, personally, has never injured the Aucas; he seems even -to be ignorant of the inveterate hatred which exists between his family -and that of the Toqui; but the descendants of Cadegual do not forget -it: they are strong, numerous, and powerful in their turn; the hour -of vengeance has struck, they will not let it escape! My sister," he -continued, in a voice almost rising to a shout; "my sister, my ancestor -was the Toqui Cadegual, and I thank you for having warned me that not -only my enemy is not dead, but that he is within my reach!" - -"Your mother asked you properly, Penni, why should you revive old -hatreds? Peace now reigns between the Chilians and the Aucas: let -my brother beware; the whites are numerous; they have many warlike, -disciplined soldiers." - -"Oh," he replied, with a sinister look; "I am sure of succeeding, for I -have my nymph." - -Indians of high rank all entertain a firm belief that they have a -familiar genius, who is bound to obey them. - -Doña Maria feigned to yield to this reason; she had succeeded in putting -the hunter upon the scent of the game she wished to destroy, and it was -of very little importance to her what motive made him obey her. She knew -perfectly well that the hatred alleged by the chief was nothing but a -pretext, and that the real cause remained hidden in the depths of his -heart. Although she had a clear idea of what it was, she affected not to -have the least suspicion of it. - -She continued talking with Antinahuel for some time longer about -indifferent subjects, and then retired to a chamber which had been -prepared for her. It was late, and she wished to set out for Valdivia at -daybreak. She was sufficiently well acquainted with the companion of her -childhood to know that, now the tiger was roused, it would not be long -before he started in quest of the prey which she had marked down for him. - -As for the Toqui, the whole night passed away without his thinking of -taking a moment's repose; he remained plunged in profound and agitating -reflections. - - -[1] The Chilians borrowed the mate from the Araucanos, who think it a -great delicacy, and have a particular talent for making it. This is the -manner in which they prepare it:--They put into a coffee cup a spoonful -of the Paraguay herb, to which they add a lump of sugar, which they -leave upon the fire till it is a little burnt; they squeeze a few drops -of lemon juice into it, with some cinnamon and a clove; they then fill -the cup up with boiling water. The maté being now ready, they introduce -a silver tube of the thickness of a quill, pierced with small holes at -its lower end, by means of which the maté is drawn up,--at the risk, -be it remembered, of horribly scalding the mouth, as always happens to -strangers when they first partake of the luxury, to the great amusement -of the Chilians. Drinking maté is so common in Chili, as to be what -coffee is in the East; it is taken after every repast, and presented to -every visitor. In ceremonial parties, a single tube serves for all the -persons assembled. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -THE SORCERER. - - -On the same day, a toldería, situated at some miles from Orano, on the -banks of the Carampangue, was a scene of the greatest commotion. The -women and warriors assembled in front of a toldo, on the threshold of -which was exposed a corpse, lying as it were in state, upon a bed of -branches, were uttering cries and groans, which were mingled with the -deafening sound of drums and flutes in most dismal discord, and the -continuous howling of dogs, whom all this din rendered furious. In the -middle of the crowd, by the side of the body, stood a man advanced -in years, tall in stature, and clothed in the costume of a woman, -who appeared to direct the ceremony, making extraordinary gestures -and contortions, accompanied by scarcely human yells. This man, of a -ferocious aspect, was the machi, or sorcerer of the tribe; the motions -he affected, the cries he uttered, were intended to protect the body -against the attacks of the evil genius, supposed to be eager to get -possession of it. At a sign from him the music and groans ceased; the -evil genius, conquered by the power of the machi, had given up the -contest, after a sharp struggle, and abandoned the body which it was -beyond his power to obtain. The sorcerer then turned towards a man of -lofty stature and commanding countenance, who stood near him leaning -upon a long lance. - -"Ulmen of the powerful tribe of the Great Hare," he said, in a -sepulchral tone, "thy father, the valiant Ulmen, who has been ravished -from us by Pillian, is no longer in dread of the influence of the -evil genius, whom I have forced to depart; he now hunts in the happy -prairies of the Eskennane with the just warriors: all the rites are -accomplished--the hour for surrendering his body to the earth has -arrived!" - -"Stop!" the chief replied, warmly; "my father is dead, but who has -killed him? A warrior does not succumb thus, in a few hours, unless some -secret influence has weighed upon him, and dried up the springs of life -in his heart. Answer me, O machi, inspired by Pillian! Tell me the name -of the assassin! My heart is sad, and can only be comforted by avenging -my father." - -At these words, pronounced in a firm voice, a shudder crept through the -ranks of the people assembled in a group round the body. The machi, -after having looked searchingly round, cast down his eyes, crossed his -arms upon his breast, and appeared to reflect. - -The Araucanos only think one sort of death possible--that on the field -of battle; they do not suppose any one can lose his life by either -accident or disease; in these two cases they always attribute death to -the action of an occult power, and are persuaded that some enemy of -the defunct has cast the charm upon him that has killed him. In this -persuasion, at the period of the funeral ceremonies, the relations and -friends of the dead person call upon the machi to denounce the assassin -to them. The machi is obliged to point him out; it would be in vain -for him to endeavour to make them comprehend that the death of their -relation is natural, for their fury would be immediately turned against -him, and he would become their victim. - -In this hard alternative, the machi takes good care not to hesitate; the -murderer is the more easily pointed out through his non-existence, and -from the sorcerer being in no danger of being suspected of deception. -Generally, in order to make his own interests agree with those of the -relations who claim a victim, he gives up one of his own personal -enemies to their vengeance; when--but that is rare--the machi has no -enemies, he fixes upon someone at hazard. The pretended murderer, in -spite of his protestations of innocence, is immolated without mercy. - -It may be easily understood how perilous such a custom is, and what -an influence it gives the sorcerer in the tribe; an influence we are -obliged to admit which he abuses under all circumstances, without the -least scruple. - -Fresh personages, among whom were Valentine and his friend, had arrived -at the village, and, attracted by curiosity, mingled with the crowd -collected round the body. The two Frenchmen could not comprehend -anything of this scene till their guide had briefly explained it to -them; then they followed the different phases of it with great interest. - -"Speak!" said the Ulmen, after a short pause. "Does not my father know -the name of the man of whom we must demand an account of this murder?" - -"I know him," the sorcerer replied, in a solemn tone. - -"Why, then, does the inspired machi preserve silence, when the dead body -cries for vengeance?" - -"Because," the machi said, looking this time the newly-arrived chief -full in the face, "there are powerful men who laugh at human justice." - -The eyes of the crowd turned to the man whom the sorcerer appeared -indirectly to point out. - -"The guilty man," the Ulmen cried, in a loud voice, "whatever be his -rank in the tribe, shall not escape my just vengeance; speak without -fear, priest of fate! I swear that the man whose name passes your lips -shall die!" - -The machi drew himself up majestically; he raised his arm slowly, and, -amidst the general anxious curiosity, he, with his finger, pointed to -the chief who had offered such cordial hospitality to the strangers, -saying, in a loud, ringing voice-- - -"Accomplish your oath, then, Ulmen--that is the assassin of your father, -Trangoil-Lanec cast the charm upon him which has killed him!" - -And the machi veiled his face with the corner of his poncho, as if -overwhelmed with grief at making the revelation. - -The sorcerer's terrible words were succeeded by the silence of -astonishment. Trangoil-Lanec was the last man in the tribe who would -have been suspected. He was beloved and venerated by all for his -courage, frankness, and generosity. The first sensation of surprise -over, a general movement took place in the crowd; all drew back from -the supposed murderer, leaving him face to face with the chief of whose -death he was accused. Trangoil-Lanec remained impassive, a smile of -disdain passed over his lips, he dismounted from his horse, and waited. - -The Ulmen walked slowly towards him, and when within a few paces, asked, -in a sorrowful voice-- - -"Why didst thou kill my father, Trangoil-Lanec? He loved thee, and I, -was not I thy Penni?" - -"I have not killed thy father, Curumilla," the chief replied, with a -tone of frankness that would have convinced a man less prejudiced than -the one he addressed. - -"The machi has said so." - -"The machi lies." - -"No, the machi cannot lie--he is inspired by Pillian; thou, thy wife, -and thy children must die; the law decrees that it shall be so." - -Without deigning to reply, the chief threw down his arms, and went -and placed himself beside the stake of blood, planted in front of the -medicine toldo, which contains the sacred idol. A circle was formed, of -which the stake formed the centre; the wife and children of the chief -were brought up, and were prepared immediately for the sacrifice; for -the funeral ceremony of the chief could not be completed before the -execution of his murderer. The machi was triumphant. One man alone in -the tribe had ventured to hold up his hand against his robberies and -rogueries, and that man was about to die and leave him absolute master. -Upon a sign from Curumilla, two Indians seized the chief, and, in spite -of the tears and sobs of his wives and children, they prepared to fasten -him to the stake. - -The two Frenchmen had anxiously watched the spectacle of this infamous -drama; Louis was disgusted with the rascality of the machi and the -credulity of the Indians. - -"Oh!" he said, to his friend, "we cannot allow this murder to be -accomplished." - -"Hum!" muttered Valentine, stroking the ends of his light moustache, and -casting a glance around him, "hum! there is a great number of them." - -"What matters it how many?" Louis replied, impetuously; "I will not -be the witness of such iniquity, if I die for it. I will attempt to -save the life of that unfortunate man, who so frankly offered us his -friendship." - -"The fact is," Valentine said, pensively, "this Trangoil-Lanec, as they -call him, is a very worthy fellow, for whom I feel a warm sympathy; but -what can we do?" - -"Pardieu!" Louis said, seizing his pistols, "throw ourselves between him -and his enemies; we can each of us kill five or six." - -"Yes, and the others will kill us, without our having succeeded in -saving the man for whom we devote ourselves. A bad means that! Let us -try to find some other." - -"We must be quick, then; the torture is about to commence." - -Valentine struck his forehead, and cried, with a jeering laugh-- - -"Bah! I have it! Trick must serve our turn--leave it to me; my old trade -of a mountebank will do! Help me, if I want it; but, for heaven's sake, -swear to remain calm!" - -"I swear I will, if you save him." - -"Be satisfied--against rogue I'll play rogue and a half; these savages -shall see I can be more cunning than they." - -Valentine urged his horse into the middle of the circle, and shouted-- - -"Stop a minute!" - -At the unexpected appearance of this man, whom nobody had yet observed, -all turned round and looked at him with astonishment. Louis, with his -hands on his pistols, watched his movements with anxiety, ready to fly -to his succour, if he needed it. - -"We will not joke," continued Valentine, "we have not time for that. -You are a set of fools, and your machi is laughing at you. What! would -you kill a man without a moment's reflection, because a rogue bids you -do so? Caramba! I have taken it into my head to prevent your committing -such a folly--I will do it, too!" - -And placing his hand upon his hip, he looked round with an intrepid -glance. The Indians, according to their strange custom, listened to -this speech without evincing surprise, even by a gesture. Curumilla -approached him. - -"My pale brother must retire," he said, calmly; "he is unacquainted with -the laws of the Puelches; this man is condemned, he must die; the machi -has pointed him out as a murderer." - -"I repeat to you, you are fools!" said Valentine shrugging his -shoulders; "your machi is no more a conjurer than I am; I again tell -you, he is cheating you, and I will prove it, if you will let me." - -"What says my father?" said Curumilla to the machi, who stood cold and -motionless by the side of the body. - -The machi smiled disdainfully. - -"When did the white man ever speak truth?" he replied, with a sneer. -"Let this one prove what he asserts, if he is able." - -"Good!" the Ulmen said; "the Murucho may speak." - -"Pardieu!" cried Valentine. "Notwithstanding the bold-faced assurance of -this individual, I shall find it no difficult matter to prove that he is -an impostor." - -"We are attentive," said Curumilla. - -The Indians drew round with intense curiosity. Louis could not at all -make out what his friend proposed to do. He could only suppose that some -extravagant idea had crossed his brain, and was as impatient as the rest -to see how he would come through his dangerous undertaking with honour. - -"One moment!" said the machi, with perfect assurance. "What will my -brothers do if I prove my accusation true?" - -"The stranger must die," said Curumilla, coolly. - -"I accept the terms," Valentine replied, resolutely. Placed thus in the -necessity of explaining himself, the Frenchman drew himself up to his -full height, and, knitting his brows, exclaimed pompously-- - -"I, too, am a great medicine man!" - -The Indians bowed reverentially. The science of Europeans is perfectly -established among them; they respect without disputing it. - -"It was not Trangoil-Lanec," continued the Frenchman, with the greatest -audacity, "who killed the chief; it was the machi himself." - -A start of astonishment pervaded the assembly. - -"I!" cried the machi, in a voice of amazement. - -"You, yourself, and you know it well," replied Valentine, giving him a -look that made him tremble. - -"Stranger," said Trangoil-Lanec, with the majesty of a martyr, "it is -no use to interpose in my favour; my brothers believe me guilty, and -innocent though I am, I must die." - -"Your devotion to your laws is noble, but in this case it is absurd," -Valentine replied. - -"This man is guilty," the machi persisted. - -"Let us put an end to this, then," replied Trangoil-Lanec; "kill me!" - -"What say my brothers?" Curumilla asked of the crowd, who pressed -anxiously around him. - -"That the Murucho medicine-man be allowed to prove the truth of his -words," replied the warriors with one voice. - -They loved Trangoil-Lanec, and in their hearts desired that he should -not die. On the other hand, they entertained for the machi a hatred -which the profound terror he inspired them with scarcely sufficed to -make them conceal. - -"Very well," said Valentine, "this is what I propose." - -All were silent as the grave. The Frenchman drew his sword, and waved -the bright blade before the eyes of the spectators. - -"You see this weapon," said he, in a pompous tone; "I will put it into -my mouth, and swallow it up to the hilt. If Trangoil-Lanec is guilty, I -shall die; if he is innocent, as I affirm, Pillian will help me, and I -shall draw forth the sword from my body without suffering a wound." - -"My brother speaks like a courageous warrior," said Curumilla; "we are -ready to behold." - -"I will not suffer it!" Trangoil-Lanec shouted. "Does my brother want to -kill himself?" - -"Pillian is judge!" Valentine replied, with a smile of strange -expression, and with an air of conviction admirably well played. - -The two Frenchmen exchanged a glance. The Indians are perfect children -in their love of spectacle, and the extraordinary proposal of the -Parisian seemed to them to admit of no reply. - -"The trial! the trial!" they shouted. - -"Very well," said Valentine; "let my brothers behold, then." - -He first placed himself in the proper position adopted by jugglers when -they exhibit this feat in public places; then introducing the blade of -the sword into his mouth, in a few seconds the whole of it disappeared. -During the performance of this trick, which in their eyes was a -miracle, the Puelches watched the bold Frenchman in breathless terror. -They could not comprehend how a man could perform such an operation -without deliberately killing himself. Valentine turned on all sides, -so that everyone might be convinced of the reality of the fact; then -he deliberately withdrew the blade from his mouth, as bright as when -it came from the sheath. A cry of enthusiasm burst from the crowd: the -miracle was evident. - -"One minute more," he said; "I have still something to demand of you." - -Silence was in an instant re-established. - -"I have proved to you, in an incontrovertible manner, that the chief is -not guilty--have I not?" - -"Yes! yes!" they shouted simultaneously; "the paleface is a great -medicine man! he is beloved by Pillian!" - -"Very well. Now, then," he added, with a sardonic smile directed towards -the machi, "your machi should prove in his turn that I have calumniated -him, and that it was not he who killed the Apo-Ulmen of your tribe. The -dead chief was a great warrior; it ought to be avenged." - -"Yes," the warriors cried, "he ought to be avenged." - -"My brother speaks well," observed Curumilla; "let the machi be put to -the proof." - -The unfortunate machi perceived at once that he was lost. He became -livid, and a cold perspiration bathed his temples, whilst a convulsive -tremor shook his limbs. - -"This man is an impostor," he muttered, in a voice scarcely audible; "he -abuses your good faith." - -"Perhaps I am," said Valentine; "but, in the meantime, imitate me." - -"Here," said Curumilla, holding out the sword to the machi, "if you are -innocent, Pillian will protect you, as he has protected my brother." - -"Caramba! that is certain; Pillian always protects the innocent, and you -are about to be a proof of it," said the Parisian, in whom the revived -spirit of the _gamin_ was now triumphant. - -The machi cast around a look of despair; all eyes were expressive of -impatience and curiosity; the unhappy wretch perceived but too plainly -that he could look for help to nobody, and he formed his resolution -instantly--he determined to die as he had lived, deceiving the crowd to -the last minute. - -"I fear nothing," he said, in a firm voice; "this steel will be harmless -to me. You desire that I should go through the trial--I will obey. But, -beware! Pillian is angry with your conduct towards me; the humiliation -you impose upon me will be avenged by the terrible scourges which he -will inflict upon you." - -At these words of their prophet the Puelches were moved. They hesitated. -For many long years they had been accustomed to place entire faith in -his predictions, and they experienced a kind of fear in thus daring to -accuse him of imposture. Valentine saw at a glance what was passing in -their hearts. - -"Capitally well played," he said, replying by a knowing wink to the -triumphant smile of the machi; "now it is my turn. Let my brothers take -heart!" he added, in a loud, firm voice. "No misfortune threatens them; -this man speaks thus because he is afraid to die; he knows he is guilty, -and that Pillian will not protect him." - -The machi darted a glance at him gleaming with hatred, seized the -sword, and, imitating as well as he knew how what he had seen, with -desperate quickness plunged the blade down his throat. A stream of black -blood sprang from his mouth, his eyes glared hideously, his arms shook -convulsively, he staggered two steps forward, and fell flat upon his -face. The people crowded round him--he was dead. - -"Let this lying dog be thrown to the vultures," said Curumilla, kicking -the lifeless body with contempt. - -"We are brothers for life and death," cried Trangoil-Lanec, embracing -Valentine. - -"Well," the young man said with a smile, to his friend, "I think I -have not got very badly through that affair--eh? You see, it is well, -sometimes, to have practised many trades; even that of a mountebank may -serve at need." - -"Do not calumniate your heart and courage," Louis replied, warmly -pressing his hand; "you have; saved the life of a man." - -"Aye; but I have killed another." - -"Oh, he was a guilty wretch!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -THE OBSEQUIES OF AN APO-ULMEN. - - -The emotion caused by the death of the machi gradually died away, and -order was re-established. Curumilla and Trangoil-Lanec, abjuring any -feeling of enmity, exchanged a fraternal embrace, amidst the frantic -applause of the warriors, who loved both the chiefs. - -"Now my father is avenged, we can restore his body to the earth," -Curumilla observed. Then, advancing towards the strangers, he bowed to -them, saying-- - -"Will the palefaces assist at the obsequies?" - -"We will," Louis replied. - -"My toldo is large," the chief continued; "my brothers will do me honour -by consenting to inhabit it during their sojourn with the tribe." - -Louis was about to reply, but Trangoil-Lanec hastily prevented him. - -"My brothers the palefaces," he said, "have deigned to accept my poor -hospitality." - -The young men bowed in silence. - -"Good!" the Ulmen continued. "Of what consequence is that? Whichever be -the toldo the Muruches may choose, I shall consider them as my guests." - -"Many thanks, chief," Valentine replied; "be assured that we are -grateful for your kindness." - -The Ulmen then took leave of the Frenchmen, and resumed his place by the -side of his father's corpse, and the ceremonies commenced. The Araucanos -are not, as some travellers have led us to believe, a people destitute -of any faith; on the contrary, their faith is warm, and their religion -rests upon bases which are not deficient in grandeur. They have no -dogma, and yet they recognize two principles--that of good and that of -evil. - -The first, named Pillian, is the Creating God; the second, named -Guécubu, is the Destroying God. Guécubu is in a state of continual -struggle with Pillian, endeavouring to disturb the harmony of the world, -and destroy what exists; by which we see that the doctrine of Manicheism -was embraced by the barbarians of both the old and the new world, who, -being unable to penetrate the causes of good and evil, have imagined two -contrary principles. In addition to these two principal deities, the -Araucanos recognize a considerable number of secondary genii, who assist -Pillian in his contest with Guécubu. These genii are males and females; -the latter are all virgins, for--and it is a refined idea which we could -not expect in a barbarous people--procreation is not necessary in the -supernatural world. The male gods are named Géru, or lords; the females, -Amey-Malghen, or spiritual nymphs. - -The Araucanos believe in the immortality of the soul, and, consequently, -in a future life, in which the warriors who have distinguished -themselves on earth hunt in game-abounding prairies, surrounded by -everything they have loved. Like all American aborigines, the Araucanos -are extremely superstitious. Their worship consists in assembling in -the medicine toldo, where there is a shapeless idol, said to represent -Pillian. They weep; they utter loud cries, with numberless contortions; -and sacrifice to him a sheep, a cow, a horse, or a _chilihuegue_. - -At a signal from Curumilla, the warriors drew back to give place to the -women, who surrounded the body, and began to walk in a circle, singing -in a low and plaintive tone the noble feats of the deceased. At the -expiration of about an hour, the cortege moved off after the corpse, -which was borne by the four most renowned warriors of the tribe, and -directed its course towards a hill where the place of sepulture was -prepared. Behind followed the women, casting handfuls of hot ashes over -the traces left by the passage of the funeral train; so that if the soul -of the defunct should have any inclination to return to its body, it -would not be able to find the way to his toldo, or come and trouble his -heirs. - -When the body was laid in the grave, Curumilla cut the throats of his -father's dogs and horses, which were placed near him, to enable him -to hunt in the happy prairies. Within reach of his hand was placed a -certain quantity of provisions for the nourishment of himself and the -_tempulazzy_, or boatman, appointed to convey him to the other country, -and into the presence of Pillian, where he is to be judged according -to his good or evil actions. Earth was then thrown in upon the body. -But, as the defunct had been a renowned warrior, a heap of stones was -collected, of which a pyramid was formed; then everyone walked slowly -once more round the tomb, pouring upon it a great quantity of chica. The -relations and friends returned dancing and singing to the village, where -awaited them one of those Homeric repasts of Araucanian funerals called -cahuins, which last till all the partakers lie upon the ground utterly -intoxicated. - -Beyond a little natural curiosity, our travellers did not take much -interest in the ceremony or feast; they were fatigued, and preferred a -short repose. Trangoil-Lanec guessed their thoughts; and, as soon as the -procession returned, he left his companions, and offered to conduct the -young men to his dwelling. They availed themselves of his kindness with -alacrity. Like all Araucanian huts, this was a vast wooden building, -covered with whitewashed mud, in the form of a rectangle, the roof being -a terrace. This simple, airy residence displayed, in its interior, a -perfect Dutch cleanliness. - -Trangoil-Lanec, as we have said, was one of the richest and most -respected chiefs of his tribe, and had eight wives. Polygamy is allowed -among the Moluches. When an Indian is desirous of marrying a woman, he -declares his purpose to her parent, and fixes the number of animals he -is willing to give. His conditions being accepted, he comes with a few -friends, carries off the young woman, throws her on the saddle behind -him, and gallops off to the woods, in the depths of which the couple -remain three days. On the fourth they return; he slaughters a young -mare in front of the hut of the father of his bride, and the marriage -festivities begin. The abduction of the bride, and the sacrifice of -the mare, take the place of a civil contract. After this fashion an -Araucano is at liberty to marry as many wives as he can support. And -yet, the first wife, who bears the title of unem domo, or legitimate -wife, is most honoured; she has the direction of the household, and -is the superior of the others, who are called inam domo, or secondary -wives. All inhabit the same toldo, but in different apartments, where -they employ themselves in bringing up their children, in weaving -ponchos with the wool of guanacos and chilihuegues, and in preparing -the dish which an Indian woman is bound to place every day on the table -of her husband. Marriage is held sacred, and adultery is considered -the greatest of crimes; the man and woman who should commit it would -inevitably be assassinated by the husband and his relations, unless they -redeemed their lives by means of a compensation imposed by the injured -husband. When an Araucano leaves his home, he confides his wives to -his relations, and, on his return, if he can prove that they have been -unfaithful to him, he has the right of demanding of the guardians all he -thinks proper to ask; so that the relations are interested in watching -them. This strictness of morals only regards married women; others -enjoy the greatest liberty, and take advantage of it without any person -presuming to find fault with them. - -The two Frenchmen, thrown so suddenly into the midst of these strange -manners and customs, were some time before they could comprehend Indian -life. Valentine, in particular, was completely at a loss; he was in -a state of perpetual astonishment, which, however, he took good care -should not appear in his words or in his actions; for the adventure of -the machi had raised him so high in the estimation of the inhabitants -of the toldero, that he dreaded, with reason, lest the smallest -indiscretion should cast him down from the pedestal upon which he -maintained his erect position. - -One evening, when Louis was preparing, as he frequently did, to visit -the various toldos, in order to inquire after the sick, and administer -to them all the relief his limited knowledge of medicine permitted, -Curumilla came to the two strangers to invite them to be present at the -cahuin given by the new machi, who had been elected that day, in place -of the dead one. Valentine promised that they would come. From what -we have said before, it may easily be comprehended what an enormous -influence a sorcerer possesses over the members of the tribe; the choice -is therefore difficult to make, and is seldom a good one. The sorcerer -is generally a woman: when it is a man, he assumes the female costume, -which he wears for the rest of his life. In almost all cases the science -is inherited. - -After smoking a considerable number of pipes, and making endless -speeches, the Araucanos had chosen, as a successor to the machi, an old -man, of a mild, kindly character, who, during the course of his long -existence, had only made friends. The repast was, as may be supposed, -copious, abundantly furnished with ulpo, the national dish of the -Araucans, and moistened with an incalculable number of couis of chica. -Among the other delicacies which figured at the feast was a large basket -filled with hard eggs, which the Ulmens swallowed in emulation of each -other. - -"Why don't you eat some eggs?" said Curumilla to Valentine. "Do you not -like them?" - -"On the contrary, chief, I am very fond of eggs, but not cooked in that -fashion; I have no inclination to choke myself, thank you." - -"Oh! yes," the Ulmen said; "I understand; you prefer them raw." - -Valentine burst into a Homeric fit of laughter. - -"Not better than these," he said, when he had recovered his gravity; -"I like eggs boiled in the shell; I like omelettes, or pancakes, but -neither hard nor raw, if you please." - -"What do you mean by that? Cooked eggs must be hard." - -The young man looked at him with astonishment, and then said to him in a -tone of profound compassion-- - -"Now, really, chief, do you mean to say you are only acquainted with -hard eggs?" - -"Our fathers have always eaten them thus," the Ulmen replied, quietly. - -"Poor people! how I pity them! They have been ignorant of one of the -greatest enjoyments of life. Well, my friend," he exclaimed, raising his -voice with jocular enthusiasm, "I am determined you shall adore me as -a benefactor to humanity! In short, I will endow you with soft-boiled -eggs, and with omelettes; at least, the remembrance of me shall not die -from among you. When I am gone, and you eat one of those two dishes, you -will think of me." - -In spite of his sadness, Louis could not help laughing at the burlesque -humour and inexhaustible cheerfulness of his foster brother, in whom, -at every minute, the gamin prevailed over the serious man. The chiefs -welcomed with joy the offer of the spahi, and asked, with loud cries, on -what day he would carry his promise into execution. - -"Oh, I will not make you wait long," he said; "tomorrow, on the square -of the toldería, and before all the assembled tribe of the Great Hare, -I will show you how you must set about boiling an egg, and making an -omelette." - -At this promise, the satisfaction of the chiefs mounted to the highest -pitch, the couis of the chica circulated with increased vivacity, and -the Ulmens soon found themselves sufficiently intoxicated to begin to -sing as loud as they could shout, and all together,--a sort of music -that produced such an effect upon the two Frenchmen, that they made -their escape, stopping their ears. The feast was kept up long after -their departure. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -EXPLANATIONS. - - -We will now return to the chacra of Don Gregorio Peralta, to which -Doña Rosario had been conducted after her miraculous deliverance. -The first days that followed the departure of the two Frenchmen were -sufficiently devoid of incident: Doña Rosario, shut up in her bedroom, -remained almost continually alone. The poor girl, like all wounded -spirits, sought to forget reality, by taking refuge in dreams, in order -to collect and preserve piously in the depths of her heart the few -happy remembrances which had so rarely gilded with a ray of sunshine -the sadness of her existence. Don Tadeo, completely absorbed in his -imperative political combinations, could only see her now and then, and -but for a few minutes at a time. Before him, she endeavoured to appear -cheerful, but she suffered the more from being obliged to conceal in her -own bosom the sorrow which consumed her. She occasionally crept down -into the garden; she stopped under the arbour in which her meeting with -Louis had taken place, and remained hours together thinking of him she -loved, and whom she had driven from her for ever. - -This poor child, so beautiful, so mild, so pure, so worthy of being -loved, was condemned by an implacable destiny continually to lead a -life of suffering and isolation; without a relation, without a friend -to whom she might impart the secret of her grief. She was little more -than sixteen, and already her bruised heart shrank back upon itself; her -colour faded, her step became languid, her large blue eyes, swimming in -tears, were incessantly raised towards heaven, as the only refuge that -remained for her; she appeared to hold to the earth only by a slight -thread, which the least fresh shock of adversity would snap. - -The maiden's story was a strange one. She had never known her parents; -she had no remembrance of the kisses of her mother--those warm caresses -of childhood, which make even mature age tremble with joy. From her -earliest days, she could only remember being alone, always alone, in the -hands of the mercenary and indifferent. The innocent joys of childhood -remained unknown to her; she had known nothing of them but their -weariness and sadness, and had ever been deprived of those friendships -of early youth which, by insensibly preparing the mind for affectionate -expansion, give birth to smiles in the midst of tears, and console with -a kiss. - -Don Tadeo was the only person who was attached to her; he had never -abandoned her, but watched with the greatest care over her material -well-being, smiled upon her, and ever gave her good and pleasant -counsels: but Don Tadeo was much too serious a man to comprehend the -thousand little cares which the education of a young girl requires. She -could only entertain for him that profound, yet respectful friendship -which forbids those ingenuous confidences which can only be made to a -mother, or to a companion of the same age. The visits of Don Tadeo were -surrounded by an incomprehensible mystery; sometimes, without apparent -cause, he made her suddenly quit people to whom he had confided her, -and took her away with him, after ordering her to change her name, -upon long tours. It was thus she had been to France: then, he quite as -unexpectedly brought her back to Chili, sometimes to one city, sometimes -to another, without ever condescending to explain to her the reasons for -her leading such a wandering life. - -Constrained by her isolation to depend only upon herself, forced to -reflect as soon as the first rays of reason enlightened her brain, the -maiden, though so delicate and fragile in appearance, was endowed with -an energy and firmness of character of which she was ignorant, but -which supported her unconsciously; and if the hour of danger arrived, -would be of infinite use to her. She had often, urged by the instinct -of curiosity so natural to her age in the exceptional position in which -she was placed, sought by adroit questions to seize the thread that -might guide her in this labyrinth; but all had proved useless--Don Tadeo -remained mute. One day only, after having for a long time contemplated -her with an expression of sadness, he had pressed her to his heart, and -said in a trembling voice,-- - -"Poor child! I will protect you against your enemies!" - -Who could those formidable enemies be? Why were they so inveterate -against a girl of sixteen, who knew nothing of the world, and had -never injured a human being? These questions, which Doña Rosario was -continually asking herself, always remained unanswered. She only caught -a glimpse in her life, of one of those terrible mysteries which bring -death to the imprudent who persist in endeavouring to discover them; -her days, therefore, were passed in continual fears, engendered by her -imagination. - -One evening, when, sad and thoughtful as usual, and buried in the depths -of an easy chair, in her bedchamber, she was turning over the leaves of -a book which she was not reading, Don Tadeo entered the room. He saluted -her, as he always did, by a kiss on her brow, took a seat, placed -himself in front of her, and after looking at her for a moment with a -melancholy smile, said quietly,-- - -"I wish to speak with you, Rosario." - -"I am all attention, dear friend," she replied, endeavouring to smile. - -But before we report this conversation, we must present our readers -with a few necessary explanations. Like all the other countries of -South America, Chili, for a long time depressed beneath the Spanish -yoke, had conquered its independence, more through the weakness of its -ancient master than by its own proper strength. The system followed by -the Spanish authorities from the beginning had checked in the people -of these countries the development of the philosophical ideas which -give man a consciousness of his own value, render him one day apt to -achieve liberty, and ripe to enjoy it within just limits. We have said, -in a preceding work, that the Americans of the South have none of the -virtues of their ancestors, but, to make up for it, they possess all -their vices. Destitute of that early education without which it is -impossible to do or even to conceive great things, the Chilian nation, -free by an unexpected chance, found itself immediately the sport of -a few intriguing men, who concealed beneath high-sounding words of -patriotism a boundless ambition. The newly-freed country struggled in -vain; the innate carelessness of its inhabitants, and the levity of -their character, formed an invincible object to any amelioration. - -At the epoch at which we have arrived, Chili was labouring under the -oppression of General Bustamente. This man, not contented with being -minister of a republic, dreamt of nothing less than causing himself -to be proclaimed the chief of it, under the title of protector. The -realization of this idea was not impossible. From its geographical -position, Chili is almost independent of those troublesome neighbours -who, in the states of the old world, keep watch over all the acts of -a nation, and are, ready to put in their _veto_ as soon as their own -interest appears to be threatened. On one side separated from Upper -Peru by the vast and almost impassable desert of Atacama, Bolivia alone -might hazard some timid observations; but the General cherished secret -hopes of including that republic itself in the new confederation; on -the other side, immense solitudes and the Cordilleras separated it from -Buenos Aires, which had neither the will nor the power to oppose his -projects. One people alone could make a war with him, which he should -dread, and they were the Araucanos; that little nation, driven like -an iron wedge into Chili, disturbed the General's plans seriously. He -resolved to treat with the Araucano Toqui, while determined, at the same -time, when his projects should have succeeded, to unite all his forces -to conquer that country which had so long resisted the Spanish power. In -a word, General Bustamente dreamt of creating at the southern extremity -of America, with Chili, Araucania, and Bolivia confederated, a rival -nationality to the United States. Unfortunately for the General, there -was not in him the stuff to make a great man; he was simply a _parvenu_, -an ignorant and cruel soldier. - -When America raised the standard of revolt against the mother country, -numerous secret societies were formed at all points of the territory, -the most redoubtable, beyond contradiction, being that of the -Dark-Hearts. The men who placed themselves at the head of this society -were all intelligent and well informed, mostly educated in Europe, who, -having seen in the field of action the great principles of the French -revolution, wished, by applying them in their own country, to regenerate -the nation. After the proclamation of Chilian independence, the secret -societies, having no longer an object, disappeared. One alone persisted -in remaining permanent--that of the Dark-Hearts. This society was not -willing that license should assume the mantle of liberty: it felt that -it had a great and holy mission to fulfil, and that its task, so far -from being terminated, was scarcely commenced. It was necessary to -instruct the people, to render them worthy of taking their place among -nations, and, above all, to deliver them from the tyrants who wished -to enslave them. This mission the society of the Dark-Hearts laboured -incessantly to carry out, struggling constantly against oppressive -powers, which succeeded each other, and destroying them without mercy. -Proteus-like and intangible, the members of this society escaped the -most active researches: if by chance some few of them fell in the arena, -they died with head erect, confident in the future, and leaving to their -brethren the care of continuing their task. - -The recovery of General Bustamente caused the Dark-Hearts a momentary -stupor; but Don Tadeo, who had caused the news of the miraculous manner -in which he had survived his execution to be spread universally, -revived their spirits by placing himself again at their head. Not that -either courage or hope had failed them. However great the skill of the -machinations employed by the General to insure the success of his plans, -the Loyal-Hearts, who had confederates everywhere, foresaw and defeated -them. They watched all his movements with the greatest care, for they -were quite aware that the moment was drawing near when their enemy would -throw off the mask. They had heard of the departure of the convalescent -General for Valdivia. For what reason, as his health was still so -uncertain, and repose so necessary, had he gone to that remote province? -That must be learnt at any price, and they must prepare against any -eventuality. - -In a meeting of the society, future measures were agreed upon; it was -moreover resolved that the King of Darkness should at the same time -repair to Valdivia, in order, if advisable, to take the initiative in -resistance. But Don Tadeo could not think of leaving Doña Rosario behind -him, exposed to the unprincipled attacks of the Linda. He alone could -defend the young girl; was he not her only support? As soon, then, as -the Dark-Hearts had dispersed, Don Tadeo returned to the chacra, and -went straight to Doña Rosario's chamber. - -"My dear child," he said, "I have sad news to inform you of." - -"Speak, my kind friend," she replied. - -"Urgent affairs require my presence as soon as possible in Valdivia." - -"Oh!" she cried, with an expression of terror, "you will not leave me -here, will you?" - -"At first I intended to do so, this retreat appearing to me to unite all -the guarantees for security; but cheer up, my child! I have changed my -mind; I have fancied you would prefer accompanying me?" - -"Oh, yes," she said, eagerly; "you are always kind. When do we set out?" - -"Tomorrow, dear child, at sunrise." - -"I shall be ready," she replied, holding up her pretty face towards him, -that he might impress his customary kiss upon her brow. - -Don Tadeo retired, and Rosario immediately set about the preparations -for her journey. Of what consequence was it to her whether she were in -one place or another, since she was doomed to suffer everywhere? And who -can say whether the poor girl, without daring to avow it to herself, did -not entertain the hope of again seeing him she loved? Love is a divine -sunbeam that illumines the darkest nights. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -THE CHINGANA. - - -Valdivia, founded in 1551 by the Spanish conqueror Don Pedro de -Valdivia, is a charming city, two leagues from the sea, upon the left -bank of a river, which large vessels can easily ascend into the fertile -valley of Guadallanguen. The aspect of the city, the advanced post of -civilization in these remote countries, is most agreeable; the streets -are large, uniformly built; the white houses, only one story high, -on account of the frequency of earthquakes, are terrace-roofed. Here -and there rise in the air the steeples of the numerous churches and -convents, which occupy more than a third of the city. It is astonishing -to what an extent convents are multiplied in South America. It might -be supposed that the New World was the land of promise for monks; they -appear to rise out of the earth at every step. Thanks to the extensive -commerce which Valdivia carries on by means of its port, which is -visited by the numerous whalers fishing in those seas, and ships which -come there to refit, after doubling Cape Horn, or before passing -it,--its streets have more animation than is generally to be met with in -American cities. - -Don Tadeo arrived in Valdivia, accompanied by Don Gregorio and Doña -Rosario, on the evening of the sixteenth day after his departure from -his friend's chacra. They had used all diligence, and for that country, -where there are no other means of travelling but on horseback, it might -be considered a quick journey. If the two gentlemen had thought proper -to do so, they might have entered the city about three o'clock in the -afternoon, but they deemed it advisable that no one in a place where -so many people knew them should be made aware of their arrival: in the -first place, because the causes which brought them there required the -greatest secrecy; and, further, because Don Tadeo was forced to conceal -himself, in order to avoid the police agents of the president of the -republic, who had orders to arrest him wherever they might meet with -him. Fortunately, in these countries the police never arrest anybody -when not absolutely compelled, unless those whom they pursue come and -deliver themselves up into their hands--an event, we may safely say, -that rarely happens. - -As during his sojourn at Valdivia, his manner of living must be -regulated by the affairs which brought him there, he could not openly -keep house or appear in public, Don Tadeo went straight to the convent -of the Ursulines, and committed the young lady he had brought with him -to the care of the abbess, who was not only his relation, but was a -worthy person, in whom he had perfect confidence. Doña Rosario accepted -without hesitation the asylum which was offered to her, and where she -fancied she should be safe from the attacks of her invisible enemies. -Don Tadeo took an affectionate leave of her and the venerable abbess, -and hastened to a house of the calle San-Xavier, where Don Gregorio, who -had left him on entering the city, to avoid observation, awaited his -coming. - -"Well?" asked Don Gregorio, as soon as he saw him. - -"She is in safety; at least I suppose so," Don Tadeo replied, with a -sigh. - -"So much the better, for we must redouble our precautions." - -"Why so?" - -"After leaving you I made inquiries; I observed, I questioned people as -I walked about and loitered at the port and the Almeda." - -"Well, what have you learnt?" - -"As we imagined, General Bustamente is here." - -"Already?" - -"He arrived three days ago." - -"What reason could be so important as to bring him here?" said Don -Tadeo, with an uneasy expression. "Oh, I will know!" - -"Another thing: who do you think accompanies him?" - -"The executioner, no doubt!" said Don Tadeo, with an ironical smile. - -"Almost as bad," Don Gregorio replied. - -"Whom do you mean, then?" - -"The Linda!" - -The chief of the Dark-Hearts turned deadly pale. - -"Oh," he said, "that woman! for ever that woman! you must be mistaken, -my friend; it is impossible!" - -"I have seen her." - -Don Tadeo walked about in great agitation for several minutes; then, -stopping short in front of his friend, said, in a husky voice-- - -"Dear Don Gregorio, are you certain you have not been misled by a -resemblance? Are you quite sure it was she?" - -"You had just left me, and I was coming hither, when the sound of horses -made me turn my head, and I saw, I repeat I saw, the Linda; she also -appeared to have just arrived at Valdivia; two lancers escorted her, and -an arriero led the baggage mules. - -"Oh!" said Don Tadeo, "will the infernal malice of that demon ever -pursue me?" - -"My friend," Don Gregorio remarked, "in the path we have undertaken to -tread, every obstacle must, unhesitatingly, be destroyed." - -"What, kill a woman?" the gentleman said, with horror. - -"I do not say that, but place her in such a position that she cannot -possibly injure anyone. Remember, we are Dark-Hearts, and, as such, we -ought to be without pity." - -"Silence!" Don Tadeo murmured, as two low, quick taps were struck on the -door. - -"Come in!" cried Don Gregorio. - -The door opened, and Don Pedro showed his polecat face. He did not -recognize the two men whom, in the various meetings he had had with -them, he had always seen masked. - -"God preserve you, gentlemen!" he said, with a profound bow. - -"What is your pleasure, sir?" Don Gregorio asked, in a coldly-polite -tone, while returning his salutation. - -"Sir," said Don Pedro, looking about for a seat which was not offered -him, "I have just arrived from Santiago." - -Don Gregorio bowed again. - -"On my departure from that city, a banker in whose hands I had placed -funds, gave me several bills; among others this, addressed to Don -Gregorio Peratla, payable at sight." - -"That is my name, sir; be so kind as to hand it to me." - -"As you see, sir, the bill is for twenty-three ounces." - -"Very well, sir," replied Don Gregorio, as he took it, "allow me to -examine it." - -Don Pedro bowed in his turn, whilst Don Gregorio, approaching a -flambeau, looked attentively at the bill of exchange, put it into his -pocket, and took some money from his purse. - -"Here are the twenty-three ounces, sir," he said, giving them. - -The spy took them, counted the gold pieces, examining them attentively, -and then put them into his pocket. - -"It is very singular, sir," he said, just as the two gentlemen thought -they were about to be relieved of his presence. - -"What is it, sir?" asked Don Gregorio; "do you not find the amount -right?" - -"Oh, pardon me, perfectly right; but," he added, with a slight -hesitation, "I thought you had been a merchant?" - -"And what leads you to think otherwise?" - -"Because I see no desks." - -"They are in another part of the house," Don Gregorio replied; "I am a -private trader." - -"Oh, very well, sir." - -"And, if I had not thought you had pressing need of the money--" - -"Very pressing!" the other interrupted. - -"I should have begged you to call again tomorrow, for, at this late -hour, my cashbox is closed." - -And thereupon he waved his hand, rather haughtily, as dismissing him. -Don Pedro retired, visibly disappointed. - -"That is a double-faced fellow, I am sure," said Don Gregorio; "I should -not wonder if he were a spy of the General." - -"Oh, I know him!" Don Tadeo replied; "I have about me proofs of his -treachery. He has been a necessary instrument; at present he may injure -us. He must be crushed." - -Don Gregorio drew from his pocket the bill which had been presented to -him, and holding it to Don Tadeo-- - -"Look at this," he said. - -This bill, payable at sight, appeared perfectly like others. It was -drawn in the usual form: _At sight, please pay_, &c. &c.; but, in two -or three places, the pen, too hard, no doubt, had spluttered and formed -a certain number of little black spots, of which some were almost -imperceptible. It appeared that these black spots had a meaning for the -two men; for as soon as Don Tadeo had cast his eyes over the bill, he -seized his cloak, and folded himself in it. - -"It is Heaven that protects us!" he said; "we must go thither without -delay." - -"That is my opinion, likewise," Don Gregorio replied, holding the bill -to the light, and burning it till there was not a particle of it left. -The two men took each a long dagger and a brace of pistols, which they -concealed under their clothes--the conspirators were too well acquainted -with their country to neglect these precautions--they pulled the flaps -of their hats over their faces, and wrapping themselves up to the very -eyes, like two lovers or seekers of adventures, they descended into the -street. - -It was one of those splendid nights unknown in our foggy climates; the -sky, of a dark blue, was thickly studded with an infinite number of -stars, among which conspicuously shone the brilliant Southern Cross; -the air was embalmed with a thousand odours, and a light sea breeze -refreshed the atmosphere, which had been heated by the torrid sunbeams -during the past day. The two men passed silently and rapidly through -the joyous groups which traversed the streets in all directions. It is -in the evening that the Americans leave their homes to take the air and -enjoy the freshness. - -The conspirators appeared to hear neither the enticing sounds of the -vihuela which vibrated in their ears, nor the refrains of sambacuejas -which flew in gusts from the chinganas, nor the bursts of fresh, silvery -laughter of the black-eyed, rosy-lipped girls, who elbowed them on -their way. They walked thus for a long time, turning round at intervals -to ascertain if they were followed, plunging by degrees into the -lowest quarters of the city, and at length stopped at a house of mean -appearance, from which issued the loud but not very melodious strains of -music eminently national. - -This house was a chingana, a name which has no equivalent in French -or English. A Chilian chingana presents so eccentrically droll an -appearance, that it would defy the pencil of Callot, and is beyond all -description. Let the reader figure to himself a low room, with smoky -walls, the floor of which is but beaten earth, and rendered filthy by -the detritus left by the feet of incessantly arriving and departing -visitors. In the centre of this den, lighted only by a smoky lamp called -a _candil_, by which it is impossible to distinguish more than the -shadows of the customers, are seated four men upon stools. Two of them -are twanging wretched guitars, which have lost most of their strings, -with the backs of their hands; the third plays the tambourine with his -thumbs upon a crippled table, striking it with all his might; whilst -the fourth rolls between his hands a piece of bamboo six feet long, -split into several strips, which yield the most discordant sound that -can possibly be imagined. The four musicians, not content with the -formidable clatter made by their instruments, shout, at the very top of -their voices, songs which we can neither venture to repeat nor translate. - -All this infernal noise is made to excite the dancers, who flutter -about, assuming the most lascivious postures they can invent, amidst the -hearty applause of the spectators, who writhe with delight, stamp their -feet with pleasure, and sometimes, carried away by the harmony, thunder -out all together, the burthen of the song, with the musicians and -dancers. Amidst this disturbance, these cries and stampings, wind in and -out the master of the establishment and his waiters, armed with couis of -chicha, bottles of aguardiente, and even guarapo, to slake the thirst -of the customers, who, to do them justice, the more they drink the more -thirsty they become, and the more they wish to drink. - -Twice or thrice in the course of an evening, it may happen that some -of the guests, more heated than the rest, or seized by the demon of -jealousy, take it into their heads to quarrel. Then knives are drawn -from the polena, ponchos are rolled round the left arm to serve as -bucklers, the music ceases, and a circle is formed round the combatants. -The sanguinary contest begins, and when one of the combatants has -fallen, he is carried into the street, the music is resumed, the dance -recommences, and no more is thought of the poor wounded or dying man. - -It was in front of one of these establishments that the chief of the -Dark-Hearts and his friend had stopped; they did not hesitate. Pulling -up the folds of their cloaks so as to completely conceal their faces, -they entered the chingana: in spite of the pestilential atmosphere which -nearly choked them, they passed unnoticed through the drinkers, and -gained the further end of the room. The cellar door stood ajar; they -opened it softly, and disappeared down the steps. After descending ten -of these, they found themselves in a cellar, where a man, leaning over a -barrel, which he appeared to be occupied in putting in its place, said -to them, without interrupting his work-- - -"Would you like some aguardiente de pesco, some mescal, or some chica?" - -"Neither the one nor the other," Don Tadeo replied; "we wish for some -French wine." - -The man sprang up as if moved by a spring. The two adventurers had put -on their masks. - -"Do you wish to have it white or red?" the man asked. - -"Red--as red as blood," said Don Tadeo. - -"Of what year?" the unknown rejoined. - -"Of that vintaged on the 5th of April, 1817," said Don Tadeo. - -"Then you must come this way, gentlemen," the man replied, with a -respectful bow; "the wine you do me the honour to call for is extremely -valuable; it is kept in a separate cellar." - -"To be drunk at Martinmas," Don Tadeo remarked. - -The man, who seemed only to wait for this last reply to his question, -smiled with an air of intelligence, and laid his hand lightly on the -wall. A stone turned slowly round upon itself, without the least noise, -and opened a passage to the conspirators, which they immediately -entered, and the stone instantly returned to its place. - -In the chingana, the cries, the songs, and the music had acquired an -intensity really formidable; the joy of the tipplers was at its height. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -THE TWO ULMENS. - - -If we were writing a romance instead of a true history, there are -certain scenes of the recital which we would pass over in silence. The -one which follows would certainly be of this number; and yet, though of -a rather hazardous puerility, it carries with it its lesson, by showing -what is the influence of the early habits of a miserable life, even upon -natures the best endowed, and how difficult it is, at a later period, to -shake them off. We will add, to the praise of Valentine, the man of whom -we are speaking, that his gaminism, if we may be allowed to employ such -a term, was much more feigned than real, and that his aim, in allowing -himself to be sometimes led away by it, was to bring a smile to the lips -of his foster brother, and thus cheat the sorrow that was undermining -his peace. - -This necessary preamble being gone through, we will resume the course -of our narrative, and, abandoning for a time Don Tadeo and his friend, -we will request the reader to follow us back to the tribe of the Great -Hare. The looked-for morrow was a great day for the tribe, a day -expected with impatience by all housekeepers, who were about to learn -how to discover, to use Valentine's word, a new dish, which promised -to please the palates of their race. As soon as it was daylight, men, -women, and children assembled on the great Square of the village, and -formed numerous groups, in which the merit of the unknown dish about -to be revealed to them was discussed. Louis, for whom the experiment -his friend was going to make had very little interest, wished to remain -in the toldo; but Valentine insisted upon his being present at the -experiment, and much against his will, he consented. - -The Parisian was already at his post, standing in an open spot, in -the middle of the Square, watching with a laughing eye the anxious -or incredulous expression by turn displayed upon the faces directed -towards him. A table, which was to serve for his culinary preparations, -a lighted brasier, upon which boiled an iron pot filled with water, a -kitchen knife, an enormous frying-pan, found I know not where, a sort -of tub, a wooden spoon, some parsley, a bit of bacon, some salt, some -pepper, and a basket full of fresh eggs, had been prepared at his desire -by the cares of Trangoil-Lanec. - -All eagerly looked for the arrival of the Apo-Ulmen of the tribe, with -which the exhibition was to commence. A kind of dais had been erected -for him in front of the operator, and when he had taken his lighted -calumet from the hands of his pipe-bearer, he bent a little on one -side and whispered a few words in the ear of Curumilla, who stood -respectfully beside him. The Ulmen bowed, came down from the dais, went -straight to the Parisian to tell him he might begin, and then resumed -his post. - -Valentine returned the salutation of this master of the ceremonies, -took off his poncho, which he folded up and laid carefully at his feet, -and turning up his sleeves above his elbows with the studied grace of -a performer, he leant slightly forward, placed his right hand upon the -table, and assuming the tone of a vendor of quack medicines who boasts -of the efficacy of his nostrums to gaping clowns, he thus commenced his -demonstration in a loud voice and with a perfectly clear utterance:-- - -"Illustrious Ulmens, and you redoubtable warriors of the noble and -sacred tribe of the Great Hare, listen attentively to what I have the -honour of explaining to you. In the beginning of time the world did -not exist; water and clouds, which continually clashed against each -other in space, then formed the universe. When Pillian created the -world, as soon as at his voice man had issued from the bosom of the red -mountain, he took him by the hand, and pointing to all the productions -of the earth, the air, and the water, he said to him,--'Thou art the -king of creation: consequently, animals, plants, and fishes all belong -to thee, and are, each in proportion with its strength, instincts, or -conformation, to minister to thy welfare and thy happiness in the world -in which I have placed thee; thus the horse shall bear thee with fiery -speed across the deserts, fleecy lamas and sheep clothe thee with their -wool, and nourish thee with their succulent flesh.' When Pillian had -analyzed, one after the other, the diverse qualities of the animals, -before proceeding to the plants and fishes, he stopped at the hen, which -was moving carelessly about, and picking up the grains of corn scattered -on the ground. Pillian took her by the wings, and showing her to man, -said, 'Here is one of the most useful animals I have created for thy -service; boiled in a pot, the hen will afford thee an excellent broth -when thou art sick; roasted, its white flesh will acquire a delicious -flavour; of her eggs thou canst make omelettes with herbs, omelettes -with mushrooms, omelettes with ham, and, above all others, with bacon. -If thou art indisposed, and solid food should be too heavy for thy weak -stomach, thou canst boil her eggs in the shell, and then thou wilt say -something, indeed!' - -"Thus," continued Valentine, attitudinizing before the Indians, who, -with open mouths and staring eyes, lost not a single word he uttered, -whether they understood it or not, whilst, in spite of his secret -grief, Louis literally writhed with laughter; "thus it was that Pillian -spoke to the first man at the commencement of ages; you were not there, -Araucano warriors, it is therefore not astonishing that you know nothing -about it; neither was I there, it is true; but, thanks to the talent -we white men possess of transmitting our thoughts from age to age, by -means of writing, these words of the Great Spirit have been carefully -collected, and have come down to us in their purity. Without further -prelude, I am going to have the honour of producing before you a boiled -egg! Listen to me; it is as simple as saying good-day, and within the -reach of the most limited capacity. In order to enjoy a boiled egg, -two things are necessary--in the first place, an egg, and then, some -boiling water! You take the egg in your fingers, thus, you uncover your -saucepan, you place the egg in a spoon and deposit it carefully in the -saucepan, where you allow it to boil gently three minutes. Mind, three -minutes, neither more nor less: pay attention to that important detail, -for a longer time would compromise the success of your operation. There -it is!" - -The action suited the word; the three minutes were past: Valentine -took out the egg, beheaded it, sprinkled a little salt on it, and -presented it to the Ulmen with some long strips of maize bread. All -this was performed with the most imperturbable seriousness, amidst the -profound silence of the attentive crowd. The Apo-Ulmen proceeded to -taste this wonderful egg with the most deliberate gravity. An air of -doubt appeared for a second on his lips, as he raised the first mouthful -towards them; but, by degrees, the features of his broad face expanded -under the influence of joy and pleasure, and he at last exclaimed -enthusiastically,-- - -"Wah! It is good! Very good!" - -Valentine returned to his brasier with a modest smile, and set about -boiling eggs, which he distributed among the Ulmens and principal -warriors, who quickly mingled their felicitations with those of the -Apo-Ulmen. A delirious joy took possession of the poor Indians, and -Valentine could hardly keep his ground, so eagerly did they press round -him, to examine closely his mysterious mode of cooking the eggs. At -length, calm was re-established, and the curiosity of the majority was -satisfied. The Apo-Ulmen, who had not been able to make his voice heard -in the tumult, was able to restore a little order, and obtain silence. -Valentine looked at his public with an air of satisfaction. From that -moment the Indians were believers--the most incredulous were convinced, -and all awaited with impatience the continuation of his experiments. - -"Listen to me!" he continued, striking a sharp blow on the table with -the knife he held in his hand; "listen to me, but, above all, observe -closely how I proceed. A boiled egg was child's play to me, but the -omelette requires to be considered seriously, and executed with care, in -order to obtain that finish, that smoothness, flavour, and perfection -so much prized by real judges. I am about to make a bacon-omelette, and -when I name that, I name the most exquisite dish in the world! Whilst -explaining to you the manner in which you should set about it, I will -produce it: follow my reasonings closely, and observe attentively the -manner in which I mingle the various ingredients which enter into the -composition of this dish. To make a bacon omelette, I must have bacon, -eggs, salt, pepper, parsley, and some butter--there they are, as you -see, all on that table. Now I will mix them." - -Then, with incredible address, and the greatest quickness, he commenced -a monster bacon-omelette, of at least sixty eggs, while continuing his -explanation with inexpressible freedom and copiousness. The interest of -the Indians was warmly excited, their enthusiasm betraying itself by -shouts, leaps, and laughter; but it was carried to its height, and the -stamping, crying, and screaming became terrific, when the Puelches saw -Valentine seize the long handle of the frying-pan with a firm grasp, -and toss the omelette three different times into the air, without any -apparent effort, and with the style and ease of a finished cook. When -the omelette was done to the moment, the Frenchman placed it upon a -dish, taking care to double it with the talent which _cordons bleus_ -alone possess, and was then preparing to carry it smoking to the -Apo-Ulmen, but he, enticed by the flavour of the boiled egg, and with -appetite excited to the highest pitch, spared him that trouble; for -he forgot all decorum, and rushed towards the table, followed by the -principal Ulmens of the tribe. The success of the Parisian was enormous. -Never, in the history of the divine art, did a cook obtain such a -glorious triumph! Valentine, with the modesty peculiar to men of real -talent, stole away from the honours they wished to pay him, and hastened -to conceal himself with his friend in the toldo of Trangoil-Lanec. - -On the morrow of this eventful day, at the moment when the young men -were about to leave the quarters they inhabited in common, their host -presented himself, followed by Curumilla. The two chiefs saluted them, -sat down upon the beaten earth which served instead of flooring, and lit -their pipes. Louis, already accustomed to the ceremonious habits of the -Araucanos, and convinced that their friends had something of importance -to say, reseated himself, as did also his foster brother, and awaited -patiently the expected communication. When the chiefs had deliberately -smoked out their pipes, and shaken the last ashes upon their nails, -they replaced them in their belts, and, after exchanging a glance, -Trangoil-Lanec began:-- - -"Are my pale brothers still resolved to leave us?" - -"Yes," replied Louis. - -"Has Indian hospitality been wanting towards them?" - -"So far from that, chief," the young man said, warmly pressing his -hands, "you have treated us like children of your own tribe." - -"Then why leave us?" Trangoil-Lanec asked; "we know not what we lose, do -we ever know what we shall find?" - -"You are right, chief; but you know we came into this country for the -purpose of visiting Antinahuel," Louis observed. - -"And does my golden-haired brother," for so he called Valentine, -"absolutely wish to see him?" - -"Absolutely," replied the young man. - -The two chiefs exchanged a second glance. - -"He shall see him," replied Trangoil-Lanec; "Antinahuel is at his -village." - -"Good!" said Valentine. "In that case we will set out tomorrow." - -"My brothers shall not go alone." - -"What do you mean by that?" Valentine asked. - -"The Indian soil is not safe for palefaces; my brother has saved my -life, I shall follow him." - -"My brother has preserved me a friend," said Curumilla, who had till -that time preserved silence; "I shall follow him." - -"You cannot think of such a thing, chief," Valentine remarked. "We are -travellers whom chance knocks about at its pleasure; we know not what -destiny has in reserve for us, nor whither it will conduct us, after -having seen the man to whom we are sent." - -"What does it signify?" Curumilla replied; "where you go, we will go." - -The young men were greatly moved by such frank and noble devotion. - -"Oh!" Louis exclaimed, warmly, "it is impossible! your friends, your -wives, and your children." - -"Our wives and children will be taken care of by our relations until our -return." - -"My friends, my good friends," said Valentine, with emotion, "you are -wrong; we cannot impose such a sacrifice upon you, we will not consent -to it for your sake; I have already told you, we are ignorant of what -awaits us, or what we shall do; allow us to go alone." - -"We will follow our pale brothers," Trangoil-Lanec said in a tone that -admitted of no reply; "my brothers are not acquainted with the llanos; -four men are a force in the desert--two men are dead." - -The Frenchmen contested the matter no longer, they accepted the offer -of the Ulmens, and did so the more readily, because they plainly -perceived what an immense advantage these men would be to them. They -were accustomed to a life in the woods, they knew all its mysteries, -and had fathomed all its depths. The chiefs took leave of their guests, -to prepare for their departure, which was irrevocably fixed for the -next day. At sunrise, a small party, composed of Louis, Valentine, -Trangoil-Lanec, and Curumilla, all four mounted upon excellent horses of -that mixed Andalusian and Arabian breed, which the Spaniards imported -into America, and Cæsar, who trotted at their side in close file, left -the toldería, escorted by all the members of the tribe shouting: "Come -back again! come back again!--A good journey! a good journey!" - -After repeated farewells to these worthy people, the four travellers -directed their course towards the toldería of the Black-Serpents, and -soon disappeared in the numberless defiles formed by the quebradas. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -THE SUN-TIGER. - - -In the state of anarchy in which Chili was plunged at the period of our -history, the parties were numerous, and everyone was manoeuvring in the -shade, as skilfully as possible, in order to gain possession of power. -General Bustamente, as we have stated, aimed at nothing less than the -protectorate of a confederation similar to that of the United States, -which, then but little understood, dazzled his ambition. He could not -divine that those ancient outlaws, those sectarian fanatics exiled from -Europe, those thriving merchants, had already begun to dream in America -of a universal monarchy, a senseless Utopia, the application of which -will one day cost them the loss of that so-called nationality of which -they are so proud, and which, in reality, does not exist. Probably -General Bustamente did not look so far into the future, or, if he did -divine the tendencies of the Anglo-Americans, perhaps he dreamt of -himself following also that ambitious aim, as soon as his power should -repose upon solid bases. - -The Dark-Hearts, the only true patriots in this unhappy country, on -their side, wished that the government should adopt measures of a -rather democratic nature, but they had no intention to overturn it, -for they were persuaded that a revolution could only be prejudicial -to the general welfare of the nation. Beside General Bustamente and -the society of the Dark-Hearts, a third party, more powerful, perhaps, -than the two first, was at work silently, but active. This party was -represented by Antinahuel, the toqui of the most important Uthal-Mapus -of the Araucanian confederacy. We have said that from its geographical -position, this little insignificant republic is placed like a wedge -in the Chilian territory, which it separates sharply in two. This -position gave Antinahuel immense power. All Araucanos are soldiers; at -a signal from their chiefs, they take up arms, and are able, in a few -days, to get together an army of experienced warriors. The republicans -and the partizans of Bustamente were fully aware how much it was to -their interest to attach the Araucanos to their party; with the aid -of these ferocious soldiers victory would be certain. Already had the -King of Darkness and Bustamente made proposals to Antinahuel,--of -course, unknown to each other. These overtures the redoubtable toqui -had appeared to listen to, and had feigned to reply to both, for the -following reasons:-- - -Antinahuel, in addition to the hereditary hatred which his ancestors -had bequeathed to him against the white race, or perhaps on account of -that hatred, had dreamt, since he had been elected supreme chief of an -Uthal-Mapus, not only of the complete independence of his country, but -moreover of re-conquering all the territory which the Spaniards had -deprived it of; he hoped to drive them back to the other side of the -Cordilleras of the Andes, and restore to his nation the splendour it had -enjoyed before the arrival of the whites in Chili. And this patriotic -project Antinahuel was just the man to carry through. Endowed with -vast intelligence, at once daring and subtle, he allowed himself to be -stopped by no obstacle, conquered by no reverse. Almost entirely brought -up in Chili, he spoke Spanish perfectly, was thoroughly acquainted with -the manners of his enemies, and by means of numberless spies spread -everywhere, he was well informed with regard to the Chilian policy, -and of the precarious situation of those whom he wished to conquer; he -habitually took advantage of the dissensions which separated them, and -feigned to lend an ear to the propositions made to him on all parts, in -order, when the moment should arrive, to crush his enemies one after the -other, and be left alone standing. - -He wanted a plausible pretext for keeping his Uthal-Mapus under arms, -without inspiring the Chilians with mistrust: and this pretext General -Bustamente and the Dark-Hearts supplied him with by their preparations. -No one could be surprised, for this reason, at seeing, in a time -of peace, the toqui gather together a numerous army on the Chilian -frontiers, since, _in petto_, either party flattered itself that this -army was destined to aid its cause. The conduct of the toqui was, -therefore, most skilful; for he not only inspired mistrust in no one, -but, on the contrary, gave hopes to all. The position was becoming -serious; the hour for action could not long be delayed; and Antinahuel, -whose measures were all prepared, awaited impatiently the moment for -beginning the struggle. - -Things were at this point on the day when Doña Maria came to the -toldería of the Black-Serpents, to visit the friend of her childhood. As -soon as she awoke, the Linda gave orders for her departure. - -"Is my sister going to leave me already?" said Antinahuel, in a tone of -mild reproach. - -"Yes," Doña Maria replied, "my brother knows that I must reach Valdivia -as quickly as possible." - -The chief did not press her stay; a furtive smile played round his lips. -After Doña Maria was on horseback, she turned towards the toqui. - -"Did not my brother say he should be soon in Valdivia?" she asked, in a -perfectly well-played tone of indifference. - -"I shall be there as soon as my sister," he replied. - -"We shall see each other again, then?" - -"Perhaps we may." - -"We must!" - -This was said in a positive tone. - -"Very well," the chief replied, after a moment's pause; "my sister may -depart--she shall see me again." - -"Till then, farewell, then," she said, and rode away at a quick pace. - -She soon disappeared in a cloud of dust, and the chief returned -thoughtfully to his toldo. - -"Woman," he said, to his mother, "I am going to the great toldería of -the palefaces." - -"I heard everything last night," the Indian woman replied, sorrowfully; -"my son is wrong." - -"Wrong! how, or why?" he asked, passionately. - -"My son is a great chief; my sister deceives him, and makes him -subservient to her vengeance." - -"Or rather my own," he replied, in a singular tone. - -"The young white girl has a right to the protection of my son." - -"I will protect the Pearl of the Andes." - -"My son forgets that she of whom he speaks saved his life." - -"Silence, woman!" he shouted, in a passionate tone. - -The Indian woman held her peace, but sighed deeply. - -The chief summoned his mosotones, and selecting from among them a score -of warriors upon whom he could place entire reliance, ordered them to -be ready to follow him within an hour. He then threw himself upon a -bench, and sank into serious and agitating reflections. Suddenly a great -noise was heard from without, and the chief sprang from his recumbent -position, and went to the door of his toldo. He was surprised to see two -strangers, mounted upon excellent horses, and preceded by an Indian, -advancing towards him. These strangers were Valentine and Louis, who had -left their friends a short distance from the toldería. - -Valentine, on leaving the village of the Puelches, had opened the letter -addressed to himself, and placed in his hands by the major-domo, with a -recommendation not to open it till the last minute. The young man was -far from expecting the contents of this strange missive. After carefully -reading it, he communicated it to his friend, saying-- - -"Here, read this, Louis;--hem! who knows but that this singular letter -is the first step to our fortune?" - -Like all men in love, Louis was sceptical upon every subject that did -not bear some relation to his passion, and he returned the paper, -shaking his head. - -"Politics burn the fingers," he said. - -"Yes, of those who don't know how to handle them," Valentine replied, -with a shrug of the shoulders. "Now, it is my opinion that in this -country, in which it has pleased fate to drop us, the most promising -element of fortune we have at command happens to be those very politics -which you so much disdain." - -"I must confess, my friend, that I care very little for these -Dark-Hearts, of whom I know nothing, and who have done us the honour to -affiliate us." - -"I do not share your opinion at all; I believe them to be resolute, -intelligent men, and am persuaded they will, some day, gain the upper -hand." - -"Much good may it do them! But of what consequence is that to us -Frenchmen?" - -"More than you may think for; and I am determined, immediately after -my interview with this said Antinahuel, to go directly to Valdivia, in -order to be present at the meeting they appoint." - -"As you please," said the Count, carelessly. "As such is your advice, -we will go thither; only I warn you that we shall risk our heads. If we -lose them, it will be all very well; but I wash my hands of the matter -beforehand." - -"I will be prudent, caramba! My head is the only thing I can call my -own," Valentine replied, laughing, "and be assured I will not risk it -for nothing. Besides, do you not partake of my curiosity to see how -these people understand politics, and in what a fashion they set about -conspiring?" - -"Well, that may become interesting; we travel partly for instruction; -let us gain it, then, when it offers itself." - -"Bravo! that's the way in which I like to hear a man speak. Let us go -and seek the redoubtable chief to whom we have a letter to deliver." - -Trangoil-Lanec and Curumilla were too prudent to venture to let -Antinahuel know of the friendship which bound them to the two Frenchmen. -Without suspecting the reasons which induced their friends to present -themselves to the toqui, they foresaw that a day might come when it -would be advantageous that their relations should be unknown. When they -arrived, therefore, at a short distance from the toldería, the Indian -warriors remained concealed in a secluded corner, keeping Cæsar with -them, and allowing the two Frenchmen to continue their route to the -village of the Black-Serpents, with whom, in addition, they had not -lately been upon the best terms. - -The reception given to the Frenchmen was most friendly; for in time -of peace the Araucanos are exceedingly hospitable. As soon as they -perceived the strangers, they crowded round them; and as all the Indians -speak Spanish with astonishing facility, Valentine had no difficulty in -making himself understood. One warrior, more polite than the rest, took -upon himself to be their guide through the village, in which, of course, -they were at a loss. He led them to the toldo of the chief, in front of -which were drawn up twenty horsemen, armed, and apparently waiting. - -"That is Antinahuel, the great toqui of the Inapire-Mapu," said the -guide, emphatically, pointing with his finger at the chief, who at that -moment came out of his toldo, attracted by the noise. - -"Thank you," said Valentine; and the two Frenchmen advanced rapidly -towards the toqui, who, on his part, made a few steps to meet them. - -"Eh, eh!" Valentine said, in a subdued voice, to his companion; "here -is a man with a good bearing, and with a rather intelligent air for an -Indian." - -"Yes," Louis replied, in the same tone, "but he has a contracted brow, -a sinister look, and compressed lips--he inspires me with very little -confidence." - -"Bah!" said Valentine, "you are too difficult by half; did you expect to -find an Indian an Antinous or an Apollo Belvedere?" - -"No; but I should like a little more open frankness in his look." - -"Well, well, we shall see." - -"I do not know why, but that man produces the effect of a reptile upon -me; he inspires me with invincible repulsion." - -"Oh, nonsense! you are too impressionable. I am sure that the man, who, -I cannot deny, has the air of a thorough rascal, is, at bottom, one of -the best fellows in the world." - -"God grant I may be deceived! But I experience, on seeing him, a feeling -for which I cannot account; it seems as if a kind of presentiment warned -me to be on my guard against that man, and that he will be fatal to me." - -"All folly! What relations can you ever have with this individual? We -are charged with a mission to him; who knows whether we may ever see him -again? and then what interests can connect us with him hereafter?" - -"You are right; and I do not know what makes me think as I have -said; besides, we shall soon know what we have to trust to on his -account--here he is." - -The adventurers were, in fact, at that moment in front of the chief's -toldo. Antinahuel stood before them; and, although appearing to be -giving orders to his men, examined them very attentively. He stepped -towards them quickly, and, bowing with perfect politeness, said, in a -pleasant tone, and with a graceful gesture-- - -"Strangers, you are welcome to my toldo. Your presence rejoices my -heart. Condescend to pass over the threshold of this poor hut, which -will be yours as long as you deign to remain among us." - -"Thanks for the kind words of welcome you address to us, powerful -chief," Valentine replied. "The persons who sent us to you assured us of -the kind reception we might expect." - -"If the strangers come on the part of my friends, that is a further -reason why I should endeavour to make their abode here as agreeable as -my humble means will allow me." - -The two Frenchmen bowed ceremoniously, and alighted from their horses. -At a sign from the toqui, two peons led the horses away to a vast corral -behind the toldo. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -THE MATRICIDE. - - -We have repeatedly said that in times of peace the Araucanos are -exceedingly hospitable. This hospitality, which on the part of -the warriors is cordial and simple, on that of the chiefs becomes -extravagant. Antinahuel was far from being a rude Indian, attached -though he was to the customs of his fathers; and although in his heart -he hated not only the Spaniards, but indiscriminately all belonging to -the white race, the half-civilized education he had received had given -him ideas of comfort completely above Indian habits. Many of the richest -Chilian farmers would have found it impossible to display greater luxury -than he exhibited when his caprice or his interest led him to do so. -On the present occasion, he was not sorry to show strangers that the -Araucanos were not so barbarous as their arrogant neighbours wished it -to be supposed, and that they could, when necessary, rival even them. -At the first glance, Antinahuel had discovered that his guests were not -Spaniards; but, with the circumspection which forms the foundation of -the Indian character, he confined his observations to his own breast. It -was with the kindest air and in the most winning tone of voice that he -pressed them to enter his toldo. - -The Frenchmen followed him in, and with a gesture he requested them -to be seated. Peons placed a profusion of cigars and cigarettes upon -the table, near a tasty filigree brasero. In a few minutes other -peons entered with the maté, which they respectfully presented to the -chief and his guests. Then, without the silence being broken--for the -Araucanian laws of hospitality require that no question should be -addressed to strangers until they think proper to speak themselves--each -sipped the herb of Paraguay, while smoking. This preliminary operation -being gone through, Valentine rose. - -"I thank you, chief, in the name of myself and my friend, for your -cordial hospitality." - -"Hospitality is a duty which every Araucano is jealous to fulfil!" - -"But," replied Valentine, "as I have been given to understand that the -chief is about to set out on a journey, I do not wish to detain him." - -"I am at the orders of my guests; my journey is not so pressing as not -to admit of being put off for a few hours." - -"I thank the chief for his courtesy, but I hope he will soon be at -liberty." - -Antinahuel bowed. - -"A Spaniard has charged me with a letter for the chief." - -"Ah!" the toqui exclaimed, with a singular intonation, and fixing a -piercing look upon the face of the young man. - -"Yes," the Frenchman continued; "and that letter I am about to have the -honour of handing to you." - -And he put his hand to his breast, to take out the letter. - -"Stop!" said the chief, laying his hand upon his arm, as he turned -towards his servants; adding, "leave the room." The three men were left -alone. - -"Now you may give me the letter," he continued. - -The chief took it, looked carefully at the superscription, turned the -paper in all directions in his hand, and then, with some hesitation, -presented it to the young man. - -"Let my brother read it," he said; "the whites are more learned than we -poor Indians: they know everything." - -Valentine gave his countenance the most silly expression possible. - -"I cannot read this," he said, with well-assumed embarrassment. - -"Does my brother then refuse to render me this service?" the chief -pressed him. - -"I do not refuse you, chief; only I am prevented doing what you request -by a very simple reason." - -"And what is that reason?" - -"It is that my companion and I are both Frenchmen." - -"Well, and what then?" - -"We speak a little Spanish, but we cannot read it." - -"Ah!" said the chief, in a tone of doubt; but, after walking about, and -reflecting a minute, he added,--"Hem! that is possible." - -He then turned towards the two Frenchmen, who, on their part, were, in -appearance, impassive and indifferent. - -"Let my brothers wait an instant," he said; "I know a man in my tribe -who understands the marks which the whites make upon paper: I will go -and order him to translate this letter." - -The young men bowed, and the chief left the apartment. - -"Why the devil did you refuse to read the letter?" Louis asked. - -"In good truth," Valentine replied, "I can scarcely tell you why; but -what you said of the expression of this man's countenance, produced a -certain effect upon me. He inspires me with no confidence, and I am not -anxious to be the depository of secrets which he may some day reclaim in -a disagreeable manner." - -"Yes, you are right! We may, some day, congratulate ourselves upon this -circumspection. Hush! I hear footsteps." - -And the chief re-entered the room. - -"I know the contents of the letter," he said; "if my brothers see the -man who charged them with it, they will inform him that I am setting out -this very day for Valdivia." - -"We would, with pleasure, take charge of that message," replied -Valentine; "but we do not know the person who gave us the letter, and it -is more than probable we may never see him again." - -The chief darted at them a stolen and deeply suspicious glance. - -"Good! Will my brothers remain here, then?" - -"It would give us infinite pleasure to pass a few hours in the agreeable -society of the chief, but with us time presses; with his permission, we -will take our leave." - -"My brothers are perfectly free; my toldo is open for those who leave -it, as well as for those who enter it." - -The young men rose to depart. - -"In what direction are my brothers going?" - -"We are bound for Concepción." - -"Let my brothers go in peace, then! If their course lay towards -Valdivia, I would have offered to journey with them." - -"A thousand thanks, chief, for your kind offer; unfortunately we cannot -profit by it, for our road lies in a completely opposite direction." - -The three men exchanged a few more words of courtesy, and left the -toldo. The Frenchmen's horses had been brought round; they mounted, and -after having saluted the chief once more, they set off. As soon as they -were out of the village, Louis, turning to Valentine, said,-- - -"We have not an instant to lose. If we wish to reach Valdivia before -that man, we must make all speed. Who knows whether Don Tadeo may not be -awaiting our arrival impatiently?" - -They soon rejoined their friends, who looked for them anxiously, and all -four set off at full speed in the direction of Valdivia, without being -able to explain to themselves why they used such diligence. Antinahuel -accompanied his guests a few paces out of his toldo. When he had taken -leave of them, he followed them with his eyes as far as he could see -them, and when they disappeared at the extremity of the village, he -returned thoughtfully and slowly to his toldo, saying to himself,-- - -"It is evident to me that these men are deceiving me; their refusal to -read the letter was nothing but a pretext. What can be their object? Can -they be enemies? I will watch them!" - -When he arrived in front of his toldo, he found his mosotones mounted, -and awaiting his orders. - -"I must set out at once," he said; "I shall learn all yonder, and, -perhaps," he added, in a voice so low that he could hardly hear it -himself, "perhaps I shall find _her_ again. If Doña Maria breaks her -promise, and does not give her up to me, woe, woe be to her!" - -He raised his head, and saw his mother standing before him. "What do you -want, woman?" he asked, harshly; "this is not your place!" - -"My place is near you when you are suffering, my son," she mildly -replied. - -"I suffering! You are mad, mother! age has turned your brain! Go back -into the toldo, and, during my absence, keep a good watch over all that -belongs to me." - -"Are you, then, really going, my son?" - -"This moment," he said, and sprang into his saddle. - -"Where are you going?" she asked, and seized his horse's bridle. - -"What is that to you?" he replied, with an ugly glance. - -"Beware! my son; you are entering on a bad course. Guérubu, the spirit -of evil, is master of your heart." - -"I am the best and sole judge of my actions." - -"You shall not go!" she exclaimed, as she placed herself resolutely in -front of his horse. - -The Indians collected round the speakers looked on with mute terror at -this scene; they were too well acquainted with the violent and imperious -character of Antinahuel not to dread something fatal, if his mother -persisted in endeavouring to prevent his departure. - -The brows of the chief lowered--his eyes gleamed like lightning--and it -was not without a great effort that he mastered the passion boiling in -his breast. - -"I will go!" he said, in a loud voice, and trembling with rage; "I will -go, if I trample you beneath my horse's hoofs!" - -The woman clung convulsively to the saddle, and looked her son in the -face. - -"Do so," she cried; "for, by the soul of your father, who now hunts in -the blessed prairies with Pillian, I swear I will not stir, even if you -pass over my body!" - -The face of the Indian became horribly contracted; he cast around a -glance which made the hearts of the bravest tremble with fear. - -"Woman! woman!" he shouted, grinding his teeth with rage; "get out of my -way, or I shall crush you like a reed!" - -"I will not stir, I tell you!" she repeated, with wild energy. - -"Take care! take care!" he said again; "I shall forget you are my -mother!" - -"I will not stir!" - -A nervous tremor shook the limbs of the chief, who had now attained the -highest paroxysm of fury. - -"If you will have it so," he cried, in a husky, but loud voice, "your -blood be upon your own head!" - -And he dug the spurs into the sides of his horse, which plunged with -pain, and then sprung forward like an arrow, dragging along the poor -woman, whose body was soon but one huge wound. A cry of horror burst -from the quivering lips of the terrified Indians. After a few minutes -of this senseless course, during which she had left fragments of her -flesh on every sharp point of the road, the strength of the Indian woman -abandoned her; she left her hold of the bridle, and sank dying. - -"Oh!" she said, in a faint voice, and following, with a look dimmed by -agony, her son, as he was borne away like a whirlwind, "my unhappy son! -my unhappy----" - -She raised her eyes towards heaven, clasped her mangled hands, as if to -offer up a last prayer, and fell back. - -She died pitying the matricide, and pardoning him. The women of the -tribe took up the body respectfully, and carried it, weeping, into the -toldo. At the sight of the corpse, an old Indian shook his head several -times, murmuring in a prophetic tone,-- - -"Antinahuel has killed his mother! Pillian will avenge her!" - -And all bowed down their heads sorrowfully: this atrocious crime made -them dread horrible misfortunes in the future. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -THE JUSTICE OF THE DARK-HEARTS. - - -Don Tadeo and his friend Don Gregorio were introduced, after exchanging -several passwords, into a subterraneous apartment, the entrance to which -was perfectly concealed in the wall. The door closed immediately after -them; the two men turned round sharply, but all signs of an opening -had disappeared. Without taking further notice of this circumstance, -which they no doubt had expected, they cast an inquiring glance around -them, in order to obtain some knowledge of the locality. The place -was admirably chosen for a meeting of conspirators. It was an immense -apartment, which must have served for a long time as a cellar, as was -made evident by the essentially alcoholic emanations still floating in -the air; the walls were low and thick, and of a dirty red colour; a -lamp with three jets, hanging from the roof, far from dispersing the -darkness, seemed only to render it in a manner visible. In a recess -stood a table, behind which a man in a mask was seated, near to two -empty seats. Men enveloped in cloaks, and all wearing black velvet -masks, were gliding about in the darkness, silent as phantoms. - -Don Tadeo and his friend exchanged a glance, and without speaking a -word, proceeded to take their places in the empty seats. As soon as -they were seated, a change came over the meeting: the low whispering -which had been heard till that moment ceased all at once, as if by -enchantment. All the conspirators gathered in a single group in front of -the table, and with arms crossed upon their chests, waited earnestly. -The man who before the arrival of Don Tadeo had appeared to preside over -the meeting arose, and casting round a confident glance on the attentive -crowd, said-- - -"On this day the seventy-two _ventas_ of the Dark-Hearts, spread over -the territories of the republic, are assembled in council. In all of -them the taking up of arms, of which we, the _venta_ of Valdivia, will -instantly give the signal, will be decreed. Everywhere men faithful to -the good cause, true lovers of liberty, are preparing to commence the -struggle with Bustamente. Will you all, comrades, who are here present, -when the hour strikes, descend frankly and boldly into the arena? Will -you sacrifice, without reserve, your family, your fortune, and even your -life, if necessary, for the public good?" - -He ceased, and a funereal silence prevailed in the assembly. - -"Answer!" he resumed; "what will you do?" - -"We will die!" the band of conspirators murmured, like a sinister and -terrible echo. - -"That is well, my brothers," Don Tadeo said, rising suddenly. "I -expected no less from you, and I thank you. I have long known you all, -and felt that I could depend upon you--I, whom none of you know. These -masks which conceal you one from another, are but transparent gauze -for the chief of the Dark-Hearts--and I am the King of Darkness! I -have sworn that you shall live as free men, or that I will die! Before -twenty-four hours have passed away, you will hear the signal you have -so long waited for, and then will commence that terrible struggle which -can only end in the death of the tyrant; all the provinces, all the -cities, all the towns will rise _en masse_ at the same instant; courage, -then! You have only a few hours longer to suffer. The war of ambushes, -surprises, of subterranean treacheries is ended; war, frank, loyal, -open, in the face of the sun, is about to begin; let us show ourselves -what we always have been, firm in our faith, and ready to die for our -opinions! Let the chiefs of sections draw near." - -Ten men left the ranks, and placed themselves silently ten paces from -the table. - -"Let the corporal of chiefs of sections answer for all," said Don Tadeo. - -"I am the corporal," said one of the masked men; "the orders expedited -from the Quinta Verde have been executed; all the sections are warned; -they are all ready to rise at the first signal; each will take -possession of the posts that are assigned it." - -"So far well! How many men have you at your disposal?" - -"Seven thousand three hundred and seventy-seven." - -"Can you depend upon them all?" - -"No." - -"How many are there lukewarm or irresolute?" - -"Four thousand." - -"How many firm and convinced?" - -"Nearly three thousand; but for these I will be answerable." - -"That is well! we have even more than we want; the brave will attract -others. Return to your places." - -The chiefs of sections drew back, - -"Now," Don Tadeo continued, "before we separate, I have to call down -your justice upon one of our brothers, who, having entered deeply into -our secrets, has been false to the society several times for a little -gold; I have the proofs in my hands. The circumstances are of the utmost -importance; one word--a single word--may ruin our cause and us! Say, -what chastisement does this man deserve?" - -"Death!" the conspirators responded, coolly, but simultaneously. - -"I know this man," Don Tadeo continued; "let him come forth from the -ranks, and not oblige me to tear off his mask, and hurl his name in his -face." - -No one stirred. - -"This man is here--I can see him; for the last time, let him step forth, -and not crown his baseness by seeking to avoid the punishment he merits." - -The conspirators cast suspicious glances at each other; the assembly -seemed moved by an extreme anxiety; the man, however, upon whom the -King of Darkness called, persisted in remaining confounded amongst his -companions. - -Don Tadeo waited for an instant, but finding that the man whom he -summoned imagined he should remain unknown, and not be discovered -beneath his mask, he made a signal, and Don Gregorio rose and advanced -towards the group of conspirators, which opened at his approach, and -laid his hand roughly on the shoulder of a man who had instinctively -retreated before him, until the wall forced him to stop. - -"Come with me, Don Pedro," he said, and he dragged rather than led him -to the table, behind which stood Don Tadeo, calm and implacable. - -The guilty spy was seized with a convulsive trembling, his teeth -chattered, and he fell upon his knees, crying with terror: - -"Mercy, my lord, mercy!" - -Don Gregorio tore off his mask, and revealed the face of the spy, whose -features, horribly contracted by fear, and of an ashy paleness, were -really hideous. - -"Don Pedro," Don Tadeo said, in a stern voice, "you have several times -sought to sell your brothers of the society; it was you who caused -the death of the ten patriots shot upon the Place of Santiago; it was -you who betrayed the secret of the Quinta Verde to the soldiers of -Bustamente; this very day, even, scarcely two hours ago, you held a long -conversation with General Bustamente, in which you agreed to deliver up -to him tomorrow the principal chiefs of the Dark-Hearts: is that true?" - -The miserable wretch had not a word to say in his defence; confounded, -overwhelmed by the irresistible proofs accumulated against him, he hung -down his head in utter abandonment. - -"Is this true?" Don Tadeo reiterated. - -"It is true," he murmured, in a scarcely audible voice. - -"You acknowledge yourself guilty?" - -"Yes," he said, with a heart-stifling sob; "but grant me life, noble -seigneur, and I swear----" - -"Silence!" - -The spy was struck with mute despair. - -"You have heard, companions and friends, how this man confesses his own -crimes; for the last time, what punishment does he deserve for having -sold his brothers?" - -"Death!" replied the Dark-Hearts, without hesitation. - -"In the name of the Dark-Hearts, of whom I am king, I condemn you, -Don Pedro Saldillo, to death, for treachery and felony towards your -brethren. You have five minutes to make your peace with Heaven," Don -Tadeo said, sternly. - -He placed his watch upon the table, and drawing a pistol from his belt, -cocked it deliberately. The sharp noise of the hammer made the condemned -man shudder with fear. A profound silence prevailed in the vault; the -hearts of these implacable men might be heard beating in their breasts. -The spy cast around wild, despairing glances, but beheld nothing but -angry eyes gleaming upon him through hideous masks. Over the vault, in -the chingana, they continued dancing, and faint puffs of _sambacuejas_ -penetrated, at intervals, mixed with uproarious bursts of laughter, even -to the awful scene beneath. The contrast of this riotous mirth with -the terrible act of justice which was being carried out, had something -appalling in it. - -"The five minutes are past," said Don Tadeo, in a firm voice. - -"A few minutes more! a few minutes, my lord!" the spy implored, wringing -his hands in despair. "I am not prepared; you cannot kill me thus! In -the name of all you hold most dear, let me live!" - -Without appearing to hear him, Don Tadeo lifted his pistol, and the -miserable culprit rolled upon the ground, with his brains scattered -around him. - -"Oh!" he cried, as the pistol was aimed, "be accursed, ye assassins!" -His death prevented the utterance of more. - -The conspirators stood cold, impassive spectators of the scene. As soon -as the stern act of justice was completed, at a signal from the chief, -several men opened a trap in the floor which covered a hole half filled -with quick lime; the body was thrown into it, and the trap closed again. - -"Justice has been done, brothers," said Don Tadeo, solemnly; "go in -peace, the King of Darkness watches over you." - -The conspirators bowed respectfully, and disappeared one after the -other, without uttering a word. At the end of a quarter of an hour no -one remained in the vault but Don Tadeo and Don Gregorio. - -"Oh!" said Don Tadeo, "Shall we always have thus to combat treachery?" - -"Courage! my friend; you have yourself said, in a few hours war will -commence in the face of day." - -"God grant I may not be deceived! This contest in the dark makes -frightful demands upon the mind; my heart begins to fail me!" - -The two conspirators regained the chingana, in which the dancing, -laughing, and drinking were going on with undiminished spirit; they -passed through so as not to be observed, and came out into the street. -They had hardly walked fifty steps when they were joined by a man, who, -to their great surprise, proved to be Valentine Guillois. - -"God be praised for bringing you here so opportunely!" said Don Tadeo. - -"I hope I am punctual," the Parisian remarked, with a gay laugh. - -Don Tadeo pressed his hand warmly, and drew him towards his residence, -where our three personages soon arrived. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -THE TREATY OF PEACE. - - -General Bustamente had come to Valdivia under the pretence of himself -renewing the treaties which existed between the republic of Chili -and the Araucanian Confederation. This pretext was excellent in the -sense that it permitted him to concentrate a considerable force in the -provinces, and gave him, besides, a plausible reason for receiving the -most powerful Ulmens of the Indians, who would not fail to come to the -meeting, accompanied by a great number of mosotones. Every time a new -president is elected in Chili, the minister at war renews the treaties -in his name. General Bustamente had, up to this moment, neglected to do -so: he had good reasons for that.-- - -This ceremony, in which a great retinue is purposely displayed, -generally takes place in a vast plain situated upon the Araucanian -territories, and not at a great distance from Valdivia. By a curious -coincidence, the pretext of the General suited equally well the -interests of the three factions which, at this period, divided this -unhappy country. The Dark-Hearts had skilfully profited by it to prepare -the resistance they meditated, and Antinahuel, feigning to wish to -pay the greatest honours to the war minister of the President of the -republic, had collected a real army of his best warriors in the environs -of the place chosen for the solemnity. - -Such was the state of things, and of the various parties with regard to -each other, at the time we resume our narrative. The enemies were about -to come face to face; it was evident that each, being well prepared, -would endeavour to take advantage of the opportunity, and that a shock -was imminent; but how would it be brought about? Who would set fire to -the mine, and cause all those passions, those grudges, those ambitions, -so long restrained, to explode? Nobody could say! - -The plain on which the ceremony was to take place was vast, covered -with high grass, and belted by mountains verdant with lofty trees. The -plain, crossed by woods and lines of apple trees, loaded with fruit, -was divided in two by a meandering river, which flowed gently along, -balancing on its silver waters numerous troops of black-headed swans; -here and there, through the breaks of the thickets, might be seen the -pointed nose of a vicuna, which, with ear erect, and eye on the watch, -seemed to sniff the breeze, and all at once bounded away into the -distance. - -The sun was rising majestically in the horizon when a measured noise -of tinkling bells proceeded from a wood of apple trees, and a troop of -half a score mules, led by the mother mare, and driven by an arriero, -debouched into the plain. These mules carried diverse objects for an -encampment, provisions, and even some bales of clothes and linen. At -twenty paces behind the mules, came a rather numerous troop of horsemen. -When they arrived at the banks of the little river we have spoken of, -the arriero stopped his mules, and the party dismounted. In an instant -the bales were unpacked and arranged with care, so as to form a perfect -circle, in the centre of which a fire was lighted. Then a tent was -erected in this temporary camp, and the horses and mules were hobbled. - -This party, whom, no doubt, our readers have already recognized, were -Don Tadeo, his friends the Frenchmen, the Indian Ulmens, with Doña -Rosario, and three servants. By a strange coincidence, at the same time -that they were arranging their camp, another party nearly as numerous -established theirs on the opposite bank of the river, exactly in face -of them. The leader of this was Doña Maria. As frequently happens, it -had pleased chance to bring into propinquity irreconcilable enemies, who -were only separated from each other by a distance of fifty yards at the -most. But was this entirely owing to chance? - -Don Tadeo had no suspicion of this dangerous proximity, or he would -probably have done everything in his power to avoid it. He had cast a -vacant glance at the caravan opposite to him, without taking any further -heed of it, being absorbed in thoughts of the highest importance. Doña -Maria, on the contrary, knew perfectly well, what she was about, and -had placed herself where she was with the skill of an able tactician. -In the mean time, as the morning advanced, the number of travellers -kept increasing on the plain; by nine o'clock it was literally covered -with tents; a free space only being reserved around an old half ruined -chapel, in which mass was to be celebrated before the commencement of -the ceremony. - -The Puelches, who had descended from their mountains in great numbers, -had passed the night in making joyous libations around their campfires; -many of them were sleeping in a state of complete intoxication; -nevertheless, as soon as the arrival of the minister of the Chilian -republic was announced, they all sprang up tumultuously, and began to -dance, and utter cries of joy. On one side arrived General Bustamente -at a canter, surrounded by a brilliant staff, all glittering with gold -lace, and followed by a numerous troop of lancers; whilst on the other -side came, at a gallop, the four Araucano Toquis, followed by the -principal Ulmens of their nation, and a great number of mosotones. - -These two troops, which hastened to meet each other amidst the _vivas_ -and cries of joy of the crowd, raised immense clouds of dust, in which -they disappeared. The Araucanos in particular, who are excellent -jinetes, a term used in this country to designate good horsemen, -indulged in equestrian eccentricities, of which the so-much vaunted Arab -fantasias can give but a faint idea; for they are nothing in comparison -with the incredible feats performed by these men, who seem born to -manage a horse. The Chilians had a much more serious bearing, from -which they would gladly have freed themselves, if human respect had not -restrained them. - -As soon as the two troops met, the chiefs dismounted and ranged -themselves, the Ulmens, armed with their long, silver-headed canes, -behind Antinahuel, and the three other Toquis and the Chilians behind -General Bustamente. It was the first time the Tiger-Sun and the General -had met. Each of these two men, therefore, equally good politicians, -equally false and equally ambitious, and who, at the first glance, -understood one another, contemplated his rival with intense earnestness. - -After exchanging a few salutes, impressed with a rather suspicious -cordiality, the two bands retrograded from each other a few paces, to -afford room for the commissary-general and four Capitanes de Amigos. -These officers are what they call in the United States Indian agents; -they serve as interpreters and agents to the Araucanos, for trade, and -all that concerns their transactions with the Chilians. It must be -observed that all these Indians speak Spanish perfectly well; but they -never will use it in appointed meetings. These Capitanes de Amigos, who, -for the most part, are half-breeds, are much beloved and respected. -They arrived, leading a score of mules loaded with presents, destined -by the President of the Republic for the principal Ulmens. For, be it -noted, when Indians treat with Christians, they consider nothing settled -till they have received presents: it is for them a proof that the other -party does not wish to deceive them; they constitute an earnest which -they require to bind the bargain, and prove that they are treated in -good faith. The Chilians, who, unfortunately for them, had long been -accustomed to Araucanian habits, had taken good care not to forget this -important condition. - -Whilst the commissary-general was distributing the presents, General -Bustamente repaired to the chapel, where a priest, who had come -purposely from Valdivia, celebrated mass. After mass, the speeches -commenced, as soon as the minister of the republic and the four Toquis -of the Uthal-Mapus had embraced. These speeches, which were very long, -resulted in mutual assurances that they were satisfied with the peace -which reigned between the two peoples, and that they would do all in -their power to maintain it as long as possible. We think it our duty to -beg our readers to observe, in justice to the two speakers, that one was -not more sincere than the other, and that they did not mean one word -they said, since in their hearts they determined to break their promises -as soon as possible. They appeared, however, very well satisfied with -the comedy they were playing, and they terminated it by a final embrace, -more close and warm than the first, but equally false. - -"Now," said the General, "if my brothers, the great chiefs, will please -to follow me, we will plant the cross." - -"No," Antinahuel replied, with a honied smile, "the cross must not be -planted in front of the stone toldo." - -"Why not?" the General asked, with astonishment. - -"Because," the Indian replied, in a tone of decision, "the words we -have exchanged must remain buried on the spot where they have been -pronounced." - -"That is just!" said the General, bowing his head in sign of assent. "It -shall be done as my brother desires." - -Antinahuel smiled proudly. - -"Have I spoken well, powerful men?" he asked, looking at the Ulmens. - -"Our father, the Toqui of the Inapire-Mapu, has spoken well," the Ulmens -replied. - -The Indian peons then went to fetch from the chapel, upon the floor of -which it lay, a cross of at least thirty feet in height, which they -brought to the spot where the conferences had been held. All the chiefs -and the Chilian officers ranged themselves around it; the troops forming -a vast circle at a respectful distance. After the pause of an instant, -of which the priest took advantage to bless the cross with that off-hand -carelessness which distinguishes the Spanish clergy in America, it was -planted in the ground. At the moment it was about to gain its upright -position, Antinahuel interposed. - -"Stop!" he said to the Indians armed with spades; and turning towards -the General, "Peace is well assured between us, is it not?" he asked. - -"Yes, certainly," the General replied. - -"All our words are buried under this cross?" - -"All of them." - -"Cover them with earth then," he said to the peons, "that they may not -escape, and that war may not be rekindled between us." - -"When this ceremony was accomplished, Antinahuel caused a young lamb to -be brought, which the machi slaughtered near the cross. All the Indian -chiefs bathed their hands in the still warm blood of the quivering -animal, and daubed the cross with hieroglyphic signs, destined to keep -away Guécubu, the genius of evil, and prevent the words from escaping -from the spot in which they were buried. In conclusion, the Araucans -and the Chilians discharged their firearms in the air, and the ceremony -was ended. General Bustamente then coming up to the Toqui of the -Inapire-Mapu, passed his arm through the chiefs in a friendly manner, -saying in an ingratiating tone-- - -"Will not my brother, Antinahuel, come for an instant in my tent, to -taste a glass of aguardiente de Pisco and take maté?--he would render -his friend happy." - -"Why should I not?" the chief replied, smiling, and in the most -good-humoured tone. - -"My brother will accompany me!" - -"Lead on, then." - -Both moved off, chatting upon indifferent subjects, directing their -course towards the General's tent, which had been pitched within gunshot -of the place where the ceremony had taken place. The General had given -his orders beforehand, so that everything was prepared to receive the -guest he brought with him magnificently, as for the success of his -projects he had so great an interest in pleasing him. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -THE ABDUCTION. - - -Whilst the ceremony we have described was being accomplished, a terrible -event was passing not far from it, on the banks of the river, in the -camp of Don Tadeo de Leon. The three parties which divided Chili, and -aimed at governing it, had, as if of one accord, chosen the day for the -renewal of the treaty to throw off the mask and give their partisans the -signal of revolt. Don Tadeo, who feared everything from Doña Maria and -the General's spies, had consented, but with regret, that Rosario should -accompany him to the plain, to be present at the ceremony; he had taken -her from the convent, and brought the young girl with him, inwardly -pleased that she would thus not be in Valdivia during the serious events -that were there preparing. - -Doña Rosario, to tell the truth, had only consulted her love in the -request she had made of her guardian; the desire of seeing unobserved, -for a few hours, the object of her affections, had dictated it. Don -Tadeo, who could not on any account be present at the ceremony, being -obliged to conceal himself, took the two young Frenchmen aside as soon -as his little encampment was arranged. It was then about seven o'clock -in the morning, and the crowd began to flock to the plain. The King of -Darkness cast a prudent and searching look around, but, reassured by the -complete solitude that prevailed, he at length decided upon explaining -to the young men, who were astonished at this strange proceeding, all -that appeared so unusual and inconsistent in his conduct. - -"Caballeros," he said, "since I have had the honour of knowing you, I -have concealed nothing from you, and you know all my secrets; this day -must decide the question of life or death to which, from my boyhood, -I have devoted all the energies of my mind. I must leave this spot -instantly, and return to Valdivia. It is in that city that the first -blow will be struck, within a few hours, against the tyrant, and the -struggle I expect will be terrible. I am not willing to expose the -young lady whom you know, and whose life you have already saved, to the -chances of it. I confide the care of her to one of you, the other will -accompany me to the city. In the event of any fatal mischance happening -to me, I will place in his hands a paper, which will inform you both of -my intentions, and of what I wish you to do with that poor child, who is -all I hold dear on earth, and whom I leave with the greatest pain. Which -of you, gentlemen, will take charge of Doña Rosario during my absence?" - -"Be at ease, Don Tadeo, go where your duty calls you," Louis answered, -in a solemn but agitated tone; "I swear that while I live no danger, -either near or distant, shall assail her; to reach her it must pass over -my dead body." - -"Receive my warmest thanks, Don Louis," the Dark-Heart replied, somewhat -surprised, and yet affected by the manner of the Frenchman; "I place -implicit faith in your words; I know you will keep your vow at all -risks; besides, in a few hours I hope I shall be back, and here she can -have nothing to dread." - -"I will watch over her," the young man said, quietly. - -"Once again I thank you." - -Don Tadeo left the young men, and returned to the tent where Doña -Rosario, reclining in a hammock, was gently swinging herself, and -indulging in perhaps pleasing reveries. On seeing her guardian, she -sprang up eagerly. - -"Do not disturb yourself, my child," said Don Tadeo, putting her back -with a gentle hand, "I have but two words to say to you." - -"I am always attentive to you, my kind friend." - -"I have come to bid you farewell." - -"Farewell, Don Tadeo!" she exclaimed, in great terror. - -"Oh! comfort yourself, timid darling! only for a few hours." - -"Ah! that is all!" she said, with a smile of satisfaction. - -"Certainly, all! There is in this neighbourhood an exceedingly curious -grotto. I was foolish enough to let some words slip concerning it this -morning before Don Valentine, and that demon of a Frenchman," he added, -with a smile, "insists upon my showing it to him; so that, in order to -get rid of his importunities, I have been obliged to comply." - -"You have done quite right," she said, eagerly; "we are under great -obligations to those two French caballeros, and what he asked is such a -trifle!" - -"That it would have been uncourteous on my part to refuse him," Don -Tadeo interrupted, "therefore I have not. We shall set off directly, -in order to be the sooner back. Be as cheerful as you can during our -absence, dear child." - -"I will endeavour," she said, absently. - -"Besides, I shall leave Don Louis to take care of you; you can chat -together, and the time will quickly pass away." - -The young girl blushed as she stammered--"Come back soon, dear friend." - -"Time to go and return, that is all; adieu, then, darling!" - -Don Tadeo left the tent, and rejoined the young men. - -"Adieu, Don Louis!" he said. "Are you ready, Don Valentine?" - -"Ready!" the Frenchman replied, laughing; "Caramba! I should be in -despair at losing such an opportunity of judging whether you understand -getting up revolutions as well as we Frenchmen do." - -"Oh! We are but young at the work yet," Don Tadeo remarked; "and yet we -begin to have some idea of the matter, I assure you." - -"Good-bye, Louis, for a time," said Valentine, pressing his friend's -hand; and stooping towards his ear, he added--"Be thankful to your -stars, do you not see that Heaven protects your love?" The young man -only replied by shaking his head despondingly, and sighing deeply. A -peon had brought the horses for the two Chilians and the Frenchman, -and they were soon in the saddle. They set off at a quick pace, and -were quickly lost in the high grass and the windings of the road. Louis -returned pensively to the camp, where he found Doña Rosario alone in her -tent; the two Indian chiefs, attracted by curiosity, having gone in the -direction of the chapel, where, mingled with the crowd, they might be -present at the ceremony. The arrieros and the peons had not been long in -following their example. - -The young girl was seated on a heap of dyed sheepskins in front of -the tent, dreamily looking at, but without seeing, the clouds which -were driven across the heavens by a strong breeze. Doña Rosario was -a charming girl of sixteen, slender, fragile, and delicate, small in -person, whose least gestures and least movements possessed inexpressible -attractions. Of a rare kind of beauty in America, she was fair; her -long silky hair was of the colour of ripe golden corn; her blue eyes, -in which were reflected the azure of the heavens, had that melancholy, -dreamy expression which we attribute only to angels, and young girls who -are beginning to love; her nose, with its pinky nostrils, was inclined -to be aquiline; while her mouth, rather serious, with rosy lips set -off by teeth of dazzling whiteness, and her skin of pearl-like purity, -altogether made her a charming creature. - -The noise of the approaching young man's steps roused her from her -reverie. She turned her head in the direction, and looked at him with -inexpressible sadness, although a faint smile played upon her lips. - -"It is I," said the Count, in a low, inarticulate voice, bowing -respectfully. - -"I knew of your coming," she replied, in a sweetly-toned voice. "Oh! why -did you return to me at all?" - -"Be not angry with me for drawing near you once more. I endeavoured to -obey you; I left the spot you resided in, without, alas! even the hope -of seeing you again; but destiny has decided otherwise." - -She gave him a long and eloquent look. - -"Unfortunately," he continued, with a melancholy smile, "you are -condemned for some hours to endure my presence." - -"I must resign myself to it," she said, extending her hand to him -cordially. - -The young man imprinted a burning kiss upon the white, soft hand he held. - -"And so we are left alone!" she said gaily, but withdrawing her hand. - -"Good heavens! yes, nearly so," he replied, falling in with her humour. -"The Indian chiefs and the peons, overcome by curiosity, have joined the -crowds, and kindly procured us a _tête-à-tête_." - -"In the midst of ten thousand people!" she said, smiling. - -"That is all the better; everyone is engaged with his own affairs, -without troubling himself about those of others; and we can speak to -each other without the fear of being interrupted by importunate persons." - -"True," she said, thoughtfully; "it is frequently amidst a crowd that we -find the greatest solitude." - -"Does not the heart possess that great faculty of being able to isolate -itself when it pleases--to fold itself, as it were, within itself?" - -"And is not that faculty often a misfortune?" - -"Perhaps it is," he replied, with a sigh. - -"But how comes it?" she said, with a half-smiling air, in order to -change the conversation, which was becoming a little too serious. -"Pardon my giddy impertinence! How comes it, I say, that you, of whom I -sometimes caught a glimpse at Paris, during my short sojourn there, and -who then enjoyed, if I was not mistaken, a brilliant position, should -meet me here so far from your country?" - -"Alas! madam, my history is that of many young men, and may be summed up -in two words--weakness and ignorance." - -"That is but too true; that is the history of nearly all the world, in -Europe as well as in America." - -At this moment a great noise reached them from the camp. Doña Rosario -and the Count were placed so as not to be able to see what was passing -in the plain. - -"What is that noise?" she asked. - -"Probably the tumult of the festival which reaches us: should you like -to be present at this ceremony?" - -"To what purpose? Those cries and that tumult terrify me." - -"And yet, I thought it was you who asked Don Tadeo to see this." - -"A silly girl's caprice," she said, "which passed away as soon as -conceived." - -"But was it not Don Tadeo's intention to----" - -"Who can tell Don Tadeo's intention?" she interrupted, with a sigh. - -"He appears to love you tenderly?" Louis hazarded, timidly. - -"Sometimes I am on the point of believing so; he pays me the most -delicate attentions, shews me the tenderest care; then at other times he -appears to endure me with, pain--he repulses me--my caresses annoy him." - -"Singular conduct!" the Count observed; "this gentleman is your -relation, there can be no doubt." - -"I do not know," she replied ingenuously; "when alone and pensive, my -thoughts stray back to my early years. I have some vague remembrance of -a young and handsome woman, whose black eyes smiled upon me constantly, -and whose rosy lips lavished affectionate kisses upon me; and then, all -at once, a complete darkness comes over my brain, and memory entirely -fails me. As far back as I can recollect, I find nobody but Don Tadeo -watching over me, everywhere and always, as a father would do over his -daughter." - -"Perhaps, then," said the Count, "he is your father." - -"Listen. One day, after a long and dangerous illness which I had just -gone through, and in which Don Tadeo had night and day watched over -my pillow for more than a month, happy at seeing me restored to life, -for he had been fearful he should lose me, he smiled upon me tenderly, -kissed my brow and my hands, and appeared to experience the most -lively joy. 'Oh!' I said, as a sudden thought rushed across my mind; -'oh! you are my father! None but a father could devote himself with -such abnegation for his child!' and throwing my arms round his neck, -I concealed my tear-laden face on his chest. Don Tadeo arose, his -countenance was lividly pale, his features were frightfully contracted; -he repulsed me roughly, and strode hastily about the chamber. I Your -father! I! Doña Rosario!' he cried, in a husky voice, 'you are a silly, -poor child! Never repeat those words again; your father is dead, and -your mother, likewise, long, long ago. I am not your father--never -repeat that word--I am only your friend. Yes, your father, at the point -of death, confided you to my care, and that is why I am bringing you up, -that is why I watch over you; as to me, I am not even your relation!' -His agitation was extreme; he said many other things which I do not now -remember, and then he left me. Alas! from that day I have never ventured -to ask him for any account of my family." - -A silence ensued; the two young people were pensively thoughtful: the -simple and touching recital of Doña Rosario had strongly affected the -Count. At length he said, in a tremulous voice,-- - -"Let _me_ love you, Doña Rosario!" - -The maiden sighed. - -"To what could that love lead, Don Louis?" she said sadly,--"to death, -perhaps!" - -"Oh!" he exclaimed madly; "and it would be welcome, if it came in your -defence!" - -At this very instant, several individuals rushed into the tent, uttering -discordant cries. Quick as thought, the Count threw himself before the -young girl, a pistol in each hand. But, as if Heaven had decreed that he -should accomplish the wish he had just uttered, before he had time to -defend himself, he was struck to the earth, stabbed by several machetes. -In falling, he saw, as if in a dream, Doña Rosario seized by two -individuals, who fled away with her in their arms. With an incredible -effort, the young man succeeded in getting on his knees, and afterwards -in rising altogether. He beheld the ravishers hastening towards their -horses, which were being held at a short distance by an Indian. He -took aim at the flying wretches, crying, with a faint voice, "Murder! -Murder!" and fired. - -One of the ravishers fell, uttering an imprecation of rage. The Count, -exhausted by the superhuman effort he had made, staggered like a drunken -man; the blood gushed from his ears, his sight grew dim, and he rolled -senseless upon the ground. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX. - -THE PROTEST. - - -The three travellers returned with such speed to Valdivia, that it -scarcely took them an hour and a half to traverse the distance which -divided the plain from the city. They passed on their way General -Don Pancho Bustamente, at the head of a detachment of lanceros, and -attended by a numerous staff; but the Dark-Hearts, employing their usual -precautions, escaped notice. Don Tadeo cast an ironical glance at his -enemy. - -"Look," he said, with a somewhat malignant smile, to Don Gregorio, -"at our worthy general; he fancies himself already protector. What a -majestic bearing he affects!" - -"Yes," said Don Gregorio, with the same expression; "but between the cup -and the lip he may find there is room for a mischance." - -It was striking ten as they entered Valdivia. The city was almost -deserted: for all who were not detained at home by urgent business had -gone to the plain, to be present at the renewal of the treaties between -the Chilians and the Araucanos. This ceremony strongly interested the -inhabitants of the province: it was for them a guarantee of tranquillity -for the future; that is to say, the liberty of carrying on with safety -their commercial transactions with the Indians. More than all the other -provinces of Chili, Valdivia had cause to dread hostilities with its -redoubtable neighbours. Separated entirely from the territory of the -republic, when left to its own resources, the least movement among -the Moluchos annihilated its commerce. If the inhabitants appeared to -have emigrated for a time, it was not the same with the soldiers; the -numerous garrison, composed--a thing unheard of in time of peace--of -fifteen hundred men, had been still further increased within the last -two days, principally in the course of the preceding night, by two -regiments of cavalry, and a battery of artillery. - -For what purpose was this calling together of forces, which nothing -appeared to justify? The few inhabitants who remained in the city -experienced a vague uneasiness on this head, for which they could not -account. There is a singular fact that we wish to point out here, but -which we by no means take upon ourselves to explain, because it has -always seemed to us inexplicable. When a great event, whatever it may -be, is about to be accomplished in a country, a vague presentiment -seems to warn the inhabitants; men and things assume an unusual aspect; -nature itself, associating with this disposition of men's minds, grows -sensibly darker; a magnetic fluid rushes through the veins; a painful -pressure weighs upon every breast; the atmosphere becomes heavy; the -sun loses its brilliancy; and people only communicate their impressions -to each other in a suppressed voice; in short, there is in the air -something incomprehensible, but I know not what, which says to man in -a dismal tone, "Beware! a catastrophe threatens thee!" And this fatal -presentiment is so general, that when the event takes place, and the -crisis is over, every one instinctively cries, "I felt it!" And yet no -one could say why he foresaw the cataclysm. - -It is the sentiment of self-preservation which God has placed in the -heart of man--that sentiment which constitutes his safeguard, and is -so strong, that when danger approaches him, it cries to him, "Beware!" -Valdivia was at this moment oppressed by the weight of an unknown -apprehension. The few citizens who remained in the city hastened to -regain their homes. Numerous patrols of cavalry and infantry traversed -the streets in all directions; cannon rolled along with portentous -noise, and were planted at the comers of all the principal places. At -the cabildo a crowd of officers and soldiers went in and out with a -busy air; couriers succeeded each other unceasingly, and after having -delivered the orders with which they were charged, set off again at full -speed. - -At the same time, at the corners of streets, men wrapped in large -cloaks, and with hats pulled down over their eyes, harangued the workmen -and the sailors of the port, and formed groups, which every instant -became more numerous. In these groups, arms, gun barrels, bayonets, -and pike heads began to glitter in the sun. When these mysterious men -were satisfied that they had accomplished their task in one place, they -went to another. Immediately after their departure, as if by magic, -barricades were raised behind them, and impeded the passage. As soon as -a barricade was terminated, an energetic-looking sentinel, a workman -with bare arms, but with a callous hand, brandishing a gun, an axe, or -a sabre, placed himself at its summit, and bade all who approached go -another way. - -On entering the city, Don Tadeo and his companions found themselves -completely barricaded. Don Tadeo smiled triumphantly. The three men -cleared the barricades, which were thrown open at their approach, and -the sentinels bowed to them as they passed. We have forgotten to say -that all three were masked. There was something striking in the march -of these three phantoms, before whom all obstacles gave way. If now and -then a stray citizen ventured to ask timidly who those three masked -men were, he received for answer, "It is the King of Darkness and his -lieutenants;" and the citizen, trembling with fear, crossed himself, and -went his way hastily. - -The three men thus arrived at the entrance of the Plaza Mayor. There -two pieces of mounted cannon barred their passage, and the artillerymen -were at their guns waiting, match in hand. At a sign from Don Tadeo, the -officer who commanded approached him. He leant down upon the neck of his -horse and said a few words to the officer in a whisper; the latter bowed -respectfully, and, turning to his soldiers, said-- - -"Let these gentlemen pass." - -In all the cities of Spanish America there is a monumental fountain in -the centre of the Plaza Mayor. It was towards this fountain that Don -Tadeo conducted his companions. A hundred individuals, scattered here -and there, and who appeared to expect him, drew together at his approach. - -"Well," Don Tadeo asked Valentine, "how do you like our ride?" - -"Delightful," the other replied, "only I fancy we shall shortly come to -blows, and hear the hissing of bullets." - -"I hope so," said the conspirator, coolly. - -"Ah! ah!" the young man remarked, "all is for the best, then?" - -"You are about to be present at a very interesting spectacle." - -"Oh! I depend upon you for that. For my part, I am glad at not having -lost such an opportunity." - -"Is it not one?" - -"Pardieu!--yes. It is astonishing how travelling instructs one," he -added, in the form of a parenthesis. - -The individuals assembled near the fountain surrounded them with -every mark of the profoundest respect. These were the faithful--the -Dark-Hearts--upon whom perfect dependence was to be placed. - -"Gentlemen," said Don Tadeo, "the struggle is about to commence. I -desire at length that you should know me, that you should be informed -who the man is who commands you." - -And he threw off his mask. A burst of enthusiasm broke from the ranks -of the conspirators. "Don Tadeo de Leon!" they cried with astonishment, -mingled with a species of veneration for the man who had suffered so -much for the common cause. - -"Yes, gentlemen," Don Tadeo replied, "the man whom the creatures of the -tyrant condemned to death, and whom God has miraculously preserved, in -order to be the instrument of His vengeance today." - -All the conspirators pressed tumultuously round him. These men of -spontaneous impressions, and essentially superstitious, no longer -doubted of victory, since they had at their head the man whom God, as -they believed, had so manifestly protected. Don Tadeo had calculated -upon this manifestation to heighten the ardour of the conspirators, -and to augment still further the prestige he enjoyed. The result had -answered his expectations. - -"Is everyone at his post?" he asked. - -"Yes." - -"Are arms and ammunition distributed?" - -"To everybody." - -"Are all the barricades completed?--all the gates of the city guarded?" - -"All." - -"That is well. Now wait." - -And quiet was re-established. - -All these men had known Don Tadeo for a long time; they appreciated his -character at its true value; they had already vowed to him a boundless -friendship; and now they knew that Don Tadeo and the King of Darkness -were the same person, they were ready to lay down their lives for him. -The news of the revelation which had been made near the fountain spread -through the city with the rapidity of a train of gunpowder, and added -greatly to the fermentation which already prevailed. Whilst the few -words were being exchanged between the chief of the conspirators and -his party, a regiment of infantry had formed in front of the cabildo, -flanked right and left by two squadrons of horse. - -"Attention!" Don Tadeo commanded. - -A sensation of impatience pervaded the men grouped around him. - -"Eh! eh!" Valentine murmured, with that mocking, short laugh that was -peculiar to him; "this is going on capitally! Caramba! we shall soon -have some fun!" - -The gates of the cabildo were thrown open violently, and a general, -followed by a brilliant staff, took his station on the top step of the -great staircase; next several senators made their appearance in full -costume, and formed a group round him. At a signal from the general, the -drums beat for a time, to secure attention and silence. When all was -quiet, a senator, who held a roll of paper in his hand, came forward a -few steps, and prepared to read. - -"Bah!" said the General, seizing his arm, "Why lose your time in reading -that rubbish? Leave it to me." - -The senator, who asked no better than to be freed from the dangerous -commission with which, very much against his will, he had been charged, -rolled up his papers, and retreated to the rear. The general assumed a -commanding posture, placed his hand upon his hip, with the point of his -sword on the ground, and said in a voice audible in every corner of the -place-- - -"People of the province of Valdivia, the sovereign senate, assembled -in congress at Santiago de Chili, has unanimously passed the following -resolutions:-- - -"1st. The various provinces of the Chilian republic shall be composed of -independent states united under the title of the Confederation of the -United States of South America. - -"2nd. The valiant and most excellent general, Don Pancho Bustamente, has -been elected Protector of the Chilian Confederation." - -"People, cry with me--'Long live the Protector Don Pancho Bustamente!'" - -The officers grouped round the General, and the soldiers drawn up in the -place, shouted-- - -"Long live the Protector!" - -But the people were mute. - -"Hum!" the general murmured to himself; "they do not display much -enthusiasm." - -A man came forward from the group collected round the fountain, and -advanced boldly to within twenty paces of the soldiers. This man was -Don Tadeo de Leon; his countenance was calm and his bearing firm and -collected. He made a sign with his hand. - -"What is your will?" the general shouted. - -"To reply to your proclamation," the King of Darkness said, intrepidly. - -"Speak! I hear you," the general replied. - -Don Tadeo bowed with a significant smile. - -"In the name of the Chilian people," he said, in a loud, clear voice, -"the senate of Santiago de Chili, composed of creatures sold to the -tyrant, is declared traitorous to its country." - -"Miserable fellow! what do you dare to say?" the General cried, angrily. - -"No insults, if you please! Allow me to terminate the answer I have to -give you," Don Tadeo replied, coolly. - -The General, involuntarily brow-beaten by the heroic courage of this -man, who, alone, unarmed before a triple row of muskets ready to be -directed towards his breast, had dared to speak in this loud, firm -tone, and overcome by that ascendancy which a great character always -exercises, bit the pommel of his sword with rage. - -"In the name of the people," Don Tadeo, still calm and stoical, -continued, "Don Pancho Bustamente is declared a traitor to his country, -and as such is degraded from his titles and his power. Liberty! Chili!" - -"Liberty! Chili!" the populace assembled on the square shouted with the -greatest enthusiasm. - -"Oh, this is too audacious!" the General cried, pale with anger. -"Soldiers, seize that rebel!" - -Several soldiers stepped forward; but, quicker than thought, Don -Gregorio and Valentine had sprung to Don Tadeo's side, and dragged him -back with them among the people. - -"Cordieu!" cried Valentine, pressing his hands enough to crush them, -"you are a troublesome man! but I love you the better for it." - -The General, outrageous at seeing his enemy escape, shouted silence. "In -the name of the Protector," he said, "I command that rebel to be given -up!" - -Hisses and hootings were the only reply. - -"Fire!" the General commanded, who, even before the last insulting -manifestation, had perceived that no half measures were possible. The -muskets were lowered, and a formidable discharge pealed like thunder. -Several men fell, killed or wounded. - -"Chili! Liberty! down with the oppressor!" the people shouted, arming -themselves with everything they could lay their hands on. A second -discharge resounded, followed closely by a third. The ground was, in an -instant, strewed with the dead and dying; but the patriots showed no -disposition to disperse; on the contrary, under the incessant fire of -the soldiers, they organized a resistance, and soon replied by a few -shots to the incessant platoon firing which was decimating them. The -combat became mutual; the revolution had commenced. - -"Hum!" the General muttered to himself, "I have undertaken a rather -awkward mission." - -But, essentially a soldier, and endowed to the highest degree with that -spirit of passive obedience which distinguishes all who have grown old -in harness, he prepared either to chastise the insurgents severely, or -die at his post. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI. - -SPANIARD AND INDIAN. - - -It was not, as may well be believed, through fear, that General -Bustamente had absented himself from Valdivia at the moment when one -of his lieutenants so boldly proclaimed him from the top of the steps -of the cabildo, before the populace. No, General Bustamente was one -of those soldiers of fortune of whom so many are found in America, -accustomed to set his life upon a cast of the die, and to be turned -aside by nothing in the world from the accomplishment of his projects. -He had hoped, by the means of the forces he had concentrated in this -remote province of the republic, that the inhabitants, taken unawares, -would only offer an insignificant resistance, and that he should be -able, by joining his troops with those of Antinahuel, to make a forced -march through Araucania, gain possession of Concepción, and thence, -keeping the gathering snowball in motion, and dragging his companions -after him, arrive at Santiago in time to prevent any movement, and -oblige the inhabitants to capitulate and accept, as an accomplished -fact, the change of government inaugurated by him in the distant -provinces of the republic. - -This plan was not deficient in audacity, or even in a certain degree of -policy; it comprised great chances of success. Unfortunately for General -Bustamente, the Dark-Hearts, whose spies were everywhere, had got wind -of this project, and had countermined it by taking advantage of the -opportunity offered them by their enemy to unmask their own batteries. -We have seen under what conditions the struggle between the two parties -had commenced in Valdivia. The General, who was ignorant of what was -passing, felt in a state of perfect security. As soon as he was in his -tent with Antinahuel, he let fall the curtain which closed it behind -them, and, by a gesture, invited the toqui to be seated. - -"Sit down, chief," he said, "I have something to say to you." - -"I am at the orders of my white brother," the Indian replied, with a bow. - -The General attentively examined the man before him; he endeavoured to -read on his countenance the various feelings that acted upon him; but -the features of the Indian were marble; no impression was reflected by -them. - -"Let us speak frankly, loyally, and as friends who wish no better than -to understand each other plainly," he said. - -Antinahuel bowed reservedly to this appeal to frankness, and the General -continued-- - -"At this moment the people of Valdivia are constituting me, by -acclamation, protector of a new confederation, formed of all the states." - -"Good!" said the chief, with an almost imperceptible shake of the head; -"is my father sure of that?" - -"Certainly I am. The Chilians are tired of the continual agitations -which disturb the country; they have forced this heavy burden upon me; -but I owe myself to my country, and I will not disappoint the hopes my -compatriots place in me." - -These words were pronounced in a hypocritical tone of self-denial, of -which the Indian was not in the least the dupe. A smile flitted across -the lips of the chief, which the General affected not to perceive. - -"To be brief," he continued, quitting the mild, conciliatory tone in -which he had till that time spoken, to assume a more decided and abrupt -manner, "are you prepared to keep your engagements?" - -"Why should I not keep them?" Antinahuel remarked. - -"Will you march with me to assure the success of my projects?" - -"Let my father order, I will obey." - -This readiness was displeasing to the General. - -"Come," he said, angrily, "let us put an end to this; I have not time to -enter into a contest of wits with you, or follow you through a labyrinth -of Indian circumlocutions." - -"I do not understand my father," Antinahuel replied, impassively. - -"We shall never get to the end, chief," the General said, stamping his -foot, "if you will not answer me categorically." - -"I listen to my father; let him ask, I will reply." - -"How many men can you have under arms within twenty-four hours?" - -"Ten thousand," the chief said, drawing himself up proudly. - -"All experienced warriors?" - -"All." - -"What do you require of me for them?" - -"My father knows." - -"I accept of all your conditions but one." - -"Which is that?" - -"The surrender of the province of Valdivia to you." - -"Is not my father going to make up for that province on another side?" - -"How so?" - -"Am I not to assist my father in conquering Bolivia?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, then?" - -"You are mistaken, chief, it is not the same thing; I may enlarge the -Chilian territory, but honour forbids me to diminish it." - -"Let my father reflect; the province of Valdivia was anciently an -Araucanian Uthal-Mapus." - -"Very possibly, chief; but, according to that principle, all Chili was -Araucanian previous to the discovery of America." - -"My father is mistaken; the Inca Sinchiroca had, a hundred years before, -conquered the Chilian land as far as the Rio-Maulé." - -"You seem to be well acquainted with the history of your country, -chief," the General observed. - -"Does not my father know the history of his?" - -"That is not the question, now; do you accept my proposals or not?" - -The chief appeared to reflect for an instant. - -"Well!" the General exclaimed, impatiently, "time presses." - -"That is true; I will, therefore, go and command a council, composed -of the Apo-Ulmens and Ulmens of my nation, and submit the words of my -father to them." - -The General with difficulty suppressed an expression of anger. - -"You must, doubtless, be joking, chief," he said--"your words cannot be -serious." - -"Antinahuel is the first toqui of his nation," the Indian replied, -haughtily; "he never jokes." - -"But you must give me your answer now--at once--in a few minutes!" cried -the General; "who knows whether we may not be obliged to march within an -hour from this time?" - -"It is my duty, as much as it is my father's, to enlarge the territory -of my people." - -At this moment the gallop of a horse was heard approaching; the General -flew to the entrance of the tent, where an orderly officer appeared. The -face of this officer was bathed with perspiration, and spots of blood -stained his uniform. - -"General!" he said breathlessly. - -"Silence!" the latter hissed, pointing to the chief, who, though -apparently indifferent, followed all his movements attentively. The -General turned towards Antinahuel. - -"Chief," he said, "I have orders to give to this officer--pressing -orders; if you will permit me, we will resume our conversation -presently." - -"Good!" replied the chief; "my father need not inconvenience himself; I -can wait." - -And after bowing, he left the tent slowly. - -"Oh!" said the General to himself, "you demon! if, some day, I have you -in my power!" - -But perceiving that anger was making him forget himself, he turned -towards the officer, who stood motionless: - -"Well, Diego," he said, "what news have you?--are we conquerors?" - -"No," the officer replied, shaking his head; "the people, excited by -those incarnate demons, the Dark-Hearts, have rebelled." - -"Oh!" the General cried, "shall I never be able to crush them? What has -taken place?" - -"The people have raised barricades; and Don Tadeo de Leon is at the head -of the movement." - -"Don Tadeo de Leon!" said the General. - -"Yes, he who was so clumsily shot." - -"Oh! this is war to the death then!" - -"A part of the troops, seduced by their officers, who have sold -themselves to the Dark-Hearts, have passed over to their side; at -this moment they are fighting in all the streets with the fiercest -inveteracy. I had to pass through a shower of bullets to come and inform -you." - -"We have not an instant to lose." - -"No; for though the soldiers who have remained faithful to you are -fighting like lions, I can assure you they are closely pressed." - -"Maldición!" the General howled; "I will not leave stone upon stone of -that accursed city!" - -"Yes, but, in the first place, we must reconquer it, General, and that -will prove rather a rough job, I promise you," replied the old soldier, -who had preserved his blunt speech throughout. - -"Very well!" said Bustamente; "let 'boot and saddle' be sounded, and -every horseman take a foot soldier behind him." - -Don Pancho Bustamente was a prey to the most violent rage; for several -instants he stamped about his tent, like a wild beast in its cage. This -unexpected resistance, in spite of all the measures of precaution he had -taken, exasperated him. Suddenly the curtain of his tent was raised. -"Who is there?" he cried. "Ah! chief, is that you? Well, what do you -say?" - -"I saw the chief come out, and I thought that perhaps my father would -not be sorry to see me," the other replied, courteously. - -"And you were right; I am delighted to see you; forget all we have said, -chief; I accept all your conditions; are you satisfied, this time?" - -"Yes. Including Valdivia?" - -"That above all!" said the General, with concentrated rage. - -"Ah!" - -"Yes, and as that province has revolted, in order to be able to give it -to you, I must bring it back to its duty, must I not?" - -"To be sure you must!" - -"Well, as I have it at my heart to fulfil all my engagements to you, -I am going instantly to march against that city; will you help me to -subdue it?" - -"That will be but just, as I shall labour for myself." - -"How many horsemen have you at hand?" - -"Twelve hundred." - -"Good!" said the General, "they will be more than we shall want." - -"The troops are ready," said Diego, entering the tent, "and only await -your Excellency's orders." - -"To saddle, then; let us be gone! let us be gone! And you, chief, will -you not accompany us?" - -"Let my father move onward! my mosotones and I will tread in his steps -quickly." - -Ten minutes later, General Bustamente, with his soldiers, was again -galloping along the road to Valdivia. Antinahuel followed him with his -eyes attentively; then he rejoined his Ulmens, saying between his teeth, -"Let us leave these Moro-Huincas to slaughter each other a little while; -it will always be time enough to fall into the party." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII. - -IN THE MOUNTAIN. - - -Doña Rosario was so terrified, and such mortal anguish assailed her -on beholding the Count fall under the knives of the assassins, that -she fainted. When she recovered her senses, it was dark night. For -several minutes her confused thoughts whirled about in her brain; and -she endeavoured, but for a long time in vain, to recover the violently -broken thread of her ideas. At length light returned to her mind; she -breathed a deep sigh, and murmured in a low voice full of terror: - -"My God! my God! what has happened to me?" - -She then opened her eyes, and cast around a despairing look. We have -said it was a dark night; but what made the darkness more complete -for the poor girl, was a heavy covering of some kind which was spread -over her face, as well as her person. Then, with that patience which -characterizes all prisoners, and which is merely the instinct of -liberty, the poor child endeavoured to ascertain what her position was. -As well as she could judge, she was lying upon the back of a mule, -between two bales; a cord, which passed round her waist, prevented her -from rising, but her hands were free. The mule had that rough, irregular -trot, peculiar to its species, which made the young girl suffer terribly -at every step. Some horse cloths had been thrown over her, no doubt to -protect her from the heavy dews of the night, or perhaps to prevent her -from making out what road she was going. Doña Rosario, gently, and with -great precaution, slipped the covering down from her face: after a few -efforts her head was completely free. She then looked around her; but -all was dark. The moon, closely veiled by the clouds which passed over -its pale disc, only yielded, at rare intervals, a weak, uncertain light. -By lifting her head softly, the young girl could distinguish several -horsemen, riding before and behind the mule which carried her. As well -as she could make out, from the obscurity which surrounded her, these -horsemen were Indians. - -The rather numerous party--it apparently consisted of a score of -individuals--followed a narrow road deeply inclosed between two abrupt -mountains, the rocky masses of which, throwing their shadow over the -road, augmented the darkness. This road rose with a gentle ascent; and -the horses and mules, probably fatigued with a long journey, travelled -at a foot pace. The young girl, scarcely recovered from her fainting, -had not been able to judge of the time that had elapsed since her -abduction; and yet, by collecting her remembrances, and thinking at what -hour she had been the victim of this odious attempt, she calculated -that twelve hours must have passed away since she was made a prisoner. -Overcome by the effort she had been forced to make in order to look -around her, the poor girl let her head sink back again, stifling a sigh -of despondency; and closing her eyes, as if to isolate herself the more, -she plunged into sad and deep meditations. - -She was at least ignorant of whom she was with. Many times, it was true, -Don Tadeo had spoken to her of an inveterate enemy, inveterate for her -destruction; of a woman whose hatred watched her incessantly, ready to -sacrifice her on the first favourable opportunity. But who was this -woman? What cause had she for her hatred? Was she in the hands of this -woman at that moment? And if so, why had she not already sacrificed -her to her vengeance? From what motive had she been spared? For what -punishment was she reserved? - -These thoughts and many others came in crowds to assail the maiden's -bewildered mind. This uncertainty was for her an atrocious torture; at -that moment, the truth would, perhaps, have been a consolation. Man is -so constructed, that what he is most in dread of is the unknown; what he -is ignorant of, assumes instinctively, in the prepossessed eyes of one -whom a terrible danger menaces, gigantic proportions, a thousand times -more terrific than the danger itself. The diseased imagination creates -for itself phantoms which reality, however horrible it may be, puts -to flight. In a word, the condemned prisoner who is led to punishment -suffers more from the apprehensions which the fear of the death awaiting -him inspires him with, than the physical pain of that death itself will -cause him. Such was, at this moment, the situation of Doña Rosario; her -mind, filled with inquietude and dark presentiments, made her dread -nameless sufferings, the mere thought of which froze the young blood in -her veins. - -The caravan still proceeded; it had left the ravine, and was climbing -a path traced along the edge of a precipice, at the base of which -could be heard the dull murmur of invisible water. At times, a stone, -half-broken beneath the hoof of a mule, became detached, and rolled with -a sinister noise down the side of the mountain, to engulf itself in the -waters, into which it plunged with a dull plash, the sound of which -ascended from the abyss. The wind howled through the pines and larches, -the clashing branches of which showered a deluge of dry cones upon the -travellers. At intervals the owl, and the screech owl, concealed in -the crevices of the rocks, poured out into the night their plaintive -notes, breaking the silence dismally. Furious barkings were heard in the -distance; by degrees they grew nearer, and ended by forming a frightful -concert, broken by the sharp voices of women and children, endeavouring -to quiet them; lights appeared, and the caravan stopped. They had -evidently arrived at the halt, at which they were to pass the rest of -the night. - -The maiden cast an anxious but cautious look around her; but the flame -of the torches agitated by the wind would not permit her to see anything -but the dark outlines of some buildings and the shadows of several -individuals who flitted about her, with cries and laughter--nothing -more. The people of the escort were busily employed in unsaddling the -horses and unloading the mules, amidst cries and oaths, and did not -appear to bestow the least attention upon the young girl. - -A considerable time passed away; Doña Rosario did not know to what to -attribute this unaccountable forgetfulness. At length she felt that -someone took the mule by the bridle, and she heard him shout in a hoarse -voice, _Arrea!_--the word with which the arrieros are accustomed to -excite their beasts. Had she, then, been deceived? Was it not here they -were to stop? What was the meaning of the halt, then? Why did a portion -of the escort leave her? - -Her uncertainty was not of long duration; at the end of ten minutes at -most, the mule stopped again, and the man who led it approached Doña -Rosario. This man, clothed in the costume of the Chilian peasantry, wore -an old straw Panama hat, the large brim of which, pulled down over his -face, prevented her distinguishing his features. At the sight of this -individual, the young girl felt an involuntary shudder run through her -frame. The peasant, or pretended peasant, without addressing a word to -her, withdrew the covering which enfolded her, untied the cord which -bound her to the mule, and taking her in his arms, carried her with as -much ease as if she had been a child, into a detached cabin a few paces -distant, the door of which, standing open, seemed to invite them to -enter. - -The interior of this cabin was dark. The young girl was laid upon the -ground with a care and attention she did not expect. At the moment when -he let her sink softly down from his arms to the ground, the man bent -his head down towards her, and in a voice as inaudible as a breath, he -whispered, "Courage! and hope!" and recovering himself quickly, went -hastily out of the cabin, closing the door after him. - -As soon as he was gone, Doña Rosario sprang upon her feet. The two words -pronounced by the unknown had sufficed to restore her presence of mind, -and remove all her terrors. Hope, that universal panacea, that supreme -good, which God, in His infinite mercy, has given to the unfortunate -to help them to suffer, had suddenly re-entered her heart; she felt -herself become strong, and ready to engage in the struggle with her -unknown enemies. She knew now that a friend watched in secret over her, -and, if required, his assistance would not be wanting; therefore it was -almost with impatience, though still with fear, that she waited for her -ravishers to signify their intentions. - -The place in which she was confined was completely dark. At the first -moment she in vain endeavoured to distinguish anything in this chaos; -but, by degrees, her eyes became accustomed to the darkness, and, in -front of her, she perceived a faint light, which flitted between the -badly-joined boards of a door. She then, with great precaution, for -fear of arousing her invisible guardians, and stretching out her hand -to keep her from contact with any obstacle she could not see, advanced -cautiously, and listening attentively, towards the side from which came -the light--a light which attracted her as instinctively as a flame -attracts the imprudent moth whose wings it burns. - -The nearer she approached, the more distinct the light became, and the -sound of a voice reached her ears. At length her extended hands touched -the door, and leaning forward, she applied her eye to the chink. She -stifled a cry of surprise, and, as at that moment the conversation, -which had been for a short time interrupted, recommenced, she listened -with intensity. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII. - -ON THE WATCH. - - -What she heard, but still more what she saw, necessarily powerfully -interested Doña Rosario. In a vast room, dimly lighted by one of those -yellow candles which the Chilians call _velas de cebo_, fastened to -the wall by means of a ring, a woman, still young, and very handsome, -attired in a riding dress of great richness, was seated on an ebony -chair, covered with Cordova leather. With her right hand she played -with a gold headed whip, and was speaking in an animated tone to a man -who stood respectfully before her, hat in hand. This man, as well as -Doña Rosario could make out, was the same who had carried her into the -_cuarto_. The woman, whom Doña Rosario did not recollect ever to have -seen, was no other than Doña Maria, the shameless courtesan, who, under -the name of the Linda, enjoyed such a scandalous celebrity. - -Doña Maria's position threw the light of the candle full upon her face, -and gave Doña Rosario an opportunity of distinguishing her features. -She contemplated them with deep interest, for she felt instinctively -that this woman was the enemy who, from her birth, had fatally followed -her steps. She imagined that a decisive conference between her and -the unknown was about to take place, and that in a few minutes her -fate would be made known to her. And yet, at the aspect of this woman, -whose bent brows, clear and haughty look, coldly compressed lips, -and cruel words, revealed with the hatred which devoured her, it was -neither a feeling of terror, nor a feeling of hatred, that the young -girl experienced. Without knowing why, a sadness and an undefined pity -for the very woman who was giving orders that made her shudder, took -possession of her. She listened breathlessly, fascinated, scarcely -knowing whether what she heard was really true, and fancying herself at -times under the influence of some terrible hallucination. - -The two speakers, who knew not that they were either watched or -overheard, resumed their conversation in an unrestrained voice. Doña -Rosario, we may well suppose, did not lose a single word. - -"How is it," said the Linda, "that Joan has not come? I expected him." - -The man thus questioned cast a sharp look around him, and rolling up -the broad brim of his hat in his fingers, replied with ill-dissembled -embarrassment-- - -"Joan sent me in his place." - -"And by what right," said the Linda, in a haughty tone, "does the fellow -presume to confide to others the care of accomplishing the orders I give -him?" - -"Joan is my friend," the man replied. - -"What are the ties that unite you to me:" she asked, contemptuously. - -"The mission you charged him with is accomplished." - -"Ay--but faithfully?" - -"The woman is there," he said, pointing to the room in which Doña -Rosario was; "during the journey she has spoken to nobody, and I can -guarantee that she does not know to what place she has been brought." - -At this assurance the look of Doña Maria softened a little, and it was -in a less sharp and haughty tone she continued-- - -"But why did Joan give up his place to you?" - -"Oh!" the man said with a feigned bluntness, belied by his cunning eye, -"for a very simple reason; Joan is at this moment attracted towards the -plain by the black eyes of the wife of a paleface, which sparkle like -fireflies in the night. The woman's toldo is built in the country, near -the toldería which you call, I think, Concepción. Although such conduct -be unworthy of a warrior, his heart is flying constantly towards this -woman, in spite of himself, and until he gain possession of her, he will -never be in his senses." - -"Well, then," the Linda interrupted, stamping her foot with vexation, -"why does not the fool carry her off?" - -"I proposed that to him." - -"And what did he say?" - -"He refused." - -Doña Maria shrugged her shoulders with a smile of disdain. "Still," she -remarked, "all that does not tell me who you are." - -"I! I am an Ulmen in my tribe; a great warrior among the Puelches," he -replied, proudly. - -"Ah!" she said, with an air of satisfaction, "you are an Ulmen of the -Puelches, are you? Good! then I can depend upon your fidelity." - -"I am the friend of Joan," he remarked simply, with a respectful bow. - -"Do you know the woman whom you have brought here?" the Linda asked, -darting at him a mistrustful glance. - -"How should I know her?" - -"Are you ready to obey me in everything?" - -"My obedience will depend on my sister; let her speak, and I will -answer." - -"This woman is my enemy," said the Linda. - -"Must she die?" he asked, roughly, without lowering his eyes before the -searching glances of the Linda. - -"Oh, no!" she cried eagerly; "these Indians are brutes--they understand -nothing of vengeance! What use would her death be to me? It is her life -I want." - -"Let my sister explain; I do not comprehend." - -"Death! that is nothing but a few instants of suffering, then all is -over." - -"White death may be so, but an Indian death must be called for many -hours before it answers." - -"I wish her to live, I tell you!" - -"She shall live. Ah!" he added, with a sigh, "the toldo of a chief is -empty, its fires are extinguished." - -"Oh! oh!" the Linda interrupted; "have you no wives?" - -"They are dead." - -"And where is your tribe at this moment?" - -"Oh!" said the Indian, "far from here--ten suns' march, at least. I was -returning to rejoin the warriors of my toldería, when Joan charged me -with this mission." - -There was a short silence, during which the Linda appeared to be -reflecting. Doña Rosario redoubled her attention--she felt she was about -to know her fate. - -"And pray," Doña Maria resumed, fixing her keen eyes upon the Indian, -"what great interest detained you on the plains near the seashore?" - -"None; I came, as the other Ulmens did, to renew the treaties." - -"Had you no other reasons?" - -"None at all." - -"Listen to me, chief. You have, doubtless, admired the four horses -fastened at the gate of this house?" - -"They are noble beasts," the Indian replied, his eyes glistening with -the desire of possessing them. - -"Well, it only depends upon yourself that I should give them to you." - -"Oh! oh!" he cried, joyfully, "what must I do for that?" - -"Obey me," said the Linda, with a smile. - -"I will obey," he replied. - -"Whatever I command you?" - -"Whatever my sister commands." - -"That is well; but remember what I am going to say to you. If you -deceive me, my vengeance will be terrible--it will follow you -everywhere." - -"Why should I deceive my sister?" - -"Because your Indian race is so constituted--astute and roguish, ever -ready to betray." - -A sinister flash gleamed from the downcast eye of the Puelche warrior; -nevertheless, he replied in a calm tone-- - -"My sister is mistaken; the Araucanos are loyal." - -"We shall see," she coldly remarked. "What is your name?" - -"The Musk Rat." - -"Very well; listen, Musk Rat, to what I am going to say." - -"My ears are open." - -"This woman, who, according to my orders, you brought here, must never -again revisit the shores of the sea." - -"She shall never see them again." - -"I do not wish her to die--understand that; she must suffer," the Linda -added, in a tone which made the unhappy girl tremble with fear. - -"She shall suffer." - -"Yes," said Doña Maria, with sparkling eyes, "I wish that, during a -long course of years, she may suffer a martyrdom at every instant; she -is young, she will have time to call upon death to deliver her from her -misery before it deigns to listen to her. Beyond the mountains, far in -the deserts, in the virgin forests of the Grou-Chaco, I am told that -hordes of Indians exist who are ferocious and sanguinary, and bear a -deadly hatred towards all of the white race." - -"Yes," said the Puelche, in a melancholy tone, "I have heard of these -men from the chiefs of my tribe; they live only for murder." - -"That is it!" she said, with sinister delight. "Well, chief, do you -think yourself able to traverse these vast deserts, and reach the -Grou-Chaco?" - -"Why should I not?" the Indian replied, raising his head proudly, "Do -there exist obstacles strong enough to resist the Araucano warrior in -his course? The puma is the king of the forests, the vulture that of the -heavens; but the Aucas is the king of the puma and the eagle; the desert -is his--Guatechu has given it to him; his horse and his lance render him -invincible and master of immensity." - -"Then my brother will accomplish this journey, which is impossible?" - -A disdainful smile played for an instant round the lips of the savage -warrior. - -"I will accomplish it," he said. - -"Good! my brother is a chief--I perceive he is one now." - -The Puelche bowed modestly. - -"My brother will go there, then, and when he arrives in the Chaco, he -will sell the pale girl to the Guayacuras." - -The Indian did not allow any mark of astonishment to be perceived upon -his face. - -"I will sell her," he replied. - -"That is well!--my brother will be faithful?" - -"I am a chief; I have but one word, my tongue is not forked; but why -should I take this pale woman so far?" - -Doña Maria cast a penetrating glance at him--a suspicion crossed her -mind--the Indian perceived it. - -"I only made a simple observation to my sister; it concerns me little, -and she need not answer me if she does not think proper," he said, with -indifference. - -The brow of the Linda became serene again. - -"The remark is just, chief; I will answer it. Why take her so far, you -asked me; because Antinahuel loves this woman--his heart is softened by -her--and perhaps he will suffer himself to be moved by her prayers, and -restore her to her family. But it shall not happen; she shall weep tears -of blood; her heart shall break under the incessant pangs of grief; she -shall lose everything, even hope!" - -After uttering these words, Doña Maria arose, with head erect, sparkling -eyes, and extended arm; there was in her aspect something fatal and -terrible, which terrified even the Indian, by nature so difficult to -move. - -"Go," she cried, in a tone of command, "before she departs for ever, -I will see this woman once--only once, and speak with her for a few -minutes; she shall at least know me: bring her hither!" - -The Indian went out silently; this woman, so beautiful and so cruel, -terrified him--she inspired him with horror. - -Doña Rosario, on hearing this atrocious sentence pronounced against her, -fell senseless to the ground. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV. - -FACE TO FACE. - - -The door of the cuarto in which Doña Rosario was confined was thrown -open, and the Puelche warrior appeared; he held in his hand a rude -earthen lamp, the flame of which, although feeble, sufficed to -distinguish objects. He had replaced his shabby hat upon his head, and -its wide brim served as a mask to his features. - -"Come with me!" he said, in a rough voice, to the maiden. - -Conscious of the inutility of a resistance which could only be dangerous -to her amidst the bandits who surrounded her, and bowing her head with -resignation, she followed her guide in silence. Doña Maria had resumed -her place in the ebony chair; with arms crossed, and her head hanging -upon her bosom, she was buried in dark meditations. At the slight noise -made by the footsteps of the young lady, she drew herself up, a flash of -hatred gleamed from her dark eyes, and with, a gesture she commanded the -Indian to retire. The Puelche obeyed. - -The two women examined each other intensely; their looks crossed; the -hawk and the dove were face to face. A deathlike silence reigned in the -apartment; at intervals the wind came in gusts and dismal moanings, -through the ill-joined boards of the doors, shook the old building to -its foundation, and agitated the flame of the only candle that illumined -the vast gloomy room in which the two women were. After a sufficiently -long pause, the Linda, who, with that instinct which women possess in -such a high degree, had examined in detail, one by one, the numerous -beauties of the charming girl who stood pale and trembling before her, -at length spoke-- - -"Yes," she said, in a hollow voice, as if speaking to herself, and -overcome by the evidence of the fact, "yes, this girl is beautiful; she -has everything to make her an object of love--to see her must be to -love her; well, this beauty, which up to this time has been her joy and -her pride, grief shall wither rapidly; before one year has passed away -I am resolved that she shall become an object of pity and contempt for -all. Oh!" she added, in a piercing, shrill voice, "I have her at length -within the power of my vengeance!" - -"What have I done to you, madam, that you should hate me thus?" the -maiden asked, in a plaintive voice, the sweet and melodious accent of -which would have softened anyone but her to whom she spoke. - -"What have you done to me, silly creature?" the Linda cried, bounding -up like a wounded lioness, and placing herself close in front of Doña -Rosario--"what have you done to me?" and then added, with a loud -laugh--"Ah! ah! that's true, _you_ have done nothing to me!" - -"Alas, madam! I do not even know you; this is the first time I have been -in your presence; I, a poor young girl, whose life to the present time -has passed away in retirement--how can I have offended you?" - -"Yes, I allow it," the Linda replied; "you have done nothing to me; and, -personally, as you have just said, I have nothing to reproach you with; -but, by making you suffer, learn that it is upon _him_ I avenge myself." - -"I do not understand what you mean, madam," the maiden said, simply. - -"Senseless fool, do not play with the lioness who is ready to devour -you, or pretend to feign an ignorance of which I am not the dupe; if you -have not already divined my name, I will tell it you--I am Doña Maria, -whom they call the Linda--do you understand me now?" - -"Not more than I did before, madam," replied Doña Rosario, with an -accent of frankness that shook the belief of her persecutor, in spite of -herself; "I have never even heard that name." - -"Can that be true?" she cried, doubtingly. - -"I swear it is." - -Doña Linda strode about the apartment with long, hasty steps. Doña -Rosario, more and more astonished, looked stealthily at this woman, -without being able to account to herself for the emotion which her -presence, and the sound of her voice, caused her to experience; it -was not fear, still less was it joy, but an incomprehensible mixture -of sadness, joy, pity, and terror; an undefinable feeling, which, -far from creating repulsion, drew her towards a woman whose odious -projects were no secret to her, and from whom she knew she had so much -to dread. Singular sympathy; what Doña Rosario felt towards the Linda, -the Linda felt towards Doña Rosario: in vain she called to her aid the -remembrance of all the wrongs with which she fancied she had to reproach -the man whom she wished to strike in the person of the young girl; in -the innermost recesses of her heart, a voice, which constantly gained -strength, spoke to her in favour of the maiden whom she was about to -sacrifice to her hatred; the more she endeavoured to overcome this -sentiment, for which she could not account, the more powerless she found -her efforts become; at length, she was on the point of being softened. - -"Oh!" she murmured, passionately, "what is going on within me? Am I -weak enough to allow myself to be subdued by the tears of that paltry -creature?" - -Like Indian warriors, who, when fastened to the stake of blood, sing -their own exploits to encourage them to endure bravely the tortures -which their executioners silently prepare, the Linda recalled the -maddening remembrance of all the outrages Don Tadeo had loaded her with; -and with flashing eyes and trembling lips, she stopped short in front of -Doña Rosario. - -"Listen to me, girl," she said, in a voice which passion caused to -tremble, "this is the first and last time we shall be in the presence of -each other; and you shall know why I bear you such hatred. What you will -learn will be hereafter, perhaps, a consolation to you, and help you to -bear with courage the miseries I reserve for you," she added, with the -laugh of a demon. - -"I will listen to you, madam," Rosario replied, meekly, "although I am -certain that what you are about to say cannot, in any sense, render me -guilty with respect to you." - -"Do you think so?" the Linda said, in a tone of ironical compassion; -"well, then, listen; we have time to talk, as you will not leave this -place for an hour." - -This allusion to her approaching departure made the poor girl shudder, -by recalling to her all that the departure threatened. - -"A woman," the Linda continued, "a young and beautiful woman, more -beautiful than you, fragile child of cities, whom the least storm -bends like a weak reed--a woman, I say, had for love married a man, -also young, and handsome as the evil angel before his fall, who with -perfidiously golden words, by opening before her immense and unknown -horizons, had so seduced her, the poor, poor girl, that in a few days -he induced her to abandon stealthily the roof which had sheltered her -infancy, and to which her aged father in vain recalled her up to the day -of his death, that he might bless and pardon her." - -"Oh, that is frightful!" cried Doña Rosario. - -"Why so? as he had married her, morality was satisfied, in the eyes -of the world. This woman was pure, and could thenceforward move with -head erect before the crowd which had hailed her fall with laughter and -contempt. But everything passes away in this world, and most quickly of -all, the love of the most passionate man. Only a year after marriage -this woman, alone in the most retired room of her dwelling, wept over -the remembrance of the happiness which had left her for ever. Her -husband had deserted her! A child born of this union, a little fair -girl, a rosy-lipped cherub, whose eyes reflected the azure of the -heavens, was the sole consolation which in her misfortunes was left to -the poor abandoned mother. One night, when she was plunged in sleep, her -husband stole like a thief into her house, seized the child, in spite -of the cries of the desolate mother, who threw herself in tears at his -feet, and implored him by all he held sacred in the world. After roughly -repulsing the despairing mother, who sank dying on the cold slabs of the -floor, this heartless and pitiless man disappeared with the child." - -"And the mother?" Doña Rosario anxiously asked, much affected by the -story which the Linda told, entirely to her own advantage. - -"The mother," she continued, in a low, broken voice, "the mother was -doomed never to see her child again. She never has seen her! Prayers, -threats, everything in turn, have been employed without success. And -now, this mother, who adores her child, and would sacrifice her life -for her,--this mother has vowed a hatred against this man, whom she so -fondly loved, and who showed no pity to her, which no vengeance can -satisfy! Now, then, young girl, do you know the name of this mother? -Say, do you know it? No, you do not? Well, then, I am this mother! and -the man who ravished from her all her happiness--the man whom she hates -as she does the demon whose heart he bears, is Don Tadeo de Leon!" - -"Don Tadeo!" Rosario cried, starting back with surprise. - -"Yes!" the Linda said, furiously; "yes, Don Tadeo, your lover!" - -The maiden sprang towards Doña Maria, and seizing her arm violently, and -placing her face, inflamed with anger, close to that of the courtezan, -who was stupefied at the energy she could not have expected from this -delicate creature, cried indignantly,-- - -"What have you dared to say, madam? Don Tadeo my lover! It is false, -madam!" - -"Can this be true?" the Linda asked, eagerly. "Can I have been so -grossly mistaken? But then," she added, mistrustfully, "who are you? and -by what title does he keep you always with him?" - -"I will tell you who I am, madam!" Rosario replied, proudly. - -All at once the hasty gallop of several horses was heard from without, -mingled with cries and oaths. - -"What can the matter be?" said Doña Maria, turning pale. - -"Oh!" said Doña Rosario, clasping her hands fervently; "oh, my God! are -you sending me liberators?" - -"You are not free yet," the Linda said, with a bitter smile. - -The tumult increased greatly; the door, violently pushed from without, -flew open, and several men rushed into the room. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV. - -THE REVOLT. - - -The multiplicity of the scenes we have to describe, and the exigencies -of our story, compel us to abandon Doña Rosario and the Linda, -and return to Valdivia, where the revolt had assumed the gigantic -proportions of a revolution. Electrified by the heroic conduct of the -King of Darkness, the patriots fought with the greatest obstinacy. -The Dark-Hearts appeared to have the gift of ubiquity; their numbers -increased, they were everywhere at the head of the insurgents, exciting -them by gesture and voice; but, above all, by their example. The city -was completely cut up by barricades, against which the few troops who -remained faithful to General Bustamente struggled in vain. Beaten back -by the enemies who on all sides rose up against them to the thousand -times repeated cries of "Our country!" "Chili Liberty!" the soldiers -retreated, step by step, abandoning, one after another, the different -posts of which they had been in possession at the commencement of the -action, and rallied upon the Plaza Mayor, the outlets of which they had -barricaded in their turn. - -The city was in the power of the insurgents; for as the battle from this -moment was concentrated at one point, it was not difficult to foresee -with which party the victory would remain; for the soldiers, discouraged -by the ill success of their _coup de main_, and sensible of being the -champions of a lost cause, only fought to obtain honourable conditions. -General Bustamente's officers, and the senators whom he had brought -with him as partizans, trembled when thinking of the fate that awaited -them if they fell into the hands of their enemies. Success justifies -everything: from the moment they failed to succeed they became traitors -to their country, and, as such, had no right to a capitulation. They -therefore excited their soldiers to fight valiantly, promising them -speedy assistance, and trying to revive their courage by telling them -that their adversaries were merely citizens, whom they could easily -overcome if they made a bold attempt, or even resisted for an hour -longer. - -The general who commanded the garrison, and whom we saw upon the steps -of the cabildo read with so much arrogance the decree which changed the -form of government, bit his lips with rage and performed prodigies of -valour, to give Bustamente time to arrive. As soon as he saw the turn -things had taken, he sent off an express for the General with the utmost -promptitude. This express was Diego, the old soldier who was so devoted -to General Bustamente. - -"Lieutenant," he said, in conclusion, "you see in what a position we -are; you must reach the General at all risks." - -"I will reach him, General; be at ease on that head!" Diego replied, -intrepidly. - -"And I will endeavour to hold out till your return." - -Don Diego, before he finished speaking, had ridden desperately at -the ranks of the insurgents, spurring on his horse, and waving -his sword with menacing rapidity round his head. The Dark-Hearts, -astonished by such an attack on the part of a single man, at the first -moment unconsciously opened their ranks before him as to a canister -shot, incapable of resisting the impetuous shock of this apparently -invulnerable demon, who mowed down all that came in his way. Diego -skilfully took advantage of the disorder produced on the enemy by his -furious assault; he kept pushing on, and, after incredible efforts, -succeeded in getting out of the city. As soon as he was in safety, the -overexcitement which till that time had sustained him, suddenly sank, -and at a few paces from the gates he was forced to stop to take breath, -and restore his confused ideas to a little order. The old soldier washed -the sides and nostrils of his horse with a little brandy and water; -and as soon as this duty was performed, aware that the fate of his -companions depended upon his speed, he sprang into his saddle and set -off with the fleetness of an arrow. - -The General did not delay his return to Valdivia a minute, for he felt -that success would be an immense advantage to him; and a check, if he -were beaten, irreparable. As a conqueror, his march to Santiago would -be nothing but a triumphant march; the authorities of the cities he -passed through would rival each other in ranging themselves beneath his -standard; whereas, if he were forced to abandon Valdivia as a fugitive, -he would be tracked like a wild beast, and obliged to seek safety in -a prompt flight, either in Bolivia or Buenos Aires, and the projects -he had nourished so long, and of which he believed he had beforehand -assured the success, would be deferred, or perhaps destroyed for ever. -Thus the General was a prey to one of those cold furies, which are so -much more terrible, because they cannot be exhibited outwardly. - -The horsemen advanced amidst a cloud of dust raised by their precipitate -course, rushing along the road like a whirlwind, and with a noise like -thunder. Two lances' length in advance of the soldiers, Don Pancho, -bending over the neck of his horse, with pale brow and clenched teeth, -galloped at full speed, keeping his eyes fixed upon the lofty steeples -of Valdivia, whose dark shadows became more enlarged on the horizon -every minute. Within half a mile of the city he halted his squadron. The -sharp pattering of musketry resounded strongly, mingled at intervals -with the dismal, rolling bass of cannon; the battle, therefore, must -still be going on. The General hastened to make his last preparations -before attempting an attack he hoped would prove decisive. The foot -soldiers dismounted, and formed in platoons, and firearms of all kinds -were loaded. - -The troops brought up by the General were not numerous from the European -point of view, according to which we are accustomed to see great masses -in conflict; they, at most, did not exceed eight hundred men. In Europe -it is customary to say that victory is most likely to attend large -battalions: in America, where the largest armies are frequently of not -more than three thousand men, this idea becomes naturally modified, -and it is generally the most skilful or the most brave man who remains -master of the field of battle. - -Don Pancho was a rough soldier, accustomed to the struggles of civil -wars, which, for the most part, consist of audacious _coups de main_. -Endowed with courage bordering on rashness, and devoured by ambition, he -prepared, with the greatest coolness, to re-establish his compromised -affairs by an irresistible attack. The country in the neighbourhood of -Valdivia is a real English garden, interspersed with thickets, apple -orchards, copses, and slender streams of water rippling away to the -river. It was very easy for the General to conceal his arrival. Two -soldiers were detached as scouts, in order to learn the state of things. -At the expiration of a few minutes they returned. The outskirts of the -city were deserted, the insurgents had driven the troops back into the -centre, and, according to the scouts, with the imprudence of citizens -metamorphosed suddenly into soldiers, they had left no reserve, or even -placed sentinels, to secure their rear against a surprise. - -This information, instead of restoring confidence to the General, made -him knit his brows; he thought it must be a manoeuvre, and whilst his -officers were laughing with all their might at the able tactics of -the insurgents, he judged it necessary to redouble his precautions. -The troops were divided into two bodies, which, in case of need, were -to support each other; and, as they were attacking a city entirely -barricaded, the lancers were ordered to dismount, and reinforce the -infantry. Only one squadron of a hundred horsemen remained in the -saddle, concealed about a quarter of a mile from the place, in order to -support a retreat, or to put the fugitives to the sword, if the surprise -succeeded. These arrangements made, the General made an earnest address -to his soldiers, to whom he promised, in the event of success, the -pillage of the city. He then placed himself at the head of the first -detachment, and gave the order, "March! Forward!" - -The troops advanced in the Indian fashion, taking advantage of every -inequality in the ground, and of every tree to conceal themselves, and -arrived thus, without giving alarm, to within pistol shot of the city. -The dead silence which continued to prevail around him, contrasted in -a dismal manner with the musketry and cannon which became more audible -as they advanced, and greatly increased the General's anxiety. A dark -presentiment warned him that he was threatened by some great danger, -which he knew not how to avoid, from being ignorant of what kind it -might be. The least hesitation at this critical minute might bring on -irreparable misfortunes. The General grasped the hilt of his sword -firmly in his clenched hand, and turning towards his soldiers, shouted -in a loud, clear voice, "Forward!" - -The detachment, which only awaited this order, rushed forward shouting, -and, at double-quick time, cleared the space between them and the city. -Windows, doors, all were closed; and had it not been for the distant -report of musketry, the city might have been thought deserted. The first -detachment, finding no obstacles before them, continued their march; -and the second detachment also entered. But then, all at once, behind, -before, and on the flanks of the troops, a loud cry burst forth; and -at every window appeared men with muskets in their hands. Don Pancho -Bustamente was surrounded, he had allowed himself to be taken--pardon us -the triviality of the comparison--like a rat in a trap. The soldiers, -astonished for a second, soon recovered themselves; they faced front and -rear, and attacked the double barrier that enclosed them: but though -they desperately rushed against it, they could not force it. They then -plainly perceived they were lost, that they could expect no quarter, and -prepared to die like brave men. - -The General cast fierce and desperate glances around him, looking, -but unsuccessfully, for a point of issue from the menacing forest of -bayonets crossed before him, and which enclosed him as in a steel -network. Some authors have amused themselves at the expense of the -wars and battles of the Americans, in which they say the two armies -always take care to place themselves out of reach of cannon shot, so as -never to have a single man killed. This pleasantry, which is in very -bad taste, has assumed the proportions of a calumny it is but just -to refute, for it attacks the honour of the Americans of the South, -who, I unhesitatingly assert, are endowed with intrepid courage--a -courage that was brilliantly displayed during the wars of independence -against the Spaniards. Unhappily, at present this courage is employed -in fratricidal struggles, without any understood object. Thrice the -soldiers rushed upon the insurgents, and thrice were they repulsed -with enormous loss. The battle was horrible, without mercy on either -side; they fought hand to hand, foot to foot, breast to breast, to -the last breath, only falling to die. The troops, decimated by this -frightful carnage, gradually gave ground; the space they occupied -became narrower and narrower, and the moment did not appear distant -when they would disappear under the popular flood which continued to -ascend, and threatened to engulf them under its irresistible mass. The -General collected about fifty men resolved to die or open a passage, and -he made a desperate attempt. It was a collision of giants. For a few -minutes, the two masses launched one against the other remained almost -motionless, from the force of the blow with which they met; Don Pancho, -flourishing his sword around him, and standing in his stirrups, struck -down all who opposed his passage. - -Suddenly a man placed himself before him, like a rock which rises from -the depths of the sea. At the sight of him the General paused, in spite -of himself, with a stifled cry of surprise and rage. This man was Don -Tadeo de Leon, his mortal enemy; whom he had once condemned to death, -and who had, in a miraculous manner, survived his execution. But, now! -God seemed to place him fatally before him, to be the instrument of his -vengeance, and the cause of his ruin and his shame. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVI. - -THE LION AT BAY. - - -"My God!" said the General, "am I the dupe of an hallucination?" - -"Ah! ah!" the King of Darkness exclaimed, with an ironical smile, "you -recognize me then, General?" - -"Don Tadeo de Leon!" Don Pancho cried, in horror. "Do the dead then -arise from the tomb? Oh! I hoped that what I heard was false. It is you!" - -"Yes," Don Tadeo replied, in a stern voice, "you are not mistaken, Don -Pancho; I am Don Tadeo de Leon, whom you caused to be shot upon the -Plaza Mayor of Santiago. Your spies have informed you correctly." - -"Man or demon," the General shouted, half choking with rage, "I will not -yield to you! I will fight you as a man, and send you back again to the -hell from which you have escaped!" - -His enemy smiled disdainfully. - -"Your hour has arrived, Don Pancho," he said; "you are due to the -justice of the Dark-Hearts." - -"You do not hold me yet, wretched traitor! If I cannot conquer, I can -die, weapon in hand, like a soldier." - -"No, your hour has struck, I tell you; you are ours, you shall die, but -not the death of a soldier; you shall be executed by our justice!" - -"If that be the case," the General yelled, brandishing his sword, "come -and take me!" - -Don Tadeo did not deign a reply; he gave a signal, and a lasso whizzed -through the air, launched by an invisible hand, and fell round the -General's shoulders. Astonished by this unexpected attack, before he -could make the least possible resistance, he received a terrific shock, -lost his stirrups, was pulled from his horse, and dragged amongst -the insurgents. The astounded General, half mad with rage and shame, -exhausted himself in vain efforts; nearly strangled by the lasso which -flayed his neck, his face assumed a purple tint; his eyes, injected with -blood, seemed starting from their sockets, and a white foam flowed from -the corners of his discoloured lips. Don Tadeo contemplated him for a -moment with a mixture of pity and triumph. - -"Free him from that slipknot," he said. "Secure his person, but treat -him with respect." - -The soldiers, terrified at this prompt capture, which they had not at -all expected, stood downcast and silent; in their stupor forgetting even -the use of their arms. Don Tadeo turned towards them: - -"Surrender," he shouted, "surrender! the man who misled you is in our -power; your lives shall be spared." - -The soldiers consulted each other for an instant with their eyes; and -then, as if by a spontaneous movement, they threw down their muskets, -crying aloud: - -"Chili! Chili! liberty! liberty!" - -"That is well!" said Don Tadeo; "leave the city, encamp at the distance -of a mile, and await the orders which shall soon be transmitted to you." - -The conquered soldiers, with downcast looks, followed the road they had -traversed an hour before; they passed through the silent ranks of the -insurgents, which opened to give them passage. Without loss of time, -Don Tadeo, followed by a crowd of his partisans, directed his course -towards the Plaza Mayor, where the battle still raged. The soldiers, -solidly intrenched in the Plaza, and masters of the cabildo, fought -valiantly, hoping still for the assistance of General Bustamente, of -whose fate they were ignorant. Although reduced to a small number, these -troops occupied a formidable position, in which it was almost impossible -to force them, without resolving to suffer great loss. Persuaded that -they only required to gain time, the soldiers fought with the energy of -despair, defending inch by inch the barricade behind which they were -sheltered. - -But the day was passing away, their ammunition was growing exhausted, a -great number of their comrades were stretched dead at their feet, and -nothing could support them but the hope that the succour so impatiently -expected was at hand. In the heat of their own contest they had not -heard the noise of the battle fought by Don Pancho at the city gates, in -which but few shots had been fired, as it had been principally decided -by cold steel. Discouragement, however, began to affect the bravest, -the general who commanded even felt his energy diminish, and he looked -around him with great anxiety. - -Dejected, and with downcast eyes, the senator, who had been the bearer -of the fatal proclamation, trembled in all his limbs; he regretted, -but too late, having thrown himself into this hornet's nest; and he -offered up the most magnificent vows to the innumerable saints of the -golden Spanish legend, if they would bring him safe and sound through -the perils which surrounded him. The worthy man had not any warlike -instincts; and we can safely affirm, without fear of contradiction, that -if he had had the slightest suspicion that things would have taken the -turn they did, he would have remained quiet in his charming quinta of -Corro-Azul, in the environs of Santiago, where his life glided away so -softly, so happily, and, above all, so free from care. Unfortunately, -as it sometimes happens in this nether world, where, whatever Candide -may say, everything is not for the best, in the best of worlds, Don -Ramón Sandias--so the worthy senator was named--had not been able duly -to appreciate the charms of that calm life; ambition had gnawed at his -heart, though he had nothing to wish for; and he had, as we have seen, -plunged up to the neck in a hornet's nest, from which he did not know -how to emerge. - -At every shot he heard, the poor senator jumped like a Guanaco, with -startled eyes; and when, now and then, in spite of the precautions he -had taken, the sinister hissing of a bullet resounded in his ear, he -threw himself flat on his face, murmuring all the prayers that his -troubled memory could recall. - -At first, the contortions and cries of Don Ramón had very much amused -the officers and soldiers among whom accident had placed him; they had -even taken delight in augmenting his terrors; but, at length, as happens -more frequently in such cases than people fancy, the pleasantries had -ceased; Don Ramón's terrors had communicated themselves to the laughers, -who saw, with fright, that their position was becoming every minute more -desperate. - -"The devil take the poltroon!" the General at length cried, angrily; -"cannot you keep your trembling limbs still? Caspita! console yourself, -they won't kill you more than once." - -"Ah! that is very easy for you to say," the senator replied, in a broken -voice; "I am no soldier; it is your trade to be killed, it is all one to -you." - -"Hum!" said the General, "not quite so much so as you may think; but -comfort yourself; if this goes on a little longer, we shall all go -together." - -"What is that you say?" the poor man muttered, with redoubled fear. - -"Caramba! it is clear as day, if Don Pancho does not make haste and -come, all of us here will die." - -"But I do not wish to die!" said the senator, bursting into tears; "I -am no soldier. Oh! I implore you, my good, my inestimable Don Tiburcio -Cornejo, let me go away!" - -The General shrugged his shoulders. - -"What consequence can it be to you?" the senator continued, in a -supplicating tone; "do save my life! show me which way I can get out of -this cursed confusion." - -"Eh! how the devil do I know?"' the General said, impatiently. - -"Well, now, look here," said the senator; "you owe me two thousand -piastres, which I won of you at Monte, do you not?" - -"What then?" the General, vexed at this ill-timed remark, said, sharply. - -"Get me away from here, and I will cry quits." - -"You are a fool, Don Ramón; do you think if I could get safely away from -here, that I would remain?" - -"I see what you are," said the senator, despondingly; "you are but a -false friend, you desire my death, you thirst for my blood." - -In short, the poor man was almost mad; he knew not what he said, -terror had deprived him of the little sense he ever possessed. But, in -reality, the position became every instant more critical; the carnage -was horrible, the soldiers fell one after another beneath the bullets -of the insurgents, who were sheltered by every corner of the plaza. Two -or three sorties attempted by the troops had been vigorously repulsed; -and hence, decimated as they were, all they could possibly do now was to -prevent their intrenchments from being carried. - -All at once the senator bounded forward like a chamois; he made directly -to the General, and seized his arm. - -"We are saved!" he cried; "thanks be to God! we are saved!" - -"Hilloh! what's the matter now, Don Ramón? What bee has stung you? are -you really mad?" - -"I have not been stung," the senator replied, as fast as he could speak, -"nor am I mad; we are saved; I tell you, we are saved!" - -"Well, how? what is it? Is Don Pancho coming at last?" - -"Don Pancho, indeed! I wish he were at the devil!" "Well, what is it, -then?" - -"Why, do you not see, yonder? look, behind the barricade which blocks -the entrance of the Calle de la Merced." - -"What is there to see?" - -"Why, a flag of truce! a white flag!" - -"Ah!" said the General, eagerly, "let us look! let us look!" - -And he did look. - -"True!" he said, at the expiration of a minute. "Success to all cowards, -say I, for having good eyes; I did not see it." - -"Ay, but I did," said Don Ramón, rubbing his hands, quite revived, and -marching off with great glee. But, at that moment, a nearly spent ball -came ricocheting and whizzing close to his ear. - -"Lord, have mercy upon me!" he cried, falling flat on his face, and -so remaining, as motionless as if he were dead, although he had not -received a scratch. - -In the meantime, the General had likewise caused a flag of truce to be -hoisted on his intrenchments, and had given orders for the firing to -cease. The noise of the combat being hushed, the senator, like a rabbit -relieved from alarm, raised his head a little; reassured by the silence -which prevailed, he sat up, looking on all sides with the greatest -anxiety, and, at length, convinced that the peril was over, he contrived -to get upon his legs, which, however, trembled so frightfully under him, -that they could scarcely support him. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVII. - -THE TRUCE. - - -As soon as the flag of truce was hoisted, firing at once ceased on both -sides. The troops at bay, who had ceased to hope for succour, were not -sorry to find that the insurgents saved their military honour by being -the first to demand a parley. General Cornejo, in particular, was tired -of the hopeless combat, which he had bravely maintained all the morning. - -"Well, Don Ramón," he said, addressing the senator in a more cordial -tone than he had before employed, "I think I have found means to enable -you to escape without striking a blow; so what we agreed to stands good, -does it not?" - -The senator looked at him with a bewildered air; the worthy man had not -the least recollection of what he had either said or done while the -balls were whistling round him. - -"I do not at all understand you, General," he replied. - -"Poor man! pretend to be innocent, do!" said the General, laughing, and -slapping him on the shoulder; "do you wish to persuade me you are like -the Guanacos, which lose their memory through trembling with fear?" - -"Upon my honour," said the senator, "I swear, Don Tiburcio, that I have -not the least remembrance of having promised you anything." - -"Ah! well, it is possible, for you were devilishly frightened. Come, I -will refresh your memory: pay attention!" - -"You will give me great pleasure." - -"Well, I doubt that! but that is of no consequence. You said to me, on -the spot where we now stand, not more than half an hour ago, that if I -found the means of securing your escape, safe and sound, you would hold -me quits for the two thousand piastres I lost to you, and owed you." - -"Do you flatter yourself that that is the truth?" said the senator, -whose avaricious instincts began to revive, as fear departed. - -"I am sure it is. Ask these gentlemen," the General asked, turning -towards some officers who stood by. - -"Oh, certainly! true to the letter," they said, with a laugh. - -"Ah! ah!" - -"Yes, and as I would not listen to you, you added--" - -"What!" Don Ramón, who knew of old the man he had to deal with, said, -with a start--"do you mean to say that I added something?" - -"The devil! yes," said the other. "You added this; and I repeat your -own words. You said, as plainly as you could speak--'And I will give a -thousand piastres in addition.'" - -"Oh, that is not possible!" the senator ejaculated, quite beside himself. - -"Perhaps I did not understand you?" - -"That must be it." - -"Do you admit you mentioned the two thousand?" asked the General, -quietly. - -"Not at all! not at all!" replied Don Ramón, quite confounded by the -laughter of the bystanders. - -"Perhaps you meant more; well, we will not haggle about that." - -"I never said a word of the kind!" the exasperated senator exclaimed. - -"In that case," said the General, with a stern frown, and surveying him -coolly, "you mean to say that I have told a falsehood." - -Don Ramón became aware that he had made a false move, and drew back. - -"Pardon me, my dear General," he said, in the most amiable voice -possible, "you are perfectly right; I do now remember it was two -thousand piastres I promised you in addition." - -It was now the General's turn to be at a loss, for this generosity on -the part of the senator, whose avarice was proverbial, confused him; he -was suspicious of some snare or trick. - -"But," Don Ramón added, with an air of triumph, "you have not saved me." - -"What do you mean by that?" - -"Why, Santiago! as we are going to hold a parley, you are too late, and -our bargain is void." - -"Oh! oh!" said Don Tiburcio, with a jeering smile, "you think so, do -you?" - -"Caspita! I am sure of it." - -"And yet you are deceived, my dear friend, as you shall judge: come with -me, the flag of truce is now crossing the barricades, and in an instant -you will learn that you have never been so near death as now." - -"You are joking." - -"I never joke about serious circumstances." - -"In Heaven's name explain yourself!" said the poor senator, whose fears -had all returned. - -"Lord! it is the simplest thing in the world," said the General, -carelessly; "I have but to declare to the leader of the revolt, and be -assured I will not fail to do so, that I only acted by your orders." - -"Well, but that is not true," interrupted Don Ramón, in great alarm. - -"I know that," the General replied, bluntly; "but, as you are a senator, -they will believe me, and you will be fully and fairly shot, and that -will be a pity." - -Don Ramón was thunder-struck by this piece of implacable logic; he found -that he was in a hobble, from which he could not possibly escape without -paying handsomely. He looked at his _friend_, who surveyed him with a -pitilessly ironical smile, whilst the officers bit their lips to keep -from laughing; he stifled a sigh, and resolving to make the best of -it, very much against his will, he said, inwardly cursing the man who -exposed him in such a cynical fashion-- - -"Well, Don Tiburcio, I admit that I owe you two thousand piastres, but -_I_ will pay you." - -This was the only epigram he ventured to indulge in regarding the -General's willingness to pay; but the latter was magnanimous, he took -no notice of the offensive part of the speech, and rendered quite -cheerful by the bargain he had concluded, he prepared to listen to the -propositions of the officer with the flag of truce, who was brought to -him with his eyes bandaged. This officer was Don Tadeo de Leon. - -"What do you come here for?" the General asked. - -"To offer you good terms, if you will surrender," Don Tadeo replied, in -a firm voice. - -"Surrender!" the General shouted with a laugh; "you must be mad, sir!" -and, turning towards the soldiers who had brought Don Tadeo, he added, -"Remove the bandage from the eyes of this caballero." - -The bandage fell accordingly. - -"Look round you," said the General, haughtily, "do we look like people -asking for a favour?" - -"No, General, you are a stout soldier, and your troops are brave; you -ask no favour of us, it is we who come to you to offer to lay down our -arms on both sides, and put an end to this fratricidal contest," Don -Tadeo replied, with an air of grandeur. - -"Who are you, may I ask, sir?" said the General, struck with the noble -bearing of the man who was speaking to him. - -"I am Don Tadeo de Leon, whom your leader ordered to be shot." - -"You!" cried the General, "you here!" - -"I, myself; and I have another name." - -"Tell it to me, sir." - -"I am called the King of Darkness." - -"The leader of the Dark-Hearts!" the General murmured, starting, in -spite of himself, and surveying the speaker with uneasy curiosity. - -"Yes, General, I am the leader of the Dark-Hearts, but I am still -something more." - -"Explain yourself, sir," the General asked, who began to be in doubt how -to behave toward the strange personage who was speaking to him. - -"I am the leader of the men whom you term insurgents, but who have, -in reality, only taken up arms to defend the institutions you have -overthrown, and the constitution you have violated." - -"Sir!" said the General, "your words----" - -"Are severe, but just," continued Don Tadeo; "ask your own loyal, -soldier's heart, General, and then tell me which side is right." - -"I am not a lawyer, sir," Don Tiburcio replied impatiently; "you have -yourself said that I am a soldier, and, as such, I confine myself to -obeying, without discussion, the orders I receive from my leaders." - -"Let us not lose time uselessly in idle speeches, sir; will you, or will -you not, lay down your arms?" - -"By what right do you make me such a proposal?" the General asked, whose -pride revolted at being forced to hold a parley with a citizen. - -"I could answer you," replied Don Tadeo, sternly, "that it is by the -right of the stronger, and that you know as well as I do that you -are combating for a lost cause, and that you are persisting without -advantage in a senseless struggle; but I prefer addressing myself to -your heart, and saying, why should brothers and fellow countrymen -continue to cut each other's throats?--why should we any longer shed -such precious blood? Make your conditions, General, and be assured that -for the sake of protecting your soldier's honour, that honour which is -ours also, as among the troops against whom we fight are our relations, -friends, and countrymen, we will grant them as extensively as you can -desire." - -The General felt himself moved, this noble language had found an echo -in his heart; he looked down on the ground, and reflected for several -minutes; at length, raising his head, he replied-- - -"Sir, believe me it costs me much not to answer as I could wish what you -have done me the honour to say to me; but I have a leader above me." - -"In your turn please to explain yourself, sir," said Don Tadeo. - -"I have sworn to Don Pancho Bustamente to defend his cause to the death." - -"Well?" - -"Well, sir, unless Don Pancho Bustamente were killed or a prisoner,--in -either of which cases I should consider myself freed from my oath to -him,--I will lay down my life for him." - -"Is that the only reason that prevents you, General?" - -"Yes, the only one." - -"In case General Bustamente should be either killed or a prisoner, you -would surrender?" - -"Instantly, I repeat." - -"Well," replied Don Tadeo, stretching out his arm in the direction of -the barricade by which he had come, "look yonder, General." - -Don Tiburcio looked in the direction indicated, and uttered a cry of -surprise and sorrow. Don Pancho Bustamente appeared at the top of -the barricade; his head was bare, and two armed men watched all his -movements. - -"Do you see him?" Don Tadeo asked. - -"Yes," replied the General, sorrowfully; "we all surrender, sir;" and -turning the point of his sword to the ground, he bent the blade with the -intention of breaking it. Don Tadeo stopped him by seizing the sword, -which he, however, returned to him immediately, saying-- - -"General, keep that weapon, it will serve you against the enemies of our -country." - -The General made no reply; he silently pressed the hand which the King -of Darkness held out to him, and turning away to conceal the emotion -which agitated him, he wiped away a tear that had fallen upon his grey -moustache. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVIII. - -TWO ROGUISH PROFILES. - - -The city was quiet, the revolt was over, or, to speak more logically, -the revolution was complete. The soldiers, after laying down their arms, -had evacuated Valdivia, which was left completely in the power of the -Dark-Hearts. As soon as peace was re-established, the Dark-Hearts gave -orders that the barricades should be destroyed, and that all traces of -the sanguinary struggle should be removed as quickly as possible. By the -force of accomplished facts alone, Don Tadeo de Leon found himself quite -naturally invested with power, and in command of the province, with the -faculties of a dictator. - -"Well," he asked Valentine, "what do you think of what you have seen?" - -"Faith," the Parisian replied, with characteristic bluntness, "I think -people must come to America to see how men can be caught with hook and -line like simple gudgeons." - -Don Tadeo could not refrain from smiling at this whimsical answer. - -"Do not leave me," he said; "all is not over yet." - -"I ask no better; but, our friends yonder, don't you think they will be -very uneasy at our long absence?" - -"Can you for a moment imagine that I have forgotten them? Within an hour -you will be at liberty. Come with me; I want to show you two faces to -which our victory has given an expression very different from that which -they generally wear." - -"That will be curious," said Valentine. - -"Yes," Don Tadeo replied, "or hideous, whichever you please." - -"Hum! man is not perfect," said Valentine, philosophically. - -"Fortunately not; if he were, he would be execrable," Don Tadeo remarked. - -They entered the cabildo, the doors of which were guarded by a -detachment of Dark-Hearts. The vast saloons of the palace were invaded -by an eager crowd, who came to salute the rising sun; that is to say, -they came to offer the spectacle of their baseness to the fortunate man, -whom, no doubt, they would have stoned if success had not crowned his -audacious attempt. Don Tadeo passed, without seeing them, through the -ranks of these sycophants, the sworn courtiers of every authority, as -void of honour as of shame, possessing but one single talent--that of -making bendings to which it would seem impossible that the vertebral -column of a man could attain, however flexible it may be. Valentine, who -followed the footsteps of his friend, feigned to take for himself the -greater part of the genuflexions meant for Don Tadeo, and bowed to the -right and left with imperturbable coolness and assurance. - -The two gentlemen, after many delays caused by the increasing crowd, -which closed around them, reached at last a retired apartment, in which -there were only two persons. These two persons were General Tiburcio -and Senator Don Ramón Sandias. The physiognomy of these persons offered -a striking contrast. The General, with a sad face and a pensive step, -walked about the apartment, whilst the senator, luxuriantly reclining -on a fauteuil, with a smile upon his lips, his visage expanded, and -one leg thrown over the other, was fanning himself carelessly with an -embroidered handkerchief of the finest cambric. At the sight of Don -Tadeo, the General advanced rapidly towards him; as for the senator, he -sat upright in his chair, assumed a serious look, and waited. - -"Sir," the General said, in a low voice, "two words." - -"Speak, General," replied Don Tadeo; "I am entirely at your disposal." - -"I have some questions which I wish to put to you." - -"You may be assured, General, that if it be in my power to answer you, I -will not hesitate to satisfy you." - -"I am convinced of that, and it is that which emboldens me to speak." - -"I am all attention." - -The General hesitated for a moment, but seemed at length determined. - -"Good heavens, sir!" said he, "I am an old soldier, unacquainted with -diplomacy; I had a friend, almost a brother, and I am a prey to mortal -uneasiness on his account." - -"And that friend?" - -"Is General Bustamente. You must know," he added, warmly, "that we have -been fellow soldiers thirty years; and I should wish--" here he stopped, -as if in doubt, looking earnestly at the person he was addressing. - -"You would like?" said Don Tadeo, quietly. - -"To know the fate that is reserved for him." - -Don Tadeo gave the General a melancholy glance. - -"To what purpose?" he murmured. - -"I beg of you." - -"You insist on knowing?" - -"I do." - -"General Bustamente is a great criminal. While a leader in power, he -wished to change the form of government against the will of the people -from whom he held his position, and in contempt of the laws, which he -shamelessly trampled underfoot." - -"That is but too true," said the General, whose brow turned crimson. - -"General Bustamente has been implacable during the course of his too -long career; you know that he who sows the wind can only hope to reap -the tempest." - -"Hence!" - -"The same implacability will be shown to him that he has shown to -others." - -"That is to say?" - -"He will, in all probability, be condemned to death." - -"Alas! I expected as much; but will this condemnation of which you -speak, be long delayed?" - -"Two days at most; the commission which must try him will be formed -today." - -"Poor friend!" said the General, piteously; "and that's the end! Will -you grant me a favour, sir?" - -"Name it." - -"As the General must die, it would be a consolation to him to have a -friend by his side." - -"No doubt it would." - -"Allow me to be his guard. I am sure he will be happy to know that it is -I who have the duty of watching over him and leading him to death. And -then I shall not, at least, abandon him till the last minute." - -"So be it,--your request is granted. Have you anything else to say? I -shall be happy to serve you." - -"No, I thank you, sir; that is all I desired,--Ah! one word more!" - -"Speak." - -"Can I be allowed to take this guard soon?" - -"Immediately, if you like." - -"I thank you, sir." - -And after profoundly bowing to Don Tadeo, the General quitted the room -with a hasty step. - -"Poor man!" said Valentine. - -"Eh?" cried Don Tadeo. - -"I said, poor man!" - -"Oh, yes; I heard you plainly enough, but of whom were you speaking?" - -"Of the unfortunate man who has just left us." - -Don Tadeo shrugged his shoulders, and Valentine looked at him with -surprise. - -"Do you think you know whence the solicitude of this poor man, as you -call him, for his friend arises?" - -"Why, from his friendship for him; that is clear." - -"You think so, do you?" - -"I can think nothing else." - -"Well, then, allow me to tell you you are completely mistaken; the poor -General is only desirous to be near his companion in arms, that he may -have the opportunity of suppressing the proofs of his complicity in the -rash enterprise of yesterday; proofs which Don Pancho most likely has -about him, and which the other wishes to destroy at all hazards." - -"Can that be possible?" - -"By Saint Jago, yes! He desires to be constantly with him, that he may -not communicate with anyone--why, he would kill him, if necessary." - -"Oh! this is infamous!" - -"But so it is." - -"Bah! it gives me a nausea." - -"Well, do not be sick yet." - -"Why not?" - -"Because," Don Tadeo continued, pointing to the senator, "I think we -have something here that will bring the agreeable feeling to its height." - -As soon as Don Ramón saw the General leave the apartment, he quitted his -easy chair, and advanced towards Don Tadeo, bowing obsequiously. - -"To whom have I the honour of speaking?" said the King of Darkness, with -studied politeness. - -"Sir," the other replied, with a jaunty, gentlemanly air, "my name is -Don Ramón Sandias, and I am a senator." - -"How can I be of service to you, sir?" said Don Tadeo, bowing. - -"Oh," Don Ramón replied, affectedly; "as regards myself, personally, I -ask nothing." - -"Indeed!" - -"Caspita! no; I am rich, what more can I want? But I am a Chilian, a -patriot, sir; and, what is more, a senator. Placed in an exceptional -position, I am bound to give my fellow citizens unequivocal proofs of my -devotion to the holy cause of liberty. Are you not of my opinion, sir?" - -"Entirely." - -"I have heard, sir, that the wretched cabecilla, the cause of this silly -movement, which brought the republic within two inches of ruin, is in -your hands." - -"Yes, sir," replied Don Tadeo, with imperturbable coolness, "we have -been fortunate enough to obtain possession of his person." - -"You are, doubtless, going to bring this man to trial?" Don Ramón asked, -in a somewhat familiar tone. - -"Within forty-eight hours, sir." - -"That is right, sir. It is thus that justice should be dealt to these -shameless agitators, who, in contempt of the sacred laws of humanity, -seek to plunge our beautiful country into the gulf of revolutions." - -"Sir!" - -"Pardon me for speaking thus," said Don Ramón, with well-feigned -enthusiasm; "I feel that my freedom goes rather far, but my indignation -carries me away, sir; it is quite time that these makers of widows and -orphans should receive the exemplary chastisement they merit. I cannot -think, without trembling, of the manifold evils that would have fallen -upon us, if this miserable adventurer had succeeded." - -"Sir, this man is not yet condemned." - -"And that is exactly what brings me to you, sir. As a senator, and -a devoted patriot, I claim of you the right which belongs to me, of -presiding over the commission whose duty it is to sit in judgment upon -him." - -"Your request is granted, sir," Don Tadeo replied, who was unable to -repress a smile of contempt. - -"Thank you, sir!" said the senator, with an expression of joy; "however -painful the duty may be, I shall know how to perform it." - -After bowing deeply to Don Tadeo, the senator left the room in high -spirits. - -"You see," said Don Tadeo, turning to Valentine, "Don Pancho had two -friends upon whom he thought he could depend: one took upon him to -proclaim him, the other to defend him. Well, in one he finds a gaoler, -in the other an executioner." - -"It is monstrous!" said Valentine, with disgust. - -"No," replied Don Tadeo; "it is logical, that's all;--he has failed." - -"I have had enough of your politic men, with two faces, and neither of -them a true one," replied Valentine; "allow me to return to our friends." - -"Begone, then, since you wish it." - -"Thanks!" - -"You will come back to Valdivia immediately, will you not?" - -"Pardieu, will I!" - -"Will you have an escort?" - -"For what purpose?" - -"Ah! that is true; I am always forgetting that you never apprehend -danger." - -"I am only anxious about our friends; that is why I leave you." - -"Have you any cause for apprehension?" - -"None; but yet, a vague uneasiness, which I can not account for, compels -me to remain no longer away from them." - -"Begone, then, as quickly as you please, my friend; but pray be watchful -over the poor child, Rosario." - -"Be at ease on that score; within three hours she shall be here." - -"That is understood: a pleasant ride to you, and remember that I shall -look for you with impatience." - -"Time to go and return, that is all." - -"Till then, adieu!" - -Valentine left the room, went straight to the stables, saddled his horse -himself, and set off at a gallop. He had told Don Tadeo the truth: a -vague uneasiness disturbed him, he had a presentiment of some misfortune -or another. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIX. - -THE WOUNDED MAN. - - -Let us return to the Count de Prébois Crancé. When the abduction was -committed, that part of the plain where Don Tadeo had pitched his camp -was deserted. The crowd, attracted by curiosity, had all gone to the -side where the renewal of the treaties was taking place. Besides, the -measures of the ravishers had been so judiciously taken, all had passed -so quickly, without resistance, without cries or tumult, that no alarm -had been given, and no one could suspect what was going on. The cries of -"murder!" uttered by the wounded young man were too faint to be heard, -and the pistol shots he had fired were confounded with the other noises -of the festival. - -Louis remained for a considerable time lying senseless in front of the -tent, the blood flowing from two wounds. By a singular chance, the -peons, the arrieros, and even the two Indian chiefs, who could not think -there was anything to be dreaded, had all gone, as we have said, to be -present at the ceremony. When the cross had been planted, and the toqui -and the General had gone, arm in arm, to the tent of the latter, the -crowd began to separate into little groups, and soon dispersed, each -returning to the spot where he had established his temporary camp. - -The Indian chiefs were the first to quit the scene; now that their -curiosity was satisfied, they reproached themselves for having been so -long absent from their friend. On approaching the little camp, they were -surprised at not seeing Louis, and a certain appearance of disorder in -the baggage filled them with uneasiness. They quickened their pace, and -the nearer they drew the more evident this disorder became in their -eyes, accustomed to remark those thousands of signs which escape the -eyes of the white man. In fact, the passage left free in the inclosure -formed by the bales, seemed to have been the scene of a struggle; the -footmarks of several horses were strongly imprinted in the moist earth, -and some bales had even been removed, as if to widen the entrance, and -lay scattered about. All these indications were more than sufficient for -the chiefs; they exchanged an anxious glance, and rushed into the camp. - -Louis was still lying where the assassins had left him, stretched across -the entrance of the tent, his discharged pistols in his hands, his head -thrown back, his mouth half open, and his teeth clenched. The blood had -ceased to flow. The two men looked at him for a moment with a feeling of -stupor. His countenance was of a livid paleness. - -"He is dead!" said Curumilla, in a voice stifled by emotion. - -"He seems so," Trangoil-Lanec replied as he knelt down by the body. - -He raised the young man's senseless head, untied his cravat, and opened -his vest; then they perceived the two gaping wounds. - -"This is a revenge!" he murmured. - -"What is to be done?" said Curumilla, shaking his head discouragingly. - -"Let us try to recover him--I hope he is not dead." - -And then, with infinite address and incredible celerity, the two Indians -bestowed upon the wounded man the most intelligent and most effective -cares. For a long time all were useless. At length a sigh, faint as a -breath, exhaled painfully from the oppressed breast of the young man; a -slight flush tinted his cheeks, and, after several efforts, he opened -his eyes. Curumilla, after having washed the wounds with clean cold -water, applied a cataplasm to them of bruised oregano leaves. - -"Loss of blood alone has made him faint," he said; "the wounds are wide, -but not deep, and not at all dangerous." - -"But what has been going on here?" Trangoil-Lanec asked. - -"Hush!" said Curumilla, laying his hand upon his comrade's arm; "he -speaks." - -Indeed, the young man's lips did move silently; but, at length, he -pronounced with a great effort, and in a voice so low that the Indians -scarcely heard it--that single word which for him contained everything-- - -"Rosario!" - -Then he sank back again. - -"Ah!" cried Curumilla, as if a sudden light had broken upon him, -"where is the young palefaced maiden?" and he sprang into the tent, "I -understand it all now!" he said, returning quickly to his friend. - -The Indians lifted up the wounded man gently in their arms, and carried -him into the tent, where they placed him in Rosario's empty hammock. -Louis recovered his senses, but almost immediately was overcome by -a profound drowsiness. After having made him as comfortable as they -could, the two Indians left the tent, and began, with the instinct of -their race, to seek on the ground for indications they could ask of no -witness, but which would show them traces they could understand. Now -that the murder and the abduction had taken place, it became necessary -to get upon the track of the ravishers, and endeavour, if possible, to -save the young girl. After minute researches, which did not last less -than two hours, the Indians returned to the front of the tent; they sat -down, face to face, and smoked for a few minutes in silence. - -The peons and arrieros had returned from the ceremony, and expressed -the greatest terror on learning what had taken place during their -absence. The poor people did not know what to do; they trembled when -they reflected upon the responsibility which rested upon them, and upon -the terrible account Don Tadeo would require of them. After the two -chiefs had smoked a few minutes, they extinguished their pipes, and -Trangoil-Lanec began: - -"My brother is a wise chief, let him say what he has seen." - -"I will speak, since my brother desires it," Curumilla replied, bowing -his head; "the pale maiden with the blue eyes has been carried off by -five horsemen." - -To this Trangoil-Lanec made a sign of assent. - -"These five horsemen came from the other side of the river; their -footmarks are strongly imprinted on the ground, which was wetted in the -places where the horses trod with their dripping hoofs; four of these -horsemen are Huiliches, the fifth is a paleface; when they reached the -entrance of the camp, they stopped and consulted an instant, then four -of them dismounted; the trace of their footsteps is visible." - -"Good!" said Trangoil-Lanec, "my brother has the eyes of a Quanaco; -nothing escapes him." - -"Of the four horsemen who dismounted, three are Indians, as is easily -perceived by the impression of their naked feet, the great toe of which, -accustomed to the stirrup, is very wide apart from the other toes; but -the fourth is a Muruche, for the rowels of his spurs have left deep -marks all around. The three first have crept up to the tent, where Don -Louis was talking with the young blue-eyed maiden, and, consequently, -with his back towards those who came towards him; he was attacked -unexpectedly, and fell without having time to defend himself: then the -fourth horseman sprang forward like a puma, seized the maiden in his -arms, and after jumping a second time over the body of Don Louis, went -straight to his horse, followed by the three Indians. But Don Louis -got up, first on his knees, and then on his feet; he fired his pistols -at the ravishers, and one of them fell mortally wounded. It was the -paleface, for a pool of blood marks the place of his fall, and, in -his agony, he pulled up the grass with his clenched hands; then his -companions dismounted again, took him up, and fled. Don Louis, after -discharging his pistols, had a faintness come over him, and fell down -again: that is what I have learnt." - -"Good!" Trangoil-Lanec replied, "my brother knows everything; after -taking up the body of their comrade, the ravishers crossed the river, -and went in the direction of the mountains. Now, what will my brother -do?" - -"Trangoil-Lanec is an experienced chief, he will wait for Don Valentine; -Curumilla is younger, he will go upon the track of the ravishers." - -"My brother has spoken well; he is wise and prudent; he will find them." - -"Yes, Curumilla will find them," the chief replied, laconically. - -After saying these words, he arose, saddled his horse, and left the -camp; Trangoil-Lanec soon lost sight of him. He then returned and took -his place by the wounded man. The day passed away thus. The Spaniards -had all left the plain; the Indians, for the most part, had followed -their example; there only remained a few tardy Araucanos; but these, -also, were preparing to depart. Towards evening, Louis found himself -much better; he was able, in a few words, to relate to the Indian what -had passed; but he told him nothing new, he had divined it all. - -"Oh!" said the young man, as he ended, "Rosario! poor Rosario is lost!" - -"My brother must not be depressed with grief," Trangoil-Lanec replied -softly; "Curumilla is upon the track of the ravishers; the young pale -maiden will be saved!" - -"Do you seriously tell me that, chief? Is Curumilla really in pursuit -of them?" the young man asked, fixing his anxious eyes upon the Indian; -"can I indeed hope that?" - -"Trangoil-Lanec is an Ulmen," the Araucano replied proudly: "no lie has -ever soiled his lips, his tongue is not forked; I repeat that Curumilla -is in pursuit of the ravishers. Let my brother hope; he will see again -the little bird which sings such sweet songs in his heart." - -A sudden flush crossed the young man's face at these words; a sad smile -curled his pale lips; he gently pressed the hand of the chief, and -closing his eyes, he sank gently back in the hammock. All at once the -furious galloping of a horse was heard from without. - -"Good!" Trangoil-Lanec murmured, looking at the wounded man, whose -regular breathing proclaimed that he was sleeping peacefully: "what will -Don Valentine say to all this?" - -And he strode out hastily to meet the Parisian, whose face was the -picture of anxiety. - -"Chief!" he cried, in a tremulous voice, "can what the peons say be -true?" - -"Yes!" the chief replied coolly. - -The young man sank down, as if thunder-struck. The Indian seated him -gently upon a bale, and placing himself beside him, pressed his hand, -saying in a soothing tone: - -"My brother has much courage." - -"Alas!" the young man exclaimed, in an agonized voice, "Louis, my poor -Louis, dead, assassinated! Oh!" he added, with a terrible gesture, "I -will avenge him! I will solely live to accomplish that sacred duty!" - -The chief looked at him for an instant attentively. - -"What does my brother mean?" he asked; "his friend is not dead." - -"Oh! why do you seek to deceive me, chief?" - -"I speak the truth; Don Louis is not dead," the Ulmen replied, in such -an imposing voice that it carried conviction to the wounded heart of the -young man. - -"Oh!" he cried, impetuously, and springing up, "he lives!--is that -possible?" - -"He has received two wounds." - -"Two wounds!" - -"Yes, but my brother can be comforted, they are not dangerous; in a -week, at latest, they will be cured." - -Valentine remained for an instant stupefied by this good news, after the -catastrophe which the peons and arrieros had announced to him. - -"Oh!" he exclaimed, throwing himself into the arms of the chief, whom -he pressed with a kind of frenzy to his breast, "it is true, is it -not?--his life is not in danger?" - -"No, no, my brother can reassure himself; loss of blood alone reduced -him to the state of torpor into which he fell. I will answer for his -recovery." - -"Thanks! thanks, chief! I can see him, may I not?" - -"He is asleep." - -"Oh! I will not wake him, be assured of that; I only wish to see him." - -"See him, then," Trangoil-Lanec replied, smiling. - -Valentine went in. He looked at his friend, peacefully sleeping; he -leant softly over him, and impressing a kiss upon his brow, whispered-- - -"Sleep, dear brother, I will watch." - -The lips of the wounded man moved; he murmured-- - -"Valentine, save her!" - -The Parisian knitted his brow, and drew himself up again. - -"Come here, chief," he said to Trangoil-Lanec, "and tell me the details -of what has passed, that I may know how to avenge my brother, and save -her he loves." - -The two men quitted the tent. - - - - -CHAPTER XL. - -AHAUCANIAN DIPLOMACY. - - -Antinahuel had not remained long inactive. Scarce had General -Bustamente's escort disappeared in the cloud of dust, ere he remounted -his horse, and, followed by all the Araucano chiefs, crossed the river. -When he arrived on the other bank, he planted his lance in the ground, -and turned towards the herald who was beside him, ready to execute his -orders. - -"Let the three toquis, the Ulmens, and the Apo-Ulmens meet here in an -hour," he said; "the fire of council shall be lighted on this spot for a -grand council. Begone!" - -The herald bowed down to his horse's neck and set off at full speed. -Antinahuel cast a glance around him. All the chiefs had regained their -huts; one warrior alone remained. On perceiving him a smile stole over -the lips of the toqui. This warrior was a man of lofty stature, proud -carriage, and haughty countenance, whose piercing look conveyed a fierce -and cruel expression. He appeared to be in the prime of life, that is to -say, about forty years of age; he wore a poncho of exceedingly fine lama -wool, striped with striking colours, while the long silver-headed cane -which he held in his hand proclaimed him an Apo-Ulmen. He replied to the -toqui's smile by a look of intelligence, and, bending to his ear, said, -with an accent of gratified hatred-- - -"When the cougars tear each other to pieces, they prepare a rich quarry -for the eagles of the Andes." - -"The Puelches are eagles," Antinahuel replied; "they are masters of the -other side of the mountains; they leave to the Huiliche women the care -of weaving their ponchos." - -At this sarcasm, launched against the Huiliches, a fraction of the -Araucano people, who devote themselves principally to agriculture and -the breeding of cattle, the Apo-Ulmen frowned. - -"My father is severe with his sons," he said, in a husky voice. - -"The Black-Stag is a formidable chief in his nation," Antinahuel -remarked, in a conciliatory tone; "he is the first of the Apo-Ulmens -of the province of the maritime country. His heart is Puelche; my soul -rejoices when he is at my side. Why is it that the Ulmens are not of the -same temper as he?" - -"My brother has explained the reason. Obliged to live in continual trade -relations with the miserable Spaniards, the tribes of the flat country -have laid down the lance to take up the pickaxe: they have become -cultivators; but let not my father be deceived,--the old spirit of their -race still dwells within them, and on the day when they are called on to -fight for their independence, all will rise at once to punish those who -would attempt to enslave them." - -"Can that be true?" Antinahuel cried, stopping his horse short, and -looking in the speaker's face; "may they be depended upon?" - -"What is the use of speaking of the subject at this moment?" said the -Apo-Ulmen, with a bantering smile; "has not my father just come from -renewing the treaties with the palefaces?" - -"That is true," said the toqui, darting a keen look at the Indian -warrior: "peace is secured for a long time." - -"My father is a wise chief, that which he does is well done," the other -replied, casting down his eyes. - -Antinahuel was preparing to reply, when an Indian arrived at full speed, -and, with a prodigy of skill which these matchless horsemen alone -can execute, he stopped suddenly before the two chiefs, and stood as -motionless as a statue of bronze. The panting sides of his horse, which -ejected clouds from his nostrils, and was spotted with white foam, -showed that he had ridden far and fast. Antinahuel looked at him for an -instant. - -"My son Theg-teg--the thunderer--has made a rapid journey." - -"I have executed the orders of my father." - -At these words, out of politeness, the Apo-Ulmen pressed the sides of -his horse to retire, but Antinahuel laid his hand upon his arm. - -"Black-Stag may remain," he said; "is he not my friend?" - -"I will remain if my father wishes it," the chief answered, quietly. - -"Let him remain, then; his brother has no secrets from him;" and turning -to the still motionless warrior, he added, "my brother can speak." - -"The Chiaplos are fighting," the latter replied; "they have dug up the -hatchet and turned it against their own breasts." - -"Oh!" the toqui exclaimed with feigned astonishment; "my brother must be -mistaken, the palefaces are not cougars, to devour each other." - -And he turned towards Black-Stag, with a smile of undefinable expression. - -"Theg-teg is not mistaken," the Indian warrior replied, gravely; "his -eyes have seen clearly: the stone toldería, which the palefaces call -Valdivia, is at this moment a more ardent furnace than the volcano of -Autaco, which serves as a retreat for Guécubu, the genius of evil." - -"Good!" the toqui remarked, coldly, "my son has seen well; he is a -warrior brave in battle, but he is likewise prudent; did he stand apart -to rejoice, without seeking to learn which side prevailed?" - -"Theg-teg is prudent, but when he looks he means to see; he knows all, -my father may question him." - -"Good! the great warrior of the palefaces set out from here to fly to -the help of his soldiers; the advantage is with him." - -The Indian smiled, but made no reply. - -"Let my brother speak!" Antinahuel resumed; "the toqui of his nation -interrogates him." - -"He whom my brother names as the great warrior of the palefaces, is the -prisoner of his enemies; his soldiers are dispersed like grains of wheat -scattered over the field." - -"Wah!" Antinahuel cried with feigned anger, "my brother has a lying -tongue, what he says cannot be true; does the eagle become the prey of -the owl? The great warrior has an arm strong as the thunder of Pillian. -Nothing can resist it." - -"That arm, however powerful, has not been able to save him; the eagle -is captive: the courageous puma was surprised by cunning foxes; he has -fallen, treacherously overcome, into the snare they had laid before his -feet." - -"But his soldiers? the great toqui of the whites had a numerous army." - -"I have told my father; the chief being made captive, the soldiers, -bewildered and struck with fear by Guécubu, fell beneath the blows of -their angry enemies." - -"The chiefs who were conquerors, no doubt, pursued them." - -"What for? The palefaces are women without courage: as soon as their -enemies weep and pray for pardon they forgive them." - -At this news the toqui could not repress a movement of impatience, but -he soon recovered himself. - -"Brothers ought not to be inexorable," he said, "when they lift the -hatchet against each other: they may wound a friend without wishing it. -The pale warriors have done well." - -The Indian bowed if as assenting. - -"What are the palefaces doing now?" the chief continued. - -"They are assembled round the council fire." - -"Good! They are wise men. I am satisfied with my son," Antinahuel -added, with a gracious smile; "he is a warrior, as skilful as brave; -he may retire, and take the repose necessary after so long a journey." -"Theg-teg is not fatigued; his life is my father's," the warrior said -with a bow; "he may dispose of it at his pleasure." - -"Antinahuel will remember his son," the toqui said with a sign of -dismissal. - -The Indian bowed respectfully to his chief, and pressing his knees -whilst shortening the bridle, he made his horse perform a curvet, -brought it to the ground with an extraordinary bound, and went off -caracoling. The toqui looked after him in apparent abstraction; then -addressing the Apo-Ulmen-- - -"What does my brother think of that which this man has said?" he asked. - -"My father is the wisest of the toquis of his nation, the chief the most -venerated by the Araucanian tribes; Pillian will breathe words into his -mind which will mount to his lips, and which we shall listen to with -respect," Black-Stag replied, evasively, fearing to compromise himself -by too frank a reply. - -"My brother is right," the toqui said, with a haughty glance; "I have my -nymph!" - -The Apo-Ulmen bowed with an air of conviction. We beg our readers to -observe, with regard to this expression, which for the first time -has fallen from our pen, that in the Araucanian mythology, besides -an infinite number of gods and goddesses, there are what are called -spiritual nymphs, who perform towards man the office of familiar genii. -There is not a renowned chief among the Araucanos who does not glorify -himself with the idea of having one of these in his service. Hence, -what Antinahuel said, instead of disturbing Black-Stag, gave him, on -the contrary, a greater veneration for his chief; for he also flattered -himself with having a familiar spirit at his command, although he did -not dare to proclaim it aloud. At this moment the Araucanian drums and -trumpets sounded loudly--the _chasquis_ were calling the chiefs to -council. - -"What will my father do?" asked the Apo-Ulmen. - -"Man is weak," Antinahuel replied; "but Pillian loves his sons, the -Moluchos, he will inspire the words I shall pronounce; my only desire is -the happiness of the Araucano nation." - -"My father has convoked the great Auca-coyog of the nation; did he then -suspect the news he has just received?" - -"Antinahuel knows everything," he answered, with a smile. - -"Good! I know what my father thinks." - -"Perhaps." - -"Let my father remember the words I have spoken." - -"My ears are open, my son may repeat them," - -"When cougars tear each other to pieces, they prepare a rich quarry for -the eagles of the Andes." - -"Good!" said Antinahuel, with a laugh; "my son is a great chief, let him -follow me to the Auca-coyog, the warriors are waiting for us." - -The two warriors exchanged a look of undefinable meaning; these two men, -so cunning and dissimulating, had compromised themselves to each other -without avowing anything. They directed their course at a gallop towards -the spot where the principal chiefs awaited them, drawn up in a circle -around a fierce fire, the smoke of which ascended in graceful eddies -towards heaven. - - - - -CHAPTER XLI. - -THE COUNCIL - - -The Araucanos, whom certain travellers, either ill-informed or of -bad faith, persist in representing as savage men plunged in the most -frightful barbarism, are, on the contrary, a relatively civilized -people. Their government, the origin of which is lost in the night of -time, and which, at the period of the Spanish conquest, was as well -organized and carried out as easily as at the present day, is, as -we have said in a preceding chapter, an aristocratic republic, with -essentially feudal tendencies. This government, which affects all the -appearances of the feudal system, has all its good qualities and all its -defects. Hence, except in time of war, the toquis possess but the shadow -of sovereignty, and the power resides in the entire body of the chiefs, -who, in questions of importance, decide in a general diet, called the -_Auca-coyog_, the great council, or council of free men, for such is -the name they claim for themselves, and very justly, for no power has -yet been able to subdue them. These councils are generally held in the -presence of all, in a vast prairie. - -Antinahuel had eagerly seized the pretext of the renewal of the treaties -to try and obtain from the chiefs authority to carry into execution the -projects which had been so long ripening in his brain. The Araucanian -code, which contains all the laws of the nation, created an obligation -for his doing so, from which even his renown and popularity were -powerless to release him. But he hoped to overcome the opposition of -the chiefs, or their repugnance to submit to his will, by means of his -eloquence and the influence which, under many circumstances, he had -exercised over the minds of the Ulmens, even those most determined to -resist him. - -The Araucanos cultivate with success the art of speaking, which among -them leads to public honours. They make it a point to speak their own -language well, and to preserve its purity by guarding particularly -against the introduction of foreign words. They carry this so far, -that when a white establishes himself amongst them, they oblige him -to abandon his own name and take one of their country. The style of -their speeches is figurative and allegorical. They call the style of -parliamentary harangues _coyagtucan;_ and it must be observed that these -speeches contain all the essential parts of true rhetoric, and are -almost all divided into three heads. - -The few words we have said will suffice to show that the Araucanos are -not so savage as we have been led to suppose. In short, a small people, -who, without allies, isolated at the extremity of the continent, have -since the landing of the Spaniards on their coasts, that is to say, -during three hundred years, constantly and alone resisted European -armies composed of experienced soldiers and greedy adventurers, whom no -difficulty was likely to stop, and who have preserved their independence -and their nationality intact, are, in our opinion, respectable in -every point of view, and ought not to be stigmatized as barbarians -with impunity--the sad, despicable vengeance of those proud and -impotent Spaniards, who have never been able to conquer them, and whose -degenerate sons at this very day pay them a tribute, under the lying -excuse of an annual offering. - -We who, thrown by the chance of our adventurous travels among these -indomitable tribes, have lived many days with them, have had an -opportunity of judging soundly of these ill-understood people. We have -been able to appreciate all that is really simple, great, and generous -in their character. Terminating here this somewhat long digression, a -tribute of gratitude paid to ancient and dearly-beloved friends, we will -resume our narrative. - -Antinahuel and Black-Stag arrived at the place where the chiefs were -assembled. They dismounted and joined the groups of Ulmens. The chiefs, -who were peacefully chatting together, at their arrival became silent, -and, for a few minutes, not a word was heard in the assembly. At length -Cathicara, the toqui of the Piré-Mapus, made a few steps towards the -centre of the circle, and took the initiative. - -Cathicara was an old man of seventy, of majestic bearing, and imposing -countenance. A renowned warrior in his youth, now that many winters had -wrinkled his brow and silvered his long hair, he enjoyed, by just title, -a great reputation for wisdom in his nation. Descended from an old race -of Ulmens, continually opposed to the whites, he was an inveterate enemy -of the Chilians, against whom he had long waged war. He was acquainted -with the secret views of Antinahuel, of whom he was the most devoted -friend and partisan. - -"Toquis, Apo-Ulmens and Ulmens of the valiant nation of the Aucas, whose -immense hunting grounds cover the surface of the earth," he said, "my -heart is sad; a cloud covers my mind, and my eyes, filled with tears, -are constantly cast towards the ground; whence comes it that grief -devours me? Why does the joyous song of the goldfinch no longer sound -cheerfully in my ears? why do the rays of the sun seem less warm to me? -why, in short, does nature appear less beautiful to me? Will you tell -me, my brothers? You are silent; shame covers your brows; your humbled -eyes are cast down--have you nothing to reply? It is because you are a -degenerate people! your warriors are women, who instead of the lance -take up the spindle; because you bow basely beneath the yoke of these -Chiaplos, these Huincas, who laugh at you, for they know that you have -no longer blood red enough to contend with them! When, Aucas warriors, -did impure owls and screech owls begin to make their nests in the eyrie -of eagles? Of what use is this stone hatchet, the symbol of strength; -this hatchet, which you have given me to defend you, if it is to remain -inactive in my hands, and if I must descend into the tomb, towards -which I am already hastening, without having been able to do anything -for your enfranchisement?--Take it back again, warriors, if it is to be -nothing but a vain, honorary ornament; for myself, my life has been too -long--let me retire to my toldo, where, to my last days, it will be at -least permitted me to weep over our independence, which is compromised -by your weakness, and our glory eclipsed for ever by your cowardice!" - -After uttering these words, the old man made a few paces backwards, -staggering as if overcome by grief. Antinahuel sprang towards him, and -appeared to lavish consolations upon him in a low voice. The speech had -strongly moved the assembly, for the toqui was beloved and venerated -by all. The Ulmens remained apparently silent and stoical; but their -feelings of hatred had been powerfully stirred, and passion began to -gleam from their eyes in ominous flashes. Black-Stag stepped forward. - -"Father," he said, in a low, insinuating tone, and with a quiet air, -"your words are rough; they have plunged our hearts in sadness; why have -you been so severe with your children? Pillian alone is acquainted with -the intentions of men. What do you reproach us with? with having done -today what our fathers have always done before us, while they did not -believe themselves in a position to contend victoriously against their -enemies! No, owls and impure birds do not make their nests in the eyries -of eagles. No, the Aucas are not women! They are valiant and invincible -warriors, as their fathers were before them. Listen! listen to what -the spirit reveals to me: the council with the Spaniards of today is -null and void, because it has not taken place as the Admapu requires. -The toqui has not presented to the chief of the palefaces the branch -of the Cinnamon tree, the symbol of peace; the canes of the Apo-Ulmens -have not been bound in a sheaf with the sword of the Huinca chief; -the oath and the speeches have been pronounced upon the cross of the -palefaces, and not upon the sheaf, as the law requires. I repeat, then, -the Huinca-coyog is a nullity, nothing but a vain, laughable ceremony, -to which we ought to attach no importance. Have I spoken well, powerful -men?" - -"Yes! yes!" the chiefs cried, brandishing their arms, "the Huinca-coyog -is null!" - -Antinahuel then took a few steps forward within the circle, with his -head advanced, his eyes fixed on vacancy, and his arms extended, as if -he heard and saw things which he alone could see and hear. - -"Silence!" Black-Stag cried, pointing to him with his finger; "the great -toqui is holding conference with his nymph!" - -The chiefs experienced a sensation of terror while looking at the toqui. -A solemn silence prevailed in the assembly. On his part, Antinahuel did -not stir. - -Black-Stag approached him softly, and, stooping towards his ear, asked,-- - -"What does my father see?" - -"I see the warriors of the palefaces; they have dug up the war hatchet, -and are fighting with one another." - -"What more does my father see?" Black-Stag resumed. - -"I see streams of blood, which redden the soil; the odour of that blood -rejoices my heart, for it is the blood of palefaces shed by their -brothers!" - -"Does my father see anything more?" - -"I see the great chief of the whites! he fights valiantly at the head -of his soldiers! he is surrounded, he fights still! he is nearly -falling--he falls--he is down--he is conquered! His enemies seize him!" - -The Ulmens present at this scene looked on in stupefied amazement; it -was incomprehensible to them. A smile of disdain curled the lips of -Black-Stag, as he continued,-- - -"Does my father hear anything?" - -"I hear the cries of the dying demanding vengeance upon their brothers!" - -"Does my father hear anything else?" - -"Yes; I hear the cries of Aucas warriors, long since dead, and they -freeze me with terror!" - -"What do they say?" the chiefs exclaimed unanimously, a prey to intense -anxiety. "What do the Aucas warriors say?" - -"They say, 'Brothers, the hour is come! To arms! To arms!'" - -"To arms!" the chiefs shouted, as with one voice. "To arms! Death to the -palefaces!" - -The impulse was given, enthusiasm had seized all hearts; from this -moment Antinahuel was able to raise the passions of the crowd to -delirium at his pleasure. A smile of supreme satisfaction lighted his -haughty countenance as he recovered apparently from his vision. - -"Chiefs of the Aucas," he said, "what do you order me to do?" - -"Antinahuel," Cathicara replied, throwing his stone hatchet into the -fire, in which he was directly imitated by the other toquis; "there is -now but one supreme hatchet in the nation, it is in your hands; let -it be red up to the hilt in the blood of the vile Huincas; lead our -Uthal-Mapus to battle--you have the supreme command! We give you the -power of life and death over our persons. From this hour, you alone in -the nation have the right to command us; whatever be your orders, we -will accomplish them." - -Antinahuel raised his lofty head, his brow radiant with pride: -brandishing in his nervous hand his powerful war hatchet, the symbol of -the dictatorial and boundless power which had just been conferred upon -him, he said haughtily,-- - -"Aucas, I accept the honour you do me; I will prove worthy of the -confidence you place in me. This hatchet shall never be buried till -my body has served for food to the vultures of the Andes, or till the -cowardly palefaces, against whom we are about to combat, shall have come -upon their knees to implore pardon!" - -The chiefs replied to these words by cries of joy and ferocious -howlings. The Auca-coyog was terminated. Tables were placed, and a -banquet gathered together all the warriors present at the council. -At the moment when Antinahuel was seating himself in the high place -reserved for him, an Indian, covered with perspiration and dust, -approached him, and whispered a few words in his ear. The chief started; -a nervous paroxysm shook his whole frame, and he arose a prey to the -most lively agitation. - -"Oh!" he cried, passionately, "it is to me alone that woman should -belong!" and, addressing the Indian who had spoken to him, he added, -"Bid my mosotones mount, and be prepared to follow me instantly." - - - - - -CHAPTER XLII. - -THE NIGHT JOURNEY. - - -Antinahuel beckoned Black-Stag to come to him, and the Apo-Ulmen did not -delay. Notwithstanding the number and copiousness of the libations in -which he had indulged, the face of the Araucano chief was as impassive, -and his step as steady, as if he had only drunk water. When he arrived -in front of the toqui, he bowed respectfully, and waited in silence till -he was spoken to. The toqui, with his eyes fixed on the ground, and -buried in serious reflections, was some time before he was aware of his -presence. At length he raised his eyes; his countenance was dark, his -eyes seemed to dart lightning, a nervous tremour agitated all his limbs. - -"Is my father suffering?" Black-Stag asked, mildly and affectionately. - -"I am," the chief replied. - -"Guécubu has breathed upon the heart of my father; but let him take -courage, Pillian will support him." - -"No," Antinahuel replied; "the breath which dries my breast is a breath -of fear." - -"Of fear?" - -"Yes; the Huincas are powerful. I dread the strength of their arms for -my young men!" - -Black-Stag surveyed him with astonishment. - -"What signifies the power of the palefaces," he said, "when my father is -at the head of the four Uthal-Mapus?" - -"This war will be terrible; and I would conquer." - -"My father will conquer. Do not all the warriors listen to his voice?" - -"No," said Antinahuel, sorrowfully; "the Ulmens of the Puelches were not -present at the council." - -"That is true," Black-Stag murmured. - -"The Puelches are the first among Aucas warriors." - -"That is true, too," said Black-Stag. - -"I suffer!" Antinahuel repeated. - -Black-Stag laid his hand upon his shoulder. - -"My father," he said, in an insinuating tone, "is a great chief; nothing -is impossible to him!" - -"What does my son mean?" - -"War is declared. Whilst we attempt incursions into the Chilian -territory, to keep our enemies in a state of uncertainty as to our -plans, let my father mount with his mosotones upon his coursers more -fleet than the wind, and fly upon the wings of the tempest to the -Puelches. His words will convince them; the warriors will abandon -everything to follow him and fight under his orders. With their -assistance we shall conquer the Huincas, and the heart of my father will -swell with joy and pride!" - -"My son is wise! I will follow his counsels," the toqui answered, with a -smile of mysterious expression; "but he has said war is resolved upon; -the interests of my nation must not suffer from the short absence I am -forced to make." - -"My father will provide for that." - -"I have provided for it," Antinahuel said, with a courteous smile; "let -my son listen to me." - -"My ears are open to receive the words of my father." - -"At sunrise, when the fumes of the water fire are dissipated, the chiefs -will ask for Antinahuel." Black-Stag nodded assent. - -"I will place in the hands of my son," the chief continued, "the stone -hatchet, the sign of my dignity. Black-Stag is a part of my soul, his -heart is devoted to me; I name him my vice-toqui--he will take my place." - -The Apo-Ulmen bowed respectfully before Antinahuel, and kissed his hand. - -"Whatever my father orders shall be instantly executed," he said. - -"The chiefs are of a proud character; their courage is fiery: my son -must not give them time to cool, he must make them so compromise -themselves, that they cannot afterwards retract." - -"What are the names of these chiefs, that I may keep them in my memory?" - -"They are the most powerful Ulmens of the nation. Let my son remember -they are eight in number; each of them must make an incursion on the -frontier, in order to prove to the Chiaplos that hostilities have -commenced. The four principal among them will immediately repair to -Valdivia, to proclaim the declaration of war to the palefaces." - -"Good!" - -"These are the names of the Ulmens: Tangol, Qud-pal, Auchanguer, -Colfunguin, Trumau, Cuyumil, and Pailapen. Does my son hear these names -distinctly?" - -"I have heard them." - -"Has my son understood the sense of my words? Have they entered into his -brain?" - -"The words of my father are here," said Black-Stag, pointing to his -forehead; "he may banish all uneasiness, and fly towards her who has -taken possession of his heart." - -"Good!" Antinahuel replied; "my son loves me, he will remember; after -two suns he will find me at the toldería of the Black Serpents." - -"The Black-Stag will be there, accompanied by his most valiant warriors; -may Pillian guide the steps of my father, and may the god of war grant -him success." - -"Farewell, brother!" Antinahuel murmured, taking leave of his lieutenant. - -Black-Stag bowed to the toqui and retired. As soon as he was alone, -Antinahuel made a sign to the Indian whose news had caused his -departure. During the conference of the two chiefs this man had stood -motionless, at a sufficient distance to prevent his hearing what they -said, but near enough to execute immediately the orders that might be -given him. He drew near in obedience to the sign. - -"Is my son fatigued?" the toqui asked. - -"No; my horse alone wants rest." - -"Well, my son shall have another horse; he will guide us." - -Antinahuel, followed by the scout, advanced, without more words, towards -a group of horsemen, who, leaning on their long lances, cast their black -shadows gloomily into the night. These horsemen, about thirty in number, -were the mosotones of the toqui. Antinahuel, at a bound, sprang upon a -magnificent horse, held by the bridle by two Indians. - -"Forward!" he cried, settling himself in his saddle, and plunging his -spurs into the sides of the horse, which set off with the speed of an -arrow. - -The mosotones followed as quickly after, and the troop of horsemen -glided through the darkness like a legion of gloomy phantoms, preceded -by the scout. Who can express the terrible poetry of a night ride in -the American deserts? The midnight wind had swept the heavens clear of -clouds, and its vault, of a dark blue, appeared to be, like a monarch's -robe, splendidly adorned with an infinite number of stars. The night -had that velvety transparency peculiar to warm climates. At intervals, -a puff of wind, loaded with indistinct sounds, scattered the dry leaves -into the air, and was lost in the distance like a sigh. - -The Araucanos, bending over the necks of their horses, whose nostrils -emitted dense clouds of smoke, rode on, and on, and ever on, without -casting even a look around them. And yet the desert they were -traversing, so silently and so rapidly, poured floods of splendid -harmonies into space. The murmur of water among the lianas and the -glayeuls, the moaning of the wind among the leaves, or the confused -noise of a thousand invisible insects, could be heard; at times, lights, -fluttering through the foliage, danced upon the grass in the manner of -wild fires; at distances were to be seen old trees, at the angles of -ravines or the brink of precipices, standing like spectres, shaking -their winding sheets of parasitical plants; a thousand rumours hovered -in the air; nameless cries issued from dens hollowed under vast roots; -stifled sighs descended from the hoary summits of the mountains: an -unknown and mysterious world could be felt existing around. Everywhere, -on the earth, in the air, was to be heard the great flood of life, which -comes from God, passes away, and is incessantly renewed. - -The Araucanos still continued their furious course, clearing torrents -and ravines, and crushing under the hoofs of their flying coursers -stones, the fragments of which rolled with a splash into the barrancas. -At two lances, length, in front, by the side of the scout, Antinahuel, -with his eyes ardently directed forward, kept urging on his horse, whose -hard and loud breathing proclaimed fatigue. All at once a dark mass -surged up in the distance, and then a voice was heard. - -"We have arrived," the guide exclaimed. - -"At last!" Antinahuel said, pulling up his horse, which could no longer -stand when the impetus had ceased. They found themselves in a miserable -village, composed of five or six huts falling to ruins, and which, -at every gust of wind, threatened to tumble to pieces. Antinahuel, -who expected the fall of his horse, disengaged himself quickly, and -addressing the guide, who had likewise dismounted, asked-- - -"In which toldo is she?" - -"Come," the Indian replied, laconically. - -Antinahuel followed him. - -They walked some steps without exchanging a word; the chief pressing -his hand strongly on his breast, as if to keep down the beatings of his -heart. After a hasty march of ten minutes, the two men found themselves -in front of an isolated cabin, from the interior of which glimmered a -feeble light. The Indian stopped, and turned towards Antinahuel. - -"That is it," he said, stretching out his arm in the direction of the -cabin. - -The toqui turned round to ascertain whether his mosotones, whom, in his -rapid course, he had left far behind, were rejoining him; and then, -after the hesitation of a second, he approached the door and pushed it, -saying in a low but determined voice-- - -"An end must be put to this!" - -The door opened, and he entered. - - - - -CHAPTER XLIII. - -TWO HATREDS. - - -Antinahuel found himself face to face with Doña Maria; by an instinctive -movement each drew back a step, stifling a cry; a cry of stupor on the -part of Antinahuel, of surprise on the part of the Linda. - -"Oh!" sighed Doña Rosario, quite overcome, and bowing her head to avoid -the ardent glance of the Indian chief--"Oh, Heaven! now I am really -lost, indeed!" - -Doña Maria had in a few seconds driven back to her heart the feelings -which raged within her; and with a mild voice and a smiling face she -addressed Antinahuel-- - -"My brother is welcome," she said, inviting him by a gesture to enter -the cuarto; "to what happy chance do I owe his presence?" - -"A happy chance for me, particularly," he replied, with a satirical -smile, and endeavouring to compose his features. - -The toqui was too well acquainted with the companion of his childhood -not to know that he had in her a formidable adversary, with whom he must -play close, in order to bring her to do his will. - -"Well!" the Linda resumed, "will my brother deign to do me the pleasure -of explaining the cause of his sudden appearance, which, not the less, -fills me with delight?" - -"Oh! the cause is very simple indeed, not worth mentioning; I did not -hope, in any way, to meet my sister here; I must even confess, with all -humility that I did not seek her." - -"Ah!" said Doña Maria, feigning to be imposed upon, "I am doubly -fortunate, then." - -The chief bowed. - -"It is the truth," he said. - -"Good!" she thought; "now he is going to lie, let us see what villainy -the demon will invent;" and then she added aloud, with a seducing smile, -which displayed thirty-two little teeth of the purest pearl--"I am all -ears, my brother can speak." - -"As my sister knows, this village is on the route which leads to my -toldería, I have naturally traversed it in returning to my tribe; the -night is advanced, my mosotones require a few hours' rest; I resolved -to encamp here. I entered the first rancho which presented itself to -my view, this rancho in which you are temporarily sojourning, and I am -grateful to the chance which, as I have told you, has done all this, and -is alone guilty." - -"Not bad for an Indian," murmured Doña Maria; "well, we will say no more -about that." - -"Eh!" said Antinahuel, feigning for the first time to perceive Doña -Rosario, and advancing towards her; "who is this charming young woman?" - -"A slave, not worthy of your notice," the Linda replied, sternly. - -"A slave!" Antinahuel cried. - -"Yes, a slave." The Linda clapped her hands, and the Indian we have seen -talking with her entered. - -"Take away this woman!" she said. - -"Oh, madam!" Rosario exclaimed, falling on her knees, "can you be -inexorable towards a poor girl who has never injured you?" - -The Linda gave her a fiery glance, and repulsed her with her foot. - -"I ordered this girl to be taken away," she said, perilously. - -At this flagrant insult, the blood rushed to the heart of the poor -girl; her pallid brow flushed with scarlet, and drawing herself up -majestically and proudly, she said in a piercing voice, the prophetic -tone of which struck the Linda to the heart-- - -"Beware, madam! God will punish you! As you today are without pity for -me, so the day will come when there will be no pity for you!" - -And she left the room, after darting a look at her implacable enemy that -made even her blench. - -When Antinahuel and the Linda were left alone, a long silence ensued. -The last words of Rosario had wounded the Linda like the stroke of a -poniard; it was in vain she endeavoured to steel herself against the -emotion she experienced. She felt herself conquered by the weak girl. -She, however, gradually overcame the incomprehensible sensation that -oppressed her. Passing her hand across her brow, as if to drive away the -importunate idea that pursued her, she turned towards Antinahuel-- - -"No diplomacy between us, brother," she said, "we know each other too -well to lose time in manoeuvring." - -"My sister is right; let us speak frankly." - -"The story of your return to your tribe is very clever, Antinahuel, but -I do not believe a word of it." - -"Good! then my sister knows the reason that brings me here." - -"I do know it," she said, with an arch smile, which played like a -sunbeam round her rosy lips. - -Antinahuel made no reply. He began to walk in great agitation about the -room, casting looks of anger and vexation towards the door by which -Rosario had gone out. The Linda followed him with a keen and mocking eye. - -"Well," she said, at the end of a minute, "will not my brother speak?" - -"Why should I not speak?" he angrily replied. "Antinahuel is the most -redoubtable chief of his nation, the proudest warriors bend their lofty -brows without hesitation before him!" - -"I am waiting," she said, in a calm voice. - -"A chief explains himself clearly, no one imposes upon him. My sister -knows my hatred for the chief of the palefaces, of whom she has so much -reason to complain." - -"Yes, I know that man is the personal enemy of my brother." - -"Well, then, my sister has in her hands the blue-eyed maiden, and she -will give her to me, so that I may, in making her suffer, revenge myself -on my enemy." - -"My brother is a man, he does not know how to avenge himself: why -should I give my prisoner up to him? Women alone possess the secret of -torturing those they hate. Let my brother leave it to me," she added, -with a vindictive smile; "the torments I shall invent will suffice, I -swear, to satisfy a hatred much deeper than any he can feel." - -Antinahuel, although his face remained impassive, shuddered inwardly at -these odious words. - -"My sister is boastful," he replied, "her skin is white, her heart knows -not how to hate, let her leave it to the Indian chief." - -"No," she passionately exclaimed, "I have fixed the fate of this woman; -I will not give her to my brother." - -"Will my sister then forget her promise, and falsify her oaths?" - -"Of what promises and of what oaths do you speak, chief?" - -"Of those," the Indian replied haughtily, "which my sister pronounced in -the toldo of Antinahuel, when she came among his tribe to implore his -assistance." - -The Linda smiled. - -"Woman is a mockingbird," she said, "the man who pays attention to her -words is----" - -"Good!" Antinahuel interrupted, "my sister shall keep her prisoner. Let -my sister do her will; I will continue my route towards the toldería of -my tribe." - -The Linda looked at him with astonishment; the facility with which -Antinahuel apparently renounced his projects seemed to her the more -incomprehensible, from her knowing with what pertinacity he pursued -his enterprises, when once he believed he had a chance of success. She -resolved to know what she had to trust to. At the moment when the chief -made a step towards the door, she said. - -"Is my brother going?" - -"I am going," he replied. - -"Has he, then, already terminated the affairs about which General -Bustamente requested him to come and consult with him?" - -"General Bustamente no longer stands in need of Antinahuel or of anyone -else." - -"Has he then succeeded so quickly?" - -"Yes," he answered in an equivocal tone. - -"Then," the Linda exclaimed, joyfully, "he is master of the city, and -triumphs at last!" - -Antinahuel appeared to hesitate for a minute--an ironical smile flitted -across his lips. - -"Will not my brother answer?" the Linda continued, with an impatience -mingled with uneasiness. - -"He whom my sister calls General Bustamente," he replied in a sharp -tone, "no longer needs the assistance of anyone: he is a prisoner." - -The Linda sprang up like a wounded lioness. - -"A prisoner!" she cried. "Oh! my brother must be mistaken." - -"He is a prisoner, and within three days will be dead." - -The Linda was struck with stupor; this frightful news crushed all her -hopes. - -"Oh!" she murmured at length, "he shall not die!" - -"He will die!" Antinahuel replied; "who can save him?" - -"You, chief!" she said, emphatically grasping his arm. - -"Why should I do it?" he remarked carelessly; "of what consequence is -the life of the man to me?--the palefaces are not my brothers." - -"No; but his life is precious to me, for the sake of my vengeance! He -alone can deliver up my enemy to me! He shall live, I tell you!" - -"Good! My sister will deliver him, then, as she is so anxious to save -him." - -"You alone could do it, chief, if you would," she observed. - -Antinahuel fixed his eyes upon her. - -"What makes you suppose I would?" he said. - -"Listen to me, chief!" the Linda cried. "You love that woman--that puny, -palefaced thing, do you not?" - -The Indian started, but made no reply. - -"Oh! do not endeavour to deceive me; you cannot blind the eyes of a -woman. The hatred you bear to Don Tadeo is changed into love in your -heart at the sight of this creature." - -"Well! and suppose it should be so?" he said, evidently moved. - -"An even-handed bargain with you then; give me General Bustamente," she -remarked earnestly, "and I will deliver her up to you." - -"Oh!" said Antinahuel, with a bantering smile, "a woman is but a -mockingbird; the man who puts faith in her words----" - -On hearing the chief throw in her face the words she herself had uttered -only a few minutes before, she stamped with impatience. - -"Well, then," she cried, almost bursting with rage, "take her -then!--take the woman! and may my curses cling to her!" - -Antinahuel uttered a tiger-like roar, and rushed out of the room. - -"Ah!" cried the Linda in a hoarse voice, and with an expression -impossible to be described, "may not the love of this wretch avenge me -better than all the tortures I could have invented!" - -In a few minutes the chief returned precipitately, his features -distorted by fury and disappointment. - -"She has fled!" he shouted. It was true. Rosario and the Indian to whose -charge the Linda had given her had both disappeared. No one knew what -had become of them. Antinahuel immediately dispatched his mosotones in -all directions in search of them. The Linda was left in the toldo a -prey to indescribable rage; she was cheated of her vengeance! She felt -crushed under the weight of the helplessness to which she was reduced. - - - - -CHAPTER XLIV. - -THE RETURN TO VALDIVIA. - - -Night was come; bending over the pillow of his friend, who was still -buried in that lethargic sleep which generally follows great loss of -blood, Valentine watched with anxious tenderness the changes which at -times darkened his pale countenance. - -"Oh!" he said, in a suppressed voice, clenching his hands with anger, -"be thy assassins who they may, brother, they shall pay for their crime -dearly." - -The curtain of the tent was slowly raised, and a hand was laid upon the -young man's shoulder. He turned quickly round; Trangoil-Lanec was before -him. The face of the Ulmen was dark as night, and he appeared a prey to -strong emotion. - -"What is the matter, chief?" asked Valentine, terrified at his manner; -"what has happened, in the name of Heaven? Have you any fresh misfortune -to announce?" - -"Misfortune incessantly watches over man," the chief remarked -sententiously; "he should be ready to receive it at all hours, like an -expected guest." - -"Speak then!" the young man asked, in a firm voice; "whatever may -happen, I will not falter." - -"Good, my brother is strong, he is a great warrior, he will not suffer -himself to be cast down. Let my brother hasten; we must be gone!" - -"Be gone!" cried Valentine, with a nervous start; "and my friend?" - -"Our brother Louis will accompany us." - -"Is it possible to move him?" - -"It must be," the Indian said peremptorily; "the war hatchet is dug up -against the palefaces, the Aucas chiefs have drunk firewater, the genius -of evil is master of their hearts; we must depart before they think of -us; in an hour it will be too late." - -"Let us depart then," the young man replied, sorrowfully, convinced that -Trangoil-Lanec knew more than he was willing to tell, and that some -great danger threatened them, since the chief, who was a man of tried -courage, had let fall that mask of stoicism which scarcely ever abandons -the Indian. - -Preparations for departure were made in all haste, and were soon -terminated. The hammock in which Louis reposed was solidly fastened to -two long cross pieces of wood, and then, as it was, harnessed upon two -mules without awakening him. The little band set out, employing the -greatest precautions. They proceeded thus for more than an hour, without -exchanging a word; the campfires of the Indians became every minute more -faint in the distance, and they were, at least for the present, out of -danger. Valentine approached Trangoil-Lanec, who rode at the head of the -convoy. - -"Where are we going?" he asked. - -"To Valdivia," the chief replied; "it is there alone that Don Louis will -be able to recover in safety." - -"You are right," said Valentine; "but shall we remain inactive?" - -"I will do what my brother the paleface wishes; am I not his penni? -where he goes I will go--his will shall be mine!" - -"Thank you, chief," the Frenchman replied, with emotion; "you have a -brave and worthy heart." - -"My brother saved my life," said the Ulmen earnestly; "that life is no -longer mine, it belongs to him." - -Whether it was that the Araucano chiefs did not perceive the departure -of the strangers, or that, as is more probable, they did not think it -worthwhile to pursue them, the little troop was not interrupted in its -flight--for what other name could be given to this night march amidst -the desert? They advanced slowly, on account of the wounded man, who -could not, in his state of weakness and prostration, have supported the -shaking of a more rapid pace. - -Towards three o'clock in the morning, a few fugitive and uncertain -lights, which flitted across the horizon, and with difficulty pierced -through the fog, which at that hour of the night envelopes the earth -like a winding sheet, announced to the party that they were approaching -the city, and should soon be there. At the end of three quarters of an -hour, they reached the gardens which envelope Valdivia like an immense -bouquet of flowers, from the centre of which it seems to spring up. The -party made a short halt, in order not to attract observation on entering -the city, through the state of the horses and mules. From that time they -had nothing to fear from the Indians. - -"Is my brother acquainted with the city?" Trangoil-Lanec asked. - -"Why do you ask that question?" - -"For a very simple reason. In the desert, by night or by day, I can -serve as a guide to my brother; but here, in this toldería of the -whites, my eyes close--I am blind; my brother must conduct us." - -"The devil!" said Valentine, quite disconcerted; "in that sense I am as -blind as you, chief; it was only yesterday that I entered the city for -the first time: and," he added, laughingly, "the bullets then whistled -round in such a merry fashion, I had scarcely time to look about me, or -to ask my way." - -"Don't let that disturb you, señor," said one of the peons, who had -heard the few words pronounced by the two men; "only tell me where you -want to go, and I will undertake to conduct you." - -"Hum!" Valentine replied; "where I want to go to? Caspeta! I cannot -exactly say; all places are alike to me, provided my friend be in -safety." - -"Pardon me, señor," the arriero replied, "if I dare----" - -"Oh, dare! dare! there's a good fellow! your idea is probably excellent; -for myself, I confess at this moment my mind is as empty as a drum." - -"Why, señor, should you not go to the residence of Don Tadeo de Leon, my -master?" - -"Pardieu!" cried Valentine, vexed at his own want of thought. "On my -word, you are something like a guide! I do not go to Don Tadeo, because, -simply, I don't know how to find the place, that's all." - -"I know, señor; Don Tadeo is most likely at the cabildo." - -"By Jove! that's true again; my powers of thought seem to have been -driven out of my head; but which is the way to the cabildo?" - -"I will show you, señor." - -"That's well! this is an intelligent lad. Let us be moving, my friend." - -"Forward, then!" cried the arriero. "_Ea! arrea mula!_" he shouted to -his beasts. - -In a few minutes they debouched upon the Plaza Mayor, opposite the -cabildo. The city was still and silent; here and there traces of the -sanguinary contest of the preceding day, heaps of broken furniture, or -large trenches cut in the ground, gave evidence of the ravages caused by -the insurrection. A soldier was marching with slow steps in front of the -cabildo. At sight of the little party, he stopped, and cocked his musket. - -"Who goes there?" he shouted sharply. - -"_La Patria!_" Valentine replied. - -"Go on, then!" said the soldier. - -"Hum!" the young man murmured; "it appears not to be such an easy matter -to obtain entrance; never mind," he added, "let us try. My friend," he -said, in an insinuating voice, to the sentinel, who stood motionless -before him; "we have business in the palace." - -"Have you the password?" - -"Santiago! no," Valentine answered, frankly. - -"Then you cannot enter." - -"And yet I wish very much to enter." - -"Very possibly; but as you have not the password, I advise you to go -on your way; for I swear, if you were the devil in person, I would not -afford you a passage." - -"My friend," said the Parisian, in a jeering tone, "you do not talk -logically; if I were the devil, I should stand in no need of the -password--I should get in in spite of you." - -"Take care, señor," whispered the arriero; "that soldier is not unlikely -to fire at you." - -"Pardieu! that's what I reckon upon," said Valentine, laughing. - -The peon looked at him in astonishment; he thought he was mad. The -soldier, annoyed by this long conversation, and believing it of no use -to stand wrangling with these jokers, presented his musket, crying -angrily,-- - -"For the last time, go on, or I will fire!" - -"I am determined I will go in!" Valentine replied, resolutely. - -"To arms!" the soldier cried, and fired. Valentine, who had watched -attentively all the soldier's movements, had slipped quickly from his -horse, and the bullet whistled harmlessly over his head. At the cry -of the soldier and the report of his piece, several armed soldiers, -followed by an officer with a lighted lantern in his hand, rushed -tumultuously out of the palace. - -"What is going on here?" the officer asked, in a loud voice. - -"Ah!" Valentine cried, to whom the voice was not unknown, "is that you, -Don Gregorio?" - -"Who calls me?" said the latter; for, in fact, it was he. - -"I, Valentine!" - -"What! is it you, my friend, who are making all this disturbance?" -replied Don Gregorio, advancing; "I thought it was nothing less than an -attack." - -"What the devil was I to do?" said the young man, laughing; "I had not -the password, and I wanted to get in." - -"Hum! none but a Frenchman would have such an idea as that." - -"Is it not original?" - -"Yes, but you risked being killed." - -"Bah! we are always risking being killed, and yet we are not," said -Valentine, carelessly; "I recommend my plan to you, under similar -circumstances." - -"Much obliged! but I do not think I shall ever try it." - -"Ah! there you are wrong." - -"Well, then, come in! come in!" - -"That is all I want; particularly as I must see Don Tadeo instantly." - -"I believe he is asleep." - -"He must be awakened." - -"Do you bring interesting news, then?" - -"Yes," Valentine replied, becoming suddenly serious; "terrible news!" - -Don Gregorio, struck with the tone in which the Frenchman had pronounced -these words, had a presentiment of some misfortune, and asked no -further. The arrieros bore the hammock, with Don Louis still asleep, -into the cabildo. By the care of Don Gregorio he was carried to a -bedchamber, and placed in a bed hastily provided. - -"What does all this mean?" Don Gregorio said, in astonishment; "is Don -Louis wounded?" - -"Yes," Valentine replied, in a husky voice; "he has received two dagger -wounds." - -"But how did it all happen?" - -"You will soon learn; but pray conduct me instantly to Don Tadeo." - -"In heaven's name, come, then! your reserve alarms me." - -And, followed by Valentine and Trangoil-Lanec, Don Gregorio plunged into -the labyrinth formed by the numerous corridors of the palace, with which -he seemed well acquainted. - - - - -CHAPTER XLV. - -THE FATHER REVEALS HIMSELF. - - -Don Tadeo had passed the greater part of the night in giving orders -for the clearing away of the hideous traces left by the combat. He -had named the magistrates charged with the police of the city. After -having assured, as far as possible, the tranquillity and safety of the -citizens, and sent several couriers to Santiago, and other centres -of population, to inform them of what had taken place, worn out with -fatigue, sinking with sleep, he had thrown himself, clothed as he was, -upon a camp bed, to take a little repose. He had slept scarcely an hour -that agitated sleep which is the lot of men upon whom the destinies of -empires rest, when the door of the chamber was pushed violently open, a -strong light gleamed in his eyes, and several men surrounded him. Don -Tadeo awoke suddenly. - -"Who is there?" he cried, endeavouring to recognise, in spite of the -light which dazzled his eyes, the persons who so inopportunely disturbed -his repose. - -"It is I," replied Don Gregorio. - -"Well, but you do not seem to be alone?" - -"No, Don Valentine accompanies me." - -"Don Valentine!" cried Don Tadeo, starting up, and passing his hand over -his brow, to drive away the clouds which still obscured his ideas; "why, -I did not expect Don Valentine before morning, at soonest; what serious -reason can have induced him to travel by night?" - -"A powerful reason, Don Tadeo," the young man remarked, in a melancholy -voice. - -"In Heaven's name! speak, then!" cried Don Tadeo. - -"Be a man! be firm! collect all your courage to bear worthily the blow -you are about to receive." - -Don Tadeo walked two or three times round the room, with his head -cast down, and his brow contracted; then stopped suddenly in front of -Valentine with a pale brow, but with a stoical countenance. This man -of iron had subdued nature within him; as if aware of the rudeness of -the shock he was about to receive, he had ordered his heart not to -break--his muscles not to quiver. - -"Speak!" he said, "I am ready to hear you." - -While uttering these words his voice was firm, his features calm. -Valentine, though well acquainted with his courage, was struck with -admiration. - -"Is the misfortune you are about to announce to me personal?" said Don -Tadeo. - -"Yes," the young man replied, in a tremulous voice. - -"God be praised! Go on, then; I listen to you." - -Valentine perceived that he must not put the soul of this man to too -hard a trial; he determined to speak. - -"Doña Rosario has disappeared," he said; "she has been carried off -during our absence; Louis, my foster brother, in endeavouring to defend -her, has fallen, pierced by two sword thrusts." - -The King of Darkness appeared a statue of marble; no emotion was -perceptible upon his austere countenance. - -"Is Don Louis dead?" he asked, earnestly. - -"No," Valentine answered, more and more astonished; "I even hope that in -a few days he will be cured." - -"So much the better," said Don Tadeo, feelingly; "I am indeed glad to -hear that." - -And, crossing his arms upon his broad chest, he resumed his hasty walk -about the room. The three men looked at each other, surprised at this -stoicism, which to them was unintelligible. - -"Will you then abandon Doña Rosario to her ravishers?" Don Gregorio -asked, in a reproachful tone. - - -Don Tadeo darted at him a look charged with such bitter irony, that Don -Gregorio quailed beneath it. - -"Were the ravishers concealed in the entrails of the earth, I would -discover them, be they who they may!" Don Tadeo replied. - -"A man is on their track," said Trangoil-Lanec, advancing; "that man is -Curumilla. He will discover them." - -A flash of joy for a moment shot from the eye of the King of Darkness. - -"Oh!" he murmured, with clenched teeth, "beware, Doña Maria, beware!" - -He at once had divined the author of the abduction of Rosario. - -"What do you intend to do?" said Don Gregorio. - -"Nothing, till the return of our scout," he replied, coldly; and then -turning towards Valentine, added--"Well, my friend, have you nothing -else to announce to me?" - -"What leads you to suppose I have not told you all?" said the young man. - -"Ah!" Don Tadeo replied, with a melancholy smile, "you know, my friend, -that we Spanish Americans, however civilized we may appear, are still -semi-barbarians, and, as such, horribly superstitious." - -"Well?" - -"Well, then, among other follies of the same kind, we place faith in -proverbs; and is there not one which somewhere says, that a misfortune -never comes singly?" - -"Good Heavens! do you take me for a bird of ill omen, Don Tadeo?" - -"God forbid, my friend! only search in your memory, I am sure I am not -mistaken, and that you have still something else to inform me of." - -"Well, you are right, I have other news to announce to you; whether good -or bad, I leave you to judge." - -"I knew there was something more behind," said Don Tadeo, with a sad -smile; "go on, my friend, let us hear this news, I am listening to you." - -"Yesterday, as you know, General Bustamente renewed the treaties of -peace with the Araucano chiefs." - -"He did." - -"I cannot tell what fugitive or what scout gave them information of what -had taken place here; but by evening they had learnt the defeat and -capture of the General." - -"I can understand that; go on." - -"A kind of furious madness immediately seemed to possess them, and they -held a great war council." - -"In which, I suppose, they decided upon breaking the treaties; is not -that it?" - -"Exactly." - -"And most likely determined upon war with us?" - -"I suppose so; the four toquis cast the hatchet into the fire, and a -supreme toqui was elected in their place." - -"Ah! ah!" said Don Tadeo, "and do you know the name of this supreme -toqui?" - -"Yes; Antinahuel." - -"I suspected as much," Don Tadeo cried, angrily; "that man has deceived -us. He is a scoundrel only living by cunning, and whose devouring -ambition leads him to sacrifice, when occasion offers, the dearest -interests, and falsify the most sacred oaths. He has been playing a -double game; he feigned to be the partisan of General Bustamente, as he -appeared to be ours, building upon our mutual ruin his own fortunes and -his future elevation. But he has thrown off the mask too hastily. By -heaven! I will inflict a chastisement upon him, of which his compatriots -shall preserve the remembrance, and which a century hence shall make -them tremble with fear." - -"Beware of the ears that, listen to you," said Don Gregorio, directing -his attention by a look to the Ulmen, who stood quietly before him. - -"Eh! what care I?" Don Tadeo replied, warmly; "if I speak thus, it is -because I wish to be heard. I am a Spanish noble, and what my heart -thinks my lips give utterance to; the Ulmen is welcome, if it seems good -to him, to repeat my words to his chief." - -"The Great Eagle of the Whites is unjust towards his son," replied -Trangoil-Lanec, in a serious tone; "all Araucanos have not the same -heart; Antinahuel is only responsible for his own acts. Trangoil-Lanec -is an Ulmen in his tribe; he knows how to be present at a council of -chiefs: what his eyes see, what his ears hear, his heart forgets, his -mouth repeats it not: why should my father address such unkind words to -me, who am ready to devote myself to restore to him her he has lost?" - -"That is true; I am unjust, chief, I was wrong in speaking so; your -heart is true, your tongue is unacquainted with falsehood. Pardon me, -and let me clasp your loyal hand in mine." - -Trangoil-Lanec pressed warmly the hand Don Tadeo held out to him. - -"My father is good," he said; "his heart is at this moment darkened by -the great misfortune that has fallen upon him; but let my father be -comforted, Trangoil-Lanec will restore the blue-eyed maiden to him." - -"Thanks, chief! I accept your offer, you may depend upon my gratitude." - -"Trangoil-Lanec does not sell his services, he is repaid when his -friends are happy." - -"Caramba!" cried Valentine, shaking the hand of the chief with all his -might, "you are a worthy man, Trangoil-Lanec--I am proud of being your -friend." - -Then, turning towards Don Tadeo, he said--"I must bid you farewell, for -a time. I confide my brother Louis to your care." - -"Why do you leave me?" Don Tadeo asked, warmly. - -"I must. I see your heart is breaking, in spite of the incredible -efforts you make to appear impassive. I know not the nature of the tie -which binds you to the unfortunate girl who has been the victim of an -odious crime; but I can see the loss of her is killing you--now, with -the assistance of Heaven, I will restore her to you, Don Tadeo; I will, -or I will die in the endeavour." - -"Don Valentine!" the gentleman exclaimed, strongly moved, "what do you -propose to do? your project is wild; I cannot accept such devotion." - -"Leave it to me. Caramba! I am a Parisian--that is to say, as obstinate -as a mule; and when once an idea, good or bad, has entered into my -brain, it has no chance of getting out, I swear to you. I shall only -take the time to embrace my poor brother, and set off immediately. Come, -chief, let us set ourselves upon the track of the ravishers." - -"Let us be gone," said the Ulmen. - -Don Tadeo remained for a moment motionless, his eyes fixed upon the -young man with a strange expression; a violent conflict appeared to be -going on within him; at length nature prevailed, he burst into tears; -and, throwing himself into the arms of the Frenchman, he murmured, in a -voice choked by grief-- - -"Valentine! Valentine! restore me my daughter!" - -The father had at length revealed himself; the stoicism of the statesman -had sunk before paternal love!--But human nature has its limits, beyond -which it cannot go; the moral shock which Don Tadeo had received, the -immense efforts he had made to conceal it, had completely exhausted -his strength, and he sank upon the slabs of the floor like a proud oak -struck by thunder. He had fainted. Valentine contemplated him for a -moment with pity and grief. - -"Poor father!" he said, "take courage, thy child shall be restored to -thee!" - -And he left the room with hasty steps, followed by Trangoil-Lanec, -whilst Don Gregorio, kneeling by his friend, gave him the most earnest -and kind attentions for the recovery of his senses. - - - - -CHAPTER XLVI. - -CURUMILLA. - - -In order to explain to the reader the miraculous disappearance of -Rosario, we are obliged to make a few retrograde steps, and return to -Curumilla, at the moment when the Ulmen, after his conversation with -Trangoil-Lanec, had thrown himself, like a staunch bloodhound, upon the -track of the young girl. Curumilla was a warrior as renowned for his -prudence and wisdom in council, as for his bravery in fight. Having -crossed the river, he left his horse in the care of a peon who had -accompanied him, as it would not only be useless to him, but, still -further, because it might even be injurious by betraying his presence by -the clatter of its hoofs upon the ground. Indians are expert horsemen, -but they are indefatigable walkers. Nature has endowed them with -incredible strength of muscles of the legs and hams; and they possess in -the highest degree the knowledge of that rising and sinking gymnastic -step, which, for some years past, has been introduced into Europe, -particularly into France, in the marching of troops. They accomplish -with incredible swiftness journeys which horses could hardly perform, -always directing their course in a straight line, or as the bird flies, -without regard to the difficulties that may arise in their way, no -obstacle being sufficient to turn them from their course. This quality -renders them particularly formidable to the Spanish Americans, who -cannot obtain this facility of locomotion, and who, in time of war, find -the redskins always before them at the moment they least expect them, -and that almost always at considerable distances from the spots where, -logically, they ought to be. - -Curumilla, after having carefully studied the prints made by the -ravishers, at once divined the route they had taken, and the place they -were bound to. He did not amuse himself with following them, for that -would have been losing precious time; on the contrary, he resolved to -cut across country, and wait for them at an elbow of the road he was -acquainted with, where, at all events, he could ascertain their numbers, -and, perhaps, save the young girl. This being determined, the Ulmen -set off. He walked for several hours without rest, eye and ear on the -watch, trying to penetrate the darkness, and listening patiently to the -various noises of the desert. These noises, which are to us white men -a dead letter, have for the Indians, who are accustomed to interrogate -them, a special signification, in which they are never deceived; they -analyse them, they decompose them, and often learn by this means things -which their enemies have the greatest interest in concealing from them. -However inexplicable this fact may at first appear, it is very simple. -There exists no noise in the desert without a cause. The flight of -birds, the passage of wild beasts, the rustling of leaves, the rolling -of a stone down a ravine, the undulation of high grass, the friction of -branches in the woods, are for the Indian valuable indications. - -At a certain point with which he was acquainted, Curumilla laid himself -down flat on his face, behind a block of rock, and remained motionless -among the grass and bushes that bordered the route. He remained thus for -more than an hour, without making the least movement. Whoever might have -perceived him would have taken him for a dead body. The practised ear of -the Indian, ever on the watch, at length caught in the distance the dull -sound of the feet of horses and mules upon the dry and sonorous road. -This noise grew rapidly nearer, and soon, from his hiding place, he -perceived about twenty horsemen passing slowly along in the dark, within -two lance lengths of him. The ravishers, emboldened by their numbers, -and believing themselves secure from all danger, rode along in perfect -security. The Indian raised his head softly, and leaning on his hands, -followed them with his anxious eyes, and waited. They passed without -seeing him. At some paces behind the troop, a horseman came along, -leaving himself carelessly to the measured pace of his horse. His head -occasionally sank upon his breast, and his hands had but a feeble hold -of the reins. It was evident that this man was asleep in his saddle. - -A sudden idea rushed like lightning through Curumilla's brain; gathering -himself up, he stiffened the iron muscles of his legs, and, bounding -like a tiger, leaped up behind the horseman. Before the latter, -surprised by this unexpected attack, had time to utter a cry, he pressed -his throat in such a manner as, for the time, to render him incapable -of calling for help. In the twinkling of an eye the horseman was gagged -and thrown to the ground: then, securing the horse, Curumilla fastened -it to a bush, and returned to his prisoner. The latter, with the stoical -and disdainful courage peculiar to the aborigines of America, finding -himself conquered, attempted no useless resistance; he looked at his -conqueror with a smile of contempt, and waited for him to speak to him. - -"Oh!" said Curumilla, who, upon leaning over him, recognised him, "is it -you, Joan?" - -"Curumilla!" the other replied. - -"Hum!" the Ulmen murmured to himself, "I would rather it had been -somebody else. What is my brother doing on this path?" he asked. - -"Of what consequence is that to my brother?" said the Indian, replying -to one question by another. - -"We have no time to waste," the chief replied, unsheathing his knife; -"let my brother speak." - -Joan started; a shudder ran through his limbs at the blue light -reflected by the long, sharp blade of the knife. - -"The chief can question me," he said, in a husky voice. - -"Where is my brother going?" - -"To the toldería of San Miguel." - -"Good! and for what purpose is my brother going there?" - -"To place in the hands of the sister of the grand toqui a woman whom we -have carried off this morning." - -"Who ordered you to do so?" - -"She whom we are going to meet." - -"Who had the direction of this affair?" - -"I had." - -"Good! where does this woman expect the prisoner?" - -"I have told the chief; at the toldería of San Miguel." - -"In which casa?" - -"In the last; the one which stands a little apart from the others." - -"That is well! Let my brother exchange poncho and hat with me." - -The Indian obeyed without a word, and when the exchange was made, -Curumilla said-- - -"I could kill my brother; prudence would even require me to do so, but -pity has entered my heart--Joan has wives and children, he is one of the -brave warriors of his tribe; if I let him live, will he be grateful?" - -The Indian had expected that he was going to die, but these words -restored him to hope. He was not a bad man at bottom; the Ulmen knew him -well, and was satisfied he would keep his promises. - -"My father holds my life in his hands," Joan replied; "if he does not -take it today, I shall remain his debtor--I will lay down my life at a -sign from him." - -"Very well!" said Curumilla, returning his knife to its sheath, "my -brother may rise, a chief keeps his word." - -The Indian sprang upon his feet, and fervently kissed the hand of the -man who had spared him. - -"What does my father command?" he asked. - -"My brother must repair as fast as possible to the toldería which the -Huincas name Valdivia. He will seek Don Tadeo, the Great Eagle of the -Whites, and relate to him what has passed between us, adding, that I -will save the prisoner, or die." - -"Is that all?" - -"Yes. If the Great Eagle requires the services of my brother, he will -place himself without hesitation at his orders. Farewell! May Pillian -guide my brother! and let him never forget that I was not willing to -take the life that was in my power!" - -"Joan will not forget," the Indian replied. - -At a sign from Curumilla, he bent down in the high grass, crept along -like a serpent, and disappeared in the direction of Valdivia. The chief, -without losing an instant, jumped into the saddle and soon joined the -little troop, who had continued jogging quietly along, without dreaming -of the substitution that had just taken place. It was Curumilla who, -while carrying the young girl into the house, had whispered hope and -courage. These three words, in announcing to her that she had a friend -watching over her, had restored her the strength necessary for the -struggle that awaited her. - -After the unexpected arrival of Antinahuel, when, at the order of Doña -Maria, Curumilla led away the prisoner, instead of reconducting her -to the apartment in which she had been, he threw a poncho over her to -disguise her. - -"Follow me," he said in a low voice; "step out boldly, I will endeavour -to save you." - -The maiden hesitated; she was fearful of a snare. The Ulmen comprehended -her feeling, and said quickly, in a low voice-- - -"I am Curumilla, one of the Ulmens devoted to the two Frenchmen, the -friends of Don Tadeo." - -Rosario startled imperceptibly. - -"Go on," she replied in a firm tone; "happen what may, I will follow -you." - -And they left the hut together. The Indians, dispersed here and there, -were busily talking over the events of the day, and did not observe -them. The two fugitives proceeded for ten minutes without exchanging a -word. The village was soon lost in the darkness; at length Curumilla -stopped at a thick clump of cactus, behind which two horses stood, -saddled and bridled. - -"Does my sister find herself strong enough to mount on horseback, and -ride a long distance?" he asked. - -"To escape from my persecutors," she replied, in a broken voice, "I feel -I have strength to do anything." - -"Good!" said Curumilla, "my sister is courageous. Her God will help her!" - -"It is in Him alone I place my hope," she said, with a sigh. - -"To horse, then, and let us begone! minutes are ages!" - -He unfastened the horses, they mounted, and set of at full speed, -without any sound being produced upon the road by their hoofs, which -Curumilla had covered with pieces of sheepskin. The maiden breathed -a sigh of relief on feeling herself once more free, and under the -protection of a devoted friend. The fugitives continued to ride at a -rapid pace, in a direction diametrically opposite to the one they should -have taken to return to Valdivia. Prudence required that they should not -yet take any route on which, according to all possibilities, they would -be looked for. - -We must leave our friends in this critical position for the present; -but those readers who feel an interest in the loves of Don Louis and -Doña Rosario, will find their curiosity fully satisfied in the following -volume of this series, called "The Pearl of the Andes." - - - -THE END. - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventurers, by Gustave Aimard - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURERS *** - -***** This file should be named 43716-8.txt or 43716-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/3/7/1/43716/ - -Produced by Marc D'Hooghe at http://www.freeliterature.org - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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diff --git a/43716.txt b/43716.txt deleted file mode 100644 index b19b7ec..0000000 --- a/43716.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,12594 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventurers, by Gustave Aimard - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The Adventurers - -Author: Gustave Aimard - -Release Date: September 14, 2013 [EBook #43716] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURERS *** - - - - -Produced by Marc D'Hooghe at http://www.freeliterature.org - - - - -THE ADVENTURERS - -A Story of a Love-Chase - -BY - -GUSTAVE AIMARD - -AUTHOR OF - -"LAST OF THE INCAS," "QUEEN OF THE SAVANNAH," - -ETC. - -LONDON - -WARD AND LOCK, 158, FLEET STREET. - -1863. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -With the publication of the present and the ensuing volume, "The Pearl -of the Andes," I am enabled to perfect the most important series of -Aimard's Tales of Indian Life and Adventure. To preserve uniformity, the -volumes of this series should be arranged in the following order on the -book-shelf;-- - - 1. THE ADVENTURERS. - 2. THE PEARL OF THE ANDES. - 3. THE TRAIL-HUNTER. - 4. PIRATES OF THE PRAIRIES. - 5. THE TRAPPER'S BRIDE. - 6. THE TIGER SLAYER. - 7. THE GOLD SEEKERS. - 8. THE INDIAN CHIEF. - 9. THE RED TRACK. - -Gustave Aimard has a precedent in Fenimore Cooper for introducing the -same hero in a long range of volumes, and, like his great predecessor, -he has so arranged, that each work should be complete in itself, and -not necessitate the purchase of another. But Aimard has one marked -advantage over Cooper; for while "Leather-Stocking" is but a creation -of the fancy, or, at the most, the type of the Backwoodsman, the Count -Louis who figures as the hero of Aimard's series, is a real man. Count -de Raousset Boulbon, had he succeeded in his daring attempt of founding -an independent kingdom in Mexico, would in all probability have become -the Napoleon of the West. A gallant adventurer and thorough gentleman, -he staked his life upon the issue, and ended his career the victim -of unparalleled treachery, as Aimard has faithfully recorded. Hence -Aimard's romances have the great merit of being founded on an historic -basis, and but little fiction was required to heighten the startling -interest of the narrative. - -Valentine Guillois, there is very little doubt, is intended for the -Author himself, with all his qualities and defects. When he first -reached the New World, he was the true, reckless Parisian; but constant -intercourse with nature rendered him a generous and thoughtful friend -of humanity. So soon as he returned to civilization, he began recording -the history of his past life; not so much as a livelihood, as for -the pleasure he felt in living once again the life of excitement and -adventure which he had known among the Indians. Hence his books are -written without an effort; they flow spontaneously from his pen; and the -absence of artistic effect is the best guarantee of their truthfulness. - -It is not surprising, consequently, that M. Aimard's books have met -with such extensive popularity. They have been translated into nearly -every modern language, and the Author is now generally recognised as the -French Cooper. The reception given to his stories in this country has -been most flattering, and each day heightens their popularity. Hence -it is not too much to assume that they will become standard works, -especially with young readers, for whom they are especially adapted; -because M. Aimard has never yet written a line which could prove -offensive to the most delicate mind. - - L.W. - - -CONTENTS. - - - I. THE CHAPARRAL - II. THE FOSTER BROTHERS - III. THE RESOLUTION - IV. THE EXECUTION - V. THE PASSAGE - VI. THE LINDA - VII. HUSBAND AND WIFE - VIII. THE DARK-HEARTS - IX. IN THE STREET - X. SWORD-THRUSTS - XI. GENERAL BUSTAMENTE - XII. THE SPY - XIII. LOVE - XIV. THE QUINTA VERDE - XV. THE DEPARTURE - XVI. THE MEETING - XVII. THE PUELCHES - XVIII. THE BLACK JACKAL - XIX. TWO OLD FRIENDS - XX. THE SORCERER - XXI. THE OBSEQUIES OF AN APO-ULMEN - XXII. EXPLANATIONS - XXIII. THE CHINGANA. - XXIV. THE TWO ULMENS - XXV. THE SUN-TIGER - XXVI. THE MATRICIDE - XXVII. THE JUSTICE OF THE DARK-HEARTS - XXVIII. THE TREATY OF PEACE - XXIX. THE ABDUCTION - XXX. THE PROTEST - XXXI. SPANIARD AND INDIAN - XXXII. IN THE MOUNTAIN - XXXIII. ON THE WATCH - XXXIV. FACE TO FACE - XXXV. THE REVOLT - XXXVI. THE LION AT BAY - XXXVII. THE TRUCE - XXXVIII. TWO ROGUISH PROFILES - XXXIX. THE WOUNDED MAN - XL. ARAUCANIAN DIPLOMACY - XLI. THE COUNCIL - XLII. THE NIGHT JOURNEY - XLIII. TWO HATREDS - XLIV. THE RETURN TO VALDIVIA - XLV. THE FATHER REVEALS HIMSELF - XLVI. CURUMILLA - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE CHAPARRAL. - - - -During my last sojourn in America, chance, or rather my good star, led -me to form an acquaintance with one of those hunters, or wood rangers, -the type of whom has been immortalized by Cooper, in his poetical -personage, _Leather-Stockings_. - -The strange circumstance by which we were brought together was as -follows. Towards the end of July, 1855, I had left Galveston, terrified -at the fevers prevalent there, which are so fatal to Europeans, with the -intention of visiting the north-west portion of Texas, a country I was -then unacquainted with. - -A Spanish proverb somewhere says, "It is better to go alone than in -bad company;" and, like all other proverbs, this possesses a certain -foundation of truth, particularly in America, where the traveller is -exposed at each instant to the chance of meeting rogues of every hue, -who, thanks to their seducing exterior, charm him, win his confidence, -and take advantage of the first occasion to remorselessly plunder and -assassinate him. - -I had profited by the proverb, and, like a shrewd old traveller of the -prairies, as I knew no one who inspired me with sufficient sympathy -to lead me to make him my travelling companion, I had bravely set out -alone, clothed in the picturesque dress of the inhabitants of the -country, armed to the teeth, and mounted upon an excellent half wild -horse, which had cost me twenty-five piastres--an enormous sum in those -countries, where horses are considered as worth little or nothing. - -I carelessly wandered here and there, living that nomadic life which -is so full of attractions; at times stopping at a _tolderia_, at -others encamping in the desert, hunting wild animals, and plunging -deeper and deeper into unknown regions. I had, in this fashion, passed -through, without any untoward accident, Fredericksburgh, the Llana -Braunfels, and had just left Castroville, on my way to Quichi. Like -all Spanish-American villages, Castroville is nothing but a miserable -agglomeration of ruined cabins, cut at right angles by streets choked -with weeds, growing undisturbed, and concealing multitudes of ants, -reptiles, and even rabbits of a very small breed, which spring up -beneath the feet of the few passengers. The _pueblo_ is bounded on the -west by the Medina, a slender thread of water, almost dry in the great -heat seasons; and on the east by thickly-wooded hills, the dark green of -which forms a pleasing contrast with the pale blue of the sky. - -At Galveston I had undertaken to deliver a letter to an inhabitant of -Castroville. The worthy man lived in this village like La Fontaine's rat -in the depths of its Dutch cheese. Charmed by the arrival of a stranger, -who, no doubt, brought him news for which he had been long anxious, he -received me in the most cordial manner, and thought of every expedient -to detain me. Unfortunately, the little I had seen of Castroville had -sufficed to completely disgust me with it, and my only wish was to get -out of it as quickly as possible. My host, in despair at seeing all -his advances repulsed, at length consented to allow me to continue my -journey. - -"Adieu, then," he said, warmly pressing my hand, with a sigh of regret; -"since you are determined to go, may God protect you! You are wrong -in setting out so late; the road you have to travel is dangerous; the -_Indios bravos_ are up; they assassinate without mercy all the whites -who fall into their hands--beware!" - -I smiled at this warning, which I took for a last effort of the worthy -man to detain me. - -"Bah!" I replied gaily; "the Indians and I are too old acquaintances for -me to fear anything on their account." - -My host shook his head sorrowfully, and retreated into his hut, making -me a last farewell greeting. I again set forward. I soon began to -reflect that it was full late, and pressed my horse, in order to pass, -before nightfall, a _chaparral_, or large thicket of underwood, of at -least two miles in length, against which my host had particularly warned -me. This ill-famed spot had a very sinister aspect. The mezquite, the -acacia, and the cactus constituted its sole vegetation, while here and -there, whitened bones and planted crosses plainly designated places -where murders had been committed. Beyond that extended a vast plain, -called the Leona, peopled by animals of every description. This plain, -covered by grass at least two feet in height, was dotted at intervals -with thickets of trees, upon which warbled thousands of golden-throated -starlings, cardinals, and bluebirds. I was anxious to reach the -Leona, which I saw in the distance; but ere I did so, I had to cross -the chaparral. After examining my weapons, and looking carefully in -all directions, as I could perceive nothing positively suspicious, I -resolutely spurred my horse forward, determined, if attacked, to sell my -life as dearly as possible. - -The sun, in the meantime, was sinking rapidly towards the horizon, the -ruddy hues of closing day tinged with their changing reflections the -summits of the wooded hills, and a fresh breeze agitated the branches -of the trees with mysterious murmurs. In this country, where there is -no twilight, night was not long in enveloping me in thick darkness, and -that before I had passed through two-thirds of the chaparral. - -I was beginning to hope I should reach the Leona safe and sound, when, -all at once, my horse made a violent bound on one side, pricking up its -ears, and snorting loudly. The sudden shock almost threw me out of the -saddle, and it was not without trouble that I recovered the mastery -over my horse, which displayed signs of the greatest terror. As always -happens in such cases, I instinctively looked round me for the cause of -this panic; and soon the truth was revealed to me. A cold perspiration -bedewed my brow, and a shudder of terror ran through my whole frame, at -the horrible spectacle which met my eyes. Five dead human bodies lay -stretched beneath the trees, within ten paces of me. Among them was -one of a woman, and one of a girl about fourteen years of age. They -all belonged to the white race. They appeared to have fought long and -obstinately before they fell; they were literally covered with wounds; -and long arrows, with jagged barbs, and painted red, stood out from the -bodies, which they had pierced through and through. The victims had all -been scalped. It was evidently the work of Indians, marked with their -sanguinary rage, and their inveterate hatred for the white race. The -form and colour of the arrows told me that the perpetrators of this -atrocity were the Apaches, the most cruel plunderers of the desert. -Around the bodies I observed fragments of both wagons and furniture. The -unfortunate beings, assassinated with refined cruelty, had, no doubt, -been poor emigrants on their way to Castroville. - -At the aspect of this heartbreaking spectacle, I cannot express the pity -and grief which weighed upon my spirits; high in the air, urubus and -vultures hovered with lazy wings over the bodies, uttering lugubrious -cries of joy, whilst in the depths of the chaparral the wolves and -jaguars began to growl portentously. - -I cast a melancholy glance around: all immediately near to me was quiet. -The Apaches had, according to all appearances, surprised the emigrants -during a halt. Gutted bales were still ranged in a symmetrical circle, -and a fire, near which was a heap of dry wood, was not yet extinguished. - -"No!" said I to myself, "whatever may happen, I will not leave -Christians without burial, to become, in this desert, the prey of wild -beasts." - -My resolution, once formed, was soon carried into execution. Springing -to the ground, I hobbled my horse, gave it some provender, and cast some -branches of wood upon the fire, which soon sparkled and sent into the -air a column of bright flame. Among the necessaries of the emigrants -were spades, pickaxes, and other agricultural instruments, which, being -of no use to the Indians, they had disdainfully left behind them. I -seized a spade, and, after having carefully explored the environs -of my encampment, to assure myself that no immediate danger need be -apprehended, I set to work to dig a grave. - -The night had now set in; one of those American nights, clear, -silent, full of intoxicating odours, and mysterious melodies chanted -by the desert in praise of God. Extraordinary to say, all my fears -had vanished, as if by enchantment! Though alone in this sinister -place, close to these frightfully-mutilated carcasses, watched in the -darkness, no doubt, by the unseen eyes of wild beasts, and, perhaps, -of the murderous Indians, some incomprehensible influence sustained -me, and gave me strength to accomplish the rude but sacred task I had -undertaken. Instead of thinking of the dangers which surrounded me, I -found myself yielding to a pensive melancholy. I thought of these poor -people, who had come from distant lands, full of hope for the future, -to seek in the New World a little of the comfort and well-being which -were denied to them at home, and who, scarcely landed, had fallen, in an -obscure corner of the desert, by the hands of ferocious savages. They -had left in their own country friends, perhaps relations, to whom their -fate would for ever remain a mystery, and who would for years reckon -the hours with anxiety, looking for their much-wished return, or for -intelligence of their success in their bold undertaking. - -Except two or three alarms caused by the rustling of the leaves in the -bushes, nothing occurred to interrupt my melancholy duty. In less than -three-quarters of an hour I had dug a grave large enough to contain the -five bodies. After extracting the arrows by which they were transfixed, -I raised them one after the other in my arms, and laid them gently -side by side at the bottom of the grave. I then hastened to throw in -the mould again, till it was level with the sod; and that being done, -I dragged upon the surface all the large stones I could find, to keep -wild beasts from profaning the dead. This religious duty accomplished, -I breathed a deep sigh of satisfaction, and bowing my head towards the -ground, I mentally addressed a short prayer to the Almighty, for the -unfortunate beings I had buried. - -Upon raising my head, I uttered a cry of surprise and terror, while at -the same time mechanically feeling for my revolver; for, without the -least noise having given me warning of his approach, a man was standing -within four paces of me, watching me earnestly, and leaning on his long -rifle. Two magnificent Newfoundland dogs were lying carelessly but -quietly at his feet. On observing my gesture, the unknown smiled with a -kindly expression, and holding out his hand to me over the grave, said-- - -"Fear nothing! I am a friend. You have buried these poor people; _I_ -have avenged them--their assassins are dead!" - -I silently pressed the hand that was so frankly extended to me. -Acquaintance was formed--we were friends--we are so still! A few minutes -later we were seated near the fire, supping together with a good -appetite, while the dogs kept watch against intruders. - -The companion I had fallen in with in so curious a manner was a man of -about forty-five years of age, although he did not appear to be more -than thirty-two. He was tall and well made; his broad shoulders and -muscular limbs denoting extraordinary strength and agility. He wore the -picturesque hunter's costume in all its purity, that is to say, the -_capote_, or surtout (which is nothing but a kind of blanket worn as a -robe, fastened to the shoulders, and falling in long folds behind), a -shirt of striped cotton, large _mitasses_ (drawers of doeskin, stitched -with hair, fastened at distances, and ornamented with little bells), -leather gaiters, moccasins of elk skin, braided with beads and porcupine -quills, and a checked woollen belt, from which hung his knife, tobacco -pouch, powder horn, pistols, and medicine bag. His headdress consisted -of a cap made of the skin of a beaver, the tail of which fell between -his shoulders. This man was a type of a hardy race of adventurers who -traverse America in all directions. A primitive race, longing for -open air, space, and liberty, opposed to our ideas of civilization, -and consequently destined to disappear before the immigration of the -laborious races, whose powerful agents of conquest are steam and the -application of mechanical inventions of all kinds. - -This hunter was a Frenchman, and his frank, manly countenance, his -picturesque language, his open and engaging manners, notwithstanding -his long abode in America, had preserved a reflex of the mother country -which awakened sympathy and created interest. - -All the countries of the New World were familiar to him; he had lived -more than twenty years in the depths of the woods, and had been engaged -in dangerous and distant excursions among the Indian tribes. Hence, -although myself well initiated in the customs of the redskins, and -though a great part of my existence had been passed in the desert, I -have felt myself often shudder involuntarily at the recital of his -adventures. When seated beside him on the banks of the Rio Gila, during -an excursion we had undertaken into the prairies, he would at times -allow himself to be carried away by his remembrances, and relate to me, -as he smoked his Indian pipe, the strange history of the early days -of his abode in the New World. It is one of these recitals I am about -to lay before my readers--the first in order of date, since it is the -history of the events which led him to become a wood ranger. I do not -venture to hope that my readers will take the interest in it which it -excited in me; but I beg them to have the kindness to recollect that -this narrative was told me in the desert, amidst that grand, vast, and -powerful nature, unknown to the inhabitants of old Europe, and that I -had it from the lips of the man who had been the hero. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -THE FOSTER BROTHERS. - - -On the 31st of December, 1834, at eleven o'clock in the evening, a man -of about twenty-five years of age, of handsome person and countenance, -and aristocratic appearance, was sitting, or rather reclining, in a -luxurious easy chair, near the mantelpiece, within which sparkled a -fire that the advanced season rendered indispensable. This personage -was the Count Maxime Edouard Louis de Prebois-Crance. His countenance, -of a cadaverous paleness, formed a striking contrast with his black -curly hair, which fell in disorder upon his shoulders, covered by -a large-patterned damask dressing gown. His brows were contracted, -and his eyes were fixed with feverish impatience upon the dial of a -charming Louis Quinze clock, whilst his left hand, hanging carelessly -by his side, played with the silky ears of a magnificent Newfoundland -dog which lay by his side. The room in which the Count was sitting was -furnished with all the refinement of comfort invented by modern luxury. -A four-branched chandelier, with rose-coloured wax candles, placed upon -a table, was scarcely sufficient to enliven the room, and only spread -around a dim, uncertain light. Without, the rain was dashing against -the windows violently; and the wind sighed in mysterious murmurs, which -disposed the mind to melancholy. When the clock struck the hour the -Count started up, as if aroused from a dream. He passed his thin white -hand across his moist brow, and said, in a dissatisfied tone-- - -"He will not come!" - -But at that moment the dog, which had been so motionless, sprang up and -bounded towards the door, wagging its tail with joy. The door opened, -the _portiere_ was lifted by a firm hand, and a man appeared. - -"Here you are at last!" the Count exclaimed, advancing towards the -newcomer, who had great trouble to get rid of the caresses of the dog. -"I had begun to be afraid that you, like the rest, had forgotten me." - -"I do not understand you, brother, but trust you will explain yourself," -the other replied. "Come, that will do, Caesar; lie down! you are a very -good dog, but lie down!" - -And drawing an easy chair towards the fire, he sat down at the other -side of the fire, in front of the Count, who had resumed his place. The -dog lay down between them. - -The personage so anxiously expected by the Count formed a strange -contrast with him; for, just as M. de Prebois-Crance united in himself -all the qualities which physically distinguish nobility of race, the -other displayed all the lively, energetic strength of a true child of -the people. He was a man of twenty-six years of age; tall, thin, and -perfectly well proportioned; while his face, bronzed by the sun, and -his marked features, lit up by blue eyes sparkling with intelligence, -wore an expression of bravery, mildness, and loyalty of character that -created sympathy at first sight. He was dressed in the elegant uniform -of a quartermaster sergeant of the Spahis, and the cross of the legion -of honour glittered on his breast. With his head leaning on his right -hand, a pensive brow and a thoughtful eye, he examined his friend -attentively, whilst twisting his long, silky light-coloured moustache -with the other hand. - -The Count, shrinking before his earnest look, which appeared trying to -read his most secret thoughts, broke the silence abruptly. - -"You have been a long time in responding to my message," he said. - -"This is the second time you have addressed that reproach to me, Louis," -the soldier replied, taking a paper from his breast; "you forget the -terms of the note which your groom brought yesterday to my quarters." - -And he was preparing to read. - -"It is useless to read it," said the Count, with a melancholy smile. "I -acknowledge I am in the wrong." - -"Well, then, let us see," said the Spahi gaily, "what this serious -affair is which makes you stand in need of me. Explain: is there a woman -to be carried off?--Have you a duel on hand?--Tell me." - -"Nothing that you can possibly imagine," the Count interrupted him -bitterly; "therefore do not waste time in useless surmises." - -"What the devil is it, then?" - -"I am going to blow out my brains." - -The young man uttered these words with so firm and resolute an accent, -that the soldier started in spite of himself, and bent an anxious glance -upon the speaker. - -"You believe me mad, do you not?" the Count continued, who guessed his -friend's thoughts. "No, I am not mad, Valentine; I am only at the bottom -of an abyss from which I can only escape by death or infamy, and I -prefer death." - -The soldier made no reply. With an energetic gesture he pushed back his -chair, and began to walk about the room with hurried steps. The Count -had allowed his head to sink upon his breast in a state of perfect -prostration of mind. After a long silence, during which the fury of the -storm without increased, Valentine resumed his seat. - -"A very strong reason must have obliged you to take such a -determination," he said coolly; "I will not endeavour to combat it; but -I command you, by our friendship, to tell me fully what has led you to -form it. I am your foster brother, Louis; we have grown up together; our -ideas have been too long in common, our friendship is too strong and too -fervent for you to refuse to satisfy me." - -"To what purpose?" cried the Count, impatiently; "my sorrows are of a -nature which none but he who experiences them can comprehend." - -"A bad pretext, brother," replied the soldier, in a rough tone; "the -sorrows we dare not avow are of a kind that make us blush." - -"Valentine," said the Count, with a flashing eye, "it is ill judged to -speak so." - -"On the contrary, it is quite right," replied the young man, warmly. "I -love you, I owe you the truth; why should I deceive you? No, you know my -frankness; therefore do not hope that I shall listen to you with my eyes -shut. If you want to be flattered in your last moments, why send for me? -Is it to applaud your death? If so, brother, farewell! I will retire, -for I have nothing to do here. You great gentlemen, who have only known -the trouble of coming into the world, know nothing of life but its joys; -at the first roseleaf which chance happens to ruffle in your bed of -happiness, you think yourselves lost, and appeal to that greatest of all -cowardices, suicide." - -"Valentine!" the Count cried angrily. - -"Yes," continued the young man, with increased energy, "I repeat, that -supreme cowardice! Man is no more at liberty to quit life when he -fancies he is tired of it, than the soldier is to quit his post when he -comes face to face with his country's enemy. Your sorrows, indeed! I -know well what they are." - -"You know?" demanded the Count with astonishment. - -"All--listen to me; and when I have told you my thoughts, why, kill -yourself if you like. Pardieu! do you think when I came here I did not -know why you summoned me? A gladiator, far too weak to fight the good -fight, you have cast yourself defencelessly among the wild beasts of -this terrible arena called Paris--and you have fallen, as was sure to -be the case. But remember, the death you contemplate will complete your -dishonour in the eyes of all, instead of reinstating you or surrounding -you with the halo of false glory you are ambitious of." - -"Valentine! Valentine!" cried the Count, striking the table forcibly -with his clenched hand, "what gives you a right to speak to me thus?" - -"My friendship," the soldier replied, energetically, "and the position -you have yourself placed me in by sending for me. Two causes reduce you -to despair. These two causes are, in the first place, your love for -a coquettish woman, a Creole, who has played with your heart as the -panther of her own savannahs plays with the inoffensive animals she is -preparing to devour.--Is that true?" - -The young man made no reply. With his elbows on the table, his face -buried in his hands, he remained motionless, apparently insensible to -the reproaches of his foster brother. Valentine continued-- - -"Secondly, when, in order to win favour in her eyes, you have -compromised your fortune, and squandered all that your father had left -you, this woman flits away as she came, rejoicing over the mischief -she has done, over the victims she has left on the path she has trod, -leaving to you and to so many others the despair and the shame of having -been the sport of a coquette. What urges you to seek refuge in death is -not the loss of fortune, but the impossibility of following this woman, -the sole cause of all your misfortunes. I defy you to contradict me." - -"Well, I admit all that is true. It is that alone which kills me. What -care I for the loss of fortune? She alone is the object of my ambition! -I love her--I love her--I tell you, so that I could struggle against -the whole world to obtain her!" the young man exclaimed with great -excitement. "Oh, if I could but hope! Hope--a word void of meaning, -invented by the ambitious, always implying something unattainable! Do -you not plainly see the truth of what I say? There is nothing left me -but to die!" - -Valentine contemplated him for some minutes with a sad countenance. -Suddenly his brow cleared, his eye sparkled; he laid his hand upon the -Count's shoulder. - -"Is this, then, more than a caprice? Do you really love this woman?" he -said. - -"Have I not told you that I am ready to die for her?" - -"Ay; and you told me at the same time that you would struggle with the -whole world to obtain her." - -"I did--and would." - -"Well, then," continued Valentine, fixing his eyes earnestly upon him, -"I can help you to find this woman again--I can." - -"You can?" - -"Yes, I can." - -"Oh! you are mad! She has left Paris, and no one knows into what region -of America she has retreated." - -"Of what consequence is that?" - -"And then, besides, I am ruined!" - -"So much the better." - -"Valentine, be careful of what you say," the young man remarked with a -sigh; "in spite of my reason, I allow myself to believe you." - -"Hope, man! hope, I tell you." - -"Oh, no; no, that is impossible!" - -"Nothing is impossible; that is a word invented by the impotent and the -cowardly. I repeat that I not only will find this woman for you again, -but that she--she herself, mind--shall be afraid lest you should despise -her love." - -"Oh!" - -"Who knows? You yourself may then, perhaps, reject it." - -"Valentine! Valentine!" - -"Well, to obtain this glorious result, I only ask two years." - -"So long?" - -"Oh, such is man!" cried the soldier, with a faint, pitying laugh. "But -an instant ago, and you were anxious to die, because the word had never -stood in its true light before you; and now you have not the courage to -look forward, or wait two years, which constitute only a few minutes of -human life!" - -"Yes, but----" - -"Be satisfied, brother--be satisfied! If in two years I have not -fulfilled my promise, I myself will load your pistols--and then----" - -"Well, and then?" - -"And then you shall not die alone," he said coolly. - -The Count looked at him. Valentine seemed transfigured: his countenance -wore an expression of indomitable energy, which his foster brother had -never observed in it before; his eyes sparkled with unwonted brilliancy. -The young man avowed himself conquered; he took his friend's hand, and -pressing it warmly, said-- - -"I agree!" - -"You now, then, belong to me?" - -"I give myself entirely up to you." - -"That's well!" - -"But what will you do?" - -"Listen to me attentively," the soldier said, sinking back into his -chair, and motioning to his friend to resume his seat. At this moment -the clock struck the hour of midnight, and, from a feeling for which -they could not account, the young men listened silently and reflectively -to the twelve strokes which resounded at equal intervals upon the bell. - -When the echo of the last stroke had ceased to vibrate, Valentine lit a -cigar, and turning towards Louis, whose eyes were intensely fixed upon -him, "Now, then," he said slowly, emitting a puff of thin blue smoke, -which went curling gracefully up towards the ceiling. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE RESOLUTION. - - -"I am listening," said Louis, leaning forward as if to hear the better. - -Valentine resumed with a melancholy smile. - -"We have now reached the 1st of January, 1835," said he; "with the last -vibration of midnight your existence as a gentleman has come to an end. -From this time you are about to commence a life of trials and struggles; -in a word, you are about to become a man!" - -The Count gave him an inquiring glance. - -"I will explain myself," Valentine continued; "but in order to do that, -you must, in the first place, allow me, in a few words, to recall your -history to you." - -"Surely, I am well enough acquainted with that," interrupted the Count, -in a tone that displayed impatience. - -"Well, perhaps you are; but, at all events, listen to my version of it; -if I err, put me right." - -"Follow your own humour," the Count replied, sinking back into his chair -with the air of a man whom politeness obliges to listen to a tiresome -discourse. - -Though he saw it, Valentine appeared to take no notice of this movement -on the part of his foster brother. He relit his cigar, which he had -allowed to go out, patted the dog, whose great head was lying upon his -knees, and began, as if convinced that Louis gave him the most profound -attention. - -"Your history is that of almost every man of your rank," said he. "Your -ancestors, whose name can be traced to the Crusades, left you at your -birth a noble title, and a hundred thousand francs a year. Rich, without -having had occasion to employ your faculties to gain your fortune, -and consequently ignorant of the real value of money, you spent it -heedlessly, believing it to be inexhaustible. This is just what has -happened; only, one day, when you least expected it, the hideous spectre -of ruin rose up suddenly before you, and you had a glimpse of want, -that is, of the necessity for labour; and then you drew back terrified, -declaring there was no refuge but in death." - -"All that is perfectly true," the Count interrupted; "but you forget to -mention, that before forming this last resolution, I took care to put -my affairs in order, and to pay all my creditors. I then became my own -master, and had a right to dispose of my life as I thought fit." - -"Not at all. And it is this which your education as a gentleman has -prevented you from understanding. Your life is not your own; it is -a loan which God has made you. It is, consequently, nothing but an -expectation, a _waiting_, a passage: for this reason it is short, -but the profit of it is due to humanity. Every man who wastes the -faculties which he holds from God in orgies and debaucheries, commits a -robbery upon the great human family. Remember that we are all mutually -responsible for one another, and that we ought to employ our faculties -for the advantage of the whole." - -"For Heaven's sake, brother, a truce to your sermons! Such theories, -more or less paradoxical, may succeed with certain people, but----" - -"Brother," Valentine interrupted, "do not speak so. In spite of -yourself, your pride of race dictates words which you will ere long -regret. Certain people! there you have let slip the great word. Oh, -Louis, Louis! how many things you have yet to learn! But that we may -know what we are about, reckoning all your resources, how much have you -left?" - -"Oh, I scarcely know! A pitiful sum." - -"Well, but how much?" - -"Good Heavens! some forty thousand francs, I suppose, at most, which may -amount to sixty thousand by the sale of these luxurious trifles," the -Count said carelessly. - -Valentine started up in his chair. - -"Sixty thousand francs!" he cried; "and you are in despair! and have -made up your mind to die! Senseless fellow! why, these sixty thousand -francs, well employed, are a fortune! they will enable you to find the -woman you love! How many poor devils would fancy themselves rich with -such a sum!" - -"What do you mean to do, then?" - -"You shall see. What is the name of the lady you are in love with?" - -"Dona Rosario del Valle." - -"Very well. She has, you say, gone to America?" - -"Ten days ago; but I, in justice, must observe to you, that Dona -Rosario, whom you do not know, is a noble and amiable girl, who has -never lent an ear to one of my flatteries, or given favourable heed to -the ruinous extravagances which I committed to please her." - -"Ah, that is very possible! why, then, should I seek to rob you of this -sweet illusion? Only it makes me the more puzzled to perceive how, under -these circumstances, you could manage to melt your fortune, which was -considerable, like a lump of butter in the sun." - -"Here! read this note from my broker." - -"Oh!" said Valentine, pushing back the paper; "you have been dabbling -on the Stock Exchange, have you! Everything is now easily explained, my -poor pigeon; the kites have plucked you nicely! Well, brother, you must -take your revenge." - -"Oh, I ask nothing better!" said the young man, knitting his brows. - -"We are of the same age; my mother's milk nourished us both; in the -eyes of God we are brothers! I will make a man of you! I will help -you to put on that armour of brass which will render you invincible. -Whilst you, protected by your name and your fortune, allowed life to -glide luxuriously away, only plucking its flowers as it passed, I, a -poor wretch wandering over the rough pavement of Paris, carried on a -gigantic struggle to obtain a mere existence; a struggle of every hour -and every minute, where the victory for me was a morsel of bread, and -experience most dearly bought; for often, when I held horses, sold -theatre checks, or acted clown to a mountebank--in fact, when I went -through the thousand impossible shifts of the Bohemian, depression and -discouragement nearly choked me; often and often have I felt my burning -brow and throbbing temples clasped in the pinching vice of want; but I -resisted, I girded myself up against adversity; never did I allow myself -to be conquered, although I left upon the thorns of my rugged path many -of the rags of my most fondly-cherished illusions; while my heart, -writhing with despair, has bled from twenty wounds at once! Courage, -Louis! henceforth there will be two of us to fight the battle! You shall -be the head to conceive, I the arm to execute; you the intelligence, I -the strength! Now the struggle will be equal, for we will sustain one -another. Trust in me, my brother; a day will come when success will -crown our efforts!" - -"I can fully appreciate your devotion, and I accept it. Am I not, at -present, your property? Entertain no fear of my resisting you. But I -cannot help telling you that I fear all my attempts will be in vain, and -that we shall be forced, sooner or later, to fall back upon that last -means which you now prevent me having recourse to." - -"Oh, thou man of little faith!" Valentine said, cheerfully; "on the road -which we are about to take, fortune will be our slave!" - -Louis could not repress a smile. - -"We must, at all events, depend upon the aid of chance in what we are -about to undertake," he said. - -"Chance! chance is the hope of fools; the strong man commands it." - -"Well, but what do you mean to do?" - -"The lady you love is in America, is she not?" - -"I have already told you so several times." - -"Very well, then, we must go thither." - -"But I do not know even in what part of America she resides." - -"Of what consequence is that? The New World is the country of gold--the -true region of adventurers! We shall retrieve our fortunes whilst -searching for her; and is that so disagreeable a thing? Tell me--this -lady was born somewhere?" - -"She is a Chilian." - -"Good! she has gone back to Chili, then; and it is there we shall find -her." - -Louis looked at his foster brother for a moment, with a species of -respectful admiration. - -"What! do you seriously mean that you will do this, brother?" he said, -in an agitated voice. - -"Without hesitation." - -"Abandon the military career which offers you so many chances of -success? I know that in three months you will be an officer." - -"I have ceased to be a soldier since the morning; I have found a -substitute." - -"Oh, that is not possible!" - -"Ay, but it is done." - -"But your old mother, my nurse, whose only support you are!" - -"Out of what you have left we will give her a few thousand francs, -which, joined to my pension, will suffice for her to live on till we -come back." - -"Oh," said the young man, "I cannot accept of such a sacrifice--my -honour forbids it!" - -"Unfortunately, brother," Valentine said, in a tone which silenced the -Count, "you have it not in your power to prevent it. In acting as I -propose to do I am only discharging a sacred duty." - -"I do not understand you." - -"What is the use of explaining it to you?" - -"I insist." - -"Very good; and, perhaps, it will be better. Listen:--When, after -having nursed you, my mother restored you to your family, my father fell -sick, and died at the end of an illness of eight months, leaving my -mother and myself in the greatest want; the little we possessed had been -spent in medicines, and in paying the doctor for his visits. We ought to -have had recourse to your family, who would, no doubt, have relieved us; -but my mother would never consent to it. 'The Count de Prebois-Crance -has done as much as he ought,' she remarked, 'he shall not be troubled -any more.'" - -"She was wrong," said Louis. - -"I know she was," Valentine replied. "In the meantime, hunger soon began -to be felt. It was then I undertook all those impossible trades of which -I just now spoke to you. One day, as I was carrying my cap round in the -Place du Trone, after swallowing sabres and eating fire, to the great -delight of the crowd, I found myself face to face with an officer of the -Chasseurs d'Afrique, who looked at me with an air of pity and kindness -that melted my heart within me. He led me away with him, made me relate -my history, and insisted upon being conducted to the shed where I and -my mother lived. At the sight of our misery the old soldier was much -affected; a tear, which he could not restrain, flowed silently down his -sunburnt cheek. Louis, that officer was your father." - -"My noble and good father!" the Count exclaimed, pressing his foster -brother's hand. - -"Yes! yes, noble and good! he secured my mother a little annuity which -enables her to live, and took me into his own regiment. Two years ago, -during the last expedition against the Rey of Constantine, your father -was struck by a bullet in his chest, and died at the end of two hours, -calling upon his son." - -"Yes," the young man said, with tears in his eyes, "I know he did." - -"But what you do not know, Louis, is, that at the point of death your -father turned towards me--for, from the moment he had received his wound -I had never left him." - -Louis again silently pressed the hand of Valentine, whilst the latter -continued-- - -"'Valentine,' he said to me, in a faint voice, broken by the rattle of -death, for the mortal agony had commenced, 'my son is left alone, and -without experience; he has nobody but you, his foster brother. Watch -over him--never abandon him! May I depend upon your promise? it will -mitigate the pain of dying.' I knelt down beside him, and respectfully -seizing the hand he held out to me, exclaimed--'Die in peace! in the -hour of adversity I will be always by the side of your Louis. Two tears -of joy at that awful hour dropped from your father's eyes; he said, in a -faltering voice--'God has heard your oath and murmuring your name, and -clasping my hand, he expired. Louis, I owe to your father the comfort -my mother enjoys; I owe to your father the feelings that make me a man, -and this cross which glitters on my breast. Can you not now comprehend, -then, why I have spoken to you as I have done? While you held your -course in your strength, I kept aloof; but now that the hour has arrived -for accomplishing my vow, no human power can prevent me from doing so." - -The two young men were silent for a moment, and then Louis, laying his -face on the soldier's honest chest, said, with a burst of tears-- - -"When shall we set out, brother?" - -The latter looked at him earnestly-- - -"You are fully resolved to commence a new life?" - -"Entirely!" Louis replied, in a firm tone. - -"Do you leave no regrets behind you?" - -"None." - -"You are ready to pass bravely through all the trials to which I may -expose you?" - -"I am." - -"That is well, brother! it is thus I wish you to be. We will set out as -soon as we have settled the balance of your past life. You must enter -on the new existence I am about to open to you quite free from clogs or -remembrances." - - * * * * * - -On the 2nd of February, 1835, a packet boat belonging to the -Trans-Atlantic Company left Havre, directing its course towards -Valparaiso. On board this vessel, as passengers, were the Count de -Prebois-Crance, Valentine Guillois his foster brother, and Caesar their -Newfoundland dog--Caesar, the only friend who had remained faithful to -them, and whom they could not think of leaving behind. Upon the quay -a woman of about sixty years of age, her face bathed in tears, stood -with her eyes intently fixed upon the vessel as long as it remained in -sight. When it had disappeared below the horizon, she cast a desponding -glance around her, and with a heavy heart bent her steps towards a house -situated at a small distance from the beach, where she remained three -days. - -"Do what is right, happen what may!" she said, in a voice stifled by -grief. - -This woman was the mother of Valentine Guillois. She was the most to be -pitied, for she was left alone! - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE EXECUTION. - - -Towards the end of the year 1450, Chili was invaded by Prince -Sinchiroca, afterwards Inca, who gained possession of the valley of -Mapocho, then called Promocaces, that is to say, the place of dancing -and rejoicing. The Peruvian government, however, was never able to -establish itself in the country, on account of the armed opposition of -the Promocians, then encamped between the rivers Rapel and Maule. Hence, -though the historian Garcilasso de la Vega may place the limits of the -territory conquered by the Incas upon the river Maule, everything proves -they were upon the Rapel, for, near the confluence of the Cachapeul with -the Tingerica, which from this point takes the name of Rapel, start the -ruins of an ancient Peruvian fortress, constructed exactly like those of -Callao and Asseray, in the province of Quito. These fortresses served to -mark the frontier. - -The Spanish conqueror, Don Pedro de Valdivia, founded, on the 24th of -February, 1541, the city of Santiago in a delightful position upon the -left bank of the Rio Mapocho, at the entrance of a plain a hundred miles -in extent, bounded by the Rio Parahuel, and the mountain of El Pardo, -which has an elevation of not less than four thousand feet. This plain, -which is also bathed by the Rio Maypo, forms a natural reservoir, in -which the light soil brought down from the neighbouring heights has -found a level, and created one of the richest territories of the New -World. - -Santiago, which at a later period became the capital of Chili, is one of -the finest cities in Spanish America. Its streets are broad, built in -straight lines, and refreshed by _acequias_; or rivulets of clear and -limpid water; while the houses, built of _adobes_, only one story high, -on account of the earthquakes so frequent in this country, are vast, -airy, and well situated. It possesses a great number of monuments, the -most remarkable of which are the stone bridge of five arches, thrown -over the Mapocho, and the Tajamar, or breakwater, formed of two brick -walls, the interior one of which is filled with earth, and serves to -protect the inhabitants from inundations. The Cordilleras, with their -eternally snow-crowned summits, although eighty miles distant from -the city, appear suspended over it, and present an aspect of the most -majestic and imposing kind. - -On the 5th of May, 1835, towards ten o'clock in the evening, stifling -heat oppressed the city; there was not a breath in the air, or a cloud -in the heavens. Santiago, generally so joyous at this hour of the -night, when beams from black eyes and smiles from rosy lips are seen at -every balcony, and each window seems to challenge the passer-by with -the twanging of _sambecuejas,_ and snatches of Creole songs, appeared -plunged in the deepest sadness. The balconies and the windows were -filled, it is true, with the heads of men and women, packed together as -closely as possible, but the expression of every face was serious, every -look was thoughtful and uneasy: no smile, no joy could be witnessed; but -on all sides were sorrowful brows, pale cheeks, and eyes filled with -tears. - -Here and there in the streets numerous groups were stationed in the -middle of the causeway, or upon the steps of the doors, conversing in a -low voice, but with great vivacity. At every instant, orderly officers -left the government palace, and galloped off in various directions. -Detachments of troops quitted their barracks, and marched, with drums -beating, to the Plaza Mayor, where they formed in line, passing silently -amidst the terrified inhabitants. The Plaza Mayor on this evening -afforded an exceptional appearance. Torches, waved about by individuals -mixed with the crowd, threw their red dull reflections upon the -assembled people, who seemed to be in expectation of some great event. - -But among all these people assembled on one spot, and whose number -increased every second, not a cry, not a word could be heard. Only, at -intervals, there arose a nameless murmur--a noise of the sea before a -tempest--the whisper of a whole anxious people--the hoarse fury of a -storm lashing all these oppressed breasts. The clock of the cathedral -heavily and slowly struck ten. - -Scarce had the _serenos_, according to custom, chanted the hour, ere -military commands were heard, and the crowd violently driven back in all -directions, with cries and oaths, accompanied by blows from gunstocks, -divided in two nearly equal parts, leaving between them a wide, free -space. At this moment arose the sounds of religious chants, murmured in -a low, monotonous tone, and a long procession of monks debouched upon -the square. These monks all belonged to the order of the Brothers of -Mercy. They walked slowly in two lines, with their hoods pulled down -over their faces, their arms crossed upon their breasts, their heads -hanging down, and chanting the _De Profundis_. In the middle of them ten -penitents each bore an open coffin. Then came a squadron of cavalry, -preceding a battalion of militiamen, in the centre of which body, ten -men, bare headed, with their arms bound behind them, were conducted, -each riding with his face toward the tail of a donkey, whose bridle -was held by a monk of the order of Mercy; a detachment of lancers came -immediately after, and closed this lugubrious procession. - -At the cry of halt, given by the commander of the troops drawn up -upon the Plaza, the monks separated to the right and left, without -interrupting their funeral chant, and the condemned remained alone in -the middle of the space left free for them. These men were patriots, -who had attempted to overthrow the established government, in order to -substitute another, the more broad and democratic basis of which would -be, as they thought, in better accordance with ideas of progress and the -welfare of the nation. These patriots belonged to the first families of -the country. - -The population of Santiago viewed with sullen despair the death of -the men whom they considered as martyrs. It is even probable that a -rising in their favour would have taken place, if General Don Poncho -Bustamente, the minister at war, had not drawn out a military force -capable of imposing upon the most determined, and obliging them to be -silent spectators of the execution of men whom they could not save, but -whom they entertained a fierce hope of avenging at a future day. - -The condemned alighted; they piously knelt, and confessed themselves to -the monks of Mercy nearest to them, whilst a platoon of fifty soldiers -took up a position within twenty paces of them. When their confession -was completed, they rose up bravely, and taking each other by the hand, -ranged themselves in a single line in front of the soldiers appointed -to put them to death. In spite, however, of the great numbers of troops -assembled on the Plaza, an ominous fermentation prevailed among the -people. The crowd rocked about in all directions. Murmurs of sinister -augury and curses, pronounced aloud against the agents of power, seemed -to remind the latter that they had better finish the affair at once, if -they did not wish to have their victims torn from their hands. - -General Bustamente, who calmly and stoically presided over this -dismal ceremony, smiled with disdain at this expression of popular -disapprobation. He waved his sword over his head and commanded "right -about face," which was executed with the rapidity of lightning. The -troops faced the insurgents on all sides; the front rank pointing their -muskets at the citizens crowded together before them, whilst the others -appeared to take aim at the balconies encumbered with people. This was -followed by so dead a silence, that not a word was lost of the sentence -read by the proper officer to the patriots--a sentence which condemned -them to be shot as traitors, or accomplices in a conspiracy designed -to overthrow the constituted government, and plunge their country into -anarchy. - -The conspirators listened to their sentence with silent firmness; but -when the officer, who trembled in every limb, had finished reading it, -they all cried, as with one voice, - -"Viva la Patria! Viva la Libertad!" - -The General gave a signal, and a loud rolling of the drums drowned the -voices of the condemned. A discharge of musketry resounded like a clap -of thunder, and the ten martyrs fell, once again shouting their cry of -liberty, a cry doomed to find an echo in the hearts of their terrified -compatriots. - -The troops filed off, with shouldered arms, ensigns flying, and band at -their head, past the dead bodies, and regained their barracks. When the -General had disappeared with his escort, and the troops had left the -Plaza, the people rushed in a mass towards the spot where the martyrs -of their cause lay in a confused heap. Every one wished to offer them a -last farewell, and to swear over their bodies to avenge them, or to fall -in their turn. - -At length, by degrees, the crowd became less compact, the groups -dispersed, the last torches were extinguished, and the spot where, -scarce an hour before, an awful drama had been accomplished, was left -completely deserted. A considerable time elapsed before any noise -disturbed the solemn silence which brooded over the Plaza Mayor. - -Suddenly, a heavy sigh escaped from the heap of bodies, and a pale head, -disfigured by the blood and dirt which stained it, arose slowly from -this human slaughterhouse, pushing aside with difficulty the carcasses -which had covered it. The victim, who, by a miracle, survived this -bloody hecatomb, cast an anxious look around him, and passing his hand -over his brow, which was bathed in a dark perspiration, said vehemently-- - -"My God! my God! grant me strength to live, that I may avenge myself and -my country!" - -Then, with incredible courage, this man, too weak from the blood he had -lost, and was still losing, to stand, or to escape by walking away, -began to crawl along upon his hands and knees, leaving behind him a long -wet track, and directing his course towards the cathedral. At every yard -he stopped to take breath, and to place his hands upon his wounds, which -motion rendered more painful. Scarce had he left the centre of the Plaza -and its horrid sacrifice fifty paces behind him, and that with immense -difficulty, when, from a street which opened just before him, issued two -men, who advanced with hasty steps towards him. - -"Oh!" the unhappy man cried, in utter despair, "I am lost! I am lost! -Heaven is not just!"--And he fainted. - -The two men, on coming up to him, stopped with great surprise; they -leant over him, and examined him with care and in an anxious manner. - -"Well?" said one of them, at the end of a minute or two. - -"He is alive!" the other replied, in a tone of conviction. - -Without uttering another word, they rolled up the wounded man in a -_poncho_, lifted him on their shoulders, and disappeared in the gloomy -depths of the street by which they had come, and which led to the -Canadilla suburb. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE PASSAGE. - - -It is a long voyage from Havre to Chili. The man accustomed to the -thousand agitations and the intoxicating whirlwind of the atmosphere of -Paris, necessarily finds the life on shipboard, the calm and regular -life, insipid and monotonous. It is certainly tedious to remain months -together in a vessel, confined to a cabin a few feet square, without -air and without sun, almost without light, and to have no walk but the -narrow deck of the ship, no horizon but the rolling or the tranquil -sea--at all times and everywhere nothing but sea. - -The transition is very trying. The Parisian, accustomed to the noise -and perpetual motion of a great city, cannot at once enter into or -comprehend the poetry of the sailor's life, of which he knows nothing, -or the sublime pleasures and keen enjoyments which those granite-hearted -men, exposed incessantly to a struggle with the elements, constantly -experience; men who laugh at the tempest and brave the hurricane; who, -twenty times a minute, stand face to face with death, and at last feel -such a contempt for it that they end by not believing in it. The hours -are of interminable length to the passenger who pines for the land; -every day appears an age to him. With his eyes constantly turned toward -a point which he begins to imagine he shall never gain, he sinks, in -spite of himself, into a species of gloomy nostalgia, which the sight of -the wished for port is alone powerful enough to dissipate. - -The Count de Prebois-Crance and Valentine Guillois had, then, undergone -the dispersion of all the illusions and all the ennuis attendant upon a -first sea voyage. During the first days they were employed in recalling -the vivid remembrance of that other life from which they had parted -for ever. They talked over the surprise which the sudden disappearance -of the Count would cause in the fashionable society from which he -had fled without warning, and without leaving any means of tracing -him. Forgetting for awhile the distance which separated them from the -America to which they were bound, they dwelt at great length upon the -unknown pleasures which awaited them upon that golden soil, that land -of promise for all sorts of adventurers, but which, alas! often offers -those who go thither in the hope of gaining an easy fortune, nothing but -disappointment and sorrow. - -As every subject, however interesting it may be, must in the end grow -exhausted, the two young men, to escape the fatiguing monotony of the -voyage, had the good sense so to arrange their existence as to prevent -tedium from gaining the influence over them which it had upon the -other passengers. Twice a day, morning and evening, the Count, who was -perfectly well acquainted with Spanish, gave his foster brother lessons -in that language, lessons by which he profited so well, that after two -months' study, he was able to carry on a conversation in Spanish. When -he had made such progress, the young men employed no other language, -either between themselves or with the persons on board who understood -it. This habit produced the desired result; that is to say, Valentine, -in a very short time, spoke Spanish, which is not difficult to acquire, -as fluently as French; and then, in return, Valentine occasionally -became the professor. He made Louis go through gymnastic exercises, in -order to develop his natural strength, accustom his body to fatigue, and -render him capable of supporting the rude exigencies of his new position. - -We will here, for a moment, return to the character of Valentine -Guillois, a character of which the reader, from the young man's manner -of acting and speaking, might form a completely erroneous opinion, and -this we think it our duty to rectify. Morally, Valentine Guillois was -a young fellow quite unacquainted with himself; hot-headed, giddy in -the extreme, the surface had been slightly vitiated by reading chosen -without discernment; but the foundation was essentially good. He -united in himself all the characteristics of a class whose knowledge -of the world is obtained from romances and the dramas of the Faubourg -du Temple. He had sprung up like a mushroom upon _the pave_ of Paris, -performing for bread, as he himself said, the most eccentric and -impossible things. As a soldier, he had lived from hand to mouth, -happy in the present, and careless of a future whose existence was so -uncertain for him. But in the heart of this thoughtless _gamin_ a new -sentiment had germinated, and, in a very short time, taken deep root,--a -hearty devotion to the man who had held out his hand to him, had had -pity on his mother, and who, by dragging him from the slough in which he -was plunged, without hope of ever rising, had given him a consciousness -of his own personal value. The death of this benefactor had struck -him like a clap of thunder. He felt all the importance of the mission -with which his dying colonel had charged him, the responsible burden -he imposed upon him, and he swore, with the firm resolution of keeping -his oath, cost what it might, to watch, like an attentive and devoted -brother, over the son of him who had made a man of him equal to other -men. The two most prominent points of Valentine's character were, an -energy which obstacles only augmented instead of depressing, and an iron -will. - -With these two qualities, employed to the extent to which Valentine -carried them, a man is sure to accomplish great things, and, if death -does not surprise him on the road, to attain, at a given moment, the -object, whatever it may be, which he has marked out for himself. In the -present circumstances, these qualities were invaluable to the Count de -Prebois-Crance, a man of a dreamy, poetical nature, weak character, and -timid mind, who, accustomed from his birth to the easy life of people -of fortune, was entirely ignorant of the incessant difficulties of the -new life into which he found himself suddenly cast. As always happens, -when two men gifted with such opposite qualities meet, Valentine was -not long in gaining over his foster brother a great moral influence, an -influence which he employed with infinite tact, without ever rendering -his companion aware of it; he appeared to do everything according to -his will, whilst imposing his own upon him. In short, these two men, -who loved each other thoroughly, and had but one head and one heart, -perfected each other. - -The mode of speaking employed by Valentine in the early chapters of -this history, was not at all habitual to him, and had truly astonished -himself. Rising to the level of the situation in which the resolution of -the young man he wished to save placed him, he had comprehended, with -that sound common sense which he unwittingly possessed, that instead -of desponding over the misfortune which struck his foster brother so -unexpectedly, it was his duty, on the contrary, to endeavour to impart -to him the courage he was deficient in. Thus, as we have seen, he -found in his heart arguments so peremptorily decisive, that the Count -consented to live, and gave himself up to his counsels. Valentine did -not hesitate. The departure of Dona Rosario furnished him with the -excuse he needed for dragging his foster brother from the Parisian gulf -which, after having swallowed up his fortune, threatened to swallow up -himself. Perceiving, before all else, the necessity for expatriating -him, he persuaded Louis to follow the object of his love to America; and -both set out gaily for the New World, abandoning the country which, like -other emigrants, they fancied had been so ungrateful to them. - -Often during the passage the young Count had felt his courage flag, -and his faith in the future abandon him, when thinking of the life of -struggles and trials that awaited him in America. But Valentine, by -his inexhaustible gaiety, his incredible store of anecdotes, and his -incessant sallies, always succeeded in smoothing the wrinkles from the -brow of his companion, who, with his habitual carelessness and want of -energy, allowed himself to sink under that occult influence of Valentine -which remoulded him, without his cognizance, and gradually made a new -man of him. - -Such was the state of mind in which our two personages found themselves -when the packet boat cast anchor in the roads of Valparaiso. Valentine, -with his imperturbable assurance, doubted of nothing: he was persuaded -that the people he was about to have to do with were very much beneath -him in intelligence, and that he could manage very well to attain the -double object which he aimed at. The Count entirely depended upon his -foster brother for finding for him the woman he loved, and whom he had -come so far to seek. As to retrieving his fortune, he did not even dream -of that. - -Valparaiso--Valley of Paradise--so named probably by antiphrasis, for it -is the filthiest and ugliest city of Spanish America--is nothing but a -depot for foreigners, whom commercial interests do not call into Chili. -Our young men only remained there long enough to equip themselves in -the costume of the country; that is to say, to assume the Panama hat, -the _poncho_, and _polenas_; then, each armed with two double-barrelled -pistols, a rifle, and a long knife in his belt, they left the port, and, -mounted on excellent horses, took their course towards Santiago, on the -evening preceding the day on which the execution we have described in -the preceding chapter was to take place. The weather was magnificent;-- -the rays of a burning sun rendered the very dust golden, and made the -stones of the road shine like jewels. - -"Ah!" said Valentine, as soon as they found themselves upon the superb -road which leads to the capital of Chili; "it does one good to breathe -the air of the land--_caramba_, as they say here. Well, now, here we -are in this boasted America, and now we must set about collecting our -harvest of gold." - -"And Dona Rosario?" said his foster brother, in a melancholy tone. - -"Oh! we shall have found her within a fortnight," replied Valentine, -with astounding confidence. - -With these consolatory words, he animated his horse with the spur, and -the distance before them rapidly diminished. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -THE LINDA.[1] - - -The night was gloomy; no star glittered in the heavens; the moon, -concealed by clouds, only spread a wan, pale light, which, when it -disappeared, rendered the darkness the denser. The streets were -deserted; but at regular intervals the furtive steps of the serenos, who -alone watched at this hour, were audible. - -The two men whom we have seen upon the Plaza Mayor, bearing away the -wounded man, walked for a long time, loaded with their strange burthen, -stopping at the least noise, and concealing themselves in the depths of -a doorway, or in the angle of a street, to allow the serenos to pass, as -they would be sure to require a reason for their being in the streets -at that unusual hour. Since the discovery of the conspiracy, orders had -been given that at eleven o'clock every citizen should be within doors. -After many turnings and windings, the strangers stopped in the street El -Mercado, one of the most secluded and narrow in Santiago. They appeared -to be expected, for a door was opened at the sound of their steps, and -a woman, dressed in white, and holding a candle, the light of which -she shaded with her left hand, appeared on the threshold. The two men -stopped, and one of them, taking a steel from his pocket, struck the -flint so as to produce as few sparks as possible. At this signal--for it -evidently was one--the woman extinguished the light, saying with a loud -voice, but as if speaking to herself-- - -"Dios proteja a Chile (May God protect Chili)!" - -"Dios lo ha protegido (God has protected it)," the man with the flint -and steel replied, as he replaced his utensils in his pocket. - -The woman uttered a cry of joy, which her prudence suddenly repressed. - -"Come in, come in," she said in a low voice; and in an instant the two -men were beside her. - -"Is he alive?" she asked, with intense anxiety. - -"He is alive," one of the strangers laconically replied. - -"In Heaven's name, come in!" she exclaimed. - -The bearers, guided by the woman, who had relighted her candle, -disappeared in the house, the door of which was immediately and softly -closed after them. All the houses of Santiago are alike, with respect -to their internal arrangements. To describe one is to describe all. -A wide doorway, ornamented with pilasters, leads to _the patio_, or -great entrance court, at the end of which is the principal apartment, -generally the dining room. On each side are bed chambers, reception -rooms, and cabinets for labour or study. Behind these apartments is the -_huerta_, or garden, laid out with taste, ornamented with fountains, and -planted with orange trees, citron trees, pomegranates, limes, cedars, -and palm trees, which grow with incredible luxuriance. Behind the garden -is the _corral_--a vast enclosure appropriated to horses and carriages. - -The house into which we have introduced the reader, only differed from -the others in the princely luxury of its furniture, which seemed to -indicate that its inhabitant was a person of importance. The two men, -still preceded by the woman, who served them as guide, entered a little -room, whose window opened on the garden. They laid their burthen down -upon a bed, and retired without speaking a word, but bowing respectfully. - -The woman remained for a moment motionless, listening to the sound -of their retreating footsteps; and when all was silent, she sprang -with a bound towards the door, the bolts of which she fastened with -an impetuous gesture; then, returning and placing herself beside the -wounded man, she fixed upon him a long and melancholy look. - -This woman, though really thirty-five years of age, appeared to be -scarcely more than five-and-twenty. She was of an extraordinary, but a -strange style of beauty; it attracted attention, commanded admiration, -but created an instinctive repulsion. In spite of the majestic splendour -of her graceful form, the elegance of her carriage, the freedom of her -motions, full of voluptuous ease,--in spite of the purity of the lines -of her fair face, slightly tinged by the warm rays of an American sun, -which the magnificent tresses of her black hair beautifully enframed, -her large black eyes, ornamented with long velvety lashes, and crowned -by perfectly-arched brows, her straight nose, with its mobile and rosy -nostrils, her little mouth, whose blood-red lips contrasted admirably -with her pearl-white teeth--in spite of all these rich endowments, -there was in this splendid creature something fatal, which chilled the -heart as you contemplated her. Her searching glance, the satirical -smile, which almost always contracted the corners of her lips, the -slight wrinkle, which formed a harsh, deep line along her white -brow--everything about her, even to the melodious sound of her voice, -with its strongly-accentuated pitch, destroyed sympathy, and produced a -feeling of hatred, rather than respect. - -Alone in that chamber, dimly lighted by one flickering taper, in that -calm and silent night, face to face with that pale, bleeding man, whom -she contemplated with stern, contracted brows, she resembled, with her -long, black hair falling in disorder from her shoulders on to her white -robe, a Thessalian witch, preparing herself to accomplish some terrible -and mysterious work. - -The stranger was a man of, at most, forty-five years of age, of lofty -stature, strongly built, and well proportioned. His features were -handsome, his brow noble, and the expression of his countenance proud, -but frank and resolute. - -The woman remained for a considerable time in mute contemplation. -Her bosom heaved, her brows became more and more contracted, and she -appeared to watch the too slow progress of the return to sensibility -of the man her emissaries had saved from death. At length words forced -their way through her compressed lips, and she murmured in a low, broken -voice,-- - -"Here he is, then; this time, at least, he is in my power! Will he -consent to answer me? Oh! perhaps I had better have left him to die." - -She paused to breathe a deep, broken sigh, but almost immediately -continued:-- - -"My daughter! my daughter! of whom this man has bereaved me! and whom, -in spite of all my researches, he has hitherto concealed in some -inviolable asylum! My daughter! he must restore her to me; it is my -will!" she added with inexpressible energy. "He shall, even if I had -to deliver him up again to the executioners from whom I have ravished -their prey! These wounds are nothing; loss of blood and terror are the -sole causes of this insensibility. But time passes--my absence may be -noticed. Why should I hesitate longer? Let me at once know what I have -to hope from him. Perhaps he will allow himself to be softened by my -tears and prayers. What, he! he to whom all human feeling is unknown! -Better for me to implore the most implacable Indian! He will laugh at my -grief, he will reply by sarcasms to my cries of despair;--oh! woe, woe -be to him if he do so!" - -She looked earnestly at the wounded man, who was still motionless, for -another instant, and then, adding resolutely, "I will try," she drew -from her bosom a small crystal phial, curiously cut, and raising the -head of the unknown, made him inhale the contents. This was followed by -a moment of intense expectation; the woman watching with an anxious eye -the convulsive movements which are the precursors of the return to life, -as they agitated the body of the wounded man. At length, with a deep -sigh, he opened his eyes. - -"Where am I?" he murmured in a faint voice, then sank back, and closed -his eyes again. - -"In safety," the woman replied. - -The sound of the voice produced upon the wounded man the effect of an -electric shock. He raised himself quickly, and looking around him with a -mixture of disgust, terror, and anger, asked in a hollow voice,-- - -"Who spoke?" - -"I!" the woman replied haughtily, placing herself before him. - -"Ah!" he said with a gesture of disgust, and sinking back upon the bed; -"you again! ever you!" - -"Yes, I! still I, Don Tadeo! I, whose will, in spite of your disdain -and your hatred, has never faltered! I, in short, whose assistance you -have always obstinately refused, and who have saved you, in spite of -yourself." - -"Oh! that is an easy matter for you, madam; are you not on the best -possible terms with my executioners?" - -At this reply the woman could not repress a movement of anger; a sudden -redness flitted across her face. - -"No insults, Don Tadeo de Leon!" she said, stamping her foot; "I have -saved you! I am a woman, and you are under my roof!" - -"That is true," he replied, rising and bowing to her with ironical -respect; "I had forgotten that, madam; I am in your house. Have the -goodness, then, to direct me the way out, that I may be gone as quickly -as possible." - -"Do not be in such haste, Don Tadeo--you have not yet sufficiently -recovered your strength. Within a few steps, you perhaps would fall -again, to be raised up by the agents of the power which, this time, I -swear to you, would not let you escape." - -"And who told you, madam, that I should not prefer being retaken and -executed a second time, to the chance of remaining longer in your -presence?" - -There was a moment of silence, during which the two interlocutors -observed each other attentively. The woman was the first to speak. - -"Listen to me, Don Tadeo," she said. "In spite of all your efforts, -destiny, or, speaking more correctly, woman's genius, which nothing can -resist, has brought us together once again. If you live, if you have -received only slight wounds, it is because I lavished my gold upon the -soldiers charged with your execution; I wished to force you to that -explanation which I have so long demanded of you, which you so often -have refused me, but which you can now no longer avoid. Submit, then, -with a good grace. We will afterwards separate, if not good friends, -at least indifferent, never to meet again. Though I do not wish to -establish any claim upon your gratitude, you certainly owe your life to -me; were it for that service alone, you are bound to hear me." - -"What! madam," Don Tadeo replied, proudly, "do you think that I consider -what you have done was rendering me a service? By what right have you -saved my life? You know me but ill if you fancied I should allow myself -to be softened by your tears. No, no, I have been too long your dupe and -your slave to do so. Heaven be praised! I know you well now; and the -Linda, the mistress of General Bustamente, the tyrant of my country, the -executioner of my brothers and myself, has nothing to expect from me! -All that you can say, all that you can do, will be to no purpose. Spare -yourself, then, I advise you, the trouble of pretending a gentleness -which neither accords with your character nor your mode of life. I -madly loved you, a young, pure, and prudent girl, in the cabin of the -worthy _guaso,_ your father, whose death was caused by your scandalous -life; you were then called Maria. At that period, would I not have -sacrificed my life and my happiness for you?--you know I would. Many -times have I given you proofs of that boundless love; but the Linda, the -shameless courtezan, the Linda, the woman branded on the brow like Cain -with the seal of infamy, the miserable creature--I know her not. Away, -madam!--away! There can be nothing in common between you and me." - -And with a gesture of proud authority he waved her from him. - -The woman had listened to him with flashing eyes and heaving bosom, -trembling with rage and shame. Drops of perspiration stood upon her -face, which glowed with a feverish redness. When he had finished, she -seized his arm, pressed it with her utmost strength, and placed her face -close to his. - -"Have you said all?" she muttered from between her teeth. "Have you -heaped insults enough upon me? Have you cast sufficient mire in my face? -Have you nothing more to add?" - -"Nothing, madam," he replied, in a tone of cool contempt. "You can, when -you please, summon your assassins--I am ready to receive them." - -And throwing himself upon the bed, he waited with an air of the most -insolent indifference. - - -[1] This word, which has no equivalent in English or French, is in the -Spanish language the highest expression of physical beauty in woman. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -HUSBAND AND WIFE. - - -Dona Maria, notwithstanding the fresh and bitter insult she had just -received from Don Tadeo, did not yet renounce the hope of softening -him. When she recalled to her mind the early years, already so distant, -of her love for Don Tadeo, his devotion to her smallest caprices, when -she could bring him trembling and prostrate to her feet by a glance or -a smile, and the entire abnegation he had made of his will, in order -to live for her and by her; notwithstanding all that had since taken -place between them, she could not persuade herself that the violent -and deeply-seated passion he had entertained for her, the species of -worship he had vowed to her, could have entirely disappeared without -leaving some slight traces behind. Her pride revolted at the idea of -having lost all her empire over the lofty nature which she so long had -moulded at her pleasure like soft wax, under the burning impression of -wild caprices. She fancied that, like most other men, Don Tadeo, deeply -wounded in his pride, loved her still without being willing to admit it, -and that the virulent reproaches he had addressed to her, were flashes -of that ill-extinguished fire which still smouldered in his heart, and -whose flame she should succeed in reviving. - -Unfortunately Dona Maria had never given herself the trouble to study -the man she had married, and whom her beauty had so long held in -subjection. Don Tadeo had been nothing in her eyes but an attentive, -submissive slave, and, under the apparent weakness of the loving man, -she had not discovered the powerful energy which formed the foundation -of his character. And yet the history itself of their love had been a -proof of that energy, and of a will which nothing could control. Dona -Maria, then fifteen years of age, dwelt with her father in a _hacienda_, -in the neighbourhood of Santiago. Deprived of her mother, who had died -in giving her birth, she was brought up under the care of an old aunt, -an incorruptible Argus, who allowed no lover to come near her niece. -The young girl, ignorant as all girls brought up in the country are, -but whose warm aspirations led her to desire to know the world, and to -launch into that whirlwind of pleasures the sound of which died without -an echo in her ears, waited impatiently the arrival of the man who -should introduce her to these delights, of which, although unknown, she -had formed seducing ideas. Don Tadeo had only been the guide charged -with initiating her into the pleasures for which she thirsted. She -had never loved him; she had only said to herself, on seeing him and -learning he was of a noble family, "That is the man I have been looking -for." - -This hideous and selfish calculation is made by more girls than -we may fancy. Don Tadeo was handsome. Dona Maria's self-love was -flattered by the conquest; but if he had been ugly and disagreeable, -it would not have altered her course. In her extraordinary character, -a strange conjunction of the most abject passions, among which shone -here and there, like diamonds gleaming in the mire, a few feelings -which attached her to humanity, there was the spirit of two women -of ancient Rome; Locusta and Messalina were united in her: ardent, -passionate and ambitious, covetous and prodigal, this demon, concealed -under the outward form of an angel, acknowledged no other laws but her -own caprices; and all means, by which she could satisfy them, to her -appeared good. - -For a long time, Don Tadeo, blinded by passion, had submitted without -complaining to the iron yoke of this infernal genius; but when the day -arrived that the scales fell from his eyes, he measured with terror the -depth of the abyss into which this woman had cast him. The frightful -disorders to which, under the sanction of his name, she had abandoned -herself, imprinted on his blushing brow a stigma of infamy: the world -believed him to be her accomplice. - -Don Tadeo had by Maria an only daughter, a fair girl of angelic beauty, -at the period of our history fifteen years of age, whom he loved in -proportion to the sufferings her mother had inflicted upon him. He -trembled to think of the frightful future which lay before this innocent -creature. For four years he had been separated from his wife; and -during that time she had set no bounds on her irregularities. One day, -Don Tadeo presented himself unexpectedly at the house of his wife, and -without saying a word as to his ulterior intentions, took away his -daughter. From that time--nearly ten years--Dona Maria had never seen -her child. - -A strange revolution was effected by this step in the mother's feelings; -a new sentiment, so to say, germinated in her soul. A thing, till that -time unknown to her, happened; she felt the pulses of her heart beat -for another--she grieved at the remembrance of the little angel who had -been ravished from her. What was the sentiment? She, herself, knew not; -she only ardently wished to see her child again. During six years she -contended, publicly and privately, with Don Tadeo, to have her daughter -restored to her. The father was deaf and dumb; she could never learn -what had become of her. Don Tadeo, who, since he ceased to love her, had -studied the character of the woman of whom he had made an implacable -enemy, had taken his precautions so prudently that all Dona Maria's -researches proved fruitless, and all her attempts to obtain an interview -remained without a result. She imagined that he was afraid of yielding, -if face to face with her; and she resolved, cost what it might, to force -him to grant her the interview to which nothing had been able to make -him consent. - -Such was, at the moment we bring them on the scene, the position of -the two personages who now doubtless met for the last time. It was an -extraordinary position for both; an unequal contest between a wounded -and proscribed man, and an ardent, insulted woman, who, like a lioness -deprived of her whelps, was resolved to succeed, whatever might happen, -and compel the man whom she had forced to hear her, to restore her -daughter to her. - -Don Tadeo turned towards her. - -"I am waiting," he said. - -"You are waiting?" she replied, with a friendly smile. "What do you -expect, then?" - -"The assassins whom you doubtless have at hand, in case I should be -unwilling to reply to your questions concerning your daughter." - -"Oh!" she said, with an air of repulsion, "how can you, Don Tadeo, have -so bad an opinion of me? How can you pretend to believe that, after -having saved you, I should deliver you up to those who have proscribed -you?" - -"Who knows?" he replied, in a strongly ironical tone. "The heart of -women of your class, Linda, is an abyss which no man can pretend to -sound. You, who are incessantly seeking eccentric pleasures, perhaps -would find an unknown enjoyment and a charm in this second execution, -which, besides, would not at all compromise you, as I am already legally -dead to the world." - -"Don Tadeo, I know how unworthy my conduct towards you has been, and -how little I deserve your pity; but you are a gentleman, and, as such, -do you think it does you honour to load with insults, however merited, -a woman who is your wife, and who, after saving your life, with no -intention of reinstating herself in your favour, merely makes a claim, -at least upon your pity, if not on your esteem?" - -"Very well, madam; nothing can be more just than your observations, and -I subscribe to them with all my heart. I beg you to pardon me for having -allowed myself to utter certain words; but, at the first movement, I -was not master of myself, and I could not keep down in the depths of my -heart the feelings which were stifling me. Now, accept my sincere thanks -for the immense service you have rendered me, and permit me to retire. -A longer sojourn, on my part, in this house, is a robbery of which I -render myself guilty towards your numerous adorers." - -And, bowing with ironical courtesy to his infuriated wife, he made a -movement towards one of the doors of the room. - -"One word more," she said. - -"Speak, madam." - -"Are you resolved to leave me ignorant of the fate of my daughter?" - -"She is dead." - -"Dead!" she cried, in a voice of terror. - -"For you--yes," he replied, with a cold smile. - -"Oh, you are implacable!" she shrieked, stamping her foot with rage. - -He bowed, without making any reply. - -"Well, then," she resumed, "it is now no longer a favour I implore--it -is a bargain I propose to you." - -"A bargain?" - -"Yes, a bargain." - -"The idea strikes me as original." - -"Perhaps it is; you shall judge for yourself." - -"I listen, but time presses, and I--" - -"Oh, I will be brief," she interrupted. - -"I am at your service," and he reseated himself, smiling, exactly like a -friend on a visit. The Linda followed his motions with her eye, without -appearing to attach any importance to them. - -"Don Tadeo," she said, "during the many years we have been separated a -great number of events has taken place." - -"Quite correct," said he, with a gesture of polite assent. - -"I will say nothing to you of myself--my life is known to you." - -"Very little of it, madam." - -She cast a savage look at him. - -"Let that pass," she said, "it is of you I would speak." - -"Of me?" - -"Yes, of you, whose moments are not so completely absorbed by patriotism -and the effervescence of political ideas as not to leave you a few for -more intimate joys and emotions." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Why do you feign ignorance?" she said, with a perfidious smile; "I am -sure you understand me." - -"Madam!" - -"Do not deny it, Tadeo! Tired of the ephemeral love of women of my -class, as you have just now so well said, you seek in the pure heart of -a young girl emotions more in accordance with your tastes; in a word, -I know you are in love with a charming young creature, worthy in all -respects of being the wife of your choice, if I, unfortunately, did not -exist." - -Don Tadeo fixed upon his wife a scrutinizing look while she was -pronouncing these words. As she finished, a sigh escaped him. - -"What, are you aware?" he exclaimed, with well-feigned surprise. "You -know--" - -"I know that her name is Dona Rosario del Valle," she replied, satisfied -of the effect she thought she had produced upon her husband; "why, it is -the freshest news in Santiago! all the world is talking of it. How was -it likely it should escape me, when I take such an interest in you?" - -The Linda interrupted herself, and laid her hand on his arm. - -"It is of very little consequence," she added; "restore me my daughter, -Don Tadeo, and this new love of yours shall be sacred to me--if not--" - -"You are mistaken, madam, I tell you." - -"Beware, Don Tadeo!" she remarked, with a glance at the clock; "by this -time the woman we were speaking of is in the hands of my agents." - -"What do you mean?" he cried, in great agitation. - -"Yes," she replied, in a husky tone, "I have had her carried off. In a -few minutes she will be here. Beware! I repeat, Don Tadeo! if you do not -tell me where my daughter is, and if you continue to refuse to restore -her to me--" - -"Well," he said, haughtily, looking her full in the face, and crossing -his arms, "what then will you do?" - -"I will kill this woman!" she replied, in a gloomy but firm tone. - -Don Tadeo looked at her for a moment with an undefinable expression, and -then burst into a dry, nervous laugh, which chilled the woman with fear. - -"You will kill her!" he cried, "unhappy woman! Well!--kill that innocent -creature!--Call in your executioners--I will be mute." - -The Linda sprang up like a lioness, and rushed towards the door, which -she opened violently. - -"This is too much!--Come in!" she called out, loudly. - -The two men who had brought in Don Tadeo appeared, poniard in hand. - -"Ah!" the gentleman said, with a contemptuous smile, "I know you again -at last." - -At a motion from the Linda the assassins advanced towards him. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -THE DARK-HEARTS. - - -As we have seen, the people had dispersed almost immediately after the -execution of the patriots. Everyone carried away in the depths of his -heart the hope of avenging, at an early day, the victims who had so -nobly died, with the cry for a time left without an echo, of Viva la -patria! A cry checked by the bayonets of the soldiers of Bustamente, but -which must soon give birth to fresh martyrs. - -And yet the square, though it seemed a desert, was not so. Several -men, folded in dark cloaks, and with broad-brimmed hats, pulled down -over their eyes, were grouped in the recess of the coach entrance of a -house, and were conversing earnestly together in a low voice, keeping an -anxious look-out the meanwhile. These men were patriots. - -In spite of the terror which hovered over the city, they had, by dint of -prayers, obtained from the archbishop of Santiago, who was a true priest -according to the gospel, and at heart devoted to the liberal cause, -permission to pay the last rites to their unfortunate brethren. - -No part of the dismal drama which followed the execution had escaped -them. They had seen Don Tadeo rise like a phantom from the heap of -carcasses which covered him; they had heard the words he had pronounced, -and were preparing to go to his succour, when the two strangers, -appearing suddenly, raised his body and bore it away. This carrying off -of a half dead man had surprised them exceedingly. After exchanging a -few words, two of them went in pursuit of the mysterious strangers, -probably in order to learn to what house the wounded man was taken, -whilst the others, twelve in number, advanced to the middle of the -square. - -They anxiously bent down and examined the bodies stretched at their -feet, hoping, perhaps, that another victim might have escaped the -slaughter. Unfortunately, Don Tadeo was the only one saved by some -inexplicable mystery. The nine other victims were all dead. After a long -examination, the patriots stood up again with a painful sigh of regret, -and one of them went and knocked at a lower door of the cathedral. - -"Who is there?" was immediately asked from the interior. - -"_One for whom the night hath no darkness_," the man who had knocked -replied. - -"What do you want?" the voice asked again. - -"_Is it not written: Knock and it shall be opened to thee_?" the -stranger added. - -"_Our country!_" said the voice. - -"_Or vengeance!_" the man promptly replied. - -The door opened, and a monk appeared. His cowl pulled down over his -face, prevented his features being seen. - -"Well," he said, "what do the _Dark-Hearts_ require?" - -"A prayer for their murdered brothers." - -"Return to those who sent you; they shall be satisfied." - -"Thanks for all!" the unknown replied; and, after bowing respectfully to -the monk, he rejoined his companions. During his absence they had not -been idle, but had placed the bodies upon hand barrows concealed under -the arcades of the place. - -At the expiration of a few minutes a brilliant light inundated the -place; the cathedral doors were opened. The interior was seen to be -splendidly illuminated, and from the principal door issued a long -procession of monks, each bearing a wax light in his hand; they chanted, -as they walked, the service of the dead. At the same moment the gates -of the government palace were thrown open as if by enchantment, and a -squadron of the Ceras, with General Bustamente at their head, advanced, -at a trot, towards the procession. - -When the monks and soldiers met, they stopped as of one accord. The -twelve unknown men, folded in their cloaks, and grouped round the -fountain which forms the centre of the square, anxiously awaited the -denouement of the scene about to take place. - -"What is the meaning of this procession, at such an unusual hour?" the -general haughtily demanded. - -"It means that we have come," the monk who walked first replied, with a -firm voice, but in a melancholy tone, "to take up the victims you have -struck down, and give them honourable burial." - -"And who, pray, are you?" the general asked, sharply. - -"I?" the monk replied, in the same firm tone, and throwing back his -cowl upon his shoulders--"I am the archbishop of Santiago, primate of -Chili, invested by his holiness the Pope with the power of binding and -unbinding on earth." - -In Spanish America, all persons yield without hesitation to the religion -of Christ. The only power that is real is that of the priests. No one, -however high he may be placed, ventures to struggle against it: he knows -beforehand that, if he did, he would be sure to be crushed. The general -knitted his brows, struck his forehead forcibly with his hand, but was -constrained to admit himself conquered. - -"My lord!" he said, with a bow; "pardon me! In these times of civil -discord, we often, in spite of ourselves, confound our friends with our -enemies. I was ignorant that your lordship had given orders for prayers -to be offered up for these criminals, and still more so that you would -deign to perform this task in person--I beg leave to retire." - -During this scene, the patriots had concealed themselves behind the -pillars of the place, where, thanks to the darkness, they remained -unseen by the general. As soon as the military had disappeared, at a -sign from the archbishop the bodies were borne into the cathedral. - -"Beware of that man, my lord," whispered one of the unknown in the -archbishop's ear; "he darted at you the glance of a tiger as he retired." - -"Brother!" the priest replied calmly; "I am prepared for martyrdom." - -The service commenced. As soon as it was terminated, the patriots -retired, after warmly thanking the archbishop for his kindness towards -their dead brethren. Scarce had they proceeded a few steps along a -narrow street, edged by mean dwellings, when two men rose from behind an -overturned cart which concealed them, and coming towards them, said in a -low voice-- - -"Our country!" - -"Vengeance!" one of the unknown replied. "Come on!" - -The two men approached. - -"Well!" said he who appeared to be the chief. "What have you learnt?" - -"All that it is possible to know," one of the newcomers replied. - -"Whither have they transported Don Tadeo?" - -"To the mansion of the Linda." - -"To the residence of his wife! Of the woman who is now the mistress -of the General Bustamente!" the chief replied anxiously. "By the holy -Virgin! my comrades, he is lost, for she hates him mortally. Shall we -allow him to be assassinated without an effort to save him?" - -"That would be base cowardice," they replied unanimously. - -"But how can we introduce ourselves into the house?" - -"Nothing more easy; the garden walls are very low." - -"Come on, then! there is not a minute to be lost!" - -Without another word, they all hastened off in the direction of the -Linda's house, which, as we have said, was situated in the faubourg -of the Canadilla, the handsomest quarter in Santiago. The windows, -hermetically closed, did not allow one ray of light to pass; not a -sound could be heard, and the house seemed deserted. The patriots stole -silently round the walls, and when they reached the back, they easily -climbed the fence by sticking their poniards between the bricks, and -sprang into the garden. Here they looked carefully about them, and, -after a short pause, proceeded with stealthy steps towards a pale, -trembling light, which sent a feeble beam through the chink of a -shutter. They were within a few paces of this window, when they suddenly -heard the noise of what appeared a scuffle, and a terrible cry was -uttered, mingled with the crash of furniture and imprecations of rage -and pain. Bounding forward like panthers, the strangers, who had covered -their faces with masks of black velvet, dashed at the window, which flew -in a thousand fragments around them, and entered the salon. - -And it was time for them to arrive. Don Tadeo, with a stool, had split -the head of one of the bandits, who lay lifeless upon the floor; but -the other had got him down, and, with his knee upon his breast, was on -the point of stabbing him. With a pistol shot, one of the unknown blew -out his brains, and the wretch rolled in his agony close to his dead -companion. Don Tadeo sprang up quickly, exclaiming-- - -"By the Virgin! I thought my hour was come!" Then, turning towards the -masked men, he said--"Thanks, caballeros! thanks for your very timely -succour! One minute more, and it would have been all over with me! The -Linda is expeditious!" - -The courtesan, with features contracted by rage, and clenched teeth, -looked on without appearing to see, overwhelmed, confounded by the scene -which had so rapidly taken place, and which had, in a few minutes, -ravished from her the vengeance which she thought had this time been so -certain. - -"Without bearing malice, madam," said Don Tadeo in a jeering tone, "this -is a match deferred. Your fertile imagination will no doubt soon furnish -you with the means of taking your revenge!" - -"I hope so," she said with a sardonic smile. - -"Seize this woman," the leader of the unknown commanded; "gag her, and -bind her securely to the bed." - -"Bind me!" she cried in a paroxysm of anger; "me! do you know who I am?" - -"Perfectly well, madam," the stranger replied drily. "You are a woman -for whom honourable people have no name. Libertines have given you that -of the Linda, and your present lover is General Bustamente. You see, -madam, that we are not unacquainted with you." - -"Beware, sir," she hissed; "I am not to be insulted with impunity." - -"We do not insult you, madam; we only wish, for a time, to put it out -of your power to do mischief. In a few days," he continued, in a quiet, -firm tone, "we will determine what shall be done with you." - -"Done with me!--me!--who then are you, with faces you dare not reveal, -and who presume to speak to me thus?" - -"Who we are,--learn!--We are the _Dark-Hearts!_" At this terrible -announcement, a convulsive trembling shook the limbs of the woman, who, -retreating to the wall, a prey to intense terror, exclaimed in a faint -voice; "My God! my God! I am lost," and sank down fainting. - -At a sign from the leader, one of his companions bound her securely, and -after gagging her, fastened her to the foot of the bed. Then, taking Don -Tadeo with them, they departed by the same way they had entered, without -taking any heed of the two assassins lying upon the floor. Before he -left the room, the chief pinned a piece of parchment to a table with -a dagger. Upon this parchment were written a few words of terrible -import:-- - -"_The traitor Pancho Bustamente is cited at the expiration of -ninety-three days!"_ - - THE DARK-HEARTS. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -IN THE STREET. - - -As soon as they were outside of the house, the masked men, at a sign -from the leader, dispersed in various directions. When they had -disappeared round the corners of the neighbouring streets, the chief -turned towards Don Tadeo, who, scarce recovered from the trying emotions -he had successively gone through, and weakened by the blood he had lost, -as well as by the prodigious efforts his last struggle had cost him, -was leaning, half fainting against the wall of the house he had been so -fortunately enabled to quit. A flood of bitter reflections rushed upon -his brain; the incidents of that terrible night almost unsettled his -reason: in vain he tried to recover the train of his ideas which had -been so often and so violently broken. The stranger looked at him for -a few minutes with profound attention; then approaching him, he laid -his hand quietly upon his shoulder. At this sudden touch, the gentleman -started as if he had received an electric shock. - -"What!" the unknown said in a tone of reproach, "scarcely entered on the -good fight, and you despair already, Don Tadeo?" - -The wounded man shook his head. - -"You, Don Tadeo, whose lofty brow has never bent before revolutionary -storms; you, who in the most trying circumstances have always remained -firm, are now pale and cast down, without faith in the present, or hope -in the future, and have lost strength and courage through the vain -threats of a woman!" - -"That woman," he replied mournfully, "has always been my evil genius. -She is a demon!" - -"And suppose," the unknown exclaimed energetically, "that this woman -should succeed in getting up another of the infamous schemes in which -her brain is so fertile, a man of heart takes courage in a struggle? -Forget these impotent hatreds that can never reach you; remember what -you are; look boldly at the glorious mission which is imposed upon you." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Do you not understand me? Can you believe that God, who has this night -allowed you so miraculously to escape death, has not great designs -in store for you? Brother," he added, in a tone of authority, "the -existence that has been restored to you is not your own, it belongs to -your country!" - -A moment of silence followed this appeal, during which Don Tadeo -appeared a prey to profound despair. At length, looking at the unknown, -he said with bitter despondency-- - -"What is to be done? Heaven is my witness that my only desire, my sole -happiness, would be to see my country free. But during the twenty years -we have been struggling we have done nothing, alas! but pass from one -tyranny to another, each time riveting afresh the chains which bind -us. No! Heaven itself seems to forbid our contending longer against an -implacable destiny. You know well from experience that citizens cannot -be improvised from slaves. Servitude destroys moral virtue, abases the -soul, and degrades the heart. Many generations must pass away before the -inhabitants of this unfortunate country will be fit to form a people!" - -"By what right do you presume to fathom the designs of Providence?" -the unknown replied, in an imposing tone of voice. "Do you know what -is reserved for you? Who tells you that the passing triumph of our -oppressors is not granted by God, in His boundless wisdom, in order to -render their future fall more terrible?" - -Don Tadeo, restored to himself by the manly words of his disguised -friend, drew himself up proudly, and looked attentively at the speaker. - -"And who are you," he said, "whose sympathetic voice has stirred the -most secret fibres of my heart? Who authorizes you to speak thus? -Answer! Who are you?" - -"Of what importance is it who I am," the unknown remarked, calmly, "if -I succeed in persuading you that all is far from being lost--that the -liberty which you believe for ever destroyed has never been so near -triumphing, and that it only perhaps requires one sublime effort to -recover it!" - -"But still?" the wounded man said, persistently. - -"I am he who, a few minutes ago, saved your life. That ought to suffice." - -"Not so," Don Tadeo said, warmly, "for you conceal your features under a -mask, and the very circumstance you named gives me a right to see them." - -"Perhaps it does," the unknown said, slowly removing his mask, and -revealing to Don Tadeo, in the pale beams of the moon, a countenance -with manly, marked features, and wearing a frank and loyal expression. - -"Oh! my heart did not deceive me!" Tadeo cried--"Don Gregorio Peralta!" - -"Yes, it is I, Don Tadeo!" the young man, he was scarcely thirty, -replied--"and cannot comprehend the depression of the man whom the -avengers have chosen as their chief." - -"How do you know? Notwithstanding our friendship, I have always -concealed from you--" - -"Were you not condemned to death?" Don Gregorio interrupted. "Your -companions elected me _King of Darkness_ in your place, that is, they -placed in my hands an immense power, as they had done in yours, of -which I was left the uncontrolled disposal. Death unbound the oath of -silence imposed upon the brethren. Your name was unknown to all; I was -as ignorant that you were the energetic chief who had made our society -a power, as you were, my dear friend, that I was one of your soldiers. -But, thanks be to God, you are saved, Don Tadeo! Resume your place. -You alone, under present circumstances, are able to fill worthily the -post which our confidence has assigned you. Become again the King of -Darkness! But," he added, in a deep, concentrated tone, "remember that -we are the avengers; that we ought to be without pity for ourselves -as for others; that one feeling, and one alone, ought to live in our -souls--the love of our country!" - -Then followed a short silence; the two men appeared to be reflecting -deeply. At length Don Tadeo raised his head proudly. - -"Thanks, Don Gregorio!" he said, in a firm voice, and pressing his -hand--"thanks for your rough words; they have restored me to myself. I -will prove myself worthy of you. Don Tadeo de Leon no longer exists; -the hired assassins of a tyrant have shot him tonight upon the Plaza -Mayor. No one is left but the King of Darkness! the implacable leader -of the Dark-Hearts! Woe be to them whom God shall bring across my path! -for I will crush them without pity. We shall triumph, Don Gregorio; -for from this day I am no longer a man, I am the avenging sword, the -exterminating angel, fighting for our country!" - -While uttering these words, Don Tadeo had drawn his imposing stature up -to its full height; his handsome, noble features became animated, and -his eyes sparkled in accordance with his speech. - -"Oh," Don Gregorio exclaimed, cheerfully, "I have found my friend again! -Thank God! thank God!" - -"Yes, my brother," the leader continued, "from this moment the real -struggle between us and the tyrant begins--a struggle without pity, -without truce, and without mercy, which can only terminate in the -complete extinction of our enemies. Woe be to them! Woe!" - -"No time is to be lost; let us begone!" Don Gregorio said. - -"But whither am I to go?" Don Tadeo asked, with a sardonic smile. "Am I -not legally dead in the eyes of all? My house is no longer mine." - -"That is true," the lieutenant of the Dark-Hearts murmured. "Well, never -mind that! Tomorrow the news of your miraculous resurrection will be a -thunderclap to our enemies! Their awaking will be terrible! They will -learn with stupor that the invincible athlete, whom they thought they -had for ever crushed beneath their feet, is up again, and ready to renew -the contest." - -"And this time, I solemnly swear," Don Tadeo cried, with energy, "the -fall of the tyrant alone shall terminate it. But you are right; we -cannot remain longer here. Come home with me; for a time you will be -there in safety; unless," he added, with a smile, "you prefer asking an -asylum of Dona Rosario?" - -Don Tadeo, who had taken Don Gregorio's arm, stopped suddenly at this -question, of which his friend did not suspect the terrible extent. -A convulsive shudder darted through his frame, a cold perspiration -inundated his face. - -"Oh," he exclaimed, in a tone of agony, "my God! I had forgotten!" - -Don Gregorio was terrified at the state he beheld him in. - -"In heaven's name, what is the matter?" he asked. - -"What is the matter!" the chief replied, in a voice choked with emotion, -"that woman--that serpent whom we have weakly failed to crush--" - -"Well, what of her?" - -"Oh, I have but this moment recollected a horrible threat she made. Good -heavens! good heavens! What is to be done?" - -"Explain yourself, my friend; you quite terrify me." - -"By her orders, Dona Rosario this very night, was to be carried off; and -who knows if, furious at my escape from her assassins, that woman has -not by this time put her to death?" - -"Oh, that is frightful!" Don Gregorio cried. "What is to be done?" - -"Oh, that woman!" the wounded man replied; "and not to be able to act, -or to know how to thwart her horrible schemes." - -"Let us fly to Dona Rosario's residence!" Don Gregorio said. - -"Alas! you see I am wounded; I can scarcely support myself." - -"Well, when you can no longer walk, I will carry you," his friend said, -resolutely. - -"Thanks, brother! May God help us!" - -And the two men, the one leaning upon the other, set off, as fast as the -state of Don Tadeo would permit, towards the residence of the lady whom -they were so anxious to save. But, in spite of the earnest will that -animated him, Don Tadeo felt his strength fail him; and, notwithstanding -all his efforts, it was with extreme difficulty he sustained himself. -Whilst labouring on thus, the noise of horses' footsteps reached them -from a distance. Torches gleamed up the street, and a troop of horsemen -appeared in sight. - -"Oh, oh!" Don Gregorio said, stopping, and endeavouring to make out who -those persons could be, who, in defiance of the police regulations, -dared to be passing along the streets at this hour of the night. - -"Let us stop," Don Tadeo replied; "I see the glitter of uniforms. They -are the spies of the minister of war." - -"By Saint Jago!" cried Don Gregorio, "it is General Bustamente himself! -The two accomplices are going to have a little chat together." - -"Yes," the wounded man said, in a faltering voice; "he is going towards -the residence of the Linda." - -As the horsemen were but at a short distance, the two men, fearing to be -surprised, turned quickly into a side street, and the General and his -suite passed by without seeing them. - -"Let us begone as fast as possible," Don Gregorio said; and his -companion, aware of the urgency for prompt flight, made a desperate -effort. They resumed their course, and had walked for about ten minutes, -when they heard the steps of more horses coming towards them. - -"What can this mean?" the wounded man said, endeavouring to smile; "Are -all the people of Santiago running about the streets tonight?" - -"Hum!" said Don Gregorio, "I will find out this time." - -All at once a female voice was heard in a lamentable tone imploring help. - -"Make her hold her tongue, _carajas!_" a man said, coarsely. - -But the sound of that voice had reached the ears of Don Tadeo and his -friend. At that voice, which both had recognized, they were roused to -feelings of deep interest and anger. They pressed each other's hand -firmly; their resolution was formed--to die or to save her who called -upon them for help. - -"Holloa! what is this about?" another individual said, pulling up his -horse. - -Two men, standing firmly in the middle of the street, seemed determined -to bar the passage of the horsemen, of whom there were five. One of them -held a woman before him on his horse. - -"Holloa!" cried the one who had just spoken, "get out of the way, if you -don't wish to be ridden over." - -"You shall not pass," a deep voice replied, "unless you release the -woman you are bearing off." - -"Shan't we?" the horseman remarked with a laugh. - -"Try," said Don Gregorio, cocking his pistol; a movement silently -imitated by Don Tadeo, whom he had supplied with firearms. - -"For the last time, stand out of the way!" the horseman shouted. - -"We will not!" - -"We will ride over you, then!" and turning towards his companions, -"Forward!" he cried angrily. - -The five horsemen advanced with uplifted sabres upon the two men, who, -firmly fixed in the middle of the street, made no effort to avoid them. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -SWORD-THRUSTS. - - -In order to make the facts that follow intelligible, we must leave Don -Tadeo and his friend in their critical position, and return to the two -principal personages of this history, whom we have so long neglected. -We saw in a preceding chapter the two foster brothers gaily leaving -Valparaiso, to repair to the capital of Chili, like Bias, carrying all -their fortune with them, but possessing over the philosophical Greek the -immense advantage of being amply furnished with hopes and illusions, two -words which, in this life, have but too frequently the same meaning. - -After a rather long ride, the young men had stopped for the night in -a miserable _rancho_ constructed of mud and dry branches, the dismal -skeleton of which stood out on one side of the road. The inhabitant of -this miserable dwelling, a poor devil of a peon, whose life was passed -in guarding a few head of lean cattle, gave our travellers a frank and -hospitable reception. Quite delighted at having something to offer them, -he had cheerfully shared with them his _charqui_--strips of meat, dried -in the sun--and his _harina tostada_--roasted corn--the whole washed -down with cups of detestable _chicha_. - -The Frenchmen, who had been literally dying of hunger, were glad of even -these humble viands, however little savoury they might be, and after -ascertaining that their horses were comfortably provided for, they lay -down, wrapped in their ponchos, upon a heap of dry leaves, a delicious -bed for fatigued men, and upon which they slept soundly till morning. - -At daybreak, our two adventurers, still accompanied by their dog Caesar, -who, whatever he might think, expressed no astonishment at this new kind -of life, but trotted seriously beside them, saddled their horses, bade -farewell to their host, to whom they gave a few reals in return for -his hospitality, and set forward again, looking with earnest curiosity -at every object that presented itself to their view, and surprised to -find so little difference between the New World and the Old. The life -they were beginning, so different from that they had hitherto led, was, -for them, full of unexpected charms, and they felt like schoolboys in -holiday time. Their lungs seemed to expand to inhale the fresh, sharp -breeze of the mountains. Everything, in their eyes, wore a smiling -aspect; in a word, they felt they lived. - -It is about thirty-five leagues from Valparaiso to Chili, as the people -of the country are accustomed to call the capital of the Republic. The -handsome, broad, and well-kept up road, which was formerly cut through -the mountain by the Spaniards, is rather monotonous, and completely -devoid of interest for tourists. Vegetation is rare and poor; a fine -and almost impalpable dust arises with the least puff of wind. The few -trees, which stand at long distances from each other, are slender, -stunted, dried up by both wind and sun, and seem, by their wretched -appearance, to protest against the efforts at cultivation which have -been made on this plateau, which is rendered sterile by the strong sea -breezes and the cold winds of the Cordilleras which sweep over it. - -At times may be seen, at an immense height, like a black dot in space, -the great condor of Chili, the eagle of the Andes, or the savage vulture -in search of prey. At long intervals pass _recuas_ of mules, headed by -the _yegua madrina_, whose sonorous bells are heard to a great distance, -accompanying, well or ill, the dismal chant of the muleteer, who thus -endeavours to keep his beasts going. Or else it is a _guaso_ of the -interior, hastening to his chacra or his hacienda, and who, proudly -mounted upon a half wild horse, passes like a whirlwind, favouring you -as he goes by, with the eternal "Santas tardes, caballero!" - -With the exception of what we have described, the road is dull, dusty, -and solitary. There is not, as with us, a single hostelry affording -accommodation for horse and foot; these would be useless establishments -in a country where the stranger enters every house as if it were his -own home. Nothing! Solitude everywhere and always; hunger, thirst, and -fatigue must be expected and endured. - -But our young men perceived nothing of this. Enthusiasm supplied the -place of all they wanted; the road appeared charming to them; the -journey they were making, delightful! They were in America; beneath -their feet was the soil of the New World, that privileged land, of which -so many surprising accounts are given; of which so many people talk, and -about which so few know anything. Having landed only a few days before, -while still under the impressions of an endless passage, the weariness -of which had weighed down their spirits like a mantle of lead, they -beheld Chili through the enchanting prism of their hopes; reality did -not yet exist for them. What we have here said may appear a paradox to -many people; and yet, we are satisfied that all travellers of good faith -will acknowledge the exact truth. - -At times travelling at a steady foot pace, at others enjoying a laugh -and a gallop, our young men, to whom the political events of the Chilian -Republic were very uninteresting, and who, consequently, knew nothing of -what was going on, arrived quietly within a league of Santiago, at about -eleven o'clock in the evening, just at the moment when the ten Chilian -patriots were falling on the Plaza Mayor, beneath the balls of General -Bustamente's soldiers. - -"Let us pull up here," Valentine said cheerfully; "it will give our -horses time to breathe." - -"Pull up! what for?" Louis asked. "It is late; we shall not find a -single hotel open." - -"My dear friend," Valentine replied, with a laugh, "you are still a -Parisian to the backbone! You forget that we are in America. In that -city, of which the numerous steeples dimly stand out on the horizon -before us, everybody is long since asleep, and all the doors are closed." - -"What shall we do, then?" - -"Pardieu! why, we will bivouac. The night is magnificent. The heavens -display all their jewelry; the air is warm and balmy; what better could -we desire?" - -"Oh, nothing, of course!" Louis replied, laughingly. - -"Well, then, we have, as you see, time to chat a little." - -"Chat, brother! why, we have done nothing else since morning." - -"Pardon me, I don't agree with you. We have talked much, about all sorts -of things, of the country in which we are, and of the manners of the -inhabitants, little as we know about them; but we have not talked in the -manner I mean." - -"Explain yourself more clearly." - -"Look you, brother; an idea has just struck me. We know not what -adventures await us in that city, yonder, before us. Well! before we -enter it, I should like to have a sort of final conversation with you." - -The young men took off their horses' bridles, that the animals might -have the advantage of a few tufts of grass which sprang up here and -there; and, stretching themselves luxuriously upon the ground, they lit -their cigars. - -"We are in America," Valentine resumed; "in the country of gold, upon -that soil where, with intelligence and courage, men of our age can in a -few years amass princely fortunes!" - -"Do you know, my friend----" interrupted Louis. - -"Oh, perfectly!" said Valentine, cutting him short. "You are in love, -and you are seeking the object of your love; that's understood: but that -does not at all interfere with our projects--quite the contrary." - -"How is that?" - -"Pardieu! that's plain enough. You know, do you not, that Dona -Rosario--that's her name, I think--" - -"Yes." - -"Very well, then; you know she is rich, do you not?" - -"There's no doubt of that." - -"Ay, ay! but be it understood, not rich as with us: that is to say, some -fifty thousand francs a year--a paltry pittance!--but rich as people are -here--a dozen times over millionaires!" - -"Probably she may be," the young man said impatiently. - -"That's capital! You must understand, then, that when we have found her, -for we _shall_ find her, and that soon, you can only demand her hand by -producing a fortune equal to her own." - -"The devil! I never thought of that," said the young man. - -"I know you did not; you are in love; and, like all other men afflicted -with that disease, you think of nothing but the person you love. -Fortunately, however, I am with you, to think for both; and whenever you -have spoken to me of love, I have replied by reminding you of fortune." - -"That is true. But how is fortune to be made so promptly?" - -"Ah! ah! you have come to that question at last," Valentine said, -laughing. - -"I know no profession," Louis continued, following his own idea. - -"Nor I either. But let not that alarm you; people succeed best in things -they don't understand." - -"What's to be done?" - -"I will think of it; so set your mind at rest. But you must be well -convinced of one thing, and that is, that we have set foot in a land -where the ideas are quite different from those of the country we have -left; where the manners and customs are diametrically opposite." - -"You mean to say--" - -"I mean to say that we must forget all we have learnt, in order that -we may remember but one thing--our desire quickly to make a colossal -fortune." - -"By honourable means?" - -"I am acquainted with no other," Valentine replied, seriously. "And -remember, brother, that in the country in which we at present are, the -point of honour is not at all the same as in France, and many things -which with us would appear false coin are here deemed good and passable. -On this point a word to the wise! You understand me, don't you?" - -"Nearly, I think." - -"Very well! Imagine we are in an enemy's country, and must act -accordingly." - -"But----" - -"Do you wish to marry the woman you love:" - -"Can you ask me such a question?" - -"Allow me to act, then, as I see best! But, above all, when chance -throws a good opportunity in our way, let us be careful not to miss it." - -"Act just as you please." - -"Well, that is all I had to say to you;" and throwing away the remains -of his cigar, he rose from his recumbent position. - -They were soon again in the saddle, and, at a foot's pace, resumed their -way towards the city, chatting as they went. - -Midnight was striking by the clock of the Cabildo at the moment when -they entered Santiago by the Canada. The streets were deserted and -silent. - -"Everybody is asleep," said Louis. - -"So it seems," Valentine replied. "Let us look out, notwithstanding. If -we find no door open, we can then but compound for a night's bivouac, as -I suggested." - -At this moment two pistol shots were heard, mingled with the gallop of -horses. - -"What can that be?" said Louis. "Assassination is going on here!" - -"Forward! cordieu!" replied Valentine. - -They clapped spurs to their horses, and galloped at full speed in the -direction whence the sound proceeded. They soon reached a narrow street, -in the middle of which two men on foot were bravely contending with five -on horseback. - -"Have at the horsemen!" Valentine shouted; "help the weaker party!" - -"Be of good heart, gentlemen!" said Louis; "help is at hand!" - -And timely help it was for Don Gregorio and his friend. A minute later, -and they must have succumbed. The providential arrival of the Frenchmen -quickly changed the appearance of the fight. Two horsemen fell dead from -pistol shots fired by the young men; while a third, knocked down by Don -Gregorio, was silently strangled by Caesar. The other two thought it -high time to decamp, leaving their fair prisoner behind them. She had -fainted; and Don Tadeo, leaning against the wall of a house, was upon -the point of following her example. Valentine, with the presence of mind -acquired in his old profession of a Spahi, secured the horses of the -bandits killed in the skirmish. - -"Quick, gentlemen! to the saddle!" Valentine said to the Chilians. - -Louis had already dismounted, and was attending to the young lady. - -"Do not leave us," Don Gregorio remarked; "we are surrounded by enemies." - -"Fear nothing!" said Valentine, "we are quite at your service." - -"Many thanks!--A little assistance, if you please, to place my friend, -who is wounded, on horseback." - -Once in the saddle, Don Tadeo declared he felt sufficiently strong to -keep his seat without help. Don Gregorio placed the still inanimate -young lady before him. - -"Now, gentlemen," he said, "nothing remains for me but to thank you most -cordially, if your business will not allow you to remain longer with us." - -"I beg to repeat, caballeros, that we are at your service." - -"We have no pressing demand upon our time; we will not leave you till we -are assured you are in safety," Louis said, with animation. - -"Follow me, then," said Don Gregorio, with a bow; "and do not spare the -horses; it is an affair of life and death." - -And the four horsemen set off as fast as their horses could bear them. - -"Eh! eh!" said Valentine, in an undertone to his foster brother. "Here -is an adventure that promises something! We are losing no time at -Santiago! What think you?" - -"We shall see!" Louis replied, in a more thoughtful tone. - -No light had gleamed out, no window had been opened, during the combat. -The streets remained silent and gloomy; the city seemed abandoned. -Nothing was to be heard but the clatter of the horses' feet upon the -rough pavement of the streets through which they galloped. The cathedral -clock struck two as they passed across the Plaza Mayor. Don Tadeo could -not repress a sigh of relief when glancing at the spot where on, only a -few hours before, he had so miraculously escaped death. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -GENERAL BUSTAMENTE. - - -Don Tadeo was right, when, on seeing General Bustamente pass, he said he -was on his way to visit his mistress. It was, in fact, to the residence -of the Linda the General was going. On arriving at the gate, one of his -men dismounted, and knocked. But no one answered; and at a sign from -the General, the soldier knocked louder. But still all remained silent; -there was no movement within. He began to feel uneasy. This silence was -the more extraordinary from the General's visit having been announced, -and he was, consequently, expected. "Oh! oh!" he said, "What is going on -here? Knock again, Diego, and knock in a way to make yourself heard!" - -The soldier knocked with all his strength, but still uselessly. Don -Pancho's brow contracted; he began to fancy some misfortune must have -occurred. - -"Break open the door!" he cried. - -The order was instantly obeyed; and the General, followed by his escort, -entered the house. In the Patio all dismounted. - -"Be prudent," said the General in a low voice to the corporal who -commanded the escort; "place sentinels everywhere, and keep a sharp -look-out whilst I search the house." - -After giving these orders, the General took his pistols from his -holsters, and, followed by some of his lancers, entered the house; -but everywhere the silence of death prevailed. After passing through -several apartments, he arrived at a door, which, being a little ajar, -allowed a stream of light to pass. From the other side of this door -proceeded something like stifled groans. With a kick of his foot, one -of the lancers dashed open the door; the General entered, and a strange -spectacle presented itself to his astonished eyes! Dona Maria, tightly -bound, and gagged, was fastened to the foot of a damask bed, saturated -with blood. The furniture was broken and disordered, whilst two dead -bodies, lying in a pool of blood, made it evident that the room had been -the scene of a desperate conflict. - -The general ordered the dead bodies to be removed, and then desired to -be left alone with the lady. As soon as the lancers had departed he shut -the door, and approaching the Linda, he hastened to release her from her -bonds. She was senseless. - -On turning round to place the pistols he had retained in his hands on -the table, he drew back with astonishment, and almost with terror, as -he perceived the dagger standing erect in the middle of it. But this -instinctive feeling lasted only a moment. He went quickly up to the -table, seized the dagger, which he carefully drew out, and eagerly took -up the paper it had pinned down. - -"_The tyrant Don Pancho Bustamente is cited at the expiration of -ninety-three days! - - _"THE DARK-HEARTS."_ - -he read in a loud, harsh tone, and then crushed the paper violently in -his hand. "Sangre de Dios! Will these demons always make a mock of me? -Oh! they know that I show no mercy, and that those who fall into my -hands----" - -"Escape!" said a hollow voice, which made him start involuntarily. - -He turned sharply round, and beheld the Linda, with her vicious eye -fixed upon him with a demoniacal expression. He sprang towards her. - -"Thank God!" he cried warmly, "you are again restored to your senses. -Are you sufficiently recovered to explain the scene that has taken place -here?" - -"A terrible scene, Don Pancho!" she replied, in a tremulous voice; "a -scene, the bare remembrance of which still freezes me with terror." - -"Are you strong enough to describe it to me?" - -"I hope so," she replied. "Listen to me attentively, Don Pancho, for -what I have to tell concerns you, perhaps, more than me." - -"You mean this insolent summons, I suppose?" he remarked, showing it. - -She glanced over it, and replied-- - -"I did not even know that such a paper had been addressed to you. But -listen to me attentively." - -"In the first place, have the goodness to explain to me what you just -now said." - -"Everything in its turn, General; I will not fail to explain everything, -for the vengeance I thirst for must be complete." - -"Oh!" he said, a flash of hatred gleaming from his eye, "set your heart -at ease on that head,--whilst avenging myself, I will avenge you." - -The Linda related to the General what had passed between her and Don -Tadeo in the fullest details--how the Dark-Hearts had snatched him from -her hands, and the threats they had addressed to her on leaving her. -But, with that talent which all women possess, of making themselves -appear innocent in everything, she represented as a miraculous piece of -awkwardness on the part of the soldiers charged to shoot him, the fact -of Don Tadeo being alive after his execution. She said that, attracted -by the hope of avenging himself upon her, whom he suspected of being no -stranger to his condemnation, he had introduced himself unseen into her -house, where by a strange chance she happened to be alone, having that -evening permitted her servants to be present at a _romeria_ (a fete), -from which they were not to return before three o'clock. - -The General had not for an instant the idea of doubting the veracity of -his mistress. The situation in which he had found her,--the incredible -news of the resurrection of his most implacable enemy, altogether so -confused his thoughts, that suspicion had no time to enter his mind. -He strode about the room with hasty steps, revolving in his head the -most extravagant projects for seizing Don Tadeo, and, above all, for -annihilating the Dark-Hearts,--those never-to-be-caught Proteuses, who -so incessantly crossed his path, thwarted all his plans, and always -escaped him. He plainly saw what additional strength the escape of Don -Tadeo would give to the patriots, and how much it would complicate his -political embarrassments, by placing at their head a resolute man who -could have no longer any considerations to preserve, but would wage war -to the knife with him. His perplexity was extreme; he instinctively -felt that the ground beneath him was mined, that he was walking over -a volcano, but he had no power to denounce to public opprobrium the -enemies who conspired his ruin. The recital made by his mistress had -produced the effect of a thunderclap upon him; he knew not what measures -to employ in order to counteract the numerous plots in action against -him on all sides, and simultaneously. The Linda did not take her eyes -off him for a moment, but watched upon his countenance the various -feelings aroused by what she told him. - -We will, in a few words, introduce to the reader this personage, who -will play so important a part in the course of the following history.[1] -General Don Pancho Bustamente, who has left in Chili a reputation for -cruelty so terrible that he is generally called _El Verdugo_, or the -executioner, was a man of from thirty-five to thirty-six years of age, -although he looked near fifty, a little above the middle height, well -made, and of good carriage, announcing altogether great corporeal -strength. His features were tolerably regular, but his prominent -forehead, his grey eyes deeply set beneath the brows, and close to his -hook nose, his large mouth and high cheek bones, gave him something of -a resemblance to a bird of prey. His chin was square, an indication -of obstinacy; his hair and moustache, beginning to be streaked with -grey, were trained and cut in military fashion. He wore the magnificent -uniform, covered at every seam with gold embroidery, of a general -officer. - -Don Bustamente was the son of his own works, which was in his favour. -At first a simple soldier, he had, by exemplary conduct and more than -common talents, raised himself, step by step, to the highest rank of the -army, and had in the last instance been named minister-at-war. Then the -jealousy which had been silent whilst he was confounded with the crowd, -was unchained against him. The General, instead of despising calumnies -which might have died out of themselves, gave them some degree of -foundation, by inaugurating a system of severity and cruelty. Devoured -by an ambition which nothing could satisfy, all means were deemed good -by him for the attainment of an object he secretly aimed at, which was -the overthrow of the republic and government of Chili, and the formation -of Bolivia and Araucania into one state, of which he would cause -himself to be proclaimed Protector--an object which, besides the almost -insurmountable difficulties it presented, ever appeared--owing to the -universal hatred which the General had aroused against himself--to slip -further from his grasp each time he thought he was about grasping it. - -At the moment we bring him on the scene, he found himself in one of the -most critical circumstances of his political career. He had in vain -shot the patriots _en masse_--conspiracies, as always happens in such -cases, succeeded each other without interruption, and the system of -terror which he had inaugurated, far from intimidating the population, -appeared, on the contrary, to urge them on to revolt. Secret societies -were formed; and one of these, the most powerful and the most terrible, -that of the Dark-Hearts, enveloped him in invisible nets in which he -struggled in vain. He foresaw that if he did not hasten on the _coup -d'etat_ he meditated, he should be lost beyond redemption. After a -rather long silence, the General placed himself by the side of the Linda. - -"We will be avenged!" he said, in a deep tone; "be but patient." - -"Oh!" she replied, bitterly, "my vengeance has commenced!" - -"What do you mean by that?" - -"I have caused Dona Rosario del Valle, the woman Don Tadeo de Leon loves -so passionately, to be carried off." - -"You have _done_ that?" said the General. - -"Yes, and in ten minutes she will be here." - -"Oh! oh!" he exclaimed; "and do you mean to keep her with you?" - -"With me!" she cried; "No, I thank you, General. I hear that the -Pehuenches are very fond of white women; I will make them a present of -her." - -"Oh!" Don Pancho muttered, "women will be always our masters! they alone -know how to revenge themselves! But," he added aloud, "have you no fear -lest the man to whom you have confided this mission should betray you?" - -She smiled with terrible irony, - -"No," she said; "that man hates Don Tadeo more than I do, if that be -possible; he is working out his own vengeance." - -At the same instant steps were heard in the chamber preceding the room. - -"You will see, General--here is my emissary. Come in!" the Linda cried. - -A man appeared; his face was pale and haggard; and his clothes, torn and -disordered, were stained in various places with blood. - -"Well!" she exclaimed, in a tone of intense anxiety. - -"All has failed," answered the man, breathless with haste and terror. - -"What!" the Linda shouted, with a cry like that of a wild beast. - -"There were five of us," the man continued, quite unmoved, "and we -carried off the _senorita_. All went on well till within a short -distance from this house, when we were attacked by four demons, who came -I know not whence." - -"And you did not defend yourselves, miserable cowards!" interrupted the -General violently. - -The bandit gave him a cold look, and continued impassively-- - -"Three of our number are dead, and the leader and myself wounded." - -"And the girl?" the Linda asked passionately. - -"The girl was recaptured by our opponents. The Englishman has sent me to -you to learn if you still wish him to carry off Dona Rosario?" - -"Would he attempt it again?" - -"Yes. And this time, he says, he is certain to succeed if the conditions -are the same." - -A smile of contempt played round the lips of the courtezan. - -"Repeat to him this," she replied; "not only shall he receive the -hundred ounces if he succeeds, but, still further, he shall have a -hundred more; and that he may be in no doubt of my promise," she added, -rising and taking from a drawer a rather heavy bag which she handed to -the bandit, "give him this; there is the half of the sum, but bid him -despatch!" - -The man bowed. - -"As to you, Juanito," she continued, "as soon as you have acquitted -yourself of this mission, return, for I shall, perhaps, want you here. -Begone!" - -The bandit disappeared instantly. - -"Who is that man?" the General asked. - -"A poor devil whom I saved some years ago from certain death. He is -devoted to me, body and soul." - -"Hum!" said the general, "he has rather too cunning an eye not to be a -rogue." - -The Linda shrugged her shoulders. - -"You are mistrustful of everybody," she said. - -"That is the way not to be deceived." - -"Or to be deceived the more easily." - -"Perhaps so. Well, you see this abduction, so admirably planned, and the -success of which was certain, has failed." - -"I can only repeat what you yourself said to me just now." - -"What is that?" - -"Patience! But, pray, what are your present plans?" The General rose. - -"Whilst you are carrying on against our enemies," he said, in a low, -stern tone, "a guerilla warfare of ambuscades and treacheries, I, on my -part, will wage an open war against them--a war in the face of the sun, -but as merciless as yours. Their blood shall flow in streams over all -the territories of the Republic. The Dark-Hearts have summoned me in -ninety-three days. Well, I take up the gauntlet they have thrown to me." - -"That is well!" the Linda replied. "And now let us so arrange our plans -that they may not fail like their predecessors. We must come to an end -with these miserable plotters, and in doing so, take a revenge that will -make an impression on others." - -"It shall be a vengeance! I will stake my head on the game. Oh," he -added, "I hold them! I have found the means I sought to make them all -fall into my hands; let them sleep for a while in deceitful security, -but their awakening shall be terrible!" - -And, having saluted the Linda with the greatest courtesy, the General -retired. - -"I leave you a few soldiers to watch over your safety till the return of -your servants," he said, as he went out. - -"Thank you, thank you!" she replied, with a bland smile. - -The Linda, when left alone, instead of seeking the repose so necessary -after the excitement of the night, remained plunged in deep thought. -At sunrise she was still in the same place, in the same position. She -was still reflecting, but her features became animated; a sinister -smile curled her pale lips; and her eyes, though apparently fixed upon -vacancy, emitted portentous flashes. Suddenly she sprang up, and passing -her hand rapidly over her brow, as if to efface its wrinkles, she cried, -in a tone of triumph-- - -"And I, too, will succeed!" - - -[1] Reasons of the highest consideration oblige us to change the names -and the portraits of the personages of this history, as the majority -still exist. But we vouch for the correctness of the facts we relate. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -THE SPY. - - -When the young lady was delivered, the four men set off as fast as they -could go, with regard to her ease. In ten minutes they were out of the -city, and with the change of the road their speed was increased. The -route they took was that which leads to Talca. - -"Eh, eh!" Valentine said, laughing, to his foster brother; "we seem to -be playing at prisoners' bars. We enter the city by one gate, to leave -it immediately by another. We shall not have an opportunity of seeing -the capital of Chili this time." - -With the exception of these few words, to which Louis only replied by a -careless shrug of the shoulders, no other conversation took place during -the hour which their rapid journey lasted. By the pale light of the moon -the trees on each side of the road seemed to defile like a legion of -melancholy phantoms. Ere long the white walls of a _chacra_ (large farm) -stood out upon the horizon. - -"Here we are," said Don Gregorio, pointing with his finger. - -They reached the house in a few minutes. The gate was open, but a -man was standing evidently on the watch. The fugitives dashed like a -hurricane into the _patio_, and the gates were immediately closed behind -them. - -"What has happened, Tio Pepito?" Don Gregorio asked, before he was quite -off his horse, of the man who appeared to have expected him. - -"Nothing, _mi amo_" (my master), "nothing of consequence," replied Tio -Pepito, a little thick-set man, with a round face, lit up by two grey -eyes, sparkling with cunning. - -"Have not the persons I expected arrived?" - -"Pardon me, _mi amo_. They have been at the _chacra_ more than an -hour. They say they must begone immediately; they are waiting for you -impatiently." - -"That's well. Announce my arrival to them, and tell them I shall be at -their service in two or three minutes." - -The mayoral, for this man was the major-domo of the _chacra_, entered -the house without reply. Don Tadeo also, who seemed to know perfectly -well where he was, disappeared, bearing the young girl in his arms. The -two Frenchmen were left alone with the chacrero, who advanced towards -them. - -"Now that you are, as we suppose, for the present at least, in safety, -sir," said Valentine, "we have only to take our leave of you." - -"Not so!" Don Gregorio exclaimed; "it must not be so. _Diable_! as you -Frenchmen say," he added, smiling; "chance does not so often procure -us such friends as you, to allow us to part with you thus when we have -met you. You will remain here, if you please. Our acquaintance must not -terminate so." - -"If our continuing here can be of any service to you," Louis replied, -courteously, "we are at your command." - -"Thank you," he said, in a slightly agitated voice, and pressing their -hands warmly; "I shall never forget that I owe to you the lives of -myself and my friend. In what way can I be of service to you?" - -"Well," Valentine said, laughing, "in every way, and no way, as it may -happen, caballero." - -"Explain yourself," Don Gregorio replied. - -"_Dame!_ it is clear enough; we are strangers in this country." - -"When did you arrive?" the Chilian said, examining them attentively. - -"Faith! very recently. You are the first persons we have spoken to." - -"That is well," Gregorio said, slowly. "I told you that I was at your -service, did I not?" - -"Yes, and we sincerely thank you; although we hope never to have -occasion to remind you of this obliging offer." - -"I perfectly appreciate your delicacy; but a service like the one you -have rendered me and my friend is an eternal bond. Take no heed of your -future fortune, it is made." - -"Pardon me, pardon me!" said Valentine, earnestly; "we do not understand -one another at all; you mistake us. We are not men who expect to be paid -for having acted as our hearts dictated. You owe us nothing." - -"I do not propose or pretend to pay you, gentlemen. I only wish, in -order to attach you to me, to propose to you to share my good or evil -fortune; in a word, I offer myself to you as a brother." - -"In that case we at once accede," said Louis, "and will endeavour to -prove ourselves worthy of such an offer." - -"I have no doubt you will. Only I beg you not to be misled by my words; -the life I am leading at present is full of perils." - -"I can suppose that," said Valentine, with a laugh. "The scene at which -we have been present, and the _denoument_ of which we perhaps hastened, -makes it pretty evident that your existence is not of the most peaceful -nature." - -"What you have as yet seen is nothing. Do you know nobody in this -country?" - -"Nobody." - -"Your political opinions, then, are unformed?" - -"As regards Chili, completely." - -"Bravo!" Don Gregorio exclaimed, with delight; "if we agree on that -point our compact will be for life and death." - -"We do agree," said Valentine, laughing; "and if you conspire--" - -"Well?" the Chilian asked, fixing an inquiring look upon him. - -"Why, we will conspire, too, pardieu! That is agreed." - -The three men exchanged a cordial pressure of the hand, and then Don -Gregorio called the major-domo to conduct them to the chamber which was -prepared for them. - -"Good night! or rather good morning!" he said, on quitting them. - -"Come!" said Valentine, rubbing his hands, "matters are going on well. -We shall not want for amusement here." - -"Hum!" Louis replied, with a tone of something like uneasiness; -"conspire!" - -"Well, and what better?" said Valentine. "Does that frighten you? -Remember, my friend, that the best fishing is in troubled waters." - -"In that case," Louis remarked, taking up the gay humour of his -companion, "if my presentiments are just, ours will be miraculous." - -"I expect so, firmly," said Valentine, bidding good night to the -major-domo, who retired, after bowing respectfully. - -The _cuarto_ (chamber) in which the young men found themselves, was -whitewashed, and entirely destitute of furniture, with the exception of -two oak frames furnished with dressed hides, which served as beds, a -massive table with twisted feet, and four seats covered with leather. -In a corner of the room burned a little green wax light before a -badly-engraved print supposed to represent the Virgin. - -"Eh!" said Louis, casting a glance around him, "our friends, the -Chilians, do not seem to consult comfort much." - -"Bah!" Valentine replied, "we have all that we require. A man can sleep -soundly anywhere when he is fatigued. This chamber is better than the -bivouac we were threatened with." - -"You are right. Let us take a little rest then, for we don't know what -tomorrow has in reserve for us." - -In a quarter of an hour they were both fast asleep. At the moment the -Frenchmen went into the house with the major-domo, Don Tadeo came out by -another door. - -"Well?" Don Gregorio asked, anxiously. - -"She is asleep. Her terror is abated," Don Tadeo replied. "The joy she -experienced at seeing me, whom she believed dead, brought about a very -salutary crisis." - -"I am glad to hear it! In that quarter, then, we may be at ease?" - -"Completely." - -"Do you feel yourself strong enough to be present at an important -interview?" - -"Is it necessary that I should be present?" - -"I think it quite right that you should hear the communications that one -of my emissaries is about to make me." - -"It is very imprudent of you," said Don Tadeo, "to receive such a man in -your own house!" - -"Oh! do not alarm yourself! I have known him for a long time. Besides, -he is not aware whose house he is in; he was brought hither blinded, by -two of our brethren. In addition to which, we shall be masked." - -"Well! since you desire it, I am at your commands." - -The two friends, after having covered their faces with black velvet -masks, entered the apartment in which were the persons who waited for -them. This apartment, which served as a dining room, was very large, and -furnished with a long table; it was faintly illumined by two sconces, -in which burned small candles of yellow tallow, yielding so doubtful a -light that objects could be seen but indistinctly. Three men, wrapped -in variegated ponchos, and with broad-brimmed hats pulled down over -their eyes, were carelessly smoking their slender papelitos, whilst -warming themselves round a copper _brasero,_ placed in the middle of the -apartment, and in which some olive-stones were slowly burning. At the -entrance of the leaders of the Dark-Hearts, these men rose. - -"Why," asked Don Tadeo, who at the first glance recognized the emissary, -"why did you not wait, Don Pedro, for the meeting tomorrow, at the -_Quinta Verde,_ to communicate to the council the revelations you have -to make?" - -The man thus named as Don Pedro bowed respectfully. He was an individual -of about thirty-five years of age. He was tall, and his countenance, as -sharp as the blade of a knife, wore a cunning, roguish expression. - -"What I have to state only indirectly concerns the Dark-Hearts," he said. - -"Then, of what importance is it to us?" Don Gregorio interrupted him. - -"But it greatly concerns the leaders, particularly the King of Darkness." - -"Explain yourself then, for he is before you," Don Tadeo remarked, -taking a step forward. - -Pedro darted a look at him which seemed to endeavour to penetrate -through the tissue of his mask. - -"What I have to say will be brief," he replied,--"I leave to you the -care of judging of its importance. General Don Bustamente will be -present at the meeting tomorrow." - -"Are you sure of that?" the two conspirators exclaimed with a degree of -astonishment that denoted incredulity. - -"It was I who persuaded him to do so." - -"You?" - -"Yes, I." - -"Are you ignorant, then," Don Tadeo exclaimed with great warmth, "in -what manner we punish traitors?" - -"I am no traitor; on the contrary, I deliver into your hands your most -implacable enemy." - -Don Tadeo replied only by a suspicious glance. - -"The General then is ignorant?" - -"Of everything," said Don Pedro. - -"With what purpose, then, does he wish to introduce himself among us?" - -"Can you not guess? For that of obtaining your secret." - -"But he risks his life." - -"Do you forget that every adept must be introduced by a sponsor, who -alone knows him? No one sees his face. Well, _I_ introduce him," he -added, with a smile of strange significance. - -"That is true. But if he should suspect you of treachery?" - -"I must undergo the consequences; but he will not suspect me." - -"Why not?" Don Gregorio asked. - -"Because," the spy replied, with a cynical smile, "for ten years the -General has employed me, and during those ten years he has had only -cause to praise me for the services I have rendered him." - -A momentary silence followed. - -"Here!" said Don Gregorio, after a long pause, "this time it is not ten -ounces, but twenty, that you have earned. Continue to be faithful to us." - -And he placed a heavy purse in his hands. The spy seized it with a -gesture of avidity, and concealed it quickly under his poncho. - -"You shall have no reproach to make me," he replied, with a bow. - -"I hope we shall not," said Don Tadeo, with difficulty repressing an -expression of disgust. "Only remember, we should be merciless." - -"I know it." - -"In that case, farewell." - -"Farewell till tomorrow." - -The men who had brought him, and who during the conversation had -remained motionless, at a sign from Don Gregorio approached the spy, -bandaged his eyes again, and led him away. - -"Is that fellow a traitor?" asked Don Gregorio, as he listened to the -retreating steps of the horses. - -"It is our duty to suppose him one," the King of Darkness replied, -gravely. - -The two friends, instead of seeking the repose which must have been -so necessary to them, talked together for a long time, in order to -arrange all the measures of safety which were required by the importance -of the scene about to take place on the morrow at the meeting of the -conspirators. In the meantime Don Pedro had been quickly led back -to Santiago. On arriving at one of the gates, his guides left him, -disappearing in opposite directions. As soon as he was alone, he removed -the handkerchief from his eyes. - -"Hum!" he said, with a sinister smile, as he tossed up in his right hand -the purse Don Gregorio had given him. "Twenty ounces make a purse of -gold. Now let us see if General Bustamente is as liberal as his enemies. -By the Virgin! the news I carry him are worth something to him! Let us -try to get the best price for them." - -After having cast his eyes around to see if the coast was clear, he set -off at a sharp trot towards the government palace, muttering to himself-- - -"Bah! times are hard. If a man did not manoeuvre a little, he would find -no means of bringing up his family honestly." - -This reflection, of a rather dubious morality, was accompanied by a -grimace, the expression of which would have given Don Tadeo cause for -suspicion if he had seen it. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -LOVE. - - -On the morrow the two Frenchmen were awakened by the rays of the sun. -The day promised to be a brilliant one, for there was not a cloud in -the heavens. A light vapour, full of penetrating odours, arose slowly -from the earth, drawn up by the beams of the sun, whose warm influence -increased every minute. The morning breeze refreshed the air, and -invited them to inhale it. The young men, perfectly recovered from their -fatigue, sprang cheerfully from their humble beds and dressed themselves -in haste. - -The chacra, of which they had only a glimpse the night before by -moonlight, was an immense farm, consisting of extensive buildings, -and surrounded by fields in full cultivation. The greatest animation -prevailed everywhere. Peons, mounted on half wild horses, were driving -out the cattle to the artificial meadows, whilst others were running -about after the horses they were getting together, in order to lead -them to the drinking place. In the patio the major-domo was overlooking -the women and girls engaged in milking. In short, this residence, which -had appeared to them so silent and dismal the night before, assumed -by daylight an appearance of life and cheerfulness delightful to -contemplate. - -The cries of the peons mingled with the lowing of the cattle, the -barking of the dogs, and the crowing of the cocks, and formed that -melodious concert which is only to be heard on a farm, and which always -rejoices the heart. - -It is a justice that we willingly render here to the Chilian republic -when we say that it alone of the southern states of America appears -to understand that the wealth of a country consists not in the number -of its mines, but in the encouragement given to cultivation; and that -this country, while possessing rich mines of gold, silver, and precious -stones, only places their produce in the second rank, whilst it reserves -its principal solicitude for agriculture. Chili is as yet young as a -nation. There manufactures and the arts are in their infancy; but the -farms are numerous, the fields well cultivated, and soon this country -will be called upon, there is no doubt, through its system of labour, -to become the entrepot of the other American powers, which it already -provides in a great measure with corn and wine, from Cape Horn to -California. - -Behind the chacra extended a well-kept up garden, in which oranges, -pomegranates, and citrons, planted in the open ground, grew amidst -limes, apples, plums, and all the other fruits of Europe. Louis was -agreeably surprised at the aspect of this garden, with its numerous -alleys, in which a thousand birds of brilliant colours warbled gaily -under the foliage of the tufted thickets of jasmine and honeysuckle. -Whilst Valentine went, followed by Caesar, to look at the operations of -the peons and smoke his cigar in the patio, Louis felt himself led by -his dreamy spirit to indulge in poetical reveries, and to seek a few -minutes' solitude in the Eden which lay before him. Urged by an unknown -power, intoxicated by the sweet odours which embalmed the atmosphere, he -glided into the garden, casting around him a vaguely questioning look. - -The young man went dreaming along the garden walks, mechanically pulling -to pieces with his fingers a rose which he had gathered. He had walked -thus for nearly an hour, when he was roused by a slight noise among -the leaves, at a short distance from him. He instinctively raised his -head, just in time to catch a glimpse of a light white robe which was -disappearing among the trees, but too late to completely distinguish the -person who wore it, and who appeared to trip over the dewy grass like -a white phantom. At the sight of this mysterious apparition the young -man felt his heart bound in his breast; he stopped trembling, and the -emotion he felt was so powerful, that he was forced to lean against a -tree for support. - -"What can be the matter with me?" he murmured to himself, as he wiped -the cold perspiration from his brow. "I am mad!" he continued, with a -forced smile. "I think I see her everywhere. Heavens! I love her so -deeply that, in spite of myself, my imagination brings her before me -unceasingly. That girl, of whom I just caught a glimpse, is probably the -same we last night so miraculously saved. Poor child! Fortunately she -did not see me; I should have frightened her. Better avoid her by going -out of the garden; in my present state I should alarm her." - -And, as always happens in such cases, he set off, on the contrary, in -the very footsteps of her he had only caught a glimpse of, but whom, by -one of the instinctive feelings of sympathy which come from God, and -which science can never explain, he had nevertheless recognized. - -The young girl, reclining in the depths of an arbour, like a hummingbird -in its bed of muss, with a pale face, and her eyes cast down to the -earth, was listening, pensive and sad, to the joyous melodies which the -birds chanted in her absent ear. All at once, a slight noise made her -start and raise her head. The Count was before her! She uttered a faint -cry, and endeavoured to fly. - -"Don Louis!" she exclaimed. - -She had recognized him. The young man sank on his knees at the entrance -of the arbour. - -"Oh!" he cried, in a voice trembling with emotion, and with an accent of -the most earnest entreaty, "for pity's sake, remain, madam!" - -"Don Louis!" she repeated, already recovered, and feigning the most -perfect indifference. Young girls, even the purest, possess in a high -degree the talent of concealing their feelings, and of deceiving persons -with regard to the emotions they really experience. - -"Yes, it is I, madam," he continued, with an accent of the most -respectful passion; "I, who, to see you again, have abandoned -everything!" - -The young lady displayed some slight surprise. - -"For Heaven's sake!" he resumed, "allow me once more, if but for an -instant, to contemplate your adored features! Oh!" he added, with a look -of deep affection, "my heart had told me you were here, before my eyes -had perceived you." - -"Caballero," she said, in a tremulous voice, "I do not understand you." - -"Oh, fear nothing from me, madam!" he interrupted her vehemently; "my -respect for you is as profound as---- - -"Pray, caballero," she said, earnestly, "rise; if anyone should surprise -you thus!" - -"Madam," he replied, "the avowal I have to make to you, requires me to -remain in the position of a suppliant!" - -"Oh, caballero!" - -"I love you, madam!" he said, in broken accents; "I know not what gives -me the boldness to pronounce a word which in France I did not venture -to breathe in your ear, and which I have never allowed to pass from my -heart to my lips. But even if you banished me from your presence for -ever, once again I must tell you that I love you, madam; and if you do -not return my love, I shall die!" - -The maiden looked at him for a moment with a melancholy air; a tear -trembled on her long eyelashes; she took a step towards him, and holding -out her hand, upon which he imprinted a burning kiss, said softly,-- - -"Rise." - -The Count obeyed. Dona Rosario sunk back upon the bench behind her, -and appeared plunged in profound and painful meditation. Both remained -silent, Louis watching her with intense anxiety, and a throbbing heart. -At length she raised her head, and exhibited a countenance bathed in -tears. - -"Caballero," she said in a melancholy tone, "if God has permitted us to -meet once again, it is because, in His divine goodness, He has judged -that a decisive explanation should take place between us." - -The young man appeared anxious to speak. - -"Do not interrupt me," she continued, "or I shall not have the courage -to finish what I have to say to you. You love me, Louis; your presence -here is an incontestable proof of it--you love me; and yet how many -times, during my short residence in France, have you cursed me in -secret, accusing me of coquetry, or, at least, of unaccountable levity!" - -"Madam!" - -"Oh!" she said, with a faint smile, "since you have avowed your love -for me, I will be frank with you, Louis; and although it be my duty to -deprive you of all future hope, I am at least anxious to justify the -past, and leave you a remembrance of me that nothing can tarnish!" - -"Oh, madam! why do you repeat such things to me?" - -"Why?" she said, with a look full of melancholy, and in a voice -harmonious as the sigh of an AEolian harp, "because I have faith in that -love, so warm, so young, so true; which neither daily indignities nor -vast distances have been able to conquer--because, in short, I also love -you! do you not plainly see that, Louis?" - -On hearing this confession, so ingenuous, and made in a tone so -sorrowful that the young girl appeared no longer to belong to earth, the -Count felt struck by a terrible presentiment; his heart was wrung with -doubtful agony. Trembling, bewildered, he gazed on her with the fixed -and desperate eye of one condemned to death, who is listening to the -reading of his sentence. - -"Yes!" she resumed, with feverish eagerness; "yes, I love you, Louis, I -shall always love you; but never, never, can we be united." - -"Oh, that is impossible!" he cried, raising his head vehemently. - -"Listen to me," she said, in a tone of authority; "I do not order you to -forget me, Louis; a love like yours is eternal: alas! I feel that mine -will last as long as my life. You see, my friend, I am frank; I do not -speak to you as a maiden ought to speak; I unfold my heart before you, -leaving you to read it as you would your own. Well, this love, which -would be for us the height of felicity,--this communion of two spirits, -which blend with each other to form one blissful whole,--this boundless -happiness must be dispersed for ever, without chance of recovery, -without hesitation!" - -"Oh, I cannot consent!" he exclaimed, in a voice broken by sobs. - -"But it must be so, I tell you!" she continued, wild with anguish. -"Great Heaven! what more do you require of me? Must I confess everything -to you? Well, then, since it must be so, know that I am a miserable -creature, condemned from my birth, pursued by a terrible hatred, -which follows me step by step, which watches me incessantly; and some -day--tomorrow, perhaps today--will crush me without mercy! Obliged -to change my name constantly; flying from city to city, from country -to country; wherever I may go, this implacable enemy, whom I do not -know, and against whom I cannot defend myself, pursues me without -intermission." - -"But I will defend you!" the young man said, with confident energy. - -"And I, on my part, am not willing that you should die!" she replied, -with an accent of ineffable tenderness. "To attach yourself to me is -to court destruction. I went to France to seek a place of refuge. I -was obliged to quit that hospitable land with the greatest suddenness. -Arrived here only a few weeks since, but for you, last night, I should -have been lost! No, no, I am condemned; I know I am, and I am resigned; -but I will not drag you down in my fall! Alas! I am, perhaps, doomed to -suffer tortures still more horrible than those I have hitherto endured! -Oh, Louis, in the name of the love which you have for me, and which I -fully share, leave me the supreme consolation in my wretchedness of -knowing that you are safe from the torments which overwhelm me!" - -At this moment Valentine's voice was heard at a short distance, and -Caesar came wagging his tail to his master. Dona Rosario gathered a -blossom of the _suchil_ which grew close to them, and presented it to -the young man, after having for a moment inhaled its sweet odour. - -"Here," she said, "my friend, accept this flower, the only memorial, -alas! that will remain with you of me." - -The young man concealed the flower in his bosom. - -"Someone is coming," she continued, in broken accents. "Swear, Louis! -swear to quit this country as soon as possible, without endeavouring to -see me again." - -The Count hesitated. - -"Oh!" he cried, "some day, perhaps,----" - -"Never on earth. Have I not told you that I am condemned? Swear, Louis, -that at least I may hope to meet you again in heaven." - -She pronounced these words with such a tone of despair, that the young -man, overcome, in spite of himself, made a gesture of assent, and let -the almost inarticulate words escape his lips,-- - -"I swear to do so!" - -"Thanks! thanks!" she cried wildly, and hurriedly imprinting a kiss upon -the brow of her prostrated lover, she disappeared with the lightness of -a fawn amidst a thicket of standard roses, at the moment when Valentine -became visible at the turning of the walk. - -"Why brother," the soldier said gaily, "what the deuce are you about -here, at the bottom of the garden? Breakfast is waiting for you. I have -been looking for you this hour; and if it had not been for Caesar, I -should not have found you now." - -The Count turned towards him, his face lathed in tears, and threw his -arms round his neck. - -"Brother! brother!" he cried, in an accent of despair; "I am the most -unhappy of men!" - -Valentine looked at him in astonishment. The Count had fainted. - -"What on earth is all this about?" said the soldier, casting a -suspicious look around him, and laying his foster brother, who was -motionless as a corpse, gently upon a grassy bank. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE QUINTA VERDE. - - -Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious -situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is -still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with -white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet -eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, -palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each -other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable -rampart. It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions -and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by -a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced -it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as -it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled -that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled -beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red -torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and -as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became -extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, -had waved them about madly. This habitation was named the "Quinta Verde." - -By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like -the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all -the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of -general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for -power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the -revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal -whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families? This is -what many people, at various periods, had been anxious to know, though -they had never been able to find out. Nobody ostensibly inhabited this -quinta, in which, on certain days, noises were heard which filled with a -superstitious terror the worthy _guasos_ living in the neighbourhood. - -The day after that on which the events occurred which open this history, -the heat had been oppressive, the atmosphere heavy, and the sun had -gone down amidst a flood of purple vapour, the precursors of a storm -which burst with fury as soon as night had completely closed in. The -wind bent down the trees as it whistled through them, the collision of -the branches producing a melancholy sound; the heavens were black, not -a star was to be seen; and large grey clouds coursed rapidly across -the zenith, covering all nature with a leaden pall. In the distance -resounded the howlings of wild beasts, among which was occasionally -mingled the hoarse, sharp barking of stray dogs. - -Nine o'clock struck slowly from a distant steeple; the sound of the -metal, repeated by the echoes from the hills, vibrated with a plaintive -tone over the deserted landscape. The moon, fitfully emerging from -behind the clouds which veiled her, spread for a few seconds a pale -and trembling light over the scene, giving it a fantastic aspect. This -fugitive ray of doubtful light, nevertheless, enabled a small troop of -horsemen, who were painfully ascending a winding path on the side of a -mountain, to distinguish, at a few paces before them, the black outline -of a house, from the top window of which beamed like a pharos a red, -uncertain light. This house was the "Quinta Verde." - -At about four or five paces in advance of the troop rode two horsemen, -muffled carefully in their cloaks, the flaps of their hats pulled down -over their eyes, appeared, in the darkness, to be a needless precaution; -but it, nevertheless, showed that these personages were very anxious not -to be recognized. - -"Heaven be praised!" said one of these horsemen to his companion, as -he pulled up his horse, to look searchingly around him, as far as the -darkness would permit; "I hope we shall soon be there." - -"In a quarter of an hour, at latest, General, we shall be at the end of -our journey." - -"Do not let us stop, then," the one addressed as General said; "I am -impatient to penetrate into this abominable den." - -"One moment, General!" the first speaker continued. "It is my duty to -warn your Excellency that there is still time to retreat; and that -would, perhaps, be the more prudent step." - -"Please to observe this, Diego," said the General, fixing upon his -companion a look which gleamed in the semi-obscurity like that of a -tiger-cat--"in the circumstances in which I am placed, prudence, as you -understand the word, would be cowardice. I am quite aware what I am -called upon to do by the confidence placed in me by my fellow citizens; -our position is most critical: the liberal reaction is raising its head -in all quarters, and we must put an end to this ever-reviving hydra. -The news of Don Tadeo's escape from death has spread with the rapidity -of a train of gunpowder; all the malcontents of whom he is the leader, -are in almost open action; if I were to hesitate to strike a great blow -and crush the head of the serpent which hisses in my ears, it would -tomorrow, perhaps, be too late; hesitation has always been the ruin of -statesmen in affairs of importance." - -"And yet, General, if the man who has furnished you with this -information should--" - -"Be a traitor? Well, that is possible--ay, even probable; therefore, -I have neglected nothing that may neutralize the consequences of a -treachery which I foresee." - -"By the Virgin! General, in your place, however--" - -"Thank you, old comrade, thank you for your solicitude; but enough of -this subject, you ought to know me well enough to be sure that I shall -never flinch from my duty." - -"I have nothing more to do, then, but to wish your Excellency well -through your undertaking; for you know you must arrive alone at the -Quinta Verde, and I can escort you no farther." - -"Very well, wait here then; make your men dismount for a time, keep a -sharp watch, and execute punctually the orders I have given you. I am -going on." - -Diego bowed respectfully, but with an air of anxiety, and withdrew his -hand, which had been placed on the bridle of the General's horse. The -latter more carefully enveloped himself in his cloak, the folds of which -had become too loose, and gave the usual jockey signal to excite his -horse. At this well-known sound the horse pricked up its ears, and being -thoroughbred, although fatigued, set off at a gallop. - -After a few minutes of this rapid travelling, the General stopped; but -it appeared as if his journey was completed, for, dismounting, he threw -the bridle on his horse's neck, with as little care what became of it as -if it had been a hack post-horse, and walked with a firm step towards -the house, which he had held in view some time, and from which he was -now not more than ten paces distant. This was soon cleared. When he -reached the gate, he stood for a second and looked around him, as if -endeavouring to penetrate the darkness; but all was calm and silent. -In spite of himself, the General was seized with that vague fear which -takes possession of the most courageous man when in face of the unknown. -But General Bustamente, whom the reader has no doubt recognized, was too -old a soldier to suffer himself to be mastered long by an impression, -however strong it might be; with him this had lasted but an instant, and -he almost immediately recovered his usual coolness. - -"What the devil! am _I_ afraid?" he murmured, with an ironical smile, -and going boldly up to the gate, he knocked three times at equal -intervals with the pummel of his sword. In an instant his arms were -seized by invisible hands, a bandage was placed over his eyes, and a -voice, faint as a breath, murmured in his ear-- - -"Make no resistance, twenty poniards are at your breast; at the first -cry, at the least opposition, you are a dead man. Reply categorically to -our questions." - -"All these threats are needless," the General replied, in a calm -voice; "as I came here of my own free will, I can have no intention of -resisting--ask, and I will answer." - -"What do you come to seek here?" the voice said. - -"The Dark-Hearts." - -"Are you ready to appear in their presence?" - -"I am," the General replied, still impassive. - -"Do you dread nothing?" - -"Nothing." - -"Let your sword fall." - -The General quitted his hold of his sword, and felt at the same moment -that his pistols were taken from him. - -"Now, step forward without fear," said the voice. - -The prisoner found himself instantly at liberty. - -"In the name of Christ, who died upon the cross for the salvation of the -world, Dark-Hearts, receive me among the number of your brethren!" the -General then said, in a low and firm voice. - -The double gates of the Quinta Verde flew open before him, and two -masked men, each holding a dark lantern in his hand, the focus of which -he directed on the stranger's face, appeared in the entrance. - -"There is still time," said one of the unknown; "if your heart be not -firm, you may retreat." - -"My heart is firm." - -"Come on, then, as you think yourself worthy to share our glorious task, -but tremble if you have the least intention of betraying us," said the -masked man, in a deep, sonorous voice. - -The General felt, notwithstanding the recklessness of his character, -a cold shudder run through his limbs at these words; but he quickly -surmounted this involuntary emotion. - -"It is for traitors to tremble," he replied; "for my part, I have -nothing to fear." - -And he boldly stepped into the Quinta Verde, the doors of which closed -after him with a dull, heavy sound. The bandage which covered his eyes, -and which had prevented those who had interrogated him from recognizing -him, notwithstanding their efforts to do so, was then removed. After -proceeding for more than a quarter of an hour along a circular corridor, -lighted only by the red flickering flame of the torch carried by the -guide through this labyrinth, the General was suddenly stopped by a door -in front of him. He turned hesitatingly towards the masked men, who had -followed him step by step. - -"What do you wait for?" said one of them in reply to his mute -interrogation. "Is it not written, _Knock and it shall be opened unto -you?_" - -The General bowed in sign of acquiescence, and knocked loudly at the -door. The folding panels drew back silently into the wall, and the -General found himself at the entrance of a vast hall, whose walls were -covered with long red draperies, gloomily enlightened by a bronze lamp -and several chandeliers suspended from the ceiling, which shone in an -uncertain manner upon the countenances of about a hundred men, who, -with naked swords in their hands, fixed their eyes upon him through the -black masks which concealed their faces. At the bottom of this hall was -a table covered with a green cloth, at which were seated three men. Not -only were those three men masked, but, as a further precaution, before -each of them a lighted torch was planted on the table, the dazzling -flame of which allowed them to be but vaguely seen. Against the wall was -a crucifix, between two hourglasses surmounted by a death's-head with a -poniard run through it. - -The General manifested no emotion at this imposing _mise en scene_. A -smile of disdain curled his lip, and he stepped boldly forward. At this -moment he felt a light touch on the shoulder, and, on turning round, -perceived that one of the guides was holding out a mask to him. In spite -of the precautions he had taken to disguise his features, he eagerly -seized it, placed it on his face, folded his cloak round him, and -entered. - -"_In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti!_" he said. - -"_Amen_!" all present replied, in a sepulchral tone. - -"_Exaudiat te Dominus, in die Tribulationis,_" said one of the -personages behind the table. - -"_Impleat Dominus omnes petitiones tuas_," the General replied, without -hesitation. - -"_La Patria!_" the first speaker rejoined. - -"_O la Muerte!_" replied the General. - -"What is your purpose in coming here?" the man who up to this time alone -had spoken, asked. - -"I wish to be admitted into the bosom of the elect." - -There was a momentary silence. - -"Is there anyone among us who can or will answer for you?" the masked -man then asked. - -"I cannot say; for I do not know the persons among whom I find myself." - -"How know you that?" - -"I suppose so, as they, as well as I, are masked." - -"The Dark-Hearts," said the interrogator in a deep tone, "consider not -the countenance; they search souls." - -The General bowed at this sentence, which appeared to him to border upon -the ridiculous. The interrogator continued:--"Do you know the conditions -of your affiliation?" - -"I know them." - -"What are they?" - -"To sacrifice mother, father, brothers, relations, friends, and myself, -without hesitation, to the cause which I swear to defend." - -"What next?" - -"At the first signal, whether it be by day or night, even at the foot of -the altar, in whatever circumstance I may be placed, to quit everything, -in order to accomplish immediately the orders that shall be given me, in -whatever manner they may be given, and whatever may be the tenor of that -order." - -"Do you subscribe to these conditions?" - -"I subscribe to them." - -"Are you prepared to swear to submit yourself to them?" - -"I am prepared." - -"Repeat, then, after me, with your hand upon the Gospels, the words I am -about to dictate to you." - -"Dictate!" - -The three men behind the table rose; a Bible was brought, and the -General resolutely placed his hand upon the book. A faint murmur ran -through the ranks of the assembly. The president struck the table with -the hilt of his dagger, and silence was re-established. This man then -pronounced in a slow and deep toned voice the following words, which the -General repeated after him without hesitation:-- - -"I swear to sacrifice myself, my family, my property, and all that I -can hope for in this world, for the safety of the cause defended by -the Dark-Hearts. I swear to kill every man, be he my father, be he my -brother, who shall be pointed out to me. If I fail in my faith, if I -betray those who accept me as their brother, I acknowledge myself to -be worthy of death; and I, beforehand, pardon the Dark-Hearts who may -inflict it upon me." - -"So far well!" replied the president, when the General had pronounced -the oath. "You are now our brother." - -He then rose, and stepping across the hall, stood full in front of the -General. - -"Now," he said in a solemn threatening voice, "answer me, Don Pancho -Bustamente. As you, of your own free will, take a false oath before a -hundred persons, do you think we should commit a crime in condemning -you, since you have had the audacity to place yourself in our power?" - -In spite of his assurance, the General could not repress a start of -terror. - -"Remove the mask which covers this man's face, so that everyone may know -that it is he! Ah! General; you have entered the lion's den, and you -will be devoured." - -The noise of a distant commotion was heard. - -"Your soldiers are coming to your rescue," the president resumed, "but -they will come too late, General; prepare to die!" - -These words fell like the blow of a mace upon the brow of him who found -himself thus outwitted; he, nevertheless, did not yet lose heart; the -noise evidently approached; and there could be no doubt but that his -troops, who surrounded the Quinta Verde on all sides, would soon gain -possession of it; all he wanted was time. - -"By what right," he said haughtily, "do you constitute yourselves judges -and executioners of your own sentence?" - -"You are one of us, and are bound by our sentence," the president -replied, with an ironical smile. - -"Beware of what you are about to do, gentlemen," the General added in a -haughty tone; "remember I am minister-at-war!" - -"And I am King of Darkness," the president cried in a voice that froze -the very blood of the General; "my dagger is more sure than the muskets -of your soldiers; it does not let its victims escape. Brethren, what -chastisement does this man deserve?" - -"Death!" the conspirators replied. - -The General saw that he was lost. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -THE DEPARTURE. - - -Sergeant Diego, when left by General Bustamente a few paces from the -Quinta Verde, was very uneasy regarding the fate of his leader, and -entertained dismal presentiments. He was an old soldier, and well -acquainted with all the machinations and treacheries practised in this -country between inveterate enemies. He had been far from approving of -the General's undertaking, for he knew better than anyone how little -confidence ought to be placed in spies. Constrained, ostensibly, to -obey the order he had received, he had resolved, _in petto_, not to -leave his leader without help in the wasps' nest into which he had -cast himself headlong. Diego entertained for General Bustamente, under -whose orders he had served ten years, a profound regard, which entitled -him to certain freedoms, and his entire confidence. He immediately -placed himself in relation with two other officers of the detachment, -ordered, like himself, to watch the mysterious house whose dark outline -cut gloomily across the cloudy sky, and around which there was a close -blockade. He was walking about, biting his moustache, and swearing to -himself, determined, if the General did not come out within half an -hour, to obtain an entrance by force, if necessary, when a heavy hand -was laid upon his shoulder. He turned sharply round, stopping short in -an oath that was passing his lips, and saw a man standing before him: it -was Don Pedro. - -"Is that you?" he asked, as soon as he recognised him. - -"Myself," the spy replied. - -"But where the devil do you come from?" - -"No matter; do you wish to save the General?" - -"Is he in danger?" - -"In danger of death." - -"_Demonios!_" the sergeant shouted; "he must be saved!" - -"For that purpose I am here; but don't speak so loud." - -"I will speak as you like, provided you will tell me." - -"Nothing!" Don Pedro replied, "for there is not a minute to be lost." - -"What is to be done?" - -"Listen! A detachment must feign an attack upon the gate by which the -General entered; another will watch the environs, for the Dark-Hearts -have roads known only to themselves; you, with a third detachment, will -follow me; I will undertake to introduce you into the house--is that -agreed upon?" - -"Perfectly." - -"Make haste, then, to inform your colleagues; time presses." - -"Instantly; where shall I find you again?" - -"Here." - -"Very well; I only ask five minutes," and he strode away in haste. - -"Hem!" thought Don Pedro, as soon as he was alone; "we should be -prudent when we wish affairs to be profitable; from what I heard, they -will condemn the General, and they must not be allowed to go as far as -that, for my interests would suffer too seriously; I have manoeuvred -so as to be safe from all suspicion; if I succeed, I shall be more in -favour with the General than ever, without losing the confidence of the -conspirators." - -"Well!" he said, as he saw Diego coming towards him. - -"Everything is done," replied the sergeant, out of breath. "I am ready." - -"Come on, then, and God grant it may not be too late!" - -"Amen!" said the soldier. - -Everything was done as had been arranged; whilst one detachment -vigorously attacked the gate of the Quinta Verde, Don Pedro led the -troops commanded by Diego to the opposite side of the house, where a -low window was open; this window was grated, but several bars had been -removed beforehand, which left the entrance easy. Pedro commanded the -soldiers to be silent, and they entered the house one by one. Guided by -the spy, they advanced stealthily, without meeting with obstacles of any -kind. At the end of a few minutes they came to a closed door. - -"This is it!" said Pedro, in a low voice. - -At a sign from the sergeant, the door was beaten in with the butt end -of their muskets, and the soldiers rushed into the room. It was nearly -empty, its only occupant being a man stretched motionless upon the -floor. The sergeant sprang towards him, but recoiled with a cry of -horror--he had recognised his leader--General Bustamente lay with a -dagger sticking upright in his breast. To the hilt of the dagger was -tied a long black strip, upon which were written these words in red ink: - -"_The Justice of the Dark-Hearts!_" - -"Oh!" cried Diego; "Vengeance! Vengeance!" - -"Vengeance!" the soldiers repeated, with rage, mingled with terror. - -The sergeant turned round towards Pedro, whom he believed to be still by -his side; but the spy, who alone could guide them in their researches, -had thought it prudent to steal away. As soon as he saw that what he -dreaded had happened, he had disappeared without anybody observing his -departure. - -"No matter!" said Diego. "If I demolish this den of assassins, from -bottom to top, and don't leave stone upon stone, I swear I will find -these demons, if they are buried in the centre of the earth." - -The old soldier began searching in all directions, whilst a surgeon who -had followed the detachment paid attention to the wounded man, whom he -endeavoured to restore to his senses. - -The Dark-Hearts, as the spy had truly said, had paths known only -to themselves, by which they had quietly departed, after having -accomplished their terrible vengeance, or executed their severe justice, -according to the point of view in which an act of this nature and -importance is viewed. They were already far off in the country, safe -from all danger, while the soldiers were still ferociously searching for -them in and about the house. - -Don Tadeo and Don Gregorio returned together to the chacra, and were -astonished, on their arrival, to find Valentine, whom they supposed to -be in bed and asleep long before, waiting for them at that late hour, -to request a few minutes' conversation. In spite of the very natural -surprise which the demand at such a singular hour excited, the two -gentlemen, who supposed the Frenchman had serious reasons for acting -thus, granted his request, without making the least observation. The -conversation was long--so long, that we think it useless to repeat it -here in detail, but will satisfy ourselves with giving our readers the -end of it, which sums it up perfectly. - -"I will not insist," said Don Tadeo, "although you will not tell us -your motives. I believe you to be too considerate a man, Don Valentine, -not to be convinced that the reasons which force you to leave us are -serious." - -"Of the greatest seriousness," the young man replied. - -"Very well. But on leaving this place, in which direction do you intend -to bend your steps?" - -"Faith! I own frankly--besides, you know already that I and my friend -are in search of fortune--that all directions are the same to us, since -we must, above everything, depend upon chance." - -"I am of your opinion," replied Don Tadeo, smiling. "Listen to me, -then. I possess large estates in the province of Valdivia, which it -is my intention to visit shortly. What prevents you going that way in -preference to any other?" - -"Nothing, that I know of." - -"I, at this moment, stand in need of a man whom I can depend upon, to -undertake an important mission into Araucania, to one of the principal -chiefs of the people of that country. If you are going to the province -of Valdivia, you will be obliged to traverse Araucania in its whole -length. Are you willing to undertake this commission? Will that -inconvenience you?" - -"Why should I not?" said Valentine. "I have never come face to face with -savages; I should like to see what sort of people they are." - -"Very well; now is your opportunity. That is agreed upon then. You wish -to start tomorrow, do you not?" - -"Tomorrow! Today, if you please--in a few hours, for it will not be long -before the sun will be up." - -"That is true. Very well, then; at the moment of your departure, my -major-domo shall place, on my part, written instructions in your hands." - -"Caramba!" said Valentine, laughing; "here am I transformed into an -ambassador!" - -"Do not joke, my friend," said Don Tadeo, seriously. "The mission I -confide to you is delicate--dangerous, even; I do not conceal that from -you. If the papers of which you will be the bearer are found upon you, -you will be exposed to great dangers. Are you still willing to be my -emissary?" - -"Pardieu! Wherever there is danger there is pleasure. And what is the -name of the person to whom I am to remit these despatches?" - -"They are of two descriptions. The latter only concerns yourself; during -the course of your journey you can make yourself acquainted with them; -they will instruct you in certain matters you should know in order to -secure the success of your mission." - -"I understand--and the others?" - -"The others are for Antinahuel, that is, the Tiger Sun, and must be -delivered into his own hands." - -"A queer name that!" Valentine replied, with a laugh. "And where am I to -find the gentleman rejoicing in such a formidable title?" - -"By my faith, my friend," replied Don Tadeo, "I know no more than you -do." - -"The Araucano Indians," interrupted Don Gregorio, "are a rather -wandering race, and it is sometimes difficult to find the one you are in -search of." - -"Bah! I shall find him, be assured of that." - -"We do entirely rely upon you." - -"In a few hours, as I have told you, I shall myself set out to place in -a convent in Valdivia the young lady whom you so fortunately saved; it -will, therefore, be in Valdivia I shall await your answer." - -"I beg your pardon, but I have not the least idea where Valdivia is," -observed Valentine. - -"Don't be uneasy on that account; any child in this country can direct -you the way thither," Don Gregorio replied. - -"Thanks." - -"And now, if you change your mind when we meet again, and consent to -remain among us, remember we are brothers, and do not hesitate to inform -me of your new determination." - -"I can neither, reply yes or no, sir; if it depended upon me, we should -continue to see each other frequently." - -After exchanging a few more friendly expressions, the three men -separated. At sunrise, Louis and Valentine, mounted on magnificent -horses, which Don Tadeo had forced them to accept, rode away from the -chacra, followed by Caesar. Valentine had received his despatches from -the hands of the major-domo. As they were quitting the farm Louis -turned round instinctively, as if to salute with a last look a spot -he abandoned for ever, and which contained all that was dear to him. -A window was gently opened, and the face of the fair girl appeared -through the small interval, bathed in tears. The two young men bowed -respectfully towards the necks of their horses, and with a deep sigh -from Louis, they moved on as the window closed. - -"Adieu! oh, adieu for ever!" murmured Louis, choking with emotion. - -"Ah, perhaps!" said Valentine; and, to rouse his friend from his grief, -he put his horse into a gallop, and they soon lost sight of the chacra -in the windings of the road. - -Within four hours from their departure Don Tadeo and Don Gregorio -likewise set out on their journey to Valdivia, for the purpose of -placing Dona Rosario in the convent. But the enemy of whom they thought -they had relieved themselves at the Quinta Verde, was not dead; the -dagger of the King of Darkness had not proved more sure than the bullets -of the General. The two enemies were destined soon to meet again. -Notwithstanding the seriousness of the wound he had received, thanks -to the intelligent cares lavished upon him, but more particularly, -thanks to his excellent constitution, General Bustamente was soon in a -convalescent state. Don Pancho and the Linda, from that time united by -the strongest of ties--a common personal hatred--prepared to take their -revenge upon Don Tadeo, and that of the bitterest nature. The General -signalized his restoration to health by cruelties of the most flagrant -kind towards every man suspected of liberalism, and by inaugurating -throughout the republic a pitiless system of terror. Don Tadeo was -pronounced outlawed; his friends were cast into dungeons, and their -property was confiscated; and then, when the General thought that all -these vexations must bring his enemy to bay, and he had nothing to dread -from him or his partizans, under the pretence of visiting the provinces -of the Republic, he set out for Valdivia, accompanied by his mistress. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -THE MEETING. - - -As the principal incidents of this history are now about to take place -in Araucania, we think it necessary to give our readers some account of -this people, who alone of all the nations the Spaniards encountered in -America, succeeded in resisting them, and had, up to the time we treat -of, preserved intact their liberty and almost all their territory. The -Araucanos or Moluchos inhabit the beautiful country situated between the -rivers Biobio and Valdivia, having on one side the sea, and on the other -the great Cordilleras of the Andes. They are thus completely enclosed -within the Chilian republic, and yet, as we have said, have always -remained independent. It would be a great error to suppose these Indians -savages. The Araucanos have adopted as much of European civilization as -suited their character and their mode of living, and have rejected the -rest. From the most remote times these peoples had formed a national -body, strong and compact, governed by wise laws rigorously executed. The -first Spanish conquerors were quite astonished to find in this remote -corner of America, a powerful aristocratic republic, and a feudalism -organized almost upon the same plan as that which prevailed in Europe -in the thirteenth century. We will here enter into a few details of the -government of the Araucanos, who proudly style themselves _Aucas_--free -men. These details concerning a people too little known, up to this day, -cannot fail to interest the reader. - -The principal chiefs of the Araucanos are the Toquis,[1] the Apo-Ulmens, -and the Ulmens. There are four Toquis, one for each territorial -division; they have under their orders the Apo-Ulmens, who, in their -turn, command the Ulmens. The Toquis are independent of each other, but -confederated for the public good. Titles are hereditary, and pass from -males to males. The vassals or Mosotones are free; in time of war alone -they are subject to military service; but, in this country, and it is -this which constitutes its strength, every man in a condition to bear -arms is a soldier. It may easily be understood what the chiefs are when -we state that the people consider them only as the first among their -equals, and that their authority is consequently rather precarious; -and if, now and then, certain Toquis have endeavoured to extend their -authority, the people, jealous of their privileges, have always found -means to keep them within the bounds prescribed by their ancient usages. - -A society whose manners are so simple, and interests so little -complicated, which is governed by wise laws, and all the members of -which have an ardent love of liberty, is invincible, as the Spaniards -have many times found to their cost. After having, in several attempts, -endeavoured to subdue this little corner of land, isolated amidst their -own territory; they have ended by acknowledging the futility of their -efforts, and have tacitly admitted their defeat by renouncing for ever -their projects of obtaining dominion over the Araucanos, with whom -they have contracted alliances, and across whose territory they now -peacefully pass on their road from Santiago to Valdivia. - -The Carampangue--in the Araucano idiom, refuge of lions--is a charming -stream, half torrent, half river, which comes bounding down from the -inaccessible summits of the Andes, and, after many capricious windings, -loses itself in the sea two leagues to the north of Arauco. Nothing -can be more beautiful than the banks of the Carampangue, bordered by -smiling valleys, covered with woods, with apple trees loaded with fruit, -rich pastures in which animals of all kinds range and feed at liberty, -and high mountains, from the verdant sides of which hang, in the most -picturesque positions, clusters of cabins, whose whitewashed walls shine -in the sun, and give life to this enchanting landscape. - -On the day when we resume our narrative, that is, on a beautiful morning -in July--called by the Indians the month of the sun--two horsemen, -followed by a magnificent black and white Newfoundland dog, were -ascending, at a sharp trot, the course of the river, following what is -called a wild beast's track, scarcely marked in the high grass. These -men, dressed in the Chilian costume, surging up suddenly amidst this -wild natural scene, formed, by their manners and their vestments, a -contrast with everything which surrounded them; a contrast of which -they probably had no idea, for they rode as carelessly through this -barbarous country, abounding in perils and ambushes without number, as -they would have done along the road from Paris to Saint-Cloud. These two -men, whom the reader has, no doubt, recognized, were the Count Louis -de Prebois-Crance and Valentine Guillois, his foster brother. They had -passed in turn through Maule, Talca, and Concepcion; and on the day we -meet them again, in the middle of Araucania, they had been full two -months on the road, travelling philosophically along with their dog -Caesar upon the banks of the Carampangue. This was the 14th of July, -1837, at eleven o'clock in the morning. - -The young men had passed the night in an abandoned _rancho_ which -they had fallen in with on their way, and at sunrise resumed their -journey; so that they now began to be sensible of the calls of hunger. -Upon taking a survey of the spot where they found themselves, they -perceived a clump of apple trees, which intercepted the rays of the -sun, and offered them a shelter for their repast and a little rest. -They dismounted and sat down at the foot of a large apple tree, leaving -their horses to browse upon the young branches so abundant around -them. Valentine knocked down a few apples with a stick, opened his -_alforjas_--large cloth pockets placed behind the saddle--drew out some -sea biscuit, a piece of bacon, and a goat's milk cheese, and the two -young men began eating gaily, sharing their provisions with Caesar in a -brotherly way, whilst he, seated gravely in front of them, followed with -his eyes every morsel they put into their mouths. - -"Caramba!" said Valentine, with a satisfied smile; "it is comfortable to -have a little rest, after having been on horseback from four o'clock in -the morning." - -"Well, to tell the truth, I must own I am a little fatigued," Louis -confessed. - -"My poor friend, you are not, as I am, accustomed to long journeys. It -was stupid of me not to remember that." - -"Bah! on the contrary, I am getting accustomed to them very well; and -besides," he added, with a sigh, "physical fatigue makes me forget----" - -"Ah! that's true," Valentine interrupted; "come! I am happy to hear you -speak thus--I see you are becoming a man!" - -Louis shook his head sorrowfully. - -"No," he said, "you are mistaken. As the malady which undermines me is -without remedy, I endeavour to play a manly part." - -"Yes, hope is one of the supreme illusions of love; when it can no -longer exist, love dies." - -"Or he who experiences it," said the young man, with a melancholy smile. - -This was followed by a silence, which Valentine at length broke. - -"What a charming country!" he cried, with feigned enthusiasm, for the -purpose of giving the conversation another direction, as he swallowed, -with delectation, an enormous piece of bacon. - -"Yes, but the roads are very bad." - -"Who knows?" said Valentine, with a smile: "they say the roads to -Paradise are of that kind; this may be the way thither." Then addressing -the dog, "And you, Caesar, what do you think of our journey, old boy?" - -The dog wagged his tail, fixing his eyes, sparkling with intelligence, -upon the speaker's face, whilst he eagerly devoured all that was given -to him. But he stopped suddenly in his masticating operations, pricked -up his ears, turned his head sharply round, and balked furiously. - -"Silence, Caesar!" said Valentine; "what do you bark in that manner for? -You know right well we are in a desert, and that in a desert there is -nobody but the devil!" - -But Caesar continued to bark without heeding his master. - -"Hum!" said Louis, "I do not agree with you; I think that the deserts of -America are thickly peopled." - -"Well, perhaps you are right." - -"The dog's barking is not usual; we ought to take precautions." - -"I will see," said Valentine; and addressing the Newfoundland, "Come! -come! hold your tongue, Caesar! You are tiresome! What's the matter with -you? What teases you? Do you scent a stag? Caramba! That would be a -glorious godsend for us." - -Here he rose, and cast an inquiring glance around, but he immediately -stopped, and seized his rifle, making a sign to Louis to do the same, in -order to be prepared for whatever might happen. - -"Diable!" he said, "Caesar was right, and I must confess myself a stupid -fellow. Look yonder, Louis!" - -The other turned his eyes as directed. - -"Oh! oh!" he said; "what is this?" - -"Hum! I believe we shall soon discover." - -"With God's help!" Louis replied, cocking his rifle. - -Ten Indians in war costume, and mounted on magnificent horses, were -drawn up within twenty paces of the travellers, though the latter were -quite unable to comprehend how they had succeeded in approaching so near -to them without being discovered. Notwithstanding Valentine's efforts, -Caesar continued to bark furiously, and endeavoured to rush upon the -Indians. The American warriors, motionless and impassible, made neither -gesture nor movement, but they surveyed the Frenchmen so closely and -persistently, that Valentine, not very patient in his nature, began to -find himself excessively annoyed. - - -[1] This word comes from the verb _toquin_, which means to _judge_, to -_command._ - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -THE PUELCHES. - - -"Eh! eh!" said Valentine, whistling sharply to his dog, who immediately -came to him; "these fellows do not seem to have friendly intentions; we -must be upon our guard: who knows what may happen?" - -"They are Araucanos," said Louis. - -"Do you think so? Then they are devilish ugly!" - -"Well, now, for my part, I think them very handsome." - -"Ah, yes; that may be in an artistic point of view. But, ugly or -handsome, we will await their coming." - -The Indians talked among themselves, and continued to look at the young -men. - -"They are consulting to determine with what sauce they shall eat us," -said Valentine. - -"Not at all----" - -"Bah! I tell you they are." - -"Pardieu! they are not cannibals!" - -"No? So much the worse; that's a defect. In Paris, all the savages -exhibited in public are cannibals." - -"You madman! you laugh at everything." - -"Would you prefer my weeping a little? It appears to me that at this -moment our position is not so seducing in itself that we should seek to -make it more dismal." - -These Indians were for the most part men of from forty to forty-five -years of age, clothed in the costume of the Puelches, one of the most -warlike tribes of Upper Araucania; they wore the poncho floating from -the shoulders, the calzoneras fastened round the hips and falling to -the ankle, the head bare, the hair long, straight, and greasy, gathered -together by a red ribbon, which encircled the brow like a diadem, and -the face painted of various colours. Their arms consisted of a long -lance, a knife, a gun hanging from the saddle, and a round buckler, -covered with leather, ornamented with horsehair and human scalps. - -The man who appeared to be their chief was a man of lofty stature, -expressive features, hard and haughty, but still displayed a certain -frankness, a very rare quality among Indians. The only thing which -distinguished him from his companions was a feather of the eagle of the -Andes, planted upright on the left side of his head, in the bright red -ribbon that confined his hair. - -After having consulted with his companions for a few minutes, the chief -advanced towards the travellers, making his horse curvet with inimitable -grace, and lowered the point of his lance in sign of peace. When -within three paces of Valentine, he stopped, and, after saluting him -ceremoniously, in the Indian fashion, by placing his right hand on his -breast, and slowly bowing his head twice, he said to him in Spanish:-- - -"My brothers are Muruches--foreigners,--and not Culme-Huinca--despicable -Spaniards. Why are they so far from the men of their own nation?" - -This question, asked in the guttural accent, and with the emphatic tone -peculiar to the Indians, was perfectly understood by the young men, who, -as we have before observed, generally spoke Spanish themselves. - -"Hum!" Valentine said to his companion, "here is a savage who appears to -have a little curiosity about him--what think you?" - -"Bah!" Louis replied, "answer him, at all events that will do no harm." - -"Why, no, that is true; we cannot easily be more compromised than we are -already." - -And turning towards the chief, who waited impassibly, - -"We are travelling," he said, laconically. - -"What! alone, thus?" asked the chief. - -"Does that astonish you, my friend?" - -"Do my brothers fear nothing?" - -"What should we fear?" said the Parisian in a bantering tone. "We have -nothing to lose." - -"What! not even your hair?" - -Louis could not refrain from laughing, as he looked at Valentine. - -"Ah! ah! what, he is laughing at the disordered state of my hair, is he, -the ugly wretch?" Valentine grumbled, vexed at the observation of the -chief, and quite mistaking his intentions. "Stop a bit!" then he added, -in a loud voice, "Have the goodness to pass on, gentlemen savages. Your -remarks are not pleasant, I can assure you." - -He cocked his rifle, and lifted it to his shoulder, as if taking aim -at the chief. Louis, who had attentively followed the progress of the -conversation, without saying a word imitated the action of his friend, -directing the barrel of his rifle towards the group of Indians. The -chief had, doubtless, understood but little of the speeches of his -adversaries, but far from appearing terrified at the menacing attitude -they assumed, he seemed to contemplate with pleasure the martial and -firm deportment of the Frenchmen; and putting gently on one side the -weapon pointed against his breast, said in a conciliatory tone: - -"My friend is mistaken. I have no intention of insulting him. I am his -_penni_--brother--and his companion's likewise. Were not the palefaces -eating when I and my young men came up?" - -"Faith! yes, chief, you say true," interrupted Louis, with a smile; -"your sudden appearance stopped the progress of our humble repast." - -"Part of which is very much at your service," continued Valentine, -pointing with his finger to the provisions spread upon the grass. - -"I accept your offer," said the Indian, cordially. - -"Bravo!" cried Valentine, throwing down his rifle, and preparing to -resume his seat on the grass; "to table, then!" - -"Yes," replied the chief, "but upon one condition." - -"What is that?" the young men asked together. - -"That I shall furnish my part." - -"Agreed," said Louis. - -"Well, that is but fair," Valentine added; "and it will be the more -acceptable, from our not being rich, and having but meagre fare to offer -you." - -"The bread of a friend is always good," the chief said, sententiously. - -"That is admirably answered! But, at this moment, unfortunately, our -bread is only stale biscuit." - -"I will remedy that;" and the chief said a few words in the Molucho -language to his companions, who began to rummage in their alforjas, and -quickly produced maize tortillas, some charqui, and several leathern -bottles filled with chica--a sort of cider made of apples and Indian -corn. The whole was placed upon the grass before the two Frenchmen, who -were wonderstruck at the sudden abundance which had succeeded without -any transition to their late short commons. The Indians dismounted, -and sat down in a circle round the travellers. The chief, then turning -towards his guests, said with a pleasant smile-- - -"Now, then, let my brothers eat." - -The young men did not require the cordial invitation to be repeated, but -vigorously attacked the provisions so frankly offered. For the first few -minutes silence prevailed among the party, for all were too well engaged -to talk; but as soon as appetite was a little appeased, conversation was -resumed. - -Of all men, Indians, perhaps, understand the laws of hospitality -the best. They have an instinct of social conventions, if such an -expression may be allowed, which makes them divine at once, with -infallible correctness, what the questions are that may be properly -addressed to their guests, and the point at which they should stop to -avoid committing any indiscretion. The two Frenchmen, who for the first -time found themselves in contact with Araucanos, could not overcome -the surprise caused by the knowledge of life, and the noble and frank -manners of these men, whom, on the faith of accounts more or less false, -they were accustomed, in common with all Europeans, to consider as gross -savages, almost destitute of intelligence, and quite incapable of any -delicacy of behaviour. - -"My brothers are not Spaniards?" the chief said, half interrogatively. - -"That is true," Louis replied; "but how did you discover that?" - -"Oh!" he said, with a disdainful smile, "we are well acquainted with -those _chiaplos_--wicked soldiers. They are too old enemies to allow us -to commit an error with regard to them. From what island do my brothers -come?" - -"Our country is not an island," Valentine observed. - -"My brother is mistaken," the chief said emphatically; "there is but one -country that is not an island, and that is the great land of the Aucas." - -The two young men bowed their heads before an opinion so peremptorily -put forth--all discussion became impossible. - -"We are Frenchmen," Louis replied. - -"Frenchmen! ah! a good brave nation! We had several French warriors in -the time of the great war." - -"What!" said Louis, with excited curiosity, "have French warriors fought -with you?" - -"Yes," the chief remarked, proudly; "warriors with grey beards, and -breasts marked with honourable scars, which they received in the wars of -their island, when they fought under the orders of their great chief, -Zaleon." - -"Napoleon?" said Valentine, quite astonished. - -"Yes; I believe it is so the palefaces pronounce his name. Did my -brother know him?" the chief added, with ill-concealed curiosity. - -"No," replied the young man. "Although born in his reign, I was never -able to get sight of him, and he is now dead." - -"My brother is mistaken," said the Puelche, solemnly; "such warriors as -he do not die. When they have performed their task upon earth they go to -Paradise--to hunt with Pillian, the master of the world." - -The young men bowed, as if convinced. - -"It is very singular," said Louis, "that the reputation of that powerful -genius should have spread to the most remote and unknown regions of the -globe, and be preserved pure and brilliant among these rude men; whilst -in that France, for which he did everything men invariably seek to -lessen it, and even to destroy it." - -"Like all their compatriots, who, from time to time, traverse our -hunting grounds, our brothers have, doubtless, trading purposes in -coming among us. Where are your goods?" said the chief. - -"We are not traders," replied Valentine; "we came to visit our brothers, -the Araucanos, of whose wisdom and hospitality we have heard much." - -"The Moluchos love the French," the chief said, flattered by the -compliment; "my brothers will be well received in our villages." - -"To what tribe does my brother belong?" asked Valentine, inwardly -delighted at the good opinion the Indians entertained of his compatriots. - -"I am one of the principal Ulmens of the sacred tribe of the Great -Hare," the chief said, proudly. - -"Thank you--one word more." - -"Let my brother speak; my ears are open." - -"We are in search of a Molucho chief, to whom we have a message from a -friend of his, with whom he has had much dealing." - -"What is the chief's name?" - -"Antinahuel." - -"Good!" - -"Does my brother know him?" - -"I know him. If my brothers will follow me they shall see the toldo of -a chief in which they shall be received like pennis. When they have -rested, if they desire it, I will myself conduct them to Antinahuel, the -most powerful Toqui of the four Uthal-Mapus of the Araucano confederacy." - -"What province is governed by Antinahuel?" - -"The Pire-Mapus, that is to say, the interior of the Andes." - -"Thanks, brother." - -"Will my brothers accept the offer I have made them?" - -"Why should we not accept it, chief, if, as I believe, it is made in -earnest?" - -"Let my brothers come, then," the chief said, with a smile; "my tolderia -is not far off." - -The breakfast was over, and the Indians were mounting. - -"We may as well go," said Valentine, in French. "This Indian appears to -speak cordially and honestly, and it will give us a capital opportunity -of studying interesting manners and customs. What do you think, -Louis?--It may prove very amusing." - -"Well, I see no harm that accepting the invitation can do." - -"God speed us, then!" - -And with a bound he was in his saddle, imitated by Louis. - -"Forward!" cried the chief, and the party set off at a gallop. - -"Well, it must be allowed," said Valentine, in his cheerful way, "that -these savages, if savages they are, have some redeeming qualities -belonging to them. I begin to take a warm interest in them. They are -true Scotch mountaineers for hospitality. I wonder what my regimental -comrades, and more particularly my old friends of the Boulevard du -Temple, would say if they could see me now! Houp! After me, the end of -the world!" - -Louis laughed at this outburst of the incorrigible _gamin_, and, without -further inquiries, the young men gaily abandoned themselves to the -guidance of their new friends, who, after leaving the banks of the -river, directed their course towards the mountains. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -THE BLACK JACKAL. - - -In order to make the facts which follow intelligible, we are obliged -here to relate an adventure which happened more than twenty years before -the period at which our history commences. - -Towards the end of the month of December, 1816, on a cold, rainy night, -a traveller, mounted on an excellent horse, and carefully wrapped in -the folds of an ample cloak, was following at a round trot the road, -or rather the blind path, on the mountains which leads from Cruces to -San-Jose. This man was a rich landowner, who was making a journey into -Araucania, for the purpose of treating with the Indians for a large -number of cattle and sheep. Having left Cruces about two o'clock in the -afternoon, he had been delayed on his way by settling some business with -various _guasos_, and he was hastening to gain a hacienda he possessed -at some leagues from the spot where he then was, and where he reckoned -upon passing the night. - -The country at the time was not in a state of tranquillity. For several -days past the Puelches had appeared in arms upon the frontiers of Chili, -and made incursions into the territories of the republic, burning the -chacras, and carrying off the families they surprised. These marauders -were commanded by a chief named The Black Jackal, whose cruelty spread -terror among the people exposed to his depredations. - -It was, therefore, with some anxiety, mixed with secret apprehensions, -that the man we have spoken of made all speed along the desolate road -which led to his hacienda. Every minute only added to his fears. The -storm, which had threatened all day, burst forth at last with a fury -of which we have no conception in our climates. The wind roared loudly -through the trees, bending some, and uprooting others. The rain fell in -torrents, and the lightning became so vivid, that the horse began to -plunge and rear, and refused to advance. The rider spurred the restive -animal, and endeavoured, as well as the darkness would permit, to -discover whereabouts he was. After surmounting immense difficulties, he -saw at length, in the distance, the shadow of the walls of his hacienda, -and the lights which shone like guiding stars, when suddenly his horse -bounded on one side in such a way as almost to unseat him. When, with -much trouble, he had recovered his command of the animal, he looked -round to see what could have frightened it so, and perceived, with -terror equal to the horse's, several men of sinister appearance standing -motionless before him. The horseman's first movement was to seize his -pistols, in order to sell his life as dearly as he could, for he had no -doubt he had fallen into an ambuscade of bandits. - -"Keep your hands from your weapons, Don Antonio Quintana," said a rough -voice; "we desire neither your life nor your money." - -"What do you want then?" he replied, in a tone that showed he was a -little reassured by that frank declaration, though he still kept on the -defensive. - -"Hospitality for this night, in the first place," said the other. - -Don Antonio endeavoured to ascertain if he knew the man who was speaking -to him, but he could not distinguish his features through the darkness. - -"The doors of my dwelling always fly open to the stranger," he remarked; -"why have you not knocked at them?" - -"Knowing you must come this way, I preferred waiting for you." - -"What else do you desire of me, then?" - -"I will tell you under your own roof; the open road is a place ill -adapted for imparting confidence." - -"If you have nothing more to say to me now, and are as willing as I am -to get under shelter, we will continue our journey." - -"Go on, then; we will follow you." - -Without exchanging another word, they directed their course towards the -hacienda. Don Antonio Quintana was a resolute man, as the manner in -which he had replied to the men who had so rudely barred his passage -proved him. In spite of the fluency with which the one who had spoken -employed the Spanish language, he had, at the first word, by his -guttural accent, perceived he was an Indian; and with him fear had -immediately given way to curiosity, and he had not hesitated to grant -the hospitality asked, knowing that the Araucano, Puelches, Hueliches, -or Moluchos, never violate the roof under which they are welcomed, and -that the hosts who shelter them are held sacred. - -On arriving at the hacienda, Don Antonio found he was not mistaken; the -men who had accosted him in so strange a manner were really Indians. -There were four of them, and with them was a young woman with a child -at the breast. The hacendero welcomed them to his dwelling with all the -minute forms of Castilian courtesy, and gave orders to his peones or -Indian domestics, terrified at the savage appearance of the strangers, -to assist them with everything they might desire. - -"Eat and drink," he said, "you are at home, here." - -"Thanks!" replied the man, who had till that time been spokesman. "We -accept your offer with as good a will as you give it, as far as regards -food, of which we stand most in need." - -"Will you not rest till day?" asked Don Antonio; "the night is dark, and -the weather frightful for travelling." - -"A black night is what we desire; besides, we must depart immediately. -Now, allow me to put my second request to you." - -"Explain yourself," said the Spaniard, examining the speaker attentively. - -The latter was a tall, well-made man, of about forty; his -strongly-marked features and his commanding eye proclaimed that he was -accustomed to exercise authority. - -"It was I," he said, without preamble, "who directed the last invasion -made upon the palefaces of the frontiers. My mosotones were all killed -yesterday in an ambuscade by your lanceros; the three you see with me -are all that remain of a troop of two hundred warriors; the others are -dead. I myself am wounded, hunted, tracked like a wild beast; we are -without horses to rejoin our tribe, without weapons to defend ourselves -if we are attacked on the plain. I come to ask of you the means of -escape from our pursuers. I will neither deceive nor surprise your good -faith. I am bound to tell you the name of the man whose safety you hold -in your hands. I am the greatest enemy of the Spaniards; my life has -been passed in contending with them. In a word, I am The Black Jackal, -the Apo-Ulmen of the Black Serpents." - -On hearing this redoubtable name the Chilian could not suppress a start -of terror; but immediately recovering his self-possession, he replied in -a calm voice, and in a kind tone. - -"You are my guest, and you are unfortunate, two titles sacred with me. I -desire to know nothing more; you shall have horses and arms." - -A smile of ineffable sweetness lit up the countenance of the Indian. - -"One last prayer," he said. - -"Speak." - -The chief took by the hand the young Indian squaw, who had remained -cowering and weeping in a corner, rocking her child in her arms, and -presented her to Don Antonio. - -"This woman belongs to me; this child is mine," he said, "and I confide -them both to you." - -"I will take charge of them; the woman shall be my sister, the child my -son," the hacendero replied kindly, and after the Indian fashion. - -"The Apo-Ulmen will remember!" said the Puelche chief, in a voice -trembling with emotion. - -He imprinted a kiss upon the brow of the poor little creature, who -smiled upon him, cast upon the woman a look beaming with tenderness, -and rushed out of the house, followed by his companions. Don Antonio -supplied them with arms and horses, and the four Indians disappeared in -the darkness. - -Many years passed away ere Don Antonio heard anything of the Black -Jackal; the woman and the child remained at the hacienda, and were -treated as if they had been members of the Chilian's family. The -hacendero had been married; but, unfortunately, after a year, which -promised to be the commencement of a long and happy union, the wife died -when giving birth to a beautiful little girl, whom her father named -Maria. The two children grew up together, watched over by the anxious -solicitude of the Indian woman, loving each other like brother and -sister. - -At length, one day, a numerous troop of Puelches, magnificently equipped -and mounted, arrived at Rio-Claro, the town in which Don Antonio -resided. The chief of these Indians was the Black Jackal, who came to -redemand his wife and son of him to whom he had intrusted them. The -interview was very affecting. The chief forgot his Indian stoicism; he -gave himself up to the feelings which agitated him, and enjoyed the -happiness of finding again, after such a length of time, the two beings -he held dearest in the world. When it became necessary to depart, and -the children learnt they were to be separated, they shed abundance of -tears. They had been accustomed from their infancy to live together, and -they could not comprehend why they were not to continue to do so. - -Don Antonio had extended his traffic over different parts of the -frontiers; he possessed chacras, in which the breeding of cattle -was carried on upon a vast scale. The Black Jackal, who had sworn -a perpetual friendship, became of great use to him in his business -transactions; he often put him in the way of making excellent bargains -with his compatriots, and, what was still more serviceable, protected -his property from the depredations of plunderers. Every year Don Antonio -visited all his chacras in Araucania, and passed a couple of months -among the tribe of the Black Serpents, with his friend, the Black -Jackal. His daughter accompanied him in all these journeys, on account -of the friendship that existed between the children. Things went on thus -for many years. - -At the period when our history commences, the Black Jackal was dead: -he had fallen, like a brave warrior, with his weapons in his hand, in -a combat on the frontier; his son, Antinahuel, now about thirty-five -years of age, who promised to tread in his footsteps, had been elected -Apo-Ulmen in his place, and afterwards Toqui of his Uthal-Mapus or -province, which made him one of the principal men of Araucania. Don -Antonio had likewise died, shortly after the marriage of his daughter, -Dona Maria, with Don Tadeo de Leon, brought to an untimely grave by his -grief at her misconduct, which had produced terrible scandal in the -upper classes of Santiago. - -Dona Maria for some years past had only seen Antinahuel at long -intervals; but between them their friendship remained as warm as in -the days of their childhood; and, on the part of the Indian warrior, -it was carried so far that he obeyed the least caprice of the young -woman as an imperative duty. Great, then, was the astonishment of the -warriors of the tribe of the Black Serpents, when, in the evening of -the day on which we have resumed our story, they saw Dona Maria arrive -on horseback, accompanied only by two peons, at their tolderia, and go -straight towards the rancho of the Toqui. On perceiving her, the usually -gloomy face of the chief was suddenly lighted up with an expression of -gladness. - -"Eglantine of the Woods!" he cried, in a joyous tone, "does my sister -then still remember the poor Indian?" - -"I have come to visit the toldo of my brother," she said, turning her -brow towards him, upon which he impressed a kiss; "my heart is sad, -grief devours me--and I have remembered my brother." - -The chief cast a look upon her of anxiety, mingled with sorrow. - -"Although it be to trouble that I owe the visit of my sister, I am, -nevertheless, rejoiced to see her." - -"Yes," she resumed, "when we are in trouble we think of our friends." - -"My sister has done well in thinking of me; what can I do for her?" - -"My brother can render me a great service." - -"My life is my sister's; she knows she can dispose of it at her -pleasure." - -"Thank you! I was certain I could depend upon my brother." - -"Everywhere, and at all times." - -After bowing respectfully to Dona Maria, he led her into his rancho, -where his mother had prepared everything worthy of the visit of one whom -for so many years she had loved as a daughter. - - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -TWO OLD FRIENDS. - - -Antinahuel--the Tiger Sun--was at this time a man of about thirty-five -years of age. In stature he was tall, and in his carriage majestic; -everything in his person announced a man accustomed to command, and made -to rule over his fellows. As a warrior, his reputation was immense, -and his mosotones held him in superstitious veneration. Such was, -physically, the man whom Dona Maria de Leon came to visit; what he was, -morally, we shall soon see. - -The cloth was laid in the toldo,--we make use of the expression, the -cloth was laid, advisedly, because the Araucano chiefs are perfectly -well acquainted with European customs, and almost all possess dishes, -plates, and silver spoons and forks. It is true, they only make use of -these upon great occasions, and for the purpose of display; for, as -to themselves, they carry frugality and plainness to an excess, and -when they are alone with their families, are content to eat with their -fingers. - -Dona Maria seated herself at the table, and made a sign to Antinahuel, -who stood respectfully beside her, to keep her company, and to take his -place opposite to her. It was clear to the Indian chief that his sister, -as he called her, who for some years had completely neglected him, must -have been induced by some powerful interest to seek him thus in his -remote village. But what could the interest be which led a delicate -woman, accustomed to all the luxurious comforts of life, to undertake a -long and perilous journey in order to come and talk with an Indian in a -miserable tolderia, hidden in the midst of the desert? - -On her side, the young woman was a prey to still greater uneasiness, -for she was anxious to discover whether, in spite of her neglect of the -chief, she had preserved the boundless power she had formerly exercised -over that Indian nature, which civilization had softened rather than -subdued; she feared lest the long forgetfulness in which she had left -him had made her lose her prestige in his eyes, and that coolness and -indifference might have succeeded to the warm friendship of early days. - -When the repast was ended, a peon brought in the _mate_[1] the infusion -of the Paraguay herb which, with the Chilians, takes the place of tea, -and of which they are very fond. Two chased cups, placed upon a filagree -salver, were presented to Dona Maria and the chief; they lit their maize -_pajillos_, and smoked, whilst sipping their _mate_, reflectively. After -a few minutes' silence, which was beginning to be embarrassing to both, -Dona Maria, who perceived that Antinahuel was resolved to act on the -defensive, determined to open the attack. - -"My brother," she said, with a smile, "is surprised at my sudden arrival -at his tolderia." - -"It is true; the Eglantine of the Woods has appeared unexpectedly -amongst us, but she is not the less welcome on that account." - -And he bowed. - -"I am glad to observe that my brother is as gallant as ever." - -"No; I love my sister, and I am happy to see her, after being so long -deprived of her presence." - -"I know your friendship for me, Penni; our childhood was passed -together, but it is a long time since that time. You are now one of the -caraskens, whilst I am only, as formerly, a poor woman." - -"The Eglantine of the Woods is my sister, her least wishes shall always -be sacred with me." - -"Thanks, Penni! But let us drop this conversation, and talk of our early -years, which, alas! so quickly glided away." - -"Yesterday exists no longer," he said, sententiously. - -"That's true," she replied, with a sigh; "why, indeed, should we talk of -times that can never come back?" - -"Does my sister intend to return to Chili?" - -"No; I have left Santiago for a time; I intend, for a season, to take up -my abode in Valdivia; I left my friends to continue their route, whilst -I came on to pay my respects to my brother." - -"Yes, I know that the man whom the palefaces call General Bustamente, -though scarcely cured of a dangerous wound, set off, a month ago, to -visit the province of Valdivia, I, myself, intend shortly to visit that -city." - -"There are many palefaces from the South there at present." - -"Among these strangers are there any that I know?" - -"Good heavens! how can I tell? Yes, there is one, Don Tadeo, my husband." - -Antinahuel raised his head in astonishment. - -"I thought he had been shot!" he said. - -"He was." - -"Well?" - -"He escaped death, though grievously wounded." - -The artful woman endeavoured to read what impression the news she had so -coolly imparted made upon the stoical face of the Indian. - -"Listen to me, my sister," he resumed, after a minute's pause; "Don -Tadeo is still your enemy, is he not?" - -"More so than ever." - -"Good!" - -"Not content with having basely abandoned me, and having torn from me -my child, the innocent creature who alone consoled me and enabled me to -support the sorrows with which he has overwhelmed me, he has crowned -his insults by publicly paying his addresses to another woman, whom he -takes with him everywhere, and who is at this moment his companion at -Valdivia." - -"Hum!" the chief said, carelessly. - -Accustomed to Araucanian manners, which permit every man to take as many -wives as he can support, he found the action of Don Tadeo perfectly -natural. This did not escape Dona Maria: an ironical smile curled for -a second the corners of her lips, and she continued, negligently, but -looking earnestly in the face of the chief-- - -"Yes, the woman is called, as I hear, Dona Rosario de Mendoz; and is, -they say, a beautiful creature!" - -That name, pronounced with such apparent indifference, produced the -effect of a clap of thunder upon the chief; he sprang up, his face -inflamed, and his eyes sparkling. - -"Rosario de Mendoz, did you say, my sister?" he shouted. - -"Good heavens! I hardly know," she replied. "I have only heard her -name--I believe that may be it--but," she added, "what interest can my -brother take in it?" - -"Oh! none," he said, as he quietly resumed his seat. "Why does not my -sister avenge herself upon the man who has abandoned her?" - -"To what purpose? and, besides, what vengeance can I hope for? I am but -a weak and timid woman, without friends, without support; in short, -alone." - -"And I?" said the chief; "what am I, then?" - -"Oh!" she replied, warmly; "I would not on any account that my brother -should constitute himself the avenger of an insult which is personal to -myself." - -"My sister is mistaken; in attacking this man I avenge my own insult." - -"My brother must explain himself--I do not understand him." - -"That is what I am going to do." - -"I am all attention." - -At this moment Antinahuel's mother entered the toldo, and, approaching -the chief, said in a humble, but sad tone,-- - -"My son is wrong in thus recalling old remembrances, and opening ancient -wounds again." - -"Woman!" the Indian replied, "Retire! I am a warrior! My father left me -a vengeance. I have sworn, and I will accomplish my oath!" - -The poor mother left the toldo with a sigh. The Linda, whose curiosity -was excited to the highest degree, awaited impatiently the chief's -explanation. Without, the rain fell pattering upon the leaves of the -trees; at intervals a blast of night wind, loaded with uncertain sounds, -came whistling through the ill-joined boards of the toldo, and caused -the flame of the torch which lighted it to waver unsteadily. The two -speakers, though absorbed in their own reflections, involuntarily lent -an ear to these nameless sounds, and felt a depression of spirits they -could not account for. The chief raised his head, and inhaling, one -after another, several mouthfuls of smoke from his pajillo, which he -puffed out brusquely, commenced in a low voice,-- - -"Although my sister is almost a child of the nation, as my mother nursed -her, she has never been made acquainted with the history of my family. -The history I am about to relate will reveal to her that I have against -Don Tadeo de Leon an old hatred, ever kept alive; and which, if I have -to the present moment appeared to allow to slumber, it has been because -that man was the husband of my sister: the conduct of Don Tadeo towards -my sister frees me from the promise I had made myself, and leaves me -liberty of action." - -Dona Maria bowed assentingly. - -"When the vile Spaniards," he continued, "conquered Chili, and reduced -its cowardly inhabitants to slavery, they dreamt of subjugating -Araucania in its turn, and marched against the Aucas, whose frontiers -they violated. My sister sees that I take up my recital from the -beginning. The Toqui Cadegual was one of the first to convoke a grand -council of the nation, on the plain of the Carampangue. Named Toqui, one -of the four Uthal-Mapus, he gave battle to the palefaces. The conflict -was terrible! It lasted from the rising to the setting of the sun. Many -Molucho warriors departed for the happy prairies of the Eskennane, but -Pillian did not abandon the Aucas; they were conquerors, and the Chiaplo -fled like timid hares before the terrible lances of our warriors. -Numbers of palefaces fell into our hands; among them was a powerful -chief, named Don Estevan de Leon. The Toqui Cadegual might have employed -his rights, and have killed him, but he did nothing of the kind: so far -from it, he led him to his toldo, and treated him with kindness, as a -brother. But when did Spaniards ever show themselves grateful for a -kindness? Don Estevan, forgetful of the sacred duties of hospitality, -seduced the daughter of the man to whom he owed his life, and, one -day, disappeared with her. The grief of the Toqui was immense at this -unworthy and disloyal treachery. He swore to wage from that time a -pitiless war against the palefaces, and he kept his oath: all Spaniards -taken by them, whatever their age or sex, were massacred. These terrible -reprisals were just, were they not?" - -"Yes," said the Linda laconically. - -"One day, Cadegual, surprised by his ferocious enemies, fell, covered -with wounds, into their hands, after a heroic resistance, during which -all his brave Mosotones had allowed themselves to be killed by his side. -In his turn, as it happened, Cadegual was in the power of Don Estevan de -Leon. The Spanish chief recollected the man who had, years before, saved -his life. He was merciful. After cutting off the hands, and scooping out -the eyes of his prisoner, he restored to him his daughter, of whom he -was tired, and sent him back to his nation. The Toqui was led back by -his child, whom he pardoned. When he joined his tribe, Cadegual called -together his relations, related to them what he had suffered, showed -them his bleeding and mutilated arms, and, after having made his sons -and all his relations swear to avenge him, he allowed himself to die of -hunger, that he might not survive his shame." - -"Oh, that is frightful!" Dona Maria cried, affected, in spite of herself. - -"That is nothing yet!" the chief resumed, with a bitter smile; "let -my sister listen to the sequel. From that time, an implacable destiny -has always hung over the two families, and continually brought the -descendants of the Toqui Cadegual in contact with those of Captain -Don Estevan de Leon. During three centuries, this ardent, inveterate -struggle has lasted between the two families, and will never terminate -but by the extinction of one, or perhaps both of them. Up to the present -time, the advantage has almost always been on the side of the Leons; -the sons of the Toqui have very often been conquered, but they have -always remained firm and implacable, ready to re-commence the combat at -the first signal. At the present day, the family of Don Estevan has but -one representative, Don Tadeo--a representative formidable through his -courage, his fortune, and the immense influence, he exercises over his -compatriots. He, personally, has never injured the Aucas; he seems even -to be ignorant of the inveterate hatred which exists between his family -and that of the Toqui; but the descendants of Cadegual do not forget -it: they are strong, numerous, and powerful in their turn; the hour -of vengeance has struck, they will not let it escape! My sister," he -continued, in a voice almost rising to a shout; "my sister, my ancestor -was the Toqui Cadegual, and I thank you for having warned me that not -only my enemy is not dead, but that he is within my reach!" - -"Your mother asked you properly, Penni, why should you revive old -hatreds? Peace now reigns between the Chilians and the Aucas: let -my brother beware; the whites are numerous; they have many warlike, -disciplined soldiers." - -"Oh," he replied, with a sinister look; "I am sure of succeeding, for I -have my nymph." - -Indians of high rank all entertain a firm belief that they have a -familiar genius, who is bound to obey them. - -Dona Maria feigned to yield to this reason; she had succeeded in putting -the hunter upon the scent of the game she wished to destroy, and it was -of very little importance to her what motive made him obey her. She knew -perfectly well that the hatred alleged by the chief was nothing but a -pretext, and that the real cause remained hidden in the depths of his -heart. Although she had a clear idea of what it was, she affected not to -have the least suspicion of it. - -She continued talking with Antinahuel for some time longer about -indifferent subjects, and then retired to a chamber which had been -prepared for her. It was late, and she wished to set out for Valdivia at -daybreak. She was sufficiently well acquainted with the companion of her -childhood to know that, now the tiger was roused, it would not be long -before he started in quest of the prey which she had marked down for him. - -As for the Toqui, the whole night passed away without his thinking of -taking a moment's repose; he remained plunged in profound and agitating -reflections. - - -[1] The Chilians borrowed the mate from the Araucanos, who think it a -great delicacy, and have a particular talent for making it. This is the -manner in which they prepare it:--They put into a coffee cup a spoonful -of the Paraguay herb, to which they add a lump of sugar, which they -leave upon the fire till it is a little burnt; they squeeze a few drops -of lemon juice into it, with some cinnamon and a clove; they then fill -the cup up with boiling water. The mate being now ready, they introduce -a silver tube of the thickness of a quill, pierced with small holes at -its lower end, by means of which the mate is drawn up,--at the risk, -be it remembered, of horribly scalding the mouth, as always happens to -strangers when they first partake of the luxury, to the great amusement -of the Chilians. Drinking mate is so common in Chili, as to be what -coffee is in the East; it is taken after every repast, and presented to -every visitor. In ceremonial parties, a single tube serves for all the -persons assembled. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -THE SORCERER. - - -On the same day, a tolderia, situated at some miles from Orano, on the -banks of the Carampangue, was a scene of the greatest commotion. The -women and warriors assembled in front of a toldo, on the threshold of -which was exposed a corpse, lying as it were in state, upon a bed of -branches, were uttering cries and groans, which were mingled with the -deafening sound of drums and flutes in most dismal discord, and the -continuous howling of dogs, whom all this din rendered furious. In the -middle of the crowd, by the side of the body, stood a man advanced -in years, tall in stature, and clothed in the costume of a woman, -who appeared to direct the ceremony, making extraordinary gestures -and contortions, accompanied by scarcely human yells. This man, of a -ferocious aspect, was the machi, or sorcerer of the tribe; the motions -he affected, the cries he uttered, were intended to protect the body -against the attacks of the evil genius, supposed to be eager to get -possession of it. At a sign from him the music and groans ceased; the -evil genius, conquered by the power of the machi, had given up the -contest, after a sharp struggle, and abandoned the body which it was -beyond his power to obtain. The sorcerer then turned towards a man of -lofty stature and commanding countenance, who stood near him leaning -upon a long lance. - -"Ulmen of the powerful tribe of the Great Hare," he said, in a -sepulchral tone, "thy father, the valiant Ulmen, who has been ravished -from us by Pillian, is no longer in dread of the influence of the -evil genius, whom I have forced to depart; he now hunts in the happy -prairies of the Eskennane with the just warriors: all the rites are -accomplished--the hour for surrendering his body to the earth has -arrived!" - -"Stop!" the chief replied, warmly; "my father is dead, but who has -killed him? A warrior does not succumb thus, in a few hours, unless some -secret influence has weighed upon him, and dried up the springs of life -in his heart. Answer me, O machi, inspired by Pillian! Tell me the name -of the assassin! My heart is sad, and can only be comforted by avenging -my father." - -At these words, pronounced in a firm voice, a shudder crept through the -ranks of the people assembled in a group round the body. The machi, -after having looked searchingly round, cast down his eyes, crossed his -arms upon his breast, and appeared to reflect. - -The Araucanos only think one sort of death possible--that on the field -of battle; they do not suppose any one can lose his life by either -accident or disease; in these two cases they always attribute death to -the action of an occult power, and are persuaded that some enemy of -the defunct has cast the charm upon him that has killed him. In this -persuasion, at the period of the funeral ceremonies, the relations and -friends of the dead person call upon the machi to denounce the assassin -to them. The machi is obliged to point him out; it would be in vain -for him to endeavour to make them comprehend that the death of their -relation is natural, for their fury would be immediately turned against -him, and he would become their victim. - -In this hard alternative, the machi takes good care not to hesitate; the -murderer is the more easily pointed out through his non-existence, and -from the sorcerer being in no danger of being suspected of deception. -Generally, in order to make his own interests agree with those of the -relations who claim a victim, he gives up one of his own personal -enemies to their vengeance; when--but that is rare--the machi has no -enemies, he fixes upon someone at hazard. The pretended murderer, in -spite of his protestations of innocence, is immolated without mercy. - -It may be easily understood how perilous such a custom is, and what -an influence it gives the sorcerer in the tribe; an influence we are -obliged to admit which he abuses under all circumstances, without the -least scruple. - -Fresh personages, among whom were Valentine and his friend, had arrived -at the village, and, attracted by curiosity, mingled with the crowd -collected round the body. The two Frenchmen could not comprehend -anything of this scene till their guide had briefly explained it to -them; then they followed the different phases of it with great interest. - -"Speak!" said the Ulmen, after a short pause. "Does not my father know -the name of the man of whom we must demand an account of this murder?" - -"I know him," the sorcerer replied, in a solemn tone. - -"Why, then, does the inspired machi preserve silence, when the dead body -cries for vengeance?" - -"Because," the machi said, looking this time the newly-arrived chief -full in the face, "there are powerful men who laugh at human justice." - -The eyes of the crowd turned to the man whom the sorcerer appeared -indirectly to point out. - -"The guilty man," the Ulmen cried, in a loud voice, "whatever be his -rank in the tribe, shall not escape my just vengeance; speak without -fear, priest of fate! I swear that the man whose name passes your lips -shall die!" - -The machi drew himself up majestically; he raised his arm slowly, and, -amidst the general anxious curiosity, he, with his finger, pointed to -the chief who had offered such cordial hospitality to the strangers, -saying, in a loud, ringing voice-- - -"Accomplish your oath, then, Ulmen--that is the assassin of your father, -Trangoil-Lanec cast the charm upon him which has killed him!" - -And the machi veiled his face with the corner of his poncho, as if -overwhelmed with grief at making the revelation. - -The sorcerer's terrible words were succeeded by the silence of -astonishment. Trangoil-Lanec was the last man in the tribe who would -have been suspected. He was beloved and venerated by all for his -courage, frankness, and generosity. The first sensation of surprise -over, a general movement took place in the crowd; all drew back from -the supposed murderer, leaving him face to face with the chief of whose -death he was accused. Trangoil-Lanec remained impassive, a smile of -disdain passed over his lips, he dismounted from his horse, and waited. - -The Ulmen walked slowly towards him, and when within a few paces, asked, -in a sorrowful voice-- - -"Why didst thou kill my father, Trangoil-Lanec? He loved thee, and I, -was not I thy Penni?" - -"I have not killed thy father, Curumilla," the chief replied, with a -tone of frankness that would have convinced a man less prejudiced than -the one he addressed. - -"The machi has said so." - -"The machi lies." - -"No, the machi cannot lie--he is inspired by Pillian; thou, thy wife, -and thy children must die; the law decrees that it shall be so." - -Without deigning to reply, the chief threw down his arms, and went -and placed himself beside the stake of blood, planted in front of the -medicine toldo, which contains the sacred idol. A circle was formed, of -which the stake formed the centre; the wife and children of the chief -were brought up, and were prepared immediately for the sacrifice; for -the funeral ceremony of the chief could not be completed before the -execution of his murderer. The machi was triumphant. One man alone in -the tribe had ventured to hold up his hand against his robberies and -rogueries, and that man was about to die and leave him absolute master. -Upon a sign from Curumilla, two Indians seized the chief, and, in spite -of the tears and sobs of his wives and children, they prepared to fasten -him to the stake. - -The two Frenchmen had anxiously watched the spectacle of this infamous -drama; Louis was disgusted with the rascality of the machi and the -credulity of the Indians. - -"Oh!" he said, to his friend, "we cannot allow this murder to be -accomplished." - -"Hum!" muttered Valentine, stroking the ends of his light moustache, and -casting a glance around him, "hum! there is a great number of them." - -"What matters it how many?" Louis replied, impetuously; "I will not -be the witness of such iniquity, if I die for it. I will attempt to -save the life of that unfortunate man, who so frankly offered us his -friendship." - -"The fact is," Valentine said, pensively, "this Trangoil-Lanec, as they -call him, is a very worthy fellow, for whom I feel a warm sympathy; but -what can we do?" - -"Pardieu!" Louis said, seizing his pistols, "throw ourselves between him -and his enemies; we can each of us kill five or six." - -"Yes, and the others will kill us, without our having succeeded in -saving the man for whom we devote ourselves. A bad means that! Let us -try to find some other." - -"We must be quick, then; the torture is about to commence." - -Valentine struck his forehead, and cried, with a jeering laugh-- - -"Bah! I have it! Trick must serve our turn--leave it to me; my old trade -of a mountebank will do! Help me, if I want it; but, for heaven's sake, -swear to remain calm!" - -"I swear I will, if you save him." - -"Be satisfied--against rogue I'll play rogue and a half; these savages -shall see I can be more cunning than they." - -Valentine urged his horse into the middle of the circle, and shouted-- - -"Stop a minute!" - -At the unexpected appearance of this man, whom nobody had yet observed, -all turned round and looked at him with astonishment. Louis, with his -hands on his pistols, watched his movements with anxiety, ready to fly -to his succour, if he needed it. - -"We will not joke," continued Valentine, "we have not time for that. -You are a set of fools, and your machi is laughing at you. What! would -you kill a man without a moment's reflection, because a rogue bids you -do so? Caramba! I have taken it into my head to prevent your committing -such a folly--I will do it, too!" - -And placing his hand upon his hip, he looked round with an intrepid -glance. The Indians, according to their strange custom, listened to -this speech without evincing surprise, even by a gesture. Curumilla -approached him. - -"My pale brother must retire," he said, calmly; "he is unacquainted with -the laws of the Puelches; this man is condemned, he must die; the machi -has pointed him out as a murderer." - -"I repeat to you, you are fools!" said Valentine shrugging his -shoulders; "your machi is no more a conjurer than I am; I again tell -you, he is cheating you, and I will prove it, if you will let me." - -"What says my father?" said Curumilla to the machi, who stood cold and -motionless by the side of the body. - -The machi smiled disdainfully. - -"When did the white man ever speak truth?" he replied, with a sneer. -"Let this one prove what he asserts, if he is able." - -"Good!" the Ulmen said; "the Murucho may speak." - -"Pardieu!" cried Valentine. "Notwithstanding the bold-faced assurance of -this individual, I shall find it no difficult matter to prove that he is -an impostor." - -"We are attentive," said Curumilla. - -The Indians drew round with intense curiosity. Louis could not at all -make out what his friend proposed to do. He could only suppose that some -extravagant idea had crossed his brain, and was as impatient as the rest -to see how he would come through his dangerous undertaking with honour. - -"One moment!" said the machi, with perfect assurance. "What will my -brothers do if I prove my accusation true?" - -"The stranger must die," said Curumilla, coolly. - -"I accept the terms," Valentine replied, resolutely. Placed thus in the -necessity of explaining himself, the Frenchman drew himself up to his -full height, and, knitting his brows, exclaimed pompously-- - -"I, too, am a great medicine man!" - -The Indians bowed reverentially. The science of Europeans is perfectly -established among them; they respect without disputing it. - -"It was not Trangoil-Lanec," continued the Frenchman, with the greatest -audacity, "who killed the chief; it was the machi himself." - -A start of astonishment pervaded the assembly. - -"I!" cried the machi, in a voice of amazement. - -"You, yourself, and you know it well," replied Valentine, giving him a -look that made him tremble. - -"Stranger," said Trangoil-Lanec, with the majesty of a martyr, "it is -no use to interpose in my favour; my brothers believe me guilty, and -innocent though I am, I must die." - -"Your devotion to your laws is noble, but in this case it is absurd," -Valentine replied. - -"This man is guilty," the machi persisted. - -"Let us put an end to this, then," replied Trangoil-Lanec; "kill me!" - -"What say my brothers?" Curumilla asked of the crowd, who pressed -anxiously around him. - -"That the Murucho medicine-man be allowed to prove the truth of his -words," replied the warriors with one voice. - -They loved Trangoil-Lanec, and in their hearts desired that he should -not die. On the other hand, they entertained for the machi a hatred -which the profound terror he inspired them with scarcely sufficed to -make them conceal. - -"Very well," said Valentine, "this is what I propose." - -All were silent as the grave. The Frenchman drew his sword, and waved -the bright blade before the eyes of the spectators. - -"You see this weapon," said he, in a pompous tone; "I will put it into -my mouth, and swallow it up to the hilt. If Trangoil-Lanec is guilty, I -shall die; if he is innocent, as I affirm, Pillian will help me, and I -shall draw forth the sword from my body without suffering a wound." - -"My brother speaks like a courageous warrior," said Curumilla; "we are -ready to behold." - -"I will not suffer it!" Trangoil-Lanec shouted. "Does my brother want to -kill himself?" - -"Pillian is judge!" Valentine replied, with a smile of strange -expression, and with an air of conviction admirably well played. - -The two Frenchmen exchanged a glance. The Indians are perfect children -in their love of spectacle, and the extraordinary proposal of the -Parisian seemed to them to admit of no reply. - -"The trial! the trial!" they shouted. - -"Very well," said Valentine; "let my brothers behold, then." - -He first placed himself in the proper position adopted by jugglers when -they exhibit this feat in public places; then introducing the blade of -the sword into his mouth, in a few seconds the whole of it disappeared. -During the performance of this trick, which in their eyes was a -miracle, the Puelches watched the bold Frenchman in breathless terror. -They could not comprehend how a man could perform such an operation -without deliberately killing himself. Valentine turned on all sides, -so that everyone might be convinced of the reality of the fact; then -he deliberately withdrew the blade from his mouth, as bright as when -it came from the sheath. A cry of enthusiasm burst from the crowd: the -miracle was evident. - -"One minute more," he said; "I have still something to demand of you." - -Silence was in an instant re-established. - -"I have proved to you, in an incontrovertible manner, that the chief is -not guilty--have I not?" - -"Yes! yes!" they shouted simultaneously; "the paleface is a great -medicine man! he is beloved by Pillian!" - -"Very well. Now, then," he added, with a sardonic smile directed towards -the machi, "your machi should prove in his turn that I have calumniated -him, and that it was not he who killed the Apo-Ulmen of your tribe. The -dead chief was a great warrior; it ought to be avenged." - -"Yes," the warriors cried, "he ought to be avenged." - -"My brother speaks well," observed Curumilla; "let the machi be put to -the proof." - -The unfortunate machi perceived at once that he was lost. He became -livid, and a cold perspiration bathed his temples, whilst a convulsive -tremor shook his limbs. - -"This man is an impostor," he muttered, in a voice scarcely audible; "he -abuses your good faith." - -"Perhaps I am," said Valentine; "but, in the meantime, imitate me." - -"Here," said Curumilla, holding out the sword to the machi, "if you are -innocent, Pillian will protect you, as he has protected my brother." - -"Caramba! that is certain; Pillian always protects the innocent, and you -are about to be a proof of it," said the Parisian, in whom the revived -spirit of the _gamin_ was now triumphant. - -The machi cast around a look of despair; all eyes were expressive of -impatience and curiosity; the unhappy wretch perceived but too plainly -that he could look for help to nobody, and he formed his resolution -instantly--he determined to die as he had lived, deceiving the crowd to -the last minute. - -"I fear nothing," he said, in a firm voice; "this steel will be harmless -to me. You desire that I should go through the trial--I will obey. But, -beware! Pillian is angry with your conduct towards me; the humiliation -you impose upon me will be avenged by the terrible scourges which he -will inflict upon you." - -At these words of their prophet the Puelches were moved. They hesitated. -For many long years they had been accustomed to place entire faith in -his predictions, and they experienced a kind of fear in thus daring to -accuse him of imposture. Valentine saw at a glance what was passing in -their hearts. - -"Capitally well played," he said, replying by a knowing wink to the -triumphant smile of the machi; "now it is my turn. Let my brothers take -heart!" he added, in a loud, firm voice. "No misfortune threatens them; -this man speaks thus because he is afraid to die; he knows he is guilty, -and that Pillian will not protect him." - -The machi darted a glance at him gleaming with hatred, seized the -sword, and, imitating as well as he knew how what he had seen, with -desperate quickness plunged the blade down his throat. A stream of black -blood sprang from his mouth, his eyes glared hideously, his arms shook -convulsively, he staggered two steps forward, and fell flat upon his -face. The people crowded round him--he was dead. - -"Let this lying dog be thrown to the vultures," said Curumilla, kicking -the lifeless body with contempt. - -"We are brothers for life and death," cried Trangoil-Lanec, embracing -Valentine. - -"Well," the young man said with a smile, to his friend, "I think I -have not got very badly through that affair--eh? You see, it is well, -sometimes, to have practised many trades; even that of a mountebank may -serve at need." - -"Do not calumniate your heart and courage," Louis replied, warmly -pressing his hand; "you have; saved the life of a man." - -"Aye; but I have killed another." - -"Oh, he was a guilty wretch!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -THE OBSEQUIES OF AN APO-ULMEN. - - -The emotion caused by the death of the machi gradually died away, and -order was re-established. Curumilla and Trangoil-Lanec, abjuring any -feeling of enmity, exchanged a fraternal embrace, amidst the frantic -applause of the warriors, who loved both the chiefs. - -"Now my father is avenged, we can restore his body to the earth," -Curumilla observed. Then, advancing towards the strangers, he bowed to -them, saying-- - -"Will the palefaces assist at the obsequies?" - -"We will," Louis replied. - -"My toldo is large," the chief continued; "my brothers will do me honour -by consenting to inhabit it during their sojourn with the tribe." - -Louis was about to reply, but Trangoil-Lanec hastily prevented him. - -"My brothers the palefaces," he said, "have deigned to accept my poor -hospitality." - -The young men bowed in silence. - -"Good!" the Ulmen continued. "Of what consequence is that? Whichever be -the toldo the Muruches may choose, I shall consider them as my guests." - -"Many thanks, chief," Valentine replied; "be assured that we are -grateful for your kindness." - -The Ulmen then took leave of the Frenchmen, and resumed his place by the -side of his father's corpse, and the ceremonies commenced. The Araucanos -are not, as some travellers have led us to believe, a people destitute -of any faith; on the contrary, their faith is warm, and their religion -rests upon bases which are not deficient in grandeur. They have no -dogma, and yet they recognize two principles--that of good and that of -evil. - -The first, named Pillian, is the Creating God; the second, named -Guecubu, is the Destroying God. Guecubu is in a state of continual -struggle with Pillian, endeavouring to disturb the harmony of the world, -and destroy what exists; by which we see that the doctrine of Manicheism -was embraced by the barbarians of both the old and the new world, who, -being unable to penetrate the causes of good and evil, have imagined two -contrary principles. In addition to these two principal deities, the -Araucanos recognize a considerable number of secondary genii, who assist -Pillian in his contest with Guecubu. These genii are males and females; -the latter are all virgins, for--and it is a refined idea which we could -not expect in a barbarous people--procreation is not necessary in the -supernatural world. The male gods are named Geru, or lords; the females, -Amey-Malghen, or spiritual nymphs. - -The Araucanos believe in the immortality of the soul, and, consequently, -in a future life, in which the warriors who have distinguished -themselves on earth hunt in game-abounding prairies, surrounded by -everything they have loved. Like all American aborigines, the Araucanos -are extremely superstitious. Their worship consists in assembling in -the medicine toldo, where there is a shapeless idol, said to represent -Pillian. They weep; they utter loud cries, with numberless contortions; -and sacrifice to him a sheep, a cow, a horse, or a _chilihuegue_. - -At a signal from Curumilla, the warriors drew back to give place to the -women, who surrounded the body, and began to walk in a circle, singing -in a low and plaintive tone the noble feats of the deceased. At the -expiration of about an hour, the cortege moved off after the corpse, -which was borne by the four most renowned warriors of the tribe, and -directed its course towards a hill where the place of sepulture was -prepared. Behind followed the women, casting handfuls of hot ashes over -the traces left by the passage of the funeral train; so that if the soul -of the defunct should have any inclination to return to its body, it -would not be able to find the way to his toldo, or come and trouble his -heirs. - -When the body was laid in the grave, Curumilla cut the throats of his -father's dogs and horses, which were placed near him, to enable him -to hunt in the happy prairies. Within reach of his hand was placed a -certain quantity of provisions for the nourishment of himself and the -_tempulazzy_, or boatman, appointed to convey him to the other country, -and into the presence of Pillian, where he is to be judged according -to his good or evil actions. Earth was then thrown in upon the body. -But, as the defunct had been a renowned warrior, a heap of stones was -collected, of which a pyramid was formed; then everyone walked slowly -once more round the tomb, pouring upon it a great quantity of chica. The -relations and friends returned dancing and singing to the village, where -awaited them one of those Homeric repasts of Araucanian funerals called -cahuins, which last till all the partakers lie upon the ground utterly -intoxicated. - -Beyond a little natural curiosity, our travellers did not take much -interest in the ceremony or feast; they were fatigued, and preferred a -short repose. Trangoil-Lanec guessed their thoughts; and, as soon as the -procession returned, he left his companions, and offered to conduct the -young men to his dwelling. They availed themselves of his kindness with -alacrity. Like all Araucanian huts, this was a vast wooden building, -covered with whitewashed mud, in the form of a rectangle, the roof being -a terrace. This simple, airy residence displayed, in its interior, a -perfect Dutch cleanliness. - -Trangoil-Lanec, as we have said, was one of the richest and most -respected chiefs of his tribe, and had eight wives. Polygamy is allowed -among the Moluches. When an Indian is desirous of marrying a woman, he -declares his purpose to her parent, and fixes the number of animals he -is willing to give. His conditions being accepted, he comes with a few -friends, carries off the young woman, throws her on the saddle behind -him, and gallops off to the woods, in the depths of which the couple -remain three days. On the fourth they return; he slaughters a young -mare in front of the hut of the father of his bride, and the marriage -festivities begin. The abduction of the bride, and the sacrifice of -the mare, take the place of a civil contract. After this fashion an -Araucano is at liberty to marry as many wives as he can support. And -yet, the first wife, who bears the title of unem domo, or legitimate -wife, is most honoured; she has the direction of the household, and -is the superior of the others, who are called inam domo, or secondary -wives. All inhabit the same toldo, but in different apartments, where -they employ themselves in bringing up their children, in weaving -ponchos with the wool of guanacos and chilihuegues, and in preparing -the dish which an Indian woman is bound to place every day on the table -of her husband. Marriage is held sacred, and adultery is considered -the greatest of crimes; the man and woman who should commit it would -inevitably be assassinated by the husband and his relations, unless they -redeemed their lives by means of a compensation imposed by the injured -husband. When an Araucano leaves his home, he confides his wives to -his relations, and, on his return, if he can prove that they have been -unfaithful to him, he has the right of demanding of the guardians all he -thinks proper to ask; so that the relations are interested in watching -them. This strictness of morals only regards married women; others -enjoy the greatest liberty, and take advantage of it without any person -presuming to find fault with them. - -The two Frenchmen, thrown so suddenly into the midst of these strange -manners and customs, were some time before they could comprehend Indian -life. Valentine, in particular, was completely at a loss; he was in -a state of perpetual astonishment, which, however, he took good care -should not appear in his words or in his actions; for the adventure of -the machi had raised him so high in the estimation of the inhabitants -of the toldero, that he dreaded, with reason, lest the smallest -indiscretion should cast him down from the pedestal upon which he -maintained his erect position. - -One evening, when Louis was preparing, as he frequently did, to visit -the various toldos, in order to inquire after the sick, and administer -to them all the relief his limited knowledge of medicine permitted, -Curumilla came to the two strangers to invite them to be present at the -cahuin given by the new machi, who had been elected that day, in place -of the dead one. Valentine promised that they would come. From what -we have said before, it may easily be comprehended what an enormous -influence a sorcerer possesses over the members of the tribe; the choice -is therefore difficult to make, and is seldom a good one. The sorcerer -is generally a woman: when it is a man, he assumes the female costume, -which he wears for the rest of his life. In almost all cases the science -is inherited. - -After smoking a considerable number of pipes, and making endless -speeches, the Araucanos had chosen, as a successor to the machi, an old -man, of a mild, kindly character, who, during the course of his long -existence, had only made friends. The repast was, as may be supposed, -copious, abundantly furnished with ulpo, the national dish of the -Araucans, and moistened with an incalculable number of couis of chica. -Among the other delicacies which figured at the feast was a large basket -filled with hard eggs, which the Ulmens swallowed in emulation of each -other. - -"Why don't you eat some eggs?" said Curumilla to Valentine. "Do you not -like them?" - -"On the contrary, chief, I am very fond of eggs, but not cooked in that -fashion; I have no inclination to choke myself, thank you." - -"Oh! yes," the Ulmen said; "I understand; you prefer them raw." - -Valentine burst into a Homeric fit of laughter. - -"Not better than these," he said, when he had recovered his gravity; -"I like eggs boiled in the shell; I like omelettes, or pancakes, but -neither hard nor raw, if you please." - -"What do you mean by that? Cooked eggs must be hard." - -The young man looked at him with astonishment, and then said to him in a -tone of profound compassion-- - -"Now, really, chief, do you mean to say you are only acquainted with -hard eggs?" - -"Our fathers have always eaten them thus," the Ulmen replied, quietly. - -"Poor people! how I pity them! They have been ignorant of one of the -greatest enjoyments of life. Well, my friend," he exclaimed, raising his -voice with jocular enthusiasm, "I am determined you shall adore me as -a benefactor to humanity! In short, I will endow you with soft-boiled -eggs, and with omelettes; at least, the remembrance of me shall not die -from among you. When I am gone, and you eat one of those two dishes, you -will think of me." - -In spite of his sadness, Louis could not help laughing at the burlesque -humour and inexhaustible cheerfulness of his foster brother, in whom, -at every minute, the gamin prevailed over the serious man. The chiefs -welcomed with joy the offer of the spahi, and asked, with loud cries, on -what day he would carry his promise into execution. - -"Oh, I will not make you wait long," he said; "tomorrow, on the square -of the tolderia, and before all the assembled tribe of the Great Hare, -I will show you how you must set about boiling an egg, and making an -omelette." - -At this promise, the satisfaction of the chiefs mounted to the highest -pitch, the couis of the chica circulated with increased vivacity, and -the Ulmens soon found themselves sufficiently intoxicated to begin to -sing as loud as they could shout, and all together,--a sort of music -that produced such an effect upon the two Frenchmen, that they made -their escape, stopping their ears. The feast was kept up long after -their departure. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -EXPLANATIONS. - - -We will now return to the chacra of Don Gregorio Peralta, to which -Dona Rosario had been conducted after her miraculous deliverance. -The first days that followed the departure of the two Frenchmen were -sufficiently devoid of incident: Dona Rosario, shut up in her bedroom, -remained almost continually alone. The poor girl, like all wounded -spirits, sought to forget reality, by taking refuge in dreams, in order -to collect and preserve piously in the depths of her heart the few -happy remembrances which had so rarely gilded with a ray of sunshine -the sadness of her existence. Don Tadeo, completely absorbed in his -imperative political combinations, could only see her now and then, and -but for a few minutes at a time. Before him, she endeavoured to appear -cheerful, but she suffered the more from being obliged to conceal in her -own bosom the sorrow which consumed her. She occasionally crept down -into the garden; she stopped under the arbour in which her meeting with -Louis had taken place, and remained hours together thinking of him she -loved, and whom she had driven from her for ever. - -This poor child, so beautiful, so mild, so pure, so worthy of being -loved, was condemned by an implacable destiny continually to lead a -life of suffering and isolation; without a relation, without a friend -to whom she might impart the secret of her grief. She was little more -than sixteen, and already her bruised heart shrank back upon itself; her -colour faded, her step became languid, her large blue eyes, swimming in -tears, were incessantly raised towards heaven, as the only refuge that -remained for her; she appeared to hold to the earth only by a slight -thread, which the least fresh shock of adversity would snap. - -The maiden's story was a strange one. She had never known her parents; -she had no remembrance of the kisses of her mother--those warm caresses -of childhood, which make even mature age tremble with joy. From her -earliest days, she could only remember being alone, always alone, in the -hands of the mercenary and indifferent. The innocent joys of childhood -remained unknown to her; she had known nothing of them but their -weariness and sadness, and had ever been deprived of those friendships -of early youth which, by insensibly preparing the mind for affectionate -expansion, give birth to smiles in the midst of tears, and console with -a kiss. - -Don Tadeo was the only person who was attached to her; he had never -abandoned her, but watched with the greatest care over her material -well-being, smiled upon her, and ever gave her good and pleasant -counsels: but Don Tadeo was much too serious a man to comprehend the -thousand little cares which the education of a young girl requires. She -could only entertain for him that profound, yet respectful friendship -which forbids those ingenuous confidences which can only be made to a -mother, or to a companion of the same age. The visits of Don Tadeo were -surrounded by an incomprehensible mystery; sometimes, without apparent -cause, he made her suddenly quit people to whom he had confided her, -and took her away with him, after ordering her to change her name, -upon long tours. It was thus she had been to France: then, he quite as -unexpectedly brought her back to Chili, sometimes to one city, sometimes -to another, without ever condescending to explain to her the reasons for -her leading such a wandering life. - -Constrained by her isolation to depend only upon herself, forced to -reflect as soon as the first rays of reason enlightened her brain, the -maiden, though so delicate and fragile in appearance, was endowed with -an energy and firmness of character of which she was ignorant, but -which supported her unconsciously; and if the hour of danger arrived, -would be of infinite use to her. She had often, urged by the instinct -of curiosity so natural to her age in the exceptional position in which -she was placed, sought by adroit questions to seize the thread that -might guide her in this labyrinth; but all had proved useless--Don Tadeo -remained mute. One day only, after having for a long time contemplated -her with an expression of sadness, he had pressed her to his heart, and -said in a trembling voice,-- - -"Poor child! I will protect you against your enemies!" - -Who could those formidable enemies be? Why were they so inveterate -against a girl of sixteen, who knew nothing of the world, and had -never injured a human being? These questions, which Dona Rosario was -continually asking herself, always remained unanswered. She only caught -a glimpse in her life, of one of those terrible mysteries which bring -death to the imprudent who persist in endeavouring to discover them; -her days, therefore, were passed in continual fears, engendered by her -imagination. - -One evening, when, sad and thoughtful as usual, and buried in the depths -of an easy chair, in her bedchamber, she was turning over the leaves of -a book which she was not reading, Don Tadeo entered the room. He saluted -her, as he always did, by a kiss on her brow, took a seat, placed -himself in front of her, and after looking at her for a moment with a -melancholy smile, said quietly,-- - -"I wish to speak with you, Rosario." - -"I am all attention, dear friend," she replied, endeavouring to smile. - -But before we report this conversation, we must present our readers -with a few necessary explanations. Like all the other countries of -South America, Chili, for a long time depressed beneath the Spanish -yoke, had conquered its independence, more through the weakness of its -ancient master than by its own proper strength. The system followed by -the Spanish authorities from the beginning had checked in the people -of these countries the development of the philosophical ideas which -give man a consciousness of his own value, render him one day apt to -achieve liberty, and ripe to enjoy it within just limits. We have said, -in a preceding work, that the Americans of the South have none of the -virtues of their ancestors, but, to make up for it, they possess all -their vices. Destitute of that early education without which it is -impossible to do or even to conceive great things, the Chilian nation, -free by an unexpected chance, found itself immediately the sport of -a few intriguing men, who concealed beneath high-sounding words of -patriotism a boundless ambition. The newly-freed country struggled in -vain; the innate carelessness of its inhabitants, and the levity of -their character, formed an invincible object to any amelioration. - -At the epoch at which we have arrived, Chili was labouring under the -oppression of General Bustamente. This man, not contented with being -minister of a republic, dreamt of nothing less than causing himself -to be proclaimed the chief of it, under the title of protector. The -realization of this idea was not impossible. From its geographical -position, Chili is almost independent of those troublesome neighbours -who, in the states of the old world, keep watch over all the acts of -a nation, and are, ready to put in their _veto_ as soon as their own -interest appears to be threatened. On one side separated from Upper -Peru by the vast and almost impassable desert of Atacama, Bolivia alone -might hazard some timid observations; but the General cherished secret -hopes of including that republic itself in the new confederation; on -the other side, immense solitudes and the Cordilleras separated it from -Buenos Aires, which had neither the will nor the power to oppose his -projects. One people alone could make a war with him, which he should -dread, and they were the Araucanos; that little nation, driven like -an iron wedge into Chili, disturbed the General's plans seriously. He -resolved to treat with the Araucano Toqui, while determined, at the same -time, when his projects should have succeeded, to unite all his forces -to conquer that country which had so long resisted the Spanish power. In -a word, General Bustamente dreamt of creating at the southern extremity -of America, with Chili, Araucania, and Bolivia confederated, a rival -nationality to the United States. Unfortunately for the General, there -was not in him the stuff to make a great man; he was simply a _parvenu_, -an ignorant and cruel soldier. - -When America raised the standard of revolt against the mother country, -numerous secret societies were formed at all points of the territory, -the most redoubtable, beyond contradiction, being that of the -Dark-Hearts. The men who placed themselves at the head of this society -were all intelligent and well informed, mostly educated in Europe, who, -having seen in the field of action the great principles of the French -revolution, wished, by applying them in their own country, to regenerate -the nation. After the proclamation of Chilian independence, the secret -societies, having no longer an object, disappeared. One alone persisted -in remaining permanent--that of the Dark-Hearts. This society was not -willing that license should assume the mantle of liberty: it felt that -it had a great and holy mission to fulfil, and that its task, so far -from being terminated, was scarcely commenced. It was necessary to -instruct the people, to render them worthy of taking their place among -nations, and, above all, to deliver them from the tyrants who wished -to enslave them. This mission the society of the Dark-Hearts laboured -incessantly to carry out, struggling constantly against oppressive -powers, which succeeded each other, and destroying them without mercy. -Proteus-like and intangible, the members of this society escaped the -most active researches: if by chance some few of them fell in the arena, -they died with head erect, confident in the future, and leaving to their -brethren the care of continuing their task. - -The recovery of General Bustamente caused the Dark-Hearts a momentary -stupor; but Don Tadeo, who had caused the news of the miraculous manner -in which he had survived his execution to be spread universally, -revived their spirits by placing himself again at their head. Not that -either courage or hope had failed them. However great the skill of the -machinations employed by the General to insure the success of his plans, -the Loyal-Hearts, who had confederates everywhere, foresaw and defeated -them. They watched all his movements with the greatest care, for they -were quite aware that the moment was drawing near when their enemy would -throw off the mask. They had heard of the departure of the convalescent -General for Valdivia. For what reason, as his health was still so -uncertain, and repose so necessary, had he gone to that remote province? -That must be learnt at any price, and they must prepare against any -eventuality. - -In a meeting of the society, future measures were agreed upon; it was -moreover resolved that the King of Darkness should at the same time -repair to Valdivia, in order, if advisable, to take the initiative in -resistance. But Don Tadeo could not think of leaving Dona Rosario behind -him, exposed to the unprincipled attacks of the Linda. He alone could -defend the young girl; was he not her only support? As soon, then, as -the Dark-Hearts had dispersed, Don Tadeo returned to the chacra, and -went straight to Dona Rosario's chamber. - -"My dear child," he said, "I have sad news to inform you of." - -"Speak, my kind friend," she replied. - -"Urgent affairs require my presence as soon as possible in Valdivia." - -"Oh!" she cried, with an expression of terror, "you will not leave me -here, will you?" - -"At first I intended to do so, this retreat appearing to me to unite all -the guarantees for security; but cheer up, my child! I have changed my -mind; I have fancied you would prefer accompanying me?" - -"Oh, yes," she said, eagerly; "you are always kind. When do we set out?" - -"Tomorrow, dear child, at sunrise." - -"I shall be ready," she replied, holding up her pretty face towards him, -that he might impress his customary kiss upon her brow. - -Don Tadeo retired, and Rosario immediately set about the preparations -for her journey. Of what consequence was it to her whether she were in -one place or another, since she was doomed to suffer everywhere? And who -can say whether the poor girl, without daring to avow it to herself, did -not entertain the hope of again seeing him she loved? Love is a divine -sunbeam that illumines the darkest nights. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -THE CHINGANA. - - -Valdivia, founded in 1551 by the Spanish conqueror Don Pedro de -Valdivia, is a charming city, two leagues from the sea, upon the left -bank of a river, which large vessels can easily ascend into the fertile -valley of Guadallanguen. The aspect of the city, the advanced post of -civilization in these remote countries, is most agreeable; the streets -are large, uniformly built; the white houses, only one story high, -on account of the frequency of earthquakes, are terrace-roofed. Here -and there rise in the air the steeples of the numerous churches and -convents, which occupy more than a third of the city. It is astonishing -to what an extent convents are multiplied in South America. It might -be supposed that the New World was the land of promise for monks; they -appear to rise out of the earth at every step. Thanks to the extensive -commerce which Valdivia carries on by means of its port, which is -visited by the numerous whalers fishing in those seas, and ships which -come there to refit, after doubling Cape Horn, or before passing -it,--its streets have more animation than is generally to be met with in -American cities. - -Don Tadeo arrived in Valdivia, accompanied by Don Gregorio and Dona -Rosario, on the evening of the sixteenth day after his departure from -his friend's chacra. They had used all diligence, and for that country, -where there are no other means of travelling but on horseback, it might -be considered a quick journey. If the two gentlemen had thought proper -to do so, they might have entered the city about three o'clock in the -afternoon, but they deemed it advisable that no one in a place where -so many people knew them should be made aware of their arrival: in the -first place, because the causes which brought them there required the -greatest secrecy; and, further, because Don Tadeo was forced to conceal -himself, in order to avoid the police agents of the president of the -republic, who had orders to arrest him wherever they might meet with -him. Fortunately, in these countries the police never arrest anybody -when not absolutely compelled, unless those whom they pursue come and -deliver themselves up into their hands--an event, we may safely say, -that rarely happens. - -As during his sojourn at Valdivia, his manner of living must be -regulated by the affairs which brought him there, he could not openly -keep house or appear in public, Don Tadeo went straight to the convent -of the Ursulines, and committed the young lady he had brought with him -to the care of the abbess, who was not only his relation, but was a -worthy person, in whom he had perfect confidence. Dona Rosario accepted -without hesitation the asylum which was offered to her, and where she -fancied she should be safe from the attacks of her invisible enemies. -Don Tadeo took an affectionate leave of her and the venerable abbess, -and hastened to a house of the calle San-Xavier, where Don Gregorio, who -had left him on entering the city, to avoid observation, awaited his -coming. - -"Well?" asked Don Gregorio, as soon as he saw him. - -"She is in safety; at least I suppose so," Don Tadeo replied, with a -sigh. - -"So much the better, for we must redouble our precautions." - -"Why so?" - -"After leaving you I made inquiries; I observed, I questioned people as -I walked about and loitered at the port and the Almeda." - -"Well, what have you learnt?" - -"As we imagined, General Bustamente is here." - -"Already?" - -"He arrived three days ago." - -"What reason could be so important as to bring him here?" said Don -Tadeo, with an uneasy expression. "Oh, I will know!" - -"Another thing: who do you think accompanies him?" - -"The executioner, no doubt!" said Don Tadeo, with an ironical smile. - -"Almost as bad," Don Gregorio replied. - -"Whom do you mean, then?" - -"The Linda!" - -The chief of the Dark-Hearts turned deadly pale. - -"Oh," he said, "that woman! for ever that woman! you must be mistaken, -my friend; it is impossible!" - -"I have seen her." - -Don Tadeo walked about in great agitation for several minutes; then, -stopping short in front of his friend, said, in a husky voice-- - -"Dear Don Gregorio, are you certain you have not been misled by a -resemblance? Are you quite sure it was she?" - -"You had just left me, and I was coming hither, when the sound of horses -made me turn my head, and I saw, I repeat I saw, the Linda; she also -appeared to have just arrived at Valdivia; two lancers escorted her, and -an arriero led the baggage mules. - -"Oh!" said Don Tadeo, "will the infernal malice of that demon ever -pursue me?" - -"My friend," Don Gregorio remarked, "in the path we have undertaken to -tread, every obstacle must, unhesitatingly, be destroyed." - -"What, kill a woman?" the gentleman said, with horror. - -"I do not say that, but place her in such a position that she cannot -possibly injure anyone. Remember, we are Dark-Hearts, and, as such, we -ought to be without pity." - -"Silence!" Don Tadeo murmured, as two low, quick taps were struck on the -door. - -"Come in!" cried Don Gregorio. - -The door opened, and Don Pedro showed his polecat face. He did not -recognize the two men whom, in the various meetings he had had with -them, he had always seen masked. - -"God preserve you, gentlemen!" he said, with a profound bow. - -"What is your pleasure, sir?" Don Gregorio asked, in a coldly-polite -tone, while returning his salutation. - -"Sir," said Don Pedro, looking about for a seat which was not offered -him, "I have just arrived from Santiago." - -Don Gregorio bowed again. - -"On my departure from that city, a banker in whose hands I had placed -funds, gave me several bills; among others this, addressed to Don -Gregorio Peratla, payable at sight." - -"That is my name, sir; be so kind as to hand it to me." - -"As you see, sir, the bill is for twenty-three ounces." - -"Very well, sir," replied Don Gregorio, as he took it, "allow me to -examine it." - -Don Pedro bowed in his turn, whilst Don Gregorio, approaching a -flambeau, looked attentively at the bill of exchange, put it into his -pocket, and took some money from his purse. - -"Here are the twenty-three ounces, sir," he said, giving them. - -The spy took them, counted the gold pieces, examining them attentively, -and then put them into his pocket. - -"It is very singular, sir," he said, just as the two gentlemen thought -they were about to be relieved of his presence. - -"What is it, sir?" asked Don Gregorio; "do you not find the amount -right?" - -"Oh, pardon me, perfectly right; but," he added, with a slight -hesitation, "I thought you had been a merchant?" - -"And what leads you to think otherwise?" - -"Because I see no desks." - -"They are in another part of the house," Don Gregorio replied; "I am a -private trader." - -"Oh, very well, sir." - -"And, if I had not thought you had pressing need of the money--" - -"Very pressing!" the other interrupted. - -"I should have begged you to call again tomorrow, for, at this late -hour, my cashbox is closed." - -And thereupon he waved his hand, rather haughtily, as dismissing him. -Don Pedro retired, visibly disappointed. - -"That is a double-faced fellow, I am sure," said Don Gregorio; "I should -not wonder if he were a spy of the General." - -"Oh, I know him!" Don Tadeo replied; "I have about me proofs of his -treachery. He has been a necessary instrument; at present he may injure -us. He must be crushed." - -Don Gregorio drew from his pocket the bill which had been presented to -him, and holding it to Don Tadeo-- - -"Look at this," he said. - -This bill, payable at sight, appeared perfectly like others. It was -drawn in the usual form: _At sight, please pay_, &c. &c.; but, in two -or three places, the pen, too hard, no doubt, had spluttered and formed -a certain number of little black spots, of which some were almost -imperceptible. It appeared that these black spots had a meaning for the -two men; for as soon as Don Tadeo had cast his eyes over the bill, he -seized his cloak, and folded himself in it. - -"It is Heaven that protects us!" he said; "we must go thither without -delay." - -"That is my opinion, likewise," Don Gregorio replied, holding the bill -to the light, and burning it till there was not a particle of it left. -The two men took each a long dagger and a brace of pistols, which they -concealed under their clothes--the conspirators were too well acquainted -with their country to neglect these precautions--they pulled the flaps -of their hats over their faces, and wrapping themselves up to the very -eyes, like two lovers or seekers of adventures, they descended into the -street. - -It was one of those splendid nights unknown in our foggy climates; the -sky, of a dark blue, was thickly studded with an infinite number of -stars, among which conspicuously shone the brilliant Southern Cross; -the air was embalmed with a thousand odours, and a light sea breeze -refreshed the atmosphere, which had been heated by the torrid sunbeams -during the past day. The two men passed silently and rapidly through -the joyous groups which traversed the streets in all directions. It is -in the evening that the Americans leave their homes to take the air and -enjoy the freshness. - -The conspirators appeared to hear neither the enticing sounds of the -vihuela which vibrated in their ears, nor the refrains of sambacuejas -which flew in gusts from the chinganas, nor the bursts of fresh, silvery -laughter of the black-eyed, rosy-lipped girls, who elbowed them on -their way. They walked thus for a long time, turning round at intervals -to ascertain if they were followed, plunging by degrees into the -lowest quarters of the city, and at length stopped at a house of mean -appearance, from which issued the loud but not very melodious strains of -music eminently national. - -This house was a chingana, a name which has no equivalent in French -or English. A Chilian chingana presents so eccentrically droll an -appearance, that it would defy the pencil of Callot, and is beyond all -description. Let the reader figure to himself a low room, with smoky -walls, the floor of which is but beaten earth, and rendered filthy by -the detritus left by the feet of incessantly arriving and departing -visitors. In the centre of this den, lighted only by a smoky lamp called -a _candil_, by which it is impossible to distinguish more than the -shadows of the customers, are seated four men upon stools. Two of them -are twanging wretched guitars, which have lost most of their strings, -with the backs of their hands; the third plays the tambourine with his -thumbs upon a crippled table, striking it with all his might; whilst -the fourth rolls between his hands a piece of bamboo six feet long, -split into several strips, which yield the most discordant sound that -can possibly be imagined. The four musicians, not content with the -formidable clatter made by their instruments, shout, at the very top of -their voices, songs which we can neither venture to repeat nor translate. - -All this infernal noise is made to excite the dancers, who flutter -about, assuming the most lascivious postures they can invent, amidst the -hearty applause of the spectators, who writhe with delight, stamp their -feet with pleasure, and sometimes, carried away by the harmony, thunder -out all together, the burthen of the song, with the musicians and -dancers. Amidst this disturbance, these cries and stampings, wind in and -out the master of the establishment and his waiters, armed with couis of -chicha, bottles of aguardiente, and even guarapo, to slake the thirst -of the customers, who, to do them justice, the more they drink the more -thirsty they become, and the more they wish to drink. - -Twice or thrice in the course of an evening, it may happen that some -of the guests, more heated than the rest, or seized by the demon of -jealousy, take it into their heads to quarrel. Then knives are drawn -from the polena, ponchos are rolled round the left arm to serve as -bucklers, the music ceases, and a circle is formed round the combatants. -The sanguinary contest begins, and when one of the combatants has -fallen, he is carried into the street, the music is resumed, the dance -recommences, and no more is thought of the poor wounded or dying man. - -It was in front of one of these establishments that the chief of the -Dark-Hearts and his friend had stopped; they did not hesitate. Pulling -up the folds of their cloaks so as to completely conceal their faces, -they entered the chingana: in spite of the pestilential atmosphere which -nearly choked them, they passed unnoticed through the drinkers, and -gained the further end of the room. The cellar door stood ajar; they -opened it softly, and disappeared down the steps. After descending ten -of these, they found themselves in a cellar, where a man, leaning over a -barrel, which he appeared to be occupied in putting in its place, said -to them, without interrupting his work-- - -"Would you like some aguardiente de pesco, some mescal, or some chica?" - -"Neither the one nor the other," Don Tadeo replied; "we wish for some -French wine." - -The man sprang up as if moved by a spring. The two adventurers had put -on their masks. - -"Do you wish to have it white or red?" the man asked. - -"Red--as red as blood," said Don Tadeo. - -"Of what year?" the unknown rejoined. - -"Of that vintaged on the 5th of April, 1817," said Don Tadeo. - -"Then you must come this way, gentlemen," the man replied, with a -respectful bow; "the wine you do me the honour to call for is extremely -valuable; it is kept in a separate cellar." - -"To be drunk at Martinmas," Don Tadeo remarked. - -The man, who seemed only to wait for this last reply to his question, -smiled with an air of intelligence, and laid his hand lightly on the -wall. A stone turned slowly round upon itself, without the least noise, -and opened a passage to the conspirators, which they immediately -entered, and the stone instantly returned to its place. - -In the chingana, the cries, the songs, and the music had acquired an -intensity really formidable; the joy of the tipplers was at its height. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -THE TWO ULMENS. - - -If we were writing a romance instead of a true history, there are -certain scenes of the recital which we would pass over in silence. The -one which follows would certainly be of this number; and yet, though of -a rather hazardous puerility, it carries with it its lesson, by showing -what is the influence of the early habits of a miserable life, even upon -natures the best endowed, and how difficult it is, at a later period, to -shake them off. We will add, to the praise of Valentine, the man of whom -we are speaking, that his gaminism, if we may be allowed to employ such -a term, was much more feigned than real, and that his aim, in allowing -himself to be sometimes led away by it, was to bring a smile to the lips -of his foster brother, and thus cheat the sorrow that was undermining -his peace. - -This necessary preamble being gone through, we will resume the course -of our narrative, and, abandoning for a time Don Tadeo and his friend, -we will request the reader to follow us back to the tribe of the Great -Hare. The looked-for morrow was a great day for the tribe, a day -expected with impatience by all housekeepers, who were about to learn -how to discover, to use Valentine's word, a new dish, which promised -to please the palates of their race. As soon as it was daylight, men, -women, and children assembled on the great Square of the village, and -formed numerous groups, in which the merit of the unknown dish about -to be revealed to them was discussed. Louis, for whom the experiment -his friend was going to make had very little interest, wished to remain -in the toldo; but Valentine insisted upon his being present at the -experiment, and much against his will, he consented. - -The Parisian was already at his post, standing in an open spot, in -the middle of the Square, watching with a laughing eye the anxious -or incredulous expression by turn displayed upon the faces directed -towards him. A table, which was to serve for his culinary preparations, -a lighted brasier, upon which boiled an iron pot filled with water, a -kitchen knife, an enormous frying-pan, found I know not where, a sort -of tub, a wooden spoon, some parsley, a bit of bacon, some salt, some -pepper, and a basket full of fresh eggs, had been prepared at his desire -by the cares of Trangoil-Lanec. - -All eagerly looked for the arrival of the Apo-Ulmen of the tribe, with -which the exhibition was to commence. A kind of dais had been erected -for him in front of the operator, and when he had taken his lighted -calumet from the hands of his pipe-bearer, he bent a little on one -side and whispered a few words in the ear of Curumilla, who stood -respectfully beside him. The Ulmen bowed, came down from the dais, went -straight to the Parisian to tell him he might begin, and then resumed -his post. - -Valentine returned the salutation of this master of the ceremonies, -took off his poncho, which he folded up and laid carefully at his feet, -and turning up his sleeves above his elbows with the studied grace of -a performer, he leant slightly forward, placed his right hand upon the -table, and assuming the tone of a vendor of quack medicines who boasts -of the efficacy of his nostrums to gaping clowns, he thus commenced his -demonstration in a loud voice and with a perfectly clear utterance:-- - -"Illustrious Ulmens, and you redoubtable warriors of the noble and -sacred tribe of the Great Hare, listen attentively to what I have the -honour of explaining to you. In the beginning of time the world did -not exist; water and clouds, which continually clashed against each -other in space, then formed the universe. When Pillian created the -world, as soon as at his voice man had issued from the bosom of the red -mountain, he took him by the hand, and pointing to all the productions -of the earth, the air, and the water, he said to him,--'Thou art the -king of creation: consequently, animals, plants, and fishes all belong -to thee, and are, each in proportion with its strength, instincts, or -conformation, to minister to thy welfare and thy happiness in the world -in which I have placed thee; thus the horse shall bear thee with fiery -speed across the deserts, fleecy lamas and sheep clothe thee with their -wool, and nourish thee with their succulent flesh.' When Pillian had -analyzed, one after the other, the diverse qualities of the animals, -before proceeding to the plants and fishes, he stopped at the hen, which -was moving carelessly about, and picking up the grains of corn scattered -on the ground. Pillian took her by the wings, and showing her to man, -said, 'Here is one of the most useful animals I have created for thy -service; boiled in a pot, the hen will afford thee an excellent broth -when thou art sick; roasted, its white flesh will acquire a delicious -flavour; of her eggs thou canst make omelettes with herbs, omelettes -with mushrooms, omelettes with ham, and, above all others, with bacon. -If thou art indisposed, and solid food should be too heavy for thy weak -stomach, thou canst boil her eggs in the shell, and then thou wilt say -something, indeed!' - -"Thus," continued Valentine, attitudinizing before the Indians, who, -with open mouths and staring eyes, lost not a single word he uttered, -whether they understood it or not, whilst, in spite of his secret -grief, Louis literally writhed with laughter; "thus it was that Pillian -spoke to the first man at the commencement of ages; you were not there, -Araucano warriors, it is therefore not astonishing that you know nothing -about it; neither was I there, it is true; but, thanks to the talent -we white men possess of transmitting our thoughts from age to age, by -means of writing, these words of the Great Spirit have been carefully -collected, and have come down to us in their purity. Without further -prelude, I am going to have the honour of producing before you a boiled -egg! Listen to me; it is as simple as saying good-day, and within the -reach of the most limited capacity. In order to enjoy a boiled egg, -two things are necessary--in the first place, an egg, and then, some -boiling water! You take the egg in your fingers, thus, you uncover your -saucepan, you place the egg in a spoon and deposit it carefully in the -saucepan, where you allow it to boil gently three minutes. Mind, three -minutes, neither more nor less: pay attention to that important detail, -for a longer time would compromise the success of your operation. There -it is!" - -The action suited the word; the three minutes were past: Valentine -took out the egg, beheaded it, sprinkled a little salt on it, and -presented it to the Ulmen with some long strips of maize bread. All -this was performed with the most imperturbable seriousness, amidst the -profound silence of the attentive crowd. The Apo-Ulmen proceeded to -taste this wonderful egg with the most deliberate gravity. An air of -doubt appeared for a second on his lips, as he raised the first mouthful -towards them; but, by degrees, the features of his broad face expanded -under the influence of joy and pleasure, and he at last exclaimed -enthusiastically,-- - -"Wah! It is good! Very good!" - -Valentine returned to his brasier with a modest smile, and set about -boiling eggs, which he distributed among the Ulmens and principal -warriors, who quickly mingled their felicitations with those of the -Apo-Ulmen. A delirious joy took possession of the poor Indians, and -Valentine could hardly keep his ground, so eagerly did they press round -him, to examine closely his mysterious mode of cooking the eggs. At -length, calm was re-established, and the curiosity of the majority was -satisfied. The Apo-Ulmen, who had not been able to make his voice heard -in the tumult, was able to restore a little order, and obtain silence. -Valentine looked at his public with an air of satisfaction. From that -moment the Indians were believers--the most incredulous were convinced, -and all awaited with impatience the continuation of his experiments. - -"Listen to me!" he continued, striking a sharp blow on the table with -the knife he held in his hand; "listen to me, but, above all, observe -closely how I proceed. A boiled egg was child's play to me, but the -omelette requires to be considered seriously, and executed with care, in -order to obtain that finish, that smoothness, flavour, and perfection -so much prized by real judges. I am about to make a bacon-omelette, and -when I name that, I name the most exquisite dish in the world! Whilst -explaining to you the manner in which you should set about it, I will -produce it: follow my reasonings closely, and observe attentively the -manner in which I mingle the various ingredients which enter into the -composition of this dish. To make a bacon omelette, I must have bacon, -eggs, salt, pepper, parsley, and some butter--there they are, as you -see, all on that table. Now I will mix them." - -Then, with incredible address, and the greatest quickness, he commenced -a monster bacon-omelette, of at least sixty eggs, while continuing his -explanation with inexpressible freedom and copiousness. The interest of -the Indians was warmly excited, their enthusiasm betraying itself by -shouts, leaps, and laughter; but it was carried to its height, and the -stamping, crying, and screaming became terrific, when the Puelches saw -Valentine seize the long handle of the frying-pan with a firm grasp, -and toss the omelette three different times into the air, without any -apparent effort, and with the style and ease of a finished cook. When -the omelette was done to the moment, the Frenchman placed it upon a -dish, taking care to double it with the talent which _cordons bleus_ -alone possess, and was then preparing to carry it smoking to the -Apo-Ulmen, but he, enticed by the flavour of the boiled egg, and with -appetite excited to the highest pitch, spared him that trouble; for -he forgot all decorum, and rushed towards the table, followed by the -principal Ulmens of the tribe. The success of the Parisian was enormous. -Never, in the history of the divine art, did a cook obtain such a -glorious triumph! Valentine, with the modesty peculiar to men of real -talent, stole away from the honours they wished to pay him, and hastened -to conceal himself with his friend in the toldo of Trangoil-Lanec. - -On the morrow of this eventful day, at the moment when the young men -were about to leave the quarters they inhabited in common, their host -presented himself, followed by Curumilla. The two chiefs saluted them, -sat down upon the beaten earth which served instead of flooring, and lit -their pipes. Louis, already accustomed to the ceremonious habits of the -Araucanos, and convinced that their friends had something of importance -to say, reseated himself, as did also his foster brother, and awaited -patiently the expected communication. When the chiefs had deliberately -smoked out their pipes, and shaken the last ashes upon their nails, -they replaced them in their belts, and, after exchanging a glance, -Trangoil-Lanec began:-- - -"Are my pale brothers still resolved to leave us?" - -"Yes," replied Louis. - -"Has Indian hospitality been wanting towards them?" - -"So far from that, chief," the young man said, warmly pressing his -hands, "you have treated us like children of your own tribe." - -"Then why leave us?" Trangoil-Lanec asked; "we know not what we lose, do -we ever know what we shall find?" - -"You are right, chief; but you know we came into this country for the -purpose of visiting Antinahuel," Louis observed. - -"And does my golden-haired brother," for so he called Valentine, -"absolutely wish to see him?" - -"Absolutely," replied the young man. - -The two chiefs exchanged a second glance. - -"He shall see him," replied Trangoil-Lanec; "Antinahuel is at his -village." - -"Good!" said Valentine. "In that case we will set out tomorrow." - -"My brothers shall not go alone." - -"What do you mean by that?" Valentine asked. - -"The Indian soil is not safe for palefaces; my brother has saved my -life, I shall follow him." - -"My brother has preserved me a friend," said Curumilla, who had till -that time preserved silence; "I shall follow him." - -"You cannot think of such a thing, chief," Valentine remarked. "We are -travellers whom chance knocks about at its pleasure; we know not what -destiny has in reserve for us, nor whither it will conduct us, after -having seen the man to whom we are sent." - -"What does it signify?" Curumilla replied; "where you go, we will go." - -The young men were greatly moved by such frank and noble devotion. - -"Oh!" Louis exclaimed, warmly, "it is impossible! your friends, your -wives, and your children." - -"Our wives and children will be taken care of by our relations until our -return." - -"My friends, my good friends," said Valentine, with emotion, "you are -wrong; we cannot impose such a sacrifice upon you, we will not consent -to it for your sake; I have already told you, we are ignorant of what -awaits us, or what we shall do; allow us to go alone." - -"We will follow our pale brothers," Trangoil-Lanec said in a tone that -admitted of no reply; "my brothers are not acquainted with the llanos; -four men are a force in the desert--two men are dead." - -The Frenchmen contested the matter no longer, they accepted the offer -of the Ulmens, and did so the more readily, because they plainly -perceived what an immense advantage these men would be to them. They -were accustomed to a life in the woods, they knew all its mysteries, -and had fathomed all its depths. The chiefs took leave of their guests, -to prepare for their departure, which was irrevocably fixed for the -next day. At sunrise, a small party, composed of Louis, Valentine, -Trangoil-Lanec, and Curumilla, all four mounted upon excellent horses of -that mixed Andalusian and Arabian breed, which the Spaniards imported -into America, and Caesar, who trotted at their side in close file, left -the tolderia, escorted by all the members of the tribe shouting: "Come -back again! come back again!--A good journey! a good journey!" - -After repeated farewells to these worthy people, the four travellers -directed their course towards the tolderia of the Black-Serpents, and -soon disappeared in the numberless defiles formed by the quebradas. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -THE SUN-TIGER. - - -In the state of anarchy in which Chili was plunged at the period of our -history, the parties were numerous, and everyone was manoeuvring in the -shade, as skilfully as possible, in order to gain possession of power. -General Bustamente, as we have stated, aimed at nothing less than the -protectorate of a confederation similar to that of the United States, -which, then but little understood, dazzled his ambition. He could not -divine that those ancient outlaws, those sectarian fanatics exiled from -Europe, those thriving merchants, had already begun to dream in America -of a universal monarchy, a senseless Utopia, the application of which -will one day cost them the loss of that so-called nationality of which -they are so proud, and which, in reality, does not exist. Probably -General Bustamente did not look so far into the future, or, if he did -divine the tendencies of the Anglo-Americans, perhaps he dreamt of -himself following also that ambitious aim, as soon as his power should -repose upon solid bases. - -The Dark-Hearts, the only true patriots in this unhappy country, on -their side, wished that the government should adopt measures of a -rather democratic nature, but they had no intention to overturn it, -for they were persuaded that a revolution could only be prejudicial -to the general welfare of the nation. Beside General Bustamente and -the society of the Dark-Hearts, a third party, more powerful, perhaps, -than the two first, was at work silently, but active. This party was -represented by Antinahuel, the toqui of the most important Uthal-Mapus -of the Araucanian confederacy. We have said that from its geographical -position, this little insignificant republic is placed like a wedge -in the Chilian territory, which it separates sharply in two. This -position gave Antinahuel immense power. All Araucanos are soldiers; at -a signal from their chiefs, they take up arms, and are able, in a few -days, to get together an army of experienced warriors. The republicans -and the partizans of Bustamente were fully aware how much it was to -their interest to attach the Araucanos to their party; with the aid -of these ferocious soldiers victory would be certain. Already had the -King of Darkness and Bustamente made proposals to Antinahuel,--of -course, unknown to each other. These overtures the redoubtable toqui -had appeared to listen to, and had feigned to reply to both, for the -following reasons:-- - -Antinahuel, in addition to the hereditary hatred which his ancestors -had bequeathed to him against the white race, or perhaps on account of -that hatred, had dreamt, since he had been elected supreme chief of an -Uthal-Mapus, not only of the complete independence of his country, but -moreover of re-conquering all the territory which the Spaniards had -deprived it of; he hoped to drive them back to the other side of the -Cordilleras of the Andes, and restore to his nation the splendour it had -enjoyed before the arrival of the whites in Chili. And this patriotic -project Antinahuel was just the man to carry through. Endowed with -vast intelligence, at once daring and subtle, he allowed himself to be -stopped by no obstacle, conquered by no reverse. Almost entirely brought -up in Chili, he spoke Spanish perfectly, was thoroughly acquainted with -the manners of his enemies, and by means of numberless spies spread -everywhere, he was well informed with regard to the Chilian policy, -and of the precarious situation of those whom he wished to conquer; he -habitually took advantage of the dissensions which separated them, and -feigned to lend an ear to the propositions made to him on all parts, in -order, when the moment should arrive, to crush his enemies one after the -other, and be left alone standing. - -He wanted a plausible pretext for keeping his Uthal-Mapus under arms, -without inspiring the Chilians with mistrust: and this pretext General -Bustamente and the Dark-Hearts supplied him with by their preparations. -No one could be surprised, for this reason, at seeing, in a time -of peace, the toqui gather together a numerous army on the Chilian -frontiers, since, _in petto_, either party flattered itself that this -army was destined to aid its cause. The conduct of the toqui was, -therefore, most skilful; for he not only inspired mistrust in no one, -but, on the contrary, gave hopes to all. The position was becoming -serious; the hour for action could not long be delayed; and Antinahuel, -whose measures were all prepared, awaited impatiently the moment for -beginning the struggle. - -Things were at this point on the day when Dona Maria came to the -tolderia of the Black-Serpents, to visit the friend of her childhood. As -soon as she awoke, the Linda gave orders for her departure. - -"Is my sister going to leave me already?" said Antinahuel, in a tone of -mild reproach. - -"Yes," Dona Maria replied, "my brother knows that I must reach Valdivia -as quickly as possible." - -The chief did not press her stay; a furtive smile played round his lips. -After Dona Maria was on horseback, she turned towards the toqui. - -"Did not my brother say he should be soon in Valdivia?" she asked, in a -perfectly well-played tone of indifference. - -"I shall be there as soon as my sister," he replied. - -"We shall see each other again, then?" - -"Perhaps we may." - -"We must!" - -This was said in a positive tone. - -"Very well," the chief replied, after a moment's pause; "my sister may -depart--she shall see me again." - -"Till then, farewell, then," she said, and rode away at a quick pace. - -She soon disappeared in a cloud of dust, and the chief returned -thoughtfully to his toldo. - -"Woman," he said, to his mother, "I am going to the great tolderia of -the palefaces." - -"I heard everything last night," the Indian woman replied, sorrowfully; -"my son is wrong." - -"Wrong! how, or why?" he asked, passionately. - -"My son is a great chief; my sister deceives him, and makes him -subservient to her vengeance." - -"Or rather my own," he replied, in a singular tone. - -"The young white girl has a right to the protection of my son." - -"I will protect the Pearl of the Andes." - -"My son forgets that she of whom he speaks saved his life." - -"Silence, woman!" he shouted, in a passionate tone. - -The Indian woman held her peace, but sighed deeply. - -The chief summoned his mosotones, and selecting from among them a score -of warriors upon whom he could place entire reliance, ordered them to -be ready to follow him within an hour. He then threw himself upon a -bench, and sank into serious and agitating reflections. Suddenly a great -noise was heard from without, and the chief sprang from his recumbent -position, and went to the door of his toldo. He was surprised to see two -strangers, mounted upon excellent horses, and preceded by an Indian, -advancing towards him. These strangers were Valentine and Louis, who had -left their friends a short distance from the tolderia. - -Valentine, on leaving the village of the Puelches, had opened the letter -addressed to himself, and placed in his hands by the major-domo, with a -recommendation not to open it till the last minute. The young man was -far from expecting the contents of this strange missive. After carefully -reading it, he communicated it to his friend, saying-- - -"Here, read this, Louis;--hem! who knows but that this singular letter -is the first step to our fortune?" - -Like all men in love, Louis was sceptical upon every subject that did -not bear some relation to his passion, and he returned the paper, -shaking his head. - -"Politics burn the fingers," he said. - -"Yes, of those who don't know how to handle them," Valentine replied, -with a shrug of the shoulders. "Now, it is my opinion that in this -country, in which it has pleased fate to drop us, the most promising -element of fortune we have at command happens to be those very politics -which you so much disdain." - -"I must confess, my friend, that I care very little for these -Dark-Hearts, of whom I know nothing, and who have done us the honour to -affiliate us." - -"I do not share your opinion at all; I believe them to be resolute, -intelligent men, and am persuaded they will, some day, gain the upper -hand." - -"Much good may it do them! But of what consequence is that to us -Frenchmen?" - -"More than you may think for; and I am determined, immediately after -my interview with this said Antinahuel, to go directly to Valdivia, in -order to be present at the meeting they appoint." - -"As you please," said the Count, carelessly. "As such is your advice, -we will go thither; only I warn you that we shall risk our heads. If we -lose them, it will be all very well; but I wash my hands of the matter -beforehand." - -"I will be prudent, caramba! My head is the only thing I can call my -own," Valentine replied, laughing, "and be assured I will not risk it -for nothing. Besides, do you not partake of my curiosity to see how -these people understand politics, and in what a fashion they set about -conspiring?" - -"Well, that may become interesting; we travel partly for instruction; -let us gain it, then, when it offers itself." - -"Bravo! that's the way in which I like to hear a man speak. Let us go -and seek the redoubtable chief to whom we have a letter to deliver." - -Trangoil-Lanec and Curumilla were too prudent to venture to let -Antinahuel know of the friendship which bound them to the two Frenchmen. -Without suspecting the reasons which induced their friends to present -themselves to the toqui, they foresaw that a day might come when it -would be advantageous that their relations should be unknown. When they -arrived, therefore, at a short distance from the tolderia, the Indian -warriors remained concealed in a secluded corner, keeping Caesar with -them, and allowing the two Frenchmen to continue their route to the -village of the Black-Serpents, with whom, in addition, they had not -lately been upon the best terms. - -The reception given to the Frenchmen was most friendly; for in time -of peace the Araucanos are exceedingly hospitable. As soon as they -perceived the strangers, they crowded round them; and as all the Indians -speak Spanish with astonishing facility, Valentine had no difficulty in -making himself understood. One warrior, more polite than the rest, took -upon himself to be their guide through the village, in which, of course, -they were at a loss. He led them to the toldo of the chief, in front of -which were drawn up twenty horsemen, armed, and apparently waiting. - -"That is Antinahuel, the great toqui of the Inapire-Mapu," said the -guide, emphatically, pointing with his finger at the chief, who at that -moment came out of his toldo, attracted by the noise. - -"Thank you," said Valentine; and the two Frenchmen advanced rapidly -towards the toqui, who, on his part, made a few steps to meet them. - -"Eh, eh!" Valentine said, in a subdued voice, to his companion; "here -is a man with a good bearing, and with a rather intelligent air for an -Indian." - -"Yes," Louis replied, in the same tone, "but he has a contracted brow, -a sinister look, and compressed lips--he inspires me with very little -confidence." - -"Bah!" said Valentine, "you are too difficult by half; did you expect to -find an Indian an Antinous or an Apollo Belvedere?" - -"No; but I should like a little more open frankness in his look." - -"Well, well, we shall see." - -"I do not know why, but that man produces the effect of a reptile upon -me; he inspires me with invincible repulsion." - -"Oh, nonsense! you are too impressionable. I am sure that the man, who, -I cannot deny, has the air of a thorough rascal, is, at bottom, one of -the best fellows in the world." - -"God grant I may be deceived! But I experience, on seeing him, a feeling -for which I cannot account; it seems as if a kind of presentiment warned -me to be on my guard against that man, and that he will be fatal to me." - -"All folly! What relations can you ever have with this individual? We -are charged with a mission to him; who knows whether we may ever see him -again? and then what interests can connect us with him hereafter?" - -"You are right; and I do not know what makes me think as I have -said; besides, we shall soon know what we have to trust to on his -account--here he is." - -The adventurers were, in fact, at that moment in front of the chief's -toldo. Antinahuel stood before them; and, although appearing to be -giving orders to his men, examined them very attentively. He stepped -towards them quickly, and, bowing with perfect politeness, said, in a -pleasant tone, and with a graceful gesture-- - -"Strangers, you are welcome to my toldo. Your presence rejoices my -heart. Condescend to pass over the threshold of this poor hut, which -will be yours as long as you deign to remain among us." - -"Thanks for the kind words of welcome you address to us, powerful -chief," Valentine replied. "The persons who sent us to you assured us of -the kind reception we might expect." - -"If the strangers come on the part of my friends, that is a further -reason why I should endeavour to make their abode here as agreeable as -my humble means will allow me." - -The two Frenchmen bowed ceremoniously, and alighted from their horses. -At a sign from the toqui, two peons led the horses away to a vast corral -behind the toldo. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -THE MATRICIDE. - - -We have repeatedly said that in times of peace the Araucanos are -exceedingly hospitable. This hospitality, which on the part of -the warriors is cordial and simple, on that of the chiefs becomes -extravagant. Antinahuel was far from being a rude Indian, attached -though he was to the customs of his fathers; and although in his heart -he hated not only the Spaniards, but indiscriminately all belonging to -the white race, the half-civilized education he had received had given -him ideas of comfort completely above Indian habits. Many of the richest -Chilian farmers would have found it impossible to display greater luxury -than he exhibited when his caprice or his interest led him to do so. -On the present occasion, he was not sorry to show strangers that the -Araucanos were not so barbarous as their arrogant neighbours wished it -to be supposed, and that they could, when necessary, rival even them. -At the first glance, Antinahuel had discovered that his guests were not -Spaniards; but, with the circumspection which forms the foundation of -the Indian character, he confined his observations to his own breast. It -was with the kindest air and in the most winning tone of voice that he -pressed them to enter his toldo. - -The Frenchmen followed him in, and with a gesture he requested them -to be seated. Peons placed a profusion of cigars and cigarettes upon -the table, near a tasty filigree brasero. In a few minutes other -peons entered with the mate, which they respectfully presented to the -chief and his guests. Then, without the silence being broken--for the -Araucanian laws of hospitality require that no question should be -addressed to strangers until they think proper to speak themselves--each -sipped the herb of Paraguay, while smoking. This preliminary operation -being gone through, Valentine rose. - -"I thank you, chief, in the name of myself and my friend, for your -cordial hospitality." - -"Hospitality is a duty which every Araucano is jealous to fulfil!" - -"But," replied Valentine, "as I have been given to understand that the -chief is about to set out on a journey, I do not wish to detain him." - -"I am at the orders of my guests; my journey is not so pressing as not -to admit of being put off for a few hours." - -"I thank the chief for his courtesy, but I hope he will soon be at -liberty." - -Antinahuel bowed. - -"A Spaniard has charged me with a letter for the chief." - -"Ah!" the toqui exclaimed, with a singular intonation, and fixing a -piercing look upon the face of the young man. - -"Yes," the Frenchman continued; "and that letter I am about to have the -honour of handing to you." - -And he put his hand to his breast, to take out the letter. - -"Stop!" said the chief, laying his hand upon his arm, as he turned -towards his servants; adding, "leave the room." The three men were left -alone. - -"Now you may give me the letter," he continued. - -The chief took it, looked carefully at the superscription, turned the -paper in all directions in his hand, and then, with some hesitation, -presented it to the young man. - -"Let my brother read it," he said; "the whites are more learned than we -poor Indians: they know everything." - -Valentine gave his countenance the most silly expression possible. - -"I cannot read this," he said, with well-assumed embarrassment. - -"Does my brother then refuse to render me this service?" the chief -pressed him. - -"I do not refuse you, chief; only I am prevented doing what you request -by a very simple reason." - -"And what is that reason?" - -"It is that my companion and I are both Frenchmen." - -"Well, and what then?" - -"We speak a little Spanish, but we cannot read it." - -"Ah!" said the chief, in a tone of doubt; but, after walking about, and -reflecting a minute, he added,--"Hem! that is possible." - -He then turned towards the two Frenchmen, who, on their part, were, in -appearance, impassive and indifferent. - -"Let my brothers wait an instant," he said; "I know a man in my tribe -who understands the marks which the whites make upon paper: I will go -and order him to translate this letter." - -The young men bowed, and the chief left the apartment. - -"Why the devil did you refuse to read the letter?" Louis asked. - -"In good truth," Valentine replied, "I can scarcely tell you why; but -what you said of the expression of this man's countenance, produced a -certain effect upon me. He inspires me with no confidence, and I am not -anxious to be the depository of secrets which he may some day reclaim in -a disagreeable manner." - -"Yes, you are right! We may, some day, congratulate ourselves upon this -circumspection. Hush! I hear footsteps." - -And the chief re-entered the room. - -"I know the contents of the letter," he said; "if my brothers see the -man who charged them with it, they will inform him that I am setting out -this very day for Valdivia." - -"We would, with pleasure, take charge of that message," replied -Valentine; "but we do not know the person who gave us the letter, and it -is more than probable we may never see him again." - -The chief darted at them a stolen and deeply suspicious glance. - -"Good! Will my brothers remain here, then?" - -"It would give us infinite pleasure to pass a few hours in the agreeable -society of the chief, but with us time presses; with his permission, we -will take our leave." - -"My brothers are perfectly free; my toldo is open for those who leave -it, as well as for those who enter it." - -The young men rose to depart. - -"In what direction are my brothers going?" - -"We are bound for Concepcion." - -"Let my brothers go in peace, then! If their course lay towards -Valdivia, I would have offered to journey with them." - -"A thousand thanks, chief, for your kind offer; unfortunately we cannot -profit by it, for our road lies in a completely opposite direction." - -The three men exchanged a few more words of courtesy, and left the -toldo. The Frenchmen's horses had been brought round; they mounted, and -after having saluted the chief once more, they set off. As soon as they -were out of the village, Louis, turning to Valentine, said,-- - -"We have not an instant to lose. If we wish to reach Valdivia before -that man, we must make all speed. Who knows whether Don Tadeo may not be -awaiting our arrival impatiently?" - -They soon rejoined their friends, who looked for them anxiously, and all -four set off at full speed in the direction of Valdivia, without being -able to explain to themselves why they used such diligence. Antinahuel -accompanied his guests a few paces out of his toldo. When he had taken -leave of them, he followed them with his eyes as far as he could see -them, and when they disappeared at the extremity of the village, he -returned thoughtfully and slowly to his toldo, saying to himself,-- - -"It is evident to me that these men are deceiving me; their refusal to -read the letter was nothing but a pretext. What can be their object? Can -they be enemies? I will watch them!" - -When he arrived in front of his toldo, he found his mosotones mounted, -and awaiting his orders. - -"I must set out at once," he said; "I shall learn all yonder, and, -perhaps," he added, in a voice so low that he could hardly hear it -himself, "perhaps I shall find _her_ again. If Dona Maria breaks her -promise, and does not give her up to me, woe, woe be to her!" - -He raised his head, and saw his mother standing before him. "What do you -want, woman?" he asked, harshly; "this is not your place!" - -"My place is near you when you are suffering, my son," she mildly -replied. - -"I suffering! You are mad, mother! age has turned your brain! Go back -into the toldo, and, during my absence, keep a good watch over all that -belongs to me." - -"Are you, then, really going, my son?" - -"This moment," he said, and sprang into his saddle. - -"Where are you going?" she asked, and seized his horse's bridle. - -"What is that to you?" he replied, with an ugly glance. - -"Beware! my son; you are entering on a bad course. Guerubu, the spirit -of evil, is master of your heart." - -"I am the best and sole judge of my actions." - -"You shall not go!" she exclaimed, as she placed herself resolutely in -front of his horse. - -The Indians collected round the speakers looked on with mute terror at -this scene; they were too well acquainted with the violent and imperious -character of Antinahuel not to dread something fatal, if his mother -persisted in endeavouring to prevent his departure. - -The brows of the chief lowered--his eyes gleamed like lightning--and it -was not without a great effort that he mastered the passion boiling in -his breast. - -"I will go!" he said, in a loud voice, and trembling with rage; "I will -go, if I trample you beneath my horse's hoofs!" - -The woman clung convulsively to the saddle, and looked her son in the -face. - -"Do so," she cried; "for, by the soul of your father, who now hunts in -the blessed prairies with Pillian, I swear I will not stir, even if you -pass over my body!" - -The face of the Indian became horribly contracted; he cast around a -glance which made the hearts of the bravest tremble with fear. - -"Woman! woman!" he shouted, grinding his teeth with rage; "get out of my -way, or I shall crush you like a reed!" - -"I will not stir, I tell you!" she repeated, with wild energy. - -"Take care! take care!" he said again; "I shall forget you are my -mother!" - -"I will not stir!" - -A nervous tremor shook the limbs of the chief, who had now attained the -highest paroxysm of fury. - -"If you will have it so," he cried, in a husky, but loud voice, "your -blood be upon your own head!" - -And he dug the spurs into the sides of his horse, which plunged with -pain, and then sprung forward like an arrow, dragging along the poor -woman, whose body was soon but one huge wound. A cry of horror burst -from the quivering lips of the terrified Indians. After a few minutes -of this senseless course, during which she had left fragments of her -flesh on every sharp point of the road, the strength of the Indian woman -abandoned her; she left her hold of the bridle, and sank dying. - -"Oh!" she said, in a faint voice, and following, with a look dimmed by -agony, her son, as he was borne away like a whirlwind, "my unhappy son! -my unhappy----" - -She raised her eyes towards heaven, clasped her mangled hands, as if to -offer up a last prayer, and fell back. - -She died pitying the matricide, and pardoning him. The women of the -tribe took up the body respectfully, and carried it, weeping, into the -toldo. At the sight of the corpse, an old Indian shook his head several -times, murmuring in a prophetic tone,-- - -"Antinahuel has killed his mother! Pillian will avenge her!" - -And all bowed down their heads sorrowfully: this atrocious crime made -them dread horrible misfortunes in the future. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -THE JUSTICE OF THE DARK-HEARTS. - - -Don Tadeo and his friend Don Gregorio were introduced, after exchanging -several passwords, into a subterraneous apartment, the entrance to which -was perfectly concealed in the wall. The door closed immediately after -them; the two men turned round sharply, but all signs of an opening -had disappeared. Without taking further notice of this circumstance, -which they no doubt had expected, they cast an inquiring glance around -them, in order to obtain some knowledge of the locality. The place -was admirably chosen for a meeting of conspirators. It was an immense -apartment, which must have served for a long time as a cellar, as was -made evident by the essentially alcoholic emanations still floating in -the air; the walls were low and thick, and of a dirty red colour; a -lamp with three jets, hanging from the roof, far from dispersing the -darkness, seemed only to render it in a manner visible. In a recess -stood a table, behind which a man in a mask was seated, near to two -empty seats. Men enveloped in cloaks, and all wearing black velvet -masks, were gliding about in the darkness, silent as phantoms. - -Don Tadeo and his friend exchanged a glance, and without speaking a -word, proceeded to take their places in the empty seats. As soon as -they were seated, a change came over the meeting: the low whispering -which had been heard till that moment ceased all at once, as if by -enchantment. All the conspirators gathered in a single group in front of -the table, and with arms crossed upon their chests, waited earnestly. -The man who before the arrival of Don Tadeo had appeared to preside over -the meeting arose, and casting round a confident glance on the attentive -crowd, said-- - -"On this day the seventy-two _ventas_ of the Dark-Hearts, spread over -the territories of the republic, are assembled in council. In all of -them the taking up of arms, of which we, the _venta_ of Valdivia, will -instantly give the signal, will be decreed. Everywhere men faithful to -the good cause, true lovers of liberty, are preparing to commence the -struggle with Bustamente. Will you all, comrades, who are here present, -when the hour strikes, descend frankly and boldly into the arena? Will -you sacrifice, without reserve, your family, your fortune, and even your -life, if necessary, for the public good?" - -He ceased, and a funereal silence prevailed in the assembly. - -"Answer!" he resumed; "what will you do?" - -"We will die!" the band of conspirators murmured, like a sinister and -terrible echo. - -"That is well, my brothers," Don Tadeo said, rising suddenly. "I -expected no less from you, and I thank you. I have long known you all, -and felt that I could depend upon you--I, whom none of you know. These -masks which conceal you one from another, are but transparent gauze -for the chief of the Dark-Hearts--and I am the King of Darkness! I -have sworn that you shall live as free men, or that I will die! Before -twenty-four hours have passed away, you will hear the signal you have -so long waited for, and then will commence that terrible struggle which -can only end in the death of the tyrant; all the provinces, all the -cities, all the towns will rise _en masse_ at the same instant; courage, -then! You have only a few hours longer to suffer. The war of ambushes, -surprises, of subterranean treacheries is ended; war, frank, loyal, -open, in the face of the sun, is about to begin; let us show ourselves -what we always have been, firm in our faith, and ready to die for our -opinions! Let the chiefs of sections draw near." - -Ten men left the ranks, and placed themselves silently ten paces from -the table. - -"Let the corporal of chiefs of sections answer for all," said Don Tadeo. - -"I am the corporal," said one of the masked men; "the orders expedited -from the Quinta Verde have been executed; all the sections are warned; -they are all ready to rise at the first signal; each will take -possession of the posts that are assigned it." - -"So far well! How many men have you at your disposal?" - -"Seven thousand three hundred and seventy-seven." - -"Can you depend upon them all?" - -"No." - -"How many are there lukewarm or irresolute?" - -"Four thousand." - -"How many firm and convinced?" - -"Nearly three thousand; but for these I will be answerable." - -"That is well! we have even more than we want; the brave will attract -others. Return to your places." - -The chiefs of sections drew back, - -"Now," Don Tadeo continued, "before we separate, I have to call down -your justice upon one of our brothers, who, having entered deeply into -our secrets, has been false to the society several times for a little -gold; I have the proofs in my hands. The circumstances are of the utmost -importance; one word--a single word--may ruin our cause and us! Say, -what chastisement does this man deserve?" - -"Death!" the conspirators responded, coolly, but simultaneously. - -"I know this man," Don Tadeo continued; "let him come forth from the -ranks, and not oblige me to tear off his mask, and hurl his name in his -face." - -No one stirred. - -"This man is here--I can see him; for the last time, let him step forth, -and not crown his baseness by seeking to avoid the punishment he merits." - -The conspirators cast suspicious glances at each other; the assembly -seemed moved by an extreme anxiety; the man, however, upon whom the -King of Darkness called, persisted in remaining confounded amongst his -companions. - -Don Tadeo waited for an instant, but finding that the man whom he -summoned imagined he should remain unknown, and not be discovered -beneath his mask, he made a signal, and Don Gregorio rose and advanced -towards the group of conspirators, which opened at his approach, and -laid his hand roughly on the shoulder of a man who had instinctively -retreated before him, until the wall forced him to stop. - -"Come with me, Don Pedro," he said, and he dragged rather than led him -to the table, behind which stood Don Tadeo, calm and implacable. - -The guilty spy was seized with a convulsive trembling, his teeth -chattered, and he fell upon his knees, crying with terror: - -"Mercy, my lord, mercy!" - -Don Gregorio tore off his mask, and revealed the face of the spy, whose -features, horribly contracted by fear, and of an ashy paleness, were -really hideous. - -"Don Pedro," Don Tadeo said, in a stern voice, "you have several times -sought to sell your brothers of the society; it was you who caused -the death of the ten patriots shot upon the Place of Santiago; it was -you who betrayed the secret of the Quinta Verde to the soldiers of -Bustamente; this very day, even, scarcely two hours ago, you held a long -conversation with General Bustamente, in which you agreed to deliver up -to him tomorrow the principal chiefs of the Dark-Hearts: is that true?" - -The miserable wretch had not a word to say in his defence; confounded, -overwhelmed by the irresistible proofs accumulated against him, he hung -down his head in utter abandonment. - -"Is this true?" Don Tadeo reiterated. - -"It is true," he murmured, in a scarcely audible voice. - -"You acknowledge yourself guilty?" - -"Yes," he said, with a heart-stifling sob; "but grant me life, noble -seigneur, and I swear----" - -"Silence!" - -The spy was struck with mute despair. - -"You have heard, companions and friends, how this man confesses his own -crimes; for the last time, what punishment does he deserve for having -sold his brothers?" - -"Death!" replied the Dark-Hearts, without hesitation. - -"In the name of the Dark-Hearts, of whom I am king, I condemn you, -Don Pedro Saldillo, to death, for treachery and felony towards your -brethren. You have five minutes to make your peace with Heaven," Don -Tadeo said, sternly. - -He placed his watch upon the table, and drawing a pistol from his belt, -cocked it deliberately. The sharp noise of the hammer made the condemned -man shudder with fear. A profound silence prevailed in the vault; the -hearts of these implacable men might be heard beating in their breasts. -The spy cast around wild, despairing glances, but beheld nothing but -angry eyes gleaming upon him through hideous masks. Over the vault, in -the chingana, they continued dancing, and faint puffs of _sambacuejas_ -penetrated, at intervals, mixed with uproarious bursts of laughter, even -to the awful scene beneath. The contrast of this riotous mirth with -the terrible act of justice which was being carried out, had something -appalling in it. - -"The five minutes are past," said Don Tadeo, in a firm voice. - -"A few minutes more! a few minutes, my lord!" the spy implored, wringing -his hands in despair. "I am not prepared; you cannot kill me thus! In -the name of all you hold most dear, let me live!" - -Without appearing to hear him, Don Tadeo lifted his pistol, and the -miserable culprit rolled upon the ground, with his brains scattered -around him. - -"Oh!" he cried, as the pistol was aimed, "be accursed, ye assassins!" -His death prevented the utterance of more. - -The conspirators stood cold, impassive spectators of the scene. As soon -as the stern act of justice was completed, at a signal from the chief, -several men opened a trap in the floor which covered a hole half filled -with quick lime; the body was thrown into it, and the trap closed again. - -"Justice has been done, brothers," said Don Tadeo, solemnly; "go in -peace, the King of Darkness watches over you." - -The conspirators bowed respectfully, and disappeared one after the -other, without uttering a word. At the end of a quarter of an hour no -one remained in the vault but Don Tadeo and Don Gregorio. - -"Oh!" said Don Tadeo, "Shall we always have thus to combat treachery?" - -"Courage! my friend; you have yourself said, in a few hours war will -commence in the face of day." - -"God grant I may not be deceived! This contest in the dark makes -frightful demands upon the mind; my heart begins to fail me!" - -The two conspirators regained the chingana, in which the dancing, -laughing, and drinking were going on with undiminished spirit; they -passed through so as not to be observed, and came out into the street. -They had hardly walked fifty steps when they were joined by a man, who, -to their great surprise, proved to be Valentine Guillois. - -"God be praised for bringing you here so opportunely!" said Don Tadeo. - -"I hope I am punctual," the Parisian remarked, with a gay laugh. - -Don Tadeo pressed his hand warmly, and drew him towards his residence, -where our three personages soon arrived. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -THE TREATY OF PEACE. - - -General Bustamente had come to Valdivia under the pretence of himself -renewing the treaties which existed between the republic of Chili -and the Araucanian Confederation. This pretext was excellent in the -sense that it permitted him to concentrate a considerable force in the -provinces, and gave him, besides, a plausible reason for receiving the -most powerful Ulmens of the Indians, who would not fail to come to the -meeting, accompanied by a great number of mosotones. Every time a new -president is elected in Chili, the minister at war renews the treaties -in his name. General Bustamente had, up to this moment, neglected to do -so: he had good reasons for that.-- - -This ceremony, in which a great retinue is purposely displayed, -generally takes place in a vast plain situated upon the Araucanian -territories, and not at a great distance from Valdivia. By a curious -coincidence, the pretext of the General suited equally well the -interests of the three factions which, at this period, divided this -unhappy country. The Dark-Hearts had skilfully profited by it to prepare -the resistance they meditated, and Antinahuel, feigning to wish to -pay the greatest honours to the war minister of the President of the -republic, had collected a real army of his best warriors in the environs -of the place chosen for the solemnity. - -Such was the state of things, and of the various parties with regard to -each other, at the time we resume our narrative. The enemies were about -to come face to face; it was evident that each, being well prepared, -would endeavour to take advantage of the opportunity, and that a shock -was imminent; but how would it be brought about? Who would set fire to -the mine, and cause all those passions, those grudges, those ambitions, -so long restrained, to explode? Nobody could say! - -The plain on which the ceremony was to take place was vast, covered -with high grass, and belted by mountains verdant with lofty trees. The -plain, crossed by woods and lines of apple trees, loaded with fruit, -was divided in two by a meandering river, which flowed gently along, -balancing on its silver waters numerous troops of black-headed swans; -here and there, through the breaks of the thickets, might be seen the -pointed nose of a vicuna, which, with ear erect, and eye on the watch, -seemed to sniff the breeze, and all at once bounded away into the -distance. - -The sun was rising majestically in the horizon when a measured noise -of tinkling bells proceeded from a wood of apple trees, and a troop of -half a score mules, led by the mother mare, and driven by an arriero, -debouched into the plain. These mules carried diverse objects for an -encampment, provisions, and even some bales of clothes and linen. At -twenty paces behind the mules, came a rather numerous troop of horsemen. -When they arrived at the banks of the little river we have spoken of, -the arriero stopped his mules, and the party dismounted. In an instant -the bales were unpacked and arranged with care, so as to form a perfect -circle, in the centre of which a fire was lighted. Then a tent was -erected in this temporary camp, and the horses and mules were hobbled. - -This party, whom, no doubt, our readers have already recognized, were -Don Tadeo, his friends the Frenchmen, the Indian Ulmens, with Dona -Rosario, and three servants. By a strange coincidence, at the same time -that they were arranging their camp, another party nearly as numerous -established theirs on the opposite bank of the river, exactly in face -of them. The leader of this was Dona Maria. As frequently happens, it -had pleased chance to bring into propinquity irreconcilable enemies, who -were only separated from each other by a distance of fifty yards at the -most. But was this entirely owing to chance? - -Don Tadeo had no suspicion of this dangerous proximity, or he would -probably have done everything in his power to avoid it. He had cast a -vacant glance at the caravan opposite to him, without taking any further -heed of it, being absorbed in thoughts of the highest importance. Dona -Maria, on the contrary, knew perfectly well, what she was about, and -had placed herself where she was with the skill of an able tactician. -In the mean time, as the morning advanced, the number of travellers -kept increasing on the plain; by nine o'clock it was literally covered -with tents; a free space only being reserved around an old half ruined -chapel, in which mass was to be celebrated before the commencement of -the ceremony. - -The Puelches, who had descended from their mountains in great numbers, -had passed the night in making joyous libations around their campfires; -many of them were sleeping in a state of complete intoxication; -nevertheless, as soon as the arrival of the minister of the Chilian -republic was announced, they all sprang up tumultuously, and began to -dance, and utter cries of joy. On one side arrived General Bustamente -at a canter, surrounded by a brilliant staff, all glittering with gold -lace, and followed by a numerous troop of lancers; whilst on the other -side came, at a gallop, the four Araucano Toquis, followed by the -principal Ulmens of their nation, and a great number of mosotones. - -These two troops, which hastened to meet each other amidst the _vivas_ -and cries of joy of the crowd, raised immense clouds of dust, in which -they disappeared. The Araucanos in particular, who are excellent -jinetes, a term used in this country to designate good horsemen, -indulged in equestrian eccentricities, of which the so-much vaunted Arab -fantasias can give but a faint idea; for they are nothing in comparison -with the incredible feats performed by these men, who seem born to -manage a horse. The Chilians had a much more serious bearing, from -which they would gladly have freed themselves, if human respect had not -restrained them. - -As soon as the two troops met, the chiefs dismounted and ranged -themselves, the Ulmens, armed with their long, silver-headed canes, -behind Antinahuel, and the three other Toquis and the Chilians behind -General Bustamente. It was the first time the Tiger-Sun and the General -had met. Each of these two men, therefore, equally good politicians, -equally false and equally ambitious, and who, at the first glance, -understood one another, contemplated his rival with intense earnestness. - -After exchanging a few salutes, impressed with a rather suspicious -cordiality, the two bands retrograded from each other a few paces, to -afford room for the commissary-general and four Capitanes de Amigos. -These officers are what they call in the United States Indian agents; -they serve as interpreters and agents to the Araucanos, for trade, and -all that concerns their transactions with the Chilians. It must be -observed that all these Indians speak Spanish perfectly well; but they -never will use it in appointed meetings. These Capitanes de Amigos, who, -for the most part, are half-breeds, are much beloved and respected. -They arrived, leading a score of mules loaded with presents, destined -by the President of the Republic for the principal Ulmens. For, be it -noted, when Indians treat with Christians, they consider nothing settled -till they have received presents: it is for them a proof that the other -party does not wish to deceive them; they constitute an earnest which -they require to bind the bargain, and prove that they are treated in -good faith. The Chilians, who, unfortunately for them, had long been -accustomed to Araucanian habits, had taken good care not to forget this -important condition. - -Whilst the commissary-general was distributing the presents, General -Bustamente repaired to the chapel, where a priest, who had come -purposely from Valdivia, celebrated mass. After mass, the speeches -commenced, as soon as the minister of the republic and the four Toquis -of the Uthal-Mapus had embraced. These speeches, which were very long, -resulted in mutual assurances that they were satisfied with the peace -which reigned between the two peoples, and that they would do all in -their power to maintain it as long as possible. We think it our duty to -beg our readers to observe, in justice to the two speakers, that one was -not more sincere than the other, and that they did not mean one word -they said, since in their hearts they determined to break their promises -as soon as possible. They appeared, however, very well satisfied with -the comedy they were playing, and they terminated it by a final embrace, -more close and warm than the first, but equally false. - -"Now," said the General, "if my brothers, the great chiefs, will please -to follow me, we will plant the cross." - -"No," Antinahuel replied, with a honied smile, "the cross must not be -planted in front of the stone toldo." - -"Why not?" the General asked, with astonishment. - -"Because," the Indian replied, in a tone of decision, "the words we -have exchanged must remain buried on the spot where they have been -pronounced." - -"That is just!" said the General, bowing his head in sign of assent. "It -shall be done as my brother desires." - -Antinahuel smiled proudly. - -"Have I spoken well, powerful men?" he asked, looking at the Ulmens. - -"Our father, the Toqui of the Inapire-Mapu, has spoken well," the Ulmens -replied. - -The Indian peons then went to fetch from the chapel, upon the floor of -which it lay, a cross of at least thirty feet in height, which they -brought to the spot where the conferences had been held. All the chiefs -and the Chilian officers ranged themselves around it; the troops forming -a vast circle at a respectful distance. After the pause of an instant, -of which the priest took advantage to bless the cross with that off-hand -carelessness which distinguishes the Spanish clergy in America, it was -planted in the ground. At the moment it was about to gain its upright -position, Antinahuel interposed. - -"Stop!" he said to the Indians armed with spades; and turning towards -the General, "Peace is well assured between us, is it not?" he asked. - -"Yes, certainly," the General replied. - -"All our words are buried under this cross?" - -"All of them." - -"Cover them with earth then," he said to the peons, "that they may not -escape, and that war may not be rekindled between us." - -"When this ceremony was accomplished, Antinahuel caused a young lamb to -be brought, which the machi slaughtered near the cross. All the Indian -chiefs bathed their hands in the still warm blood of the quivering -animal, and daubed the cross with hieroglyphic signs, destined to keep -away Guecubu, the genius of evil, and prevent the words from escaping -from the spot in which they were buried. In conclusion, the Araucans -and the Chilians discharged their firearms in the air, and the ceremony -was ended. General Bustamente then coming up to the Toqui of the -Inapire-Mapu, passed his arm through the chiefs in a friendly manner, -saying in an ingratiating tone-- - -"Will not my brother, Antinahuel, come for an instant in my tent, to -taste a glass of aguardiente de Pisco and take mate?--he would render -his friend happy." - -"Why should I not?" the chief replied, smiling, and in the most -good-humoured tone. - -"My brother will accompany me!" - -"Lead on, then." - -Both moved off, chatting upon indifferent subjects, directing their -course towards the General's tent, which had been pitched within gunshot -of the place where the ceremony had taken place. The General had given -his orders beforehand, so that everything was prepared to receive the -guest he brought with him magnificently, as for the success of his -projects he had so great an interest in pleasing him. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -THE ABDUCTION. - - -Whilst the ceremony we have described was being accomplished, a terrible -event was passing not far from it, on the banks of the river, in the -camp of Don Tadeo de Leon. The three parties which divided Chili, and -aimed at governing it, had, as if of one accord, chosen the day for the -renewal of the treaty to throw off the mask and give their partisans the -signal of revolt. Don Tadeo, who feared everything from Dona Maria and -the General's spies, had consented, but with regret, that Rosario should -accompany him to the plain, to be present at the ceremony; he had taken -her from the convent, and brought the young girl with him, inwardly -pleased that she would thus not be in Valdivia during the serious events -that were there preparing. - -Dona Rosario, to tell the truth, had only consulted her love in the -request she had made of her guardian; the desire of seeing unobserved, -for a few hours, the object of her affections, had dictated it. Don -Tadeo, who could not on any account be present at the ceremony, being -obliged to conceal himself, took the two young Frenchmen aside as soon -as his little encampment was arranged. It was then about seven o'clock -in the morning, and the crowd began to flock to the plain. The King of -Darkness cast a prudent and searching look around, but, reassured by the -complete solitude that prevailed, he at length decided upon explaining -to the young men, who were astonished at this strange proceeding, all -that appeared so unusual and inconsistent in his conduct. - -"Caballeros," he said, "since I have had the honour of knowing you, I -have concealed nothing from you, and you know all my secrets; this day -must decide the question of life or death to which, from my boyhood, -I have devoted all the energies of my mind. I must leave this spot -instantly, and return to Valdivia. It is in that city that the first -blow will be struck, within a few hours, against the tyrant, and the -struggle I expect will be terrible. I am not willing to expose the -young lady whom you know, and whose life you have already saved, to the -chances of it. I confide the care of her to one of you, the other will -accompany me to the city. In the event of any fatal mischance happening -to me, I will place in his hands a paper, which will inform you both of -my intentions, and of what I wish you to do with that poor child, who is -all I hold dear on earth, and whom I leave with the greatest pain. Which -of you, gentlemen, will take charge of Dona Rosario during my absence?" - -"Be at ease, Don Tadeo, go where your duty calls you," Louis answered, -in a solemn but agitated tone; "I swear that while I live no danger, -either near or distant, shall assail her; to reach her it must pass over -my dead body." - -"Receive my warmest thanks, Don Louis," the Dark-Heart replied, somewhat -surprised, and yet affected by the manner of the Frenchman; "I place -implicit faith in your words; I know you will keep your vow at all -risks; besides, in a few hours I hope I shall be back, and here she can -have nothing to dread." - -"I will watch over her," the young man said, quietly. - -"Once again I thank you." - -Don Tadeo left the young men, and returned to the tent where Dona -Rosario, reclining in a hammock, was gently swinging herself, and -indulging in perhaps pleasing reveries. On seeing her guardian, she -sprang up eagerly. - -"Do not disturb yourself, my child," said Don Tadeo, putting her back -with a gentle hand, "I have but two words to say to you." - -"I am always attentive to you, my kind friend." - -"I have come to bid you farewell." - -"Farewell, Don Tadeo!" she exclaimed, in great terror. - -"Oh! comfort yourself, timid darling! only for a few hours." - -"Ah! that is all!" she said, with a smile of satisfaction. - -"Certainly, all! There is in this neighbourhood an exceedingly curious -grotto. I was foolish enough to let some words slip concerning it this -morning before Don Valentine, and that demon of a Frenchman," he added, -with a smile, "insists upon my showing it to him; so that, in order to -get rid of his importunities, I have been obliged to comply." - -"You have done quite right," she said, eagerly; "we are under great -obligations to those two French caballeros, and what he asked is such a -trifle!" - -"That it would have been uncourteous on my part to refuse him," Don -Tadeo interrupted, "therefore I have not. We shall set off directly, -in order to be the sooner back. Be as cheerful as you can during our -absence, dear child." - -"I will endeavour," she said, absently. - -"Besides, I shall leave Don Louis to take care of you; you can chat -together, and the time will quickly pass away." - -The young girl blushed as she stammered--"Come back soon, dear friend." - -"Time to go and return, that is all; adieu, then, darling!" - -Don Tadeo left the tent, and rejoined the young men. - -"Adieu, Don Louis!" he said. "Are you ready, Don Valentine?" - -"Ready!" the Frenchman replied, laughing; "Caramba! I should be in -despair at losing such an opportunity of judging whether you understand -getting up revolutions as well as we Frenchmen do." - -"Oh! We are but young at the work yet," Don Tadeo remarked; "and yet we -begin to have some idea of the matter, I assure you." - -"Good-bye, Louis, for a time," said Valentine, pressing his friend's -hand; and stooping towards his ear, he added--"Be thankful to your -stars, do you not see that Heaven protects your love?" The young man -only replied by shaking his head despondingly, and sighing deeply. A -peon had brought the horses for the two Chilians and the Frenchman, -and they were soon in the saddle. They set off at a quick pace, and -were quickly lost in the high grass and the windings of the road. Louis -returned pensively to the camp, where he found Dona Rosario alone in her -tent; the two Indian chiefs, attracted by curiosity, having gone in the -direction of the chapel, where, mingled with the crowd, they might be -present at the ceremony. The arrieros and the peons had not been long in -following their example. - -The young girl was seated on a heap of dyed sheepskins in front of -the tent, dreamily looking at, but without seeing, the clouds which -were driven across the heavens by a strong breeze. Dona Rosario was -a charming girl of sixteen, slender, fragile, and delicate, small in -person, whose least gestures and least movements possessed inexpressible -attractions. Of a rare kind of beauty in America, she was fair; her -long silky hair was of the colour of ripe golden corn; her blue eyes, -in which were reflected the azure of the heavens, had that melancholy, -dreamy expression which we attribute only to angels, and young girls who -are beginning to love; her nose, with its pinky nostrils, was inclined -to be aquiline; while her mouth, rather serious, with rosy lips set -off by teeth of dazzling whiteness, and her skin of pearl-like purity, -altogether made her a charming creature. - -The noise of the approaching young man's steps roused her from her -reverie. She turned her head in the direction, and looked at him with -inexpressible sadness, although a faint smile played upon her lips. - -"It is I," said the Count, in a low, inarticulate voice, bowing -respectfully. - -"I knew of your coming," she replied, in a sweetly-toned voice. "Oh! why -did you return to me at all?" - -"Be not angry with me for drawing near you once more. I endeavoured to -obey you; I left the spot you resided in, without, alas! even the hope -of seeing you again; but destiny has decided otherwise." - -She gave him a long and eloquent look. - -"Unfortunately," he continued, with a melancholy smile, "you are -condemned for some hours to endure my presence." - -"I must resign myself to it," she said, extending her hand to him -cordially. - -The young man imprinted a burning kiss upon the white, soft hand he held. - -"And so we are left alone!" she said gaily, but withdrawing her hand. - -"Good heavens! yes, nearly so," he replied, falling in with her humour. -"The Indian chiefs and the peons, overcome by curiosity, have joined the -crowds, and kindly procured us a _tete-a-tete_." - -"In the midst of ten thousand people!" she said, smiling. - -"That is all the better; everyone is engaged with his own affairs, -without troubling himself about those of others; and we can speak to -each other without the fear of being interrupted by importunate persons." - -"True," she said, thoughtfully; "it is frequently amidst a crowd that we -find the greatest solitude." - -"Does not the heart possess that great faculty of being able to isolate -itself when it pleases--to fold itself, as it were, within itself?" - -"And is not that faculty often a misfortune?" - -"Perhaps it is," he replied, with a sigh. - -"But how comes it?" she said, with a half-smiling air, in order to -change the conversation, which was becoming a little too serious. -"Pardon my giddy impertinence! How comes it, I say, that you, of whom I -sometimes caught a glimpse at Paris, during my short sojourn there, and -who then enjoyed, if I was not mistaken, a brilliant position, should -meet me here so far from your country?" - -"Alas! madam, my history is that of many young men, and may be summed up -in two words--weakness and ignorance." - -"That is but too true; that is the history of nearly all the world, in -Europe as well as in America." - -At this moment a great noise reached them from the camp. Dona Rosario -and the Count were placed so as not to be able to see what was passing -in the plain. - -"What is that noise?" she asked. - -"Probably the tumult of the festival which reaches us: should you like -to be present at this ceremony?" - -"To what purpose? Those cries and that tumult terrify me." - -"And yet, I thought it was you who asked Don Tadeo to see this." - -"A silly girl's caprice," she said, "which passed away as soon as -conceived." - -"But was it not Don Tadeo's intention to----" - -"Who can tell Don Tadeo's intention?" she interrupted, with a sigh. - -"He appears to love you tenderly?" Louis hazarded, timidly. - -"Sometimes I am on the point of believing so; he pays me the most -delicate attentions, shews me the tenderest care; then at other times he -appears to endure me with, pain--he repulses me--my caresses annoy him." - -"Singular conduct!" the Count observed; "this gentleman is your -relation, there can be no doubt." - -"I do not know," she replied ingenuously; "when alone and pensive, my -thoughts stray back to my early years. I have some vague remembrance of -a young and handsome woman, whose black eyes smiled upon me constantly, -and whose rosy lips lavished affectionate kisses upon me; and then, all -at once, a complete darkness comes over my brain, and memory entirely -fails me. As far back as I can recollect, I find nobody but Don Tadeo -watching over me, everywhere and always, as a father would do over his -daughter." - -"Perhaps, then," said the Count, "he is your father." - -"Listen. One day, after a long and dangerous illness which I had just -gone through, and in which Don Tadeo had night and day watched over -my pillow for more than a month, happy at seeing me restored to life, -for he had been fearful he should lose me, he smiled upon me tenderly, -kissed my brow and my hands, and appeared to experience the most -lively joy. 'Oh!' I said, as a sudden thought rushed across my mind; -'oh! you are my father! None but a father could devote himself with -such abnegation for his child!' and throwing my arms round his neck, -I concealed my tear-laden face on his chest. Don Tadeo arose, his -countenance was lividly pale, his features were frightfully contracted; -he repulsed me roughly, and strode hastily about the chamber. I Your -father! I! Dona Rosario!' he cried, in a husky voice, 'you are a silly, -poor child! Never repeat those words again; your father is dead, and -your mother, likewise, long, long ago. I am not your father--never -repeat that word--I am only your friend. Yes, your father, at the point -of death, confided you to my care, and that is why I am bringing you up, -that is why I watch over you; as to me, I am not even your relation!' -His agitation was extreme; he said many other things which I do not now -remember, and then he left me. Alas! from that day I have never ventured -to ask him for any account of my family." - -A silence ensued; the two young people were pensively thoughtful: the -simple and touching recital of Dona Rosario had strongly affected the -Count. At length he said, in a tremulous voice,-- - -"Let _me_ love you, Dona Rosario!" - -The maiden sighed. - -"To what could that love lead, Don Louis?" she said sadly,--"to death, -perhaps!" - -"Oh!" he exclaimed madly; "and it would be welcome, if it came in your -defence!" - -At this very instant, several individuals rushed into the tent, uttering -discordant cries. Quick as thought, the Count threw himself before the -young girl, a pistol in each hand. But, as if Heaven had decreed that he -should accomplish the wish he had just uttered, before he had time to -defend himself, he was struck to the earth, stabbed by several machetes. -In falling, he saw, as if in a dream, Dona Rosario seized by two -individuals, who fled away with her in their arms. With an incredible -effort, the young man succeeded in getting on his knees, and afterwards -in rising altogether. He beheld the ravishers hastening towards their -horses, which were being held at a short distance by an Indian. He -took aim at the flying wretches, crying, with a faint voice, "Murder! -Murder!" and fired. - -One of the ravishers fell, uttering an imprecation of rage. The Count, -exhausted by the superhuman effort he had made, staggered like a drunken -man; the blood gushed from his ears, his sight grew dim, and he rolled -senseless upon the ground. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX. - -THE PROTEST. - - -The three travellers returned with such speed to Valdivia, that it -scarcely took them an hour and a half to traverse the distance which -divided the plain from the city. They passed on their way General -Don Pancho Bustamente, at the head of a detachment of lanceros, and -attended by a numerous staff; but the Dark-Hearts, employing their usual -precautions, escaped notice. Don Tadeo cast an ironical glance at his -enemy. - -"Look," he said, with a somewhat malignant smile, to Don Gregorio, -"at our worthy general; he fancies himself already protector. What a -majestic bearing he affects!" - -"Yes," said Don Gregorio, with the same expression; "but between the cup -and the lip he may find there is room for a mischance." - -It was striking ten as they entered Valdivia. The city was almost -deserted: for all who were not detained at home by urgent business had -gone to the plain, to be present at the renewal of the treaties between -the Chilians and the Araucanos. This ceremony strongly interested the -inhabitants of the province: it was for them a guarantee of tranquillity -for the future; that is to say, the liberty of carrying on with safety -their commercial transactions with the Indians. More than all the other -provinces of Chili, Valdivia had cause to dread hostilities with its -redoubtable neighbours. Separated entirely from the territory of the -republic, when left to its own resources, the least movement among -the Moluchos annihilated its commerce. If the inhabitants appeared to -have emigrated for a time, it was not the same with the soldiers; the -numerous garrison, composed--a thing unheard of in time of peace--of -fifteen hundred men, had been still further increased within the last -two days, principally in the course of the preceding night, by two -regiments of cavalry, and a battery of artillery. - -For what purpose was this calling together of forces, which nothing -appeared to justify? The few inhabitants who remained in the city -experienced a vague uneasiness on this head, for which they could not -account. There is a singular fact that we wish to point out here, but -which we by no means take upon ourselves to explain, because it has -always seemed to us inexplicable. When a great event, whatever it may -be, is about to be accomplished in a country, a vague presentiment -seems to warn the inhabitants; men and things assume an unusual aspect; -nature itself, associating with this disposition of men's minds, grows -sensibly darker; a magnetic fluid rushes through the veins; a painful -pressure weighs upon every breast; the atmosphere becomes heavy; the -sun loses its brilliancy; and people only communicate their impressions -to each other in a suppressed voice; in short, there is in the air -something incomprehensible, but I know not what, which says to man in -a dismal tone, "Beware! a catastrophe threatens thee!" And this fatal -presentiment is so general, that when the event takes place, and the -crisis is over, every one instinctively cries, "I felt it!" And yet no -one could say why he foresaw the cataclysm. - -It is the sentiment of self-preservation which God has placed in the -heart of man--that sentiment which constitutes his safeguard, and is -so strong, that when danger approaches him, it cries to him, "Beware!" -Valdivia was at this moment oppressed by the weight of an unknown -apprehension. The few citizens who remained in the city hastened to -regain their homes. Numerous patrols of cavalry and infantry traversed -the streets in all directions; cannon rolled along with portentous -noise, and were planted at the comers of all the principal places. At -the cabildo a crowd of officers and soldiers went in and out with a -busy air; couriers succeeded each other unceasingly, and after having -delivered the orders with which they were charged, set off again at full -speed. - -At the same time, at the corners of streets, men wrapped in large -cloaks, and with hats pulled down over their eyes, harangued the workmen -and the sailors of the port, and formed groups, which every instant -became more numerous. In these groups, arms, gun barrels, bayonets, -and pike heads began to glitter in the sun. When these mysterious men -were satisfied that they had accomplished their task in one place, they -went to another. Immediately after their departure, as if by magic, -barricades were raised behind them, and impeded the passage. As soon as -a barricade was terminated, an energetic-looking sentinel, a workman -with bare arms, but with a callous hand, brandishing a gun, an axe, or -a sabre, placed himself at its summit, and bade all who approached go -another way. - -On entering the city, Don Tadeo and his companions found themselves -completely barricaded. Don Tadeo smiled triumphantly. The three men -cleared the barricades, which were thrown open at their approach, and -the sentinels bowed to them as they passed. We have forgotten to say -that all three were masked. There was something striking in the march -of these three phantoms, before whom all obstacles gave way. If now and -then a stray citizen ventured to ask timidly who those three masked -men were, he received for answer, "It is the King of Darkness and his -lieutenants;" and the citizen, trembling with fear, crossed himself, and -went his way hastily. - -The three men thus arrived at the entrance of the Plaza Mayor. There -two pieces of mounted cannon barred their passage, and the artillerymen -were at their guns waiting, match in hand. At a sign from Don Tadeo, the -officer who commanded approached him. He leant down upon the neck of his -horse and said a few words to the officer in a whisper; the latter bowed -respectfully, and, turning to his soldiers, said-- - -"Let these gentlemen pass." - -In all the cities of Spanish America there is a monumental fountain in -the centre of the Plaza Mayor. It was towards this fountain that Don -Tadeo conducted his companions. A hundred individuals, scattered here -and there, and who appeared to expect him, drew together at his approach. - -"Well," Don Tadeo asked Valentine, "how do you like our ride?" - -"Delightful," the other replied, "only I fancy we shall shortly come to -blows, and hear the hissing of bullets." - -"I hope so," said the conspirator, coolly. - -"Ah! ah!" the young man remarked, "all is for the best, then?" - -"You are about to be present at a very interesting spectacle." - -"Oh! I depend upon you for that. For my part, I am glad at not having -lost such an opportunity." - -"Is it not one?" - -"Pardieu!--yes. It is astonishing how travelling instructs one," he -added, in the form of a parenthesis. - -The individuals assembled near the fountain surrounded them with -every mark of the profoundest respect. These were the faithful--the -Dark-Hearts--upon whom perfect dependence was to be placed. - -"Gentlemen," said Don Tadeo, "the struggle is about to commence. I -desire at length that you should know me, that you should be informed -who the man is who commands you." - -And he threw off his mask. A burst of enthusiasm broke from the ranks -of the conspirators. "Don Tadeo de Leon!" they cried with astonishment, -mingled with a species of veneration for the man who had suffered so -much for the common cause. - -"Yes, gentlemen," Don Tadeo replied, "the man whom the creatures of the -tyrant condemned to death, and whom God has miraculously preserved, in -order to be the instrument of His vengeance today." - -All the conspirators pressed tumultuously round him. These men of -spontaneous impressions, and essentially superstitious, no longer -doubted of victory, since they had at their head the man whom God, as -they believed, had so manifestly protected. Don Tadeo had calculated -upon this manifestation to heighten the ardour of the conspirators, -and to augment still further the prestige he enjoyed. The result had -answered his expectations. - -"Is everyone at his post?" he asked. - -"Yes." - -"Are arms and ammunition distributed?" - -"To everybody." - -"Are all the barricades completed?--all the gates of the city guarded?" - -"All." - -"That is well. Now wait." - -And quiet was re-established. - -All these men had known Don Tadeo for a long time; they appreciated his -character at its true value; they had already vowed to him a boundless -friendship; and now they knew that Don Tadeo and the King of Darkness -were the same person, they were ready to lay down their lives for him. -The news of the revelation which had been made near the fountain spread -through the city with the rapidity of a train of gunpowder, and added -greatly to the fermentation which already prevailed. Whilst the few -words were being exchanged between the chief of the conspirators and -his party, a regiment of infantry had formed in front of the cabildo, -flanked right and left by two squadrons of horse. - -"Attention!" Don Tadeo commanded. - -A sensation of impatience pervaded the men grouped around him. - -"Eh! eh!" Valentine murmured, with that mocking, short laugh that was -peculiar to him; "this is going on capitally! Caramba! we shall soon -have some fun!" - -The gates of the cabildo were thrown open violently, and a general, -followed by a brilliant staff, took his station on the top step of the -great staircase; next several senators made their appearance in full -costume, and formed a group round him. At a signal from the general, the -drums beat for a time, to secure attention and silence. When all was -quiet, a senator, who held a roll of paper in his hand, came forward a -few steps, and prepared to read. - -"Bah!" said the General, seizing his arm, "Why lose your time in reading -that rubbish? Leave it to me." - -The senator, who asked no better than to be freed from the dangerous -commission with which, very much against his will, he had been charged, -rolled up his papers, and retreated to the rear. The general assumed a -commanding posture, placed his hand upon his hip, with the point of his -sword on the ground, and said in a voice audible in every corner of the -place-- - -"People of the province of Valdivia, the sovereign senate, assembled -in congress at Santiago de Chili, has unanimously passed the following -resolutions:-- - -"1st. The various provinces of the Chilian republic shall be composed of -independent states united under the title of the Confederation of the -United States of South America. - -"2nd. The valiant and most excellent general, Don Pancho Bustamente, has -been elected Protector of the Chilian Confederation." - -"People, cry with me--'Long live the Protector Don Pancho Bustamente!'" - -The officers grouped round the General, and the soldiers drawn up in the -place, shouted-- - -"Long live the Protector!" - -But the people were mute. - -"Hum!" the general murmured to himself; "they do not display much -enthusiasm." - -A man came forward from the group collected round the fountain, and -advanced boldly to within twenty paces of the soldiers. This man was -Don Tadeo de Leon; his countenance was calm and his bearing firm and -collected. He made a sign with his hand. - -"What is your will?" the general shouted. - -"To reply to your proclamation," the King of Darkness said, intrepidly. - -"Speak! I hear you," the general replied. - -Don Tadeo bowed with a significant smile. - -"In the name of the Chilian people," he said, in a loud, clear voice, -"the senate of Santiago de Chili, composed of creatures sold to the -tyrant, is declared traitorous to its country." - -"Miserable fellow! what do you dare to say?" the General cried, angrily. - -"No insults, if you please! Allow me to terminate the answer I have to -give you," Don Tadeo replied, coolly. - -The General, involuntarily brow-beaten by the heroic courage of this -man, who, alone, unarmed before a triple row of muskets ready to be -directed towards his breast, had dared to speak in this loud, firm -tone, and overcome by that ascendancy which a great character always -exercises, bit the pommel of his sword with rage. - -"In the name of the people," Don Tadeo, still calm and stoical, -continued, "Don Pancho Bustamente is declared a traitor to his country, -and as such is degraded from his titles and his power. Liberty! Chili!" - -"Liberty! Chili!" the populace assembled on the square shouted with the -greatest enthusiasm. - -"Oh, this is too audacious!" the General cried, pale with anger. -"Soldiers, seize that rebel!" - -Several soldiers stepped forward; but, quicker than thought, Don -Gregorio and Valentine had sprung to Don Tadeo's side, and dragged him -back with them among the people. - -"Cordieu!" cried Valentine, pressing his hands enough to crush them, -"you are a troublesome man! but I love you the better for it." - -The General, outrageous at seeing his enemy escape, shouted silence. "In -the name of the Protector," he said, "I command that rebel to be given -up!" - -Hisses and hootings were the only reply. - -"Fire!" the General commanded, who, even before the last insulting -manifestation, had perceived that no half measures were possible. The -muskets were lowered, and a formidable discharge pealed like thunder. -Several men fell, killed or wounded. - -"Chili! Liberty! down with the oppressor!" the people shouted, arming -themselves with everything they could lay their hands on. A second -discharge resounded, followed closely by a third. The ground was, in an -instant, strewed with the dead and dying; but the patriots showed no -disposition to disperse; on the contrary, under the incessant fire of -the soldiers, they organized a resistance, and soon replied by a few -shots to the incessant platoon firing which was decimating them. The -combat became mutual; the revolution had commenced. - -"Hum!" the General muttered to himself, "I have undertaken a rather -awkward mission." - -But, essentially a soldier, and endowed to the highest degree with that -spirit of passive obedience which distinguishes all who have grown old -in harness, he prepared either to chastise the insurgents severely, or -die at his post. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI. - -SPANIARD AND INDIAN. - - -It was not, as may well be believed, through fear, that General -Bustamente had absented himself from Valdivia at the moment when one -of his lieutenants so boldly proclaimed him from the top of the steps -of the cabildo, before the populace. No, General Bustamente was one -of those soldiers of fortune of whom so many are found in America, -accustomed to set his life upon a cast of the die, and to be turned -aside by nothing in the world from the accomplishment of his projects. -He had hoped, by the means of the forces he had concentrated in this -remote province of the republic, that the inhabitants, taken unawares, -would only offer an insignificant resistance, and that he should be -able, by joining his troops with those of Antinahuel, to make a forced -march through Araucania, gain possession of Concepcion, and thence, -keeping the gathering snowball in motion, and dragging his companions -after him, arrive at Santiago in time to prevent any movement, and -oblige the inhabitants to capitulate and accept, as an accomplished -fact, the change of government inaugurated by him in the distant -provinces of the republic. - -This plan was not deficient in audacity, or even in a certain degree of -policy; it comprised great chances of success. Unfortunately for General -Bustamente, the Dark-Hearts, whose spies were everywhere, had got wind -of this project, and had countermined it by taking advantage of the -opportunity offered them by their enemy to unmask their own batteries. -We have seen under what conditions the struggle between the two parties -had commenced in Valdivia. The General, who was ignorant of what was -passing, felt in a state of perfect security. As soon as he was in his -tent with Antinahuel, he let fall the curtain which closed it behind -them, and, by a gesture, invited the toqui to be seated. - -"Sit down, chief," he said, "I have something to say to you." - -"I am at the orders of my white brother," the Indian replied, with a bow. - -The General attentively examined the man before him; he endeavoured to -read on his countenance the various feelings that acted upon him; but -the features of the Indian were marble; no impression was reflected by -them. - -"Let us speak frankly, loyally, and as friends who wish no better than -to understand each other plainly," he said. - -Antinahuel bowed reservedly to this appeal to frankness, and the General -continued-- - -"At this moment the people of Valdivia are constituting me, by -acclamation, protector of a new confederation, formed of all the states." - -"Good!" said the chief, with an almost imperceptible shake of the head; -"is my father sure of that?" - -"Certainly I am. The Chilians are tired of the continual agitations -which disturb the country; they have forced this heavy burden upon me; -but I owe myself to my country, and I will not disappoint the hopes my -compatriots place in me." - -These words were pronounced in a hypocritical tone of self-denial, of -which the Indian was not in the least the dupe. A smile flitted across -the lips of the chief, which the General affected not to perceive. - -"To be brief," he continued, quitting the mild, conciliatory tone in -which he had till that time spoken, to assume a more decided and abrupt -manner, "are you prepared to keep your engagements?" - -"Why should I not keep them?" Antinahuel remarked. - -"Will you march with me to assure the success of my projects?" - -"Let my father order, I will obey." - -This readiness was displeasing to the General. - -"Come," he said, angrily, "let us put an end to this; I have not time to -enter into a contest of wits with you, or follow you through a labyrinth -of Indian circumlocutions." - -"I do not understand my father," Antinahuel replied, impassively. - -"We shall never get to the end, chief," the General said, stamping his -foot, "if you will not answer me categorically." - -"I listen to my father; let him ask, I will reply." - -"How many men can you have under arms within twenty-four hours?" - -"Ten thousand," the chief said, drawing himself up proudly. - -"All experienced warriors?" - -"All." - -"What do you require of me for them?" - -"My father knows." - -"I accept of all your conditions but one." - -"Which is that?" - -"The surrender of the province of Valdivia to you." - -"Is not my father going to make up for that province on another side?" - -"How so?" - -"Am I not to assist my father in conquering Bolivia?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, then?" - -"You are mistaken, chief, it is not the same thing; I may enlarge the -Chilian territory, but honour forbids me to diminish it." - -"Let my father reflect; the province of Valdivia was anciently an -Araucanian Uthal-Mapus." - -"Very possibly, chief; but, according to that principle, all Chili was -Araucanian previous to the discovery of America." - -"My father is mistaken; the Inca Sinchiroca had, a hundred years before, -conquered the Chilian land as far as the Rio-Maule." - -"You seem to be well acquainted with the history of your country, -chief," the General observed. - -"Does not my father know the history of his?" - -"That is not the question, now; do you accept my proposals or not?" - -The chief appeared to reflect for an instant. - -"Well!" the General exclaimed, impatiently, "time presses." - -"That is true; I will, therefore, go and command a council, composed -of the Apo-Ulmens and Ulmens of my nation, and submit the words of my -father to them." - -The General with difficulty suppressed an expression of anger. - -"You must, doubtless, be joking, chief," he said--"your words cannot be -serious." - -"Antinahuel is the first toqui of his nation," the Indian replied, -haughtily; "he never jokes." - -"But you must give me your answer now--at once--in a few minutes!" cried -the General; "who knows whether we may not be obliged to march within an -hour from this time?" - -"It is my duty, as much as it is my father's, to enlarge the territory -of my people." - -At this moment the gallop of a horse was heard approaching; the General -flew to the entrance of the tent, where an orderly officer appeared. The -face of this officer was bathed with perspiration, and spots of blood -stained his uniform. - -"General!" he said breathlessly. - -"Silence!" the latter hissed, pointing to the chief, who, though -apparently indifferent, followed all his movements attentively. The -General turned towards Antinahuel. - -"Chief," he said, "I have orders to give to this officer--pressing -orders; if you will permit me, we will resume our conversation -presently." - -"Good!" replied the chief; "my father need not inconvenience himself; I -can wait." - -And after bowing, he left the tent slowly. - -"Oh!" said the General to himself, "you demon! if, some day, I have you -in my power!" - -But perceiving that anger was making him forget himself, he turned -towards the officer, who stood motionless: - -"Well, Diego," he said, "what news have you?--are we conquerors?" - -"No," the officer replied, shaking his head; "the people, excited by -those incarnate demons, the Dark-Hearts, have rebelled." - -"Oh!" the General cried, "shall I never be able to crush them? What has -taken place?" - -"The people have raised barricades; and Don Tadeo de Leon is at the head -of the movement." - -"Don Tadeo de Leon!" said the General. - -"Yes, he who was so clumsily shot." - -"Oh! this is war to the death then!" - -"A part of the troops, seduced by their officers, who have sold -themselves to the Dark-Hearts, have passed over to their side; at -this moment they are fighting in all the streets with the fiercest -inveteracy. I had to pass through a shower of bullets to come and inform -you." - -"We have not an instant to lose." - -"No; for though the soldiers who have remained faithful to you are -fighting like lions, I can assure you they are closely pressed." - -"Maldicion!" the General howled; "I will not leave stone upon stone of -that accursed city!" - -"Yes, but, in the first place, we must reconquer it, General, and that -will prove rather a rough job, I promise you," replied the old soldier, -who had preserved his blunt speech throughout. - -"Very well!" said Bustamente; "let 'boot and saddle' be sounded, and -every horseman take a foot soldier behind him." - -Don Pancho Bustamente was a prey to the most violent rage; for several -instants he stamped about his tent, like a wild beast in its cage. This -unexpected resistance, in spite of all the measures of precaution he had -taken, exasperated him. Suddenly the curtain of his tent was raised. -"Who is there?" he cried. "Ah! chief, is that you? Well, what do you -say?" - -"I saw the chief come out, and I thought that perhaps my father would -not be sorry to see me," the other replied, courteously. - -"And you were right; I am delighted to see you; forget all we have said, -chief; I accept all your conditions; are you satisfied, this time?" - -"Yes. Including Valdivia?" - -"That above all!" said the General, with concentrated rage. - -"Ah!" - -"Yes, and as that province has revolted, in order to be able to give it -to you, I must bring it back to its duty, must I not?" - -"To be sure you must!" - -"Well, as I have it at my heart to fulfil all my engagements to you, -I am going instantly to march against that city; will you help me to -subdue it?" - -"That will be but just, as I shall labour for myself." - -"How many horsemen have you at hand?" - -"Twelve hundred." - -"Good!" said the General, "they will be more than we shall want." - -"The troops are ready," said Diego, entering the tent, "and only await -your Excellency's orders." - -"To saddle, then; let us be gone! let us be gone! And you, chief, will -you not accompany us?" - -"Let my father move onward! my mosotones and I will tread in his steps -quickly." - -Ten minutes later, General Bustamente, with his soldiers, was again -galloping along the road to Valdivia. Antinahuel followed him with his -eyes attentively; then he rejoined his Ulmens, saying between his teeth, -"Let us leave these Moro-Huincas to slaughter each other a little while; -it will always be time enough to fall into the party." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII. - -IN THE MOUNTAIN. - - -Dona Rosario was so terrified, and such mortal anguish assailed her -on beholding the Count fall under the knives of the assassins, that -she fainted. When she recovered her senses, it was dark night. For -several minutes her confused thoughts whirled about in her brain; and -she endeavoured, but for a long time in vain, to recover the violently -broken thread of her ideas. At length light returned to her mind; she -breathed a deep sigh, and murmured in a low voice full of terror: - -"My God! my God! what has happened to me?" - -She then opened her eyes, and cast around a despairing look. We have -said it was a dark night; but what made the darkness more complete -for the poor girl, was a heavy covering of some kind which was spread -over her face, as well as her person. Then, with that patience which -characterizes all prisoners, and which is merely the instinct of -liberty, the poor child endeavoured to ascertain what her position was. -As well as she could judge, she was lying upon the back of a mule, -between two bales; a cord, which passed round her waist, prevented her -from rising, but her hands were free. The mule had that rough, irregular -trot, peculiar to its species, which made the young girl suffer terribly -at every step. Some horse cloths had been thrown over her, no doubt to -protect her from the heavy dews of the night, or perhaps to prevent her -from making out what road she was going. Dona Rosario, gently, and with -great precaution, slipped the covering down from her face: after a few -efforts her head was completely free. She then looked around her; but -all was dark. The moon, closely veiled by the clouds which passed over -its pale disc, only yielded, at rare intervals, a weak, uncertain light. -By lifting her head softly, the young girl could distinguish several -horsemen, riding before and behind the mule which carried her. As well -as she could make out, from the obscurity which surrounded her, these -horsemen were Indians. - -The rather numerous party--it apparently consisted of a score of -individuals--followed a narrow road deeply inclosed between two abrupt -mountains, the rocky masses of which, throwing their shadow over the -road, augmented the darkness. This road rose with a gentle ascent; and -the horses and mules, probably fatigued with a long journey, travelled -at a foot pace. The young girl, scarcely recovered from her fainting, -had not been able to judge of the time that had elapsed since her -abduction; and yet, by collecting her remembrances, and thinking at what -hour she had been the victim of this odious attempt, she calculated -that twelve hours must have passed away since she was made a prisoner. -Overcome by the effort she had been forced to make in order to look -around her, the poor girl let her head sink back again, stifling a sigh -of despondency; and closing her eyes, as if to isolate herself the more, -she plunged into sad and deep meditations. - -She was at least ignorant of whom she was with. Many times, it was true, -Don Tadeo had spoken to her of an inveterate enemy, inveterate for her -destruction; of a woman whose hatred watched her incessantly, ready to -sacrifice her on the first favourable opportunity. But who was this -woman? What cause had she for her hatred? Was she in the hands of this -woman at that moment? And if so, why had she not already sacrificed -her to her vengeance? From what motive had she been spared? For what -punishment was she reserved? - -These thoughts and many others came in crowds to assail the maiden's -bewildered mind. This uncertainty was for her an atrocious torture; at -that moment, the truth would, perhaps, have been a consolation. Man is -so constructed, that what he is most in dread of is the unknown; what he -is ignorant of, assumes instinctively, in the prepossessed eyes of one -whom a terrible danger menaces, gigantic proportions, a thousand times -more terrific than the danger itself. The diseased imagination creates -for itself phantoms which reality, however horrible it may be, puts -to flight. In a word, the condemned prisoner who is led to punishment -suffers more from the apprehensions which the fear of the death awaiting -him inspires him with, than the physical pain of that death itself will -cause him. Such was, at this moment, the situation of Dona Rosario; her -mind, filled with inquietude and dark presentiments, made her dread -nameless sufferings, the mere thought of which froze the young blood in -her veins. - -The caravan still proceeded; it had left the ravine, and was climbing -a path traced along the edge of a precipice, at the base of which -could be heard the dull murmur of invisible water. At times, a stone, -half-broken beneath the hoof of a mule, became detached, and rolled with -a sinister noise down the side of the mountain, to engulf itself in the -waters, into which it plunged with a dull plash, the sound of which -ascended from the abyss. The wind howled through the pines and larches, -the clashing branches of which showered a deluge of dry cones upon the -travellers. At intervals the owl, and the screech owl, concealed in -the crevices of the rocks, poured out into the night their plaintive -notes, breaking the silence dismally. Furious barkings were heard in the -distance; by degrees they grew nearer, and ended by forming a frightful -concert, broken by the sharp voices of women and children, endeavouring -to quiet them; lights appeared, and the caravan stopped. They had -evidently arrived at the halt, at which they were to pass the rest of -the night. - -The maiden cast an anxious but cautious look around her; but the flame -of the torches agitated by the wind would not permit her to see anything -but the dark outlines of some buildings and the shadows of several -individuals who flitted about her, with cries and laughter--nothing -more. The people of the escort were busily employed in unsaddling the -horses and unloading the mules, amidst cries and oaths, and did not -appear to bestow the least attention upon the young girl. - -A considerable time passed away; Dona Rosario did not know to what to -attribute this unaccountable forgetfulness. At length she felt that -someone took the mule by the bridle, and she heard him shout in a hoarse -voice, _Arrea!_--the word with which the arrieros are accustomed to -excite their beasts. Had she, then, been deceived? Was it not here they -were to stop? What was the meaning of the halt, then? Why did a portion -of the escort leave her? - -Her uncertainty was not of long duration; at the end of ten minutes at -most, the mule stopped again, and the man who led it approached Dona -Rosario. This man, clothed in the costume of the Chilian peasantry, wore -an old straw Panama hat, the large brim of which, pulled down over his -face, prevented her distinguishing his features. At the sight of this -individual, the young girl felt an involuntary shudder run through her -frame. The peasant, or pretended peasant, without addressing a word to -her, withdrew the covering which enfolded her, untied the cord which -bound her to the mule, and taking her in his arms, carried her with as -much ease as if she had been a child, into a detached cabin a few paces -distant, the door of which, standing open, seemed to invite them to -enter. - -The interior of this cabin was dark. The young girl was laid upon the -ground with a care and attention she did not expect. At the moment when -he let her sink softly down from his arms to the ground, the man bent -his head down towards her, and in a voice as inaudible as a breath, he -whispered, "Courage! and hope!" and recovering himself quickly, went -hastily out of the cabin, closing the door after him. - -As soon as he was gone, Dona Rosario sprang upon her feet. The two words -pronounced by the unknown had sufficed to restore her presence of mind, -and remove all her terrors. Hope, that universal panacea, that supreme -good, which God, in His infinite mercy, has given to the unfortunate -to help them to suffer, had suddenly re-entered her heart; she felt -herself become strong, and ready to engage in the struggle with her -unknown enemies. She knew now that a friend watched in secret over her, -and, if required, his assistance would not be wanting; therefore it was -almost with impatience, though still with fear, that she waited for her -ravishers to signify their intentions. - -The place in which she was confined was completely dark. At the first -moment she in vain endeavoured to distinguish anything in this chaos; -but, by degrees, her eyes became accustomed to the darkness, and, in -front of her, she perceived a faint light, which flitted between the -badly-joined boards of a door. She then, with great precaution, for -fear of arousing her invisible guardians, and stretching out her hand -to keep her from contact with any obstacle she could not see, advanced -cautiously, and listening attentively, towards the side from which came -the light--a light which attracted her as instinctively as a flame -attracts the imprudent moth whose wings it burns. - -The nearer she approached, the more distinct the light became, and the -sound of a voice reached her ears. At length her extended hands touched -the door, and leaning forward, she applied her eye to the chink. She -stifled a cry of surprise, and, as at that moment the conversation, -which had been for a short time interrupted, recommenced, she listened -with intensity. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII. - -ON THE WATCH. - - -What she heard, but still more what she saw, necessarily powerfully -interested Dona Rosario. In a vast room, dimly lighted by one of those -yellow candles which the Chilians call _velas de cebo_, fastened to -the wall by means of a ring, a woman, still young, and very handsome, -attired in a riding dress of great richness, was seated on an ebony -chair, covered with Cordova leather. With her right hand she played -with a gold headed whip, and was speaking in an animated tone to a man -who stood respectfully before her, hat in hand. This man, as well as -Dona Rosario could make out, was the same who had carried her into the -_cuarto_. The woman, whom Dona Rosario did not recollect ever to have -seen, was no other than Dona Maria, the shameless courtesan, who, under -the name of the Linda, enjoyed such a scandalous celebrity. - -Dona Maria's position threw the light of the candle full upon her face, -and gave Dona Rosario an opportunity of distinguishing her features. -She contemplated them with deep interest, for she felt instinctively -that this woman was the enemy who, from her birth, had fatally followed -her steps. She imagined that a decisive conference between her and -the unknown was about to take place, and that in a few minutes her -fate would be made known to her. And yet, at the aspect of this woman, -whose bent brows, clear and haughty look, coldly compressed lips, -and cruel words, revealed with the hatred which devoured her, it was -neither a feeling of terror, nor a feeling of hatred, that the young -girl experienced. Without knowing why, a sadness and an undefined pity -for the very woman who was giving orders that made her shudder, took -possession of her. She listened breathlessly, fascinated, scarcely -knowing whether what she heard was really true, and fancying herself at -times under the influence of some terrible hallucination. - -The two speakers, who knew not that they were either watched or -overheard, resumed their conversation in an unrestrained voice. Dona -Rosario, we may well suppose, did not lose a single word. - -"How is it," said the Linda, "that Joan has not come? I expected him." - -The man thus questioned cast a sharp look around him, and rolling up -the broad brim of his hat in his fingers, replied with ill-dissembled -embarrassment-- - -"Joan sent me in his place." - -"And by what right," said the Linda, in a haughty tone, "does the fellow -presume to confide to others the care of accomplishing the orders I give -him?" - -"Joan is my friend," the man replied. - -"What are the ties that unite you to me:" she asked, contemptuously. - -"The mission you charged him with is accomplished." - -"Ay--but faithfully?" - -"The woman is there," he said, pointing to the room in which Dona -Rosario was; "during the journey she has spoken to nobody, and I can -guarantee that she does not know to what place she has been brought." - -At this assurance the look of Dona Maria softened a little, and it was -in a less sharp and haughty tone she continued-- - -"But why did Joan give up his place to you?" - -"Oh!" the man said with a feigned bluntness, belied by his cunning eye, -"for a very simple reason; Joan is at this moment attracted towards the -plain by the black eyes of the wife of a paleface, which sparkle like -fireflies in the night. The woman's toldo is built in the country, near -the tolderia which you call, I think, Concepcion. Although such conduct -be unworthy of a warrior, his heart is flying constantly towards this -woman, in spite of himself, and until he gain possession of her, he will -never be in his senses." - -"Well, then," the Linda interrupted, stamping her foot with vexation, -"why does not the fool carry her off?" - -"I proposed that to him." - -"And what did he say?" - -"He refused." - -Dona Maria shrugged her shoulders with a smile of disdain. "Still," she -remarked, "all that does not tell me who you are." - -"I! I am an Ulmen in my tribe; a great warrior among the Puelches," he -replied, proudly. - -"Ah!" she said, with an air of satisfaction, "you are an Ulmen of the -Puelches, are you? Good! then I can depend upon your fidelity." - -"I am the friend of Joan," he remarked simply, with a respectful bow. - -"Do you know the woman whom you have brought here?" the Linda asked, -darting at him a mistrustful glance. - -"How should I know her?" - -"Are you ready to obey me in everything?" - -"My obedience will depend on my sister; let her speak, and I will -answer." - -"This woman is my enemy," said the Linda. - -"Must she die?" he asked, roughly, without lowering his eyes before the -searching glances of the Linda. - -"Oh, no!" she cried eagerly; "these Indians are brutes--they understand -nothing of vengeance! What use would her death be to me? It is her life -I want." - -"Let my sister explain; I do not comprehend." - -"Death! that is nothing but a few instants of suffering, then all is -over." - -"White death may be so, but an Indian death must be called for many -hours before it answers." - -"I wish her to live, I tell you!" - -"She shall live. Ah!" he added, with a sigh, "the toldo of a chief is -empty, its fires are extinguished." - -"Oh! oh!" the Linda interrupted; "have you no wives?" - -"They are dead." - -"And where is your tribe at this moment?" - -"Oh!" said the Indian, "far from here--ten suns' march, at least. I was -returning to rejoin the warriors of my tolderia, when Joan charged me -with this mission." - -There was a short silence, during which the Linda appeared to be -reflecting. Dona Rosario redoubled her attention--she felt she was about -to know her fate. - -"And pray," Dona Maria resumed, fixing her keen eyes upon the Indian, -"what great interest detained you on the plains near the seashore?" - -"None; I came, as the other Ulmens did, to renew the treaties." - -"Had you no other reasons?" - -"None at all." - -"Listen to me, chief. You have, doubtless, admired the four horses -fastened at the gate of this house?" - -"They are noble beasts," the Indian replied, his eyes glistening with -the desire of possessing them. - -"Well, it only depends upon yourself that I should give them to you." - -"Oh! oh!" he cried, joyfully, "what must I do for that?" - -"Obey me," said the Linda, with a smile. - -"I will obey," he replied. - -"Whatever I command you?" - -"Whatever my sister commands." - -"That is well; but remember what I am going to say to you. If you -deceive me, my vengeance will be terrible--it will follow you -everywhere." - -"Why should I deceive my sister?" - -"Because your Indian race is so constituted--astute and roguish, ever -ready to betray." - -A sinister flash gleamed from the downcast eye of the Puelche warrior; -nevertheless, he replied in a calm tone-- - -"My sister is mistaken; the Araucanos are loyal." - -"We shall see," she coldly remarked. "What is your name?" - -"The Musk Rat." - -"Very well; listen, Musk Rat, to what I am going to say." - -"My ears are open." - -"This woman, who, according to my orders, you brought here, must never -again revisit the shores of the sea." - -"She shall never see them again." - -"I do not wish her to die--understand that; she must suffer," the Linda -added, in a tone which made the unhappy girl tremble with fear. - -"She shall suffer." - -"Yes," said Dona Maria, with sparkling eyes, "I wish that, during a -long course of years, she may suffer a martyrdom at every instant; she -is young, she will have time to call upon death to deliver her from her -misery before it deigns to listen to her. Beyond the mountains, far in -the deserts, in the virgin forests of the Grou-Chaco, I am told that -hordes of Indians exist who are ferocious and sanguinary, and bear a -deadly hatred towards all of the white race." - -"Yes," said the Puelche, in a melancholy tone, "I have heard of these -men from the chiefs of my tribe; they live only for murder." - -"That is it!" she said, with sinister delight. "Well, chief, do you -think yourself able to traverse these vast deserts, and reach the -Grou-Chaco?" - -"Why should I not?" the Indian replied, raising his head proudly, "Do -there exist obstacles strong enough to resist the Araucano warrior in -his course? The puma is the king of the forests, the vulture that of the -heavens; but the Aucas is the king of the puma and the eagle; the desert -is his--Guatechu has given it to him; his horse and his lance render him -invincible and master of immensity." - -"Then my brother will accomplish this journey, which is impossible?" - -A disdainful smile played for an instant round the lips of the savage -warrior. - -"I will accomplish it," he said. - -"Good! my brother is a chief--I perceive he is one now." - -The Puelche bowed modestly. - -"My brother will go there, then, and when he arrives in the Chaco, he -will sell the pale girl to the Guayacuras." - -The Indian did not allow any mark of astonishment to be perceived upon -his face. - -"I will sell her," he replied. - -"That is well!--my brother will be faithful?" - -"I am a chief; I have but one word, my tongue is not forked; but why -should I take this pale woman so far?" - -Dona Maria cast a penetrating glance at him--a suspicion crossed her -mind--the Indian perceived it. - -"I only made a simple observation to my sister; it concerns me little, -and she need not answer me if she does not think proper," he said, with -indifference. - -The brow of the Linda became serene again. - -"The remark is just, chief; I will answer it. Why take her so far, you -asked me; because Antinahuel loves this woman--his heart is softened by -her--and perhaps he will suffer himself to be moved by her prayers, and -restore her to her family. But it shall not happen; she shall weep tears -of blood; her heart shall break under the incessant pangs of grief; she -shall lose everything, even hope!" - -After uttering these words, Dona Maria arose, with head erect, sparkling -eyes, and extended arm; there was in her aspect something fatal and -terrible, which terrified even the Indian, by nature so difficult to -move. - -"Go," she cried, in a tone of command, "before she departs for ever, -I will see this woman once--only once, and speak with her for a few -minutes; she shall at least know me: bring her hither!" - -The Indian went out silently; this woman, so beautiful and so cruel, -terrified him--she inspired him with horror. - -Dona Rosario, on hearing this atrocious sentence pronounced against her, -fell senseless to the ground. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV. - -FACE TO FACE. - - -The door of the cuarto in which Dona Rosario was confined was thrown -open, and the Puelche warrior appeared; he held in his hand a rude -earthen lamp, the flame of which, although feeble, sufficed to -distinguish objects. He had replaced his shabby hat upon his head, and -its wide brim served as a mask to his features. - -"Come with me!" he said, in a rough voice, to the maiden. - -Conscious of the inutility of a resistance which could only be dangerous -to her amidst the bandits who surrounded her, and bowing her head with -resignation, she followed her guide in silence. Dona Maria had resumed -her place in the ebony chair; with arms crossed, and her head hanging -upon her bosom, she was buried in dark meditations. At the slight noise -made by the footsteps of the young lady, she drew herself up, a flash of -hatred gleamed from her dark eyes, and with, a gesture she commanded the -Indian to retire. The Puelche obeyed. - -The two women examined each other intensely; their looks crossed; the -hawk and the dove were face to face. A deathlike silence reigned in the -apartment; at intervals the wind came in gusts and dismal moanings, -through the ill-joined boards of the doors, shook the old building to -its foundation, and agitated the flame of the only candle that illumined -the vast gloomy room in which the two women were. After a sufficiently -long pause, the Linda, who, with that instinct which women possess in -such a high degree, had examined in detail, one by one, the numerous -beauties of the charming girl who stood pale and trembling before her, -at length spoke-- - -"Yes," she said, in a hollow voice, as if speaking to herself, and -overcome by the evidence of the fact, "yes, this girl is beautiful; she -has everything to make her an object of love--to see her must be to -love her; well, this beauty, which up to this time has been her joy and -her pride, grief shall wither rapidly; before one year has passed away -I am resolved that she shall become an object of pity and contempt for -all. Oh!" she added, in a piercing, shrill voice, "I have her at length -within the power of my vengeance!" - -"What have I done to you, madam, that you should hate me thus?" the -maiden asked, in a plaintive voice, the sweet and melodious accent of -which would have softened anyone but her to whom she spoke. - -"What have you done to me, silly creature?" the Linda cried, bounding -up like a wounded lioness, and placing herself close in front of Dona -Rosario--"what have you done to me?" and then added, with a loud -laugh--"Ah! ah! that's true, _you_ have done nothing to me!" - -"Alas, madam! I do not even know you; this is the first time I have been -in your presence; I, a poor young girl, whose life to the present time -has passed away in retirement--how can I have offended you?" - -"Yes, I allow it," the Linda replied; "you have done nothing to me; and, -personally, as you have just said, I have nothing to reproach you with; -but, by making you suffer, learn that it is upon _him_ I avenge myself." - -"I do not understand what you mean, madam," the maiden said, simply. - -"Senseless fool, do not play with the lioness who is ready to devour -you, or pretend to feign an ignorance of which I am not the dupe; if you -have not already divined my name, I will tell it you--I am Dona Maria, -whom they call the Linda--do you understand me now?" - -"Not more than I did before, madam," replied Dona Rosario, with an -accent of frankness that shook the belief of her persecutor, in spite of -herself; "I have never even heard that name." - -"Can that be true?" she cried, doubtingly. - -"I swear it is." - -Dona Linda strode about the apartment with long, hasty steps. Dona -Rosario, more and more astonished, looked stealthily at this woman, -without being able to account to herself for the emotion which her -presence, and the sound of her voice, caused her to experience; it -was not fear, still less was it joy, but an incomprehensible mixture -of sadness, joy, pity, and terror; an undefinable feeling, which, -far from creating repulsion, drew her towards a woman whose odious -projects were no secret to her, and from whom she knew she had so much -to dread. Singular sympathy; what Dona Rosario felt towards the Linda, -the Linda felt towards Dona Rosario: in vain she called to her aid the -remembrance of all the wrongs with which she fancied she had to reproach -the man whom she wished to strike in the person of the young girl; in -the innermost recesses of her heart, a voice, which constantly gained -strength, spoke to her in favour of the maiden whom she was about to -sacrifice to her hatred; the more she endeavoured to overcome this -sentiment, for which she could not account, the more powerless she found -her efforts become; at length, she was on the point of being softened. - -"Oh!" she murmured, passionately, "what is going on within me? Am I -weak enough to allow myself to be subdued by the tears of that paltry -creature?" - -Like Indian warriors, who, when fastened to the stake of blood, sing -their own exploits to encourage them to endure bravely the tortures -which their executioners silently prepare, the Linda recalled the -maddening remembrance of all the outrages Don Tadeo had loaded her with; -and with flashing eyes and trembling lips, she stopped short in front of -Dona Rosario. - -"Listen to me, girl," she said, in a voice which passion caused to -tremble, "this is the first and last time we shall be in the presence of -each other; and you shall know why I bear you such hatred. What you will -learn will be hereafter, perhaps, a consolation to you, and help you to -bear with courage the miseries I reserve for you," she added, with the -laugh of a demon. - -"I will listen to you, madam," Rosario replied, meekly, "although I am -certain that what you are about to say cannot, in any sense, render me -guilty with respect to you." - -"Do you think so?" the Linda said, in a tone of ironical compassion; -"well, then, listen; we have time to talk, as you will not leave this -place for an hour." - -This allusion to her approaching departure made the poor girl shudder, -by recalling to her all that the departure threatened. - -"A woman," the Linda continued, "a young and beautiful woman, more -beautiful than you, fragile child of cities, whom the least storm -bends like a weak reed--a woman, I say, had for love married a man, -also young, and handsome as the evil angel before his fall, who with -perfidiously golden words, by opening before her immense and unknown -horizons, had so seduced her, the poor, poor girl, that in a few days -he induced her to abandon stealthily the roof which had sheltered her -infancy, and to which her aged father in vain recalled her up to the day -of his death, that he might bless and pardon her." - -"Oh, that is frightful!" cried Dona Rosario. - -"Why so? as he had married her, morality was satisfied, in the eyes -of the world. This woman was pure, and could thenceforward move with -head erect before the crowd which had hailed her fall with laughter and -contempt. But everything passes away in this world, and most quickly of -all, the love of the most passionate man. Only a year after marriage -this woman, alone in the most retired room of her dwelling, wept over -the remembrance of the happiness which had left her for ever. Her -husband had deserted her! A child born of this union, a little fair -girl, a rosy-lipped cherub, whose eyes reflected the azure of the -heavens, was the sole consolation which in her misfortunes was left to -the poor abandoned mother. One night, when she was plunged in sleep, her -husband stole like a thief into her house, seized the child, in spite -of the cries of the desolate mother, who threw herself in tears at his -feet, and implored him by all he held sacred in the world. After roughly -repulsing the despairing mother, who sank dying on the cold slabs of the -floor, this heartless and pitiless man disappeared with the child." - -"And the mother?" Dona Rosario anxiously asked, much affected by the -story which the Linda told, entirely to her own advantage. - -"The mother," she continued, in a low, broken voice, "the mother was -doomed never to see her child again. She never has seen her! Prayers, -threats, everything in turn, have been employed without success. And -now, this mother, who adores her child, and would sacrifice her life -for her,--this mother has vowed a hatred against this man, whom she so -fondly loved, and who showed no pity to her, which no vengeance can -satisfy! Now, then, young girl, do you know the name of this mother? -Say, do you know it? No, you do not? Well, then, I am this mother! and -the man who ravished from her all her happiness--the man whom she hates -as she does the demon whose heart he bears, is Don Tadeo de Leon!" - -"Don Tadeo!" Rosario cried, starting back with surprise. - -"Yes!" the Linda said, furiously; "yes, Don Tadeo, your lover!" - -The maiden sprang towards Dona Maria, and seizing her arm violently, and -placing her face, inflamed with anger, close to that of the courtezan, -who was stupefied at the energy she could not have expected from this -delicate creature, cried indignantly,-- - -"What have you dared to say, madam? Don Tadeo my lover! It is false, -madam!" - -"Can this be true?" the Linda asked, eagerly. "Can I have been so -grossly mistaken? But then," she added, mistrustfully, "who are you? and -by what title does he keep you always with him?" - -"I will tell you who I am, madam!" Rosario replied, proudly. - -All at once the hasty gallop of several horses was heard from without, -mingled with cries and oaths. - -"What can the matter be?" said Dona Maria, turning pale. - -"Oh!" said Dona Rosario, clasping her hands fervently; "oh, my God! are -you sending me liberators?" - -"You are not free yet," the Linda said, with a bitter smile. - -The tumult increased greatly; the door, violently pushed from without, -flew open, and several men rushed into the room. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV. - -THE REVOLT. - - -The multiplicity of the scenes we have to describe, and the exigencies -of our story, compel us to abandon Dona Rosario and the Linda, -and return to Valdivia, where the revolt had assumed the gigantic -proportions of a revolution. Electrified by the heroic conduct of the -King of Darkness, the patriots fought with the greatest obstinacy. -The Dark-Hearts appeared to have the gift of ubiquity; their numbers -increased, they were everywhere at the head of the insurgents, exciting -them by gesture and voice; but, above all, by their example. The city -was completely cut up by barricades, against which the few troops who -remained faithful to General Bustamente struggled in vain. Beaten back -by the enemies who on all sides rose up against them to the thousand -times repeated cries of "Our country!" "Chili Liberty!" the soldiers -retreated, step by step, abandoning, one after another, the different -posts of which they had been in possession at the commencement of the -action, and rallied upon the Plaza Mayor, the outlets of which they had -barricaded in their turn. - -The city was in the power of the insurgents; for as the battle from this -moment was concentrated at one point, it was not difficult to foresee -with which party the victory would remain; for the soldiers, discouraged -by the ill success of their _coup de main_, and sensible of being the -champions of a lost cause, only fought to obtain honourable conditions. -General Bustamente's officers, and the senators whom he had brought -with him as partizans, trembled when thinking of the fate that awaited -them if they fell into the hands of their enemies. Success justifies -everything: from the moment they failed to succeed they became traitors -to their country, and, as such, had no right to a capitulation. They -therefore excited their soldiers to fight valiantly, promising them -speedy assistance, and trying to revive their courage by telling them -that their adversaries were merely citizens, whom they could easily -overcome if they made a bold attempt, or even resisted for an hour -longer. - -The general who commanded the garrison, and whom we saw upon the steps -of the cabildo read with so much arrogance the decree which changed the -form of government, bit his lips with rage and performed prodigies of -valour, to give Bustamente time to arrive. As soon as he saw the turn -things had taken, he sent off an express for the General with the utmost -promptitude. This express was Diego, the old soldier who was so devoted -to General Bustamente. - -"Lieutenant," he said, in conclusion, "you see in what a position we -are; you must reach the General at all risks." - -"I will reach him, General; be at ease on that head!" Diego replied, -intrepidly. - -"And I will endeavour to hold out till your return." - -Don Diego, before he finished speaking, had ridden desperately at -the ranks of the insurgents, spurring on his horse, and waving -his sword with menacing rapidity round his head. The Dark-Hearts, -astonished by such an attack on the part of a single man, at the first -moment unconsciously opened their ranks before him as to a canister -shot, incapable of resisting the impetuous shock of this apparently -invulnerable demon, who mowed down all that came in his way. Diego -skilfully took advantage of the disorder produced on the enemy by his -furious assault; he kept pushing on, and, after incredible efforts, -succeeded in getting out of the city. As soon as he was in safety, the -overexcitement which till that time had sustained him, suddenly sank, -and at a few paces from the gates he was forced to stop to take breath, -and restore his confused ideas to a little order. The old soldier washed -the sides and nostrils of his horse with a little brandy and water; -and as soon as this duty was performed, aware that the fate of his -companions depended upon his speed, he sprang into his saddle and set -off with the fleetness of an arrow. - -The General did not delay his return to Valdivia a minute, for he felt -that success would be an immense advantage to him; and a check, if he -were beaten, irreparable. As a conqueror, his march to Santiago would -be nothing but a triumphant march; the authorities of the cities he -passed through would rival each other in ranging themselves beneath his -standard; whereas, if he were forced to abandon Valdivia as a fugitive, -he would be tracked like a wild beast, and obliged to seek safety in -a prompt flight, either in Bolivia or Buenos Aires, and the projects -he had nourished so long, and of which he believed he had beforehand -assured the success, would be deferred, or perhaps destroyed for ever. -Thus the General was a prey to one of those cold furies, which are so -much more terrible, because they cannot be exhibited outwardly. - -The horsemen advanced amidst a cloud of dust raised by their precipitate -course, rushing along the road like a whirlwind, and with a noise like -thunder. Two lances' length in advance of the soldiers, Don Pancho, -bending over the neck of his horse, with pale brow and clenched teeth, -galloped at full speed, keeping his eyes fixed upon the lofty steeples -of Valdivia, whose dark shadows became more enlarged on the horizon -every minute. Within half a mile of the city he halted his squadron. The -sharp pattering of musketry resounded strongly, mingled at intervals -with the dismal, rolling bass of cannon; the battle, therefore, must -still be going on. The General hastened to make his last preparations -before attempting an attack he hoped would prove decisive. The foot -soldiers dismounted, and formed in platoons, and firearms of all kinds -were loaded. - -The troops brought up by the General were not numerous from the European -point of view, according to which we are accustomed to see great masses -in conflict; they, at most, did not exceed eight hundred men. In Europe -it is customary to say that victory is most likely to attend large -battalions: in America, where the largest armies are frequently of not -more than three thousand men, this idea becomes naturally modified, -and it is generally the most skilful or the most brave man who remains -master of the field of battle. - -Don Pancho was a rough soldier, accustomed to the struggles of civil -wars, which, for the most part, consist of audacious _coups de main_. -Endowed with courage bordering on rashness, and devoured by ambition, he -prepared, with the greatest coolness, to re-establish his compromised -affairs by an irresistible attack. The country in the neighbourhood of -Valdivia is a real English garden, interspersed with thickets, apple -orchards, copses, and slender streams of water rippling away to the -river. It was very easy for the General to conceal his arrival. Two -soldiers were detached as scouts, in order to learn the state of things. -At the expiration of a few minutes they returned. The outskirts of the -city were deserted, the insurgents had driven the troops back into the -centre, and, according to the scouts, with the imprudence of citizens -metamorphosed suddenly into soldiers, they had left no reserve, or even -placed sentinels, to secure their rear against a surprise. - -This information, instead of restoring confidence to the General, made -him knit his brows; he thought it must be a manoeuvre, and whilst his -officers were laughing with all their might at the able tactics of -the insurgents, he judged it necessary to redouble his precautions. -The troops were divided into two bodies, which, in case of need, were -to support each other; and, as they were attacking a city entirely -barricaded, the lancers were ordered to dismount, and reinforce the -infantry. Only one squadron of a hundred horsemen remained in the -saddle, concealed about a quarter of a mile from the place, in order to -support a retreat, or to put the fugitives to the sword, if the surprise -succeeded. These arrangements made, the General made an earnest address -to his soldiers, to whom he promised, in the event of success, the -pillage of the city. He then placed himself at the head of the first -detachment, and gave the order, "March! Forward!" - -The troops advanced in the Indian fashion, taking advantage of every -inequality in the ground, and of every tree to conceal themselves, and -arrived thus, without giving alarm, to within pistol shot of the city. -The dead silence which continued to prevail around him, contrasted in -a dismal manner with the musketry and cannon which became more audible -as they advanced, and greatly increased the General's anxiety. A dark -presentiment warned him that he was threatened by some great danger, -which he knew not how to avoid, from being ignorant of what kind it -might be. The least hesitation at this critical minute might bring on -irreparable misfortunes. The General grasped the hilt of his sword -firmly in his clenched hand, and turning towards his soldiers, shouted -in a loud, clear voice, "Forward!" - -The detachment, which only awaited this order, rushed forward shouting, -and, at double-quick time, cleared the space between them and the city. -Windows, doors, all were closed; and had it not been for the distant -report of musketry, the city might have been thought deserted. The first -detachment, finding no obstacles before them, continued their march; -and the second detachment also entered. But then, all at once, behind, -before, and on the flanks of the troops, a loud cry burst forth; and -at every window appeared men with muskets in their hands. Don Pancho -Bustamente was surrounded, he had allowed himself to be taken--pardon us -the triviality of the comparison--like a rat in a trap. The soldiers, -astonished for a second, soon recovered themselves; they faced front and -rear, and attacked the double barrier that enclosed them: but though -they desperately rushed against it, they could not force it. They then -plainly perceived they were lost, that they could expect no quarter, and -prepared to die like brave men. - -The General cast fierce and desperate glances around him, looking, -but unsuccessfully, for a point of issue from the menacing forest of -bayonets crossed before him, and which enclosed him as in a steel -network. Some authors have amused themselves at the expense of the -wars and battles of the Americans, in which they say the two armies -always take care to place themselves out of reach of cannon shot, so as -never to have a single man killed. This pleasantry, which is in very -bad taste, has assumed the proportions of a calumny it is but just -to refute, for it attacks the honour of the Americans of the South, -who, I unhesitatingly assert, are endowed with intrepid courage--a -courage that was brilliantly displayed during the wars of independence -against the Spaniards. Unhappily, at present this courage is employed -in fratricidal struggles, without any understood object. Thrice the -soldiers rushed upon the insurgents, and thrice were they repulsed -with enormous loss. The battle was horrible, without mercy on either -side; they fought hand to hand, foot to foot, breast to breast, to -the last breath, only falling to die. The troops, decimated by this -frightful carnage, gradually gave ground; the space they occupied -became narrower and narrower, and the moment did not appear distant -when they would disappear under the popular flood which continued to -ascend, and threatened to engulf them under its irresistible mass. The -General collected about fifty men resolved to die or open a passage, and -he made a desperate attempt. It was a collision of giants. For a few -minutes, the two masses launched one against the other remained almost -motionless, from the force of the blow with which they met; Don Pancho, -flourishing his sword around him, and standing in his stirrups, struck -down all who opposed his passage. - -Suddenly a man placed himself before him, like a rock which rises from -the depths of the sea. At the sight of him the General paused, in spite -of himself, with a stifled cry of surprise and rage. This man was Don -Tadeo de Leon, his mortal enemy; whom he had once condemned to death, -and who had, in a miraculous manner, survived his execution. But, now! -God seemed to place him fatally before him, to be the instrument of his -vengeance, and the cause of his ruin and his shame. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVI. - -THE LION AT BAY. - - -"My God!" said the General, "am I the dupe of an hallucination?" - -"Ah! ah!" the King of Darkness exclaimed, with an ironical smile, "you -recognize me then, General?" - -"Don Tadeo de Leon!" Don Pancho cried, in horror. "Do the dead then -arise from the tomb? Oh! I hoped that what I heard was false. It is you!" - -"Yes," Don Tadeo replied, in a stern voice, "you are not mistaken, Don -Pancho; I am Don Tadeo de Leon, whom you caused to be shot upon the -Plaza Mayor of Santiago. Your spies have informed you correctly." - -"Man or demon," the General shouted, half choking with rage, "I will not -yield to you! I will fight you as a man, and send you back again to the -hell from which you have escaped!" - -His enemy smiled disdainfully. - -"Your hour has arrived, Don Pancho," he said; "you are due to the -justice of the Dark-Hearts." - -"You do not hold me yet, wretched traitor! If I cannot conquer, I can -die, weapon in hand, like a soldier." - -"No, your hour has struck, I tell you; you are ours, you shall die, but -not the death of a soldier; you shall be executed by our justice!" - -"If that be the case," the General yelled, brandishing his sword, "come -and take me!" - -Don Tadeo did not deign a reply; he gave a signal, and a lasso whizzed -through the air, launched by an invisible hand, and fell round the -General's shoulders. Astonished by this unexpected attack, before he -could make the least possible resistance, he received a terrific shock, -lost his stirrups, was pulled from his horse, and dragged amongst -the insurgents. The astounded General, half mad with rage and shame, -exhausted himself in vain efforts; nearly strangled by the lasso which -flayed his neck, his face assumed a purple tint; his eyes, injected with -blood, seemed starting from their sockets, and a white foam flowed from -the corners of his discoloured lips. Don Tadeo contemplated him for a -moment with a mixture of pity and triumph. - -"Free him from that slipknot," he said. "Secure his person, but treat -him with respect." - -The soldiers, terrified at this prompt capture, which they had not at -all expected, stood downcast and silent; in their stupor forgetting even -the use of their arms. Don Tadeo turned towards them: - -"Surrender," he shouted, "surrender! the man who misled you is in our -power; your lives shall be spared." - -The soldiers consulted each other for an instant with their eyes; and -then, as if by a spontaneous movement, they threw down their muskets, -crying aloud: - -"Chili! Chili! liberty! liberty!" - -"That is well!" said Don Tadeo; "leave the city, encamp at the distance -of a mile, and await the orders which shall soon be transmitted to you." - -The conquered soldiers, with downcast looks, followed the road they had -traversed an hour before; they passed through the silent ranks of the -insurgents, which opened to give them passage. Without loss of time, -Don Tadeo, followed by a crowd of his partisans, directed his course -towards the Plaza Mayor, where the battle still raged. The soldiers, -solidly intrenched in the Plaza, and masters of the cabildo, fought -valiantly, hoping still for the assistance of General Bustamente, of -whose fate they were ignorant. Although reduced to a small number, these -troops occupied a formidable position, in which it was almost impossible -to force them, without resolving to suffer great loss. Persuaded that -they only required to gain time, the soldiers fought with the energy of -despair, defending inch by inch the barricade behind which they were -sheltered. - -But the day was passing away, their ammunition was growing exhausted, a -great number of their comrades were stretched dead at their feet, and -nothing could support them but the hope that the succour so impatiently -expected was at hand. In the heat of their own contest they had not -heard the noise of the battle fought by Don Pancho at the city gates, in -which but few shots had been fired, as it had been principally decided -by cold steel. Discouragement, however, began to affect the bravest, -the general who commanded even felt his energy diminish, and he looked -around him with great anxiety. - -Dejected, and with downcast eyes, the senator, who had been the bearer -of the fatal proclamation, trembled in all his limbs; he regretted, -but too late, having thrown himself into this hornet's nest; and he -offered up the most magnificent vows to the innumerable saints of the -golden Spanish legend, if they would bring him safe and sound through -the perils which surrounded him. The worthy man had not any warlike -instincts; and we can safely affirm, without fear of contradiction, that -if he had had the slightest suspicion that things would have taken the -turn they did, he would have remained quiet in his charming quinta of -Corro-Azul, in the environs of Santiago, where his life glided away so -softly, so happily, and, above all, so free from care. Unfortunately, -as it sometimes happens in this nether world, where, whatever Candide -may say, everything is not for the best, in the best of worlds, Don -Ramon Sandias--so the worthy senator was named--had not been able duly -to appreciate the charms of that calm life; ambition had gnawed at his -heart, though he had nothing to wish for; and he had, as we have seen, -plunged up to the neck in a hornet's nest, from which he did not know -how to emerge. - -At every shot he heard, the poor senator jumped like a Guanaco, with -startled eyes; and when, now and then, in spite of the precautions he -had taken, the sinister hissing of a bullet resounded in his ear, he -threw himself flat on his face, murmuring all the prayers that his -troubled memory could recall. - -At first, the contortions and cries of Don Ramon had very much amused -the officers and soldiers among whom accident had placed him; they had -even taken delight in augmenting his terrors; but, at length, as happens -more frequently in such cases than people fancy, the pleasantries had -ceased; Don Ramon's terrors had communicated themselves to the laughers, -who saw, with fright, that their position was becoming every minute more -desperate. - -"The devil take the poltroon!" the General at length cried, angrily; -"cannot you keep your trembling limbs still? Caspita! console yourself, -they won't kill you more than once." - -"Ah! that is very easy for you to say," the senator replied, in a broken -voice; "I am no soldier; it is your trade to be killed, it is all one to -you." - -"Hum!" said the General, "not quite so much so as you may think; but -comfort yourself; if this goes on a little longer, we shall all go -together." - -"What is that you say?" the poor man muttered, with redoubled fear. - -"Caramba! it is clear as day, if Don Pancho does not make haste and -come, all of us here will die." - -"But I do not wish to die!" said the senator, bursting into tears; "I -am no soldier. Oh! I implore you, my good, my inestimable Don Tiburcio -Cornejo, let me go away!" - -The General shrugged his shoulders. - -"What consequence can it be to you?" the senator continued, in a -supplicating tone; "do save my life! show me which way I can get out of -this cursed confusion." - -"Eh! how the devil do I know?"' the General said, impatiently. - -"Well, now, look here," said the senator; "you owe me two thousand -piastres, which I won of you at Monte, do you not?" - -"What then?" the General, vexed at this ill-timed remark, said, sharply. - -"Get me away from here, and I will cry quits." - -"You are a fool, Don Ramon; do you think if I could get safely away from -here, that I would remain?" - -"I see what you are," said the senator, despondingly; "you are but a -false friend, you desire my death, you thirst for my blood." - -In short, the poor man was almost mad; he knew not what he said, -terror had deprived him of the little sense he ever possessed. But, in -reality, the position became every instant more critical; the carnage -was horrible, the soldiers fell one after another beneath the bullets -of the insurgents, who were sheltered by every corner of the plaza. Two -or three sorties attempted by the troops had been vigorously repulsed; -and hence, decimated as they were, all they could possibly do now was to -prevent their intrenchments from being carried. - -All at once the senator bounded forward like a chamois; he made directly -to the General, and seized his arm. - -"We are saved!" he cried; "thanks be to God! we are saved!" - -"Hilloh! what's the matter now, Don Ramon? What bee has stung you? are -you really mad?" - -"I have not been stung," the senator replied, as fast as he could speak, -"nor am I mad; we are saved; I tell you, we are saved!" - -"Well, how? what is it? Is Don Pancho coming at last?" - -"Don Pancho, indeed! I wish he were at the devil!" "Well, what is it, -then?" - -"Why, do you not see, yonder? look, behind the barricade which blocks -the entrance of the Calle de la Merced." - -"What is there to see?" - -"Why, a flag of truce! a white flag!" - -"Ah!" said the General, eagerly, "let us look! let us look!" - -And he did look. - -"True!" he said, at the expiration of a minute. "Success to all cowards, -say I, for having good eyes; I did not see it." - -"Ay, but I did," said Don Ramon, rubbing his hands, quite revived, and -marching off with great glee. But, at that moment, a nearly spent ball -came ricocheting and whizzing close to his ear. - -"Lord, have mercy upon me!" he cried, falling flat on his face, and -so remaining, as motionless as if he were dead, although he had not -received a scratch. - -In the meantime, the General had likewise caused a flag of truce to be -hoisted on his intrenchments, and had given orders for the firing to -cease. The noise of the combat being hushed, the senator, like a rabbit -relieved from alarm, raised his head a little; reassured by the silence -which prevailed, he sat up, looking on all sides with the greatest -anxiety, and, at length, convinced that the peril was over, he contrived -to get upon his legs, which, however, trembled so frightfully under him, -that they could scarcely support him. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVII. - -THE TRUCE. - - -As soon as the flag of truce was hoisted, firing at once ceased on both -sides. The troops at bay, who had ceased to hope for succour, were not -sorry to find that the insurgents saved their military honour by being -the first to demand a parley. General Cornejo, in particular, was tired -of the hopeless combat, which he had bravely maintained all the morning. - -"Well, Don Ramon," he said, addressing the senator in a more cordial -tone than he had before employed, "I think I have found means to enable -you to escape without striking a blow; so what we agreed to stands good, -does it not?" - -The senator looked at him with a bewildered air; the worthy man had not -the least recollection of what he had either said or done while the -balls were whistling round him. - -"I do not at all understand you, General," he replied. - -"Poor man! pretend to be innocent, do!" said the General, laughing, and -slapping him on the shoulder; "do you wish to persuade me you are like -the Guanacos, which lose their memory through trembling with fear?" - -"Upon my honour," said the senator, "I swear, Don Tiburcio, that I have -not the least remembrance of having promised you anything." - -"Ah! well, it is possible, for you were devilishly frightened. Come, I -will refresh your memory: pay attention!" - -"You will give me great pleasure." - -"Well, I doubt that! but that is of no consequence. You said to me, on -the spot where we now stand, not more than half an hour ago, that if I -found the means of securing your escape, safe and sound, you would hold -me quits for the two thousand piastres I lost to you, and owed you." - -"Do you flatter yourself that that is the truth?" said the senator, -whose avaricious instincts began to revive, as fear departed. - -"I am sure it is. Ask these gentlemen," the General asked, turning -towards some officers who stood by. - -"Oh, certainly! true to the letter," they said, with a laugh. - -"Ah! ah!" - -"Yes, and as I would not listen to you, you added--" - -"What!" Don Ramon, who knew of old the man he had to deal with, said, -with a start--"do you mean to say that I added something?" - -"The devil! yes," said the other. "You added this; and I repeat your -own words. You said, as plainly as you could speak--'And I will give a -thousand piastres in addition.'" - -"Oh, that is not possible!" the senator ejaculated, quite beside himself. - -"Perhaps I did not understand you?" - -"That must be it." - -"Do you admit you mentioned the two thousand?" asked the General, -quietly. - -"Not at all! not at all!" replied Don Ramon, quite confounded by the -laughter of the bystanders. - -"Perhaps you meant more; well, we will not haggle about that." - -"I never said a word of the kind!" the exasperated senator exclaimed. - -"In that case," said the General, with a stern frown, and surveying him -coolly, "you mean to say that I have told a falsehood." - -Don Ramon became aware that he had made a false move, and drew back. - -"Pardon me, my dear General," he said, in the most amiable voice -possible, "you are perfectly right; I do now remember it was two -thousand piastres I promised you in addition." - -It was now the General's turn to be at a loss, for this generosity on -the part of the senator, whose avarice was proverbial, confused him; he -was suspicious of some snare or trick. - -"But," Don Ramon added, with an air of triumph, "you have not saved me." - -"What do you mean by that?" - -"Why, Santiago! as we are going to hold a parley, you are too late, and -our bargain is void." - -"Oh! oh!" said Don Tiburcio, with a jeering smile, "you think so, do -you?" - -"Caspita! I am sure of it." - -"And yet you are deceived, my dear friend, as you shall judge: come with -me, the flag of truce is now crossing the barricades, and in an instant -you will learn that you have never been so near death as now." - -"You are joking." - -"I never joke about serious circumstances." - -"In Heaven's name explain yourself!" said the poor senator, whose fears -had all returned. - -"Lord! it is the simplest thing in the world," said the General, -carelessly; "I have but to declare to the leader of the revolt, and be -assured I will not fail to do so, that I only acted by your orders." - -"Well, but that is not true," interrupted Don Ramon, in great alarm. - -"I know that," the General replied, bluntly; "but, as you are a senator, -they will believe me, and you will be fully and fairly shot, and that -will be a pity." - -Don Ramon was thunder-struck by this piece of implacable logic; he found -that he was in a hobble, from which he could not possibly escape without -paying handsomely. He looked at his _friend_, who surveyed him with a -pitilessly ironical smile, whilst the officers bit their lips to keep -from laughing; he stifled a sigh, and resolving to make the best of -it, very much against his will, he said, inwardly cursing the man who -exposed him in such a cynical fashion-- - -"Well, Don Tiburcio, I admit that I owe you two thousand piastres, but -_I_ will pay you." - -This was the only epigram he ventured to indulge in regarding the -General's willingness to pay; but the latter was magnanimous, he took -no notice of the offensive part of the speech, and rendered quite -cheerful by the bargain he had concluded, he prepared to listen to the -propositions of the officer with the flag of truce, who was brought to -him with his eyes bandaged. This officer was Don Tadeo de Leon. - -"What do you come here for?" the General asked. - -"To offer you good terms, if you will surrender," Don Tadeo replied, in -a firm voice. - -"Surrender!" the General shouted with a laugh; "you must be mad, sir!" -and, turning towards the soldiers who had brought Don Tadeo, he added, -"Remove the bandage from the eyes of this caballero." - -The bandage fell accordingly. - -"Look round you," said the General, haughtily, "do we look like people -asking for a favour?" - -"No, General, you are a stout soldier, and your troops are brave; you -ask no favour of us, it is we who come to you to offer to lay down our -arms on both sides, and put an end to this fratricidal contest," Don -Tadeo replied, with an air of grandeur. - -"Who are you, may I ask, sir?" said the General, struck with the noble -bearing of the man who was speaking to him. - -"I am Don Tadeo de Leon, whom your leader ordered to be shot." - -"You!" cried the General, "you here!" - -"I, myself; and I have another name." - -"Tell it to me, sir." - -"I am called the King of Darkness." - -"The leader of the Dark-Hearts!" the General murmured, starting, in -spite of himself, and surveying the speaker with uneasy curiosity. - -"Yes, General, I am the leader of the Dark-Hearts, but I am still -something more." - -"Explain yourself, sir," the General asked, who began to be in doubt how -to behave toward the strange personage who was speaking to him. - -"I am the leader of the men whom you term insurgents, but who have, -in reality, only taken up arms to defend the institutions you have -overthrown, and the constitution you have violated." - -"Sir!" said the General, "your words----" - -"Are severe, but just," continued Don Tadeo; "ask your own loyal, -soldier's heart, General, and then tell me which side is right." - -"I am not a lawyer, sir," Don Tiburcio replied impatiently; "you have -yourself said that I am a soldier, and, as such, I confine myself to -obeying, without discussion, the orders I receive from my leaders." - -"Let us not lose time uselessly in idle speeches, sir; will you, or will -you not, lay down your arms?" - -"By what right do you make me such a proposal?" the General asked, whose -pride revolted at being forced to hold a parley with a citizen. - -"I could answer you," replied Don Tadeo, sternly, "that it is by the -right of the stronger, and that you know as well as I do that you -are combating for a lost cause, and that you are persisting without -advantage in a senseless struggle; but I prefer addressing myself to -your heart, and saying, why should brothers and fellow countrymen -continue to cut each other's throats?--why should we any longer shed -such precious blood? Make your conditions, General, and be assured that -for the sake of protecting your soldier's honour, that honour which is -ours also, as among the troops against whom we fight are our relations, -friends, and countrymen, we will grant them as extensively as you can -desire." - -The General felt himself moved, this noble language had found an echo -in his heart; he looked down on the ground, and reflected for several -minutes; at length, raising his head, he replied-- - -"Sir, believe me it costs me much not to answer as I could wish what you -have done me the honour to say to me; but I have a leader above me." - -"In your turn please to explain yourself, sir," said Don Tadeo. - -"I have sworn to Don Pancho Bustamente to defend his cause to the death." - -"Well?" - -"Well, sir, unless Don Pancho Bustamente were killed or a prisoner,--in -either of which cases I should consider myself freed from my oath to -him,--I will lay down my life for him." - -"Is that the only reason that prevents you, General?" - -"Yes, the only one." - -"In case General Bustamente should be either killed or a prisoner, you -would surrender?" - -"Instantly, I repeat." - -"Well," replied Don Tadeo, stretching out his arm in the direction of -the barricade by which he had come, "look yonder, General." - -Don Tiburcio looked in the direction indicated, and uttered a cry of -surprise and sorrow. Don Pancho Bustamente appeared at the top of -the barricade; his head was bare, and two armed men watched all his -movements. - -"Do you see him?" Don Tadeo asked. - -"Yes," replied the General, sorrowfully; "we all surrender, sir;" and -turning the point of his sword to the ground, he bent the blade with the -intention of breaking it. Don Tadeo stopped him by seizing the sword, -which he, however, returned to him immediately, saying-- - -"General, keep that weapon, it will serve you against the enemies of our -country." - -The General made no reply; he silently pressed the hand which the King -of Darkness held out to him, and turning away to conceal the emotion -which agitated him, he wiped away a tear that had fallen upon his grey -moustache. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVIII. - -TWO ROGUISH PROFILES. - - -The city was quiet, the revolt was over, or, to speak more logically, -the revolution was complete. The soldiers, after laying down their arms, -had evacuated Valdivia, which was left completely in the power of the -Dark-Hearts. As soon as peace was re-established, the Dark-Hearts gave -orders that the barricades should be destroyed, and that all traces of -the sanguinary struggle should be removed as quickly as possible. By the -force of accomplished facts alone, Don Tadeo de Leon found himself quite -naturally invested with power, and in command of the province, with the -faculties of a dictator. - -"Well," he asked Valentine, "what do you think of what you have seen?" - -"Faith," the Parisian replied, with characteristic bluntness, "I think -people must come to America to see how men can be caught with hook and -line like simple gudgeons." - -Don Tadeo could not refrain from smiling at this whimsical answer. - -"Do not leave me," he said; "all is not over yet." - -"I ask no better; but, our friends yonder, don't you think they will be -very uneasy at our long absence?" - -"Can you for a moment imagine that I have forgotten them? Within an hour -you will be at liberty. Come with me; I want to show you two faces to -which our victory has given an expression very different from that which -they generally wear." - -"That will be curious," said Valentine. - -"Yes," Don Tadeo replied, "or hideous, whichever you please." - -"Hum! man is not perfect," said Valentine, philosophically. - -"Fortunately not; if he were, he would be execrable," Don Tadeo remarked. - -They entered the cabildo, the doors of which were guarded by a -detachment of Dark-Hearts. The vast saloons of the palace were invaded -by an eager crowd, who came to salute the rising sun; that is to say, -they came to offer the spectacle of their baseness to the fortunate man, -whom, no doubt, they would have stoned if success had not crowned his -audacious attempt. Don Tadeo passed, without seeing them, through the -ranks of these sycophants, the sworn courtiers of every authority, as -void of honour as of shame, possessing but one single talent--that of -making bendings to which it would seem impossible that the vertebral -column of a man could attain, however flexible it may be. Valentine, who -followed the footsteps of his friend, feigned to take for himself the -greater part of the genuflexions meant for Don Tadeo, and bowed to the -right and left with imperturbable coolness and assurance. - -The two gentlemen, after many delays caused by the increasing crowd, -which closed around them, reached at last a retired apartment, in which -there were only two persons. These two persons were General Tiburcio -and Senator Don Ramon Sandias. The physiognomy of these persons offered -a striking contrast. The General, with a sad face and a pensive step, -walked about the apartment, whilst the senator, luxuriantly reclining -on a fauteuil, with a smile upon his lips, his visage expanded, and -one leg thrown over the other, was fanning himself carelessly with an -embroidered handkerchief of the finest cambric. At the sight of Don -Tadeo, the General advanced rapidly towards him; as for the senator, he -sat upright in his chair, assumed a serious look, and waited. - -"Sir," the General said, in a low voice, "two words." - -"Speak, General," replied Don Tadeo; "I am entirely at your disposal." - -"I have some questions which I wish to put to you." - -"You may be assured, General, that if it be in my power to answer you, I -will not hesitate to satisfy you." - -"I am convinced of that, and it is that which emboldens me to speak." - -"I am all attention." - -The General hesitated for a moment, but seemed at length determined. - -"Good heavens, sir!" said he, "I am an old soldier, unacquainted with -diplomacy; I had a friend, almost a brother, and I am a prey to mortal -uneasiness on his account." - -"And that friend?" - -"Is General Bustamente. You must know," he added, warmly, "that we have -been fellow soldiers thirty years; and I should wish--" here he stopped, -as if in doubt, looking earnestly at the person he was addressing. - -"You would like?" said Don Tadeo, quietly. - -"To know the fate that is reserved for him." - -Don Tadeo gave the General a melancholy glance. - -"To what purpose?" he murmured. - -"I beg of you." - -"You insist on knowing?" - -"I do." - -"General Bustamente is a great criminal. While a leader in power, he -wished to change the form of government against the will of the people -from whom he held his position, and in contempt of the laws, which he -shamelessly trampled underfoot." - -"That is but too true," said the General, whose brow turned crimson. - -"General Bustamente has been implacable during the course of his too -long career; you know that he who sows the wind can only hope to reap -the tempest." - -"Hence!" - -"The same implacability will be shown to him that he has shown to -others." - -"That is to say?" - -"He will, in all probability, be condemned to death." - -"Alas! I expected as much; but will this condemnation of which you -speak, be long delayed?" - -"Two days at most; the commission which must try him will be formed -today." - -"Poor friend!" said the General, piteously; "and that's the end! Will -you grant me a favour, sir?" - -"Name it." - -"As the General must die, it would be a consolation to him to have a -friend by his side." - -"No doubt it would." - -"Allow me to be his guard. I am sure he will be happy to know that it is -I who have the duty of watching over him and leading him to death. And -then I shall not, at least, abandon him till the last minute." - -"So be it,--your request is granted. Have you anything else to say? I -shall be happy to serve you." - -"No, I thank you, sir; that is all I desired,--Ah! one word more!" - -"Speak." - -"Can I be allowed to take this guard soon?" - -"Immediately, if you like." - -"I thank you, sir." - -And after profoundly bowing to Don Tadeo, the General quitted the room -with a hasty step. - -"Poor man!" said Valentine. - -"Eh?" cried Don Tadeo. - -"I said, poor man!" - -"Oh, yes; I heard you plainly enough, but of whom were you speaking?" - -"Of the unfortunate man who has just left us." - -Don Tadeo shrugged his shoulders, and Valentine looked at him with -surprise. - -"Do you think you know whence the solicitude of this poor man, as you -call him, for his friend arises?" - -"Why, from his friendship for him; that is clear." - -"You think so, do you?" - -"I can think nothing else." - -"Well, then, allow me to tell you you are completely mistaken; the poor -General is only desirous to be near his companion in arms, that he may -have the opportunity of suppressing the proofs of his complicity in the -rash enterprise of yesterday; proofs which Don Pancho most likely has -about him, and which the other wishes to destroy at all hazards." - -"Can that be possible?" - -"By Saint Jago, yes! He desires to be constantly with him, that he may -not communicate with anyone--why, he would kill him, if necessary." - -"Oh! this is infamous!" - -"But so it is." - -"Bah! it gives me a nausea." - -"Well, do not be sick yet." - -"Why not?" - -"Because," Don Tadeo continued, pointing to the senator, "I think we -have something here that will bring the agreeable feeling to its height." - -As soon as Don Ramon saw the General leave the apartment, he quitted his -easy chair, and advanced towards Don Tadeo, bowing obsequiously. - -"To whom have I the honour of speaking?" said the King of Darkness, with -studied politeness. - -"Sir," the other replied, with a jaunty, gentlemanly air, "my name is -Don Ramon Sandias, and I am a senator." - -"How can I be of service to you, sir?" said Don Tadeo, bowing. - -"Oh," Don Ramon replied, affectedly; "as regards myself, personally, I -ask nothing." - -"Indeed!" - -"Caspita! no; I am rich, what more can I want? But I am a Chilian, a -patriot, sir; and, what is more, a senator. Placed in an exceptional -position, I am bound to give my fellow citizens unequivocal proofs of my -devotion to the holy cause of liberty. Are you not of my opinion, sir?" - -"Entirely." - -"I have heard, sir, that the wretched cabecilla, the cause of this silly -movement, which brought the republic within two inches of ruin, is in -your hands." - -"Yes, sir," replied Don Tadeo, with imperturbable coolness, "we have -been fortunate enough to obtain possession of his person." - -"You are, doubtless, going to bring this man to trial?" Don Ramon asked, -in a somewhat familiar tone. - -"Within forty-eight hours, sir." - -"That is right, sir. It is thus that justice should be dealt to these -shameless agitators, who, in contempt of the sacred laws of humanity, -seek to plunge our beautiful country into the gulf of revolutions." - -"Sir!" - -"Pardon me for speaking thus," said Don Ramon, with well-feigned -enthusiasm; "I feel that my freedom goes rather far, but my indignation -carries me away, sir; it is quite time that these makers of widows and -orphans should receive the exemplary chastisement they merit. I cannot -think, without trembling, of the manifold evils that would have fallen -upon us, if this miserable adventurer had succeeded." - -"Sir, this man is not yet condemned." - -"And that is exactly what brings me to you, sir. As a senator, and -a devoted patriot, I claim of you the right which belongs to me, of -presiding over the commission whose duty it is to sit in judgment upon -him." - -"Your request is granted, sir," Don Tadeo replied, who was unable to -repress a smile of contempt. - -"Thank you, sir!" said the senator, with an expression of joy; "however -painful the duty may be, I shall know how to perform it." - -After bowing deeply to Don Tadeo, the senator left the room in high -spirits. - -"You see," said Don Tadeo, turning to Valentine, "Don Pancho had two -friends upon whom he thought he could depend: one took upon him to -proclaim him, the other to defend him. Well, in one he finds a gaoler, -in the other an executioner." - -"It is monstrous!" said Valentine, with disgust. - -"No," replied Don Tadeo; "it is logical, that's all;--he has failed." - -"I have had enough of your politic men, with two faces, and neither of -them a true one," replied Valentine; "allow me to return to our friends." - -"Begone, then, since you wish it." - -"Thanks!" - -"You will come back to Valdivia immediately, will you not?" - -"Pardieu, will I!" - -"Will you have an escort?" - -"For what purpose?" - -"Ah! that is true; I am always forgetting that you never apprehend -danger." - -"I am only anxious about our friends; that is why I leave you." - -"Have you any cause for apprehension?" - -"None; but yet, a vague uneasiness, which I can not account for, compels -me to remain no longer away from them." - -"Begone, then, as quickly as you please, my friend; but pray be watchful -over the poor child, Rosario." - -"Be at ease on that score; within three hours she shall be here." - -"That is understood: a pleasant ride to you, and remember that I shall -look for you with impatience." - -"Time to go and return, that is all." - -"Till then, adieu!" - -Valentine left the room, went straight to the stables, saddled his horse -himself, and set off at a gallop. He had told Don Tadeo the truth: a -vague uneasiness disturbed him, he had a presentiment of some misfortune -or another. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIX. - -THE WOUNDED MAN. - - -Let us return to the Count de Prebois Crance. When the abduction was -committed, that part of the plain where Don Tadeo had pitched his camp -was deserted. The crowd, attracted by curiosity, had all gone to the -side where the renewal of the treaties was taking place. Besides, the -measures of the ravishers had been so judiciously taken, all had passed -so quickly, without resistance, without cries or tumult, that no alarm -had been given, and no one could suspect what was going on. The cries of -"murder!" uttered by the wounded young man were too faint to be heard, -and the pistol shots he had fired were confounded with the other noises -of the festival. - -Louis remained for a considerable time lying senseless in front of the -tent, the blood flowing from two wounds. By a singular chance, the -peons, the arrieros, and even the two Indian chiefs, who could not think -there was anything to be dreaded, had all gone, as we have said, to be -present at the ceremony. When the cross had been planted, and the toqui -and the General had gone, arm in arm, to the tent of the latter, the -crowd began to separate into little groups, and soon dispersed, each -returning to the spot where he had established his temporary camp. - -The Indian chiefs were the first to quit the scene; now that their -curiosity was satisfied, they reproached themselves for having been so -long absent from their friend. On approaching the little camp, they were -surprised at not seeing Louis, and a certain appearance of disorder in -the baggage filled them with uneasiness. They quickened their pace, and -the nearer they drew the more evident this disorder became in their -eyes, accustomed to remark those thousands of signs which escape the -eyes of the white man. In fact, the passage left free in the inclosure -formed by the bales, seemed to have been the scene of a struggle; the -footmarks of several horses were strongly imprinted in the moist earth, -and some bales had even been removed, as if to widen the entrance, and -lay scattered about. All these indications were more than sufficient for -the chiefs; they exchanged an anxious glance, and rushed into the camp. - -Louis was still lying where the assassins had left him, stretched across -the entrance of the tent, his discharged pistols in his hands, his head -thrown back, his mouth half open, and his teeth clenched. The blood had -ceased to flow. The two men looked at him for a moment with a feeling of -stupor. His countenance was of a livid paleness. - -"He is dead!" said Curumilla, in a voice stifled by emotion. - -"He seems so," Trangoil-Lanec replied as he knelt down by the body. - -He raised the young man's senseless head, untied his cravat, and opened -his vest; then they perceived the two gaping wounds. - -"This is a revenge!" he murmured. - -"What is to be done?" said Curumilla, shaking his head discouragingly. - -"Let us try to recover him--I hope he is not dead." - -And then, with infinite address and incredible celerity, the two Indians -bestowed upon the wounded man the most intelligent and most effective -cares. For a long time all were useless. At length a sigh, faint as a -breath, exhaled painfully from the oppressed breast of the young man; a -slight flush tinted his cheeks, and, after several efforts, he opened -his eyes. Curumilla, after having washed the wounds with clean cold -water, applied a cataplasm to them of bruised oregano leaves. - -"Loss of blood alone has made him faint," he said; "the wounds are wide, -but not deep, and not at all dangerous." - -"But what has been going on here?" Trangoil-Lanec asked. - -"Hush!" said Curumilla, laying his hand upon his comrade's arm; "he -speaks." - -Indeed, the young man's lips did move silently; but, at length, he -pronounced with a great effort, and in a voice so low that the Indians -scarcely heard it--that single word which for him contained everything-- - -"Rosario!" - -Then he sank back again. - -"Ah!" cried Curumilla, as if a sudden light had broken upon him, -"where is the young palefaced maiden?" and he sprang into the tent, "I -understand it all now!" he said, returning quickly to his friend. - -The Indians lifted up the wounded man gently in their arms, and carried -him into the tent, where they placed him in Rosario's empty hammock. -Louis recovered his senses, but almost immediately was overcome by -a profound drowsiness. After having made him as comfortable as they -could, the two Indians left the tent, and began, with the instinct of -their race, to seek on the ground for indications they could ask of no -witness, but which would show them traces they could understand. Now -that the murder and the abduction had taken place, it became necessary -to get upon the track of the ravishers, and endeavour, if possible, to -save the young girl. After minute researches, which did not last less -than two hours, the Indians returned to the front of the tent; they sat -down, face to face, and smoked for a few minutes in silence. - -The peons and arrieros had returned from the ceremony, and expressed -the greatest terror on learning what had taken place during their -absence. The poor people did not know what to do; they trembled when -they reflected upon the responsibility which rested upon them, and upon -the terrible account Don Tadeo would require of them. After the two -chiefs had smoked a few minutes, they extinguished their pipes, and -Trangoil-Lanec began: - -"My brother is a wise chief, let him say what he has seen." - -"I will speak, since my brother desires it," Curumilla replied, bowing -his head; "the pale maiden with the blue eyes has been carried off by -five horsemen." - -To this Trangoil-Lanec made a sign of assent. - -"These five horsemen came from the other side of the river; their -footmarks are strongly imprinted on the ground, which was wetted in the -places where the horses trod with their dripping hoofs; four of these -horsemen are Huiliches, the fifth is a paleface; when they reached the -entrance of the camp, they stopped and consulted an instant, then four -of them dismounted; the trace of their footsteps is visible." - -"Good!" said Trangoil-Lanec, "my brother has the eyes of a Quanaco; -nothing escapes him." - -"Of the four horsemen who dismounted, three are Indians, as is easily -perceived by the impression of their naked feet, the great toe of which, -accustomed to the stirrup, is very wide apart from the other toes; but -the fourth is a Muruche, for the rowels of his spurs have left deep -marks all around. The three first have crept up to the tent, where Don -Louis was talking with the young blue-eyed maiden, and, consequently, -with his back towards those who came towards him; he was attacked -unexpectedly, and fell without having time to defend himself: then the -fourth horseman sprang forward like a puma, seized the maiden in his -arms, and after jumping a second time over the body of Don Louis, went -straight to his horse, followed by the three Indians. But Don Louis -got up, first on his knees, and then on his feet; he fired his pistols -at the ravishers, and one of them fell mortally wounded. It was the -paleface, for a pool of blood marks the place of his fall, and, in -his agony, he pulled up the grass with his clenched hands; then his -companions dismounted again, took him up, and fled. Don Louis, after -discharging his pistols, had a faintness come over him, and fell down -again: that is what I have learnt." - -"Good!" Trangoil-Lanec replied, "my brother knows everything; after -taking up the body of their comrade, the ravishers crossed the river, -and went in the direction of the mountains. Now, what will my brother -do?" - -"Trangoil-Lanec is an experienced chief, he will wait for Don Valentine; -Curumilla is younger, he will go upon the track of the ravishers." - -"My brother has spoken well; he is wise and prudent; he will find them." - -"Yes, Curumilla will find them," the chief replied, laconically. - -After saying these words, he arose, saddled his horse, and left the -camp; Trangoil-Lanec soon lost sight of him. He then returned and took -his place by the wounded man. The day passed away thus. The Spaniards -had all left the plain; the Indians, for the most part, had followed -their example; there only remained a few tardy Araucanos; but these, -also, were preparing to depart. Towards evening, Louis found himself -much better; he was able, in a few words, to relate to the Indian what -had passed; but he told him nothing new, he had divined it all. - -"Oh!" said the young man, as he ended, "Rosario! poor Rosario is lost!" - -"My brother must not be depressed with grief," Trangoil-Lanec replied -softly; "Curumilla is upon the track of the ravishers; the young pale -maiden will be saved!" - -"Do you seriously tell me that, chief? Is Curumilla really in pursuit -of them?" the young man asked, fixing his anxious eyes upon the Indian; -"can I indeed hope that?" - -"Trangoil-Lanec is an Ulmen," the Araucano replied proudly: "no lie has -ever soiled his lips, his tongue is not forked; I repeat that Curumilla -is in pursuit of the ravishers. Let my brother hope; he will see again -the little bird which sings such sweet songs in his heart." - -A sudden flush crossed the young man's face at these words; a sad smile -curled his pale lips; he gently pressed the hand of the chief, and -closing his eyes, he sank gently back in the hammock. All at once the -furious galloping of a horse was heard from without. - -"Good!" Trangoil-Lanec murmured, looking at the wounded man, whose -regular breathing proclaimed that he was sleeping peacefully: "what will -Don Valentine say to all this?" - -And he strode out hastily to meet the Parisian, whose face was the -picture of anxiety. - -"Chief!" he cried, in a tremulous voice, "can what the peons say be -true?" - -"Yes!" the chief replied coolly. - -The young man sank down, as if thunder-struck. The Indian seated him -gently upon a bale, and placing himself beside him, pressed his hand, -saying in a soothing tone: - -"My brother has much courage." - -"Alas!" the young man exclaimed, in an agonized voice, "Louis, my poor -Louis, dead, assassinated! Oh!" he added, with a terrible gesture, "I -will avenge him! I will solely live to accomplish that sacred duty!" - -The chief looked at him for an instant attentively. - -"What does my brother mean?" he asked; "his friend is not dead." - -"Oh! why do you seek to deceive me, chief?" - -"I speak the truth; Don Louis is not dead," the Ulmen replied, in such -an imposing voice that it carried conviction to the wounded heart of the -young man. - -"Oh!" he cried, impetuously, and springing up, "he lives!--is that -possible?" - -"He has received two wounds." - -"Two wounds!" - -"Yes, but my brother can be comforted, they are not dangerous; in a -week, at latest, they will be cured." - -Valentine remained for an instant stupefied by this good news, after the -catastrophe which the peons and arrieros had announced to him. - -"Oh!" he exclaimed, throwing himself into the arms of the chief, whom -he pressed with a kind of frenzy to his breast, "it is true, is it -not?--his life is not in danger?" - -"No, no, my brother can reassure himself; loss of blood alone reduced -him to the state of torpor into which he fell. I will answer for his -recovery." - -"Thanks! thanks, chief! I can see him, may I not?" - -"He is asleep." - -"Oh! I will not wake him, be assured of that; I only wish to see him." - -"See him, then," Trangoil-Lanec replied, smiling. - -Valentine went in. He looked at his friend, peacefully sleeping; he -leant softly over him, and impressing a kiss upon his brow, whispered-- - -"Sleep, dear brother, I will watch." - -The lips of the wounded man moved; he murmured-- - -"Valentine, save her!" - -The Parisian knitted his brow, and drew himself up again. - -"Come here, chief," he said to Trangoil-Lanec, "and tell me the details -of what has passed, that I may know how to avenge my brother, and save -her he loves." - -The two men quitted the tent. - - - - -CHAPTER XL. - -AHAUCANIAN DIPLOMACY. - - -Antinahuel had not remained long inactive. Scarce had General -Bustamente's escort disappeared in the cloud of dust, ere he remounted -his horse, and, followed by all the Araucano chiefs, crossed the river. -When he arrived on the other bank, he planted his lance in the ground, -and turned towards the herald who was beside him, ready to execute his -orders. - -"Let the three toquis, the Ulmens, and the Apo-Ulmens meet here in an -hour," he said; "the fire of council shall be lighted on this spot for a -grand council. Begone!" - -The herald bowed down to his horse's neck and set off at full speed. -Antinahuel cast a glance around him. All the chiefs had regained their -huts; one warrior alone remained. On perceiving him a smile stole over -the lips of the toqui. This warrior was a man of lofty stature, proud -carriage, and haughty countenance, whose piercing look conveyed a fierce -and cruel expression. He appeared to be in the prime of life, that is to -say, about forty years of age; he wore a poncho of exceedingly fine lama -wool, striped with striking colours, while the long silver-headed cane -which he held in his hand proclaimed him an Apo-Ulmen. He replied to the -toqui's smile by a look of intelligence, and, bending to his ear, said, -with an accent of gratified hatred-- - -"When the cougars tear each other to pieces, they prepare a rich quarry -for the eagles of the Andes." - -"The Puelches are eagles," Antinahuel replied; "they are masters of the -other side of the mountains; they leave to the Huiliche women the care -of weaving their ponchos." - -At this sarcasm, launched against the Huiliches, a fraction of the -Araucano people, who devote themselves principally to agriculture and -the breeding of cattle, the Apo-Ulmen frowned. - -"My father is severe with his sons," he said, in a husky voice. - -"The Black-Stag is a formidable chief in his nation," Antinahuel -remarked, in a conciliatory tone; "he is the first of the Apo-Ulmens -of the province of the maritime country. His heart is Puelche; my soul -rejoices when he is at my side. Why is it that the Ulmens are not of the -same temper as he?" - -"My brother has explained the reason. Obliged to live in continual trade -relations with the miserable Spaniards, the tribes of the flat country -have laid down the lance to take up the pickaxe: they have become -cultivators; but let not my father be deceived,--the old spirit of their -race still dwells within them, and on the day when they are called on to -fight for their independence, all will rise at once to punish those who -would attempt to enslave them." - -"Can that be true?" Antinahuel cried, stopping his horse short, and -looking in the speaker's face; "may they be depended upon?" - -"What is the use of speaking of the subject at this moment?" said the -Apo-Ulmen, with a bantering smile; "has not my father just come from -renewing the treaties with the palefaces?" - -"That is true," said the toqui, darting a keen look at the Indian -warrior: "peace is secured for a long time." - -"My father is a wise chief, that which he does is well done," the other -replied, casting down his eyes. - -Antinahuel was preparing to reply, when an Indian arrived at full speed, -and, with a prodigy of skill which these matchless horsemen alone -can execute, he stopped suddenly before the two chiefs, and stood as -motionless as a statue of bronze. The panting sides of his horse, which -ejected clouds from his nostrils, and was spotted with white foam, -showed that he had ridden far and fast. Antinahuel looked at him for an -instant. - -"My son Theg-teg--the thunderer--has made a rapid journey." - -"I have executed the orders of my father." - -At these words, out of politeness, the Apo-Ulmen pressed the sides of -his horse to retire, but Antinahuel laid his hand upon his arm. - -"Black-Stag may remain," he said; "is he not my friend?" - -"I will remain if my father wishes it," the chief answered, quietly. - -"Let him remain, then; his brother has no secrets from him;" and turning -to the still motionless warrior, he added, "my brother can speak." - -"The Chiaplos are fighting," the latter replied; "they have dug up the -hatchet and turned it against their own breasts." - -"Oh!" the toqui exclaimed with feigned astonishment; "my brother must be -mistaken, the palefaces are not cougars, to devour each other." - -And he turned towards Black-Stag, with a smile of undefinable expression. - -"Theg-teg is not mistaken," the Indian warrior replied, gravely; "his -eyes have seen clearly: the stone tolderia, which the palefaces call -Valdivia, is at this moment a more ardent furnace than the volcano of -Autaco, which serves as a retreat for Guecubu, the genius of evil." - -"Good!" the toqui remarked, coldly, "my son has seen well; he is a -warrior brave in battle, but he is likewise prudent; did he stand apart -to rejoice, without seeking to learn which side prevailed?" - -"Theg-teg is prudent, but when he looks he means to see; he knows all, -my father may question him." - -"Good! the great warrior of the palefaces set out from here to fly to -the help of his soldiers; the advantage is with him." - -The Indian smiled, but made no reply. - -"Let my brother speak!" Antinahuel resumed; "the toqui of his nation -interrogates him." - -"He whom my brother names as the great warrior of the palefaces, is the -prisoner of his enemies; his soldiers are dispersed like grains of wheat -scattered over the field." - -"Wah!" Antinahuel cried with feigned anger, "my brother has a lying -tongue, what he says cannot be true; does the eagle become the prey of -the owl? The great warrior has an arm strong as the thunder of Pillian. -Nothing can resist it." - -"That arm, however powerful, has not been able to save him; the eagle -is captive: the courageous puma was surprised by cunning foxes; he has -fallen, treacherously overcome, into the snare they had laid before his -feet." - -"But his soldiers? the great toqui of the whites had a numerous army." - -"I have told my father; the chief being made captive, the soldiers, -bewildered and struck with fear by Guecubu, fell beneath the blows of -their angry enemies." - -"The chiefs who were conquerors, no doubt, pursued them." - -"What for? The palefaces are women without courage: as soon as their -enemies weep and pray for pardon they forgive them." - -At this news the toqui could not repress a movement of impatience, but -he soon recovered himself. - -"Brothers ought not to be inexorable," he said, "when they lift the -hatchet against each other: they may wound a friend without wishing it. -The pale warriors have done well." - -The Indian bowed if as assenting. - -"What are the palefaces doing now?" the chief continued. - -"They are assembled round the council fire." - -"Good! They are wise men. I am satisfied with my son," Antinahuel -added, with a gracious smile; "he is a warrior, as skilful as brave; -he may retire, and take the repose necessary after so long a journey." -"Theg-teg is not fatigued; his life is my father's," the warrior said -with a bow; "he may dispose of it at his pleasure." - -"Antinahuel will remember his son," the toqui said with a sign of -dismissal. - -The Indian bowed respectfully to his chief, and pressing his knees -whilst shortening the bridle, he made his horse perform a curvet, -brought it to the ground with an extraordinary bound, and went off -caracoling. The toqui looked after him in apparent abstraction; then -addressing the Apo-Ulmen-- - -"What does my brother think of that which this man has said?" he asked. - -"My father is the wisest of the toquis of his nation, the chief the most -venerated by the Araucanian tribes; Pillian will breathe words into his -mind which will mount to his lips, and which we shall listen to with -respect," Black-Stag replied, evasively, fearing to compromise himself -by too frank a reply. - -"My brother is right," the toqui said, with a haughty glance; "I have my -nymph!" - -The Apo-Ulmen bowed with an air of conviction. We beg our readers to -observe, with regard to this expression, which for the first time -has fallen from our pen, that in the Araucanian mythology, besides -an infinite number of gods and goddesses, there are what are called -spiritual nymphs, who perform towards man the office of familiar genii. -There is not a renowned chief among the Araucanos who does not glorify -himself with the idea of having one of these in his service. Hence, -what Antinahuel said, instead of disturbing Black-Stag, gave him, on -the contrary, a greater veneration for his chief; for he also flattered -himself with having a familiar spirit at his command, although he did -not dare to proclaim it aloud. At this moment the Araucanian drums and -trumpets sounded loudly--the _chasquis_ were calling the chiefs to -council. - -"What will my father do?" asked the Apo-Ulmen. - -"Man is weak," Antinahuel replied; "but Pillian loves his sons, the -Moluchos, he will inspire the words I shall pronounce; my only desire is -the happiness of the Araucano nation." - -"My father has convoked the great Auca-coyog of the nation; did he then -suspect the news he has just received?" - -"Antinahuel knows everything," he answered, with a smile. - -"Good! I know what my father thinks." - -"Perhaps." - -"Let my father remember the words I have spoken." - -"My ears are open, my son may repeat them," - -"When cougars tear each other to pieces, they prepare a rich quarry for -the eagles of the Andes." - -"Good!" said Antinahuel, with a laugh; "my son is a great chief, let him -follow me to the Auca-coyog, the warriors are waiting for us." - -The two warriors exchanged a look of undefinable meaning; these two men, -so cunning and dissimulating, had compromised themselves to each other -without avowing anything. They directed their course at a gallop towards -the spot where the principal chiefs awaited them, drawn up in a circle -around a fierce fire, the smoke of which ascended in graceful eddies -towards heaven. - - - - -CHAPTER XLI. - -THE COUNCIL - - -The Araucanos, whom certain travellers, either ill-informed or of -bad faith, persist in representing as savage men plunged in the most -frightful barbarism, are, on the contrary, a relatively civilized -people. Their government, the origin of which is lost in the night of -time, and which, at the period of the Spanish conquest, was as well -organized and carried out as easily as at the present day, is, as -we have said in a preceding chapter, an aristocratic republic, with -essentially feudal tendencies. This government, which affects all the -appearances of the feudal system, has all its good qualities and all its -defects. Hence, except in time of war, the toquis possess but the shadow -of sovereignty, and the power resides in the entire body of the chiefs, -who, in questions of importance, decide in a general diet, called the -_Auca-coyog_, the great council, or council of free men, for such is -the name they claim for themselves, and very justly, for no power has -yet been able to subdue them. These councils are generally held in the -presence of all, in a vast prairie. - -Antinahuel had eagerly seized the pretext of the renewal of the treaties -to try and obtain from the chiefs authority to carry into execution the -projects which had been so long ripening in his brain. The Araucanian -code, which contains all the laws of the nation, created an obligation -for his doing so, from which even his renown and popularity were -powerless to release him. But he hoped to overcome the opposition of -the chiefs, or their repugnance to submit to his will, by means of his -eloquence and the influence which, under many circumstances, he had -exercised over the minds of the Ulmens, even those most determined to -resist him. - -The Araucanos cultivate with success the art of speaking, which among -them leads to public honours. They make it a point to speak their own -language well, and to preserve its purity by guarding particularly -against the introduction of foreign words. They carry this so far, -that when a white establishes himself amongst them, they oblige him -to abandon his own name and take one of their country. The style of -their speeches is figurative and allegorical. They call the style of -parliamentary harangues _coyagtucan;_ and it must be observed that these -speeches contain all the essential parts of true rhetoric, and are -almost all divided into three heads. - -The few words we have said will suffice to show that the Araucanos are -not so savage as we have been led to suppose. In short, a small people, -who, without allies, isolated at the extremity of the continent, have -since the landing of the Spaniards on their coasts, that is to say, -during three hundred years, constantly and alone resisted European -armies composed of experienced soldiers and greedy adventurers, whom no -difficulty was likely to stop, and who have preserved their independence -and their nationality intact, are, in our opinion, respectable in -every point of view, and ought not to be stigmatized as barbarians -with impunity--the sad, despicable vengeance of those proud and -impotent Spaniards, who have never been able to conquer them, and whose -degenerate sons at this very day pay them a tribute, under the lying -excuse of an annual offering. - -We who, thrown by the chance of our adventurous travels among these -indomitable tribes, have lived many days with them, have had an -opportunity of judging soundly of these ill-understood people. We have -been able to appreciate all that is really simple, great, and generous -in their character. Terminating here this somewhat long digression, a -tribute of gratitude paid to ancient and dearly-beloved friends, we will -resume our narrative. - -Antinahuel and Black-Stag arrived at the place where the chiefs were -assembled. They dismounted and joined the groups of Ulmens. The chiefs, -who were peacefully chatting together, at their arrival became silent, -and, for a few minutes, not a word was heard in the assembly. At length -Cathicara, the toqui of the Pire-Mapus, made a few steps towards the -centre of the circle, and took the initiative. - -Cathicara was an old man of seventy, of majestic bearing, and imposing -countenance. A renowned warrior in his youth, now that many winters had -wrinkled his brow and silvered his long hair, he enjoyed, by just title, -a great reputation for wisdom in his nation. Descended from an old race -of Ulmens, continually opposed to the whites, he was an inveterate enemy -of the Chilians, against whom he had long waged war. He was acquainted -with the secret views of Antinahuel, of whom he was the most devoted -friend and partisan. - -"Toquis, Apo-Ulmens and Ulmens of the valiant nation of the Aucas, whose -immense hunting grounds cover the surface of the earth," he said, "my -heart is sad; a cloud covers my mind, and my eyes, filled with tears, -are constantly cast towards the ground; whence comes it that grief -devours me? Why does the joyous song of the goldfinch no longer sound -cheerfully in my ears? why do the rays of the sun seem less warm to me? -why, in short, does nature appear less beautiful to me? Will you tell -me, my brothers? You are silent; shame covers your brows; your humbled -eyes are cast down--have you nothing to reply? It is because you are a -degenerate people! your warriors are women, who instead of the lance -take up the spindle; because you bow basely beneath the yoke of these -Chiaplos, these Huincas, who laugh at you, for they know that you have -no longer blood red enough to contend with them! When, Aucas warriors, -did impure owls and screech owls begin to make their nests in the eyrie -of eagles? Of what use is this stone hatchet, the symbol of strength; -this hatchet, which you have given me to defend you, if it is to remain -inactive in my hands, and if I must descend into the tomb, towards -which I am already hastening, without having been able to do anything -for your enfranchisement?--Take it back again, warriors, if it is to be -nothing but a vain, honorary ornament; for myself, my life has been too -long--let me retire to my toldo, where, to my last days, it will be at -least permitted me to weep over our independence, which is compromised -by your weakness, and our glory eclipsed for ever by your cowardice!" - -After uttering these words, the old man made a few paces backwards, -staggering as if overcome by grief. Antinahuel sprang towards him, and -appeared to lavish consolations upon him in a low voice. The speech had -strongly moved the assembly, for the toqui was beloved and venerated -by all. The Ulmens remained apparently silent and stoical; but their -feelings of hatred had been powerfully stirred, and passion began to -gleam from their eyes in ominous flashes. Black-Stag stepped forward. - -"Father," he said, in a low, insinuating tone, and with a quiet air, -"your words are rough; they have plunged our hearts in sadness; why have -you been so severe with your children? Pillian alone is acquainted with -the intentions of men. What do you reproach us with? with having done -today what our fathers have always done before us, while they did not -believe themselves in a position to contend victoriously against their -enemies! No, owls and impure birds do not make their nests in the eyries -of eagles. No, the Aucas are not women! They are valiant and invincible -warriors, as their fathers were before them. Listen! listen to what -the spirit reveals to me: the council with the Spaniards of today is -null and void, because it has not taken place as the Admapu requires. -The toqui has not presented to the chief of the palefaces the branch -of the Cinnamon tree, the symbol of peace; the canes of the Apo-Ulmens -have not been bound in a sheaf with the sword of the Huinca chief; -the oath and the speeches have been pronounced upon the cross of the -palefaces, and not upon the sheaf, as the law requires. I repeat, then, -the Huinca-coyog is a nullity, nothing but a vain, laughable ceremony, -to which we ought to attach no importance. Have I spoken well, powerful -men?" - -"Yes! yes!" the chiefs cried, brandishing their arms, "the Huinca-coyog -is null!" - -Antinahuel then took a few steps forward within the circle, with his -head advanced, his eyes fixed on vacancy, and his arms extended, as if -he heard and saw things which he alone could see and hear. - -"Silence!" Black-Stag cried, pointing to him with his finger; "the great -toqui is holding conference with his nymph!" - -The chiefs experienced a sensation of terror while looking at the toqui. -A solemn silence prevailed in the assembly. On his part, Antinahuel did -not stir. - -Black-Stag approached him softly, and, stooping towards his ear, asked,-- - -"What does my father see?" - -"I see the warriors of the palefaces; they have dug up the war hatchet, -and are fighting with one another." - -"What more does my father see?" Black-Stag resumed. - -"I see streams of blood, which redden the soil; the odour of that blood -rejoices my heart, for it is the blood of palefaces shed by their -brothers!" - -"Does my father see anything more?" - -"I see the great chief of the whites! he fights valiantly at the head -of his soldiers! he is surrounded, he fights still! he is nearly -falling--he falls--he is down--he is conquered! His enemies seize him!" - -The Ulmens present at this scene looked on in stupefied amazement; it -was incomprehensible to them. A smile of disdain curled the lips of -Black-Stag, as he continued,-- - -"Does my father hear anything?" - -"I hear the cries of the dying demanding vengeance upon their brothers!" - -"Does my father hear anything else?" - -"Yes; I hear the cries of Aucas warriors, long since dead, and they -freeze me with terror!" - -"What do they say?" the chiefs exclaimed unanimously, a prey to intense -anxiety. "What do the Aucas warriors say?" - -"They say, 'Brothers, the hour is come! To arms! To arms!'" - -"To arms!" the chiefs shouted, as with one voice. "To arms! Death to the -palefaces!" - -The impulse was given, enthusiasm had seized all hearts; from this -moment Antinahuel was able to raise the passions of the crowd to -delirium at his pleasure. A smile of supreme satisfaction lighted his -haughty countenance as he recovered apparently from his vision. - -"Chiefs of the Aucas," he said, "what do you order me to do?" - -"Antinahuel," Cathicara replied, throwing his stone hatchet into the -fire, in which he was directly imitated by the other toquis; "there is -now but one supreme hatchet in the nation, it is in your hands; let -it be red up to the hilt in the blood of the vile Huincas; lead our -Uthal-Mapus to battle--you have the supreme command! We give you the -power of life and death over our persons. From this hour, you alone in -the nation have the right to command us; whatever be your orders, we -will accomplish them." - -Antinahuel raised his lofty head, his brow radiant with pride: -brandishing in his nervous hand his powerful war hatchet, the symbol of -the dictatorial and boundless power which had just been conferred upon -him, he said haughtily,-- - -"Aucas, I accept the honour you do me; I will prove worthy of the -confidence you place in me. This hatchet shall never be buried till -my body has served for food to the vultures of the Andes, or till the -cowardly palefaces, against whom we are about to combat, shall have come -upon their knees to implore pardon!" - -The chiefs replied to these words by cries of joy and ferocious -howlings. The Auca-coyog was terminated. Tables were placed, and a -banquet gathered together all the warriors present at the council. -At the moment when Antinahuel was seating himself in the high place -reserved for him, an Indian, covered with perspiration and dust, -approached him, and whispered a few words in his ear. The chief started; -a nervous paroxysm shook his whole frame, and he arose a prey to the -most lively agitation. - -"Oh!" he cried, passionately, "it is to me alone that woman should -belong!" and, addressing the Indian who had spoken to him, he added, -"Bid my mosotones mount, and be prepared to follow me instantly." - - - - - -CHAPTER XLII. - -THE NIGHT JOURNEY. - - -Antinahuel beckoned Black-Stag to come to him, and the Apo-Ulmen did not -delay. Notwithstanding the number and copiousness of the libations in -which he had indulged, the face of the Araucano chief was as impassive, -and his step as steady, as if he had only drunk water. When he arrived -in front of the toqui, he bowed respectfully, and waited in silence till -he was spoken to. The toqui, with his eyes fixed on the ground, and -buried in serious reflections, was some time before he was aware of his -presence. At length he raised his eyes; his countenance was dark, his -eyes seemed to dart lightning, a nervous tremour agitated all his limbs. - -"Is my father suffering?" Black-Stag asked, mildly and affectionately. - -"I am," the chief replied. - -"Guecubu has breathed upon the heart of my father; but let him take -courage, Pillian will support him." - -"No," Antinahuel replied; "the breath which dries my breast is a breath -of fear." - -"Of fear?" - -"Yes; the Huincas are powerful. I dread the strength of their arms for -my young men!" - -Black-Stag surveyed him with astonishment. - -"What signifies the power of the palefaces," he said, "when my father is -at the head of the four Uthal-Mapus?" - -"This war will be terrible; and I would conquer." - -"My father will conquer. Do not all the warriors listen to his voice?" - -"No," said Antinahuel, sorrowfully; "the Ulmens of the Puelches were not -present at the council." - -"That is true," Black-Stag murmured. - -"The Puelches are the first among Aucas warriors." - -"That is true, too," said Black-Stag. - -"I suffer!" Antinahuel repeated. - -Black-Stag laid his hand upon his shoulder. - -"My father," he said, in an insinuating tone, "is a great chief; nothing -is impossible to him!" - -"What does my son mean?" - -"War is declared. Whilst we attempt incursions into the Chilian -territory, to keep our enemies in a state of uncertainty as to our -plans, let my father mount with his mosotones upon his coursers more -fleet than the wind, and fly upon the wings of the tempest to the -Puelches. His words will convince them; the warriors will abandon -everything to follow him and fight under his orders. With their -assistance we shall conquer the Huincas, and the heart of my father will -swell with joy and pride!" - -"My son is wise! I will follow his counsels," the toqui answered, with a -smile of mysterious expression; "but he has said war is resolved upon; -the interests of my nation must not suffer from the short absence I am -forced to make." - -"My father will provide for that." - -"I have provided for it," Antinahuel said, with a courteous smile; "let -my son listen to me." - -"My ears are open to receive the words of my father." - -"At sunrise, when the fumes of the water fire are dissipated, the chiefs -will ask for Antinahuel." Black-Stag nodded assent. - -"I will place in the hands of my son," the chief continued, "the stone -hatchet, the sign of my dignity. Black-Stag is a part of my soul, his -heart is devoted to me; I name him my vice-toqui--he will take my place." - -The Apo-Ulmen bowed respectfully before Antinahuel, and kissed his hand. - -"Whatever my father orders shall be instantly executed," he said. - -"The chiefs are of a proud character; their courage is fiery: my son -must not give them time to cool, he must make them so compromise -themselves, that they cannot afterwards retract." - -"What are the names of these chiefs, that I may keep them in my memory?" - -"They are the most powerful Ulmens of the nation. Let my son remember -they are eight in number; each of them must make an incursion on the -frontier, in order to prove to the Chiaplos that hostilities have -commenced. The four principal among them will immediately repair to -Valdivia, to proclaim the declaration of war to the palefaces." - -"Good!" - -"These are the names of the Ulmens: Tangol, Qud-pal, Auchanguer, -Colfunguin, Trumau, Cuyumil, and Pailapen. Does my son hear these names -distinctly?" - -"I have heard them." - -"Has my son understood the sense of my words? Have they entered into his -brain?" - -"The words of my father are here," said Black-Stag, pointing to his -forehead; "he may banish all uneasiness, and fly towards her who has -taken possession of his heart." - -"Good!" Antinahuel replied; "my son loves me, he will remember; after -two suns he will find me at the tolderia of the Black Serpents." - -"The Black-Stag will be there, accompanied by his most valiant warriors; -may Pillian guide the steps of my father, and may the god of war grant -him success." - -"Farewell, brother!" Antinahuel murmured, taking leave of his lieutenant. - -Black-Stag bowed to the toqui and retired. As soon as he was alone, -Antinahuel made a sign to the Indian whose news had caused his -departure. During the conference of the two chiefs this man had stood -motionless, at a sufficient distance to prevent his hearing what they -said, but near enough to execute immediately the orders that might be -given him. He drew near in obedience to the sign. - -"Is my son fatigued?" the toqui asked. - -"No; my horse alone wants rest." - -"Well, my son shall have another horse; he will guide us." - -Antinahuel, followed by the scout, advanced, without more words, towards -a group of horsemen, who, leaning on their long lances, cast their black -shadows gloomily into the night. These horsemen, about thirty in number, -were the mosotones of the toqui. Antinahuel, at a bound, sprang upon a -magnificent horse, held by the bridle by two Indians. - -"Forward!" he cried, settling himself in his saddle, and plunging his -spurs into the sides of the horse, which set off with the speed of an -arrow. - -The mosotones followed as quickly after, and the troop of horsemen -glided through the darkness like a legion of gloomy phantoms, preceded -by the scout. Who can express the terrible poetry of a night ride in -the American deserts? The midnight wind had swept the heavens clear of -clouds, and its vault, of a dark blue, appeared to be, like a monarch's -robe, splendidly adorned with an infinite number of stars. The night -had that velvety transparency peculiar to warm climates. At intervals, -a puff of wind, loaded with indistinct sounds, scattered the dry leaves -into the air, and was lost in the distance like a sigh. - -The Araucanos, bending over the necks of their horses, whose nostrils -emitted dense clouds of smoke, rode on, and on, and ever on, without -casting even a look around them. And yet the desert they were -traversing, so silently and so rapidly, poured floods of splendid -harmonies into space. The murmur of water among the lianas and the -glayeuls, the moaning of the wind among the leaves, or the confused -noise of a thousand invisible insects, could be heard; at times, lights, -fluttering through the foliage, danced upon the grass in the manner of -wild fires; at distances were to be seen old trees, at the angles of -ravines or the brink of precipices, standing like spectres, shaking -their winding sheets of parasitical plants; a thousand rumours hovered -in the air; nameless cries issued from dens hollowed under vast roots; -stifled sighs descended from the hoary summits of the mountains: an -unknown and mysterious world could be felt existing around. Everywhere, -on the earth, in the air, was to be heard the great flood of life, which -comes from God, passes away, and is incessantly renewed. - -The Araucanos still continued their furious course, clearing torrents -and ravines, and crushing under the hoofs of their flying coursers -stones, the fragments of which rolled with a splash into the barrancas. -At two lances, length, in front, by the side of the scout, Antinahuel, -with his eyes ardently directed forward, kept urging on his horse, whose -hard and loud breathing proclaimed fatigue. All at once a dark mass -surged up in the distance, and then a voice was heard. - -"We have arrived," the guide exclaimed. - -"At last!" Antinahuel said, pulling up his horse, which could no longer -stand when the impetus had ceased. They found themselves in a miserable -village, composed of five or six huts falling to ruins, and which, -at every gust of wind, threatened to tumble to pieces. Antinahuel, -who expected the fall of his horse, disengaged himself quickly, and -addressing the guide, who had likewise dismounted, asked-- - -"In which toldo is she?" - -"Come," the Indian replied, laconically. - -Antinahuel followed him. - -They walked some steps without exchanging a word; the chief pressing -his hand strongly on his breast, as if to keep down the beatings of his -heart. After a hasty march of ten minutes, the two men found themselves -in front of an isolated cabin, from the interior of which glimmered a -feeble light. The Indian stopped, and turned towards Antinahuel. - -"That is it," he said, stretching out his arm in the direction of the -cabin. - -The toqui turned round to ascertain whether his mosotones, whom, in his -rapid course, he had left far behind, were rejoining him; and then, -after the hesitation of a second, he approached the door and pushed it, -saying in a low but determined voice-- - -"An end must be put to this!" - -The door opened, and he entered. - - - - -CHAPTER XLIII. - -TWO HATREDS. - - -Antinahuel found himself face to face with Dona Maria; by an instinctive -movement each drew back a step, stifling a cry; a cry of stupor on the -part of Antinahuel, of surprise on the part of the Linda. - -"Oh!" sighed Dona Rosario, quite overcome, and bowing her head to avoid -the ardent glance of the Indian chief--"Oh, Heaven! now I am really -lost, indeed!" - -Dona Maria had in a few seconds driven back to her heart the feelings -which raged within her; and with a mild voice and a smiling face she -addressed Antinahuel-- - -"My brother is welcome," she said, inviting him by a gesture to enter -the cuarto; "to what happy chance do I owe his presence?" - -"A happy chance for me, particularly," he replied, with a satirical -smile, and endeavouring to compose his features. - -The toqui was too well acquainted with the companion of his childhood -not to know that he had in her a formidable adversary, with whom he must -play close, in order to bring her to do his will. - -"Well!" the Linda resumed, "will my brother deign to do me the pleasure -of explaining the cause of his sudden appearance, which, not the less, -fills me with delight?" - -"Oh! the cause is very simple indeed, not worth mentioning; I did not -hope, in any way, to meet my sister here; I must even confess, with all -humility that I did not seek her." - -"Ah!" said Dona Maria, feigning to be imposed upon, "I am doubly -fortunate, then." - -The chief bowed. - -"It is the truth," he said. - -"Good!" she thought; "now he is going to lie, let us see what villainy -the demon will invent;" and then she added aloud, with a seducing smile, -which displayed thirty-two little teeth of the purest pearl--"I am all -ears, my brother can speak." - -"As my sister knows, this village is on the route which leads to my -tolderia, I have naturally traversed it in returning to my tribe; the -night is advanced, my mosotones require a few hours' rest; I resolved -to encamp here. I entered the first rancho which presented itself to -my view, this rancho in which you are temporarily sojourning, and I am -grateful to the chance which, as I have told you, has done all this, and -is alone guilty." - -"Not bad for an Indian," murmured Dona Maria; "well, we will say no more -about that." - -"Eh!" said Antinahuel, feigning for the first time to perceive Dona -Rosario, and advancing towards her; "who is this charming young woman?" - -"A slave, not worthy of your notice," the Linda replied, sternly. - -"A slave!" Antinahuel cried. - -"Yes, a slave." The Linda clapped her hands, and the Indian we have seen -talking with her entered. - -"Take away this woman!" she said. - -"Oh, madam!" Rosario exclaimed, falling on her knees, "can you be -inexorable towards a poor girl who has never injured you?" - -The Linda gave her a fiery glance, and repulsed her with her foot. - -"I ordered this girl to be taken away," she said, perilously. - -At this flagrant insult, the blood rushed to the heart of the poor -girl; her pallid brow flushed with scarlet, and drawing herself up -majestically and proudly, she said in a piercing voice, the prophetic -tone of which struck the Linda to the heart-- - -"Beware, madam! God will punish you! As you today are without pity for -me, so the day will come when there will be no pity for you!" - -And she left the room, after darting a look at her implacable enemy that -made even her blench. - -When Antinahuel and the Linda were left alone, a long silence ensued. -The last words of Rosario had wounded the Linda like the stroke of a -poniard; it was in vain she endeavoured to steel herself against the -emotion she experienced. She felt herself conquered by the weak girl. -She, however, gradually overcame the incomprehensible sensation that -oppressed her. Passing her hand across her brow, as if to drive away the -importunate idea that pursued her, she turned towards Antinahuel-- - -"No diplomacy between us, brother," she said, "we know each other too -well to lose time in manoeuvring." - -"My sister is right; let us speak frankly." - -"The story of your return to your tribe is very clever, Antinahuel, but -I do not believe a word of it." - -"Good! then my sister knows the reason that brings me here." - -"I do know it," she said, with an arch smile, which played like a -sunbeam round her rosy lips. - -Antinahuel made no reply. He began to walk in great agitation about the -room, casting looks of anger and vexation towards the door by which -Rosario had gone out. The Linda followed him with a keen and mocking eye. - -"Well," she said, at the end of a minute, "will not my brother speak?" - -"Why should I not speak?" he angrily replied. "Antinahuel is the most -redoubtable chief of his nation, the proudest warriors bend their lofty -brows without hesitation before him!" - -"I am waiting," she said, in a calm voice. - -"A chief explains himself clearly, no one imposes upon him. My sister -knows my hatred for the chief of the palefaces, of whom she has so much -reason to complain." - -"Yes, I know that man is the personal enemy of my brother." - -"Well, then, my sister has in her hands the blue-eyed maiden, and she -will give her to me, so that I may, in making her suffer, revenge myself -on my enemy." - -"My brother is a man, he does not know how to avenge himself: why -should I give my prisoner up to him? Women alone possess the secret of -torturing those they hate. Let my brother leave it to me," she added, -with a vindictive smile; "the torments I shall invent will suffice, I -swear, to satisfy a hatred much deeper than any he can feel." - -Antinahuel, although his face remained impassive, shuddered inwardly at -these odious words. - -"My sister is boastful," he replied, "her skin is white, her heart knows -not how to hate, let her leave it to the Indian chief." - -"No," she passionately exclaimed, "I have fixed the fate of this woman; -I will not give her to my brother." - -"Will my sister then forget her promise, and falsify her oaths?" - -"Of what promises and of what oaths do you speak, chief?" - -"Of those," the Indian replied haughtily, "which my sister pronounced in -the toldo of Antinahuel, when she came among his tribe to implore his -assistance." - -The Linda smiled. - -"Woman is a mockingbird," she said, "the man who pays attention to her -words is----" - -"Good!" Antinahuel interrupted, "my sister shall keep her prisoner. Let -my sister do her will; I will continue my route towards the tolderia of -my tribe." - -The Linda looked at him with astonishment; the facility with which -Antinahuel apparently renounced his projects seemed to her the more -incomprehensible, from her knowing with what pertinacity he pursued -his enterprises, when once he believed he had a chance of success. She -resolved to know what she had to trust to. At the moment when the chief -made a step towards the door, she said. - -"Is my brother going?" - -"I am going," he replied. - -"Has he, then, already terminated the affairs about which General -Bustamente requested him to come and consult with him?" - -"General Bustamente no longer stands in need of Antinahuel or of anyone -else." - -"Has he then succeeded so quickly?" - -"Yes," he answered in an equivocal tone. - -"Then," the Linda exclaimed, joyfully, "he is master of the city, and -triumphs at last!" - -Antinahuel appeared to hesitate for a minute--an ironical smile flitted -across his lips. - -"Will not my brother answer?" the Linda continued, with an impatience -mingled with uneasiness. - -"He whom my sister calls General Bustamente," he replied in a sharp -tone, "no longer needs the assistance of anyone: he is a prisoner." - -The Linda sprang up like a wounded lioness. - -"A prisoner!" she cried. "Oh! my brother must be mistaken." - -"He is a prisoner, and within three days will be dead." - -The Linda was struck with stupor; this frightful news crushed all her -hopes. - -"Oh!" she murmured at length, "he shall not die!" - -"He will die!" Antinahuel replied; "who can save him?" - -"You, chief!" she said, emphatically grasping his arm. - -"Why should I do it?" he remarked carelessly; "of what consequence is -the life of the man to me?--the palefaces are not my brothers." - -"No; but his life is precious to me, for the sake of my vengeance! He -alone can deliver up my enemy to me! He shall live, I tell you!" - -"Good! My sister will deliver him, then, as she is so anxious to save -him." - -"You alone could do it, chief, if you would," she observed. - -Antinahuel fixed his eyes upon her. - -"What makes you suppose I would?" he said. - -"Listen to me, chief!" the Linda cried. "You love that woman--that puny, -palefaced thing, do you not?" - -The Indian started, but made no reply. - -"Oh! do not endeavour to deceive me; you cannot blind the eyes of a -woman. The hatred you bear to Don Tadeo is changed into love in your -heart at the sight of this creature." - -"Well! and suppose it should be so?" he said, evidently moved. - -"An even-handed bargain with you then; give me General Bustamente," she -remarked earnestly, "and I will deliver her up to you." - -"Oh!" said Antinahuel, with a bantering smile, "a woman is but a -mockingbird; the man who puts faith in her words----" - -On hearing the chief throw in her face the words she herself had uttered -only a few minutes before, she stamped with impatience. - -"Well, then," she cried, almost bursting with rage, "take her -then!--take the woman! and may my curses cling to her!" - -Antinahuel uttered a tiger-like roar, and rushed out of the room. - -"Ah!" cried the Linda in a hoarse voice, and with an expression -impossible to be described, "may not the love of this wretch avenge me -better than all the tortures I could have invented!" - -In a few minutes the chief returned precipitately, his features -distorted by fury and disappointment. - -"She has fled!" he shouted. It was true. Rosario and the Indian to whose -charge the Linda had given her had both disappeared. No one knew what -had become of them. Antinahuel immediately dispatched his mosotones in -all directions in search of them. The Linda was left in the toldo a -prey to indescribable rage; she was cheated of her vengeance! She felt -crushed under the weight of the helplessness to which she was reduced. - - - - -CHAPTER XLIV. - -THE RETURN TO VALDIVIA. - - -Night was come; bending over the pillow of his friend, who was still -buried in that lethargic sleep which generally follows great loss of -blood, Valentine watched with anxious tenderness the changes which at -times darkened his pale countenance. - -"Oh!" he said, in a suppressed voice, clenching his hands with anger, -"be thy assassins who they may, brother, they shall pay for their crime -dearly." - -The curtain of the tent was slowly raised, and a hand was laid upon the -young man's shoulder. He turned quickly round; Trangoil-Lanec was before -him. The face of the Ulmen was dark as night, and he appeared a prey to -strong emotion. - -"What is the matter, chief?" asked Valentine, terrified at his manner; -"what has happened, in the name of Heaven? Have you any fresh misfortune -to announce?" - -"Misfortune incessantly watches over man," the chief remarked -sententiously; "he should be ready to receive it at all hours, like an -expected guest." - -"Speak then!" the young man asked, in a firm voice; "whatever may -happen, I will not falter." - -"Good, my brother is strong, he is a great warrior, he will not suffer -himself to be cast down. Let my brother hasten; we must be gone!" - -"Be gone!" cried Valentine, with a nervous start; "and my friend?" - -"Our brother Louis will accompany us." - -"Is it possible to move him?" - -"It must be," the Indian said peremptorily; "the war hatchet is dug up -against the palefaces, the Aucas chiefs have drunk firewater, the genius -of evil is master of their hearts; we must depart before they think of -us; in an hour it will be too late." - -"Let us depart then," the young man replied, sorrowfully, convinced that -Trangoil-Lanec knew more than he was willing to tell, and that some -great danger threatened them, since the chief, who was a man of tried -courage, had let fall that mask of stoicism which scarcely ever abandons -the Indian. - -Preparations for departure were made in all haste, and were soon -terminated. The hammock in which Louis reposed was solidly fastened to -two long cross pieces of wood, and then, as it was, harnessed upon two -mules without awakening him. The little band set out, employing the -greatest precautions. They proceeded thus for more than an hour, without -exchanging a word; the campfires of the Indians became every minute more -faint in the distance, and they were, at least for the present, out of -danger. Valentine approached Trangoil-Lanec, who rode at the head of the -convoy. - -"Where are we going?" he asked. - -"To Valdivia," the chief replied; "it is there alone that Don Louis will -be able to recover in safety." - -"You are right," said Valentine; "but shall we remain inactive?" - -"I will do what my brother the paleface wishes; am I not his penni? -where he goes I will go--his will shall be mine!" - -"Thank you, chief," the Frenchman replied, with emotion; "you have a -brave and worthy heart." - -"My brother saved my life," said the Ulmen earnestly; "that life is no -longer mine, it belongs to him." - -Whether it was that the Araucano chiefs did not perceive the departure -of the strangers, or that, as is more probable, they did not think it -worthwhile to pursue them, the little troop was not interrupted in its -flight--for what other name could be given to this night march amidst -the desert? They advanced slowly, on account of the wounded man, who -could not, in his state of weakness and prostration, have supported the -shaking of a more rapid pace. - -Towards three o'clock in the morning, a few fugitive and uncertain -lights, which flitted across the horizon, and with difficulty pierced -through the fog, which at that hour of the night envelopes the earth -like a winding sheet, announced to the party that they were approaching -the city, and should soon be there. At the end of three quarters of an -hour, they reached the gardens which envelope Valdivia like an immense -bouquet of flowers, from the centre of which it seems to spring up. The -party made a short halt, in order not to attract observation on entering -the city, through the state of the horses and mules. From that time they -had nothing to fear from the Indians. - -"Is my brother acquainted with the city?" Trangoil-Lanec asked. - -"Why do you ask that question?" - -"For a very simple reason. In the desert, by night or by day, I can -serve as a guide to my brother; but here, in this tolderia of the -whites, my eyes close--I am blind; my brother must conduct us." - -"The devil!" said Valentine, quite disconcerted; "in that sense I am as -blind as you, chief; it was only yesterday that I entered the city for -the first time: and," he added, laughingly, "the bullets then whistled -round in such a merry fashion, I had scarcely time to look about me, or -to ask my way." - -"Don't let that disturb you, senor," said one of the peons, who had -heard the few words pronounced by the two men; "only tell me where you -want to go, and I will undertake to conduct you." - -"Hum!" Valentine replied; "where I want to go to? Caspeta! I cannot -exactly say; all places are alike to me, provided my friend be in -safety." - -"Pardon me, senor," the arriero replied, "if I dare----" - -"Oh, dare! dare! there's a good fellow! your idea is probably excellent; -for myself, I confess at this moment my mind is as empty as a drum." - -"Why, senor, should you not go to the residence of Don Tadeo de Leon, my -master?" - -"Pardieu!" cried Valentine, vexed at his own want of thought. "On my -word, you are something like a guide! I do not go to Don Tadeo, because, -simply, I don't know how to find the place, that's all." - -"I know, senor; Don Tadeo is most likely at the cabildo." - -"By Jove! that's true again; my powers of thought seem to have been -driven out of my head; but which is the way to the cabildo?" - -"I will show you, senor." - -"That's well! this is an intelligent lad. Let us be moving, my friend." - -"Forward, then!" cried the arriero. "_Ea! arrea mula!_" he shouted to -his beasts. - -In a few minutes they debouched upon the Plaza Mayor, opposite the -cabildo. The city was still and silent; here and there traces of the -sanguinary contest of the preceding day, heaps of broken furniture, or -large trenches cut in the ground, gave evidence of the ravages caused by -the insurrection. A soldier was marching with slow steps in front of the -cabildo. At sight of the little party, he stopped, and cocked his musket. - -"Who goes there?" he shouted sharply. - -"_La Patria!_" Valentine replied. - -"Go on, then!" said the soldier. - -"Hum!" the young man murmured; "it appears not to be such an easy matter -to obtain entrance; never mind," he added, "let us try. My friend," he -said, in an insinuating voice, to the sentinel, who stood motionless -before him; "we have business in the palace." - -"Have you the password?" - -"Santiago! no," Valentine answered, frankly. - -"Then you cannot enter." - -"And yet I wish very much to enter." - -"Very possibly; but as you have not the password, I advise you to go -on your way; for I swear, if you were the devil in person, I would not -afford you a passage." - -"My friend," said the Parisian, in a jeering tone, "you do not talk -logically; if I were the devil, I should stand in no need of the -password--I should get in in spite of you." - -"Take care, senor," whispered the arriero; "that soldier is not unlikely -to fire at you." - -"Pardieu! that's what I reckon upon," said Valentine, laughing. - -The peon looked at him in astonishment; he thought he was mad. The -soldier, annoyed by this long conversation, and believing it of no use -to stand wrangling with these jokers, presented his musket, crying -angrily,-- - -"For the last time, go on, or I will fire!" - -"I am determined I will go in!" Valentine replied, resolutely. - -"To arms!" the soldier cried, and fired. Valentine, who had watched -attentively all the soldier's movements, had slipped quickly from his -horse, and the bullet whistled harmlessly over his head. At the cry -of the soldier and the report of his piece, several armed soldiers, -followed by an officer with a lighted lantern in his hand, rushed -tumultuously out of the palace. - -"What is going on here?" the officer asked, in a loud voice. - -"Ah!" Valentine cried, to whom the voice was not unknown, "is that you, -Don Gregorio?" - -"Who calls me?" said the latter; for, in fact, it was he. - -"I, Valentine!" - -"What! is it you, my friend, who are making all this disturbance?" -replied Don Gregorio, advancing; "I thought it was nothing less than an -attack." - -"What the devil was I to do?" said the young man, laughing; "I had not -the password, and I wanted to get in." - -"Hum! none but a Frenchman would have such an idea as that." - -"Is it not original?" - -"Yes, but you risked being killed." - -"Bah! we are always risking being killed, and yet we are not," said -Valentine, carelessly; "I recommend my plan to you, under similar -circumstances." - -"Much obliged! but I do not think I shall ever try it." - -"Ah! there you are wrong." - -"Well, then, come in! come in!" - -"That is all I want; particularly as I must see Don Tadeo instantly." - -"I believe he is asleep." - -"He must be awakened." - -"Do you bring interesting news, then?" - -"Yes," Valentine replied, becoming suddenly serious; "terrible news!" - -Don Gregorio, struck with the tone in which the Frenchman had pronounced -these words, had a presentiment of some misfortune, and asked no -further. The arrieros bore the hammock, with Don Louis still asleep, -into the cabildo. By the care of Don Gregorio he was carried to a -bedchamber, and placed in a bed hastily provided. - -"What does all this mean?" Don Gregorio said, in astonishment; "is Don -Louis wounded?" - -"Yes," Valentine replied, in a husky voice; "he has received two dagger -wounds." - -"But how did it all happen?" - -"You will soon learn; but pray conduct me instantly to Don Tadeo." - -"In heaven's name, come, then! your reserve alarms me." - -And, followed by Valentine and Trangoil-Lanec, Don Gregorio plunged into -the labyrinth formed by the numerous corridors of the palace, with which -he seemed well acquainted. - - - - -CHAPTER XLV. - -THE FATHER REVEALS HIMSELF. - - -Don Tadeo had passed the greater part of the night in giving orders -for the clearing away of the hideous traces left by the combat. He -had named the magistrates charged with the police of the city. After -having assured, as far as possible, the tranquillity and safety of the -citizens, and sent several couriers to Santiago, and other centres -of population, to inform them of what had taken place, worn out with -fatigue, sinking with sleep, he had thrown himself, clothed as he was, -upon a camp bed, to take a little repose. He had slept scarcely an hour -that agitated sleep which is the lot of men upon whom the destinies of -empires rest, when the door of the chamber was pushed violently open, a -strong light gleamed in his eyes, and several men surrounded him. Don -Tadeo awoke suddenly. - -"Who is there?" he cried, endeavouring to recognise, in spite of the -light which dazzled his eyes, the persons who so inopportunely disturbed -his repose. - -"It is I," replied Don Gregorio. - -"Well, but you do not seem to be alone?" - -"No, Don Valentine accompanies me." - -"Don Valentine!" cried Don Tadeo, starting up, and passing his hand over -his brow, to drive away the clouds which still obscured his ideas; "why, -I did not expect Don Valentine before morning, at soonest; what serious -reason can have induced him to travel by night?" - -"A powerful reason, Don Tadeo," the young man remarked, in a melancholy -voice. - -"In Heaven's name! speak, then!" cried Don Tadeo. - -"Be a man! be firm! collect all your courage to bear worthily the blow -you are about to receive." - -Don Tadeo walked two or three times round the room, with his head -cast down, and his brow contracted; then stopped suddenly in front of -Valentine with a pale brow, but with a stoical countenance. This man -of iron had subdued nature within him; as if aware of the rudeness of -the shock he was about to receive, he had ordered his heart not to -break--his muscles not to quiver. - -"Speak!" he said, "I am ready to hear you." - -While uttering these words his voice was firm, his features calm. -Valentine, though well acquainted with his courage, was struck with -admiration. - -"Is the misfortune you are about to announce to me personal?" said Don -Tadeo. - -"Yes," the young man replied, in a tremulous voice. - -"God be praised! Go on, then; I listen to you." - -Valentine perceived that he must not put the soul of this man to too -hard a trial; he determined to speak. - -"Dona Rosario has disappeared," he said; "she has been carried off -during our absence; Louis, my foster brother, in endeavouring to defend -her, has fallen, pierced by two sword thrusts." - -The King of Darkness appeared a statue of marble; no emotion was -perceptible upon his austere countenance. - -"Is Don Louis dead?" he asked, earnestly. - -"No," Valentine answered, more and more astonished; "I even hope that in -a few days he will be cured." - -"So much the better," said Don Tadeo, feelingly; "I am indeed glad to -hear that." - -And, crossing his arms upon his broad chest, he resumed his hasty walk -about the room. The three men looked at each other, surprised at this -stoicism, which to them was unintelligible. - -"Will you then abandon Dona Rosario to her ravishers?" Don Gregorio -asked, in a reproachful tone. - - -Don Tadeo darted at him a look charged with such bitter irony, that Don -Gregorio quailed beneath it. - -"Were the ravishers concealed in the entrails of the earth, I would -discover them, be they who they may!" Don Tadeo replied. - -"A man is on their track," said Trangoil-Lanec, advancing; "that man is -Curumilla. He will discover them." - -A flash of joy for a moment shot from the eye of the King of Darkness. - -"Oh!" he murmured, with clenched teeth, "beware, Dona Maria, beware!" - -He at once had divined the author of the abduction of Rosario. - -"What do you intend to do?" said Don Gregorio. - -"Nothing, till the return of our scout," he replied, coldly; and then -turning towards Valentine, added--"Well, my friend, have you nothing -else to announce to me?" - -"What leads you to suppose I have not told you all?" said the young man. - -"Ah!" Don Tadeo replied, with a melancholy smile, "you know, my friend, -that we Spanish Americans, however civilized we may appear, are still -semi-barbarians, and, as such, horribly superstitious." - -"Well?" - -"Well, then, among other follies of the same kind, we place faith in -proverbs; and is there not one which somewhere says, that a misfortune -never comes singly?" - -"Good Heavens! do you take me for a bird of ill omen, Don Tadeo?" - -"God forbid, my friend! only search in your memory, I am sure I am not -mistaken, and that you have still something else to inform me of." - -"Well, you are right, I have other news to announce to you; whether good -or bad, I leave you to judge." - -"I knew there was something more behind," said Don Tadeo, with a sad -smile; "go on, my friend, let us hear this news, I am listening to you." - -"Yesterday, as you know, General Bustamente renewed the treaties of -peace with the Araucano chiefs." - -"He did." - -"I cannot tell what fugitive or what scout gave them information of what -had taken place here; but by evening they had learnt the defeat and -capture of the General." - -"I can understand that; go on." - -"A kind of furious madness immediately seemed to possess them, and they -held a great war council." - -"In which, I suppose, they decided upon breaking the treaties; is not -that it?" - -"Exactly." - -"And most likely determined upon war with us?" - -"I suppose so; the four toquis cast the hatchet into the fire, and a -supreme toqui was elected in their place." - -"Ah! ah!" said Don Tadeo, "and do you know the name of this supreme -toqui?" - -"Yes; Antinahuel." - -"I suspected as much," Don Tadeo cried, angrily; "that man has deceived -us. He is a scoundrel only living by cunning, and whose devouring -ambition leads him to sacrifice, when occasion offers, the dearest -interests, and falsify the most sacred oaths. He has been playing a -double game; he feigned to be the partisan of General Bustamente, as he -appeared to be ours, building upon our mutual ruin his own fortunes and -his future elevation. But he has thrown off the mask too hastily. By -heaven! I will inflict a chastisement upon him, of which his compatriots -shall preserve the remembrance, and which a century hence shall make -them tremble with fear." - -"Beware of the ears that, listen to you," said Don Gregorio, directing -his attention by a look to the Ulmen, who stood quietly before him. - -"Eh! what care I?" Don Tadeo replied, warmly; "if I speak thus, it is -because I wish to be heard. I am a Spanish noble, and what my heart -thinks my lips give utterance to; the Ulmen is welcome, if it seems good -to him, to repeat my words to his chief." - -"The Great Eagle of the Whites is unjust towards his son," replied -Trangoil-Lanec, in a serious tone; "all Araucanos have not the same -heart; Antinahuel is only responsible for his own acts. Trangoil-Lanec -is an Ulmen in his tribe; he knows how to be present at a council of -chiefs: what his eyes see, what his ears hear, his heart forgets, his -mouth repeats it not: why should my father address such unkind words to -me, who am ready to devote myself to restore to him her he has lost?" - -"That is true; I am unjust, chief, I was wrong in speaking so; your -heart is true, your tongue is unacquainted with falsehood. Pardon me, -and let me clasp your loyal hand in mine." - -Trangoil-Lanec pressed warmly the hand Don Tadeo held out to him. - -"My father is good," he said; "his heart is at this moment darkened by -the great misfortune that has fallen upon him; but let my father be -comforted, Trangoil-Lanec will restore the blue-eyed maiden to him." - -"Thanks, chief! I accept your offer, you may depend upon my gratitude." - -"Trangoil-Lanec does not sell his services, he is repaid when his -friends are happy." - -"Caramba!" cried Valentine, shaking the hand of the chief with all his -might, "you are a worthy man, Trangoil-Lanec--I am proud of being your -friend." - -Then, turning towards Don Tadeo, he said--"I must bid you farewell, for -a time. I confide my brother Louis to your care." - -"Why do you leave me?" Don Tadeo asked, warmly. - -"I must. I see your heart is breaking, in spite of the incredible -efforts you make to appear impassive. I know not the nature of the tie -which binds you to the unfortunate girl who has been the victim of an -odious crime; but I can see the loss of her is killing you--now, with -the assistance of Heaven, I will restore her to you, Don Tadeo; I will, -or I will die in the endeavour." - -"Don Valentine!" the gentleman exclaimed, strongly moved, "what do you -propose to do? your project is wild; I cannot accept such devotion." - -"Leave it to me. Caramba! I am a Parisian--that is to say, as obstinate -as a mule; and when once an idea, good or bad, has entered into my -brain, it has no chance of getting out, I swear to you. I shall only -take the time to embrace my poor brother, and set off immediately. Come, -chief, let us set ourselves upon the track of the ravishers." - -"Let us be gone," said the Ulmen. - -Don Tadeo remained for a moment motionless, his eyes fixed upon the -young man with a strange expression; a violent conflict appeared to be -going on within him; at length nature prevailed, he burst into tears; -and, throwing himself into the arms of the Frenchman, he murmured, in a -voice choked by grief-- - -"Valentine! Valentine! restore me my daughter!" - -The father had at length revealed himself; the stoicism of the statesman -had sunk before paternal love!--But human nature has its limits, beyond -which it cannot go; the moral shock which Don Tadeo had received, the -immense efforts he had made to conceal it, had completely exhausted -his strength, and he sank upon the slabs of the floor like a proud oak -struck by thunder. He had fainted. Valentine contemplated him for a -moment with pity and grief. - -"Poor father!" he said, "take courage, thy child shall be restored to -thee!" - -And he left the room with hasty steps, followed by Trangoil-Lanec, -whilst Don Gregorio, kneeling by his friend, gave him the most earnest -and kind attentions for the recovery of his senses. - - - - -CHAPTER XLVI. - -CURUMILLA. - - -In order to explain to the reader the miraculous disappearance of -Rosario, we are obliged to make a few retrograde steps, and return to -Curumilla, at the moment when the Ulmen, after his conversation with -Trangoil-Lanec, had thrown himself, like a staunch bloodhound, upon the -track of the young girl. Curumilla was a warrior as renowned for his -prudence and wisdom in council, as for his bravery in fight. Having -crossed the river, he left his horse in the care of a peon who had -accompanied him, as it would not only be useless to him, but, still -further, because it might even be injurious by betraying his presence by -the clatter of its hoofs upon the ground. Indians are expert horsemen, -but they are indefatigable walkers. Nature has endowed them with -incredible strength of muscles of the legs and hams; and they possess in -the highest degree the knowledge of that rising and sinking gymnastic -step, which, for some years past, has been introduced into Europe, -particularly into France, in the marching of troops. They accomplish -with incredible swiftness journeys which horses could hardly perform, -always directing their course in a straight line, or as the bird flies, -without regard to the difficulties that may arise in their way, no -obstacle being sufficient to turn them from their course. This quality -renders them particularly formidable to the Spanish Americans, who -cannot obtain this facility of locomotion, and who, in time of war, find -the redskins always before them at the moment they least expect them, -and that almost always at considerable distances from the spots where, -logically, they ought to be. - -Curumilla, after having carefully studied the prints made by the -ravishers, at once divined the route they had taken, and the place they -were bound to. He did not amuse himself with following them, for that -would have been losing precious time; on the contrary, he resolved to -cut across country, and wait for them at an elbow of the road he was -acquainted with, where, at all events, he could ascertain their numbers, -and, perhaps, save the young girl. This being determined, the Ulmen -set off. He walked for several hours without rest, eye and ear on the -watch, trying to penetrate the darkness, and listening patiently to the -various noises of the desert. These noises, which are to us white men -a dead letter, have for the Indians, who are accustomed to interrogate -them, a special signification, in which they are never deceived; they -analyse them, they decompose them, and often learn by this means things -which their enemies have the greatest interest in concealing from them. -However inexplicable this fact may at first appear, it is very simple. -There exists no noise in the desert without a cause. The flight of -birds, the passage of wild beasts, the rustling of leaves, the rolling -of a stone down a ravine, the undulation of high grass, the friction of -branches in the woods, are for the Indian valuable indications. - -At a certain point with which he was acquainted, Curumilla laid himself -down flat on his face, behind a block of rock, and remained motionless -among the grass and bushes that bordered the route. He remained thus for -more than an hour, without making the least movement. Whoever might have -perceived him would have taken him for a dead body. The practised ear of -the Indian, ever on the watch, at length caught in the distance the dull -sound of the feet of horses and mules upon the dry and sonorous road. -This noise grew rapidly nearer, and soon, from his hiding place, he -perceived about twenty horsemen passing slowly along in the dark, within -two lance lengths of him. The ravishers, emboldened by their numbers, -and believing themselves secure from all danger, rode along in perfect -security. The Indian raised his head softly, and leaning on his hands, -followed them with his anxious eyes, and waited. They passed without -seeing him. At some paces behind the troop, a horseman came along, -leaving himself carelessly to the measured pace of his horse. His head -occasionally sank upon his breast, and his hands had but a feeble hold -of the reins. It was evident that this man was asleep in his saddle. - -A sudden idea rushed like lightning through Curumilla's brain; gathering -himself up, he stiffened the iron muscles of his legs, and, bounding -like a tiger, leaped up behind the horseman. Before the latter, -surprised by this unexpected attack, had time to utter a cry, he pressed -his throat in such a manner as, for the time, to render him incapable -of calling for help. In the twinkling of an eye the horseman was gagged -and thrown to the ground: then, securing the horse, Curumilla fastened -it to a bush, and returned to his prisoner. The latter, with the stoical -and disdainful courage peculiar to the aborigines of America, finding -himself conquered, attempted no useless resistance; he looked at his -conqueror with a smile of contempt, and waited for him to speak to him. - -"Oh!" said Curumilla, who, upon leaning over him, recognised him, "is it -you, Joan?" - -"Curumilla!" the other replied. - -"Hum!" the Ulmen murmured to himself, "I would rather it had been -somebody else. What is my brother doing on this path?" he asked. - -"Of what consequence is that to my brother?" said the Indian, replying -to one question by another. - -"We have no time to waste," the chief replied, unsheathing his knife; -"let my brother speak." - -Joan started; a shudder ran through his limbs at the blue light -reflected by the long, sharp blade of the knife. - -"The chief can question me," he said, in a husky voice. - -"Where is my brother going?" - -"To the tolderia of San Miguel." - -"Good! and for what purpose is my brother going there?" - -"To place in the hands of the sister of the grand toqui a woman whom we -have carried off this morning." - -"Who ordered you to do so?" - -"She whom we are going to meet." - -"Who had the direction of this affair?" - -"I had." - -"Good! where does this woman expect the prisoner?" - -"I have told the chief; at the tolderia of San Miguel." - -"In which casa?" - -"In the last; the one which stands a little apart from the others." - -"That is well! Let my brother exchange poncho and hat with me." - -The Indian obeyed without a word, and when the exchange was made, -Curumilla said-- - -"I could kill my brother; prudence would even require me to do so, but -pity has entered my heart--Joan has wives and children, he is one of the -brave warriors of his tribe; if I let him live, will he be grateful?" - -The Indian had expected that he was going to die, but these words -restored him to hope. He was not a bad man at bottom; the Ulmen knew him -well, and was satisfied he would keep his promises. - -"My father holds my life in his hands," Joan replied; "if he does not -take it today, I shall remain his debtor--I will lay down my life at a -sign from him." - -"Very well!" said Curumilla, returning his knife to its sheath, "my -brother may rise, a chief keeps his word." - -The Indian sprang upon his feet, and fervently kissed the hand of the -man who had spared him. - -"What does my father command?" he asked. - -"My brother must repair as fast as possible to the tolderia which the -Huincas name Valdivia. He will seek Don Tadeo, the Great Eagle of the -Whites, and relate to him what has passed between us, adding, that I -will save the prisoner, or die." - -"Is that all?" - -"Yes. If the Great Eagle requires the services of my brother, he will -place himself without hesitation at his orders. Farewell! May Pillian -guide my brother! and let him never forget that I was not willing to -take the life that was in my power!" - -"Joan will not forget," the Indian replied. - -At a sign from Curumilla, he bent down in the high grass, crept along -like a serpent, and disappeared in the direction of Valdivia. The chief, -without losing an instant, jumped into the saddle and soon joined the -little troop, who had continued jogging quietly along, without dreaming -of the substitution that had just taken place. It was Curumilla who, -while carrying the young girl into the house, had whispered hope and -courage. These three words, in announcing to her that she had a friend -watching over her, had restored her the strength necessary for the -struggle that awaited her. - -After the unexpected arrival of Antinahuel, when, at the order of Dona -Maria, Curumilla led away the prisoner, instead of reconducting her -to the apartment in which she had been, he threw a poncho over her to -disguise her. - -"Follow me," he said in a low voice; "step out boldly, I will endeavour -to save you." - -The maiden hesitated; she was fearful of a snare. The Ulmen comprehended -her feeling, and said quickly, in a low voice-- - -"I am Curumilla, one of the Ulmens devoted to the two Frenchmen, the -friends of Don Tadeo." - -Rosario startled imperceptibly. - -"Go on," she replied in a firm tone; "happen what may, I will follow -you." - -And they left the hut together. The Indians, dispersed here and there, -were busily talking over the events of the day, and did not observe -them. The two fugitives proceeded for ten minutes without exchanging a -word. The village was soon lost in the darkness; at length Curumilla -stopped at a thick clump of cactus, behind which two horses stood, -saddled and bridled. - -"Does my sister find herself strong enough to mount on horseback, and -ride a long distance?" he asked. - -"To escape from my persecutors," she replied, in a broken voice, "I feel -I have strength to do anything." - -"Good!" said Curumilla, "my sister is courageous. Her God will help her!" - -"It is in Him alone I place my hope," she said, with a sigh. - -"To horse, then, and let us begone! minutes are ages!" - -He unfastened the horses, they mounted, and set of at full speed, -without any sound being produced upon the road by their hoofs, which -Curumilla had covered with pieces of sheepskin. The maiden breathed -a sigh of relief on feeling herself once more free, and under the -protection of a devoted friend. The fugitives continued to ride at a -rapid pace, in a direction diametrically opposite to the one they should -have taken to return to Valdivia. Prudence required that they should not -yet take any route on which, according to all possibilities, they would -be looked for. - -We must leave our friends in this critical position for the present; -but those readers who feel an interest in the loves of Don Louis and -Dona Rosario, will find their curiosity fully satisfied in the following -volume of this series, called "The Pearl of the Andes." - - - -THE END. - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventurers, by Gustave Aimard - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURERS *** - -***** This file should be named 43716.txt or 43716.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/3/7/1/43716/ - -Produced by Marc D'Hooghe at http://www.freeliterature.org - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The Adventurers - -Author: Gustave Aimard - -Release Date: September 14, 2013 [EBook #43716] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURERS *** - - - - -Produced by Marc D'Hooghe at http://www.freeliterature.org - - - - -THE ADVENTURERS - -A Story of a Love-Chase - -BY - -GUSTAVE AIMARD - -AUTHOR OF - -"LAST OF THE INCAS," "QUEEN OF THE SAVANNAH," - -ETC. - -LONDON - -WARD AND LOCK, 158, FLEET STREET. - -1863. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -With the publication of the present and the ensuing volume, "The Pearl -of the Andes," I am enabled to perfect the most important series of -Aimard's Tales of Indian Life and Adventure. To preserve uniformity, the -volumes of this series should be arranged in the following order on the -book-shelf;-- - - 1. THE ADVENTURERS. - 2. THE PEARL OF THE ANDES. - 3. THE TRAIL-HUNTER. - 4. PIRATES OF THE PRAIRIES. - 5. THE TRAPPER'S BRIDE. - 6. THE TIGER SLAYER. - 7. THE GOLD SEEKERS. - 8. THE INDIAN CHIEF. - 9. THE RED TRACK. - -Gustave Aimard has a precedent in Fenimore Cooper for introducing the -same hero in a long range of volumes, and, like his great predecessor, -he has so arranged, that each work should be complete in itself, and -not necessitate the purchase of another. But Aimard has one marked -advantage over Cooper; for while "Leather-Stocking" is but a creation -of the fancy, or, at the most, the type of the Backwoodsman, the Count -Louis who figures as the hero of Aimard's series, is a real man. Count -de Raousset Boulbon, had he succeeded in his daring attempt of founding -an independent kingdom in Mexico, would in all probability have become -the Napoleon of the West. A gallant adventurer and thorough gentleman, -he staked his life upon the issue, and ended his career the victim -of unparalleled treachery, as Aimard has faithfully recorded. Hence -Aimard's romances have the great merit of being founded on an historic -basis, and but little fiction was required to heighten the startling -interest of the narrative. - -Valentine Guillois, there is very little doubt, is intended for the -Author himself, with all his qualities and defects. When he first -reached the New World, he was the true, reckless Parisian; but constant -intercourse with nature rendered him a generous and thoughtful friend -of humanity. So soon as he returned to civilization, he began recording -the history of his past life; not so much as a livelihood, as for -the pleasure he felt in living once again the life of excitement and -adventure which he had known among the Indians. Hence his books are -written without an effort; they flow spontaneously from his pen; and the -absence of artistic effect is the best guarantee of their truthfulness. - -It is not surprising, consequently, that M. Aimard's books have met -with such extensive popularity. They have been translated into nearly -every modern language, and the Author is now generally recognised as the -French Cooper. The reception given to his stories in this country has -been most flattering, and each day heightens their popularity. Hence -it is not too much to assume that they will become standard works, -especially with young readers, for whom they are especially adapted; -because M. Aimard has never yet written a line which could prove -offensive to the most delicate mind. - - L.W. - - -CONTENTS. - - - I. THE CHAPARRAL - II. THE FOSTER BROTHERS - III. THE RESOLUTION - IV. THE EXECUTION - V. THE PASSAGE - VI. THE LINDA - VII. HUSBAND AND WIFE - VIII. THE DARK-HEARTS - IX. IN THE STREET - X. SWORD-THRUSTS - XI. GENERAL BUSTAMENTE - XII. THE SPY - XIII. LOVE - XIV. THE QUINTA VERDE - XV. THE DEPARTURE - XVI. THE MEETING - XVII. THE PUELCHES - XVIII. THE BLACK JACKAL - XIX. TWO OLD FRIENDS - XX. THE SORCERER - XXI. THE OBSEQUIES OF AN APO-ULMEN - XXII. EXPLANATIONS - XXIII. THE CHINGANA. - XXIV. THE TWO ULMENS - XXV. THE SUN-TIGER - XXVI. THE MATRICIDE - XXVII. THE JUSTICE OF THE DARK-HEARTS - XXVIII. THE TREATY OF PEACE - XXIX. THE ABDUCTION - XXX. THE PROTEST - XXXI. SPANIARD AND INDIAN - XXXII. IN THE MOUNTAIN - XXXIII. ON THE WATCH - XXXIV. FACE TO FACE - XXXV. THE REVOLT - XXXVI. THE LION AT BAY - XXXVII. THE TRUCE - XXXVIII. TWO ROGUISH PROFILES - XXXIX. THE WOUNDED MAN - XL. ARAUCANIAN DIPLOMACY - XLI. THE COUNCIL - XLII. THE NIGHT JOURNEY - XLIII. TWO HATREDS - XLIV. THE RETURN TO VALDIVIA - XLV. THE FATHER REVEALS HIMSELF - XLVI. CURUMILLA - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE CHAPARRAL. - - - -During my last sojourn in America, chance, or rather my good star, led -me to form an acquaintance with one of those hunters, or wood rangers, -the type of whom has been immortalized by Cooper, in his poetical -personage, _Leather-Stockings_. - -The strange circumstance by which we were brought together was as -follows. Towards the end of July, 1855, I had left Galveston, terrified -at the fevers prevalent there, which are so fatal to Europeans, with the -intention of visiting the north-west portion of Texas, a country I was -then unacquainted with. - -A Spanish proverb somewhere says, "It is better to go alone than in -bad company;" and, like all other proverbs, this possesses a certain -foundation of truth, particularly in America, where the traveller is -exposed at each instant to the chance of meeting rogues of every hue, -who, thanks to their seducing exterior, charm him, win his confidence, -and take advantage of the first occasion to remorselessly plunder and -assassinate him. - -I had profited by the proverb, and, like a shrewd old traveller of the -prairies, as I knew no one who inspired me with sufficient sympathy -to lead me to make him my travelling companion, I had bravely set out -alone, clothed in the picturesque dress of the inhabitants of the -country, armed to the teeth, and mounted upon an excellent half wild -horse, which had cost me twenty-five piastres--an enormous sum in those -countries, where horses are considered as worth little or nothing. - -I carelessly wandered here and there, living that nomadic life which -is so full of attractions; at times stopping at a _toldería_, at -others encamping in the desert, hunting wild animals, and plunging -deeper and deeper into unknown regions. I had, in this fashion, passed -through, without any untoward accident, Fredericksburgh, the Llana -Braunfels, and had just left Castroville, on my way to Quichi. Like -all Spanish-American villages, Castroville is nothing but a miserable -agglomeration of ruined cabins, cut at right angles by streets choked -with weeds, growing undisturbed, and concealing multitudes of ants, -reptiles, and even rabbits of a very small breed, which spring up -beneath the feet of the few passengers. The _pueblo_ is bounded on the -west by the Medina, a slender thread of water, almost dry in the great -heat seasons; and on the east by thickly-wooded hills, the dark green of -which forms a pleasing contrast with the pale blue of the sky. - -At Galveston I had undertaken to deliver a letter to an inhabitant of -Castroville. The worthy man lived in this village like La Fontaine's rat -in the depths of its Dutch cheese. Charmed by the arrival of a stranger, -who, no doubt, brought him news for which he had been long anxious, he -received me in the most cordial manner, and thought of every expedient -to detain me. Unfortunately, the little I had seen of Castroville had -sufficed to completely disgust me with it, and my only wish was to get -out of it as quickly as possible. My host, in despair at seeing all -his advances repulsed, at length consented to allow me to continue my -journey. - -"Adieu, then," he said, warmly pressing my hand, with a sigh of regret; -"since you are determined to go, may God protect you! You are wrong -in setting out so late; the road you have to travel is dangerous; the -_Indios bravos_ are up; they assassinate without mercy all the whites -who fall into their hands--beware!" - -I smiled at this warning, which I took for a last effort of the worthy -man to detain me. - -"Bah!" I replied gaily; "the Indians and I are too old acquaintances for -me to fear anything on their account." - -My host shook his head sorrowfully, and retreated into his hut, making -me a last farewell greeting. I again set forward. I soon began to -reflect that it was full late, and pressed my horse, in order to pass, -before nightfall, a _chaparral_, or large thicket of underwood, of at -least two miles in length, against which my host had particularly warned -me. This ill-famed spot had a very sinister aspect. The mezquite, the -acacia, and the cactus constituted its sole vegetation, while here and -there, whitened bones and planted crosses plainly designated places -where murders had been committed. Beyond that extended a vast plain, -called the Leona, peopled by animals of every description. This plain, -covered by grass at least two feet in height, was dotted at intervals -with thickets of trees, upon which warbled thousands of golden-throated -starlings, cardinals, and bluebirds. I was anxious to reach the -Leona, which I saw in the distance; but ere I did so, I had to cross -the chaparral. After examining my weapons, and looking carefully in -all directions, as I could perceive nothing positively suspicious, I -resolutely spurred my horse forward, determined, if attacked, to sell my -life as dearly as possible. - -The sun, in the meantime, was sinking rapidly towards the horizon, the -ruddy hues of closing day tinged with their changing reflections the -summits of the wooded hills, and a fresh breeze agitated the branches -of the trees with mysterious murmurs. In this country, where there is -no twilight, night was not long in enveloping me in thick darkness, and -that before I had passed through two-thirds of the chaparral. - -I was beginning to hope I should reach the Leona safe and sound, when, -all at once, my horse made a violent bound on one side, pricking up its -ears, and snorting loudly. The sudden shock almost threw me out of the -saddle, and it was not without trouble that I recovered the mastery -over my horse, which displayed signs of the greatest terror. As always -happens in such cases, I instinctively looked round me for the cause of -this panic; and soon the truth was revealed to me. A cold perspiration -bedewed my brow, and a shudder of terror ran through my whole frame, at -the horrible spectacle which met my eyes. Five dead human bodies lay -stretched beneath the trees, within ten paces of me. Among them was -one of a woman, and one of a girl about fourteen years of age. They -all belonged to the white race. They appeared to have fought long and -obstinately before they fell; they were literally covered with wounds; -and long arrows, with jagged barbs, and painted red, stood out from the -bodies, which they had pierced through and through. The victims had all -been scalped. It was evidently the work of Indians, marked with their -sanguinary rage, and their inveterate hatred for the white race. The -form and colour of the arrows told me that the perpetrators of this -atrocity were the Apaches, the most cruel plunderers of the desert. -Around the bodies I observed fragments of both wagons and furniture. The -unfortunate beings, assassinated with refined cruelty, had, no doubt, -been poor emigrants on their way to Castroville. - -At the aspect of this heartbreaking spectacle, I cannot express the pity -and grief which weighed upon my spirits; high in the air, urubus and -vultures hovered with lazy wings over the bodies, uttering lugubrious -cries of joy, whilst in the depths of the chaparral the wolves and -jaguars began to growl portentously. - -I cast a melancholy glance around: all immediately near to me was quiet. -The Apaches had, according to all appearances, surprised the emigrants -during a halt. Gutted bales were still ranged in a symmetrical circle, -and a fire, near which was a heap of dry wood, was not yet extinguished. - -"No!" said I to myself, "whatever may happen, I will not leave -Christians without burial, to become, in this desert, the prey of wild -beasts." - -My resolution, once formed, was soon carried into execution. Springing -to the ground, I hobbled my horse, gave it some provender, and cast some -branches of wood upon the fire, which soon sparkled and sent into the -air a column of bright flame. Among the necessaries of the emigrants -were spades, pickaxes, and other agricultural instruments, which, being -of no use to the Indians, they had disdainfully left behind them. I -seized a spade, and, after having carefully explored the environs -of my encampment, to assure myself that no immediate danger need be -apprehended, I set to work to dig a grave. - -The night had now set in; one of those American nights, clear, -silent, full of intoxicating odours, and mysterious melodies chanted -by the desert in praise of God. Extraordinary to say, all my fears -had vanished, as if by enchantment! Though alone in this sinister -place, close to these frightfully-mutilated carcasses, watched in the -darkness, no doubt, by the unseen eyes of wild beasts, and, perhaps, -of the murderous Indians, some incomprehensible influence sustained -me, and gave me strength to accomplish the rude but sacred task I had -undertaken. Instead of thinking of the dangers which surrounded me, I -found myself yielding to a pensive melancholy. I thought of these poor -people, who had come from distant lands, full of hope for the future, -to seek in the New World a little of the comfort and well-being which -were denied to them at home, and who, scarcely landed, had fallen, in an -obscure corner of the desert, by the hands of ferocious savages. They -had left in their own country friends, perhaps relations, to whom their -fate would for ever remain a mystery, and who would for years reckon -the hours with anxiety, looking for their much-wished return, or for -intelligence of their success in their bold undertaking. - -Except two or three alarms caused by the rustling of the leaves in the -bushes, nothing occurred to interrupt my melancholy duty. In less than -three-quarters of an hour I had dug a grave large enough to contain the -five bodies. After extracting the arrows by which they were transfixed, -I raised them one after the other in my arms, and laid them gently -side by side at the bottom of the grave. I then hastened to throw in -the mould again, till it was level with the sod; and that being done, -I dragged upon the surface all the large stones I could find, to keep -wild beasts from profaning the dead. This religious duty accomplished, -I breathed a deep sigh of satisfaction, and bowing my head towards the -ground, I mentally addressed a short prayer to the Almighty, for the -unfortunate beings I had buried. - -Upon raising my head, I uttered a cry of surprise and terror, while at -the same time mechanically feeling for my revolver; for, without the -least noise having given me warning of his approach, a man was standing -within four paces of me, watching me earnestly, and leaning on his long -rifle. Two magnificent Newfoundland dogs were lying carelessly but -quietly at his feet. On observing my gesture, the unknown smiled with a -kindly expression, and holding out his hand to me over the grave, said-- - -"Fear nothing! I am a friend. You have buried these poor people; _I_ -have avenged them--their assassins are dead!" - -I silently pressed the hand that was so frankly extended to me. -Acquaintance was formed--we were friends--we are so still! A few minutes -later we were seated near the fire, supping together with a good -appetite, while the dogs kept watch against intruders. - -The companion I had fallen in with in so curious a manner was a man of -about forty-five years of age, although he did not appear to be more -than thirty-two. He was tall and well made; his broad shoulders and -muscular limbs denoting extraordinary strength and agility. He wore the -picturesque hunter's costume in all its purity, that is to say, the -_capote_, or surtout (which is nothing but a kind of blanket worn as a -robe, fastened to the shoulders, and falling in long folds behind), a -shirt of striped cotton, large _mitasses_ (drawers of doeskin, stitched -with hair, fastened at distances, and ornamented with little bells), -leather gaiters, moccasins of elk skin, braided with beads and porcupine -quills, and a checked woollen belt, from which hung his knife, tobacco -pouch, powder horn, pistols, and medicine bag. His headdress consisted -of a cap made of the skin of a beaver, the tail of which fell between -his shoulders. This man was a type of a hardy race of adventurers who -traverse America in all directions. A primitive race, longing for -open air, space, and liberty, opposed to our ideas of civilization, -and consequently destined to disappear before the immigration of the -laborious races, whose powerful agents of conquest are steam and the -application of mechanical inventions of all kinds. - -This hunter was a Frenchman, and his frank, manly countenance, his -picturesque language, his open and engaging manners, notwithstanding -his long abode in America, had preserved a reflex of the mother country -which awakened sympathy and created interest. - -All the countries of the New World were familiar to him; he had lived -more than twenty years in the depths of the woods, and had been engaged -in dangerous and distant excursions among the Indian tribes. Hence, -although myself well initiated in the customs of the redskins, and -though a great part of my existence had been passed in the desert, I -have felt myself often shudder involuntarily at the recital of his -adventures. When seated beside him on the banks of the Rio Gila, during -an excursion we had undertaken into the prairies, he would at times -allow himself to be carried away by his remembrances, and relate to me, -as he smoked his Indian pipe, the strange history of the early days -of his abode in the New World. It is one of these recitals I am about -to lay before my readers--the first in order of date, since it is the -history of the events which led him to become a wood ranger. I do not -venture to hope that my readers will take the interest in it which it -excited in me; but I beg them to have the kindness to recollect that -this narrative was told me in the desert, amidst that grand, vast, and -powerful nature, unknown to the inhabitants of old Europe, and that I -had it from the lips of the man who had been the hero. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -THE FOSTER BROTHERS. - - -On the 31st of December, 1834, at eleven o'clock in the evening, a man -of about twenty-five years of age, of handsome person and countenance, -and aristocratic appearance, was sitting, or rather reclining, in a -luxurious easy chair, near the mantelpiece, within which sparkled a -fire that the advanced season rendered indispensable. This personage -was the Count Maxime Edouard Louis de Prébois-Crancé. His countenance, -of a cadaverous paleness, formed a striking contrast with his black -curly hair, which fell in disorder upon his shoulders, covered by -a large-patterned damask dressing gown. His brows were contracted, -and his eyes were fixed with feverish impatience upon the dial of a -charming Louis Quinze clock, whilst his left hand, hanging carelessly -by his side, played with the silky ears of a magnificent Newfoundland -dog which lay by his side. The room in which the Count was sitting was -furnished with all the refinement of comfort invented by modern luxury. -A four-branched chandelier, with rose-coloured wax candles, placed upon -a table, was scarcely sufficient to enliven the room, and only spread -around a dim, uncertain light. Without, the rain was dashing against -the windows violently; and the wind sighed in mysterious murmurs, which -disposed the mind to melancholy. When the clock struck the hour the -Count started up, as if aroused from a dream. He passed his thin white -hand across his moist brow, and said, in a dissatisfied tone-- - -"He will not come!" - -But at that moment the dog, which had been so motionless, sprang up and -bounded towards the door, wagging its tail with joy. The door opened, -the _portière_ was lifted by a firm hand, and a man appeared. - -"Here you are at last!" the Count exclaimed, advancing towards the -newcomer, who had great trouble to get rid of the caresses of the dog. -"I had begun to be afraid that you, like the rest, had forgotten me." - -"I do not understand you, brother, but trust you will explain yourself," -the other replied. "Come, that will do, Cæsar; lie down! you are a very -good dog, but lie down!" - -And drawing an easy chair towards the fire, he sat down at the other -side of the fire, in front of the Count, who had resumed his place. The -dog lay down between them. - -The personage so anxiously expected by the Count formed a strange -contrast with him; for, just as M. de Prébois-Crancé united in himself -all the qualities which physically distinguish nobility of race, the -other displayed all the lively, energetic strength of a true child of -the people. He was a man of twenty-six years of age; tall, thin, and -perfectly well proportioned; while his face, bronzed by the sun, and -his marked features, lit up by blue eyes sparkling with intelligence, -wore an expression of bravery, mildness, and loyalty of character that -created sympathy at first sight. He was dressed in the elegant uniform -of a quartermaster sergeant of the Spahis, and the cross of the legion -of honour glittered on his breast. With his head leaning on his right -hand, a pensive brow and a thoughtful eye, he examined his friend -attentively, whilst twisting his long, silky light-coloured moustache -with the other hand. - -The Count, shrinking before his earnest look, which appeared trying to -read his most secret thoughts, broke the silence abruptly. - -"You have been a long time in responding to my message," he said. - -"This is the second time you have addressed that reproach to me, Louis," -the soldier replied, taking a paper from his breast; "you forget the -terms of the note which your groom brought yesterday to my quarters." - -And he was preparing to read. - -"It is useless to read it," said the Count, with a melancholy smile. "I -acknowledge I am in the wrong." - -"Well, then, let us see," said the Spahi gaily, "what this serious -affair is which makes you stand in need of me. Explain: is there a woman -to be carried off?--Have you a duel on hand?--Tell me." - -"Nothing that you can possibly imagine," the Count interrupted him -bitterly; "therefore do not waste time in useless surmises." - -"What the devil is it, then?" - -"I am going to blow out my brains." - -The young man uttered these words with so firm and resolute an accent, -that the soldier started in spite of himself, and bent an anxious glance -upon the speaker. - -"You believe me mad, do you not?" the Count continued, who guessed his -friend's thoughts. "No, I am not mad, Valentine; I am only at the bottom -of an abyss from which I can only escape by death or infamy, and I -prefer death." - -The soldier made no reply. With an energetic gesture he pushed back his -chair, and began to walk about the room with hurried steps. The Count -had allowed his head to sink upon his breast in a state of perfect -prostration of mind. After a long silence, during which the fury of the -storm without increased, Valentine resumed his seat. - -"A very strong reason must have obliged you to take such a -determination," he said coolly; "I will not endeavour to combat it; but -I command you, by our friendship, to tell me fully what has led you to -form it. I am your foster brother, Louis; we have grown up together; our -ideas have been too long in common, our friendship is too strong and too -fervent for you to refuse to satisfy me." - -"To what purpose?" cried the Count, impatiently; "my sorrows are of a -nature which none but he who experiences them can comprehend." - -"A bad pretext, brother," replied the soldier, in a rough tone; "the -sorrows we dare not avow are of a kind that make us blush." - -"Valentine," said the Count, with a flashing eye, "it is ill judged to -speak so." - -"On the contrary, it is quite right," replied the young man, warmly. "I -love you, I owe you the truth; why should I deceive you? No, you know my -frankness; therefore do not hope that I shall listen to you with my eyes -shut. If you want to be flattered in your last moments, why send for me? -Is it to applaud your death? If so, brother, farewell! I will retire, -for I have nothing to do here. You great gentlemen, who have only known -the trouble of coming into the world, know nothing of life but its joys; -at the first roseleaf which chance happens to ruffle in your bed of -happiness, you think yourselves lost, and appeal to that greatest of all -cowardices, suicide." - -"Valentine!" the Count cried angrily. - -"Yes," continued the young man, with increased energy, "I repeat, that -supreme cowardice! Man is no more at liberty to quit life when he -fancies he is tired of it, than the soldier is to quit his post when he -comes face to face with his country's enemy. Your sorrows, indeed! I -know well what they are." - -"You know?" demanded the Count with astonishment. - -"All--listen to me; and when I have told you my thoughts, why, kill -yourself if you like. Pardieu! do you think when I came here I did not -know why you summoned me? A gladiator, far too weak to fight the good -fight, you have cast yourself defencelessly among the wild beasts of -this terrible arena called Paris--and you have fallen, as was sure to -be the case. But remember, the death you contemplate will complete your -dishonour in the eyes of all, instead of reinstating you or surrounding -you with the halo of false glory you are ambitious of." - -"Valentine! Valentine!" cried the Count, striking the table forcibly -with his clenched hand, "what gives you a right to speak to me thus?" - -"My friendship," the soldier replied, energetically, "and the position -you have yourself placed me in by sending for me. Two causes reduce you -to despair. These two causes are, in the first place, your love for -a coquettish woman, a Creole, who has played with your heart as the -panther of her own savannahs plays with the inoffensive animals she is -preparing to devour.--Is that true?" - -The young man made no reply. With his elbows on the table, his face -buried in his hands, he remained motionless, apparently insensible to -the reproaches of his foster brother. Valentine continued-- - -"Secondly, when, in order to win favour in her eyes, you have -compromised your fortune, and squandered all that your father had left -you, this woman flits away as she came, rejoicing over the mischief -she has done, over the victims she has left on the path she has trod, -leaving to you and to so many others the despair and the shame of having -been the sport of a coquette. What urges you to seek refuge in death is -not the loss of fortune, but the impossibility of following this woman, -the sole cause of all your misfortunes. I defy you to contradict me." - -"Well, I admit all that is true. It is that alone which kills me. What -care I for the loss of fortune? She alone is the object of my ambition! -I love her--I love her--I tell you, so that I could struggle against -the whole world to obtain her!" the young man exclaimed with great -excitement. "Oh, if I could but hope! Hope--a word void of meaning, -invented by the ambitious, always implying something unattainable! Do -you not plainly see the truth of what I say? There is nothing left me -but to die!" - -Valentine contemplated him for some minutes with a sad countenance. -Suddenly his brow cleared, his eye sparkled; he laid his hand upon the -Count's shoulder. - -"Is this, then, more than a caprice? Do you really love this woman?" he -said. - -"Have I not told you that I am ready to die for her?" - -"Ay; and you told me at the same time that you would struggle with the -whole world to obtain her." - -"I did--and would." - -"Well, then," continued Valentine, fixing his eyes earnestly upon him, -"I can help you to find this woman again--I can." - -"You can?" - -"Yes, I can." - -"Oh! you are mad! She has left Paris, and no one knows into what region -of America she has retreated." - -"Of what consequence is that?" - -"And then, besides, I am ruined!" - -"So much the better." - -"Valentine, be careful of what you say," the young man remarked with a -sigh; "in spite of my reason, I allow myself to believe you." - -"Hope, man! hope, I tell you." - -"Oh, no; no, that is impossible!" - -"Nothing is impossible; that is a word invented by the impotent and the -cowardly. I repeat that I not only will find this woman for you again, -but that she--she herself, mind--shall be afraid lest you should despise -her love." - -"Oh!" - -"Who knows? You yourself may then, perhaps, reject it." - -"Valentine! Valentine!" - -"Well, to obtain this glorious result, I only ask two years." - -"So long?" - -"Oh, such is man!" cried the soldier, with a faint, pitying laugh. "But -an instant ago, and you were anxious to die, because the word had never -stood in its true light before you; and now you have not the courage to -look forward, or wait two years, which constitute only a few minutes of -human life!" - -"Yes, but----" - -"Be satisfied, brother--be satisfied! If in two years I have not -fulfilled my promise, I myself will load your pistols--and then----" - -"Well, and then?" - -"And then you shall not die alone," he said coolly. - -The Count looked at him. Valentine seemed transfigured: his countenance -wore an expression of indomitable energy, which his foster brother had -never observed in it before; his eyes sparkled with unwonted brilliancy. -The young man avowed himself conquered; he took his friend's hand, and -pressing it warmly, said-- - -"I agree!" - -"You now, then, belong to me?" - -"I give myself entirely up to you." - -"That's well!" - -"But what will you do?" - -"Listen to me attentively," the soldier said, sinking back into his -chair, and motioning to his friend to resume his seat. At this moment -the clock struck the hour of midnight, and, from a feeling for which -they could not account, the young men listened silently and reflectively -to the twelve strokes which resounded at equal intervals upon the bell. - -When the echo of the last stroke had ceased to vibrate, Valentine lit a -cigar, and turning towards Louis, whose eyes were intensely fixed upon -him, "Now, then," he said slowly, emitting a puff of thin blue smoke, -which went curling gracefully up towards the ceiling. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE RESOLUTION. - - -"I am listening," said Louis, leaning forward as if to hear the better. - -Valentine resumed with a melancholy smile. - -"We have now reached the 1st of January, 1835," said he; "with the last -vibration of midnight your existence as a gentleman has come to an end. -From this time you are about to commence a life of trials and struggles; -in a word, you are about to become a man!" - -The Count gave him an inquiring glance. - -"I will explain myself," Valentine continued; "but in order to do that, -you must, in the first place, allow me, in a few words, to recall your -history to you." - -"Surely, I am well enough acquainted with that," interrupted the Count, -in a tone that displayed impatience. - -"Well, perhaps you are; but, at all events, listen to my version of it; -if I err, put me right." - -"Follow your own humour," the Count replied, sinking back into his chair -with the air of a man whom politeness obliges to listen to a tiresome -discourse. - -Though he saw it, Valentine appeared to take no notice of this movement -on the part of his foster brother. He relit his cigar, which he had -allowed to go out, patted the dog, whose great head was lying upon his -knees, and began, as if convinced that Louis gave him the most profound -attention. - -"Your history is that of almost every man of your rank," said he. "Your -ancestors, whose name can be traced to the Crusades, left you at your -birth a noble title, and a hundred thousand francs a year. Rich, without -having had occasion to employ your faculties to gain your fortune, -and consequently ignorant of the real value of money, you spent it -heedlessly, believing it to be inexhaustible. This is just what has -happened; only, one day, when you least expected it, the hideous spectre -of ruin rose up suddenly before you, and you had a glimpse of want, -that is, of the necessity for labour; and then you drew back terrified, -declaring there was no refuge but in death." - -"All that is perfectly true," the Count interrupted; "but you forget to -mention, that before forming this last resolution, I took care to put -my affairs in order, and to pay all my creditors. I then became my own -master, and had a right to dispose of my life as I thought fit." - -"Not at all. And it is this which your education as a gentleman has -prevented you from understanding. Your life is not your own; it is -a loan which God has made you. It is, consequently, nothing but an -expectation, a _waiting_, a passage: for this reason it is short, -but the profit of it is due to humanity. Every man who wastes the -faculties which he holds from God in orgies and debaucheries, commits a -robbery upon the great human family. Remember that we are all mutually -responsible for one another, and that we ought to employ our faculties -for the advantage of the whole." - -"For Heaven's sake, brother, a truce to your sermons! Such theories, -more or less paradoxical, may succeed with certain people, but----" - -"Brother," Valentine interrupted, "do not speak so. In spite of -yourself, your pride of race dictates words which you will ere long -regret. Certain people! there you have let slip the great word. Oh, -Louis, Louis! how many things you have yet to learn! But that we may -know what we are about, reckoning all your resources, how much have you -left?" - -"Oh, I scarcely know! A pitiful sum." - -"Well, but how much?" - -"Good Heavens! some forty thousand francs, I suppose, at most, which may -amount to sixty thousand by the sale of these luxurious trifles," the -Count said carelessly. - -Valentine started up in his chair. - -"Sixty thousand francs!" he cried; "and you are in despair! and have -made up your mind to die! Senseless fellow! why, these sixty thousand -francs, well employed, are a fortune! they will enable you to find the -woman you love! How many poor devils would fancy themselves rich with -such a sum!" - -"What do you mean to do, then?" - -"You shall see. What is the name of the lady you are in love with?" - -"Doña Rosario del Valle." - -"Very well. She has, you say, gone to America?" - -"Ten days ago; but I, in justice, must observe to you, that Doña -Rosario, whom you do not know, is a noble and amiable girl, who has -never lent an ear to one of my flatteries, or given favourable heed to -the ruinous extravagances which I committed to please her." - -"Ah, that is very possible! why, then, should I seek to rob you of this -sweet illusion? Only it makes me the more puzzled to perceive how, under -these circumstances, you could manage to melt your fortune, which was -considerable, like a lump of butter in the sun." - -"Here! read this note from my broker." - -"Oh!" said Valentine, pushing back the paper; "you have been dabbling -on the Stock Exchange, have you! Everything is now easily explained, my -poor pigeon; the kites have plucked you nicely! Well, brother, you must -take your revenge." - -"Oh, I ask nothing better!" said the young man, knitting his brows. - -"We are of the same age; my mother's milk nourished us both; in the -eyes of God we are brothers! I will make a man of you! I will help -you to put on that armour of brass which will render you invincible. -Whilst you, protected by your name and your fortune, allowed life to -glide luxuriously away, only plucking its flowers as it passed, I, a -poor wretch wandering over the rough pavement of Paris, carried on a -gigantic struggle to obtain a mere existence; a struggle of every hour -and every minute, where the victory for me was a morsel of bread, and -experience most dearly bought; for often, when I held horses, sold -theatre checks, or acted clown to a mountebank--in fact, when I went -through the thousand impossible shifts of the Bohemian, depression and -discouragement nearly choked me; often and often have I felt my burning -brow and throbbing temples clasped in the pinching vice of want; but I -resisted, I girded myself up against adversity; never did I allow myself -to be conquered, although I left upon the thorns of my rugged path many -of the rags of my most fondly-cherished illusions; while my heart, -writhing with despair, has bled from twenty wounds at once! Courage, -Louis! henceforth there will be two of us to fight the battle! You shall -be the head to conceive, I the arm to execute; you the intelligence, I -the strength! Now the struggle will be equal, for we will sustain one -another. Trust in me, my brother; a day will come when success will -crown our efforts!" - -"I can fully appreciate your devotion, and I accept it. Am I not, at -present, your property? Entertain no fear of my resisting you. But I -cannot help telling you that I fear all my attempts will be in vain, and -that we shall be forced, sooner or later, to fall back upon that last -means which you now prevent me having recourse to." - -"Oh, thou man of little faith!" Valentine said, cheerfully; "on the road -which we are about to take, fortune will be our slave!" - -Louis could not repress a smile. - -"We must, at all events, depend upon the aid of chance in what we are -about to undertake," he said. - -"Chance! chance is the hope of fools; the strong man commands it." - -"Well, but what do you mean to do?" - -"The lady you love is in America, is she not?" - -"I have already told you so several times." - -"Very well, then, we must go thither." - -"But I do not know even in what part of America she resides." - -"Of what consequence is that? The New World is the country of gold--the -true region of adventurers! We shall retrieve our fortunes whilst -searching for her; and is that so disagreeable a thing? Tell me--this -lady was born somewhere?" - -"She is a Chilian." - -"Good! she has gone back to Chili, then; and it is there we shall find -her." - -Louis looked at his foster brother for a moment, with a species of -respectful admiration. - -"What! do you seriously mean that you will do this, brother?" he said, -in an agitated voice. - -"Without hesitation." - -"Abandon the military career which offers you so many chances of -success? I know that in three months you will be an officer." - -"I have ceased to be a soldier since the morning; I have found a -substitute." - -"Oh, that is not possible!" - -"Ay, but it is done." - -"But your old mother, my nurse, whose only support you are!" - -"Out of what you have left we will give her a few thousand francs, -which, joined to my pension, will suffice for her to live on till we -come back." - -"Oh," said the young man, "I cannot accept of such a sacrifice--my -honour forbids it!" - -"Unfortunately, brother," Valentine said, in a tone which silenced the -Count, "you have it not in your power to prevent it. In acting as I -propose to do I am only discharging a sacred duty." - -"I do not understand you." - -"What is the use of explaining it to you?" - -"I insist." - -"Very good; and, perhaps, it will be better. Listen:--When, after -having nursed you, my mother restored you to your family, my father fell -sick, and died at the end of an illness of eight months, leaving my -mother and myself in the greatest want; the little we possessed had been -spent in medicines, and in paying the doctor for his visits. We ought to -have had recourse to your family, who would, no doubt, have relieved us; -but my mother would never consent to it. 'The Count de Prébois-Crancé -has done as much as he ought,' she remarked, 'he shall not be troubled -any more.'" - -"She was wrong," said Louis. - -"I know she was," Valentine replied. "In the meantime, hunger soon began -to be felt. It was then I undertook all those impossible trades of which -I just now spoke to you. One day, as I was carrying my cap round in the -Place du Trône, after swallowing sabres and eating fire, to the great -delight of the crowd, I found myself face to face with an officer of the -Chasseurs d'Afrique, who looked at me with an air of pity and kindness -that melted my heart within me. He led me away with him, made me relate -my history, and insisted upon being conducted to the shed where I and -my mother lived. At the sight of our misery the old soldier was much -affected; a tear, which he could not restrain, flowed silently down his -sunburnt cheek. Louis, that officer was your father." - -"My noble and good father!" the Count exclaimed, pressing his foster -brother's hand. - -"Yes! yes, noble and good! he secured my mother a little annuity which -enables her to live, and took me into his own regiment. Two years ago, -during the last expedition against the Rey of Constantine, your father -was struck by a bullet in his chest, and died at the end of two hours, -calling upon his son." - -"Yes," the young man said, with tears in his eyes, "I know he did." - -"But what you do not know, Louis, is, that at the point of death your -father turned towards me--for, from the moment he had received his wound -I had never left him." - -Louis again silently pressed the hand of Valentine, whilst the latter -continued-- - -"'Valentine,' he said to me, in a faint voice, broken by the rattle of -death, for the mortal agony had commenced, 'my son is left alone, and -without experience; he has nobody but you, his foster brother. Watch -over him--never abandon him! May I depend upon your promise? it will -mitigate the pain of dying.' I knelt down beside him, and respectfully -seizing the hand he held out to me, exclaimed--'Die in peace! in the -hour of adversity I will be always by the side of your Louis. Two tears -of joy at that awful hour dropped from your father's eyes; he said, in a -faltering voice--'God has heard your oath and murmuring your name, and -clasping my hand, he expired. Louis, I owe to your father the comfort -my mother enjoys; I owe to your father the feelings that make me a man, -and this cross which glitters on my breast. Can you not now comprehend, -then, why I have spoken to you as I have done? While you held your -course in your strength, I kept aloof; but now that the hour has arrived -for accomplishing my vow, no human power can prevent me from doing so." - -The two young men were silent for a moment, and then Louis, laying his -face on the soldier's honest chest, said, with a burst of tears-- - -"When shall we set out, brother?" - -The latter looked at him earnestly-- - -"You are fully resolved to commence a new life?" - -"Entirely!" Louis replied, in a firm tone. - -"Do you leave no regrets behind you?" - -"None." - -"You are ready to pass bravely through all the trials to which I may -expose you?" - -"I am." - -"That is well, brother! it is thus I wish you to be. We will set out as -soon as we have settled the balance of your past life. You must enter -on the new existence I am about to open to you quite free from clogs or -remembrances." - - * * * * * - -On the 2nd of February, 1835, a packet boat belonging to the -Trans-Atlantic Company left Havre, directing its course towards -Valparaiso. On board this vessel, as passengers, were the Count de -Prébois-Crancé, Valentine Guillois his foster brother, and Cæsar their -Newfoundland dog--Cæsar, the only friend who had remained faithful to -them, and whom they could not think of leaving behind. Upon the quay -a woman of about sixty years of age, her face bathed in tears, stood -with her eyes intently fixed upon the vessel as long as it remained in -sight. When it had disappeared below the horizon, she cast a desponding -glance around her, and with a heavy heart bent her steps towards a house -situated at a small distance from the beach, where she remained three -days. - -"Do what is right, happen what may!" she said, in a voice stifled by -grief. - -This woman was the mother of Valentine Guillois. She was the most to be -pitied, for she was left alone! - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE EXECUTION. - - -Towards the end of the year 1450, Chili was invaded by Prince -Sinchiroca, afterwards Inca, who gained possession of the valley of -Mapocho, then called Promocaces, that is to say, the place of dancing -and rejoicing. The Peruvian government, however, was never able to -establish itself in the country, on account of the armed opposition of -the Promocians, then encamped between the rivers Rapel and Maulé. Hence, -though the historian Garcilasso de la Vega may place the limits of the -territory conquered by the Incas upon the river Maulé, everything proves -they were upon the Rapel, for, near the confluence of the Cachapeul with -the Tingerica, which from this point takes the name of Rapel, start the -ruins of an ancient Peruvian fortress, constructed exactly like those of -Callao and Asseray, in the province of Quito. These fortresses served to -mark the frontier. - -The Spanish conqueror, Don Pedro de Valdivia, founded, on the 24th of -February, 1541, the city of Santiago in a delightful position upon the -left bank of the Rio Mapocho, at the entrance of a plain a hundred miles -in extent, bounded by the Rio Parahuel, and the mountain of El Pardo, -which has an elevation of not less than four thousand feet. This plain, -which is also bathed by the Rio Maypo, forms a natural reservoir, in -which the light soil brought down from the neighbouring heights has -found a level, and created one of the richest territories of the New -World. - -Santiago, which at a later period became the capital of Chili, is one of -the finest cities in Spanish America. Its streets are broad, built in -straight lines, and refreshed by _acequias_; or rivulets of clear and -limpid water; while the houses, built of _adobes_, only one story high, -on account of the earthquakes so frequent in this country, are vast, -airy, and well situated. It possesses a great number of monuments, the -most remarkable of which are the stone bridge of five arches, thrown -over the Mapocho, and the Tajamar, or breakwater, formed of two brick -walls, the interior one of which is filled with earth, and serves to -protect the inhabitants from inundations. The Cordilleras, with their -eternally snow-crowned summits, although eighty miles distant from -the city, appear suspended over it, and present an aspect of the most -majestic and imposing kind. - -On the 5th of May, 1835, towards ten o'clock in the evening, stifling -heat oppressed the city; there was not a breath in the air, or a cloud -in the heavens. Santiago, generally so joyous at this hour of the -night, when beams from black eyes and smiles from rosy lips are seen at -every balcony, and each window seems to challenge the passer-by with -the twanging of _sambecuejas,_ and snatches of Creole songs, appeared -plunged in the deepest sadness. The balconies and the windows were -filled, it is true, with the heads of men and women, packed together as -closely as possible, but the expression of every face was serious, every -look was thoughtful and uneasy: no smile, no joy could be witnessed; but -on all sides were sorrowful brows, pale cheeks, and eyes filled with -tears. - -Here and there in the streets numerous groups were stationed in the -middle of the causeway, or upon the steps of the doors, conversing in a -low voice, but with great vivacity. At every instant, orderly officers -left the government palace, and galloped off in various directions. -Detachments of troops quitted their barracks, and marched, with drums -beating, to the Plaza Mayor, where they formed in line, passing silently -amidst the terrified inhabitants. The Plaza Mayor on this evening -afforded an exceptional appearance. Torches, waved about by individuals -mixed with the crowd, threw their red dull reflections upon the -assembled people, who seemed to be in expectation of some great event. - -But among all these people assembled on one spot, and whose number -increased every second, not a cry, not a word could be heard. Only, at -intervals, there arose a nameless murmur--a noise of the sea before a -tempest--the whisper of a whole anxious people--the hoarse fury of a -storm lashing all these oppressed breasts. The clock of the cathedral -heavily and slowly struck ten. - -Scarce had the _serenos_, according to custom, chanted the hour, ere -military commands were heard, and the crowd violently driven back in all -directions, with cries and oaths, accompanied by blows from gunstocks, -divided in two nearly equal parts, leaving between them a wide, free -space. At this moment arose the sounds of religious chants, murmured in -a low, monotonous tone, and a long procession of monks debouched upon -the square. These monks all belonged to the order of the Brothers of -Mercy. They walked slowly in two lines, with their hoods pulled down -over their faces, their arms crossed upon their breasts, their heads -hanging down, and chanting the _De Profundis_. In the middle of them ten -penitents each bore an open coffin. Then came a squadron of cavalry, -preceding a battalion of militiamen, in the centre of which body, ten -men, bare headed, with their arms bound behind them, were conducted, -each riding with his face toward the tail of a donkey, whose bridle -was held by a monk of the order of Mercy; a detachment of lancers came -immediately after, and closed this lugubrious procession. - -At the cry of halt, given by the commander of the troops drawn up -upon the Plaza, the monks separated to the right and left, without -interrupting their funeral chant, and the condemned remained alone in -the middle of the space left free for them. These men were patriots, -who had attempted to overthrow the established government, in order to -substitute another, the more broad and democratic basis of which would -be, as they thought, in better accordance with ideas of progress and the -welfare of the nation. These patriots belonged to the first families of -the country. - -The population of Santiago viewed with sullen despair the death of -the men whom they considered as martyrs. It is even probable that a -rising in their favour would have taken place, if General Don Poncho -Bustamente, the minister at war, had not drawn out a military force -capable of imposing upon the most determined, and obliging them to be -silent spectators of the execution of men whom they could not save, but -whom they entertained a fierce hope of avenging at a future day. - -The condemned alighted; they piously knelt, and confessed themselves to -the monks of Mercy nearest to them, whilst a platoon of fifty soldiers -took up a position within twenty paces of them. When their confession -was completed, they rose up bravely, and taking each other by the hand, -ranged themselves in a single line in front of the soldiers appointed -to put them to death. In spite, however, of the great numbers of troops -assembled on the Plaza, an ominous fermentation prevailed among the -people. The crowd rocked about in all directions. Murmurs of sinister -augury and curses, pronounced aloud against the agents of power, seemed -to remind the latter that they had better finish the affair at once, if -they did not wish to have their victims torn from their hands. - -General Bustamente, who calmly and stoically presided over this -dismal ceremony, smiled with disdain at this expression of popular -disapprobation. He waved his sword over his head and commanded "right -about face," which was executed with the rapidity of lightning. The -troops faced the insurgents on all sides; the front rank pointing their -muskets at the citizens crowded together before them, whilst the others -appeared to take aim at the balconies encumbered with people. This was -followed by so dead a silence, that not a word was lost of the sentence -read by the proper officer to the patriots--a sentence which condemned -them to be shot as traitors, or accomplices in a conspiracy designed -to overthrow the constituted government, and plunge their country into -anarchy. - -The conspirators listened to their sentence with silent firmness; but -when the officer, who trembled in every limb, had finished reading it, -they all cried, as with one voice, - -"Viva la Patria! Viva la Libertad!" - -The General gave a signal, and a loud rolling of the drums drowned the -voices of the condemned. A discharge of musketry resounded like a clap -of thunder, and the ten martyrs fell, once again shouting their cry of -liberty, a cry doomed to find an echo in the hearts of their terrified -compatriots. - -The troops filed off, with shouldered arms, ensigns flying, and band at -their head, past the dead bodies, and regained their barracks. When the -General had disappeared with his escort, and the troops had left the -Plaza, the people rushed in a mass towards the spot where the martyrs -of their cause lay in a confused heap. Every one wished to offer them a -last farewell, and to swear over their bodies to avenge them, or to fall -in their turn. - -At length, by degrees, the crowd became less compact, the groups -dispersed, the last torches were extinguished, and the spot where, -scarce an hour before, an awful drama had been accomplished, was left -completely deserted. A considerable time elapsed before any noise -disturbed the solemn silence which brooded over the Plaza Mayor. - -Suddenly, a heavy sigh escaped from the heap of bodies, and a pale head, -disfigured by the blood and dirt which stained it, arose slowly from -this human slaughterhouse, pushing aside with difficulty the carcasses -which had covered it. The victim, who, by a miracle, survived this -bloody hecatomb, cast an anxious look around him, and passing his hand -over his brow, which was bathed in a dark perspiration, said vehemently-- - -"My God! my God! grant me strength to live, that I may avenge myself and -my country!" - -Then, with incredible courage, this man, too weak from the blood he had -lost, and was still losing, to stand, or to escape by walking away, -began to crawl along upon his hands and knees, leaving behind him a long -wet track, and directing his course towards the cathedral. At every yard -he stopped to take breath, and to place his hands upon his wounds, which -motion rendered more painful. Scarce had he left the centre of the Plaza -and its horrid sacrifice fifty paces behind him, and that with immense -difficulty, when, from a street which opened just before him, issued two -men, who advanced with hasty steps towards him. - -"Oh!" the unhappy man cried, in utter despair, "I am lost! I am lost! -Heaven is not just!"--And he fainted. - -The two men, on coming up to him, stopped with great surprise; they -leant over him, and examined him with care and in an anxious manner. - -"Well?" said one of them, at the end of a minute or two. - -"He is alive!" the other replied, in a tone of conviction. - -Without uttering another word, they rolled up the wounded man in a -_poncho_, lifted him on their shoulders, and disappeared in the gloomy -depths of the street by which they had come, and which led to the -Canadilla suburb. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE PASSAGE. - - -It is a long voyage from Havre to Chili. The man accustomed to the -thousand agitations and the intoxicating whirlwind of the atmosphere of -Paris, necessarily finds the life on shipboard, the calm and regular -life, insipid and monotonous. It is certainly tedious to remain months -together in a vessel, confined to a cabin a few feet square, without -air and without sun, almost without light, and to have no walk but the -narrow deck of the ship, no horizon but the rolling or the tranquil -sea--at all times and everywhere nothing but sea. - -The transition is very trying. The Parisian, accustomed to the noise -and perpetual motion of a great city, cannot at once enter into or -comprehend the poetry of the sailor's life, of which he knows nothing, -or the sublime pleasures and keen enjoyments which those granite-hearted -men, exposed incessantly to a struggle with the elements, constantly -experience; men who laugh at the tempest and brave the hurricane; who, -twenty times a minute, stand face to face with death, and at last feel -such a contempt for it that they end by not believing in it. The hours -are of interminable length to the passenger who pines for the land; -every day appears an age to him. With his eyes constantly turned toward -a point which he begins to imagine he shall never gain, he sinks, in -spite of himself, into a species of gloomy nostalgia, which the sight of -the wished for port is alone powerful enough to dissipate. - -The Count de Prébois-Crancé and Valentine Guillois had, then, undergone -the dispersion of all the illusions and all the ennuis attendant upon a -first sea voyage. During the first days they were employed in recalling -the vivid remembrance of that other life from which they had parted -for ever. They talked over the surprise which the sudden disappearance -of the Count would cause in the fashionable society from which he -had fled without warning, and without leaving any means of tracing -him. Forgetting for awhile the distance which separated them from the -America to which they were bound, they dwelt at great length upon the -unknown pleasures which awaited them upon that golden soil, that land -of promise for all sorts of adventurers, but which, alas! often offers -those who go thither in the hope of gaining an easy fortune, nothing but -disappointment and sorrow. - -As every subject, however interesting it may be, must in the end grow -exhausted, the two young men, to escape the fatiguing monotony of the -voyage, had the good sense so to arrange their existence as to prevent -tedium from gaining the influence over them which it had upon the -other passengers. Twice a day, morning and evening, the Count, who was -perfectly well acquainted with Spanish, gave his foster brother lessons -in that language, lessons by which he profited so well, that after two -months' study, he was able to carry on a conversation in Spanish. When -he had made such progress, the young men employed no other language, -either between themselves or with the persons on board who understood -it. This habit produced the desired result; that is to say, Valentine, -in a very short time, spoke Spanish, which is not difficult to acquire, -as fluently as French; and then, in return, Valentine occasionally -became the professor. He made Louis go through gymnastic exercises, in -order to develop his natural strength, accustom his body to fatigue, and -render him capable of supporting the rude exigencies of his new position. - -We will here, for a moment, return to the character of Valentine -Guillois, a character of which the reader, from the young man's manner -of acting and speaking, might form a completely erroneous opinion, and -this we think it our duty to rectify. Morally, Valentine Guillois was -a young fellow quite unacquainted with himself; hot-headed, giddy in -the extreme, the surface had been slightly vitiated by reading chosen -without discernment; but the foundation was essentially good. He -united in himself all the characteristics of a class whose knowledge -of the world is obtained from romances and the dramas of the Faubourg -du Temple. He had sprung up like a mushroom upon _the pavé_ of Paris, -performing for bread, as he himself said, the most eccentric and -impossible things. As a soldier, he had lived from hand to mouth, -happy in the present, and careless of a future whose existence was so -uncertain for him. But in the heart of this thoughtless _gamin_ a new -sentiment had germinated, and, in a very short time, taken deep root,--a -hearty devotion to the man who had held out his hand to him, had had -pity on his mother, and who, by dragging him from the slough in which he -was plunged, without hope of ever rising, had given him a consciousness -of his own personal value. The death of this benefactor had struck -him like a clap of thunder. He felt all the importance of the mission -with which his dying colonel had charged him, the responsible burden -he imposed upon him, and he swore, with the firm resolution of keeping -his oath, cost what it might, to watch, like an attentive and devoted -brother, over the son of him who had made a man of him equal to other -men. The two most prominent points of Valentine's character were, an -energy which obstacles only augmented instead of depressing, and an iron -will. - -With these two qualities, employed to the extent to which Valentine -carried them, a man is sure to accomplish great things, and, if death -does not surprise him on the road, to attain, at a given moment, the -object, whatever it may be, which he has marked out for himself. In the -present circumstances, these qualities were invaluable to the Count de -Prébois-Crancé, a man of a dreamy, poetical nature, weak character, and -timid mind, who, accustomed from his birth to the easy life of people -of fortune, was entirely ignorant of the incessant difficulties of the -new life into which he found himself suddenly cast. As always happens, -when two men gifted with such opposite qualities meet, Valentine was -not long in gaining over his foster brother a great moral influence, an -influence which he employed with infinite tact, without ever rendering -his companion aware of it; he appeared to do everything according to -his will, whilst imposing his own upon him. In short, these two men, -who loved each other thoroughly, and had but one head and one heart, -perfected each other. - -The mode of speaking employed by Valentine in the early chapters of -this history, was not at all habitual to him, and had truly astonished -himself. Rising to the level of the situation in which the resolution of -the young man he wished to save placed him, he had comprehended, with -that sound common sense which he unwittingly possessed, that instead -of desponding over the misfortune which struck his foster brother so -unexpectedly, it was his duty, on the contrary, to endeavour to impart -to him the courage he was deficient in. Thus, as we have seen, he -found in his heart arguments so peremptorily decisive, that the Count -consented to live, and gave himself up to his counsels. Valentine did -not hesitate. The departure of Doña Rosario furnished him with the -excuse he needed for dragging his foster brother from the Parisian gulf -which, after having swallowed up his fortune, threatened to swallow up -himself. Perceiving, before all else, the necessity for expatriating -him, he persuaded Louis to follow the object of his love to America; and -both set out gaily for the New World, abandoning the country which, like -other emigrants, they fancied had been so ungrateful to them. - -Often during the passage the young Count had felt his courage flag, -and his faith in the future abandon him, when thinking of the life of -struggles and trials that awaited him in America. But Valentine, by -his inexhaustible gaiety, his incredible store of anecdotes, and his -incessant sallies, always succeeded in smoothing the wrinkles from the -brow of his companion, who, with his habitual carelessness and want of -energy, allowed himself to sink under that occult influence of Valentine -which remoulded him, without his cognizance, and gradually made a new -man of him. - -Such was the state of mind in which our two personages found themselves -when the packet boat cast anchor in the roads of Valparaiso. Valentine, -with his imperturbable assurance, doubted of nothing: he was persuaded -that the people he was about to have to do with were very much beneath -him in intelligence, and that he could manage very well to attain the -double object which he aimed at. The Count entirely depended upon his -foster brother for finding for him the woman he loved, and whom he had -come so far to seek. As to retrieving his fortune, he did not even dream -of that. - -Valparaiso--Valley of Paradise--so named probably by antiphrasis, for it -is the filthiest and ugliest city of Spanish America--is nothing but a -depot for foreigners, whom commercial interests do not call into Chili. -Our young men only remained there long enough to equip themselves in -the costume of the country; that is to say, to assume the Panama hat, -the _poncho_, and _polenas_; then, each armed with two double-barrelled -pistols, a rifle, and a long knife in his belt, they left the port, and, -mounted on excellent horses, took their course towards Santiago, on the -evening preceding the day on which the execution we have described in -the preceding chapter was to take place. The weather was magnificent;-- -the rays of a burning sun rendered the very dust golden, and made the -stones of the road shine like jewels. - -"Ah!" said Valentine, as soon as they found themselves upon the superb -road which leads to the capital of Chili; "it does one good to breathe -the air of the land--_caramba_, as they say here. Well, now, here we -are in this boasted America, and now we must set about collecting our -harvest of gold." - -"And Doña Rosario?" said his foster brother, in a melancholy tone. - -"Oh! we shall have found her within a fortnight," replied Valentine, -with astounding confidence. - -With these consolatory words, he animated his horse with the spur, and -the distance before them rapidly diminished. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -THE LINDA.[1] - - -The night was gloomy; no star glittered in the heavens; the moon, -concealed by clouds, only spread a wan, pale light, which, when it -disappeared, rendered the darkness the denser. The streets were -deserted; but at regular intervals the furtive steps of the serenos, who -alone watched at this hour, were audible. - -The two men whom we have seen upon the Plaza Mayor, bearing away the -wounded man, walked for a long time, loaded with their strange burthen, -stopping at the least noise, and concealing themselves in the depths of -a doorway, or in the angle of a street, to allow the serenos to pass, as -they would be sure to require a reason for their being in the streets -at that unusual hour. Since the discovery of the conspiracy, orders had -been given that at eleven o'clock every citizen should be within doors. -After many turnings and windings, the strangers stopped in the street El -Mercado, one of the most secluded and narrow in Santiago. They appeared -to be expected, for a door was opened at the sound of their steps, and -a woman, dressed in white, and holding a candle, the light of which -she shaded with her left hand, appeared on the threshold. The two men -stopped, and one of them, taking a steel from his pocket, struck the -flint so as to produce as few sparks as possible. At this signal--for it -evidently was one--the woman extinguished the light, saying with a loud -voice, but as if speaking to herself-- - -"Dios proteja a Chile (May God protect Chili)!" - -"Dios lo ha protegido (God has protected it)," the man with the flint -and steel replied, as he replaced his utensils in his pocket. - -The woman uttered a cry of joy, which her prudence suddenly repressed. - -"Come in, come in," she said in a low voice; and in an instant the two -men were beside her. - -"Is he alive?" she asked, with intense anxiety. - -"He is alive," one of the strangers laconically replied. - -"In Heaven's name, come in!" she exclaimed. - -The bearers, guided by the woman, who had relighted her candle, -disappeared in the house, the door of which was immediately and softly -closed after them. All the houses of Santiago are alike, with respect -to their internal arrangements. To describe one is to describe all. -A wide doorway, ornamented with pilasters, leads to _the patio_, or -great entrance court, at the end of which is the principal apartment, -generally the dining room. On each side are bed chambers, reception -rooms, and cabinets for labour or study. Behind these apartments is the -_huerta_, or garden, laid out with taste, ornamented with fountains, and -planted with orange trees, citron trees, pomegranates, limes, cedars, -and palm trees, which grow with incredible luxuriance. Behind the garden -is the _corral_--a vast enclosure appropriated to horses and carriages. - -The house into which we have introduced the reader, only differed from -the others in the princely luxury of its furniture, which seemed to -indicate that its inhabitant was a person of importance. The two men, -still preceded by the woman, who served them as guide, entered a little -room, whose window opened on the garden. They laid their burthen down -upon a bed, and retired without speaking a word, but bowing respectfully. - -The woman remained for a moment motionless, listening to the sound -of their retreating footsteps; and when all was silent, she sprang -with a bound towards the door, the bolts of which she fastened with -an impetuous gesture; then, returning and placing herself beside the -wounded man, she fixed upon him a long and melancholy look. - -This woman, though really thirty-five years of age, appeared to be -scarcely more than five-and-twenty. She was of an extraordinary, but a -strange style of beauty; it attracted attention, commanded admiration, -but created an instinctive repulsion. In spite of the majestic splendour -of her graceful form, the elegance of her carriage, the freedom of her -motions, full of voluptuous ease,--in spite of the purity of the lines -of her fair face, slightly tinged by the warm rays of an American sun, -which the magnificent tresses of her black hair beautifully enframed, -her large black eyes, ornamented with long velvety lashes, and crowned -by perfectly-arched brows, her straight nose, with its mobile and rosy -nostrils, her little mouth, whose blood-red lips contrasted admirably -with her pearl-white teeth--in spite of all these rich endowments, -there was in this splendid creature something fatal, which chilled the -heart as you contemplated her. Her searching glance, the satirical -smile, which almost always contracted the corners of her lips, the -slight wrinkle, which formed a harsh, deep line along her white -brow--everything about her, even to the melodious sound of her voice, -with its strongly-accentuated pitch, destroyed sympathy, and produced a -feeling of hatred, rather than respect. - -Alone in that chamber, dimly lighted by one flickering taper, in that -calm and silent night, face to face with that pale, bleeding man, whom -she contemplated with stern, contracted brows, she resembled, with her -long, black hair falling in disorder from her shoulders on to her white -robe, a Thessalian witch, preparing herself to accomplish some terrible -and mysterious work. - -The stranger was a man of, at most, forty-five years of age, of lofty -stature, strongly built, and well proportioned. His features were -handsome, his brow noble, and the expression of his countenance proud, -but frank and resolute. - -The woman remained for a considerable time in mute contemplation. -Her bosom heaved, her brows became more and more contracted, and she -appeared to watch the too slow progress of the return to sensibility -of the man her emissaries had saved from death. At length words forced -their way through her compressed lips, and she murmured in a low, broken -voice,-- - -"Here he is, then; this time, at least, he is in my power! Will he -consent to answer me? Oh! perhaps I had better have left him to die." - -She paused to breathe a deep, broken sigh, but almost immediately -continued:-- - -"My daughter! my daughter! of whom this man has bereaved me! and whom, -in spite of all my researches, he has hitherto concealed in some -inviolable asylum! My daughter! he must restore her to me; it is my -will!" she added with inexpressible energy. "He shall, even if I had -to deliver him up again to the executioners from whom I have ravished -their prey! These wounds are nothing; loss of blood and terror are the -sole causes of this insensibility. But time passes--my absence may be -noticed. Why should I hesitate longer? Let me at once know what I have -to hope from him. Perhaps he will allow himself to be softened by my -tears and prayers. What, he! he to whom all human feeling is unknown! -Better for me to implore the most implacable Indian! He will laugh at my -grief, he will reply by sarcasms to my cries of despair;--oh! woe, woe -be to him if he do so!" - -She looked earnestly at the wounded man, who was still motionless, for -another instant, and then, adding resolutely, "I will try," she drew -from her bosom a small crystal phial, curiously cut, and raising the -head of the unknown, made him inhale the contents. This was followed by -a moment of intense expectation; the woman watching with an anxious eye -the convulsive movements which are the precursors of the return to life, -as they agitated the body of the wounded man. At length, with a deep -sigh, he opened his eyes. - -"Where am I?" he murmured in a faint voice, then sank back, and closed -his eyes again. - -"In safety," the woman replied. - -The sound of the voice produced upon the wounded man the effect of an -electric shock. He raised himself quickly, and looking around him with a -mixture of disgust, terror, and anger, asked in a hollow voice,-- - -"Who spoke?" - -"I!" the woman replied haughtily, placing herself before him. - -"Ah!" he said with a gesture of disgust, and sinking back upon the bed; -"you again! ever you!" - -"Yes, I! still I, Don Tadeo! I, whose will, in spite of your disdain -and your hatred, has never faltered! I, in short, whose assistance you -have always obstinately refused, and who have saved you, in spite of -yourself." - -"Oh! that is an easy matter for you, madam; are you not on the best -possible terms with my executioners?" - -At this reply the woman could not repress a movement of anger; a sudden -redness flitted across her face. - -"No insults, Don Tadeo de Leon!" she said, stamping her foot; "I have -saved you! I am a woman, and you are under my roof!" - -"That is true," he replied, rising and bowing to her with ironical -respect; "I had forgotten that, madam; I am in your house. Have the -goodness, then, to direct me the way out, that I may be gone as quickly -as possible." - -"Do not be in such haste, Don Tadeo--you have not yet sufficiently -recovered your strength. Within a few steps, you perhaps would fall -again, to be raised up by the agents of the power which, this time, I -swear to you, would not let you escape." - -"And who told you, madam, that I should not prefer being retaken and -executed a second time, to the chance of remaining longer in your -presence?" - -There was a moment of silence, during which the two interlocutors -observed each other attentively. The woman was the first to speak. - -"Listen to me, Don Tadeo," she said. "In spite of all your efforts, -destiny, or, speaking more correctly, woman's genius, which nothing can -resist, has brought us together once again. If you live, if you have -received only slight wounds, it is because I lavished my gold upon the -soldiers charged with your execution; I wished to force you to that -explanation which I have so long demanded of you, which you so often -have refused me, but which you can now no longer avoid. Submit, then, -with a good grace. We will afterwards separate, if not good friends, -at least indifferent, never to meet again. Though I do not wish to -establish any claim upon your gratitude, you certainly owe your life to -me; were it for that service alone, you are bound to hear me." - -"What! madam," Don Tadeo replied, proudly, "do you think that I consider -what you have done was rendering me a service? By what right have you -saved my life? You know me but ill if you fancied I should allow myself -to be softened by your tears. No, no, I have been too long your dupe and -your slave to do so. Heaven be praised! I know you well now; and the -Linda, the mistress of General Bustamente, the tyrant of my country, the -executioner of my brothers and myself, has nothing to expect from me! -All that you can say, all that you can do, will be to no purpose. Spare -yourself, then, I advise you, the trouble of pretending a gentleness -which neither accords with your character nor your mode of life. I -madly loved you, a young, pure, and prudent girl, in the cabin of the -worthy _guaso,_ your father, whose death was caused by your scandalous -life; you were then called Maria. At that period, would I not have -sacrificed my life and my happiness for you?--you know I would. Many -times have I given you proofs of that boundless love; but the Linda, the -shameless courtezan, the Linda, the woman branded on the brow like Cain -with the seal of infamy, the miserable creature--I know her not. Away, -madam!--away! There can be nothing in common between you and me." - -And with a gesture of proud authority he waved her from him. - -The woman had listened to him with flashing eyes and heaving bosom, -trembling with rage and shame. Drops of perspiration stood upon her -face, which glowed with a feverish redness. When he had finished, she -seized his arm, pressed it with her utmost strength, and placed her face -close to his. - -"Have you said all?" she muttered from between her teeth. "Have you -heaped insults enough upon me? Have you cast sufficient mire in my face? -Have you nothing more to add?" - -"Nothing, madam," he replied, in a tone of cool contempt. "You can, when -you please, summon your assassins--I am ready to receive them." - -And throwing himself upon the bed, he waited with an air of the most -insolent indifference. - - -[1] This word, which has no equivalent in English or French, is in the -Spanish language the highest expression of physical beauty in woman. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -HUSBAND AND WIFE. - - -Doña Maria, notwithstanding the fresh and bitter insult she had just -received from Don Tadeo, did not yet renounce the hope of softening -him. When she recalled to her mind the early years, already so distant, -of her love for Don Tadeo, his devotion to her smallest caprices, when -she could bring him trembling and prostrate to her feet by a glance or -a smile, and the entire abnegation he had made of his will, in order -to live for her and by her; notwithstanding all that had since taken -place between them, she could not persuade herself that the violent -and deeply-seated passion he had entertained for her, the species of -worship he had vowed to her, could have entirely disappeared without -leaving some slight traces behind. Her pride revolted at the idea of -having lost all her empire over the lofty nature which she so long had -moulded at her pleasure like soft wax, under the burning impression of -wild caprices. She fancied that, like most other men, Don Tadeo, deeply -wounded in his pride, loved her still without being willing to admit it, -and that the virulent reproaches he had addressed to her, were flashes -of that ill-extinguished fire which still smouldered in his heart, and -whose flame she should succeed in reviving. - -Unfortunately Doña Maria had never given herself the trouble to study -the man she had married, and whom her beauty had so long held in -subjection. Don Tadeo had been nothing in her eyes but an attentive, -submissive slave, and, under the apparent weakness of the loving man, -she had not discovered the powerful energy which formed the foundation -of his character. And yet the history itself of their love had been a -proof of that energy, and of a will which nothing could control. Doña -Maria, then fifteen years of age, dwelt with her father in a _hacienda_, -in the neighbourhood of Santiago. Deprived of her mother, who had died -in giving her birth, she was brought up under the care of an old aunt, -an incorruptible Argus, who allowed no lover to come near her niece. -The young girl, ignorant as all girls brought up in the country are, -but whose warm aspirations led her to desire to know the world, and to -launch into that whirlwind of pleasures the sound of which died without -an echo in her ears, waited impatiently the arrival of the man who -should introduce her to these delights, of which, although unknown, she -had formed seducing ideas. Don Tadeo had only been the guide charged -with initiating her into the pleasures for which she thirsted. She -had never loved him; she had only said to herself, on seeing him and -learning he was of a noble family, "That is the man I have been looking -for." - -This hideous and selfish calculation is made by more girls than -we may fancy. Don Tadeo was handsome. Doña Maria's self-love was -flattered by the conquest; but if he had been ugly and disagreeable, -it would not have altered her course. In her extraordinary character, -a strange conjunction of the most abject passions, among which shone -here and there, like diamonds gleaming in the mire, a few feelings -which attached her to humanity, there was the spirit of two women -of ancient Rome; Locusta and Messalina were united in her: ardent, -passionate and ambitious, covetous and prodigal, this demon, concealed -under the outward form of an angel, acknowledged no other laws but her -own caprices; and all means, by which she could satisfy them, to her -appeared good. - -For a long time, Don Tadeo, blinded by passion, had submitted without -complaining to the iron yoke of this infernal genius; but when the day -arrived that the scales fell from his eyes, he measured with terror the -depth of the abyss into which this woman had cast him. The frightful -disorders to which, under the sanction of his name, she had abandoned -herself, imprinted on his blushing brow a stigma of infamy: the world -believed him to be her accomplice. - -Don Tadeo had by Maria an only daughter, a fair girl of angelic beauty, -at the period of our history fifteen years of age, whom he loved in -proportion to the sufferings her mother had inflicted upon him. He -trembled to think of the frightful future which lay before this innocent -creature. For four years he had been separated from his wife; and -during that time she had set no bounds on her irregularities. One day, -Don Tadeo presented himself unexpectedly at the house of his wife, and -without saying a word as to his ulterior intentions, took away his -daughter. From that time--nearly ten years--Doña Maria had never seen -her child. - -A strange revolution was effected by this step in the mother's feelings; -a new sentiment, so to say, germinated in her soul. A thing, till that -time unknown to her, happened; she felt the pulses of her heart beat -for another--she grieved at the remembrance of the little angel who had -been ravished from her. What was the sentiment? She, herself, knew not; -she only ardently wished to see her child again. During six years she -contended, publicly and privately, with Don Tadeo, to have her daughter -restored to her. The father was deaf and dumb; she could never learn -what had become of her. Don Tadeo, who, since he ceased to love her, had -studied the character of the woman of whom he had made an implacable -enemy, had taken his precautions so prudently that all Doña Maria's -researches proved fruitless, and all her attempts to obtain an interview -remained without a result. She imagined that he was afraid of yielding, -if face to face with her; and she resolved, cost what it might, to force -him to grant her the interview to which nothing had been able to make -him consent. - -Such was, at the moment we bring them on the scene, the position of -the two personages who now doubtless met for the last time. It was an -extraordinary position for both; an unequal contest between a wounded -and proscribed man, and an ardent, insulted woman, who, like a lioness -deprived of her whelps, was resolved to succeed, whatever might happen, -and compel the man whom she had forced to hear her, to restore her -daughter to her. - -Don Tadeo turned towards her. - -"I am waiting," he said. - -"You are waiting?" she replied, with a friendly smile. "What do you -expect, then?" - -"The assassins whom you doubtless have at hand, in case I should be -unwilling to reply to your questions concerning your daughter." - -"Oh!" she said, with an air of repulsion, "how can you, Don Tadeo, have -so bad an opinion of me? How can you pretend to believe that, after -having saved you, I should deliver you up to those who have proscribed -you?" - -"Who knows?" he replied, in a strongly ironical tone. "The heart of -women of your class, Linda, is an abyss which no man can pretend to -sound. You, who are incessantly seeking eccentric pleasures, perhaps -would find an unknown enjoyment and a charm in this second execution, -which, besides, would not at all compromise you, as I am already legally -dead to the world." - -"Don Tadeo, I know how unworthy my conduct towards you has been, and -how little I deserve your pity; but you are a gentleman, and, as such, -do you think it does you honour to load with insults, however merited, -a woman who is your wife, and who, after saving your life, with no -intention of reinstating herself in your favour, merely makes a claim, -at least upon your pity, if not on your esteem?" - -"Very well, madam; nothing can be more just than your observations, and -I subscribe to them with all my heart. I beg you to pardon me for having -allowed myself to utter certain words; but, at the first movement, I -was not master of myself, and I could not keep down in the depths of my -heart the feelings which were stifling me. Now, accept my sincere thanks -for the immense service you have rendered me, and permit me to retire. -A longer sojourn, on my part, in this house, is a robbery of which I -render myself guilty towards your numerous adorers." - -And, bowing with ironical courtesy to his infuriated wife, he made a -movement towards one of the doors of the room. - -"One word more," she said. - -"Speak, madam." - -"Are you resolved to leave me ignorant of the fate of my daughter?" - -"She is dead." - -"Dead!" she cried, in a voice of terror. - -"For you--yes," he replied, with a cold smile. - -"Oh, you are implacable!" she shrieked, stamping her foot with rage. - -He bowed, without making any reply. - -"Well, then," she resumed, "it is now no longer a favour I implore--it -is a bargain I propose to you." - -"A bargain?" - -"Yes, a bargain." - -"The idea strikes me as original." - -"Perhaps it is; you shall judge for yourself." - -"I listen, but time presses, and I--" - -"Oh, I will be brief," she interrupted. - -"I am at your service," and he reseated himself, smiling, exactly like a -friend on a visit. The Linda followed his motions with her eye, without -appearing to attach any importance to them. - -"Don Tadeo," she said, "during the many years we have been separated a -great number of events has taken place." - -"Quite correct," said he, with a gesture of polite assent. - -"I will say nothing to you of myself--my life is known to you." - -"Very little of it, madam." - -She cast a savage look at him. - -"Let that pass," she said, "it is of you I would speak." - -"Of me?" - -"Yes, of you, whose moments are not so completely absorbed by patriotism -and the effervescence of political ideas as not to leave you a few for -more intimate joys and emotions." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Why do you feign ignorance?" she said, with a perfidious smile; "I am -sure you understand me." - -"Madam!" - -"Do not deny it, Tadeo! Tired of the ephemeral love of women of my -class, as you have just now so well said, you seek in the pure heart of -a young girl emotions more in accordance with your tastes; in a word, -I know you are in love with a charming young creature, worthy in all -respects of being the wife of your choice, if I, unfortunately, did not -exist." - -Don Tadeo fixed upon his wife a scrutinizing look while she was -pronouncing these words. As she finished, a sigh escaped him. - -"What, are you aware?" he exclaimed, with well-feigned surprise. "You -know--" - -"I know that her name is Doña Rosario del Valle," she replied, satisfied -of the effect she thought she had produced upon her husband; "why, it is -the freshest news in Santiago! all the world is talking of it. How was -it likely it should escape me, when I take such an interest in you?" - -The Linda interrupted herself, and laid her hand on his arm. - -"It is of very little consequence," she added; "restore me my daughter, -Don Tadeo, and this new love of yours shall be sacred to me--if not--" - -"You are mistaken, madam, I tell you." - -"Beware, Don Tadeo!" she remarked, with a glance at the clock; "by this -time the woman we were speaking of is in the hands of my agents." - -"What do you mean?" he cried, in great agitation. - -"Yes," she replied, in a husky tone, "I have had her carried off. In a -few minutes she will be here. Beware! I repeat, Don Tadeo! if you do not -tell me where my daughter is, and if you continue to refuse to restore -her to me--" - -"Well," he said, haughtily, looking her full in the face, and crossing -his arms, "what then will you do?" - -"I will kill this woman!" she replied, in a gloomy but firm tone. - -Don Tadeo looked at her for a moment with an undefinable expression, and -then burst into a dry, nervous laugh, which chilled the woman with fear. - -"You will kill her!" he cried, "unhappy woman! Well!--kill that innocent -creature!--Call in your executioners--I will be mute." - -The Linda sprang up like a lioness, and rushed towards the door, which -she opened violently. - -"This is too much!--Come in!" she called out, loudly. - -The two men who had brought in Don Tadeo appeared, poniard in hand. - -"Ah!" the gentleman said, with a contemptuous smile, "I know you again -at last." - -At a motion from the Linda the assassins advanced towards him. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -THE DARK-HEARTS. - - -As we have seen, the people had dispersed almost immediately after the -execution of the patriots. Everyone carried away in the depths of his -heart the hope of avenging, at an early day, the victims who had so -nobly died, with the cry for a time left without an echo, of Viva la -patria! A cry checked by the bayonets of the soldiers of Bustamente, but -which must soon give birth to fresh martyrs. - -And yet the square, though it seemed a desert, was not so. Several -men, folded in dark cloaks, and with broad-brimmed hats, pulled down -over their eyes, were grouped in the recess of the coach entrance of a -house, and were conversing earnestly together in a low voice, keeping an -anxious look-out the meanwhile. These men were patriots. - -In spite of the terror which hovered over the city, they had, by dint of -prayers, obtained from the archbishop of Santiago, who was a true priest -according to the gospel, and at heart devoted to the liberal cause, -permission to pay the last rites to their unfortunate brethren. - -No part of the dismal drama which followed the execution had escaped -them. They had seen Don Tadeo rise like a phantom from the heap of -carcasses which covered him; they had heard the words he had pronounced, -and were preparing to go to his succour, when the two strangers, -appearing suddenly, raised his body and bore it away. This carrying off -of a half dead man had surprised them exceedingly. After exchanging a -few words, two of them went in pursuit of the mysterious strangers, -probably in order to learn to what house the wounded man was taken, -whilst the others, twelve in number, advanced to the middle of the -square. - -They anxiously bent down and examined the bodies stretched at their -feet, hoping, perhaps, that another victim might have escaped the -slaughter. Unfortunately, Don Tadeo was the only one saved by some -inexplicable mystery. The nine other victims were all dead. After a long -examination, the patriots stood up again with a painful sigh of regret, -and one of them went and knocked at a lower door of the cathedral. - -"Who is there?" was immediately asked from the interior. - -"_One for whom the night hath no darkness_," the man who had knocked -replied. - -"What do you want?" the voice asked again. - -"_Is it not written: Knock and it shall be opened to thee_?" the -stranger added. - -"_Our country!_" said the voice. - -"_Or vengeance!_" the man promptly replied. - -The door opened, and a monk appeared. His cowl pulled down over his -face, prevented his features being seen. - -"Well," he said, "what do the _Dark-Hearts_ require?" - -"A prayer for their murdered brothers." - -"Return to those who sent you; they shall be satisfied." - -"Thanks for all!" the unknown replied; and, after bowing respectfully to -the monk, he rejoined his companions. During his absence they had not -been idle, but had placed the bodies upon hand barrows concealed under -the arcades of the place. - -At the expiration of a few minutes a brilliant light inundated the -place; the cathedral doors were opened. The interior was seen to be -splendidly illuminated, and from the principal door issued a long -procession of monks, each bearing a wax light in his hand; they chanted, -as they walked, the service of the dead. At the same moment the gates -of the government palace were thrown open as if by enchantment, and a -squadron of the Ceras, with General Bustamente at their head, advanced, -at a trot, towards the procession. - -When the monks and soldiers met, they stopped as of one accord. The -twelve unknown men, folded in their cloaks, and grouped round the -fountain which forms the centre of the square, anxiously awaited the -denouement of the scene about to take place. - -"What is the meaning of this procession, at such an unusual hour?" the -general haughtily demanded. - -"It means that we have come," the monk who walked first replied, with a -firm voice, but in a melancholy tone, "to take up the victims you have -struck down, and give them honourable burial." - -"And who, pray, are you?" the general asked, sharply. - -"I?" the monk replied, in the same firm tone, and throwing back his -cowl upon his shoulders--"I am the archbishop of Santiago, primate of -Chili, invested by his holiness the Pope with the power of binding and -unbinding on earth." - -In Spanish America, all persons yield without hesitation to the religion -of Christ. The only power that is real is that of the priests. No one, -however high he may be placed, ventures to struggle against it: he knows -beforehand that, if he did, he would be sure to be crushed. The general -knitted his brows, struck his forehead forcibly with his hand, but was -constrained to admit himself conquered. - -"My lord!" he said, with a bow; "pardon me! In these times of civil -discord, we often, in spite of ourselves, confound our friends with our -enemies. I was ignorant that your lordship had given orders for prayers -to be offered up for these criminals, and still more so that you would -deign to perform this task in person--I beg leave to retire." - -During this scene, the patriots had concealed themselves behind the -pillars of the place, where, thanks to the darkness, they remained -unseen by the general. As soon as the military had disappeared, at a -sign from the archbishop the bodies were borne into the cathedral. - -"Beware of that man, my lord," whispered one of the unknown in the -archbishop's ear; "he darted at you the glance of a tiger as he retired." - -"Brother!" the priest replied calmly; "I am prepared for martyrdom." - -The service commenced. As soon as it was terminated, the patriots -retired, after warmly thanking the archbishop for his kindness towards -their dead brethren. Scarce had they proceeded a few steps along a -narrow street, edged by mean dwellings, when two men rose from behind an -overturned cart which concealed them, and coming towards them, said in a -low voice-- - -"Our country!" - -"Vengeance!" one of the unknown replied. "Come on!" - -The two men approached. - -"Well!" said he who appeared to be the chief. "What have you learnt?" - -"All that it is possible to know," one of the newcomers replied. - -"Whither have they transported Don Tadeo?" - -"To the mansion of the Linda." - -"To the residence of his wife! Of the woman who is now the mistress -of the General Bustamente!" the chief replied anxiously. "By the holy -Virgin! my comrades, he is lost, for she hates him mortally. Shall we -allow him to be assassinated without an effort to save him?" - -"That would be base cowardice," they replied unanimously. - -"But how can we introduce ourselves into the house?" - -"Nothing more easy; the garden walls are very low." - -"Come on, then! there is not a minute to be lost!" - -Without another word, they all hastened off in the direction of the -Linda's house, which, as we have said, was situated in the faubourg -of the Canadilla, the handsomest quarter in Santiago. The windows, -hermetically closed, did not allow one ray of light to pass; not a -sound could be heard, and the house seemed deserted. The patriots stole -silently round the walls, and when they reached the back, they easily -climbed the fence by sticking their poniards between the bricks, and -sprang into the garden. Here they looked carefully about them, and, -after a short pause, proceeded with stealthy steps towards a pale, -trembling light, which sent a feeble beam through the chink of a -shutter. They were within a few paces of this window, when they suddenly -heard the noise of what appeared a scuffle, and a terrible cry was -uttered, mingled with the crash of furniture and imprecations of rage -and pain. Bounding forward like panthers, the strangers, who had covered -their faces with masks of black velvet, dashed at the window, which flew -in a thousand fragments around them, and entered the salon. - -And it was time for them to arrive. Don Tadeo, with a stool, had split -the head of one of the bandits, who lay lifeless upon the floor; but -the other had got him down, and, with his knee upon his breast, was on -the point of stabbing him. With a pistol shot, one of the unknown blew -out his brains, and the wretch rolled in his agony close to his dead -companion. Don Tadeo sprang up quickly, exclaiming-- - -"By the Virgin! I thought my hour was come!" Then, turning towards the -masked men, he said--"Thanks, caballeros! thanks for your very timely -succour! One minute more, and it would have been all over with me! The -Linda is expeditious!" - -The courtesan, with features contracted by rage, and clenched teeth, -looked on without appearing to see, overwhelmed, confounded by the scene -which had so rapidly taken place, and which had, in a few minutes, -ravished from her the vengeance which she thought had this time been so -certain. - -"Without bearing malice, madam," said Don Tadeo in a jeering tone, "this -is a match deferred. Your fertile imagination will no doubt soon furnish -you with the means of taking your revenge!" - -"I hope so," she said with a sardonic smile. - -"Seize this woman," the leader of the unknown commanded; "gag her, and -bind her securely to the bed." - -"Bind me!" she cried in a paroxysm of anger; "me! do you know who I am?" - -"Perfectly well, madam," the stranger replied drily. "You are a woman -for whom honourable people have no name. Libertines have given you that -of the Linda, and your present lover is General Bustamente. You see, -madam, that we are not unacquainted with you." - -"Beware, sir," she hissed; "I am not to be insulted with impunity." - -"We do not insult you, madam; we only wish, for a time, to put it out -of your power to do mischief. In a few days," he continued, in a quiet, -firm tone, "we will determine what shall be done with you." - -"Done with me!--me!--who then are you, with faces you dare not reveal, -and who presume to speak to me thus?" - -"Who we are,--learn!--We are the _Dark-Hearts!_" At this terrible -announcement, a convulsive trembling shook the limbs of the woman, who, -retreating to the wall, a prey to intense terror, exclaimed in a faint -voice; "My God! my God! I am lost," and sank down fainting. - -At a sign from the leader, one of his companions bound her securely, and -after gagging her, fastened her to the foot of the bed. Then, taking Don -Tadeo with them, they departed by the same way they had entered, without -taking any heed of the two assassins lying upon the floor. Before he -left the room, the chief pinned a piece of parchment to a table with -a dagger. Upon this parchment were written a few words of terrible -import:-- - -"_The traitor Pancho Bustamente is cited at the expiration of -ninety-three days!"_ - - THE DARK-HEARTS. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -IN THE STREET. - - -As soon as they were outside of the house, the masked men, at a sign -from the leader, dispersed in various directions. When they had -disappeared round the corners of the neighbouring streets, the chief -turned towards Don Tadeo, who, scarce recovered from the trying emotions -he had successively gone through, and weakened by the blood he had lost, -as well as by the prodigious efforts his last struggle had cost him, -was leaning, half fainting against the wall of the house he had been so -fortunately enabled to quit. A flood of bitter reflections rushed upon -his brain; the incidents of that terrible night almost unsettled his -reason: in vain he tried to recover the train of his ideas which had -been so often and so violently broken. The stranger looked at him for -a few minutes with profound attention; then approaching him, he laid -his hand quietly upon his shoulder. At this sudden touch, the gentleman -started as if he had received an electric shock. - -"What!" the unknown said in a tone of reproach, "scarcely entered on the -good fight, and you despair already, Don Tadeo?" - -The wounded man shook his head. - -"You, Don Tadeo, whose lofty brow has never bent before revolutionary -storms; you, who in the most trying circumstances have always remained -firm, are now pale and cast down, without faith in the present, or hope -in the future, and have lost strength and courage through the vain -threats of a woman!" - -"That woman," he replied mournfully, "has always been my evil genius. -She is a demon!" - -"And suppose," the unknown exclaimed energetically, "that this woman -should succeed in getting up another of the infamous schemes in which -her brain is so fertile, a man of heart takes courage in a struggle? -Forget these impotent hatreds that can never reach you; remember what -you are; look boldly at the glorious mission which is imposed upon you." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Do you not understand me? Can you believe that God, who has this night -allowed you so miraculously to escape death, has not great designs -in store for you? Brother," he added, in a tone of authority, "the -existence that has been restored to you is not your own, it belongs to -your country!" - -A moment of silence followed this appeal, during which Don Tadeo -appeared a prey to profound despair. At length, looking at the unknown, -he said with bitter despondency-- - -"What is to be done? Heaven is my witness that my only desire, my sole -happiness, would be to see my country free. But during the twenty years -we have been struggling we have done nothing, alas! but pass from one -tyranny to another, each time riveting afresh the chains which bind -us. No! Heaven itself seems to forbid our contending longer against an -implacable destiny. You know well from experience that citizens cannot -be improvised from slaves. Servitude destroys moral virtue, abases the -soul, and degrades the heart. Many generations must pass away before the -inhabitants of this unfortunate country will be fit to form a people!" - -"By what right do you presume to fathom the designs of Providence?" -the unknown replied, in an imposing tone of voice. "Do you know what -is reserved for you? Who tells you that the passing triumph of our -oppressors is not granted by God, in His boundless wisdom, in order to -render their future fall more terrible?" - -Don Tadeo, restored to himself by the manly words of his disguised -friend, drew himself up proudly, and looked attentively at the speaker. - -"And who are you," he said, "whose sympathetic voice has stirred the -most secret fibres of my heart? Who authorizes you to speak thus? -Answer! Who are you?" - -"Of what importance is it who I am," the unknown remarked, calmly, "if -I succeed in persuading you that all is far from being lost--that the -liberty which you believe for ever destroyed has never been so near -triumphing, and that it only perhaps requires one sublime effort to -recover it!" - -"But still?" the wounded man said, persistently. - -"I am he who, a few minutes ago, saved your life. That ought to suffice." - -"Not so," Don Tadeo said, warmly, "for you conceal your features under a -mask, and the very circumstance you named gives me a right to see them." - -"Perhaps it does," the unknown said, slowly removing his mask, and -revealing to Don Tadeo, in the pale beams of the moon, a countenance -with manly, marked features, and wearing a frank and loyal expression. - -"Oh! my heart did not deceive me!" Tadeo cried--"Don Gregorio Peralta!" - -"Yes, it is I, Don Tadeo!" the young man, he was scarcely thirty, -replied--"and cannot comprehend the depression of the man whom the -avengers have chosen as their chief." - -"How do you know? Notwithstanding our friendship, I have always -concealed from you--" - -"Were you not condemned to death?" Don Gregorio interrupted. "Your -companions elected me _King of Darkness_ in your place, that is, they -placed in my hands an immense power, as they had done in yours, of -which I was left the uncontrolled disposal. Death unbound the oath of -silence imposed upon the brethren. Your name was unknown to all; I was -as ignorant that you were the energetic chief who had made our society -a power, as you were, my dear friend, that I was one of your soldiers. -But, thanks be to God, you are saved, Don Tadeo! Resume your place. -You alone, under present circumstances, are able to fill worthily the -post which our confidence has assigned you. Become again the King of -Darkness! But," he added, in a deep, concentrated tone, "remember that -we are the avengers; that we ought to be without pity for ourselves -as for others; that one feeling, and one alone, ought to live in our -souls--the love of our country!" - -Then followed a short silence; the two men appeared to be reflecting -deeply. At length Don Tadeo raised his head proudly. - -"Thanks, Don Gregorio!" he said, in a firm voice, and pressing his -hand--"thanks for your rough words; they have restored me to myself. I -will prove myself worthy of you. Don Tadeo de Leon no longer exists; -the hired assassins of a tyrant have shot him tonight upon the Plaza -Mayor. No one is left but the King of Darkness! the implacable leader -of the Dark-Hearts! Woe be to them whom God shall bring across my path! -for I will crush them without pity. We shall triumph, Don Gregorio; -for from this day I am no longer a man, I am the avenging sword, the -exterminating angel, fighting for our country!" - -While uttering these words, Don Tadeo had drawn his imposing stature up -to its full height; his handsome, noble features became animated, and -his eyes sparkled in accordance with his speech. - -"Oh," Don Gregorio exclaimed, cheerfully, "I have found my friend again! -Thank God! thank God!" - -"Yes, my brother," the leader continued, "from this moment the real -struggle between us and the tyrant begins--a struggle without pity, -without truce, and without mercy, which can only terminate in the -complete extinction of our enemies. Woe be to them! Woe!" - -"No time is to be lost; let us begone!" Don Gregorio said. - -"But whither am I to go?" Don Tadeo asked, with a sardonic smile. "Am I -not legally dead in the eyes of all? My house is no longer mine." - -"That is true," the lieutenant of the Dark-Hearts murmured. "Well, never -mind that! Tomorrow the news of your miraculous resurrection will be a -thunderclap to our enemies! Their awaking will be terrible! They will -learn with stupor that the invincible athlete, whom they thought they -had for ever crushed beneath their feet, is up again, and ready to renew -the contest." - -"And this time, I solemnly swear," Don Tadeo cried, with energy, "the -fall of the tyrant alone shall terminate it. But you are right; we -cannot remain longer here. Come home with me; for a time you will be -there in safety; unless," he added, with a smile, "you prefer asking an -asylum of Doña Rosario?" - -Don Tadeo, who had taken Don Gregorio's arm, stopped suddenly at this -question, of which his friend did not suspect the terrible extent. -A convulsive shudder darted through his frame, a cold perspiration -inundated his face. - -"Oh," he exclaimed, in a tone of agony, "my God! I had forgotten!" - -Don Gregorio was terrified at the state he beheld him in. - -"In heaven's name, what is the matter?" he asked. - -"What is the matter!" the chief replied, in a voice choked with emotion, -"that woman--that serpent whom we have weakly failed to crush--" - -"Well, what of her?" - -"Oh, I have but this moment recollected a horrible threat she made. Good -heavens! good heavens! What is to be done?" - -"Explain yourself, my friend; you quite terrify me." - -"By her orders, Doña Rosario this very night, was to be carried off; and -who knows if, furious at my escape from her assassins, that woman has -not by this time put her to death?" - -"Oh, that is frightful!" Don Gregorio cried. "What is to be done?" - -"Oh, that woman!" the wounded man replied; "and not to be able to act, -or to know how to thwart her horrible schemes." - -"Let us fly to Doña Rosario's residence!" Don Gregorio said. - -"Alas! you see I am wounded; I can scarcely support myself." - -"Well, when you can no longer walk, I will carry you," his friend said, -resolutely. - -"Thanks, brother! May God help us!" - -And the two men, the one leaning upon the other, set off, as fast as the -state of Don Tadeo would permit, towards the residence of the lady whom -they were so anxious to save. But, in spite of the earnest will that -animated him, Don Tadeo felt his strength fail him; and, notwithstanding -all his efforts, it was with extreme difficulty he sustained himself. -Whilst labouring on thus, the noise of horses' footsteps reached them -from a distance. Torches gleamed up the street, and a troop of horsemen -appeared in sight. - -"Oh, oh!" Don Gregorio said, stopping, and endeavouring to make out who -those persons could be, who, in defiance of the police regulations, -dared to be passing along the streets at this hour of the night. - -"Let us stop," Don Tadeo replied; "I see the glitter of uniforms. They -are the spies of the minister of war." - -"By Saint Jago!" cried Don Gregorio, "it is General Bustamente himself! -The two accomplices are going to have a little chat together." - -"Yes," the wounded man said, in a faltering voice; "he is going towards -the residence of the Linda." - -As the horsemen were but at a short distance, the two men, fearing to be -surprised, turned quickly into a side street, and the General and his -suite passed by without seeing them. - -"Let us begone as fast as possible," Don Gregorio said; and his -companion, aware of the urgency for prompt flight, made a desperate -effort. They resumed their course, and had walked for about ten minutes, -when they heard the steps of more horses coming towards them. - -"What can this mean?" the wounded man said, endeavouring to smile; "Are -all the people of Santiago running about the streets tonight?" - -"Hum!" said Don Gregorio, "I will find out this time." - -All at once a female voice was heard in a lamentable tone imploring help. - -"Make her hold her tongue, _carajas!_" a man said, coarsely. - -But the sound of that voice had reached the ears of Don Tadeo and his -friend. At that voice, which both had recognized, they were roused to -feelings of deep interest and anger. They pressed each other's hand -firmly; their resolution was formed--to die or to save her who called -upon them for help. - -"Holloa! what is this about?" another individual said, pulling up his -horse. - -Two men, standing firmly in the middle of the street, seemed determined -to bar the passage of the horsemen, of whom there were five. One of them -held a woman before him on his horse. - -"Holloa!" cried the one who had just spoken, "get out of the way, if you -don't wish to be ridden over." - -"You shall not pass," a deep voice replied, "unless you release the -woman you are bearing off." - -"Shan't we?" the horseman remarked with a laugh. - -"Try," said Don Gregorio, cocking his pistol; a movement silently -imitated by Don Tadeo, whom he had supplied with firearms. - -"For the last time, stand out of the way!" the horseman shouted. - -"We will not!" - -"We will ride over you, then!" and turning towards his companions, -"Forward!" he cried angrily. - -The five horsemen advanced with uplifted sabres upon the two men, who, -firmly fixed in the middle of the street, made no effort to avoid them. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -SWORD-THRUSTS. - - -In order to make the facts that follow intelligible, we must leave Don -Tadeo and his friend in their critical position, and return to the two -principal personages of this history, whom we have so long neglected. -We saw in a preceding chapter the two foster brothers gaily leaving -Valparaiso, to repair to the capital of Chili, like Bias, carrying all -their fortune with them, but possessing over the philosophical Greek the -immense advantage of being amply furnished with hopes and illusions, two -words which, in this life, have but too frequently the same meaning. - -After a rather long ride, the young men had stopped for the night in -a miserable _rancho_ constructed of mud and dry branches, the dismal -skeleton of which stood out on one side of the road. The inhabitant of -this miserable dwelling, a poor devil of a peon, whose life was passed -in guarding a few head of lean cattle, gave our travellers a frank and -hospitable reception. Quite delighted at having something to offer them, -he had cheerfully shared with them his _charqui_--strips of meat, dried -in the sun--and his _harina tostada_--roasted corn--the whole washed -down with cups of detestable _chicha_. - -The Frenchmen, who had been literally dying of hunger, were glad of even -these humble viands, however little savoury they might be, and after -ascertaining that their horses were comfortably provided for, they lay -down, wrapped in their ponchos, upon a heap of dry leaves, a delicious -bed for fatigued men, and upon which they slept soundly till morning. - -At daybreak, our two adventurers, still accompanied by their dog Cæsar, -who, whatever he might think, expressed no astonishment at this new kind -of life, but trotted seriously beside them, saddled their horses, bade -farewell to their host, to whom they gave a few reals in return for -his hospitality, and set forward again, looking with earnest curiosity -at every object that presented itself to their view, and surprised to -find so little difference between the New World and the Old. The life -they were beginning, so different from that they had hitherto led, was, -for them, full of unexpected charms, and they felt like schoolboys in -holiday time. Their lungs seemed to expand to inhale the fresh, sharp -breeze of the mountains. Everything, in their eyes, wore a smiling -aspect; in a word, they felt they lived. - -It is about thirty-five leagues from Valparaiso to Chili, as the people -of the country are accustomed to call the capital of the Republic. The -handsome, broad, and well-kept up road, which was formerly cut through -the mountain by the Spaniards, is rather monotonous, and completely -devoid of interest for tourists. Vegetation is rare and poor; a fine -and almost impalpable dust arises with the least puff of wind. The few -trees, which stand at long distances from each other, are slender, -stunted, dried up by both wind and sun, and seem, by their wretched -appearance, to protest against the efforts at cultivation which have -been made on this plateau, which is rendered sterile by the strong sea -breezes and the cold winds of the Cordilleras which sweep over it. - -At times may be seen, at an immense height, like a black dot in space, -the great condor of Chili, the eagle of the Andes, or the savage vulture -in search of prey. At long intervals pass _recuas_ of mules, headed by -the _yegua madrina_, whose sonorous bells are heard to a great distance, -accompanying, well or ill, the dismal chant of the muleteer, who thus -endeavours to keep his beasts going. Or else it is a _guaso_ of the -interior, hastening to his chacra or his hacienda, and who, proudly -mounted upon a half wild horse, passes like a whirlwind, favouring you -as he goes by, with the eternal "Santas tardes, caballero!" - -With the exception of what we have described, the road is dull, dusty, -and solitary. There is not, as with us, a single hostelry affording -accommodation for horse and foot; these would be useless establishments -in a country where the stranger enters every house as if it were his -own home. Nothing! Solitude everywhere and always; hunger, thirst, and -fatigue must be expected and endured. - -But our young men perceived nothing of this. Enthusiasm supplied the -place of all they wanted; the road appeared charming to them; the -journey they were making, delightful! They were in America; beneath -their feet was the soil of the New World, that privileged land, of which -so many surprising accounts are given; of which so many people talk, and -about which so few know anything. Having landed only a few days before, -while still under the impressions of an endless passage, the weariness -of which had weighed down their spirits like a mantle of lead, they -beheld Chili through the enchanting prism of their hopes; reality did -not yet exist for them. What we have here said may appear a paradox to -many people; and yet, we are satisfied that all travellers of good faith -will acknowledge the exact truth. - -At times travelling at a steady foot pace, at others enjoying a laugh -and a gallop, our young men, to whom the political events of the Chilian -Republic were very uninteresting, and who, consequently, knew nothing of -what was going on, arrived quietly within a league of Santiago, at about -eleven o'clock in the evening, just at the moment when the ten Chilian -patriots were falling on the Plaza Mayor, beneath the balls of General -Bustamente's soldiers. - -"Let us pull up here," Valentine said cheerfully; "it will give our -horses time to breathe." - -"Pull up! what for?" Louis asked. "It is late; we shall not find a -single hotel open." - -"My dear friend," Valentine replied, with a laugh, "you are still a -Parisian to the backbone! You forget that we are in America. In that -city, of which the numerous steeples dimly stand out on the horizon -before us, everybody is long since asleep, and all the doors are closed." - -"What shall we do, then?" - -"Pardieu! why, we will bivouac. The night is magnificent. The heavens -display all their jewelry; the air is warm and balmy; what better could -we desire?" - -"Oh, nothing, of course!" Louis replied, laughingly. - -"Well, then, we have, as you see, time to chat a little." - -"Chat, brother! why, we have done nothing else since morning." - -"Pardon me, I don't agree with you. We have talked much, about all sorts -of things, of the country in which we are, and of the manners of the -inhabitants, little as we know about them; but we have not talked in the -manner I mean." - -"Explain yourself more clearly." - -"Look you, brother; an idea has just struck me. We know not what -adventures await us in that city, yonder, before us. Well! before we -enter it, I should like to have a sort of final conversation with you." - -The young men took off their horses' bridles, that the animals might -have the advantage of a few tufts of grass which sprang up here and -there; and, stretching themselves luxuriously upon the ground, they lit -their cigars. - -"We are in America," Valentine resumed; "in the country of gold, upon -that soil where, with intelligence and courage, men of our age can in a -few years amass princely fortunes!" - -"Do you know, my friend----" interrupted Louis. - -"Oh, perfectly!" said Valentine, cutting him short. "You are in love, -and you are seeking the object of your love; that's understood: but that -does not at all interfere with our projects--quite the contrary." - -"How is that?" - -"Pardieu! that's plain enough. You know, do you not, that Doña -Rosario--that's her name, I think--" - -"Yes." - -"Very well, then; you know she is rich, do you not?" - -"There's no doubt of that." - -"Ay, ay! but be it understood, not rich as with us: that is to say, some -fifty thousand francs a year--a paltry pittance!--but rich as people are -here--a dozen times over millionaires!" - -"Probably she may be," the young man said impatiently. - -"That's capital! You must understand, then, that when we have found her, -for we _shall_ find her, and that soon, you can only demand her hand by -producing a fortune equal to her own." - -"The devil! I never thought of that," said the young man. - -"I know you did not; you are in love; and, like all other men afflicted -with that disease, you think of nothing but the person you love. -Fortunately, however, I am with you, to think for both; and whenever you -have spoken to me of love, I have replied by reminding you of fortune." - -"That is true. But how is fortune to be made so promptly?" - -"Ah! ah! you have come to that question at last," Valentine said, -laughing. - -"I know no profession," Louis continued, following his own idea. - -"Nor I either. But let not that alarm you; people succeed best in things -they don't understand." - -"What's to be done?" - -"I will think of it; so set your mind at rest. But you must be well -convinced of one thing, and that is, that we have set foot in a land -where the ideas are quite different from those of the country we have -left; where the manners and customs are diametrically opposite." - -"You mean to say--" - -"I mean to say that we must forget all we have learnt, in order that -we may remember but one thing--our desire quickly to make a colossal -fortune." - -"By honourable means?" - -"I am acquainted with no other," Valentine replied, seriously. "And -remember, brother, that in the country in which we at present are, the -point of honour is not at all the same as in France, and many things -which with us would appear false coin are here deemed good and passable. -On this point a word to the wise! You understand me, don't you?" - -"Nearly, I think." - -"Very well! Imagine we are in an enemy's country, and must act -accordingly." - -"But----" - -"Do you wish to marry the woman you love:" - -"Can you ask me such a question?" - -"Allow me to act, then, as I see best! But, above all, when chance -throws a good opportunity in our way, let us be careful not to miss it." - -"Act just as you please." - -"Well, that is all I had to say to you;" and throwing away the remains -of his cigar, he rose from his recumbent position. - -They were soon again in the saddle, and, at a foot's pace, resumed their -way towards the city, chatting as they went. - -Midnight was striking by the clock of the Cabildo at the moment when -they entered Santiago by the Canada. The streets were deserted and -silent. - -"Everybody is asleep," said Louis. - -"So it seems," Valentine replied. "Let us look out, notwithstanding. If -we find no door open, we can then but compound for a night's bivouac, as -I suggested." - -At this moment two pistol shots were heard, mingled with the gallop of -horses. - -"What can that be?" said Louis. "Assassination is going on here!" - -"Forward! cordieu!" replied Valentine. - -They clapped spurs to their horses, and galloped at full speed in the -direction whence the sound proceeded. They soon reached a narrow street, -in the middle of which two men on foot were bravely contending with five -on horseback. - -"Have at the horsemen!" Valentine shouted; "help the weaker party!" - -"Be of good heart, gentlemen!" said Louis; "help is at hand!" - -And timely help it was for Don Gregorio and his friend. A minute later, -and they must have succumbed. The providential arrival of the Frenchmen -quickly changed the appearance of the fight. Two horsemen fell dead from -pistol shots fired by the young men; while a third, knocked down by Don -Gregorio, was silently strangled by Cæsar. The other two thought it -high time to decamp, leaving their fair prisoner behind them. She had -fainted; and Don Tadeo, leaning against the wall of a house, was upon -the point of following her example. Valentine, with the presence of mind -acquired in his old profession of a Spahi, secured the horses of the -bandits killed in the skirmish. - -"Quick, gentlemen! to the saddle!" Valentine said to the Chilians. - -Louis had already dismounted, and was attending to the young lady. - -"Do not leave us," Don Gregorio remarked; "we are surrounded by enemies." - -"Fear nothing!" said Valentine, "we are quite at your service." - -"Many thanks!--A little assistance, if you please, to place my friend, -who is wounded, on horseback." - -Once in the saddle, Don Tadeo declared he felt sufficiently strong to -keep his seat without help. Don Gregorio placed the still inanimate -young lady before him. - -"Now, gentlemen," he said, "nothing remains for me but to thank you most -cordially, if your business will not allow you to remain longer with us." - -"I beg to repeat, caballeros, that we are at your service." - -"We have no pressing demand upon our time; we will not leave you till we -are assured you are in safety," Louis said, with animation. - -"Follow me, then," said Don Gregorio, with a bow; "and do not spare the -horses; it is an affair of life and death." - -And the four horsemen set off as fast as their horses could bear them. - -"Eh! eh!" said Valentine, in an undertone to his foster brother. "Here -is an adventure that promises something! We are losing no time at -Santiago! What think you?" - -"We shall see!" Louis replied, in a more thoughtful tone. - -No light had gleamed out, no window had been opened, during the combat. -The streets remained silent and gloomy; the city seemed abandoned. -Nothing was to be heard but the clatter of the horses' feet upon the -rough pavement of the streets through which they galloped. The cathedral -clock struck two as they passed across the Plaza Mayor. Don Tadeo could -not repress a sigh of relief when glancing at the spot where on, only a -few hours before, he had so miraculously escaped death. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -GENERAL BUSTAMENTE. - - -Don Tadeo was right, when, on seeing General Bustamente pass, he said he -was on his way to visit his mistress. It was, in fact, to the residence -of the Linda the General was going. On arriving at the gate, one of his -men dismounted, and knocked. But no one answered; and at a sign from -the General, the soldier knocked louder. But still all remained silent; -there was no movement within. He began to feel uneasy. This silence was -the more extraordinary from the General's visit having been announced, -and he was, consequently, expected. "Oh! oh!" he said, "What is going on -here? Knock again, Diego, and knock in a way to make yourself heard!" - -The soldier knocked with all his strength, but still uselessly. Don -Pancho's brow contracted; he began to fancy some misfortune must have -occurred. - -"Break open the door!" he cried. - -The order was instantly obeyed; and the General, followed by his escort, -entered the house. In the Patio all dismounted. - -"Be prudent," said the General in a low voice to the corporal who -commanded the escort; "place sentinels everywhere, and keep a sharp -look-out whilst I search the house." - -After giving these orders, the General took his pistols from his -holsters, and, followed by some of his lancers, entered the house; -but everywhere the silence of death prevailed. After passing through -several apartments, he arrived at a door, which, being a little ajar, -allowed a stream of light to pass. From the other side of this door -proceeded something like stifled groans. With a kick of his foot, one -of the lancers dashed open the door; the General entered, and a strange -spectacle presented itself to his astonished eyes! Doña Maria, tightly -bound, and gagged, was fastened to the foot of a damask bed, saturated -with blood. The furniture was broken and disordered, whilst two dead -bodies, lying in a pool of blood, made it evident that the room had been -the scene of a desperate conflict. - -The general ordered the dead bodies to be removed, and then desired to -be left alone with the lady. As soon as the lancers had departed he shut -the door, and approaching the Linda, he hastened to release her from her -bonds. She was senseless. - -On turning round to place the pistols he had retained in his hands on -the table, he drew back with astonishment, and almost with terror, as -he perceived the dagger standing erect in the middle of it. But this -instinctive feeling lasted only a moment. He went quickly up to the -table, seized the dagger, which he carefully drew out, and eagerly took -up the paper it had pinned down. - -"_The tyrant Don Pancho Bustamente is cited at the expiration of -ninety-three days! - - _"THE DARK-HEARTS."_ - -he read in a loud, harsh tone, and then crushed the paper violently in -his hand. "Sangre de Dios! Will these demons always make a mock of me? -Oh! they know that I show no mercy, and that those who fall into my -hands----" - -"Escape!" said a hollow voice, which made him start involuntarily. - -He turned sharply round, and beheld the Linda, with her vicious eye -fixed upon him with a demoniacal expression. He sprang towards her. - -"Thank God!" he cried warmly, "you are again restored to your senses. -Are you sufficiently recovered to explain the scene that has taken place -here?" - -"A terrible scene, Don Pancho!" she replied, in a tremulous voice; "a -scene, the bare remembrance of which still freezes me with terror." - -"Are you strong enough to describe it to me?" - -"I hope so," she replied. "Listen to me attentively, Don Pancho, for -what I have to tell concerns you, perhaps, more than me." - -"You mean this insolent summons, I suppose?" he remarked, showing it. - -She glanced over it, and replied-- - -"I did not even know that such a paper had been addressed to you. But -listen to me attentively." - -"In the first place, have the goodness to explain to me what you just -now said." - -"Everything in its turn, General; I will not fail to explain everything, -for the vengeance I thirst for must be complete." - -"Oh!" he said, a flash of hatred gleaming from his eye, "set your heart -at ease on that head,--whilst avenging myself, I will avenge you." - -The Linda related to the General what had passed between her and Don -Tadeo in the fullest details--how the Dark-Hearts had snatched him from -her hands, and the threats they had addressed to her on leaving her. -But, with that talent which all women possess, of making themselves -appear innocent in everything, she represented as a miraculous piece of -awkwardness on the part of the soldiers charged to shoot him, the fact -of Don Tadeo being alive after his execution. She said that, attracted -by the hope of avenging himself upon her, whom he suspected of being no -stranger to his condemnation, he had introduced himself unseen into her -house, where by a strange chance she happened to be alone, having that -evening permitted her servants to be present at a _romeria_ (a fête), -from which they were not to return before three o'clock. - -The General had not for an instant the idea of doubting the veracity of -his mistress. The situation in which he had found her,--the incredible -news of the resurrection of his most implacable enemy, altogether so -confused his thoughts, that suspicion had no time to enter his mind. -He strode about the room with hasty steps, revolving in his head the -most extravagant projects for seizing Don Tadeo, and, above all, for -annihilating the Dark-Hearts,--those never-to-be-caught Proteuses, who -so incessantly crossed his path, thwarted all his plans, and always -escaped him. He plainly saw what additional strength the escape of Don -Tadeo would give to the patriots, and how much it would complicate his -political embarrassments, by placing at their head a resolute man who -could have no longer any considerations to preserve, but would wage war -to the knife with him. His perplexity was extreme; he instinctively -felt that the ground beneath him was mined, that he was walking over -a volcano, but he had no power to denounce to public opprobrium the -enemies who conspired his ruin. The recital made by his mistress had -produced the effect of a thunderclap upon him; he knew not what measures -to employ in order to counteract the numerous plots in action against -him on all sides, and simultaneously. The Linda did not take her eyes -off him for a moment, but watched upon his countenance the various -feelings aroused by what she told him. - -We will, in a few words, introduce to the reader this personage, who -will play so important a part in the course of the following history.[1] -General Don Pancho Bustamente, who has left in Chili a reputation for -cruelty so terrible that he is generally called _El Verdugo_, or the -executioner, was a man of from thirty-five to thirty-six years of age, -although he looked near fifty, a little above the middle height, well -made, and of good carriage, announcing altogether great corporeal -strength. His features were tolerably regular, but his prominent -forehead, his grey eyes deeply set beneath the brows, and close to his -hook nose, his large mouth and high cheek bones, gave him something of -a resemblance to a bird of prey. His chin was square, an indication -of obstinacy; his hair and moustache, beginning to be streaked with -grey, were trained and cut in military fashion. He wore the magnificent -uniform, covered at every seam with gold embroidery, of a general -officer. - -Don Bustamente was the son of his own works, which was in his favour. -At first a simple soldier, he had, by exemplary conduct and more than -common talents, raised himself, step by step, to the highest rank of the -army, and had in the last instance been named minister-at-war. Then the -jealousy which had been silent whilst he was confounded with the crowd, -was unchained against him. The General, instead of despising calumnies -which might have died out of themselves, gave them some degree of -foundation, by inaugurating a system of severity and cruelty. Devoured -by an ambition which nothing could satisfy, all means were deemed good -by him for the attainment of an object he secretly aimed at, which was -the overthrow of the republic and government of Chili, and the formation -of Bolivia and Araucania into one state, of which he would cause -himself to be proclaimed Protector--an object which, besides the almost -insurmountable difficulties it presented, ever appeared--owing to the -universal hatred which the General had aroused against himself--to slip -further from his grasp each time he thought he was about grasping it. - -At the moment we bring him on the scene, he found himself in one of the -most critical circumstances of his political career. He had in vain -shot the patriots _en masse_--conspiracies, as always happens in such -cases, succeeded each other without interruption, and the system of -terror which he had inaugurated, far from intimidating the population, -appeared, on the contrary, to urge them on to revolt. Secret societies -were formed; and one of these, the most powerful and the most terrible, -that of the Dark-Hearts, enveloped him in invisible nets in which he -struggled in vain. He foresaw that if he did not hasten on the _coup -d'état_ he meditated, he should be lost beyond redemption. After a -rather long silence, the General placed himself by the side of the Linda. - -"We will be avenged!" he said, in a deep tone; "be but patient." - -"Oh!" she replied, bitterly, "my vengeance has commenced!" - -"What do you mean by that?" - -"I have caused Doña Rosario del Valle, the woman Don Tadeo de Leon loves -so passionately, to be carried off." - -"You have _done_ that?" said the General. - -"Yes, and in ten minutes she will be here." - -"Oh! oh!" he exclaimed; "and do you mean to keep her with you?" - -"With me!" she cried; "No, I thank you, General. I hear that the -Pehuenches are very fond of white women; I will make them a present of -her." - -"Oh!" Don Pancho muttered, "women will be always our masters! they alone -know how to revenge themselves! But," he added aloud, "have you no fear -lest the man to whom you have confided this mission should betray you?" - -She smiled with terrible irony, - -"No," she said; "that man hates Don Tadeo more than I do, if that be -possible; he is working out his own vengeance." - -At the same instant steps were heard in the chamber preceding the room. - -"You will see, General--here is my emissary. Come in!" the Linda cried. - -A man appeared; his face was pale and haggard; and his clothes, torn and -disordered, were stained in various places with blood. - -"Well!" she exclaimed, in a tone of intense anxiety. - -"All has failed," answered the man, breathless with haste and terror. - -"What!" the Linda shouted, with a cry like that of a wild beast. - -"There were five of us," the man continued, quite unmoved, "and we -carried off the _señorita_. All went on well till within a short -distance from this house, when we were attacked by four demons, who came -I know not whence." - -"And you did not defend yourselves, miserable cowards!" interrupted the -General violently. - -The bandit gave him a cold look, and continued impassively-- - -"Three of our number are dead, and the leader and myself wounded." - -"And the girl?" the Linda asked passionately. - -"The girl was recaptured by our opponents. The Englishman has sent me to -you to learn if you still wish him to carry off Doña Rosario?" - -"Would he attempt it again?" - -"Yes. And this time, he says, he is certain to succeed if the conditions -are the same." - -A smile of contempt played round the lips of the courtezan. - -"Repeat to him this," she replied; "not only shall he receive the -hundred ounces if he succeeds, but, still further, he shall have a -hundred more; and that he may be in no doubt of my promise," she added, -rising and taking from a drawer a rather heavy bag which she handed to -the bandit, "give him this; there is the half of the sum, but bid him -despatch!" - -The man bowed. - -"As to you, Juanito," she continued, "as soon as you have acquitted -yourself of this mission, return, for I shall, perhaps, want you here. -Begone!" - -The bandit disappeared instantly. - -"Who is that man?" the General asked. - -"A poor devil whom I saved some years ago from certain death. He is -devoted to me, body and soul." - -"Hum!" said the general, "he has rather too cunning an eye not to be a -rogue." - -The Linda shrugged her shoulders. - -"You are mistrustful of everybody," she said. - -"That is the way not to be deceived." - -"Or to be deceived the more easily." - -"Perhaps so. Well, you see this abduction, so admirably planned, and the -success of which was certain, has failed." - -"I can only repeat what you yourself said to me just now." - -"What is that?" - -"Patience! But, pray, what are your present plans?" The General rose. - -"Whilst you are carrying on against our enemies," he said, in a low, -stern tone, "a guerilla warfare of ambuscades and treacheries, I, on my -part, will wage an open war against them--a war in the face of the sun, -but as merciless as yours. Their blood shall flow in streams over all -the territories of the Republic. The Dark-Hearts have summoned me in -ninety-three days. Well, I take up the gauntlet they have thrown to me." - -"That is well!" the Linda replied. "And now let us so arrange our plans -that they may not fail like their predecessors. We must come to an end -with these miserable plotters, and in doing so, take a revenge that will -make an impression on others." - -"It shall be a vengeance! I will stake my head on the game. Oh," he -added, "I hold them! I have found the means I sought to make them all -fall into my hands; let them sleep for a while in deceitful security, -but their awakening shall be terrible!" - -And, having saluted the Linda with the greatest courtesy, the General -retired. - -"I leave you a few soldiers to watch over your safety till the return of -your servants," he said, as he went out. - -"Thank you, thank you!" she replied, with a bland smile. - -The Linda, when left alone, instead of seeking the repose so necessary -after the excitement of the night, remained plunged in deep thought. -At sunrise she was still in the same place, in the same position. She -was still reflecting, but her features became animated; a sinister -smile curled her pale lips; and her eyes, though apparently fixed upon -vacancy, emitted portentous flashes. Suddenly she sprang up, and passing -her hand rapidly over her brow, as if to efface its wrinkles, she cried, -in a tone of triumph-- - -"And I, too, will succeed!" - - -[1] Reasons of the highest consideration oblige us to change the names -and the portraits of the personages of this history, as the majority -still exist. But we vouch for the correctness of the facts we relate. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -THE SPY. - - -When the young lady was delivered, the four men set off as fast as they -could go, with regard to her ease. In ten minutes they were out of the -city, and with the change of the road their speed was increased. The -route they took was that which leads to Talca. - -"Eh, eh!" Valentine said, laughing, to his foster brother; "we seem to -be playing at prisoners' bars. We enter the city by one gate, to leave -it immediately by another. We shall not have an opportunity of seeing -the capital of Chili this time." - -With the exception of these few words, to which Louis only replied by a -careless shrug of the shoulders, no other conversation took place during -the hour which their rapid journey lasted. By the pale light of the moon -the trees on each side of the road seemed to defile like a legion of -melancholy phantoms. Ere long the white walls of a _chacra_ (large farm) -stood out upon the horizon. - -"Here we are," said Don Gregorio, pointing with his finger. - -They reached the house in a few minutes. The gate was open, but a -man was standing evidently on the watch. The fugitives dashed like a -hurricane into the _patio_, and the gates were immediately closed behind -them. - -"What has happened, Tio Pepito?" Don Gregorio asked, before he was quite -off his horse, of the man who appeared to have expected him. - -"Nothing, _mi amo_" (my master), "nothing of consequence," replied Tio -Pepito, a little thick-set man, with a round face, lit up by two grey -eyes, sparkling with cunning. - -"Have not the persons I expected arrived?" - -"Pardon me, _mi amo_. They have been at the _chacra_ more than an -hour. They say they must begone immediately; they are waiting for you -impatiently." - -"That's well. Announce my arrival to them, and tell them I shall be at -their service in two or three minutes." - -The mayoral, for this man was the major-domo of the _chacra_, entered -the house without reply. Don Tadeo also, who seemed to know perfectly -well where he was, disappeared, bearing the young girl in his arms. The -two Frenchmen were left alone with the chacrero, who advanced towards -them. - -"Now that you are, as we suppose, for the present at least, in safety, -sir," said Valentine, "we have only to take our leave of you." - -"Not so!" Don Gregorio exclaimed; "it must not be so. _Diable_! as you -Frenchmen say," he added, smiling; "chance does not so often procure -us such friends as you, to allow us to part with you thus when we have -met you. You will remain here, if you please. Our acquaintance must not -terminate so." - -"If our continuing here can be of any service to you," Louis replied, -courteously, "we are at your command." - -"Thank you," he said, in a slightly agitated voice, and pressing their -hands warmly; "I shall never forget that I owe to you the lives of -myself and my friend. In what way can I be of service to you?" - -"Well," Valentine said, laughing, "in every way, and no way, as it may -happen, caballero." - -"Explain yourself," Don Gregorio replied. - -"_Dame!_ it is clear enough; we are strangers in this country." - -"When did you arrive?" the Chilian said, examining them attentively. - -"Faith! very recently. You are the first persons we have spoken to." - -"That is well," Gregorio said, slowly. "I told you that I was at your -service, did I not?" - -"Yes, and we sincerely thank you; although we hope never to have -occasion to remind you of this obliging offer." - -"I perfectly appreciate your delicacy; but a service like the one you -have rendered me and my friend is an eternal bond. Take no heed of your -future fortune, it is made." - -"Pardon me, pardon me!" said Valentine, earnestly; "we do not understand -one another at all; you mistake us. We are not men who expect to be paid -for having acted as our hearts dictated. You owe us nothing." - -"I do not propose or pretend to pay you, gentlemen. I only wish, in -order to attach you to me, to propose to you to share my good or evil -fortune; in a word, I offer myself to you as a brother." - -"In that case we at once accede," said Louis, "and will endeavour to -prove ourselves worthy of such an offer." - -"I have no doubt you will. Only I beg you not to be misled by my words; -the life I am leading at present is full of perils." - -"I can suppose that," said Valentine, with a laugh. "The scene at which -we have been present, and the _denoûment_ of which we perhaps hastened, -makes it pretty evident that your existence is not of the most peaceful -nature." - -"What you have as yet seen is nothing. Do you know nobody in this -country?" - -"Nobody." - -"Your political opinions, then, are unformed?" - -"As regards Chili, completely." - -"Bravo!" Don Gregorio exclaimed, with delight; "if we agree on that -point our compact will be for life and death." - -"We do agree," said Valentine, laughing; "and if you conspire--" - -"Well?" the Chilian asked, fixing an inquiring look upon him. - -"Why, we will conspire, too, pardieu! That is agreed." - -The three men exchanged a cordial pressure of the hand, and then Don -Gregorio called the major-domo to conduct them to the chamber which was -prepared for them. - -"Good night! or rather good morning!" he said, on quitting them. - -"Come!" said Valentine, rubbing his hands, "matters are going on well. -We shall not want for amusement here." - -"Hum!" Louis replied, with a tone of something like uneasiness; -"conspire!" - -"Well, and what better?" said Valentine. "Does that frighten you? -Remember, my friend, that the best fishing is in troubled waters." - -"In that case," Louis remarked, taking up the gay humour of his -companion, "if my presentiments are just, ours will be miraculous." - -"I expect so, firmly," said Valentine, bidding good night to the -major-domo, who retired, after bowing respectfully. - -The _cuarto_ (chamber) in which the young men found themselves, was -whitewashed, and entirely destitute of furniture, with the exception of -two oak frames furnished with dressed hides, which served as beds, a -massive table with twisted feet, and four seats covered with leather. -In a corner of the room burned a little green wax light before a -badly-engraved print supposed to represent the Virgin. - -"Eh!" said Louis, casting a glance around him, "our friends, the -Chilians, do not seem to consult comfort much." - -"Bah!" Valentine replied, "we have all that we require. A man can sleep -soundly anywhere when he is fatigued. This chamber is better than the -bivouac we were threatened with." - -"You are right. Let us take a little rest then, for we don't know what -tomorrow has in reserve for us." - -In a quarter of an hour they were both fast asleep. At the moment the -Frenchmen went into the house with the major-domo, Don Tadeo came out by -another door. - -"Well?" Don Gregorio asked, anxiously. - -"She is asleep. Her terror is abated," Don Tadeo replied. "The joy she -experienced at seeing me, whom she believed dead, brought about a very -salutary crisis." - -"I am glad to hear it! In that quarter, then, we may be at ease?" - -"Completely." - -"Do you feel yourself strong enough to be present at an important -interview?" - -"Is it necessary that I should be present?" - -"I think it quite right that you should hear the communications that one -of my emissaries is about to make me." - -"It is very imprudent of you," said Don Tadeo, "to receive such a man in -your own house!" - -"Oh! do not alarm yourself! I have known him for a long time. Besides, -he is not aware whose house he is in; he was brought hither blinded, by -two of our brethren. In addition to which, we shall be masked." - -"Well! since you desire it, I am at your commands." - -The two friends, after having covered their faces with black velvet -masks, entered the apartment in which were the persons who waited for -them. This apartment, which served as a dining room, was very large, and -furnished with a long table; it was faintly illumined by two sconces, -in which burned small candles of yellow tallow, yielding so doubtful a -light that objects could be seen but indistinctly. Three men, wrapped -in variegated ponchos, and with broad-brimmed hats pulled down over -their eyes, were carelessly smoking their slender papelitos, whilst -warming themselves round a copper _brasero,_ placed in the middle of the -apartment, and in which some olive-stones were slowly burning. At the -entrance of the leaders of the Dark-Hearts, these men rose. - -"Why," asked Don Tadeo, who at the first glance recognized the emissary, -"why did you not wait, Don Pedro, for the meeting tomorrow, at the -_Quinta Verde,_ to communicate to the council the revelations you have -to make?" - -The man thus named as Don Pedro bowed respectfully. He was an individual -of about thirty-five years of age. He was tall, and his countenance, as -sharp as the blade of a knife, wore a cunning, roguish expression. - -"What I have to state only indirectly concerns the Dark-Hearts," he said. - -"Then, of what importance is it to us?" Don Gregorio interrupted him. - -"But it greatly concerns the leaders, particularly the King of Darkness." - -"Explain yourself then, for he is before you," Don Tadeo remarked, -taking a step forward. - -Pedro darted a look at him which seemed to endeavour to penetrate -through the tissue of his mask. - -"What I have to say will be brief," he replied,--"I leave to you the -care of judging of its importance. General Don Bustamente will be -present at the meeting tomorrow." - -"Are you sure of that?" the two conspirators exclaimed with a degree of -astonishment that denoted incredulity. - -"It was I who persuaded him to do so." - -"You?" - -"Yes, I." - -"Are you ignorant, then," Don Tadeo exclaimed with great warmth, "in -what manner we punish traitors?" - -"I am no traitor; on the contrary, I deliver into your hands your most -implacable enemy." - -Don Tadeo replied only by a suspicious glance. - -"The General then is ignorant?" - -"Of everything," said Don Pedro. - -"With what purpose, then, does he wish to introduce himself among us?" - -"Can you not guess? For that of obtaining your secret." - -"But he risks his life." - -"Do you forget that every adept must be introduced by a sponsor, who -alone knows him? No one sees his face. Well, _I_ introduce him," he -added, with a smile of strange significance. - -"That is true. But if he should suspect you of treachery?" - -"I must undergo the consequences; but he will not suspect me." - -"Why not?" Don Gregorio asked. - -"Because," the spy replied, with a cynical smile, "for ten years the -General has employed me, and during those ten years he has had only -cause to praise me for the services I have rendered him." - -A momentary silence followed. - -"Here!" said Don Gregorio, after a long pause, "this time it is not ten -ounces, but twenty, that you have earned. Continue to be faithful to us." - -And he placed a heavy purse in his hands. The spy seized it with a -gesture of avidity, and concealed it quickly under his poncho. - -"You shall have no reproach to make me," he replied, with a bow. - -"I hope we shall not," said Don Tadeo, with difficulty repressing an -expression of disgust. "Only remember, we should be merciless." - -"I know it." - -"In that case, farewell." - -"Farewell till tomorrow." - -The men who had brought him, and who during the conversation had -remained motionless, at a sign from Don Gregorio approached the spy, -bandaged his eyes again, and led him away. - -"Is that fellow a traitor?" asked Don Gregorio, as he listened to the -retreating steps of the horses. - -"It is our duty to suppose him one," the King of Darkness replied, -gravely. - -The two friends, instead of seeking the repose which must have been -so necessary to them, talked together for a long time, in order to -arrange all the measures of safety which were required by the importance -of the scene about to take place on the morrow at the meeting of the -conspirators. In the meantime Don Pedro had been quickly led back -to Santiago. On arriving at one of the gates, his guides left him, -disappearing in opposite directions. As soon as he was alone, he removed -the handkerchief from his eyes. - -"Hum!" he said, with a sinister smile, as he tossed up in his right hand -the purse Don Gregorio had given him. "Twenty ounces make a purse of -gold. Now let us see if General Bustamente is as liberal as his enemies. -By the Virgin! the news I carry him are worth something to him! Let us -try to get the best price for them." - -After having cast his eyes around to see if the coast was clear, he set -off at a sharp trot towards the government palace, muttering to himself-- - -"Bah! times are hard. If a man did not manoeuvre a little, he would find -no means of bringing up his family honestly." - -This reflection, of a rather dubious morality, was accompanied by a -grimace, the expression of which would have given Don Tadeo cause for -suspicion if he had seen it. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -LOVE. - - -On the morrow the two Frenchmen were awakened by the rays of the sun. -The day promised to be a brilliant one, for there was not a cloud in -the heavens. A light vapour, full of penetrating odours, arose slowly -from the earth, drawn up by the beams of the sun, whose warm influence -increased every minute. The morning breeze refreshed the air, and -invited them to inhale it. The young men, perfectly recovered from their -fatigue, sprang cheerfully from their humble beds and dressed themselves -in haste. - -The chacra, of which they had only a glimpse the night before by -moonlight, was an immense farm, consisting of extensive buildings, -and surrounded by fields in full cultivation. The greatest animation -prevailed everywhere. Peons, mounted on half wild horses, were driving -out the cattle to the artificial meadows, whilst others were running -about after the horses they were getting together, in order to lead -them to the drinking place. In the patio the major-domo was overlooking -the women and girls engaged in milking. In short, this residence, which -had appeared to them so silent and dismal the night before, assumed -by daylight an appearance of life and cheerfulness delightful to -contemplate. - -The cries of the peons mingled with the lowing of the cattle, the -barking of the dogs, and the crowing of the cocks, and formed that -melodious concert which is only to be heard on a farm, and which always -rejoices the heart. - -It is a justice that we willingly render here to the Chilian republic -when we say that it alone of the southern states of America appears -to understand that the wealth of a country consists not in the number -of its mines, but in the encouragement given to cultivation; and that -this country, while possessing rich mines of gold, silver, and precious -stones, only places their produce in the second rank, whilst it reserves -its principal solicitude for agriculture. Chili is as yet young as a -nation. There manufactures and the arts are in their infancy; but the -farms are numerous, the fields well cultivated, and soon this country -will be called upon, there is no doubt, through its system of labour, -to become the entrepôt of the other American powers, which it already -provides in a great measure with corn and wine, from Cape Horn to -California. - -Behind the chacra extended a well-kept up garden, in which oranges, -pomegranates, and citrons, planted in the open ground, grew amidst -limes, apples, plums, and all the other fruits of Europe. Louis was -agreeably surprised at the aspect of this garden, with its numerous -alleys, in which a thousand birds of brilliant colours warbled gaily -under the foliage of the tufted thickets of jasmine and honeysuckle. -Whilst Valentine went, followed by Cæsar, to look at the operations of -the peons and smoke his cigar in the patio, Louis felt himself led by -his dreamy spirit to indulge in poetical reveries, and to seek a few -minutes' solitude in the Eden which lay before him. Urged by an unknown -power, intoxicated by the sweet odours which embalmed the atmosphere, he -glided into the garden, casting around him a vaguely questioning look. - -The young man went dreaming along the garden walks, mechanically pulling -to pieces with his fingers a rose which he had gathered. He had walked -thus for nearly an hour, when he was roused by a slight noise among -the leaves, at a short distance from him. He instinctively raised his -head, just in time to catch a glimpse of a light white robe which was -disappearing among the trees, but too late to completely distinguish the -person who wore it, and who appeared to trip over the dewy grass like -a white phantom. At the sight of this mysterious apparition the young -man felt his heart bound in his breast; he stopped trembling, and the -emotion he felt was so powerful, that he was forced to lean against a -tree for support. - -"What can be the matter with me?" he murmured to himself, as he wiped -the cold perspiration from his brow. "I am mad!" he continued, with a -forced smile. "I think I see her everywhere. Heavens! I love her so -deeply that, in spite of myself, my imagination brings her before me -unceasingly. That girl, of whom I just caught a glimpse, is probably the -same we last night so miraculously saved. Poor child! Fortunately she -did not see me; I should have frightened her. Better avoid her by going -out of the garden; in my present state I should alarm her." - -And, as always happens in such cases, he set off, on the contrary, in -the very footsteps of her he had only caught a glimpse of, but whom, by -one of the instinctive feelings of sympathy which come from God, and -which science can never explain, he had nevertheless recognized. - -The young girl, reclining in the depths of an arbour, like a hummingbird -in its bed of muss, with a pale face, and her eyes cast down to the -earth, was listening, pensive and sad, to the joyous melodies which the -birds chanted in her absent ear. All at once, a slight noise made her -start and raise her head. The Count was before her! She uttered a faint -cry, and endeavoured to fly. - -"Don Louis!" she exclaimed. - -She had recognized him. The young man sank on his knees at the entrance -of the arbour. - -"Oh!" he cried, in a voice trembling with emotion, and with an accent of -the most earnest entreaty, "for pity's sake, remain, madam!" - -"Don Louis!" she repeated, already recovered, and feigning the most -perfect indifference. Young girls, even the purest, possess in a high -degree the talent of concealing their feelings, and of deceiving persons -with regard to the emotions they really experience. - -"Yes, it is I, madam," he continued, with an accent of the most -respectful passion; "I, who, to see you again, have abandoned -everything!" - -The young lady displayed some slight surprise. - -"For Heaven's sake!" he resumed, "allow me once more, if but for an -instant, to contemplate your adored features! Oh!" he added, with a look -of deep affection, "my heart had told me you were here, before my eyes -had perceived you." - -"Caballero," she said, in a tremulous voice, "I do not understand you." - -"Oh, fear nothing from me, madam!" he interrupted her vehemently; "my -respect for you is as profound as---- - -"Pray, caballero," she said, earnestly, "rise; if anyone should surprise -you thus!" - -"Madam," he replied, "the avowal I have to make to you, requires me to -remain in the position of a suppliant!" - -"Oh, caballero!" - -"I love you, madam!" he said, in broken accents; "I know not what gives -me the boldness to pronounce a word which in France I did not venture -to breathe in your ear, and which I have never allowed to pass from my -heart to my lips. But even if you banished me from your presence for -ever, once again I must tell you that I love you, madam; and if you do -not return my love, I shall die!" - -The maiden looked at him for a moment with a melancholy air; a tear -trembled on her long eyelashes; she took a step towards him, and holding -out her hand, upon which he imprinted a burning kiss, said softly,-- - -"Rise." - -The Count obeyed. Doña Rosario sunk back upon the bench behind her, -and appeared plunged in profound and painful meditation. Both remained -silent, Louis watching her with intense anxiety, and a throbbing heart. -At length she raised her head, and exhibited a countenance bathed in -tears. - -"Caballero," she said in a melancholy tone, "if God has permitted us to -meet once again, it is because, in His divine goodness, He has judged -that a decisive explanation should take place between us." - -The young man appeared anxious to speak. - -"Do not interrupt me," she continued, "or I shall not have the courage -to finish what I have to say to you. You love me, Louis; your presence -here is an incontestable proof of it--you love me; and yet how many -times, during my short residence in France, have you cursed me in -secret, accusing me of coquetry, or, at least, of unaccountable levity!" - -"Madam!" - -"Oh!" she said, with a faint smile, "since you have avowed your love -for me, I will be frank with you, Louis; and although it be my duty to -deprive you of all future hope, I am at least anxious to justify the -past, and leave you a remembrance of me that nothing can tarnish!" - -"Oh, madam! why do you repeat such things to me?" - -"Why?" she said, with a look full of melancholy, and in a voice -harmonious as the sigh of an Æolian harp, "because I have faith in that -love, so warm, so young, so true; which neither daily indignities nor -vast distances have been able to conquer--because, in short, I also love -you! do you not plainly see that, Louis?" - -On hearing this confession, so ingenuous, and made in a tone so -sorrowful that the young girl appeared no longer to belong to earth, the -Count felt struck by a terrible presentiment; his heart was wrung with -doubtful agony. Trembling, bewildered, he gazed on her with the fixed -and desperate eye of one condemned to death, who is listening to the -reading of his sentence. - -"Yes!" she resumed, with feverish eagerness; "yes, I love you, Louis, I -shall always love you; but never, never, can we be united." - -"Oh, that is impossible!" he cried, raising his head vehemently. - -"Listen to me," she said, in a tone of authority; "I do not order you to -forget me, Louis; a love like yours is eternal: alas! I feel that mine -will last as long as my life. You see, my friend, I am frank; I do not -speak to you as a maiden ought to speak; I unfold my heart before you, -leaving you to read it as you would your own. Well, this love, which -would be for us the height of felicity,--this communion of two spirits, -which blend with each other to form one blissful whole,--this boundless -happiness must be dispersed for ever, without chance of recovery, -without hesitation!" - -"Oh, I cannot consent!" he exclaimed, in a voice broken by sobs. - -"But it must be so, I tell you!" she continued, wild with anguish. -"Great Heaven! what more do you require of me? Must I confess everything -to you? Well, then, since it must be so, know that I am a miserable -creature, condemned from my birth, pursued by a terrible hatred, -which follows me step by step, which watches me incessantly; and some -day--tomorrow, perhaps today--will crush me without mercy! Obliged -to change my name constantly; flying from city to city, from country -to country; wherever I may go, this implacable enemy, whom I do not -know, and against whom I cannot defend myself, pursues me without -intermission." - -"But I will defend you!" the young man said, with confident energy. - -"And I, on my part, am not willing that you should die!" she replied, -with an accent of ineffable tenderness. "To attach yourself to me is -to court destruction. I went to France to seek a place of refuge. I -was obliged to quit that hospitable land with the greatest suddenness. -Arrived here only a few weeks since, but for you, last night, I should -have been lost! No, no, I am condemned; I know I am, and I am resigned; -but I will not drag you down in my fall! Alas! I am, perhaps, doomed to -suffer tortures still more horrible than those I have hitherto endured! -Oh, Louis, in the name of the love which you have for me, and which I -fully share, leave me the supreme consolation in my wretchedness of -knowing that you are safe from the torments which overwhelm me!" - -At this moment Valentine's voice was heard at a short distance, and -Cæsar came wagging his tail to his master. Doña Rosario gathered a -blossom of the _suchil_ which grew close to them, and presented it to -the young man, after having for a moment inhaled its sweet odour. - -"Here," she said, "my friend, accept this flower, the only memorial, -alas! that will remain with you of me." - -The young man concealed the flower in his bosom. - -"Someone is coming," she continued, in broken accents. "Swear, Louis! -swear to quit this country as soon as possible, without endeavouring to -see me again." - -The Count hesitated. - -"Oh!" he cried, "some day, perhaps,----" - -"Never on earth. Have I not told you that I am condemned? Swear, Louis, -that at least I may hope to meet you again in heaven." - -She pronounced these words with such a tone of despair, that the young -man, overcome, in spite of himself, made a gesture of assent, and let -the almost inarticulate words escape his lips,-- - -"I swear to do so!" - -"Thanks! thanks!" she cried wildly, and hurriedly imprinting a kiss upon -the brow of her prostrated lover, she disappeared with the lightness of -a fawn amidst a thicket of standard roses, at the moment when Valentine -became visible at the turning of the walk. - -"Why brother," the soldier said gaily, "what the deuce are you about -here, at the bottom of the garden? Breakfast is waiting for you. I have -been looking for you this hour; and if it had not been for Cæsar, I -should not have found you now." - -The Count turned towards him, his face lathed in tears, and threw his -arms round his neck. - -"Brother! brother!" he cried, in an accent of despair; "I am the most -unhappy of men!" - -Valentine looked at him in astonishment. The Count had fainted. - -"What on earth is all this about?" said the soldier, casting a -suspicious look around him, and laying his foster brother, who was -motionless as a corpse, gently upon a grassy bank. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE QUINTA VERDE. - - -Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious -situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is -still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with -white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet -eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, -palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each -other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable -rampart. It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions -and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by -a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced -it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as -it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled -that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled -beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red -torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and -as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became -extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, -had waved them about madly. This habitation was named the "Quinta Verde." - -By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like -the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all -the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of -general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for -power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the -revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal -whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families? This is -what many people, at various periods, had been anxious to know, though -they had never been able to find out. Nobody ostensibly inhabited this -quinta, in which, on certain days, noises were heard which filled with a -superstitious terror the worthy _guasos_ living in the neighbourhood. - -The day after that on which the events occurred which open this history, -the heat had been oppressive, the atmosphere heavy, and the sun had -gone down amidst a flood of purple vapour, the precursors of a storm -which burst with fury as soon as night had completely closed in. The -wind bent down the trees as it whistled through them, the collision of -the branches producing a melancholy sound; the heavens were black, not -a star was to be seen; and large grey clouds coursed rapidly across -the zenith, covering all nature with a leaden pall. In the distance -resounded the howlings of wild beasts, among which was occasionally -mingled the hoarse, sharp barking of stray dogs. - -Nine o'clock struck slowly from a distant steeple; the sound of the -metal, repeated by the echoes from the hills, vibrated with a plaintive -tone over the deserted landscape. The moon, fitfully emerging from -behind the clouds which veiled her, spread for a few seconds a pale -and trembling light over the scene, giving it a fantastic aspect. This -fugitive ray of doubtful light, nevertheless, enabled a small troop of -horsemen, who were painfully ascending a winding path on the side of a -mountain, to distinguish, at a few paces before them, the black outline -of a house, from the top window of which beamed like a pharos a red, -uncertain light. This house was the "Quinta Verde." - -At about four or five paces in advance of the troop rode two horsemen, -muffled carefully in their cloaks, the flaps of their hats pulled down -over their eyes, appeared, in the darkness, to be a needless precaution; -but it, nevertheless, showed that these personages were very anxious not -to be recognized. - -"Heaven be praised!" said one of these horsemen to his companion, as -he pulled up his horse, to look searchingly around him, as far as the -darkness would permit; "I hope we shall soon be there." - -"In a quarter of an hour, at latest, General, we shall be at the end of -our journey." - -"Do not let us stop, then," the one addressed as General said; "I am -impatient to penetrate into this abominable den." - -"One moment, General!" the first speaker continued. "It is my duty to -warn your Excellency that there is still time to retreat; and that -would, perhaps, be the more prudent step." - -"Please to observe this, Diego," said the General, fixing upon his -companion a look which gleamed in the semi-obscurity like that of a -tiger-cat--"in the circumstances in which I am placed, prudence, as you -understand the word, would be cowardice. I am quite aware what I am -called upon to do by the confidence placed in me by my fellow citizens; -our position is most critical: the liberal reaction is raising its head -in all quarters, and we must put an end to this ever-reviving hydra. -The news of Don Tadeo's escape from death has spread with the rapidity -of a train of gunpowder; all the malcontents of whom he is the leader, -are in almost open action; if I were to hesitate to strike a great blow -and crush the head of the serpent which hisses in my ears, it would -tomorrow, perhaps, be too late; hesitation has always been the ruin of -statesmen in affairs of importance." - -"And yet, General, if the man who has furnished you with this -information should--" - -"Be a traitor? Well, that is possible--ay, even probable; therefore, -I have neglected nothing that may neutralize the consequences of a -treachery which I foresee." - -"By the Virgin! General, in your place, however--" - -"Thank you, old comrade, thank you for your solicitude; but enough of -this subject, you ought to know me well enough to be sure that I shall -never flinch from my duty." - -"I have nothing more to do, then, but to wish your Excellency well -through your undertaking; for you know you must arrive alone at the -Quinta Verde, and I can escort you no farther." - -"Very well, wait here then; make your men dismount for a time, keep a -sharp watch, and execute punctually the orders I have given you. I am -going on." - -Diego bowed respectfully, but with an air of anxiety, and withdrew his -hand, which had been placed on the bridle of the General's horse. The -latter more carefully enveloped himself in his cloak, the folds of which -had become too loose, and gave the usual jockey signal to excite his -horse. At this well-known sound the horse pricked up its ears, and being -thoroughbred, although fatigued, set off at a gallop. - -After a few minutes of this rapid travelling, the General stopped; but -it appeared as if his journey was completed, for, dismounting, he threw -the bridle on his horse's neck, with as little care what became of it as -if it had been a hack post-horse, and walked with a firm step towards -the house, which he had held in view some time, and from which he was -now not more than ten paces distant. This was soon cleared. When he -reached the gate, he stood for a second and looked around him, as if -endeavouring to penetrate the darkness; but all was calm and silent. -In spite of himself, the General was seized with that vague fear which -takes possession of the most courageous man when in face of the unknown. -But General Bustamente, whom the reader has no doubt recognized, was too -old a soldier to suffer himself to be mastered long by an impression, -however strong it might be; with him this had lasted but an instant, and -he almost immediately recovered his usual coolness. - -"What the devil! am _I_ afraid?" he murmured, with an ironical smile, -and going boldly up to the gate, he knocked three times at equal -intervals with the pummel of his sword. In an instant his arms were -seized by invisible hands, a bandage was placed over his eyes, and a -voice, faint as a breath, murmured in his ear-- - -"Make no resistance, twenty poniards are at your breast; at the first -cry, at the least opposition, you are a dead man. Reply categorically to -our questions." - -"All these threats are needless," the General replied, in a calm -voice; "as I came here of my own free will, I can have no intention of -resisting--ask, and I will answer." - -"What do you come to seek here?" the voice said. - -"The Dark-Hearts." - -"Are you ready to appear in their presence?" - -"I am," the General replied, still impassive. - -"Do you dread nothing?" - -"Nothing." - -"Let your sword fall." - -The General quitted his hold of his sword, and felt at the same moment -that his pistols were taken from him. - -"Now, step forward without fear," said the voice. - -The prisoner found himself instantly at liberty. - -"In the name of Christ, who died upon the cross for the salvation of the -world, Dark-Hearts, receive me among the number of your brethren!" the -General then said, in a low and firm voice. - -The double gates of the Quinta Verde flew open before him, and two -masked men, each holding a dark lantern in his hand, the focus of which -he directed on the stranger's face, appeared in the entrance. - -"There is still time," said one of the unknown; "if your heart be not -firm, you may retreat." - -"My heart is firm." - -"Come on, then, as you think yourself worthy to share our glorious task, -but tremble if you have the least intention of betraying us," said the -masked man, in a deep, sonorous voice. - -The General felt, notwithstanding the recklessness of his character, -a cold shudder run through his limbs at these words; but he quickly -surmounted this involuntary emotion. - -"It is for traitors to tremble," he replied; "for my part, I have -nothing to fear." - -And he boldly stepped into the Quinta Verde, the doors of which closed -after him with a dull, heavy sound. The bandage which covered his eyes, -and which had prevented those who had interrogated him from recognizing -him, notwithstanding their efforts to do so, was then removed. After -proceeding for more than a quarter of an hour along a circular corridor, -lighted only by the red flickering flame of the torch carried by the -guide through this labyrinth, the General was suddenly stopped by a door -in front of him. He turned hesitatingly towards the masked men, who had -followed him step by step. - -"What do you wait for?" said one of them in reply to his mute -interrogation. "Is it not written, _Knock and it shall be opened unto -you?_" - -The General bowed in sign of acquiescence, and knocked loudly at the -door. The folding panels drew back silently into the wall, and the -General found himself at the entrance of a vast hall, whose walls were -covered with long red draperies, gloomily enlightened by a bronze lamp -and several chandeliers suspended from the ceiling, which shone in an -uncertain manner upon the countenances of about a hundred men, who, -with naked swords in their hands, fixed their eyes upon him through the -black masks which concealed their faces. At the bottom of this hall was -a table covered with a green cloth, at which were seated three men. Not -only were those three men masked, but, as a further precaution, before -each of them a lighted torch was planted on the table, the dazzling -flame of which allowed them to be but vaguely seen. Against the wall was -a crucifix, between two hourglasses surmounted by a death's-head with a -poniard run through it. - -The General manifested no emotion at this imposing _mise en scène_. A -smile of disdain curled his lip, and he stepped boldly forward. At this -moment he felt a light touch on the shoulder, and, on turning round, -perceived that one of the guides was holding out a mask to him. In spite -of the precautions he had taken to disguise his features, he eagerly -seized it, placed it on his face, folded his cloak round him, and -entered. - -"_In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti!_" he said. - -"_Amen_!" all present replied, in a sepulchral tone. - -"_Exaudiat te Dominus, in die Tribulationis,_" said one of the -personages behind the table. - -"_Impleat Dominus omnes petitiones tuas_," the General replied, without -hesitation. - -"_La Patria!_" the first speaker rejoined. - -"_O la Muerte!_" replied the General. - -"What is your purpose in coming here?" the man who up to this time alone -had spoken, asked. - -"I wish to be admitted into the bosom of the elect." - -There was a momentary silence. - -"Is there anyone among us who can or will answer for you?" the masked -man then asked. - -"I cannot say; for I do not know the persons among whom I find myself." - -"How know you that?" - -"I suppose so, as they, as well as I, are masked." - -"The Dark-Hearts," said the interrogator in a deep tone, "consider not -the countenance; they search souls." - -The General bowed at this sentence, which appeared to him to border upon -the ridiculous. The interrogator continued:--"Do you know the conditions -of your affiliation?" - -"I know them." - -"What are they?" - -"To sacrifice mother, father, brothers, relations, friends, and myself, -without hesitation, to the cause which I swear to defend." - -"What next?" - -"At the first signal, whether it be by day or night, even at the foot of -the altar, in whatever circumstance I may be placed, to quit everything, -in order to accomplish immediately the orders that shall be given me, in -whatever manner they may be given, and whatever may be the tenor of that -order." - -"Do you subscribe to these conditions?" - -"I subscribe to them." - -"Are you prepared to swear to submit yourself to them?" - -"I am prepared." - -"Repeat, then, after me, with your hand upon the Gospels, the words I am -about to dictate to you." - -"Dictate!" - -The three men behind the table rose; a Bible was brought, and the -General resolutely placed his hand upon the book. A faint murmur ran -through the ranks of the assembly. The president struck the table with -the hilt of his dagger, and silence was re-established. This man then -pronounced in a slow and deep toned voice the following words, which the -General repeated after him without hesitation:-- - -"I swear to sacrifice myself, my family, my property, and all that I -can hope for in this world, for the safety of the cause defended by -the Dark-Hearts. I swear to kill every man, be he my father, be he my -brother, who shall be pointed out to me. If I fail in my faith, if I -betray those who accept me as their brother, I acknowledge myself to -be worthy of death; and I, beforehand, pardon the Dark-Hearts who may -inflict it upon me." - -"So far well!" replied the president, when the General had pronounced -the oath. "You are now our brother." - -He then rose, and stepping across the hall, stood full in front of the -General. - -"Now," he said in a solemn threatening voice, "answer me, Don Pancho -Bustamente. As you, of your own free will, take a false oath before a -hundred persons, do you think we should commit a crime in condemning -you, since you have had the audacity to place yourself in our power?" - -In spite of his assurance, the General could not repress a start of -terror. - -"Remove the mask which covers this man's face, so that everyone may know -that it is he! Ah! General; you have entered the lion's den, and you -will be devoured." - -The noise of a distant commotion was heard. - -"Your soldiers are coming to your rescue," the president resumed, "but -they will come too late, General; prepare to die!" - -These words fell like the blow of a mace upon the brow of him who found -himself thus outwitted; he, nevertheless, did not yet lose heart; the -noise evidently approached; and there could be no doubt but that his -troops, who surrounded the Quinta Verde on all sides, would soon gain -possession of it; all he wanted was time. - -"By what right," he said haughtily, "do you constitute yourselves judges -and executioners of your own sentence?" - -"You are one of us, and are bound by our sentence," the president -replied, with an ironical smile. - -"Beware of what you are about to do, gentlemen," the General added in a -haughty tone; "remember I am minister-at-war!" - -"And I am King of Darkness," the president cried in a voice that froze -the very blood of the General; "my dagger is more sure than the muskets -of your soldiers; it does not let its victims escape. Brethren, what -chastisement does this man deserve?" - -"Death!" the conspirators replied. - -The General saw that he was lost. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -THE DEPARTURE. - - -Sergeant Diego, when left by General Bustamente a few paces from the -Quinta Verde, was very uneasy regarding the fate of his leader, and -entertained dismal presentiments. He was an old soldier, and well -acquainted with all the machinations and treacheries practised in this -country between inveterate enemies. He had been far from approving of -the General's undertaking, for he knew better than anyone how little -confidence ought to be placed in spies. Constrained, ostensibly, to -obey the order he had received, he had resolved, _in petto_, not to -leave his leader without help in the wasps' nest into which he had -cast himself headlong. Diego entertained for General Bustamente, under -whose orders he had served ten years, a profound regard, which entitled -him to certain freedoms, and his entire confidence. He immediately -placed himself in relation with two other officers of the detachment, -ordered, like himself, to watch the mysterious house whose dark outline -cut gloomily across the cloudy sky, and around which there was a close -blockade. He was walking about, biting his moustache, and swearing to -himself, determined, if the General did not come out within half an -hour, to obtain an entrance by force, if necessary, when a heavy hand -was laid upon his shoulder. He turned sharply round, stopping short in -an oath that was passing his lips, and saw a man standing before him: it -was Don Pedro. - -"Is that you?" he asked, as soon as he recognised him. - -"Myself," the spy replied. - -"But where the devil do you come from?" - -"No matter; do you wish to save the General?" - -"Is he in danger?" - -"In danger of death." - -"_Demonios!_" the sergeant shouted; "he must be saved!" - -"For that purpose I am here; but don't speak so loud." - -"I will speak as you like, provided you will tell me." - -"Nothing!" Don Pedro replied, "for there is not a minute to be lost." - -"What is to be done?" - -"Listen! A detachment must feign an attack upon the gate by which the -General entered; another will watch the environs, for the Dark-Hearts -have roads known only to themselves; you, with a third detachment, will -follow me; I will undertake to introduce you into the house--is that -agreed upon?" - -"Perfectly." - -"Make haste, then, to inform your colleagues; time presses." - -"Instantly; where shall I find you again?" - -"Here." - -"Very well; I only ask five minutes," and he strode away in haste. - -"Hem!" thought Don Pedro, as soon as he was alone; "we should be -prudent when we wish affairs to be profitable; from what I heard, they -will condemn the General, and they must not be allowed to go as far as -that, for my interests would suffer too seriously; I have manoeuvred -so as to be safe from all suspicion; if I succeed, I shall be more in -favour with the General than ever, without losing the confidence of the -conspirators." - -"Well!" he said, as he saw Diego coming towards him. - -"Everything is done," replied the sergeant, out of breath. "I am ready." - -"Come on, then, and God grant it may not be too late!" - -"Amen!" said the soldier. - -Everything was done as had been arranged; whilst one detachment -vigorously attacked the gate of the Quinta Verde, Don Pedro led the -troops commanded by Diego to the opposite side of the house, where a -low window was open; this window was grated, but several bars had been -removed beforehand, which left the entrance easy. Pedro commanded the -soldiers to be silent, and they entered the house one by one. Guided by -the spy, they advanced stealthily, without meeting with obstacles of any -kind. At the end of a few minutes they came to a closed door. - -"This is it!" said Pedro, in a low voice. - -At a sign from the sergeant, the door was beaten in with the butt end -of their muskets, and the soldiers rushed into the room. It was nearly -empty, its only occupant being a man stretched motionless upon the -floor. The sergeant sprang towards him, but recoiled with a cry of -horror--he had recognised his leader--General Bustamente lay with a -dagger sticking upright in his breast. To the hilt of the dagger was -tied a long black strip, upon which were written these words in red ink: - -"_The Justice of the Dark-Hearts!_" - -"Oh!" cried Diego; "Vengeance! Vengeance!" - -"Vengeance!" the soldiers repeated, with rage, mingled with terror. - -The sergeant turned round towards Pedro, whom he believed to be still by -his side; but the spy, who alone could guide them in their researches, -had thought it prudent to steal away. As soon as he saw that what he -dreaded had happened, he had disappeared without anybody observing his -departure. - -"No matter!" said Diego. "If I demolish this den of assassins, from -bottom to top, and don't leave stone upon stone, I swear I will find -these demons, if they are buried in the centre of the earth." - -The old soldier began searching in all directions, whilst a surgeon who -had followed the detachment paid attention to the wounded man, whom he -endeavoured to restore to his senses. - -The Dark-Hearts, as the spy had truly said, had paths known only -to themselves, by which they had quietly departed, after having -accomplished their terrible vengeance, or executed their severe justice, -according to the point of view in which an act of this nature and -importance is viewed. They were already far off in the country, safe -from all danger, while the soldiers were still ferociously searching for -them in and about the house. - -Don Tadeo and Don Gregorio returned together to the chacra, and were -astonished, on their arrival, to find Valentine, whom they supposed to -be in bed and asleep long before, waiting for them at that late hour, -to request a few minutes' conversation. In spite of the very natural -surprise which the demand at such a singular hour excited, the two -gentlemen, who supposed the Frenchman had serious reasons for acting -thus, granted his request, without making the least observation. The -conversation was long--so long, that we think it useless to repeat it -here in detail, but will satisfy ourselves with giving our readers the -end of it, which sums it up perfectly. - -"I will not insist," said Don Tadeo, "although you will not tell us -your motives. I believe you to be too considerate a man, Don Valentine, -not to be convinced that the reasons which force you to leave us are -serious." - -"Of the greatest seriousness," the young man replied. - -"Very well. But on leaving this place, in which direction do you intend -to bend your steps?" - -"Faith! I own frankly--besides, you know already that I and my friend -are in search of fortune--that all directions are the same to us, since -we must, above everything, depend upon chance." - -"I am of your opinion," replied Don Tadeo, smiling. "Listen to me, -then. I possess large estates in the province of Valdivia, which it -is my intention to visit shortly. What prevents you going that way in -preference to any other?" - -"Nothing, that I know of." - -"I, at this moment, stand in need of a man whom I can depend upon, to -undertake an important mission into Araucania, to one of the principal -chiefs of the people of that country. If you are going to the province -of Valdivia, you will be obliged to traverse Araucania in its whole -length. Are you willing to undertake this commission? Will that -inconvenience you?" - -"Why should I not?" said Valentine. "I have never come face to face with -savages; I should like to see what sort of people they are." - -"Very well; now is your opportunity. That is agreed upon then. You wish -to start tomorrow, do you not?" - -"Tomorrow! Today, if you please--in a few hours, for it will not be long -before the sun will be up." - -"That is true. Very well, then; at the moment of your departure, my -major-domo shall place, on my part, written instructions in your hands." - -"Caramba!" said Valentine, laughing; "here am I transformed into an -ambassador!" - -"Do not joke, my friend," said Don Tadeo, seriously. "The mission I -confide to you is delicate--dangerous, even; I do not conceal that from -you. If the papers of which you will be the bearer are found upon you, -you will be exposed to great dangers. Are you still willing to be my -emissary?" - -"Pardieu! Wherever there is danger there is pleasure. And what is the -name of the person to whom I am to remit these despatches?" - -"They are of two descriptions. The latter only concerns yourself; during -the course of your journey you can make yourself acquainted with them; -they will instruct you in certain matters you should know in order to -secure the success of your mission." - -"I understand--and the others?" - -"The others are for Antinahuel, that is, the Tiger Sun, and must be -delivered into his own hands." - -"A queer name that!" Valentine replied, with a laugh. "And where am I to -find the gentleman rejoicing in such a formidable title?" - -"By my faith, my friend," replied Don Tadeo, "I know no more than you -do." - -"The Araucano Indians," interrupted Don Gregorio, "are a rather -wandering race, and it is sometimes difficult to find the one you are in -search of." - -"Bah! I shall find him, be assured of that." - -"We do entirely rely upon you." - -"In a few hours, as I have told you, I shall myself set out to place in -a convent in Valdivia the young lady whom you so fortunately saved; it -will, therefore, be in Valdivia I shall await your answer." - -"I beg your pardon, but I have not the least idea where Valdivia is," -observed Valentine. - -"Don't be uneasy on that account; any child in this country can direct -you the way thither," Don Gregorio replied. - -"Thanks." - -"And now, if you change your mind when we meet again, and consent to -remain among us, remember we are brothers, and do not hesitate to inform -me of your new determination." - -"I can neither, reply yes or no, sir; if it depended upon me, we should -continue to see each other frequently." - -After exchanging a few more friendly expressions, the three men -separated. At sunrise, Louis and Valentine, mounted on magnificent -horses, which Don Tadeo had forced them to accept, rode away from the -chacra, followed by Cæsar. Valentine had received his despatches from -the hands of the major-domo. As they were quitting the farm Louis -turned round instinctively, as if to salute with a last look a spot -he abandoned for ever, and which contained all that was dear to him. -A window was gently opened, and the face of the fair girl appeared -through the small interval, bathed in tears. The two young men bowed -respectfully towards the necks of their horses, and with a deep sigh -from Louis, they moved on as the window closed. - -"Adieu! oh, adieu for ever!" murmured Louis, choking with emotion. - -"Ah, perhaps!" said Valentine; and, to rouse his friend from his grief, -he put his horse into a gallop, and they soon lost sight of the chacra -in the windings of the road. - -Within four hours from their departure Don Tadeo and Don Gregorio -likewise set out on their journey to Valdivia, for the purpose of -placing Doña Rosario in the convent. But the enemy of whom they thought -they had relieved themselves at the Quinta Verde, was not dead; the -dagger of the King of Darkness had not proved more sure than the bullets -of the General. The two enemies were destined soon to meet again. -Notwithstanding the seriousness of the wound he had received, thanks -to the intelligent cares lavished upon him, but more particularly, -thanks to his excellent constitution, General Bustamente was soon in a -convalescent state. Don Pancho and the Linda, from that time united by -the strongest of ties--a common personal hatred--prepared to take their -revenge upon Don Tadeo, and that of the bitterest nature. The General -signalized his restoration to health by cruelties of the most flagrant -kind towards every man suspected of liberalism, and by inaugurating -throughout the republic a pitiless system of terror. Don Tadeo was -pronounced outlawed; his friends were cast into dungeons, and their -property was confiscated; and then, when the General thought that all -these vexations must bring his enemy to bay, and he had nothing to dread -from him or his partizans, under the pretence of visiting the provinces -of the Republic, he set out for Valdivia, accompanied by his mistress. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -THE MEETING. - - -As the principal incidents of this history are now about to take place -in Araucania, we think it necessary to give our readers some account of -this people, who alone of all the nations the Spaniards encountered in -America, succeeded in resisting them, and had, up to the time we treat -of, preserved intact their liberty and almost all their territory. The -Araucanos or Moluchos inhabit the beautiful country situated between the -rivers Biobio and Valdivia, having on one side the sea, and on the other -the great Cordilleras of the Andes. They are thus completely enclosed -within the Chilian republic, and yet, as we have said, have always -remained independent. It would be a great error to suppose these Indians -savages. The Araucanos have adopted as much of European civilization as -suited their character and their mode of living, and have rejected the -rest. From the most remote times these peoples had formed a national -body, strong and compact, governed by wise laws rigorously executed. The -first Spanish conquerors were quite astonished to find in this remote -corner of America, a powerful aristocratic republic, and a feudalism -organized almost upon the same plan as that which prevailed in Europe -in the thirteenth century. We will here enter into a few details of the -government of the Araucanos, who proudly style themselves _Aucas_--free -men. These details concerning a people too little known, up to this day, -cannot fail to interest the reader. - -The principal chiefs of the Araucanos are the Toquis,[1] the Apo-Ulmens, -and the Ulmens. There are four Toquis, one for each territorial -division; they have under their orders the Apo-Ulmens, who, in their -turn, command the Ulmens. The Toquis are independent of each other, but -confederated for the public good. Titles are hereditary, and pass from -males to males. The vassals or Mosotones are free; in time of war alone -they are subject to military service; but, in this country, and it is -this which constitutes its strength, every man in a condition to bear -arms is a soldier. It may easily be understood what the chiefs are when -we state that the people consider them only as the first among their -equals, and that their authority is consequently rather precarious; -and if, now and then, certain Toquis have endeavoured to extend their -authority, the people, jealous of their privileges, have always found -means to keep them within the bounds prescribed by their ancient usages. - -A society whose manners are so simple, and interests so little -complicated, which is governed by wise laws, and all the members of -which have an ardent love of liberty, is invincible, as the Spaniards -have many times found to their cost. After having, in several attempts, -endeavoured to subdue this little corner of land, isolated amidst their -own territory; they have ended by acknowledging the futility of their -efforts, and have tacitly admitted their defeat by renouncing for ever -their projects of obtaining dominion over the Araucanos, with whom -they have contracted alliances, and across whose territory they now -peacefully pass on their road from Santiago to Valdivia. - -The Carampangue--in the Araucano idiom, refuge of lions--is a charming -stream, half torrent, half river, which comes bounding down from the -inaccessible summits of the Andes, and, after many capricious windings, -loses itself in the sea two leagues to the north of Arauco. Nothing -can be more beautiful than the banks of the Carampangue, bordered by -smiling valleys, covered with woods, with apple trees loaded with fruit, -rich pastures in which animals of all kinds range and feed at liberty, -and high mountains, from the verdant sides of which hang, in the most -picturesque positions, clusters of cabins, whose whitewashed walls shine -in the sun, and give life to this enchanting landscape. - -On the day when we resume our narrative, that is, on a beautiful morning -in July--called by the Indians the month of the sun--two horsemen, -followed by a magnificent black and white Newfoundland dog, were -ascending, at a sharp trot, the course of the river, following what is -called a wild beast's track, scarcely marked in the high grass. These -men, dressed in the Chilian costume, surging up suddenly amidst this -wild natural scene, formed, by their manners and their vestments, a -contrast with everything which surrounded them; a contrast of which -they probably had no idea, for they rode as carelessly through this -barbarous country, abounding in perils and ambushes without number, as -they would have done along the road from Paris to Saint-Cloud. These two -men, whom the reader has, no doubt, recognized, were the Count Louis -de Prébois-Crancé and Valentine Guillois, his foster brother. They had -passed in turn through Maulé, Talca, and Concepción; and on the day we -meet them again, in the middle of Araucania, they had been full two -months on the road, travelling philosophically along with their dog -Cæsar upon the banks of the Carampangue. This was the 14th of July, -1837, at eleven o'clock in the morning. - -The young men had passed the night in an abandoned _rancho_ which -they had fallen in with on their way, and at sunrise resumed their -journey; so that they now began to be sensible of the calls of hunger. -Upon taking a survey of the spot where they found themselves, they -perceived a clump of apple trees, which intercepted the rays of the -sun, and offered them a shelter for their repast and a little rest. -They dismounted and sat down at the foot of a large apple tree, leaving -their horses to browse upon the young branches so abundant around -them. Valentine knocked down a few apples with a stick, opened his -_alforjas_--large cloth pockets placed behind the saddle--drew out some -sea biscuit, a piece of bacon, and a goat's milk cheese, and the two -young men began eating gaily, sharing their provisions with Cæsar in a -brotherly way, whilst he, seated gravely in front of them, followed with -his eyes every morsel they put into their mouths. - -"Caramba!" said Valentine, with a satisfied smile; "it is comfortable to -have a little rest, after having been on horseback from four o'clock in -the morning." - -"Well, to tell the truth, I must own I am a little fatigued," Louis -confessed. - -"My poor friend, you are not, as I am, accustomed to long journeys. It -was stupid of me not to remember that." - -"Bah! on the contrary, I am getting accustomed to them very well; and -besides," he added, with a sigh, "physical fatigue makes me forget----" - -"Ah! that's true," Valentine interrupted; "come! I am happy to hear you -speak thus--I see you are becoming a man!" - -Louis shook his head sorrowfully. - -"No," he said, "you are mistaken. As the malady which undermines me is -without remedy, I endeavour to play a manly part." - -"Yes, hope is one of the supreme illusions of love; when it can no -longer exist, love dies." - -"Or he who experiences it," said the young man, with a melancholy smile. - -This was followed by a silence, which Valentine at length broke. - -"What a charming country!" he cried, with feigned enthusiasm, for the -purpose of giving the conversation another direction, as he swallowed, -with delectation, an enormous piece of bacon. - -"Yes, but the roads are very bad." - -"Who knows?" said Valentine, with a smile: "they say the roads to -Paradise are of that kind; this may be the way thither." Then addressing -the dog, "And you, Cæsar, what do you think of our journey, old boy?" - -The dog wagged his tail, fixing his eyes, sparkling with intelligence, -upon the speaker's face, whilst he eagerly devoured all that was given -to him. But he stopped suddenly in his masticating operations, pricked -up his ears, turned his head sharply round, and balked furiously. - -"Silence, Cæsar!" said Valentine; "what do you bark in that manner for? -You know right well we are in a desert, and that in a desert there is -nobody but the devil!" - -But Cæsar continued to bark without heeding his master. - -"Hum!" said Louis, "I do not agree with you; I think that the deserts of -America are thickly peopled." - -"Well, perhaps you are right." - -"The dog's barking is not usual; we ought to take precautions." - -"I will see," said Valentine; and addressing the Newfoundland, "Come! -come! hold your tongue, Cæsar! You are tiresome! What's the matter with -you? What teases you? Do you scent a stag? Caramba! That would be a -glorious godsend for us." - -Here he rose, and cast an inquiring glance around, but he immediately -stopped, and seized his rifle, making a sign to Louis to do the same, in -order to be prepared for whatever might happen. - -"Diable!" he said, "Cæsar was right, and I must confess myself a stupid -fellow. Look yonder, Louis!" - -The other turned his eyes as directed. - -"Oh! oh!" he said; "what is this?" - -"Hum! I believe we shall soon discover." - -"With God's help!" Louis replied, cocking his rifle. - -Ten Indians in war costume, and mounted on magnificent horses, were -drawn up within twenty paces of the travellers, though the latter were -quite unable to comprehend how they had succeeded in approaching so near -to them without being discovered. Notwithstanding Valentine's efforts, -Cæsar continued to bark furiously, and endeavoured to rush upon the -Indians. The American warriors, motionless and impassible, made neither -gesture nor movement, but they surveyed the Frenchmen so closely and -persistently, that Valentine, not very patient in his nature, began to -find himself excessively annoyed. - - -[1] This word comes from the verb _toquin_, which means to _judge_, to -_command._ - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -THE PUELCHES. - - -"Eh! eh!" said Valentine, whistling sharply to his dog, who immediately -came to him; "these fellows do not seem to have friendly intentions; we -must be upon our guard: who knows what may happen?" - -"They are Araucanos," said Louis. - -"Do you think so? Then they are devilish ugly!" - -"Well, now, for my part, I think them very handsome." - -"Ah, yes; that may be in an artistic point of view. But, ugly or -handsome, we will await their coming." - -The Indians talked among themselves, and continued to look at the young -men. - -"They are consulting to determine with what sauce they shall eat us," -said Valentine. - -"Not at all----" - -"Bah! I tell you they are." - -"Pardieu! they are not cannibals!" - -"No? So much the worse; that's a defect. In Paris, all the savages -exhibited in public are cannibals." - -"You madman! you laugh at everything." - -"Would you prefer my weeping a little? It appears to me that at this -moment our position is not so seducing in itself that we should seek to -make it more dismal." - -These Indians were for the most part men of from forty to forty-five -years of age, clothed in the costume of the Puelches, one of the most -warlike tribes of Upper Araucania; they wore the poncho floating from -the shoulders, the calzoneras fastened round the hips and falling to -the ankle, the head bare, the hair long, straight, and greasy, gathered -together by a red ribbon, which encircled the brow like a diadem, and -the face painted of various colours. Their arms consisted of a long -lance, a knife, a gun hanging from the saddle, and a round buckler, -covered with leather, ornamented with horsehair and human scalps. - -The man who appeared to be their chief was a man of lofty stature, -expressive features, hard and haughty, but still displayed a certain -frankness, a very rare quality among Indians. The only thing which -distinguished him from his companions was a feather of the eagle of the -Andes, planted upright on the left side of his head, in the bright red -ribbon that confined his hair. - -After having consulted with his companions for a few minutes, the chief -advanced towards the travellers, making his horse curvet with inimitable -grace, and lowered the point of his lance in sign of peace. When -within three paces of Valentine, he stopped, and, after saluting him -ceremoniously, in the Indian fashion, by placing his right hand on his -breast, and slowly bowing his head twice, he said to him in Spanish:-- - -"My brothers are Muruches--foreigners,--and not Culme-Huinca--despicable -Spaniards. Why are they so far from the men of their own nation?" - -This question, asked in the guttural accent, and with the emphatic tone -peculiar to the Indians, was perfectly understood by the young men, who, -as we have before observed, generally spoke Spanish themselves. - -"Hum!" Valentine said to his companion, "here is a savage who appears to -have a little curiosity about him--what think you?" - -"Bah!" Louis replied, "answer him, at all events that will do no harm." - -"Why, no, that is true; we cannot easily be more compromised than we are -already." - -And turning towards the chief, who waited impassibly, - -"We are travelling," he said, laconically. - -"What! alone, thus?" asked the chief. - -"Does that astonish you, my friend?" - -"Do my brothers fear nothing?" - -"What should we fear?" said the Parisian in a bantering tone. "We have -nothing to lose." - -"What! not even your hair?" - -Louis could not refrain from laughing, as he looked at Valentine. - -"Ah! ah! what, he is laughing at the disordered state of my hair, is he, -the ugly wretch?" Valentine grumbled, vexed at the observation of the -chief, and quite mistaking his intentions. "Stop a bit!" then he added, -in a loud voice, "Have the goodness to pass on, gentlemen savages. Your -remarks are not pleasant, I can assure you." - -He cocked his rifle, and lifted it to his shoulder, as if taking aim -at the chief. Louis, who had attentively followed the progress of the -conversation, without saying a word imitated the action of his friend, -directing the barrel of his rifle towards the group of Indians. The -chief had, doubtless, understood but little of the speeches of his -adversaries, but far from appearing terrified at the menacing attitude -they assumed, he seemed to contemplate with pleasure the martial and -firm deportment of the Frenchmen; and putting gently on one side the -weapon pointed against his breast, said in a conciliatory tone: - -"My friend is mistaken. I have no intention of insulting him. I am his -_penni_--brother--and his companion's likewise. Were not the palefaces -eating when I and my young men came up?" - -"Faith! yes, chief, you say true," interrupted Louis, with a smile; -"your sudden appearance stopped the progress of our humble repast." - -"Part of which is very much at your service," continued Valentine, -pointing with his finger to the provisions spread upon the grass. - -"I accept your offer," said the Indian, cordially. - -"Bravo!" cried Valentine, throwing down his rifle, and preparing to -resume his seat on the grass; "to table, then!" - -"Yes," replied the chief, "but upon one condition." - -"What is that?" the young men asked together. - -"That I shall furnish my part." - -"Agreed," said Louis. - -"Well, that is but fair," Valentine added; "and it will be the more -acceptable, from our not being rich, and having but meagre fare to offer -you." - -"The bread of a friend is always good," the chief said, sententiously. - -"That is admirably answered! But, at this moment, unfortunately, our -bread is only stale biscuit." - -"I will remedy that;" and the chief said a few words in the Molucho -language to his companions, who began to rummage in their alforjas, and -quickly produced maize tortillas, some charqui, and several leathern -bottles filled with chica--a sort of cider made of apples and Indian -corn. The whole was placed upon the grass before the two Frenchmen, who -were wonderstruck at the sudden abundance which had succeeded without -any transition to their late short commons. The Indians dismounted, -and sat down in a circle round the travellers. The chief, then turning -towards his guests, said with a pleasant smile-- - -"Now, then, let my brothers eat." - -The young men did not require the cordial invitation to be repeated, but -vigorously attacked the provisions so frankly offered. For the first few -minutes silence prevailed among the party, for all were too well engaged -to talk; but as soon as appetite was a little appeased, conversation was -resumed. - -Of all men, Indians, perhaps, understand the laws of hospitality -the best. They have an instinct of social conventions, if such an -expression may be allowed, which makes them divine at once, with -infallible correctness, what the questions are that may be properly -addressed to their guests, and the point at which they should stop to -avoid committing any indiscretion. The two Frenchmen, who for the first -time found themselves in contact with Araucanos, could not overcome -the surprise caused by the knowledge of life, and the noble and frank -manners of these men, whom, on the faith of accounts more or less false, -they were accustomed, in common with all Europeans, to consider as gross -savages, almost destitute of intelligence, and quite incapable of any -delicacy of behaviour. - -"My brothers are not Spaniards?" the chief said, half interrogatively. - -"That is true," Louis replied; "but how did you discover that?" - -"Oh!" he said, with a disdainful smile, "we are well acquainted with -those _chiaplos_--wicked soldiers. They are too old enemies to allow us -to commit an error with regard to them. From what island do my brothers -come?" - -"Our country is not an island," Valentine observed. - -"My brother is mistaken," the chief said emphatically; "there is but one -country that is not an island, and that is the great land of the Aucas." - -The two young men bowed their heads before an opinion so peremptorily -put forth--all discussion became impossible. - -"We are Frenchmen," Louis replied. - -"Frenchmen! ah! a good brave nation! We had several French warriors in -the time of the great war." - -"What!" said Louis, with excited curiosity, "have French warriors fought -with you?" - -"Yes," the chief remarked, proudly; "warriors with grey beards, and -breasts marked with honourable scars, which they received in the wars of -their island, when they fought under the orders of their great chief, -Zaléon." - -"Napoleon?" said Valentine, quite astonished. - -"Yes; I believe it is so the palefaces pronounce his name. Did my -brother know him?" the chief added, with ill-concealed curiosity. - -"No," replied the young man. "Although born in his reign, I was never -able to get sight of him, and he is now dead." - -"My brother is mistaken," said the Puelche, solemnly; "such warriors as -he do not die. When they have performed their task upon earth they go to -Paradise--to hunt with Pillian, the master of the world." - -The young men bowed, as if convinced. - -"It is very singular," said Louis, "that the reputation of that powerful -genius should have spread to the most remote and unknown regions of the -globe, and be preserved pure and brilliant among these rude men; whilst -in that France, for which he did everything men invariably seek to -lessen it, and even to destroy it." - -"Like all their compatriots, who, from time to time, traverse our -hunting grounds, our brothers have, doubtless, trading purposes in -coming among us. Where are your goods?" said the chief. - -"We are not traders," replied Valentine; "we came to visit our brothers, -the Araucanos, of whose wisdom and hospitality we have heard much." - -"The Moluchos love the French," the chief said, flattered by the -compliment; "my brothers will be well received in our villages." - -"To what tribe does my brother belong?" asked Valentine, inwardly -delighted at the good opinion the Indians entertained of his compatriots. - -"I am one of the principal Ulmens of the sacred tribe of the Great -Hare," the chief said, proudly. - -"Thank you--one word more." - -"Let my brother speak; my ears are open." - -"We are in search of a Molucho chief, to whom we have a message from a -friend of his, with whom he has had much dealing." - -"What is the chief's name?" - -"Antinahuel." - -"Good!" - -"Does my brother know him?" - -"I know him. If my brothers will follow me they shall see the toldo of -a chief in which they shall be received like pennis. When they have -rested, if they desire it, I will myself conduct them to Antinahuel, the -most powerful Toqui of the four Uthal-Mapus of the Araucano confederacy." - -"What province is governed by Antinahuel?" - -"The Piré-Mapus, that is to say, the interior of the Andes." - -"Thanks, brother." - -"Will my brothers accept the offer I have made them?" - -"Why should we not accept it, chief, if, as I believe, it is made in -earnest?" - -"Let my brothers come, then," the chief said, with a smile; "my toldería -is not far off." - -The breakfast was over, and the Indians were mounting. - -"We may as well go," said Valentine, in French. "This Indian appears to -speak cordially and honestly, and it will give us a capital opportunity -of studying interesting manners and customs. What do you think, -Louis?--It may prove very amusing." - -"Well, I see no harm that accepting the invitation can do." - -"God speed us, then!" - -And with a bound he was in his saddle, imitated by Louis. - -"Forward!" cried the chief, and the party set off at a gallop. - -"Well, it must be allowed," said Valentine, in his cheerful way, "that -these savages, if savages they are, have some redeeming qualities -belonging to them. I begin to take a warm interest in them. They are -true Scotch mountaineers for hospitality. I wonder what my regimental -comrades, and more particularly my old friends of the Boulevard du -Temple, would say if they could see me now! Houp! After me, the end of -the world!" - -Louis laughed at this outburst of the incorrigible _gamin_, and, without -further inquiries, the young men gaily abandoned themselves to the -guidance of their new friends, who, after leaving the banks of the -river, directed their course towards the mountains. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -THE BLACK JACKAL. - - -In order to make the facts which follow intelligible, we are obliged -here to relate an adventure which happened more than twenty years before -the period at which our history commences. - -Towards the end of the month of December, 1816, on a cold, rainy night, -a traveller, mounted on an excellent horse, and carefully wrapped in -the folds of an ample cloak, was following at a round trot the road, -or rather the blind path, on the mountains which leads from Cruces to -San-José. This man was a rich landowner, who was making a journey into -Araucania, for the purpose of treating with the Indians for a large -number of cattle and sheep. Having left Cruces about two o'clock in the -afternoon, he had been delayed on his way by settling some business with -various _guasos_, and he was hastening to gain a hacienda he possessed -at some leagues from the spot where he then was, and where he reckoned -upon passing the night. - -The country at the time was not in a state of tranquillity. For several -days past the Puelches had appeared in arms upon the frontiers of Chili, -and made incursions into the territories of the republic, burning the -chacras, and carrying off the families they surprised. These marauders -were commanded by a chief named The Black Jackal, whose cruelty spread -terror among the people exposed to his depredations. - -It was, therefore, with some anxiety, mixed with secret apprehensions, -that the man we have spoken of made all speed along the desolate road -which led to his hacienda. Every minute only added to his fears. The -storm, which had threatened all day, burst forth at last with a fury -of which we have no conception in our climates. The wind roared loudly -through the trees, bending some, and uprooting others. The rain fell in -torrents, and the lightning became so vivid, that the horse began to -plunge and rear, and refused to advance. The rider spurred the restive -animal, and endeavoured, as well as the darkness would permit, to -discover whereabouts he was. After surmounting immense difficulties, he -saw at length, in the distance, the shadow of the walls of his hacienda, -and the lights which shone like guiding stars, when suddenly his horse -bounded on one side in such a way as almost to unseat him. When, with -much trouble, he had recovered his command of the animal, he looked -round to see what could have frightened it so, and perceived, with -terror equal to the horse's, several men of sinister appearance standing -motionless before him. The horseman's first movement was to seize his -pistols, in order to sell his life as dearly as he could, for he had no -doubt he had fallen into an ambuscade of bandits. - -"Keep your hands from your weapons, Don Antonio Quintana," said a rough -voice; "we desire neither your life nor your money." - -"What do you want then?" he replied, in a tone that showed he was a -little reassured by that frank declaration, though he still kept on the -defensive. - -"Hospitality for this night, in the first place," said the other. - -Don Antonio endeavoured to ascertain if he knew the man who was speaking -to him, but he could not distinguish his features through the darkness. - -"The doors of my dwelling always fly open to the stranger," he remarked; -"why have you not knocked at them?" - -"Knowing you must come this way, I preferred waiting for you." - -"What else do you desire of me, then?" - -"I will tell you under your own roof; the open road is a place ill -adapted for imparting confidence." - -"If you have nothing more to say to me now, and are as willing as I am -to get under shelter, we will continue our journey." - -"Go on, then; we will follow you." - -Without exchanging another word, they directed their course towards the -hacienda. Don Antonio Quintana was a resolute man, as the manner in -which he had replied to the men who had so rudely barred his passage -proved him. In spite of the fluency with which the one who had spoken -employed the Spanish language, he had, at the first word, by his -guttural accent, perceived he was an Indian; and with him fear had -immediately given way to curiosity, and he had not hesitated to grant -the hospitality asked, knowing that the Araucano, Puelches, Hueliches, -or Moluchos, never violate the roof under which they are welcomed, and -that the hosts who shelter them are held sacred. - -On arriving at the hacienda, Don Antonio found he was not mistaken; the -men who had accosted him in so strange a manner were really Indians. -There were four of them, and with them was a young woman with a child -at the breast. The hacendero welcomed them to his dwelling with all the -minute forms of Castilian courtesy, and gave orders to his peones or -Indian domestics, terrified at the savage appearance of the strangers, -to assist them with everything they might desire. - -"Eat and drink," he said, "you are at home, here." - -"Thanks!" replied the man, who had till that time been spokesman. "We -accept your offer with as good a will as you give it, as far as regards -food, of which we stand most in need." - -"Will you not rest till day?" asked Don Antonio; "the night is dark, and -the weather frightful for travelling." - -"A black night is what we desire; besides, we must depart immediately. -Now, allow me to put my second request to you." - -"Explain yourself," said the Spaniard, examining the speaker attentively. - -The latter was a tall, well-made man, of about forty; his -strongly-marked features and his commanding eye proclaimed that he was -accustomed to exercise authority. - -"It was I," he said, without preamble, "who directed the last invasion -made upon the palefaces of the frontiers. My mosotones were all killed -yesterday in an ambuscade by your lanceros; the three you see with me -are all that remain of a troop of two hundred warriors; the others are -dead. I myself am wounded, hunted, tracked like a wild beast; we are -without horses to rejoin our tribe, without weapons to defend ourselves -if we are attacked on the plain. I come to ask of you the means of -escape from our pursuers. I will neither deceive nor surprise your good -faith. I am bound to tell you the name of the man whose safety you hold -in your hands. I am the greatest enemy of the Spaniards; my life has -been passed in contending with them. In a word, I am The Black Jackal, -the Apo-Ulmen of the Black Serpents." - -On hearing this redoubtable name the Chilian could not suppress a start -of terror; but immediately recovering his self-possession, he replied in -a calm voice, and in a kind tone. - -"You are my guest, and you are unfortunate, two titles sacred with me. I -desire to know nothing more; you shall have horses and arms." - -A smile of ineffable sweetness lit up the countenance of the Indian. - -"One last prayer," he said. - -"Speak." - -The chief took by the hand the young Indian squaw, who had remained -cowering and weeping in a corner, rocking her child in her arms, and -presented her to Don Antonio. - -"This woman belongs to me; this child is mine," he said, "and I confide -them both to you." - -"I will take charge of them; the woman shall be my sister, the child my -son," the hacendero replied kindly, and after the Indian fashion. - -"The Apo-Ulmen will remember!" said the Puelche chief, in a voice -trembling with emotion. - -He imprinted a kiss upon the brow of the poor little creature, who -smiled upon him, cast upon the woman a look beaming with tenderness, -and rushed out of the house, followed by his companions. Don Antonio -supplied them with arms and horses, and the four Indians disappeared in -the darkness. - -Many years passed away ere Don Antonio heard anything of the Black -Jackal; the woman and the child remained at the hacienda, and were -treated as if they had been members of the Chilian's family. The -hacendero had been married; but, unfortunately, after a year, which -promised to be the commencement of a long and happy union, the wife died -when giving birth to a beautiful little girl, whom her father named -Maria. The two children grew up together, watched over by the anxious -solicitude of the Indian woman, loving each other like brother and -sister. - -At length, one day, a numerous troop of Puelches, magnificently equipped -and mounted, arrived at Rio-Claro, the town in which Don Antonio -resided. The chief of these Indians was the Black Jackal, who came to -redemand his wife and son of him to whom he had intrusted them. The -interview was very affecting. The chief forgot his Indian stoicism; he -gave himself up to the feelings which agitated him, and enjoyed the -happiness of finding again, after such a length of time, the two beings -he held dearest in the world. When it became necessary to depart, and -the children learnt they were to be separated, they shed abundance of -tears. They had been accustomed from their infancy to live together, and -they could not comprehend why they were not to continue to do so. - -Don Antonio had extended his traffic over different parts of the -frontiers; he possessed chacras, in which the breeding of cattle -was carried on upon a vast scale. The Black Jackal, who had sworn -a perpetual friendship, became of great use to him in his business -transactions; he often put him in the way of making excellent bargains -with his compatriots, and, what was still more serviceable, protected -his property from the depredations of plunderers. Every year Don Antonio -visited all his chacras in Araucania, and passed a couple of months -among the tribe of the Black Serpents, with his friend, the Black -Jackal. His daughter accompanied him in all these journeys, on account -of the friendship that existed between the children. Things went on thus -for many years. - -At the period when our history commences, the Black Jackal was dead: -he had fallen, like a brave warrior, with his weapons in his hand, in -a combat on the frontier; his son, Antinahuel, now about thirty-five -years of age, who promised to tread in his footsteps, had been elected -Apo-Ulmen in his place, and afterwards Toqui of his Uthal-Mapus or -province, which made him one of the principal men of Araucania. Don -Antonio had likewise died, shortly after the marriage of his daughter, -Doña Maria, with Don Tadeo de Leon, brought to an untimely grave by his -grief at her misconduct, which had produced terrible scandal in the -upper classes of Santiago. - -Doña Maria for some years past had only seen Antinahuel at long -intervals; but between them their friendship remained as warm as in -the days of their childhood; and, on the part of the Indian warrior, -it was carried so far that he obeyed the least caprice of the young -woman as an imperative duty. Great, then, was the astonishment of the -warriors of the tribe of the Black Serpents, when, in the evening of -the day on which we have resumed our story, they saw Doña Maria arrive -on horseback, accompanied only by two peons, at their toldería, and go -straight towards the rancho of the Toqui. On perceiving her, the usually -gloomy face of the chief was suddenly lighted up with an expression of -gladness. - -"Eglantine of the Woods!" he cried, in a joyous tone, "does my sister -then still remember the poor Indian?" - -"I have come to visit the toldo of my brother," she said, turning her -brow towards him, upon which he impressed a kiss; "my heart is sad, -grief devours me--and I have remembered my brother." - -The chief cast a look upon her of anxiety, mingled with sorrow. - -"Although it be to trouble that I owe the visit of my sister, I am, -nevertheless, rejoiced to see her." - -"Yes," she resumed, "when we are in trouble we think of our friends." - -"My sister has done well in thinking of me; what can I do for her?" - -"My brother can render me a great service." - -"My life is my sister's; she knows she can dispose of it at her -pleasure." - -"Thank you! I was certain I could depend upon my brother." - -"Everywhere, and at all times." - -After bowing respectfully to Doña Maria, he led her into his rancho, -where his mother had prepared everything worthy of the visit of one whom -for so many years she had loved as a daughter. - - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -TWO OLD FRIENDS. - - -Antinahuel--the Tiger Sun--was at this time a man of about thirty-five -years of age. In stature he was tall, and in his carriage majestic; -everything in his person announced a man accustomed to command, and made -to rule over his fellows. As a warrior, his reputation was immense, -and his mosotones held him in superstitious veneration. Such was, -physically, the man whom Doña Maria de Leon came to visit; what he was, -morally, we shall soon see. - -The cloth was laid in the toldo,--we make use of the expression, the -cloth was laid, advisedly, because the Araucano chiefs are perfectly -well acquainted with European customs, and almost all possess dishes, -plates, and silver spoons and forks. It is true, they only make use of -these upon great occasions, and for the purpose of display; for, as -to themselves, they carry frugality and plainness to an excess, and -when they are alone with their families, are content to eat with their -fingers. - -Doña Maria seated herself at the table, and made a sign to Antinahuel, -who stood respectfully beside her, to keep her company, and to take his -place opposite to her. It was clear to the Indian chief that his sister, -as he called her, who for some years had completely neglected him, must -have been induced by some powerful interest to seek him thus in his -remote village. But what could the interest be which led a delicate -woman, accustomed to all the luxurious comforts of life, to undertake a -long and perilous journey in order to come and talk with an Indian in a -miserable toldería, hidden in the midst of the desert? - -On her side, the young woman was a prey to still greater uneasiness, -for she was anxious to discover whether, in spite of her neglect of the -chief, she had preserved the boundless power she had formerly exercised -over that Indian nature, which civilization had softened rather than -subdued; she feared lest the long forgetfulness in which she had left -him had made her lose her prestige in his eyes, and that coolness and -indifference might have succeeded to the warm friendship of early days. - -When the repast was ended, a peon brought in the _maté_[1] the infusion -of the Paraguay herb which, with the Chilians, takes the place of tea, -and of which they are very fond. Two chased cups, placed upon a filagree -salver, were presented to Doña Maria and the chief; they lit their maize -_pajillos_, and smoked, whilst sipping their _maté_, reflectively. After -a few minutes' silence, which was beginning to be embarrassing to both, -Doña Maria, who perceived that Antinahuel was resolved to act on the -defensive, determined to open the attack. - -"My brother," she said, with a smile, "is surprised at my sudden arrival -at his toldería." - -"It is true; the Eglantine of the Woods has appeared unexpectedly -amongst us, but she is not the less welcome on that account." - -And he bowed. - -"I am glad to observe that my brother is as gallant as ever." - -"No; I love my sister, and I am happy to see her, after being so long -deprived of her presence." - -"I know your friendship for me, Penni; our childhood was passed -together, but it is a long time since that time. You are now one of the -caraskens, whilst I am only, as formerly, a poor woman." - -"The Eglantine of the Woods is my sister, her least wishes shall always -be sacred with me." - -"Thanks, Penni! But let us drop this conversation, and talk of our early -years, which, alas! so quickly glided away." - -"Yesterday exists no longer," he said, sententiously. - -"That's true," she replied, with a sigh; "why, indeed, should we talk of -times that can never come back?" - -"Does my sister intend to return to Chili?" - -"No; I have left Santiago for a time; I intend, for a season, to take up -my abode in Valdivia; I left my friends to continue their route, whilst -I came on to pay my respects to my brother." - -"Yes, I know that the man whom the palefaces call General Bustamente, -though scarcely cured of a dangerous wound, set off, a month ago, to -visit the province of Valdivia, I, myself, intend shortly to visit that -city." - -"There are many palefaces from the South there at present." - -"Among these strangers are there any that I know?" - -"Good heavens! how can I tell? Yes, there is one, Don Tadeo, my husband." - -Antinahuel raised his head in astonishment. - -"I thought he had been shot!" he said. - -"He was." - -"Well?" - -"He escaped death, though grievously wounded." - -The artful woman endeavoured to read what impression the news she had so -coolly imparted made upon the stoical face of the Indian. - -"Listen to me, my sister," he resumed, after a minute's pause; "Don -Tadeo is still your enemy, is he not?" - -"More so than ever." - -"Good!" - -"Not content with having basely abandoned me, and having torn from me -my child, the innocent creature who alone consoled me and enabled me to -support the sorrows with which he has overwhelmed me, he has crowned -his insults by publicly paying his addresses to another woman, whom he -takes with him everywhere, and who is at this moment his companion at -Valdivia." - -"Hum!" the chief said, carelessly. - -Accustomed to Araucanian manners, which permit every man to take as many -wives as he can support, he found the action of Don Tadeo perfectly -natural. This did not escape Doña Maria: an ironical smile curled for -a second the corners of her lips, and she continued, negligently, but -looking earnestly in the face of the chief-- - -"Yes, the woman is called, as I hear, Doña Rosario de Mendoz; and is, -they say, a beautiful creature!" - -That name, pronounced with such apparent indifference, produced the -effect of a clap of thunder upon the chief; he sprang up, his face -inflamed, and his eyes sparkling. - -"Rosario de Mendoz, did you say, my sister?" he shouted. - -"Good heavens! I hardly know," she replied. "I have only heard her -name--I believe that may be it--but," she added, "what interest can my -brother take in it?" - -"Oh! none," he said, as he quietly resumed his seat. "Why does not my -sister avenge herself upon the man who has abandoned her?" - -"To what purpose? and, besides, what vengeance can I hope for? I am but -a weak and timid woman, without friends, without support; in short, -alone." - -"And I?" said the chief; "what am I, then?" - -"Oh!" she replied, warmly; "I would not on any account that my brother -should constitute himself the avenger of an insult which is personal to -myself." - -"My sister is mistaken; in attacking this man I avenge my own insult." - -"My brother must explain himself--I do not understand him." - -"That is what I am going to do." - -"I am all attention." - -At this moment Antinahuel's mother entered the toldo, and, approaching -the chief, said in a humble, but sad tone,-- - -"My son is wrong in thus recalling old remembrances, and opening ancient -wounds again." - -"Woman!" the Indian replied, "Retire! I am a warrior! My father left me -a vengeance. I have sworn, and I will accomplish my oath!" - -The poor mother left the toldo with a sigh. The Linda, whose curiosity -was excited to the highest degree, awaited impatiently the chief's -explanation. Without, the rain fell pattering upon the leaves of the -trees; at intervals a blast of night wind, loaded with uncertain sounds, -came whistling through the ill-joined boards of the toldo, and caused -the flame of the torch which lighted it to waver unsteadily. The two -speakers, though absorbed in their own reflections, involuntarily lent -an ear to these nameless sounds, and felt a depression of spirits they -could not account for. The chief raised his head, and inhaling, one -after another, several mouthfuls of smoke from his pajillo, which he -puffed out brusquely, commenced in a low voice,-- - -"Although my sister is almost a child of the nation, as my mother nursed -her, she has never been made acquainted with the history of my family. -The history I am about to relate will reveal to her that I have against -Don Tadeo de Leon an old hatred, ever kept alive; and which, if I have -to the present moment appeared to allow to slumber, it has been because -that man was the husband of my sister: the conduct of Don Tadeo towards -my sister frees me from the promise I had made myself, and leaves me -liberty of action." - -Doña Maria bowed assentingly. - -"When the vile Spaniards," he continued, "conquered Chili, and reduced -its cowardly inhabitants to slavery, they dreamt of subjugating -Araucania in its turn, and marched against the Aucas, whose frontiers -they violated. My sister sees that I take up my recital from the -beginning. The Toqui Cadegual was one of the first to convoke a grand -council of the nation, on the plain of the Carampangue. Named Toqui, one -of the four Uthal-Mapus, he gave battle to the palefaces. The conflict -was terrible! It lasted from the rising to the setting of the sun. Many -Molucho warriors departed for the happy prairies of the Eskennane, but -Pillian did not abandon the Aucas; they were conquerors, and the Chiaplo -fled like timid hares before the terrible lances of our warriors. -Numbers of palefaces fell into our hands; among them was a powerful -chief, named Don Estevan de Leon. The Toqui Cadegual might have employed -his rights, and have killed him, but he did nothing of the kind: so far -from it, he led him to his toldo, and treated him with kindness, as a -brother. But when did Spaniards ever show themselves grateful for a -kindness? Don Estevan, forgetful of the sacred duties of hospitality, -seduced the daughter of the man to whom he owed his life, and, one -day, disappeared with her. The grief of the Toqui was immense at this -unworthy and disloyal treachery. He swore to wage from that time a -pitiless war against the palefaces, and he kept his oath: all Spaniards -taken by them, whatever their age or sex, were massacred. These terrible -reprisals were just, were they not?" - -"Yes," said the Linda laconically. - -"One day, Cadegual, surprised by his ferocious enemies, fell, covered -with wounds, into their hands, after a heroic resistance, during which -all his brave Mosotones had allowed themselves to be killed by his side. -In his turn, as it happened, Cadegual was in the power of Don Estevan de -Leon. The Spanish chief recollected the man who had, years before, saved -his life. He was merciful. After cutting off the hands, and scooping out -the eyes of his prisoner, he restored to him his daughter, of whom he -was tired, and sent him back to his nation. The Toqui was led back by -his child, whom he pardoned. When he joined his tribe, Cadegual called -together his relations, related to them what he had suffered, showed -them his bleeding and mutilated arms, and, after having made his sons -and all his relations swear to avenge him, he allowed himself to die of -hunger, that he might not survive his shame." - -"Oh, that is frightful!" Doña Maria cried, affected, in spite of herself. - -"That is nothing yet!" the chief resumed, with a bitter smile; "let -my sister listen to the sequel. From that time, an implacable destiny -has always hung over the two families, and continually brought the -descendants of the Toqui Cadegual in contact with those of Captain -Don Estevan de Leon. During three centuries, this ardent, inveterate -struggle has lasted between the two families, and will never terminate -but by the extinction of one, or perhaps both of them. Up to the present -time, the advantage has almost always been on the side of the Leons; -the sons of the Toqui have very often been conquered, but they have -always remained firm and implacable, ready to re-commence the combat at -the first signal. At the present day, the family of Don Estevan has but -one representative, Don Tadeo--a representative formidable through his -courage, his fortune, and the immense influence, he exercises over his -compatriots. He, personally, has never injured the Aucas; he seems even -to be ignorant of the inveterate hatred which exists between his family -and that of the Toqui; but the descendants of Cadegual do not forget -it: they are strong, numerous, and powerful in their turn; the hour -of vengeance has struck, they will not let it escape! My sister," he -continued, in a voice almost rising to a shout; "my sister, my ancestor -was the Toqui Cadegual, and I thank you for having warned me that not -only my enemy is not dead, but that he is within my reach!" - -"Your mother asked you properly, Penni, why should you revive old -hatreds? Peace now reigns between the Chilians and the Aucas: let -my brother beware; the whites are numerous; they have many warlike, -disciplined soldiers." - -"Oh," he replied, with a sinister look; "I am sure of succeeding, for I -have my nymph." - -Indians of high rank all entertain a firm belief that they have a -familiar genius, who is bound to obey them. - -Doña Maria feigned to yield to this reason; she had succeeded in putting -the hunter upon the scent of the game she wished to destroy, and it was -of very little importance to her what motive made him obey her. She knew -perfectly well that the hatred alleged by the chief was nothing but a -pretext, and that the real cause remained hidden in the depths of his -heart. Although she had a clear idea of what it was, she affected not to -have the least suspicion of it. - -She continued talking with Antinahuel for some time longer about -indifferent subjects, and then retired to a chamber which had been -prepared for her. It was late, and she wished to set out for Valdivia at -daybreak. She was sufficiently well acquainted with the companion of her -childhood to know that, now the tiger was roused, it would not be long -before he started in quest of the prey which she had marked down for him. - -As for the Toqui, the whole night passed away without his thinking of -taking a moment's repose; he remained plunged in profound and agitating -reflections. - - -[1] The Chilians borrowed the mate from the Araucanos, who think it a -great delicacy, and have a particular talent for making it. This is the -manner in which they prepare it:--They put into a coffee cup a spoonful -of the Paraguay herb, to which they add a lump of sugar, which they -leave upon the fire till it is a little burnt; they squeeze a few drops -of lemon juice into it, with some cinnamon and a clove; they then fill -the cup up with boiling water. The maté being now ready, they introduce -a silver tube of the thickness of a quill, pierced with small holes at -its lower end, by means of which the maté is drawn up,--at the risk, -be it remembered, of horribly scalding the mouth, as always happens to -strangers when they first partake of the luxury, to the great amusement -of the Chilians. Drinking maté is so common in Chili, as to be what -coffee is in the East; it is taken after every repast, and presented to -every visitor. In ceremonial parties, a single tube serves for all the -persons assembled. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -THE SORCERER. - - -On the same day, a toldería, situated at some miles from Orano, on the -banks of the Carampangue, was a scene of the greatest commotion. The -women and warriors assembled in front of a toldo, on the threshold of -which was exposed a corpse, lying as it were in state, upon a bed of -branches, were uttering cries and groans, which were mingled with the -deafening sound of drums and flutes in most dismal discord, and the -continuous howling of dogs, whom all this din rendered furious. In the -middle of the crowd, by the side of the body, stood a man advanced -in years, tall in stature, and clothed in the costume of a woman, -who appeared to direct the ceremony, making extraordinary gestures -and contortions, accompanied by scarcely human yells. This man, of a -ferocious aspect, was the machi, or sorcerer of the tribe; the motions -he affected, the cries he uttered, were intended to protect the body -against the attacks of the evil genius, supposed to be eager to get -possession of it. At a sign from him the music and groans ceased; the -evil genius, conquered by the power of the machi, had given up the -contest, after a sharp struggle, and abandoned the body which it was -beyond his power to obtain. The sorcerer then turned towards a man of -lofty stature and commanding countenance, who stood near him leaning -upon a long lance. - -"Ulmen of the powerful tribe of the Great Hare," he said, in a -sepulchral tone, "thy father, the valiant Ulmen, who has been ravished -from us by Pillian, is no longer in dread of the influence of the -evil genius, whom I have forced to depart; he now hunts in the happy -prairies of the Eskennane with the just warriors: all the rites are -accomplished--the hour for surrendering his body to the earth has -arrived!" - -"Stop!" the chief replied, warmly; "my father is dead, but who has -killed him? A warrior does not succumb thus, in a few hours, unless some -secret influence has weighed upon him, and dried up the springs of life -in his heart. Answer me, O machi, inspired by Pillian! Tell me the name -of the assassin! My heart is sad, and can only be comforted by avenging -my father." - -At these words, pronounced in a firm voice, a shudder crept through the -ranks of the people assembled in a group round the body. The machi, -after having looked searchingly round, cast down his eyes, crossed his -arms upon his breast, and appeared to reflect. - -The Araucanos only think one sort of death possible--that on the field -of battle; they do not suppose any one can lose his life by either -accident or disease; in these two cases they always attribute death to -the action of an occult power, and are persuaded that some enemy of -the defunct has cast the charm upon him that has killed him. In this -persuasion, at the period of the funeral ceremonies, the relations and -friends of the dead person call upon the machi to denounce the assassin -to them. The machi is obliged to point him out; it would be in vain -for him to endeavour to make them comprehend that the death of their -relation is natural, for their fury would be immediately turned against -him, and he would become their victim. - -In this hard alternative, the machi takes good care not to hesitate; the -murderer is the more easily pointed out through his non-existence, and -from the sorcerer being in no danger of being suspected of deception. -Generally, in order to make his own interests agree with those of the -relations who claim a victim, he gives up one of his own personal -enemies to their vengeance; when--but that is rare--the machi has no -enemies, he fixes upon someone at hazard. The pretended murderer, in -spite of his protestations of innocence, is immolated without mercy. - -It may be easily understood how perilous such a custom is, and what -an influence it gives the sorcerer in the tribe; an influence we are -obliged to admit which he abuses under all circumstances, without the -least scruple. - -Fresh personages, among whom were Valentine and his friend, had arrived -at the village, and, attracted by curiosity, mingled with the crowd -collected round the body. The two Frenchmen could not comprehend -anything of this scene till their guide had briefly explained it to -them; then they followed the different phases of it with great interest. - -"Speak!" said the Ulmen, after a short pause. "Does not my father know -the name of the man of whom we must demand an account of this murder?" - -"I know him," the sorcerer replied, in a solemn tone. - -"Why, then, does the inspired machi preserve silence, when the dead body -cries for vengeance?" - -"Because," the machi said, looking this time the newly-arrived chief -full in the face, "there are powerful men who laugh at human justice." - -The eyes of the crowd turned to the man whom the sorcerer appeared -indirectly to point out. - -"The guilty man," the Ulmen cried, in a loud voice, "whatever be his -rank in the tribe, shall not escape my just vengeance; speak without -fear, priest of fate! I swear that the man whose name passes your lips -shall die!" - -The machi drew himself up majestically; he raised his arm slowly, and, -amidst the general anxious curiosity, he, with his finger, pointed to -the chief who had offered such cordial hospitality to the strangers, -saying, in a loud, ringing voice-- - -"Accomplish your oath, then, Ulmen--that is the assassin of your father, -Trangoil-Lanec cast the charm upon him which has killed him!" - -And the machi veiled his face with the corner of his poncho, as if -overwhelmed with grief at making the revelation. - -The sorcerer's terrible words were succeeded by the silence of -astonishment. Trangoil-Lanec was the last man in the tribe who would -have been suspected. He was beloved and venerated by all for his -courage, frankness, and generosity. The first sensation of surprise -over, a general movement took place in the crowd; all drew back from -the supposed murderer, leaving him face to face with the chief of whose -death he was accused. Trangoil-Lanec remained impassive, a smile of -disdain passed over his lips, he dismounted from his horse, and waited. - -The Ulmen walked slowly towards him, and when within a few paces, asked, -in a sorrowful voice-- - -"Why didst thou kill my father, Trangoil-Lanec? He loved thee, and I, -was not I thy Penni?" - -"I have not killed thy father, Curumilla," the chief replied, with a -tone of frankness that would have convinced a man less prejudiced than -the one he addressed. - -"The machi has said so." - -"The machi lies." - -"No, the machi cannot lie--he is inspired by Pillian; thou, thy wife, -and thy children must die; the law decrees that it shall be so." - -Without deigning to reply, the chief threw down his arms, and went -and placed himself beside the stake of blood, planted in front of the -medicine toldo, which contains the sacred idol. A circle was formed, of -which the stake formed the centre; the wife and children of the chief -were brought up, and were prepared immediately for the sacrifice; for -the funeral ceremony of the chief could not be completed before the -execution of his murderer. The machi was triumphant. One man alone in -the tribe had ventured to hold up his hand against his robberies and -rogueries, and that man was about to die and leave him absolute master. -Upon a sign from Curumilla, two Indians seized the chief, and, in spite -of the tears and sobs of his wives and children, they prepared to fasten -him to the stake. - -The two Frenchmen had anxiously watched the spectacle of this infamous -drama; Louis was disgusted with the rascality of the machi and the -credulity of the Indians. - -"Oh!" he said, to his friend, "we cannot allow this murder to be -accomplished." - -"Hum!" muttered Valentine, stroking the ends of his light moustache, and -casting a glance around him, "hum! there is a great number of them." - -"What matters it how many?" Louis replied, impetuously; "I will not -be the witness of such iniquity, if I die for it. I will attempt to -save the life of that unfortunate man, who so frankly offered us his -friendship." - -"The fact is," Valentine said, pensively, "this Trangoil-Lanec, as they -call him, is a very worthy fellow, for whom I feel a warm sympathy; but -what can we do?" - -"Pardieu!" Louis said, seizing his pistols, "throw ourselves between him -and his enemies; we can each of us kill five or six." - -"Yes, and the others will kill us, without our having succeeded in -saving the man for whom we devote ourselves. A bad means that! Let us -try to find some other." - -"We must be quick, then; the torture is about to commence." - -Valentine struck his forehead, and cried, with a jeering laugh-- - -"Bah! I have it! Trick must serve our turn--leave it to me; my old trade -of a mountebank will do! Help me, if I want it; but, for heaven's sake, -swear to remain calm!" - -"I swear I will, if you save him." - -"Be satisfied--against rogue I'll play rogue and a half; these savages -shall see I can be more cunning than they." - -Valentine urged his horse into the middle of the circle, and shouted-- - -"Stop a minute!" - -At the unexpected appearance of this man, whom nobody had yet observed, -all turned round and looked at him with astonishment. Louis, with his -hands on his pistols, watched his movements with anxiety, ready to fly -to his succour, if he needed it. - -"We will not joke," continued Valentine, "we have not time for that. -You are a set of fools, and your machi is laughing at you. What! would -you kill a man without a moment's reflection, because a rogue bids you -do so? Caramba! I have taken it into my head to prevent your committing -such a folly--I will do it, too!" - -And placing his hand upon his hip, he looked round with an intrepid -glance. The Indians, according to their strange custom, listened to -this speech without evincing surprise, even by a gesture. Curumilla -approached him. - -"My pale brother must retire," he said, calmly; "he is unacquainted with -the laws of the Puelches; this man is condemned, he must die; the machi -has pointed him out as a murderer." - -"I repeat to you, you are fools!" said Valentine shrugging his -shoulders; "your machi is no more a conjurer than I am; I again tell -you, he is cheating you, and I will prove it, if you will let me." - -"What says my father?" said Curumilla to the machi, who stood cold and -motionless by the side of the body. - -The machi smiled disdainfully. - -"When did the white man ever speak truth?" he replied, with a sneer. -"Let this one prove what he asserts, if he is able." - -"Good!" the Ulmen said; "the Murucho may speak." - -"Pardieu!" cried Valentine. "Notwithstanding the bold-faced assurance of -this individual, I shall find it no difficult matter to prove that he is -an impostor." - -"We are attentive," said Curumilla. - -The Indians drew round with intense curiosity. Louis could not at all -make out what his friend proposed to do. He could only suppose that some -extravagant idea had crossed his brain, and was as impatient as the rest -to see how he would come through his dangerous undertaking with honour. - -"One moment!" said the machi, with perfect assurance. "What will my -brothers do if I prove my accusation true?" - -"The stranger must die," said Curumilla, coolly. - -"I accept the terms," Valentine replied, resolutely. Placed thus in the -necessity of explaining himself, the Frenchman drew himself up to his -full height, and, knitting his brows, exclaimed pompously-- - -"I, too, am a great medicine man!" - -The Indians bowed reverentially. The science of Europeans is perfectly -established among them; they respect without disputing it. - -"It was not Trangoil-Lanec," continued the Frenchman, with the greatest -audacity, "who killed the chief; it was the machi himself." - -A start of astonishment pervaded the assembly. - -"I!" cried the machi, in a voice of amazement. - -"You, yourself, and you know it well," replied Valentine, giving him a -look that made him tremble. - -"Stranger," said Trangoil-Lanec, with the majesty of a martyr, "it is -no use to interpose in my favour; my brothers believe me guilty, and -innocent though I am, I must die." - -"Your devotion to your laws is noble, but in this case it is absurd," -Valentine replied. - -"This man is guilty," the machi persisted. - -"Let us put an end to this, then," replied Trangoil-Lanec; "kill me!" - -"What say my brothers?" Curumilla asked of the crowd, who pressed -anxiously around him. - -"That the Murucho medicine-man be allowed to prove the truth of his -words," replied the warriors with one voice. - -They loved Trangoil-Lanec, and in their hearts desired that he should -not die. On the other hand, they entertained for the machi a hatred -which the profound terror he inspired them with scarcely sufficed to -make them conceal. - -"Very well," said Valentine, "this is what I propose." - -All were silent as the grave. The Frenchman drew his sword, and waved -the bright blade before the eyes of the spectators. - -"You see this weapon," said he, in a pompous tone; "I will put it into -my mouth, and swallow it up to the hilt. If Trangoil-Lanec is guilty, I -shall die; if he is innocent, as I affirm, Pillian will help me, and I -shall draw forth the sword from my body without suffering a wound." - -"My brother speaks like a courageous warrior," said Curumilla; "we are -ready to behold." - -"I will not suffer it!" Trangoil-Lanec shouted. "Does my brother want to -kill himself?" - -"Pillian is judge!" Valentine replied, with a smile of strange -expression, and with an air of conviction admirably well played. - -The two Frenchmen exchanged a glance. The Indians are perfect children -in their love of spectacle, and the extraordinary proposal of the -Parisian seemed to them to admit of no reply. - -"The trial! the trial!" they shouted. - -"Very well," said Valentine; "let my brothers behold, then." - -He first placed himself in the proper position adopted by jugglers when -they exhibit this feat in public places; then introducing the blade of -the sword into his mouth, in a few seconds the whole of it disappeared. -During the performance of this trick, which in their eyes was a -miracle, the Puelches watched the bold Frenchman in breathless terror. -They could not comprehend how a man could perform such an operation -without deliberately killing himself. Valentine turned on all sides, -so that everyone might be convinced of the reality of the fact; then -he deliberately withdrew the blade from his mouth, as bright as when -it came from the sheath. A cry of enthusiasm burst from the crowd: the -miracle was evident. - -"One minute more," he said; "I have still something to demand of you." - -Silence was in an instant re-established. - -"I have proved to you, in an incontrovertible manner, that the chief is -not guilty--have I not?" - -"Yes! yes!" they shouted simultaneously; "the paleface is a great -medicine man! he is beloved by Pillian!" - -"Very well. Now, then," he added, with a sardonic smile directed towards -the machi, "your machi should prove in his turn that I have calumniated -him, and that it was not he who killed the Apo-Ulmen of your tribe. The -dead chief was a great warrior; it ought to be avenged." - -"Yes," the warriors cried, "he ought to be avenged." - -"My brother speaks well," observed Curumilla; "let the machi be put to -the proof." - -The unfortunate machi perceived at once that he was lost. He became -livid, and a cold perspiration bathed his temples, whilst a convulsive -tremor shook his limbs. - -"This man is an impostor," he muttered, in a voice scarcely audible; "he -abuses your good faith." - -"Perhaps I am," said Valentine; "but, in the meantime, imitate me." - -"Here," said Curumilla, holding out the sword to the machi, "if you are -innocent, Pillian will protect you, as he has protected my brother." - -"Caramba! that is certain; Pillian always protects the innocent, and you -are about to be a proof of it," said the Parisian, in whom the revived -spirit of the _gamin_ was now triumphant. - -The machi cast around a look of despair; all eyes were expressive of -impatience and curiosity; the unhappy wretch perceived but too plainly -that he could look for help to nobody, and he formed his resolution -instantly--he determined to die as he had lived, deceiving the crowd to -the last minute. - -"I fear nothing," he said, in a firm voice; "this steel will be harmless -to me. You desire that I should go through the trial--I will obey. But, -beware! Pillian is angry with your conduct towards me; the humiliation -you impose upon me will be avenged by the terrible scourges which he -will inflict upon you." - -At these words of their prophet the Puelches were moved. They hesitated. -For many long years they had been accustomed to place entire faith in -his predictions, and they experienced a kind of fear in thus daring to -accuse him of imposture. Valentine saw at a glance what was passing in -their hearts. - -"Capitally well played," he said, replying by a knowing wink to the -triumphant smile of the machi; "now it is my turn. Let my brothers take -heart!" he added, in a loud, firm voice. "No misfortune threatens them; -this man speaks thus because he is afraid to die; he knows he is guilty, -and that Pillian will not protect him." - -The machi darted a glance at him gleaming with hatred, seized the -sword, and, imitating as well as he knew how what he had seen, with -desperate quickness plunged the blade down his throat. A stream of black -blood sprang from his mouth, his eyes glared hideously, his arms shook -convulsively, he staggered two steps forward, and fell flat upon his -face. The people crowded round him--he was dead. - -"Let this lying dog be thrown to the vultures," said Curumilla, kicking -the lifeless body with contempt. - -"We are brothers for life and death," cried Trangoil-Lanec, embracing -Valentine. - -"Well," the young man said with a smile, to his friend, "I think I -have not got very badly through that affair--eh? You see, it is well, -sometimes, to have practised many trades; even that of a mountebank may -serve at need." - -"Do not calumniate your heart and courage," Louis replied, warmly -pressing his hand; "you have; saved the life of a man." - -"Aye; but I have killed another." - -"Oh, he was a guilty wretch!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -THE OBSEQUIES OF AN APO-ULMEN. - - -The emotion caused by the death of the machi gradually died away, and -order was re-established. Curumilla and Trangoil-Lanec, abjuring any -feeling of enmity, exchanged a fraternal embrace, amidst the frantic -applause of the warriors, who loved both the chiefs. - -"Now my father is avenged, we can restore his body to the earth," -Curumilla observed. Then, advancing towards the strangers, he bowed to -them, saying-- - -"Will the palefaces assist at the obsequies?" - -"We will," Louis replied. - -"My toldo is large," the chief continued; "my brothers will do me honour -by consenting to inhabit it during their sojourn with the tribe." - -Louis was about to reply, but Trangoil-Lanec hastily prevented him. - -"My brothers the palefaces," he said, "have deigned to accept my poor -hospitality." - -The young men bowed in silence. - -"Good!" the Ulmen continued. "Of what consequence is that? Whichever be -the toldo the Muruches may choose, I shall consider them as my guests." - -"Many thanks, chief," Valentine replied; "be assured that we are -grateful for your kindness." - -The Ulmen then took leave of the Frenchmen, and resumed his place by the -side of his father's corpse, and the ceremonies commenced. The Araucanos -are not, as some travellers have led us to believe, a people destitute -of any faith; on the contrary, their faith is warm, and their religion -rests upon bases which are not deficient in grandeur. They have no -dogma, and yet they recognize two principles--that of good and that of -evil. - -The first, named Pillian, is the Creating God; the second, named -Guécubu, is the Destroying God. Guécubu is in a state of continual -struggle with Pillian, endeavouring to disturb the harmony of the world, -and destroy what exists; by which we see that the doctrine of Manicheism -was embraced by the barbarians of both the old and the new world, who, -being unable to penetrate the causes of good and evil, have imagined two -contrary principles. In addition to these two principal deities, the -Araucanos recognize a considerable number of secondary genii, who assist -Pillian in his contest with Guécubu. These genii are males and females; -the latter are all virgins, for--and it is a refined idea which we could -not expect in a barbarous people--procreation is not necessary in the -supernatural world. The male gods are named Géru, or lords; the females, -Amey-Malghen, or spiritual nymphs. - -The Araucanos believe in the immortality of the soul, and, consequently, -in a future life, in which the warriors who have distinguished -themselves on earth hunt in game-abounding prairies, surrounded by -everything they have loved. Like all American aborigines, the Araucanos -are extremely superstitious. Their worship consists in assembling in -the medicine toldo, where there is a shapeless idol, said to represent -Pillian. They weep; they utter loud cries, with numberless contortions; -and sacrifice to him a sheep, a cow, a horse, or a _chilihuegue_. - -At a signal from Curumilla, the warriors drew back to give place to the -women, who surrounded the body, and began to walk in a circle, singing -in a low and plaintive tone the noble feats of the deceased. At the -expiration of about an hour, the cortege moved off after the corpse, -which was borne by the four most renowned warriors of the tribe, and -directed its course towards a hill where the place of sepulture was -prepared. Behind followed the women, casting handfuls of hot ashes over -the traces left by the passage of the funeral train; so that if the soul -of the defunct should have any inclination to return to its body, it -would not be able to find the way to his toldo, or come and trouble his -heirs. - -When the body was laid in the grave, Curumilla cut the throats of his -father's dogs and horses, which were placed near him, to enable him -to hunt in the happy prairies. Within reach of his hand was placed a -certain quantity of provisions for the nourishment of himself and the -_tempulazzy_, or boatman, appointed to convey him to the other country, -and into the presence of Pillian, where he is to be judged according -to his good or evil actions. Earth was then thrown in upon the body. -But, as the defunct had been a renowned warrior, a heap of stones was -collected, of which a pyramid was formed; then everyone walked slowly -once more round the tomb, pouring upon it a great quantity of chica. The -relations and friends returned dancing and singing to the village, where -awaited them one of those Homeric repasts of Araucanian funerals called -cahuins, which last till all the partakers lie upon the ground utterly -intoxicated. - -Beyond a little natural curiosity, our travellers did not take much -interest in the ceremony or feast; they were fatigued, and preferred a -short repose. Trangoil-Lanec guessed their thoughts; and, as soon as the -procession returned, he left his companions, and offered to conduct the -young men to his dwelling. They availed themselves of his kindness with -alacrity. Like all Araucanian huts, this was a vast wooden building, -covered with whitewashed mud, in the form of a rectangle, the roof being -a terrace. This simple, airy residence displayed, in its interior, a -perfect Dutch cleanliness. - -Trangoil-Lanec, as we have said, was one of the richest and most -respected chiefs of his tribe, and had eight wives. Polygamy is allowed -among the Moluches. When an Indian is desirous of marrying a woman, he -declares his purpose to her parent, and fixes the number of animals he -is willing to give. His conditions being accepted, he comes with a few -friends, carries off the young woman, throws her on the saddle behind -him, and gallops off to the woods, in the depths of which the couple -remain three days. On the fourth they return; he slaughters a young -mare in front of the hut of the father of his bride, and the marriage -festivities begin. The abduction of the bride, and the sacrifice of -the mare, take the place of a civil contract. After this fashion an -Araucano is at liberty to marry as many wives as he can support. And -yet, the first wife, who bears the title of unem domo, or legitimate -wife, is most honoured; she has the direction of the household, and -is the superior of the others, who are called inam domo, or secondary -wives. All inhabit the same toldo, but in different apartments, where -they employ themselves in bringing up their children, in weaving -ponchos with the wool of guanacos and chilihuegues, and in preparing -the dish which an Indian woman is bound to place every day on the table -of her husband. Marriage is held sacred, and adultery is considered -the greatest of crimes; the man and woman who should commit it would -inevitably be assassinated by the husband and his relations, unless they -redeemed their lives by means of a compensation imposed by the injured -husband. When an Araucano leaves his home, he confides his wives to -his relations, and, on his return, if he can prove that they have been -unfaithful to him, he has the right of demanding of the guardians all he -thinks proper to ask; so that the relations are interested in watching -them. This strictness of morals only regards married women; others -enjoy the greatest liberty, and take advantage of it without any person -presuming to find fault with them. - -The two Frenchmen, thrown so suddenly into the midst of these strange -manners and customs, were some time before they could comprehend Indian -life. Valentine, in particular, was completely at a loss; he was in -a state of perpetual astonishment, which, however, he took good care -should not appear in his words or in his actions; for the adventure of -the machi had raised him so high in the estimation of the inhabitants -of the toldero, that he dreaded, with reason, lest the smallest -indiscretion should cast him down from the pedestal upon which he -maintained his erect position. - -One evening, when Louis was preparing, as he frequently did, to visit -the various toldos, in order to inquire after the sick, and administer -to them all the relief his limited knowledge of medicine permitted, -Curumilla came to the two strangers to invite them to be present at the -cahuin given by the new machi, who had been elected that day, in place -of the dead one. Valentine promised that they would come. From what -we have said before, it may easily be comprehended what an enormous -influence a sorcerer possesses over the members of the tribe; the choice -is therefore difficult to make, and is seldom a good one. The sorcerer -is generally a woman: when it is a man, he assumes the female costume, -which he wears for the rest of his life. In almost all cases the science -is inherited. - -After smoking a considerable number of pipes, and making endless -speeches, the Araucanos had chosen, as a successor to the machi, an old -man, of a mild, kindly character, who, during the course of his long -existence, had only made friends. The repast was, as may be supposed, -copious, abundantly furnished with ulpo, the national dish of the -Araucans, and moistened with an incalculable number of couis of chica. -Among the other delicacies which figured at the feast was a large basket -filled with hard eggs, which the Ulmens swallowed in emulation of each -other. - -"Why don't you eat some eggs?" said Curumilla to Valentine. "Do you not -like them?" - -"On the contrary, chief, I am very fond of eggs, but not cooked in that -fashion; I have no inclination to choke myself, thank you." - -"Oh! yes," the Ulmen said; "I understand; you prefer them raw." - -Valentine burst into a Homeric fit of laughter. - -"Not better than these," he said, when he had recovered his gravity; -"I like eggs boiled in the shell; I like omelettes, or pancakes, but -neither hard nor raw, if you please." - -"What do you mean by that? Cooked eggs must be hard." - -The young man looked at him with astonishment, and then said to him in a -tone of profound compassion-- - -"Now, really, chief, do you mean to say you are only acquainted with -hard eggs?" - -"Our fathers have always eaten them thus," the Ulmen replied, quietly. - -"Poor people! how I pity them! They have been ignorant of one of the -greatest enjoyments of life. Well, my friend," he exclaimed, raising his -voice with jocular enthusiasm, "I am determined you shall adore me as -a benefactor to humanity! In short, I will endow you with soft-boiled -eggs, and with omelettes; at least, the remembrance of me shall not die -from among you. When I am gone, and you eat one of those two dishes, you -will think of me." - -In spite of his sadness, Louis could not help laughing at the burlesque -humour and inexhaustible cheerfulness of his foster brother, in whom, -at every minute, the gamin prevailed over the serious man. The chiefs -welcomed with joy the offer of the spahi, and asked, with loud cries, on -what day he would carry his promise into execution. - -"Oh, I will not make you wait long," he said; "tomorrow, on the square -of the toldería, and before all the assembled tribe of the Great Hare, -I will show you how you must set about boiling an egg, and making an -omelette." - -At this promise, the satisfaction of the chiefs mounted to the highest -pitch, the couis of the chica circulated with increased vivacity, and -the Ulmens soon found themselves sufficiently intoxicated to begin to -sing as loud as they could shout, and all together,--a sort of music -that produced such an effect upon the two Frenchmen, that they made -their escape, stopping their ears. The feast was kept up long after -their departure. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -EXPLANATIONS. - - -We will now return to the chacra of Don Gregorio Peralta, to which -Doña Rosario had been conducted after her miraculous deliverance. -The first days that followed the departure of the two Frenchmen were -sufficiently devoid of incident: Doña Rosario, shut up in her bedroom, -remained almost continually alone. The poor girl, like all wounded -spirits, sought to forget reality, by taking refuge in dreams, in order -to collect and preserve piously in the depths of her heart the few -happy remembrances which had so rarely gilded with a ray of sunshine -the sadness of her existence. Don Tadeo, completely absorbed in his -imperative political combinations, could only see her now and then, and -but for a few minutes at a time. Before him, she endeavoured to appear -cheerful, but she suffered the more from being obliged to conceal in her -own bosom the sorrow which consumed her. She occasionally crept down -into the garden; she stopped under the arbour in which her meeting with -Louis had taken place, and remained hours together thinking of him she -loved, and whom she had driven from her for ever. - -This poor child, so beautiful, so mild, so pure, so worthy of being -loved, was condemned by an implacable destiny continually to lead a -life of suffering and isolation; without a relation, without a friend -to whom she might impart the secret of her grief. She was little more -than sixteen, and already her bruised heart shrank back upon itself; her -colour faded, her step became languid, her large blue eyes, swimming in -tears, were incessantly raised towards heaven, as the only refuge that -remained for her; she appeared to hold to the earth only by a slight -thread, which the least fresh shock of adversity would snap. - -The maiden's story was a strange one. She had never known her parents; -she had no remembrance of the kisses of her mother--those warm caresses -of childhood, which make even mature age tremble with joy. From her -earliest days, she could only remember being alone, always alone, in the -hands of the mercenary and indifferent. The innocent joys of childhood -remained unknown to her; she had known nothing of them but their -weariness and sadness, and had ever been deprived of those friendships -of early youth which, by insensibly preparing the mind for affectionate -expansion, give birth to smiles in the midst of tears, and console with -a kiss. - -Don Tadeo was the only person who was attached to her; he had never -abandoned her, but watched with the greatest care over her material -well-being, smiled upon her, and ever gave her good and pleasant -counsels: but Don Tadeo was much too serious a man to comprehend the -thousand little cares which the education of a young girl requires. She -could only entertain for him that profound, yet respectful friendship -which forbids those ingenuous confidences which can only be made to a -mother, or to a companion of the same age. The visits of Don Tadeo were -surrounded by an incomprehensible mystery; sometimes, without apparent -cause, he made her suddenly quit people to whom he had confided her, -and took her away with him, after ordering her to change her name, -upon long tours. It was thus she had been to France: then, he quite as -unexpectedly brought her back to Chili, sometimes to one city, sometimes -to another, without ever condescending to explain to her the reasons for -her leading such a wandering life. - -Constrained by her isolation to depend only upon herself, forced to -reflect as soon as the first rays of reason enlightened her brain, the -maiden, though so delicate and fragile in appearance, was endowed with -an energy and firmness of character of which she was ignorant, but -which supported her unconsciously; and if the hour of danger arrived, -would be of infinite use to her. She had often, urged by the instinct -of curiosity so natural to her age in the exceptional position in which -she was placed, sought by adroit questions to seize the thread that -might guide her in this labyrinth; but all had proved useless--Don Tadeo -remained mute. One day only, after having for a long time contemplated -her with an expression of sadness, he had pressed her to his heart, and -said in a trembling voice,-- - -"Poor child! I will protect you against your enemies!" - -Who could those formidable enemies be? Why were they so inveterate -against a girl of sixteen, who knew nothing of the world, and had -never injured a human being? These questions, which Doña Rosario was -continually asking herself, always remained unanswered. She only caught -a glimpse in her life, of one of those terrible mysteries which bring -death to the imprudent who persist in endeavouring to discover them; -her days, therefore, were passed in continual fears, engendered by her -imagination. - -One evening, when, sad and thoughtful as usual, and buried in the depths -of an easy chair, in her bedchamber, she was turning over the leaves of -a book which she was not reading, Don Tadeo entered the room. He saluted -her, as he always did, by a kiss on her brow, took a seat, placed -himself in front of her, and after looking at her for a moment with a -melancholy smile, said quietly,-- - -"I wish to speak with you, Rosario." - -"I am all attention, dear friend," she replied, endeavouring to smile. - -But before we report this conversation, we must present our readers -with a few necessary explanations. Like all the other countries of -South America, Chili, for a long time depressed beneath the Spanish -yoke, had conquered its independence, more through the weakness of its -ancient master than by its own proper strength. The system followed by -the Spanish authorities from the beginning had checked in the people -of these countries the development of the philosophical ideas which -give man a consciousness of his own value, render him one day apt to -achieve liberty, and ripe to enjoy it within just limits. We have said, -in a preceding work, that the Americans of the South have none of the -virtues of their ancestors, but, to make up for it, they possess all -their vices. Destitute of that early education without which it is -impossible to do or even to conceive great things, the Chilian nation, -free by an unexpected chance, found itself immediately the sport of -a few intriguing men, who concealed beneath high-sounding words of -patriotism a boundless ambition. The newly-freed country struggled in -vain; the innate carelessness of its inhabitants, and the levity of -their character, formed an invincible object to any amelioration. - -At the epoch at which we have arrived, Chili was labouring under the -oppression of General Bustamente. This man, not contented with being -minister of a republic, dreamt of nothing less than causing himself -to be proclaimed the chief of it, under the title of protector. The -realization of this idea was not impossible. From its geographical -position, Chili is almost independent of those troublesome neighbours -who, in the states of the old world, keep watch over all the acts of -a nation, and are, ready to put in their _veto_ as soon as their own -interest appears to be threatened. On one side separated from Upper -Peru by the vast and almost impassable desert of Atacama, Bolivia alone -might hazard some timid observations; but the General cherished secret -hopes of including that republic itself in the new confederation; on -the other side, immense solitudes and the Cordilleras separated it from -Buenos Aires, which had neither the will nor the power to oppose his -projects. One people alone could make a war with him, which he should -dread, and they were the Araucanos; that little nation, driven like -an iron wedge into Chili, disturbed the General's plans seriously. He -resolved to treat with the Araucano Toqui, while determined, at the same -time, when his projects should have succeeded, to unite all his forces -to conquer that country which had so long resisted the Spanish power. In -a word, General Bustamente dreamt of creating at the southern extremity -of America, with Chili, Araucania, and Bolivia confederated, a rival -nationality to the United States. Unfortunately for the General, there -was not in him the stuff to make a great man; he was simply a _parvenu_, -an ignorant and cruel soldier. - -When America raised the standard of revolt against the mother country, -numerous secret societies were formed at all points of the territory, -the most redoubtable, beyond contradiction, being that of the -Dark-Hearts. The men who placed themselves at the head of this society -were all intelligent and well informed, mostly educated in Europe, who, -having seen in the field of action the great principles of the French -revolution, wished, by applying them in their own country, to regenerate -the nation. After the proclamation of Chilian independence, the secret -societies, having no longer an object, disappeared. One alone persisted -in remaining permanent--that of the Dark-Hearts. This society was not -willing that license should assume the mantle of liberty: it felt that -it had a great and holy mission to fulfil, and that its task, so far -from being terminated, was scarcely commenced. It was necessary to -instruct the people, to render them worthy of taking their place among -nations, and, above all, to deliver them from the tyrants who wished -to enslave them. This mission the society of the Dark-Hearts laboured -incessantly to carry out, struggling constantly against oppressive -powers, which succeeded each other, and destroying them without mercy. -Proteus-like and intangible, the members of this society escaped the -most active researches: if by chance some few of them fell in the arena, -they died with head erect, confident in the future, and leaving to their -brethren the care of continuing their task. - -The recovery of General Bustamente caused the Dark-Hearts a momentary -stupor; but Don Tadeo, who had caused the news of the miraculous manner -in which he had survived his execution to be spread universally, -revived their spirits by placing himself again at their head. Not that -either courage or hope had failed them. However great the skill of the -machinations employed by the General to insure the success of his plans, -the Loyal-Hearts, who had confederates everywhere, foresaw and defeated -them. They watched all his movements with the greatest care, for they -were quite aware that the moment was drawing near when their enemy would -throw off the mask. They had heard of the departure of the convalescent -General for Valdivia. For what reason, as his health was still so -uncertain, and repose so necessary, had he gone to that remote province? -That must be learnt at any price, and they must prepare against any -eventuality. - -In a meeting of the society, future measures were agreed upon; it was -moreover resolved that the King of Darkness should at the same time -repair to Valdivia, in order, if advisable, to take the initiative in -resistance. But Don Tadeo could not think of leaving Doña Rosario behind -him, exposed to the unprincipled attacks of the Linda. He alone could -defend the young girl; was he not her only support? As soon, then, as -the Dark-Hearts had dispersed, Don Tadeo returned to the chacra, and -went straight to Doña Rosario's chamber. - -"My dear child," he said, "I have sad news to inform you of." - -"Speak, my kind friend," she replied. - -"Urgent affairs require my presence as soon as possible in Valdivia." - -"Oh!" she cried, with an expression of terror, "you will not leave me -here, will you?" - -"At first I intended to do so, this retreat appearing to me to unite all -the guarantees for security; but cheer up, my child! I have changed my -mind; I have fancied you would prefer accompanying me?" - -"Oh, yes," she said, eagerly; "you are always kind. When do we set out?" - -"Tomorrow, dear child, at sunrise." - -"I shall be ready," she replied, holding up her pretty face towards him, -that he might impress his customary kiss upon her brow. - -Don Tadeo retired, and Rosario immediately set about the preparations -for her journey. Of what consequence was it to her whether she were in -one place or another, since she was doomed to suffer everywhere? And who -can say whether the poor girl, without daring to avow it to herself, did -not entertain the hope of again seeing him she loved? Love is a divine -sunbeam that illumines the darkest nights. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -THE CHINGANA. - - -Valdivia, founded in 1551 by the Spanish conqueror Don Pedro de -Valdivia, is a charming city, two leagues from the sea, upon the left -bank of a river, which large vessels can easily ascend into the fertile -valley of Guadallanguen. The aspect of the city, the advanced post of -civilization in these remote countries, is most agreeable; the streets -are large, uniformly built; the white houses, only one story high, -on account of the frequency of earthquakes, are terrace-roofed. Here -and there rise in the air the steeples of the numerous churches and -convents, which occupy more than a third of the city. It is astonishing -to what an extent convents are multiplied in South America. It might -be supposed that the New World was the land of promise for monks; they -appear to rise out of the earth at every step. Thanks to the extensive -commerce which Valdivia carries on by means of its port, which is -visited by the numerous whalers fishing in those seas, and ships which -come there to refit, after doubling Cape Horn, or before passing -it,--its streets have more animation than is generally to be met with in -American cities. - -Don Tadeo arrived in Valdivia, accompanied by Don Gregorio and Doña -Rosario, on the evening of the sixteenth day after his departure from -his friend's chacra. They had used all diligence, and for that country, -where there are no other means of travelling but on horseback, it might -be considered a quick journey. If the two gentlemen had thought proper -to do so, they might have entered the city about three o'clock in the -afternoon, but they deemed it advisable that no one in a place where -so many people knew them should be made aware of their arrival: in the -first place, because the causes which brought them there required the -greatest secrecy; and, further, because Don Tadeo was forced to conceal -himself, in order to avoid the police agents of the president of the -republic, who had orders to arrest him wherever they might meet with -him. Fortunately, in these countries the police never arrest anybody -when not absolutely compelled, unless those whom they pursue come and -deliver themselves up into their hands--an event, we may safely say, -that rarely happens. - -As during his sojourn at Valdivia, his manner of living must be -regulated by the affairs which brought him there, he could not openly -keep house or appear in public, Don Tadeo went straight to the convent -of the Ursulines, and committed the young lady he had brought with him -to the care of the abbess, who was not only his relation, but was a -worthy person, in whom he had perfect confidence. Doña Rosario accepted -without hesitation the asylum which was offered to her, and where she -fancied she should be safe from the attacks of her invisible enemies. -Don Tadeo took an affectionate leave of her and the venerable abbess, -and hastened to a house of the calle San-Xavier, where Don Gregorio, who -had left him on entering the city, to avoid observation, awaited his -coming. - -"Well?" asked Don Gregorio, as soon as he saw him. - -"She is in safety; at least I suppose so," Don Tadeo replied, with a -sigh. - -"So much the better, for we must redouble our precautions." - -"Why so?" - -"After leaving you I made inquiries; I observed, I questioned people as -I walked about and loitered at the port and the Almeda." - -"Well, what have you learnt?" - -"As we imagined, General Bustamente is here." - -"Already?" - -"He arrived three days ago." - -"What reason could be so important as to bring him here?" said Don -Tadeo, with an uneasy expression. "Oh, I will know!" - -"Another thing: who do you think accompanies him?" - -"The executioner, no doubt!" said Don Tadeo, with an ironical smile. - -"Almost as bad," Don Gregorio replied. - -"Whom do you mean, then?" - -"The Linda!" - -The chief of the Dark-Hearts turned deadly pale. - -"Oh," he said, "that woman! for ever that woman! you must be mistaken, -my friend; it is impossible!" - -"I have seen her." - -Don Tadeo walked about in great agitation for several minutes; then, -stopping short in front of his friend, said, in a husky voice-- - -"Dear Don Gregorio, are you certain you have not been misled by a -resemblance? Are you quite sure it was she?" - -"You had just left me, and I was coming hither, when the sound of horses -made me turn my head, and I saw, I repeat I saw, the Linda; she also -appeared to have just arrived at Valdivia; two lancers escorted her, and -an arriero led the baggage mules. - -"Oh!" said Don Tadeo, "will the infernal malice of that demon ever -pursue me?" - -"My friend," Don Gregorio remarked, "in the path we have undertaken to -tread, every obstacle must, unhesitatingly, be destroyed." - -"What, kill a woman?" the gentleman said, with horror. - -"I do not say that, but place her in such a position that she cannot -possibly injure anyone. Remember, we are Dark-Hearts, and, as such, we -ought to be without pity." - -"Silence!" Don Tadeo murmured, as two low, quick taps were struck on the -door. - -"Come in!" cried Don Gregorio. - -The door opened, and Don Pedro showed his polecat face. He did not -recognize the two men whom, in the various meetings he had had with -them, he had always seen masked. - -"God preserve you, gentlemen!" he said, with a profound bow. - -"What is your pleasure, sir?" Don Gregorio asked, in a coldly-polite -tone, while returning his salutation. - -"Sir," said Don Pedro, looking about for a seat which was not offered -him, "I have just arrived from Santiago." - -Don Gregorio bowed again. - -"On my departure from that city, a banker in whose hands I had placed -funds, gave me several bills; among others this, addressed to Don -Gregorio Peratla, payable at sight." - -"That is my name, sir; be so kind as to hand it to me." - -"As you see, sir, the bill is for twenty-three ounces." - -"Very well, sir," replied Don Gregorio, as he took it, "allow me to -examine it." - -Don Pedro bowed in his turn, whilst Don Gregorio, approaching a -flambeau, looked attentively at the bill of exchange, put it into his -pocket, and took some money from his purse. - -"Here are the twenty-three ounces, sir," he said, giving them. - -The spy took them, counted the gold pieces, examining them attentively, -and then put them into his pocket. - -"It is very singular, sir," he said, just as the two gentlemen thought -they were about to be relieved of his presence. - -"What is it, sir?" asked Don Gregorio; "do you not find the amount -right?" - -"Oh, pardon me, perfectly right; but," he added, with a slight -hesitation, "I thought you had been a merchant?" - -"And what leads you to think otherwise?" - -"Because I see no desks." - -"They are in another part of the house," Don Gregorio replied; "I am a -private trader." - -"Oh, very well, sir." - -"And, if I had not thought you had pressing need of the money--" - -"Very pressing!" the other interrupted. - -"I should have begged you to call again tomorrow, for, at this late -hour, my cashbox is closed." - -And thereupon he waved his hand, rather haughtily, as dismissing him. -Don Pedro retired, visibly disappointed. - -"That is a double-faced fellow, I am sure," said Don Gregorio; "I should -not wonder if he were a spy of the General." - -"Oh, I know him!" Don Tadeo replied; "I have about me proofs of his -treachery. He has been a necessary instrument; at present he may injure -us. He must be crushed." - -Don Gregorio drew from his pocket the bill which had been presented to -him, and holding it to Don Tadeo-- - -"Look at this," he said. - -This bill, payable at sight, appeared perfectly like others. It was -drawn in the usual form: _At sight, please pay_, &c. &c.; but, in two -or three places, the pen, too hard, no doubt, had spluttered and formed -a certain number of little black spots, of which some were almost -imperceptible. It appeared that these black spots had a meaning for the -two men; for as soon as Don Tadeo had cast his eyes over the bill, he -seized his cloak, and folded himself in it. - -"It is Heaven that protects us!" he said; "we must go thither without -delay." - -"That is my opinion, likewise," Don Gregorio replied, holding the bill -to the light, and burning it till there was not a particle of it left. -The two men took each a long dagger and a brace of pistols, which they -concealed under their clothes--the conspirators were too well acquainted -with their country to neglect these precautions--they pulled the flaps -of their hats over their faces, and wrapping themselves up to the very -eyes, like two lovers or seekers of adventures, they descended into the -street. - -It was one of those splendid nights unknown in our foggy climates; the -sky, of a dark blue, was thickly studded with an infinite number of -stars, among which conspicuously shone the brilliant Southern Cross; -the air was embalmed with a thousand odours, and a light sea breeze -refreshed the atmosphere, which had been heated by the torrid sunbeams -during the past day. The two men passed silently and rapidly through -the joyous groups which traversed the streets in all directions. It is -in the evening that the Americans leave their homes to take the air and -enjoy the freshness. - -The conspirators appeared to hear neither the enticing sounds of the -vihuela which vibrated in their ears, nor the refrains of sambacuejas -which flew in gusts from the chinganas, nor the bursts of fresh, silvery -laughter of the black-eyed, rosy-lipped girls, who elbowed them on -their way. They walked thus for a long time, turning round at intervals -to ascertain if they were followed, plunging by degrees into the -lowest quarters of the city, and at length stopped at a house of mean -appearance, from which issued the loud but not very melodious strains of -music eminently national. - -This house was a chingana, a name which has no equivalent in French -or English. A Chilian chingana presents so eccentrically droll an -appearance, that it would defy the pencil of Callot, and is beyond all -description. Let the reader figure to himself a low room, with smoky -walls, the floor of which is but beaten earth, and rendered filthy by -the detritus left by the feet of incessantly arriving and departing -visitors. In the centre of this den, lighted only by a smoky lamp called -a _candil_, by which it is impossible to distinguish more than the -shadows of the customers, are seated four men upon stools. Two of them -are twanging wretched guitars, which have lost most of their strings, -with the backs of their hands; the third plays the tambourine with his -thumbs upon a crippled table, striking it with all his might; whilst -the fourth rolls between his hands a piece of bamboo six feet long, -split into several strips, which yield the most discordant sound that -can possibly be imagined. The four musicians, not content with the -formidable clatter made by their instruments, shout, at the very top of -their voices, songs which we can neither venture to repeat nor translate. - -All this infernal noise is made to excite the dancers, who flutter -about, assuming the most lascivious postures they can invent, amidst the -hearty applause of the spectators, who writhe with delight, stamp their -feet with pleasure, and sometimes, carried away by the harmony, thunder -out all together, the burthen of the song, with the musicians and -dancers. Amidst this disturbance, these cries and stampings, wind in and -out the master of the establishment and his waiters, armed with couis of -chicha, bottles of aguardiente, and even guarapo, to slake the thirst -of the customers, who, to do them justice, the more they drink the more -thirsty they become, and the more they wish to drink. - -Twice or thrice in the course of an evening, it may happen that some -of the guests, more heated than the rest, or seized by the demon of -jealousy, take it into their heads to quarrel. Then knives are drawn -from the polena, ponchos are rolled round the left arm to serve as -bucklers, the music ceases, and a circle is formed round the combatants. -The sanguinary contest begins, and when one of the combatants has -fallen, he is carried into the street, the music is resumed, the dance -recommences, and no more is thought of the poor wounded or dying man. - -It was in front of one of these establishments that the chief of the -Dark-Hearts and his friend had stopped; they did not hesitate. Pulling -up the folds of their cloaks so as to completely conceal their faces, -they entered the chingana: in spite of the pestilential atmosphere which -nearly choked them, they passed unnoticed through the drinkers, and -gained the further end of the room. The cellar door stood ajar; they -opened it softly, and disappeared down the steps. After descending ten -of these, they found themselves in a cellar, where a man, leaning over a -barrel, which he appeared to be occupied in putting in its place, said -to them, without interrupting his work-- - -"Would you like some aguardiente de pesco, some mescal, or some chica?" - -"Neither the one nor the other," Don Tadeo replied; "we wish for some -French wine." - -The man sprang up as if moved by a spring. The two adventurers had put -on their masks. - -"Do you wish to have it white or red?" the man asked. - -"Red--as red as blood," said Don Tadeo. - -"Of what year?" the unknown rejoined. - -"Of that vintaged on the 5th of April, 1817," said Don Tadeo. - -"Then you must come this way, gentlemen," the man replied, with a -respectful bow; "the wine you do me the honour to call for is extremely -valuable; it is kept in a separate cellar." - -"To be drunk at Martinmas," Don Tadeo remarked. - -The man, who seemed only to wait for this last reply to his question, -smiled with an air of intelligence, and laid his hand lightly on the -wall. A stone turned slowly round upon itself, without the least noise, -and opened a passage to the conspirators, which they immediately -entered, and the stone instantly returned to its place. - -In the chingana, the cries, the songs, and the music had acquired an -intensity really formidable; the joy of the tipplers was at its height. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -THE TWO ULMENS. - - -If we were writing a romance instead of a true history, there are -certain scenes of the recital which we would pass over in silence. The -one which follows would certainly be of this number; and yet, though of -a rather hazardous puerility, it carries with it its lesson, by showing -what is the influence of the early habits of a miserable life, even upon -natures the best endowed, and how difficult it is, at a later period, to -shake them off. We will add, to the praise of Valentine, the man of whom -we are speaking, that his gaminism, if we may be allowed to employ such -a term, was much more feigned than real, and that his aim, in allowing -himself to be sometimes led away by it, was to bring a smile to the lips -of his foster brother, and thus cheat the sorrow that was undermining -his peace. - -This necessary preamble being gone through, we will resume the course -of our narrative, and, abandoning for a time Don Tadeo and his friend, -we will request the reader to follow us back to the tribe of the Great -Hare. The looked-for morrow was a great day for the tribe, a day -expected with impatience by all housekeepers, who were about to learn -how to discover, to use Valentine's word, a new dish, which promised -to please the palates of their race. As soon as it was daylight, men, -women, and children assembled on the great Square of the village, and -formed numerous groups, in which the merit of the unknown dish about -to be revealed to them was discussed. Louis, for whom the experiment -his friend was going to make had very little interest, wished to remain -in the toldo; but Valentine insisted upon his being present at the -experiment, and much against his will, he consented. - -The Parisian was already at his post, standing in an open spot, in -the middle of the Square, watching with a laughing eye the anxious -or incredulous expression by turn displayed upon the faces directed -towards him. A table, which was to serve for his culinary preparations, -a lighted brasier, upon which boiled an iron pot filled with water, a -kitchen knife, an enormous frying-pan, found I know not where, a sort -of tub, a wooden spoon, some parsley, a bit of bacon, some salt, some -pepper, and a basket full of fresh eggs, had been prepared at his desire -by the cares of Trangoil-Lanec. - -All eagerly looked for the arrival of the Apo-Ulmen of the tribe, with -which the exhibition was to commence. A kind of dais had been erected -for him in front of the operator, and when he had taken his lighted -calumet from the hands of his pipe-bearer, he bent a little on one -side and whispered a few words in the ear of Curumilla, who stood -respectfully beside him. The Ulmen bowed, came down from the dais, went -straight to the Parisian to tell him he might begin, and then resumed -his post. - -Valentine returned the salutation of this master of the ceremonies, -took off his poncho, which he folded up and laid carefully at his feet, -and turning up his sleeves above his elbows with the studied grace of -a performer, he leant slightly forward, placed his right hand upon the -table, and assuming the tone of a vendor of quack medicines who boasts -of the efficacy of his nostrums to gaping clowns, he thus commenced his -demonstration in a loud voice and with a perfectly clear utterance:-- - -"Illustrious Ulmens, and you redoubtable warriors of the noble and -sacred tribe of the Great Hare, listen attentively to what I have the -honour of explaining to you. In the beginning of time the world did -not exist; water and clouds, which continually clashed against each -other in space, then formed the universe. When Pillian created the -world, as soon as at his voice man had issued from the bosom of the red -mountain, he took him by the hand, and pointing to all the productions -of the earth, the air, and the water, he said to him,--'Thou art the -king of creation: consequently, animals, plants, and fishes all belong -to thee, and are, each in proportion with its strength, instincts, or -conformation, to minister to thy welfare and thy happiness in the world -in which I have placed thee; thus the horse shall bear thee with fiery -speed across the deserts, fleecy lamas and sheep clothe thee with their -wool, and nourish thee with their succulent flesh.' When Pillian had -analyzed, one after the other, the diverse qualities of the animals, -before proceeding to the plants and fishes, he stopped at the hen, which -was moving carelessly about, and picking up the grains of corn scattered -on the ground. Pillian took her by the wings, and showing her to man, -said, 'Here is one of the most useful animals I have created for thy -service; boiled in a pot, the hen will afford thee an excellent broth -when thou art sick; roasted, its white flesh will acquire a delicious -flavour; of her eggs thou canst make omelettes with herbs, omelettes -with mushrooms, omelettes with ham, and, above all others, with bacon. -If thou art indisposed, and solid food should be too heavy for thy weak -stomach, thou canst boil her eggs in the shell, and then thou wilt say -something, indeed!' - -"Thus," continued Valentine, attitudinizing before the Indians, who, -with open mouths and staring eyes, lost not a single word he uttered, -whether they understood it or not, whilst, in spite of his secret -grief, Louis literally writhed with laughter; "thus it was that Pillian -spoke to the first man at the commencement of ages; you were not there, -Araucano warriors, it is therefore not astonishing that you know nothing -about it; neither was I there, it is true; but, thanks to the talent -we white men possess of transmitting our thoughts from age to age, by -means of writing, these words of the Great Spirit have been carefully -collected, and have come down to us in their purity. Without further -prelude, I am going to have the honour of producing before you a boiled -egg! Listen to me; it is as simple as saying good-day, and within the -reach of the most limited capacity. In order to enjoy a boiled egg, -two things are necessary--in the first place, an egg, and then, some -boiling water! You take the egg in your fingers, thus, you uncover your -saucepan, you place the egg in a spoon and deposit it carefully in the -saucepan, where you allow it to boil gently three minutes. Mind, three -minutes, neither more nor less: pay attention to that important detail, -for a longer time would compromise the success of your operation. There -it is!" - -The action suited the word; the three minutes were past: Valentine -took out the egg, beheaded it, sprinkled a little salt on it, and -presented it to the Ulmen with some long strips of maize bread. All -this was performed with the most imperturbable seriousness, amidst the -profound silence of the attentive crowd. The Apo-Ulmen proceeded to -taste this wonderful egg with the most deliberate gravity. An air of -doubt appeared for a second on his lips, as he raised the first mouthful -towards them; but, by degrees, the features of his broad face expanded -under the influence of joy and pleasure, and he at last exclaimed -enthusiastically,-- - -"Wah! It is good! Very good!" - -Valentine returned to his brasier with a modest smile, and set about -boiling eggs, which he distributed among the Ulmens and principal -warriors, who quickly mingled their felicitations with those of the -Apo-Ulmen. A delirious joy took possession of the poor Indians, and -Valentine could hardly keep his ground, so eagerly did they press round -him, to examine closely his mysterious mode of cooking the eggs. At -length, calm was re-established, and the curiosity of the majority was -satisfied. The Apo-Ulmen, who had not been able to make his voice heard -in the tumult, was able to restore a little order, and obtain silence. -Valentine looked at his public with an air of satisfaction. From that -moment the Indians were believers--the most incredulous were convinced, -and all awaited with impatience the continuation of his experiments. - -"Listen to me!" he continued, striking a sharp blow on the table with -the knife he held in his hand; "listen to me, but, above all, observe -closely how I proceed. A boiled egg was child's play to me, but the -omelette requires to be considered seriously, and executed with care, in -order to obtain that finish, that smoothness, flavour, and perfection -so much prized by real judges. I am about to make a bacon-omelette, and -when I name that, I name the most exquisite dish in the world! Whilst -explaining to you the manner in which you should set about it, I will -produce it: follow my reasonings closely, and observe attentively the -manner in which I mingle the various ingredients which enter into the -composition of this dish. To make a bacon omelette, I must have bacon, -eggs, salt, pepper, parsley, and some butter--there they are, as you -see, all on that table. Now I will mix them." - -Then, with incredible address, and the greatest quickness, he commenced -a monster bacon-omelette, of at least sixty eggs, while continuing his -explanation with inexpressible freedom and copiousness. The interest of -the Indians was warmly excited, their enthusiasm betraying itself by -shouts, leaps, and laughter; but it was carried to its height, and the -stamping, crying, and screaming became terrific, when the Puelches saw -Valentine seize the long handle of the frying-pan with a firm grasp, -and toss the omelette three different times into the air, without any -apparent effort, and with the style and ease of a finished cook. When -the omelette was done to the moment, the Frenchman placed it upon a -dish, taking care to double it with the talent which _cordons bleus_ -alone possess, and was then preparing to carry it smoking to the -Apo-Ulmen, but he, enticed by the flavour of the boiled egg, and with -appetite excited to the highest pitch, spared him that trouble; for -he forgot all decorum, and rushed towards the table, followed by the -principal Ulmens of the tribe. The success of the Parisian was enormous. -Never, in the history of the divine art, did a cook obtain such a -glorious triumph! Valentine, with the modesty peculiar to men of real -talent, stole away from the honours they wished to pay him, and hastened -to conceal himself with his friend in the toldo of Trangoil-Lanec. - -On the morrow of this eventful day, at the moment when the young men -were about to leave the quarters they inhabited in common, their host -presented himself, followed by Curumilla. The two chiefs saluted them, -sat down upon the beaten earth which served instead of flooring, and lit -their pipes. Louis, already accustomed to the ceremonious habits of the -Araucanos, and convinced that their friends had something of importance -to say, reseated himself, as did also his foster brother, and awaited -patiently the expected communication. When the chiefs had deliberately -smoked out their pipes, and shaken the last ashes upon their nails, -they replaced them in their belts, and, after exchanging a glance, -Trangoil-Lanec began:-- - -"Are my pale brothers still resolved to leave us?" - -"Yes," replied Louis. - -"Has Indian hospitality been wanting towards them?" - -"So far from that, chief," the young man said, warmly pressing his -hands, "you have treated us like children of your own tribe." - -"Then why leave us?" Trangoil-Lanec asked; "we know not what we lose, do -we ever know what we shall find?" - -"You are right, chief; but you know we came into this country for the -purpose of visiting Antinahuel," Louis observed. - -"And does my golden-haired brother," for so he called Valentine, -"absolutely wish to see him?" - -"Absolutely," replied the young man. - -The two chiefs exchanged a second glance. - -"He shall see him," replied Trangoil-Lanec; "Antinahuel is at his -village." - -"Good!" said Valentine. "In that case we will set out tomorrow." - -"My brothers shall not go alone." - -"What do you mean by that?" Valentine asked. - -"The Indian soil is not safe for palefaces; my brother has saved my -life, I shall follow him." - -"My brother has preserved me a friend," said Curumilla, who had till -that time preserved silence; "I shall follow him." - -"You cannot think of such a thing, chief," Valentine remarked. "We are -travellers whom chance knocks about at its pleasure; we know not what -destiny has in reserve for us, nor whither it will conduct us, after -having seen the man to whom we are sent." - -"What does it signify?" Curumilla replied; "where you go, we will go." - -The young men were greatly moved by such frank and noble devotion. - -"Oh!" Louis exclaimed, warmly, "it is impossible! your friends, your -wives, and your children." - -"Our wives and children will be taken care of by our relations until our -return." - -"My friends, my good friends," said Valentine, with emotion, "you are -wrong; we cannot impose such a sacrifice upon you, we will not consent -to it for your sake; I have already told you, we are ignorant of what -awaits us, or what we shall do; allow us to go alone." - -"We will follow our pale brothers," Trangoil-Lanec said in a tone that -admitted of no reply; "my brothers are not acquainted with the llanos; -four men are a force in the desert--two men are dead." - -The Frenchmen contested the matter no longer, they accepted the offer -of the Ulmens, and did so the more readily, because they plainly -perceived what an immense advantage these men would be to them. They -were accustomed to a life in the woods, they knew all its mysteries, -and had fathomed all its depths. The chiefs took leave of their guests, -to prepare for their departure, which was irrevocably fixed for the -next day. At sunrise, a small party, composed of Louis, Valentine, -Trangoil-Lanec, and Curumilla, all four mounted upon excellent horses of -that mixed Andalusian and Arabian breed, which the Spaniards imported -into America, and Cæsar, who trotted at their side in close file, left -the toldería, escorted by all the members of the tribe shouting: "Come -back again! come back again!--A good journey! a good journey!" - -After repeated farewells to these worthy people, the four travellers -directed their course towards the toldería of the Black-Serpents, and -soon disappeared in the numberless defiles formed by the quebradas. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -THE SUN-TIGER. - - -In the state of anarchy in which Chili was plunged at the period of our -history, the parties were numerous, and everyone was manoeuvring in the -shade, as skilfully as possible, in order to gain possession of power. -General Bustamente, as we have stated, aimed at nothing less than the -protectorate of a confederation similar to that of the United States, -which, then but little understood, dazzled his ambition. He could not -divine that those ancient outlaws, those sectarian fanatics exiled from -Europe, those thriving merchants, had already begun to dream in America -of a universal monarchy, a senseless Utopia, the application of which -will one day cost them the loss of that so-called nationality of which -they are so proud, and which, in reality, does not exist. Probably -General Bustamente did not look so far into the future, or, if he did -divine the tendencies of the Anglo-Americans, perhaps he dreamt of -himself following also that ambitious aim, as soon as his power should -repose upon solid bases. - -The Dark-Hearts, the only true patriots in this unhappy country, on -their side, wished that the government should adopt measures of a -rather democratic nature, but they had no intention to overturn it, -for they were persuaded that a revolution could only be prejudicial -to the general welfare of the nation. Beside General Bustamente and -the society of the Dark-Hearts, a third party, more powerful, perhaps, -than the two first, was at work silently, but active. This party was -represented by Antinahuel, the toqui of the most important Uthal-Mapus -of the Araucanian confederacy. We have said that from its geographical -position, this little insignificant republic is placed like a wedge -in the Chilian territory, which it separates sharply in two. This -position gave Antinahuel immense power. All Araucanos are soldiers; at -a signal from their chiefs, they take up arms, and are able, in a few -days, to get together an army of experienced warriors. The republicans -and the partizans of Bustamente were fully aware how much it was to -their interest to attach the Araucanos to their party; with the aid -of these ferocious soldiers victory would be certain. Already had the -King of Darkness and Bustamente made proposals to Antinahuel,--of -course, unknown to each other. These overtures the redoubtable toqui -had appeared to listen to, and had feigned to reply to both, for the -following reasons:-- - -Antinahuel, in addition to the hereditary hatred which his ancestors -had bequeathed to him against the white race, or perhaps on account of -that hatred, had dreamt, since he had been elected supreme chief of an -Uthal-Mapus, not only of the complete independence of his country, but -moreover of re-conquering all the territory which the Spaniards had -deprived it of; he hoped to drive them back to the other side of the -Cordilleras of the Andes, and restore to his nation the splendour it had -enjoyed before the arrival of the whites in Chili. And this patriotic -project Antinahuel was just the man to carry through. Endowed with -vast intelligence, at once daring and subtle, he allowed himself to be -stopped by no obstacle, conquered by no reverse. Almost entirely brought -up in Chili, he spoke Spanish perfectly, was thoroughly acquainted with -the manners of his enemies, and by means of numberless spies spread -everywhere, he was well informed with regard to the Chilian policy, -and of the precarious situation of those whom he wished to conquer; he -habitually took advantage of the dissensions which separated them, and -feigned to lend an ear to the propositions made to him on all parts, in -order, when the moment should arrive, to crush his enemies one after the -other, and be left alone standing. - -He wanted a plausible pretext for keeping his Uthal-Mapus under arms, -without inspiring the Chilians with mistrust: and this pretext General -Bustamente and the Dark-Hearts supplied him with by their preparations. -No one could be surprised, for this reason, at seeing, in a time -of peace, the toqui gather together a numerous army on the Chilian -frontiers, since, _in petto_, either party flattered itself that this -army was destined to aid its cause. The conduct of the toqui was, -therefore, most skilful; for he not only inspired mistrust in no one, -but, on the contrary, gave hopes to all. The position was becoming -serious; the hour for action could not long be delayed; and Antinahuel, -whose measures were all prepared, awaited impatiently the moment for -beginning the struggle. - -Things were at this point on the day when Doña Maria came to the -toldería of the Black-Serpents, to visit the friend of her childhood. As -soon as she awoke, the Linda gave orders for her departure. - -"Is my sister going to leave me already?" said Antinahuel, in a tone of -mild reproach. - -"Yes," Doña Maria replied, "my brother knows that I must reach Valdivia -as quickly as possible." - -The chief did not press her stay; a furtive smile played round his lips. -After Doña Maria was on horseback, she turned towards the toqui. - -"Did not my brother say he should be soon in Valdivia?" she asked, in a -perfectly well-played tone of indifference. - -"I shall be there as soon as my sister," he replied. - -"We shall see each other again, then?" - -"Perhaps we may." - -"We must!" - -This was said in a positive tone. - -"Very well," the chief replied, after a moment's pause; "my sister may -depart--she shall see me again." - -"Till then, farewell, then," she said, and rode away at a quick pace. - -She soon disappeared in a cloud of dust, and the chief returned -thoughtfully to his toldo. - -"Woman," he said, to his mother, "I am going to the great toldería of -the palefaces." - -"I heard everything last night," the Indian woman replied, sorrowfully; -"my son is wrong." - -"Wrong! how, or why?" he asked, passionately. - -"My son is a great chief; my sister deceives him, and makes him -subservient to her vengeance." - -"Or rather my own," he replied, in a singular tone. - -"The young white girl has a right to the protection of my son." - -"I will protect the Pearl of the Andes." - -"My son forgets that she of whom he speaks saved his life." - -"Silence, woman!" he shouted, in a passionate tone. - -The Indian woman held her peace, but sighed deeply. - -The chief summoned his mosotones, and selecting from among them a score -of warriors upon whom he could place entire reliance, ordered them to -be ready to follow him within an hour. He then threw himself upon a -bench, and sank into serious and agitating reflections. Suddenly a great -noise was heard from without, and the chief sprang from his recumbent -position, and went to the door of his toldo. He was surprised to see two -strangers, mounted upon excellent horses, and preceded by an Indian, -advancing towards him. These strangers were Valentine and Louis, who had -left their friends a short distance from the toldería. - -Valentine, on leaving the village of the Puelches, had opened the letter -addressed to himself, and placed in his hands by the major-domo, with a -recommendation not to open it till the last minute. The young man was -far from expecting the contents of this strange missive. After carefully -reading it, he communicated it to his friend, saying-- - -"Here, read this, Louis;--hem! who knows but that this singular letter -is the first step to our fortune?" - -Like all men in love, Louis was sceptical upon every subject that did -not bear some relation to his passion, and he returned the paper, -shaking his head. - -"Politics burn the fingers," he said. - -"Yes, of those who don't know how to handle them," Valentine replied, -with a shrug of the shoulders. "Now, it is my opinion that in this -country, in which it has pleased fate to drop us, the most promising -element of fortune we have at command happens to be those very politics -which you so much disdain." - -"I must confess, my friend, that I care very little for these -Dark-Hearts, of whom I know nothing, and who have done us the honour to -affiliate us." - -"I do not share your opinion at all; I believe them to be resolute, -intelligent men, and am persuaded they will, some day, gain the upper -hand." - -"Much good may it do them! But of what consequence is that to us -Frenchmen?" - -"More than you may think for; and I am determined, immediately after -my interview with this said Antinahuel, to go directly to Valdivia, in -order to be present at the meeting they appoint." - -"As you please," said the Count, carelessly. "As such is your advice, -we will go thither; only I warn you that we shall risk our heads. If we -lose them, it will be all very well; but I wash my hands of the matter -beforehand." - -"I will be prudent, caramba! My head is the only thing I can call my -own," Valentine replied, laughing, "and be assured I will not risk it -for nothing. Besides, do you not partake of my curiosity to see how -these people understand politics, and in what a fashion they set about -conspiring?" - -"Well, that may become interesting; we travel partly for instruction; -let us gain it, then, when it offers itself." - -"Bravo! that's the way in which I like to hear a man speak. Let us go -and seek the redoubtable chief to whom we have a letter to deliver." - -Trangoil-Lanec and Curumilla were too prudent to venture to let -Antinahuel know of the friendship which bound them to the two Frenchmen. -Without suspecting the reasons which induced their friends to present -themselves to the toqui, they foresaw that a day might come when it -would be advantageous that their relations should be unknown. When they -arrived, therefore, at a short distance from the toldería, the Indian -warriors remained concealed in a secluded corner, keeping Cæsar with -them, and allowing the two Frenchmen to continue their route to the -village of the Black-Serpents, with whom, in addition, they had not -lately been upon the best terms. - -The reception given to the Frenchmen was most friendly; for in time -of peace the Araucanos are exceedingly hospitable. As soon as they -perceived the strangers, they crowded round them; and as all the Indians -speak Spanish with astonishing facility, Valentine had no difficulty in -making himself understood. One warrior, more polite than the rest, took -upon himself to be their guide through the village, in which, of course, -they were at a loss. He led them to the toldo of the chief, in front of -which were drawn up twenty horsemen, armed, and apparently waiting. - -"That is Antinahuel, the great toqui of the Inapire-Mapu," said the -guide, emphatically, pointing with his finger at the chief, who at that -moment came out of his toldo, attracted by the noise. - -"Thank you," said Valentine; and the two Frenchmen advanced rapidly -towards the toqui, who, on his part, made a few steps to meet them. - -"Eh, eh!" Valentine said, in a subdued voice, to his companion; "here -is a man with a good bearing, and with a rather intelligent air for an -Indian." - -"Yes," Louis replied, in the same tone, "but he has a contracted brow, -a sinister look, and compressed lips--he inspires me with very little -confidence." - -"Bah!" said Valentine, "you are too difficult by half; did you expect to -find an Indian an Antinous or an Apollo Belvedere?" - -"No; but I should like a little more open frankness in his look." - -"Well, well, we shall see." - -"I do not know why, but that man produces the effect of a reptile upon -me; he inspires me with invincible repulsion." - -"Oh, nonsense! you are too impressionable. I am sure that the man, who, -I cannot deny, has the air of a thorough rascal, is, at bottom, one of -the best fellows in the world." - -"God grant I may be deceived! But I experience, on seeing him, a feeling -for which I cannot account; it seems as if a kind of presentiment warned -me to be on my guard against that man, and that he will be fatal to me." - -"All folly! What relations can you ever have with this individual? We -are charged with a mission to him; who knows whether we may ever see him -again? and then what interests can connect us with him hereafter?" - -"You are right; and I do not know what makes me think as I have -said; besides, we shall soon know what we have to trust to on his -account--here he is." - -The adventurers were, in fact, at that moment in front of the chief's -toldo. Antinahuel stood before them; and, although appearing to be -giving orders to his men, examined them very attentively. He stepped -towards them quickly, and, bowing with perfect politeness, said, in a -pleasant tone, and with a graceful gesture-- - -"Strangers, you are welcome to my toldo. Your presence rejoices my -heart. Condescend to pass over the threshold of this poor hut, which -will be yours as long as you deign to remain among us." - -"Thanks for the kind words of welcome you address to us, powerful -chief," Valentine replied. "The persons who sent us to you assured us of -the kind reception we might expect." - -"If the strangers come on the part of my friends, that is a further -reason why I should endeavour to make their abode here as agreeable as -my humble means will allow me." - -The two Frenchmen bowed ceremoniously, and alighted from their horses. -At a sign from the toqui, two peons led the horses away to a vast corral -behind the toldo. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -THE MATRICIDE. - - -We have repeatedly said that in times of peace the Araucanos are -exceedingly hospitable. This hospitality, which on the part of -the warriors is cordial and simple, on that of the chiefs becomes -extravagant. Antinahuel was far from being a rude Indian, attached -though he was to the customs of his fathers; and although in his heart -he hated not only the Spaniards, but indiscriminately all belonging to -the white race, the half-civilized education he had received had given -him ideas of comfort completely above Indian habits. Many of the richest -Chilian farmers would have found it impossible to display greater luxury -than he exhibited when his caprice or his interest led him to do so. -On the present occasion, he was not sorry to show strangers that the -Araucanos were not so barbarous as their arrogant neighbours wished it -to be supposed, and that they could, when necessary, rival even them. -At the first glance, Antinahuel had discovered that his guests were not -Spaniards; but, with the circumspection which forms the foundation of -the Indian character, he confined his observations to his own breast. It -was with the kindest air and in the most winning tone of voice that he -pressed them to enter his toldo. - -The Frenchmen followed him in, and with a gesture he requested them -to be seated. Peons placed a profusion of cigars and cigarettes upon -the table, near a tasty filigree brasero. In a few minutes other -peons entered with the maté, which they respectfully presented to the -chief and his guests. Then, without the silence being broken--for the -Araucanian laws of hospitality require that no question should be -addressed to strangers until they think proper to speak themselves--each -sipped the herb of Paraguay, while smoking. This preliminary operation -being gone through, Valentine rose. - -"I thank you, chief, in the name of myself and my friend, for your -cordial hospitality." - -"Hospitality is a duty which every Araucano is jealous to fulfil!" - -"But," replied Valentine, "as I have been given to understand that the -chief is about to set out on a journey, I do not wish to detain him." - -"I am at the orders of my guests; my journey is not so pressing as not -to admit of being put off for a few hours." - -"I thank the chief for his courtesy, but I hope he will soon be at -liberty." - -Antinahuel bowed. - -"A Spaniard has charged me with a letter for the chief." - -"Ah!" the toqui exclaimed, with a singular intonation, and fixing a -piercing look upon the face of the young man. - -"Yes," the Frenchman continued; "and that letter I am about to have the -honour of handing to you." - -And he put his hand to his breast, to take out the letter. - -"Stop!" said the chief, laying his hand upon his arm, as he turned -towards his servants; adding, "leave the room." The three men were left -alone. - -"Now you may give me the letter," he continued. - -The chief took it, looked carefully at the superscription, turned the -paper in all directions in his hand, and then, with some hesitation, -presented it to the young man. - -"Let my brother read it," he said; "the whites are more learned than we -poor Indians: they know everything." - -Valentine gave his countenance the most silly expression possible. - -"I cannot read this," he said, with well-assumed embarrassment. - -"Does my brother then refuse to render me this service?" the chief -pressed him. - -"I do not refuse you, chief; only I am prevented doing what you request -by a very simple reason." - -"And what is that reason?" - -"It is that my companion and I are both Frenchmen." - -"Well, and what then?" - -"We speak a little Spanish, but we cannot read it." - -"Ah!" said the chief, in a tone of doubt; but, after walking about, and -reflecting a minute, he added,--"Hem! that is possible." - -He then turned towards the two Frenchmen, who, on their part, were, in -appearance, impassive and indifferent. - -"Let my brothers wait an instant," he said; "I know a man in my tribe -who understands the marks which the whites make upon paper: I will go -and order him to translate this letter." - -The young men bowed, and the chief left the apartment. - -"Why the devil did you refuse to read the letter?" Louis asked. - -"In good truth," Valentine replied, "I can scarcely tell you why; but -what you said of the expression of this man's countenance, produced a -certain effect upon me. He inspires me with no confidence, and I am not -anxious to be the depository of secrets which he may some day reclaim in -a disagreeable manner." - -"Yes, you are right! We may, some day, congratulate ourselves upon this -circumspection. Hush! I hear footsteps." - -And the chief re-entered the room. - -"I know the contents of the letter," he said; "if my brothers see the -man who charged them with it, they will inform him that I am setting out -this very day for Valdivia." - -"We would, with pleasure, take charge of that message," replied -Valentine; "but we do not know the person who gave us the letter, and it -is more than probable we may never see him again." - -The chief darted at them a stolen and deeply suspicious glance. - -"Good! Will my brothers remain here, then?" - -"It would give us infinite pleasure to pass a few hours in the agreeable -society of the chief, but with us time presses; with his permission, we -will take our leave." - -"My brothers are perfectly free; my toldo is open for those who leave -it, as well as for those who enter it." - -The young men rose to depart. - -"In what direction are my brothers going?" - -"We are bound for Concepción." - -"Let my brothers go in peace, then! If their course lay towards -Valdivia, I would have offered to journey with them." - -"A thousand thanks, chief, for your kind offer; unfortunately we cannot -profit by it, for our road lies in a completely opposite direction." - -The three men exchanged a few more words of courtesy, and left the -toldo. The Frenchmen's horses had been brought round; they mounted, and -after having saluted the chief once more, they set off. As soon as they -were out of the village, Louis, turning to Valentine, said,-- - -"We have not an instant to lose. If we wish to reach Valdivia before -that man, we must make all speed. Who knows whether Don Tadeo may not be -awaiting our arrival impatiently?" - -They soon rejoined their friends, who looked for them anxiously, and all -four set off at full speed in the direction of Valdivia, without being -able to explain to themselves why they used such diligence. Antinahuel -accompanied his guests a few paces out of his toldo. When he had taken -leave of them, he followed them with his eyes as far as he could see -them, and when they disappeared at the extremity of the village, he -returned thoughtfully and slowly to his toldo, saying to himself,-- - -"It is evident to me that these men are deceiving me; their refusal to -read the letter was nothing but a pretext. What can be their object? Can -they be enemies? I will watch them!" - -When he arrived in front of his toldo, he found his mosotones mounted, -and awaiting his orders. - -"I must set out at once," he said; "I shall learn all yonder, and, -perhaps," he added, in a voice so low that he could hardly hear it -himself, "perhaps I shall find _her_ again. If Doña Maria breaks her -promise, and does not give her up to me, woe, woe be to her!" - -He raised his head, and saw his mother standing before him. "What do you -want, woman?" he asked, harshly; "this is not your place!" - -"My place is near you when you are suffering, my son," she mildly -replied. - -"I suffering! You are mad, mother! age has turned your brain! Go back -into the toldo, and, during my absence, keep a good watch over all that -belongs to me." - -"Are you, then, really going, my son?" - -"This moment," he said, and sprang into his saddle. - -"Where are you going?" she asked, and seized his horse's bridle. - -"What is that to you?" he replied, with an ugly glance. - -"Beware! my son; you are entering on a bad course. Guérubu, the spirit -of evil, is master of your heart." - -"I am the best and sole judge of my actions." - -"You shall not go!" she exclaimed, as she placed herself resolutely in -front of his horse. - -The Indians collected round the speakers looked on with mute terror at -this scene; they were too well acquainted with the violent and imperious -character of Antinahuel not to dread something fatal, if his mother -persisted in endeavouring to prevent his departure. - -The brows of the chief lowered--his eyes gleamed like lightning--and it -was not without a great effort that he mastered the passion boiling in -his breast. - -"I will go!" he said, in a loud voice, and trembling with rage; "I will -go, if I trample you beneath my horse's hoofs!" - -The woman clung convulsively to the saddle, and looked her son in the -face. - -"Do so," she cried; "for, by the soul of your father, who now hunts in -the blessed prairies with Pillian, I swear I will not stir, even if you -pass over my body!" - -The face of the Indian became horribly contracted; he cast around a -glance which made the hearts of the bravest tremble with fear. - -"Woman! woman!" he shouted, grinding his teeth with rage; "get out of my -way, or I shall crush you like a reed!" - -"I will not stir, I tell you!" she repeated, with wild energy. - -"Take care! take care!" he said again; "I shall forget you are my -mother!" - -"I will not stir!" - -A nervous tremor shook the limbs of the chief, who had now attained the -highest paroxysm of fury. - -"If you will have it so," he cried, in a husky, but loud voice, "your -blood be upon your own head!" - -And he dug the spurs into the sides of his horse, which plunged with -pain, and then sprung forward like an arrow, dragging along the poor -woman, whose body was soon but one huge wound. A cry of horror burst -from the quivering lips of the terrified Indians. After a few minutes -of this senseless course, during which she had left fragments of her -flesh on every sharp point of the road, the strength of the Indian woman -abandoned her; she left her hold of the bridle, and sank dying. - -"Oh!" she said, in a faint voice, and following, with a look dimmed by -agony, her son, as he was borne away like a whirlwind, "my unhappy son! -my unhappy----" - -She raised her eyes towards heaven, clasped her mangled hands, as if to -offer up a last prayer, and fell back. - -She died pitying the matricide, and pardoning him. The women of the -tribe took up the body respectfully, and carried it, weeping, into the -toldo. At the sight of the corpse, an old Indian shook his head several -times, murmuring in a prophetic tone,-- - -"Antinahuel has killed his mother! Pillian will avenge her!" - -And all bowed down their heads sorrowfully: this atrocious crime made -them dread horrible misfortunes in the future. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -THE JUSTICE OF THE DARK-HEARTS. - - -Don Tadeo and his friend Don Gregorio were introduced, after exchanging -several passwords, into a subterraneous apartment, the entrance to which -was perfectly concealed in the wall. The door closed immediately after -them; the two men turned round sharply, but all signs of an opening -had disappeared. Without taking further notice of this circumstance, -which they no doubt had expected, they cast an inquiring glance around -them, in order to obtain some knowledge of the locality. The place -was admirably chosen for a meeting of conspirators. It was an immense -apartment, which must have served for a long time as a cellar, as was -made evident by the essentially alcoholic emanations still floating in -the air; the walls were low and thick, and of a dirty red colour; a -lamp with three jets, hanging from the roof, far from dispersing the -darkness, seemed only to render it in a manner visible. In a recess -stood a table, behind which a man in a mask was seated, near to two -empty seats. Men enveloped in cloaks, and all wearing black velvet -masks, were gliding about in the darkness, silent as phantoms. - -Don Tadeo and his friend exchanged a glance, and without speaking a -word, proceeded to take their places in the empty seats. As soon as -they were seated, a change came over the meeting: the low whispering -which had been heard till that moment ceased all at once, as if by -enchantment. All the conspirators gathered in a single group in front of -the table, and with arms crossed upon their chests, waited earnestly. -The man who before the arrival of Don Tadeo had appeared to preside over -the meeting arose, and casting round a confident glance on the attentive -crowd, said-- - -"On this day the seventy-two _ventas_ of the Dark-Hearts, spread over -the territories of the republic, are assembled in council. In all of -them the taking up of arms, of which we, the _venta_ of Valdivia, will -instantly give the signal, will be decreed. Everywhere men faithful to -the good cause, true lovers of liberty, are preparing to commence the -struggle with Bustamente. Will you all, comrades, who are here present, -when the hour strikes, descend frankly and boldly into the arena? Will -you sacrifice, without reserve, your family, your fortune, and even your -life, if necessary, for the public good?" - -He ceased, and a funereal silence prevailed in the assembly. - -"Answer!" he resumed; "what will you do?" - -"We will die!" the band of conspirators murmured, like a sinister and -terrible echo. - -"That is well, my brothers," Don Tadeo said, rising suddenly. "I -expected no less from you, and I thank you. I have long known you all, -and felt that I could depend upon you--I, whom none of you know. These -masks which conceal you one from another, are but transparent gauze -for the chief of the Dark-Hearts--and I am the King of Darkness! I -have sworn that you shall live as free men, or that I will die! Before -twenty-four hours have passed away, you will hear the signal you have -so long waited for, and then will commence that terrible struggle which -can only end in the death of the tyrant; all the provinces, all the -cities, all the towns will rise _en masse_ at the same instant; courage, -then! You have only a few hours longer to suffer. The war of ambushes, -surprises, of subterranean treacheries is ended; war, frank, loyal, -open, in the face of the sun, is about to begin; let us show ourselves -what we always have been, firm in our faith, and ready to die for our -opinions! Let the chiefs of sections draw near." - -Ten men left the ranks, and placed themselves silently ten paces from -the table. - -"Let the corporal of chiefs of sections answer for all," said Don Tadeo. - -"I am the corporal," said one of the masked men; "the orders expedited -from the Quinta Verde have been executed; all the sections are warned; -they are all ready to rise at the first signal; each will take -possession of the posts that are assigned it." - -"So far well! How many men have you at your disposal?" - -"Seven thousand three hundred and seventy-seven." - -"Can you depend upon them all?" - -"No." - -"How many are there lukewarm or irresolute?" - -"Four thousand." - -"How many firm and convinced?" - -"Nearly three thousand; but for these I will be answerable." - -"That is well! we have even more than we want; the brave will attract -others. Return to your places." - -The chiefs of sections drew back, - -"Now," Don Tadeo continued, "before we separate, I have to call down -your justice upon one of our brothers, who, having entered deeply into -our secrets, has been false to the society several times for a little -gold; I have the proofs in my hands. The circumstances are of the utmost -importance; one word--a single word--may ruin our cause and us! Say, -what chastisement does this man deserve?" - -"Death!" the conspirators responded, coolly, but simultaneously. - -"I know this man," Don Tadeo continued; "let him come forth from the -ranks, and not oblige me to tear off his mask, and hurl his name in his -face." - -No one stirred. - -"This man is here--I can see him; for the last time, let him step forth, -and not crown his baseness by seeking to avoid the punishment he merits." - -The conspirators cast suspicious glances at each other; the assembly -seemed moved by an extreme anxiety; the man, however, upon whom the -King of Darkness called, persisted in remaining confounded amongst his -companions. - -Don Tadeo waited for an instant, but finding that the man whom he -summoned imagined he should remain unknown, and not be discovered -beneath his mask, he made a signal, and Don Gregorio rose and advanced -towards the group of conspirators, which opened at his approach, and -laid his hand roughly on the shoulder of a man who had instinctively -retreated before him, until the wall forced him to stop. - -"Come with me, Don Pedro," he said, and he dragged rather than led him -to the table, behind which stood Don Tadeo, calm and implacable. - -The guilty spy was seized with a convulsive trembling, his teeth -chattered, and he fell upon his knees, crying with terror: - -"Mercy, my lord, mercy!" - -Don Gregorio tore off his mask, and revealed the face of the spy, whose -features, horribly contracted by fear, and of an ashy paleness, were -really hideous. - -"Don Pedro," Don Tadeo said, in a stern voice, "you have several times -sought to sell your brothers of the society; it was you who caused -the death of the ten patriots shot upon the Place of Santiago; it was -you who betrayed the secret of the Quinta Verde to the soldiers of -Bustamente; this very day, even, scarcely two hours ago, you held a long -conversation with General Bustamente, in which you agreed to deliver up -to him tomorrow the principal chiefs of the Dark-Hearts: is that true?" - -The miserable wretch had not a word to say in his defence; confounded, -overwhelmed by the irresistible proofs accumulated against him, he hung -down his head in utter abandonment. - -"Is this true?" Don Tadeo reiterated. - -"It is true," he murmured, in a scarcely audible voice. - -"You acknowledge yourself guilty?" - -"Yes," he said, with a heart-stifling sob; "but grant me life, noble -seigneur, and I swear----" - -"Silence!" - -The spy was struck with mute despair. - -"You have heard, companions and friends, how this man confesses his own -crimes; for the last time, what punishment does he deserve for having -sold his brothers?" - -"Death!" replied the Dark-Hearts, without hesitation. - -"In the name of the Dark-Hearts, of whom I am king, I condemn you, -Don Pedro Saldillo, to death, for treachery and felony towards your -brethren. You have five minutes to make your peace with Heaven," Don -Tadeo said, sternly. - -He placed his watch upon the table, and drawing a pistol from his belt, -cocked it deliberately. The sharp noise of the hammer made the condemned -man shudder with fear. A profound silence prevailed in the vault; the -hearts of these implacable men might be heard beating in their breasts. -The spy cast around wild, despairing glances, but beheld nothing but -angry eyes gleaming upon him through hideous masks. Over the vault, in -the chingana, they continued dancing, and faint puffs of _sambacuejas_ -penetrated, at intervals, mixed with uproarious bursts of laughter, even -to the awful scene beneath. The contrast of this riotous mirth with -the terrible act of justice which was being carried out, had something -appalling in it. - -"The five minutes are past," said Don Tadeo, in a firm voice. - -"A few minutes more! a few minutes, my lord!" the spy implored, wringing -his hands in despair. "I am not prepared; you cannot kill me thus! In -the name of all you hold most dear, let me live!" - -Without appearing to hear him, Don Tadeo lifted his pistol, and the -miserable culprit rolled upon the ground, with his brains scattered -around him. - -"Oh!" he cried, as the pistol was aimed, "be accursed, ye assassins!" -His death prevented the utterance of more. - -The conspirators stood cold, impassive spectators of the scene. As soon -as the stern act of justice was completed, at a signal from the chief, -several men opened a trap in the floor which covered a hole half filled -with quick lime; the body was thrown into it, and the trap closed again. - -"Justice has been done, brothers," said Don Tadeo, solemnly; "go in -peace, the King of Darkness watches over you." - -The conspirators bowed respectfully, and disappeared one after the -other, without uttering a word. At the end of a quarter of an hour no -one remained in the vault but Don Tadeo and Don Gregorio. - -"Oh!" said Don Tadeo, "Shall we always have thus to combat treachery?" - -"Courage! my friend; you have yourself said, in a few hours war will -commence in the face of day." - -"God grant I may not be deceived! This contest in the dark makes -frightful demands upon the mind; my heart begins to fail me!" - -The two conspirators regained the chingana, in which the dancing, -laughing, and drinking were going on with undiminished spirit; they -passed through so as not to be observed, and came out into the street. -They had hardly walked fifty steps when they were joined by a man, who, -to their great surprise, proved to be Valentine Guillois. - -"God be praised for bringing you here so opportunely!" said Don Tadeo. - -"I hope I am punctual," the Parisian remarked, with a gay laugh. - -Don Tadeo pressed his hand warmly, and drew him towards his residence, -where our three personages soon arrived. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -THE TREATY OF PEACE. - - -General Bustamente had come to Valdivia under the pretence of himself -renewing the treaties which existed between the republic of Chili -and the Araucanian Confederation. This pretext was excellent in the -sense that it permitted him to concentrate a considerable force in the -provinces, and gave him, besides, a plausible reason for receiving the -most powerful Ulmens of the Indians, who would not fail to come to the -meeting, accompanied by a great number of mosotones. Every time a new -president is elected in Chili, the minister at war renews the treaties -in his name. General Bustamente had, up to this moment, neglected to do -so: he had good reasons for that.-- - -This ceremony, in which a great retinue is purposely displayed, -generally takes place in a vast plain situated upon the Araucanian -territories, and not at a great distance from Valdivia. By a curious -coincidence, the pretext of the General suited equally well the -interests of the three factions which, at this period, divided this -unhappy country. The Dark-Hearts had skilfully profited by it to prepare -the resistance they meditated, and Antinahuel, feigning to wish to -pay the greatest honours to the war minister of the President of the -republic, had collected a real army of his best warriors in the environs -of the place chosen for the solemnity. - -Such was the state of things, and of the various parties with regard to -each other, at the time we resume our narrative. The enemies were about -to come face to face; it was evident that each, being well prepared, -would endeavour to take advantage of the opportunity, and that a shock -was imminent; but how would it be brought about? Who would set fire to -the mine, and cause all those passions, those grudges, those ambitions, -so long restrained, to explode? Nobody could say! - -The plain on which the ceremony was to take place was vast, covered -with high grass, and belted by mountains verdant with lofty trees. The -plain, crossed by woods and lines of apple trees, loaded with fruit, -was divided in two by a meandering river, which flowed gently along, -balancing on its silver waters numerous troops of black-headed swans; -here and there, through the breaks of the thickets, might be seen the -pointed nose of a vicuna, which, with ear erect, and eye on the watch, -seemed to sniff the breeze, and all at once bounded away into the -distance. - -The sun was rising majestically in the horizon when a measured noise -of tinkling bells proceeded from a wood of apple trees, and a troop of -half a score mules, led by the mother mare, and driven by an arriero, -debouched into the plain. These mules carried diverse objects for an -encampment, provisions, and even some bales of clothes and linen. At -twenty paces behind the mules, came a rather numerous troop of horsemen. -When they arrived at the banks of the little river we have spoken of, -the arriero stopped his mules, and the party dismounted. In an instant -the bales were unpacked and arranged with care, so as to form a perfect -circle, in the centre of which a fire was lighted. Then a tent was -erected in this temporary camp, and the horses and mules were hobbled. - -This party, whom, no doubt, our readers have already recognized, were -Don Tadeo, his friends the Frenchmen, the Indian Ulmens, with Doña -Rosario, and three servants. By a strange coincidence, at the same time -that they were arranging their camp, another party nearly as numerous -established theirs on the opposite bank of the river, exactly in face -of them. The leader of this was Doña Maria. As frequently happens, it -had pleased chance to bring into propinquity irreconcilable enemies, who -were only separated from each other by a distance of fifty yards at the -most. But was this entirely owing to chance? - -Don Tadeo had no suspicion of this dangerous proximity, or he would -probably have done everything in his power to avoid it. He had cast a -vacant glance at the caravan opposite to him, without taking any further -heed of it, being absorbed in thoughts of the highest importance. Doña -Maria, on the contrary, knew perfectly well, what she was about, and -had placed herself where she was with the skill of an able tactician. -In the mean time, as the morning advanced, the number of travellers -kept increasing on the plain; by nine o'clock it was literally covered -with tents; a free space only being reserved around an old half ruined -chapel, in which mass was to be celebrated before the commencement of -the ceremony. - -The Puelches, who had descended from their mountains in great numbers, -had passed the night in making joyous libations around their campfires; -many of them were sleeping in a state of complete intoxication; -nevertheless, as soon as the arrival of the minister of the Chilian -republic was announced, they all sprang up tumultuously, and began to -dance, and utter cries of joy. On one side arrived General Bustamente -at a canter, surrounded by a brilliant staff, all glittering with gold -lace, and followed by a numerous troop of lancers; whilst on the other -side came, at a gallop, the four Araucano Toquis, followed by the -principal Ulmens of their nation, and a great number of mosotones. - -These two troops, which hastened to meet each other amidst the _vivas_ -and cries of joy of the crowd, raised immense clouds of dust, in which -they disappeared. The Araucanos in particular, who are excellent -jinetes, a term used in this country to designate good horsemen, -indulged in equestrian eccentricities, of which the so-much vaunted Arab -fantasias can give but a faint idea; for they are nothing in comparison -with the incredible feats performed by these men, who seem born to -manage a horse. The Chilians had a much more serious bearing, from -which they would gladly have freed themselves, if human respect had not -restrained them. - -As soon as the two troops met, the chiefs dismounted and ranged -themselves, the Ulmens, armed with their long, silver-headed canes, -behind Antinahuel, and the three other Toquis and the Chilians behind -General Bustamente. It was the first time the Tiger-Sun and the General -had met. Each of these two men, therefore, equally good politicians, -equally false and equally ambitious, and who, at the first glance, -understood one another, contemplated his rival with intense earnestness. - -After exchanging a few salutes, impressed with a rather suspicious -cordiality, the two bands retrograded from each other a few paces, to -afford room for the commissary-general and four Capitanes de Amigos. -These officers are what they call in the United States Indian agents; -they serve as interpreters and agents to the Araucanos, for trade, and -all that concerns their transactions with the Chilians. It must be -observed that all these Indians speak Spanish perfectly well; but they -never will use it in appointed meetings. These Capitanes de Amigos, who, -for the most part, are half-breeds, are much beloved and respected. -They arrived, leading a score of mules loaded with presents, destined -by the President of the Republic for the principal Ulmens. For, be it -noted, when Indians treat with Christians, they consider nothing settled -till they have received presents: it is for them a proof that the other -party does not wish to deceive them; they constitute an earnest which -they require to bind the bargain, and prove that they are treated in -good faith. The Chilians, who, unfortunately for them, had long been -accustomed to Araucanian habits, had taken good care not to forget this -important condition. - -Whilst the commissary-general was distributing the presents, General -Bustamente repaired to the chapel, where a priest, who had come -purposely from Valdivia, celebrated mass. After mass, the speeches -commenced, as soon as the minister of the republic and the four Toquis -of the Uthal-Mapus had embraced. These speeches, which were very long, -resulted in mutual assurances that they were satisfied with the peace -which reigned between the two peoples, and that they would do all in -their power to maintain it as long as possible. We think it our duty to -beg our readers to observe, in justice to the two speakers, that one was -not more sincere than the other, and that they did not mean one word -they said, since in their hearts they determined to break their promises -as soon as possible. They appeared, however, very well satisfied with -the comedy they were playing, and they terminated it by a final embrace, -more close and warm than the first, but equally false. - -"Now," said the General, "if my brothers, the great chiefs, will please -to follow me, we will plant the cross." - -"No," Antinahuel replied, with a honied smile, "the cross must not be -planted in front of the stone toldo." - -"Why not?" the General asked, with astonishment. - -"Because," the Indian replied, in a tone of decision, "the words we -have exchanged must remain buried on the spot where they have been -pronounced." - -"That is just!" said the General, bowing his head in sign of assent. "It -shall be done as my brother desires." - -Antinahuel smiled proudly. - -"Have I spoken well, powerful men?" he asked, looking at the Ulmens. - -"Our father, the Toqui of the Inapire-Mapu, has spoken well," the Ulmens -replied. - -The Indian peons then went to fetch from the chapel, upon the floor of -which it lay, a cross of at least thirty feet in height, which they -brought to the spot where the conferences had been held. All the chiefs -and the Chilian officers ranged themselves around it; the troops forming -a vast circle at a respectful distance. After the pause of an instant, -of which the priest took advantage to bless the cross with that off-hand -carelessness which distinguishes the Spanish clergy in America, it was -planted in the ground. At the moment it was about to gain its upright -position, Antinahuel interposed. - -"Stop!" he said to the Indians armed with spades; and turning towards -the General, "Peace is well assured between us, is it not?" he asked. - -"Yes, certainly," the General replied. - -"All our words are buried under this cross?" - -"All of them." - -"Cover them with earth then," he said to the peons, "that they may not -escape, and that war may not be rekindled between us." - -"When this ceremony was accomplished, Antinahuel caused a young lamb to -be brought, which the machi slaughtered near the cross. All the Indian -chiefs bathed their hands in the still warm blood of the quivering -animal, and daubed the cross with hieroglyphic signs, destined to keep -away Guécubu, the genius of evil, and prevent the words from escaping -from the spot in which they were buried. In conclusion, the Araucans -and the Chilians discharged their firearms in the air, and the ceremony -was ended. General Bustamente then coming up to the Toqui of the -Inapire-Mapu, passed his arm through the chiefs in a friendly manner, -saying in an ingratiating tone-- - -"Will not my brother, Antinahuel, come for an instant in my tent, to -taste a glass of aguardiente de Pisco and take maté?--he would render -his friend happy." - -"Why should I not?" the chief replied, smiling, and in the most -good-humoured tone. - -"My brother will accompany me!" - -"Lead on, then." - -Both moved off, chatting upon indifferent subjects, directing their -course towards the General's tent, which had been pitched within gunshot -of the place where the ceremony had taken place. The General had given -his orders beforehand, so that everything was prepared to receive the -guest he brought with him magnificently, as for the success of his -projects he had so great an interest in pleasing him. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -THE ABDUCTION. - - -Whilst the ceremony we have described was being accomplished, a terrible -event was passing not far from it, on the banks of the river, in the -camp of Don Tadeo de Leon. The three parties which divided Chili, and -aimed at governing it, had, as if of one accord, chosen the day for the -renewal of the treaty to throw off the mask and give their partisans the -signal of revolt. Don Tadeo, who feared everything from Doña Maria and -the General's spies, had consented, but with regret, that Rosario should -accompany him to the plain, to be present at the ceremony; he had taken -her from the convent, and brought the young girl with him, inwardly -pleased that she would thus not be in Valdivia during the serious events -that were there preparing. - -Doña Rosario, to tell the truth, had only consulted her love in the -request she had made of her guardian; the desire of seeing unobserved, -for a few hours, the object of her affections, had dictated it. Don -Tadeo, who could not on any account be present at the ceremony, being -obliged to conceal himself, took the two young Frenchmen aside as soon -as his little encampment was arranged. It was then about seven o'clock -in the morning, and the crowd began to flock to the plain. The King of -Darkness cast a prudent and searching look around, but, reassured by the -complete solitude that prevailed, he at length decided upon explaining -to the young men, who were astonished at this strange proceeding, all -that appeared so unusual and inconsistent in his conduct. - -"Caballeros," he said, "since I have had the honour of knowing you, I -have concealed nothing from you, and you know all my secrets; this day -must decide the question of life or death to which, from my boyhood, -I have devoted all the energies of my mind. I must leave this spot -instantly, and return to Valdivia. It is in that city that the first -blow will be struck, within a few hours, against the tyrant, and the -struggle I expect will be terrible. I am not willing to expose the -young lady whom you know, and whose life you have already saved, to the -chances of it. I confide the care of her to one of you, the other will -accompany me to the city. In the event of any fatal mischance happening -to me, I will place in his hands a paper, which will inform you both of -my intentions, and of what I wish you to do with that poor child, who is -all I hold dear on earth, and whom I leave with the greatest pain. Which -of you, gentlemen, will take charge of Doña Rosario during my absence?" - -"Be at ease, Don Tadeo, go where your duty calls you," Louis answered, -in a solemn but agitated tone; "I swear that while I live no danger, -either near or distant, shall assail her; to reach her it must pass over -my dead body." - -"Receive my warmest thanks, Don Louis," the Dark-Heart replied, somewhat -surprised, and yet affected by the manner of the Frenchman; "I place -implicit faith in your words; I know you will keep your vow at all -risks; besides, in a few hours I hope I shall be back, and here she can -have nothing to dread." - -"I will watch over her," the young man said, quietly. - -"Once again I thank you." - -Don Tadeo left the young men, and returned to the tent where Doña -Rosario, reclining in a hammock, was gently swinging herself, and -indulging in perhaps pleasing reveries. On seeing her guardian, she -sprang up eagerly. - -"Do not disturb yourself, my child," said Don Tadeo, putting her back -with a gentle hand, "I have but two words to say to you." - -"I am always attentive to you, my kind friend." - -"I have come to bid you farewell." - -"Farewell, Don Tadeo!" she exclaimed, in great terror. - -"Oh! comfort yourself, timid darling! only for a few hours." - -"Ah! that is all!" she said, with a smile of satisfaction. - -"Certainly, all! There is in this neighbourhood an exceedingly curious -grotto. I was foolish enough to let some words slip concerning it this -morning before Don Valentine, and that demon of a Frenchman," he added, -with a smile, "insists upon my showing it to him; so that, in order to -get rid of his importunities, I have been obliged to comply." - -"You have done quite right," she said, eagerly; "we are under great -obligations to those two French caballeros, and what he asked is such a -trifle!" - -"That it would have been uncourteous on my part to refuse him," Don -Tadeo interrupted, "therefore I have not. We shall set off directly, -in order to be the sooner back. Be as cheerful as you can during our -absence, dear child." - -"I will endeavour," she said, absently. - -"Besides, I shall leave Don Louis to take care of you; you can chat -together, and the time will quickly pass away." - -The young girl blushed as she stammered--"Come back soon, dear friend." - -"Time to go and return, that is all; adieu, then, darling!" - -Don Tadeo left the tent, and rejoined the young men. - -"Adieu, Don Louis!" he said. "Are you ready, Don Valentine?" - -"Ready!" the Frenchman replied, laughing; "Caramba! I should be in -despair at losing such an opportunity of judging whether you understand -getting up revolutions as well as we Frenchmen do." - -"Oh! We are but young at the work yet," Don Tadeo remarked; "and yet we -begin to have some idea of the matter, I assure you." - -"Good-bye, Louis, for a time," said Valentine, pressing his friend's -hand; and stooping towards his ear, he added--"Be thankful to your -stars, do you not see that Heaven protects your love?" The young man -only replied by shaking his head despondingly, and sighing deeply. A -peon had brought the horses for the two Chilians and the Frenchman, -and they were soon in the saddle. They set off at a quick pace, and -were quickly lost in the high grass and the windings of the road. Louis -returned pensively to the camp, where he found Doña Rosario alone in her -tent; the two Indian chiefs, attracted by curiosity, having gone in the -direction of the chapel, where, mingled with the crowd, they might be -present at the ceremony. The arrieros and the peons had not been long in -following their example. - -The young girl was seated on a heap of dyed sheepskins in front of -the tent, dreamily looking at, but without seeing, the clouds which -were driven across the heavens by a strong breeze. Doña Rosario was -a charming girl of sixteen, slender, fragile, and delicate, small in -person, whose least gestures and least movements possessed inexpressible -attractions. Of a rare kind of beauty in America, she was fair; her -long silky hair was of the colour of ripe golden corn; her blue eyes, -in which were reflected the azure of the heavens, had that melancholy, -dreamy expression which we attribute only to angels, and young girls who -are beginning to love; her nose, with its pinky nostrils, was inclined -to be aquiline; while her mouth, rather serious, with rosy lips set -off by teeth of dazzling whiteness, and her skin of pearl-like purity, -altogether made her a charming creature. - -The noise of the approaching young man's steps roused her from her -reverie. She turned her head in the direction, and looked at him with -inexpressible sadness, although a faint smile played upon her lips. - -"It is I," said the Count, in a low, inarticulate voice, bowing -respectfully. - -"I knew of your coming," she replied, in a sweetly-toned voice. "Oh! why -did you return to me at all?" - -"Be not angry with me for drawing near you once more. I endeavoured to -obey you; I left the spot you resided in, without, alas! even the hope -of seeing you again; but destiny has decided otherwise." - -She gave him a long and eloquent look. - -"Unfortunately," he continued, with a melancholy smile, "you are -condemned for some hours to endure my presence." - -"I must resign myself to it," she said, extending her hand to him -cordially. - -The young man imprinted a burning kiss upon the white, soft hand he held. - -"And so we are left alone!" she said gaily, but withdrawing her hand. - -"Good heavens! yes, nearly so," he replied, falling in with her humour. -"The Indian chiefs and the peons, overcome by curiosity, have joined the -crowds, and kindly procured us a _tête-à-tête_." - -"In the midst of ten thousand people!" she said, smiling. - -"That is all the better; everyone is engaged with his own affairs, -without troubling himself about those of others; and we can speak to -each other without the fear of being interrupted by importunate persons." - -"True," she said, thoughtfully; "it is frequently amidst a crowd that we -find the greatest solitude." - -"Does not the heart possess that great faculty of being able to isolate -itself when it pleases--to fold itself, as it were, within itself?" - -"And is not that faculty often a misfortune?" - -"Perhaps it is," he replied, with a sigh. - -"But how comes it?" she said, with a half-smiling air, in order to -change the conversation, which was becoming a little too serious. -"Pardon my giddy impertinence! How comes it, I say, that you, of whom I -sometimes caught a glimpse at Paris, during my short sojourn there, and -who then enjoyed, if I was not mistaken, a brilliant position, should -meet me here so far from your country?" - -"Alas! madam, my history is that of many young men, and may be summed up -in two words--weakness and ignorance." - -"That is but too true; that is the history of nearly all the world, in -Europe as well as in America." - -At this moment a great noise reached them from the camp. Doña Rosario -and the Count were placed so as not to be able to see what was passing -in the plain. - -"What is that noise?" she asked. - -"Probably the tumult of the festival which reaches us: should you like -to be present at this ceremony?" - -"To what purpose? Those cries and that tumult terrify me." - -"And yet, I thought it was you who asked Don Tadeo to see this." - -"A silly girl's caprice," she said, "which passed away as soon as -conceived." - -"But was it not Don Tadeo's intention to----" - -"Who can tell Don Tadeo's intention?" she interrupted, with a sigh. - -"He appears to love you tenderly?" Louis hazarded, timidly. - -"Sometimes I am on the point of believing so; he pays me the most -delicate attentions, shews me the tenderest care; then at other times he -appears to endure me with, pain--he repulses me--my caresses annoy him." - -"Singular conduct!" the Count observed; "this gentleman is your -relation, there can be no doubt." - -"I do not know," she replied ingenuously; "when alone and pensive, my -thoughts stray back to my early years. I have some vague remembrance of -a young and handsome woman, whose black eyes smiled upon me constantly, -and whose rosy lips lavished affectionate kisses upon me; and then, all -at once, a complete darkness comes over my brain, and memory entirely -fails me. As far back as I can recollect, I find nobody but Don Tadeo -watching over me, everywhere and always, as a father would do over his -daughter." - -"Perhaps, then," said the Count, "he is your father." - -"Listen. One day, after a long and dangerous illness which I had just -gone through, and in which Don Tadeo had night and day watched over -my pillow for more than a month, happy at seeing me restored to life, -for he had been fearful he should lose me, he smiled upon me tenderly, -kissed my brow and my hands, and appeared to experience the most -lively joy. 'Oh!' I said, as a sudden thought rushed across my mind; -'oh! you are my father! None but a father could devote himself with -such abnegation for his child!' and throwing my arms round his neck, -I concealed my tear-laden face on his chest. Don Tadeo arose, his -countenance was lividly pale, his features were frightfully contracted; -he repulsed me roughly, and strode hastily about the chamber. I Your -father! I! Doña Rosario!' he cried, in a husky voice, 'you are a silly, -poor child! Never repeat those words again; your father is dead, and -your mother, likewise, long, long ago. I am not your father--never -repeat that word--I am only your friend. Yes, your father, at the point -of death, confided you to my care, and that is why I am bringing you up, -that is why I watch over you; as to me, I am not even your relation!' -His agitation was extreme; he said many other things which I do not now -remember, and then he left me. Alas! from that day I have never ventured -to ask him for any account of my family." - -A silence ensued; the two young people were pensively thoughtful: the -simple and touching recital of Doña Rosario had strongly affected the -Count. At length he said, in a tremulous voice,-- - -"Let _me_ love you, Doña Rosario!" - -The maiden sighed. - -"To what could that love lead, Don Louis?" she said sadly,--"to death, -perhaps!" - -"Oh!" he exclaimed madly; "and it would be welcome, if it came in your -defence!" - -At this very instant, several individuals rushed into the tent, uttering -discordant cries. Quick as thought, the Count threw himself before the -young girl, a pistol in each hand. But, as if Heaven had decreed that he -should accomplish the wish he had just uttered, before he had time to -defend himself, he was struck to the earth, stabbed by several machetes. -In falling, he saw, as if in a dream, Doña Rosario seized by two -individuals, who fled away with her in their arms. With an incredible -effort, the young man succeeded in getting on his knees, and afterwards -in rising altogether. He beheld the ravishers hastening towards their -horses, which were being held at a short distance by an Indian. He -took aim at the flying wretches, crying, with a faint voice, "Murder! -Murder!" and fired. - -One of the ravishers fell, uttering an imprecation of rage. The Count, -exhausted by the superhuman effort he had made, staggered like a drunken -man; the blood gushed from his ears, his sight grew dim, and he rolled -senseless upon the ground. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX. - -THE PROTEST. - - -The three travellers returned with such speed to Valdivia, that it -scarcely took them an hour and a half to traverse the distance which -divided the plain from the city. They passed on their way General -Don Pancho Bustamente, at the head of a detachment of lanceros, and -attended by a numerous staff; but the Dark-Hearts, employing their usual -precautions, escaped notice. Don Tadeo cast an ironical glance at his -enemy. - -"Look," he said, with a somewhat malignant smile, to Don Gregorio, -"at our worthy general; he fancies himself already protector. What a -majestic bearing he affects!" - -"Yes," said Don Gregorio, with the same expression; "but between the cup -and the lip he may find there is room for a mischance." - -It was striking ten as they entered Valdivia. The city was almost -deserted: for all who were not detained at home by urgent business had -gone to the plain, to be present at the renewal of the treaties between -the Chilians and the Araucanos. This ceremony strongly interested the -inhabitants of the province: it was for them a guarantee of tranquillity -for the future; that is to say, the liberty of carrying on with safety -their commercial transactions with the Indians. More than all the other -provinces of Chili, Valdivia had cause to dread hostilities with its -redoubtable neighbours. Separated entirely from the territory of the -republic, when left to its own resources, the least movement among -the Moluchos annihilated its commerce. If the inhabitants appeared to -have emigrated for a time, it was not the same with the soldiers; the -numerous garrison, composed--a thing unheard of in time of peace--of -fifteen hundred men, had been still further increased within the last -two days, principally in the course of the preceding night, by two -regiments of cavalry, and a battery of artillery. - -For what purpose was this calling together of forces, which nothing -appeared to justify? The few inhabitants who remained in the city -experienced a vague uneasiness on this head, for which they could not -account. There is a singular fact that we wish to point out here, but -which we by no means take upon ourselves to explain, because it has -always seemed to us inexplicable. When a great event, whatever it may -be, is about to be accomplished in a country, a vague presentiment -seems to warn the inhabitants; men and things assume an unusual aspect; -nature itself, associating with this disposition of men's minds, grows -sensibly darker; a magnetic fluid rushes through the veins; a painful -pressure weighs upon every breast; the atmosphere becomes heavy; the -sun loses its brilliancy; and people only communicate their impressions -to each other in a suppressed voice; in short, there is in the air -something incomprehensible, but I know not what, which says to man in -a dismal tone, "Beware! a catastrophe threatens thee!" And this fatal -presentiment is so general, that when the event takes place, and the -crisis is over, every one instinctively cries, "I felt it!" And yet no -one could say why he foresaw the cataclysm. - -It is the sentiment of self-preservation which God has placed in the -heart of man--that sentiment which constitutes his safeguard, and is -so strong, that when danger approaches him, it cries to him, "Beware!" -Valdivia was at this moment oppressed by the weight of an unknown -apprehension. The few citizens who remained in the city hastened to -regain their homes. Numerous patrols of cavalry and infantry traversed -the streets in all directions; cannon rolled along with portentous -noise, and were planted at the comers of all the principal places. At -the cabildo a crowd of officers and soldiers went in and out with a -busy air; couriers succeeded each other unceasingly, and after having -delivered the orders with which they were charged, set off again at full -speed. - -At the same time, at the corners of streets, men wrapped in large -cloaks, and with hats pulled down over their eyes, harangued the workmen -and the sailors of the port, and formed groups, which every instant -became more numerous. In these groups, arms, gun barrels, bayonets, -and pike heads began to glitter in the sun. When these mysterious men -were satisfied that they had accomplished their task in one place, they -went to another. Immediately after their departure, as if by magic, -barricades were raised behind them, and impeded the passage. As soon as -a barricade was terminated, an energetic-looking sentinel, a workman -with bare arms, but with a callous hand, brandishing a gun, an axe, or -a sabre, placed himself at its summit, and bade all who approached go -another way. - -On entering the city, Don Tadeo and his companions found themselves -completely barricaded. Don Tadeo smiled triumphantly. The three men -cleared the barricades, which were thrown open at their approach, and -the sentinels bowed to them as they passed. We have forgotten to say -that all three were masked. There was something striking in the march -of these three phantoms, before whom all obstacles gave way. If now and -then a stray citizen ventured to ask timidly who those three masked -men were, he received for answer, "It is the King of Darkness and his -lieutenants;" and the citizen, trembling with fear, crossed himself, and -went his way hastily. - -The three men thus arrived at the entrance of the Plaza Mayor. There -two pieces of mounted cannon barred their passage, and the artillerymen -were at their guns waiting, match in hand. At a sign from Don Tadeo, the -officer who commanded approached him. He leant down upon the neck of his -horse and said a few words to the officer in a whisper; the latter bowed -respectfully, and, turning to his soldiers, said-- - -"Let these gentlemen pass." - -In all the cities of Spanish America there is a monumental fountain in -the centre of the Plaza Mayor. It was towards this fountain that Don -Tadeo conducted his companions. A hundred individuals, scattered here -and there, and who appeared to expect him, drew together at his approach. - -"Well," Don Tadeo asked Valentine, "how do you like our ride?" - -"Delightful," the other replied, "only I fancy we shall shortly come to -blows, and hear the hissing of bullets." - -"I hope so," said the conspirator, coolly. - -"Ah! ah!" the young man remarked, "all is for the best, then?" - -"You are about to be present at a very interesting spectacle." - -"Oh! I depend upon you for that. For my part, I am glad at not having -lost such an opportunity." - -"Is it not one?" - -"Pardieu!--yes. It is astonishing how travelling instructs one," he -added, in the form of a parenthesis. - -The individuals assembled near the fountain surrounded them with -every mark of the profoundest respect. These were the faithful--the -Dark-Hearts--upon whom perfect dependence was to be placed. - -"Gentlemen," said Don Tadeo, "the struggle is about to commence. I -desire at length that you should know me, that you should be informed -who the man is who commands you." - -And he threw off his mask. A burst of enthusiasm broke from the ranks -of the conspirators. "Don Tadeo de Leon!" they cried with astonishment, -mingled with a species of veneration for the man who had suffered so -much for the common cause. - -"Yes, gentlemen," Don Tadeo replied, "the man whom the creatures of the -tyrant condemned to death, and whom God has miraculously preserved, in -order to be the instrument of His vengeance today." - -All the conspirators pressed tumultuously round him. These men of -spontaneous impressions, and essentially superstitious, no longer -doubted of victory, since they had at their head the man whom God, as -they believed, had so manifestly protected. Don Tadeo had calculated -upon this manifestation to heighten the ardour of the conspirators, -and to augment still further the prestige he enjoyed. The result had -answered his expectations. - -"Is everyone at his post?" he asked. - -"Yes." - -"Are arms and ammunition distributed?" - -"To everybody." - -"Are all the barricades completed?--all the gates of the city guarded?" - -"All." - -"That is well. Now wait." - -And quiet was re-established. - -All these men had known Don Tadeo for a long time; they appreciated his -character at its true value; they had already vowed to him a boundless -friendship; and now they knew that Don Tadeo and the King of Darkness -were the same person, they were ready to lay down their lives for him. -The news of the revelation which had been made near the fountain spread -through the city with the rapidity of a train of gunpowder, and added -greatly to the fermentation which already prevailed. Whilst the few -words were being exchanged between the chief of the conspirators and -his party, a regiment of infantry had formed in front of the cabildo, -flanked right and left by two squadrons of horse. - -"Attention!" Don Tadeo commanded. - -A sensation of impatience pervaded the men grouped around him. - -"Eh! eh!" Valentine murmured, with that mocking, short laugh that was -peculiar to him; "this is going on capitally! Caramba! we shall soon -have some fun!" - -The gates of the cabildo were thrown open violently, and a general, -followed by a brilliant staff, took his station on the top step of the -great staircase; next several senators made their appearance in full -costume, and formed a group round him. At a signal from the general, the -drums beat for a time, to secure attention and silence. When all was -quiet, a senator, who held a roll of paper in his hand, came forward a -few steps, and prepared to read. - -"Bah!" said the General, seizing his arm, "Why lose your time in reading -that rubbish? Leave it to me." - -The senator, who asked no better than to be freed from the dangerous -commission with which, very much against his will, he had been charged, -rolled up his papers, and retreated to the rear. The general assumed a -commanding posture, placed his hand upon his hip, with the point of his -sword on the ground, and said in a voice audible in every corner of the -place-- - -"People of the province of Valdivia, the sovereign senate, assembled -in congress at Santiago de Chili, has unanimously passed the following -resolutions:-- - -"1st. The various provinces of the Chilian republic shall be composed of -independent states united under the title of the Confederation of the -United States of South America. - -"2nd. The valiant and most excellent general, Don Pancho Bustamente, has -been elected Protector of the Chilian Confederation." - -"People, cry with me--'Long live the Protector Don Pancho Bustamente!'" - -The officers grouped round the General, and the soldiers drawn up in the -place, shouted-- - -"Long live the Protector!" - -But the people were mute. - -"Hum!" the general murmured to himself; "they do not display much -enthusiasm." - -A man came forward from the group collected round the fountain, and -advanced boldly to within twenty paces of the soldiers. This man was -Don Tadeo de Leon; his countenance was calm and his bearing firm and -collected. He made a sign with his hand. - -"What is your will?" the general shouted. - -"To reply to your proclamation," the King of Darkness said, intrepidly. - -"Speak! I hear you," the general replied. - -Don Tadeo bowed with a significant smile. - -"In the name of the Chilian people," he said, in a loud, clear voice, -"the senate of Santiago de Chili, composed of creatures sold to the -tyrant, is declared traitorous to its country." - -"Miserable fellow! what do you dare to say?" the General cried, angrily. - -"No insults, if you please! Allow me to terminate the answer I have to -give you," Don Tadeo replied, coolly. - -The General, involuntarily brow-beaten by the heroic courage of this -man, who, alone, unarmed before a triple row of muskets ready to be -directed towards his breast, had dared to speak in this loud, firm -tone, and overcome by that ascendancy which a great character always -exercises, bit the pommel of his sword with rage. - -"In the name of the people," Don Tadeo, still calm and stoical, -continued, "Don Pancho Bustamente is declared a traitor to his country, -and as such is degraded from his titles and his power. Liberty! Chili!" - -"Liberty! Chili!" the populace assembled on the square shouted with the -greatest enthusiasm. - -"Oh, this is too audacious!" the General cried, pale with anger. -"Soldiers, seize that rebel!" - -Several soldiers stepped forward; but, quicker than thought, Don -Gregorio and Valentine had sprung to Don Tadeo's side, and dragged him -back with them among the people. - -"Cordieu!" cried Valentine, pressing his hands enough to crush them, -"you are a troublesome man! but I love you the better for it." - -The General, outrageous at seeing his enemy escape, shouted silence. "In -the name of the Protector," he said, "I command that rebel to be given -up!" - -Hisses and hootings were the only reply. - -"Fire!" the General commanded, who, even before the last insulting -manifestation, had perceived that no half measures were possible. The -muskets were lowered, and a formidable discharge pealed like thunder. -Several men fell, killed or wounded. - -"Chili! Liberty! down with the oppressor!" the people shouted, arming -themselves with everything they could lay their hands on. A second -discharge resounded, followed closely by a third. The ground was, in an -instant, strewed with the dead and dying; but the patriots showed no -disposition to disperse; on the contrary, under the incessant fire of -the soldiers, they organized a resistance, and soon replied by a few -shots to the incessant platoon firing which was decimating them. The -combat became mutual; the revolution had commenced. - -"Hum!" the General muttered to himself, "I have undertaken a rather -awkward mission." - -But, essentially a soldier, and endowed to the highest degree with that -spirit of passive obedience which distinguishes all who have grown old -in harness, he prepared either to chastise the insurgents severely, or -die at his post. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI. - -SPANIARD AND INDIAN. - - -It was not, as may well be believed, through fear, that General -Bustamente had absented himself from Valdivia at the moment when one -of his lieutenants so boldly proclaimed him from the top of the steps -of the cabildo, before the populace. No, General Bustamente was one -of those soldiers of fortune of whom so many are found in America, -accustomed to set his life upon a cast of the die, and to be turned -aside by nothing in the world from the accomplishment of his projects. -He had hoped, by the means of the forces he had concentrated in this -remote province of the republic, that the inhabitants, taken unawares, -would only offer an insignificant resistance, and that he should be -able, by joining his troops with those of Antinahuel, to make a forced -march through Araucania, gain possession of Concepción, and thence, -keeping the gathering snowball in motion, and dragging his companions -after him, arrive at Santiago in time to prevent any movement, and -oblige the inhabitants to capitulate and accept, as an accomplished -fact, the change of government inaugurated by him in the distant -provinces of the republic. - -This plan was not deficient in audacity, or even in a certain degree of -policy; it comprised great chances of success. Unfortunately for General -Bustamente, the Dark-Hearts, whose spies were everywhere, had got wind -of this project, and had countermined it by taking advantage of the -opportunity offered them by their enemy to unmask their own batteries. -We have seen under what conditions the struggle between the two parties -had commenced in Valdivia. The General, who was ignorant of what was -passing, felt in a state of perfect security. As soon as he was in his -tent with Antinahuel, he let fall the curtain which closed it behind -them, and, by a gesture, invited the toqui to be seated. - -"Sit down, chief," he said, "I have something to say to you." - -"I am at the orders of my white brother," the Indian replied, with a bow. - -The General attentively examined the man before him; he endeavoured to -read on his countenance the various feelings that acted upon him; but -the features of the Indian were marble; no impression was reflected by -them. - -"Let us speak frankly, loyally, and as friends who wish no better than -to understand each other plainly," he said. - -Antinahuel bowed reservedly to this appeal to frankness, and the General -continued-- - -"At this moment the people of Valdivia are constituting me, by -acclamation, protector of a new confederation, formed of all the states." - -"Good!" said the chief, with an almost imperceptible shake of the head; -"is my father sure of that?" - -"Certainly I am. The Chilians are tired of the continual agitations -which disturb the country; they have forced this heavy burden upon me; -but I owe myself to my country, and I will not disappoint the hopes my -compatriots place in me." - -These words were pronounced in a hypocritical tone of self-denial, of -which the Indian was not in the least the dupe. A smile flitted across -the lips of the chief, which the General affected not to perceive. - -"To be brief," he continued, quitting the mild, conciliatory tone in -which he had till that time spoken, to assume a more decided and abrupt -manner, "are you prepared to keep your engagements?" - -"Why should I not keep them?" Antinahuel remarked. - -"Will you march with me to assure the success of my projects?" - -"Let my father order, I will obey." - -This readiness was displeasing to the General. - -"Come," he said, angrily, "let us put an end to this; I have not time to -enter into a contest of wits with you, or follow you through a labyrinth -of Indian circumlocutions." - -"I do not understand my father," Antinahuel replied, impassively. - -"We shall never get to the end, chief," the General said, stamping his -foot, "if you will not answer me categorically." - -"I listen to my father; let him ask, I will reply." - -"How many men can you have under arms within twenty-four hours?" - -"Ten thousand," the chief said, drawing himself up proudly. - -"All experienced warriors?" - -"All." - -"What do you require of me for them?" - -"My father knows." - -"I accept of all your conditions but one." - -"Which is that?" - -"The surrender of the province of Valdivia to you." - -"Is not my father going to make up for that province on another side?" - -"How so?" - -"Am I not to assist my father in conquering Bolivia?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, then?" - -"You are mistaken, chief, it is not the same thing; I may enlarge the -Chilian territory, but honour forbids me to diminish it." - -"Let my father reflect; the province of Valdivia was anciently an -Araucanian Uthal-Mapus." - -"Very possibly, chief; but, according to that principle, all Chili was -Araucanian previous to the discovery of America." - -"My father is mistaken; the Inca Sinchiroca had, a hundred years before, -conquered the Chilian land as far as the Rio-Maulé." - -"You seem to be well acquainted with the history of your country, -chief," the General observed. - -"Does not my father know the history of his?" - -"That is not the question, now; do you accept my proposals or not?" - -The chief appeared to reflect for an instant. - -"Well!" the General exclaimed, impatiently, "time presses." - -"That is true; I will, therefore, go and command a council, composed -of the Apo-Ulmens and Ulmens of my nation, and submit the words of my -father to them." - -The General with difficulty suppressed an expression of anger. - -"You must, doubtless, be joking, chief," he said--"your words cannot be -serious." - -"Antinahuel is the first toqui of his nation," the Indian replied, -haughtily; "he never jokes." - -"But you must give me your answer now--at once--in a few minutes!" cried -the General; "who knows whether we may not be obliged to march within an -hour from this time?" - -"It is my duty, as much as it is my father's, to enlarge the territory -of my people." - -At this moment the gallop of a horse was heard approaching; the General -flew to the entrance of the tent, where an orderly officer appeared. The -face of this officer was bathed with perspiration, and spots of blood -stained his uniform. - -"General!" he said breathlessly. - -"Silence!" the latter hissed, pointing to the chief, who, though -apparently indifferent, followed all his movements attentively. The -General turned towards Antinahuel. - -"Chief," he said, "I have orders to give to this officer--pressing -orders; if you will permit me, we will resume our conversation -presently." - -"Good!" replied the chief; "my father need not inconvenience himself; I -can wait." - -And after bowing, he left the tent slowly. - -"Oh!" said the General to himself, "you demon! if, some day, I have you -in my power!" - -But perceiving that anger was making him forget himself, he turned -towards the officer, who stood motionless: - -"Well, Diego," he said, "what news have you?--are we conquerors?" - -"No," the officer replied, shaking his head; "the people, excited by -those incarnate demons, the Dark-Hearts, have rebelled." - -"Oh!" the General cried, "shall I never be able to crush them? What has -taken place?" - -"The people have raised barricades; and Don Tadeo de Leon is at the head -of the movement." - -"Don Tadeo de Leon!" said the General. - -"Yes, he who was so clumsily shot." - -"Oh! this is war to the death then!" - -"A part of the troops, seduced by their officers, who have sold -themselves to the Dark-Hearts, have passed over to their side; at -this moment they are fighting in all the streets with the fiercest -inveteracy. I had to pass through a shower of bullets to come and inform -you." - -"We have not an instant to lose." - -"No; for though the soldiers who have remained faithful to you are -fighting like lions, I can assure you they are closely pressed." - -"Maldición!" the General howled; "I will not leave stone upon stone of -that accursed city!" - -"Yes, but, in the first place, we must reconquer it, General, and that -will prove rather a rough job, I promise you," replied the old soldier, -who had preserved his blunt speech throughout. - -"Very well!" said Bustamente; "let 'boot and saddle' be sounded, and -every horseman take a foot soldier behind him." - -Don Pancho Bustamente was a prey to the most violent rage; for several -instants he stamped about his tent, like a wild beast in its cage. This -unexpected resistance, in spite of all the measures of precaution he had -taken, exasperated him. Suddenly the curtain of his tent was raised. -"Who is there?" he cried. "Ah! chief, is that you? Well, what do you -say?" - -"I saw the chief come out, and I thought that perhaps my father would -not be sorry to see me," the other replied, courteously. - -"And you were right; I am delighted to see you; forget all we have said, -chief; I accept all your conditions; are you satisfied, this time?" - -"Yes. Including Valdivia?" - -"That above all!" said the General, with concentrated rage. - -"Ah!" - -"Yes, and as that province has revolted, in order to be able to give it -to you, I must bring it back to its duty, must I not?" - -"To be sure you must!" - -"Well, as I have it at my heart to fulfil all my engagements to you, -I am going instantly to march against that city; will you help me to -subdue it?" - -"That will be but just, as I shall labour for myself." - -"How many horsemen have you at hand?" - -"Twelve hundred." - -"Good!" said the General, "they will be more than we shall want." - -"The troops are ready," said Diego, entering the tent, "and only await -your Excellency's orders." - -"To saddle, then; let us be gone! let us be gone! And you, chief, will -you not accompany us?" - -"Let my father move onward! my mosotones and I will tread in his steps -quickly." - -Ten minutes later, General Bustamente, with his soldiers, was again -galloping along the road to Valdivia. Antinahuel followed him with his -eyes attentively; then he rejoined his Ulmens, saying between his teeth, -"Let us leave these Moro-Huincas to slaughter each other a little while; -it will always be time enough to fall into the party." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII. - -IN THE MOUNTAIN. - - -Doña Rosario was so terrified, and such mortal anguish assailed her -on beholding the Count fall under the knives of the assassins, that -she fainted. When she recovered her senses, it was dark night. For -several minutes her confused thoughts whirled about in her brain; and -she endeavoured, but for a long time in vain, to recover the violently -broken thread of her ideas. At length light returned to her mind; she -breathed a deep sigh, and murmured in a low voice full of terror: - -"My God! my God! what has happened to me?" - -She then opened her eyes, and cast around a despairing look. We have -said it was a dark night; but what made the darkness more complete -for the poor girl, was a heavy covering of some kind which was spread -over her face, as well as her person. Then, with that patience which -characterizes all prisoners, and which is merely the instinct of -liberty, the poor child endeavoured to ascertain what her position was. -As well as she could judge, she was lying upon the back of a mule, -between two bales; a cord, which passed round her waist, prevented her -from rising, but her hands were free. The mule had that rough, irregular -trot, peculiar to its species, which made the young girl suffer terribly -at every step. Some horse cloths had been thrown over her, no doubt to -protect her from the heavy dews of the night, or perhaps to prevent her -from making out what road she was going. Doña Rosario, gently, and with -great precaution, slipped the covering down from her face: after a few -efforts her head was completely free. She then looked around her; but -all was dark. The moon, closely veiled by the clouds which passed over -its pale disc, only yielded, at rare intervals, a weak, uncertain light. -By lifting her head softly, the young girl could distinguish several -horsemen, riding before and behind the mule which carried her. As well -as she could make out, from the obscurity which surrounded her, these -horsemen were Indians. - -The rather numerous party--it apparently consisted of a score of -individuals--followed a narrow road deeply inclosed between two abrupt -mountains, the rocky masses of which, throwing their shadow over the -road, augmented the darkness. This road rose with a gentle ascent; and -the horses and mules, probably fatigued with a long journey, travelled -at a foot pace. The young girl, scarcely recovered from her fainting, -had not been able to judge of the time that had elapsed since her -abduction; and yet, by collecting her remembrances, and thinking at what -hour she had been the victim of this odious attempt, she calculated -that twelve hours must have passed away since she was made a prisoner. -Overcome by the effort she had been forced to make in order to look -around her, the poor girl let her head sink back again, stifling a sigh -of despondency; and closing her eyes, as if to isolate herself the more, -she plunged into sad and deep meditations. - -She was at least ignorant of whom she was with. Many times, it was true, -Don Tadeo had spoken to her of an inveterate enemy, inveterate for her -destruction; of a woman whose hatred watched her incessantly, ready to -sacrifice her on the first favourable opportunity. But who was this -woman? What cause had she for her hatred? Was she in the hands of this -woman at that moment? And if so, why had she not already sacrificed -her to her vengeance? From what motive had she been spared? For what -punishment was she reserved? - -These thoughts and many others came in crowds to assail the maiden's -bewildered mind. This uncertainty was for her an atrocious torture; at -that moment, the truth would, perhaps, have been a consolation. Man is -so constructed, that what he is most in dread of is the unknown; what he -is ignorant of, assumes instinctively, in the prepossessed eyes of one -whom a terrible danger menaces, gigantic proportions, a thousand times -more terrific than the danger itself. The diseased imagination creates -for itself phantoms which reality, however horrible it may be, puts -to flight. In a word, the condemned prisoner who is led to punishment -suffers more from the apprehensions which the fear of the death awaiting -him inspires him with, than the physical pain of that death itself will -cause him. Such was, at this moment, the situation of Doña Rosario; her -mind, filled with inquietude and dark presentiments, made her dread -nameless sufferings, the mere thought of which froze the young blood in -her veins. - -The caravan still proceeded; it had left the ravine, and was climbing -a path traced along the edge of a precipice, at the base of which -could be heard the dull murmur of invisible water. At times, a stone, -half-broken beneath the hoof of a mule, became detached, and rolled with -a sinister noise down the side of the mountain, to engulf itself in the -waters, into which it plunged with a dull plash, the sound of which -ascended from the abyss. The wind howled through the pines and larches, -the clashing branches of which showered a deluge of dry cones upon the -travellers. At intervals the owl, and the screech owl, concealed in -the crevices of the rocks, poured out into the night their plaintive -notes, breaking the silence dismally. Furious barkings were heard in the -distance; by degrees they grew nearer, and ended by forming a frightful -concert, broken by the sharp voices of women and children, endeavouring -to quiet them; lights appeared, and the caravan stopped. They had -evidently arrived at the halt, at which they were to pass the rest of -the night. - -The maiden cast an anxious but cautious look around her; but the flame -of the torches agitated by the wind would not permit her to see anything -but the dark outlines of some buildings and the shadows of several -individuals who flitted about her, with cries and laughter--nothing -more. The people of the escort were busily employed in unsaddling the -horses and unloading the mules, amidst cries and oaths, and did not -appear to bestow the least attention upon the young girl. - -A considerable time passed away; Doña Rosario did not know to what to -attribute this unaccountable forgetfulness. At length she felt that -someone took the mule by the bridle, and she heard him shout in a hoarse -voice, _Arrea!_--the word with which the arrieros are accustomed to -excite their beasts. Had she, then, been deceived? Was it not here they -were to stop? What was the meaning of the halt, then? Why did a portion -of the escort leave her? - -Her uncertainty was not of long duration; at the end of ten minutes at -most, the mule stopped again, and the man who led it approached Doña -Rosario. This man, clothed in the costume of the Chilian peasantry, wore -an old straw Panama hat, the large brim of which, pulled down over his -face, prevented her distinguishing his features. At the sight of this -individual, the young girl felt an involuntary shudder run through her -frame. The peasant, or pretended peasant, without addressing a word to -her, withdrew the covering which enfolded her, untied the cord which -bound her to the mule, and taking her in his arms, carried her with as -much ease as if she had been a child, into a detached cabin a few paces -distant, the door of which, standing open, seemed to invite them to -enter. - -The interior of this cabin was dark. The young girl was laid upon the -ground with a care and attention she did not expect. At the moment when -he let her sink softly down from his arms to the ground, the man bent -his head down towards her, and in a voice as inaudible as a breath, he -whispered, "Courage! and hope!" and recovering himself quickly, went -hastily out of the cabin, closing the door after him. - -As soon as he was gone, Doña Rosario sprang upon her feet. The two words -pronounced by the unknown had sufficed to restore her presence of mind, -and remove all her terrors. Hope, that universal panacea, that supreme -good, which God, in His infinite mercy, has given to the unfortunate -to help them to suffer, had suddenly re-entered her heart; she felt -herself become strong, and ready to engage in the struggle with her -unknown enemies. She knew now that a friend watched in secret over her, -and, if required, his assistance would not be wanting; therefore it was -almost with impatience, though still with fear, that she waited for her -ravishers to signify their intentions. - -The place in which she was confined was completely dark. At the first -moment she in vain endeavoured to distinguish anything in this chaos; -but, by degrees, her eyes became accustomed to the darkness, and, in -front of her, she perceived a faint light, which flitted between the -badly-joined boards of a door. She then, with great precaution, for -fear of arousing her invisible guardians, and stretching out her hand -to keep her from contact with any obstacle she could not see, advanced -cautiously, and listening attentively, towards the side from which came -the light--a light which attracted her as instinctively as a flame -attracts the imprudent moth whose wings it burns. - -The nearer she approached, the more distinct the light became, and the -sound of a voice reached her ears. At length her extended hands touched -the door, and leaning forward, she applied her eye to the chink. She -stifled a cry of surprise, and, as at that moment the conversation, -which had been for a short time interrupted, recommenced, she listened -with intensity. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII. - -ON THE WATCH. - - -What she heard, but still more what she saw, necessarily powerfully -interested Doña Rosario. In a vast room, dimly lighted by one of those -yellow candles which the Chilians call _velas de cebo_, fastened to -the wall by means of a ring, a woman, still young, and very handsome, -attired in a riding dress of great richness, was seated on an ebony -chair, covered with Cordova leather. With her right hand she played -with a gold headed whip, and was speaking in an animated tone to a man -who stood respectfully before her, hat in hand. This man, as well as -Doña Rosario could make out, was the same who had carried her into the -_cuarto_. The woman, whom Doña Rosario did not recollect ever to have -seen, was no other than Doña Maria, the shameless courtesan, who, under -the name of the Linda, enjoyed such a scandalous celebrity. - -Doña Maria's position threw the light of the candle full upon her face, -and gave Doña Rosario an opportunity of distinguishing her features. -She contemplated them with deep interest, for she felt instinctively -that this woman was the enemy who, from her birth, had fatally followed -her steps. She imagined that a decisive conference between her and -the unknown was about to take place, and that in a few minutes her -fate would be made known to her. And yet, at the aspect of this woman, -whose bent brows, clear and haughty look, coldly compressed lips, -and cruel words, revealed with the hatred which devoured her, it was -neither a feeling of terror, nor a feeling of hatred, that the young -girl experienced. Without knowing why, a sadness and an undefined pity -for the very woman who was giving orders that made her shudder, took -possession of her. She listened breathlessly, fascinated, scarcely -knowing whether what she heard was really true, and fancying herself at -times under the influence of some terrible hallucination. - -The two speakers, who knew not that they were either watched or -overheard, resumed their conversation in an unrestrained voice. Doña -Rosario, we may well suppose, did not lose a single word. - -"How is it," said the Linda, "that Joan has not come? I expected him." - -The man thus questioned cast a sharp look around him, and rolling up -the broad brim of his hat in his fingers, replied with ill-dissembled -embarrassment-- - -"Joan sent me in his place." - -"And by what right," said the Linda, in a haughty tone, "does the fellow -presume to confide to others the care of accomplishing the orders I give -him?" - -"Joan is my friend," the man replied. - -"What are the ties that unite you to me:" she asked, contemptuously. - -"The mission you charged him with is accomplished." - -"Ay--but faithfully?" - -"The woman is there," he said, pointing to the room in which Doña -Rosario was; "during the journey she has spoken to nobody, and I can -guarantee that she does not know to what place she has been brought." - -At this assurance the look of Doña Maria softened a little, and it was -in a less sharp and haughty tone she continued-- - -"But why did Joan give up his place to you?" - -"Oh!" the man said with a feigned bluntness, belied by his cunning eye, -"for a very simple reason; Joan is at this moment attracted towards the -plain by the black eyes of the wife of a paleface, which sparkle like -fireflies in the night. The woman's toldo is built in the country, near -the toldería which you call, I think, Concepción. Although such conduct -be unworthy of a warrior, his heart is flying constantly towards this -woman, in spite of himself, and until he gain possession of her, he will -never be in his senses." - -"Well, then," the Linda interrupted, stamping her foot with vexation, -"why does not the fool carry her off?" - -"I proposed that to him." - -"And what did he say?" - -"He refused." - -Doña Maria shrugged her shoulders with a smile of disdain. "Still," she -remarked, "all that does not tell me who you are." - -"I! I am an Ulmen in my tribe; a great warrior among the Puelches," he -replied, proudly. - -"Ah!" she said, with an air of satisfaction, "you are an Ulmen of the -Puelches, are you? Good! then I can depend upon your fidelity." - -"I am the friend of Joan," he remarked simply, with a respectful bow. - -"Do you know the woman whom you have brought here?" the Linda asked, -darting at him a mistrustful glance. - -"How should I know her?" - -"Are you ready to obey me in everything?" - -"My obedience will depend on my sister; let her speak, and I will -answer." - -"This woman is my enemy," said the Linda. - -"Must she die?" he asked, roughly, without lowering his eyes before the -searching glances of the Linda. - -"Oh, no!" she cried eagerly; "these Indians are brutes--they understand -nothing of vengeance! What use would her death be to me? It is her life -I want." - -"Let my sister explain; I do not comprehend." - -"Death! that is nothing but a few instants of suffering, then all is -over." - -"White death may be so, but an Indian death must be called for many -hours before it answers." - -"I wish her to live, I tell you!" - -"She shall live. Ah!" he added, with a sigh, "the toldo of a chief is -empty, its fires are extinguished." - -"Oh! oh!" the Linda interrupted; "have you no wives?" - -"They are dead." - -"And where is your tribe at this moment?" - -"Oh!" said the Indian, "far from here--ten suns' march, at least. I was -returning to rejoin the warriors of my toldería, when Joan charged me -with this mission." - -There was a short silence, during which the Linda appeared to be -reflecting. Doña Rosario redoubled her attention--she felt she was about -to know her fate. - -"And pray," Doña Maria resumed, fixing her keen eyes upon the Indian, -"what great interest detained you on the plains near the seashore?" - -"None; I came, as the other Ulmens did, to renew the treaties." - -"Had you no other reasons?" - -"None at all." - -"Listen to me, chief. You have, doubtless, admired the four horses -fastened at the gate of this house?" - -"They are noble beasts," the Indian replied, his eyes glistening with -the desire of possessing them. - -"Well, it only depends upon yourself that I should give them to you." - -"Oh! oh!" he cried, joyfully, "what must I do for that?" - -"Obey me," said the Linda, with a smile. - -"I will obey," he replied. - -"Whatever I command you?" - -"Whatever my sister commands." - -"That is well; but remember what I am going to say to you. If you -deceive me, my vengeance will be terrible--it will follow you -everywhere." - -"Why should I deceive my sister?" - -"Because your Indian race is so constituted--astute and roguish, ever -ready to betray." - -A sinister flash gleamed from the downcast eye of the Puelche warrior; -nevertheless, he replied in a calm tone-- - -"My sister is mistaken; the Araucanos are loyal." - -"We shall see," she coldly remarked. "What is your name?" - -"The Musk Rat." - -"Very well; listen, Musk Rat, to what I am going to say." - -"My ears are open." - -"This woman, who, according to my orders, you brought here, must never -again revisit the shores of the sea." - -"She shall never see them again." - -"I do not wish her to die--understand that; she must suffer," the Linda -added, in a tone which made the unhappy girl tremble with fear. - -"She shall suffer." - -"Yes," said Doña Maria, with sparkling eyes, "I wish that, during a -long course of years, she may suffer a martyrdom at every instant; she -is young, she will have time to call upon death to deliver her from her -misery before it deigns to listen to her. Beyond the mountains, far in -the deserts, in the virgin forests of the Grou-Chaco, I am told that -hordes of Indians exist who are ferocious and sanguinary, and bear a -deadly hatred towards all of the white race." - -"Yes," said the Puelche, in a melancholy tone, "I have heard of these -men from the chiefs of my tribe; they live only for murder." - -"That is it!" she said, with sinister delight. "Well, chief, do you -think yourself able to traverse these vast deserts, and reach the -Grou-Chaco?" - -"Why should I not?" the Indian replied, raising his head proudly, "Do -there exist obstacles strong enough to resist the Araucano warrior in -his course? The puma is the king of the forests, the vulture that of the -heavens; but the Aucas is the king of the puma and the eagle; the desert -is his--Guatechu has given it to him; his horse and his lance render him -invincible and master of immensity." - -"Then my brother will accomplish this journey, which is impossible?" - -A disdainful smile played for an instant round the lips of the savage -warrior. - -"I will accomplish it," he said. - -"Good! my brother is a chief--I perceive he is one now." - -The Puelche bowed modestly. - -"My brother will go there, then, and when he arrives in the Chaco, he -will sell the pale girl to the Guayacuras." - -The Indian did not allow any mark of astonishment to be perceived upon -his face. - -"I will sell her," he replied. - -"That is well!--my brother will be faithful?" - -"I am a chief; I have but one word, my tongue is not forked; but why -should I take this pale woman so far?" - -Doña Maria cast a penetrating glance at him--a suspicion crossed her -mind--the Indian perceived it. - -"I only made a simple observation to my sister; it concerns me little, -and she need not answer me if she does not think proper," he said, with -indifference. - -The brow of the Linda became serene again. - -"The remark is just, chief; I will answer it. Why take her so far, you -asked me; because Antinahuel loves this woman--his heart is softened by -her--and perhaps he will suffer himself to be moved by her prayers, and -restore her to her family. But it shall not happen; she shall weep tears -of blood; her heart shall break under the incessant pangs of grief; she -shall lose everything, even hope!" - -After uttering these words, Doña Maria arose, with head erect, sparkling -eyes, and extended arm; there was in her aspect something fatal and -terrible, which terrified even the Indian, by nature so difficult to -move. - -"Go," she cried, in a tone of command, "before she departs for ever, -I will see this woman once--only once, and speak with her for a few -minutes; she shall at least know me: bring her hither!" - -The Indian went out silently; this woman, so beautiful and so cruel, -terrified him--she inspired him with horror. - -Doña Rosario, on hearing this atrocious sentence pronounced against her, -fell senseless to the ground. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV. - -FACE TO FACE. - - -The door of the cuarto in which Doña Rosario was confined was thrown -open, and the Puelche warrior appeared; he held in his hand a rude -earthen lamp, the flame of which, although feeble, sufficed to -distinguish objects. He had replaced his shabby hat upon his head, and -its wide brim served as a mask to his features. - -"Come with me!" he said, in a rough voice, to the maiden. - -Conscious of the inutility of a resistance which could only be dangerous -to her amidst the bandits who surrounded her, and bowing her head with -resignation, she followed her guide in silence. Doña Maria had resumed -her place in the ebony chair; with arms crossed, and her head hanging -upon her bosom, she was buried in dark meditations. At the slight noise -made by the footsteps of the young lady, she drew herself up, a flash of -hatred gleamed from her dark eyes, and with, a gesture she commanded the -Indian to retire. The Puelche obeyed. - -The two women examined each other intensely; their looks crossed; the -hawk and the dove were face to face. A deathlike silence reigned in the -apartment; at intervals the wind came in gusts and dismal moanings, -through the ill-joined boards of the doors, shook the old building to -its foundation, and agitated the flame of the only candle that illumined -the vast gloomy room in which the two women were. After a sufficiently -long pause, the Linda, who, with that instinct which women possess in -such a high degree, had examined in detail, one by one, the numerous -beauties of the charming girl who stood pale and trembling before her, -at length spoke-- - -"Yes," she said, in a hollow voice, as if speaking to herself, and -overcome by the evidence of the fact, "yes, this girl is beautiful; she -has everything to make her an object of love--to see her must be to -love her; well, this beauty, which up to this time has been her joy and -her pride, grief shall wither rapidly; before one year has passed away -I am resolved that she shall become an object of pity and contempt for -all. Oh!" she added, in a piercing, shrill voice, "I have her at length -within the power of my vengeance!" - -"What have I done to you, madam, that you should hate me thus?" the -maiden asked, in a plaintive voice, the sweet and melodious accent of -which would have softened anyone but her to whom she spoke. - -"What have you done to me, silly creature?" the Linda cried, bounding -up like a wounded lioness, and placing herself close in front of Doña -Rosario--"what have you done to me?" and then added, with a loud -laugh--"Ah! ah! that's true, _you_ have done nothing to me!" - -"Alas, madam! I do not even know you; this is the first time I have been -in your presence; I, a poor young girl, whose life to the present time -has passed away in retirement--how can I have offended you?" - -"Yes, I allow it," the Linda replied; "you have done nothing to me; and, -personally, as you have just said, I have nothing to reproach you with; -but, by making you suffer, learn that it is upon _him_ I avenge myself." - -"I do not understand what you mean, madam," the maiden said, simply. - -"Senseless fool, do not play with the lioness who is ready to devour -you, or pretend to feign an ignorance of which I am not the dupe; if you -have not already divined my name, I will tell it you--I am Doña Maria, -whom they call the Linda--do you understand me now?" - -"Not more than I did before, madam," replied Doña Rosario, with an -accent of frankness that shook the belief of her persecutor, in spite of -herself; "I have never even heard that name." - -"Can that be true?" she cried, doubtingly. - -"I swear it is." - -Doña Linda strode about the apartment with long, hasty steps. Doña -Rosario, more and more astonished, looked stealthily at this woman, -without being able to account to herself for the emotion which her -presence, and the sound of her voice, caused her to experience; it -was not fear, still less was it joy, but an incomprehensible mixture -of sadness, joy, pity, and terror; an undefinable feeling, which, -far from creating repulsion, drew her towards a woman whose odious -projects were no secret to her, and from whom she knew she had so much -to dread. Singular sympathy; what Doña Rosario felt towards the Linda, -the Linda felt towards Doña Rosario: in vain she called to her aid the -remembrance of all the wrongs with which she fancied she had to reproach -the man whom she wished to strike in the person of the young girl; in -the innermost recesses of her heart, a voice, which constantly gained -strength, spoke to her in favour of the maiden whom she was about to -sacrifice to her hatred; the more she endeavoured to overcome this -sentiment, for which she could not account, the more powerless she found -her efforts become; at length, she was on the point of being softened. - -"Oh!" she murmured, passionately, "what is going on within me? Am I -weak enough to allow myself to be subdued by the tears of that paltry -creature?" - -Like Indian warriors, who, when fastened to the stake of blood, sing -their own exploits to encourage them to endure bravely the tortures -which their executioners silently prepare, the Linda recalled the -maddening remembrance of all the outrages Don Tadeo had loaded her with; -and with flashing eyes and trembling lips, she stopped short in front of -Doña Rosario. - -"Listen to me, girl," she said, in a voice which passion caused to -tremble, "this is the first and last time we shall be in the presence of -each other; and you shall know why I bear you such hatred. What you will -learn will be hereafter, perhaps, a consolation to you, and help you to -bear with courage the miseries I reserve for you," she added, with the -laugh of a demon. - -"I will listen to you, madam," Rosario replied, meekly, "although I am -certain that what you are about to say cannot, in any sense, render me -guilty with respect to you." - -"Do you think so?" the Linda said, in a tone of ironical compassion; -"well, then, listen; we have time to talk, as you will not leave this -place for an hour." - -This allusion to her approaching departure made the poor girl shudder, -by recalling to her all that the departure threatened. - -"A woman," the Linda continued, "a young and beautiful woman, more -beautiful than you, fragile child of cities, whom the least storm -bends like a weak reed--a woman, I say, had for love married a man, -also young, and handsome as the evil angel before his fall, who with -perfidiously golden words, by opening before her immense and unknown -horizons, had so seduced her, the poor, poor girl, that in a few days -he induced her to abandon stealthily the roof which had sheltered her -infancy, and to which her aged father in vain recalled her up to the day -of his death, that he might bless and pardon her." - -"Oh, that is frightful!" cried Doña Rosario. - -"Why so? as he had married her, morality was satisfied, in the eyes -of the world. This woman was pure, and could thenceforward move with -head erect before the crowd which had hailed her fall with laughter and -contempt. But everything passes away in this world, and most quickly of -all, the love of the most passionate man. Only a year after marriage -this woman, alone in the most retired room of her dwelling, wept over -the remembrance of the happiness which had left her for ever. Her -husband had deserted her! A child born of this union, a little fair -girl, a rosy-lipped cherub, whose eyes reflected the azure of the -heavens, was the sole consolation which in her misfortunes was left to -the poor abandoned mother. One night, when she was plunged in sleep, her -husband stole like a thief into her house, seized the child, in spite -of the cries of the desolate mother, who threw herself in tears at his -feet, and implored him by all he held sacred in the world. After roughly -repulsing the despairing mother, who sank dying on the cold slabs of the -floor, this heartless and pitiless man disappeared with the child." - -"And the mother?" Doña Rosario anxiously asked, much affected by the -story which the Linda told, entirely to her own advantage. - -"The mother," she continued, in a low, broken voice, "the mother was -doomed never to see her child again. She never has seen her! Prayers, -threats, everything in turn, have been employed without success. And -now, this mother, who adores her child, and would sacrifice her life -for her,--this mother has vowed a hatred against this man, whom she so -fondly loved, and who showed no pity to her, which no vengeance can -satisfy! Now, then, young girl, do you know the name of this mother? -Say, do you know it? No, you do not? Well, then, I am this mother! and -the man who ravished from her all her happiness--the man whom she hates -as she does the demon whose heart he bears, is Don Tadeo de Leon!" - -"Don Tadeo!" Rosario cried, starting back with surprise. - -"Yes!" the Linda said, furiously; "yes, Don Tadeo, your lover!" - -The maiden sprang towards Doña Maria, and seizing her arm violently, and -placing her face, inflamed with anger, close to that of the courtezan, -who was stupefied at the energy she could not have expected from this -delicate creature, cried indignantly,-- - -"What have you dared to say, madam? Don Tadeo my lover! It is false, -madam!" - -"Can this be true?" the Linda asked, eagerly. "Can I have been so -grossly mistaken? But then," she added, mistrustfully, "who are you? and -by what title does he keep you always with him?" - -"I will tell you who I am, madam!" Rosario replied, proudly. - -All at once the hasty gallop of several horses was heard from without, -mingled with cries and oaths. - -"What can the matter be?" said Doña Maria, turning pale. - -"Oh!" said Doña Rosario, clasping her hands fervently; "oh, my God! are -you sending me liberators?" - -"You are not free yet," the Linda said, with a bitter smile. - -The tumult increased greatly; the door, violently pushed from without, -flew open, and several men rushed into the room. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV. - -THE REVOLT. - - -The multiplicity of the scenes we have to describe, and the exigencies -of our story, compel us to abandon Doña Rosario and the Linda, -and return to Valdivia, where the revolt had assumed the gigantic -proportions of a revolution. Electrified by the heroic conduct of the -King of Darkness, the patriots fought with the greatest obstinacy. -The Dark-Hearts appeared to have the gift of ubiquity; their numbers -increased, they were everywhere at the head of the insurgents, exciting -them by gesture and voice; but, above all, by their example. The city -was completely cut up by barricades, against which the few troops who -remained faithful to General Bustamente struggled in vain. Beaten back -by the enemies who on all sides rose up against them to the thousand -times repeated cries of "Our country!" "Chili Liberty!" the soldiers -retreated, step by step, abandoning, one after another, the different -posts of which they had been in possession at the commencement of the -action, and rallied upon the Plaza Mayor, the outlets of which they had -barricaded in their turn. - -The city was in the power of the insurgents; for as the battle from this -moment was concentrated at one point, it was not difficult to foresee -with which party the victory would remain; for the soldiers, discouraged -by the ill success of their _coup de main_, and sensible of being the -champions of a lost cause, only fought to obtain honourable conditions. -General Bustamente's officers, and the senators whom he had brought -with him as partizans, trembled when thinking of the fate that awaited -them if they fell into the hands of their enemies. Success justifies -everything: from the moment they failed to succeed they became traitors -to their country, and, as such, had no right to a capitulation. They -therefore excited their soldiers to fight valiantly, promising them -speedy assistance, and trying to revive their courage by telling them -that their adversaries were merely citizens, whom they could easily -overcome if they made a bold attempt, or even resisted for an hour -longer. - -The general who commanded the garrison, and whom we saw upon the steps -of the cabildo read with so much arrogance the decree which changed the -form of government, bit his lips with rage and performed prodigies of -valour, to give Bustamente time to arrive. As soon as he saw the turn -things had taken, he sent off an express for the General with the utmost -promptitude. This express was Diego, the old soldier who was so devoted -to General Bustamente. - -"Lieutenant," he said, in conclusion, "you see in what a position we -are; you must reach the General at all risks." - -"I will reach him, General; be at ease on that head!" Diego replied, -intrepidly. - -"And I will endeavour to hold out till your return." - -Don Diego, before he finished speaking, had ridden desperately at -the ranks of the insurgents, spurring on his horse, and waving -his sword with menacing rapidity round his head. The Dark-Hearts, -astonished by such an attack on the part of a single man, at the first -moment unconsciously opened their ranks before him as to a canister -shot, incapable of resisting the impetuous shock of this apparently -invulnerable demon, who mowed down all that came in his way. Diego -skilfully took advantage of the disorder produced on the enemy by his -furious assault; he kept pushing on, and, after incredible efforts, -succeeded in getting out of the city. As soon as he was in safety, the -overexcitement which till that time had sustained him, suddenly sank, -and at a few paces from the gates he was forced to stop to take breath, -and restore his confused ideas to a little order. The old soldier washed -the sides and nostrils of his horse with a little brandy and water; -and as soon as this duty was performed, aware that the fate of his -companions depended upon his speed, he sprang into his saddle and set -off with the fleetness of an arrow. - -The General did not delay his return to Valdivia a minute, for he felt -that success would be an immense advantage to him; and a check, if he -were beaten, irreparable. As a conqueror, his march to Santiago would -be nothing but a triumphant march; the authorities of the cities he -passed through would rival each other in ranging themselves beneath his -standard; whereas, if he were forced to abandon Valdivia as a fugitive, -he would be tracked like a wild beast, and obliged to seek safety in -a prompt flight, either in Bolivia or Buenos Aires, and the projects -he had nourished so long, and of which he believed he had beforehand -assured the success, would be deferred, or perhaps destroyed for ever. -Thus the General was a prey to one of those cold furies, which are so -much more terrible, because they cannot be exhibited outwardly. - -The horsemen advanced amidst a cloud of dust raised by their precipitate -course, rushing along the road like a whirlwind, and with a noise like -thunder. Two lances' length in advance of the soldiers, Don Pancho, -bending over the neck of his horse, with pale brow and clenched teeth, -galloped at full speed, keeping his eyes fixed upon the lofty steeples -of Valdivia, whose dark shadows became more enlarged on the horizon -every minute. Within half a mile of the city he halted his squadron. The -sharp pattering of musketry resounded strongly, mingled at intervals -with the dismal, rolling bass of cannon; the battle, therefore, must -still be going on. The General hastened to make his last preparations -before attempting an attack he hoped would prove decisive. The foot -soldiers dismounted, and formed in platoons, and firearms of all kinds -were loaded. - -The troops brought up by the General were not numerous from the European -point of view, according to which we are accustomed to see great masses -in conflict; they, at most, did not exceed eight hundred men. In Europe -it is customary to say that victory is most likely to attend large -battalions: in America, where the largest armies are frequently of not -more than three thousand men, this idea becomes naturally modified, -and it is generally the most skilful or the most brave man who remains -master of the field of battle. - -Don Pancho was a rough soldier, accustomed to the struggles of civil -wars, which, for the most part, consist of audacious _coups de main_. -Endowed with courage bordering on rashness, and devoured by ambition, he -prepared, with the greatest coolness, to re-establish his compromised -affairs by an irresistible attack. The country in the neighbourhood of -Valdivia is a real English garden, interspersed with thickets, apple -orchards, copses, and slender streams of water rippling away to the -river. It was very easy for the General to conceal his arrival. Two -soldiers were detached as scouts, in order to learn the state of things. -At the expiration of a few minutes they returned. The outskirts of the -city were deserted, the insurgents had driven the troops back into the -centre, and, according to the scouts, with the imprudence of citizens -metamorphosed suddenly into soldiers, they had left no reserve, or even -placed sentinels, to secure their rear against a surprise. - -This information, instead of restoring confidence to the General, made -him knit his brows; he thought it must be a manoeuvre, and whilst his -officers were laughing with all their might at the able tactics of -the insurgents, he judged it necessary to redouble his precautions. -The troops were divided into two bodies, which, in case of need, were -to support each other; and, as they were attacking a city entirely -barricaded, the lancers were ordered to dismount, and reinforce the -infantry. Only one squadron of a hundred horsemen remained in the -saddle, concealed about a quarter of a mile from the place, in order to -support a retreat, or to put the fugitives to the sword, if the surprise -succeeded. These arrangements made, the General made an earnest address -to his soldiers, to whom he promised, in the event of success, the -pillage of the city. He then placed himself at the head of the first -detachment, and gave the order, "March! Forward!" - -The troops advanced in the Indian fashion, taking advantage of every -inequality in the ground, and of every tree to conceal themselves, and -arrived thus, without giving alarm, to within pistol shot of the city. -The dead silence which continued to prevail around him, contrasted in -a dismal manner with the musketry and cannon which became more audible -as they advanced, and greatly increased the General's anxiety. A dark -presentiment warned him that he was threatened by some great danger, -which he knew not how to avoid, from being ignorant of what kind it -might be. The least hesitation at this critical minute might bring on -irreparable misfortunes. The General grasped the hilt of his sword -firmly in his clenched hand, and turning towards his soldiers, shouted -in a loud, clear voice, "Forward!" - -The detachment, which only awaited this order, rushed forward shouting, -and, at double-quick time, cleared the space between them and the city. -Windows, doors, all were closed; and had it not been for the distant -report of musketry, the city might have been thought deserted. The first -detachment, finding no obstacles before them, continued their march; -and the second detachment also entered. But then, all at once, behind, -before, and on the flanks of the troops, a loud cry burst forth; and -at every window appeared men with muskets in their hands. Don Pancho -Bustamente was surrounded, he had allowed himself to be taken--pardon us -the triviality of the comparison--like a rat in a trap. The soldiers, -astonished for a second, soon recovered themselves; they faced front and -rear, and attacked the double barrier that enclosed them: but though -they desperately rushed against it, they could not force it. They then -plainly perceived they were lost, that they could expect no quarter, and -prepared to die like brave men. - -The General cast fierce and desperate glances around him, looking, -but unsuccessfully, for a point of issue from the menacing forest of -bayonets crossed before him, and which enclosed him as in a steel -network. Some authors have amused themselves at the expense of the -wars and battles of the Americans, in which they say the two armies -always take care to place themselves out of reach of cannon shot, so as -never to have a single man killed. This pleasantry, which is in very -bad taste, has assumed the proportions of a calumny it is but just -to refute, for it attacks the honour of the Americans of the South, -who, I unhesitatingly assert, are endowed with intrepid courage--a -courage that was brilliantly displayed during the wars of independence -against the Spaniards. Unhappily, at present this courage is employed -in fratricidal struggles, without any understood object. Thrice the -soldiers rushed upon the insurgents, and thrice were they repulsed -with enormous loss. The battle was horrible, without mercy on either -side; they fought hand to hand, foot to foot, breast to breast, to -the last breath, only falling to die. The troops, decimated by this -frightful carnage, gradually gave ground; the space they occupied -became narrower and narrower, and the moment did not appear distant -when they would disappear under the popular flood which continued to -ascend, and threatened to engulf them under its irresistible mass. The -General collected about fifty men resolved to die or open a passage, and -he made a desperate attempt. It was a collision of giants. For a few -minutes, the two masses launched one against the other remained almost -motionless, from the force of the blow with which they met; Don Pancho, -flourishing his sword around him, and standing in his stirrups, struck -down all who opposed his passage. - -Suddenly a man placed himself before him, like a rock which rises from -the depths of the sea. At the sight of him the General paused, in spite -of himself, with a stifled cry of surprise and rage. This man was Don -Tadeo de Leon, his mortal enemy; whom he had once condemned to death, -and who had, in a miraculous manner, survived his execution. But, now! -God seemed to place him fatally before him, to be the instrument of his -vengeance, and the cause of his ruin and his shame. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVI. - -THE LION AT BAY. - - -"My God!" said the General, "am I the dupe of an hallucination?" - -"Ah! ah!" the King of Darkness exclaimed, with an ironical smile, "you -recognize me then, General?" - -"Don Tadeo de Leon!" Don Pancho cried, in horror. "Do the dead then -arise from the tomb? Oh! I hoped that what I heard was false. It is you!" - -"Yes," Don Tadeo replied, in a stern voice, "you are not mistaken, Don -Pancho; I am Don Tadeo de Leon, whom you caused to be shot upon the -Plaza Mayor of Santiago. Your spies have informed you correctly." - -"Man or demon," the General shouted, half choking with rage, "I will not -yield to you! I will fight you as a man, and send you back again to the -hell from which you have escaped!" - -His enemy smiled disdainfully. - -"Your hour has arrived, Don Pancho," he said; "you are due to the -justice of the Dark-Hearts." - -"You do not hold me yet, wretched traitor! If I cannot conquer, I can -die, weapon in hand, like a soldier." - -"No, your hour has struck, I tell you; you are ours, you shall die, but -not the death of a soldier; you shall be executed by our justice!" - -"If that be the case," the General yelled, brandishing his sword, "come -and take me!" - -Don Tadeo did not deign a reply; he gave a signal, and a lasso whizzed -through the air, launched by an invisible hand, and fell round the -General's shoulders. Astonished by this unexpected attack, before he -could make the least possible resistance, he received a terrific shock, -lost his stirrups, was pulled from his horse, and dragged amongst -the insurgents. The astounded General, half mad with rage and shame, -exhausted himself in vain efforts; nearly strangled by the lasso which -flayed his neck, his face assumed a purple tint; his eyes, injected with -blood, seemed starting from their sockets, and a white foam flowed from -the corners of his discoloured lips. Don Tadeo contemplated him for a -moment with a mixture of pity and triumph. - -"Free him from that slipknot," he said. "Secure his person, but treat -him with respect." - -The soldiers, terrified at this prompt capture, which they had not at -all expected, stood downcast and silent; in their stupor forgetting even -the use of their arms. Don Tadeo turned towards them: - -"Surrender," he shouted, "surrender! the man who misled you is in our -power; your lives shall be spared." - -The soldiers consulted each other for an instant with their eyes; and -then, as if by a spontaneous movement, they threw down their muskets, -crying aloud: - -"Chili! Chili! liberty! liberty!" - -"That is well!" said Don Tadeo; "leave the city, encamp at the distance -of a mile, and await the orders which shall soon be transmitted to you." - -The conquered soldiers, with downcast looks, followed the road they had -traversed an hour before; they passed through the silent ranks of the -insurgents, which opened to give them passage. Without loss of time, -Don Tadeo, followed by a crowd of his partisans, directed his course -towards the Plaza Mayor, where the battle still raged. The soldiers, -solidly intrenched in the Plaza, and masters of the cabildo, fought -valiantly, hoping still for the assistance of General Bustamente, of -whose fate they were ignorant. Although reduced to a small number, these -troops occupied a formidable position, in which it was almost impossible -to force them, without resolving to suffer great loss. Persuaded that -they only required to gain time, the soldiers fought with the energy of -despair, defending inch by inch the barricade behind which they were -sheltered. - -But the day was passing away, their ammunition was growing exhausted, a -great number of their comrades were stretched dead at their feet, and -nothing could support them but the hope that the succour so impatiently -expected was at hand. In the heat of their own contest they had not -heard the noise of the battle fought by Don Pancho at the city gates, in -which but few shots had been fired, as it had been principally decided -by cold steel. Discouragement, however, began to affect the bravest, -the general who commanded even felt his energy diminish, and he looked -around him with great anxiety. - -Dejected, and with downcast eyes, the senator, who had been the bearer -of the fatal proclamation, trembled in all his limbs; he regretted, -but too late, having thrown himself into this hornet's nest; and he -offered up the most magnificent vows to the innumerable saints of the -golden Spanish legend, if they would bring him safe and sound through -the perils which surrounded him. The worthy man had not any warlike -instincts; and we can safely affirm, without fear of contradiction, that -if he had had the slightest suspicion that things would have taken the -turn they did, he would have remained quiet in his charming quinta of -Corro-Azul, in the environs of Santiago, where his life glided away so -softly, so happily, and, above all, so free from care. Unfortunately, -as it sometimes happens in this nether world, where, whatever Candide -may say, everything is not for the best, in the best of worlds, Don -Ramón Sandias--so the worthy senator was named--had not been able duly -to appreciate the charms of that calm life; ambition had gnawed at his -heart, though he had nothing to wish for; and he had, as we have seen, -plunged up to the neck in a hornet's nest, from which he did not know -how to emerge. - -At every shot he heard, the poor senator jumped like a Guanaco, with -startled eyes; and when, now and then, in spite of the precautions he -had taken, the sinister hissing of a bullet resounded in his ear, he -threw himself flat on his face, murmuring all the prayers that his -troubled memory could recall. - -At first, the contortions and cries of Don Ramón had very much amused -the officers and soldiers among whom accident had placed him; they had -even taken delight in augmenting his terrors; but, at length, as happens -more frequently in such cases than people fancy, the pleasantries had -ceased; Don Ramón's terrors had communicated themselves to the laughers, -who saw, with fright, that their position was becoming every minute more -desperate. - -"The devil take the poltroon!" the General at length cried, angrily; -"cannot you keep your trembling limbs still? Caspita! console yourself, -they won't kill you more than once." - -"Ah! that is very easy for you to say," the senator replied, in a broken -voice; "I am no soldier; it is your trade to be killed, it is all one to -you." - -"Hum!" said the General, "not quite so much so as you may think; but -comfort yourself; if this goes on a little longer, we shall all go -together." - -"What is that you say?" the poor man muttered, with redoubled fear. - -"Caramba! it is clear as day, if Don Pancho does not make haste and -come, all of us here will die." - -"But I do not wish to die!" said the senator, bursting into tears; "I -am no soldier. Oh! I implore you, my good, my inestimable Don Tiburcio -Cornejo, let me go away!" - -The General shrugged his shoulders. - -"What consequence can it be to you?" the senator continued, in a -supplicating tone; "do save my life! show me which way I can get out of -this cursed confusion." - -"Eh! how the devil do I know?"' the General said, impatiently. - -"Well, now, look here," said the senator; "you owe me two thousand -piastres, which I won of you at Monte, do you not?" - -"What then?" the General, vexed at this ill-timed remark, said, sharply. - -"Get me away from here, and I will cry quits." - -"You are a fool, Don Ramón; do you think if I could get safely away from -here, that I would remain?" - -"I see what you are," said the senator, despondingly; "you are but a -false friend, you desire my death, you thirst for my blood." - -In short, the poor man was almost mad; he knew not what he said, -terror had deprived him of the little sense he ever possessed. But, in -reality, the position became every instant more critical; the carnage -was horrible, the soldiers fell one after another beneath the bullets -of the insurgents, who were sheltered by every corner of the plaza. Two -or three sorties attempted by the troops had been vigorously repulsed; -and hence, decimated as they were, all they could possibly do now was to -prevent their intrenchments from being carried. - -All at once the senator bounded forward like a chamois; he made directly -to the General, and seized his arm. - -"We are saved!" he cried; "thanks be to God! we are saved!" - -"Hilloh! what's the matter now, Don Ramón? What bee has stung you? are -you really mad?" - -"I have not been stung," the senator replied, as fast as he could speak, -"nor am I mad; we are saved; I tell you, we are saved!" - -"Well, how? what is it? Is Don Pancho coming at last?" - -"Don Pancho, indeed! I wish he were at the devil!" "Well, what is it, -then?" - -"Why, do you not see, yonder? look, behind the barricade which blocks -the entrance of the Calle de la Merced." - -"What is there to see?" - -"Why, a flag of truce! a white flag!" - -"Ah!" said the General, eagerly, "let us look! let us look!" - -And he did look. - -"True!" he said, at the expiration of a minute. "Success to all cowards, -say I, for having good eyes; I did not see it." - -"Ay, but I did," said Don Ramón, rubbing his hands, quite revived, and -marching off with great glee. But, at that moment, a nearly spent ball -came ricocheting and whizzing close to his ear. - -"Lord, have mercy upon me!" he cried, falling flat on his face, and -so remaining, as motionless as if he were dead, although he had not -received a scratch. - -In the meantime, the General had likewise caused a flag of truce to be -hoisted on his intrenchments, and had given orders for the firing to -cease. The noise of the combat being hushed, the senator, like a rabbit -relieved from alarm, raised his head a little; reassured by the silence -which prevailed, he sat up, looking on all sides with the greatest -anxiety, and, at length, convinced that the peril was over, he contrived -to get upon his legs, which, however, trembled so frightfully under him, -that they could scarcely support him. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVII. - -THE TRUCE. - - -As soon as the flag of truce was hoisted, firing at once ceased on both -sides. The troops at bay, who had ceased to hope for succour, were not -sorry to find that the insurgents saved their military honour by being -the first to demand a parley. General Cornejo, in particular, was tired -of the hopeless combat, which he had bravely maintained all the morning. - -"Well, Don Ramón," he said, addressing the senator in a more cordial -tone than he had before employed, "I think I have found means to enable -you to escape without striking a blow; so what we agreed to stands good, -does it not?" - -The senator looked at him with a bewildered air; the worthy man had not -the least recollection of what he had either said or done while the -balls were whistling round him. - -"I do not at all understand you, General," he replied. - -"Poor man! pretend to be innocent, do!" said the General, laughing, and -slapping him on the shoulder; "do you wish to persuade me you are like -the Guanacos, which lose their memory through trembling with fear?" - -"Upon my honour," said the senator, "I swear, Don Tiburcio, that I have -not the least remembrance of having promised you anything." - -"Ah! well, it is possible, for you were devilishly frightened. Come, I -will refresh your memory: pay attention!" - -"You will give me great pleasure." - -"Well, I doubt that! but that is of no consequence. You said to me, on -the spot where we now stand, not more than half an hour ago, that if I -found the means of securing your escape, safe and sound, you would hold -me quits for the two thousand piastres I lost to you, and owed you." - -"Do you flatter yourself that that is the truth?" said the senator, -whose avaricious instincts began to revive, as fear departed. - -"I am sure it is. Ask these gentlemen," the General asked, turning -towards some officers who stood by. - -"Oh, certainly! true to the letter," they said, with a laugh. - -"Ah! ah!" - -"Yes, and as I would not listen to you, you added--" - -"What!" Don Ramón, who knew of old the man he had to deal with, said, -with a start--"do you mean to say that I added something?" - -"The devil! yes," said the other. "You added this; and I repeat your -own words. You said, as plainly as you could speak--'And I will give a -thousand piastres in addition.'" - -"Oh, that is not possible!" the senator ejaculated, quite beside himself. - -"Perhaps I did not understand you?" - -"That must be it." - -"Do you admit you mentioned the two thousand?" asked the General, -quietly. - -"Not at all! not at all!" replied Don Ramón, quite confounded by the -laughter of the bystanders. - -"Perhaps you meant more; well, we will not haggle about that." - -"I never said a word of the kind!" the exasperated senator exclaimed. - -"In that case," said the General, with a stern frown, and surveying him -coolly, "you mean to say that I have told a falsehood." - -Don Ramón became aware that he had made a false move, and drew back. - -"Pardon me, my dear General," he said, in the most amiable voice -possible, "you are perfectly right; I do now remember it was two -thousand piastres I promised you in addition." - -It was now the General's turn to be at a loss, for this generosity on -the part of the senator, whose avarice was proverbial, confused him; he -was suspicious of some snare or trick. - -"But," Don Ramón added, with an air of triumph, "you have not saved me." - -"What do you mean by that?" - -"Why, Santiago! as we are going to hold a parley, you are too late, and -our bargain is void." - -"Oh! oh!" said Don Tiburcio, with a jeering smile, "you think so, do -you?" - -"Caspita! I am sure of it." - -"And yet you are deceived, my dear friend, as you shall judge: come with -me, the flag of truce is now crossing the barricades, and in an instant -you will learn that you have never been so near death as now." - -"You are joking." - -"I never joke about serious circumstances." - -"In Heaven's name explain yourself!" said the poor senator, whose fears -had all returned. - -"Lord! it is the simplest thing in the world," said the General, -carelessly; "I have but to declare to the leader of the revolt, and be -assured I will not fail to do so, that I only acted by your orders." - -"Well, but that is not true," interrupted Don Ramón, in great alarm. - -"I know that," the General replied, bluntly; "but, as you are a senator, -they will believe me, and you will be fully and fairly shot, and that -will be a pity." - -Don Ramón was thunder-struck by this piece of implacable logic; he found -that he was in a hobble, from which he could not possibly escape without -paying handsomely. He looked at his _friend_, who surveyed him with a -pitilessly ironical smile, whilst the officers bit their lips to keep -from laughing; he stifled a sigh, and resolving to make the best of -it, very much against his will, he said, inwardly cursing the man who -exposed him in such a cynical fashion-- - -"Well, Don Tiburcio, I admit that I owe you two thousand piastres, but -_I_ will pay you." - -This was the only epigram he ventured to indulge in regarding the -General's willingness to pay; but the latter was magnanimous, he took -no notice of the offensive part of the speech, and rendered quite -cheerful by the bargain he had concluded, he prepared to listen to the -propositions of the officer with the flag of truce, who was brought to -him with his eyes bandaged. This officer was Don Tadeo de Leon. - -"What do you come here for?" the General asked. - -"To offer you good terms, if you will surrender," Don Tadeo replied, in -a firm voice. - -"Surrender!" the General shouted with a laugh; "you must be mad, sir!" -and, turning towards the soldiers who had brought Don Tadeo, he added, -"Remove the bandage from the eyes of this caballero." - -The bandage fell accordingly. - -"Look round you," said the General, haughtily, "do we look like people -asking for a favour?" - -"No, General, you are a stout soldier, and your troops are brave; you -ask no favour of us, it is we who come to you to offer to lay down our -arms on both sides, and put an end to this fratricidal contest," Don -Tadeo replied, with an air of grandeur. - -"Who are you, may I ask, sir?" said the General, struck with the noble -bearing of the man who was speaking to him. - -"I am Don Tadeo de Leon, whom your leader ordered to be shot." - -"You!" cried the General, "you here!" - -"I, myself; and I have another name." - -"Tell it to me, sir." - -"I am called the King of Darkness." - -"The leader of the Dark-Hearts!" the General murmured, starting, in -spite of himself, and surveying the speaker with uneasy curiosity. - -"Yes, General, I am the leader of the Dark-Hearts, but I am still -something more." - -"Explain yourself, sir," the General asked, who began to be in doubt how -to behave toward the strange personage who was speaking to him. - -"I am the leader of the men whom you term insurgents, but who have, -in reality, only taken up arms to defend the institutions you have -overthrown, and the constitution you have violated." - -"Sir!" said the General, "your words----" - -"Are severe, but just," continued Don Tadeo; "ask your own loyal, -soldier's heart, General, and then tell me which side is right." - -"I am not a lawyer, sir," Don Tiburcio replied impatiently; "you have -yourself said that I am a soldier, and, as such, I confine myself to -obeying, without discussion, the orders I receive from my leaders." - -"Let us not lose time uselessly in idle speeches, sir; will you, or will -you not, lay down your arms?" - -"By what right do you make me such a proposal?" the General asked, whose -pride revolted at being forced to hold a parley with a citizen. - -"I could answer you," replied Don Tadeo, sternly, "that it is by the -right of the stronger, and that you know as well as I do that you -are combating for a lost cause, and that you are persisting without -advantage in a senseless struggle; but I prefer addressing myself to -your heart, and saying, why should brothers and fellow countrymen -continue to cut each other's throats?--why should we any longer shed -such precious blood? Make your conditions, General, and be assured that -for the sake of protecting your soldier's honour, that honour which is -ours also, as among the troops against whom we fight are our relations, -friends, and countrymen, we will grant them as extensively as you can -desire." - -The General felt himself moved, this noble language had found an echo -in his heart; he looked down on the ground, and reflected for several -minutes; at length, raising his head, he replied-- - -"Sir, believe me it costs me much not to answer as I could wish what you -have done me the honour to say to me; but I have a leader above me." - -"In your turn please to explain yourself, sir," said Don Tadeo. - -"I have sworn to Don Pancho Bustamente to defend his cause to the death." - -"Well?" - -"Well, sir, unless Don Pancho Bustamente were killed or a prisoner,--in -either of which cases I should consider myself freed from my oath to -him,--I will lay down my life for him." - -"Is that the only reason that prevents you, General?" - -"Yes, the only one." - -"In case General Bustamente should be either killed or a prisoner, you -would surrender?" - -"Instantly, I repeat." - -"Well," replied Don Tadeo, stretching out his arm in the direction of -the barricade by which he had come, "look yonder, General." - -Don Tiburcio looked in the direction indicated, and uttered a cry of -surprise and sorrow. Don Pancho Bustamente appeared at the top of -the barricade; his head was bare, and two armed men watched all his -movements. - -"Do you see him?" Don Tadeo asked. - -"Yes," replied the General, sorrowfully; "we all surrender, sir;" and -turning the point of his sword to the ground, he bent the blade with the -intention of breaking it. Don Tadeo stopped him by seizing the sword, -which he, however, returned to him immediately, saying-- - -"General, keep that weapon, it will serve you against the enemies of our -country." - -The General made no reply; he silently pressed the hand which the King -of Darkness held out to him, and turning away to conceal the emotion -which agitated him, he wiped away a tear that had fallen upon his grey -moustache. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVIII. - -TWO ROGUISH PROFILES. - - -The city was quiet, the revolt was over, or, to speak more logically, -the revolution was complete. The soldiers, after laying down their arms, -had evacuated Valdivia, which was left completely in the power of the -Dark-Hearts. As soon as peace was re-established, the Dark-Hearts gave -orders that the barricades should be destroyed, and that all traces of -the sanguinary struggle should be removed as quickly as possible. By the -force of accomplished facts alone, Don Tadeo de Leon found himself quite -naturally invested with power, and in command of the province, with the -faculties of a dictator. - -"Well," he asked Valentine, "what do you think of what you have seen?" - -"Faith," the Parisian replied, with characteristic bluntness, "I think -people must come to America to see how men can be caught with hook and -line like simple gudgeons." - -Don Tadeo could not refrain from smiling at this whimsical answer. - -"Do not leave me," he said; "all is not over yet." - -"I ask no better; but, our friends yonder, don't you think they will be -very uneasy at our long absence?" - -"Can you for a moment imagine that I have forgotten them? Within an hour -you will be at liberty. Come with me; I want to show you two faces to -which our victory has given an expression very different from that which -they generally wear." - -"That will be curious," said Valentine. - -"Yes," Don Tadeo replied, "or hideous, whichever you please." - -"Hum! man is not perfect," said Valentine, philosophically. - -"Fortunately not; if he were, he would be execrable," Don Tadeo remarked. - -They entered the cabildo, the doors of which were guarded by a -detachment of Dark-Hearts. The vast saloons of the palace were invaded -by an eager crowd, who came to salute the rising sun; that is to say, -they came to offer the spectacle of their baseness to the fortunate man, -whom, no doubt, they would have stoned if success had not crowned his -audacious attempt. Don Tadeo passed, without seeing them, through the -ranks of these sycophants, the sworn courtiers of every authority, as -void of honour as of shame, possessing but one single talent--that of -making bendings to which it would seem impossible that the vertebral -column of a man could attain, however flexible it may be. Valentine, who -followed the footsteps of his friend, feigned to take for himself the -greater part of the genuflexions meant for Don Tadeo, and bowed to the -right and left with imperturbable coolness and assurance. - -The two gentlemen, after many delays caused by the increasing crowd, -which closed around them, reached at last a retired apartment, in which -there were only two persons. These two persons were General Tiburcio -and Senator Don Ramón Sandias. The physiognomy of these persons offered -a striking contrast. The General, with a sad face and a pensive step, -walked about the apartment, whilst the senator, luxuriantly reclining -on a fauteuil, with a smile upon his lips, his visage expanded, and -one leg thrown over the other, was fanning himself carelessly with an -embroidered handkerchief of the finest cambric. At the sight of Don -Tadeo, the General advanced rapidly towards him; as for the senator, he -sat upright in his chair, assumed a serious look, and waited. - -"Sir," the General said, in a low voice, "two words." - -"Speak, General," replied Don Tadeo; "I am entirely at your disposal." - -"I have some questions which I wish to put to you." - -"You may be assured, General, that if it be in my power to answer you, I -will not hesitate to satisfy you." - -"I am convinced of that, and it is that which emboldens me to speak." - -"I am all attention." - -The General hesitated for a moment, but seemed at length determined. - -"Good heavens, sir!" said he, "I am an old soldier, unacquainted with -diplomacy; I had a friend, almost a brother, and I am a prey to mortal -uneasiness on his account." - -"And that friend?" - -"Is General Bustamente. You must know," he added, warmly, "that we have -been fellow soldiers thirty years; and I should wish--" here he stopped, -as if in doubt, looking earnestly at the person he was addressing. - -"You would like?" said Don Tadeo, quietly. - -"To know the fate that is reserved for him." - -Don Tadeo gave the General a melancholy glance. - -"To what purpose?" he murmured. - -"I beg of you." - -"You insist on knowing?" - -"I do." - -"General Bustamente is a great criminal. While a leader in power, he -wished to change the form of government against the will of the people -from whom he held his position, and in contempt of the laws, which he -shamelessly trampled underfoot." - -"That is but too true," said the General, whose brow turned crimson. - -"General Bustamente has been implacable during the course of his too -long career; you know that he who sows the wind can only hope to reap -the tempest." - -"Hence!" - -"The same implacability will be shown to him that he has shown to -others." - -"That is to say?" - -"He will, in all probability, be condemned to death." - -"Alas! I expected as much; but will this condemnation of which you -speak, be long delayed?" - -"Two days at most; the commission which must try him will be formed -today." - -"Poor friend!" said the General, piteously; "and that's the end! Will -you grant me a favour, sir?" - -"Name it." - -"As the General must die, it would be a consolation to him to have a -friend by his side." - -"No doubt it would." - -"Allow me to be his guard. I am sure he will be happy to know that it is -I who have the duty of watching over him and leading him to death. And -then I shall not, at least, abandon him till the last minute." - -"So be it,--your request is granted. Have you anything else to say? I -shall be happy to serve you." - -"No, I thank you, sir; that is all I desired,--Ah! one word more!" - -"Speak." - -"Can I be allowed to take this guard soon?" - -"Immediately, if you like." - -"I thank you, sir." - -And after profoundly bowing to Don Tadeo, the General quitted the room -with a hasty step. - -"Poor man!" said Valentine. - -"Eh?" cried Don Tadeo. - -"I said, poor man!" - -"Oh, yes; I heard you plainly enough, but of whom were you speaking?" - -"Of the unfortunate man who has just left us." - -Don Tadeo shrugged his shoulders, and Valentine looked at him with -surprise. - -"Do you think you know whence the solicitude of this poor man, as you -call him, for his friend arises?" - -"Why, from his friendship for him; that is clear." - -"You think so, do you?" - -"I can think nothing else." - -"Well, then, allow me to tell you you are completely mistaken; the poor -General is only desirous to be near his companion in arms, that he may -have the opportunity of suppressing the proofs of his complicity in the -rash enterprise of yesterday; proofs which Don Pancho most likely has -about him, and which the other wishes to destroy at all hazards." - -"Can that be possible?" - -"By Saint Jago, yes! He desires to be constantly with him, that he may -not communicate with anyone--why, he would kill him, if necessary." - -"Oh! this is infamous!" - -"But so it is." - -"Bah! it gives me a nausea." - -"Well, do not be sick yet." - -"Why not?" - -"Because," Don Tadeo continued, pointing to the senator, "I think we -have something here that will bring the agreeable feeling to its height." - -As soon as Don Ramón saw the General leave the apartment, he quitted his -easy chair, and advanced towards Don Tadeo, bowing obsequiously. - -"To whom have I the honour of speaking?" said the King of Darkness, with -studied politeness. - -"Sir," the other replied, with a jaunty, gentlemanly air, "my name is -Don Ramón Sandias, and I am a senator." - -"How can I be of service to you, sir?" said Don Tadeo, bowing. - -"Oh," Don Ramón replied, affectedly; "as regards myself, personally, I -ask nothing." - -"Indeed!" - -"Caspita! no; I am rich, what more can I want? But I am a Chilian, a -patriot, sir; and, what is more, a senator. Placed in an exceptional -position, I am bound to give my fellow citizens unequivocal proofs of my -devotion to the holy cause of liberty. Are you not of my opinion, sir?" - -"Entirely." - -"I have heard, sir, that the wretched cabecilla, the cause of this silly -movement, which brought the republic within two inches of ruin, is in -your hands." - -"Yes, sir," replied Don Tadeo, with imperturbable coolness, "we have -been fortunate enough to obtain possession of his person." - -"You are, doubtless, going to bring this man to trial?" Don Ramón asked, -in a somewhat familiar tone. - -"Within forty-eight hours, sir." - -"That is right, sir. It is thus that justice should be dealt to these -shameless agitators, who, in contempt of the sacred laws of humanity, -seek to plunge our beautiful country into the gulf of revolutions." - -"Sir!" - -"Pardon me for speaking thus," said Don Ramón, with well-feigned -enthusiasm; "I feel that my freedom goes rather far, but my indignation -carries me away, sir; it is quite time that these makers of widows and -orphans should receive the exemplary chastisement they merit. I cannot -think, without trembling, of the manifold evils that would have fallen -upon us, if this miserable adventurer had succeeded." - -"Sir, this man is not yet condemned." - -"And that is exactly what brings me to you, sir. As a senator, and -a devoted patriot, I claim of you the right which belongs to me, of -presiding over the commission whose duty it is to sit in judgment upon -him." - -"Your request is granted, sir," Don Tadeo replied, who was unable to -repress a smile of contempt. - -"Thank you, sir!" said the senator, with an expression of joy; "however -painful the duty may be, I shall know how to perform it." - -After bowing deeply to Don Tadeo, the senator left the room in high -spirits. - -"You see," said Don Tadeo, turning to Valentine, "Don Pancho had two -friends upon whom he thought he could depend: one took upon him to -proclaim him, the other to defend him. Well, in one he finds a gaoler, -in the other an executioner." - -"It is monstrous!" said Valentine, with disgust. - -"No," replied Don Tadeo; "it is logical, that's all;--he has failed." - -"I have had enough of your politic men, with two faces, and neither of -them a true one," replied Valentine; "allow me to return to our friends." - -"Begone, then, since you wish it." - -"Thanks!" - -"You will come back to Valdivia immediately, will you not?" - -"Pardieu, will I!" - -"Will you have an escort?" - -"For what purpose?" - -"Ah! that is true; I am always forgetting that you never apprehend -danger." - -"I am only anxious about our friends; that is why I leave you." - -"Have you any cause for apprehension?" - -"None; but yet, a vague uneasiness, which I can not account for, compels -me to remain no longer away from them." - -"Begone, then, as quickly as you please, my friend; but pray be watchful -over the poor child, Rosario." - -"Be at ease on that score; within three hours she shall be here." - -"That is understood: a pleasant ride to you, and remember that I shall -look for you with impatience." - -"Time to go and return, that is all." - -"Till then, adieu!" - -Valentine left the room, went straight to the stables, saddled his horse -himself, and set off at a gallop. He had told Don Tadeo the truth: a -vague uneasiness disturbed him, he had a presentiment of some misfortune -or another. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIX. - -THE WOUNDED MAN. - - -Let us return to the Count de Prébois Crancé. When the abduction was -committed, that part of the plain where Don Tadeo had pitched his camp -was deserted. The crowd, attracted by curiosity, had all gone to the -side where the renewal of the treaties was taking place. Besides, the -measures of the ravishers had been so judiciously taken, all had passed -so quickly, without resistance, without cries or tumult, that no alarm -had been given, and no one could suspect what was going on. The cries of -"murder!" uttered by the wounded young man were too faint to be heard, -and the pistol shots he had fired were confounded with the other noises -of the festival. - -Louis remained for a considerable time lying senseless in front of the -tent, the blood flowing from two wounds. By a singular chance, the -peons, the arrieros, and even the two Indian chiefs, who could not think -there was anything to be dreaded, had all gone, as we have said, to be -present at the ceremony. When the cross had been planted, and the toqui -and the General had gone, arm in arm, to the tent of the latter, the -crowd began to separate into little groups, and soon dispersed, each -returning to the spot where he had established his temporary camp. - -The Indian chiefs were the first to quit the scene; now that their -curiosity was satisfied, they reproached themselves for having been so -long absent from their friend. On approaching the little camp, they were -surprised at not seeing Louis, and a certain appearance of disorder in -the baggage filled them with uneasiness. They quickened their pace, and -the nearer they drew the more evident this disorder became in their -eyes, accustomed to remark those thousands of signs which escape the -eyes of the white man. In fact, the passage left free in the inclosure -formed by the bales, seemed to have been the scene of a struggle; the -footmarks of several horses were strongly imprinted in the moist earth, -and some bales had even been removed, as if to widen the entrance, and -lay scattered about. All these indications were more than sufficient for -the chiefs; they exchanged an anxious glance, and rushed into the camp. - -Louis was still lying where the assassins had left him, stretched across -the entrance of the tent, his discharged pistols in his hands, his head -thrown back, his mouth half open, and his teeth clenched. The blood had -ceased to flow. The two men looked at him for a moment with a feeling of -stupor. His countenance was of a livid paleness. - -"He is dead!" said Curumilla, in a voice stifled by emotion. - -"He seems so," Trangoil-Lanec replied as he knelt down by the body. - -He raised the young man's senseless head, untied his cravat, and opened -his vest; then they perceived the two gaping wounds. - -"This is a revenge!" he murmured. - -"What is to be done?" said Curumilla, shaking his head discouragingly. - -"Let us try to recover him--I hope he is not dead." - -And then, with infinite address and incredible celerity, the two Indians -bestowed upon the wounded man the most intelligent and most effective -cares. For a long time all were useless. At length a sigh, faint as a -breath, exhaled painfully from the oppressed breast of the young man; a -slight flush tinted his cheeks, and, after several efforts, he opened -his eyes. Curumilla, after having washed the wounds with clean cold -water, applied a cataplasm to them of bruised oregano leaves. - -"Loss of blood alone has made him faint," he said; "the wounds are wide, -but not deep, and not at all dangerous." - -"But what has been going on here?" Trangoil-Lanec asked. - -"Hush!" said Curumilla, laying his hand upon his comrade's arm; "he -speaks." - -Indeed, the young man's lips did move silently; but, at length, he -pronounced with a great effort, and in a voice so low that the Indians -scarcely heard it--that single word which for him contained everything-- - -"Rosario!" - -Then he sank back again. - -"Ah!" cried Curumilla, as if a sudden light had broken upon him, -"where is the young palefaced maiden?" and he sprang into the tent, "I -understand it all now!" he said, returning quickly to his friend. - -The Indians lifted up the wounded man gently in their arms, and carried -him into the tent, where they placed him in Rosario's empty hammock. -Louis recovered his senses, but almost immediately was overcome by -a profound drowsiness. After having made him as comfortable as they -could, the two Indians left the tent, and began, with the instinct of -their race, to seek on the ground for indications they could ask of no -witness, but which would show them traces they could understand. Now -that the murder and the abduction had taken place, it became necessary -to get upon the track of the ravishers, and endeavour, if possible, to -save the young girl. After minute researches, which did not last less -than two hours, the Indians returned to the front of the tent; they sat -down, face to face, and smoked for a few minutes in silence. - -The peons and arrieros had returned from the ceremony, and expressed -the greatest terror on learning what had taken place during their -absence. The poor people did not know what to do; they trembled when -they reflected upon the responsibility which rested upon them, and upon -the terrible account Don Tadeo would require of them. After the two -chiefs had smoked a few minutes, they extinguished their pipes, and -Trangoil-Lanec began: - -"My brother is a wise chief, let him say what he has seen." - -"I will speak, since my brother desires it," Curumilla replied, bowing -his head; "the pale maiden with the blue eyes has been carried off by -five horsemen." - -To this Trangoil-Lanec made a sign of assent. - -"These five horsemen came from the other side of the river; their -footmarks are strongly imprinted on the ground, which was wetted in the -places where the horses trod with their dripping hoofs; four of these -horsemen are Huiliches, the fifth is a paleface; when they reached the -entrance of the camp, they stopped and consulted an instant, then four -of them dismounted; the trace of their footsteps is visible." - -"Good!" said Trangoil-Lanec, "my brother has the eyes of a Quanaco; -nothing escapes him." - -"Of the four horsemen who dismounted, three are Indians, as is easily -perceived by the impression of their naked feet, the great toe of which, -accustomed to the stirrup, is very wide apart from the other toes; but -the fourth is a Muruche, for the rowels of his spurs have left deep -marks all around. The three first have crept up to the tent, where Don -Louis was talking with the young blue-eyed maiden, and, consequently, -with his back towards those who came towards him; he was attacked -unexpectedly, and fell without having time to defend himself: then the -fourth horseman sprang forward like a puma, seized the maiden in his -arms, and after jumping a second time over the body of Don Louis, went -straight to his horse, followed by the three Indians. But Don Louis -got up, first on his knees, and then on his feet; he fired his pistols -at the ravishers, and one of them fell mortally wounded. It was the -paleface, for a pool of blood marks the place of his fall, and, in -his agony, he pulled up the grass with his clenched hands; then his -companions dismounted again, took him up, and fled. Don Louis, after -discharging his pistols, had a faintness come over him, and fell down -again: that is what I have learnt." - -"Good!" Trangoil-Lanec replied, "my brother knows everything; after -taking up the body of their comrade, the ravishers crossed the river, -and went in the direction of the mountains. Now, what will my brother -do?" - -"Trangoil-Lanec is an experienced chief, he will wait for Don Valentine; -Curumilla is younger, he will go upon the track of the ravishers." - -"My brother has spoken well; he is wise and prudent; he will find them." - -"Yes, Curumilla will find them," the chief replied, laconically. - -After saying these words, he arose, saddled his horse, and left the -camp; Trangoil-Lanec soon lost sight of him. He then returned and took -his place by the wounded man. The day passed away thus. The Spaniards -had all left the plain; the Indians, for the most part, had followed -their example; there only remained a few tardy Araucanos; but these, -also, were preparing to depart. Towards evening, Louis found himself -much better; he was able, in a few words, to relate to the Indian what -had passed; but he told him nothing new, he had divined it all. - -"Oh!" said the young man, as he ended, "Rosario! poor Rosario is lost!" - -"My brother must not be depressed with grief," Trangoil-Lanec replied -softly; "Curumilla is upon the track of the ravishers; the young pale -maiden will be saved!" - -"Do you seriously tell me that, chief? Is Curumilla really in pursuit -of them?" the young man asked, fixing his anxious eyes upon the Indian; -"can I indeed hope that?" - -"Trangoil-Lanec is an Ulmen," the Araucano replied proudly: "no lie has -ever soiled his lips, his tongue is not forked; I repeat that Curumilla -is in pursuit of the ravishers. Let my brother hope; he will see again -the little bird which sings such sweet songs in his heart." - -A sudden flush crossed the young man's face at these words; a sad smile -curled his pale lips; he gently pressed the hand of the chief, and -closing his eyes, he sank gently back in the hammock. All at once the -furious galloping of a horse was heard from without. - -"Good!" Trangoil-Lanec murmured, looking at the wounded man, whose -regular breathing proclaimed that he was sleeping peacefully: "what will -Don Valentine say to all this?" - -And he strode out hastily to meet the Parisian, whose face was the -picture of anxiety. - -"Chief!" he cried, in a tremulous voice, "can what the peons say be -true?" - -"Yes!" the chief replied coolly. - -The young man sank down, as if thunder-struck. The Indian seated him -gently upon a bale, and placing himself beside him, pressed his hand, -saying in a soothing tone: - -"My brother has much courage." - -"Alas!" the young man exclaimed, in an agonized voice, "Louis, my poor -Louis, dead, assassinated! Oh!" he added, with a terrible gesture, "I -will avenge him! I will solely live to accomplish that sacred duty!" - -The chief looked at him for an instant attentively. - -"What does my brother mean?" he asked; "his friend is not dead." - -"Oh! why do you seek to deceive me, chief?" - -"I speak the truth; Don Louis is not dead," the Ulmen replied, in such -an imposing voice that it carried conviction to the wounded heart of the -young man. - -"Oh!" he cried, impetuously, and springing up, "he lives!--is that -possible?" - -"He has received two wounds." - -"Two wounds!" - -"Yes, but my brother can be comforted, they are not dangerous; in a -week, at latest, they will be cured." - -Valentine remained for an instant stupefied by this good news, after the -catastrophe which the peons and arrieros had announced to him. - -"Oh!" he exclaimed, throwing himself into the arms of the chief, whom -he pressed with a kind of frenzy to his breast, "it is true, is it -not?--his life is not in danger?" - -"No, no, my brother can reassure himself; loss of blood alone reduced -him to the state of torpor into which he fell. I will answer for his -recovery." - -"Thanks! thanks, chief! I can see him, may I not?" - -"He is asleep." - -"Oh! I will not wake him, be assured of that; I only wish to see him." - -"See him, then," Trangoil-Lanec replied, smiling. - -Valentine went in. He looked at his friend, peacefully sleeping; he -leant softly over him, and impressing a kiss upon his brow, whispered-- - -"Sleep, dear brother, I will watch." - -The lips of the wounded man moved; he murmured-- - -"Valentine, save her!" - -The Parisian knitted his brow, and drew himself up again. - -"Come here, chief," he said to Trangoil-Lanec, "and tell me the details -of what has passed, that I may know how to avenge my brother, and save -her he loves." - -The two men quitted the tent. - - - - -CHAPTER XL. - -AHAUCANIAN DIPLOMACY. - - -Antinahuel had not remained long inactive. Scarce had General -Bustamente's escort disappeared in the cloud of dust, ere he remounted -his horse, and, followed by all the Araucano chiefs, crossed the river. -When he arrived on the other bank, he planted his lance in the ground, -and turned towards the herald who was beside him, ready to execute his -orders. - -"Let the three toquis, the Ulmens, and the Apo-Ulmens meet here in an -hour," he said; "the fire of council shall be lighted on this spot for a -grand council. Begone!" - -The herald bowed down to his horse's neck and set off at full speed. -Antinahuel cast a glance around him. All the chiefs had regained their -huts; one warrior alone remained. On perceiving him a smile stole over -the lips of the toqui. This warrior was a man of lofty stature, proud -carriage, and haughty countenance, whose piercing look conveyed a fierce -and cruel expression. He appeared to be in the prime of life, that is to -say, about forty years of age; he wore a poncho of exceedingly fine lama -wool, striped with striking colours, while the long silver-headed cane -which he held in his hand proclaimed him an Apo-Ulmen. He replied to the -toqui's smile by a look of intelligence, and, bending to his ear, said, -with an accent of gratified hatred-- - -"When the cougars tear each other to pieces, they prepare a rich quarry -for the eagles of the Andes." - -"The Puelches are eagles," Antinahuel replied; "they are masters of the -other side of the mountains; they leave to the Huiliche women the care -of weaving their ponchos." - -At this sarcasm, launched against the Huiliches, a fraction of the -Araucano people, who devote themselves principally to agriculture and -the breeding of cattle, the Apo-Ulmen frowned. - -"My father is severe with his sons," he said, in a husky voice. - -"The Black-Stag is a formidable chief in his nation," Antinahuel -remarked, in a conciliatory tone; "he is the first of the Apo-Ulmens -of the province of the maritime country. His heart is Puelche; my soul -rejoices when he is at my side. Why is it that the Ulmens are not of the -same temper as he?" - -"My brother has explained the reason. Obliged to live in continual trade -relations with the miserable Spaniards, the tribes of the flat country -have laid down the lance to take up the pickaxe: they have become -cultivators; but let not my father be deceived,--the old spirit of their -race still dwells within them, and on the day when they are called on to -fight for their independence, all will rise at once to punish those who -would attempt to enslave them." - -"Can that be true?" Antinahuel cried, stopping his horse short, and -looking in the speaker's face; "may they be depended upon?" - -"What is the use of speaking of the subject at this moment?" said the -Apo-Ulmen, with a bantering smile; "has not my father just come from -renewing the treaties with the palefaces?" - -"That is true," said the toqui, darting a keen look at the Indian -warrior: "peace is secured for a long time." - -"My father is a wise chief, that which he does is well done," the other -replied, casting down his eyes. - -Antinahuel was preparing to reply, when an Indian arrived at full speed, -and, with a prodigy of skill which these matchless horsemen alone -can execute, he stopped suddenly before the two chiefs, and stood as -motionless as a statue of bronze. The panting sides of his horse, which -ejected clouds from his nostrils, and was spotted with white foam, -showed that he had ridden far and fast. Antinahuel looked at him for an -instant. - -"My son Theg-teg--the thunderer--has made a rapid journey." - -"I have executed the orders of my father." - -At these words, out of politeness, the Apo-Ulmen pressed the sides of -his horse to retire, but Antinahuel laid his hand upon his arm. - -"Black-Stag may remain," he said; "is he not my friend?" - -"I will remain if my father wishes it," the chief answered, quietly. - -"Let him remain, then; his brother has no secrets from him;" and turning -to the still motionless warrior, he added, "my brother can speak." - -"The Chiaplos are fighting," the latter replied; "they have dug up the -hatchet and turned it against their own breasts." - -"Oh!" the toqui exclaimed with feigned astonishment; "my brother must be -mistaken, the palefaces are not cougars, to devour each other." - -And he turned towards Black-Stag, with a smile of undefinable expression. - -"Theg-teg is not mistaken," the Indian warrior replied, gravely; "his -eyes have seen clearly: the stone toldería, which the palefaces call -Valdivia, is at this moment a more ardent furnace than the volcano of -Autaco, which serves as a retreat for Guécubu, the genius of evil." - -"Good!" the toqui remarked, coldly, "my son has seen well; he is a -warrior brave in battle, but he is likewise prudent; did he stand apart -to rejoice, without seeking to learn which side prevailed?" - -"Theg-teg is prudent, but when he looks he means to see; he knows all, -my father may question him." - -"Good! the great warrior of the palefaces set out from here to fly to -the help of his soldiers; the advantage is with him." - -The Indian smiled, but made no reply. - -"Let my brother speak!" Antinahuel resumed; "the toqui of his nation -interrogates him." - -"He whom my brother names as the great warrior of the palefaces, is the -prisoner of his enemies; his soldiers are dispersed like grains of wheat -scattered over the field." - -"Wah!" Antinahuel cried with feigned anger, "my brother has a lying -tongue, what he says cannot be true; does the eagle become the prey of -the owl? The great warrior has an arm strong as the thunder of Pillian. -Nothing can resist it." - -"That arm, however powerful, has not been able to save him; the eagle -is captive: the courageous puma was surprised by cunning foxes; he has -fallen, treacherously overcome, into the snare they had laid before his -feet." - -"But his soldiers? the great toqui of the whites had a numerous army." - -"I have told my father; the chief being made captive, the soldiers, -bewildered and struck with fear by Guécubu, fell beneath the blows of -their angry enemies." - -"The chiefs who were conquerors, no doubt, pursued them." - -"What for? The palefaces are women without courage: as soon as their -enemies weep and pray for pardon they forgive them." - -At this news the toqui could not repress a movement of impatience, but -he soon recovered himself. - -"Brothers ought not to be inexorable," he said, "when they lift the -hatchet against each other: they may wound a friend without wishing it. -The pale warriors have done well." - -The Indian bowed if as assenting. - -"What are the palefaces doing now?" the chief continued. - -"They are assembled round the council fire." - -"Good! They are wise men. I am satisfied with my son," Antinahuel -added, with a gracious smile; "he is a warrior, as skilful as brave; -he may retire, and take the repose necessary after so long a journey." -"Theg-teg is not fatigued; his life is my father's," the warrior said -with a bow; "he may dispose of it at his pleasure." - -"Antinahuel will remember his son," the toqui said with a sign of -dismissal. - -The Indian bowed respectfully to his chief, and pressing his knees -whilst shortening the bridle, he made his horse perform a curvet, -brought it to the ground with an extraordinary bound, and went off -caracoling. The toqui looked after him in apparent abstraction; then -addressing the Apo-Ulmen-- - -"What does my brother think of that which this man has said?" he asked. - -"My father is the wisest of the toquis of his nation, the chief the most -venerated by the Araucanian tribes; Pillian will breathe words into his -mind which will mount to his lips, and which we shall listen to with -respect," Black-Stag replied, evasively, fearing to compromise himself -by too frank a reply. - -"My brother is right," the toqui said, with a haughty glance; "I have my -nymph!" - -The Apo-Ulmen bowed with an air of conviction. We beg our readers to -observe, with regard to this expression, which for the first time -has fallen from our pen, that in the Araucanian mythology, besides -an infinite number of gods and goddesses, there are what are called -spiritual nymphs, who perform towards man the office of familiar genii. -There is not a renowned chief among the Araucanos who does not glorify -himself with the idea of having one of these in his service. Hence, -what Antinahuel said, instead of disturbing Black-Stag, gave him, on -the contrary, a greater veneration for his chief; for he also flattered -himself with having a familiar spirit at his command, although he did -not dare to proclaim it aloud. At this moment the Araucanian drums and -trumpets sounded loudly--the _chasquis_ were calling the chiefs to -council. - -"What will my father do?" asked the Apo-Ulmen. - -"Man is weak," Antinahuel replied; "but Pillian loves his sons, the -Moluchos, he will inspire the words I shall pronounce; my only desire is -the happiness of the Araucano nation." - -"My father has convoked the great Auca-coyog of the nation; did he then -suspect the news he has just received?" - -"Antinahuel knows everything," he answered, with a smile. - -"Good! I know what my father thinks." - -"Perhaps." - -"Let my father remember the words I have spoken." - -"My ears are open, my son may repeat them," - -"When cougars tear each other to pieces, they prepare a rich quarry for -the eagles of the Andes." - -"Good!" said Antinahuel, with a laugh; "my son is a great chief, let him -follow me to the Auca-coyog, the warriors are waiting for us." - -The two warriors exchanged a look of undefinable meaning; these two men, -so cunning and dissimulating, had compromised themselves to each other -without avowing anything. They directed their course at a gallop towards -the spot where the principal chiefs awaited them, drawn up in a circle -around a fierce fire, the smoke of which ascended in graceful eddies -towards heaven. - - - - -CHAPTER XLI. - -THE COUNCIL - - -The Araucanos, whom certain travellers, either ill-informed or of -bad faith, persist in representing as savage men plunged in the most -frightful barbarism, are, on the contrary, a relatively civilized -people. Their government, the origin of which is lost in the night of -time, and which, at the period of the Spanish conquest, was as well -organized and carried out as easily as at the present day, is, as -we have said in a preceding chapter, an aristocratic republic, with -essentially feudal tendencies. This government, which affects all the -appearances of the feudal system, has all its good qualities and all its -defects. Hence, except in time of war, the toquis possess but the shadow -of sovereignty, and the power resides in the entire body of the chiefs, -who, in questions of importance, decide in a general diet, called the -_Auca-coyog_, the great council, or council of free men, for such is -the name they claim for themselves, and very justly, for no power has -yet been able to subdue them. These councils are generally held in the -presence of all, in a vast prairie. - -Antinahuel had eagerly seized the pretext of the renewal of the treaties -to try and obtain from the chiefs authority to carry into execution the -projects which had been so long ripening in his brain. The Araucanian -code, which contains all the laws of the nation, created an obligation -for his doing so, from which even his renown and popularity were -powerless to release him. But he hoped to overcome the opposition of -the chiefs, or their repugnance to submit to his will, by means of his -eloquence and the influence which, under many circumstances, he had -exercised over the minds of the Ulmens, even those most determined to -resist him. - -The Araucanos cultivate with success the art of speaking, which among -them leads to public honours. They make it a point to speak their own -language well, and to preserve its purity by guarding particularly -against the introduction of foreign words. They carry this so far, -that when a white establishes himself amongst them, they oblige him -to abandon his own name and take one of their country. The style of -their speeches is figurative and allegorical. They call the style of -parliamentary harangues _coyagtucan;_ and it must be observed that these -speeches contain all the essential parts of true rhetoric, and are -almost all divided into three heads. - -The few words we have said will suffice to show that the Araucanos are -not so savage as we have been led to suppose. In short, a small people, -who, without allies, isolated at the extremity of the continent, have -since the landing of the Spaniards on their coasts, that is to say, -during three hundred years, constantly and alone resisted European -armies composed of experienced soldiers and greedy adventurers, whom no -difficulty was likely to stop, and who have preserved their independence -and their nationality intact, are, in our opinion, respectable in -every point of view, and ought not to be stigmatized as barbarians -with impunity--the sad, despicable vengeance of those proud and -impotent Spaniards, who have never been able to conquer them, and whose -degenerate sons at this very day pay them a tribute, under the lying -excuse of an annual offering. - -We who, thrown by the chance of our adventurous travels among these -indomitable tribes, have lived many days with them, have had an -opportunity of judging soundly of these ill-understood people. We have -been able to appreciate all that is really simple, great, and generous -in their character. Terminating here this somewhat long digression, a -tribute of gratitude paid to ancient and dearly-beloved friends, we will -resume our narrative. - -Antinahuel and Black-Stag arrived at the place where the chiefs were -assembled. They dismounted and joined the groups of Ulmens. The chiefs, -who were peacefully chatting together, at their arrival became silent, -and, for a few minutes, not a word was heard in the assembly. At length -Cathicara, the toqui of the Piré-Mapus, made a few steps towards the -centre of the circle, and took the initiative. - -Cathicara was an old man of seventy, of majestic bearing, and imposing -countenance. A renowned warrior in his youth, now that many winters had -wrinkled his brow and silvered his long hair, he enjoyed, by just title, -a great reputation for wisdom in his nation. Descended from an old race -of Ulmens, continually opposed to the whites, he was an inveterate enemy -of the Chilians, against whom he had long waged war. He was acquainted -with the secret views of Antinahuel, of whom he was the most devoted -friend and partisan. - -"Toquis, Apo-Ulmens and Ulmens of the valiant nation of the Aucas, whose -immense hunting grounds cover the surface of the earth," he said, "my -heart is sad; a cloud covers my mind, and my eyes, filled with tears, -are constantly cast towards the ground; whence comes it that grief -devours me? Why does the joyous song of the goldfinch no longer sound -cheerfully in my ears? why do the rays of the sun seem less warm to me? -why, in short, does nature appear less beautiful to me? Will you tell -me, my brothers? You are silent; shame covers your brows; your humbled -eyes are cast down--have you nothing to reply? It is because you are a -degenerate people! your warriors are women, who instead of the lance -take up the spindle; because you bow basely beneath the yoke of these -Chiaplos, these Huincas, who laugh at you, for they know that you have -no longer blood red enough to contend with them! When, Aucas warriors, -did impure owls and screech owls begin to make their nests in the eyrie -of eagles? Of what use is this stone hatchet, the symbol of strength; -this hatchet, which you have given me to defend you, if it is to remain -inactive in my hands, and if I must descend into the tomb, towards -which I am already hastening, without having been able to do anything -for your enfranchisement?--Take it back again, warriors, if it is to be -nothing but a vain, honorary ornament; for myself, my life has been too -long--let me retire to my toldo, where, to my last days, it will be at -least permitted me to weep over our independence, which is compromised -by your weakness, and our glory eclipsed for ever by your cowardice!" - -After uttering these words, the old man made a few paces backwards, -staggering as if overcome by grief. Antinahuel sprang towards him, and -appeared to lavish consolations upon him in a low voice. The speech had -strongly moved the assembly, for the toqui was beloved and venerated -by all. The Ulmens remained apparently silent and stoical; but their -feelings of hatred had been powerfully stirred, and passion began to -gleam from their eyes in ominous flashes. Black-Stag stepped forward. - -"Father," he said, in a low, insinuating tone, and with a quiet air, -"your words are rough; they have plunged our hearts in sadness; why have -you been so severe with your children? Pillian alone is acquainted with -the intentions of men. What do you reproach us with? with having done -today what our fathers have always done before us, while they did not -believe themselves in a position to contend victoriously against their -enemies! No, owls and impure birds do not make their nests in the eyries -of eagles. No, the Aucas are not women! They are valiant and invincible -warriors, as their fathers were before them. Listen! listen to what -the spirit reveals to me: the council with the Spaniards of today is -null and void, because it has not taken place as the Admapu requires. -The toqui has not presented to the chief of the palefaces the branch -of the Cinnamon tree, the symbol of peace; the canes of the Apo-Ulmens -have not been bound in a sheaf with the sword of the Huinca chief; -the oath and the speeches have been pronounced upon the cross of the -palefaces, and not upon the sheaf, as the law requires. I repeat, then, -the Huinca-coyog is a nullity, nothing but a vain, laughable ceremony, -to which we ought to attach no importance. Have I spoken well, powerful -men?" - -"Yes! yes!" the chiefs cried, brandishing their arms, "the Huinca-coyog -is null!" - -Antinahuel then took a few steps forward within the circle, with his -head advanced, his eyes fixed on vacancy, and his arms extended, as if -he heard and saw things which he alone could see and hear. - -"Silence!" Black-Stag cried, pointing to him with his finger; "the great -toqui is holding conference with his nymph!" - -The chiefs experienced a sensation of terror while looking at the toqui. -A solemn silence prevailed in the assembly. On his part, Antinahuel did -not stir. - -Black-Stag approached him softly, and, stooping towards his ear, asked,-- - -"What does my father see?" - -"I see the warriors of the palefaces; they have dug up the war hatchet, -and are fighting with one another." - -"What more does my father see?" Black-Stag resumed. - -"I see streams of blood, which redden the soil; the odour of that blood -rejoices my heart, for it is the blood of palefaces shed by their -brothers!" - -"Does my father see anything more?" - -"I see the great chief of the whites! he fights valiantly at the head -of his soldiers! he is surrounded, he fights still! he is nearly -falling--he falls--he is down--he is conquered! His enemies seize him!" - -The Ulmens present at this scene looked on in stupefied amazement; it -was incomprehensible to them. A smile of disdain curled the lips of -Black-Stag, as he continued,-- - -"Does my father hear anything?" - -"I hear the cries of the dying demanding vengeance upon their brothers!" - -"Does my father hear anything else?" - -"Yes; I hear the cries of Aucas warriors, long since dead, and they -freeze me with terror!" - -"What do they say?" the chiefs exclaimed unanimously, a prey to intense -anxiety. "What do the Aucas warriors say?" - -"They say, 'Brothers, the hour is come! To arms! To arms!'" - -"To arms!" the chiefs shouted, as with one voice. "To arms! Death to the -palefaces!" - -The impulse was given, enthusiasm had seized all hearts; from this -moment Antinahuel was able to raise the passions of the crowd to -delirium at his pleasure. A smile of supreme satisfaction lighted his -haughty countenance as he recovered apparently from his vision. - -"Chiefs of the Aucas," he said, "what do you order me to do?" - -"Antinahuel," Cathicara replied, throwing his stone hatchet into the -fire, in which he was directly imitated by the other toquis; "there is -now but one supreme hatchet in the nation, it is in your hands; let -it be red up to the hilt in the blood of the vile Huincas; lead our -Uthal-Mapus to battle--you have the supreme command! We give you the -power of life and death over our persons. From this hour, you alone in -the nation have the right to command us; whatever be your orders, we -will accomplish them." - -Antinahuel raised his lofty head, his brow radiant with pride: -brandishing in his nervous hand his powerful war hatchet, the symbol of -the dictatorial and boundless power which had just been conferred upon -him, he said haughtily,-- - -"Aucas, I accept the honour you do me; I will prove worthy of the -confidence you place in me. This hatchet shall never be buried till -my body has served for food to the vultures of the Andes, or till the -cowardly palefaces, against whom we are about to combat, shall have come -upon their knees to implore pardon!" - -The chiefs replied to these words by cries of joy and ferocious -howlings. The Auca-coyog was terminated. Tables were placed, and a -banquet gathered together all the warriors present at the council. -At the moment when Antinahuel was seating himself in the high place -reserved for him, an Indian, covered with perspiration and dust, -approached him, and whispered a few words in his ear. The chief started; -a nervous paroxysm shook his whole frame, and he arose a prey to the -most lively agitation. - -"Oh!" he cried, passionately, "it is to me alone that woman should -belong!" and, addressing the Indian who had spoken to him, he added, -"Bid my mosotones mount, and be prepared to follow me instantly." - - - - - -CHAPTER XLII. - -THE NIGHT JOURNEY. - - -Antinahuel beckoned Black-Stag to come to him, and the Apo-Ulmen did not -delay. Notwithstanding the number and copiousness of the libations in -which he had indulged, the face of the Araucano chief was as impassive, -and his step as steady, as if he had only drunk water. When he arrived -in front of the toqui, he bowed respectfully, and waited in silence till -he was spoken to. The toqui, with his eyes fixed on the ground, and -buried in serious reflections, was some time before he was aware of his -presence. At length he raised his eyes; his countenance was dark, his -eyes seemed to dart lightning, a nervous tremour agitated all his limbs. - -"Is my father suffering?" Black-Stag asked, mildly and affectionately. - -"I am," the chief replied. - -"Guécubu has breathed upon the heart of my father; but let him take -courage, Pillian will support him." - -"No," Antinahuel replied; "the breath which dries my breast is a breath -of fear." - -"Of fear?" - -"Yes; the Huincas are powerful. I dread the strength of their arms for -my young men!" - -Black-Stag surveyed him with astonishment. - -"What signifies the power of the palefaces," he said, "when my father is -at the head of the four Uthal-Mapus?" - -"This war will be terrible; and I would conquer." - -"My father will conquer. Do not all the warriors listen to his voice?" - -"No," said Antinahuel, sorrowfully; "the Ulmens of the Puelches were not -present at the council." - -"That is true," Black-Stag murmured. - -"The Puelches are the first among Aucas warriors." - -"That is true, too," said Black-Stag. - -"I suffer!" Antinahuel repeated. - -Black-Stag laid his hand upon his shoulder. - -"My father," he said, in an insinuating tone, "is a great chief; nothing -is impossible to him!" - -"What does my son mean?" - -"War is declared. Whilst we attempt incursions into the Chilian -territory, to keep our enemies in a state of uncertainty as to our -plans, let my father mount with his mosotones upon his coursers more -fleet than the wind, and fly upon the wings of the tempest to the -Puelches. His words will convince them; the warriors will abandon -everything to follow him and fight under his orders. With their -assistance we shall conquer the Huincas, and the heart of my father will -swell with joy and pride!" - -"My son is wise! I will follow his counsels," the toqui answered, with a -smile of mysterious expression; "but he has said war is resolved upon; -the interests of my nation must not suffer from the short absence I am -forced to make." - -"My father will provide for that." - -"I have provided for it," Antinahuel said, with a courteous smile; "let -my son listen to me." - -"My ears are open to receive the words of my father." - -"At sunrise, when the fumes of the water fire are dissipated, the chiefs -will ask for Antinahuel." Black-Stag nodded assent. - -"I will place in the hands of my son," the chief continued, "the stone -hatchet, the sign of my dignity. Black-Stag is a part of my soul, his -heart is devoted to me; I name him my vice-toqui--he will take my place." - -The Apo-Ulmen bowed respectfully before Antinahuel, and kissed his hand. - -"Whatever my father orders shall be instantly executed," he said. - -"The chiefs are of a proud character; their courage is fiery: my son -must not give them time to cool, he must make them so compromise -themselves, that they cannot afterwards retract." - -"What are the names of these chiefs, that I may keep them in my memory?" - -"They are the most powerful Ulmens of the nation. Let my son remember -they are eight in number; each of them must make an incursion on the -frontier, in order to prove to the Chiaplos that hostilities have -commenced. The four principal among them will immediately repair to -Valdivia, to proclaim the declaration of war to the palefaces." - -"Good!" - -"These are the names of the Ulmens: Tangol, Qud-pal, Auchanguer, -Colfunguin, Trumau, Cuyumil, and Pailapen. Does my son hear these names -distinctly?" - -"I have heard them." - -"Has my son understood the sense of my words? Have they entered into his -brain?" - -"The words of my father are here," said Black-Stag, pointing to his -forehead; "he may banish all uneasiness, and fly towards her who has -taken possession of his heart." - -"Good!" Antinahuel replied; "my son loves me, he will remember; after -two suns he will find me at the toldería of the Black Serpents." - -"The Black-Stag will be there, accompanied by his most valiant warriors; -may Pillian guide the steps of my father, and may the god of war grant -him success." - -"Farewell, brother!" Antinahuel murmured, taking leave of his lieutenant. - -Black-Stag bowed to the toqui and retired. As soon as he was alone, -Antinahuel made a sign to the Indian whose news had caused his -departure. During the conference of the two chiefs this man had stood -motionless, at a sufficient distance to prevent his hearing what they -said, but near enough to execute immediately the orders that might be -given him. He drew near in obedience to the sign. - -"Is my son fatigued?" the toqui asked. - -"No; my horse alone wants rest." - -"Well, my son shall have another horse; he will guide us." - -Antinahuel, followed by the scout, advanced, without more words, towards -a group of horsemen, who, leaning on their long lances, cast their black -shadows gloomily into the night. These horsemen, about thirty in number, -were the mosotones of the toqui. Antinahuel, at a bound, sprang upon a -magnificent horse, held by the bridle by two Indians. - -"Forward!" he cried, settling himself in his saddle, and plunging his -spurs into the sides of the horse, which set off with the speed of an -arrow. - -The mosotones followed as quickly after, and the troop of horsemen -glided through the darkness like a legion of gloomy phantoms, preceded -by the scout. Who can express the terrible poetry of a night ride in -the American deserts? The midnight wind had swept the heavens clear of -clouds, and its vault, of a dark blue, appeared to be, like a monarch's -robe, splendidly adorned with an infinite number of stars. The night -had that velvety transparency peculiar to warm climates. At intervals, -a puff of wind, loaded with indistinct sounds, scattered the dry leaves -into the air, and was lost in the distance like a sigh. - -The Araucanos, bending over the necks of their horses, whose nostrils -emitted dense clouds of smoke, rode on, and on, and ever on, without -casting even a look around them. And yet the desert they were -traversing, so silently and so rapidly, poured floods of splendid -harmonies into space. The murmur of water among the lianas and the -glayeuls, the moaning of the wind among the leaves, or the confused -noise of a thousand invisible insects, could be heard; at times, lights, -fluttering through the foliage, danced upon the grass in the manner of -wild fires; at distances were to be seen old trees, at the angles of -ravines or the brink of precipices, standing like spectres, shaking -their winding sheets of parasitical plants; a thousand rumours hovered -in the air; nameless cries issued from dens hollowed under vast roots; -stifled sighs descended from the hoary summits of the mountains: an -unknown and mysterious world could be felt existing around. Everywhere, -on the earth, in the air, was to be heard the great flood of life, which -comes from God, passes away, and is incessantly renewed. - -The Araucanos still continued their furious course, clearing torrents -and ravines, and crushing under the hoofs of their flying coursers -stones, the fragments of which rolled with a splash into the barrancas. -At two lances, length, in front, by the side of the scout, Antinahuel, -with his eyes ardently directed forward, kept urging on his horse, whose -hard and loud breathing proclaimed fatigue. All at once a dark mass -surged up in the distance, and then a voice was heard. - -"We have arrived," the guide exclaimed. - -"At last!" Antinahuel said, pulling up his horse, which could no longer -stand when the impetus had ceased. They found themselves in a miserable -village, composed of five or six huts falling to ruins, and which, -at every gust of wind, threatened to tumble to pieces. Antinahuel, -who expected the fall of his horse, disengaged himself quickly, and -addressing the guide, who had likewise dismounted, asked-- - -"In which toldo is she?" - -"Come," the Indian replied, laconically. - -Antinahuel followed him. - -They walked some steps without exchanging a word; the chief pressing -his hand strongly on his breast, as if to keep down the beatings of his -heart. After a hasty march of ten minutes, the two men found themselves -in front of an isolated cabin, from the interior of which glimmered a -feeble light. The Indian stopped, and turned towards Antinahuel. - -"That is it," he said, stretching out his arm in the direction of the -cabin. - -The toqui turned round to ascertain whether his mosotones, whom, in his -rapid course, he had left far behind, were rejoining him; and then, -after the hesitation of a second, he approached the door and pushed it, -saying in a low but determined voice-- - -"An end must be put to this!" - -The door opened, and he entered. - - - - -CHAPTER XLIII. - -TWO HATREDS. - - -Antinahuel found himself face to face with Doña Maria; by an instinctive -movement each drew back a step, stifling a cry; a cry of stupor on the -part of Antinahuel, of surprise on the part of the Linda. - -"Oh!" sighed Doña Rosario, quite overcome, and bowing her head to avoid -the ardent glance of the Indian chief--"Oh, Heaven! now I am really -lost, indeed!" - -Doña Maria had in a few seconds driven back to her heart the feelings -which raged within her; and with a mild voice and a smiling face she -addressed Antinahuel-- - -"My brother is welcome," she said, inviting him by a gesture to enter -the cuarto; "to what happy chance do I owe his presence?" - -"A happy chance for me, particularly," he replied, with a satirical -smile, and endeavouring to compose his features. - -The toqui was too well acquainted with the companion of his childhood -not to know that he had in her a formidable adversary, with whom he must -play close, in order to bring her to do his will. - -"Well!" the Linda resumed, "will my brother deign to do me the pleasure -of explaining the cause of his sudden appearance, which, not the less, -fills me with delight?" - -"Oh! the cause is very simple indeed, not worth mentioning; I did not -hope, in any way, to meet my sister here; I must even confess, with all -humility that I did not seek her." - -"Ah!" said Doña Maria, feigning to be imposed upon, "I am doubly -fortunate, then." - -The chief bowed. - -"It is the truth," he said. - -"Good!" she thought; "now he is going to lie, let us see what villainy -the demon will invent;" and then she added aloud, with a seducing smile, -which displayed thirty-two little teeth of the purest pearl--"I am all -ears, my brother can speak." - -"As my sister knows, this village is on the route which leads to my -toldería, I have naturally traversed it in returning to my tribe; the -night is advanced, my mosotones require a few hours' rest; I resolved -to encamp here. I entered the first rancho which presented itself to -my view, this rancho in which you are temporarily sojourning, and I am -grateful to the chance which, as I have told you, has done all this, and -is alone guilty." - -"Not bad for an Indian," murmured Doña Maria; "well, we will say no more -about that." - -"Eh!" said Antinahuel, feigning for the first time to perceive Doña -Rosario, and advancing towards her; "who is this charming young woman?" - -"A slave, not worthy of your notice," the Linda replied, sternly. - -"A slave!" Antinahuel cried. - -"Yes, a slave." The Linda clapped her hands, and the Indian we have seen -talking with her entered. - -"Take away this woman!" she said. - -"Oh, madam!" Rosario exclaimed, falling on her knees, "can you be -inexorable towards a poor girl who has never injured you?" - -The Linda gave her a fiery glance, and repulsed her with her foot. - -"I ordered this girl to be taken away," she said, perilously. - -At this flagrant insult, the blood rushed to the heart of the poor -girl; her pallid brow flushed with scarlet, and drawing herself up -majestically and proudly, she said in a piercing voice, the prophetic -tone of which struck the Linda to the heart-- - -"Beware, madam! God will punish you! As you today are without pity for -me, so the day will come when there will be no pity for you!" - -And she left the room, after darting a look at her implacable enemy that -made even her blench. - -When Antinahuel and the Linda were left alone, a long silence ensued. -The last words of Rosario had wounded the Linda like the stroke of a -poniard; it was in vain she endeavoured to steel herself against the -emotion she experienced. She felt herself conquered by the weak girl. -She, however, gradually overcame the incomprehensible sensation that -oppressed her. Passing her hand across her brow, as if to drive away the -importunate idea that pursued her, she turned towards Antinahuel-- - -"No diplomacy between us, brother," she said, "we know each other too -well to lose time in manoeuvring." - -"My sister is right; let us speak frankly." - -"The story of your return to your tribe is very clever, Antinahuel, but -I do not believe a word of it." - -"Good! then my sister knows the reason that brings me here." - -"I do know it," she said, with an arch smile, which played like a -sunbeam round her rosy lips. - -Antinahuel made no reply. He began to walk in great agitation about the -room, casting looks of anger and vexation towards the door by which -Rosario had gone out. The Linda followed him with a keen and mocking eye. - -"Well," she said, at the end of a minute, "will not my brother speak?" - -"Why should I not speak?" he angrily replied. "Antinahuel is the most -redoubtable chief of his nation, the proudest warriors bend their lofty -brows without hesitation before him!" - -"I am waiting," she said, in a calm voice. - -"A chief explains himself clearly, no one imposes upon him. My sister -knows my hatred for the chief of the palefaces, of whom she has so much -reason to complain." - -"Yes, I know that man is the personal enemy of my brother." - -"Well, then, my sister has in her hands the blue-eyed maiden, and she -will give her to me, so that I may, in making her suffer, revenge myself -on my enemy." - -"My brother is a man, he does not know how to avenge himself: why -should I give my prisoner up to him? Women alone possess the secret of -torturing those they hate. Let my brother leave it to me," she added, -with a vindictive smile; "the torments I shall invent will suffice, I -swear, to satisfy a hatred much deeper than any he can feel." - -Antinahuel, although his face remained impassive, shuddered inwardly at -these odious words. - -"My sister is boastful," he replied, "her skin is white, her heart knows -not how to hate, let her leave it to the Indian chief." - -"No," she passionately exclaimed, "I have fixed the fate of this woman; -I will not give her to my brother." - -"Will my sister then forget her promise, and falsify her oaths?" - -"Of what promises and of what oaths do you speak, chief?" - -"Of those," the Indian replied haughtily, "which my sister pronounced in -the toldo of Antinahuel, when she came among his tribe to implore his -assistance." - -The Linda smiled. - -"Woman is a mockingbird," she said, "the man who pays attention to her -words is----" - -"Good!" Antinahuel interrupted, "my sister shall keep her prisoner. Let -my sister do her will; I will continue my route towards the toldería of -my tribe." - -The Linda looked at him with astonishment; the facility with which -Antinahuel apparently renounced his projects seemed to her the more -incomprehensible, from her knowing with what pertinacity he pursued -his enterprises, when once he believed he had a chance of success. She -resolved to know what she had to trust to. At the moment when the chief -made a step towards the door, she said. - -"Is my brother going?" - -"I am going," he replied. - -"Has he, then, already terminated the affairs about which General -Bustamente requested him to come and consult with him?" - -"General Bustamente no longer stands in need of Antinahuel or of anyone -else." - -"Has he then succeeded so quickly?" - -"Yes," he answered in an equivocal tone. - -"Then," the Linda exclaimed, joyfully, "he is master of the city, and -triumphs at last!" - -Antinahuel appeared to hesitate for a minute--an ironical smile flitted -across his lips. - -"Will not my brother answer?" the Linda continued, with an impatience -mingled with uneasiness. - -"He whom my sister calls General Bustamente," he replied in a sharp -tone, "no longer needs the assistance of anyone: he is a prisoner." - -The Linda sprang up like a wounded lioness. - -"A prisoner!" she cried. "Oh! my brother must be mistaken." - -"He is a prisoner, and within three days will be dead." - -The Linda was struck with stupor; this frightful news crushed all her -hopes. - -"Oh!" she murmured at length, "he shall not die!" - -"He will die!" Antinahuel replied; "who can save him?" - -"You, chief!" she said, emphatically grasping his arm. - -"Why should I do it?" he remarked carelessly; "of what consequence is -the life of the man to me?--the palefaces are not my brothers." - -"No; but his life is precious to me, for the sake of my vengeance! He -alone can deliver up my enemy to me! He shall live, I tell you!" - -"Good! My sister will deliver him, then, as she is so anxious to save -him." - -"You alone could do it, chief, if you would," she observed. - -Antinahuel fixed his eyes upon her. - -"What makes you suppose I would?" he said. - -"Listen to me, chief!" the Linda cried. "You love that woman--that puny, -palefaced thing, do you not?" - -The Indian started, but made no reply. - -"Oh! do not endeavour to deceive me; you cannot blind the eyes of a -woman. The hatred you bear to Don Tadeo is changed into love in your -heart at the sight of this creature." - -"Well! and suppose it should be so?" he said, evidently moved. - -"An even-handed bargain with you then; give me General Bustamente," she -remarked earnestly, "and I will deliver her up to you." - -"Oh!" said Antinahuel, with a bantering smile, "a woman is but a -mockingbird; the man who puts faith in her words----" - -On hearing the chief throw in her face the words she herself had uttered -only a few minutes before, she stamped with impatience. - -"Well, then," she cried, almost bursting with rage, "take her -then!--take the woman! and may my curses cling to her!" - -Antinahuel uttered a tiger-like roar, and rushed out of the room. - -"Ah!" cried the Linda in a hoarse voice, and with an expression -impossible to be described, "may not the love of this wretch avenge me -better than all the tortures I could have invented!" - -In a few minutes the chief returned precipitately, his features -distorted by fury and disappointment. - -"She has fled!" he shouted. It was true. Rosario and the Indian to whose -charge the Linda had given her had both disappeared. No one knew what -had become of them. Antinahuel immediately dispatched his mosotones in -all directions in search of them. The Linda was left in the toldo a -prey to indescribable rage; she was cheated of her vengeance! She felt -crushed under the weight of the helplessness to which she was reduced. - - - - -CHAPTER XLIV. - -THE RETURN TO VALDIVIA. - - -Night was come; bending over the pillow of his friend, who was still -buried in that lethargic sleep which generally follows great loss of -blood, Valentine watched with anxious tenderness the changes which at -times darkened his pale countenance. - -"Oh!" he said, in a suppressed voice, clenching his hands with anger, -"be thy assassins who they may, brother, they shall pay for their crime -dearly." - -The curtain of the tent was slowly raised, and a hand was laid upon the -young man's shoulder. He turned quickly round; Trangoil-Lanec was before -him. The face of the Ulmen was dark as night, and he appeared a prey to -strong emotion. - -"What is the matter, chief?" asked Valentine, terrified at his manner; -"what has happened, in the name of Heaven? Have you any fresh misfortune -to announce?" - -"Misfortune incessantly watches over man," the chief remarked -sententiously; "he should be ready to receive it at all hours, like an -expected guest." - -"Speak then!" the young man asked, in a firm voice; "whatever may -happen, I will not falter." - -"Good, my brother is strong, he is a great warrior, he will not suffer -himself to be cast down. Let my brother hasten; we must be gone!" - -"Be gone!" cried Valentine, with a nervous start; "and my friend?" - -"Our brother Louis will accompany us." - -"Is it possible to move him?" - -"It must be," the Indian said peremptorily; "the war hatchet is dug up -against the palefaces, the Aucas chiefs have drunk firewater, the genius -of evil is master of their hearts; we must depart before they think of -us; in an hour it will be too late." - -"Let us depart then," the young man replied, sorrowfully, convinced that -Trangoil-Lanec knew more than he was willing to tell, and that some -great danger threatened them, since the chief, who was a man of tried -courage, had let fall that mask of stoicism which scarcely ever abandons -the Indian. - -Preparations for departure were made in all haste, and were soon -terminated. The hammock in which Louis reposed was solidly fastened to -two long cross pieces of wood, and then, as it was, harnessed upon two -mules without awakening him. The little band set out, employing the -greatest precautions. They proceeded thus for more than an hour, without -exchanging a word; the campfires of the Indians became every minute more -faint in the distance, and they were, at least for the present, out of -danger. Valentine approached Trangoil-Lanec, who rode at the head of the -convoy. - -"Where are we going?" he asked. - -"To Valdivia," the chief replied; "it is there alone that Don Louis will -be able to recover in safety." - -"You are right," said Valentine; "but shall we remain inactive?" - -"I will do what my brother the paleface wishes; am I not his penni? -where he goes I will go--his will shall be mine!" - -"Thank you, chief," the Frenchman replied, with emotion; "you have a -brave and worthy heart." - -"My brother saved my life," said the Ulmen earnestly; "that life is no -longer mine, it belongs to him." - -Whether it was that the Araucano chiefs did not perceive the departure -of the strangers, or that, as is more probable, they did not think it -worthwhile to pursue them, the little troop was not interrupted in its -flight--for what other name could be given to this night march amidst -the desert? They advanced slowly, on account of the wounded man, who -could not, in his state of weakness and prostration, have supported the -shaking of a more rapid pace. - -Towards three o'clock in the morning, a few fugitive and uncertain -lights, which flitted across the horizon, and with difficulty pierced -through the fog, which at that hour of the night envelopes the earth -like a winding sheet, announced to the party that they were approaching -the city, and should soon be there. At the end of three quarters of an -hour, they reached the gardens which envelope Valdivia like an immense -bouquet of flowers, from the centre of which it seems to spring up. The -party made a short halt, in order not to attract observation on entering -the city, through the state of the horses and mules. From that time they -had nothing to fear from the Indians. - -"Is my brother acquainted with the city?" Trangoil-Lanec asked. - -"Why do you ask that question?" - -"For a very simple reason. In the desert, by night or by day, I can -serve as a guide to my brother; but here, in this toldería of the -whites, my eyes close--I am blind; my brother must conduct us." - -"The devil!" said Valentine, quite disconcerted; "in that sense I am as -blind as you, chief; it was only yesterday that I entered the city for -the first time: and," he added, laughingly, "the bullets then whistled -round in such a merry fashion, I had scarcely time to look about me, or -to ask my way." - -"Don't let that disturb you, señor," said one of the peons, who had -heard the few words pronounced by the two men; "only tell me where you -want to go, and I will undertake to conduct you." - -"Hum!" Valentine replied; "where I want to go to? Caspeta! I cannot -exactly say; all places are alike to me, provided my friend be in -safety." - -"Pardon me, señor," the arriero replied, "if I dare----" - -"Oh, dare! dare! there's a good fellow! your idea is probably excellent; -for myself, I confess at this moment my mind is as empty as a drum." - -"Why, señor, should you not go to the residence of Don Tadeo de Leon, my -master?" - -"Pardieu!" cried Valentine, vexed at his own want of thought. "On my -word, you are something like a guide! I do not go to Don Tadeo, because, -simply, I don't know how to find the place, that's all." - -"I know, señor; Don Tadeo is most likely at the cabildo." - -"By Jove! that's true again; my powers of thought seem to have been -driven out of my head; but which is the way to the cabildo?" - -"I will show you, señor." - -"That's well! this is an intelligent lad. Let us be moving, my friend." - -"Forward, then!" cried the arriero. "_Ea! arrea mula!_" he shouted to -his beasts. - -In a few minutes they debouched upon the Plaza Mayor, opposite the -cabildo. The city was still and silent; here and there traces of the -sanguinary contest of the preceding day, heaps of broken furniture, or -large trenches cut in the ground, gave evidence of the ravages caused by -the insurrection. A soldier was marching with slow steps in front of the -cabildo. At sight of the little party, he stopped, and cocked his musket. - -"Who goes there?" he shouted sharply. - -"_La Patria!_" Valentine replied. - -"Go on, then!" said the soldier. - -"Hum!" the young man murmured; "it appears not to be such an easy matter -to obtain entrance; never mind," he added, "let us try. My friend," he -said, in an insinuating voice, to the sentinel, who stood motionless -before him; "we have business in the palace." - -"Have you the password?" - -"Santiago! no," Valentine answered, frankly. - -"Then you cannot enter." - -"And yet I wish very much to enter." - -"Very possibly; but as you have not the password, I advise you to go -on your way; for I swear, if you were the devil in person, I would not -afford you a passage." - -"My friend," said the Parisian, in a jeering tone, "you do not talk -logically; if I were the devil, I should stand in no need of the -password--I should get in in spite of you." - -"Take care, señor," whispered the arriero; "that soldier is not unlikely -to fire at you." - -"Pardieu! that's what I reckon upon," said Valentine, laughing. - -The peon looked at him in astonishment; he thought he was mad. The -soldier, annoyed by this long conversation, and believing it of no use -to stand wrangling with these jokers, presented his musket, crying -angrily,-- - -"For the last time, go on, or I will fire!" - -"I am determined I will go in!" Valentine replied, resolutely. - -"To arms!" the soldier cried, and fired. Valentine, who had watched -attentively all the soldier's movements, had slipped quickly from his -horse, and the bullet whistled harmlessly over his head. At the cry -of the soldier and the report of his piece, several armed soldiers, -followed by an officer with a lighted lantern in his hand, rushed -tumultuously out of the palace. - -"What is going on here?" the officer asked, in a loud voice. - -"Ah!" Valentine cried, to whom the voice was not unknown, "is that you, -Don Gregorio?" - -"Who calls me?" said the latter; for, in fact, it was he. - -"I, Valentine!" - -"What! is it you, my friend, who are making all this disturbance?" -replied Don Gregorio, advancing; "I thought it was nothing less than an -attack." - -"What the devil was I to do?" said the young man, laughing; "I had not -the password, and I wanted to get in." - -"Hum! none but a Frenchman would have such an idea as that." - -"Is it not original?" - -"Yes, but you risked being killed." - -"Bah! we are always risking being killed, and yet we are not," said -Valentine, carelessly; "I recommend my plan to you, under similar -circumstances." - -"Much obliged! but I do not think I shall ever try it." - -"Ah! there you are wrong." - -"Well, then, come in! come in!" - -"That is all I want; particularly as I must see Don Tadeo instantly." - -"I believe he is asleep." - -"He must be awakened." - -"Do you bring interesting news, then?" - -"Yes," Valentine replied, becoming suddenly serious; "terrible news!" - -Don Gregorio, struck with the tone in which the Frenchman had pronounced -these words, had a presentiment of some misfortune, and asked no -further. The arrieros bore the hammock, with Don Louis still asleep, -into the cabildo. By the care of Don Gregorio he was carried to a -bedchamber, and placed in a bed hastily provided. - -"What does all this mean?" Don Gregorio said, in astonishment; "is Don -Louis wounded?" - -"Yes," Valentine replied, in a husky voice; "he has received two dagger -wounds." - -"But how did it all happen?" - -"You will soon learn; but pray conduct me instantly to Don Tadeo." - -"In heaven's name, come, then! your reserve alarms me." - -And, followed by Valentine and Trangoil-Lanec, Don Gregorio plunged into -the labyrinth formed by the numerous corridors of the palace, with which -he seemed well acquainted. - - - - -CHAPTER XLV. - -THE FATHER REVEALS HIMSELF. - - -Don Tadeo had passed the greater part of the night in giving orders -for the clearing away of the hideous traces left by the combat. He -had named the magistrates charged with the police of the city. After -having assured, as far as possible, the tranquillity and safety of the -citizens, and sent several couriers to Santiago, and other centres -of population, to inform them of what had taken place, worn out with -fatigue, sinking with sleep, he had thrown himself, clothed as he was, -upon a camp bed, to take a little repose. He had slept scarcely an hour -that agitated sleep which is the lot of men upon whom the destinies of -empires rest, when the door of the chamber was pushed violently open, a -strong light gleamed in his eyes, and several men surrounded him. Don -Tadeo awoke suddenly. - -"Who is there?" he cried, endeavouring to recognise, in spite of the -light which dazzled his eyes, the persons who so inopportunely disturbed -his repose. - -"It is I," replied Don Gregorio. - -"Well, but you do not seem to be alone?" - -"No, Don Valentine accompanies me." - -"Don Valentine!" cried Don Tadeo, starting up, and passing his hand over -his brow, to drive away the clouds which still obscured his ideas; "why, -I did not expect Don Valentine before morning, at soonest; what serious -reason can have induced him to travel by night?" - -"A powerful reason, Don Tadeo," the young man remarked, in a melancholy -voice. - -"In Heaven's name! speak, then!" cried Don Tadeo. - -"Be a man! be firm! collect all your courage to bear worthily the blow -you are about to receive." - -Don Tadeo walked two or three times round the room, with his head -cast down, and his brow contracted; then stopped suddenly in front of -Valentine with a pale brow, but with a stoical countenance. This man -of iron had subdued nature within him; as if aware of the rudeness of -the shock he was about to receive, he had ordered his heart not to -break--his muscles not to quiver. - -"Speak!" he said, "I am ready to hear you." - -While uttering these words his voice was firm, his features calm. -Valentine, though well acquainted with his courage, was struck with -admiration. - -"Is the misfortune you are about to announce to me personal?" said Don -Tadeo. - -"Yes," the young man replied, in a tremulous voice. - -"God be praised! Go on, then; I listen to you." - -Valentine perceived that he must not put the soul of this man to too -hard a trial; he determined to speak. - -"Doña Rosario has disappeared," he said; "she has been carried off -during our absence; Louis, my foster brother, in endeavouring to defend -her, has fallen, pierced by two sword thrusts." - -The King of Darkness appeared a statue of marble; no emotion was -perceptible upon his austere countenance. - -"Is Don Louis dead?" he asked, earnestly. - -"No," Valentine answered, more and more astonished; "I even hope that in -a few days he will be cured." - -"So much the better," said Don Tadeo, feelingly; "I am indeed glad to -hear that." - -And, crossing his arms upon his broad chest, he resumed his hasty walk -about the room. The three men looked at each other, surprised at this -stoicism, which to them was unintelligible. - -"Will you then abandon Doña Rosario to her ravishers?" Don Gregorio -asked, in a reproachful tone. - - -Don Tadeo darted at him a look charged with such bitter irony, that Don -Gregorio quailed beneath it. - -"Were the ravishers concealed in the entrails of the earth, I would -discover them, be they who they may!" Don Tadeo replied. - -"A man is on their track," said Trangoil-Lanec, advancing; "that man is -Curumilla. He will discover them." - -A flash of joy for a moment shot from the eye of the King of Darkness. - -"Oh!" he murmured, with clenched teeth, "beware, Doña Maria, beware!" - -He at once had divined the author of the abduction of Rosario. - -"What do you intend to do?" said Don Gregorio. - -"Nothing, till the return of our scout," he replied, coldly; and then -turning towards Valentine, added--"Well, my friend, have you nothing -else to announce to me?" - -"What leads you to suppose I have not told you all?" said the young man. - -"Ah!" Don Tadeo replied, with a melancholy smile, "you know, my friend, -that we Spanish Americans, however civilized we may appear, are still -semi-barbarians, and, as such, horribly superstitious." - -"Well?" - -"Well, then, among other follies of the same kind, we place faith in -proverbs; and is there not one which somewhere says, that a misfortune -never comes singly?" - -"Good Heavens! do you take me for a bird of ill omen, Don Tadeo?" - -"God forbid, my friend! only search in your memory, I am sure I am not -mistaken, and that you have still something else to inform me of." - -"Well, you are right, I have other news to announce to you; whether good -or bad, I leave you to judge." - -"I knew there was something more behind," said Don Tadeo, with a sad -smile; "go on, my friend, let us hear this news, I am listening to you." - -"Yesterday, as you know, General Bustamente renewed the treaties of -peace with the Araucano chiefs." - -"He did." - -"I cannot tell what fugitive or what scout gave them information of what -had taken place here; but by evening they had learnt the defeat and -capture of the General." - -"I can understand that; go on." - -"A kind of furious madness immediately seemed to possess them, and they -held a great war council." - -"In which, I suppose, they decided upon breaking the treaties; is not -that it?" - -"Exactly." - -"And most likely determined upon war with us?" - -"I suppose so; the four toquis cast the hatchet into the fire, and a -supreme toqui was elected in their place." - -"Ah! ah!" said Don Tadeo, "and do you know the name of this supreme -toqui?" - -"Yes; Antinahuel." - -"I suspected as much," Don Tadeo cried, angrily; "that man has deceived -us. He is a scoundrel only living by cunning, and whose devouring -ambition leads him to sacrifice, when occasion offers, the dearest -interests, and falsify the most sacred oaths. He has been playing a -double game; he feigned to be the partisan of General Bustamente, as he -appeared to be ours, building upon our mutual ruin his own fortunes and -his future elevation. But he has thrown off the mask too hastily. By -heaven! I will inflict a chastisement upon him, of which his compatriots -shall preserve the remembrance, and which a century hence shall make -them tremble with fear." - -"Beware of the ears that, listen to you," said Don Gregorio, directing -his attention by a look to the Ulmen, who stood quietly before him. - -"Eh! what care I?" Don Tadeo replied, warmly; "if I speak thus, it is -because I wish to be heard. I am a Spanish noble, and what my heart -thinks my lips give utterance to; the Ulmen is welcome, if it seems good -to him, to repeat my words to his chief." - -"The Great Eagle of the Whites is unjust towards his son," replied -Trangoil-Lanec, in a serious tone; "all Araucanos have not the same -heart; Antinahuel is only responsible for his own acts. Trangoil-Lanec -is an Ulmen in his tribe; he knows how to be present at a council of -chiefs: what his eyes see, what his ears hear, his heart forgets, his -mouth repeats it not: why should my father address such unkind words to -me, who am ready to devote myself to restore to him her he has lost?" - -"That is true; I am unjust, chief, I was wrong in speaking so; your -heart is true, your tongue is unacquainted with falsehood. Pardon me, -and let me clasp your loyal hand in mine." - -Trangoil-Lanec pressed warmly the hand Don Tadeo held out to him. - -"My father is good," he said; "his heart is at this moment darkened by -the great misfortune that has fallen upon him; but let my father be -comforted, Trangoil-Lanec will restore the blue-eyed maiden to him." - -"Thanks, chief! I accept your offer, you may depend upon my gratitude." - -"Trangoil-Lanec does not sell his services, he is repaid when his -friends are happy." - -"Caramba!" cried Valentine, shaking the hand of the chief with all his -might, "you are a worthy man, Trangoil-Lanec--I am proud of being your -friend." - -Then, turning towards Don Tadeo, he said--"I must bid you farewell, for -a time. I confide my brother Louis to your care." - -"Why do you leave me?" Don Tadeo asked, warmly. - -"I must. I see your heart is breaking, in spite of the incredible -efforts you make to appear impassive. I know not the nature of the tie -which binds you to the unfortunate girl who has been the victim of an -odious crime; but I can see the loss of her is killing you--now, with -the assistance of Heaven, I will restore her to you, Don Tadeo; I will, -or I will die in the endeavour." - -"Don Valentine!" the gentleman exclaimed, strongly moved, "what do you -propose to do? your project is wild; I cannot accept such devotion." - -"Leave it to me. Caramba! I am a Parisian--that is to say, as obstinate -as a mule; and when once an idea, good or bad, has entered into my -brain, it has no chance of getting out, I swear to you. I shall only -take the time to embrace my poor brother, and set off immediately. Come, -chief, let us set ourselves upon the track of the ravishers." - -"Let us be gone," said the Ulmen. - -Don Tadeo remained for a moment motionless, his eyes fixed upon the -young man with a strange expression; a violent conflict appeared to be -going on within him; at length nature prevailed, he burst into tears; -and, throwing himself into the arms of the Frenchman, he murmured, in a -voice choked by grief-- - -"Valentine! Valentine! restore me my daughter!" - -The father had at length revealed himself; the stoicism of the statesman -had sunk before paternal love!--But human nature has its limits, beyond -which it cannot go; the moral shock which Don Tadeo had received, the -immense efforts he had made to conceal it, had completely exhausted -his strength, and he sank upon the slabs of the floor like a proud oak -struck by thunder. He had fainted. Valentine contemplated him for a -moment with pity and grief. - -"Poor father!" he said, "take courage, thy child shall be restored to -thee!" - -And he left the room with hasty steps, followed by Trangoil-Lanec, -whilst Don Gregorio, kneeling by his friend, gave him the most earnest -and kind attentions for the recovery of his senses. - - - - -CHAPTER XLVI. - -CURUMILLA. - - -In order to explain to the reader the miraculous disappearance of -Rosario, we are obliged to make a few retrograde steps, and return to -Curumilla, at the moment when the Ulmen, after his conversation with -Trangoil-Lanec, had thrown himself, like a staunch bloodhound, upon the -track of the young girl. Curumilla was a warrior as renowned for his -prudence and wisdom in council, as for his bravery in fight. Having -crossed the river, he left his horse in the care of a peon who had -accompanied him, as it would not only be useless to him, but, still -further, because it might even be injurious by betraying his presence by -the clatter of its hoofs upon the ground. Indians are expert horsemen, -but they are indefatigable walkers. Nature has endowed them with -incredible strength of muscles of the legs and hams; and they possess in -the highest degree the knowledge of that rising and sinking gymnastic -step, which, for some years past, has been introduced into Europe, -particularly into France, in the marching of troops. They accomplish -with incredible swiftness journeys which horses could hardly perform, -always directing their course in a straight line, or as the bird flies, -without regard to the difficulties that may arise in their way, no -obstacle being sufficient to turn them from their course. This quality -renders them particularly formidable to the Spanish Americans, who -cannot obtain this facility of locomotion, and who, in time of war, find -the redskins always before them at the moment they least expect them, -and that almost always at considerable distances from the spots where, -logically, they ought to be. - -Curumilla, after having carefully studied the prints made by the -ravishers, at once divined the route they had taken, and the place they -were bound to. He did not amuse himself with following them, for that -would have been losing precious time; on the contrary, he resolved to -cut across country, and wait for them at an elbow of the road he was -acquainted with, where, at all events, he could ascertain their numbers, -and, perhaps, save the young girl. This being determined, the Ulmen -set off. He walked for several hours without rest, eye and ear on the -watch, trying to penetrate the darkness, and listening patiently to the -various noises of the desert. These noises, which are to us white men -a dead letter, have for the Indians, who are accustomed to interrogate -them, a special signification, in which they are never deceived; they -analyse them, they decompose them, and often learn by this means things -which their enemies have the greatest interest in concealing from them. -However inexplicable this fact may at first appear, it is very simple. -There exists no noise in the desert without a cause. The flight of -birds, the passage of wild beasts, the rustling of leaves, the rolling -of a stone down a ravine, the undulation of high grass, the friction of -branches in the woods, are for the Indian valuable indications. - -At a certain point with which he was acquainted, Curumilla laid himself -down flat on his face, behind a block of rock, and remained motionless -among the grass and bushes that bordered the route. He remained thus for -more than an hour, without making the least movement. Whoever might have -perceived him would have taken him for a dead body. The practised ear of -the Indian, ever on the watch, at length caught in the distance the dull -sound of the feet of horses and mules upon the dry and sonorous road. -This noise grew rapidly nearer, and soon, from his hiding place, he -perceived about twenty horsemen passing slowly along in the dark, within -two lance lengths of him. The ravishers, emboldened by their numbers, -and believing themselves secure from all danger, rode along in perfect -security. The Indian raised his head softly, and leaning on his hands, -followed them with his anxious eyes, and waited. They passed without -seeing him. At some paces behind the troop, a horseman came along, -leaving himself carelessly to the measured pace of his horse. His head -occasionally sank upon his breast, and his hands had but a feeble hold -of the reins. It was evident that this man was asleep in his saddle. - -A sudden idea rushed like lightning through Curumilla's brain; gathering -himself up, he stiffened the iron muscles of his legs, and, bounding -like a tiger, leaped up behind the horseman. Before the latter, -surprised by this unexpected attack, had time to utter a cry, he pressed -his throat in such a manner as, for the time, to render him incapable -of calling for help. In the twinkling of an eye the horseman was gagged -and thrown to the ground: then, securing the horse, Curumilla fastened -it to a bush, and returned to his prisoner. The latter, with the stoical -and disdainful courage peculiar to the aborigines of America, finding -himself conquered, attempted no useless resistance; he looked at his -conqueror with a smile of contempt, and waited for him to speak to him. - -"Oh!" said Curumilla, who, upon leaning over him, recognised him, "is it -you, Joan?" - -"Curumilla!" the other replied. - -"Hum!" the Ulmen murmured to himself, "I would rather it had been -somebody else. What is my brother doing on this path?" he asked. - -"Of what consequence is that to my brother?" said the Indian, replying -to one question by another. - -"We have no time to waste," the chief replied, unsheathing his knife; -"let my brother speak." - -Joan started; a shudder ran through his limbs at the blue light -reflected by the long, sharp blade of the knife. - -"The chief can question me," he said, in a husky voice. - -"Where is my brother going?" - -"To the toldería of San Miguel." - -"Good! and for what purpose is my brother going there?" - -"To place in the hands of the sister of the grand toqui a woman whom we -have carried off this morning." - -"Who ordered you to do so?" - -"She whom we are going to meet." - -"Who had the direction of this affair?" - -"I had." - -"Good! where does this woman expect the prisoner?" - -"I have told the chief; at the toldería of San Miguel." - -"In which casa?" - -"In the last; the one which stands a little apart from the others." - -"That is well! Let my brother exchange poncho and hat with me." - -The Indian obeyed without a word, and when the exchange was made, -Curumilla said-- - -"I could kill my brother; prudence would even require me to do so, but -pity has entered my heart--Joan has wives and children, he is one of the -brave warriors of his tribe; if I let him live, will he be grateful?" - -The Indian had expected that he was going to die, but these words -restored him to hope. He was not a bad man at bottom; the Ulmen knew him -well, and was satisfied he would keep his promises. - -"My father holds my life in his hands," Joan replied; "if he does not -take it today, I shall remain his debtor--I will lay down my life at a -sign from him." - -"Very well!" said Curumilla, returning his knife to its sheath, "my -brother may rise, a chief keeps his word." - -The Indian sprang upon his feet, and fervently kissed the hand of the -man who had spared him. - -"What does my father command?" he asked. - -"My brother must repair as fast as possible to the toldería which the -Huincas name Valdivia. He will seek Don Tadeo, the Great Eagle of the -Whites, and relate to him what has passed between us, adding, that I -will save the prisoner, or die." - -"Is that all?" - -"Yes. If the Great Eagle requires the services of my brother, he will -place himself without hesitation at his orders. Farewell! May Pillian -guide my brother! and let him never forget that I was not willing to -take the life that was in my power!" - -"Joan will not forget," the Indian replied. - -At a sign from Curumilla, he bent down in the high grass, crept along -like a serpent, and disappeared in the direction of Valdivia. The chief, -without losing an instant, jumped into the saddle and soon joined the -little troop, who had continued jogging quietly along, without dreaming -of the substitution that had just taken place. It was Curumilla who, -while carrying the young girl into the house, had whispered hope and -courage. These three words, in announcing to her that she had a friend -watching over her, had restored her the strength necessary for the -struggle that awaited her. - -After the unexpected arrival of Antinahuel, when, at the order of Doña -Maria, Curumilla led away the prisoner, instead of reconducting her -to the apartment in which she had been, he threw a poncho over her to -disguise her. - -"Follow me," he said in a low voice; "step out boldly, I will endeavour -to save you." - -The maiden hesitated; she was fearful of a snare. The Ulmen comprehended -her feeling, and said quickly, in a low voice-- - -"I am Curumilla, one of the Ulmens devoted to the two Frenchmen, the -friends of Don Tadeo." - -Rosario startled imperceptibly. - -"Go on," she replied in a firm tone; "happen what may, I will follow -you." - -And they left the hut together. The Indians, dispersed here and there, -were busily talking over the events of the day, and did not observe -them. The two fugitives proceeded for ten minutes without exchanging a -word. The village was soon lost in the darkness; at length Curumilla -stopped at a thick clump of cactus, behind which two horses stood, -saddled and bridled. - -"Does my sister find herself strong enough to mount on horseback, and -ride a long distance?" he asked. - -"To escape from my persecutors," she replied, in a broken voice, "I feel -I have strength to do anything." - -"Good!" said Curumilla, "my sister is courageous. Her God will help her!" - -"It is in Him alone I place my hope," she said, with a sigh. - -"To horse, then, and let us begone! minutes are ages!" - -He unfastened the horses, they mounted, and set of at full speed, -without any sound being produced upon the road by their hoofs, which -Curumilla had covered with pieces of sheepskin. The maiden breathed -a sigh of relief on feeling herself once more free, and under the -protection of a devoted friend. The fugitives continued to ride at a -rapid pace, in a direction diametrically opposite to the one they should -have taken to return to Valdivia. Prudence required that they should not -yet take any route on which, according to all possibilities, they would -be looked for. - -We must leave our friends in this critical position for the present; -but those readers who feel an interest in the loves of Don Louis and -Doña Rosario, will find their curiosity fully satisfied in the following -volume of this series, called "The Pearl of the Andes." - - - -THE END. - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventurers, by Gustave Aimard - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURERS *** - -***** This file should be named 43716-8.txt or 43716-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/3/7/1/43716/ - -Produced by Marc D'Hooghe at http://www.freeliterature.org - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - http://www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/old/43716-8.zip b/old/43716-8.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index a80a062..0000000 --- a/old/43716-8.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/43716-h.zip b/old/43716-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 71d17db..0000000 --- a/old/43716-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/43716-h/43716-h.htm b/old/43716-h/43716-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 4768d98..0000000 --- a/old/43716-h/43716-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,12745 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Adventurers, by Gustave Aimard. - </title> - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; -} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - - -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; - clear: both; -} - -hr.tb {width: 45%;} -hr.chap {width: 65%} -hr.full {width: 95%;} - -hr.r5 {width: 5%; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;} -hr.r65 {width: 65%; margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 3em;} - -table { - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; -} - - .tdl {text-align: left;} - .tdr {text-align: right;} - .tdc {text-align: center;} - -.blockquot { - margin-left: 5%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - -a:link {color: #800000; text-decoration: none; } - -v:link {color: #800000; text-decoration: none; } - - -.bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} - -.bl {border-left: solid 2px;} - -.bt {border-top: solid 2px;} - -.br {border-right: solid 2px;} - -.bbox {border: solid 2px;} - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.right {text-align: right;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - -.u {text-decoration: underline;} - - -.caption {font-weight: bold;} - -/* Footnotes */ -.footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} - -.footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} - -.footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} - -.fnanchor { - vertical-align: super; - font-size: .8em; - text-decoration: - none; -} - - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventurers, by Gustave Aimard - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The Adventurers - -Author: Gustave Aimard - -Release Date: September 14, 2013 [EBook #43716] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURERS *** - - - - -Produced by Marc D'Hooghe at http://www.freeliterature.org - - - - - -</pre> - - - -<h1>THE ADVENTURERS</h1> - -<h3>A Story of a Love-Chase</h3> - -<h3>BY</h3> - -<h2>GUSTAVE AIMARD</h2> - -<h4>AUTHOR OF</h4> - -<h4>"LAST OF THE INCAS," "QUEEN OF THE SAVANNAH,"</h4> - -<h4>ETC.</h4> - -<h5>LONDON</h5> - -<h5>WARD AND LOCK, 158, FLEET STREET.</h5> - -<h5>1863.</h5> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE">PREFACE.</a></h4> - - -<p>With the publication of the present and the ensuing volume, "The Pearl -of the Andes," I am enabled to perfect the most important series of -Aimard's Tales of Indian Life and Adventure. To preserve uniformity, the -volumes of this series should be arranged in the following order on the -book-shelf;—</p> - -<p style="margin-left: 35%;"> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">1. THE ADVENTURERS.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">2. THE PEARL OF THE ANDES.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">3. THE TRAIL-HUNTER.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">4. PIRATES OF THE PRAIRIES.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">5. THE TRAPPER'S BRIDE.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">6. THE TIGER SLAYER.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">7. THE GOLD SEEKERS.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">8. THE INDIAN CHIEF.</span><br /> -<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">9. THE RED TRACK.</span><br /> -</p> - -<p>Gustave Aimard has a precedent in Fenimore Cooper for introducing the -same hero in a long range of volumes, and, like his great predecessor, -he has so arranged, that each work should be complete in itself, and -not necessitate the purchase of another. But Aimard has one marked -advantage over Cooper; for while "Leather-Stocking" is but a creation -of the fancy, or, at the most, the type of the Backwoodsman, the Count -Louis who figures as the hero of Aimard's series, is a real man. Count -de Raousset Boulbon, had he succeeded in his daring attempt of founding -an independent kingdom in Mexico, would in all probability have become -the Napoleon of the West. A gallant adventurer and thorough gentleman, -he staked his life upon the issue, and ended his career the victim -of unparalleled treachery, as Aimard has faithfully recorded. Hence -Aimard's romances have the great merit of being founded on an historic -basis, and but little fiction was required to heighten the startling -interest of the narrative.</p> - -<p>Valentine Guillois, there is very little doubt, is intended for the -Author himself, with all his qualities and defects. When he first -reached the New World, he was the true, reckless Parisian; but constant -intercourse with nature rendered him a generous and thoughtful friend -of humanity. So soon as he returned to civilization, he began recording -the history of his past life; not so much as a livelihood, as for -the pleasure he felt in living once again the life of excitement and -adventure which he had known among the Indians. Hence his books are -written without an effort; they flow spontaneously from his pen; and the -absence of artistic effect is the best guarantee of their truthfulness.</p> - -<p>It is not surprising, consequently, that M. Aimard's books have met -with such extensive popularity. They have been translated into nearly -every modern language, and the Author is now generally recognised as the -French Cooper. The reception given to his stories in this country has -been most flattering, and each day heightens their popularity. Hence -it is not too much to assume that they will become standard works, -especially with young readers, for whom they are especially adapted; -because M. Aimard has never yet written a line which could prove -offensive to the most delicate mind.</p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 32em;">L.W.</span><br /> -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4>CONTENTS.</h4> - - -<div class="center" style="font-size: 0.8em;"> -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">I.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">THE CHAPARRAL</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">II.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">THE FOSTER BROTHERS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">III.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">THE RESOLUTION</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">IV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">THE EXECUTION</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">V.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">THE PASSAGE</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">VI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">THE LINDA</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">VII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">HUSBAND AND WIFE</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">VIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">THE DARK-HEARTS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">IX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">IN THE STREET</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">X.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">SWORD-THRUSTS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">GENERAL BUSTAMENTE</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">THE SPY</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">LOVE</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XIV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">THE QUINTA VERDE</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">THE DEPARTURE</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XVI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">THE MEETING</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XVII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">THE PUELCHES</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XVIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">THE BLACK JACKAL</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XIX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">TWO OLD FRIENDS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">THE SORCERER</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">THE OBSEQUIES OF AN APO-ULMEN</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">EXPLANATIONS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">THE CHINGANA</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXIV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">THE TWO ULMENS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">THE SUN-TIGER</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXVI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">THE MATRICIDE</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXVII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">THE JUSTICE OF THE DARK-HEARTS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXVIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">THE TREATY OF PEACE</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXIX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">THE ABDUCTION</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">THE PROTEST</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">SPANIARD AND INDIAN</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">IN THE MOUNTAIN</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIII">ON THE WATCH</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXIV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIV">FACE TO FACE</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXV">THE REVOLT</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXVI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVI">THE LION AT BAY</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXVII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVII">THE TRUCE</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXVIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVIII">TWO ROGUISH PROFILES</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXXIX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIX">THE WOUNDED MAN</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XL.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XL">ARAUCANIAN DIPLOMACY</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XLI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLI">THE COUNCIL</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XLII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLII">THE NIGHT JOURNEY</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XLIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLIII">TWO HATREDS</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XLIV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLIV">THE RETURN TO VALDIVIA</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XLV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLV">THE FATHER REVEALS HIMSELF</a></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XLVI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XLVI">CURUMILLA</a></td></tr> -</table></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h4><a id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h4> - -<h3>THE CHAPARRAL.</h3> - - - -<p>During my last sojourn in America, chance, or rather my good star, led -me to form an acquaintance with one of those hunters, or wood rangers, -the type of whom has been immortalized by Cooper, in his poetical -personage, <i>Leather-Stockings</i>.</p> - -<p>The strange circumstance by which we were brought together was as -follows. Towards the end of July, 1855, I had left Galveston, terrified -at the fevers prevalent there, which are so fatal to Europeans, with the -intention of visiting the north-west portion of Texas, a country I was -then unacquainted with.</p> - -<p>A Spanish proverb somewhere says, "It is better to go alone than in -bad company;" and, like all other proverbs, this possesses a certain -foundation of truth, particularly in America, where the traveller is -exposed at each instant to the chance of meeting rogues of every hue, -who, thanks to their seducing exterior, charm him, win his confidence, -and take advantage of the first occasion to remorselessly plunder and -assassinate him.</p> - -<p>I had profited by the proverb, and, like a shrewd old traveller of the -prairies, as I knew no one who inspired me with sufficient sympathy -to lead me to make him my travelling companion, I had bravely set out -alone, clothed in the picturesque dress of the inhabitants of the -country, armed to the teeth, and mounted upon an excellent half wild -horse, which had cost me twenty-five piastres—an enormous sum in those -countries, where horses are considered as worth little or nothing.</p> - -<p>I carelessly wandered here and there, living that nomadic life which -is so full of attractions; at times stopping at a <i>toldería</i>, at -others encamping in the desert, hunting wild animals, and plunging -deeper and deeper into unknown regions. I had, in this fashion, passed -through, without any untoward accident, Fredericksburgh, the Llana -Braunfels, and had just left Castroville, on my way to Quichi. Like -all Spanish-American villages, Castroville is nothing but a miserable -agglomeration of ruined cabins, cut at right angles by streets choked -with weeds, growing undisturbed, and concealing multitudes of ants, -reptiles, and even rabbits of a very small breed, which spring up -beneath the feet of the few passengers. The <i>pueblo</i> is bounded on the -west by the Medina, a slender thread of water, almost dry in the great -heat seasons; and on the east by thickly-wooded hills, the dark green of -which forms a pleasing contrast with the pale blue of the sky.</p> - -<p>At Galveston I had undertaken to deliver a letter to an inhabitant of -Castroville. The worthy man lived in this village like La Fontaine's rat -in the depths of its Dutch cheese. Charmed by the arrival of a stranger, -who, no doubt, brought him news for which he had been long anxious, he -received me in the most cordial manner, and thought of every expedient -to detain me. Unfortunately, the little I had seen of Castroville had -sufficed to completely disgust me with it, and my only wish was to get -out of it as quickly as possible. My host, in despair at seeing all -his advances repulsed, at length consented to allow me to continue my -journey.</p> - -<p>"Adieu, then," he said, warmly pressing my hand, with a sigh of regret; -"since you are determined to go, may God protect you! You are wrong -in setting out so late; the road you have to travel is dangerous; the -<i>Indios bravos</i> are up; they assassinate without mercy all the whites -who fall into their hands—beware!"</p> - -<p>I smiled at this warning, which I took for a last effort of the worthy -man to detain me.</p> - -<p>"Bah!" I replied gaily; "the Indians and I are too old acquaintances for -me to fear anything on their account."</p> - -<p>My host shook his head sorrowfully, and retreated into his hut, making -me a last farewell greeting. I again set forward. I soon began to -reflect that it was full late, and pressed my horse, in order to pass, -before nightfall, a <i>chaparral</i>, or large thicket of underwood, of at -least two miles in length, against which my host had particularly warned -me. This ill-famed spot had a very sinister aspect. The mezquite, the -acacia, and the cactus constituted its sole vegetation, while here and -there, whitened bones and planted crosses plainly designated places -where murders had been committed. Beyond that extended a vast plain, -called the Leona, peopled by animals of every description. This plain, -covered by grass at least two feet in height, was dotted at intervals -with thickets of trees, upon which warbled thousands of golden-throated -starlings, cardinals, and bluebirds. I was anxious to reach the -Leona, which I saw in the distance; but ere I did so, I had to cross -the chaparral. After examining my weapons, and looking carefully in -all directions, as I could perceive nothing positively suspicious, I -resolutely spurred my horse forward, determined, if attacked, to sell my -life as dearly as possible.</p> - -<p>The sun, in the meantime, was sinking rapidly towards the horizon, the -ruddy hues of closing day tinged with their changing reflections the -summits of the wooded hills, and a fresh breeze agitated the branches -of the trees with mysterious murmurs. In this country, where there is -no twilight, night was not long in enveloping me in thick darkness, and -that before I had passed through two-thirds of the chaparral.</p> - -<p>I was beginning to hope I should reach the Leona safe and sound, when, -all at once, my horse made a violent bound on one side, pricking up its -ears, and snorting loudly. The sudden shock almost threw me out of the -saddle, and it was not without trouble that I recovered the mastery -over my horse, which displayed signs of the greatest terror. As always -happens in such cases, I instinctively looked round me for the cause of -this panic; and soon the truth was revealed to me. A cold perspiration -bedewed my brow, and a shudder of terror ran through my whole frame, at -the horrible spectacle which met my eyes. Five dead human bodies lay -stretched beneath the trees, within ten paces of me. Among them was -one of a woman, and one of a girl about fourteen years of age. They -all belonged to the white race. They appeared to have fought long and -obstinately before they fell; they were literally covered with wounds; -and long arrows, with jagged barbs, and painted red, stood out from the -bodies, which they had pierced through and through. The victims had all -been scalped. It was evidently the work of Indians, marked with their -sanguinary rage, and their inveterate hatred for the white race. The -form and colour of the arrows told me that the perpetrators of this -atrocity were the Apaches, the most cruel plunderers of the desert. -Around the bodies I observed fragments of both wagons and furniture. The -unfortunate beings, assassinated with refined cruelty, had, no doubt, -been poor emigrants on their way to Castroville.</p> - -<p>At the aspect of this heartbreaking spectacle, I cannot express the pity -and grief which weighed upon my spirits; high in the air, urubus and -vultures hovered with lazy wings over the bodies, uttering lugubrious -cries of joy, whilst in the depths of the chaparral the wolves and -jaguars began to growl portentously.</p> - -<p>I cast a melancholy glance around: all immediately near to me was quiet. -The Apaches had, according to all appearances, surprised the emigrants -during a halt. Gutted bales were still ranged in a symmetrical circle, -and a fire, near which was a heap of dry wood, was not yet extinguished.</p> - -<p>"No!" said I to myself, "whatever may happen, I will not leave -Christians without burial, to become, in this desert, the prey of wild -beasts."</p> - -<p>My resolution, once formed, was soon carried into execution. Springing -to the ground, I hobbled my horse, gave it some provender, and cast some -branches of wood upon the fire, which soon sparkled and sent into the -air a column of bright flame. Among the necessaries of the emigrants -were spades, pickaxes, and other agricultural instruments, which, being -of no use to the Indians, they had disdainfully left behind them. I -seized a spade, and, after having carefully explored the environs -of my encampment, to assure myself that no immediate danger need be -apprehended, I set to work to dig a grave.</p> - -<p>The night had now set in; one of those American nights, clear, -silent, full of intoxicating odours, and mysterious melodies chanted -by the desert in praise of God. Extraordinary to say, all my fears -had vanished, as if by enchantment! Though alone in this sinister -place, close to these frightfully-mutilated carcasses, watched in the -darkness, no doubt, by the unseen eyes of wild beasts, and, perhaps, -of the murderous Indians, some incomprehensible influence sustained -me, and gave me strength to accomplish the rude but sacred task I had -undertaken. Instead of thinking of the dangers which surrounded me, I -found myself yielding to a pensive melancholy. I thought of these poor -people, who had come from distant lands, full of hope for the future, -to seek in the New World a little of the comfort and well-being which -were denied to them at home, and who, scarcely landed, had fallen, in an -obscure corner of the desert, by the hands of ferocious savages. They -had left in their own country friends, perhaps relations, to whom their -fate would for ever remain a mystery, and who would for years reckon -the hours with anxiety, looking for their much-wished return, or for -intelligence of their success in their bold undertaking.</p> - -<p>Except two or three alarms caused by the rustling of the leaves in the -bushes, nothing occurred to interrupt my melancholy duty. In less than -three-quarters of an hour I had dug a grave large enough to contain the -five bodies. After extracting the arrows by which they were transfixed, -I raised them one after the other in my arms, and laid them gently -side by side at the bottom of the grave. I then hastened to throw in -the mould again, till it was level with the sod; and that being done, -I dragged upon the surface all the large stones I could find, to keep -wild beasts from profaning the dead. This religious duty accomplished, -I breathed a deep sigh of satisfaction, and bowing my head towards the -ground, I mentally addressed a short prayer to the Almighty, for the -unfortunate beings I had buried.</p> - -<p>Upon raising my head, I uttered a cry of surprise and terror, while at -the same time mechanically feeling for my revolver; for, without the -least noise having given me warning of his approach, a man was standing -within four paces of me, watching me earnestly, and leaning on his long -rifle. Two magnificent Newfoundland dogs were lying carelessly but -quietly at his feet. On observing my gesture, the unknown smiled with a -kindly expression, and holding out his hand to me over the grave, said—</p> - -<p>"Fear nothing! I am a friend. You have buried these poor people; <i>I</i> -have avenged them—their assassins are dead!"</p> - -<p>I silently pressed the hand that was so frankly extended to me. -Acquaintance was formed—we were friends—we are so still! A few minutes -later we were seated near the fire, supping together with a good -appetite, while the dogs kept watch against intruders.</p> - -<p>The companion I had fallen in with in so curious a manner was a man of -about forty-five years of age, although he did not appear to be more -than thirty-two. He was tall and well made; his broad shoulders and -muscular limbs denoting extraordinary strength and agility. He wore the -picturesque hunter's costume in all its purity, that is to say, the -<i>capote</i>, or surtout (which is nothing but a kind of blanket worn as a -robe, fastened to the shoulders, and falling in long folds behind), a -shirt of striped cotton, large <i>mitasses</i> (drawers of doeskin, stitched -with hair, fastened at distances, and ornamented with little bells), -leather gaiters, moccasins of elk skin, braided with beads and porcupine -quills, and a checked woollen belt, from which hung his knife, tobacco -pouch, powder horn, pistols, and medicine bag. His headdress consisted -of a cap made of the skin of a beaver, the tail of which fell between -his shoulders. This man was a type of a hardy race of adventurers who -traverse America in all directions. A primitive race, longing for -open air, space, and liberty, opposed to our ideas of civilization, -and consequently destined to disappear before the immigration of the -laborious races, whose powerful agents of conquest are steam and the -application of mechanical inventions of all kinds.</p> - -<p>This hunter was a Frenchman, and his frank, manly countenance, his -picturesque language, his open and engaging manners, notwithstanding -his long abode in America, had preserved a reflex of the mother country -which awakened sympathy and created interest.</p> - -<p>All the countries of the New World were familiar to him; he had lived -more than twenty years in the depths of the woods, and had been engaged -in dangerous and distant excursions among the Indian tribes. Hence, -although myself well initiated in the customs of the redskins, and -though a great part of my existence had been passed in the desert, I -have felt myself often shudder involuntarily at the recital of his -adventures. When seated beside him on the banks of the Rio Gila, during -an excursion we had undertaken into the prairies, he would at times -allow himself to be carried away by his remembrances, and relate to me, -as he smoked his Indian pipe, the strange history of the early days -of his abode in the New World. It is one of these recitals I am about -to lay before my readers—the first in order of date, since it is the -history of the events which led him to become a wood ranger. I do not -venture to hope that my readers will take the interest in it which it -excited in me; but I beg them to have the kindness to recollect that -this narrative was told me in the desert, amidst that grand, vast, and -powerful nature, unknown to the inhabitants of old Europe, and that I -had it from the lips of the man who had been the hero.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE FOSTER BROTHERS.</h3> - - -<p>On the 31st of December, 1834, at eleven o'clock in the evening, a man -of about twenty-five years of age, of handsome person and countenance, -and aristocratic appearance, was sitting, or rather reclining, in a -luxurious easy chair, near the mantelpiece, within which sparkled a -fire that the advanced season rendered indispensable. This personage -was the Count Maxime Edouard Louis de Prébois-Crancé. His countenance, -of a cadaverous paleness, formed a striking contrast with his black -curly hair, which fell in disorder upon his shoulders, covered by -a large-patterned damask dressing gown. His brows were contracted, -and his eyes were fixed with feverish impatience upon the dial of a -charming Louis Quinze clock, whilst his left hand, hanging carelessly -by his side, played with the silky ears of a magnificent Newfoundland -dog which lay by his side. The room in which the Count was sitting was -furnished with all the refinement of comfort invented by modern luxury. -A four-branched chandelier, with rose-coloured wax candles, placed upon -a table, was scarcely sufficient to enliven the room, and only spread -around a dim, uncertain light. Without, the rain was dashing against -the windows violently; and the wind sighed in mysterious murmurs, which -disposed the mind to melancholy. When the clock struck the hour the -Count started up, as if aroused from a dream. He passed his thin white -hand across his moist brow, and said, in a dissatisfied tone—</p> - -<p>"He will not come!"</p> - -<p>But at that moment the dog, which had been so motionless, sprang up and -bounded towards the door, wagging its tail with joy. The door opened, -the <i>portière</i> was lifted by a firm hand, and a man appeared.</p> - -<p>"Here you are at last!" the Count exclaimed, advancing towards the -newcomer, who had great trouble to get rid of the caresses of the dog. -"I had begun to be afraid that you, like the rest, had forgotten me."</p> - -<p>"I do not understand you, brother, but trust you will explain yourself," -the other replied. "Come, that will do, Cæsar; lie down! you are a very -good dog, but lie down!"</p> - -<p>And drawing an easy chair towards the fire, he sat down at the other -side of the fire, in front of the Count, who had resumed his place. The -dog lay down between them.</p> - -<p>The personage so anxiously expected by the Count formed a strange -contrast with him; for, just as M. de Prébois-Crancé united in himself -all the qualities which physically distinguish nobility of race, the -other displayed all the lively, energetic strength of a true child of -the people. He was a man of twenty-six years of age; tall, thin, and -perfectly well proportioned; while his face, bronzed by the sun, and -his marked features, lit up by blue eyes sparkling with intelligence, -wore an expression of bravery, mildness, and loyalty of character that -created sympathy at first sight. He was dressed in the elegant uniform -of a quartermaster sergeant of the Spahis, and the cross of the legion -of honour glittered on his breast. With his head leaning on his right -hand, a pensive brow and a thoughtful eye, he examined his friend -attentively, whilst twisting his long, silky light-coloured moustache -with the other hand.</p> - -<p>The Count, shrinking before his earnest look, which appeared trying to -read his most secret thoughts, broke the silence abruptly.</p> - -<p>"You have been a long time in responding to my message," he said.</p> - -<p>"This is the second time you have addressed that reproach to me, Louis," -the soldier replied, taking a paper from his breast; "you forget the -terms of the note which your groom brought yesterday to my quarters."</p> - -<p>And he was preparing to read.</p> - -<p>"It is useless to read it," said the Count, with a melancholy smile. "I -acknowledge I am in the wrong."</p> - -<p>"Well, then, let us see," said the Spahi gaily, "what this serious -affair is which makes you stand in need of me. Explain: is there a woman -to be carried off?—Have you a duel on hand?—Tell me."</p> - -<p>"Nothing that you can possibly imagine," the Count interrupted him -bitterly; "therefore do not waste time in useless surmises."</p> - -<p>"What the devil is it, then?"</p> - -<p>"I am going to blow out my brains."</p> - -<p>The young man uttered these words with so firm and resolute an accent, -that the soldier started in spite of himself, and bent an anxious glance -upon the speaker.</p> - -<p>"You believe me mad, do you not?" the Count continued, who guessed his -friend's thoughts. "No, I am not mad, Valentine; I am only at the bottom -of an abyss from which I can only escape by death or infamy, and I -prefer death."</p> - -<p>The soldier made no reply. With an energetic gesture he pushed back his -chair, and began to walk about the room with hurried steps. The Count -had allowed his head to sink upon his breast in a state of perfect -prostration of mind. After a long silence, during which the fury of the -storm without increased, Valentine resumed his seat.</p> - -<p>"A very strong reason must have obliged you to take such a -determination," he said coolly; "I will not endeavour to combat it; but -I command you, by our friendship, to tell me fully what has led you to -form it. I am your foster brother, Louis; we have grown up together; our -ideas have been too long in common, our friendship is too strong and too -fervent for you to refuse to satisfy me."</p> - -<p>"To what purpose?" cried the Count, impatiently; "my sorrows are of a -nature which none but he who experiences them can comprehend."</p> - -<p>"A bad pretext, brother," replied the soldier, in a rough tone; "the -sorrows we dare not avow are of a kind that make us blush."</p> - -<p>"Valentine," said the Count, with a flashing eye, "it is ill judged to -speak so."</p> - -<p>"On the contrary, it is quite right," replied the young man, warmly. "I -love you, I owe you the truth; why should I deceive you? No, you know my -frankness; therefore do not hope that I shall listen to you with my eyes -shut. If you want to be flattered in your last moments, why send for me? -Is it to applaud your death? If so, brother, farewell! I will retire, -for I have nothing to do here. You great gentlemen, who have only known -the trouble of coming into the world, know nothing of life but its joys; -at the first roseleaf which chance happens to ruffle in your bed of -happiness, you think yourselves lost, and appeal to that greatest of all -cowardices, suicide."</p> - -<p>"Valentine!" the Count cried angrily.</p> - -<p>"Yes," continued the young man, with increased energy, "I repeat, that -supreme cowardice! Man is no more at liberty to quit life when he -fancies he is tired of it, than the soldier is to quit his post when he -comes face to face with his country's enemy. Your sorrows, indeed! I -know well what they are."</p> - -<p>"You know?" demanded the Count with astonishment.</p> - -<p>"All—listen to me; and when I have told you my thoughts, why, kill -yourself if you like. Pardieu! do you think when I came here I did not -know why you summoned me? A gladiator, far too weak to fight the good -fight, you have cast yourself defencelessly among the wild beasts of -this terrible arena called Paris—and you have fallen, as was sure to -be the case. But remember, the death you contemplate will complete your -dishonour in the eyes of all, instead of reinstating you or surrounding -you with the halo of false glory you are ambitious of."</p> - -<p>"Valentine! Valentine!" cried the Count, striking the table forcibly -with his clenched hand, "what gives you a right to speak to me thus?"</p> - -<p>"My friendship," the soldier replied, energetically, "and the position -you have yourself placed me in by sending for me. Two causes reduce you -to despair. These two causes are, in the first place, your love for -a coquettish woman, a Creole, who has played with your heart as the -panther of her own savannahs plays with the inoffensive animals she is -preparing to devour.—Is that true?"</p> - -<p>The young man made no reply. With his elbows on the table, his face -buried in his hands, he remained motionless, apparently insensible to -the reproaches of his foster brother. Valentine continued—</p> - -<p>"Secondly, when, in order to win favour in her eyes, you have -compromised your fortune, and squandered all that your father had left -you, this woman flits away as she came, rejoicing over the mischief -she has done, over the victims she has left on the path she has trod, -leaving to you and to so many others the despair and the shame of having -been the sport of a coquette. What urges you to seek refuge in death is -not the loss of fortune, but the impossibility of following this woman, -the sole cause of all your misfortunes. I defy you to contradict me."</p> - -<p>"Well, I admit all that is true. It is that alone which kills me. What -care I for the loss of fortune? She alone is the object of my ambition! -I love her—I love her—I tell you, so that I could struggle against -the whole world to obtain her!" the young man exclaimed with great -excitement. "Oh, if I could but hope! Hope—a word void of meaning, -invented by the ambitious, always implying something unattainable! Do -you not plainly see the truth of what I say? There is nothing left me -but to die!"</p> - -<p>Valentine contemplated him for some minutes with a sad countenance. -Suddenly his brow cleared, his eye sparkled; he laid his hand upon the -Count's shoulder.</p> - -<p>"Is this, then, more than a caprice? Do you really love this woman?" he -said.</p> - -<p>"Have I not told you that I am ready to die for her?"</p> - -<p>"Ay; and you told me at the same time that you would struggle with the -whole world to obtain her."</p> - -<p>"I did—and would."</p> - -<p>"Well, then," continued Valentine, fixing his eyes earnestly upon him, -"I can help you to find this woman again—I can."</p> - -<p>"You can?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I can."</p> - -<p>"Oh! you are mad! She has left Paris, and no one knows into what region -of America she has retreated."</p> - -<p>"Of what consequence is that?"</p> - -<p>"And then, besides, I am ruined!"</p> - -<p>"So much the better."</p> - -<p>"Valentine, be careful of what you say," the young man remarked with a -sigh; "in spite of my reason, I allow myself to believe you."</p> - -<p>"Hope, man! hope, I tell you."</p> - -<p>"Oh, no; no, that is impossible!"</p> - -<p>"Nothing is impossible; that is a word invented by the impotent and the -cowardly. I repeat that I not only will find this woman for you again, -but that she—she herself, mind—shall be afraid lest you should despise -her love."</p> - -<p>"Oh!"</p> - -<p>"Who knows? You yourself may then, perhaps, reject it."</p> - -<p>"Valentine! Valentine!"</p> - -<p>"Well, to obtain this glorious result, I only ask two years."</p> - -<p>"So long?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, such is man!" cried the soldier, with a faint, pitying laugh. "But -an instant ago, and you were anxious to die, because the word had never -stood in its true light before you; and now you have not the courage to -look forward, or wait two years, which constitute only a few minutes of -human life!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, but——"</p> - -<p>"Be satisfied, brother—be satisfied! If in two years I have not -fulfilled my promise, I myself will load your pistols—and then——"</p> - -<p>"Well, and then?"</p> - -<p>"And then you shall not die alone," he said coolly.</p> - -<p>The Count looked at him. Valentine seemed transfigured: his countenance -wore an expression of indomitable energy, which his foster brother had -never observed in it before; his eyes sparkled with unwonted brilliancy. -The young man avowed himself conquered; he took his friend's hand, and -pressing it warmly, said—</p> - -<p>"I agree!"</p> - -<p>"You now, then, belong to me?"</p> - -<p>"I give myself entirely up to you."</p> - -<p>"That's well!"</p> - -<p>"But what will you do?"</p> - -<p>"Listen to me attentively," the soldier said, sinking back into his -chair, and motioning to his friend to resume his seat. At this moment -the clock struck the hour of midnight, and, from a feeling for which -they could not account, the young men listened silently and reflectively -to the twelve strokes which resounded at equal intervals upon the bell.</p> - -<p>When the echo of the last stroke had ceased to vibrate, Valentine lit a -cigar, and turning towards Louis, whose eyes were intensely fixed upon -him, "Now, then," he said slowly, emitting a puff of thin blue smoke, -which went curling gracefully up towards the ceiling.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE RESOLUTION.</h3> - - -<p>"I am listening," said Louis, leaning forward as if to hear the better.</p> - -<p>Valentine resumed with a melancholy smile.</p> - -<p>"We have now reached the 1st of January, 1835," said he; "with the last -vibration of midnight your existence as a gentleman has come to an end. -From this time you are about to commence a life of trials and struggles; -in a word, you are about to become a man!"</p> - -<p>The Count gave him an inquiring glance.</p> - -<p>"I will explain myself," Valentine continued; "but in order to do that, -you must, in the first place, allow me, in a few words, to recall your -history to you."</p> - -<p>"Surely, I am well enough acquainted with that," interrupted the Count, -in a tone that displayed impatience.</p> - -<p>"Well, perhaps you are; but, at all events, listen to my version of it; -if I err, put me right."</p> - -<p>"Follow your own humour," the Count replied, sinking back into his chair -with the air of a man whom politeness obliges to listen to a tiresome -discourse.</p> - -<p>Though he saw it, Valentine appeared to take no notice of this movement -on the part of his foster brother. He relit his cigar, which he had -allowed to go out, patted the dog, whose great head was lying upon his -knees, and began, as if convinced that Louis gave him the most profound -attention.</p> - -<p>"Your history is that of almost every man of your rank," said he. "Your -ancestors, whose name can be traced to the Crusades, left you at your -birth a noble title, and a hundred thousand francs a year. Rich, without -having had occasion to employ your faculties to gain your fortune, -and consequently ignorant of the real value of money, you spent it -heedlessly, believing it to be inexhaustible. This is just what has -happened; only, one day, when you least expected it, the hideous spectre -of ruin rose up suddenly before you, and you had a glimpse of want, -that is, of the necessity for labour; and then you drew back terrified, -declaring there was no refuge but in death."</p> - -<p>"All that is perfectly true," the Count interrupted; "but you forget to -mention, that before forming this last resolution, I took care to put -my affairs in order, and to pay all my creditors. I then became my own -master, and had a right to dispose of my life as I thought fit."</p> - -<p>"Not at all. And it is this which your education as a gentleman has -prevented you from understanding. Your life is not your own; it is -a loan which God has made you. It is, consequently, nothing but an -expectation, a <i>waiting</i>, a passage: for this reason it is short, -but the profit of it is due to humanity. Every man who wastes the -faculties which he holds from God in orgies and debaucheries, commits a -robbery upon the great human family. Remember that we are all mutually -responsible for one another, and that we ought to employ our faculties -for the advantage of the whole."</p> - -<p>"For Heaven's sake, brother, a truce to your sermons! Such theories, -more or less paradoxical, may succeed with certain people, but——"</p> - -<p>"Brother," Valentine interrupted, "do not speak so. In spite of -yourself, your pride of race dictates words which you will ere long -regret. Certain people! there you have let slip the great word. Oh, -Louis, Louis! how many things you have yet to learn! But that we may -know what we are about, reckoning all your resources, how much have you -left?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I scarcely know! A pitiful sum."</p> - -<p>"Well, but how much?"</p> - -<p>"Good Heavens! some forty thousand francs, I suppose, at most, which may -amount to sixty thousand by the sale of these luxurious trifles," the -Count said carelessly.</p> - -<p>Valentine started up in his chair.</p> - -<p>"Sixty thousand francs!" he cried; "and you are in despair! and have -made up your mind to die! Senseless fellow! why, these sixty thousand -francs, well employed, are a fortune! they will enable you to find the -woman you love! How many poor devils would fancy themselves rich with -such a sum!"</p> - -<p>"What do you mean to do, then?"</p> - -<p>"You shall see. What is the name of the lady you are in love with?"</p> - -<p>"Doña Rosario del Valle."</p> - -<p>"Very well. She has, you say, gone to America?"</p> - -<p>"Ten days ago; but I, in justice, must observe to you, that Doña -Rosario, whom you do not know, is a noble and amiable girl, who has -never lent an ear to one of my flatteries, or given favourable heed to -the ruinous extravagances which I committed to please her."</p> - -<p>"Ah, that is very possible! why, then, should I seek to rob you of this -sweet illusion? Only it makes me the more puzzled to perceive how, under -these circumstances, you could manage to melt your fortune, which was -considerable, like a lump of butter in the sun."</p> - -<p>"Here! read this note from my broker."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" said Valentine, pushing back the paper; "you have been dabbling -on the Stock Exchange, have you! Everything is now easily explained, my -poor pigeon; the kites have plucked you nicely! Well, brother, you must -take your revenge."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I ask nothing better!" said the young man, knitting his brows.</p> - -<p>"We are of the same age; my mother's milk nourished us both; in the -eyes of God we are brothers! I will make a man of you! I will help -you to put on that armour of brass which will render you invincible. -Whilst you, protected by your name and your fortune, allowed life to -glide luxuriously away, only plucking its flowers as it passed, I, a -poor wretch wandering over the rough pavement of Paris, carried on a -gigantic struggle to obtain a mere existence; a struggle of every hour -and every minute, where the victory for me was a morsel of bread, and -experience most dearly bought; for often, when I held horses, sold -theatre checks, or acted clown to a mountebank—in fact, when I went -through the thousand impossible shifts of the Bohemian, depression and -discouragement nearly choked me; often and often have I felt my burning -brow and throbbing temples clasped in the pinching vice of want; but I -resisted, I girded myself up against adversity; never did I allow myself -to be conquered, although I left upon the thorns of my rugged path many -of the rags of my most fondly-cherished illusions; while my heart, -writhing with despair, has bled from twenty wounds at once! Courage, -Louis! henceforth there will be two of us to fight the battle! You shall -be the head to conceive, I the arm to execute; you the intelligence, I -the strength! Now the struggle will be equal, for we will sustain one -another. Trust in me, my brother; a day will come when success will -crown our efforts!"</p> - -<p>"I can fully appreciate your devotion, and I accept it. Am I not, at -present, your property? Entertain no fear of my resisting you. But I -cannot help telling you that I fear all my attempts will be in vain, and -that we shall be forced, sooner or later, to fall back upon that last -means which you now prevent me having recourse to."</p> - -<p>"Oh, thou man of little faith!" Valentine said, cheerfully; "on the road -which we are about to take, fortune will be our slave!"</p> - -<p>Louis could not repress a smile.</p> - -<p>"We must, at all events, depend upon the aid of chance in what we are -about to undertake," he said.</p> - -<p>"Chance! chance is the hope of fools; the strong man commands it."</p> - -<p>"Well, but what do you mean to do?"</p> - -<p>"The lady you love is in America, is she not?"</p> - -<p>"I have already told you so several times."</p> - -<p>"Very well, then, we must go thither."</p> - -<p>"But I do not know even in what part of America she resides."</p> - -<p>"Of what consequence is that? The New World is the country of gold—the -true region of adventurers! We shall retrieve our fortunes whilst -searching for her; and is that so disagreeable a thing? Tell me—this -lady was born somewhere?"</p> - -<p>"She is a Chilian."</p> - -<p>"Good! she has gone back to Chili, then; and it is there we shall find -her."</p> - -<p>Louis looked at his foster brother for a moment, with a species of -respectful admiration.</p> - -<p>"What! do you seriously mean that you will do this, brother?" he said, -in an agitated voice.</p> - -<p>"Without hesitation."</p> - -<p>"Abandon the military career which offers you so many chances of -success? I know that in three months you will be an officer."</p> - -<p>"I have ceased to be a soldier since the morning; I have found a -substitute."</p> - -<p>"Oh, that is not possible!"</p> - -<p>"Ay, but it is done."</p> - -<p>"But your old mother, my nurse, whose only support you are!"</p> - -<p>"Out of what you have left we will give her a few thousand francs, -which, joined to my pension, will suffice for her to live on till we -come back."</p> - -<p>"Oh," said the young man, "I cannot accept of such a sacrifice—my -honour forbids it!"</p> - -<p>"Unfortunately, brother," Valentine said, in a tone which silenced the -Count, "you have it not in your power to prevent it. In acting as I -propose to do I am only discharging a sacred duty."</p> - -<p>"I do not understand you."</p> - -<p>"What is the use of explaining it to you?"</p> - -<p>"I insist."</p> - -<p>"Very good; and, perhaps, it will be better. Listen:—When, after -having nursed you, my mother restored you to your family, my father fell -sick, and died at the end of an illness of eight months, leaving my -mother and myself in the greatest want; the little we possessed had been -spent in medicines, and in paying the doctor for his visits. We ought to -have had recourse to your family, who would, no doubt, have relieved us; -but my mother would never consent to it. 'The Count de Prébois-Crancé -has done as much as he ought,' she remarked, 'he shall not be troubled -any more.'"</p> - -<p>"She was wrong," said Louis.</p> - -<p>"I know she was," Valentine replied. "In the meantime, hunger soon began -to be felt. It was then I undertook all those impossible trades of which -I just now spoke to you. One day, as I was carrying my cap round in the -Place du Trône, after swallowing sabres and eating fire, to the great -delight of the crowd, I found myself face to face with an officer of the -Chasseurs d'Afrique, who looked at me with an air of pity and kindness -that melted my heart within me. He led me away with him, made me relate -my history, and insisted upon being conducted to the shed where I and -my mother lived. At the sight of our misery the old soldier was much -affected; a tear, which he could not restrain, flowed silently down his -sunburnt cheek. Louis, that officer was your father."</p> - -<p>"My noble and good father!" the Count exclaimed, pressing his foster -brother's hand.</p> - -<p>"Yes! yes, noble and good! he secured my mother a little annuity which -enables her to live, and took me into his own regiment. Two years ago, -during the last expedition against the Rey of Constantine, your father -was struck by a bullet in his chest, and died at the end of two hours, -calling upon his son."</p> - -<p>"Yes," the young man said, with tears in his eyes, "I know he did."</p> - -<p>"But what you do not know, Louis, is, that at the point of death your -father turned towards me—for, from the moment he had received his wound -I had never left him."</p> - -<p>Louis again silently pressed the hand of Valentine, whilst the latter -continued—</p> - -<p>"'Valentine,' he said to me, in a faint voice, broken by the rattle of -death, for the mortal agony had commenced, 'my son is left alone, and -without experience; he has nobody but you, his foster brother. Watch -over him—never abandon him! May I depend upon your promise? it will -mitigate the pain of dying.' I knelt down beside him, and respectfully -seizing the hand he held out to me, exclaimed—'Die in peace! in the -hour of adversity I will be always by the side of your Louis. Two tears -of joy at that awful hour dropped from your father's eyes; he said, in a -faltering voice—'God has heard your oath and murmuring your name, and -clasping my hand, he expired. Louis, I owe to your father the comfort -my mother enjoys; I owe to your father the feelings that make me a man, -and this cross which glitters on my breast. Can you not now comprehend, -then, why I have spoken to you as I have done? While you held your -course in your strength, I kept aloof; but now that the hour has arrived -for accomplishing my vow, no human power can prevent me from doing so."</p> - -<p>The two young men were silent for a moment, and then Louis, laying his -face on the soldier's honest chest, said, with a burst of tears—</p> - -<p>"When shall we set out, brother?"</p> - -<p>The latter looked at him earnestly—</p> - -<p>"You are fully resolved to commence a new life?"</p> - -<p>"Entirely!" Louis replied, in a firm tone.</p> - -<p>"Do you leave no regrets behind you?"</p> - -<p>"None."</p> - -<p>"You are ready to pass bravely through all the trials to which I may -expose you?"</p> - -<p>"I am."</p> - -<p>"That is well, brother! it is thus I wish you to be. We will set out as -soon as we have settled the balance of your past life. You must enter -on the new existence I am about to open to you quite free from clogs or -remembrances."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>On the 2nd of February, 1835, a packet boat belonging to the -Trans-Atlantic Company left Havre, directing its course towards -Valparaiso. On board this vessel, as passengers, were the Count de -Prébois-Crancé, Valentine Guillois his foster brother, and Cæsar their -Newfoundland dog—Cæsar, the only friend who had remained faithful to -them, and whom they could not think of leaving behind. Upon the quay -a woman of about sixty years of age, her face bathed in tears, stood -with her eyes intently fixed upon the vessel as long as it remained in -sight. When it had disappeared below the horizon, she cast a desponding -glance around her, and with a heavy heart bent her steps towards a house -situated at a small distance from the beach, where she remained three -days.</p> - -<p>"Do what is right, happen what may!" she said, in a voice stifled by -grief.</p> - -<p>This woman was the mother of Valentine Guillois. She was the most to be -pitied, for she was left alone!</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE EXECUTION.</h3> - - -<p>Towards the end of the year 1450, Chili was invaded by Prince -Sinchiroca, afterwards Inca, who gained possession of the valley of -Mapocho, then called Promocaces, that is to say, the place of dancing -and rejoicing. The Peruvian government, however, was never able to -establish itself in the country, on account of the armed opposition of -the Promocians, then encamped between the rivers Rapel and Maulé. Hence, -though the historian Garcilasso de la Vega may place the limits of the -territory conquered by the Incas upon the river Maulé, everything proves -they were upon the Rapel, for, near the confluence of the Cachapeul with -the Tingerica, which from this point takes the name of Rapel, start the -ruins of an ancient Peruvian fortress, constructed exactly like those of -Callao and Asseray, in the province of Quito. These fortresses served to -mark the frontier.</p> - -<p>The Spanish conqueror, Don Pedro de Valdivia, founded, on the 24th of -February, 1541, the city of Santiago in a delightful position upon the -left bank of the Rio Mapocho, at the entrance of a plain a hundred miles -in extent, bounded by the Rio Parahuel, and the mountain of El Pardo, -which has an elevation of not less than four thousand feet. This plain, -which is also bathed by the Rio Maypo, forms a natural reservoir, in -which the light soil brought down from the neighbouring heights has -found a level, and created one of the richest territories of the New -World.</p> - -<p>Santiago, which at a later period became the capital of Chili, is one of -the finest cities in Spanish America. Its streets are broad, built in -straight lines, and refreshed by <i>acequias</i>; or rivulets of clear and -limpid water; while the houses, built of <i>adobes</i>, only one story high, -on account of the earthquakes so frequent in this country, are vast, -airy, and well situated. It possesses a great number of monuments, the -most remarkable of which are the stone bridge of five arches, thrown -over the Mapocho, and the Tajamar, or breakwater, formed of two brick -walls, the interior one of which is filled with earth, and serves to -protect the inhabitants from inundations. The Cordilleras, with their -eternally snow-crowned summits, although eighty miles distant from -the city, appear suspended over it, and present an aspect of the most -majestic and imposing kind.</p> - -<p>On the 5th of May, 1835, towards ten o'clock in the evening, stifling -heat oppressed the city; there was not a breath in the air, or a cloud -in the heavens. Santiago, generally so joyous at this hour of the -night, when beams from black eyes and smiles from rosy lips are seen at -every balcony, and each window seems to challenge the passer-by with -the twanging of <i>sambecuejas,</i> and snatches of Creole songs, appeared -plunged in the deepest sadness. The balconies and the windows were -filled, it is true, with the heads of men and women, packed together as -closely as possible, but the expression of every face was serious, every -look was thoughtful and uneasy: no smile, no joy could be witnessed; but -on all sides were sorrowful brows, pale cheeks, and eyes filled with -tears.</p> - -<p>Here and there in the streets numerous groups were stationed in the -middle of the causeway, or upon the steps of the doors, conversing in a -low voice, but with great vivacity. At every instant, orderly officers -left the government palace, and galloped off in various directions. -Detachments of troops quitted their barracks, and marched, with drums -beating, to the Plaza Mayor, where they formed in line, passing silently -amidst the terrified inhabitants. The Plaza Mayor on this evening -afforded an exceptional appearance. Torches, waved about by individuals -mixed with the crowd, threw their red dull reflections upon the -assembled people, who seemed to be in expectation of some great event.</p> - -<p>But among all these people assembled on one spot, and whose number -increased every second, not a cry, not a word could be heard. Only, at -intervals, there arose a nameless murmur—a noise of the sea before a -tempest—the whisper of a whole anxious people—the hoarse fury of a -storm lashing all these oppressed breasts. The clock of the cathedral -heavily and slowly struck ten.</p> - -<p>Scarce had the <i>serenos</i>, according to custom, chanted the hour, ere -military commands were heard, and the crowd violently driven back in all -directions, with cries and oaths, accompanied by blows from gunstocks, -divided in two nearly equal parts, leaving between them a wide, free -space. At this moment arose the sounds of religious chants, murmured in -a low, monotonous tone, and a long procession of monks debouched upon -the square. These monks all belonged to the order of the Brothers of -Mercy. They walked slowly in two lines, with their hoods pulled down -over their faces, their arms crossed upon their breasts, their heads -hanging down, and chanting the <i>De Profundis</i>. In the middle of them ten -penitents each bore an open coffin. Then came a squadron of cavalry, -preceding a battalion of militiamen, in the centre of which body, ten -men, bare headed, with their arms bound behind them, were conducted, -each riding with his face toward the tail of a donkey, whose bridle -was held by a monk of the order of Mercy; a detachment of lancers came -immediately after, and closed this lugubrious procession.</p> - -<p>At the cry of halt, given by the commander of the troops drawn up -upon the Plaza, the monks separated to the right and left, without -interrupting their funeral chant, and the condemned remained alone in -the middle of the space left free for them. These men were patriots, -who had attempted to overthrow the established government, in order to -substitute another, the more broad and democratic basis of which would -be, as they thought, in better accordance with ideas of progress and the -welfare of the nation. These patriots belonged to the first families of -the country.</p> - -<p>The population of Santiago viewed with sullen despair the death of -the men whom they considered as martyrs. It is even probable that a -rising in their favour would have taken place, if General Don Poncho -Bustamente, the minister at war, had not drawn out a military force -capable of imposing upon the most determined, and obliging them to be -silent spectators of the execution of men whom they could not save, but -whom they entertained a fierce hope of avenging at a future day.</p> - -<p>The condemned alighted; they piously knelt, and confessed themselves to -the monks of Mercy nearest to them, whilst a platoon of fifty soldiers -took up a position within twenty paces of them. When their confession -was completed, they rose up bravely, and taking each other by the hand, -ranged themselves in a single line in front of the soldiers appointed -to put them to death. In spite, however, of the great numbers of troops -assembled on the Plaza, an ominous fermentation prevailed among the -people. The crowd rocked about in all directions. Murmurs of sinister -augury and curses, pronounced aloud against the agents of power, seemed -to remind the latter that they had better finish the affair at once, if -they did not wish to have their victims torn from their hands.</p> - -<p>General Bustamente, who calmly and stoically presided over this -dismal ceremony, smiled with disdain at this expression of popular -disapprobation. He waved his sword over his head and commanded "right -about face," which was executed with the rapidity of lightning. The -troops faced the insurgents on all sides; the front rank pointing their -muskets at the citizens crowded together before them, whilst the others -appeared to take aim at the balconies encumbered with people. This was -followed by so dead a silence, that not a word was lost of the sentence -read by the proper officer to the patriots—a sentence which condemned -them to be shot as traitors, or accomplices in a conspiracy designed -to overthrow the constituted government, and plunge their country into -anarchy.</p> - -<p>The conspirators listened to their sentence with silent firmness; but -when the officer, who trembled in every limb, had finished reading it, -they all cried, as with one voice,</p> - -<p>"Viva la Patria! Viva la Libertad!"</p> - -<p>The General gave a signal, and a loud rolling of the drums drowned the -voices of the condemned. A discharge of musketry resounded like a clap -of thunder, and the ten martyrs fell, once again shouting their cry of -liberty, a cry doomed to find an echo in the hearts of their terrified -compatriots.</p> - -<p>The troops filed off, with shouldered arms, ensigns flying, and band at -their head, past the dead bodies, and regained their barracks. When the -General had disappeared with his escort, and the troops had left the -Plaza, the people rushed in a mass towards the spot where the martyrs -of their cause lay in a confused heap. Every one wished to offer them a -last farewell, and to swear over their bodies to avenge them, or to fall -in their turn.</p> - -<p>At length, by degrees, the crowd became less compact, the groups -dispersed, the last torches were extinguished, and the spot where, -scarce an hour before, an awful drama had been accomplished, was left -completely deserted. A considerable time elapsed before any noise -disturbed the solemn silence which brooded over the Plaza Mayor.</p> - -<p>Suddenly, a heavy sigh escaped from the heap of bodies, and a pale head, -disfigured by the blood and dirt which stained it, arose slowly from -this human slaughterhouse, pushing aside with difficulty the carcasses -which had covered it. The victim, who, by a miracle, survived this -bloody hecatomb, cast an anxious look around him, and passing his hand -over his brow, which was bathed in a dark perspiration, said vehemently—</p> - -<p>"My God! my God! grant me strength to live, that I may avenge myself and -my country!"</p> - -<p>Then, with incredible courage, this man, too weak from the blood he had -lost, and was still losing, to stand, or to escape by walking away, -began to crawl along upon his hands and knees, leaving behind him a long -wet track, and directing his course towards the cathedral. At every yard -he stopped to take breath, and to place his hands upon his wounds, which -motion rendered more painful. Scarce had he left the centre of the Plaza -and its horrid sacrifice fifty paces behind him, and that with immense -difficulty, when, from a street which opened just before him, issued two -men, who advanced with hasty steps towards him.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the unhappy man cried, in utter despair, "I am lost! I am lost! -Heaven is not just!"—And he fainted.</p> - -<p>The two men, on coming up to him, stopped with great surprise; they -leant over him, and examined him with care and in an anxious manner.</p> - -<p>"Well?" said one of them, at the end of a minute or two.</p> - -<p>"He is alive!" the other replied, in a tone of conviction.</p> - -<p>Without uttering another word, they rolled up the wounded man in a -<i>poncho</i>, lifted him on their shoulders, and disappeared in the gloomy -depths of the street by which they had come, and which led to the -Canadilla suburb.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE PASSAGE.</h3> - - -<p>It is a long voyage from Havre to Chili. The man accustomed to the -thousand agitations and the intoxicating whirlwind of the atmosphere of -Paris, necessarily finds the life on shipboard, the calm and regular -life, insipid and monotonous. It is certainly tedious to remain months -together in a vessel, confined to a cabin a few feet square, without -air and without sun, almost without light, and to have no walk but the -narrow deck of the ship, no horizon but the rolling or the tranquil -sea—at all times and everywhere nothing but sea.</p> - -<p>The transition is very trying. The Parisian, accustomed to the noise -and perpetual motion of a great city, cannot at once enter into or -comprehend the poetry of the sailor's life, of which he knows nothing, -or the sublime pleasures and keen enjoyments which those granite-hearted -men, exposed incessantly to a struggle with the elements, constantly -experience; men who laugh at the tempest and brave the hurricane; who, -twenty times a minute, stand face to face with death, and at last feel -such a contempt for it that they end by not believing in it. The hours -are of interminable length to the passenger who pines for the land; -every day appears an age to him. With his eyes constantly turned toward -a point which he begins to imagine he shall never gain, he sinks, in -spite of himself, into a species of gloomy nostalgia, which the sight of -the wished for port is alone powerful enough to dissipate.</p> - -<p>The Count de Prébois-Crancé and Valentine Guillois had, then, undergone -the dispersion of all the illusions and all the ennuis attendant upon a -first sea voyage. During the first days they were employed in recalling -the vivid remembrance of that other life from which they had parted -for ever. They talked over the surprise which the sudden disappearance -of the Count would cause in the fashionable society from which he -had fled without warning, and without leaving any means of tracing -him. Forgetting for awhile the distance which separated them from the -America to which they were bound, they dwelt at great length upon the -unknown pleasures which awaited them upon that golden soil, that land -of promise for all sorts of adventurers, but which, alas! often offers -those who go thither in the hope of gaining an easy fortune, nothing but -disappointment and sorrow.</p> - -<p>As every subject, however interesting it may be, must in the end grow -exhausted, the two young men, to escape the fatiguing monotony of the -voyage, had the good sense so to arrange their existence as to prevent -tedium from gaining the influence over them which it had upon the -other passengers. Twice a day, morning and evening, the Count, who was -perfectly well acquainted with Spanish, gave his foster brother lessons -in that language, lessons by which he profited so well, that after two -months' study, he was able to carry on a conversation in Spanish. When -he had made such progress, the young men employed no other language, -either between themselves or with the persons on board who understood -it. This habit produced the desired result; that is to say, Valentine, -in a very short time, spoke Spanish, which is not difficult to acquire, -as fluently as French; and then, in return, Valentine occasionally -became the professor. He made Louis go through gymnastic exercises, in -order to develop his natural strength, accustom his body to fatigue, and -render him capable of supporting the rude exigencies of his new position.</p> - -<p>We will here, for a moment, return to the character of Valentine -Guillois, a character of which the reader, from the young man's manner -of acting and speaking, might form a completely erroneous opinion, and -this we think it our duty to rectify. Morally, Valentine Guillois was -a young fellow quite unacquainted with himself; hot-headed, giddy in -the extreme, the surface had been slightly vitiated by reading chosen -without discernment; but the foundation was essentially good. He -united in himself all the characteristics of a class whose knowledge -of the world is obtained from romances and the dramas of the Faubourg -du Temple. He had sprung up like a mushroom upon <i>the pavé</i> of Paris, -performing for bread, as he himself said, the most eccentric and -impossible things. As a soldier, he had lived from hand to mouth, -happy in the present, and careless of a future whose existence was so -uncertain for him. But in the heart of this thoughtless <i>gamin</i> a new -sentiment had germinated, and, in a very short time, taken deep root,—a -hearty devotion to the man who had held out his hand to him, had had -pity on his mother, and who, by dragging him from the slough in which he -was plunged, without hope of ever rising, had given him a consciousness -of his own personal value. The death of this benefactor had struck -him like a clap of thunder. He felt all the importance of the mission -with which his dying colonel had charged him, the responsible burden -he imposed upon him, and he swore, with the firm resolution of keeping -his oath, cost what it might, to watch, like an attentive and devoted -brother, over the son of him who had made a man of him equal to other -men. The two most prominent points of Valentine's character were, an -energy which obstacles only augmented instead of depressing, and an iron -will.</p> - -<p>With these two qualities, employed to the extent to which Valentine -carried them, a man is sure to accomplish great things, and, if death -does not surprise him on the road, to attain, at a given moment, the -object, whatever it may be, which he has marked out for himself. In the -present circumstances, these qualities were invaluable to the Count de -Prébois-Crancé, a man of a dreamy, poetical nature, weak character, and -timid mind, who, accustomed from his birth to the easy life of people -of fortune, was entirely ignorant of the incessant difficulties of the -new life into which he found himself suddenly cast. As always happens, -when two men gifted with such opposite qualities meet, Valentine was -not long in gaining over his foster brother a great moral influence, an -influence which he employed with infinite tact, without ever rendering -his companion aware of it; he appeared to do everything according to -his will, whilst imposing his own upon him. In short, these two men, -who loved each other thoroughly, and had but one head and one heart, -perfected each other.</p> - -<p>The mode of speaking employed by Valentine in the early chapters of -this history, was not at all habitual to him, and had truly astonished -himself. Rising to the level of the situation in which the resolution of -the young man he wished to save placed him, he had comprehended, with -that sound common sense which he unwittingly possessed, that instead -of desponding over the misfortune which struck his foster brother so -unexpectedly, it was his duty, on the contrary, to endeavour to impart -to him the courage he was deficient in. Thus, as we have seen, he -found in his heart arguments so peremptorily decisive, that the Count -consented to live, and gave himself up to his counsels. Valentine did -not hesitate. The departure of Doña Rosario furnished him with the -excuse he needed for dragging his foster brother from the Parisian gulf -which, after having swallowed up his fortune, threatened to swallow up -himself. Perceiving, before all else, the necessity for expatriating -him, he persuaded Louis to follow the object of his love to America; and -both set out gaily for the New World, abandoning the country which, like -other emigrants, they fancied had been so ungrateful to them.</p> - -<p>Often during the passage the young Count had felt his courage flag, -and his faith in the future abandon him, when thinking of the life of -struggles and trials that awaited him in America. But Valentine, by -his inexhaustible gaiety, his incredible store of anecdotes, and his -incessant sallies, always succeeded in smoothing the wrinkles from the -brow of his companion, who, with his habitual carelessness and want of -energy, allowed himself to sink under that occult influence of Valentine -which remoulded him, without his cognizance, and gradually made a new -man of him.</p> - -<p>Such was the state of mind in which our two personages found themselves -when the packet boat cast anchor in the roads of Valparaiso. Valentine, -with his imperturbable assurance, doubted of nothing: he was persuaded -that the people he was about to have to do with were very much beneath -him in intelligence, and that he could manage very well to attain the -double object which he aimed at. The Count entirely depended upon his -foster brother for finding for him the woman he loved, and whom he had -come so far to seek. As to retrieving his fortune, he did not even dream -of that.</p> - -<p>Valparaiso—Valley of Paradise—so named probably by antiphrasis, for it -is the filthiest and ugliest city of Spanish America—is nothing but a -depot for foreigners, whom commercial interests do not call into Chili. -Our young men only remained there long enough to equip themselves in -the costume of the country; that is to say, to assume the Panama hat, -the <i>poncho</i>, and <i>polenas</i>; then, each armed with two double-barrelled -pistols, a rifle, and a long knife in his belt, they left the port, and, -mounted on excellent horses, took their course towards Santiago, on the -evening preceding the day on which the execution we have described in -the preceding chapter was to take place. The weather was magnificent;— -the rays of a burning sun rendered the very dust golden, and made the -stones of the road shine like jewels.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" said Valentine, as soon as they found themselves upon the superb -road which leads to the capital of Chili; "it does one good to breathe -the air of the land—<i>caramba</i>, as they say here. Well, now, here we -are in this boasted America, and now we must set about collecting our -harvest of gold."</p> - -<p>"And Doña Rosario?" said his foster brother, in a melancholy tone.</p> - -<p>"Oh! we shall have found her within a fortnight," replied Valentine, -with astounding confidence.</p> - -<p>With these consolatory words, he animated his horse with the spur, and -the distance before them rapidly diminished.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</a> -</h4> - -<h3>THE LINDA.<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a> -<a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor" style="vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;">[1]</a> -</h3> - - - -<p>The night was gloomy; no star glittered in the heavens; the moon, -concealed by clouds, only spread a wan, pale light, which, when it -disappeared, rendered the darkness the denser. The streets were -deserted; but at regular intervals the furtive steps of the serenos, who -alone watched at this hour, were audible.</p> - -<p>The two men whom we have seen upon the Plaza Mayor, bearing away the -wounded man, walked for a long time, loaded with their strange burthen, -stopping at the least noise, and concealing themselves in the depths of -a doorway, or in the angle of a street, to allow the serenos to pass, as -they would be sure to require a reason for their being in the streets -at that unusual hour. Since the discovery of the conspiracy, orders had -been given that at eleven o'clock every citizen should be within doors. -After many turnings and windings, the strangers stopped in the street El -Mercado, one of the most secluded and narrow in Santiago. They appeared -to be expected, for a door was opened at the sound of their steps, and -a woman, dressed in white, and holding a candle, the light of which -she shaded with her left hand, appeared on the threshold. The two men -stopped, and one of them, taking a steel from his pocket, struck the -flint so as to produce as few sparks as possible. At this signal—for it -evidently was one—the woman extinguished the light, saying with a loud -voice, but as if speaking to herself—</p> - -<p>"Dios proteja a Chile (May God protect Chili)!"</p> - -<p>"Dios lo ha protegido (God has protected it)," the man with the flint -and steel replied, as he replaced his utensils in his pocket.</p> - -<p>The woman uttered a cry of joy, which her prudence suddenly repressed.</p> - -<p>"Come in, come in," she said in a low voice; and in an instant the two -men were beside her.</p> - -<p>"Is he alive?" she asked, with intense anxiety.</p> - -<p>"He is alive," one of the strangers laconically replied.</p> - -<p>"In Heaven's name, come in!" she exclaimed.</p> - -<p>The bearers, guided by the woman, who had relighted her candle, -disappeared in the house, the door of which was immediately and softly -closed after them. All the houses of Santiago are alike, with respect -to their internal arrangements. To describe one is to describe all. -A wide doorway, ornamented with pilasters, leads to <i>the patio</i>, or -great entrance court, at the end of which is the principal apartment, -generally the dining room. On each side are bed chambers, reception -rooms, and cabinets for labour or study. Behind these apartments is the -<i>huerta</i>, or garden, laid out with taste, ornamented with fountains, and -planted with orange trees, citron trees, pomegranates, limes, cedars, -and palm trees, which grow with incredible luxuriance. Behind the garden -is the <i>corral</i>—a vast enclosure appropriated to horses and carriages.</p> - -<p>The house into which we have introduced the reader, only differed from -the others in the princely luxury of its furniture, which seemed to -indicate that its inhabitant was a person of importance. The two men, -still preceded by the woman, who served them as guide, entered a little -room, whose window opened on the garden. They laid their burthen down -upon a bed, and retired without speaking a word, but bowing respectfully.</p> - -<p>The woman remained for a moment motionless, listening to the sound -of their retreating footsteps; and when all was silent, she sprang -with a bound towards the door, the bolts of which she fastened with -an impetuous gesture; then, returning and placing herself beside the -wounded man, she fixed upon him a long and melancholy look.</p> - -<p>This woman, though really thirty-five years of age, appeared to be -scarcely more than five-and-twenty. She was of an extraordinary, but a -strange style of beauty; it attracted attention, commanded admiration, -but created an instinctive repulsion. In spite of the majestic splendour -of her graceful form, the elegance of her carriage, the freedom of her -motions, full of voluptuous ease,—in spite of the purity of the lines -of her fair face, slightly tinged by the warm rays of an American sun, -which the magnificent tresses of her black hair beautifully enframed, -her large black eyes, ornamented with long velvety lashes, and crowned -by perfectly-arched brows, her straight nose, with its mobile and rosy -nostrils, her little mouth, whose blood-red lips contrasted admirably -with her pearl-white teeth—in spite of all these rich endowments, -there was in this splendid creature something fatal, which chilled the -heart as you contemplated her. Her searching glance, the satirical -smile, which almost always contracted the corners of her lips, the -slight wrinkle, which formed a harsh, deep line along her white -brow—everything about her, even to the melodious sound of her voice, -with its strongly-accentuated pitch, destroyed sympathy, and produced a -feeling of hatred, rather than respect.</p> - -<p>Alone in that chamber, dimly lighted by one flickering taper, in that -calm and silent night, face to face with that pale, bleeding man, whom -she contemplated with stern, contracted brows, she resembled, with her -long, black hair falling in disorder from her shoulders on to her white -robe, a Thessalian witch, preparing herself to accomplish some terrible -and mysterious work.</p> - -<p>The stranger was a man of, at most, forty-five years of age, of lofty -stature, strongly built, and well proportioned. His features were -handsome, his brow noble, and the expression of his countenance proud, -but frank and resolute.</p> - -<p>The woman remained for a considerable time in mute contemplation. -Her bosom heaved, her brows became more and more contracted, and she -appeared to watch the too slow progress of the return to sensibility -of the man her emissaries had saved from death. At length words forced -their way through her compressed lips, and she murmured in a low, broken -voice,—</p> - -<p>"Here he is, then; this time, at least, he is in my power! Will he -consent to answer me? Oh! perhaps I had better have left him to die."</p> - -<p>She paused to breathe a deep, broken sigh, but almost immediately -continued:—</p> - -<p>"My daughter! my daughter! of whom this man has bereaved me! and whom, -in spite of all my researches, he has hitherto concealed in some -inviolable asylum! My daughter! he must restore her to me; it is my -will!" she added with inexpressible energy. "He shall, even if I had -to deliver him up again to the executioners from whom I have ravished -their prey! These wounds are nothing; loss of blood and terror are the -sole causes of this insensibility. But time passes—my absence may be -noticed. Why should I hesitate longer? Let me at once know what I have -to hope from him. Perhaps he will allow himself to be softened by my -tears and prayers. What, he! he to whom all human feeling is unknown! -Better for me to implore the most implacable Indian! He will laugh at my -grief, he will reply by sarcasms to my cries of despair;—oh! woe, woe -be to him if he do so!"</p> - -<p>She looked earnestly at the wounded man, who was still motionless, for -another instant, and then, adding resolutely, "I will try," she drew -from her bosom a small crystal phial, curiously cut, and raising the -head of the unknown, made him inhale the contents. This was followed by -a moment of intense expectation; the woman watching with an anxious eye -the convulsive movements which are the precursors of the return to life, -as they agitated the body of the wounded man. At length, with a deep -sigh, he opened his eyes.</p> - -<p>"Where am I?" he murmured in a faint voice, then sank back, and closed -his eyes again.</p> - -<p>"In safety," the woman replied.</p> - -<p>The sound of the voice produced upon the wounded man the effect of an -electric shock. He raised himself quickly, and looking around him with a -mixture of disgust, terror, and anger, asked in a hollow voice,—</p> - -<p>"Who spoke?"</p> - -<p>"I!" the woman replied haughtily, placing herself before him.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" he said with a gesture of disgust, and sinking back upon the bed; -"you again! ever you!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I! still I, Don Tadeo! I, whose will, in spite of your disdain -and your hatred, has never faltered! I, in short, whose assistance you -have always obstinately refused, and who have saved you, in spite of -yourself."</p> - -<p>"Oh! that is an easy matter for you, madam; are you not on the best -possible terms with my executioners?"</p> - -<p>At this reply the woman could not repress a movement of anger; a sudden -redness flitted across her face.</p> - -<p>"No insults, Don Tadeo de Leon!" she said, stamping her foot; "I have -saved you! I am a woman, and you are under my roof!"</p> - -<p>"That is true," he replied, rising and bowing to her with ironical -respect; "I had forgotten that, madam; I am in your house. Have the -goodness, then, to direct me the way out, that I may be gone as quickly -as possible."</p> - -<p>"Do not be in such haste, Don Tadeo—you have not yet sufficiently -recovered your strength. Within a few steps, you perhaps would fall -again, to be raised up by the agents of the power which, this time, I -swear to you, would not let you escape."</p> - -<p>"And who told you, madam, that I should not prefer being retaken and -executed a second time, to the chance of remaining longer in your -presence?"</p> - -<p>There was a moment of silence, during which the two interlocutors -observed each other attentively. The woman was the first to speak.</p> - -<p>"Listen to me, Don Tadeo," she said. "In spite of all your efforts, -destiny, or, speaking more correctly, woman's genius, which nothing can -resist, has brought us together once again. If you live, if you have -received only slight wounds, it is because I lavished my gold upon the -soldiers charged with your execution; I wished to force you to that -explanation which I have so long demanded of you, which you so often -have refused me, but which you can now no longer avoid. Submit, then, -with a good grace. We will afterwards separate, if not good friends, -at least indifferent, never to meet again. Though I do not wish to -establish any claim upon your gratitude, you certainly owe your life to -me; were it for that service alone, you are bound to hear me."</p> - -<p>"What! madam," Don Tadeo replied, proudly, "do you think that I consider -what you have done was rendering me a service? By what right have you -saved my life? You know me but ill if you fancied I should allow myself -to be softened by your tears. No, no, I have been too long your dupe and -your slave to do so. Heaven be praised! I know you well now; and the -Linda, the mistress of General Bustamente, the tyrant of my country, the -executioner of my brothers and myself, has nothing to expect from me! -All that you can say, all that you can do, will be to no purpose. Spare -yourself, then, I advise you, the trouble of pretending a gentleness -which neither accords with your character nor your mode of life. I -madly loved you, a young, pure, and prudent girl, in the cabin of the -worthy <i>guaso,</i> your father, whose death was caused by your scandalous -life; you were then called Maria. At that period, would I not have -sacrificed my life and my happiness for you?—you know I would. Many -times have I given you proofs of that boundless love; but the Linda, the -shameless courtezan, the Linda, the woman branded on the brow like Cain -with the seal of infamy, the miserable creature—I know her not. Away, -madam!—away! There can be nothing in common between you and me."</p> - -<p>And with a gesture of proud authority he waved her from him.</p> - -<p>The woman had listened to him with flashing eyes and heaving bosom, -trembling with rage and shame. Drops of perspiration stood upon her -face, which glowed with a feverish redness. When he had finished, she -seized his arm, pressed it with her utmost strength, and placed her face -close to his.</p> - -<p>"Have you said all?" she muttered from between her teeth. "Have you -heaped insults enough upon me? Have you cast sufficient mire in my face? -Have you nothing more to add?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing, madam," he replied, in a tone of cool contempt. "You can, when -you please, summon your assassins—I am ready to receive them."</p> - -<p>And throwing himself upon the bed, he waited with an air of the most -insolent indifference.</p> - - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> This word, which has no equivalent in English or French, -is in the Spanish language the highest expression of physical beauty in -woman.</p></div> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</a></h4> - -<h3>HUSBAND AND WIFE.</h3> - - -<p>Doña Maria, notwithstanding the fresh and bitter insult she had just -received from Don Tadeo, did not yet renounce the hope of softening -him. When she recalled to her mind the early years, already so distant, -of her love for Don Tadeo, his devotion to her smallest caprices, when -she could bring him trembling and prostrate to her feet by a glance or -a smile, and the entire abnegation he had made of his will, in order -to live for her and by her; notwithstanding all that had since taken -place between them, she could not persuade herself that the violent -and deeply-seated passion he had entertained for her, the species of -worship he had vowed to her, could have entirely disappeared without -leaving some slight traces behind. Her pride revolted at the idea of -having lost all her empire over the lofty nature which she so long had -moulded at her pleasure like soft wax, under the burning impression of -wild caprices. She fancied that, like most other men, Don Tadeo, deeply -wounded in his pride, loved her still without being willing to admit it, -and that the virulent reproaches he had addressed to her, were flashes -of that ill-extinguished fire which still smouldered in his heart, and -whose flame she should succeed in reviving.</p> - -<p>Unfortunately Doña Maria had never given herself the trouble to study -the man she had married, and whom her beauty had so long held in -subjection. Don Tadeo had been nothing in her eyes but an attentive, -submissive slave, and, under the apparent weakness of the loving man, -she had not discovered the powerful energy which formed the foundation -of his character. And yet the history itself of their love had been a -proof of that energy, and of a will which nothing could control. Doña -Maria, then fifteen years of age, dwelt with her father in a <i>hacienda</i>, -in the neighbourhood of Santiago. Deprived of her mother, who had died -in giving her birth, she was brought up under the care of an old aunt, -an incorruptible Argus, who allowed no lover to come near her niece. -The young girl, ignorant as all girls brought up in the country are, -but whose warm aspirations led her to desire to know the world, and to -launch into that whirlwind of pleasures the sound of which died without -an echo in her ears, waited impatiently the arrival of the man who -should introduce her to these delights, of which, although unknown, she -had formed seducing ideas. Don Tadeo had only been the guide charged -with initiating her into the pleasures for which she thirsted. She -had never loved him; she had only said to herself, on seeing him and -learning he was of a noble family, "That is the man I have been looking -for."</p> - -<p>This hideous and selfish calculation is made by more girls than -we may fancy. Don Tadeo was handsome. Doña Maria's self-love was -flattered by the conquest; but if he had been ugly and disagreeable, -it would not have altered her course. In her extraordinary character, -a strange conjunction of the most abject passions, among which shone -here and there, like diamonds gleaming in the mire, a few feelings -which attached her to humanity, there was the spirit of two women -of ancient Rome; Locusta and Messalina were united in her: ardent, -passionate and ambitious, covetous and prodigal, this demon, concealed -under the outward form of an angel, acknowledged no other laws but her -own caprices; and all means, by which she could satisfy them, to her -appeared good.</p> - -<p>For a long time, Don Tadeo, blinded by passion, had submitted without -complaining to the iron yoke of this infernal genius; but when the day -arrived that the scales fell from his eyes, he measured with terror the -depth of the abyss into which this woman had cast him. The frightful -disorders to which, under the sanction of his name, she had abandoned -herself, imprinted on his blushing brow a stigma of infamy: the world -believed him to be her accomplice.</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo had by Maria an only daughter, a fair girl of angelic beauty, -at the period of our history fifteen years of age, whom he loved in -proportion to the sufferings her mother had inflicted upon him. He -trembled to think of the frightful future which lay before this innocent -creature. For four years he had been separated from his wife; and -during that time she had set no bounds on her irregularities. One day, -Don Tadeo presented himself unexpectedly at the house of his wife, and -without saying a word as to his ulterior intentions, took away his -daughter. From that time—nearly ten years—Doña Maria had never seen -her child.</p> - -<p>A strange revolution was effected by this step in the mother's feelings; -a new sentiment, so to say, germinated in her soul. A thing, till that -time unknown to her, happened; she felt the pulses of her heart beat -for another—she grieved at the remembrance of the little angel who had -been ravished from her. What was the sentiment? She, herself, knew not; -she only ardently wished to see her child again. During six years she -contended, publicly and privately, with Don Tadeo, to have her daughter -restored to her. The father was deaf and dumb; she could never learn -what had become of her. Don Tadeo, who, since he ceased to love her, had -studied the character of the woman of whom he had made an implacable -enemy, had taken his precautions so prudently that all Doña Maria's -researches proved fruitless, and all her attempts to obtain an interview -remained without a result. She imagined that he was afraid of yielding, -if face to face with her; and she resolved, cost what it might, to force -him to grant her the interview to which nothing had been able to make -him consent.</p> - -<p>Such was, at the moment we bring them on the scene, the position of -the two personages who now doubtless met for the last time. It was an -extraordinary position for both; an unequal contest between a wounded -and proscribed man, and an ardent, insulted woman, who, like a lioness -deprived of her whelps, was resolved to succeed, whatever might happen, -and compel the man whom she had forced to hear her, to restore her -daughter to her.</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo turned towards her.</p> - -<p>"I am waiting," he said.</p> - -<p>"You are waiting?" she replied, with a friendly smile. "What do you -expect, then?"</p> - -<p>"The assassins whom you doubtless have at hand, in case I should be -unwilling to reply to your questions concerning your daughter."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" she said, with an air of repulsion, "how can you, Don Tadeo, have -so bad an opinion of me? How can you pretend to believe that, after -having saved you, I should deliver you up to those who have proscribed -you?"</p> - -<p>"Who knows?" he replied, in a strongly ironical tone. "The heart of -women of your class, Linda, is an abyss which no man can pretend to -sound. You, who are incessantly seeking eccentric pleasures, perhaps -would find an unknown enjoyment and a charm in this second execution, -which, besides, would not at all compromise you, as I am already legally -dead to the world."</p> - -<p>"Don Tadeo, I know how unworthy my conduct towards you has been, and -how little I deserve your pity; but you are a gentleman, and, as such, -do you think it does you honour to load with insults, however merited, -a woman who is your wife, and who, after saving your life, with no -intention of reinstating herself in your favour, merely makes a claim, -at least upon your pity, if not on your esteem?"</p> - -<p>"Very well, madam; nothing can be more just than your observations, and -I subscribe to them with all my heart. I beg you to pardon me for having -allowed myself to utter certain words; but, at the first movement, I -was not master of myself, and I could not keep down in the depths of my -heart the feelings which were stifling me. Now, accept my sincere thanks -for the immense service you have rendered me, and permit me to retire. -A longer sojourn, on my part, in this house, is a robbery of which I -render myself guilty towards your numerous adorers."</p> - -<p>And, bowing with ironical courtesy to his infuriated wife, he made a -movement towards one of the doors of the room.</p> - -<p>"One word more," she said.</p> - -<p>"Speak, madam."</p> - -<p>"Are you resolved to leave me ignorant of the fate of my daughter?"</p> - -<p>"She is dead."</p> - -<p>"Dead!" she cried, in a voice of terror.</p> - -<p>"For you—yes," he replied, with a cold smile.</p> - -<p>"Oh, you are implacable!" she shrieked, stamping her foot with rage.</p> - -<p>He bowed, without making any reply.</p> - -<p>"Well, then," she resumed, "it is now no longer a favour I implore—it -is a bargain I propose to you."</p> - -<p>"A bargain?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, a bargain."</p> - -<p>"The idea strikes me as original."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps it is; you shall judge for yourself."</p> - -<p>"I listen, but time presses, and I—"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I will be brief," she interrupted.</p> - -<p>"I am at your service," and he reseated himself, smiling, exactly like a -friend on a visit. The Linda followed his motions with her eye, without -appearing to attach any importance to them.</p> - -<p>"Don Tadeo," she said, "during the many years we have been separated a -great number of events has taken place."</p> - -<p>"Quite correct," said he, with a gesture of polite assent.</p> - -<p>"I will say nothing to you of myself—my life is known to you."</p> - -<p>"Very little of it, madam."</p> - -<p>She cast a savage look at him.</p> - -<p>"Let that pass," she said, "it is of you I would speak."</p> - -<p>"Of me?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, of you, whose moments are not so completely absorbed by patriotism -and the effervescence of political ideas as not to leave you a few for -more intimate joys and emotions."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"Why do you feign ignorance?" she said, with a perfidious smile; "I am -sure you understand me."</p> - -<p>"Madam!"</p> - -<p>"Do not deny it, Tadeo! Tired of the ephemeral love of women of my -class, as you have just now so well said, you seek in the pure heart of -a young girl emotions more in accordance with your tastes; in a word, -I know you are in love with a charming young creature, worthy in all -respects of being the wife of your choice, if I, unfortunately, did not -exist."</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo fixed upon his wife a scrutinizing look while she was -pronouncing these words. As she finished, a sigh escaped him.</p> - -<p>"What, are you aware?" he exclaimed, with well-feigned surprise. "You -know—"</p> - -<p>"I know that her name is Doña Rosario del Valle," she replied, satisfied -of the effect she thought she had produced upon her husband; "why, it is -the freshest news in Santiago! all the world is talking of it. How was -it likely it should escape me, when I take such an interest in you?"</p> - -<p>The Linda interrupted herself, and laid her hand on his arm.</p> - -<p>"It is of very little consequence," she added; "restore me my daughter, -Don Tadeo, and this new love of yours shall be sacred to me—if not—"</p> - -<p>"You are mistaken, madam, I tell you."</p> - -<p>"Beware, Don Tadeo!" she remarked, with a glance at the clock; "by this -time the woman we were speaking of is in the hands of my agents."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?" he cried, in great agitation.</p> - -<p>"Yes," she replied, in a husky tone, "I have had her carried off. In a -few minutes she will be here. Beware! I repeat, Don Tadeo! if you do not -tell me where my daughter is, and if you continue to refuse to restore -her to me—"</p> - -<p>"Well," he said, haughtily, looking her full in the face, and crossing -his arms, "what then will you do?"</p> - -<p>"I will kill this woman!" she replied, in a gloomy but firm tone.</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo looked at her for a moment with an undefinable expression, and -then burst into a dry, nervous laugh, which chilled the woman with fear.</p> - -<p>"You will kill her!" he cried, "unhappy woman! Well!—kill that innocent -creature!—Call in your executioners—I will be mute."</p> - -<p>The Linda sprang up like a lioness, and rushed towards the door, which -she opened violently.</p> - -<p>"This is too much!—Come in!" she called out, loudly.</p> - -<p>The two men who had brought in Don Tadeo appeared, poniard in hand.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" the gentleman said, with a contemptuous smile, "I know you again -at last."</p> - -<p>At a motion from the Linda the assassins advanced towards him.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE DARK-HEARTS.</h3> - - -<p>As we have seen, the people had dispersed almost immediately after the -execution of the patriots. Everyone carried away in the depths of his -heart the hope of avenging, at an early day, the victims who had so -nobly died, with the cry for a time left without an echo, of Viva la -patria! A cry checked by the bayonets of the soldiers of Bustamente, but -which must soon give birth to fresh martyrs.</p> - -<p>And yet the square, though it seemed a desert, was not so. Several -men, folded in dark cloaks, and with broad-brimmed hats, pulled down -over their eyes, were grouped in the recess of the coach entrance of a -house, and were conversing earnestly together in a low voice, keeping an -anxious lookout the meanwhile. These men were patriots.</p> - -<p>In spite of the terror which hovered over the city, they had, by dint of -prayers, obtained from the archbishop of Santiago, who was a true priest -according to the gospel, and at heart devoted to the liberal cause, -permission to pay the last rites to their unfortunate brethren.</p> - -<p>No part of the dismal drama which followed the execution had escaped -them. They had seen Don Tadeo rise like a phantom from the heap of -carcasses which covered him; they had heard the words he had pronounced, -and were preparing to go to his succour, when the two strangers, -appearing suddenly, raised his body and bore it away. This carrying off -of a half dead man had surprised them exceedingly. After exchanging a -few words, two of them went in pursuit of the mysterious strangers, -probably in order to learn to what house the wounded man was taken, -whilst the others, twelve in number, advanced to the middle of the -square.</p> - -<p>They anxiously bent down and examined the bodies stretched at their -feet, hoping, perhaps, that another victim might have escaped the -slaughter. Unfortunately, Don Tadeo was the only one saved by some -inexplicable mystery. The nine other victims were all dead. After a long -examination, the patriots stood up again with a painful sigh of regret, -and one of them went and knocked at a lower door of the cathedral.</p> - -<p>"Who is there?" was immediately asked from the interior.</p> - -<p>"<i>One for whom the night hath no darkness</i>," the man who had knocked -replied.</p> - -<p>"What do you want?" the voice asked again.</p> - -<p>"<i>Is it not written: Knock and it shall be opened to thee</i>?" the -stranger added.</p> - -<p>"<i>Our country!</i>" said the voice.</p> - -<p>"<i>Or vengeance!</i>" the man promptly replied.</p> - -<p>The door opened, and a monk appeared. His cowl pulled down over his -face, prevented his features being seen.</p> - -<p>"Well," he said, "what do the <i>Dark-Hearts</i> require?"</p> - -<p>"A prayer for their murdered brothers."</p> - -<p>"Return to those who sent you; they shall be satisfied."</p> - -<p>"Thanks for all!" the unknown replied; and, after bowing respectfully to -the monk, he rejoined his companions. During his absence they had not -been idle, but had placed the bodies upon hand barrows concealed under -the arcades of the place.</p> - -<p>At the expiration of a few minutes a brilliant light inundated the -place; the cathedral doors were opened. The interior was seen to be -splendidly illuminated, and from the principal door issued a long -procession of monks, each bearing a wax light in his hand; they chanted, -as they walked, the service of the dead. At the same moment the gates -of the government palace were thrown open as if by enchantment, and a -squadron of the Ceras, with General Bustamente at their head, advanced, -at a trot, towards the procession.</p> - -<p>When the monks and soldiers met, they stopped as of one accord. The -twelve unknown men, folded in their cloaks, and grouped round the -fountain which forms the centre of the square, anxiously awaited the -denouement of the scene about to take place.</p> - -<p>"What is the meaning of this procession, at such an unusual hour?" the -general haughtily demanded.</p> - -<p>"It means that we have come," the monk who walked first replied, with a -firm voice, but in a melancholy tone, "to take up the victims you have -struck down, and give them honourable burial."</p> - -<p>"And who, pray, are you?" the general asked, sharply.</p> - -<p>"I?" the monk replied, in the same firm tone, and throwing back his -cowl upon his shoulders—"I am the archbishop of Santiago, primate of -Chili, invested by his holiness the Pope with the power of binding and -unbinding on earth."</p> - -<p>In Spanish America, all persons yield without hesitation to the religion -of Christ. The only power that is real is that of the priests. No one, -however high he may be placed, ventures to struggle against it: he knows -beforehand that, if he did, he would be sure to be crushed. The general -knitted his brows, struck his forehead forcibly with his hand, but was -constrained to admit himself conquered.</p> - -<p>"My lord!" he said, with a bow; "pardon me! In these times of civil -discord, we often, in spite of ourselves, confound our friends with our -enemies. I was ignorant that your lordship had given orders for prayers -to be offered up for these criminals, and still more so that you would -deign to perform this task in person—I beg leave to retire."</p> - -<p>During this scene, the patriots had concealed themselves behind the -pillars of the place, where, thanks to the darkness, they remained -unseen by the general. As soon as the military had disappeared, at a -sign from the archbishop the bodies were borne into the cathedral.</p> - -<p>"Beware of that man, my lord," whispered one of the unknown in the -archbishop's ear; "he darted at you the glance of a tiger as he retired."</p> - -<p>"Brother!" the priest replied calmly; "I am prepared for martyrdom."</p> - -<p>The service commenced. As soon as it was terminated, the patriots -retired, after warmly thanking the archbishop for his kindness towards -their dead brethren. Scarce had they proceeded a few steps along a -narrow street, edged by mean dwellings, when two men rose from behind an -overturned cart which concealed them, and coming towards them, said in a -low voice—</p> - -<p>"Our country!"</p> - -<p>"Vengeance!" one of the unknown replied. "Come on!"</p> - -<p>The two men approached.</p> - -<p>"Well!" said he who appeared to be the chief. "What have you learnt?"</p> - -<p>"All that it is possible to know," one of the newcomers replied.</p> - -<p>"Whither have they transported Don Tadeo?"</p> - -<p>"To the mansion of the Linda."</p> - -<p>"To the residence of his wife! Of the woman who is now the mistress -of the General Bustamente!" the chief replied anxiously. "By the holy -Virgin! my comrades, he is lost, for she hates him mortally. Shall we -allow him to be assassinated without an effort to save him?"</p> - -<p>"That would be base cowardice," they replied unanimously.</p> - -<p>"But how can we introduce ourselves into the house?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing more easy; the garden walls are very low."</p> - -<p>"Come on, then! there is not a minute to be lost!"</p> - -<p>Without another word, they all hastened off in the direction of the -Linda's house, which, as we have said, was situated in the faubourg -of the Canadilla, the handsomest quarter in Santiago. The windows, -hermetically closed, did not allow one ray of light to pass; not a -sound could be heard, and the house seemed deserted. The patriots stole -silently round the walls, and when they reached the back, they easily -climbed the fence by sticking their poniards between the bricks, and -sprang into the garden. Here they looked carefully about them, and, -after a short pause, proceeded with stealthy steps towards a pale, -trembling light, which sent a feeble beam through the chink of a -shutter. They were within a few paces of this window, when they suddenly -heard the noise of what appeared a scuffle, and a terrible cry was -uttered, mingled with the crash of furniture and imprecations of rage -and pain. Bounding forward like panthers, the strangers, who had covered -their faces with masks of black velvet, dashed at the window, which flew -in a thousand fragments around them, and entered the salon.</p> - -<p>And it was time for them to arrive. Don Tadeo, with a stool, had split -the head of one of the bandits, who lay lifeless upon the floor; but -the other had got him down, and, with his knee upon his breast, was on -the point of stabbing him. With a pistol shot, one of the unknown blew -out his brains, and the wretch rolled in his agony close to his dead -companion. Don Tadeo sprang up quickly, exclaiming—</p> - -<p>"By the Virgin! I thought my hour was come!" Then, turning towards the -masked men, he said—"Thanks, caballeros! thanks for your very timely -succour! One minute more, and it would have been all over with me! The -Linda is expeditious!"</p> - -<p>The courtesan, with features contracted by rage, and clenched teeth, -looked on without appearing to see, overwhelmed, confounded by the scene -which had so rapidly taken place, and which had, in a few minutes, -ravished from her the vengeance which she thought had this time been so -certain.</p> - -<p>"Without bearing malice, madam," said Don Tadeo in a jeering tone, "this -is a match deferred. Your fertile imagination will no doubt soon furnish -you with the means of taking your revenge!"</p> - -<p>"I hope so," she said with a sardonic smile.</p> - -<p>"Seize this woman," the leader of the unknown commanded; "gag her, and -bind her securely to the bed."</p> - -<p>"Bind me!" she cried in a paroxysm of anger; "me! do you know who I am?"</p> - -<p>"Perfectly well, madam," the stranger replied drily. "You are a woman -for whom honourable people have no name. Libertines have given you that -of the Linda, and your present lover is General Bustamente. You see, -madam, that we are not unacquainted with you."</p> - -<p>"Beware, sir," she hissed; "I am not to be insulted with impunity."</p> - -<p>"We do not insult you, madam; we only wish, for a time, to put it out -of your power to do mischief. In a few days," he continued, in a quiet, -firm tone, "we will determine what shall be done with you."</p> - -<p>"Done with me!—me!—who then are you, with faces you dare not reveal, -and who presume to speak to me thus?"</p> - -<p>"Who we are,—learn!—We are the <i>Dark-Hearts!</i>" At this terrible -announcement, a convulsive trembling shook the limbs of the woman, who, -retreating to the wall, a prey to intense terror, exclaimed in a faint -voice; "My God! my God! I am lost," and sank down fainting.</p> - -<p>At a sign from the leader, one of his companions bound her securely, and -after gagging her, fastened her to the foot of the bed. Then, taking Don -Tadeo with them, they departed by the same way they had entered, without -taking any heed of the two assassins lying upon the floor. Before he -left the room, the chief pinned a piece of parchment to a table with -a dagger. Upon this parchment were written a few words of terrible -import:—</p> - -<p class="center">"<i>The traitor Pancho Bustamente is cited at the expiration of -ninety-three days!"</i></p> - -<p style="margin-left: 55%;"> -THE DARK-HEARTS. -</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</a></h4> - -<h3>IN THE STREET.</h3> - - -<p>As soon as they were outside of the house, the masked men, at a sign -from the leader, dispersed in various directions. When they had -disappeared round the corners of the neighbouring streets, the chief -turned towards Don Tadeo, who, scarce recovered from the trying emotions -he had successively gone through, and weakened by the blood he had lost, -as well as by the prodigious efforts his last struggle had cost him, -was leaning, half fainting against the wall of the house he had been so -fortunately enabled to quit. A flood of bitter reflections rushed upon -his brain; the incidents of that terrible night almost unsettled his -reason: in vain he tried to recover the train of his ideas which had -been so often and so violently broken. The stranger looked at him for -a few minutes with profound attention; then approaching him, he laid -his hand quietly upon his shoulder. At this sudden touch, the gentleman -started as if he had received an electric shock.</p> - -<p>"What!" the unknown said in a tone of reproach, "scarcely entered on the -good fight, and you despair already, Don Tadeo?"</p> - -<p>The wounded man shook his head.</p> - -<p>"You, Don Tadeo, whose lofty brow has never bent before revolutionary -storms; you, who in the most trying circumstances have always remained -firm, are now pale and cast down, without faith in the present, or hope -in the future, and have lost strength and courage through the vain -threats of a woman!"</p> - -<p>"That woman," he replied mournfully, "has always been my evil genius. -She is a demon!"</p> - -<p>"And suppose," the unknown exclaimed energetically, "that this woman -should succeed in getting up another of the infamous schemes in which -her brain is so fertile, a man of heart takes courage in a struggle? -Forget these impotent hatreds that can never reach you; remember what -you are; look boldly at the glorious mission which is imposed upon you."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"Do you not understand me? Can you believe that God, who has this night -allowed you so miraculously to escape death, has not great designs -in store for you? Brother," he added, in a tone of authority, "the -existence that has been restored to you is not your own, it belongs to -your country!"</p> - -<p>A moment of silence followed this appeal, during which Don Tadeo -appeared a prey to profound despair. At length, looking at the unknown, -he said with bitter despondency—</p> - -<p>"What is to be done? Heaven is my witness that my only desire, my sole -happiness, would be to see my country free. But during the twenty years -we have been struggling we have done nothing, alas! but pass from one -tyranny to another, each time riveting afresh the chains which bind -us. No! Heaven itself seems to forbid our contending longer against an -implacable destiny. You know well from experience that citizens cannot -be improvised from slaves. Servitude destroys moral virtue, abases the -soul, and degrades the heart. Many generations must pass away before the -inhabitants of this unfortunate country will be fit to form a people!"</p> - -<p>"By what right do you presume to fathom the designs of Providence?" -the unknown replied, in an imposing tone of voice. "Do you know what -is reserved for you? Who tells you that the passing triumph of our -oppressors is not granted by God, in His boundless wisdom, in order to -render their future fall more terrible?"</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo, restored to himself by the manly words of his disguised -friend, drew himself up proudly, and looked attentively at the speaker.</p> - -<p>"And who are you," he said, "whose sympathetic voice has stirred the -most secret fibres of my heart? Who authorizes you to speak thus? -Answer! Who are you?"</p> - -<p>"Of what importance is it who I am," the unknown remarked, calmly, "if -I succeed in persuading you that all is far from being lost—that the -liberty which you believe for ever destroyed has never been so near -triumphing, and that it only perhaps requires one sublime effort to -recover it!"</p> - -<p>"But still?" the wounded man said, persistently.</p> - -<p>"I am he who, a few minutes ago, saved your life. That ought to suffice."</p> - -<p>"Not so," Don Tadeo said, warmly, "for you conceal your features under a -mask, and the very circumstance you named gives me a right to see them."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps it does," the unknown said, slowly removing his mask, and -revealing to Don Tadeo, in the pale beams of the moon, a countenance -with manly, marked features, and wearing a frank and loyal expression.</p> - -<p>"Oh! my heart did not deceive me!" Tadeo cried—"Don Gregorio Peralta!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, it is I, Don Tadeo!" the young man, he was scarcely thirty, -replied—"and cannot comprehend the depression of the man whom the -avengers have chosen as their chief."</p> - -<p>"How do you know? Notwithstanding our friendship, I have always -concealed from you—"</p> - -<p>"Were you not condemned to death?" Don Gregorio interrupted. "Your -companions elected me <i>King of Darkness</i> in your place, that is, they -placed in my hands an immense power, as they had done in yours, of -which I was left the uncontrolled disposal. Death unbound the oath of -silence imposed upon the brethren. Your name was unknown to all; I was -as ignorant that you were the energetic chief who had made our society -a power, as you were, my dear friend, that I was one of your soldiers. -But, thanks be to God, you are saved, Don Tadeo! Resume your place. -You alone, under present circumstances, are able to fill worthily the -post which our confidence has assigned you. Become again the King of -Darkness! But," he added, in a deep, concentrated tone, "remember that -we are the avengers; that we ought to be without pity for ourselves -as for others; that one feeling, and one alone, ought to live in our -souls—the love of our country!"</p> - -<p>Then followed a short silence; the two men appeared to be reflecting -deeply. At length Don Tadeo raised his head proudly.</p> - -<p>"Thanks, Don Gregorio!" he said, in a firm voice, and pressing his -hand—"thanks for your rough words; they have restored me to myself. I -will prove myself worthy of you. Don Tadeo de Leon no longer exists; -the hired assassins of a tyrant have shot him tonight upon the Plaza -Mayor. No one is left but the King of Darkness! the implacable leader -of the Dark-Hearts! Woe be to them whom God shall bring across my path! -for I will crush them without pity. We shall triumph, Don Gregorio; -for from this day I am no longer a man, I am the avenging sword, the -exterminating angel, fighting for our country!"</p> - -<p>While uttering these words, Don Tadeo had drawn his imposing stature up -to its full height; his handsome, noble features became animated, and -his eyes sparkled in accordance with his speech.</p> - -<p>"Oh," Don Gregorio exclaimed, cheerfully, "I have found my friend again! -Thank God! thank God!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, my brother," the leader continued, "from this moment the real -struggle between us and the tyrant begins—a struggle without pity, -without truce, and without mercy, which can only terminate in the -complete extinction of our enemies. Woe be to them! Woe!"</p> - -<p>"No time is to be lost; let us begone!" Don Gregorio said.</p> - -<p>"But whither am I to go?" Don Tadeo asked, with a sardonic smile. "Am I -not legally dead in the eyes of all? My house is no longer mine."</p> - -<p>"That is true," the lieutenant of the Dark-Hearts murmured. "Well, never -mind that! Tomorrow the news of your miraculous resurrection will be a -thunderclap to our enemies! Their awaking will be terrible! They will -learn with stupor that the invincible athlete, whom they thought they -had for ever crushed beneath their feet, is up again, and ready to renew -the contest."</p> - -<p>"And this time, I solemnly swear," Don Tadeo cried, with energy, "the -fall of the tyrant alone shall terminate it. But you are right; we -cannot remain longer here. Come home with me; for a time you will be -there in safety; unless," he added, with a smile, "you prefer asking an -asylum of Doña Rosario?"</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo, who had taken Don Gregorio's arm, stopped suddenly at this -question, of which his friend did not suspect the terrible extent. -A convulsive shudder darted through his frame, a cold perspiration -inundated his face.</p> - -<p>"Oh," he exclaimed, in a tone of agony, "my God! I had forgotten!"</p> - -<p>Don Gregorio was terrified at the state he beheld him in.</p> - -<p>"In heaven's name, what is the matter?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter!" the chief replied, in a voice choked with emotion, -"that woman—that serpent whom we have weakly failed to crush—"</p> - -<p>"Well, what of her?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I have but this moment recollected a horrible threat she made. Good -heavens! good heavens! What is to be done?"</p> - -<p>"Explain yourself, my friend; you quite terrify me."</p> - -<p>"By her orders, Doña Rosario this very night, was to be carried off; and -who knows if, furious at my escape from her assassins, that woman has -not by this time put her to death?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, that is frightful!" Don Gregorio cried. "What is to be done?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, that woman!" the wounded man replied; "and not to be able to act, -or to know how to thwart her horrible schemes."</p> - -<p>"Let us fly to Doña Rosario's residence!" Don Gregorio said.</p> - -<p>"Alas! you see I am wounded; I can scarcely support myself."</p> - -<p>"Well, when you can no longer walk, I will carry you," his friend said, -resolutely.</p> - -<p>"Thanks, brother! May God help us!"</p> - -<p>And the two men, the one leaning upon the other, set off, as fast as the -state of Don Tadeo would permit, towards the residence of the lady whom -they were so anxious to save. But, in spite of the earnest will that -animated him, Don Tadeo felt his strength fail him; and, notwithstanding -all his efforts, it was with extreme difficulty he sustained himself. -Whilst labouring on thus, the noise of horses' footsteps reached them -from a distance. Torches gleamed up the street, and a troop of horsemen -appeared in sight.</p> - -<p>"Oh, oh!" Don Gregorio said, stopping, and endeavouring to make out who -those persons could be, who, in defiance of the police regulations, -dared to be passing along the streets at this hour of the night.</p> - -<p>"Let us stop," Don Tadeo replied; "I see the glitter of uniforms. They -are the spies of the minister of war."</p> - -<p>"By Saint Jago!" cried Don Gregorio, "it is General Bustamente himself! -The two accomplices are going to have a little chat together."</p> - -<p>"Yes," the wounded man said, in a faltering voice; "he is going towards -the residence of the Linda."</p> - -<p>As the horsemen were but at a short distance, the two men, fearing to be -surprised, turned quickly into a side street, and the General and his -suite passed by without seeing them.</p> - -<p>"Let us begone as fast as possible," Don Gregorio said; and his -companion, aware of the urgency for prompt flight, made a desperate -effort. They resumed their course, and had walked for about ten minutes, -when they heard the steps of more horses coming towards them.</p> - -<p>"What can this mean?" the wounded man said, endeavouring to smile; "Are -all the people of Santiago running about the streets tonight?"</p> - -<p>"Hum!" said Don Gregorio, "I will find out this time."</p> - -<p>All at once a female voice was heard in a lamentable tone imploring help.</p> - -<p>"Make her hold her tongue, <i>carajas!</i>" a man said, coarsely.</p> - -<p>But the sound of that voice had reached the ears of Don Tadeo and his -friend. At that voice, which both had recognized, they were roused to -feelings of deep interest and anger. They pressed each other's hand -firmly; their resolution was formed—to die or to save her who called -upon them for help.</p> - -<p>"Holloa! what is this about?" another individual said, pulling up his -horse.</p> - -<p>Two men, standing firmly in the middle of the street, seemed determined -to bar the passage of the horsemen, of whom there were five. One of them -held a woman before him on his horse.</p> - -<p>"Holloa!" cried the one who had just spoken, "get out of the way, if you -don't wish to be ridden over."</p> - -<p>"You shall not pass," a deep voice replied, "unless you release the -woman you are bearing off."</p> - -<p>"Shan't we?" the horseman remarked with a laugh.</p> - -<p>"Try," said Don Gregorio, cocking his pistol; a movement silently -imitated by Don Tadeo, whom he had supplied with firearms.</p> - -<p>"For the last time, stand out of the way!" the horseman shouted.</p> - -<p>"We will not!"</p> - -<p>"We will ride over you, then!" and turning towards his companions, -"Forward!" he cried angrily.</p> - -<p>The five horsemen advanced with uplifted sabres upon the two men, who, -firmly fixed in the middle of the street, made no effort to avoid them.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</a></h4> - -<h3>SWORD-THRUSTS.</h3> - - -<p>In order to make the facts that follow intelligible, we must leave Don -Tadeo and his friend in their critical position, and return to the two -principal personages of this history, whom we have so long neglected. -We saw in a preceding chapter the two foster brothers gaily leaving -Valparaiso, to repair to the capital of Chili, like Bias, carrying all -their fortune with them, but possessing over the philosophical Greek the -immense advantage of being amply furnished with hopes and illusions, two -words which, in this life, have but too frequently the same meaning.</p> - -<p>After a rather long ride, the young men had stopped for the night in -a miserable <i>rancho</i> constructed of mud and dry branches, the dismal -skeleton of which stood out on one side of the road. The inhabitant of -this miserable dwelling, a poor devil of a peon, whose life was passed -in guarding a few head of lean cattle, gave our travellers a frank and -hospitable reception. Quite delighted at having something to offer them, -he had cheerfully shared with them his <i>charqui</i>—strips of meat, dried -in the sun—and his <i>harina tostada</i>—roasted corn—the whole washed -down with cups of detestable <i>chicha</i>.</p> - -<p>The Frenchmen, who had been literally dying of hunger, were glad of even -these humble viands, however little savoury they might be, and after -ascertaining that their horses were comfortably provided for, they lay -down, wrapped in their ponchos, upon a heap of dry leaves, a delicious -bed for fatigued men, and upon which they slept soundly till morning.</p> - -<p>At daybreak, our two adventurers, still accompanied by their dog Cæsar, -who, whatever he might think, expressed no astonishment at this new kind -of life, but trotted seriously beside them, saddled their horses, bade -farewell to their host, to whom they gave a few reals in return for -his hospitality, and set forward again, looking with earnest curiosity -at every object that presented itself to their view, and surprised to -find so little difference between the New World and the Old. The life -they were beginning, so different from that they had hitherto led, was, -for them, full of unexpected charms, and they felt like schoolboys in -holiday time. Their lungs seemed to expand to inhale the fresh, sharp -breeze of the mountains. Everything, in their eyes, wore a smiling -aspect; in a word, they felt they lived.</p> - -<p>It is about thirty-five leagues from Valparaiso to Chili, as the people -of the country are accustomed to call the capital of the Republic. The -handsome, broad, and well-kept up road, which was formerly cut through -the mountain by the Spaniards, is rather monotonous, and completely -devoid of interest for tourists. Vegetation is rare and poor; a fine -and almost impalpable dust arises with the least puff of wind. The few -trees, which stand at long distances from each other, are slender, -stunted, dried up by both wind and sun, and seem, by their wretched -appearance, to protest against the efforts at cultivation which have -been made on this plateau, which is rendered sterile by the strong sea -breezes and the cold winds of the Cordilleras which sweep over it.</p> - -<p>At times may be seen, at an immense height, like a black dot in space, -the great condor of Chili, the eagle of the Andes, or the savage vulture -in search of prey. At long intervals pass <i>recuas</i> of mules, headed by -the <i>yegua madrina</i>, whose sonorous bells are heard to a great distance, -accompanying, well or ill, the dismal chant of the muleteer, who thus -endeavours to keep his beasts going. Or else it is a <i>guaso</i> of the -interior, hastening to his chacra or his hacienda, and who, proudly -mounted upon a half wild horse, passes like a whirlwind, favouring you -as he goes by, with the eternal "Santas tardes, caballero!"</p> - -<p>With the exception of what we have described, the road is dull, dusty, -and solitary. There is not, as with us, a single hostelry affording -accommodation for horse and foot; these would be useless establishments -in a country where the stranger enters every house as if it were his -own home. Nothing! Solitude everywhere and always; hunger, thirst, and -fatigue must be expected and endured.</p> - -<p>But our young men perceived nothing of this. Enthusiasm supplied the -place of all they wanted; the road appeared charming to them; the -journey they were making, delightful! They were in America; beneath -their feet was the soil of the New World, that privileged land, of which -so many surprising accounts are given; of which so many people talk, and -about which so few know anything. Having landed only a few days before, -while still under the impressions of an endless passage, the weariness -of which had weighed down their spirits like a mantle of lead, they -beheld Chili through the enchanting prism of their hopes; reality did -not yet exist for them. What we have here said may appear a paradox to -many people; and yet, we are satisfied that all travellers of good faith -will acknowledge the exact truth.</p> - -<p>At times travelling at a steady foot pace, at others enjoying a laugh -and a gallop, our young men, to whom the political events of the Chilian -Republic were very uninteresting, and who, consequently, knew nothing of -what was going on, arrived quietly within a league of Santiago, at about -eleven o'clock in the evening, just at the moment when the ten Chilian -patriots were falling on the Plaza Mayor, beneath the balls of General -Bustamente's soldiers.</p> - -<p>"Let us pull up here," Valentine said cheerfully; "it will give our -horses time to breathe."</p> - -<p>"Pull up! what for?" Louis asked. "It is late; we shall not find a -single hotel open."</p> - -<p>"My dear friend," Valentine replied, with a laugh, "you are still a -Parisian to the backbone! You forget that we are in America. In that -city, of which the numerous steeples dimly stand out on the horizon -before us, everybody is long since asleep, and all the doors are closed."</p> - -<p>"What shall we do, then?"</p> - -<p>"Pardieu! why, we will bivouac. The night is magnificent. The heavens -display all their jewelry; the air is warm and balmy; what better could -we desire?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, nothing, of course!" Louis replied, laughingly.</p> - -<p>"Well, then, we have, as you see, time to chat a little."</p> - -<p>"Chat, brother! why, we have done nothing else since morning."</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, I don't agree with you. We have talked much, about all sorts -of things, of the country in which we are, and of the manners of the -inhabitants, little as we know about them; but we have not talked in the -manner I mean."</p> - -<p>"Explain yourself more clearly."</p> - -<p>"Look you, brother; an idea has just struck me. We know not what -adventures await us in that city, yonder, before us. Well! before we -enter it, I should like to have a sort of final conversation with you."</p> - -<p>The young men took off their horses' bridles, that the animals might -have the advantage of a few tufts of grass which sprang up here and -there; and, stretching themselves luxuriously upon the ground, they lit -their cigars.</p> - -<p>"We are in America," Valentine resumed; "in the country of gold, upon -that soil where, with intelligence and courage, men of our age can in a -few years amass princely fortunes!"</p> - -<p>"Do you know, my friend——" interrupted Louis.</p> - -<p>"Oh, perfectly!" said Valentine, cutting him short. "You are in love, -and you are seeking the object of your love; that's understood: but that -does not at all interfere with our projects—quite the contrary."</p> - -<p>"How is that?"</p> - -<p>"Pardieu! that's plain enough. You know, do you not, that Doña -Rosario—that's her name, I think—"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Very well, then; you know she is rich, do you not?"</p> - -<p>"There's no doubt of that."</p> - -<p>"Ay, ay! but be it understood, not rich as with us: that is to say, some -fifty thousand francs a year—a paltry pittance!—but rich as people are -here—a dozen times over millionaires!"</p> - -<p>"Probably she may be," the young man said impatiently.</p> - -<p>"That's capital! You must understand, then, that when we have found her, -for we <i>shall</i> find her, and that soon, you can only demand her hand by -producing a fortune equal to her own."</p> - -<p>"The devil! I never thought of that," said the young man.</p> - -<p>"I know you did not; you are in love; and, like all other men afflicted -with that disease, you think of nothing but the person you love. -Fortunately, however, I am with you, to think for both; and whenever you -have spoken to me of love, I have replied by reminding you of fortune."</p> - -<p>"That is true. But how is fortune to be made so promptly?"</p> - -<p>"Ah! ah! you have come to that question at last," Valentine said, -laughing.</p> - -<p>"I know no profession," Louis continued, following his own idea.</p> - -<p>"Nor I either. But let not that alarm you; people succeed best in things -they don't understand."</p> - -<p>"What's to be done?"</p> - -<p>"I will think of it; so set your mind at rest. But you must be well -convinced of one thing, and that is, that we have set foot in a land -where the ideas are quite different from those of the country we have -left; where the manners and customs are diametrically opposite."</p> - -<p>"You mean to say—"</p> - -<p>"I mean to say that we must forget all we have learnt, in order that -we may remember but one thing—our desire quickly to make a colossal -fortune."</p> - -<p>"By honourable means?"</p> - -<p>"I am acquainted with no other," Valentine replied, seriously. "And -remember, brother, that in the country in which we at present are, the -point of honour is not at all the same as in France, and many things -which with us would appear false coin are here deemed good and passable. -On this point a word to the wise! You understand me, don't you?"</p> - -<p>"Nearly, I think."</p> - -<p>"Very well! Imagine we are in an enemy's country, and must act -accordingly."</p> - -<p>"But——"</p> - -<p>"Do you wish to marry the woman you love:"</p> - -<p>"Can you ask me such a question?"</p> - -<p>"Allow me to act, then, as I see best! But, above all, when chance -throws a good opportunity in our way, let us be careful not to miss it."</p> - -<p>"Act just as you please."</p> - -<p>"Well, that is all I had to say to you;" and throwing away the remains -of his cigar, he rose from his recumbent position.</p> - -<p>They were soon again in the saddle, and, at a foot's pace, resumed their -way towards the city, chatting as they went.</p> - -<p>Midnight was striking by the clock of the Cabildo at the moment when -they entered Santiago by the Canada. The streets were deserted and -silent.</p> - -<p>"Everybody is asleep," said Louis.</p> - -<p>"So it seems," Valentine replied. "Let us look out, notwithstanding. If -we find no door open, we can then but compound for a night's bivouac, as -I suggested."</p> - -<p>At this moment two pistol shots were heard, mingled with the gallop of -horses.</p> - -<p>"What can that be?" said Louis. "Assassination is going on here!"</p> - -<p>"Forward! cordieu!" replied Valentine.</p> - -<p>They clapped spurs to their horses, and galloped at full speed in the -direction whence the sound proceeded. They soon reached a narrow street, -in the middle of which two men on foot were bravely contending with five -on horseback.</p> - -<p>"Have at the horsemen!" Valentine shouted; "help the weaker party!"</p> - -<p>"Be of good heart, gentlemen!" said Louis; "help is at hand!"</p> - -<p>And timely help it was for Don Gregorio and his friend. A minute later, -and they must have succumbed. The providential arrival of the Frenchmen -quickly changed the appearance of the fight. Two horsemen fell dead from -pistol shots fired by the young men; while a third, knocked down by Don -Gregorio, was silently strangled by Cæsar. The other two thought it -high time to decamp, leaving their fair prisoner behind them. She had -fainted; and Don Tadeo, leaning against the wall of a house, was upon -the point of following her example. Valentine, with the presence of mind -acquired in his old profession of a Spahi, secured the horses of the -bandits killed in the skirmish.</p> - -<p>"Quick, gentlemen! to the saddle!" Valentine said to the Chilians.</p> - -<p>Louis had already dismounted, and was attending to the young lady.</p> - -<p>"Do not leave us," Don Gregorio remarked; "we are surrounded by enemies."</p> - -<p>"Fear nothing!" said Valentine, "we are quite at your service."</p> - -<p>"Many thanks!—A little assistance, if you please, to place my friend, -who is wounded, on horseback."</p> - -<p>Once in the saddle, Don Tadeo declared he felt sufficiently strong to -keep his seat without help. Don Gregorio placed the still inanimate -young lady before him.</p> - -<p>"Now, gentlemen," he said, "nothing remains for me but to thank you most -cordially, if your business will not allow you to remain longer with us."</p> - -<p>"I beg to repeat, caballeros, that we are at your service."</p> - -<p>"We have no pressing demand upon our time; we will not leave you till we -are assured you are in safety," Louis said, with animation.</p> - -<p>"Follow me, then," said Don Gregorio, with a bow; "and do not spare the -horses; it is an affair of life and death."</p> - -<p>And the four horsemen set off as fast as their horses could bear them.</p> - -<p>"Eh! eh!" said Valentine, in an undertone to his foster brother. "Here -is an adventure that promises something! We are losing no time at -Santiago! What think you?"</p> - -<p>"We shall see!" Louis replied, in a more thoughtful tone.</p> - -<p>No light had gleamed out, no window had been opened, during the combat. -The streets remained silent and gloomy; the city seemed abandoned. -Nothing was to be heard but the clatter of the horses' feet upon the -rough pavement of the streets through which they galloped. The cathedral -clock struck two as they passed across the Plaza Mayor. Don Tadeo could -not repress a sigh of relief when glancing at the spot where on, only a -few hours before, he had so miraculously escaped death.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.</a></h4> - -<h3>GENERAL BUSTAMENTE.</h3> - - -<p>Don Tadeo was right, when, on seeing General Bustamente pass, he said he -was on his way to visit his mistress. It was, in fact, to the residence -of the Linda the General was going. On arriving at the gate, one of his -men dismounted, and knocked. But no one answered; and at a sign from -the General, the soldier knocked louder. But still all remained silent; -there was no movement within. He began to feel uneasy. This silence was -the more extraordinary from the General's visit having been announced, -and he was, consequently, expected. "Oh! oh!" he said, "What is going on -here? Knock again, Diego, and knock in a way to make yourself heard!"</p> - -<p>The soldier knocked with all his strength, but still uselessly. Don -Pancho's brow contracted; he began to fancy some misfortune must have -occurred.</p> - -<p>"Break open the door!" he cried.</p> - -<p>The order was instantly obeyed; and the General, followed by his escort, -entered the house. In the Patio all dismounted.</p> - -<p>"Be prudent," said the General in a low voice to the corporal who -commanded the escort; "place sentinels everywhere, and keep a sharp -look-out whilst I search the house."</p> - -<p>After giving these orders, the General took his pistols from his -holsters, and, followed by some of his lancers, entered the house; -but everywhere the silence of death prevailed. After passing through -several apartments, he arrived at a door, which, being a little ajar, -allowed a stream of light to pass. From the other side of this door -proceeded something like stifled groans. With a kick of his foot, one -of the lancers dashed open the door; the General entered, and a strange -spectacle presented itself to his astonished eyes! Doña Maria, tightly -bound, and gagged, was fastened to the foot of a damask bed, saturated -with blood. The furniture was broken and disordered, whilst two dead -bodies, lying in a pool of blood, made it evident that the room had been -the scene of a desperate conflict.</p> - -<p>The general ordered the dead bodies to be removed, and then desired to -be left alone with the lady. As soon as the lancers had departed he shut -the door, and approaching the Linda, he hastened to release her from her -bonds. She was senseless.</p> - -<p>On turning round to place the pistols he had retained in his hands on -the table, he drew back with astonishment, and almost with terror, as -he perceived the dagger standing erect in the middle of it. But this -instinctive feeling lasted only a moment. He went quickly up to the -table, seized the dagger, which he carefully drew out, and eagerly took -up the paper it had pinned down.</p> - -<p>"<i>The tyrant Don Pancho Bustamente is cited at the expiration of -ninety-three days!</i></p> - -<p> -<span style="margin-left: 19.5em;"><i>"THE DARK-HEARTS."</i></span><br /> -</p> - -<p>he read in a loud, harsh tone, and then crushed the paper violently in -his hand. "Sangre de Dios! Will these demons always make a mock of me? -Oh! they know that I show no mercy, and that those who fall into my -hands——"</p> - -<p>"Escape!" said a hollow voice, which made him start involuntarily.</p> - -<p>He turned sharply round, and beheld the Linda, with her vicious eye -fixed upon him with a demoniacal expression. He sprang towards her.</p> - -<p>"Thank God!" he cried warmly, "you are again restored to your senses. -Are you sufficiently recovered to explain the scene that has taken place -here?"</p> - -<p>"A terrible scene, Don Pancho!" she replied, in a tremulous voice; "a -scene, the bare remembrance of which still freezes me with terror."</p> - -<p>"Are you strong enough to describe it to me?"</p> - -<p>"I hope so," she replied. "Listen to me attentively, Don Pancho, for -what I have to tell concerns you, perhaps, more than me."</p> - -<p>"You mean this insolent summons, I suppose?" he remarked, showing it.</p> - -<p>She glanced over it, and replied—</p> - -<p>"I did not even know that such a paper had been addressed to you. But -listen to me attentively."</p> - -<p>"In the first place, have the goodness to explain to me what you just -now said."</p> - -<p>"Everything in its turn, General; I will not fail to explain everything, -for the vengeance I thirst for must be complete."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" he said, a flash of hatred gleaming from his eye, "set your heart -at ease on that head,—whilst avenging myself, I will avenge you."</p> - -<p>The Linda related to the General what had passed between her and Don -Tadeo in the fullest details—how the Dark-Hearts had snatched him from -her hands, and the threats they had addressed to her on leaving her. -But, with that talent which all women possess, of making themselves -appear innocent in everything, she represented as a miraculous piece of -awkwardness on the part of the soldiers charged to shoot him, the fact -of Don Tadeo being alive after his execution. She said that, attracted -by the hope of avenging himself upon her, whom he suspected of being no -stranger to his condemnation, he had introduced himself unseen into her -house, where by a strange chance she happened to be alone, having that -evening permitted her servants to be present at a <i>romeria</i> (a fête), -from which they were not to return before three o'clock.</p> - -<p>The General had not for an instant the idea of doubting the veracity of -his mistress. The situation in which he had found her,—the incredible -news of the resurrection of his most implacable enemy, altogether so -confused his thoughts, that suspicion had no time to enter his mind. -He strode about the room with hasty steps, revolving in his head the -most extravagant projects for seizing Don Tadeo, and, above all, for -annihilating the Dark-Hearts,—those never-to-be-caught Proteuses, who -so incessantly crossed his path, thwarted all his plans, and always -escaped him. He plainly saw what additional strength the escape of Don -Tadeo would give to the patriots, and how much it would complicate his -political embarrassments, by placing at their head a resolute man who -could have no longer any considerations to preserve, but would wage war -to the knife with him. His perplexity was extreme; he instinctively -felt that the ground beneath him was mined, that he was walking over -a volcano, but he had no power to denounce to public opprobrium the -enemies who conspired his ruin. The recital made by his mistress had -produced the effect of a thunderclap upon him; he knew not what measures -to employ in order to counteract the numerous plots in action against -him on all sides, and simultaneously. The Linda did not take her eyes -off him for a moment, but watched upon his countenance the various -feelings aroused by what she told him.</p> - -<p>We will, in a few words, introduce to the reader this personage, who -will play so important a part in the course of the following history.<a name="FNanchor_1_2" id="FNanchor_1_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_2" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> -General Don Pancho Bustamente, who has left in Chili a reputation for -cruelty so terrible that he is generally called <i>El Verdugo</i>, or the -executioner, was a man of from thirty-five to thirty-six years of age, -although he looked near fifty, a little above the middle height, well -made, and of good carriage, announcing altogether great corporeal -strength. His features were tolerably regular, but his prominent -forehead, his grey eyes deeply set beneath the brows, and close to his -hook nose, his large mouth and high cheek bones, gave him something of -a resemblance to a bird of prey. His chin was square, an indication -of obstinacy; his hair and moustache, beginning to be streaked with -grey, were trained and cut in military fashion. He wore the magnificent -uniform, covered at every seam with gold embroidery, of a general -officer.</p> - -<p>Don Bustamente was the son of his own works, which was in his favour. -At first a simple soldier, he had, by exemplary conduct and more than -common talents, raised himself, step by step, to the highest rank of the -army, and had in the last instance been named minister-at-war. Then the -jealousy which had been silent whilst he was confounded with the crowd, -was unchained against him. The General, instead of despising calumnies -which might have died out of themselves, gave them some degree of -foundation, by inaugurating a system of severity and cruelty. Devoured -by an ambition which nothing could satisfy, all means were deemed good -by him for the attainment of an object he secretly aimed at, which was -the overthrow of the republic and government of Chili, and the formation -of Bolivia and Araucania into one state, of which he would cause -himself to be proclaimed Protector—an object which, besides the almost -insurmountable difficulties it presented, ever appeared—owing to the -universal hatred which the General had aroused against himself—to slip -further from his grasp each time he thought he was about grasping it.</p> - -<p>At the moment we bring him on the scene, he found himself in one of the -most critical circumstances of his political career. He had in vain -shot the patriots <i>en masse</i>—conspiracies, as always happens in such -cases, succeeded each other without interruption, and the system of -terror which he had inaugurated, far from intimidating the population, -appeared, on the contrary, to urge them on to revolt. Secret societies -were formed; and one of these, the most powerful and the most terrible, -that of the Dark-Hearts, enveloped him in invisible nets in which he -struggled in vain. He foresaw that if he did not hasten on the <i>coup -d'état</i> he meditated, he should be lost beyond redemption. After a -rather long silence, the General placed himself by the side of the Linda.</p> - -<p>"We will be avenged!" he said, in a deep tone; "be but patient."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" she replied, bitterly, "my vengeance has commenced!"</p> - -<p>"What do you mean by that?"</p> - -<p>"I have caused Doña Rosario del Valle, the woman Don Tadeo de Leon loves -so passionately, to be carried off."</p> - -<p>"You have <i>done</i> that?" said the General.</p> - -<p>"Yes, and in ten minutes she will be here."</p> - -<p>"Oh! oh!" he exclaimed; "and do you mean to keep her with you?"</p> - -<p>"With me!" she cried; "No, I thank you, General. I hear that the -Pehuenches are very fond of white women; I will make them a present of -her."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" Don Pancho muttered, "women will be always our masters! they alone -know how to revenge themselves! But," he added aloud, "have you no fear -lest the man to whom you have confided this mission should betray you?"</p> - -<p>She smiled with terrible irony,</p> - -<p>"No," she said; "that man hates Don Tadeo more than I do, if that be -possible; he is working out his own vengeance."</p> - -<p>At the same instant steps were heard in the chamber preceding the room.</p> - -<p>"You will see, General—here is my emissary. Come in!" the Linda cried.</p> - -<p>A man appeared; his face was pale and haggard; and his clothes, torn and -disordered, were stained in various places with blood.</p> - -<p>"Well!" she exclaimed, in a tone of intense anxiety.</p> - -<p>"All has failed," answered the man, breathless with haste and terror.</p> - -<p>"What!" the Linda shouted, with a cry like that of a wild beast.</p> - -<p>"There were five of us," the man continued, quite unmoved, "and we -carried off the <i>señorita</i>. All went on well till within a short -distance from this house, when we were attacked by four demons, who came -I know not whence."</p> - -<p>"And you did not defend yourselves, miserable cowards!" interrupted the -General violently.</p> - -<p>The bandit gave him a cold look, and continued impassively—</p> - -<p>"Three of our number are dead, and the leader and myself wounded."</p> - -<p>"And the girl?" the Linda asked passionately.</p> - -<p>"The girl was recaptured by our opponents. The Englishman has sent me to -you to learn if you still wish him to carry off Doña Rosario?"</p> - -<p>"Would he attempt it again?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. And this time, he says, he is certain to succeed if the conditions -are the same."</p> - -<p>A smile of contempt played round the lips of the courtezan.</p> - -<p>"Repeat to him this," she replied; "not only shall he receive the -hundred ounces if he succeeds, but, still further, he shall have a -hundred more; and that he may be in no doubt of my promise," she added, -rising and taking from a drawer a rather heavy bag which she handed to -the bandit, "give him this; there is the half of the sum, but bid him -despatch!"</p> - -<p>The man bowed.</p> - -<p>"As to you, Juanito," she continued, "as soon as you have acquitted -yourself of this mission, return, for I shall, perhaps, want you here. -Begone!"</p> - -<p>The bandit disappeared instantly.</p> - -<p>"Who is that man?" the General asked.</p> - -<p>"A poor devil whom I saved some years ago from certain death. He is -devoted to me, body and soul."</p> - -<p>"Hum!" said the general, "he has rather too cunning an eye not to be a -rogue."</p> - -<p>The Linda shrugged her shoulders.</p> - -<p>"You are mistrustful of everybody," she said.</p> - -<p>"That is the way not to be deceived."</p> - -<p>"Or to be deceived the more easily."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so. Well, you see this abduction, so admirably planned, and the -success of which was certain, has failed."</p> - -<p>"I can only repeat what you yourself said to me just now."</p> - -<p>"What is that?"</p> - -<p>"Patience! But, pray, what are your present plans?" The General rose.</p> - -<p>"Whilst you are carrying on against our enemies," he said, in a low, -stern tone, "a guerilla warfare of ambuscades and treacheries, I, on my -part, will wage an open war against them—a war in the face of the sun, -but as merciless as yours. Their blood shall flow in streams over all -the territories of the Republic. The Dark-Hearts have summoned me in -ninety-three days. Well, I take up the gauntlet they have thrown to me."</p> - -<p>"That is well!" the Linda replied. "And now let us so arrange our plans -that they may not fail like their predecessors. We must come to an end -with these miserable plotters, and in doing so, take a revenge that will -make an impression on others."</p> - -<p>"It shall be a vengeance! I will stake my head on the game. Oh," he -added, "I hold them! I have found the means I sought to make them all -fall into my hands; let them sleep for a while in deceitful security, -but their awakening shall be terrible!"</p> - -<p>And, having saluted the Linda with the greatest courtesy, the General -retired.</p> - -<p>"I leave you a few soldiers to watch over your safety till the return of -your servants," he said, as he went out.</p> - -<p>"Thank you, thank you!" she replied, with a bland smile.</p> - -<p>The Linda, when left alone, instead of seeking the repose so necessary -after the excitement of the night, remained plunged in deep thought. -At sunrise she was still in the same place, in the same position. She -was still reflecting, but her features became animated; a sinister -smile curled her pale lips; and her eyes, though apparently fixed upon -vacancy, emitted portentous flashes. Suddenly she sprang up, and passing -her hand rapidly over her brow, as if to efface its wrinkles, she cried, -in a tone of triumph—</p> - -<p>"And I, too, will succeed!"</p> - - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_2" id="Footnote_1_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_2"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Reasons of the highest consideration oblige us to change -the names and the portraits of the personages of this history, as the -majority still exist. But we vouch for the correctness of the facts we -relate.</p></div> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE SPY.</h3> - - -<p>When the young lady was delivered, the four men set off as fast as they -could go, with regard to her ease. In ten minutes they were out of the -city, and with the change of the road their speed was increased. The -route they took was that which leads to Talca.</p> - -<p>"Eh, eh!" Valentine said, laughing, to his foster brother; "we seem to -be playing at prisoners' bars. We enter the city by one gate, to leave -it immediately by another. We shall not have an opportunity of seeing -the capital of Chili this time."</p> - -<p>With the exception of these few words, to which Louis only replied by a -careless shrug of the shoulders, no other conversation took place during -the hour which their rapid journey lasted. By the pale light of the moon -the trees on each side of the road seemed to defile like a legion of -melancholy phantoms. Ere long the white walls of a <i>chacra</i> (large farm) -stood out upon the horizon.</p> - -<p>"Here we are," said Don Gregorio, pointing with his finger.</p> - -<p>They reached the house in a few minutes. The gate was open, but a -man was standing evidently on the watch. The fugitives dashed like a -hurricane into the <i>patio</i>, and the gates were immediately closed behind -them.</p> - -<p>"What has happened, Tio Pepito?" Don Gregorio asked, before he was quite -off his horse, of the man who appeared to have expected him.</p> - -<p>"Nothing, <i>mi amo</i>" (my master), "nothing of consequence," replied Tio -Pepito, a little thick-set man, with a round face, lit up by two grey -eyes, sparkling with cunning.</p> - -<p>"Have not the persons I expected arrived?"</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, <i>mi amo</i>. They have been at the <i>chacra</i> more than an -hour. They say they must begone immediately; they are waiting for you -impatiently."</p> - -<p>"That's well. Announce my arrival to them, and tell them I shall be at -their service in two or three minutes."</p> - -<p>The mayoral, for this man was the major-domo of the <i>chacra</i>, entered -the house without reply. Don Tadeo also, who seemed to know perfectly -well where he was, disappeared, bearing the young girl in his arms. The -two Frenchmen were left alone with the chacrero, who advanced towards -them.</p> - -<p>"Now that you are, as we suppose, for the present at least, in safety, -sir," said Valentine, "we have only to take our leave of you."</p> - -<p>"Not so!" Don Gregorio exclaimed; "it must not be so. <i>Diable</i>! as you -Frenchmen say," he added, smiling; "chance does not so often procure -us such friends as you, to allow us to part with you thus when we have -met you. You will remain here, if you please. Our acquaintance must not -terminate so."</p> - -<p>"If our continuing here can be of any service to you," Louis replied, -courteously, "we are at your command."</p> - -<p>"Thank you," he said, in a slightly agitated voice, and pressing their -hands warmly; "I shall never forget that I owe to you the lives of -myself and my friend. In what way can I be of service to you?"</p> - -<p>"Well," Valentine said, laughing, "in every way, and no way, as it may -happen, caballero."</p> - -<p>"Explain yourself," Don Gregorio replied.</p> - -<p>"<i>Dame!</i> it is clear enough; we are strangers in this country."</p> - -<p>"When did you arrive?" the Chilian said, examining them attentively.</p> - -<p>"Faith! very recently. You are the first persons we have spoken to."</p> - -<p>"That is well," Gregorio said, slowly. "I told you that I was at your -service, did I not?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, and we sincerely thank you; although we hope never to have -occasion to remind you of this obliging offer."</p> - -<p>"I perfectly appreciate your delicacy; but a service like the one you -have rendered me and my friend is an eternal bond. Take no heed of your -future fortune, it is made."</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, pardon me!" said Valentine, earnestly; "we do not understand -one another at all; you mistake us. We are not men who expect to be paid -for having acted as our hearts dictated. You owe us nothing."</p> - -<p>"I do not propose or pretend to pay you, gentlemen. I only wish, in -order to attach you to me, to propose to you to share my good or evil -fortune; in a word, I offer myself to you as a brother."</p> - -<p>"In that case we at once accede," said Louis, "and will endeavour to -prove ourselves worthy of such an offer."</p> - -<p>"I have no doubt you will. Only I beg you not to be misled by my words; -the life I am leading at present is full of perils."</p> - -<p>"I can suppose that," said Valentine, with a laugh. "The scene at which -we have been present, and the <i>denoûment</i> of which we perhaps hastened, -makes it pretty evident that your existence is not of the most peaceful -nature."</p> - -<p>"What you have as yet seen is nothing. Do you know nobody in this -country?"</p> - -<p>"Nobody."</p> - -<p>"Your political opinions, then, are unformed?"</p> - -<p>"As regards Chili, completely."</p> - -<p>"Bravo!" Don Gregorio exclaimed, with delight; "if we agree on that -point our compact will be for life and death."</p> - -<p>"We do agree," said Valentine, laughing; "and if you conspire—"</p> - -<p>"Well?" the Chilian asked, fixing an inquiring look upon him.</p> - -<p>"Why, we will conspire, too, pardieu! That is agreed."</p> - -<p>The three men exchanged a cordial pressure of the hand, and then Don -Gregorio called the major-domo to conduct them to the chamber which was -prepared for them.</p> - -<p>"Good night! or rather good morning!" he said, on quitting them.</p> - -<p>"Come!" said Valentine, rubbing his hands, "matters are going on well. -We shall not want for amusement here."</p> - -<p>"Hum!" Louis replied, with a tone of something like uneasiness; -"conspire!"</p> - -<p>"Well, and what better?" said Valentine. "Does that frighten you? -Remember, my friend, that the best fishing is in troubled waters."</p> - -<p>"In that case," Louis remarked, taking up the gay humour of his -companion, "if my presentiments are just, ours will be miraculous."</p> - -<p>"I expect so, firmly," said Valentine, bidding good night to the -major-domo, who retired, after bowing respectfully.</p> - -<p>The <i>cuarto</i> (chamber) in which the young men found themselves, was -whitewashed, and entirely destitute of furniture, with the exception of -two oak frames furnished with dressed hides, which served as beds, a -massive table with twisted feet, and four seats covered with leather. -In a corner of the room burned a little green wax light before a -badly-engraved print supposed to represent the Virgin.</p> - -<p>"Eh!" said Louis, casting a glance around him, "our friends, the -Chilians, do not seem to consult comfort much."</p> - -<p>"Bah!" Valentine replied, "we have all that we require. A man can sleep -soundly anywhere when he is fatigued. This chamber is better than the -bivouac we were threatened with."</p> - -<p>"You are right. Let us take a little rest then, for we don't know what -tomorrow has in reserve for us."</p> - -<p>In a quarter of an hour they were both fast asleep. At the moment the -Frenchmen went into the house with the major-domo, Don Tadeo came out by -another door.</p> - -<p>"Well?" Don Gregorio asked, anxiously.</p> - -<p>"She is asleep. Her terror is abated," Don Tadeo replied. "The joy she -experienced at seeing me, whom she believed dead, brought about a very -salutary crisis."</p> - -<p>"I am glad to hear it! In that quarter, then, we may be at ease?"</p> - -<p>"Completely."</p> - -<p>"Do you feel yourself strong enough to be present at an important -interview?"</p> - -<p>"Is it necessary that I should be present?"</p> - -<p>"I think it quite right that you should hear the communications that one -of my emissaries is about to make me."</p> - -<p>"It is very imprudent of you," said Don Tadeo, "to receive such a man in -your own house!"</p> - -<p>"Oh! do not alarm yourself! I have known him for a long time. Besides, -he is not aware whose house he is in; he was brought hither blinded, by -two of our brethren. In addition to which, we shall be masked."</p> - -<p>"Well! since you desire it, I am at your commands."</p> - -<p>The two friends, after having covered their faces with black velvet -masks, entered the apartment in which were the persons who waited for -them. This apartment, which served as a dining room, was very large, and -furnished with a long table; it was faintly illumined by two sconces, -in which burned small candles of yellow tallow, yielding so doubtful a -light that objects could be seen but indistinctly. Three men, wrapped -in variegated ponchos, and with broad-brimmed hats pulled down over -their eyes, were carelessly smoking their slender papelitos, whilst -warming themselves round a copper <i>brasero,</i> placed in the middle of the -apartment, and in which some olive-stones were slowly burning. At the -entrance of the leaders of the Dark-Hearts, these men rose.</p> - -<p>"Why," asked Don Tadeo, who at the first glance recognized the emissary, -"why did you not wait, Don Pedro, for the meeting tomorrow, at the -<i>Quinta Verde,</i> to communicate to the council the revelations you have -to make?"</p> - -<p>The man thus named as Don Pedro bowed respectfully. He was an individual -of about thirty-five years of age. He was tall, and his countenance, as -sharp as the blade of a knife, wore a cunning, roguish expression.</p> - -<p>"What I have to state only indirectly concerns the Dark-Hearts," he said.</p> - -<p>"Then, of what importance is it to us?" Don Gregorio interrupted him.</p> - -<p>"But it greatly concerns the leaders, particularly the King of Darkness."</p> - -<p>"Explain yourself then, for he is before you," Don Tadeo remarked, -taking a step forward.</p> - -<p>Pedro darted a look at him which seemed to endeavour to penetrate -through the tissue of his mask.</p> - -<p>"What I have to say will be brief," he replied,—"I leave to you the -care of judging of its importance. General Don Bustamente will be -present at the meeting tomorrow."</p> - -<p>"Are you sure of that?" the two conspirators exclaimed with a degree of -astonishment that denoted incredulity.</p> - -<p>"It was I who persuaded him to do so."</p> - -<p>"You?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I."</p> - -<p>"Are you ignorant, then," Don Tadeo exclaimed with great warmth, "in -what manner we punish traitors?"</p> - -<p>"I am no traitor; on the contrary, I deliver into your hands your most -implacable enemy."</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo replied only by a suspicious glance.</p> - -<p>"The General then is ignorant?"</p> - -<p>"Of everything," said Don Pedro.</p> - -<p>"With what purpose, then, does he wish to introduce himself among us?"</p> - -<p>"Can you not guess? For that of obtaining your secret."</p> - -<p>"But he risks his life."</p> - -<p>"Do you forget that every adept must be introduced by a sponsor, who -alone knows him? No one sees his face. Well, <i>I</i> introduce him," he -added, with a smile of strange significance.</p> - -<p>"That is true. But if he should suspect you of treachery?"</p> - -<p>"I must undergo the consequences; but he will not suspect me."</p> - -<p>"Why not?" Don Gregorio asked.</p> - -<p>"Because," the spy replied, with a cynical smile, "for ten years the -General has employed me, and during those ten years he has had only -cause to praise me for the services I have rendered him."</p> - -<p>A momentary silence followed.</p> - -<p>"Here!" said Don Gregorio, after a long pause, "this time it is not ten -ounces, but twenty, that you have earned. Continue to be faithful to us."</p> - -<p>And he placed a heavy purse in his hands. The spy seized it with a -gesture of avidity, and concealed it quickly under his poncho.</p> - -<p>"You shall have no reproach to make me," he replied, with a bow.</p> - -<p>"I hope we shall not," said Don Tadeo, with difficulty repressing an -expression of disgust. "Only remember, we should be merciless."</p> - -<p>"I know it."</p> - -<p>"In that case, farewell."</p> - -<p>"Farewell till tomorrow."</p> - -<p>The men who had brought him, and who during the conversation had -remained motionless, at a sign from Don Gregorio approached the spy, -bandaged his eyes again, and led him away.</p> - -<p>"Is that fellow a traitor?" asked Don Gregorio, as he listened to the -retreating steps of the horses.</p> - -<p>"It is our duty to suppose him one," the King of Darkness replied, -gravely.</p> - -<p>The two friends, instead of seeking the repose which must have been -so necessary to them, talked together for a long time, in order to -arrange all the measures of safety which were required by the importance -of the scene about to take place on the morrow at the meeting of the -conspirators. In the meantime Don Pedro had been quickly led back -to Santiago. On arriving at one of the gates, his guides left him, -disappearing in opposite directions. As soon as he was alone, he removed -the handkerchief from his eyes.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" he said, with a sinister smile, as he tossed up in his right hand -the purse Don Gregorio had given him. "Twenty ounces make a purse of -gold. Now let us see if General Bustamente is as liberal as his enemies. -By the Virgin! the news I carry him are worth something to him! Let us -try to get the best price for them."</p> - -<p>After having cast his eyes around to see if the coast was clear, he set -off at a sharp trot towards the government palace, muttering to himself—</p> - -<p>"Bah! times are hard. If a man did not manoeuvre a little, he would find -no means of bringing up his family honestly."</p> - -<p>This reflection, of a rather dubious morality, was accompanied by a -grimace, the expression of which would have given Don Tadeo cause for -suspicion if he had seen it.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>LOVE.</h3> - - -<p>On the morrow the two Frenchmen were awakened by the rays of the sun. -The day promised to be a brilliant one, for there was not a cloud in -the heavens. A light vapour, full of penetrating odours, arose slowly -from the earth, drawn up by the beams of the sun, whose warm influence -increased every minute. The morning breeze refreshed the air, and -invited them to inhale it. The young men, perfectly recovered from their -fatigue, sprang cheerfully from their humble beds and dressed themselves -in haste.</p> - -<p>The chacra, of which they had only a glimpse the night before by -moonlight, was an immense farm, consisting of extensive buildings, -and surrounded by fields in full cultivation. The greatest animation -prevailed everywhere. Peons, mounted on half wild horses, were driving -out the cattle to the artificial meadows, whilst others were running -about after the horses they were getting together, in order to lead -them to the drinking place. In the patio the major-domo was overlooking -the women and girls engaged in milking. In short, this residence, which -had appeared to them so silent and dismal the night before, assumed -by daylight an appearance of life and cheerfulness delightful to -contemplate.</p> - -<p>The cries of the peons mingled with the lowing of the cattle, the -barking of the dogs, and the crowing of the cocks, and formed that -melodious concert which is only to be heard on a farm, and which always -rejoices the heart.</p> - -<p>It is a justice that we willingly render here to the Chilian republic -when we say that it alone of the southern states of America appears -to understand that the wealth of a country consists not in the number -of its mines, but in the encouragement given to cultivation; and that -this country, while possessing rich mines of gold, silver, and precious -stones, only places their produce in the second rank, whilst it reserves -its principal solicitude for agriculture. Chili is as yet young as a -nation. There manufactures and the arts are in their infancy; but the -farms are numerous, the fields well cultivated, and soon this country -will be called upon, there is no doubt, through its system of labour, -to become the entrepôt of the other American powers, which it already -provides in a great measure with corn and wine, from Cape Horn to -California.</p> - -<p>Behind the chacra extended a well-kept up garden, in which oranges, -pomegranates, and citrons, planted in the open ground, grew amidst -limes, apples, plums, and all the other fruits of Europe. Louis was -agreeably surprised at the aspect of this garden, with its numerous -alleys, in which a thousand birds of brilliant colours warbled gaily -under the foliage of the tufted thickets of jasmine and honeysuckle. -Whilst Valentine went, followed by Cæsar, to look at the operations of -the peons and smoke his cigar in the patio, Louis felt himself led by -his dreamy spirit to indulge in poetical reveries, and to seek a few -minutes' solitude in the Eden which lay before him. Urged by an unknown -power, intoxicated by the sweet odours which embalmed the atmosphere, he -glided into the garden, casting around him a vaguely questioning look.</p> - -<p>The young man went dreaming along the garden walks, mechanically pulling -to pieces with his fingers a rose which he had gathered. He had walked -thus for nearly an hour, when he was roused by a slight noise among -the leaves, at a short distance from him. He instinctively raised his -head, just in time to catch a glimpse of a light white robe which was -disappearing among the trees, but too late to completely distinguish the -person who wore it, and who appeared to trip over the dewy grass like -a white phantom. At the sight of this mysterious apparition the young -man felt his heart bound in his breast; he stopped trembling, and the -emotion he felt was so powerful, that he was forced to lean against a -tree for support.</p> - -<p>"What can be the matter with me?" he murmured to himself, as he wiped -the cold perspiration from his brow. "I am mad!" he continued, with a -forced smile. "I think I see her everywhere. Heavens! I love her so -deeply that, in spite of myself, my imagination brings her before me -unceasingly. That girl, of whom I just caught a glimpse, is probably the -same we last night so miraculously saved. Poor child! Fortunately she -did not see me; I should have frightened her. Better avoid her by going -out of the garden; in my present state I should alarm her."</p> - -<p>And, as always happens in such cases, he set off, on the contrary, in -the very footsteps of her he had only caught a glimpse of, but whom, by -one of the instinctive feelings of sympathy which come from God, and -which science can never explain, he had nevertheless recognized.</p> - -<p>The young girl, reclining in the depths of an arbour, like a hummingbird -in its bed of muss, with a pale face, and her eyes cast down to the -earth, was listening, pensive and sad, to the joyous melodies which the -birds chanted in her absent ear. All at once, a slight noise made her -start and raise her head. The Count was before her! She uttered a faint -cry, and endeavoured to fly.</p> - -<p>"Don Louis!" she exclaimed.</p> - -<p>She had recognized him. The young man sank on his knees at the entrance -of the arbour.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" he cried, in a voice trembling with emotion, and with an accent of -the most earnest entreaty, "for pity's sake, remain, madam!"</p> - -<p>"Don Louis!" she repeated, already recovered, and feigning the most -perfect indifference. Young girls, even the purest, possess in a high -degree the talent of concealing their feelings, and of deceiving persons -with regard to the emotions they really experience.</p> - -<p>"Yes, it is I, madam," he continued, with an accent of the most -respectful passion; "I, who, to see you again, have abandoned -everything!"</p> - -<p>The young lady displayed some slight surprise.</p> - -<p>"For Heaven's sake!" he resumed, "allow me once more, if but for an -instant, to contemplate your adored features! Oh!" he added, with a look -of deep affection, "my heart had told me you were here, before my eyes -had perceived you."</p> - -<p>"Caballero," she said, in a tremulous voice, "I do not understand you."</p> - -<p>"Oh, fear nothing from me, madam!" he interrupted her vehemently; "my -respect for you is as profound as——</p> - -<p>"Pray, caballero," she said, earnestly, "rise; if anyone should surprise -you thus!"</p> - -<p>"Madam," he replied, "the avowal I have to make to you, requires me to -remain in the position of a suppliant!"</p> - -<p>"Oh, caballero!"</p> - -<p>"I love you, madam!" he said, in broken accents; "I know not what gives -me the boldness to pronounce a word which in France I did not venture -to breathe in your ear, and which I have never allowed to pass from my -heart to my lips. But even if you banished me from your presence for -ever, once again I must tell you that I love you, madam; and if you do -not return my love, I shall die!"</p> - -<p>The maiden looked at him for a moment with a melancholy air; a tear -trembled on her long eyelashes; she took a step towards him, and holding -out her hand, upon which he imprinted a burning kiss, said softly,—</p> - -<p>"Rise."</p> - -<p>The Count obeyed. Doña Rosario sunk back upon the bench behind her, -and appeared plunged in profound and painful meditation. Both remained -silent, Louis watching her with intense anxiety, and a throbbing heart. -At length she raised her head, and exhibited a countenance bathed in -tears.</p> - -<p>"Caballero," she said in a melancholy tone, "if God has permitted us to -meet once again, it is because, in His divine goodness, He has judged -that a decisive explanation should take place between us."</p> - -<p>The young man appeared anxious to speak.</p> - -<p>"Do not interrupt me," she continued, "or I shall not have the courage -to finish what I have to say to you. You love me, Louis; your presence -here is an incontestable proof of it—you love me; and yet how many -times, during my short residence in France, have you cursed me in -secret, accusing me of coquetry, or, at least, of unaccountable levity!"</p> - -<p>"Madam!"</p> - -<p>"Oh!" she said, with a faint smile, "since you have avowed your love -for me, I will be frank with you, Louis; and although it be my duty to -deprive you of all future hope, I am at least anxious to justify the -past, and leave you a remembrance of me that nothing can tarnish!"</p> - -<p>"Oh, madam! why do you repeat such things to me?"</p> - -<p>"Why?" she said, with a look full of melancholy, and in a voice -harmonious as the sigh of an Æolian harp, "because I have faith in that -love, so warm, so young, so true; which neither daily indignities nor -vast distances have been able to conquer—because, in short, I also love -you! do you not plainly see that, Louis?"</p> - -<p>On hearing this confession, so ingenuous, and made in a tone so -sorrowful that the young girl appeared no longer to belong to earth, the -Count felt struck by a terrible presentiment; his heart was wrung with -doubtful agony. Trembling, bewildered, he gazed on her with the fixed -and desperate eye of one condemned to death, who is listening to the -reading of his sentence.</p> - -<p>"Yes!" she resumed, with feverish eagerness; "yes, I love you, Louis, I -shall always love you; but never, never, can we be united."</p> - -<p>"Oh, that is impossible!" he cried, raising his head vehemently.</p> - -<p>"Listen to me," she said, in a tone of authority; "I do not order you to -forget me, Louis; a love like yours is eternal: alas! I feel that mine -will last as long as my life. You see, my friend, I am frank; I do not -speak to you as a maiden ought to speak; I unfold my heart before you, -leaving you to read it as you would your own. Well, this love, which -would be for us the height of felicity,—this communion of two spirits, -which blend with each other to form one blissful whole,—this boundless -happiness must be dispersed for ever, without chance of recovery, -without hesitation!"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I cannot consent!" he exclaimed, in a voice broken by sobs.</p> - -<p>"But it must be so, I tell you!" she continued, wild with anguish. -"Great Heaven! what more do you require of me? Must I confess everything -to you? Well, then, since it must be so, know that I am a miserable -creature, condemned from my birth, pursued by a terrible hatred, -which follows me step by step, which watches me incessantly; and some -day—tomorrow, perhaps today—will crush me without mercy! Obliged -to change my name constantly; flying from city to city, from country -to country; wherever I may go, this implacable enemy, whom I do not -know, and against whom I cannot defend myself, pursues me without -intermission."</p> - -<p>"But I will defend you!" the young man said, with confident energy.</p> - -<p>"And I, on my part, am not willing that you should die!" she replied, -with an accent of ineffable tenderness. "To attach yourself to me is -to court destruction. I went to France to seek a place of refuge. I -was obliged to quit that hospitable land with the greatest suddenness. -Arrived here only a few weeks since, but for you, last night, I should -have been lost! No, no, I am condemned; I know I am, and I am resigned; -but I will not drag you down in my fall! Alas! I am, perhaps, doomed to -suffer tortures still more horrible than those I have hitherto endured! -Oh, Louis, in the name of the love which you have for me, and which I -fully share, leave me the supreme consolation in my wretchedness of -knowing that you are safe from the torments which overwhelm me!"</p> - -<p>At this moment Valentine's voice was heard at a short distance, and -Cæsar came wagging his tail to his master. Doña Rosario gathered a -blossom of the <i>suchil</i> which grew close to them, and presented it to -the young man, after having for a moment inhaled its sweet odour.</p> - -<p>"Here," she said, "my friend, accept this flower, the only memorial, -alas! that will remain with you of me."</p> - -<p>The young man concealed the flower in his bosom.</p> - -<p>"Someone is coming," she continued, in broken accents. "Swear, Louis! -swear to quit this country as soon as possible, without endeavouring to -see me again."</p> - -<p>The Count hesitated.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" he cried, "some day, perhaps,——"</p> - -<p>"Never on earth. Have I not told you that I am condemned? Swear, Louis, -that at least I may hope to meet you again in heaven."</p> - -<p>She pronounced these words with such a tone of despair, that the young -man, overcome, in spite of himself, made a gesture of assent, and let -the almost inarticulate words escape his lips,—</p> - -<p>"I swear to do so!"</p> - -<p>"Thanks! thanks!" she cried wildly, and hurriedly imprinting a kiss upon -the brow of her prostrated lover, she disappeared with the lightness of -a fawn amidst a thicket of standard roses, at the moment when Valentine -became visible at the turning of the walk.</p> - -<p>"Why brother," the soldier said gaily, "what the deuce are you about -here, at the bottom of the garden? Breakfast is waiting for you. I have -been looking for you this hour; and if it had not been for Cæsar, I -should not have found you now."</p> - -<p>The Count turned towards him, his face lathed in tears, and threw his -arms round his neck.</p> - -<p>"Brother! brother!" he cried, in an accent of despair; "I am the most -unhappy of men!"</p> - -<p>Valentine looked at him in astonishment. The Count had fainted.</p> - -<p>"What on earth is all this about?" said the soldier, casting a -suspicious look around him, and laying his foster brother, who was -motionless as a corpse, gently upon a grassy bank.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE QUINTA VERDE.</h3> - - -<p>Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious -situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is -still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty <i>quinta</i>, with -white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet -eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts—oaks, acajous, maples, -palms, aloes, cactus, &c., which sprang up and intertwined within each -other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable -rampart. It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions -and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by -a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced -it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as -it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled -that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled -beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red -torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and -as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became -extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, -had waved them about madly. This habitation was named the "Quinta Verde."</p> - -<p>By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like -the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all -the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of -general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for -power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty <i>mirador</i> the -revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal -whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families? This is -what many people, at various periods, had been anxious to know, though -they had never been able to find out. Nobody ostensibly inhabited this -quinta, in which, on certain days, noises were heard which filled with a -superstitious terror the worthy <i>guasos</i> living in the neighbourhood.</p> - -<p>The day after that on which the events occurred which open this history, -the heat had been oppressive, the atmosphere heavy, and the sun had -gone down amidst a flood of purple vapour, the precursors of a storm -which burst with fury as soon as night had completely closed in. The -wind bent down the trees as it whistled through them, the collision of -the branches producing a melancholy sound; the heavens were black, not -a star was to be seen; and large grey clouds coursed rapidly across -the zenith, covering all nature with a leaden pall. In the distance -resounded the howlings of wild beasts, among which was occasionally -mingled the hoarse, sharp barking of stray dogs.</p> - -<p>Nine o'clock struck slowly from a distant steeple; the sound of the -metal, repeated by the echoes from the hills, vibrated with a plaintive -tone over the deserted landscape. The moon, fitfully emerging from -behind the clouds which veiled her, spread for a few seconds a pale -and trembling light over the scene, giving it a fantastic aspect. This -fugitive ray of doubtful light, nevertheless, enabled a small troop of -horsemen, who were painfully ascending a winding path on the side of a -mountain, to distinguish, at a few paces before them, the black outline -of a house, from the top window of which beamed like a pharos a red, -uncertain light. This house was the "Quinta Verde."</p> - -<p>At about four or five paces in advance of the troop rode two horsemen, -muffled carefully in their cloaks, the flaps of their hats pulled down -over their eyes, appeared, in the darkness, to be a needless precaution; -but it, nevertheless, showed that these personages were very anxious not -to be recognized.</p> - -<p>"Heaven be praised!" said one of these horsemen to his companion, as -he pulled up his horse, to look searchingly around him, as far as the -darkness would permit; "I hope we shall soon be there."</p> - -<p>"In a quarter of an hour, at latest, General, we shall be at the end of -our journey."</p> - -<p>"Do not let us stop, then," the one addressed as General said; "I am -impatient to penetrate into this abominable den."</p> - -<p>"One moment, General!" the first speaker continued. "It is my duty to -warn your Excellency that there is still time to retreat; and that -would, perhaps, be the more prudent step."</p> - -<p>"Please to observe this, Diego," said the General, fixing upon his -companion a look which gleamed in the semi-obscurity like that of a -tiger-cat—"in the circumstances in which I am placed, prudence, as you -understand the word, would be cowardice. I am quite aware what I am -called upon to do by the confidence placed in me by my fellow citizens; -our position is most critical: the liberal reaction is raising its head -in all quarters, and we must put an end to this ever-reviving hydra. -The news of Don Tadeo's escape from death has spread with the rapidity -of a train of gunpowder; all the malcontents of whom he is the leader, -are in almost open action; if I were to hesitate to strike a great blow -and crush the head of the serpent which hisses in my ears, it would -tomorrow, perhaps, be too late; hesitation has always been the ruin of -statesmen in affairs of importance."</p> - -<p>"And yet, General, if the man who has furnished you with this -information should—"</p> - -<p>"Be a traitor? Well, that is possible—ay, even probable; therefore, -I have neglected nothing that may neutralize the consequences of a -treachery which I foresee."</p> - -<p>"By the Virgin! General, in your place, however—"</p> - -<p>"Thank you, old comrade, thank you for your solicitude; but enough of -this subject, you ought to know me well enough to be sure that I shall -never flinch from my duty."</p> - -<p>"I have nothing more to do, then, but to wish your Excellency well -through your undertaking; for you know you must arrive alone at the -Quinta Verde, and I can escort you no farther."</p> - -<p>"Very well, wait here then; make your men dismount for a time, keep a -sharp watch, and execute punctually the orders I have given you. I am -going on."</p> - -<p>Diego bowed respectfully, but with an air of anxiety, and withdrew his -hand, which had been placed on the bridle of the General's horse. The -latter more carefully enveloped himself in his cloak, the folds of which -had become too loose, and gave the usual jockey signal to excite his -horse. At this well-known sound the horse pricked up its ears, and being -thoroughbred, although fatigued, set off at a gallop.</p> - -<p>After a few minutes of this rapid travelling, the General stopped; but -it appeared as if his journey was completed, for, dismounting, he threw -the bridle on his horse's neck, with as little care what became of it as -if it had been a hack post-horse, and walked with a firm step towards -the house, which he had held in view some time, and from which he was -now not more than ten paces distant. This was soon cleared. When he -reached the gate, he stood for a second and looked around him, as if -endeavouring to penetrate the darkness; but all was calm and silent. -In spite of himself, the General was seized with that vague fear which -takes possession of the most courageous man when in face of the unknown. -But General Bustamente, whom the reader has no doubt recognized, was too -old a soldier to suffer himself to be mastered long by an impression, -however strong it might be; with him this had lasted but an instant, and -he almost immediately recovered his usual coolness.</p> - -<p>"What the devil! am <i>I</i> afraid?" he murmured, with an ironical smile, -and going boldly up to the gate, he knocked three times at equal -intervals with the pummel of his sword. In an instant his arms were -seized by invisible hands, a bandage was placed over his eyes, and a -voice, faint as a breath, murmured in his ear—</p> - -<p>"Make no resistance, twenty poniards are at your breast; at the first -cry, at the least opposition, you are a dead man. Reply categorically to -our questions."</p> - -<p>"All these threats are needless," the General replied, in a calm -voice; "as I came here of my own free will, I can have no intention of -resisting—ask, and I will answer."</p> - -<p>"What do you come to seek here?" the voice said.</p> - -<p>"The Dark-Hearts."</p> - -<p>"Are you ready to appear in their presence?"</p> - -<p>"I am," the General replied, still impassive.</p> - -<p>"Do you dread nothing?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing."</p> - -<p>"Let your sword fall."</p> - -<p>The General quitted his hold of his sword, and felt at the same moment -that his pistols were taken from him.</p> - -<p>"Now, step forward without fear," said the voice.</p> - -<p>The prisoner found himself instantly at liberty.</p> - -<p>"In the name of Christ, who died upon the cross for the salvation of the -world, Dark-Hearts, receive me among the number of your brethren!" the -General then said, in a low and firm voice.</p> - -<p>The double gates of the Quinta Verde flew open before him, and two -masked men, each holding a dark lantern in his hand, the focus of which -he directed on the stranger's face, appeared in the entrance.</p> - -<p>"There is still time," said one of the unknown; "if your heart be not -firm, you may retreat."</p> - -<p>"My heart is firm."</p> - -<p>"Come on, then, as you think yourself worthy to share our glorious task, -but tremble if you have the least intention of betraying us," said the -masked man, in a deep, sonorous voice.</p> - -<p>The General felt, notwithstanding the recklessness of his character, -a cold shudder run through his limbs at these words; but he quickly -surmounted this involuntary emotion.</p> - -<p>"It is for traitors to tremble," he replied; "for my part, I have -nothing to fear."</p> - -<p>And he boldly stepped into the Quinta Verde, the doors of which closed -after him with a dull, heavy sound. The bandage which covered his eyes, -and which had prevented those who had interrogated him from recognizing -him, notwithstanding their efforts to do so, was then removed. After -proceeding for more than a quarter of an hour along a circular corridor, -lighted only by the red flickering flame of the torch carried by the -guide through this labyrinth, the General was suddenly stopped by a door -in front of him. He turned hesitatingly towards the masked men, who had -followed him step by step.</p> - -<p>"What do you wait for?" said one of them in reply to his mute -interrogation. "Is it not written, <i>Knock and it shall be opened unto -you?</i>"</p> - -<p>The General bowed in sign of acquiescence, and knocked loudly at the -door. The folding panels drew back silently into the wall, and the -General found himself at the entrance of a vast hall, whose walls were -covered with long red draperies, gloomily enlightened by a bronze lamp -and several chandeliers suspended from the ceiling, which shone in an -uncertain manner upon the countenances of about a hundred men, who, -with naked swords in their hands, fixed their eyes upon him through the -black masks which concealed their faces. At the bottom of this hall was -a table covered with a green cloth, at which were seated three men. Not -only were those three men masked, but, as a further precaution, before -each of them a lighted torch was planted on the table, the dazzling -flame of which allowed them to be but vaguely seen. Against the wall was -a crucifix, between two hourglasses surmounted by a death's-head with a -poniard run through it.</p> - -<p>The General manifested no emotion at this imposing <i>mise en scène</i>. A -smile of disdain curled his lip, and he stepped boldly forward. At this -moment he felt a light touch on the shoulder, and, on turning round, -perceived that one of the guides was holding out a mask to him. In spite -of the precautions he had taken to disguise his features, he eagerly -seized it, placed it on his face, folded his cloak round him, and -entered.</p> - -<p>"<i>In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti!</i>" he said.</p> - -<p>"<i>Amen</i>!" all present replied, in a sepulchral tone.</p> - -<p>"<i>Exaudiat te Dominus, in die Tribulationis,</i>" said one of the -personages behind the table.</p> - -<p>"<i>Impleat Dominus omnes petitiones tuas</i>," the General replied, without -hesitation.</p> - -<p>"<i>La Patria!</i>" the first speaker rejoined.</p> - -<p>"<i>O la Muerte!</i>" replied the General.</p> - -<p>"What is your purpose in coming here?" the man who up to this time alone -had spoken, asked.</p> - -<p>"I wish to be admitted into the bosom of the elect."</p> - -<p>There was a momentary silence.</p> - -<p>"Is there anyone among us who can or will answer for you?" the masked -man then asked.</p> - -<p>"I cannot say; for I do not know the persons among whom I find myself."</p> - -<p>"How know you that?"</p> - -<p>"I suppose so, as they, as well as I, are masked."</p> - -<p>"The Dark-Hearts," said the interrogator in a deep tone, "consider not -the countenance; they search souls."</p> - -<p>The General bowed at this sentence, which appeared to him to border upon -the ridiculous. The interrogator continued:—"Do you know the conditions -of your affiliation?"</p> - -<p>"I know them."</p> - -<p>"What are they?"</p> - -<p>"To sacrifice mother, father, brothers, relations, friends, and myself, -without hesitation, to the cause which I swear to defend."</p> - -<p>"What next?"</p> - -<p>"At the first signal, whether it be by day or night, even at the foot of -the altar, in whatever circumstance I may be placed, to quit everything, -in order to accomplish immediately the orders that shall be given me, in -whatever manner they may be given, and whatever may be the tenor of that -order."</p> - -<p>"Do you subscribe to these conditions?"</p> - -<p>"I subscribe to them."</p> - -<p>"Are you prepared to swear to submit yourself to them?"</p> - -<p>"I am prepared."</p> - -<p>"Repeat, then, after me, with your hand upon the Gospels, the words I am -about to dictate to you."</p> - -<p>"Dictate!"</p> - -<p>The three men behind the table rose; a Bible was brought, and the -General resolutely placed his hand upon the book. A faint murmur ran -through the ranks of the assembly. The president struck the table with -the hilt of his dagger, and silence was re-established. This man then -pronounced in a slow and deep toned voice the following words, which the -General repeated after him without hesitation:—</p> - -<p>"I swear to sacrifice myself, my family, my property, and all that I -can hope for in this world, for the safety of the cause defended by -the Dark-Hearts. I swear to kill every man, be he my father, be he my -brother, who shall be pointed out to me. If I fail in my faith, if I -betray those who accept me as their brother, I acknowledge myself to -be worthy of death; and I, beforehand, pardon the Dark-Hearts who may -inflict it upon me."</p> - -<p>"So far well!" replied the president, when the General had pronounced -the oath. "You are now our brother."</p> - -<p>He then rose, and stepping across the hall, stood full in front of the -General.</p> - -<p>"Now," he said in a solemn threatening voice, "answer me, Don Pancho -Bustamente. As you, of your own free will, take a false oath before a -hundred persons, do you think we should commit a crime in condemning -you, since you have had the audacity to place yourself in our power?"</p> - -<p>In spite of his assurance, the General could not repress a start of -terror.</p> - -<p>"Remove the mask which covers this man's face, so that everyone may know -that it is he! Ah! General; you have entered the lion's den, and you -will be devoured."</p> - -<p>The noise of a distant commotion was heard.</p> - -<p>"Your soldiers are coming to your rescue," the president resumed, "but -they will come too late, General; prepare to die!"</p> - -<p>These words fell like the blow of a mace upon the brow of him who found -himself thus outwitted; he, nevertheless, did not yet lose heart; the -noise evidently approached; and there could be no doubt but that his -troops, who surrounded the Quinta Verde on all sides, would soon gain -possession of it; all he wanted was time.</p> - -<p>"By what right," he said haughtily, "do you constitute yourselves judges -and executioners of your own sentence?"</p> - -<p>"You are one of us, and are bound by our sentence," the president -replied, with an ironical smile.</p> - -<p>"Beware of what you are about to do, gentlemen," the General added in a -haughty tone; "remember I am minister-at-war!"</p> - -<p>"And I am King of Darkness," the president cried in a voice that froze -the very blood of the General; "my dagger is more sure than the muskets -of your soldiers; it does not let its victims escape. Brethren, what -chastisement does this man deserve?"</p> - -<p>"Death!" the conspirators replied.</p> - -<p>The General saw that he was lost.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE DEPARTURE.</h3> - - -<p>Sergeant Diego, when left by General Bustamente a few paces from the -Quinta Verde, was very uneasy regarding the fate of his leader, and -entertained dismal presentiments. He was an old soldier, and well -acquainted with all the machinations and treacheries practised in this -country between inveterate enemies. He had been far from approving of -the General's undertaking, for he knew better than anyone how little -confidence ought to be placed in spies. Constrained, ostensibly, to -obey the order he had received, he had resolved, <i>in petto</i>, not to -leave his leader without help in the wasps' nest into which he had -cast himself headlong. Diego entertained for General Bustamente, under -whose orders he had served ten years, a profound regard, which entitled -him to certain freedoms, and his entire confidence. He immediately -placed himself in relation with two other officers of the detachment, -ordered, like himself, to watch the mysterious house whose dark outline -cut gloomily across the cloudy sky, and around which there was a close -blockade. He was walking about, biting his moustache, and swearing to -himself, determined, if the General did not come out within half an -hour, to obtain an entrance by force, if necessary, when a heavy hand -was laid upon his shoulder. He turned sharply round, stopping short in -an oath that was passing his lips, and saw a man standing before him: it -was Don Pedro.</p> - -<p>"Is that you?" he asked, as soon as he recognised him.</p> - -<p>"Myself," the spy replied.</p> - -<p>"But where the devil do you come from?"</p> - -<p>"No matter; do you wish to save the General?"</p> - -<p>"Is he in danger?"</p> - -<p>"In danger of death."</p> - -<p>"<i>Demonios!</i>" the sergeant shouted; "he must be saved!"</p> - -<p>"For that purpose I am here; but don't speak so loud."</p> - -<p>"I will speak as you like, provided you will tell me."</p> - -<p>"Nothing!" Don Pedro replied, "for there is not a minute to be lost."</p> - -<p>"What is to be done?"</p> - -<p>"Listen! A detachment must feign an attack upon the gate by which the -General entered; another will watch the environs, for the Dark-Hearts -have roads known only to themselves; you, with a third detachment, will -follow me; I will undertake to introduce you into the house—is that -agreed upon?"</p> - -<p>"Perfectly."</p> - -<p>"Make haste, then, to inform your colleagues; time presses."</p> - -<p>"Instantly; where shall I find you again?"</p> - -<p>"Here."</p> - -<p>"Very well; I only ask five minutes," and he strode away in haste.</p> - -<p>"Hem!" thought Don Pedro, as soon as he was alone; "we should be -prudent when we wish affairs to be profitable; from what I heard, they -will condemn the General, and they must not be allowed to go as far as -that, for my interests would suffer too seriously; I have manoeuvred -so as to be safe from all suspicion; if I succeed, I shall be more in -favour with the General than ever, without losing the confidence of the -conspirators."</p> - -<p>"Well!" he said, as he saw Diego coming towards him.</p> - -<p>"Everything is done," replied the sergeant, out of breath. "I am ready."</p> - -<p>"Come on, then, and God grant it may not be too late!"</p> - -<p>"Amen!" said the soldier.</p> - -<p>Everything was done as had been arranged; whilst one detachment -vigorously attacked the gate of the Quinta Verde, Don Pedro led the -troops commanded by Diego to the opposite side of the house, where a -low window was open; this window was grated, but several bars had been -removed beforehand, which left the entrance easy. Pedro commanded the -soldiers to be silent, and they entered the house one by one. Guided by -the spy, they advanced stealthily, without meeting with obstacles of any -kind. At the end of a few minutes they came to a closed door.</p> - -<p>"This is it!" said Pedro, in a low voice.</p> - -<p>At a sign from the sergeant, the door was beaten in with the butt end -of their muskets, and the soldiers rushed into the room. It was nearly -empty, its only occupant being a man stretched motionless upon the -floor. The sergeant sprang towards him, but recoiled with a cry of -horror—he had recognised his leader—General Bustamente lay with a -dagger sticking upright in his breast. To the hilt of the dagger was -tied a long black strip, upon which were written these words in red ink:</p> - -<p>"<i>The Justice of the Dark-Hearts!</i>"</p> - -<p>"Oh!" cried Diego; "Vengeance! Vengeance!"</p> - -<p>"Vengeance!" the soldiers repeated, with rage, mingled with terror.</p> - -<p>The sergeant turned round towards Pedro, whom he believed to be still by -his side; but the spy, who alone could guide them in their researches, -had thought it prudent to steal away. As soon as he saw that what he -dreaded had happened, he had disappeared without anybody observing his -departure.</p> - -<p>"No matter!" said Diego. "If I demolish this den of assassins, from -bottom to top, and don't leave stone upon stone, I swear I will find -these demons, if they are buried in the centre of the earth."</p> - -<p>The old soldier began searching in all directions, whilst a surgeon who -had followed the detachment paid attention to the wounded man, whom he -endeavoured to restore to his senses.</p> - -<p>The Dark-Hearts, as the spy had truly said, had paths known only -to themselves, by which they had quietly departed, after having -accomplished their terrible vengeance, or executed their severe justice, -according to the point of view in which an act of this nature and -importance is viewed. They were already far off in the country, safe -from all danger, while the soldiers were still ferociously searching for -them in and about the house.</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo and Don Gregorio returned together to the chacra, and were -astonished, on their arrival, to find Valentine, whom they supposed to -be in bed and asleep long before, waiting for them at that late hour, -to request a few minutes' conversation. In spite of the very natural -surprise which the demand at such a singular hour excited, the two -gentlemen, who supposed the Frenchman had serious reasons for acting -thus, granted his request, without making the least observation. The -conversation was long—so long, that we think it useless to repeat it -here in detail, but will satisfy ourselves with giving our readers the -end of it, which sums it up perfectly.</p> - -<p>"I will not insist," said Don Tadeo, "although you will not tell us -your motives. I believe you to be too considerate a man, Don Valentine, -not to be convinced that the reasons which force you to leave us are -serious."</p> - -<p>"Of the greatest seriousness," the young man replied.</p> - -<p>"Very well. But on leaving this place, in which direction do you intend -to bend your steps?"</p> - -<p>"Faith! I own frankly—besides, you know already that I and my friend -are in search of fortune—that all directions are the same to us, since -we must, above everything, depend upon chance."</p> - -<p>"I am of your opinion," replied Don Tadeo, smiling. "Listen to me, -then. I possess large estates in the province of Valdivia, which it -is my intention to visit shortly. What prevents you going that way in -preference to any other?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing, that I know of."</p> - -<p>"I, at this moment, stand in need of a man whom I can depend upon, to -undertake an important mission into Araucania, to one of the principal -chiefs of the people of that country. If you are going to the province -of Valdivia, you will be obliged to traverse Araucania in its whole -length. Are you willing to undertake this commission? Will that -inconvenience you?"</p> - -<p>"Why should I not?" said Valentine. "I have never come face to face with -savages; I should like to see what sort of people they are."</p> - -<p>"Very well; now is your opportunity. That is agreed upon then. You wish -to start tomorrow, do you not?"</p> - -<p>"Tomorrow! Today, if you please—in a few hours, for it will not be long -before the sun will be up."</p> - -<p>"That is true. Very well, then; at the moment of your departure, my -major-domo shall place, on my part, written instructions in your hands."</p> - -<p>"Caramba!" said Valentine, laughing; "here am I transformed into an -ambassador!"</p> - -<p>"Do not joke, my friend," said Don Tadeo, seriously. "The mission I -confide to you is delicate—dangerous, even; I do not conceal that from -you. If the papers of which you will be the bearer are found upon you, -you will be exposed to great dangers. Are you still willing to be my -emissary?"</p> - -<p>"Pardieu! Wherever there is danger there is pleasure. And what is the -name of the person to whom I am to remit these despatches?"</p> - -<p>"They are of two descriptions. The latter only concerns yourself; during -the course of your journey you can make yourself acquainted with them; -they will instruct you in certain matters you should know in order to -secure the success of your mission."</p> - -<p>"I understand—and the others?"</p> - -<p>"The others are for Antinahuel, that is, the Tiger Sun, and must be -delivered into his own hands."</p> - -<p>"A queer name that!" Valentine replied, with a laugh. "And where am I to -find the gentleman rejoicing in such a formidable title?"</p> - -<p>"By my faith, my friend," replied Don Tadeo, "I know no more than you -do."</p> - -<p>"The Araucano Indians," interrupted Don Gregorio, "are a rather -wandering race, and it is sometimes difficult to find the one you are in -search of."</p> - -<p>"Bah! I shall find him, be assured of that."</p> - -<p>"We do entirely rely upon you."</p> - -<p>"In a few hours, as I have told you, I shall myself set out to place in -a convent in Valdivia the young lady whom you so fortunately saved; it -will, therefore, be in Valdivia I shall await your answer."</p> - -<p>"I beg your pardon, but I have not the least idea where Valdivia is," -observed Valentine.</p> - -<p>"Don't be uneasy on that account; any child in this country can direct -you the way thither," Don Gregorio replied.</p> - -<p>"Thanks."</p> - -<p>"And now, if you change your mind when we meet again, and consent to -remain among us, remember we are brothers, and do not hesitate to inform -me of your new determination."</p> - -<p>"I can neither, reply yes or no, sir; if it depended upon me, we should -continue to see each other frequently."</p> - -<p>After exchanging a few more friendly expressions, the three men -separated. At sunrise, Louis and Valentine, mounted on magnificent -horses, which Don Tadeo had forced them to accept, rode away from the -chacra, followed by Cæsar. Valentine had received his despatches from -the hands of the major-domo. As they were quitting the farm Louis -turned round instinctively, as if to salute with a last look a spot -he abandoned for ever, and which contained all that was dear to him. -A window was gently opened, and the face of the fair girl appeared -through the small interval, bathed in tears. The two young men bowed -respectfully towards the necks of their horses, and with a deep sigh -from Louis, they moved on as the window closed.</p> - -<p>"Adieu! oh, adieu for ever!" murmured Louis, choking with emotion.</p> - -<p>"Ah, perhaps!" said Valentine; and, to rouse his friend from his grief, -he put his horse into a gallop, and they soon lost sight of the chacra -in the windings of the road.</p> - -<p>Within four hours from their departure Don Tadeo and Don Gregorio -likewise set out on their journey to Valdivia, for the purpose of -placing Doña Rosario in the convent. But the enemy of whom they thought -they had relieved themselves at the Quinta Verde, was not dead; the -dagger of the King of Darkness had not proved more sure than the bullets -of the General. The two enemies were destined soon to meet again. -Notwithstanding the seriousness of the wound he had received, thanks -to the intelligent cares lavished upon him, but more particularly, -thanks to his excellent constitution, General Bustamente was soon in a -convalescent state. Don Pancho and the Linda, from that time united by -the strongest of ties—a common personal hatred—prepared to take their -revenge upon Don Tadeo, and that of the bitterest nature. The General -signalized his restoration to health by cruelties of the most flagrant -kind towards every man suspected of liberalism, and by inaugurating -throughout the republic a pitiless system of terror. Don Tadeo was -pronounced outlawed; his friends were cast into dungeons, and their -property was confiscated; and then, when the General thought that all -these vexations must bring his enemy to bay, and he had nothing to dread -from him or his partizans, under the pretence of visiting the provinces -of the Republic, he set out for Valdivia, accompanied by his mistress.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE MEETING.</h3> - - -<p>As the principal incidents of this history are now about to take place -in Araucania, we think it necessary to give our readers some account of -this people, who alone of all the nations the Spaniards encountered in -America, succeeded in resisting them, and had, up to the time we treat -of, preserved intact their liberty and almost all their territory. The -Araucanos or Moluchos inhabit the beautiful country situated between the -rivers Biobio and Valdivia, having on one side the sea, and on the other -the great Cordilleras of the Andes. They are thus completely enclosed -within the Chilian republic, and yet, as we have said, have always -remained independent. It would be a great error to suppose these Indians -savages. The Araucanos have adopted as much of European civilization as -suited their character and their mode of living, and have rejected the -rest. From the most remote times these peoples had formed a national -body, strong and compact, governed by wise laws rigorously executed. The -first Spanish conquerors were quite astonished to find in this remote -corner of America, a powerful aristocratic republic, and a feudalism -organized almost upon the same plan as that which prevailed in Europe -in the thirteenth century. We will here enter into a few details of the -government of the Araucanos, who proudly style themselves <i>Aucas</i>—free -men. These details concerning a people too little known, up to this day, -cannot fail to interest the reader.</p> - -<p>The principal chiefs of the Araucanos are the Toquis,<a name="FNanchor_1_3" id="FNanchor_1_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_3" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> the Apo-Ulmens, -and the Ulmens. There are four Toquis, one for each territorial -division; they have under their orders the Apo-Ulmens, who, in their -turn, command the Ulmens. The Toquis are independent of each other, but -confederated for the public good. Titles are hereditary, and pass from -males to males. The vassals or Mosotones are free; in time of war alone -they are subject to military service; but, in this country, and it is -this which constitutes its strength, every man in a condition to bear -arms is a soldier. It may easily be understood what the chiefs are when -we state that the people consider them only as the first among their -equals, and that their authority is consequently rather precarious; -and if, now and then, certain Toquis have endeavoured to extend their -authority, the people, jealous of their privileges, have always found -means to keep them within the bounds prescribed by their ancient usages.</p> - -<p>A society whose manners are so simple, and interests so little -complicated, which is governed by wise laws, and all the members of -which have an ardent love of liberty, is invincible, as the Spaniards -have many times found to their cost. After having, in several attempts, -endeavoured to subdue this little corner of land, isolated amidst their -own territory; they have ended by acknowledging the futility of their -efforts, and have tacitly admitted their defeat by renouncing for ever -their projects of obtaining dominion over the Araucanos, with whom -they have contracted alliances, and across whose territory they now -peacefully pass on their road from Santiago to Valdivia.</p> - -<p>The Carampangue—in the Araucano idiom, refuge of lions—is a charming -stream, half torrent, half river, which comes bounding down from the -inaccessible summits of the Andes, and, after many capricious windings, -loses itself in the sea two leagues to the north of Arauco. Nothing -can be more beautiful than the banks of the Carampangue, bordered by -smiling valleys, covered with woods, with apple trees loaded with fruit, -rich pastures in which animals of all kinds range and feed at liberty, -and high mountains, from the verdant sides of which hang, in the most -picturesque positions, clusters of cabins, whose whitewashed walls shine -in the sun, and give life to this enchanting landscape.</p> - -<p>On the day when we resume our narrative, that is, on a beautiful morning -in July—called by the Indians the month of the sun—two horsemen, -followed by a magnificent black and white Newfoundland dog, were -ascending, at a sharp trot, the course of the river, following what is -called a wild beast's track, scarcely marked in the high grass. These -men, dressed in the Chilian costume, surging up suddenly amidst this -wild natural scene, formed, by their manners and their vestments, a -contrast with everything which surrounded them; a contrast of which -they probably had no idea, for they rode as carelessly through this -barbarous country, abounding in perils and ambushes without number, as -they would have done along the road from Paris to Saint-Cloud. These two -men, whom the reader has, no doubt, recognized, were the Count Louis -de Prébois-Crancé and Valentine Guillois, his foster brother. They had -passed in turn through Maulé, Talca, and Concepción; and on the day we -meet them again, in the middle of Araucania, they had been full two -months on the road, travelling philosophically along with their dog -Cæsar upon the banks of the Carampangue. This was the 14th of July, -1837, at eleven o'clock in the morning.</p> - -<p>The young men had passed the night in an abandoned <i>rancho</i> which -they had fallen in with on their way, and at sunrise resumed their -journey; so that they now began to be sensible of the calls of hunger. -Upon taking a survey of the spot where they found themselves, they -perceived a clump of apple trees, which intercepted the rays of the -sun, and offered them a shelter for their repast and a little rest. -They dismounted and sat down at the foot of a large apple tree, leaving -their horses to browse upon the young branches so abundant around -them. Valentine knocked down a few apples with a stick, opened his -<i>alforjas</i>—large cloth pockets placed behind the saddle—drew out some -sea biscuit, a piece of bacon, and a goat's milk cheese, and the two -young men began eating gaily, sharing their provisions with Cæsar in a -brotherly way, whilst he, seated gravely in front of them, followed with -his eyes every morsel they put into their mouths.</p> - -<p>"Caramba!" said Valentine, with a satisfied smile; "it is comfortable to -have a little rest, after having been on horseback from four o'clock in -the morning."</p> - -<p>"Well, to tell the truth, I must own I am a little fatigued," Louis -confessed.</p> - -<p>"My poor friend, you are not, as I am, accustomed to long journeys. It -was stupid of me not to remember that."</p> - -<p>"Bah! on the contrary, I am getting accustomed to them very well; and -besides," he added, with a sigh, "physical fatigue makes me forget——"</p> - -<p>"Ah! that's true," Valentine interrupted; "come! I am happy to hear you -speak thus—I see you are becoming a man!"</p> - -<p>Louis shook his head sorrowfully.</p> - -<p>"No," he said, "you are mistaken. As the malady which undermines me is -without remedy, I endeavour to play a manly part."</p> - -<p>"Yes, hope is one of the supreme illusions of love; when it can no -longer exist, love dies."</p> - -<p>"Or he who experiences it," said the young man, with a melancholy smile.</p> - -<p>This was followed by a silence, which Valentine at length broke.</p> - -<p>"What a charming country!" he cried, with feigned enthusiasm, for the -purpose of giving the conversation another direction, as he swallowed, -with delectation, an enormous piece of bacon.</p> - -<p>"Yes, but the roads are very bad."</p> - -<p>"Who knows?" said Valentine, with a smile: "they say the roads to -Paradise are of that kind; this may be the way thither." Then addressing -the dog, "And you, Cæsar, what do you think of our journey, old boy?"</p> - -<p>The dog wagged his tail, fixing his eyes, sparkling with intelligence, -upon the speaker's face, whilst he eagerly devoured all that was given -to him. But he stopped suddenly in his masticating operations, pricked -up his ears, turned his head sharply round, and balked furiously.</p> - -<p>"Silence, Cæsar!" said Valentine; "what do you bark in that manner for? -You know right well we are in a desert, and that in a desert there is -nobody but the devil!"</p> - -<p>But Cæsar continued to bark without heeding his master.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" said Louis, "I do not agree with you; I think that the deserts of -America are thickly peopled."</p> - -<p>"Well, perhaps you are right."</p> - -<p>"The dog's barking is not usual; we ought to take precautions."</p> - -<p>"I will see," said Valentine; and addressing the Newfoundland, "Come! -come! hold your tongue, Cæsar! You are tiresome! What's the matter with -you? What teases you? Do you scent a stag? Caramba! That would be a -glorious godsend for us."</p> - -<p>Here he rose, and cast an inquiring glance around, but he immediately -stopped, and seized his rifle, making a sign to Louis to do the same, in -order to be prepared for whatever might happen.</p> - -<p>"Diable!" he said, "Cæsar was right, and I must confess myself a stupid -fellow. Look yonder, Louis!"</p> - -<p>The other turned his eyes as directed.</p> - -<p>"Oh! oh!" he said; "what is this?"</p> - -<p>"Hum! I believe we shall soon discover."</p> - -<p>"With God's help!" Louis replied, cocking his rifle.</p> - -<p>Ten Indians in war costume, and mounted on magnificent horses, were -drawn up within twenty paces of the travellers, though the latter were -quite unable to comprehend how they had succeeded in approaching so near -to them without being discovered. Notwithstanding Valentine's efforts, -Cæsar continued to bark furiously, and endeavoured to rush upon the -Indians. The American warriors, motionless and impassible, made neither -gesture nor movement, but they surveyed the Frenchmen so closely and -persistently, that Valentine, not very patient in his nature, began to -find himself excessively annoyed.</p> - - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_3" id="Footnote_1_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_3"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> This word comes from the verb <i>toquin</i>, which means to -<i>judge</i>, to <i>command.</i></p></div> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE PUELCHES.</h3> - - -<p>"Eh! eh!" said Valentine, whistling sharply to his dog, who immediately -came to him; "these fellows do not seem to have friendly intentions; we -must be upon our guard: who knows what may happen?"</p> - -<p>"They are Araucanos," said Louis.</p> - -<p>"Do you think so? Then they are devilish ugly!"</p> - -<p>"Well, now, for my part, I think them very handsome."</p> - -<p>"Ah, yes; that may be in an artistic point of view. But, ugly or -handsome, we will await their coming."</p> - -<p>The Indians talked among themselves, and continued to look at the young -men.</p> - -<p>"They are consulting to determine with what sauce they shall eat us," -said Valentine.</p> - -<p>"Not at all——"</p> - -<p>"Bah! I tell you they are."</p> - -<p>"Pardieu! they are not cannibals!"</p> - -<p>"No? So much the worse; that's a defect. In Paris, all the savages -exhibited in public are cannibals."</p> - -<p>"You madman! you laugh at everything."</p> - -<p>"Would you prefer my weeping a little? It appears to me that at this -moment our position is not so seducing in itself that we should seek to -make it more dismal."</p> - -<p>These Indians were for the most part men of from forty to forty-five -years of age, clothed in the costume of the Puelches, one of the most -warlike tribes of Upper Araucania; they wore the poncho floating from -the shoulders, the calzoneras fastened round the hips and falling to -the ankle, the head bare, the hair long, straight, and greasy, gathered -together by a red ribbon, which encircled the brow like a diadem, and -the face painted of various colours. Their arms consisted of a long -lance, a knife, a gun hanging from the saddle, and a round buckler, -covered with leather, ornamented with horsehair and human scalps.</p> - -<p>The man who appeared to be their chief was a man of lofty stature, -expressive features, hard and haughty, but still displayed a certain -frankness, a very rare quality among Indians. The only thing which -distinguished him from his companions was a feather of the eagle of the -Andes, planted upright on the left side of his head, in the bright red -ribbon that confined his hair.</p> - -<p>After having consulted with his companions for a few minutes, the chief -advanced towards the travellers, making his horse curvet with inimitable -grace, and lowered the point of his lance in sign of peace. When -within three paces of Valentine, he stopped, and, after saluting him -ceremoniously, in the Indian fashion, by placing his right hand on his -breast, and slowly bowing his head twice, he said to him in Spanish:—</p> - -<p>"My brothers are Muruches—foreigners,—and not Culme-Huinca—despicable -Spaniards. Why are they so far from the men of their own nation?"</p> - -<p>This question, asked in the guttural accent, and with the emphatic tone -peculiar to the Indians, was perfectly understood by the young men, who, -as we have before observed, generally spoke Spanish themselves.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" Valentine said to his companion, "here is a savage who appears to -have a little curiosity about him—what think you?"</p> - -<p>"Bah!" Louis replied, "answer him, at all events that will do no harm."</p> - -<p>"Why, no, that is true; we cannot easily be more compromised than we are -already."</p> - -<p>And turning towards the chief, who waited impassibly,</p> - -<p>"We are travelling," he said, laconically.</p> - -<p>"What! alone, thus?" asked the chief.</p> - -<p>"Does that astonish you, my friend?"</p> - -<p>"Do my brothers fear nothing?"</p> - -<p>"What should we fear?" said the Parisian in a bantering tone. "We have -nothing to lose."</p> - -<p>"What! not even your hair?"</p> - -<p>Louis could not refrain from laughing, as he looked at Valentine.</p> - -<p>"Ah! ah! what, he is laughing at the disordered state of my hair, is he, -the ugly wretch?" Valentine grumbled, vexed at the observation of the -chief, and quite mistaking his intentions. "Stop a bit!" then he added, -in a loud voice, "Have the goodness to pass on, gentlemen savages. Your -remarks are not pleasant, I can assure you."</p> - -<p>He cocked his rifle, and lifted it to his shoulder, as if taking aim -at the chief. Louis, who had attentively followed the progress of the -conversation, without saying a word imitated the action of his friend, -directing the barrel of his rifle towards the group of Indians. The -chief had, doubtless, understood but little of the speeches of his -adversaries, but far from appearing terrified at the menacing attitude -they assumed, he seemed to contemplate with pleasure the martial and -firm deportment of the Frenchmen; and putting gently on one side the -weapon pointed against his breast, said in a conciliatory tone:</p> - -<p>"My friend is mistaken. I have no intention of insulting him. I am his -<i>penni</i>—brother—and his companion's likewise. Were not the palefaces -eating when I and my young men came up?"</p> - -<p>"Faith! yes, chief, you say true," interrupted Louis, with a smile; -"your sudden appearance stopped the progress of our humble repast."</p> - -<p>"Part of which is very much at your service," continued Valentine, -pointing with his finger to the provisions spread upon the grass.</p> - -<p>"I accept your offer," said the Indian, cordially.</p> - -<p>"Bravo!" cried Valentine, throwing down his rifle, and preparing to -resume his seat on the grass; "to table, then!"</p> - -<p>"Yes," replied the chief, "but upon one condition."</p> - -<p>"What is that?" the young men asked together.</p> - -<p>"That I shall furnish my part."</p> - -<p>"Agreed," said Louis.</p> - -<p>"Well, that is but fair," Valentine added; "and it will be the more -acceptable, from our not being rich, and having but meagre fare to offer -you."</p> - -<p>"The bread of a friend is always good," the chief said, sententiously.</p> - -<p>"That is admirably answered! But, at this moment, unfortunately, our -bread is only stale biscuit."</p> - -<p>"I will remedy that;" and the chief said a few words in the Molucho -language to his companions, who began to rummage in their alforjas, and -quickly produced maize tortillas, some charqui, and several leathern -bottles filled with chica—a sort of cider made of apples and Indian -corn. The whole was placed upon the grass before the two Frenchmen, who -were wonderstruck at the sudden abundance which had succeeded without -any transition to their late short commons. The Indians dismounted, -and sat down in a circle round the travellers. The chief, then turning -towards his guests, said with a pleasant smile—</p> - -<p>"Now, then, let my brothers eat."</p> - -<p>The young men did not require the cordial invitation to be repeated, but -vigorously attacked the provisions so frankly offered. For the first few -minutes silence prevailed among the party, for all were too well engaged -to talk; but as soon as appetite was a little appeased, conversation was -resumed.</p> - -<p>Of all men, Indians, perhaps, understand the laws of hospitality -the best. They have an instinct of social conventions, if such an -expression may be allowed, which makes them divine at once, with -infallible correctness, what the questions are that may be properly -addressed to their guests, and the point at which they should stop to -avoid committing any indiscretion. The two Frenchmen, who for the first -time found themselves in contact with Araucanos, could not overcome -the surprise caused by the knowledge of life, and the noble and frank -manners of these men, whom, on the faith of accounts more or less false, -they were accustomed, in common with all Europeans, to consider as gross -savages, almost destitute of intelligence, and quite incapable of any -delicacy of behaviour.</p> - -<p>"My brothers are not Spaniards?" the chief said, half interrogatively.</p> - -<p>"That is true," Louis replied; "but how did you discover that?"</p> - -<p>"Oh!" he said, with a disdainful smile, "we are well acquainted with -those <i>chiaplos</i>—wicked soldiers. They are too old enemies to allow us -to commit an error with regard to them. From what island do my brothers -come?"</p> - -<p>"Our country is not an island," Valentine observed.</p> - -<p>"My brother is mistaken," the chief said emphatically; "there is but one -country that is not an island, and that is the great land of the Aucas."</p> - -<p>The two young men bowed their heads before an opinion so peremptorily -put forth—all discussion became impossible.</p> - -<p>"We are Frenchmen," Louis replied.</p> - -<p>"Frenchmen! ah! a good brave nation! We had several French warriors in -the time of the great war."</p> - -<p>"What!" said Louis, with excited curiosity, "have French warriors fought -with you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," the chief remarked, proudly; "warriors with grey beards, and -breasts marked with honourable scars, which they received in the wars of -their island, when they fought under the orders of their great chief, -Zaléon."</p> - -<p>"Napoleon?" said Valentine, quite astonished.</p> - -<p>"Yes; I believe it is so the palefaces pronounce his name. Did my -brother know him?" the chief added, with ill-concealed curiosity.</p> - -<p>"No," replied the young man. "Although born in his reign, I was never -able to get sight of him, and he is now dead."</p> - -<p>"My brother is mistaken," said the Puelche, solemnly; "such warriors as -he do not die. When they have performed their task upon earth they go to -Paradise—to hunt with Pillian, the master of the world."</p> - -<p>The young men bowed, as if convinced.</p> - -<p>"It is very singular," said Louis, "that the reputation of that powerful -genius should have spread to the most remote and unknown regions of the -globe, and be preserved pure and brilliant among these rude men; whilst -in that France, for which he did everything men invariably seek to -lessen it, and even to destroy it."</p> - -<p>"Like all their compatriots, who, from time to time, traverse our -hunting grounds, our brothers have, doubtless, trading purposes in -coming among us. Where are your goods?" said the chief.</p> - -<p>"We are not traders," replied Valentine; "we came to visit our brothers, -the Araucanos, of whose wisdom and hospitality we have heard much."</p> - -<p>"The Moluchos love the French," the chief said, flattered by the -compliment; "my brothers will be well received in our villages."</p> - -<p>"To what tribe does my brother belong?" asked Valentine, inwardly -delighted at the good opinion the Indians entertained of his compatriots.</p> - -<p>"I am one of the principal Ulmens of the sacred tribe of the Great -Hare," the chief said, proudly.</p> - -<p>"Thank you—one word more."</p> - -<p>"Let my brother speak; my ears are open."</p> - -<p>"We are in search of a Molucho chief, to whom we have a message from a -friend of his, with whom he has had much dealing."</p> - -<p>"What is the chief's name?"</p> - -<p>"Antinahuel."</p> - -<p>"Good!"</p> - -<p>"Does my brother know him?"</p> - -<p>"I know him. If my brothers will follow me they shall see the toldo of -a chief in which they shall be received like pennis. When they have -rested, if they desire it, I will myself conduct them to Antinahuel, the -most powerful Toqui of the four Uthal-Mapus of the Araucano confederacy."</p> - -<p>"What province is governed by Antinahuel?"</p> - -<p>"The Piré-Mapus, that is to say, the interior of the Andes."</p> - -<p>"Thanks, brother."</p> - -<p>"Will my brothers accept the offer I have made them?"</p> - -<p>"Why should we not accept it, chief, if, as I believe, it is made in -earnest?"</p> - -<p>"Let my brothers come, then," the chief said, with a smile; "my toldería -is not far off."</p> - -<p>The breakfast was over, and the Indians were mounting.</p> - -<p>"We may as well go," said Valentine, in French. "This Indian appears to -speak cordially and honestly, and it will give us a capital opportunity -of studying interesting manners and customs. What do you think, -Louis?—It may prove very amusing."</p> - -<p>"Well, I see no harm that accepting the invitation can do."</p> - -<p>"God speed us, then!"</p> - -<p>And with a bound he was in his saddle, imitated by Louis.</p> - -<p>"Forward!" cried the chief, and the party set off at a gallop.</p> - -<p>"Well, it must be allowed," said Valentine, in his cheerful way, "that -these savages, if savages they are, have some redeeming qualities -belonging to them. I begin to take a warm interest in them. They are -true Scotch mountaineers for hospitality. I wonder what my regimental -comrades, and more particularly my old friends of the Boulevard du -Temple, would say if they could see me now! Houp! After me, the end of -the world!"</p> - -<p>Louis laughed at this outburst of the incorrigible <i>gamin</i>, and, without -further inquiries, the young men gaily abandoned themselves to the -guidance of their new friends, who, after leaving the banks of the -river, directed their course towards the mountains.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE BLACK JACKAL.</h3> - - -<p>In order to make the facts which follow intelligible, we are obliged -here to relate an adventure which happened more than twenty years before -the period at which our history commences.</p> - -<p>Towards the end of the month of December, 1816, on a cold, rainy night, -a traveller, mounted on an excellent horse, and carefully wrapped in -the folds of an ample cloak, was following at a round trot the road, -or rather the blind path, on the mountains which leads from Cruces to -San-José. This man was a rich landowner, who was making a journey into -Araucania, for the purpose of treating with the Indians for a large -number of cattle and sheep. Having left Cruces about two o'clock in the -afternoon, he had been delayed on his way by settling some business with -various <i>guasos</i>, and he was hastening to gain a hacienda he possessed -at some leagues from the spot where he then was, and where he reckoned -upon passing the night.</p> - -<p>The country at the time was not in a state of tranquillity. For several -days past the Puelches had appeared in arms upon the frontiers of Chili, -and made incursions into the territories of the republic, burning the -chacras, and carrying off the families they surprised. These marauders -were commanded by a chief named The Black Jackal, whose cruelty spread -terror among the people exposed to his depredations.</p> - -<p>It was, therefore, with some anxiety, mixed with secret apprehensions, -that the man we have spoken of made all speed along the desolate road -which led to his hacienda. Every minute only added to his fears. The -storm, which had threatened all day, burst forth at last with a fury -of which we have no conception in our climates. The wind roared loudly -through the trees, bending some, and uprooting others. The rain fell in -torrents, and the lightning became so vivid, that the horse began to -plunge and rear, and refused to advance. The rider spurred the restive -animal, and endeavoured, as well as the darkness would permit, to -discover whereabouts he was. After surmounting immense difficulties, he -saw at length, in the distance, the shadow of the walls of his hacienda, -and the lights which shone like guiding stars, when suddenly his horse -bounded on one side in such a way as almost to unseat him. When, with -much trouble, he had recovered his command of the animal, he looked -round to see what could have frightened it so, and perceived, with -terror equal to the horse's, several men of sinister appearance standing -motionless before him. The horseman's first movement was to seize his -pistols, in order to sell his life as dearly as he could, for he had no -doubt he had fallen into an ambuscade of bandits.</p> - -<p>"Keep your hands from your weapons, Don Antonio Quintana," said a rough -voice; "we desire neither your life nor your money."</p> - -<p>"What do you want then?" he replied, in a tone that showed he was a -little reassured by that frank declaration, though he still kept on the -defensive.</p> - -<p>"Hospitality for this night, in the first place," said the other.</p> - -<p>Don Antonio endeavoured to ascertain if he knew the man who was speaking -to him, but he could not distinguish his features through the darkness.</p> - -<p>"The doors of my dwelling always fly open to the stranger," he remarked; -"why have you not knocked at them?"</p> - -<p>"Knowing you must come this way, I preferred waiting for you."</p> - -<p>"What else do you desire of me, then?"</p> - -<p>"I will tell you under your own roof; the open road is a place ill -adapted for imparting confidence."</p> - -<p>"If you have nothing more to say to me now, and are as willing as I am -to get under shelter, we will continue our journey."</p> - -<p>"Go on, then; we will follow you."</p> - -<p>Without exchanging another word, they directed their course towards the -hacienda. Don Antonio Quintana was a resolute man, as the manner in -which he had replied to the men who had so rudely barred his passage -proved him. In spite of the fluency with which the one who had spoken -employed the Spanish language, he had, at the first word, by his -guttural accent, perceived he was an Indian; and with him fear had -immediately given way to curiosity, and he had not hesitated to grant -the hospitality asked, knowing that the Araucano, Puelches, Hueliches, -or Moluchos, never violate the roof under which they are welcomed, and -that the hosts who shelter them are held sacred.</p> - -<p>On arriving at the hacienda, Don Antonio found he was not mistaken; the -men who had accosted him in so strange a manner were really Indians. -There were four of them, and with them was a young woman with a child -at the breast. The hacendero welcomed them to his dwelling with all the -minute forms of Castilian courtesy, and gave orders to his peones or -Indian domestics, terrified at the savage appearance of the strangers, -to assist them with everything they might desire.</p> - -<p>"Eat and drink," he said, "you are at home, here."</p> - -<p>"Thanks!" replied the man, who had till that time been spokesman. "We -accept your offer with as good a will as you give it, as far as regards -food, of which we stand most in need."</p> - -<p>"Will you not rest till day?" asked Don Antonio; "the night is dark, and -the weather frightful for travelling."</p> - -<p>"A black night is what we desire; besides, we must depart immediately. -Now, allow me to put my second request to you."</p> - -<p>"Explain yourself," said the Spaniard, examining the speaker attentively.</p> - -<p>The latter was a tall, well-made man, of about forty; his -strongly-marked features and his commanding eye proclaimed that he was -accustomed to exercise authority.</p> - -<p>"It was I," he said, without preamble, "who directed the last invasion -made upon the palefaces of the frontiers. My mosotones were all killed -yesterday in an ambuscade by your lanceros; the three you see with me -are all that remain of a troop of two hundred warriors; the others are -dead. I myself am wounded, hunted, tracked like a wild beast; we are -without horses to rejoin our tribe, without weapons to defend ourselves -if we are attacked on the plain. I come to ask of you the means of -escape from our pursuers. I will neither deceive nor surprise your good -faith. I am bound to tell you the name of the man whose safety you hold -in your hands. I am the greatest enemy of the Spaniards; my life has -been passed in contending with them. In a word, I am The Black Jackal, -the Apo-Ulmen of the Black Serpents."</p> - -<p>On hearing this redoubtable name the Chilian could not suppress a start -of terror; but immediately recovering his self-possession, he replied in -a calm voice, and in a kind tone.</p> - -<p>"You are my guest, and you are unfortunate, two titles sacred with me. I -desire to know nothing more; you shall have horses and arms."</p> - -<p>A smile of ineffable sweetness lit up the countenance of the Indian.</p> - -<p>"One last prayer," he said.</p> - -<p>"Speak."</p> - -<p>The chief took by the hand the young Indian squaw, who had remained -cowering and weeping in a corner, rocking her child in her arms, and -presented her to Don Antonio.</p> - -<p>"This woman belongs to me; this child is mine," he said, "and I confide -them both to you."</p> - -<p>"I will take charge of them; the woman shall be my sister, the child my -son," the hacendero replied kindly, and after the Indian fashion.</p> - -<p>"The Apo-Ulmen will remember!" said the Puelche chief, in a voice -trembling with emotion.</p> - -<p>He imprinted a kiss upon the brow of the poor little creature, who -smiled upon him, cast upon the woman a look beaming with tenderness, -and rushed out of the house, followed by his companions. Don Antonio -supplied them with arms and horses, and the four Indians disappeared in -the darkness.</p> - -<p>Many years passed away ere Don Antonio heard anything of the Black -Jackal; the woman and the child remained at the hacienda, and were -treated as if they had been members of the Chilian's family. The -hacendero had been married; but, unfortunately, after a year, which -promised to be the commencement of a long and happy union, the wife died -when giving birth to a beautiful little girl, whom her father named -Maria. The two children grew up together, watched over by the anxious -solicitude of the Indian woman, loving each other like brother and -sister.</p> - -<p>At length, one day, a numerous troop of Puelches, magnificently equipped -and mounted, arrived at Rio-Claro, the town in which Don Antonio -resided. The chief of these Indians was the Black Jackal, who came to -redemand his wife and son of him to whom he had intrusted them. The -interview was very affecting. The chief forgot his Indian stoicism; he -gave himself up to the feelings which agitated him, and enjoyed the -happiness of finding again, after such a length of time, the two beings -he held dearest in the world. When it became necessary to depart, and -the children learnt they were to be separated, they shed abundance of -tears. They had been accustomed from their infancy to live together, and -they could not comprehend why they were not to continue to do so.</p> - -<p>Don Antonio had extended his traffic over different parts of the -frontiers; he possessed chacras, in which the breeding of cattle -was carried on upon a vast scale. The Black Jackal, who had sworn -a perpetual friendship, became of great use to him in his business -transactions; he often put him in the way of making excellent bargains -with his compatriots, and, what was still more serviceable, protected -his property from the depredations of plunderers. Every year Don Antonio -visited all his chacras in Araucania, and passed a couple of months -among the tribe of the Black Serpents, with his friend, the Black -Jackal. His daughter accompanied him in all these journeys, on account -of the friendship that existed between the children. Things went on thus -for many years.</p> - -<p>At the period when our history commences, the Black Jackal was dead: -he had fallen, like a brave warrior, with his weapons in his hand, in -a combat on the frontier; his son, Antinahuel, now about thirty-five -years of age, who promised to tread in his footsteps, had been elected -Apo-Ulmen in his place, and afterwards Toqui of his Uthal-Mapus or -province, which made him one of the principal men of Araucania. Don -Antonio had likewise died, shortly after the marriage of his daughter, -Doña Maria, with Don Tadeo de Leon, brought to an untimely grave by his -grief at her misconduct, which had produced terrible scandal in the -upper classes of Santiago.</p> - -<p>Doña Maria for some years past had only seen Antinahuel at long -intervals; but between them their friendship remained as warm as in -the days of their childhood; and, on the part of the Indian warrior, -it was carried so far that he obeyed the least caprice of the young -woman as an imperative duty. Great, then, was the astonishment of the -warriors of the tribe of the Black Serpents, when, in the evening of -the day on which we have resumed our story, they saw Doña Maria arrive -on horseback, accompanied only by two peons, at their toldería, and go -straight towards the rancho of the Toqui. On perceiving her, the usually -gloomy face of the chief was suddenly lighted up with an expression of -gladness.</p> - -<p>"Eglantine of the Woods!" he cried, in a joyous tone, "does my sister -then still remember the poor Indian?"</p> - -<p>"I have come to visit the toldo of my brother," she said, turning her -brow towards him, upon which he impressed a kiss; "my heart is sad, -grief devours me—and I have remembered my brother."</p> - -<p>The chief cast a look upon her of anxiety, mingled with sorrow.</p> - -<p>"Although it be to trouble that I owe the visit of my sister, I am, -nevertheless, rejoiced to see her."</p> - -<p>"Yes," she resumed, "when we are in trouble we think of our friends."</p> - -<p>"My sister has done well in thinking of me; what can I do for her?"</p> - -<p>"My brother can render me a great service."</p> - -<p>"My life is my sister's; she knows she can dispose of it at her -pleasure."</p> - -<p>"Thank you! I was certain I could depend upon my brother."</p> - -<p>"Everywhere, and at all times."</p> - -<p>After bowing respectfully to Doña Maria, he led her into his rancho, -where his mother had prepared everything worthy of the visit of one whom -for so many years she had loved as a daughter.</p> - - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX.</a></h4> - -<h3>TWO OLD FRIENDS.</h3> - - -<p>Antinahuel—the Tiger Sun—was at this time a man of about thirty-five -years of age. In stature he was tall, and in his carriage majestic; -everything in his person announced a man accustomed to command, and made -to rule over his fellows. As a warrior, his reputation was immense, -and his mosotones held him in superstitious veneration. Such was, -physically, the man whom Doña Maria de Leon came to visit; what he was, -morally, we shall soon see.</p> - -<p>The cloth was laid in the toldo,—we make use of the expression, the -cloth was laid, advisedly, because the Araucano chiefs are perfectly -well acquainted with European customs, and almost all possess dishes, -plates, and silver spoons and forks. It is true, they only make use of -these upon great occasions, and for the purpose of display; for, as -to themselves, they carry frugality and plainness to an excess, and -when they are alone with their families, are content to eat with their -fingers.</p> - -<p>Doña Maria seated herself at the table, and made a sign to Antinahuel, -who stood respectfully beside her, to keep her company, and to take his -place opposite to her. It was clear to the Indian chief that his sister, -as he called her, who for some years had completely neglected him, must -have been induced by some powerful interest to seek him thus in his -remote village. But what could the interest be which led a delicate -woman, accustomed to all the luxurious comforts of life, to undertake a -long and perilous journey in order to come and talk with an Indian in a -miserable toldería, hidden in the midst of the desert?</p> - -<p>On her side, the young woman was a prey to still greater uneasiness, -for she was anxious to discover whether, in spite of her neglect of the -chief, she had preserved the boundless power she had formerly exercised -over that Indian nature, which civilization had softened rather than -subdued; she feared lest the long forgetfulness in which she had left -him had made her lose her prestige in his eyes, and that coolness and -indifference might have succeeded to the warm friendship of early days.</p> - -<p>When the repast was ended, a peon brought in the <i>maté</i><a name="FNanchor_1_4" id="FNanchor_1_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_4" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> the infusion -of the Paraguay herb which, with the Chilians, takes the place of tea, -and of which they are very fond. Two chased cups, placed upon a filagree -salver, were presented to Doña Maria and the chief; they lit their maize -<i>pajillos</i>, and smoked, whilst sipping their <i>maté</i>, reflectively. After -a few minutes' silence, which was beginning to be embarrassing to both, -Doña Maria, who perceived that Antinahuel was resolved to act on the -defensive, determined to open the attack.</p> - -<p>"My brother," she said, with a smile, "is surprised at my sudden arrival -at his toldería."</p> - -<p>"It is true; the Eglantine of the Woods has appeared unexpectedly -amongst us, but she is not the less welcome on that account."</p> - -<p>And he bowed.</p> - -<p>"I am glad to observe that my brother is as gallant as ever."</p> - -<p>"No; I love my sister, and I am happy to see her, after being so long -deprived of her presence."</p> - -<p>"I know your friendship for me, Penni; our childhood was passed -together, but it is a long time since that time. You are now one of the -caraskens, whilst I am only, as formerly, a poor woman."</p> - -<p>"The Eglantine of the Woods is my sister, her least wishes shall always -be sacred with me."</p> - -<p>"Thanks, Penni! But let us drop this conversation, and talk of our early -years, which, alas! so quickly glided away."</p> - -<p>"Yesterday exists no longer," he said, sententiously.</p> - -<p>"That's true," she replied, with a sigh; "why, indeed, should we talk of -times that can never come back?"</p> - -<p>"Does my sister intend to return to Chili?"</p> - -<p>"No; I have left Santiago for a time; I intend, for a season, to take up -my abode in Valdivia; I left my friends to continue their route, whilst -I came on to pay my respects to my brother."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I know that the man whom the palefaces call General Bustamente, -though scarcely cured of a dangerous wound, set off, a month ago, to -visit the province of Valdivia, I, myself, intend shortly to visit that -city."</p> - -<p>"There are many palefaces from the South there at present."</p> - -<p>"Among these strangers are there any that I know?"</p> - -<p>"Good heavens! how can I tell? Yes, there is one, Don Tadeo, my husband."</p> - -<p>Antinahuel raised his head in astonishment.</p> - -<p>"I thought he had been shot!" he said.</p> - -<p>"He was."</p> - -<p>"Well?"</p> - -<p>"He escaped death, though grievously wounded."</p> - -<p>The artful woman endeavoured to read what impression the news she had so -coolly imparted made upon the stoical face of the Indian.</p> - -<p>"Listen to me, my sister," he resumed, after a minute's pause; "Don -Tadeo is still your enemy, is he not?"</p> - -<p>"More so than ever."</p> - -<p>"Good!"</p> - -<p>"Not content with having basely abandoned me, and having torn from me -my child, the innocent creature who alone consoled me and enabled me to -support the sorrows with which he has overwhelmed me, he has crowned -his insults by publicly paying his addresses to another woman, whom he -takes with him everywhere, and who is at this moment his companion at -Valdivia."</p> - -<p>"Hum!" the chief said, carelessly.</p> - -<p>Accustomed to Araucanian manners, which permit every man to take as many -wives as he can support, he found the action of Don Tadeo perfectly -natural. This did not escape Doña Maria: an ironical smile curled for -a second the corners of her lips, and she continued, negligently, but -looking earnestly in the face of the chief—</p> - -<p>"Yes, the woman is called, as I hear, Doña Rosario de Mendoz; and is, -they say, a beautiful creature!"</p> - -<p>That name, pronounced with such apparent indifference, produced the -effect of a clap of thunder upon the chief; he sprang up, his face -inflamed, and his eyes sparkling.</p> - -<p>"Rosario de Mendoz, did you say, my sister?" he shouted.</p> - -<p>"Good heavens! I hardly know," she replied. "I have only heard her -name—I believe that may be it—but," she added, "what interest can my -brother take in it?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! none," he said, as he quietly resumed his seat. "Why does not my -sister avenge herself upon the man who has abandoned her?"</p> - -<p>"To what purpose? and, besides, what vengeance can I hope for? I am but -a weak and timid woman, without friends, without support; in short, -alone."</p> - -<p>"And I?" said the chief; "what am I, then?"</p> - -<p>"Oh!" she replied, warmly; "I would not on any account that my brother -should constitute himself the avenger of an insult which is personal to -myself."</p> - -<p>"My sister is mistaken; in attacking this man I avenge my own insult."</p> - -<p>"My brother must explain himself—I do not understand him."</p> - -<p>"That is what I am going to do."</p> - -<p>"I am all attention."</p> - -<p>At this moment Antinahuel's mother entered the toldo, and, approaching -the chief, said in a humble, but sad tone,—</p> - -<p>"My son is wrong in thus recalling old remembrances, and opening ancient -wounds again."</p> - -<p>"Woman!" the Indian replied, "Retire! I am a warrior! My father left me -a vengeance. I have sworn, and I will accomplish my oath!"</p> - -<p>The poor mother left the toldo with a sigh. The Linda, whose curiosity -was excited to the highest degree, awaited impatiently the chief's -explanation. Without, the rain fell pattering upon the leaves of the -trees; at intervals a blast of night wind, loaded with uncertain sounds, -came whistling through the ill-joined boards of the toldo, and caused -the flame of the torch which lighted it to waver unsteadily. The two -speakers, though absorbed in their own reflections, involuntarily lent -an ear to these nameless sounds, and felt a depression of spirits they -could not account for. The chief raised his head, and inhaling, one -after another, several mouthfuls of smoke from his pajillo, which he -puffed out brusquely, commenced in a low voice,—</p> - -<p>"Although my sister is almost a child of the nation, as my mother nursed -her, she has never been made acquainted with the history of my family. -The history I am about to relate will reveal to her that I have against -Don Tadeo de Leon an old hatred, ever kept alive; and which, if I have -to the present moment appeared to allow to slumber, it has been because -that man was the husband of my sister: the conduct of Don Tadeo towards -my sister frees me from the promise I had made myself, and leaves me -liberty of action."</p> - -<p>Doña Maria bowed assentingly.</p> - -<p>"When the vile Spaniards," he continued, "conquered Chili, and reduced -its cowardly inhabitants to slavery, they dreamt of subjugating -Araucania in its turn, and marched against the Aucas, whose frontiers -they violated. My sister sees that I take up my recital from the -beginning. The Toqui Cadegual was one of the first to convoke a grand -council of the nation, on the plain of the Carampangue. Named Toqui, one -of the four Uthal-Mapus, he gave battle to the palefaces. The conflict -was terrible! It lasted from the rising to the setting of the sun. Many -Molucho warriors departed for the happy prairies of the Eskennane, but -Pillian did not abandon the Aucas; they were conquerors, and the Chiaplo -fled like timid hares before the terrible lances of our warriors. -Numbers of palefaces fell into our hands; among them was a powerful -chief, named Don Estevan de Leon. The Toqui Cadegual might have employed -his rights, and have killed him, but he did nothing of the kind: so far -from it, he led him to his toldo, and treated him with kindness, as a -brother. But when did Spaniards ever show themselves grateful for a -kindness? Don Estevan, forgetful of the sacred duties of hospitality, -seduced the daughter of the man to whom he owed his life, and, one -day, disappeared with her. The grief of the Toqui was immense at this -unworthy and disloyal treachery. He swore to wage from that time a -pitiless war against the palefaces, and he kept his oath: all Spaniards -taken by them, whatever their age or sex, were massacred. These terrible -reprisals were just, were they not?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said the Linda laconically.</p> - -<p>"One day, Cadegual, surprised by his ferocious enemies, fell, covered -with wounds, into their hands, after a heroic resistance, during which -all his brave Mosotones had allowed themselves to be killed by his side. -In his turn, as it happened, Cadegual was in the power of Don Estevan de -Leon. The Spanish chief recollected the man who had, years before, saved -his life. He was merciful. After cutting off the hands, and scooping out -the eyes of his prisoner, he restored to him his daughter, of whom he -was tired, and sent him back to his nation. The Toqui was led back by -his child, whom he pardoned. When he joined his tribe, Cadegual called -together his relations, related to them what he had suffered, showed -them his bleeding and mutilated arms, and, after having made his sons -and all his relations swear to avenge him, he allowed himself to die of -hunger, that he might not survive his shame."</p> - -<p>"Oh, that is frightful!" Doña Maria cried, affected, in spite of herself.</p> - -<p>"That is nothing yet!" the chief resumed, with a bitter smile; "let -my sister listen to the sequel. From that time, an implacable destiny -has always hung over the two families, and continually brought the -descendants of the Toqui Cadegual in contact with those of Captain -Don Estevan de Leon. During three centuries, this ardent, inveterate -struggle has lasted between the two families, and will never terminate -but by the extinction of one, or perhaps both of them. Up to the present -time, the advantage has almost always been on the side of the Leons; -the sons of the Toqui have very often been conquered, but they have -always remained firm and implacable, ready to re-commence the combat at -the first signal. At the present day, the family of Don Estevan has but -one representative, Don Tadeo—a representative formidable through his -courage, his fortune, and the immense influence, he exercises over his -compatriots. He, personally, has never injured the Aucas; he seems even -to be ignorant of the inveterate hatred which exists between his family -and that of the Toqui; but the descendants of Cadegual do not forget -it: they are strong, numerous, and powerful in their turn; the hour -of vengeance has struck, they will not let it escape! My sister," he -continued, in a voice almost rising to a shout; "my sister, my ancestor -was the Toqui Cadegual, and I thank you for having warned me that not -only my enemy is not dead, but that he is within my reach!"</p> - -<p>"Your mother asked you properly, Penni, why should you revive old -hatreds? Peace now reigns between the Chilians and the Aucas: let -my brother beware; the whites are numerous; they have many warlike, -disciplined soldiers."</p> - -<p>"Oh," he replied, with a sinister look; "I am sure of succeeding, for I -have my nymph."</p> - -<p>Indians of high rank all entertain a firm belief that they have a -familiar genius, who is bound to obey them.</p> - -<p>Doña Maria feigned to yield to this reason; she had succeeded in putting -the hunter upon the scent of the game she wished to destroy, and it was -of very little importance to her what motive made him obey her. She knew -perfectly well that the hatred alleged by the chief was nothing but a -pretext, and that the real cause remained hidden in the depths of his -heart. Although she had a clear idea of what it was, she affected not to -have the least suspicion of it.</p> - -<p>She continued talking with Antinahuel for some time longer about -indifferent subjects, and then retired to a chamber which had been -prepared for her. It was late, and she wished to set out for Valdivia at -daybreak. She was sufficiently well acquainted with the companion of her -childhood to know that, now the tiger was roused, it would not be long -before he started in quest of the prey which she had marked down for him.</p> - -<p>As for the Toqui, the whole night passed away without his thinking of -taking a moment's repose; he remained plunged in profound and agitating -reflections.</p> - - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_4" id="Footnote_1_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_4"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> The Chilians borrowed the mate from the Araucanos, who -think it a great delicacy, and have a particular talent for making it. -This is the manner in which they prepare it:—They put into a coffee -cup a spoonful of the Paraguay herb, to which they add a lump of sugar, -which they leave upon the fire till it is a little burnt; they squeeze a -few drops of lemon juice into it, with some cinnamon and a clove; they -then fill the cup up with boiling water. The maté being now ready, they -introduce a silver tube of the thickness of a quill, pierced with small -holes at its lower end, by means of which the maté is drawn up,—at -the risk, be it remembered, of horribly scalding the mouth, as always -happens to strangers when they first partake of the luxury, to the great -amusement of the Chilians. Drinking maté is so common in Chili, as to -be what coffee is in the East; it is taken after every repast, and -presented to every visitor. In ceremonial parties, a single tube serves -for all the persons assembled.</p></div> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE SORCERER.</h3> - - -<p>On the same day, a toldería, situated at some miles from Orano, on the -banks of the Carampangue, was a scene of the greatest commotion. The -women and warriors assembled in front of a toldo, on the threshold of -which was exposed a corpse, lying as it were in state, upon a bed of -branches, were uttering cries and groans, which were mingled with the -deafening sound of drums and flutes in most dismal discord, and the -continuous howling of dogs, whom all this din rendered furious. In the -middle of the crowd, by the side of the body, stood a man advanced -in years, tall in stature, and clothed in the costume of a woman, -who appeared to direct the ceremony, making extraordinary gestures -and contortions, accompanied by scarcely human yells. This man, of a -ferocious aspect, was the machi, or sorcerer of the tribe; the motions -he affected, the cries he uttered, were intended to protect the body -against the attacks of the evil genius, supposed to be eager to get -possession of it. At a sign from him the music and groans ceased; the -evil genius, conquered by the power of the machi, had given up the -contest, after a sharp struggle, and abandoned the body which it was -beyond his power to obtain. The sorcerer then turned towards a man of -lofty stature and commanding countenance, who stood near him leaning -upon a long lance.</p> - -<p>"Ulmen of the powerful tribe of the Great Hare," he said, in a -sepulchral tone, "thy father, the valiant Ulmen, who has been ravished -from us by Pillian, is no longer in dread of the influence of the -evil genius, whom I have forced to depart; he now hunts in the happy -prairies of the Eskennane with the just warriors: all the rites are -accomplished—the hour for surrendering his body to the earth has -arrived!"</p> - -<p>"Stop!" the chief replied, warmly; "my father is dead, but who has -killed him? A warrior does not succumb thus, in a few hours, unless some -secret influence has weighed upon him, and dried up the springs of life -in his heart. Answer me, O machi, inspired by Pillian! Tell me the name -of the assassin! My heart is sad, and can only be comforted by avenging -my father."</p> - -<p>At these words, pronounced in a firm voice, a shudder crept through the -ranks of the people assembled in a group round the body. The machi, -after having looked searchingly round, cast down his eyes, crossed his -arms upon his breast, and appeared to reflect.</p> - -<p>The Araucanos only think one sort of death possible—that on the field -of battle; they do not suppose any one can lose his life by either -accident or disease; in these two cases they always attribute death to -the action of an occult power, and are persuaded that some enemy of -the defunct has cast the charm upon him that has killed him. In this -persuasion, at the period of the funeral ceremonies, the relations and -friends of the dead person call upon the machi to denounce the assassin -to them. The machi is obliged to point him out; it would be in vain -for him to endeavour to make them comprehend that the death of their -relation is natural, for their fury would be immediately turned against -him, and he would become their victim.</p> - -<p>In this hard alternative, the machi takes good care not to hesitate; the -murderer is the more easily pointed out through his non-existence, and -from the sorcerer being in no danger of being suspected of deception. -Generally, in order to make his own interests agree with those of the -relations who claim a victim, he gives up one of his own personal -enemies to their vengeance; when—but that is rare—the machi has no -enemies, he fixes upon someone at hazard. The pretended murderer, in -spite of his protestations of innocence, is immolated without mercy.</p> - -<p>It may be easily understood how perilous such a custom is, and what -an influence it gives the sorcerer in the tribe; an influence we are -obliged to admit which he abuses under all circumstances, without the -least scruple.</p> - -<p>Fresh personages, among whom were Valentine and his friend, had arrived -at the village, and, attracted by curiosity, mingled with the crowd -collected round the body. The two Frenchmen could not comprehend -anything of this scene till their guide had briefly explained it to -them; then they followed the different phases of it with great interest.</p> - -<p>"Speak!" said the Ulmen, after a short pause. "Does not my father know -the name of the man of whom we must demand an account of this murder?"</p> - -<p>"I know him," the sorcerer replied, in a solemn tone.</p> - -<p>"Why, then, does the inspired machi preserve silence, when the dead body -cries for vengeance?"</p> - -<p>"Because," the machi said, looking this time the newly-arrived chief -full in the face, "there are powerful men who laugh at human justice."</p> - -<p>The eyes of the crowd turned to the man whom the sorcerer appeared -indirectly to point out.</p> - -<p>"The guilty man," the Ulmen cried, in a loud voice, "whatever be his -rank in the tribe, shall not escape my just vengeance; speak without -fear, priest of fate! I swear that the man whose name passes your lips -shall die!"</p> - -<p>The machi drew himself up majestically; he raised his arm slowly, and, -amidst the general anxious curiosity, he, with his finger, pointed to -the chief who had offered such cordial hospitality to the strangers, -saying, in a loud, ringing voice—</p> - -<p>"Accomplish your oath, then, Ulmen—that is the assassin of your father, -Trangoil-Lanec cast the charm upon him which has killed him!"</p> - -<p>And the machi veiled his face with the corner of his poncho, as if -overwhelmed with grief at making the revelation.</p> - -<p>The sorcerer's terrible words were succeeded by the silence of -astonishment. Trangoil-Lanec was the last man in the tribe who would -have been suspected. He was beloved and venerated by all for his -courage, frankness, and generosity. The first sensation of surprise -over, a general movement took place in the crowd; all drew back from -the supposed murderer, leaving him face to face with the chief of whose -death he was accused. Trangoil-Lanec remained impassive, a smile of -disdain passed over his lips, he dismounted from his horse, and waited.</p> - -<p>The Ulmen walked slowly towards him, and when within a few paces, asked, -in a sorrowful voice—</p> - -<p>"Why didst thou kill my father, Trangoil-Lanec? He loved thee, and I, -was not I thy Penni?"</p> - -<p>"I have not killed thy father, Curumilla," the chief replied, with a -tone of frankness that would have convinced a man less prejudiced than -the one he addressed.</p> - -<p>"The machi has said so."</p> - -<p>"The machi lies."</p> - -<p>"No, the machi cannot lie—he is inspired by Pillian; thou, thy wife, -and thy children must die; the law decrees that it shall be so."</p> - -<p>Without deigning to reply, the chief threw down his arms, and went -and placed himself beside the stake of blood, planted in front of the -medicine toldo, which contains the sacred idol. A circle was formed, of -which the stake formed the centre; the wife and children of the chief -were brought up, and were prepared immediately for the sacrifice; for -the funeral ceremony of the chief could not be completed before the -execution of his murderer. The machi was triumphant. One man alone in -the tribe had ventured to hold up his hand against his robberies and -rogueries, and that man was about to die and leave him absolute master. -Upon a sign from Curumilla, two Indians seized the chief, and, in spite -of the tears and sobs of his wives and children, they prepared to fasten -him to the stake.</p> - -<p>The two Frenchmen had anxiously watched the spectacle of this infamous -drama; Louis was disgusted with the rascality of the machi and the -credulity of the Indians.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" he said, to his friend, "we cannot allow this murder to be -accomplished."</p> - -<p>"Hum!" muttered Valentine, stroking the ends of his light moustache, and -casting a glance around him, "hum! there is a great number of them."</p> - -<p>"What matters it how many?" Louis replied, impetuously; "I will not -be the witness of such iniquity, if I die for it. I will attempt to -save the life of that unfortunate man, who so frankly offered us his -friendship."</p> - -<p>"The fact is," Valentine said, pensively, "this Trangoil-Lanec, as they -call him, is a very worthy fellow, for whom I feel a warm sympathy; but -what can we do?"</p> - -<p>"Pardieu!" Louis said, seizing his pistols, "throw ourselves between him -and his enemies; we can each of us kill five or six."</p> - -<p>"Yes, and the others will kill us, without our having succeeded in -saving the man for whom we devote ourselves. A bad means that! Let us -try to find some other."</p> - -<p>"We must be quick, then; the torture is about to commence."</p> - -<p>Valentine struck his forehead, and cried, with a jeering laugh—</p> - -<p>"Bah! I have it! Trick must serve our turn—leave it to me; my old trade -of a mountebank will do! Help me, if I want it; but, for heaven's sake, -swear to remain calm!"</p> - -<p>"I swear I will, if you save him."</p> - -<p>"Be satisfied—against rogue I'll play rogue and a half; these savages -shall see I can be more cunning than they."</p> - -<p>Valentine urged his horse into the middle of the circle, and shouted—</p> - -<p>"Stop a minute!"</p> - -<p>At the unexpected appearance of this man, whom nobody had yet observed, -all turned round and looked at him with astonishment. Louis, with his -hands on his pistols, watched his movements with anxiety, ready to fly -to his succour, if he needed it.</p> - -<p>"We will not joke," continued Valentine, "we have not time for that. -You are a set of fools, and your machi is laughing at you. What! would -you kill a man without a moment's reflection, because a rogue bids you -do so? Caramba! I have taken it into my head to prevent your committing -such a folly—I will do it, too!"</p> - -<p>And placing his hand upon his hip, he looked round with an intrepid -glance. The Indians, according to their strange custom, listened to -this speech without evincing surprise, even by a gesture. Curumilla -approached him.</p> - -<p>"My pale brother must retire," he said, calmly; "he is unacquainted with -the laws of the Puelches; this man is condemned, he must die; the machi -has pointed him out as a murderer."</p> - -<p>"I repeat to you, you are fools!" said Valentine shrugging his -shoulders; "your machi is no more a conjurer than I am; I again tell -you, he is cheating you, and I will prove it, if you will let me."</p> - -<p>"What says my father?" said Curumilla to the machi, who stood cold and -motionless by the side of the body.</p> - -<p>The machi smiled disdainfully.</p> - -<p>"When did the white man ever speak truth?" he replied, with a sneer. -"Let this one prove what he asserts, if he is able."</p> - -<p>"Good!" the Ulmen said; "the Murucho may speak."</p> - -<p>"Pardieu!" cried Valentine. "Notwithstanding the bold-faced assurance of -this individual, I shall find it no difficult matter to prove that he is -an impostor."</p> - -<p>"We are attentive," said Curumilla.</p> - -<p>The Indians drew round with intense curiosity. Louis could not at all -make out what his friend proposed to do. He could only suppose that some -extravagant idea had crossed his brain, and was as impatient as the rest -to see how he would come through his dangerous undertaking with honour.</p> - -<p>"One moment!" said the machi, with perfect assurance. "What will my -brothers do if I prove my accusation true?"</p> - -<p>"The stranger must die," said Curumilla, coolly.</p> - -<p>"I accept the terms," Valentine replied, resolutely. Placed thus in the -necessity of explaining himself, the Frenchman drew himself up to his -full height, and, knitting his brows, exclaimed pompously—</p> - -<p>"I, too, am a great medicine man!"</p> - -<p>The Indians bowed reverentially. The science of Europeans is perfectly -established among them; they respect without disputing it.</p> - -<p>"It was not Trangoil-Lanec," continued the Frenchman, with the greatest -audacity, "who killed the chief; it was the machi himself."</p> - -<p>A start of astonishment pervaded the assembly.</p> - -<p>"I!" cried the machi, in a voice of amazement.</p> - -<p>"You, yourself, and you know it well," replied Valentine, giving him a -look that made him tremble.</p> - -<p>"Stranger," said Trangoil-Lanec, with the majesty of a martyr, "it is -no use to interpose in my favour; my brothers believe me guilty, and -innocent though I am, I must die."</p> - -<p>"Your devotion to your laws is noble, but in this case it is absurd," -Valentine replied.</p> - -<p>"This man is guilty," the machi persisted.</p> - -<p>"Let us put an end to this, then," replied Trangoil-Lanec; "kill me!"</p> - -<p>"What say my brothers?" Curumilla asked of the crowd, who pressed -anxiously around him.</p> - -<p>"That the Murucho medicine-man be allowed to prove the truth of his -words," replied the warriors with one voice.</p> - -<p>They loved Trangoil-Lanec, and in their hearts desired that he should -not die. On the other hand, they entertained for the machi a hatred -which the profound terror he inspired them with scarcely sufficed to -make them conceal.</p> - -<p>"Very well," said Valentine, "this is what I propose."</p> - -<p>All were silent as the grave. The Frenchman drew his sword, and waved -the bright blade before the eyes of the spectators.</p> - -<p>"You see this weapon," said he, in a pompous tone; "I will put it into -my mouth, and swallow it up to the hilt. If Trangoil-Lanec is guilty, I -shall die; if he is innocent, as I affirm, Pillian will help me, and I -shall draw forth the sword from my body without suffering a wound."</p> - -<p>"My brother speaks like a courageous warrior," said Curumilla; "we are -ready to behold."</p> - -<p>"I will not suffer it!" Trangoil-Lanec shouted. "Does my brother want to -kill himself?"</p> - -<p>"Pillian is judge!" Valentine replied, with a smile of strange -expression, and with an air of conviction admirably well played.</p> - -<p>The two Frenchmen exchanged a glance. The Indians are perfect children -in their love of spectacle, and the extraordinary proposal of the -Parisian seemed to them to admit of no reply.</p> - -<p>"The trial! the trial!" they shouted.</p> - -<p>"Very well," said Valentine; "let my brothers behold, then."</p> - -<p>He first placed himself in the proper position adopted by jugglers when -they exhibit this feat in public places; then introducing the blade of -the sword into his mouth, in a few seconds the whole of it disappeared. -During the performance of this trick, which in their eyes was a -miracle, the Puelches watched the bold Frenchman in breathless terror. -They could not comprehend how a man could perform such an operation -without deliberately killing himself. Valentine turned on all sides, -so that everyone might be convinced of the reality of the fact; then -he deliberately withdrew the blade from his mouth, as bright as when -it came from the sheath. A cry of enthusiasm burst from the crowd: the -miracle was evident.</p> - -<p>"One minute more," he said; "I have still something to demand of you."</p> - -<p>Silence was in an instant re-established.</p> - -<p>"I have proved to you, in an incontrovertible manner, that the chief is -not guilty—have I not?"</p> - -<p>"Yes! yes!" they shouted simultaneously; "the paleface is a great -medicine man! he is beloved by Pillian!"</p> - -<p>"Very well. Now, then," he added, with a sardonic smile directed towards -the machi, "your machi should prove in his turn that I have calumniated -him, and that it was not he who killed the Apo-Ulmen of your tribe. The -dead chief was a great warrior; it ought to be avenged."</p> - -<p>"Yes," the warriors cried, "he ought to be avenged."</p> - -<p>"My brother speaks well," observed Curumilla; "let the machi be put to -the proof."</p> - -<p>The unfortunate machi perceived at once that he was lost. He became -livid, and a cold perspiration bathed his temples, whilst a convulsive -tremor shook his limbs.</p> - -<p>"This man is an impostor," he muttered, in a voice scarcely audible; "he -abuses your good faith."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps I am," said Valentine; "but, in the meantime, imitate me."</p> - -<p>"Here," said Curumilla, holding out the sword to the machi, "if you are -innocent, Pillian will protect you, as he has protected my brother."</p> - -<p>"Caramba! that is certain; Pillian always protects the innocent, and you -are about to be a proof of it," said the Parisian, in whom the revived -spirit of the <i>gamin</i> was now triumphant.</p> - -<p>The machi cast around a look of despair; all eyes were expressive of -impatience and curiosity; the unhappy wretch perceived but too plainly -that he could look for help to nobody, and he formed his resolution -instantly—he determined to die as he had lived, deceiving the crowd to -the last minute.</p> - -<p>"I fear nothing," he said, in a firm voice; "this steel will be harmless -to me. You desire that I should go through the trial—I will obey. But, -beware! Pillian is angry with your conduct towards me; the humiliation -you impose upon me will be avenged by the terrible scourges which he -will inflict upon you."</p> - -<p>At these words of their prophet the Puelches were moved. They hesitated. -For many long years they had been accustomed to place entire faith in -his predictions, and they experienced a kind of fear in thus daring to -accuse him of imposture. Valentine saw at a glance what was passing in -their hearts.</p> - -<p>"Capitally well played," he said, replying by a knowing wink to the -triumphant smile of the machi; "now it is my turn. Let my brothers take -heart!" he added, in a loud, firm voice. "No misfortune threatens them; -this man speaks thus because he is afraid to die; he knows he is guilty, -and that Pillian will not protect him."</p> - -<p>The machi darted a glance at him gleaming with hatred, seized the -sword, and, imitating as well as he knew how what he had seen, with -desperate quickness plunged the blade down his throat. A stream of black -blood sprang from his mouth, his eyes glared hideously, his arms shook -convulsively, he staggered two steps forward, and fell flat upon his -face. The people crowded round him—he was dead.</p> - -<p>"Let this lying dog be thrown to the vultures," said Curumilla, kicking -the lifeless body with contempt.</p> - -<p>"We are brothers for life and death," cried Trangoil-Lanec, embracing -Valentine.</p> - -<p>"Well," the young man said with a smile, to his friend, "I think I -have not got very badly through that affair—eh? You see, it is well, -sometimes, to have practised many trades; even that of a mountebank may -serve at need."</p> - -<p>"Do not calumniate your heart and courage," Louis replied, warmly -pressing his hand; "you have; saved the life of a man."</p> - -<p>"Aye; but I have killed another."</p> - -<p>"Oh, he was a guilty wretch!"</p> - - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE OBSEQUIES OF AN APO-ULMEN.</h3> - - -<p>The emotion caused by the death of the machi gradually died away, and -order was re-established. Curumilla and Trangoil-Lanec, abjuring any -feeling of enmity, exchanged a fraternal embrace, amidst the frantic -applause of the warriors, who loved both the chiefs.</p> - -<p>"Now my father is avenged, we can restore his body to the earth," -Curumilla observed. Then, advancing towards the strangers, he bowed to -them, saying—</p> - -<p>"Will the palefaces assist at the obsequies?"</p> - -<p>"We will," Louis replied.</p> - -<p>"My toldo is large," the chief continued; "my brothers will do me honour -by consenting to inhabit it during their sojourn with the tribe."</p> - -<p>Louis was about to reply, but Trangoil-Lanec hastily prevented him.</p> - -<p>"My brothers the palefaces," he said, "have deigned to accept my poor -hospitality."</p> - -<p>The young men bowed in silence.</p> - -<p>"Good!" the Ulmen continued. "Of what consequence is that? Whichever be -the toldo the Muruches may choose, I shall consider them as my guests."</p> - -<p>"Many thanks, chief," Valentine replied; "be assured that we are -grateful for your kindness."</p> - -<p>The Ulmen then took leave of the Frenchmen, and resumed his place by the -side of his father's corpse, and the ceremonies commenced. The Araucanos -are not, as some travellers have led us to believe, a people destitute -of any faith; on the contrary, their faith is warm, and their religion -rests upon bases which are not deficient in grandeur. They have no -dogma, and yet they recognize two principles—that of good and that of -evil.</p> - -<p>The first, named Pillian, is the Creating God; the second, named -Guécubu, is the Destroying God. Guécubu is in a state of continual -struggle with Pillian, endeavouring to disturb the harmony of the world, -and destroy what exists; by which we see that the doctrine of Manicheism -was embraced by the barbarians of both the old and the new world, who, -being unable to penetrate the causes of good and evil, have imagined two -contrary principles. In addition to these two principal deities, the -Araucanos recognize a considerable number of secondary genii, who assist -Pillian in his contest with Guécubu. These genii are males and females; -the latter are all virgins, for—and it is a refined idea which we could -not expect in a barbarous people—procreation is not necessary in the -supernatural world. The male gods are named Géru, or lords; the females, -Amey-Malghen, or spiritual nymphs.</p> - -<p>The Araucanos believe in the immortality of the soul, and, consequently, -in a future life, in which the warriors who have distinguished -themselves on earth hunt in game-abounding prairies, surrounded by -everything they have loved. Like all American aborigines, the Araucanos -are extremely superstitious. Their worship consists in assembling in -the medicine toldo, where there is a shapeless idol, said to represent -Pillian. They weep; they utter loud cries, with numberless contortions; -and sacrifice to him a sheep, a cow, a horse, or a <i>chilihuegue</i>.</p> - -<p>At a signal from Curumilla, the warriors drew back to give place to the -women, who surrounded the body, and began to walk in a circle, singing -in a low and plaintive tone the noble feats of the deceased. At the -expiration of about an hour, the cortege moved off after the corpse, -which was borne by the four most renowned warriors of the tribe, and -directed its course towards a hill where the place of sepulture was -prepared. Behind followed the women, casting handfuls of hot ashes over -the traces left by the passage of the funeral train; so that if the soul -of the defunct should have any inclination to return to its body, it -would not be able to find the way to his toldo, or come and trouble his -heirs.</p> - -<p>When the body was laid in the grave, Curumilla cut the throats of his -father's dogs and horses, which were placed near him, to enable him -to hunt in the happy prairies. Within reach of his hand was placed a -certain quantity of provisions for the nourishment of himself and the -<i>tempulazzy</i>, or boatman, appointed to convey him to the other country, -and into the presence of Pillian, where he is to be judged according -to his good or evil actions. Earth was then thrown in upon the body. -But, as the defunct had been a renowned warrior, a heap of stones was -collected, of which a pyramid was formed; then everyone walked slowly -once more round the tomb, pouring upon it a great quantity of chica. The -relations and friends returned dancing and singing to the village, where -awaited them one of those Homeric repasts of Araucanian funerals called -cahuins, which last till all the partakers lie upon the ground utterly -intoxicated.</p> - -<p>Beyond a little natural curiosity, our travellers did not take much -interest in the ceremony or feast; they were fatigued, and preferred a -short repose. Trangoil-Lanec guessed their thoughts; and, as soon as the -procession returned, he left his companions, and offered to conduct the -young men to his dwelling. They availed themselves of his kindness with -alacrity. Like all Araucanian huts, this was a vast wooden building, -covered with whitewashed mud, in the form of a rectangle, the roof being -a terrace. This simple, airy residence displayed, in its interior, a -perfect Dutch cleanliness.</p> - -<p>Trangoil-Lanec, as we have said, was one of the richest and most -respected chiefs of his tribe, and had eight wives. Polygamy is allowed -among the Moluches. When an Indian is desirous of marrying a woman, he -declares his purpose to her parent, and fixes the number of animals he -is willing to give. His conditions being accepted, he comes with a few -friends, carries off the young woman, throws her on the saddle behind -him, and gallops off to the woods, in the depths of which the couple -remain three days. On the fourth they return; he slaughters a young -mare in front of the hut of the father of his bride, and the marriage -festivities begin. The abduction of the bride, and the sacrifice of -the mare, take the place of a civil contract. After this fashion an -Araucano is at liberty to marry as many wives as he can support. And -yet, the first wife, who bears the title of unem domo, or legitimate -wife, is most honoured; she has the direction of the household, and -is the superior of the others, who are called inam domo, or secondary -wives. All inhabit the same toldo, but in different apartments, where -they employ themselves in bringing up their children, in weaving -ponchos with the wool of guanacos and chilihuegues, and in preparing -the dish which an Indian woman is bound to place every day on the table -of her husband. Marriage is held sacred, and adultery is considered -the greatest of crimes; the man and woman who should commit it would -inevitably be assassinated by the husband and his relations, unless they -redeemed their lives by means of a compensation imposed by the injured -husband. When an Araucano leaves his home, he confides his wives to -his relations, and, on his return, if he can prove that they have been -unfaithful to him, he has the right of demanding of the guardians all he -thinks proper to ask; so that the relations are interested in watching -them. This strictness of morals only regards married women; others -enjoy the greatest liberty, and take advantage of it without any person -presuming to find fault with them.</p> - -<p>The two Frenchmen, thrown so suddenly into the midst of these strange -manners and customs, were some time before they could comprehend Indian -life. Valentine, in particular, was completely at a loss; he was in -a state of perpetual astonishment, which, however, he took good care -should not appear in his words or in his actions; for the adventure of -the machi had raised him so high in the estimation of the inhabitants -of the toldero, that he dreaded, with reason, lest the smallest -indiscretion should cast him down from the pedestal upon which he -maintained his erect position.</p> - -<p>One evening, when Louis was preparing, as he frequently did, to visit -the various toldos, in order to inquire after the sick, and administer -to them all the relief his limited knowledge of medicine permitted, -Curumilla came to the two strangers to invite them to be present at the -cahuin given by the new machi, who had been elected that day, in place -of the dead one. Valentine promised that they would come. From what -we have said before, it may easily be comprehended what an enormous -influence a sorcerer possesses over the members of the tribe; the choice -is therefore difficult to make, and is seldom a good one. The sorcerer -is generally a woman: when it is a man, he assumes the female costume, -which he wears for the rest of his life. In almost all cases the science -is inherited.</p> - -<p>After smoking a considerable number of pipes, and making endless -speeches, the Araucanos had chosen, as a successor to the machi, an old -man, of a mild, kindly character, who, during the course of his long -existence, had only made friends. The repast was, as may be supposed, -copious, abundantly furnished with ulpo, the national dish of the -Araucans, and moistened with an incalculable number of couis of chica. -Among the other delicacies which figured at the feast was a large basket -filled with hard eggs, which the Ulmens swallowed in emulation of each -other.</p> - -<p>"Why don't you eat some eggs?" said Curumilla to Valentine. "Do you not -like them?"</p> - -<p>"On the contrary, chief, I am very fond of eggs, but not cooked in that -fashion; I have no inclination to choke myself, thank you."</p> - -<p>"Oh! yes," the Ulmen said; "I understand; you prefer them raw."</p> - -<p>Valentine burst into a Homeric fit of laughter.</p> - -<p>"Not better than these," he said, when he had recovered his gravity; -"I like eggs boiled in the shell; I like omelettes, or pancakes, but -neither hard nor raw, if you please."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean by that? Cooked eggs must be hard."</p> - -<p>The young man looked at him with astonishment, and then said to him in a -tone of profound compassion—</p> - -<p>"Now, really, chief, do you mean to say you are only acquainted with -hard eggs?"</p> - -<p>"Our fathers have always eaten them thus," the Ulmen replied, quietly.</p> - -<p>"Poor people! how I pity them! They have been ignorant of one of the -greatest enjoyments of life. Well, my friend," he exclaimed, raising his -voice with jocular enthusiasm, "I am determined you shall adore me as -a benefactor to humanity! In short, I will endow you with soft-boiled -eggs, and with omelettes; at least, the remembrance of me shall not die -from among you. When I am gone, and you eat one of those two dishes, you -will think of me."</p> - -<p>In spite of his sadness, Louis could not help laughing at the burlesque -humour and inexhaustible cheerfulness of his foster brother, in whom, -at every minute, the gamin prevailed over the serious man. The chiefs -welcomed with joy the offer of the spahi, and asked, with loud cries, on -what day he would carry his promise into execution.</p> - -<p>"Oh, I will not make you wait long," he said; "tomorrow, on the square -of the toldería, and before all the assembled tribe of the Great Hare, -I will show you how you must set about boiling an egg, and making an -omelette."</p> - -<p>At this promise, the satisfaction of the chiefs mounted to the highest -pitch, the couis of the chica circulated with increased vivacity, and -the Ulmens soon found themselves sufficiently intoxicated to begin to -sing as loud as they could shout, and all together,—a sort of music -that produced such an effect upon the two Frenchmen, that they made -their escape, stopping their ears. The feast was kept up long after -their departure.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII.</a></h4> - -<h3>EXPLANATIONS.</h3> - - -<p>We will now return to the chacra of Don Gregorio Peralta, to which -Doña Rosario had been conducted after her miraculous deliverance. -The first days that followed the departure of the two Frenchmen were -sufficiently devoid of incident: Doña Rosario, shut up in her bedroom, -remained almost continually alone. The poor girl, like all wounded -spirits, sought to forget reality, by taking refuge in dreams, in order -to collect and preserve piously in the depths of her heart the few -happy remembrances which had so rarely gilded with a ray of sunshine -the sadness of her existence. Don Tadeo, completely absorbed in his -imperative political combinations, could only see her now and then, and -but for a few minutes at a time. Before him, she endeavoured to appear -cheerful, but she suffered the more from being obliged to conceal in her -own bosom the sorrow which consumed her. She occasionally crept down -into the garden; she stopped under the arbour in which her meeting with -Louis had taken place, and remained hours together thinking of him she -loved, and whom she had driven from her for ever.</p> - -<p>This poor child, so beautiful, so mild, so pure, so worthy of being -loved, was condemned by an implacable destiny continually to lead a -life of suffering and isolation; without a relation, without a friend -to whom she might impart the secret of her grief. She was little more -than sixteen, and already her bruised heart shrank back upon itself; her -colour faded, her step became languid, her large blue eyes, swimming in -tears, were incessantly raised towards heaven, as the only refuge that -remained for her; she appeared to hold to the earth only by a slight -thread, which the least fresh shock of adversity would snap.</p> - -<p>The maiden's story was a strange one. She had never known her parents; -she had no remembrance of the kisses of her mother—those warm caresses -of childhood, which make even mature age tremble with joy. From her -earliest days, she could only remember being alone, always alone, in the -hands of the mercenary and indifferent. The innocent joys of childhood -remained unknown to her; she had known nothing of them but their -weariness and sadness, and had ever been deprived of those friendships -of early youth which, by insensibly preparing the mind for affectionate -expansion, give birth to smiles in the midst of tears, and console with -a kiss.</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo was the only person who was attached to her; he had never -abandoned her, but watched with the greatest care over her material -well-being, smiled upon her, and ever gave her good and pleasant -counsels: but Don Tadeo was much too serious a man to comprehend the -thousand little cares which the education of a young girl requires. She -could only entertain for him that profound, yet respectful friendship -which forbids those ingenuous confidences which can only be made to a -mother, or to a companion of the same age. The visits of Don Tadeo were -surrounded by an incomprehensible mystery; sometimes, without apparent -cause, he made her suddenly quit people to whom he had confided her, -and took her away with him, after ordering her to change her name, -upon long tours. It was thus she had been to France: then, he quite as -unexpectedly brought her back to Chili, sometimes to one city, sometimes -to another, without ever condescending to explain to her the reasons for -her leading such a wandering life.</p> - -<p>Constrained by her isolation to depend only upon herself, forced to -reflect as soon as the first rays of reason enlightened her brain, the -maiden, though so delicate and fragile in appearance, was endowed with -an energy and firmness of character of which she was ignorant, but -which supported her unconsciously; and if the hour of danger arrived, -would be of infinite use to her. She had often, urged by the instinct -of curiosity so natural to her age in the exceptional position in which -she was placed, sought by adroit questions to seize the thread that -might guide her in this labyrinth; but all had proved useless—Don Tadeo -remained mute. One day only, after having for a long time contemplated -her with an expression of sadness, he had pressed her to his heart, and -said in a trembling voice,—</p> - -<p>"Poor child! I will protect you against your enemies!"</p> - -<p>Who could those formidable enemies be? Why were they so inveterate -against a girl of sixteen, who knew nothing of the world, and had -never injured a human being? These questions, which Doña Rosario was -continually asking herself, always remained unanswered. She only caught -a glimpse in her life, of one of those terrible mysteries which bring -death to the imprudent who persist in endeavouring to discover them; -her days, therefore, were passed in continual fears, engendered by her -imagination.</p> - -<p>One evening, when, sad and thoughtful as usual, and buried in the depths -of an easy chair, in her bedchamber, she was turning over the leaves of -a book which she was not reading, Don Tadeo entered the room. He saluted -her, as he always did, by a kiss on her brow, took a seat, placed -himself in front of her, and after looking at her for a moment with a -melancholy smile, said quietly,—</p> - -<p>"I wish to speak with you, Rosario."</p> - -<p>"I am all attention, dear friend," she replied, endeavouring to smile.</p> - -<p>But before we report this conversation, we must present our readers -with a few necessary explanations. Like all the other countries of -South America, Chili, for a long time depressed beneath the Spanish -yoke, had conquered its independence, more through the weakness of its -ancient master than by its own proper strength. The system followed by -the Spanish authorities from the beginning had checked in the people -of these countries the development of the philosophical ideas which -give man a consciousness of his own value, render him one day apt to -achieve liberty, and ripe to enjoy it within just limits. We have said, -in a preceding work, that the Americans of the South have none of the -virtues of their ancestors, but, to make up for it, they possess all -their vices. Destitute of that early education without which it is -impossible to do or even to conceive great things, the Chilian nation, -free by an unexpected chance, found itself immediately the sport of -a few intriguing men, who concealed beneath high-sounding words of -patriotism a boundless ambition. The newly-freed country struggled in -vain; the innate carelessness of its inhabitants, and the levity of -their character, formed an invincible object to any amelioration.</p> - -<p>At the epoch at which we have arrived, Chili was labouring under the -oppression of General Bustamente. This man, not contented with being -minister of a republic, dreamt of nothing less than causing himself -to be proclaimed the chief of it, under the title of protector. The -realization of this idea was not impossible. From its geographical -position, Chili is almost independent of those troublesome neighbours -who, in the states of the old world, keep watch over all the acts of -a nation, and are, ready to put in their <i>veto</i> as soon as their own -interest appears to be threatened. On one side separated from Upper -Peru by the vast and almost impassable desert of Atacama, Bolivia alone -might hazard some timid observations; but the General cherished secret -hopes of including that republic itself in the new confederation; on -the other side, immense solitudes and the Cordilleras separated it from -Buenos Aires, which had neither the will nor the power to oppose his -projects. One people alone could make a war with him, which he should -dread, and they were the Araucanos; that little nation, driven like -an iron wedge into Chili, disturbed the General's plans seriously. He -resolved to treat with the Araucano Toqui, while determined, at the same -time, when his projects should have succeeded, to unite all his forces -to conquer that country which had so long resisted the Spanish power. In -a word, General Bustamente dreamt of creating at the southern extremity -of America, with Chili, Araucania, and Bolivia confederated, a rival -nationality to the United States. Unfortunately for the General, there -was not in him the stuff to make a great man; he was simply a <i>parvenu</i>, -an ignorant and cruel soldier.</p> - -<p>When America raised the standard of revolt against the mother country, -numerous secret societies were formed at all points of the territory, -the most redoubtable, beyond contradiction, being that of the -Dark-Hearts. The men who placed themselves at the head of this society -were all intelligent and well informed, mostly educated in Europe, who, -having seen in the field of action the great principles of the French -revolution, wished, by applying them in their own country, to regenerate -the nation. After the proclamation of Chilian independence, the secret -societies, having no longer an object, disappeared. One alone persisted -in remaining permanent—that of the Dark-Hearts. This society was not -willing that license should assume the mantle of liberty: it felt that -it had a great and holy mission to fulfil, and that its task, so far -from being terminated, was scarcely commenced. It was necessary to -instruct the people, to render them worthy of taking their place among -nations, and, above all, to deliver them from the tyrants who wished -to enslave them. This mission the society of the Dark-Hearts laboured -incessantly to carry out, struggling constantly against oppressive -powers, which succeeded each other, and destroying them without mercy. -Proteus-like and intangible, the members of this society escaped the -most active researches: if by chance some few of them fell in the arena, -they died with head erect, confident in the future, and leaving to their -brethren the care of continuing their task.</p> - -<p>The recovery of General Bustamente caused the Dark-Hearts a momentary -stupor; but Don Tadeo, who had caused the news of the miraculous manner -in which he had survived his execution to be spread universally, -revived their spirits by placing himself again at their head. Not that -either courage or hope had failed them. However great the skill of the -machinations employed by the General to insure the success of his plans, -the Loyal-Hearts, who had confederates everywhere, foresaw and defeated -them. They watched all his movements with the greatest care, for they -were quite aware that the moment was drawing near when their enemy would -throw off the mask. They had heard of the departure of the convalescent -General for Valdivia. For what reason, as his health was still so -uncertain, and repose so necessary, had he gone to that remote province? -That must be learnt at any price, and they must prepare against any -eventuality.</p> - -<p>In a meeting of the society, future measures were agreed upon; it was -moreover resolved that the King of Darkness should at the same time -repair to Valdivia, in order, if advisable, to take the initiative in -resistance. But Don Tadeo could not think of leaving Doña Rosario behind -him, exposed to the unprincipled attacks of the Linda. He alone could -defend the young girl; was he not her only support? As soon, then, as -the Dark-Hearts had dispersed, Don Tadeo returned to the chacra, and -went straight to Doña Rosario's chamber.</p> - -<p>"My dear child," he said, "I have sad news to inform you of."</p> - -<p>"Speak, my kind friend," she replied.</p> - -<p>"Urgent affairs require my presence as soon as possible in Valdivia."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" she cried, with an expression of terror, "you will not leave me -here, will you?"</p> - -<p>"At first I intended to do so, this retreat appearing to me to unite all -the guarantees for security; but cheer up, my child! I have changed my -mind; I have fancied you would prefer accompanying me?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes," she said, eagerly; "you are always kind. When do we set out?"</p> - -<p>"Tomorrow, dear child, at sunrise."</p> - -<p>"I shall be ready," she replied, holding up her pretty face towards him, -that he might impress his customary kiss upon her brow.</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo retired, and Rosario immediately set about the preparations -for her journey. Of what consequence was it to her whether she were in -one place or another, since she was doomed to suffer everywhere? And who -can say whether the poor girl, without daring to avow it to herself, did -not entertain the hope of again seeing him she loved? Love is a divine -sunbeam that illumines the darkest nights.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE CHINGANA.</h3> - - -<p>Valdivia, founded in 1551 by the Spanish conqueror Don Pedro de -Valdivia, is a charming city, two leagues from the sea, upon the left -bank of a river, which large vessels can easily ascend into the fertile -valley of Guadallanguen. The aspect of the city, the advanced post of -civilization in these remote countries, is most agreeable; the streets -are large, uniformly built; the white houses, only one story high, -on account of the frequency of earthquakes, are terrace-roofed. Here -and there rise in the air the steeples of the numerous churches and -convents, which occupy more than a third of the city. It is astonishing -to what an extent convents are multiplied in South America. It might -be supposed that the New World was the land of promise for monks; they -appear to rise out of the earth at every step. Thanks to the extensive -commerce which Valdivia carries on by means of its port, which is -visited by the numerous whalers fishing in those seas, and ships which -come there to refit, after doubling Cape Horn, or before passing -it,—its streets have more animation than is generally to be met with in -American cities.</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo arrived in Valdivia, accompanied by Don Gregorio and Doña -Rosario, on the evening of the sixteenth day after his departure from -his friend's chacra. They had used all diligence, and for that country, -where there are no other means of travelling but on horseback, it might -be considered a quick journey. If the two gentlemen had thought proper -to do so, they might have entered the city about three o'clock in the -afternoon, but they deemed it advisable that no one in a place where -so many people knew them should be made aware of their arrival: in the -first place, because the causes which brought them there required the -greatest secrecy; and, further, because Don Tadeo was forced to conceal -himself, in order to avoid the police agents of the president of the -republic, who had orders to arrest him wherever they might meet with -him. Fortunately, in these countries the police never arrest anybody -when not absolutely compelled, unless those whom they pursue come and -deliver themselves up into their hands—an event, we may safely say, -that rarely happens.</p> - -<p>As during his sojourn at Valdivia, his manner of living must be -regulated by the affairs which brought him there, he could not openly -keep house or appear in public, Don Tadeo went straight to the convent -of the Ursulines, and committed the young lady he had brought with him -to the care of the abbess, who was not only his relation, but was a -worthy person, in whom he had perfect confidence. Doña Rosario accepted -without hesitation the asylum which was offered to her, and where she -fancied she should be safe from the attacks of her invisible enemies. -Don Tadeo took an affectionate leave of her and the venerable abbess, -and hastened to a house of the calle San-Xavier, where Don Gregorio, who -had left him on entering the city, to avoid observation, awaited his -coming.</p> - -<p>"Well?" asked Don Gregorio, as soon as he saw him.</p> - -<p>"She is in safety; at least I suppose so," Don Tadeo replied, with a -sigh.</p> - -<p>"So much the better, for we must redouble our precautions."</p> - -<p>"Why so?"</p> - -<p>"After leaving you I made inquiries; I observed, I questioned people as -I walked about and loitered at the port and the Almeda."</p> - -<p>"Well, what have you learnt?"</p> - -<p>"As we imagined, General Bustamente is here."</p> - -<p>"Already?"</p> - -<p>"He arrived three days ago."</p> - -<p>"What reason could be so important as to bring him here?" said Don -Tadeo, with an uneasy expression. "Oh, I will know!"</p> - -<p>"Another thing: who do you think accompanies him?"</p> - -<p>"The executioner, no doubt!" said Don Tadeo, with an ironical smile.</p> - -<p>"Almost as bad," Don Gregorio replied.</p> - -<p>"Whom do you mean, then?"</p> - -<p>"The Linda!"</p> - -<p>The chief of the Dark-Hearts turned deadly pale.</p> - -<p>"Oh," he said, "that woman! for ever that woman! you must be mistaken, -my friend; it is impossible!"</p> - -<p>"I have seen her."</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo walked about in great agitation for several minutes; then, -stopping short in front of his friend, said, in a husky voice—</p> - -<p>"Dear Don Gregorio, are you certain you have not been misled by a -resemblance? Are you quite sure it was she?"</p> - -<p>"You had just left me, and I was coming hither, when the sound of horses -made me turn my head, and I saw, I repeat I saw, the Linda; she also -appeared to have just arrived at Valdivia; two lancers escorted her, and -an arriero led the baggage mules.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" said Don Tadeo, "will the infernal malice of that demon ever -pursue me?"</p> - -<p>"My friend," Don Gregorio remarked, "in the path we have undertaken to -tread, every obstacle must, unhesitatingly, be destroyed."</p> - -<p>"What, kill a woman?" the gentleman said, with horror.</p> - -<p>"I do not say that, but place her in such a position that she cannot -possibly injure anyone. Remember, we are Dark-Hearts, and, as such, we -ought to be without pity."</p> - -<p>"Silence!" Don Tadeo murmured, as two low, quick taps were struck on the -door.</p> - -<p>"Come in!" cried Don Gregorio.</p> - -<p>The door opened, and Don Pedro showed his polecat face. He did not -recognize the two men whom, in the various meetings he had had with -them, he had always seen masked.</p> - -<p>"God preserve you, gentlemen!" he said, with a profound bow.</p> - -<p>"What is your pleasure, sir?" Don Gregorio asked, in a coldly-polite -tone, while returning his salutation.</p> - -<p>"Sir," said Don Pedro, looking about for a seat which was not offered -him, "I have just arrived from Santiago."</p> - -<p>Don Gregorio bowed again.</p> - -<p>"On my departure from that city, a banker in whose hands I had placed -funds, gave me several bills; among others this, addressed to Don -Gregorio Peratla, payable at sight."</p> - -<p>"That is my name, sir; be so kind as to hand it to me."</p> - -<p>"As you see, sir, the bill is for twenty-three ounces."</p> - -<p>"Very well, sir," replied Don Gregorio, as he took it, "allow me to -examine it."</p> - -<p>Don Pedro bowed in his turn, whilst Don Gregorio, approaching a -flambeau, looked attentively at the bill of exchange, put it into his -pocket, and took some money from his purse.</p> - -<p>"Here are the twenty-three ounces, sir," he said, giving them.</p> - -<p>The spy took them, counted the gold pieces, examining them attentively, -and then put them into his pocket.</p> - -<p>"It is very singular, sir," he said, just as the two gentlemen thought -they were about to be relieved of his presence.</p> - -<p>"What is it, sir?" asked Don Gregorio; "do you not find the amount -right?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, pardon me, perfectly right; but," he added, with a slight -hesitation, "I thought you had been a merchant?"</p> - -<p>"And what leads you to think otherwise?"</p> - -<p>"Because I see no desks."</p> - -<p>"They are in another part of the house," Don Gregorio replied; "I am a -private trader."</p> - -<p>"Oh, very well, sir."</p> - -<p>"And, if I had not thought you had pressing need of the money—"</p> - -<p>"Very pressing!" the other interrupted.</p> - -<p>"I should have begged you to call again tomorrow, for, at this late -hour, my cashbox is closed."</p> - -<p>And thereupon he waved his hand, rather haughtily, as dismissing him. -Don Pedro retired, visibly disappointed.</p> - -<p>"That is a double-faced fellow, I am sure," said Don Gregorio; "I should -not wonder if he were a spy of the General."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I know him!" Don Tadeo replied; "I have about me proofs of his -treachery. He has been a necessary instrument; at present he may injure -us. He must be crushed."</p> - -<p>Don Gregorio drew from his pocket the bill which had been presented to -him, and holding it to Don Tadeo—</p> - -<p>"Look at this," he said.</p> - -<p>This bill, payable at sight, appeared perfectly like others. It was -drawn in the usual form: <i>At sight, please pay</i>, &c. &c.; but, in two -or three places, the pen, too hard, no doubt, had spluttered and formed -a certain number of little black spots, of which some were almost -imperceptible. It appeared that these black spots had a meaning for the -two men; for as soon as Don Tadeo had cast his eyes over the bill, he -seized his cloak, and folded himself in it.</p> - -<p>"It is Heaven that protects us!" he said; "we must go thither without -delay."</p> - -<p>"That is my opinion, likewise," Don Gregorio replied, holding the bill -to the light, and burning it till there was not a particle of it left. -The two men took each a long dagger and a brace of pistols, which they -concealed under their clothes—the conspirators were too well acquainted -with their country to neglect these precautions—they pulled the flaps -of their hats over their faces, and wrapping themselves up to the very -eyes, like two lovers or seekers of adventures, they descended into the -street.</p> - -<p>It was one of those splendid nights unknown in our foggy climates; the -sky, of a dark blue, was thickly studded with an infinite number of -stars, among which conspicuously shone the brilliant Southern Cross; -the air was embalmed with a thousand odours, and a light sea breeze -refreshed the atmosphere, which had been heated by the torrid sunbeams -during the past day. The two men passed silently and rapidly through -the joyous groups which traversed the streets in all directions. It is -in the evening that the Americans leave their homes to take the air and -enjoy the freshness.</p> - -<p>The conspirators appeared to hear neither the enticing sounds of the -vihuela which vibrated in their ears, nor the refrains of sambacuejas -which flew in gusts from the chinganas, nor the bursts of fresh, silvery -laughter of the black-eyed, rosy-lipped girls, who elbowed them on -their way. They walked thus for a long time, turning round at intervals -to ascertain if they were followed, plunging by degrees into the -lowest quarters of the city, and at length stopped at a house of mean -appearance, from which issued the loud but not very melodious strains of -music eminently national.</p> - -<p>This house was a chingana, a name which has no equivalent in French -or English. A Chilian chingana presents so eccentrically droll an -appearance, that it would defy the pencil of Callot, and is beyond all -description. Let the reader figure to himself a low room, with smoky -walls, the floor of which is but beaten earth, and rendered filthy by -the detritus left by the feet of incessantly arriving and departing -visitors. In the centre of this den, lighted only by a smoky lamp called -a <i>candil</i>, by which it is impossible to distinguish more than the -shadows of the customers, are seated four men upon stools. Two of them -are twanging wretched guitars, which have lost most of their strings, -with the backs of their hands; the third plays the tambourine with his -thumbs upon a crippled table, striking it with all his might; whilst -the fourth rolls between his hands a piece of bamboo six feet long, -split into several strips, which yield the most discordant sound that -can possibly be imagined. The four musicians, not content with the -formidable clatter made by their instruments, shout, at the very top of -their voices, songs which we can neither venture to repeat nor translate.</p> - -<p>All this infernal noise is made to excite the dancers, who flutter -about, assuming the most lascivious postures they can invent, amidst the -hearty applause of the spectators, who writhe with delight, stamp their -feet with pleasure, and sometimes, carried away by the harmony, thunder -out all together, the burthen of the song, with the musicians and -dancers. Amidst this disturbance, these cries and stampings, wind in and -out the master of the establishment and his waiters, armed with couis of -chicha, bottles of aguardiente, and even guarapo, to slake the thirst -of the customers, who, to do them justice, the more they drink the more -thirsty they become, and the more they wish to drink.</p> - -<p>Twice or thrice in the course of an evening, it may happen that some -of the guests, more heated than the rest, or seized by the demon of -jealousy, take it into their heads to quarrel. Then knives are drawn -from the polena, ponchos are rolled round the left arm to serve as -bucklers, the music ceases, and a circle is formed round the combatants. -The sanguinary contest begins, and when one of the combatants has -fallen, he is carried into the street, the music is resumed, the dance -recommences, and no more is thought of the poor wounded or dying man.</p> - -<p>It was in front of one of these establishments that the chief of the -Dark-Hearts and his friend had stopped; they did not hesitate. Pulling -up the folds of their cloaks so as to completely conceal their faces, -they entered the chingana: in spite of the pestilential atmosphere which -nearly choked them, they passed unnoticed through the drinkers, and -gained the further end of the room. The cellar door stood ajar; they -opened it softly, and disappeared down the steps. After descending ten -of these, they found themselves in a cellar, where a man, leaning over a -barrel, which he appeared to be occupied in putting in its place, said -to them, without interrupting his work—</p> - -<p>"Would you like some aguardiente de pesco, some mescal, or some chica?"</p> - -<p>"Neither the one nor the other," Don Tadeo replied; "we wish for some -French wine."</p> - -<p>The man sprang up as if moved by a spring. The two adventurers had put -on their masks.</p> - -<p>"Do you wish to have it white or red?" the man asked.</p> - -<p>"Red—as red as blood," said Don Tadeo.</p> - -<p>"Of what year?" the unknown rejoined.</p> - -<p>"Of that vintaged on the 5th of April, 1817," said Don Tadeo.</p> - -<p>"Then you must come this way, gentlemen," the man replied, with a -respectful bow; "the wine you do me the honour to call for is extremely -valuable; it is kept in a separate cellar."</p> - -<p>"To be drunk at Martinmas," Don Tadeo remarked.</p> - -<p>The man, who seemed only to wait for this last reply to his question, -smiled with an air of intelligence, and laid his hand lightly on the -wall. A stone turned slowly round upon itself, without the least noise, -and opened a passage to the conspirators, which they immediately -entered, and the stone instantly returned to its place.</p> - -<p>In the chingana, the cries, the songs, and the music had acquired an -intensity really formidable; the joy of the tipplers was at its height.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE TWO ULMENS.</h3> - - -<p>If we were writing a romance instead of a true history, there are -certain scenes of the recital which we would pass over in silence. The -one which follows would certainly be of this number; and yet, though of -a rather hazardous puerility, it carries with it its lesson, by showing -what is the influence of the early habits of a miserable life, even upon -natures the best endowed, and how difficult it is, at a later period, to -shake them off. We will add, to the praise of Valentine, the man of whom -we are speaking, that his gaminism, if we may be allowed to employ such -a term, was much more feigned than real, and that his aim, in allowing -himself to be sometimes led away by it, was to bring a smile to the lips -of his foster brother, and thus cheat the sorrow that was undermining -his peace.</p> - -<p>This necessary preamble being gone through, we will resume the course -of our narrative, and, abandoning for a time Don Tadeo and his friend, -we will request the reader to follow us back to the tribe of the Great -Hare. The looked-for morrow was a great day for the tribe, a day -expected with impatience by all housekeepers, who were about to learn -how to discover, to use Valentine's word, a new dish, which promised -to please the palates of their race. As soon as it was daylight, men, -women, and children assembled on the great Square of the village, and -formed numerous groups, in which the merit of the unknown dish about -to be revealed to them was discussed. Louis, for whom the experiment -his friend was going to make had very little interest, wished to remain -in the toldo; but Valentine insisted upon his being present at the -experiment, and much against his will, he consented.</p> - -<p>The Parisian was already at his post, standing in an open spot, in -the middle of the Square, watching with a laughing eye the anxious -or incredulous expression by turn displayed upon the faces directed -towards him. A table, which was to serve for his culinary preparations, -a lighted brasier, upon which boiled an iron pot filled with water, a -kitchen knife, an enormous frying-pan, found I know not where, a sort -of tub, a wooden spoon, some parsley, a bit of bacon, some salt, some -pepper, and a basket full of fresh eggs, had been prepared at his desire -by the cares of Trangoil-Lanec.</p> - -<p>All eagerly looked for the arrival of the Apo-Ulmen of the tribe, with -which the exhibition was to commence. A kind of dais had been erected -for him in front of the operator, and when he had taken his lighted -calumet from the hands of his pipe-bearer, he bent a little on one -side and whispered a few words in the ear of Curumilla, who stood -respectfully beside him. The Ulmen bowed, came down from the dais, went -straight to the Parisian to tell him he might begin, and then resumed -his post.</p> - -<p>Valentine returned the salutation of this master of the ceremonies, -took off his poncho, which he folded up and laid carefully at his feet, -and turning up his sleeves above his elbows with the studied grace of -a performer, he leant slightly forward, placed his right hand upon the -table, and assuming the tone of a vendor of quack medicines who boasts -of the efficacy of his nostrums to gaping clowns, he thus commenced his -demonstration in a loud voice and with a perfectly clear utterance:—</p> - -<p>"Illustrious Ulmens, and you redoubtable warriors of the noble and -sacred tribe of the Great Hare, listen attentively to what I have the -honour of explaining to you. In the beginning of time the world did -not exist; water and clouds, which continually clashed against each -other in space, then formed the universe. When Pillian created the -world, as soon as at his voice man had issued from the bosom of the red -mountain, he took him by the hand, and pointing to all the productions -of the earth, the air, and the water, he said to him,—'Thou art the -king of creation: consequently, animals, plants, and fishes all belong -to thee, and are, each in proportion with its strength, instincts, or -conformation, to minister to thy welfare and thy happiness in the world -in which I have placed thee; thus the horse shall bear thee with fiery -speed across the deserts, fleecy lamas and sheep clothe thee with their -wool, and nourish thee with their succulent flesh.' When Pillian had -analyzed, one after the other, the diverse qualities of the animals, -before proceeding to the plants and fishes, he stopped at the hen, which -was moving carelessly about, and picking up the grains of corn scattered -on the ground. Pillian took her by the wings, and showing her to man, -said, 'Here is one of the most useful animals I have created for thy -service; boiled in a pot, the hen will afford thee an excellent broth -when thou art sick; roasted, its white flesh will acquire a delicious -flavour; of her eggs thou canst make omelettes with herbs, omelettes -with mushrooms, omelettes with ham, and, above all others, with bacon. -If thou art indisposed, and solid food should be too heavy for thy weak -stomach, thou canst boil her eggs in the shell, and then thou wilt say -something, indeed!'</p> - -<p>"Thus," continued Valentine, attitudinizing before the Indians, who, -with open mouths and staring eyes, lost not a single word he uttered, -whether they understood it or not, whilst, in spite of his secret -grief, Louis literally writhed with laughter; "thus it was that Pillian -spoke to the first man at the commencement of ages; you were not there, -Araucano warriors, it is therefore not astonishing that you know nothing -about it; neither was I there, it is true; but, thanks to the talent -we white men possess of transmitting our thoughts from age to age, by -means of writing, these words of the Great Spirit have been carefully -collected, and have come down to us in their purity. Without further -prelude, I am going to have the honour of producing before you a boiled -egg! Listen to me; it is as simple as saying good-day, and within the -reach of the most limited capacity. In order to enjoy a boiled egg, -two things are necessary—in the first place, an egg, and then, some -boiling water! You take the egg in your fingers, thus, you uncover your -saucepan, you place the egg in a spoon and deposit it carefully in the -saucepan, where you allow it to boil gently three minutes. Mind, three -minutes, neither more nor less: pay attention to that important detail, -for a longer time would compromise the success of your operation. There -it is!"</p> - -<p>The action suited the word; the three minutes were past: Valentine -took out the egg, beheaded it, sprinkled a little salt on it, and -presented it to the Ulmen with some long strips of maize bread. All -this was performed with the most imperturbable seriousness, amidst the -profound silence of the attentive crowd. The Apo-Ulmen proceeded to -taste this wonderful egg with the most deliberate gravity. An air of -doubt appeared for a second on his lips, as he raised the first mouthful -towards them; but, by degrees, the features of his broad face expanded -under the influence of joy and pleasure, and he at last exclaimed -enthusiastically,—</p> - -<p>"Wah! It is good! Very good!"</p> - -<p>Valentine returned to his brasier with a modest smile, and set about -boiling eggs, which he distributed among the Ulmens and principal -warriors, who quickly mingled their felicitations with those of the -Apo-Ulmen. A delirious joy took possession of the poor Indians, and -Valentine could hardly keep his ground, so eagerly did they press round -him, to examine closely his mysterious mode of cooking the eggs. At -length, calm was re-established, and the curiosity of the majority was -satisfied. The Apo-Ulmen, who had not been able to make his voice heard -in the tumult, was able to restore a little order, and obtain silence. -Valentine looked at his public with an air of satisfaction. From that -moment the Indians were believers—the most incredulous were convinced, -and all awaited with impatience the continuation of his experiments.</p> - -<p>"Listen to me!" he continued, striking a sharp blow on the table with -the knife he held in his hand; "listen to me, but, above all, observe -closely how I proceed. A boiled egg was child's play to me, but the -omelette requires to be considered seriously, and executed with care, in -order to obtain that finish, that smoothness, flavour, and perfection -so much prized by real judges. I am about to make a bacon-omelette, and -when I name that, I name the most exquisite dish in the world! Whilst -explaining to you the manner in which you should set about it, I will -produce it: follow my reasonings closely, and observe attentively the -manner in which I mingle the various ingredients which enter into the -composition of this dish. To make a bacon omelette, I must have bacon, -eggs, salt, pepper, parsley, and some butter—there they are, as you -see, all on that table. Now I will mix them."</p> - -<p>Then, with incredible address, and the greatest quickness, he commenced -a monster bacon-omelette, of at least sixty eggs, while continuing his -explanation with inexpressible freedom and copiousness. The interest of -the Indians was warmly excited, their enthusiasm betraying itself by -shouts, leaps, and laughter; but it was carried to its height, and the -stamping, crying, and screaming became terrific, when the Puelches saw -Valentine seize the long handle of the frying-pan with a firm grasp, -and toss the omelette three different times into the air, without any -apparent effort, and with the style and ease of a finished cook. When -the omelette was done to the moment, the Frenchman placed it upon a -dish, taking care to double it with the talent which <i>cordons bleus</i> -alone possess, and was then preparing to carry it smoking to the -Apo-Ulmen, but he, enticed by the flavour of the boiled egg, and with -appetite excited to the highest pitch, spared him that trouble; for -he forgot all decorum, and rushed towards the table, followed by the -principal Ulmens of the tribe. The success of the Parisian was enormous. -Never, in the history of the divine art, did a cook obtain such a -glorious triumph! Valentine, with the modesty peculiar to men of real -talent, stole away from the honours they wished to pay him, and hastened -to conceal himself with his friend in the toldo of Trangoil-Lanec.</p> - -<p>On the morrow of this eventful day, at the moment when the young men -were about to leave the quarters they inhabited in common, their host -presented himself, followed by Curumilla. The two chiefs saluted them, -sat down upon the beaten earth which served instead of flooring, and lit -their pipes. Louis, already accustomed to the ceremonious habits of the -Araucanos, and convinced that their friends had something of importance -to say, reseated himself, as did also his foster brother, and awaited -patiently the expected communication. When the chiefs had deliberately -smoked out their pipes, and shaken the last ashes upon their nails, -they replaced them in their belts, and, after exchanging a glance, -Trangoil-Lanec began:—</p> - -<p>"Are my pale brothers still resolved to leave us?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," replied Louis.</p> - -<p>"Has Indian hospitality been wanting towards them?"</p> - -<p>"So far from that, chief," the young man said, warmly pressing his -hands, "you have treated us like children of your own tribe."</p> - -<p>"Then why leave us?" Trangoil-Lanec asked; "we know not what we lose, do -we ever know what we shall find?"</p> - -<p>"You are right, chief; but you know we came into this country for the -purpose of visiting Antinahuel," Louis observed.</p> - -<p>"And does my golden-haired brother," for so he called Valentine, -"absolutely wish to see him?"</p> - -<p>"Absolutely," replied the young man.</p> - -<p>The two chiefs exchanged a second glance.</p> - -<p>"He shall see him," replied Trangoil-Lanec; "Antinahuel is at his -village."</p> - -<p>"Good!" said Valentine. "In that case we will set out tomorrow."</p> - -<p>"My brothers shall not go alone."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean by that?" Valentine asked.</p> - -<p>"The Indian soil is not safe for palefaces; my brother has saved my -life, I shall follow him."</p> - -<p>"My brother has preserved me a friend," said Curumilla, who had till -that time preserved silence; "I shall follow him."</p> - -<p>"You cannot think of such a thing, chief," Valentine remarked. "We are -travellers whom chance knocks about at its pleasure; we know not what -destiny has in reserve for us, nor whither it will conduct us, after -having seen the man to whom we are sent."</p> - -<p>"What does it signify?" Curumilla replied; "where you go, we will go."</p> - -<p>The young men were greatly moved by such frank and noble devotion.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" Louis exclaimed, warmly, "it is impossible! your friends, your -wives, and your children."</p> - -<p>"Our wives and children will be taken care of by our relations until our -return."</p> - -<p>"My friends, my good friends," said Valentine, with emotion, "you are -wrong; we cannot impose such a sacrifice upon you, we will not consent -to it for your sake; I have already told you, we are ignorant of what -awaits us, or what we shall do; allow us to go alone."</p> - -<p>"We will follow our pale brothers," Trangoil-Lanec said in a tone that -admitted of no reply; "my brothers are not acquainted with the llanos; -four men are a force in the desert—two men are dead."</p> - -<p>The Frenchmen contested the matter no longer, they accepted the offer -of the Ulmens, and did so the more readily, because they plainly -perceived what an immense advantage these men would be to them. They -were accustomed to a life in the woods, they knew all its mysteries, -and had fathomed all its depths. The chiefs took leave of their guests, -to prepare for their departure, which was irrevocably fixed for the -next day. At sunrise, a small party, composed of Louis, Valentine, -Trangoil-Lanec, and Curumilla, all four mounted upon excellent horses of -that mixed Andalusian and Arabian breed, which the Spaniards imported -into America, and Cæsar, who trotted at their side in close file, left -the toldería, escorted by all the members of the tribe shouting: "Come -back again! come back again!—A good journey! a good journey!"</p> - -<p>After repeated farewells to these worthy people, the four travellers -directed their course towards the toldería of the Black-Serpents, and -soon disappeared in the numberless defiles formed by the quebradas.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV">CHAPTER XXV.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE SUN-TIGER.</h3> - - -<p>In the state of anarchy in which Chili was plunged at the period of our -history, the parties were numerous, and everyone was manoeuvring in the -shade, as skilfully as possible, in order to gain possession of power. -General Bustamente, as we have stated, aimed at nothing less than the -protectorate of a confederation similar to that of the United States, -which, then but little understood, dazzled his ambition. He could not -divine that those ancient outlaws, those sectarian fanatics exiled from -Europe, those thriving merchants, had already begun to dream in America -of a universal monarchy, a senseless Utopia, the application of which -will one day cost them the loss of that so-called nationality of which -they are so proud, and which, in reality, does not exist. Probably -General Bustamente did not look so far into the future, or, if he did -divine the tendencies of the Anglo-Americans, perhaps he dreamt of -himself following also that ambitious aim, as soon as his power should -repose upon solid bases.</p> - -<p>The Dark-Hearts, the only true patriots in this unhappy country, on -their side, wished that the government should adopt measures of a -rather democratic nature, but they had no intention to overturn it, -for they were persuaded that a revolution could only be prejudicial -to the general welfare of the nation. Beside General Bustamente and -the society of the Dark-Hearts, a third party, more powerful, perhaps, -than the two first, was at work silently, but active. This party was -represented by Antinahuel, the toqui of the most important Uthal-Mapus -of the Araucanian confederacy. We have said that from its geographical -position, this little insignificant republic is placed like a wedge -in the Chilian territory, which it separates sharply in two. This -position gave Antinahuel immense power. All Araucanos are soldiers; at -a signal from their chiefs, they take up arms, and are able, in a few -days, to get together an army of experienced warriors. The republicans -and the partizans of Bustamente were fully aware how much it was to -their interest to attach the Araucanos to their party; with the aid -of these ferocious soldiers victory would be certain. Already had the -King of Darkness and Bustamente made proposals to Antinahuel,—of -course, unknown to each other. These overtures the redoubtable toqui -had appeared to listen to, and had feigned to reply to both, for the -following reasons:—</p> - -<p>Antinahuel, in addition to the hereditary hatred which his ancestors -had bequeathed to him against the white race, or perhaps on account of -that hatred, had dreamt, since he had been elected supreme chief of an -Uthal-Mapus, not only of the complete independence of his country, but -moreover of re-conquering all the territory which the Spaniards had -deprived it of; he hoped to drive them back to the other side of the -Cordilleras of the Andes, and restore to his nation the splendour it had -enjoyed before the arrival of the whites in Chili. And this patriotic -project Antinahuel was just the man to carry through. Endowed with -vast intelligence, at once daring and subtle, he allowed himself to be -stopped by no obstacle, conquered by no reverse. Almost entirely brought -up in Chili, he spoke Spanish perfectly, was thoroughly acquainted with -the manners of his enemies, and by means of numberless spies spread -everywhere, he was well informed with regard to the Chilian policy, -and of the precarious situation of those whom he wished to conquer; he -habitually took advantage of the dissensions which separated them, and -feigned to lend an ear to the propositions made to him on all parts, in -order, when the moment should arrive, to crush his enemies one after the -other, and be left alone standing.</p> - -<p>He wanted a plausible pretext for keeping his Uthal-Mapus under arms, -without inspiring the Chilians with mistrust: and this pretext General -Bustamente and the Dark-Hearts supplied him with by their preparations. -No one could be surprised, for this reason, at seeing, in a time -of peace, the toqui gather together a numerous army on the Chilian -frontiers, since, <i>in petto</i>, either party flattered itself that this -army was destined to aid its cause. The conduct of the toqui was, -therefore, most skilful; for he not only inspired mistrust in no one, -but, on the contrary, gave hopes to all. The position was becoming -serious; the hour for action could not long be delayed; and Antinahuel, -whose measures were all prepared, awaited impatiently the moment for -beginning the struggle.</p> - -<p>Things were at this point on the day when Doña Maria came to the -toldería of the Black-Serpents, to visit the friend of her childhood. As -soon as she awoke, the Linda gave orders for her departure.</p> - -<p>"Is my sister going to leave me already?" said Antinahuel, in a tone of -mild reproach.</p> - -<p>"Yes," Doña Maria replied, "my brother knows that I must reach Valdivia -as quickly as possible."</p> - -<p>The chief did not press her stay; a furtive smile played round his lips. -After Doña Maria was on horseback, she turned towards the toqui.</p> - -<p>"Did not my brother say he should be soon in Valdivia?" she asked, in a -perfectly well-played tone of indifference.</p> - -<p>"I shall be there as soon as my sister," he replied.</p> - -<p>"We shall see each other again, then?"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps we may."</p> - -<p>"We must!"</p> - -<p>This was said in a positive tone.</p> - -<p>"Very well," the chief replied, after a moment's pause; "my sister may -depart—she shall see me again."</p> - -<p>"Till then, farewell, then," she said, and rode away at a quick pace.</p> - -<p>She soon disappeared in a cloud of dust, and the chief returned -thoughtfully to his toldo.</p> - -<p>"Woman," he said, to his mother, "I am going to the great toldería of -the palefaces."</p> - -<p>"I heard everything last night," the Indian woman replied, sorrowfully; -"my son is wrong."</p> - -<p>"Wrong! how, or why?" he asked, passionately.</p> - -<p>"My son is a great chief; my sister deceives him, and makes him -subservient to her vengeance."</p> - -<p>"Or rather my own," he replied, in a singular tone.</p> - -<p>"The young white girl has a right to the protection of my son."</p> - -<p>"I will protect the Pearl of the Andes."</p> - -<p>"My son forgets that she of whom he speaks saved his life."</p> - -<p>"Silence, woman!" he shouted, in a passionate tone.</p> - -<p>The Indian woman held her peace, but sighed deeply.</p> - -<p>The chief summoned his mosotones, and selecting from among them a score -of warriors upon whom he could place entire reliance, ordered them to -be ready to follow him within an hour. He then threw himself upon a -bench, and sank into serious and agitating reflections. Suddenly a great -noise was heard from without, and the chief sprang from his recumbent -position, and went to the door of his toldo. He was surprised to see two -strangers, mounted upon excellent horses, and preceded by an Indian, -advancing towards him. These strangers were Valentine and Louis, who had -left their friends a short distance from the toldería.</p> - -<p>Valentine, on leaving the village of the Puelches, had opened the letter -addressed to himself, and placed in his hands by the major-domo, with a -recommendation not to open it till the last minute. The young man was -far from expecting the contents of this strange missive. After carefully -reading it, he communicated it to his friend, saying—</p> - -<p>"Here, read this, Louis;—hem! who knows but that this singular letter -is the first step to our fortune?"</p> - -<p>Like all men in love, Louis was sceptical upon every subject that did -not bear some relation to his passion, and he returned the paper, -shaking his head.</p> - -<p>"Politics burn the fingers," he said.</p> - -<p>"Yes, of those who don't know how to handle them," Valentine replied, -with a shrug of the shoulders. "Now, it is my opinion that in this -country, in which it has pleased fate to drop us, the most promising -element of fortune we have at command happens to be those very politics -which you so much disdain."</p> - -<p>"I must confess, my friend, that I care very little for these -Dark-Hearts, of whom I know nothing, and who have done us the honour to -affiliate us."</p> - -<p>"I do not share your opinion at all; I believe them to be resolute, -intelligent men, and am persuaded they will, some day, gain the upper -hand."</p> - -<p>"Much good may it do them! But of what consequence is that to us -Frenchmen?"</p> - -<p>"More than you may think for; and I am determined, immediately after -my interview with this said Antinahuel, to go directly to Valdivia, in -order to be present at the meeting they appoint."</p> - -<p>"As you please," said the Count, carelessly. "As such is your advice, -we will go thither; only I warn you that we shall risk our heads. If we -lose them, it will be all very well; but I wash my hands of the matter -beforehand."</p> - -<p>"I will be prudent, caramba! My head is the only thing I can call my -own," Valentine replied, laughing, "and be assured I will not risk it -for nothing. Besides, do you not partake of my curiosity to see how -these people understand politics, and in what a fashion they set about -conspiring?"</p> - -<p>"Well, that may become interesting; we travel partly for instruction; -let us gain it, then, when it offers itself."</p> - -<p>"Bravo! that's the way in which I like to hear a man speak. Let us go -and seek the redoubtable chief to whom we have a letter to deliver."</p> - -<p>Trangoil-Lanec and Curumilla were too prudent to venture to let -Antinahuel know of the friendship which bound them to the two Frenchmen. -Without suspecting the reasons which induced their friends to present -themselves to the toqui, they foresaw that a day might come when it -would be advantageous that their relations should be unknown. When they -arrived, therefore, at a short distance from the toldería, the Indian -warriors remained concealed in a secluded corner, keeping Cæsar with -them, and allowing the two Frenchmen to continue their route to the -village of the Black-Serpents, with whom, in addition, they had not -lately been upon the best terms.</p> - -<p>The reception given to the Frenchmen was most friendly; for in time -of peace the Araucanos are exceedingly hospitable. As soon as they -perceived the strangers, they crowded round them; and as all the Indians -speak Spanish with astonishing facility, Valentine had no difficulty in -making himself understood. One warrior, more polite than the rest, took -upon himself to be their guide through the village, in which, of course, -they were at a loss. He led them to the toldo of the chief, in front of -which were drawn up twenty horsemen, armed, and apparently waiting.</p> - -<p>"That is Antinahuel, the great toqui of the Inapire-Mapu," said the -guide, emphatically, pointing with his finger at the chief, who at that -moment came out of his toldo, attracted by the noise.</p> - -<p>"Thank you," said Valentine; and the two Frenchmen advanced rapidly -towards the toqui, who, on his part, made a few steps to meet them.</p> - -<p>"Eh, eh!" Valentine said, in a subdued voice, to his companion; "here -is a man with a good bearing, and with a rather intelligent air for an -Indian."</p> - -<p>"Yes," Louis replied, in the same tone, "but he has a contracted brow, -a sinister look, and compressed lips—he inspires me with very little -confidence."</p> - -<p>"Bah!" said Valentine, "you are too difficult by half; did you expect to -find an Indian an Antinous or an Apollo Belvedere?"</p> - -<p>"No; but I should like a little more open frankness in his look."</p> - -<p>"Well, well, we shall see."</p> - -<p>"I do not know why, but that man produces the effect of a reptile upon -me; he inspires me with invincible repulsion."</p> - -<p>"Oh, nonsense! you are too impressionable. I am sure that the man, who, -I cannot deny, has the air of a thorough rascal, is, at bottom, one of -the best fellows in the world."</p> - -<p>"God grant I may be deceived! But I experience, on seeing him, a feeling -for which I cannot account; it seems as if a kind of presentiment warned -me to be on my guard against that man, and that he will be fatal to me."</p> - -<p>"All folly! What relations can you ever have with this individual? We -are charged with a mission to him; who knows whether we may ever see him -again? and then what interests can connect us with him hereafter?"</p> - -<p>"You are right; and I do not know what makes me think as I have -said; besides, we shall soon know what we have to trust to on his -account—here he is."</p> - -<p>The adventurers were, in fact, at that moment in front of the chief's -toldo. Antinahuel stood before them; and, although appearing to be -giving orders to his men, examined them very attentively. He stepped -towards them quickly, and, bowing with perfect politeness, said, in a -pleasant tone, and with a graceful gesture—</p> - -<p>"Strangers, you are welcome to my toldo. Your presence rejoices my -heart. Condescend to pass over the threshold of this poor hut, which -will be yours as long as you deign to remain among us."</p> - -<p>"Thanks for the kind words of welcome you address to us, powerful -chief," Valentine replied. "The persons who sent us to you assured us of -the kind reception we might expect."</p> - -<p>"If the strangers come on the part of my friends, that is a further -reason why I should endeavour to make their abode here as agreeable as -my humble means will allow me."</p> - -<p>The two Frenchmen bowed ceremoniously, and alighted from their horses. -At a sign from the toqui, two peons led the horses away to a vast corral -behind the toldo.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI">CHAPTER XXVI.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE MATRICIDE.</h3> - - -<p>We have repeatedly said that in times of peace the Araucanos are -exceedingly hospitable. This hospitality, which on the part of -the warriors is cordial and simple, on that of the chiefs becomes -extravagant. Antinahuel was far from being a rude Indian, attached -though he was to the customs of his fathers; and although in his heart -he hated not only the Spaniards, but indiscriminately all belonging to -the white race, the half-civilized education he had received had given -him ideas of comfort completely above Indian habits. Many of the richest -Chilian farmers would have found it impossible to display greater luxury -than he exhibited when his caprice or his interest led him to do so. -On the present occasion, he was not sorry to show strangers that the -Araucanos were not so barbarous as their arrogant neighbours wished it -to be supposed, and that they could, when necessary, rival even them. -At the first glance, Antinahuel had discovered that his guests were not -Spaniards; but, with the circumspection which forms the foundation of -the Indian character, he confined his observations to his own breast. It -was with the kindest air and in the most winning tone of voice that he -pressed them to enter his toldo.</p> - -<p>The Frenchmen followed him in, and with a gesture he requested them -to be seated. Peons placed a profusion of cigars and cigarettes upon -the table, near a tasty filigree brasero. In a few minutes other -peons entered with the maté, which they respectfully presented to the -chief and his guests. Then, without the silence being broken—for the -Araucanian laws of hospitality require that no question should be -addressed to strangers until they think proper to speak themselves—each -sipped the herb of Paraguay, while smoking. This preliminary operation -being gone through, Valentine rose.</p> - -<p>"I thank you, chief, in the name of myself and my friend, for your -cordial hospitality."</p> - -<p>"Hospitality is a duty which every Araucano is jealous to fulfil!"</p> - -<p>"But," replied Valentine, "as I have been given to understand that the -chief is about to set out on a journey, I do not wish to detain him."</p> - -<p>"I am at the orders of my guests; my journey is not so pressing as not -to admit of being put off for a few hours."</p> - -<p>"I thank the chief for his courtesy, but I hope he will soon be at -liberty."</p> - -<p>Antinahuel bowed.</p> - -<p>"A Spaniard has charged me with a letter for the chief."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" the toqui exclaimed, with a singular intonation, and fixing a -piercing look upon the face of the young man.</p> - -<p>"Yes," the Frenchman continued; "and that letter I am about to have the -honour of handing to you."</p> - -<p>And he put his hand to his breast, to take out the letter.</p> - -<p>"Stop!" said the chief, laying his hand upon his arm, as he turned -towards his servants; adding, "leave the room." The three men were left -alone.</p> - -<p>"Now you may give me the letter," he continued.</p> - -<p>The chief took it, looked carefully at the superscription, turned the -paper in all directions in his hand, and then, with some hesitation, -presented it to the young man.</p> - -<p>"Let my brother read it," he said; "the whites are more learned than we -poor Indians: they know everything."</p> - -<p>Valentine gave his countenance the most silly expression possible.</p> - -<p>"I cannot read this," he said, with well-assumed embarrassment.</p> - -<p>"Does my brother then refuse to render me this service?" the chief -pressed him.</p> - -<p>"I do not refuse you, chief; only I am prevented doing what you request -by a very simple reason."</p> - -<p>"And what is that reason?"</p> - -<p>"It is that my companion and I are both Frenchmen."</p> - -<p>"Well, and what then?"</p> - -<p>"We speak a little Spanish, but we cannot read it."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" said the chief, in a tone of doubt; but, after walking about, and -reflecting a minute, he added,—"Hem! that is possible."</p> - -<p>He then turned towards the two Frenchmen, who, on their part, were, in -appearance, impassive and indifferent.</p> - -<p>"Let my brothers wait an instant," he said; "I know a man in my tribe -who understands the marks which the whites make upon paper: I will go -and order him to translate this letter."</p> - -<p>The young men bowed, and the chief left the apartment.</p> - -<p>"Why the devil did you refuse to read the letter?" Louis asked.</p> - -<p>"In good truth," Valentine replied, "I can scarcely tell you why; but -what you said of the expression of this man's countenance, produced a -certain effect upon me. He inspires me with no confidence, and I am not -anxious to be the depository of secrets which he may some day reclaim in -a disagreeable manner."</p> - -<p>"Yes, you are right! We may, some day, congratulate ourselves upon this -circumspection. Hush! I hear footsteps."</p> - -<p>And the chief re-entered the room.</p> - -<p>"I know the contents of the letter," he said; "if my brothers see the -man who charged them with it, they will inform him that I am setting out -this very day for Valdivia."</p> - -<p>"We would, with pleasure, take charge of that message," replied -Valentine; "but we do not know the person who gave us the letter, and it -is more than probable we may never see him again."</p> - -<p>The chief darted at them a stolen and deeply suspicious glance.</p> - -<p>"Good! Will my brothers remain here, then?"</p> - -<p>"It would give us infinite pleasure to pass a few hours in the agreeable -society of the chief, but with us time presses; with his permission, we -will take our leave."</p> - -<p>"My brothers are perfectly free; my toldo is open for those who leave -it, as well as for those who enter it."</p> - -<p>The young men rose to depart.</p> - -<p>"In what direction are my brothers going?"</p> - -<p>"We are bound for Concepción."</p> - -<p>"Let my brothers go in peace, then! If their course lay towards -Valdivia, I would have offered to journey with them."</p> - -<p>"A thousand thanks, chief, for your kind offer; unfortunately we cannot -profit by it, for our road lies in a completely opposite direction."</p> - -<p>The three men exchanged a few more words of courtesy, and left the -toldo. The Frenchmen's horses had been brought round; they mounted, and -after having saluted the chief once more, they set off. As soon as they -were out of the village, Louis, turning to Valentine, said,—</p> - -<p>"We have not an instant to lose. If we wish to reach Valdivia before -that man, we must make all speed. Who knows whether Don Tadeo may not be -awaiting our arrival impatiently?"</p> - -<p>They soon rejoined their friends, who looked for them anxiously, and all -four set off at full speed in the direction of Valdivia, without being -able to explain to themselves why they used such diligence. Antinahuel -accompanied his guests a few paces out of his toldo. When he had taken -leave of them, he followed them with his eyes as far as he could see -them, and when they disappeared at the extremity of the village, he -returned thoughtfully and slowly to his toldo, saying to himself,—</p> - -<p>"It is evident to me that these men are deceiving me; their refusal to -read the letter was nothing but a pretext. What can be their object? Can -they be enemies? I will watch them!"</p> - -<p>When he arrived in front of his toldo, he found his mosotones mounted, -and awaiting his orders.</p> - -<p>"I must set out at once," he said; "I shall learn all yonder, and, -perhaps," he added, in a voice so low that he could hardly hear it -himself, "perhaps I shall find <i>her</i> again. If Doña Maria breaks her -promise, and does not give her up to me, woe, woe be to her!"</p> - -<p>He raised his head, and saw his mother standing before him. "What do you -want, woman?" he asked, harshly; "this is not your place!"</p> - -<p>"My place is near you when you are suffering, my son," she mildly -replied.</p> - -<p>"I suffering! You are mad, mother! age has turned your brain! Go back -into the toldo, and, during my absence, keep a good watch over all that -belongs to me."</p> - -<p>"Are you, then, really going, my son?"</p> - -<p>"This moment," he said, and sprang into his saddle.</p> - -<p>"Where are you going?" she asked, and seized his horse's bridle.</p> - -<p>"What is that to you?" he replied, with an ugly glance.</p> - -<p>"Beware! my son; you are entering on a bad course. Guérubu, the spirit -of evil, is master of your heart."</p> - -<p>"I am the best and sole judge of my actions."</p> - -<p>"You shall not go!" she exclaimed, as she placed herself resolutely in -front of his horse.</p> - -<p>The Indians collected round the speakers looked on with mute terror at -this scene; they were too well acquainted with the violent and imperious -character of Antinahuel not to dread something fatal, if his mother -persisted in endeavouring to prevent his departure.</p> - -<p>The brows of the chief lowered—his eyes gleamed like lightning—and it -was not without a great effort that he mastered the passion boiling in -his breast.</p> - -<p>"I will go!" he said, in a loud voice, and trembling with rage; "I will -go, if I trample you beneath my horse's hoofs!"</p> - -<p>The woman clung convulsively to the saddle, and looked her son in the -face.</p> - -<p>"Do so," she cried; "for, by the soul of your father, who now hunts in -the blessed prairies with Pillian, I swear I will not stir, even if you -pass over my body!"</p> - -<p>The face of the Indian became horribly contracted; he cast around a -glance which made the hearts of the bravest tremble with fear.</p> - -<p>"Woman! woman!" he shouted, grinding his teeth with rage; "get out of my -way, or I shall crush you like a reed!"</p> - -<p>"I will not stir, I tell you!" she repeated, with wild energy.</p> - -<p>"Take care! take care!" he said again; "I shall forget you are my -mother!"</p> - -<p>"I will not stir!"</p> - -<p>A nervous tremor shook the limbs of the chief, who had now attained the -highest paroxysm of fury.</p> - -<p>"If you will have it so," he cried, in a husky, but loud voice, "your -blood be upon your own head!"</p> - -<p>And he dug the spurs into the sides of his horse, which plunged with -pain, and then sprung forward like an arrow, dragging along the poor -woman, whose body was soon but one huge wound. A cry of horror burst -from the quivering lips of the terrified Indians. After a few minutes -of this senseless course, during which she had left fragments of her -flesh on every sharp point of the road, the strength of the Indian woman -abandoned her; she left her hold of the bridle, and sank dying.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" she said, in a faint voice, and following, with a look dimmed by -agony, her son, as he was borne away like a whirlwind, "my unhappy son! -my unhappy——"</p> - -<p>She raised her eyes towards heaven, clasped her mangled hands, as if to -offer up a last prayer, and fell back.</p> - -<p>She died pitying the matricide, and pardoning him. The women of the -tribe took up the body respectfully, and carried it, weeping, into the -toldo. At the sight of the corpse, an old Indian shook his head several -times, murmuring in a prophetic tone,—</p> - -<p>"Antinahuel has killed his mother! Pillian will avenge her!"</p> - -<p>And all bowed down their heads sorrowfully: this atrocious crime made -them dread horrible misfortunes in the future.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII">CHAPTER XXVII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE JUSTICE OF THE DARK-HEARTS.</h3> - - -<p>Don Tadeo and his friend Don Gregorio were introduced, after exchanging -several passwords, into a subterraneous apartment, the entrance to which -was perfectly concealed in the wall. The door closed immediately after -them; the two men turned round sharply, but all signs of an opening -had disappeared. Without taking further notice of this circumstance, -which they no doubt had expected, they cast an inquiring glance around -them, in order to obtain some knowledge of the locality. The place -was admirably chosen for a meeting of conspirators. It was an immense -apartment, which must have served for a long time as a cellar, as was -made evident by the essentially alcoholic emanations still floating in -the air; the walls were low and thick, and of a dirty red colour; a -lamp with three jets, hanging from the roof, far from dispersing the -darkness, seemed only to render it in a manner visible. In a recess -stood a table, behind which a man in a mask was seated, near to two -empty seats. Men enveloped in cloaks, and all wearing black velvet -masks, were gliding about in the darkness, silent as phantoms.</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo and his friend exchanged a glance, and without speaking a -word, proceeded to take their places in the empty seats. As soon as -they were seated, a change came over the meeting: the low whispering -which had been heard till that moment ceased all at once, as if by -enchantment. All the conspirators gathered in a single group in front of -the table, and with arms crossed upon their chests, waited earnestly. -The man who before the arrival of Don Tadeo had appeared to preside over -the meeting arose, and casting round a confident glance on the attentive -crowd, said—</p> - -<p>"On this day the seventy-two <i>ventas</i> of the Dark-Hearts, spread over -the territories of the republic, are assembled in council. In all of -them the taking up of arms, of which we, the <i>venta</i> of Valdivia, will -instantly give the signal, will be decreed. Everywhere men faithful to -the good cause, true lovers of liberty, are preparing to commence the -struggle with Bustamente. Will you all, comrades, who are here present, -when the hour strikes, descend frankly and boldly into the arena? Will -you sacrifice, without reserve, your family, your fortune, and even your -life, if necessary, for the public good?"</p> - -<p>He ceased, and a funereal silence prevailed in the assembly.</p> - -<p>"Answer!" he resumed; "what will you do?"</p> - -<p>"We will die!" the band of conspirators murmured, like a sinister and -terrible echo.</p> - -<p>"That is well, my brothers," Don Tadeo said, rising suddenly. "I -expected no less from you, and I thank you. I have long known you all, -and felt that I could depend upon you—I, whom none of you know. These -masks which conceal you one from another, are but transparent gauze -for the chief of the Dark-Hearts—and I am the King of Darkness! I -have sworn that you shall live as free men, or that I will die! Before -twenty-four hours have passed away, you will hear the signal you have -so long waited for, and then will commence that terrible struggle which -can only end in the death of the tyrant; all the provinces, all the -cities, all the towns will rise <i>en masse</i> at the same instant; courage, -then! You have only a few hours longer to suffer. The war of ambushes, -surprises, of subterranean treacheries is ended; war, frank, loyal, -open, in the face of the sun, is about to begin; let us show ourselves -what we always have been, firm in our faith, and ready to die for our -opinions! Let the chiefs of sections draw near."</p> - -<p>Ten men left the ranks, and placed themselves silently ten paces from -the table.</p> - -<p>"Let the corporal of chiefs of sections answer for all," said Don Tadeo.</p> - -<p>"I am the corporal," said one of the masked men; "the orders expedited -from the Quinta Verde have been executed; all the sections are warned; -they are all ready to rise at the first signal; each will take -possession of the posts that are assigned it."</p> - -<p>"So far well! How many men have you at your disposal?"</p> - -<p>"Seven thousand three hundred and seventy-seven."</p> - -<p>"Can you depend upon them all?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"How many are there lukewarm or irresolute?"</p> - -<p>"Four thousand."</p> - -<p>"How many firm and convinced?"</p> - -<p>"Nearly three thousand; but for these I will be answerable."</p> - -<p>"That is well! we have even more than we want; the brave will attract -others. Return to your places."</p> - -<p>The chiefs of sections drew back,</p> - -<p>"Now," Don Tadeo continued, "before we separate, I have to call down -your justice upon one of our brothers, who, having entered deeply into -our secrets, has been false to the society several times for a little -gold; I have the proofs in my hands. The circumstances are of the utmost -importance; one word—a single word—may ruin our cause and us! Say, -what chastisement does this man deserve?"</p> - -<p>"Death!" the conspirators responded, coolly, but simultaneously.</p> - -<p>"I know this man," Don Tadeo continued; "let him come forth from the -ranks, and not oblige me to tear off his mask, and hurl his name in his -face."</p> - -<p>No one stirred.</p> - -<p>"This man is here—I can see him; for the last time, let him step forth, -and not crown his baseness by seeking to avoid the punishment he merits."</p> - -<p>The conspirators cast suspicious glances at each other; the assembly -seemed moved by an extreme anxiety; the man, however, upon whom the -King of Darkness called, persisted in remaining confounded amongst his -companions.</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo waited for an instant, but finding that the man whom he -summoned imagined he should remain unknown, and not be discovered -beneath his mask, he made a signal, and Don Gregorio rose and advanced -towards the group of conspirators, which opened at his approach, and -laid his hand roughly on the shoulder of a man who had instinctively -retreated before him, until the wall forced him to stop.</p> - -<p>"Come with me, Don Pedro," he said, and he dragged rather than led him -to the table, behind which stood Don Tadeo, calm and implacable.</p> - -<p>The guilty spy was seized with a convulsive trembling, his teeth -chattered, and he fell upon his knees, crying with terror:</p> - -<p>"Mercy, my lord, mercy!"</p> - -<p>Don Gregorio tore off his mask, and revealed the face of the spy, whose -features, horribly contracted by fear, and of an ashy paleness, were -really hideous.</p> - -<p>"Don Pedro," Don Tadeo said, in a stern voice, "you have several times -sought to sell your brothers of the society; it was you who caused -the death of the ten patriots shot upon the Place of Santiago; it was -you who betrayed the secret of the Quinta Verde to the soldiers of -Bustamente; this very day, even, scarcely two hours ago, you held a long -conversation with General Bustamente, in which you agreed to deliver up -to him tomorrow the principal chiefs of the Dark-Hearts: is that true?"</p> - -<p>The miserable wretch had not a word to say in his defence; confounded, -overwhelmed by the irresistible proofs accumulated against him, he hung -down his head in utter abandonment.</p> - -<p>"Is this true?" Don Tadeo reiterated.</p> - -<p>"It is true," he murmured, in a scarcely audible voice.</p> - -<p>"You acknowledge yourself guilty?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," he said, with a heart-stifling sob; "but grant me life, noble -seigneur, and I swear——"</p> - -<p>"Silence!"</p> - -<p>The spy was struck with mute despair.</p> - -<p>"You have heard, companions and friends, how this man confesses his own -crimes; for the last time, what punishment does he deserve for having -sold his brothers?"</p> - -<p>"Death!" replied the Dark-Hearts, without hesitation.</p> - -<p>"In the name of the Dark-Hearts, of whom I am king, I condemn you, -Don Pedro Saldillo, to death, for treachery and felony towards your -brethren. You have five minutes to make your peace with Heaven," Don -Tadeo said, sternly.</p> - -<p>He placed his watch upon the table, and drawing a pistol from his belt, -cocked it deliberately. The sharp noise of the hammer made the condemned -man shudder with fear. A profound silence prevailed in the vault; the -hearts of these implacable men might be heard beating in their breasts. -The spy cast around wild, despairing glances, but beheld nothing but -angry eyes gleaming upon him through hideous masks. Over the vault, in -the chingana, they continued dancing, and faint puffs of <i>sambacuejas</i> -penetrated, at intervals, mixed with uproarious bursts of laughter, even -to the awful scene beneath. The contrast of this riotous mirth with -the terrible act of justice which was being carried out, had something -appalling in it.</p> - -<p>"The five minutes are past," said Don Tadeo, in a firm voice.</p> - -<p>"A few minutes more! a few minutes, my lord!" the spy implored, wringing -his hands in despair. "I am not prepared; you cannot kill me thus! In -the name of all you hold most dear, let me live!"</p> - -<p>Without appearing to hear him, Don Tadeo lifted his pistol, and the -miserable culprit rolled upon the ground, with his brains scattered -around him.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" he cried, as the pistol was aimed, "be accursed, ye assassins!" -His death prevented the utterance of more.</p> - -<p>The conspirators stood cold, impassive spectators of the scene. As soon -as the stern act of justice was completed, at a signal from the chief, -several men opened a trap in the floor which covered a hole half filled -with quick lime; the body was thrown into it, and the trap closed again.</p> - -<p>"Justice has been done, brothers," said Don Tadeo, solemnly; "go in -peace, the King of Darkness watches over you."</p> - -<p>The conspirators bowed respectfully, and disappeared one after the -other, without uttering a word. At the end of a quarter of an hour no -one remained in the vault but Don Tadeo and Don Gregorio.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" said Don Tadeo, "Shall we always have thus to combat treachery?"</p> - -<p>"Courage! my friend; you have yourself said, in a few hours war will -commence in the face of day."</p> - -<p>"God grant I may not be deceived! This contest in the dark makes -frightful demands upon the mind; my heart begins to fail me!"</p> - -<p>The two conspirators regained the chingana, in which the dancing, -laughing, and drinking were going on with undiminished spirit; they -passed through so as not to be observed, and came out into the street. -They had hardly walked fifty steps when they were joined by a man, who, -to their great surprise, proved to be Valentine Guillois.</p> - -<p>"God be praised for bringing you here so opportunely!" said Don Tadeo.</p> - -<p>"I hope I am punctual," the Parisian remarked, with a gay laugh.</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo pressed his hand warmly, and drew him towards his residence, -where our three personages soon arrived.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII">CHAPTER XXVIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE TREATY OF PEACE.</h3> - - -<p>General Bustamente had come to Valdivia under the pretence of himself -renewing the treaties which existed between the republic of Chili -and the Araucanian Confederation. This pretext was excellent in the -sense that it permitted him to concentrate a considerable force in the -provinces, and gave him, besides, a plausible reason for receiving the -most powerful Ulmens of the Indians, who would not fail to come to the -meeting, accompanied by a great number of mosotones. Every time a new -president is elected in Chili, the minister at war renews the treaties -in his name. General Bustamente had, up to this moment, neglected to do -so: he had good reasons for that.—</p> - -<p>This ceremony, in which a great retinue is purposely displayed, -generally takes place in a vast plain situated upon the Araucanian -territories, and not at a great distance from Valdivia. By a curious -coincidence, the pretext of the General suited equally well the -interests of the three factions which, at this period, divided this -unhappy country. The Dark-Hearts had skilfully profited by it to prepare -the resistance they meditated, and Antinahuel, feigning to wish to -pay the greatest honours to the war minister of the President of the -republic, had collected a real army of his best warriors in the environs -of the place chosen for the solemnity.</p> - -<p>Such was the state of things, and of the various parties with regard to -each other, at the time we resume our narrative. The enemies were about -to come face to face; it was evident that each, being well prepared, -would endeavour to take advantage of the opportunity, and that a shock -was imminent; but how would it be brought about? Who would set fire to -the mine, and cause all those passions, those grudges, those ambitions, -so long restrained, to explode? Nobody could say!</p> - -<p>The plain on which the ceremony was to take place was vast, covered -with high grass, and belted by mountains verdant with lofty trees. The -plain, crossed by woods and lines of apple trees, loaded with fruit, -was divided in two by a meandering river, which flowed gently along, -balancing on its silver waters numerous troops of black-headed swans; -here and there, through the breaks of the thickets, might be seen the -pointed nose of a vicuna, which, with ear erect, and eye on the watch, -seemed to sniff the breeze, and all at once bounded away into the -distance.</p> - -<p>The sun was rising majestically in the horizon when a measured noise -of tinkling bells proceeded from a wood of apple trees, and a troop of -half a score mules, led by the mother mare, and driven by an arriero, -debouched into the plain. These mules carried diverse objects for an -encampment, provisions, and even some bales of clothes and linen. At -twenty paces behind the mules, came a rather numerous troop of horsemen. -When they arrived at the banks of the little river we have spoken of, -the arriero stopped his mules, and the party dismounted. In an instant -the bales were unpacked and arranged with care, so as to form a perfect -circle, in the centre of which a fire was lighted. Then a tent was -erected in this temporary camp, and the horses and mules were hobbled.</p> - -<p>This party, whom, no doubt, our readers have already recognized, were -Don Tadeo, his friends the Frenchmen, the Indian Ulmens, with Doña -Rosario, and three servants. By a strange coincidence, at the same time -that they were arranging their camp, another party nearly as numerous -established theirs on the opposite bank of the river, exactly in face -of them. The leader of this was Doña Maria. As frequently happens, it -had pleased chance to bring into propinquity irreconcilable enemies, who -were only separated from each other by a distance of fifty yards at the -most. But was this entirely owing to chance?</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo had no suspicion of this dangerous proximity, or he would -probably have done everything in his power to avoid it. He had cast a -vacant glance at the caravan opposite to him, without taking any further -heed of it, being absorbed in thoughts of the highest importance. Doña -Maria, on the contrary, knew perfectly well, what she was about, and -had placed herself where she was with the skill of an able tactician. -In the mean time, as the morning advanced, the number of travellers -kept increasing on the plain; by nine o'clock it was literally covered -with tents; a free space only being reserved around an old half ruined -chapel, in which mass was to be celebrated before the commencement of -the ceremony.</p> - -<p>The Puelches, who had descended from their mountains in great numbers, -had passed the night in making joyous libations around their campfires; -many of them were sleeping in a state of complete intoxication; -nevertheless, as soon as the arrival of the minister of the Chilian -republic was announced, they all sprang up tumultuously, and began to -dance, and utter cries of joy. On one side arrived General Bustamente -at a canter, surrounded by a brilliant staff, all glittering with gold -lace, and followed by a numerous troop of lancers; whilst on the other -side came, at a gallop, the four Araucano Toquis, followed by the -principal Ulmens of their nation, and a great number of mosotones.</p> - -<p>These two troops, which hastened to meet each other amidst the <i>vivas</i> -and cries of joy of the crowd, raised immense clouds of dust, in which -they disappeared. The Araucanos in particular, who are excellent -jinetes, a term used in this country to designate good horsemen, -indulged in equestrian eccentricities, of which the so-much vaunted Arab -fantasias can give but a faint idea; for they are nothing in comparison -with the incredible feats performed by these men, who seem born to -manage a horse. The Chilians had a much more serious bearing, from -which they would gladly have freed themselves, if human respect had not -restrained them.</p> - -<p>As soon as the two troops met, the chiefs dismounted and ranged -themselves, the Ulmens, armed with their long, silver-headed canes, -behind Antinahuel, and the three other Toquis and the Chilians behind -General Bustamente. It was the first time the Tiger-Sun and the General -had met. Each of these two men, therefore, equally good politicians, -equally false and equally ambitious, and who, at the first glance, -understood one another, contemplated his rival with intense earnestness.</p> - -<p>After exchanging a few salutes, impressed with a rather suspicious -cordiality, the two bands retrograded from each other a few paces, to -afford room for the commissary-general and four Capitanes de Amigos. -These officers are what they call in the United States Indian agents; -they serve as interpreters and agents to the Araucanos, for trade, and -all that concerns their transactions with the Chilians. It must be -observed that all these Indians speak Spanish perfectly well; but they -never will use it in appointed meetings. These Capitanes de Amigos, who, -for the most part, are half-breeds, are much beloved and respected. -They arrived, leading a score of mules loaded with presents, destined -by the President of the Republic for the principal Ulmens. For, be it -noted, when Indians treat with Christians, they consider nothing settled -till they have received presents: it is for them a proof that the other -party does not wish to deceive them; they constitute an earnest which -they require to bind the bargain, and prove that they are treated in -good faith. The Chilians, who, unfortunately for them, had long been -accustomed to Araucanian habits, had taken good care not to forget this -important condition.</p> - -<p>Whilst the commissary-general was distributing the presents, General -Bustamente repaired to the chapel, where a priest, who had come -purposely from Valdivia, celebrated mass. After mass, the speeches -commenced, as soon as the minister of the republic and the four Toquis -of the Uthal-Mapus had embraced. These speeches, which were very long, -resulted in mutual assurances that they were satisfied with the peace -which reigned between the two peoples, and that they would do all in -their power to maintain it as long as possible. We think it our duty to -beg our readers to observe, in justice to the two speakers, that one was -not more sincere than the other, and that they did not mean one word -they said, since in their hearts they determined to break their promises -as soon as possible. They appeared, however, very well satisfied with -the comedy they were playing, and they terminated it by a final embrace, -more close and warm than the first, but equally false.</p> - -<p>"Now," said the General, "if my brothers, the great chiefs, will please -to follow me, we will plant the cross."</p> - -<p>"No," Antinahuel replied, with a honied smile, "the cross must not be -planted in front of the stone toldo."</p> - -<p>"Why not?" the General asked, with astonishment.</p> - -<p>"Because," the Indian replied, in a tone of decision, "the words we -have exchanged must remain buried on the spot where they have been -pronounced."</p> - -<p>"That is just!" said the General, bowing his head in sign of assent. "It -shall be done as my brother desires."</p> - -<p>Antinahuel smiled proudly.</p> - -<p>"Have I spoken well, powerful men?" he asked, looking at the Ulmens.</p> - -<p>"Our father, the Toqui of the Inapire-Mapu, has spoken well," the Ulmens -replied.</p> - -<p>The Indian peons then went to fetch from the chapel, upon the floor of -which it lay, a cross of at least thirty feet in height, which they -brought to the spot where the conferences had been held. All the chiefs -and the Chilian officers ranged themselves around it; the troops forming -a vast circle at a respectful distance. After the pause of an instant, -of which the priest took advantage to bless the cross with that off-hand -carelessness which distinguishes the Spanish clergy in America, it was -planted in the ground. At the moment it was about to gain its upright -position, Antinahuel interposed.</p> - -<p>"Stop!" he said to the Indians armed with spades; and turning towards -the General, "Peace is well assured between us, is it not?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes, certainly," the General replied.</p> - -<p>"All our words are buried under this cross?"</p> - -<p>"All of them."</p> - -<p>"Cover them with earth then," he said to the peons, "that they may not -escape, and that war may not be rekindled between us."</p> - -<p>"When this ceremony was accomplished, Antinahuel caused a young lamb to -be brought, which the machi slaughtered near the cross. All the Indian -chiefs bathed their hands in the still warm blood of the quivering -animal, and daubed the cross with hieroglyphic signs, destined to keep -away Guécubu, the genius of evil, and prevent the words from escaping -from the spot in which they were buried. In conclusion, the Araucans -and the Chilians discharged their firearms in the air, and the ceremony -was ended. General Bustamente then coming up to the Toqui of the -Inapire-Mapu, passed his arm through the chiefs in a friendly manner, -saying in an ingratiating tone—</p> - -<p>"Will not my brother, Antinahuel, come for an instant in my tent, to -taste a glass of aguardiente de Pisco and take maté?—he would render -his friend happy."</p> - -<p>"Why should I not?" the chief replied, smiling, and in the most -good-humoured tone.</p> - -<p>"My brother will accompany me!"</p> - -<p>"Lead on, then."</p> - -<p>Both moved off, chatting upon indifferent subjects, directing their -course towards the General's tent, which had been pitched within gunshot -of the place where the ceremony had taken place. The General had given -his orders beforehand, so that everything was prepared to receive the -guest he brought with him magnificently, as for the success of his -projects he had so great an interest in pleasing him.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX">CHAPTER XXIX.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE ABDUCTION.</h3> - - -<p>Whilst the ceremony we have described was being accomplished, a terrible -event was passing not far from it, on the banks of the river, in the -camp of Don Tadeo de Leon. The three parties which divided Chili, and -aimed at governing it, had, as if of one accord, chosen the day for the -renewal of the treaty to throw off the mask and give their partisans the -signal of revolt. Don Tadeo, who feared everything from Doña Maria and -the General's spies, had consented, but with regret, that Rosario should -accompany him to the plain, to be present at the ceremony; he had taken -her from the convent, and brought the young girl with him, inwardly -pleased that she would thus not be in Valdivia during the serious events -that were there preparing.</p> - -<p>Doña Rosario, to tell the truth, had only consulted her love in the -request she had made of her guardian; the desire of seeing unobserved, -for a few hours, the object of her affections, had dictated it. Don -Tadeo, who could not on any account be present at the ceremony, being -obliged to conceal himself, took the two young Frenchmen aside as soon -as his little encampment was arranged. It was then about seven o'clock -in the morning, and the crowd began to flock to the plain. The King of -Darkness cast a prudent and searching look around, but, reassured by the -complete solitude that prevailed, he at length decided upon explaining -to the young men, who were astonished at this strange proceeding, all -that appeared so unusual and inconsistent in his conduct.</p> - -<p>"Caballeros," he said, "since I have had the honour of knowing you, I -have concealed nothing from you, and you know all my secrets; this day -must decide the question of life or death to which, from my boyhood, -I have devoted all the energies of my mind. I must leave this spot -instantly, and return to Valdivia. It is in that city that the first -blow will be struck, within a few hours, against the tyrant, and the -struggle I expect will be terrible. I am not willing to expose the -young lady whom you know, and whose life you have already saved, to the -chances of it. I confide the care of her to one of you, the other will -accompany me to the city. In the event of any fatal mischance happening -to me, I will place in his hands a paper, which will inform you both of -my intentions, and of what I wish you to do with that poor child, who is -all I hold dear on earth, and whom I leave with the greatest pain. Which -of you, gentlemen, will take charge of Doña Rosario during my absence?"</p> - -<p>"Be at ease, Don Tadeo, go where your duty calls you," Louis answered, -in a solemn but agitated tone; "I swear that while I live no danger, -either near or distant, shall assail her; to reach her it must pass over -my dead body."</p> - -<p>"Receive my warmest thanks, Don Louis," the Dark-Heart replied, somewhat -surprised, and yet affected by the manner of the Frenchman; "I place -implicit faith in your words; I know you will keep your vow at all -risks; besides, in a few hours I hope I shall be back, and here she can -have nothing to dread."</p> - -<p>"I will watch over her," the young man said, quietly.</p> - -<p>"Once again I thank you."</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo left the young men, and returned to the tent where Doña -Rosario, reclining in a hammock, was gently swinging herself, and -indulging in perhaps pleasing reveries. On seeing her guardian, she -sprang up eagerly.</p> - -<p>"Do not disturb yourself, my child," said Don Tadeo, putting her back -with a gentle hand, "I have but two words to say to you."</p> - -<p>"I am always attentive to you, my kind friend."</p> - -<p>"I have come to bid you farewell."</p> - -<p>"Farewell, Don Tadeo!" she exclaimed, in great terror.</p> - -<p>"Oh! comfort yourself, timid darling! only for a few hours."</p> - -<p>"Ah! that is all!" she said, with a smile of satisfaction.</p> - -<p>"Certainly, all! There is in this neighbourhood an exceedingly curious -grotto. I was foolish enough to let some words slip concerning it this -morning before Don Valentine, and that demon of a Frenchman," he added, -with a smile, "insists upon my showing it to him; so that, in order to -get rid of his importunities, I have been obliged to comply."</p> - -<p>"You have done quite right," she said, eagerly; "we are under great -obligations to those two French caballeros, and what he asked is such a -trifle!"</p> - -<p>"That it would have been uncourteous on my part to refuse him," Don -Tadeo interrupted, "therefore I have not. We shall set off directly, -in order to be the sooner back. Be as cheerful as you can during our -absence, dear child."</p> - -<p>"I will endeavour," she said, absently.</p> - -<p>"Besides, I shall leave Don Louis to take care of you; you can chat -together, and the time will quickly pass away."</p> - -<p>The young girl blushed as she stammered—"Come back soon, dear friend."</p> - -<p>"Time to go and return, that is all; adieu, then, darling!"</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo left the tent, and rejoined the young men.</p> - -<p>"Adieu, Don Louis!" he said. "Are you ready, Don Valentine?"</p> - -<p>"Ready!" the Frenchman replied, laughing; "Caramba! I should be in -despair at losing such an opportunity of judging whether you understand -getting up revolutions as well as we Frenchmen do."</p> - -<p>"Oh! We are but young at the work yet," Don Tadeo remarked; "and yet we -begin to have some idea of the matter, I assure you."</p> - -<p>"Good-bye, Louis, for a time," said Valentine, pressing his friend's -hand; and stooping towards his ear, he added—"Be thankful to your -stars, do you not see that Heaven protects your love?" The young man -only replied by shaking his head despondingly, and sighing deeply. A -peon had brought the horses for the two Chilians and the Frenchman, -and they were soon in the saddle. They set off at a quick pace, and -were quickly lost in the high grass and the windings of the road. Louis -returned pensively to the camp, where he found Doña Rosario alone in her -tent; the two Indian chiefs, attracted by curiosity, having gone in the -direction of the chapel, where, mingled with the crowd, they might be -present at the ceremony. The arrieros and the peons had not been long in -following their example.</p> - -<p>The young girl was seated on a heap of dyed sheepskins in front of -the tent, dreamily looking at, but without seeing, the clouds which -were driven across the heavens by a strong breeze. Doña Rosario was -a charming girl of sixteen, slender, fragile, and delicate, small in -person, whose least gestures and least movements possessed inexpressible -attractions. Of a rare kind of beauty in America, she was fair; her -long silky hair was of the colour of ripe golden corn; her blue eyes, -in which were reflected the azure of the heavens, had that melancholy, -dreamy expression which we attribute only to angels, and young girls who -are beginning to love; her nose, with its pinky nostrils, was inclined -to be aquiline; while her mouth, rather serious, with rosy lips set -off by teeth of dazzling whiteness, and her skin of pearl-like purity, -altogether made her a charming creature.</p> - -<p>The noise of the approaching young man's steps roused her from her -reverie. She turned her head in the direction, and looked at him with -inexpressible sadness, although a faint smile played upon her lips.</p> - -<p>"It is I," said the Count, in a low, inarticulate voice, bowing -respectfully.</p> - -<p>"I knew of your coming," she replied, in a sweetly-toned voice. "Oh! why -did you return to me at all?"</p> - -<p>"Be not angry with me for drawing near you once more. I endeavoured to -obey you; I left the spot you resided in, without, alas! even the hope -of seeing you again; but destiny has decided otherwise."</p> - -<p>She gave him a long and eloquent look.</p> - -<p>"Unfortunately," he continued, with a melancholy smile, "you are -condemned for some hours to endure my presence."</p> - -<p>"I must resign myself to it," she said, extending her hand to him -cordially.</p> - -<p>The young man imprinted a burning kiss upon the white, soft hand he held.</p> - -<p>"And so we are left alone!" she said gaily, but withdrawing her hand.</p> - -<p>"Good heavens! yes, nearly so," he replied, falling in with her humour. -"The Indian chiefs and the peons, overcome by curiosity, have joined the -crowds, and kindly procured us a <i>tête-à-tête</i>."</p> - -<p>"In the midst of ten thousand people!" she said, smiling.</p> - -<p>"That is all the better; everyone is engaged with his own affairs, -without troubling himself about those of others; and we can speak to -each other without the fear of being interrupted by importunate persons."</p> - -<p>"True," she said, thoughtfully; "it is frequently amidst a crowd that we -find the greatest solitude."</p> - -<p>"Does not the heart possess that great faculty of being able to isolate -itself when it pleases—to fold itself, as it were, within itself?"</p> - -<p>"And is not that faculty often a misfortune?"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps it is," he replied, with a sigh.</p> - -<p>"But how comes it?" she said, with a half-smiling air, in order to -change the conversation, which was becoming a little too serious. -"Pardon my giddy impertinence! How comes it, I say, that you, of whom I -sometimes caught a glimpse at Paris, during my short sojourn there, and -who then enjoyed, if I was not mistaken, a brilliant position, should -meet me here so far from your country?"</p> - -<p>"Alas! madam, my history is that of many young men, and may be summed up -in two words—weakness and ignorance."</p> - -<p>"That is but too true; that is the history of nearly all the world, in -Europe as well as in America."</p> - -<p>At this moment a great noise reached them from the camp. Doña Rosario -and the Count were placed so as not to be able to see what was passing -in the plain.</p> - -<p>"What is that noise?" she asked.</p> - -<p>"Probably the tumult of the festival which reaches us: should you like -to be present at this ceremony?"</p> - -<p>"To what purpose? Those cries and that tumult terrify me."</p> - -<p>"And yet, I thought it was you who asked Don Tadeo to see this."</p> - -<p>"A silly girl's caprice," she said, "which passed away as soon as -conceived."</p> - -<p>"But was it not Don Tadeo's intention to——"</p> - -<p>"Who can tell Don Tadeo's intention?" she interrupted, with a sigh.</p> - -<p>"He appears to love you tenderly?" Louis hazarded, timidly.</p> - -<p>"Sometimes I am on the point of believing so; he pays me the most -delicate attentions, shews me the tenderest care; then at other times he -appears to endure me with, pain—he repulses me—my caresses annoy him."</p> - -<p>"Singular conduct!" the Count observed; "this gentleman is your -relation, there can be no doubt."</p> - -<p>"I do not know," she replied ingenuously; "when alone and pensive, my -thoughts stray back to my early years. I have some vague remembrance of -a young and handsome woman, whose black eyes smiled upon me constantly, -and whose rosy lips lavished affectionate kisses upon me; and then, all -at once, a complete darkness comes over my brain, and memory entirely -fails me. As far back as I can recollect, I find nobody but Don Tadeo -watching over me, everywhere and always, as a father would do over his -daughter."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps, then," said the Count, "he is your father."</p> - -<p>"Listen. One day, after a long and dangerous illness which I had just -gone through, and in which Don Tadeo had night and day watched over -my pillow for more than a month, happy at seeing me restored to life, -for he had been fearful he should lose me, he smiled upon me tenderly, -kissed my brow and my hands, and appeared to experience the most -lively joy. 'Oh!' I said, as a sudden thought rushed across my mind; -'oh! you are my father! None but a father could devote himself with -such abnegation for his child!' and throwing my arms round his neck, -I concealed my tear-laden face on his chest. Don Tadeo arose, his -countenance was lividly pale, his features were frightfully contracted; -he repulsed me roughly, and strode hastily about the chamber. I Your -father! I! Doña Rosario!' he cried, in a husky voice, 'you are a silly, -poor child! Never repeat those words again; your father is dead, and -your mother, likewise, long, long ago. I am not your father—never -repeat that word—I am only your friend. Yes, your father, at the point -of death, confided you to my care, and that is why I am bringing you up, -that is why I watch over you; as to me, I am not even your relation!' -His agitation was extreme; he said many other things which I do not now -remember, and then he left me. Alas! from that day I have never ventured -to ask him for any account of my family."</p> - -<p>A silence ensued; the two young people were pensively thoughtful: the -simple and touching recital of Doña Rosario had strongly affected the -Count. At length he said, in a tremulous voice,—</p> - -<p>"Let <i>me</i> love you, Doña Rosario!"</p> - -<p>The maiden sighed.</p> - -<p>"To what could that love lead, Don Louis?" she said sadly,—"to death, -perhaps!"</p> - -<p>"Oh!" he exclaimed madly; "and it would be welcome, if it came in your -defence!"</p> - -<p>At this very instant, several individuals rushed into the tent, uttering -discordant cries. Quick as thought, the Count threw himself before the -young girl, a pistol in each hand. But, as if Heaven had decreed that he -should accomplish the wish he had just uttered, before he had time to -defend himself, he was struck to the earth, stabbed by several machetes. -In falling, he saw, as if in a dream, Doña Rosario seized by two -individuals, who fled away with her in their arms. With an incredible -effort, the young man succeeded in getting on his knees, and afterwards -in rising altogether. He beheld the ravishers hastening towards their -horses, which were being held at a short distance by an Indian. He -took aim at the flying wretches, crying, with a faint voice, "Murder! -Murder!" and fired.</p> - -<p>One of the ravishers fell, uttering an imprecation of rage. The Count, -exhausted by the superhuman effort he had made, staggered like a drunken -man; the blood gushed from his ears, his sight grew dim, and he rolled -senseless upon the ground.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX">CHAPTER XXX.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE PROTEST.</h3> - - -<p>The three travellers returned with such speed to Valdivia, that it -scarcely took them an hour and a half to traverse the distance which -divided the plain from the city. They passed on their way General -Don Pancho Bustamente, at the head of a detachment of lanceros, and -attended by a numerous staff; but the Dark-Hearts, employing their usual -precautions, escaped notice. Don Tadeo cast an ironical glance at his -enemy.</p> - -<p>"Look," he said, with a somewhat malignant smile, to Don Gregorio, -"at our worthy general; he fancies himself already protector. What a -majestic bearing he affects!"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Don Gregorio, with the same expression; "but between the cup -and the lip he may find there is room for a mischance."</p> - -<p>It was striking ten as they entered Valdivia. The city was almost -deserted: for all who were not detained at home by urgent business had -gone to the plain, to be present at the renewal of the treaties between -the Chilians and the Araucanos. This ceremony strongly interested the -inhabitants of the province: it was for them a guarantee of tranquillity -for the future; that is to say, the liberty of carrying on with safety -their commercial transactions with the Indians. More than all the other -provinces of Chili, Valdivia had cause to dread hostilities with its -redoubtable neighbours. Separated entirely from the territory of the -republic, when left to its own resources, the least movement among -the Moluchos annihilated its commerce. If the inhabitants appeared to -have emigrated for a time, it was not the same with the soldiers; the -numerous garrison, composed—a thing unheard of in time of peace—of -fifteen hundred men, had been still further increased within the last -two days, principally in the course of the preceding night, by two -regiments of cavalry, and a battery of artillery.</p> - -<p>For what purpose was this calling together of forces, which nothing -appeared to justify? The few inhabitants who remained in the city -experienced a vague uneasiness on this head, for which they could not -account. There is a singular fact that we wish to point out here, but -which we by no means take upon ourselves to explain, because it has -always seemed to us inexplicable. When a great event, whatever it may -be, is about to be accomplished in a country, a vague presentiment -seems to warn the inhabitants; men and things assume an unusual aspect; -nature itself, associating with this disposition of men's minds, grows -sensibly darker; a magnetic fluid rushes through the veins; a painful -pressure weighs upon every breast; the atmosphere becomes heavy; the -sun loses its brilliancy; and people only communicate their impressions -to each other in a suppressed voice; in short, there is in the air -something incomprehensible, but I know not what, which says to man in -a dismal tone, "Beware! a catastrophe threatens thee!" And this fatal -presentiment is so general, that when the event takes place, and the -crisis is over, every one instinctively cries, "I felt it!" And yet no -one could say why he foresaw the cataclysm.</p> - -<p>It is the sentiment of self-preservation which God has placed in the -heart of man—that sentiment which constitutes his safeguard, and is -so strong, that when danger approaches him, it cries to him, "Beware!" -Valdivia was at this moment oppressed by the weight of an unknown -apprehension. The few citizens who remained in the city hastened to -regain their homes. Numerous patrols of cavalry and infantry traversed -the streets in all directions; cannon rolled along with portentous -noise, and were planted at the comers of all the principal places. At -the cabildo a crowd of officers and soldiers went in and out with a -busy air; couriers succeeded each other unceasingly, and after having -delivered the orders with which they were charged, set off again at full -speed.</p> - -<p>At the same time, at the corners of streets, men wrapped in large -cloaks, and with hats pulled down over their eyes, harangued the workmen -and the sailors of the port, and formed groups, which every instant -became more numerous. In these groups, arms, gun barrels, bayonets, -and pike heads began to glitter in the sun. When these mysterious men -were satisfied that they had accomplished their task in one place, they -went to another. Immediately after their departure, as if by magic, -barricades were raised behind them, and impeded the passage. As soon as -a barricade was terminated, an energetic-looking sentinel, a workman -with bare arms, but with a callous hand, brandishing a gun, an axe, or -a sabre, placed himself at its summit, and bade all who approached go -another way.</p> - -<p>On entering the city, Don Tadeo and his companions found themselves -completely barricaded. Don Tadeo smiled triumphantly. The three men -cleared the barricades, which were thrown open at their approach, and -the sentinels bowed to them as they passed. We have forgotten to say -that all three were masked. There was something striking in the march -of these three phantoms, before whom all obstacles gave way. If now and -then a stray citizen ventured to ask timidly who those three masked -men were, he received for answer, "It is the King of Darkness and his -lieutenants;" and the citizen, trembling with fear, crossed himself, and -went his way hastily.</p> - -<p>The three men thus arrived at the entrance of the Plaza Mayor. There -two pieces of mounted cannon barred their passage, and the artillerymen -were at their guns waiting, match in hand. At a sign from Don Tadeo, the -officer who commanded approached him. He leant down upon the neck of his -horse and said a few words to the officer in a whisper; the latter bowed -respectfully, and, turning to his soldiers, said—</p> - -<p>"Let these gentlemen pass."</p> - -<p>In all the cities of Spanish America there is a monumental fountain in -the centre of the Plaza Mayor. It was towards this fountain that Don -Tadeo conducted his companions. A hundred individuals, scattered here -and there, and who appeared to expect him, drew together at his approach.</p> - -<p>"Well," Don Tadeo asked Valentine, "how do you like our ride?"</p> - -<p>"Delightful," the other replied, "only I fancy we shall shortly come to -blows, and hear the hissing of bullets."</p> - -<p>"I hope so," said the conspirator, coolly.</p> - -<p>"Ah! ah!" the young man remarked, "all is for the best, then?"</p> - -<p>"You are about to be present at a very interesting spectacle."</p> - -<p>"Oh! I depend upon you for that. For my part, I am glad at not having -lost such an opportunity."</p> - -<p>"Is it not one?"</p> - -<p>"Pardieu!—yes. It is astonishing how travelling instructs one," he -added, in the form of a parenthesis.</p> - -<p>The individuals assembled near the fountain surrounded them with -every mark of the profoundest respect. These were the faithful—the -Dark-Hearts—upon whom perfect dependence was to be placed.</p> - -<p>"Gentlemen," said Don Tadeo, "the struggle is about to commence. I -desire at length that you should know me, that you should be informed -who the man is who commands you."</p> - -<p>And he threw off his mask. A burst of enthusiasm broke from the ranks -of the conspirators. "Don Tadeo de Leon!" they cried with astonishment, -mingled with a species of veneration for the man who had suffered so -much for the common cause.</p> - -<p>"Yes, gentlemen," Don Tadeo replied, "the man whom the creatures of the -tyrant condemned to death, and whom God has miraculously preserved, in -order to be the instrument of His vengeance today."</p> - -<p>All the conspirators pressed tumultuously round him. These men of -spontaneous impressions, and essentially superstitious, no longer -doubted of victory, since they had at their head the man whom God, as -they believed, had so manifestly protected. Don Tadeo had calculated -upon this manifestation to heighten the ardour of the conspirators, -and to augment still further the prestige he enjoyed. The result had -answered his expectations.</p> - -<p>"Is everyone at his post?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Are arms and ammunition distributed?"</p> - -<p>"To everybody."</p> - -<p>"Are all the barricades completed?—all the gates of the city guarded?"</p> - -<p>"All."</p> - -<p>"That is well. Now wait."</p> - -<p>And quiet was re-established.</p> - -<p>All these men had known Don Tadeo for a long time; they appreciated his -character at its true value; they had already vowed to him a boundless -friendship; and now they knew that Don Tadeo and the King of Darkness -were the same person, they were ready to lay down their lives for him. -The news of the revelation which had been made near the fountain spread -through the city with the rapidity of a train of gunpowder, and added -greatly to the fermentation which already prevailed. Whilst the few -words were being exchanged between the chief of the conspirators and -his party, a regiment of infantry had formed in front of the cabildo, -flanked right and left by two squadrons of horse.</p> - -<p>"Attention!" Don Tadeo commanded.</p> - -<p>A sensation of impatience pervaded the men grouped around him.</p> - -<p>"Eh! eh!" Valentine murmured, with that mocking, short laugh that was -peculiar to him; "this is going on capitally! Caramba! we shall soon -have some fun!"</p> - -<p>The gates of the cabildo were thrown open violently, and a general, -followed by a brilliant staff, took his station on the top step of the -great staircase; next several senators made their appearance in full -costume, and formed a group round him. At a signal from the general, the -drums beat for a time, to secure attention and silence. When all was -quiet, a senator, who held a roll of paper in his hand, came forward a -few steps, and prepared to read.</p> - -<p>"Bah!" said the General, seizing his arm, "Why lose your time in reading -that rubbish? Leave it to me."</p> - -<p>The senator, who asked no better than to be freed from the dangerous -commission with which, very much against his will, he had been charged, -rolled up his papers, and retreated to the rear. The general assumed a -commanding posture, placed his hand upon his hip, with the point of his -sword on the ground, and said in a voice audible in every corner of the -place—</p> - -<p>"People of the province of Valdivia, the sovereign senate, assembled -in congress at Santiago de Chili, has unanimously passed the following -resolutions:—</p> - -<p>"1st. The various provinces of the Chilian republic shall be composed of -independent states united under the title of the Confederation of the -United States of South America.</p> - -<p>"2nd. The valiant and most excellent general, Don Pancho Bustamente, has -been elected Protector of the Chilian Confederation."</p> - -<p>"People, cry with me—'Long live the Protector Don Pancho Bustamente!'"</p> - -<p>The officers grouped round the General, and the soldiers drawn up in the -place, shouted—</p> - -<p>"Long live the Protector!"</p> - -<p>But the people were mute.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" the general murmured to himself; "they do not display much -enthusiasm."</p> - -<p>A man came forward from the group collected round the fountain, and -advanced boldly to within twenty paces of the soldiers. This man was -Don Tadeo de Leon; his countenance was calm and his bearing firm and -collected. He made a sign with his hand.</p> - -<p>"What is your will?" the general shouted.</p> - -<p>"To reply to your proclamation," the King of Darkness said, intrepidly.</p> - -<p>"Speak! I hear you," the general replied.</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo bowed with a significant smile.</p> - -<p>"In the name of the Chilian people," he said, in a loud, clear voice, -"the senate of Santiago de Chili, composed of creatures sold to the -tyrant, is declared traitorous to its country."</p> - -<p>"Miserable fellow! what do you dare to say?" the General cried, angrily.</p> - -<p>"No insults, if you please! Allow me to terminate the answer I have to -give you," Don Tadeo replied, coolly.</p> - -<p>The General, involuntarily brow-beaten by the heroic courage of this -man, who, alone, unarmed before a triple row of muskets ready to be -directed towards his breast, had dared to speak in this loud, firm -tone, and overcome by that ascendancy which a great character always -exercises, bit the pommel of his sword with rage.</p> - -<p>"In the name of the people," Don Tadeo, still calm and stoical, -continued, "Don Pancho Bustamente is declared a traitor to his country, -and as such is degraded from his titles and his power. Liberty! Chili!"</p> - -<p>"Liberty! Chili!" the populace assembled on the square shouted with the -greatest enthusiasm.</p> - -<p>"Oh, this is too audacious!" the General cried, pale with anger. -"Soldiers, seize that rebel!"</p> - -<p>Several soldiers stepped forward; but, quicker than thought, Don -Gregorio and Valentine had sprung to Don Tadeo's side, and dragged him -back with them among the people.</p> - -<p>"Cordieu!" cried Valentine, pressing his hands enough to crush them, -"you are a troublesome man! but I love you the better for it."</p> - -<p>The General, outrageous at seeing his enemy escape, shouted silence. "In -the name of the Protector," he said, "I command that rebel to be given -up!"</p> - -<p>Hisses and hootings were the only reply.</p> - -<p>"Fire!" the General commanded, who, even before the last insulting -manifestation, had perceived that no half measures were possible. The -muskets were lowered, and a formidable discharge pealed like thunder. -Several men fell, killed or wounded.</p> - -<p>"Chili! Liberty! down with the oppressor!" the people shouted, arming -themselves with everything they could lay their hands on. A second -discharge resounded, followed closely by a third. The ground was, in an -instant, strewed with the dead and dying; but the patriots showed no -disposition to disperse; on the contrary, under the incessant fire of -the soldiers, they organized a resistance, and soon replied by a few -shots to the incessant platoon firing which was decimating them. The -combat became mutual; the revolution had commenced.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" the General muttered to himself, "I have undertaken a rather -awkward mission."</p> - -<p>But, essentially a soldier, and endowed to the highest degree with that -spirit of passive obedience which distinguishes all who have grown old -in harness, he prepared either to chastise the insurgents severely, or -die at his post.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXI" id="CHAPTER_XXXI">CHAPTER XXXI.</a></h4> - -<h3>SPANIARD AND INDIAN.</h3> - - -<p>It was not, as may well be believed, through fear, that General -Bustamente had absented himself from Valdivia at the moment when one -of his lieutenants so boldly proclaimed him from the top of the steps -of the cabildo, before the populace. No, General Bustamente was one -of those soldiers of fortune of whom so many are found in America, -accustomed to set his life upon a cast of the die, and to be turned -aside by nothing in the world from the accomplishment of his projects. -He had hoped, by the means of the forces he had concentrated in this -remote province of the republic, that the inhabitants, taken unawares, -would only offer an insignificant resistance, and that he should be -able, by joining his troops with those of Antinahuel, to make a forced -march through Araucania, gain possession of Concepción, and thence, -keeping the gathering snowball in motion, and dragging his companions -after him, arrive at Santiago in time to prevent any movement, and -oblige the inhabitants to capitulate and accept, as an accomplished -fact, the change of government inaugurated by him in the distant -provinces of the republic.</p> - -<p>This plan was not deficient in audacity, or even in a certain degree of -policy; it comprised great chances of success. Unfortunately for General -Bustamente, the Dark-Hearts, whose spies were everywhere, had got wind -of this project, and had countermined it by taking advantage of the -opportunity offered them by their enemy to unmask their own batteries. -We have seen under what conditions the struggle between the two parties -had commenced in Valdivia. The General, who was ignorant of what was -passing, felt in a state of perfect security. As soon as he was in his -tent with Antinahuel, he let fall the curtain which closed it behind -them, and, by a gesture, invited the toqui to be seated.</p> - -<p>"Sit down, chief," he said, "I have something to say to you."</p> - -<p>"I am at the orders of my white brother," the Indian replied, with a bow.</p> - -<p>The General attentively examined the man before him; he endeavoured to -read on his countenance the various feelings that acted upon him; but -the features of the Indian were marble; no impression was reflected by -them.</p> - -<p>"Let us speak frankly, loyally, and as friends who wish no better than -to understand each other plainly," he said.</p> - -<p>Antinahuel bowed reservedly to this appeal to frankness, and the General -continued—</p> - -<p>"At this moment the people of Valdivia are constituting me, by -acclamation, protector of a new confederation, formed of all the states."</p> - -<p>"Good!" said the chief, with an almost imperceptible shake of the head; -"is my father sure of that?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly I am. The Chilians are tired of the continual agitations -which disturb the country; they have forced this heavy burden upon me; -but I owe myself to my country, and I will not disappoint the hopes my -compatriots place in me."</p> - -<p>These words were pronounced in a hypocritical tone of self-denial, of -which the Indian was not in the least the dupe. A smile flitted across -the lips of the chief, which the General affected not to perceive.</p> - -<p>"To be brief," he continued, quitting the mild, conciliatory tone in -which he had till that time spoken, to assume a more decided and abrupt -manner, "are you prepared to keep your engagements?"</p> - -<p>"Why should I not keep them?" Antinahuel remarked.</p> - -<p>"Will you march with me to assure the success of my projects?"</p> - -<p>"Let my father order, I will obey."</p> - -<p>This readiness was displeasing to the General.</p> - -<p>"Come," he said, angrily, "let us put an end to this; I have not time to -enter into a contest of wits with you, or follow you through a labyrinth -of Indian circumlocutions."</p> - -<p>"I do not understand my father," Antinahuel replied, impassively.</p> - -<p>"We shall never get to the end, chief," the General said, stamping his -foot, "if you will not answer me categorically."</p> - -<p>"I listen to my father; let him ask, I will reply."</p> - -<p>"How many men can you have under arms within twenty-four hours?"</p> - -<p>"Ten thousand," the chief said, drawing himself up proudly.</p> - -<p>"All experienced warriors?"</p> - -<p>"All."</p> - -<p>"What do you require of me for them?"</p> - -<p>"My father knows."</p> - -<p>"I accept of all your conditions but one."</p> - -<p>"Which is that?"</p> - -<p>"The surrender of the province of Valdivia to you."</p> - -<p>"Is not my father going to make up for that province on another side?"</p> - -<p>"How so?"</p> - -<p>"Am I not to assist my father in conquering Bolivia?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Well, then?"</p> - -<p>"You are mistaken, chief, it is not the same thing; I may enlarge the -Chilian territory, but honour forbids me to diminish it."</p> - -<p>"Let my father reflect; the province of Valdivia was anciently an -Araucanian Uthal-Mapus."</p> - -<p>"Very possibly, chief; but, according to that principle, all Chili was -Araucanian previous to the discovery of America."</p> - -<p>"My father is mistaken; the Inca Sinchiroca had, a hundred years before, -conquered the Chilian land as far as the Rio-Maulé."</p> - -<p>"You seem to be well acquainted with the history of your country, -chief," the General observed.</p> - -<p>"Does not my father know the history of his?"</p> - -<p>"That is not the question, now; do you accept my proposals or not?"</p> - -<p>The chief appeared to reflect for an instant.</p> - -<p>"Well!" the General exclaimed, impatiently, "time presses."</p> - -<p>"That is true; I will, therefore, go and command a council, composed -of the Apo-Ulmens and Ulmens of my nation, and submit the words of my -father to them."</p> - -<p>The General with difficulty suppressed an expression of anger.</p> - -<p>"You must, doubtless, be joking, chief," he said—"your words cannot be -serious."</p> - -<p>"Antinahuel is the first toqui of his nation," the Indian replied, -haughtily; "he never jokes."</p> - -<p>"But you must give me your answer now—at once—in a few minutes!" cried -the General; "who knows whether we may not be obliged to march within an -hour from this time?"</p> - -<p>"It is my duty, as much as it is my father's, to enlarge the territory -of my people."</p> - -<p>At this moment the gallop of a horse was heard approaching; the General -flew to the entrance of the tent, where an orderly officer appeared. The -face of this officer was bathed with perspiration, and spots of blood -stained his uniform.</p> - -<p>"General!" he said breathlessly.</p> - -<p>"Silence!" the latter hissed, pointing to the chief, who, though -apparently indifferent, followed all his movements attentively. The -General turned towards Antinahuel.</p> - -<p>"Chief," he said, "I have orders to give to this officer—pressing -orders; if you will permit me, we will resume our conversation -presently."</p> - -<p>"Good!" replied the chief; "my father need not inconvenience himself; I -can wait."</p> - -<p>And after bowing, he left the tent slowly.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" said the General to himself, "you demon! if, some day, I have you -in my power!"</p> - -<p>But perceiving that anger was making him forget himself, he turned -towards the officer, who stood motionless:</p> - -<p>"Well, Diego," he said, "what news have you?—are we conquerors?"</p> - -<p>"No," the officer replied, shaking his head; "the people, excited by -those incarnate demons, the Dark-Hearts, have rebelled."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the General cried, "shall I never be able to crush them? What has -taken place?"</p> - -<p>"The people have raised barricades; and Don Tadeo de Leon is at the head -of the movement."</p> - -<p>"Don Tadeo de Leon!" said the General.</p> - -<p>"Yes, he who was so clumsily shot."</p> - -<p>"Oh! this is war to the death then!"</p> - -<p>"A part of the troops, seduced by their officers, who have sold -themselves to the Dark-Hearts, have passed over to their side; at -this moment they are fighting in all the streets with the fiercest -inveteracy. I had to pass through a shower of bullets to come and inform -you."</p> - -<p>"We have not an instant to lose."</p> - -<p>"No; for though the soldiers who have remained faithful to you are -fighting like lions, I can assure you they are closely pressed."</p> - -<p>"Maldición!" the General howled; "I will not leave stone upon stone of -that accursed city!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, but, in the first place, we must reconquer it, General, and that -will prove rather a rough job, I promise you," replied the old soldier, -who had preserved his blunt speech throughout.</p> - -<p>"Very well!" said Bustamente; "let 'boot and saddle' be sounded, and -every horseman take a foot soldier behind him."</p> - -<p>Don Pancho Bustamente was a prey to the most violent rage; for several -instants he stamped about his tent, like a wild beast in its cage. This -unexpected resistance, in spite of all the measures of precaution he had -taken, exasperated him. Suddenly the curtain of his tent was raised. -"Who is there?" he cried. "Ah! chief, is that you? Well, what do you -say?"</p> - -<p>"I saw the chief come out, and I thought that perhaps my father would -not be sorry to see me," the other replied, courteously.</p> - -<p>"And you were right; I am delighted to see you; forget all we have said, -chief; I accept all your conditions; are you satisfied, this time?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. Including Valdivia?"</p> - -<p>"That above all!" said the General, with concentrated rage.</p> - -<p>"Ah!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, and as that province has revolted, in order to be able to give it -to you, I must bring it back to its duty, must I not?"</p> - -<p>"To be sure you must!"</p> - -<p>"Well, as I have it at my heart to fulfil all my engagements to you, -I am going instantly to march against that city; will you help me to -subdue it?"</p> - -<p>"That will be but just, as I shall labour for myself."</p> - -<p>"How many horsemen have you at hand?"</p> - -<p>"Twelve hundred."</p> - -<p>"Good!" said the General, "they will be more than we shall want."</p> - -<p>"The troops are ready," said Diego, entering the tent, "and only await -your Excellency's orders."</p> - -<p>"To saddle, then; let us be gone! let us be gone! And you, chief, will -you not accompany us?"</p> - -<p>"Let my father move onward! my mosotones and I will tread in his steps -quickly."</p> - -<p>Ten minutes later, General Bustamente, with his soldiers, was again -galloping along the road to Valdivia. Antinahuel followed him with his -eyes attentively; then he rejoined his Ulmens, saying between his teeth, -"Let us leave these Moro-Huincas to slaughter each other a little while; -it will always be time enough to fall into the party."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXII" id="CHAPTER_XXXII">CHAPTER XXXII.</a></h4> - -<h3>IN THE MOUNTAIN.</h3> - - -<p>Doña Rosario was so terrified, and such mortal anguish assailed her -on beholding the Count fall under the knives of the assassins, that -she fainted. When she recovered her senses, it was dark night. For -several minutes her confused thoughts whirled about in her brain; and -she endeavoured, but for a long time in vain, to recover the violently -broken thread of her ideas. At length light returned to her mind; she -breathed a deep sigh, and murmured in a low voice full of terror:</p> - -<p>"My God! my God! what has happened to me?"</p> - -<p>She then opened her eyes, and cast around a despairing look. We have -said it was a dark night; but what made the darkness more complete -for the poor girl, was a heavy covering of some kind which was spread -over her face, as well as her person. Then, with that patience which -characterizes all prisoners, and which is merely the instinct of -liberty, the poor child endeavoured to ascertain what her position was. -As well as she could judge, she was lying upon the back of a mule, -between two bales; a cord, which passed round her waist, prevented her -from rising, but her hands were free. The mule had that rough, irregular -trot, peculiar to its species, which made the young girl suffer terribly -at every step. Some horse cloths had been thrown over her, no doubt to -protect her from the heavy dews of the night, or perhaps to prevent her -from making out what road she was going. Doña Rosario, gently, and with -great precaution, slipped the covering down from her face: after a few -efforts her head was completely free. She then looked around her; but -all was dark. The moon, closely veiled by the clouds which passed over -its pale disc, only yielded, at rare intervals, a weak, uncertain light. -By lifting her head softly, the young girl could distinguish several -horsemen, riding before and behind the mule which carried her. As well -as she could make out, from the obscurity which surrounded her, these -horsemen were Indians.</p> - -<p>The rather numerous party—it apparently consisted of a score of -individuals—followed a narrow road deeply inclosed between two abrupt -mountains, the rocky masses of which, throwing their shadow over the -road, augmented the darkness. This road rose with a gentle ascent; and -the horses and mules, probably fatigued with a long journey, travelled -at a foot pace. The young girl, scarcely recovered from her fainting, -had not been able to judge of the time that had elapsed since her -abduction; and yet, by collecting her remembrances, and thinking at what -hour she had been the victim of this odious attempt, she calculated -that twelve hours must have passed away since she was made a prisoner. -Overcome by the effort she had been forced to make in order to look -around her, the poor girl let her head sink back again, stifling a sigh -of despondency; and closing her eyes, as if to isolate herself the more, -she plunged into sad and deep meditations.</p> - -<p>She was at least ignorant of whom she was with. Many times, it was true, -Don Tadeo had spoken to her of an inveterate enemy, inveterate for her -destruction; of a woman whose hatred watched her incessantly, ready to -sacrifice her on the first favourable opportunity. But who was this -woman? What cause had she for her hatred? Was she in the hands of this -woman at that moment? And if so, why had she not already sacrificed -her to her vengeance? From what motive had she been spared? For what -punishment was she reserved?</p> - -<p>These thoughts and many others came in crowds to assail the maiden's -bewildered mind. This uncertainty was for her an atrocious torture; at -that moment, the truth would, perhaps, have been a consolation. Man is -so constructed, that what he is most in dread of is the unknown; what he -is ignorant of, assumes instinctively, in the prepossessed eyes of one -whom a terrible danger menaces, gigantic proportions, a thousand times -more terrific than the danger itself. The diseased imagination creates -for itself phantoms which reality, however horrible it may be, puts -to flight. In a word, the condemned prisoner who is led to punishment -suffers more from the apprehensions which the fear of the death awaiting -him inspires him with, than the physical pain of that death itself will -cause him. Such was, at this moment, the situation of Doña Rosario; her -mind, filled with inquietude and dark presentiments, made her dread -nameless sufferings, the mere thought of which froze the young blood in -her veins.</p> - -<p>The caravan still proceeded; it had left the ravine, and was climbing -a path traced along the edge of a precipice, at the base of which -could be heard the dull murmur of invisible water. At times, a stone, -half-broken beneath the hoof of a mule, became detached, and rolled with -a sinister noise down the side of the mountain, to engulf itself in the -waters, into which it plunged with a dull plash, the sound of which -ascended from the abyss. The wind howled through the pines and larches, -the clashing branches of which showered a deluge of dry cones upon the -travellers. At intervals the owl, and the screech owl, concealed in -the crevices of the rocks, poured out into the night their plaintive -notes, breaking the silence dismally. Furious barkings were heard in the -distance; by degrees they grew nearer, and ended by forming a frightful -concert, broken by the sharp voices of women and children, endeavouring -to quiet them; lights appeared, and the caravan stopped. They had -evidently arrived at the halt, at which they were to pass the rest of -the night.</p> - -<p>The maiden cast an anxious but cautious look around her; but the flame -of the torches agitated by the wind would not permit her to see anything -but the dark outlines of some buildings and the shadows of several -individuals who flitted about her, with cries and laughter—nothing -more. The people of the escort were busily employed in unsaddling the -horses and unloading the mules, amidst cries and oaths, and did not -appear to bestow the least attention upon the young girl.</p> - -<p>A considerable time passed away; Doña Rosario did not know to what to -attribute this unaccountable forgetfulness. At length she felt that -someone took the mule by the bridle, and she heard him shout in a hoarse -voice, <i>Arrea!</i>—the word with which the arrieros are accustomed to -excite their beasts. Had she, then, been deceived? Was it not here they -were to stop? What was the meaning of the halt, then? Why did a portion -of the escort leave her?</p> - -<p>Her uncertainty was not of long duration; at the end of ten minutes at -most, the mule stopped again, and the man who led it approached Doña -Rosario. This man, clothed in the costume of the Chilian peasantry, wore -an old straw Panama hat, the large brim of which, pulled down over his -face, prevented her distinguishing his features. At the sight of this -individual, the young girl felt an involuntary shudder run through her -frame. The peasant, or pretended peasant, without addressing a word to -her, withdrew the covering which enfolded her, untied the cord which -bound her to the mule, and taking her in his arms, carried her with as -much ease as if she had been a child, into a detached cabin a few paces -distant, the door of which, standing open, seemed to invite them to -enter.</p> - -<p>The interior of this cabin was dark. The young girl was laid upon the -ground with a care and attention she did not expect. At the moment when -he let her sink softly down from his arms to the ground, the man bent -his head down towards her, and in a voice as inaudible as a breath, he -whispered, "Courage! and hope!" and recovering himself quickly, went -hastily out of the cabin, closing the door after him.</p> - -<p>As soon as he was gone, Doña Rosario sprang upon her feet. The two words -pronounced by the unknown had sufficed to restore her presence of mind, -and remove all her terrors. Hope, that universal panacea, that supreme -good, which God, in His infinite mercy, has given to the unfortunate -to help them to suffer, had suddenly re-entered her heart; she felt -herself become strong, and ready to engage in the struggle with her -unknown enemies. She knew now that a friend watched in secret over her, -and, if required, his assistance would not be wanting; therefore it was -almost with impatience, though still with fear, that she waited for her -ravishers to signify their intentions.</p> - -<p>The place in which she was confined was completely dark. At the first -moment she in vain endeavoured to distinguish anything in this chaos; -but, by degrees, her eyes became accustomed to the darkness, and, in -front of her, she perceived a faint light, which flitted between the -badly-joined boards of a door. She then, with great precaution, for -fear of arousing her invisible guardians, and stretching out her hand -to keep her from contact with any obstacle she could not see, advanced -cautiously, and listening attentively, towards the side from which came -the light—a light which attracted her as instinctively as a flame -attracts the imprudent moth whose wings it burns.</p> - -<p>The nearer she approached, the more distinct the light became, and the -sound of a voice reached her ears. At length her extended hands touched -the door, and leaning forward, she applied her eye to the chink. She -stifled a cry of surprise, and, as at that moment the conversation, -which had been for a short time interrupted, recommenced, she listened -with intensity.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXIII">CHAPTER XXXIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>ON THE WATCH.</h3> - - -<p>What she heard, but still more what she saw, necessarily powerfully -interested Doña Rosario. In a vast room, dimly lighted by one of those -yellow candles which the Chilians call <i>velas de cebo</i>, fastened to -the wall by means of a ring, a woman, still young, and very handsome, -attired in a riding dress of great richness, was seated on an ebony -chair, covered with Cordova leather. With her right hand she played -with a gold headed whip, and was speaking in an animated tone to a man -who stood respectfully before her, hat in hand. This man, as well as -Doña Rosario could make out, was the same who had carried her into the -<i>cuarto</i>. The woman, whom Doña Rosario did not recollect ever to have -seen, was no other than Doña Maria, the shameless courtesan, who, under -the name of the Linda, enjoyed such a scandalous celebrity.</p> - -<p>Doña Maria's position threw the light of the candle full upon her face, -and gave Doña Rosario an opportunity of distinguishing her features. -She contemplated them with deep interest, for she felt instinctively -that this woman was the enemy who, from her birth, had fatally followed -her steps. She imagined that a decisive conference between her and -the unknown was about to take place, and that in a few minutes her -fate would be made known to her. And yet, at the aspect of this woman, -whose bent brows, clear and haughty look, coldly compressed lips, -and cruel words, revealed with the hatred which devoured her, it was -neither a feeling of terror, nor a feeling of hatred, that the young -girl experienced. Without knowing why, a sadness and an undefined pity -for the very woman who was giving orders that made her shudder, took -possession of her. She listened breathlessly, fascinated, scarcely -knowing whether what she heard was really true, and fancying herself at -times under the influence of some terrible hallucination.</p> - -<p>The two speakers, who knew not that they were either watched or -overheard, resumed their conversation in an unrestrained voice. Doña -Rosario, we may well suppose, did not lose a single word.</p> - -<p>"How is it," said the Linda, "that Joan has not come? I expected him."</p> - -<p>The man thus questioned cast a sharp look around him, and rolling up -the broad brim of his hat in his fingers, replied with ill-dissembled -embarrassment—</p> - -<p>"Joan sent me in his place."</p> - -<p>"And by what right," said the Linda, in a haughty tone, "does the fellow -presume to confide to others the care of accomplishing the orders I give -him?"</p> - -<p>"Joan is my friend," the man replied.</p> - -<p>"What are the ties that unite you to me:" she asked, contemptuously.</p> - -<p>"The mission you charged him with is accomplished."</p> - -<p>"Ay—but faithfully?"</p> - -<p>"The woman is there," he said, pointing to the room in which Doña -Rosario was; "during the journey she has spoken to nobody, and I can -guarantee that she does not know to what place she has been brought."</p> - -<p>At this assurance the look of Doña Maria softened a little, and it was -in a less sharp and haughty tone she continued—</p> - -<p>"But why did Joan give up his place to you?"</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the man said with a feigned bluntness, belied by his cunning eye, -"for a very simple reason; Joan is at this moment attracted towards the -plain by the black eyes of the wife of a paleface, which sparkle like -fireflies in the night. The woman's toldo is built in the country, near -the toldería which you call, I think, Concepción. Although such conduct -be unworthy of a warrior, his heart is flying constantly towards this -woman, in spite of himself, and until he gain possession of her, he will -never be in his senses."</p> - -<p>"Well, then," the Linda interrupted, stamping her foot with vexation, -"why does not the fool carry her off?"</p> - -<p>"I proposed that to him."</p> - -<p>"And what did he say?"</p> - -<p>"He refused."</p> - -<p>Doña Maria shrugged her shoulders with a smile of disdain. "Still," she -remarked, "all that does not tell me who you are."</p> - -<p>"I! I am an Ulmen in my tribe; a great warrior among the Puelches," he -replied, proudly.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" she said, with an air of satisfaction, "you are an Ulmen of the -Puelches, are you? Good! then I can depend upon your fidelity."</p> - -<p>"I am the friend of Joan," he remarked simply, with a respectful bow.</p> - -<p>"Do you know the woman whom you have brought here?" the Linda asked, -darting at him a mistrustful glance.</p> - -<p>"How should I know her?"</p> - -<p>"Are you ready to obey me in everything?"</p> - -<p>"My obedience will depend on my sister; let her speak, and I will -answer."</p> - -<p>"This woman is my enemy," said the Linda.</p> - -<p>"Must she die?" he asked, roughly, without lowering his eyes before the -searching glances of the Linda.</p> - -<p>"Oh, no!" she cried eagerly; "these Indians are brutes—they understand -nothing of vengeance! What use would her death be to me? It is her life -I want."</p> - -<p>"Let my sister explain; I do not comprehend."</p> - -<p>"Death! that is nothing but a few instants of suffering, then all is -over."</p> - -<p>"White death may be so, but an Indian death must be called for many -hours before it answers."</p> - -<p>"I wish her to live, I tell you!"</p> - -<p>"She shall live. Ah!" he added, with a sigh, "the toldo of a chief is -empty, its fires are extinguished."</p> - -<p>"Oh! oh!" the Linda interrupted; "have you no wives?"</p> - -<p>"They are dead."</p> - -<p>"And where is your tribe at this moment?"</p> - -<p>"Oh!" said the Indian, "far from here—ten suns' march, at least. I was -returning to rejoin the warriors of my toldería, when Joan charged me -with this mission."</p> - -<p>There was a short silence, during which the Linda appeared to be -reflecting. Doña Rosario redoubled her attention—she felt she was about -to know her fate.</p> - -<p>"And pray," Doña Maria resumed, fixing her keen eyes upon the Indian, -"what great interest detained you on the plains near the seashore?"</p> - -<p>"None; I came, as the other Ulmens did, to renew the treaties."</p> - -<p>"Had you no other reasons?"</p> - -<p>"None at all."</p> - -<p>"Listen to me, chief. You have, doubtless, admired the four horses -fastened at the gate of this house?"</p> - -<p>"They are noble beasts," the Indian replied, his eyes glistening with -the desire of possessing them.</p> - -<p>"Well, it only depends upon yourself that I should give them to you."</p> - -<p>"Oh! oh!" he cried, joyfully, "what must I do for that?"</p> - -<p>"Obey me," said the Linda, with a smile.</p> - -<p>"I will obey," he replied.</p> - -<p>"Whatever I command you?"</p> - -<p>"Whatever my sister commands."</p> - -<p>"That is well; but remember what I am going to say to you. If you -deceive me, my vengeance will be terrible—it will follow you -everywhere."</p> - -<p>"Why should I deceive my sister?"</p> - -<p>"Because your Indian race is so constituted—astute and roguish, ever -ready to betray."</p> - -<p>A sinister flash gleamed from the downcast eye of the Puelche warrior; -nevertheless, he replied in a calm tone—</p> - -<p>"My sister is mistaken; the Araucanos are loyal."</p> - -<p>"We shall see," she coldly remarked. "What is your name?"</p> - -<p>"The Musk Rat."</p> - -<p>"Very well; listen, Musk Rat, to what I am going to say."</p> - -<p>"My ears are open."</p> - -<p>"This woman, who, according to my orders, you brought here, must never -again revisit the shores of the sea."</p> - -<p>"She shall never see them again."</p> - -<p>"I do not wish her to die—understand that; she must suffer," the Linda -added, in a tone which made the unhappy girl tremble with fear.</p> - -<p>"She shall suffer."</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Doña Maria, with sparkling eyes, "I wish that, during a -long course of years, she may suffer a martyrdom at every instant; she -is young, she will have time to call upon death to deliver her from her -misery before it deigns to listen to her. Beyond the mountains, far in -the deserts, in the virgin forests of the Grou-Chaco, I am told that -hordes of Indians exist who are ferocious and sanguinary, and bear a -deadly hatred towards all of the white race."</p> - -<p>"Yes," said the Puelche, in a melancholy tone, "I have heard of these -men from the chiefs of my tribe; they live only for murder."</p> - -<p>"That is it!" she said, with sinister delight. "Well, chief, do you -think yourself able to traverse these vast deserts, and reach the -Grou-Chaco?"</p> - -<p>"Why should I not?" the Indian replied, raising his head proudly, "Do -there exist obstacles strong enough to resist the Araucano warrior in -his course? The puma is the king of the forests, the vulture that of the -heavens; but the Aucas is the king of the puma and the eagle; the desert -is his—Guatechu has given it to him; his horse and his lance render him -invincible and master of immensity."</p> - -<p>"Then my brother will accomplish this journey, which is impossible?"</p> - -<p>A disdainful smile played for an instant round the lips of the savage -warrior.</p> - -<p>"I will accomplish it," he said.</p> - -<p>"Good! my brother is a chief—I perceive he is one now."</p> - -<p>The Puelche bowed modestly.</p> - -<p>"My brother will go there, then, and when he arrives in the Chaco, he -will sell the pale girl to the Guayacuras."</p> - -<p>The Indian did not allow any mark of astonishment to be perceived upon -his face.</p> - -<p>"I will sell her," he replied.</p> - -<p>"That is well!—my brother will be faithful?"</p> - -<p>"I am a chief; I have but one word, my tongue is not forked; but why -should I take this pale woman so far?"</p> - -<p>Doña Maria cast a penetrating glance at him—a suspicion crossed her -mind—the Indian perceived it.</p> - -<p>"I only made a simple observation to my sister; it concerns me little, -and she need not answer me if she does not think proper," he said, with -indifference.</p> - -<p>The brow of the Linda became serene again.</p> - -<p>"The remark is just, chief; I will answer it. Why take her so far, you -asked me; because Antinahuel loves this woman—his heart is softened by -her—and perhaps he will suffer himself to be moved by her prayers, and -restore her to her family. But it shall not happen; she shall weep tears -of blood; her heart shall break under the incessant pangs of grief; she -shall lose everything, even hope!"</p> - -<p>After uttering these words, Doña Maria arose, with head erect, sparkling -eyes, and extended arm; there was in her aspect something fatal and -terrible, which terrified even the Indian, by nature so difficult to -move.</p> - -<p>"Go," she cried, in a tone of command, "before she departs for ever, -I will see this woman once—only once, and speak with her for a few -minutes; she shall at least know me: bring her hither!"</p> - -<p>The Indian went out silently; this woman, so beautiful and so cruel, -terrified him—she inspired him with horror.</p> - -<p>Doña Rosario, on hearing this atrocious sentence pronounced against her, -fell senseless to the ground.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXXIV">CHAPTER XXXIV.</a></h4> - -<h3>FACE TO FACE.</h3> - - -<p>The door of the cuarto in which Doña Rosario was confined was thrown -open, and the Puelche warrior appeared; he held in his hand a rude -earthen lamp, the flame of which, although feeble, sufficed to -distinguish objects. He had replaced his shabby hat upon his head, and -its wide brim served as a mask to his features.</p> - -<p>"Come with me!" he said, in a rough voice, to the maiden.</p> - -<p>Conscious of the inutility of a resistance which could only be dangerous -to her amidst the bandits who surrounded her, and bowing her head with -resignation, she followed her guide in silence. Doña Maria had resumed -her place in the ebony chair; with arms crossed, and her head hanging -upon her bosom, she was buried in dark meditations. At the slight noise -made by the footsteps of the young lady, she drew herself up, a flash of -hatred gleamed from her dark eyes, and with, a gesture she commanded the -Indian to retire. The Puelche obeyed.</p> - -<p>The two women examined each other intensely; their looks crossed; the -hawk and the dove were face to face. A deathlike silence reigned in the -apartment; at intervals the wind came in gusts and dismal moanings, -through the ill-joined boards of the doors, shook the old building to -its foundation, and agitated the flame of the only candle that illumined -the vast gloomy room in which the two women were. After a sufficiently -long pause, the Linda, who, with that instinct which women possess in -such a high degree, had examined in detail, one by one, the numerous -beauties of the charming girl who stood pale and trembling before her, -at length spoke—</p> - -<p>"Yes," she said, in a hollow voice, as if speaking to herself, and -overcome by the evidence of the fact, "yes, this girl is beautiful; she -has everything to make her an object of love—to see her must be to -love her; well, this beauty, which up to this time has been her joy and -her pride, grief shall wither rapidly; before one year has passed away -I am resolved that she shall become an object of pity and contempt for -all. Oh!" she added, in a piercing, shrill voice, "I have her at length -within the power of my vengeance!"</p> - -<p>"What have I done to you, madam, that you should hate me thus?" the -maiden asked, in a plaintive voice, the sweet and melodious accent of -which would have softened anyone but her to whom she spoke.</p> - -<p>"What have you done to me, silly creature?" the Linda cried, bounding -up like a wounded lioness, and placing herself close in front of Doña -Rosario—"what have you done to me?" and then added, with a loud -laugh—"Ah! ah! that's true, <i>you</i> have done nothing to me!"</p> - -<p>"Alas, madam! I do not even know you; this is the first time I have been -in your presence; I, a poor young girl, whose life to the present time -has passed away in retirement—how can I have offended you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I allow it," the Linda replied; "you have done nothing to me; and, -personally, as you have just said, I have nothing to reproach you with; -but, by making you suffer, learn that it is upon <i>him</i> I avenge myself."</p> - -<p>"I do not understand what you mean, madam," the maiden said, simply.</p> - -<p>"Senseless fool, do not play with the lioness who is ready to devour -you, or pretend to feign an ignorance of which I am not the dupe; if you -have not already divined my name, I will tell it you—I am Doña Maria, -whom they call the Linda—do you understand me now?"</p> - -<p>"Not more than I did before, madam," replied Doña Rosario, with an -accent of frankness that shook the belief of her persecutor, in spite of -herself; "I have never even heard that name."</p> - -<p>"Can that be true?" she cried, doubtingly.</p> - -<p>"I swear it is."</p> - -<p>Doña Linda strode about the apartment with long, hasty steps. Doña -Rosario, more and more astonished, looked stealthily at this woman, -without being able to account to herself for the emotion which her -presence, and the sound of her voice, caused her to experience; it -was not fear, still less was it joy, but an incomprehensible mixture -of sadness, joy, pity, and terror; an undefinable feeling, which, -far from creating repulsion, drew her towards a woman whose odious -projects were no secret to her, and from whom she knew she had so much -to dread. Singular sympathy; what Doña Rosario felt towards the Linda, -the Linda felt towards Doña Rosario: in vain she called to her aid the -remembrance of all the wrongs with which she fancied she had to reproach -the man whom she wished to strike in the person of the young girl; in -the innermost recesses of her heart, a voice, which constantly gained -strength, spoke to her in favour of the maiden whom she was about to -sacrifice to her hatred; the more she endeavoured to overcome this -sentiment, for which she could not account, the more powerless she found -her efforts become; at length, she was on the point of being softened.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" she murmured, passionately, "what is going on within me? Am I -weak enough to allow myself to be subdued by the tears of that paltry -creature?"</p> - -<p>Like Indian warriors, who, when fastened to the stake of blood, sing -their own exploits to encourage them to endure bravely the tortures -which their executioners silently prepare, the Linda recalled the -maddening remembrance of all the outrages Don Tadeo had loaded her with; -and with flashing eyes and trembling lips, she stopped short in front of -Doña Rosario.</p> - -<p>"Listen to me, girl," she said, in a voice which passion caused to -tremble, "this is the first and last time we shall be in the presence of -each other; and you shall know why I bear you such hatred. What you will -learn will be hereafter, perhaps, a consolation to you, and help you to -bear with courage the miseries I reserve for you," she added, with the -laugh of a demon.</p> - -<p>"I will listen to you, madam," Rosario replied, meekly, "although I am -certain that what you are about to say cannot, in any sense, render me -guilty with respect to you."</p> - -<p>"Do you think so?" the Linda said, in a tone of ironical compassion; -"well, then, listen; we have time to talk, as you will not leave this -place for an hour."</p> - -<p>This allusion to her approaching departure made the poor girl shudder, -by recalling to her all that the departure threatened.</p> - -<p>"A woman," the Linda continued, "a young and beautiful woman, more -beautiful than you, fragile child of cities, whom the least storm -bends like a weak reed—a woman, I say, had for love married a man, -also young, and handsome as the evil angel before his fall, who with -perfidiously golden words, by opening before her immense and unknown -horizons, had so seduced her, the poor, poor girl, that in a few days -he induced her to abandon stealthily the roof which had sheltered her -infancy, and to which her aged father in vain recalled her up to the day -of his death, that he might bless and pardon her."</p> - -<p>"Oh, that is frightful!" cried Doña Rosario.</p> - -<p>"Why so? as he had married her, morality was satisfied, in the eyes -of the world. This woman was pure, and could thenceforward move with -head erect before the crowd which had hailed her fall with laughter and -contempt. But everything passes away in this world, and most quickly of -all, the love of the most passionate man. Only a year after marriage -this woman, alone in the most retired room of her dwelling, wept over -the remembrance of the happiness which had left her for ever. Her -husband had deserted her! A child born of this union, a little fair -girl, a rosy-lipped cherub, whose eyes reflected the azure of the -heavens, was the sole consolation which in her misfortunes was left to -the poor abandoned mother. One night, when she was plunged in sleep, her -husband stole like a thief into her house, seized the child, in spite -of the cries of the desolate mother, who threw herself in tears at his -feet, and implored him by all he held sacred in the world. After roughly -repulsing the despairing mother, who sank dying on the cold slabs of the -floor, this heartless and pitiless man disappeared with the child."</p> - -<p>"And the mother?" Doña Rosario anxiously asked, much affected by the -story which the Linda told, entirely to her own advantage.</p> - -<p>"The mother," she continued, in a low, broken voice, "the mother was -doomed never to see her child again. She never has seen her! Prayers, -threats, everything in turn, have been employed without success. And -now, this mother, who adores her child, and would sacrifice her life -for her,—this mother has vowed a hatred against this man, whom she so -fondly loved, and who showed no pity to her, which no vengeance can -satisfy! Now, then, young girl, do you know the name of this mother? -Say, do you know it? No, you do not? Well, then, I am this mother! and -the man who ravished from her all her happiness—the man whom she hates -as she does the demon whose heart he bears, is Don Tadeo de Leon!"</p> - -<p>"Don Tadeo!" Rosario cried, starting back with surprise.</p> - -<p>"Yes!" the Linda said, furiously; "yes, Don Tadeo, your lover!"</p> - -<p>The maiden sprang towards Doña Maria, and seizing her arm violently, and -placing her face, inflamed with anger, close to that of the courtezan, -who was stupefied at the energy she could not have expected from this -delicate creature, cried indignantly,—</p> - -<p>"What have you dared to say, madam? Don Tadeo my lover! It is false, -madam!"</p> - -<p>"Can this be true?" the Linda asked, eagerly. "Can I have been so -grossly mistaken? But then," she added, mistrustfully, "who are you? and -by what title does he keep you always with him?"</p> - -<p>"I will tell you who I am, madam!" Rosario replied, proudly.</p> - -<p>All at once the hasty gallop of several horses was heard from without, -mingled with cries and oaths.</p> - -<p>"What can the matter be?" said Doña Maria, turning pale.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" said Doña Rosario, clasping her hands fervently; "oh, my God! are -you sending me liberators?"</p> - -<p>"You are not free yet," the Linda said, with a bitter smile.</p> - -<p>The tumult increased greatly; the door, violently pushed from without, -flew open, and several men rushed into the room.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXV" id="CHAPTER_XXXV">CHAPTER XXXV.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE REVOLT.</h3> - - -<p>The multiplicity of the scenes we have to describe, and the exigencies -of our story, compel us to abandon Doña Rosario and the Linda, -and return to Valdivia, where the revolt had assumed the gigantic -proportions of a revolution. Electrified by the heroic conduct of the -King of Darkness, the patriots fought with the greatest obstinacy. -The Dark-Hearts appeared to have the gift of ubiquity; their numbers -increased, they were everywhere at the head of the insurgents, exciting -them by gesture and voice; but, above all, by their example. The city -was completely cut up by barricades, against which the few troops who -remained faithful to General Bustamente struggled in vain. Beaten back -by the enemies who on all sides rose up against them to the thousand -times repeated cries of "Our country!" "Chili Liberty!" the soldiers -retreated, step by step, abandoning, one after another, the different -posts of which they had been in possession at the commencement of the -action, and rallied upon the Plaza Mayor, the outlets of which they had -barricaded in their turn.</p> - -<p>The city was in the power of the insurgents; for as the battle from this -moment was concentrated at one point, it was not difficult to foresee -with which party the victory would remain; for the soldiers, discouraged -by the ill success of their <i>coup de main</i>, and sensible of being the -champions of a lost cause, only fought to obtain honourable conditions. -General Bustamente's officers, and the senators whom he had brought -with him as partizans, trembled when thinking of the fate that awaited -them if they fell into the hands of their enemies. Success justifies -everything: from the moment they failed to succeed they became traitors -to their country, and, as such, had no right to a capitulation. They -therefore excited their soldiers to fight valiantly, promising them -speedy assistance, and trying to revive their courage by telling them -that their adversaries were merely citizens, whom they could easily -overcome if they made a bold attempt, or even resisted for an hour -longer.</p> - -<p>The general who commanded the garrison, and whom we saw upon the steps -of the cabildo read with so much arrogance the decree which changed the -form of government, bit his lips with rage and performed prodigies of -valour, to give Bustamente time to arrive. As soon as he saw the turn -things had taken, he sent off an express for the General with the utmost -promptitude. This express was Diego, the old soldier who was so devoted -to General Bustamente.</p> - -<p>"Lieutenant," he said, in conclusion, "you see in what a position we -are; you must reach the General at all risks."</p> - -<p>"I will reach him, General; be at ease on that head!" Diego replied, -intrepidly.</p> - -<p>"And I will endeavour to hold out till your return."</p> - -<p>Don Diego, before he finished speaking, had ridden desperately at -the ranks of the insurgents, spurring on his horse, and waving -his sword with menacing rapidity round his head. The Dark-Hearts, -astonished by such an attack on the part of a single man, at the first -moment unconsciously opened their ranks before him as to a canister -shot, incapable of resisting the impetuous shock of this apparently -invulnerable demon, who mowed down all that came in his way. Diego -skilfully took advantage of the disorder produced on the enemy by his -furious assault; he kept pushing on, and, after incredible efforts, -succeeded in getting out of the city. As soon as he was in safety, the -overexcitement which till that time had sustained him, suddenly sank, -and at a few paces from the gates he was forced to stop to take breath, -and restore his confused ideas to a little order. The old soldier washed -the sides and nostrils of his horse with a little brandy and water; -and as soon as this duty was performed, aware that the fate of his -companions depended upon his speed, he sprang into his saddle and set -off with the fleetness of an arrow.</p> - -<p>The General did not delay his return to Valdivia a minute, for he felt -that success would be an immense advantage to him; and a check, if he -were beaten, irreparable. As a conqueror, his march to Santiago would -be nothing but a triumphant march; the authorities of the cities he -passed through would rival each other in ranging themselves beneath his -standard; whereas, if he were forced to abandon Valdivia as a fugitive, -he would be tracked like a wild beast, and obliged to seek safety in -a prompt flight, either in Bolivia or Buenos Aires, and the projects -he had nourished so long, and of which he believed he had beforehand -assured the success, would be deferred, or perhaps destroyed for ever. -Thus the General was a prey to one of those cold furies, which are so -much more terrible, because they cannot be exhibited outwardly.</p> - -<p>The horsemen advanced amidst a cloud of dust raised by their precipitate -course, rushing along the road like a whirlwind, and with a noise like -thunder. Two lances' length in advance of the soldiers, Don Pancho, -bending over the neck of his horse, with pale brow and clenched teeth, -galloped at full speed, keeping his eyes fixed upon the lofty steeples -of Valdivia, whose dark shadows became more enlarged on the horizon -every minute. Within half a mile of the city he halted his squadron. The -sharp pattering of musketry resounded strongly, mingled at intervals -with the dismal, rolling bass of cannon; the battle, therefore, must -still be going on. The General hastened to make his last preparations -before attempting an attack he hoped would prove decisive. The foot -soldiers dismounted, and formed in platoons, and firearms of all kinds -were loaded.</p> - -<p>The troops brought up by the General were not numerous from the European -point of view, according to which we are accustomed to see great masses -in conflict; they, at most, did not exceed eight hundred men. In Europe -it is customary to say that victory is most likely to attend large -battalions: in America, where the largest armies are frequently of not -more than three thousand men, this idea becomes naturally modified, -and it is generally the most skilful or the most brave man who remains -master of the field of battle.</p> - -<p>Don Pancho was a rough soldier, accustomed to the struggles of civil -wars, which, for the most part, consist of audacious <i>coups de main</i>. -Endowed with courage bordering on rashness, and devoured by ambition, he -prepared, with the greatest coolness, to re-establish his compromised -affairs by an irresistible attack. The country in the neighbourhood of -Valdivia is a real English garden, interspersed with thickets, apple -orchards, copses, and slender streams of water rippling away to the -river. It was very easy for the General to conceal his arrival. Two -soldiers were detached as scouts, in order to learn the state of things. -At the expiration of a few minutes they returned. The outskirts of the -city were deserted, the insurgents had driven the troops back into the -centre, and, according to the scouts, with the imprudence of citizens -metamorphosed suddenly into soldiers, they had left no reserve, or even -placed sentinels, to secure their rear against a surprise.</p> - -<p>This information, instead of restoring confidence to the General, made -him knit his brows; he thought it must be a manoeuvre, and whilst his -officers were laughing with all their might at the able tactics of -the insurgents, he judged it necessary to redouble his precautions. -The troops were divided into two bodies, which, in case of need, were -to support each other; and, as they were attacking a city entirely -barricaded, the lancers were ordered to dismount, and reinforce the -infantry. Only one squadron of a hundred horsemen remained in the -saddle, concealed about a quarter of a mile from the place, in order to -support a retreat, or to put the fugitives to the sword, if the surprise -succeeded. These arrangements made, the General made an earnest address -to his soldiers, to whom he promised, in the event of success, the -pillage of the city. He then placed himself at the head of the first -detachment, and gave the order, "March! Forward!"</p> - -<p>The troops advanced in the Indian fashion, taking advantage of every -inequality in the ground, and of every tree to conceal themselves, and -arrived thus, without giving alarm, to within pistol shot of the city. -The dead silence which continued to prevail around him, contrasted in -a dismal manner with the musketry and cannon which became more audible -as they advanced, and greatly increased the General's anxiety. A dark -presentiment warned him that he was threatened by some great danger, -which he knew not how to avoid, from being ignorant of what kind it -might be. The least hesitation at this critical minute might bring on -irreparable misfortunes. The General grasped the hilt of his sword -firmly in his clenched hand, and turning towards his soldiers, shouted -in a loud, clear voice, "Forward!"</p> - -<p>The detachment, which only awaited this order, rushed forward shouting, -and, at double-quick time, cleared the space between them and the city. -Windows, doors, all were closed; and had it not been for the distant -report of musketry, the city might have been thought deserted. The first -detachment, finding no obstacles before them, continued their march; -and the second detachment also entered. But then, all at once, behind, -before, and on the flanks of the troops, a loud cry burst forth; and -at every window appeared men with muskets in their hands. Don Pancho -Bustamente was surrounded, he had allowed himself to be taken—pardon us -the triviality of the comparison—like a rat in a trap. The soldiers, -astonished for a second, soon recovered themselves; they faced front and -rear, and attacked the double barrier that enclosed them: but though -they desperately rushed against it, they could not force it. They then -plainly perceived they were lost, that they could expect no quarter, and -prepared to die like brave men.</p> - -<p>The General cast fierce and desperate glances around him, looking, -but unsuccessfully, for a point of issue from the menacing forest of -bayonets crossed before him, and which enclosed him as in a steel -network. Some authors have amused themselves at the expense of the -wars and battles of the Americans, in which they say the two armies -always take care to place themselves out of reach of cannon shot, so as -never to have a single man killed. This pleasantry, which is in very -bad taste, has assumed the proportions of a calumny it is but just -to refute, for it attacks the honour of the Americans of the South, -who, I unhesitatingly assert, are endowed with intrepid courage—a -courage that was brilliantly displayed during the wars of independence -against the Spaniards. Unhappily, at present this courage is employed -in fratricidal struggles, without any understood object. Thrice the -soldiers rushed upon the insurgents, and thrice were they repulsed -with enormous loss. The battle was horrible, without mercy on either -side; they fought hand to hand, foot to foot, breast to breast, to -the last breath, only falling to die. The troops, decimated by this -frightful carnage, gradually gave ground; the space they occupied -became narrower and narrower, and the moment did not appear distant -when they would disappear under the popular flood which continued to -ascend, and threatened to engulf them under its irresistible mass. The -General collected about fifty men resolved to die or open a passage, and -he made a desperate attempt. It was a collision of giants. For a few -minutes, the two masses launched one against the other remained almost -motionless, from the force of the blow with which they met; Don Pancho, -flourishing his sword around him, and standing in his stirrups, struck -down all who opposed his passage.</p> - -<p>Suddenly a man placed himself before him, like a rock which rises from -the depths of the sea. At the sight of him the General paused, in spite -of himself, with a stifled cry of surprise and rage. This man was Don -Tadeo de Leon, his mortal enemy; whom he had once condemned to death, -and who had, in a miraculous manner, survived his execution. But, now! -God seemed to place him fatally before him, to be the instrument of his -vengeance, and the cause of his ruin and his shame.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXXVI">CHAPTER XXXVI.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE LION AT BAY.</h3> - - -<p>"My God!" said the General, "am I the dupe of an hallucination?"</p> - -<p>"Ah! ah!" the King of Darkness exclaimed, with an ironical smile, "you -recognize me then, General?"</p> - -<p>"Don Tadeo de Leon!" Don Pancho cried, in horror. "Do the dead then -arise from the tomb? Oh! I hoped that what I heard was false. It is you!"</p> - -<p>"Yes," Don Tadeo replied, in a stern voice, "you are not mistaken, Don -Pancho; I am Don Tadeo de Leon, whom you caused to be shot upon the -Plaza Mayor of Santiago. Your spies have informed you correctly."</p> - -<p>"Man or demon," the General shouted, half choking with rage, "I will not -yield to you! I will fight you as a man, and send you back again to the -hell from which you have escaped!"</p> - -<p>His enemy smiled disdainfully.</p> - -<p>"Your hour has arrived, Don Pancho," he said; "you are due to the -justice of the Dark-Hearts."</p> - -<p>"You do not hold me yet, wretched traitor! If I cannot conquer, I can -die, weapon in hand, like a soldier."</p> - -<p>"No, your hour has struck, I tell you; you are ours, you shall die, but -not the death of a soldier; you shall be executed by our justice!"</p> - -<p>"If that be the case," the General yelled, brandishing his sword, "come -and take me!"</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo did not deign a reply; he gave a signal, and a lasso whizzed -through the air, launched by an invisible hand, and fell round the -General's shoulders. Astonished by this unexpected attack, before he -could make the least possible resistance, he received a terrific shock, -lost his stirrups, was pulled from his horse, and dragged amongst -the insurgents. The astounded General, half mad with rage and shame, -exhausted himself in vain efforts; nearly strangled by the lasso which -flayed his neck, his face assumed a purple tint; his eyes, injected with -blood, seemed starting from their sockets, and a white foam flowed from -the corners of his discoloured lips. Don Tadeo contemplated him for a -moment with a mixture of pity and triumph.</p> - -<p>"Free him from that slipknot," he said. "Secure his person, but treat -him with respect."</p> - -<p>The soldiers, terrified at this prompt capture, which they had not at -all expected, stood downcast and silent; in their stupor forgetting even -the use of their arms. Don Tadeo turned towards them:</p> - -<p>"Surrender," he shouted, "surrender! the man who misled you is in our -power; your lives shall be spared."</p> - -<p>The soldiers consulted each other for an instant with their eyes; and -then, as if by a spontaneous movement, they threw down their muskets, -crying aloud:</p> - -<p>"Chili! Chili! liberty! liberty!"</p> - -<p>"That is well!" said Don Tadeo; "leave the city, encamp at the distance -of a mile, and await the orders which shall soon be transmitted to you."</p> - -<p>The conquered soldiers, with downcast looks, followed the road they had -traversed an hour before; they passed through the silent ranks of the -insurgents, which opened to give them passage. Without loss of time, -Don Tadeo, followed by a crowd of his partisans, directed his course -towards the Plaza Mayor, where the battle still raged. The soldiers, -solidly intrenched in the Plaza, and masters of the cabildo, fought -valiantly, hoping still for the assistance of General Bustamente, of -whose fate they were ignorant. Although reduced to a small number, these -troops occupied a formidable position, in which it was almost impossible -to force them, without resolving to suffer great loss. Persuaded that -they only required to gain time, the soldiers fought with the energy of -despair, defending inch by inch the barricade behind which they were -sheltered.</p> - -<p>But the day was passing away, their ammunition was growing exhausted, a -great number of their comrades were stretched dead at their feet, and -nothing could support them but the hope that the succour so impatiently -expected was at hand. In the heat of their own contest they had not -heard the noise of the battle fought by Don Pancho at the city gates, in -which but few shots had been fired, as it had been principally decided -by cold steel. Discouragement, however, began to affect the bravest, -the general who commanded even felt his energy diminish, and he looked -around him with great anxiety.</p> - -<p>Dejected, and with downcast eyes, the senator, who had been the bearer -of the fatal proclamation, trembled in all his limbs; he regretted, -but too late, having thrown himself into this hornet's nest; and he -offered up the most magnificent vows to the innumerable saints of the -golden Spanish legend, if they would bring him safe and sound through -the perils which surrounded him. The worthy man had not any warlike -instincts; and we can safely affirm, without fear of contradiction, that -if he had had the slightest suspicion that things would have taken the -turn they did, he would have remained quiet in his charming quinta of -Corro-Azul, in the environs of Santiago, where his life glided away so -softly, so happily, and, above all, so free from care. Unfortunately, -as it sometimes happens in this nether world, where, whatever Candide -may say, everything is not for the best, in the best of worlds, Don -Ramón Sandias—so the worthy senator was named—had not been able duly -to appreciate the charms of that calm life; ambition had gnawed at his -heart, though he had nothing to wish for; and he had, as we have seen, -plunged up to the neck in a hornet's nest, from which he did not know -how to emerge.</p> - -<p>At every shot he heard, the poor senator jumped like a Guanaco, with -startled eyes; and when, now and then, in spite of the precautions he -had taken, the sinister hissing of a bullet resounded in his ear, he -threw himself flat on his face, murmuring all the prayers that his -troubled memory could recall.</p> - -<p>At first, the contortions and cries of Don Ramón had very much amused -the officers and soldiers among whom accident had placed him; they had -even taken delight in augmenting his terrors; but, at length, as happens -more frequently in such cases than people fancy, the pleasantries had -ceased; Don Ramón's terrors had communicated themselves to the laughers, -who saw, with fright, that their position was becoming every minute more -desperate.</p> - -<p>"The devil take the poltroon!" the General at length cried, angrily; -"cannot you keep your trembling limbs still? Caspita! console yourself, -they won't kill you more than once."</p> - -<p>"Ah! that is very easy for you to say," the senator replied, in a broken -voice; "I am no soldier; it is your trade to be killed, it is all one to -you."</p> - -<p>"Hum!" said the General, "not quite so much so as you may think; but -comfort yourself; if this goes on a little longer, we shall all go -together."</p> - -<p>"What is that you say?" the poor man muttered, with redoubled fear.</p> - -<p>"Caramba! it is clear as day, if Don Pancho does not make haste and -come, all of us here will die."</p> - -<p>"But I do not wish to die!" said the senator, bursting into tears; "I -am no soldier. Oh! I implore you, my good, my inestimable Don Tiburcio -Cornejo, let me go away!"</p> - -<p>The General shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"What consequence can it be to you?" the senator continued, in a -supplicating tone; "do save my life! show me which way I can get out of -this cursed confusion."</p> - -<p>"Eh! how the devil do I know?"' the General said, impatiently.</p> - -<p>"Well, now, look here," said the senator; "you owe me two thousand -piastres, which I won of you at Monte, do you not?"</p> - -<p>"What then?" the General, vexed at this ill-timed remark, said, sharply.</p> - -<p>"Get me away from here, and I will cry quits."</p> - -<p>"You are a fool, Don Ramón; do you think if I could get safely away from -here, that I would remain?"</p> - -<p>"I see what you are," said the senator, despondingly; "you are but a -false friend, you desire my death, you thirst for my blood."</p> - -<p>In short, the poor man was almost mad; he knew not what he said, -terror had deprived him of the little sense he ever possessed. But, in -reality, the position became every instant more critical; the carnage -was horrible, the soldiers fell one after another beneath the bullets -of the insurgents, who were sheltered by every corner of the plaza. Two -or three sorties attempted by the troops had been vigorously repulsed; -and hence, decimated as they were, all they could possibly do now was to -prevent their intrenchments from being carried.</p> - -<p>All at once the senator bounded forward like a chamois; he made directly -to the General, and seized his arm.</p> - -<p>"We are saved!" he cried; "thanks be to God! we are saved!"</p> - -<p>"Hilloh! what's the matter now, Don Ramón? What bee has stung you? are -you really mad?"</p> - -<p>"I have not been stung," the senator replied, as fast as he could speak, -"nor am I mad; we are saved; I tell you, we are saved!"</p> - -<p>"Well, how? what is it? Is Don Pancho coming at last?"</p> - -<p>"Don Pancho, indeed! I wish he were at the devil!" "Well, what is it, -then?"</p> - -<p>"Why, do you not see, yonder? look, behind the barricade which blocks -the entrance of the Calle de la Merced."</p> - -<p>"What is there to see?"</p> - -<p>"Why, a flag of truce! a white flag!"</p> - -<p>"Ah!" said the General, eagerly, "let us look! let us look!"</p> - -<p>And he did look.</p> - -<p>"True!" he said, at the expiration of a minute. "Success to all cowards, -say I, for having good eyes; I did not see it."</p> - -<p>"Ay, but I did," said Don Ramón, rubbing his hands, quite revived, and -marching off with great glee. But, at that moment, a nearly spent ball -came ricocheting and whizzing close to his ear.</p> - -<p>"Lord, have mercy upon me!" he cried, falling flat on his face, and -so remaining, as motionless as if he were dead, although he had not -received a scratch.</p> - -<p>In the meantime, the General had likewise caused a flag of truce to be -hoisted on his intrenchments, and had given orders for the firing to -cease. The noise of the combat being hushed, the senator, like a rabbit -relieved from alarm, raised his head a little; reassured by the silence -which prevailed, he sat up, looking on all sides with the greatest -anxiety, and, at length, convinced that the peril was over, he contrived -to get upon his legs, which, however, trembled so frightfully under him, -that they could scarcely support him.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVII">CHAPTER XXXVII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE TRUCE.</h3> - - -<p>As soon as the flag of truce was hoisted, firing at once ceased on both -sides. The troops at bay, who had ceased to hope for succour, were not -sorry to find that the insurgents saved their military honour by being -the first to demand a parley. General Cornejo, in particular, was tired -of the hopeless combat, which he had bravely maintained all the morning.</p> - -<p>"Well, Don Ramón," he said, addressing the senator in a more cordial -tone than he had before employed, "I think I have found means to enable -you to escape without striking a blow; so what we agreed to stands good, -does it not?"</p> - -<p>The senator looked at him with a bewildered air; the worthy man had not -the least recollection of what he had either said or done while the -balls were whistling round him.</p> - -<p>"I do not at all understand you, General," he replied.</p> - -<p>"Poor man! pretend to be innocent, do!" said the General, laughing, and -slapping him on the shoulder; "do you wish to persuade me you are like -the Guanacos, which lose their memory through trembling with fear?"</p> - -<p>"Upon my honour," said the senator, "I swear, Don Tiburcio, that I have -not the least remembrance of having promised you anything."</p> - -<p>"Ah! well, it is possible, for you were devilishly frightened. Come, I -will refresh your memory: pay attention!"</p> - -<p>"You will give me great pleasure."</p> - -<p>"Well, I doubt that! but that is of no consequence. You said to me, on -the spot where we now stand, not more than half an hour ago, that if I -found the means of securing your escape, safe and sound, you would hold -me quits for the two thousand piastres I lost to you, and owed you."</p> - -<p>"Do you flatter yourself that that is the truth?" said the senator, -whose avaricious instincts began to revive, as fear departed.</p> - -<p>"I am sure it is. Ask these gentlemen," the General asked, turning -towards some officers who stood by.</p> - -<p>"Oh, certainly! true to the letter," they said, with a laugh.</p> - -<p>"Ah! ah!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, and as I would not listen to you, you added—"</p> - -<p>"What!" Don Ramón, who knew of old the man he had to deal with, said, -with a start—"do you mean to say that I added something?"</p> - -<p>"The devil! yes," said the other. "You added this; and I repeat your -own words. You said, as plainly as you could speak—'And I will give a -thousand piastres in addition.'"</p> - -<p>"Oh, that is not possible!" the senator ejaculated, quite beside himself.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps I did not understand you?"</p> - -<p>"That must be it."</p> - -<p>"Do you admit you mentioned the two thousand?" asked the General, -quietly.</p> - -<p>"Not at all! not at all!" replied Don Ramón, quite confounded by the -laughter of the bystanders.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you meant more; well, we will not haggle about that."</p> - -<p>"I never said a word of the kind!" the exasperated senator exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"In that case," said the General, with a stern frown, and surveying him -coolly, "you mean to say that I have told a falsehood."</p> - -<p>Don Ramón became aware that he had made a false move, and drew back.</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, my dear General," he said, in the most amiable voice -possible, "you are perfectly right; I do now remember it was two -thousand piastres I promised you in addition."</p> - -<p>It was now the General's turn to be at a loss, for this generosity on -the part of the senator, whose avarice was proverbial, confused him; he -was suspicious of some snare or trick.</p> - -<p>"But," Don Ramón added, with an air of triumph, "you have not saved me."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean by that?"</p> - -<p>"Why, Santiago! as we are going to hold a parley, you are too late, and -our bargain is void."</p> - -<p>"Oh! oh!" said Don Tiburcio, with a jeering smile, "you think so, do -you?"</p> - -<p>"Caspita! I am sure of it."</p> - -<p>"And yet you are deceived, my dear friend, as you shall judge: come with -me, the flag of truce is now crossing the barricades, and in an instant -you will learn that you have never been so near death as now."</p> - -<p>"You are joking."</p> - -<p>"I never joke about serious circumstances."</p> - -<p>"In Heaven's name explain yourself!" said the poor senator, whose fears -had all returned.</p> - -<p>"Lord! it is the simplest thing in the world," said the General, -carelessly; "I have but to declare to the leader of the revolt, and be -assured I will not fail to do so, that I only acted by your orders."</p> - -<p>"Well, but that is not true," interrupted Don Ramón, in great alarm.</p> - -<p>"I know that," the General replied, bluntly; "but, as you are a senator, -they will believe me, and you will be fully and fairly shot, and that -will be a pity."</p> - -<p>Don Ramón was thunderstruck by this piece of implacable logic; he found -that he was in a hobble, from which he could not possibly escape without -paying handsomely. He looked at his <i>friend</i>, who surveyed him with a -pitilessly ironical smile, whilst the officers bit their lips to keep -from laughing; he stifled a sigh, and resolving to make the best of -it, very much against his will, he said, inwardly cursing the man who -exposed him in such a cynical fashion—</p> - -<p>"Well, Don Tiburcio, I admit that I owe you two thousand piastres, but -<i>I</i> will pay you."</p> - -<p>This was the only epigram he ventured to indulge in regarding the -General's willingness to pay; but the latter was magnanimous, he took -no notice of the offensive part of the speech, and rendered quite -cheerful by the bargain he had concluded, he prepared to listen to the -propositions of the officer with the flag of truce, who was brought to -him with his eyes bandaged. This officer was Don Tadeo de Leon.</p> - -<p>"What do you come here for?" the General asked.</p> - -<p>"To offer you good terms, if you will surrender," Don Tadeo replied, in -a firm voice.</p> - -<p>"Surrender!" the General shouted with a laugh; "you must be mad, sir!" -and, turning towards the soldiers who had brought Don Tadeo, he added, -"Remove the bandage from the eyes of this caballero."</p> - -<p>The bandage fell accordingly.</p> - -<p>"Look round you," said the General, haughtily, "do we look like people -asking for a favour?"</p> - -<p>"No, General, you are a stout soldier, and your troops are brave; you -ask no favour of us, it is we who come to you to offer to lay down our -arms on both sides, and put an end to this fratricidal contest," Don -Tadeo replied, with an air of grandeur.</p> - -<p>"Who are you, may I ask, sir?" said the General, struck with the noble -bearing of the man who was speaking to him.</p> - -<p>"I am Don Tadeo de Leon, whom your leader ordered to be shot."</p> - -<p>"You!" cried the General, "you here!"</p> - -<p>"I, myself; and I have another name."</p> - -<p>"Tell it to me, sir."</p> - -<p>"I am called the King of Darkness."</p> - -<p>"The leader of the Dark-Hearts!" the General murmured, starting, in -spite of himself, and surveying the speaker with uneasy curiosity.</p> - -<p>"Yes, General, I am the leader of the Dark-Hearts, but I am still -something more."</p> - -<p>"Explain yourself, sir," the General asked, who began to be in doubt how -to behave toward the strange personage who was speaking to him.</p> - -<p>"I am the leader of the men whom you term insurgents, but who have, -in reality, only taken up arms to defend the institutions you have -overthrown, and the constitution you have violated."</p> - -<p>"Sir!" said the General, "your words——"</p> - -<p>"Are severe, but just," continued Don Tadeo; "ask your own loyal, -soldier's heart, General, and then tell me which side is right."</p> - -<p>"I am not a lawyer, sir," Don Tiburcio replied impatiently; "you have -yourself said that I am a soldier, and, as such, I confine myself to -obeying, without discussion, the orders I receive from my leaders."</p> - -<p>"Let us not lose time uselessly in idle speeches, sir; will you, or will -you not, lay down your arms?"</p> - -<p>"By what right do you make me such a proposal?" the General asked, whose -pride revolted at being forced to hold a parley with a citizen.</p> - -<p>"I could answer you," replied Don Tadeo, sternly, "that it is by the -right of the stronger, and that you know as well as I do that you -are combating for a lost cause, and that you are persisting without -advantage in a senseless struggle; but I prefer addressing myself to -your heart, and saying, why should brothers and fellow countrymen -continue to cut each other's throats?—why should we any longer shed -such precious blood? Make your conditions, General, and be assured that -for the sake of protecting your soldier's honour, that honour which is -ours also, as among the troops against whom we fight are our relations, -friends, and countrymen, we will grant them as extensively as you can -desire."</p> - -<p>The General felt himself moved, this noble language had found an echo -in his heart; he looked down on the ground, and reflected for several -minutes; at length, raising his head, he replied—</p> - -<p>"Sir, believe me it costs me much not to answer as I could wish what you -have done me the honour to say to me; but I have a leader above me."</p> - -<p>"In your turn please to explain yourself, sir," said Don Tadeo.</p> - -<p>"I have sworn to Don Pancho Bustamente to defend his cause to the death."</p> - -<p>"Well?"</p> - -<p>"Well, sir, unless Don Pancho Bustamente were killed or a prisoner,—in -either of which cases I should consider myself freed from my oath to -him,—I will lay down my life for him."</p> - -<p>"Is that the only reason that prevents you, General?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, the only one."</p> - -<p>"In case General Bustamente should be either killed or a prisoner, you -would surrender?"</p> - -<p>"Instantly, I repeat."</p> - -<p>"Well," replied Don Tadeo, stretching out his arm in the direction of -the barricade by which he had come, "look yonder, General."</p> - -<p>Don Tiburcio looked in the direction indicated, and uttered a cry of -surprise and sorrow. Don Pancho Bustamente appeared at the top of -the barricade; his head was bare, and two armed men watched all his -movements.</p> - -<p>"Do you see him?" Don Tadeo asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes," replied the General, sorrowfully; "we all surrender, sir;" and -turning the point of his sword to the ground, he bent the blade with the -intention of breaking it. Don Tadeo stopped him by seizing the sword, -which he, however, returned to him immediately, saying—</p> - -<p>"General, keep that weapon, it will serve you against the enemies of our -country."</p> - -<p>The General made no reply; he silently pressed the hand which the King -of Darkness held out to him, and turning away to conceal the emotion -which agitated him, he wiped away a tear that had fallen upon his grey -moustache.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVIII">CHAPTER XXXVIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>TWO ROGUISH PROFILES.</h3> - - -<p>The city was quiet, the revolt was over, or, to speak more logically, -the revolution was complete. The soldiers, after laying down their arms, -had evacuated Valdivia, which was left completely in the power of the -Dark-Hearts. As soon as peace was re-established, the Dark-Hearts gave -orders that the barricades should be destroyed, and that all traces of -the sanguinary struggle should be removed as quickly as possible. By the -force of accomplished facts alone, Don Tadeo de Leon found himself quite -naturally invested with power, and in command of the province, with the -faculties of a dictator.</p> - -<p>"Well," he asked Valentine, "what do you think of what you have seen?"</p> - -<p>"Faith," the Parisian replied, with characteristic bluntness, "I think -people must come to America to see how men can be caught with hook and -line like simple gudgeons."</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo could not refrain from smiling at this whimsical answer.</p> - -<p>"Do not leave me," he said; "all is not over yet."</p> - -<p>"I ask no better; but, our friends yonder, don't you think they will be -very uneasy at our long absence?"</p> - -<p>"Can you for a moment imagine that I have forgotten them? Within an hour -you will be at liberty. Come with me; I want to show you two faces to -which our victory has given an expression very different from that which -they generally wear."</p> - -<p>"That will be curious," said Valentine.</p> - -<p>"Yes," Don Tadeo replied, "or hideous, whichever you please."</p> - -<p>"Hum! man is not perfect," said Valentine, philosophically.</p> - -<p>"Fortunately not; if he were, he would be execrable," Don Tadeo remarked.</p> - -<p>They entered the cabildo, the doors of which were guarded by a -detachment of Dark-Hearts. The vast saloons of the palace were invaded -by an eager crowd, who came to salute the rising sun; that is to say, -they came to offer the spectacle of their baseness to the fortunate man, -whom, no doubt, they would have stoned if success had not crowned his -audacious attempt. Don Tadeo passed, without seeing them, through the -ranks of these sycophants, the sworn courtiers of every authority, as -void of honour as of shame, possessing but one single talent—that of -making bendings to which it would seem impossible that the vertebral -column of a man could attain, however flexible it may be. Valentine, who -followed the footsteps of his friend, feigned to take for himself the -greater part of the genuflexions meant for Don Tadeo, and bowed to the -right and left with imperturbable coolness and assurance.</p> - -<p>The two gentlemen, after many delays caused by the increasing crowd, -which closed around them, reached at last a retired apartment, in which -there were only two persons. These two persons were General Tiburcio -and Senator Don Ramón Sandias. The physiognomy of these persons offered -a striking contrast. The General, with a sad face and a pensive step, -walked about the apartment, whilst the senator, luxuriantly reclining -on a fauteuil, with a smile upon his lips, his visage expanded, and -one leg thrown over the other, was fanning himself carelessly with an -embroidered handkerchief of the finest cambric. At the sight of Don -Tadeo, the General advanced rapidly towards him; as for the senator, he -sat upright in his chair, assumed a serious look, and waited.</p> - -<p>"Sir," the General said, in a low voice, "two words."</p> - -<p>"Speak, General," replied Don Tadeo; "I am entirely at your disposal."</p> - -<p>"I have some questions which I wish to put to you."</p> - -<p>"You may be assured, General, that if it be in my power to answer you, I -will not hesitate to satisfy you."</p> - -<p>"I am convinced of that, and it is that which emboldens me to speak."</p> - -<p>"I am all attention."</p> - -<p>The General hesitated for a moment, but seemed at length determined.</p> - -<p>"Good heavens, sir!" said he, "I am an old soldier, unacquainted with -diplomacy; I had a friend, almost a brother, and I am a prey to mortal -uneasiness on his account."</p> - -<p>"And that friend?"</p> - -<p>"Is General Bustamente. You must know," he added, warmly, "that we have -been fellow soldiers thirty years; and I should wish—" here he stopped, -as if in doubt, looking earnestly at the person he was addressing.</p> - -<p>"You would like?" said Don Tadeo, quietly.</p> - -<p>"To know the fate that is reserved for him."</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo gave the General a melancholy glance.</p> - -<p>"To what purpose?" he murmured.</p> - -<p>"I beg of you."</p> - -<p>"You insist on knowing?"</p> - -<p>"I do."</p> - -<p>"General Bustamente is a great criminal. While a leader in power, he -wished to change the form of government against the will of the people -from whom he held his position, and in contempt of the laws, which he -shamelessly trampled underfoot."</p> - -<p>"That is but too true," said the General, whose brow turned crimson.</p> - -<p>"General Bustamente has been implacable during the course of his too -long career; you know that he who sows the wind can only hope to reap -the tempest."</p> - -<p>"Hence!"</p> - -<p>"The same implacability will be shown to him that he has shown to -others."</p> - -<p>"That is to say?"</p> - -<p>"He will, in all probability, be condemned to death."</p> - -<p>"Alas! I expected as much; but will this condemnation of which you -speak, be long delayed?"</p> - -<p>"Two days at most; the commission which must try him will be formed -today."</p> - -<p>"Poor friend!" said the General, piteously; "and that's the end! Will -you grant me a favour, sir?"</p> - -<p>"Name it."</p> - -<p>"As the General must die, it would be a consolation to him to have a -friend by his side."</p> - -<p>"No doubt it would."</p> - -<p>"Allow me to be his guard. I am sure he will be happy to know that it is -I who have the duty of watching over him and leading him to death. And -then I shall not, at least, abandon him till the last minute."</p> - -<p>"So be it,—your request is granted. Have you anything else to say? I -shall be happy to serve you."</p> - -<p>"No, I thank you, sir; that is all I desired,—Ah! one word more!"</p> - -<p>"Speak."</p> - -<p>"Can I be allowed to take this guard soon?"</p> - -<p>"Immediately, if you like."</p> - -<p>"I thank you, sir."</p> - -<p>And after profoundly bowing to Don Tadeo, the General quitted the room -with a hasty step.</p> - -<p>"Poor man!" said Valentine.</p> - -<p>"Eh?" cried Don Tadeo.</p> - -<p>"I said, poor man!"</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes; I heard you plainly enough, but of whom were you speaking?"</p> - -<p>"Of the unfortunate man who has just left us."</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo shrugged his shoulders, and Valentine looked at him with -surprise.</p> - -<p>"Do you think you know whence the solicitude of this poor man, as you -call him, for his friend arises?"</p> - -<p>"Why, from his friendship for him; that is clear."</p> - -<p>"You think so, do you?"</p> - -<p>"I can think nothing else."</p> - -<p>"Well, then, allow me to tell you you are completely mistaken; the poor -General is only desirous to be near his companion in arms, that he may -have the opportunity of suppressing the proofs of his complicity in the -rash enterprise of yesterday; proofs which Don Pancho most likely has -about him, and which the other wishes to destroy at all hazards."</p> - -<p>"Can that be possible?"</p> - -<p>"By Saint Jago, yes! He desires to be constantly with him, that he may -not communicate with anyone—why, he would kill him, if necessary."</p> - -<p>"Oh! this is infamous!"</p> - -<p>"But so it is."</p> - -<p>"Bah! it gives me a nausea."</p> - -<p>"Well, do not be sick yet."</p> - -<p>"Why not?"</p> - -<p>"Because," Don Tadeo continued, pointing to the senator, "I think we -have something here that will bring the agreeable feeling to its height."</p> - -<p>As soon as Don Ramón saw the General leave the apartment, he quitted his -easy chair, and advanced towards Don Tadeo, bowing obsequiously.</p> - -<p>"To whom have I the honour of speaking?" said the King of Darkness, with -studied politeness.</p> - -<p>"Sir," the other replied, with a jaunty, gentlemanly air, "my name is -Don Ramón Sandias, and I am a senator."</p> - -<p>"How can I be of service to you, sir?" said Don Tadeo, bowing.</p> - -<p>"Oh," Don Ramón replied, affectedly; "as regards myself, personally, I -ask nothing."</p> - -<p>"Indeed!"</p> - -<p>"Caspita! no; I am rich, what more can I want? But I am a Chilian, a -patriot, sir; and, what is more, a senator. Placed in an exceptional -position, I am bound to give my fellow citizens unequivocal proofs of my -devotion to the holy cause of liberty. Are you not of my opinion, sir?"</p> - -<p>"Entirely."</p> - -<p>"I have heard, sir, that the wretched cabecilla, the cause of this silly -movement, which brought the republic within two inches of ruin, is in -your hands."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," replied Don Tadeo, with imperturbable coolness, "we have -been fortunate enough to obtain possession of his person."</p> - -<p>"You are, doubtless, going to bring this man to trial?" Don Ramón asked, -in a somewhat familiar tone.</p> - -<p>"Within forty-eight hours, sir."</p> - -<p>"That is right, sir. It is thus that justice should be dealt to these -shameless agitators, who, in contempt of the sacred laws of humanity, -seek to plunge our beautiful country into the gulf of revolutions."</p> - -<p>"Sir!"</p> - -<p>"Pardon me for speaking thus," said Don Ramón, with well-feigned -enthusiasm; "I feel that my freedom goes rather far, but my indignation -carries me away, sir; it is quite time that these makers of widows and -orphans should receive the exemplary chastisement they merit. I cannot -think, without trembling, of the manifold evils that would have fallen -upon us, if this miserable adventurer had succeeded."</p> - -<p>"Sir, this man is not yet condemned."</p> - -<p>"And that is exactly what brings me to you, sir. As a senator, and -a devoted patriot, I claim of you the right which belongs to me, of -presiding over the commission whose duty it is to sit in judgment upon -him."</p> - -<p>"Your request is granted, sir," Don Tadeo replied, who was unable to -repress a smile of contempt.</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir!" said the senator, with an expression of joy; "however -painful the duty may be, I shall know how to perform it."</p> - -<p>After bowing deeply to Don Tadeo, the senator left the room in high -spirits.</p> - -<p>"You see," said Don Tadeo, turning to Valentine, "Don Pancho had two -friends upon whom he thought he could depend: one took upon him to -proclaim him, the other to defend him. Well, in one he finds a gaoler, -in the other an executioner."</p> - -<p>"It is monstrous!" said Valentine, with disgust.</p> - -<p>"No," replied Don Tadeo; "it is logical, that's all;—he has failed."</p> - -<p>"I have had enough of your politic men, with two faces, and neither of -them a true one," replied Valentine; "allow me to return to our friends."</p> - -<p>"Begone, then, since you wish it."</p> - -<p>"Thanks!"</p> - -<p>"You will come back to Valdivia immediately, will you not?"</p> - -<p>"Pardieu, will I!"</p> - -<p>"Will you have an escort?"</p> - -<p>"For what purpose?"</p> - -<p>"Ah! that is true; I am always forgetting that you never apprehend -danger."</p> - -<p>"I am only anxious about our friends; that is why I leave you."</p> - -<p>"Have you any cause for apprehension?"</p> - -<p>"None; but yet, a vague uneasiness, which I can not account for, compels -me to remain no longer away from them."</p> - -<p>"Begone, then, as quickly as you please, my friend; but pray be watchful -over the poor child, Rosario."</p> - -<p>"Be at ease on that score; within three hours she shall be here."</p> - -<p>"That is understood: a pleasant ride to you, and remember that I shall -look for you with impatience."</p> - -<p>"Time to go and return, that is all."</p> - -<p>"Till then, adieu!"</p> - -<p>Valentine left the room, went straight to the stables, saddled his horse -himself, and set off at a gallop. He had told Don Tadeo the truth: a -vague uneasiness disturbed him, he had a presentiment of some misfortune -or another.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXXIX">CHAPTER XXXIX.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE WOUNDED MAN.</h3> - - -<p>Let us return to the Count de Prébois Crancé. When the abduction was -committed, that part of the plain where Don Tadeo had pitched his camp -was deserted. The crowd, attracted by curiosity, had all gone to the -side where the renewal of the treaties was taking place. Besides, the -measures of the ravishers had been so judiciously taken, all had passed -so quickly, without resistance, without cries or tumult, that no alarm -had been given, and no one could suspect what was going on. The cries of -"murder!" uttered by the wounded young man were too faint to be heard, -and the pistol shots he had fired were confounded with the other noises -of the festival.</p> - -<p>Louis remained for a considerable time lying senseless in front of the -tent, the blood flowing from two wounds. By a singular chance, the -peons, the arrieros, and even the two Indian chiefs, who could not think -there was anything to be dreaded, had all gone, as we have said, to be -present at the ceremony. When the cross had been planted, and the toqui -and the General had gone, arm in arm, to the tent of the latter, the -crowd began to separate into little groups, and soon dispersed, each -returning to the spot where he had established his temporary camp.</p> - -<p>The Indian chiefs were the first to quit the scene; now that their -curiosity was satisfied, they reproached themselves for having been so -long absent from their friend. On approaching the little camp, they were -surprised at not seeing Louis, and a certain appearance of disorder in -the baggage filled them with uneasiness. They quickened their pace, and -the nearer they drew the more evident this disorder became in their -eyes, accustomed to remark those thousands of signs which escape the -eyes of the white man. In fact, the passage left free in the inclosure -formed by the bales, seemed to have been the scene of a struggle; the -footmarks of several horses were strongly imprinted in the moist earth, -and some bales had even been removed, as if to widen the entrance, and -lay scattered about. All these indications were more than sufficient for -the chiefs; they exchanged an anxious glance, and rushed into the camp.</p> - -<p>Louis was still lying where the assassins had left him, stretched across -the entrance of the tent, his discharged pistols in his hands, his head -thrown back, his mouth half open, and his teeth clenched. The blood had -ceased to flow. The two men looked at him for a moment with a feeling of -stupor. His countenance was of a livid paleness.</p> - -<p>"He is dead!" said Curumilla, in a voice stifled by emotion.</p> - -<p>"He seems so," Trangoil-Lanec replied as he knelt down by the body.</p> - -<p>He raised the young man's senseless head, untied his cravat, and opened -his vest; then they perceived the two gaping wounds.</p> - -<p>"This is a revenge!" he murmured.</p> - -<p>"What is to be done?" said Curumilla, shaking his head discouragingly.</p> - -<p>"Let us try to recover him—I hope he is not dead."</p> - -<p>And then, with infinite address and incredible celerity, the two Indians -bestowed upon the wounded man the most intelligent and most effective -cares. For a long time all were useless. At length a sigh, faint as a -breath, exhaled painfully from the oppressed breast of the young man; a -slight flush tinted his cheeks, and, after several efforts, he opened -his eyes. Curumilla, after having washed the wounds with clean cold -water, applied a cataplasm to them of bruised oregano leaves.</p> - -<p>"Loss of blood alone has made him faint," he said; "the wounds are wide, -but not deep, and not at all dangerous."</p> - -<p>"But what has been going on here?" Trangoil-Lanec asked.</p> - -<p>"Hush!" said Curumilla, laying his hand upon his comrade's arm; "he -speaks."</p> - -<p>Indeed, the young man's lips did move silently; but, at length, he -pronounced with a great effort, and in a voice so low that the Indians -scarcely heard it—that single word which for him contained everything—</p> - -<p>"Rosario!"</p> - -<p>Then he sank back again.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" cried Curumilla, as if a sudden light had broken upon him, -"where is the young palefaced maiden?" and he sprang into the tent, "I -understand it all now!" he said, returning quickly to his friend.</p> - -<p>The Indians lifted up the wounded man gently in their arms, and carried -him into the tent, where they placed him in Rosario's empty hammock. -Louis recovered his senses, but almost immediately was overcome by -a profound drowsiness. After having made him as comfortable as they -could, the two Indians left the tent, and began, with the instinct of -their race, to seek on the ground for indications they could ask of no -witness, but which would show them traces they could understand. Now -that the murder and the abduction had taken place, it became necessary -to get upon the track of the ravishers, and endeavour, if possible, to -save the young girl. After minute researches, which did not last less -than two hours, the Indians returned to the front of the tent; they sat -down, face to face, and smoked for a few minutes in silence.</p> - -<p>The peons and arrieros had returned from the ceremony, and expressed -the greatest terror on learning what had taken place during their -absence. The poor people did not know what to do; they trembled when -they reflected upon the responsibility which rested upon them, and upon -the terrible account Don Tadeo would require of them. After the two -chiefs had smoked a few minutes, they extinguished their pipes, and -Trangoil-Lanec began:</p> - -<p>"My brother is a wise chief, let him say what he has seen."</p> - -<p>"I will speak, since my brother desires it," Curumilla replied, bowing -his head; "the pale maiden with the blue eyes has been carried off by -five horsemen."</p> - -<p>To this Trangoil-Lanec made a sign of assent.</p> - -<p>"These five horsemen came from the other side of the river; their -footmarks are strongly imprinted on the ground, which was wetted in the -places where the horses trod with their dripping hoofs; four of these -horsemen are Huiliches, the fifth is a paleface; when they reached the -entrance of the camp, they stopped and consulted an instant, then four -of them dismounted; the trace of their footsteps is visible."</p> - -<p>"Good!" said Trangoil-Lanec, "my brother has the eyes of a Quanaco; -nothing escapes him."</p> - -<p>"Of the four horsemen who dismounted, three are Indians, as is easily -perceived by the impression of their naked feet, the great toe of which, -accustomed to the stirrup, is very wide apart from the other toes; but -the fourth is a Muruche, for the rowels of his spurs have left deep -marks all around. The three first have crept up to the tent, where Don -Louis was talking with the young blue-eyed maiden, and, consequently, -with his back towards those who came towards him; he was attacked -unexpectedly, and fell without having time to defend himself: then the -fourth horseman sprang forward like a puma, seized the maiden in his -arms, and after jumping a second time over the body of Don Louis, went -straight to his horse, followed by the three Indians. But Don Louis -got up, first on his knees, and then on his feet; he fired his pistols -at the ravishers, and one of them fell mortally wounded. It was the -paleface, for a pool of blood marks the place of his fall, and, in -his agony, he pulled up the grass with his clenched hands; then his -companions dismounted again, took him up, and fled. Don Louis, after -discharging his pistols, had a faintness come over him, and fell down -again: that is what I have learnt."</p> - -<p>"Good!" Trangoil-Lanec replied, "my brother knows everything; after -taking up the body of their comrade, the ravishers crossed the river, -and went in the direction of the mountains. Now, what will my brother -do?"</p> - -<p>"Trangoil-Lanec is an experienced chief, he will wait for Don Valentine; -Curumilla is younger, he will go upon the track of the ravishers."</p> - -<p>"My brother has spoken well; he is wise and prudent; he will find them."</p> - -<p>"Yes, Curumilla will find them," the chief replied, laconically.</p> - -<p>After saying these words, he arose, saddled his horse, and left the -camp; Trangoil-Lanec soon lost sight of him. He then returned and took -his place by the wounded man. The day passed away thus. The Spaniards -had all left the plain; the Indians, for the most part, had followed -their example; there only remained a few tardy Araucanos; but these, -also, were preparing to depart. Towards evening, Louis found himself -much better; he was able, in a few words, to relate to the Indian what -had passed; but he told him nothing new, he had divined it all.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" said the young man, as he ended, "Rosario! poor Rosario is lost!"</p> - -<p>"My brother must not be depressed with grief," Trangoil-Lanec replied -softly; "Curumilla is upon the track of the ravishers; the young pale -maiden will be saved!"</p> - -<p>"Do you seriously tell me that, chief? Is Curumilla really in pursuit -of them?" the young man asked, fixing his anxious eyes upon the Indian; -"can I indeed hope that?"</p> - -<p>"Trangoil-Lanec is an Ulmen," the Araucano replied proudly: "no lie has -ever soiled his lips, his tongue is not forked; I repeat that Curumilla -is in pursuit of the ravishers. Let my brother hope; he will see again -the little bird which sings such sweet songs in his heart."</p> - -<p>A sudden flush crossed the young man's face at these words; a sad smile -curled his pale lips; he gently pressed the hand of the chief, and -closing his eyes, he sank gently back in the hammock. All at once the -furious galloping of a horse was heard from without.</p> - -<p>"Good!" Trangoil-Lanec murmured, looking at the wounded man, whose -regular breathing proclaimed that he was sleeping peacefully: "what will -Don Valentine say to all this?"</p> - -<p>And he strode out hastily to meet the Parisian, whose face was the -picture of anxiety.</p> - -<p>"Chief!" he cried, in a tremulous voice, "can what the peons say be -true?"</p> - -<p>"Yes!" the chief replied coolly.</p> - -<p>The young man sank down, as if thunder-struck. The Indian seated him -gently upon a bale, and placing himself beside him, pressed his hand, -saying in a soothing tone:</p> - -<p>"My brother has much courage."</p> - -<p>"Alas!" the young man exclaimed, in an agonized voice, "Louis, my poor -Louis, dead, assassinated! Oh!" he added, with a terrible gesture, "I -will avenge him! I will solely live to accomplish that sacred duty!"</p> - -<p>The chief looked at him for an instant attentively.</p> - -<p>"What does my brother mean?" he asked; "his friend is not dead."</p> - -<p>"Oh! why do you seek to deceive me, chief?"</p> - -<p>"I speak the truth; Don Louis is not dead," the Ulmen replied, in such -an imposing voice that it carried conviction to the wounded heart of the -young man.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" he cried, impetuously, and springing up, "he lives!—is that -possible?"</p> - -<p>"He has received two wounds."</p> - -<p>"Two wounds!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, but my brother can be comforted, they are not dangerous; in a -week, at latest, they will be cured."</p> - -<p>Valentine remained for an instant stupefied by this good news, after the -catastrophe which the peons and arrieros had announced to him.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" he exclaimed, throwing himself into the arms of the chief, whom -he pressed with a kind of frenzy to his breast, "it is true, is it -not?—his life is not in danger?"</p> - -<p>"No, no, my brother can reassure himself; loss of blood alone reduced -him to the state of torpor into which he fell. I will answer for his -recovery."</p> - -<p>"Thanks! thanks, chief! I can see him, may I not?"</p> - -<p>"He is asleep."</p> - -<p>"Oh! I will not wake him, be assured of that; I only wish to see him."</p> - -<p>"See him, then," Trangoil-Lanec replied, smiling.</p> - -<p>Valentine went in. He looked at his friend, peacefully sleeping; he -leant softly over him, and impressing a kiss upon his brow, whispered—</p> - -<p>"Sleep, dear brother, I will watch."</p> - -<p>The lips of the wounded man moved; he murmured—</p> - -<p>"Valentine, save her!"</p> - -<p>The Parisian knitted his brow, and drew himself up again.</p> - -<p>"Come here, chief," he said to Trangoil-Lanec, "and tell me the details -of what has passed, that I may know how to avenge my brother, and save -her he loves."</p> - -<p>The two men quitted the tent.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XL" id="CHAPTER_XL">CHAPTER XL.</a></h4> - -<h3>AHAUCANIAN DIPLOMACY.</h3> - - -<p>Antinahuel had not remained long inactive. Scarce had General -Bustamente's escort disappeared in the cloud of dust, ere he remounted -his horse, and, followed by all the Araucano chiefs, crossed the river. -When he arrived on the other bank, he planted his lance in the ground, -and turned towards the herald who was beside him, ready to execute his -orders.</p> - -<p>"Let the three toquis, the Ulmens, and the Apo-Ulmens meet here in an -hour," he said; "the fire of council shall be lighted on this spot for a -grand council. Begone!"</p> - -<p>The herald bowed down to his horse's neck and set off at full speed. -Antinahuel cast a glance around him. All the chiefs had regained their -huts; one warrior alone remained. On perceiving him a smile stole over -the lips of the toqui. This warrior was a man of lofty stature, proud -carriage, and haughty countenance, whose piercing look conveyed a fierce -and cruel expression. He appeared to be in the prime of life, that is to -say, about forty years of age; he wore a poncho of exceedingly fine lama -wool, striped with striking colours, while the long silver-headed cane -which he held in his hand proclaimed him an Apo-Ulmen. He replied to the -toqui's smile by a look of intelligence, and, bending to his ear, said, -with an accent of gratified hatred—</p> - -<p>"When the cougars tear each other to pieces, they prepare a rich quarry -for the eagles of the Andes."</p> - -<p>"The Puelches are eagles," Antinahuel replied; "they are masters of the -other side of the mountains; they leave to the Huiliche women the care -of weaving their ponchos."</p> - -<p>At this sarcasm, launched against the Huiliches, a fraction of the -Araucano people, who devote themselves principally to agriculture and -the breeding of cattle, the Apo-Ulmen frowned.</p> - -<p>"My father is severe with his sons," he said, in a husky voice.</p> - -<p>"The Black-Stag is a formidable chief in his nation," Antinahuel -remarked, in a conciliatory tone; "he is the first of the Apo-Ulmens -of the province of the maritime country. His heart is Puelche; my soul -rejoices when he is at my side. Why is it that the Ulmens are not of the -same temper as he?"</p> - -<p>"My brother has explained the reason. Obliged to live in continual trade -relations with the miserable Spaniards, the tribes of the flat country -have laid down the lance to take up the pickaxe: they have become -cultivators; but let not my father be deceived,—the old spirit of their -race still dwells within them, and on the day when they are called on to -fight for their independence, all will rise at once to punish those who -would attempt to enslave them."</p> - -<p>"Can that be true?" Antinahuel cried, stopping his horse short, and -looking in the speaker's face; "may they be depended upon?"</p> - -<p>"What is the use of speaking of the subject at this moment?" said the -Apo-Ulmen, with a bantering smile; "has not my father just come from -renewing the treaties with the palefaces?"</p> - -<p>"That is true," said the toqui, darting a keen look at the Indian -warrior: "peace is secured for a long time."</p> - -<p>"My father is a wise chief, that which he does is well done," the other -replied, casting down his eyes.</p> - -<p>Antinahuel was preparing to reply, when an Indian arrived at full speed, -and, with a prodigy of skill which these matchless horsemen alone -can execute, he stopped suddenly before the two chiefs, and stood as -motionless as a statue of bronze. The panting sides of his horse, which -ejected clouds from his nostrils, and was spotted with white foam, -showed that he had ridden far and fast. Antinahuel looked at him for an -instant.</p> - -<p>"My son Theg-teg—the thunderer—has made a rapid journey."</p> - -<p>"I have executed the orders of my father."</p> - -<p>At these words, out of politeness, the Apo-Ulmen pressed the sides of -his horse to retire, but Antinahuel laid his hand upon his arm.</p> - -<p>"Black-Stag may remain," he said; "is he not my friend?"</p> - -<p>"I will remain if my father wishes it," the chief answered, quietly.</p> - -<p>"Let him remain, then; his brother has no secrets from him;" and turning -to the still motionless warrior, he added, "my brother can speak."</p> - -<p>"The Chiaplos are fighting," the latter replied; "they have dug up the -hatchet and turned it against their own breasts."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" the toqui exclaimed with feigned astonishment; "my brother must be -mistaken, the palefaces are not cougars, to devour each other."</p> - -<p>And he turned towards Black-Stag, with a smile of undefinable expression.</p> - -<p>"Theg-teg is not mistaken," the Indian warrior replied, gravely; "his -eyes have seen clearly: the stone toldería, which the palefaces call -Valdivia, is at this moment a more ardent furnace than the volcano of -Autaco, which serves as a retreat for Guécubu, the genius of evil."</p> - -<p>"Good!" the toqui remarked, coldly, "my son has seen well; he is a -warrior brave in battle, but he is likewise prudent; did he stand apart -to rejoice, without seeking to learn which side prevailed?"</p> - -<p>"Theg-teg is prudent, but when he looks he means to see; he knows all, -my father may question him."</p> - -<p>"Good! the great warrior of the palefaces set out from here to fly to -the help of his soldiers; the advantage is with him."</p> - -<p>The Indian smiled, but made no reply.</p> - -<p>"Let my brother speak!" Antinahuel resumed; "the toqui of his nation -interrogates him."</p> - -<p>"He whom my brother names as the great warrior of the palefaces, is the -prisoner of his enemies; his soldiers are dispersed like grains of wheat -scattered over the field."</p> - -<p>"Wah!" Antinahuel cried with feigned anger, "my brother has a lying -tongue, what he says cannot be true; does the eagle become the prey of -the owl? The great warrior has an arm strong as the thunder of Pillian. -Nothing can resist it."</p> - -<p>"That arm, however powerful, has not been able to save him; the eagle -is captive: the courageous puma was surprised by cunning foxes; he has -fallen, treacherously overcome, into the snare they had laid before his -feet."</p> - -<p>"But his soldiers? the great toqui of the whites had a numerous army."</p> - -<p>"I have told my father; the chief being made captive, the soldiers, -bewildered and struck with fear by Guécubu, fell beneath the blows of -their angry enemies."</p> - -<p>"The chiefs who were conquerors, no doubt, pursued them."</p> - -<p>"What for? The palefaces are women without courage: as soon as their -enemies weep and pray for pardon they forgive them."</p> - -<p>At this news the toqui could not repress a movement of impatience, but -he soon recovered himself.</p> - -<p>"Brothers ought not to be inexorable," he said, "when they lift the -hatchet against each other: they may wound a friend without wishing it. -The pale warriors have done well."</p> - -<p>The Indian bowed if as assenting.</p> - -<p>"What are the palefaces doing now?" the chief continued.</p> - -<p>"They are assembled round the council fire."</p> - -<p>"Good! They are wise men. I am satisfied with my son," Antinahuel -added, with a gracious smile; "he is a warrior, as skilful as brave; -he may retire, and take the repose necessary after so long a journey." -"Theg-teg is not fatigued; his life is my father's," the warrior said -with a bow; "he may dispose of it at his pleasure."</p> - -<p>"Antinahuel will remember his son," the toqui said with a sign of -dismissal.</p> - -<p>The Indian bowed respectfully to his chief, and pressing his knees -whilst shortening the bridle, he made his horse perform a curvet, -brought it to the ground with an extraordinary bound, and went off -caracoling. The toqui looked after him in apparent abstraction; then -addressing the Apo-Ulmen—</p> - -<p>"What does my brother think of that which this man has said?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"My father is the wisest of the toquis of his nation, the chief the most -venerated by the Araucanian tribes; Pillian will breathe words into his -mind which will mount to his lips, and which we shall listen to with -respect," Black-Stag replied, evasively, fearing to compromise himself -by too frank a reply.</p> - -<p>"My brother is right," the toqui said, with a haughty glance; "I have my -nymph!"</p> - -<p>The Apo-Ulmen bowed with an air of conviction. We beg our readers to -observe, with regard to this expression, which for the first time -has fallen from our pen, that in the Araucanian mythology, besides -an infinite number of gods and goddesses, there are what are called -spiritual nymphs, who perform towards man the office of familiar genii. -There is not a renowned chief among the Araucanos who does not glorify -himself with the idea of having one of these in his service. Hence, -what Antinahuel said, instead of disturbing Black-Stag, gave him, on -the contrary, a greater veneration for his chief; for he also flattered -himself with having a familiar spirit at his command, although he did -not dare to proclaim it aloud. At this moment the Araucanian drums and -trumpets sounded loudly—the <i>chasquis</i> were calling the chiefs to -council.</p> - -<p>"What will my father do?" asked the Apo-Ulmen.</p> - -<p>"Man is weak," Antinahuel replied; "but Pillian loves his sons, the -Moluchos, he will inspire the words I shall pronounce; my only desire is -the happiness of the Araucano nation."</p> - -<p>"My father has convoked the great Auca-coyog of the nation; did he then -suspect the news he has just received?"</p> - -<p>"Antinahuel knows everything," he answered, with a smile.</p> - -<p>"Good! I know what my father thinks."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps."</p> - -<p>"Let my father remember the words I have spoken."</p> - -<p>"My ears are open, my son may repeat them,"</p> - -<p>"When cougars tear each other to pieces, they prepare a rich quarry for -the eagles of the Andes."</p> - -<p>"Good!" said Antinahuel, with a laugh; "my son is a great chief, let him -follow me to the Auca-coyog, the warriors are waiting for us."</p> - -<p>The two warriors exchanged a look of undefinable meaning; these two men, -so cunning and dissimulating, had compromised themselves to each other -without avowing anything. They directed their course at a gallop towards -the spot where the principal chiefs awaited them, drawn up in a circle -around a fierce fire, the smoke of which ascended in graceful eddies -towards heaven.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XLI" id="CHAPTER_XLI">CHAPTER XLI.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE COUNCIL</h3> - - -<p>The Araucanos, whom certain travellers, either ill-informed or of -bad faith, persist in representing as savage men plunged in the most -frightful barbarism, are, on the contrary, a relatively civilized -people. Their government, the origin of which is lost in the night of -time, and which, at the period of the Spanish conquest, was as well -organized and carried out as easily as at the present day, is, as -we have said in a preceding chapter, an aristocratic republic, with -essentially feudal tendencies. This government, which affects all the -appearances of the feudal system, has all its good qualities and all its -defects. Hence, except in time of war, the toquis possess but the shadow -of sovereignty, and the power resides in the entire body of the chiefs, -who, in questions of importance, decide in a general diet, called the -<i>Auca-coyog</i>, the great council, or council of free men, for such is -the name they claim for themselves, and very justly, for no power has -yet been able to subdue them. These councils are generally held in the -presence of all, in a vast prairie.</p> - -<p>Antinahuel had eagerly seized the pretext of the renewal of the treaties -to try and obtain from the chiefs authority to carry into execution the -projects which had been so long ripening in his brain. The Araucanian -code, which contains all the laws of the nation, created an obligation -for his doing so, from which even his renown and popularity were -powerless to release him. But he hoped to overcome the opposition of -the chiefs, or their repugnance to submit to his will, by means of his -eloquence and the influence which, under many circumstances, he had -exercised over the minds of the Ulmens, even those most determined to -resist him.</p> - -<p>The Araucanos cultivate with success the art of speaking, which among -them leads to public honours. They make it a point to speak their own -language well, and to preserve its purity by guarding particularly -against the introduction of foreign words. They carry this so far, -that when a white establishes himself amongst them, they oblige him -to abandon his own name and take one of their country. The style of -their speeches is figurative and allegorical. They call the style of -parliamentary harangues <i>coyagtucan;</i> and it must be observed that these -speeches contain all the essential parts of true rhetoric, and are -almost all divided into three heads.</p> - -<p>The few words we have said will suffice to show that the Araucanos are -not so savage as we have been led to suppose. In short, a small people, -who, without allies, isolated at the extremity of the continent, have -since the landing of the Spaniards on their coasts, that is to say, -during three hundred years, constantly and alone resisted European -armies composed of experienced soldiers and greedy adventurers, whom no -difficulty was likely to stop, and who have preserved their independence -and their nationality intact, are, in our opinion, respectable in -every point of view, and ought not to be stigmatized as barbarians -with impunity—the sad, despicable vengeance of those proud and -impotent Spaniards, who have never been able to conquer them, and whose -degenerate sons at this very day pay them a tribute, under the lying -excuse of an annual offering.</p> - -<p>We who, thrown by the chance of our adventurous travels among these -indomitable tribes, have lived many days with them, have had an -opportunity of judging soundly of these ill-understood people. We have -been able to appreciate all that is really simple, great, and generous -in their character. Terminating here this somewhat long digression, a -tribute of gratitude paid to ancient and dearly-beloved friends, we will -resume our narrative.</p> - -<p>Antinahuel and Black-Stag arrived at the place where the chiefs were -assembled. They dismounted and joined the groups of Ulmens. The chiefs, -who were peacefully chatting together, at their arrival became silent, -and, for a few minutes, not a word was heard in the assembly. At length -Cathicara, the toqui of the Piré-Mapus, made a few steps towards the -centre of the circle, and took the initiative.</p> - -<p>Cathicara was an old man of seventy, of majestic bearing, and imposing -countenance. A renowned warrior in his youth, now that many winters had -wrinkled his brow and silvered his long hair, he enjoyed, by just title, -a great reputation for wisdom in his nation. Descended from an old race -of Ulmens, continually opposed to the whites, he was an inveterate enemy -of the Chilians, against whom he had long waged war. He was acquainted -with the secret views of Antinahuel, of whom he was the most devoted -friend and partisan.</p> - -<p>"Toquis, Apo-Ulmens and Ulmens of the valiant nation of the Aucas, whose -immense hunting grounds cover the surface of the earth," he said, "my -heart is sad; a cloud covers my mind, and my eyes, filled with tears, -are constantly cast towards the ground; whence comes it that grief -devours me? Why does the joyous song of the goldfinch no longer sound -cheerfully in my ears? why do the rays of the sun seem less warm to me? -why, in short, does nature appear less beautiful to me? Will you tell -me, my brothers? You are silent; shame covers your brows; your humbled -eyes are cast down—have you nothing to reply? It is because you are a -degenerate people! your warriors are women, who instead of the lance -take up the spindle; because you bow basely beneath the yoke of these -Chiaplos, these Huincas, who laugh at you, for they know that you have -no longer blood red enough to contend with them! When, Aucas warriors, -did impure owls and screech owls begin to make their nests in the eyrie -of eagles? Of what use is this stone hatchet, the symbol of strength; -this hatchet, which you have given me to defend you, if it is to remain -inactive in my hands, and if I must descend into the tomb, towards -which I am already hastening, without having been able to do anything -for your enfranchisement?—Take it back again, warriors, if it is to be -nothing but a vain, honorary ornament; for myself, my life has been too -long—let me retire to my toldo, where, to my last days, it will be at -least permitted me to weep over our independence, which is compromised -by your weakness, and our glory eclipsed for ever by your cowardice!"</p> - -<p>After uttering these words, the old man made a few paces backwards, -staggering as if overcome by grief. Antinahuel sprang towards him, and -appeared to lavish consolations upon him in a low voice. The speech had -strongly moved the assembly, for the toqui was beloved and venerated -by all. The Ulmens remained apparently silent and stoical; but their -feelings of hatred had been powerfully stirred, and passion began to -gleam from their eyes in ominous flashes. Black-Stag stepped forward.</p> - -<p>"Father," he said, in a low, insinuating tone, and with a quiet air, -"your words are rough; they have plunged our hearts in sadness; why have -you been so severe with your children? Pillian alone is acquainted with -the intentions of men. What do you reproach us with? with having done -today what our fathers have always done before us, while they did not -believe themselves in a position to contend victoriously against their -enemies! No, owls and impure birds do not make their nests in the eyries -of eagles. No, the Aucas are not women! They are valiant and invincible -warriors, as their fathers were before them. Listen! listen to what -the spirit reveals to me: the council with the Spaniards of today is -null and void, because it has not taken place as the Admapu requires. -The toqui has not presented to the chief of the palefaces the branch -of the Cinnamon tree, the symbol of peace; the canes of the Apo-Ulmens -have not been bound in a sheaf with the sword of the Huinca chief; -the oath and the speeches have been pronounced upon the cross of the -palefaces, and not upon the sheaf, as the law requires. I repeat, then, -the Huinca-coyog is a nullity, nothing but a vain, laughable ceremony, -to which we ought to attach no importance. Have I spoken well, powerful -men?"</p> - -<p>"Yes! yes!" the chiefs cried, brandishing their arms, "the Huinca-coyog -is null!"</p> - -<p>Antinahuel then took a few steps forward within the circle, with his -head advanced, his eyes fixed on vacancy, and his arms extended, as if -he heard and saw things which he alone could see and hear.</p> - -<p>"Silence!" Black-Stag cried, pointing to him with his finger; "the great -toqui is holding conference with his nymph!"</p> - -<p>The chiefs experienced a sensation of terror while looking at the toqui. -A solemn silence prevailed in the assembly. On his part, Antinahuel did -not stir.</p> - -<p>Black-Stag approached him softly, and, stooping towards his ear, asked,—</p> - -<p>"What does my father see?"</p> - -<p>"I see the warriors of the palefaces; they have dug up the war hatchet, -and are fighting with one another."</p> - -<p>"What more does my father see?" Black-Stag resumed.</p> - -<p>"I see streams of blood, which redden the soil; the odour of that blood -rejoices my heart, for it is the blood of palefaces shed by their -brothers!"</p> - -<p>"Does my father see anything more?"</p> - -<p>"I see the great chief of the whites! he fights valiantly at the head -of his soldiers! he is surrounded, he fights still! he is nearly -falling—he falls—he is down—he is conquered! His enemies seize him!"</p> - -<p>The Ulmens present at this scene looked on in stupefied amazement; it -was incomprehensible to them. A smile of disdain curled the lips of -Black-Stag, as he continued,—</p> - -<p>"Does my father hear anything?"</p> - -<p>"I hear the cries of the dying demanding vengeance upon their brothers!"</p> - -<p>"Does my father hear anything else?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; I hear the cries of Aucas warriors, long since dead, and they -freeze me with terror!"</p> - -<p>"What do they say?" the chiefs exclaimed unanimously, a prey to intense -anxiety. "What do the Aucas warriors say?"</p> - -<p>"They say, 'Brothers, the hour is come! To arms! To arms!'"</p> - -<p>"To arms!" the chiefs shouted, as with one voice. "To arms! Death to the -palefaces!"</p> - -<p>The impulse was given, enthusiasm had seized all hearts; from this -moment Antinahuel was able to raise the passions of the crowd to -delirium at his pleasure. A smile of supreme satisfaction lighted his -haughty countenance as he recovered apparently from his vision.</p> - -<p>"Chiefs of the Aucas," he said, "what do you order me to do?"</p> - -<p>"Antinahuel," Cathicara replied, throwing his stone hatchet into the -fire, in which he was directly imitated by the other toquis; "there is -now but one supreme hatchet in the nation, it is in your hands; let -it be red up to the hilt in the blood of the vile Huincas; lead our -Uthal-Mapus to battle—you have the supreme command! We give you the -power of life and death over our persons. From this hour, you alone in -the nation have the right to command us; whatever be your orders, we -will accomplish them."</p> - -<p>Antinahuel raised his lofty head, his brow radiant with pride: -brandishing in his nervous hand his powerful war hatchet, the symbol of -the dictatorial and boundless power which had just been conferred upon -him, he said haughtily,—</p> - -<p>"Aucas, I accept the honour you do me; I will prove worthy of the -confidence you place in me. This hatchet shall never be buried till -my body has served for food to the vultures of the Andes, or till the -cowardly palefaces, against whom we are about to combat, shall have come -upon their knees to implore pardon!"</p> - -<p>The chiefs replied to these words by cries of joy and ferocious -howlings. The Auca-coyog was terminated. Tables were placed, and a -banquet gathered together all the warriors present at the council. -At the moment when Antinahuel was seating himself in the high place -reserved for him, an Indian, covered with perspiration and dust, -approached him, and whispered a few words in his ear. The chief started; -a nervous paroxysm shook his whole frame, and he arose a prey to the -most lively agitation.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" he cried, passionately, "it is to me alone that woman should -belong!" and, addressing the Indian who had spoken to him, he added, -"Bid my mosotones mount, and be prepared to follow me instantly."</p> - - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XLII" id="CHAPTER_XLII">CHAPTER XLII.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE NIGHT JOURNEY.</h3> - - -<p>Antinahuel beckoned Black-Stag to come to him, and the Apo-Ulmen did not -delay. Notwithstanding the number and copiousness of the libations in -which he had indulged, the face of the Araucano chief was as impassive, -and his step as steady, as if he had only drunk water. When he arrived -in front of the toqui, he bowed respectfully, and waited in silence till -he was spoken to. The toqui, with his eyes fixed on the ground, and -buried in serious reflections, was some time before he was aware of his -presence. At length he raised his eyes; his countenance was dark, his -eyes seemed to dart lightning, a nervous tremour agitated all his limbs.</p> - -<p>"Is my father suffering?" Black-Stag asked, mildly and affectionately.</p> - -<p>"I am," the chief replied.</p> - -<p>"Guécubu has breathed upon the heart of my father; but let him take -courage, Pillian will support him."</p> - -<p>"No," Antinahuel replied; "the breath which dries my breast is a breath -of fear."</p> - -<p>"Of fear?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; the Huincas are powerful. I dread the strength of their arms for -my young men!"</p> - -<p>Black-Stag surveyed him with astonishment.</p> - -<p>"What signifies the power of the palefaces," he said, "when my father is -at the head of the four Uthal-Mapus?"</p> - -<p>"This war will be terrible; and I would conquer."</p> - -<p>"My father will conquer. Do not all the warriors listen to his voice?"</p> - -<p>"No," said Antinahuel, sorrowfully; "the Ulmens of the Puelches were not -present at the council."</p> - -<p>"That is true," Black-Stag murmured.</p> - -<p>"The Puelches are the first among Aucas warriors."</p> - -<p>"That is true, too," said Black-Stag.</p> - -<p>"I suffer!" Antinahuel repeated.</p> - -<p>Black-Stag laid his hand upon his shoulder.</p> - -<p>"My father," he said, in an insinuating tone, "is a great chief; nothing -is impossible to him!"</p> - -<p>"What does my son mean?"</p> - -<p>"War is declared. Whilst we attempt incursions into the Chilian -territory, to keep our enemies in a state of uncertainty as to our -plans, let my father mount with his mosotones upon his coursers more -fleet than the wind, and fly upon the wings of the tempest to the -Puelches. His words will convince them; the warriors will abandon -everything to follow him and fight under his orders. With their -assistance we shall conquer the Huincas, and the heart of my father will -swell with joy and pride!"</p> - -<p>"My son is wise! I will follow his counsels," the toqui answered, with a -smile of mysterious expression; "but he has said war is resolved upon; -the interests of my nation must not suffer from the short absence I am -forced to make."</p> - -<p>"My father will provide for that."</p> - -<p>"I have provided for it," Antinahuel said, with a courteous smile; "let -my son listen to me."</p> - -<p>"My ears are open to receive the words of my father."</p> - -<p>"At sunrise, when the fumes of the water fire are dissipated, the chiefs -will ask for Antinahuel." Black-Stag nodded assent.</p> - -<p>"I will place in the hands of my son," the chief continued, "the stone -hatchet, the sign of my dignity. Black-Stag is a part of my soul, his -heart is devoted to me; I name him my vice-toqui—he will take my place."</p> - -<p>The Apo-Ulmen bowed respectfully before Antinahuel, and kissed his hand.</p> - -<p>"Whatever my father orders shall be instantly executed," he said.</p> - -<p>"The chiefs are of a proud character; their courage is fiery: my son -must not give them time to cool, he must make them so compromise -themselves, that they cannot afterwards retract."</p> - -<p>"What are the names of these chiefs, that I may keep them in my memory?"</p> - -<p>"They are the most powerful Ulmens of the nation. Let my son remember -they are eight in number; each of them must make an incursion on the -frontier, in order to prove to the Chiaplos that hostilities have -commenced. The four principal among them will immediately repair to -Valdivia, to proclaim the declaration of war to the palefaces."</p> - -<p>"Good!"</p> - -<p>"These are the names of the Ulmens: Tangol, Qud-pal, Auchanguer, -Colfunguin, Trumau, Cuyumil, and Pailapen. Does my son hear these names -distinctly?"</p> - -<p>"I have heard them."</p> - -<p>"Has my son understood the sense of my words? Have they entered into his -brain?"</p> - -<p>"The words of my father are here," said Black-Stag, pointing to his -forehead; "he may banish all uneasiness, and fly towards her who has -taken possession of his heart."</p> - -<p>"Good!" Antinahuel replied; "my son loves me, he will remember; after -two suns he will find me at the toldería of the Black Serpents."</p> - -<p>"The Black-Stag will be there, accompanied by his most valiant warriors; -may Pillian guide the steps of my father, and may the god of war grant -him success."</p> - -<p>"Farewell, brother!" Antinahuel murmured, taking leave of his lieutenant.</p> - -<p>Black-Stag bowed to the toqui and retired. As soon as he was alone, -Antinahuel made a sign to the Indian whose news had caused his -departure. During the conference of the two chiefs this man had stood -motionless, at a sufficient distance to prevent his hearing what they -said, but near enough to execute immediately the orders that might be -given him. He drew near in obedience to the sign.</p> - -<p>"Is my son fatigued?" the toqui asked.</p> - -<p>"No; my horse alone wants rest."</p> - -<p>"Well, my son shall have another horse; he will guide us."</p> - -<p>Antinahuel, followed by the scout, advanced, without more words, towards -a group of horsemen, who, leaning on their long lances, cast their black -shadows gloomily into the night. These horsemen, about thirty in number, -were the mosotones of the toqui. Antinahuel, at a bound, sprang upon a -magnificent horse, held by the bridle by two Indians.</p> - -<p>"Forward!" he cried, settling himself in his saddle, and plunging his -spurs into the sides of the horse, which set off with the speed of an -arrow.</p> - -<p>The mosotones followed as quickly after, and the troop of horsemen -glided through the darkness like a legion of gloomy phantoms, preceded -by the scout. Who can express the terrible poetry of a night ride in -the American deserts? The midnight wind had swept the heavens clear of -clouds, and its vault, of a dark blue, appeared to be, like a monarch's -robe, splendidly adorned with an infinite number of stars. The night -had that velvety transparency peculiar to warm climates. At intervals, -a puff of wind, loaded with indistinct sounds, scattered the dry leaves -into the air, and was lost in the distance like a sigh.</p> - -<p>The Araucanos, bending over the necks of their horses, whose nostrils -emitted dense clouds of smoke, rode on, and on, and ever on, without -casting even a look around them. And yet the desert they were -traversing, so silently and so rapidly, poured floods of splendid -harmonies into space. The murmur of water among the lianas and the -glayeuls, the moaning of the wind among the leaves, or the confused -noise of a thousand invisible insects, could be heard; at times, lights, -fluttering through the foliage, danced upon the grass in the manner of -wild fires; at distances were to be seen old trees, at the angles of -ravines or the brink of precipices, standing like spectres, shaking -their winding sheets of parasitical plants; a thousand rumours hovered -in the air; nameless cries issued from dens hollowed under vast roots; -stifled sighs descended from the hoary summits of the mountains: an -unknown and mysterious world could be felt existing around. Everywhere, -on the earth, in the air, was to be heard the great flood of life, which -comes from God, passes away, and is incessantly renewed.</p> - -<p>The Araucanos still continued their furious course, clearing torrents -and ravines, and crushing under the hoofs of their flying coursers -stones, the fragments of which rolled with a splash into the barrancas. -At two lances, length, in front, by the side of the scout, Antinahuel, -with his eyes ardently directed forward, kept urging on his horse, whose -hard and loud breathing proclaimed fatigue. All at once a dark mass -surged up in the distance, and then a voice was heard.</p> - -<p>"We have arrived," the guide exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"At last!" Antinahuel said, pulling up his horse, which could no longer -stand when the impetus had ceased. They found themselves in a miserable -village, composed of five or six huts falling to ruins, and which, -at every gust of wind, threatened to tumble to pieces. Antinahuel, -who expected the fall of his horse, disengaged himself quickly, and -addressing the guide, who had likewise dismounted, asked—</p> - -<p>"In which toldo is she?"</p> - -<p>"Come," the Indian replied, laconically.</p> - -<p>Antinahuel followed him.</p> - -<p>They walked some steps without exchanging a word; the chief pressing -his hand strongly on his breast, as if to keep down the beatings of his -heart. After a hasty march of ten minutes, the two men found themselves -in front of an isolated cabin, from the interior of which glimmered a -feeble light. The Indian stopped, and turned towards Antinahuel.</p> - -<p>"That is it," he said, stretching out his arm in the direction of the -cabin.</p> - -<p>The toqui turned round to ascertain whether his mosotones, whom, in his -rapid course, he had left far behind, were rejoining him; and then, -after the hesitation of a second, he approached the door and pushed it, -saying in a low but determined voice—</p> - -<p>"An end must be put to this!"</p> - -<p>The door opened, and he entered.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XLIII" id="CHAPTER_XLIII">CHAPTER XLIII.</a></h4> - -<h3>TWO HATREDS.</h3> - - -<p>Antinahuel found himself face to face with Doña Maria; by an instinctive -movement each drew back a step, stifling a cry; a cry of stupor on the -part of Antinahuel, of surprise on the part of the Linda.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" sighed Doña Rosario, quite overcome, and bowing her head to avoid -the ardent glance of the Indian chief—"Oh, Heaven! now I am really -lost, indeed!"</p> - -<p>Doña Maria had in a few seconds driven back to her heart the feelings -which raged within her; and with a mild voice and a smiling face she -addressed Antinahuel—</p> - -<p>"My brother is welcome," she said, inviting him by a gesture to enter -the cuarto; "to what happy chance do I owe his presence?"</p> - -<p>"A happy chance for me, particularly," he replied, with a satirical -smile, and endeavouring to compose his features.</p> - -<p>The toqui was too well acquainted with the companion of his childhood -not to know that he had in her a formidable adversary, with whom he must -play close, in order to bring her to do his will.</p> - -<p>"Well!" the Linda resumed, "will my brother deign to do me the pleasure -of explaining the cause of his sudden appearance, which, not the less, -fills me with delight?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! the cause is very simple indeed, not worth mentioning; I did not -hope, in any way, to meet my sister here; I must even confess, with all -humility that I did not seek her."</p> - -<p>"Ah!" said Doña Maria, feigning to be imposed upon, "I am doubly -fortunate, then."</p> - -<p>The chief bowed.</p> - -<p>"It is the truth," he said.</p> - -<p>"Good!" she thought; "now he is going to lie, let us see what villainy -the demon will invent;" and then she added aloud, with a seducing smile, -which displayed thirty-two little teeth of the purest pearl—"I am all -ears, my brother can speak."</p> - -<p>"As my sister knows, this village is on the route which leads to my -toldería, I have naturally traversed it in returning to my tribe; the -night is advanced, my mosotones require a few hours' rest; I resolved -to encamp here. I entered the first rancho which presented itself to -my view, this rancho in which you are temporarily sojourning, and I am -grateful to the chance which, as I have told you, has done all this, and -is alone guilty."</p> - -<p>"Not bad for an Indian," murmured Doña Maria; "well, we will say no more -about that."</p> - -<p>"Eh!" said Antinahuel, feigning for the first time to perceive Doña -Rosario, and advancing towards her; "who is this charming young woman?"</p> - -<p>"A slave, not worthy of your notice," the Linda replied, sternly.</p> - -<p>"A slave!" Antinahuel cried.</p> - -<p>"Yes, a slave." The Linda clapped her hands, and the Indian we have seen -talking with her entered.</p> - -<p>"Take away this woman!" she said.</p> - -<p>"Oh, madam!" Rosario exclaimed, falling on her knees, "can you be -inexorable towards a poor girl who has never injured you?"</p> - -<p>The Linda gave her a fiery glance, and repulsed her with her foot.</p> - -<p>"I ordered this girl to be taken away," she said, perilously.</p> - -<p>At this flagrant insult, the blood rushed to the heart of the poor -girl; her pallid brow flushed with scarlet, and drawing herself up -majestically and proudly, she said in a piercing voice, the prophetic -tone of which struck the Linda to the heart—</p> - -<p>"Beware, madam! God will punish you! As you today are without pity for -me, so the day will come when there will be no pity for you!"</p> - -<p>And she left the room, after darting a look at her implacable enemy that -made even her blench.</p> - -<p>When Antinahuel and the Linda were left alone, a long silence ensued. -The last words of Rosario had wounded the Linda like the stroke of a -poniard; it was in vain she endeavoured to steel herself against the -emotion she experienced. She felt herself conquered by the weak girl. -She, however, gradually overcame the incomprehensible sensation that -oppressed her. Passing her hand across her brow, as if to drive away the -importunate idea that pursued her, she turned towards Antinahuel—</p> - -<p>"No diplomacy between us, brother," she said, "we know each other too -well to lose time in manoeuvring."</p> - -<p>"My sister is right; let us speak frankly."</p> - -<p>"The story of your return to your tribe is very clever, Antinahuel, but -I do not believe a word of it."</p> - -<p>"Good! then my sister knows the reason that brings me here."</p> - -<p>"I do know it," she said, with an arch smile, which played like a -sunbeam round her rosy lips.</p> - -<p>Antinahuel made no reply. He began to walk in great agitation about the -room, casting looks of anger and vexation towards the door by which -Rosario had gone out. The Linda followed him with a keen and mocking eye.</p> - -<p>"Well," she said, at the end of a minute, "will not my brother speak?"</p> - -<p>"Why should I not speak?" he angrily replied. "Antinahuel is the most -redoubtable chief of his nation, the proudest warriors bend their lofty -brows without hesitation before him!"</p> - -<p>"I am waiting," she said, in a calm voice.</p> - -<p>"A chief explains himself clearly, no one imposes upon him. My sister -knows my hatred for the chief of the palefaces, of whom she has so much -reason to complain."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I know that man is the personal enemy of my brother."</p> - -<p>"Well, then, my sister has in her hands the blue-eyed maiden, and she -will give her to me, so that I may, in making her suffer, revenge myself -on my enemy."</p> - -<p>"My brother is a man, he does not know how to avenge himself: why -should I give my prisoner up to him? Women alone possess the secret of -torturing those they hate. Let my brother leave it to me," she added, -with a vindictive smile; "the torments I shall invent will suffice, I -swear, to satisfy a hatred much deeper than any he can feel."</p> - -<p>Antinahuel, although his face remained impassive, shuddered inwardly at -these odious words.</p> - -<p>"My sister is boastful," he replied, "her skin is white, her heart knows -not how to hate, let her leave it to the Indian chief."</p> - -<p>"No," she passionately exclaimed, "I have fixed the fate of this woman; -I will not give her to my brother."</p> - -<p>"Will my sister then forget her promise, and falsify her oaths?"</p> - -<p>"Of what promises and of what oaths do you speak, chief?"</p> - -<p>"Of those," the Indian replied haughtily, "which my sister pronounced in -the toldo of Antinahuel, when she came among his tribe to implore his -assistance."</p> - -<p>The Linda smiled.</p> - -<p>"Woman is a mockingbird," she said, "the man who pays attention to her -words is——"</p> - -<p>"Good!" Antinahuel interrupted, "my sister shall keep her prisoner. Let -my sister do her will; I will continue my route towards the toldería of -my tribe."</p> - -<p>The Linda looked at him with astonishment; the facility with which -Antinahuel apparently renounced his projects seemed to her the more -incomprehensible, from her knowing with what pertinacity he pursued -his enterprises, when once he believed he had a chance of success. She -resolved to know what she had to trust to. At the moment when the chief -made a step towards the door, she said.</p> - -<p>"Is my brother going?"</p> - -<p>"I am going," he replied.</p> - -<p>"Has he, then, already terminated the affairs about which General -Bustamente requested him to come and consult with him?"</p> - -<p>"General Bustamente no longer stands in need of Antinahuel or of anyone -else."</p> - -<p>"Has he then succeeded so quickly?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," he answered in an equivocal tone.</p> - -<p>"Then," the Linda exclaimed, joyfully, "he is master of the city, and -triumphs at last!"</p> - -<p>Antinahuel appeared to hesitate for a minute—an ironical smile flitted -across his lips.</p> - -<p>"Will not my brother answer?" the Linda continued, with an impatience -mingled with uneasiness.</p> - -<p>"He whom my sister calls General Bustamente," he replied in a sharp -tone, "no longer needs the assistance of anyone: he is a prisoner."</p> - -<p>The Linda sprang up like a wounded lioness.</p> - -<p>"A prisoner!" she cried. "Oh! my brother must be mistaken."</p> - -<p>"He is a prisoner, and within three days will be dead."</p> - -<p>The Linda was struck with stupor; this frightful news crushed all her -hopes.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" she murmured at length, "he shall not die!"</p> - -<p>"He will die!" Antinahuel replied; "who can save him?"</p> - -<p>"You, chief!" she said, emphatically grasping his arm.</p> - -<p>"Why should I do it?" he remarked carelessly; "of what consequence is -the life of the man to me?—the palefaces are not my brothers."</p> - -<p>"No; but his life is precious to me, for the sake of my vengeance! He -alone can deliver up my enemy to me! He shall live, I tell you!"</p> - -<p>"Good! My sister will deliver him, then, as she is so anxious to save -him."</p> - -<p>"You alone could do it, chief, if you would," she observed.</p> - -<p>Antinahuel fixed his eyes upon her.</p> - -<p>"What makes you suppose I would?" he said.</p> - -<p>"Listen to me, chief!" the Linda cried. "You love that woman—that puny, -palefaced thing, do you not?"</p> - -<p>The Indian started, but made no reply.</p> - -<p>"Oh! do not endeavour to deceive me; you cannot blind the eyes of a -woman. The hatred you bear to Don Tadeo is changed into love in your -heart at the sight of this creature."</p> - -<p>"Well! and suppose it should be so?" he said, evidently moved.</p> - -<p>"An even-handed bargain with you then; give me General Bustamente," she -remarked earnestly, "and I will deliver her up to you."</p> - -<p>"Oh!" said Antinahuel, with a bantering smile, "a woman is but a -mockingbird; the man who puts faith in her words——"</p> - -<p>On hearing the chief throw in her face the words she herself had uttered -only a few minutes before, she stamped with impatience.</p> - -<p>"Well, then," she cried, almost bursting with rage, "take her -then!—take the woman! and may my curses cling to her!"</p> - -<p>Antinahuel uttered a tiger-like roar, and rushed out of the room.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" cried the Linda in a hoarse voice, and with an expression -impossible to be described, "may not the love of this wretch avenge me -better than all the tortures I could have invented!"</p> - -<p>In a few minutes the chief returned precipitately, his features -distorted by fury and disappointment.</p> - -<p>"She has fled!" he shouted. It was true. Rosario and the Indian to whose -charge the Linda had given her had both disappeared. No one knew what -had become of them. Antinahuel immediately dispatched his mosotones in -all directions in search of them. The Linda was left in the toldo a -prey to indescribable rage; she was cheated of her vengeance! She felt -crushed under the weight of the helplessness to which she was reduced.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XLIV" id="CHAPTER_XLIV">CHAPTER XLIV.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE RETURN TO VALDIVIA.</h3> - - -<p>Night was come; bending over the pillow of his friend, who was still -buried in that lethargic sleep which generally follows great loss of -blood, Valentine watched with anxious tenderness the changes which at -times darkened his pale countenance.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" he said, in a suppressed voice, clenching his hands with anger, -"be thy assassins who they may, brother, they shall pay for their crime -dearly."</p> - -<p>The curtain of the tent was slowly raised, and a hand was laid upon the -young man's shoulder. He turned quickly round; Trangoil-Lanec was before -him. The face of the Ulmen was dark as night, and he appeared a prey to -strong emotion.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter, chief?" asked Valentine, terrified at his manner; -"what has happened, in the name of Heaven? Have you any fresh misfortune -to announce?"</p> - -<p>"Misfortune incessantly watches over man," the chief remarked -sententiously; "he should be ready to receive it at all hours, like an -expected guest."</p> - -<p>"Speak then!" the young man asked, in a firm voice; "whatever may -happen, I will not falter."</p> - -<p>"Good, my brother is strong, he is a great warrior, he will not suffer -himself to be cast down. Let my brother hasten; we must be gone!"</p> - -<p>"Be gone!" cried Valentine, with a nervous start; "and my friend?"</p> - -<p>"Our brother Louis will accompany us."</p> - -<p>"Is it possible to move him?"</p> - -<p>"It must be," the Indian said peremptorily; "the war hatchet is dug up -against the palefaces, the Aucas chiefs have drunk firewater, the genius -of evil is master of their hearts; we must depart before they think of -us; in an hour it will be too late."</p> - -<p>"Let us depart then," the young man replied, sorrowfully, convinced that -Trangoil-Lanec knew more than he was willing to tell, and that some -great danger threatened them, since the chief, who was a man of tried -courage, had let fall that mask of stoicism which scarcely ever abandons -the Indian.</p> - -<p>Preparations for departure were made in all haste, and were soon -terminated. The hammock in which Louis reposed was solidly fastened to -two long cross pieces of wood, and then, as it was, harnessed upon two -mules without awakening him. The little band set out, employing the -greatest precautions. They proceeded thus for more than an hour, without -exchanging a word; the campfires of the Indians became every minute more -faint in the distance, and they were, at least for the present, out of -danger. Valentine approached Trangoil-Lanec, who rode at the head of the -convoy.</p> - -<p>"Where are we going?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"To Valdivia," the chief replied; "it is there alone that Don Louis will -be able to recover in safety."</p> - -<p>"You are right," said Valentine; "but shall we remain inactive?"</p> - -<p>"I will do what my brother the paleface wishes; am I not his penni? -where he goes I will go—his will shall be mine!"</p> - -<p>"Thank you, chief," the Frenchman replied, with emotion; "you have a -brave and worthy heart."</p> - -<p>"My brother saved my life," said the Ulmen earnestly; "that life is no -longer mine, it belongs to him."</p> - -<p>Whether it was that the Araucano chiefs did not perceive the departure -of the strangers, or that, as is more probable, they did not think it -worthwhile to pursue them, the little troop was not interrupted in its -flight—for what other name could be given to this night march amidst -the desert? They advanced slowly, on account of the wounded man, who -could not, in his state of weakness and prostration, have supported the -shaking of a more rapid pace.</p> - -<p>Towards three o'clock in the morning, a few fugitive and uncertain -lights, which flitted across the horizon, and with difficulty pierced -through the fog, which at that hour of the night envelopes the earth -like a winding sheet, announced to the party that they were approaching -the city, and should soon be there. At the end of three quarters of an -hour, they reached the gardens which envelope Valdivia like an immense -bouquet of flowers, from the centre of which it seems to spring up. The -party made a short halt, in order not to attract observation on entering -the city, through the state of the horses and mules. From that time they -had nothing to fear from the Indians.</p> - -<p>"Is my brother acquainted with the city?" Trangoil-Lanec asked.</p> - -<p>"Why do you ask that question?"</p> - -<p>"For a very simple reason. In the desert, by night or by day, I can -serve as a guide to my brother; but here, in this toldería of the -whites, my eyes close—I am blind; my brother must conduct us."</p> - -<p>"The devil!" said Valentine, quite disconcerted; "in that sense I am as -blind as you, chief; it was only yesterday that I entered the city for -the first time: and," he added, laughingly, "the bullets then whistled -round in such a merry fashion, I had scarcely time to look about me, or -to ask my way."</p> - -<p>"Don't let that disturb you, señor," said one of the peons, who had -heard the few words pronounced by the two men; "only tell me where you -want to go, and I will undertake to conduct you."</p> - -<p>"Hum!" Valentine replied; "where I want to go to? Caspeta! I cannot -exactly say; all places are alike to me, provided my friend be in -safety."</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, señor," the arriero replied, "if I dare——"</p> - -<p>"Oh, dare! dare! there's a good fellow! your idea is probably excellent; -for myself, I confess at this moment my mind is as empty as a drum."</p> - -<p>"Why, señor, should you not go to the residence of Don Tadeo de Leon, my -master?"</p> - -<p>"Pardieu!" cried Valentine, vexed at his own want of thought. "On my -word, you are something like a guide! I do not go to Don Tadeo, because, -simply, I don't know how to find the place, that's all."</p> - -<p>"I know, señor; Don Tadeo is most likely at the cabildo."</p> - -<p>"By Jove! that's true again; my powers of thought seem to have been -driven out of my head; but which is the way to the cabildo?"</p> - -<p>"I will show you, señor."</p> - -<p>"That's well! this is an intelligent lad. Let us be moving, my friend."</p> - -<p>"Forward, then!" cried the arriero. "<i>Ea! arrea mula!</i>" he shouted to -his beasts.</p> - -<p>In a few minutes they debouched upon the Plaza Mayor, opposite the -cabildo. The city was still and silent; here and there traces of the -sanguinary contest of the preceding day, heaps of broken furniture, or -large trenches cut in the ground, gave evidence of the ravages caused by -the insurrection. A soldier was marching with slow steps in front of the -cabildo. At sight of the little party, he stopped, and cocked his musket.</p> - -<p>"Who goes there?" he shouted sharply.</p> - -<p>"<i>La Patria!</i>" Valentine replied.</p> - -<p>"Go on, then!" said the soldier.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" the young man murmured; "it appears not to be such an easy matter -to obtain entrance; never mind," he added, "let us try. My friend," he -said, in an insinuating voice, to the sentinel, who stood motionless -before him; "we have business in the palace."</p> - -<p>"Have you the password?"</p> - -<p>"Santiago! no," Valentine answered, frankly.</p> - -<p>"Then you cannot enter."</p> - -<p>"And yet I wish very much to enter."</p> - -<p>"Very possibly; but as you have not the password, I advise you to go -on your way; for I swear, if you were the devil in person, I would not -afford you a passage."</p> - -<p>"My friend," said the Parisian, in a jeering tone, "you do not talk -logically; if I were the devil, I should stand in no need of the -password—I should get in in spite of you."</p> - -<p>"Take care, señor," whispered the arriero; "that soldier is not unlikely -to fire at you."</p> - -<p>"Pardieu! that's what I reckon upon," said Valentine, laughing.</p> - -<p>The peon looked at him in astonishment; he thought he was mad. The -soldier, annoyed by this long conversation, and believing it of no use -to stand wrangling with these jokers, presented his musket, crying -angrily,—</p> - -<p>"For the last time, go on, or I will fire!"</p> - -<p>"I am determined I will go in!" Valentine replied, resolutely.</p> - -<p>"To arms!" the soldier cried, and fired. Valentine, who had watched -attentively all the soldier's movements, had slipped quickly from his -horse, and the bullet whistled harmlessly over his head. At the cry -of the soldier and the report of his piece, several armed soldiers, -followed by an officer with a lighted lantern in his hand, rushed -tumultuously out of the palace.</p> - -<p>"What is going on here?" the officer asked, in a loud voice.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" Valentine cried, to whom the voice was not unknown, "is that you, -Don Gregorio?"</p> - -<p>"Who calls me?" said the latter; for, in fact, it was he.</p> - -<p>"I, Valentine!"</p> - -<p>"What! is it you, my friend, who are making all this disturbance?" -replied Don Gregorio, advancing; "I thought it was nothing less than an -attack."</p> - -<p>"What the devil was I to do?" said the young man, laughing; "I had not -the password, and I wanted to get in."</p> - -<p>"Hum! none but a Frenchman would have such an idea as that."</p> - -<p>"Is it not original?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, but you risked being killed."</p> - -<p>"Bah! we are always risking being killed, and yet we are not," said -Valentine, carelessly; "I recommend my plan to you, under similar -circumstances."</p> - -<p>"Much obliged! but I do not think I shall ever try it."</p> - -<p>"Ah! there you are wrong."</p> - -<p>"Well, then, come in! come in!"</p> - -<p>"That is all I want; particularly as I must see Don Tadeo instantly."</p> - -<p>"I believe he is asleep."</p> - -<p>"He must be awakened."</p> - -<p>"Do you bring interesting news, then?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," Valentine replied, becoming suddenly serious; "terrible news!"</p> - -<p>Don Gregorio, struck with the tone in which the Frenchman had pronounced -these words, had a presentiment of some misfortune, and asked no -further. The arrieros bore the hammock, with Don Louis still asleep, -into the cabildo. By the care of Don Gregorio he was carried to a -bedchamber, and placed in a bed hastily provided.</p> - -<p>"What does all this mean?" Don Gregorio said, in astonishment; "is Don -Louis wounded?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," Valentine replied, in a husky voice; "he has received two dagger -wounds."</p> - -<p>"But how did it all happen?"</p> - -<p>"You will soon learn; but pray conduct me instantly to Don Tadeo."</p> - -<p>"In heaven's name, come, then! your reserve alarms me."</p> - -<p>And, followed by Valentine and Trangoil-Lanec, Don Gregorio plunged into -the labyrinth formed by the numerous corridors of the palace, with which -he seemed well acquainted.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XLV" id="CHAPTER_XLV">CHAPTER XLV.</a></h4> - -<h3>THE FATHER REVEALS HIMSELF.</h3> - - -<p>Don Tadeo had passed the greater part of the night in giving orders -for the clearing away of the hideous traces left by the combat. He -had named the magistrates charged with the police of the city. After -having assured, as far as possible, the tranquillity and safety of the -citizens, and sent several couriers to Santiago, and other centres -of population, to inform them of what had taken place, worn out with -fatigue, sinking with sleep, he had thrown himself, clothed as he was, -upon a camp bed, to take a little repose. He had slept scarcely an hour -that agitated sleep which is the lot of men upon whom the destinies of -empires rest, when the door of the chamber was pushed violently open, a -strong light gleamed in his eyes, and several men surrounded him. Don -Tadeo awoke suddenly.</p> - -<p>"Who is there?" he cried, endeavouring to recognise, in spite of the -light which dazzled his eyes, the persons who so inopportunely disturbed -his repose.</p> - -<p>"It is I," replied Don Gregorio.</p> - -<p>"Well, but you do not seem to be alone?"</p> - -<p>"No, Don Valentine accompanies me."</p> - -<p>"Don Valentine!" cried Don Tadeo, starting up, and passing his hand over -his brow, to drive away the clouds which still obscured his ideas; "why, -I did not expect Don Valentine before morning, at soonest; what serious -reason can have induced him to travel by night?"</p> - -<p>"A powerful reason, Don Tadeo," the young man remarked, in a melancholy -voice.</p> - -<p>"In Heaven's name! speak, then!" cried Don Tadeo.</p> - -<p>"Be a man! be firm! collect all your courage to bear worthily the blow -you are about to receive."</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo walked two or three times round the room, with his head -cast down, and his brow contracted; then stopped suddenly in front of -Valentine with a pale brow, but with a stoical countenance. This man -of iron had subdued nature within him; as if aware of the rudeness of -the shock he was about to receive, he had ordered his heart not to -break—his muscles not to quiver.</p> - -<p>"Speak!" he said, "I am ready to hear you."</p> - -<p>While uttering these words his voice was firm, his features calm. -Valentine, though well acquainted with his courage, was struck with -admiration.</p> - -<p>"Is the misfortune you are about to announce to me personal?" said Don -Tadeo.</p> - -<p>"Yes," the young man replied, in a tremulous voice.</p> - -<p>"God be praised! Go on, then; I listen to you."</p> - -<p>Valentine perceived that he must not put the soul of this man to too -hard a trial; he determined to speak.</p> - -<p>"Doña Rosario has disappeared," he said; "she has been carried off -during our absence; Louis, my foster brother, in endeavouring to defend -her, has fallen, pierced by two sword thrusts."</p> - -<p>The King of Darkness appeared a statue of marble; no emotion was -perceptible upon his austere countenance.</p> - -<p>"Is Don Louis dead?" he asked, earnestly.</p> - -<p>"No," Valentine answered, more and more astonished; "I even hope that in -a few days he will be cured."</p> - -<p>"So much the better," said Don Tadeo, feelingly; "I am indeed glad to -hear that."</p> - -<p>And, crossing his arms upon his broad chest, he resumed his hasty walk -about the room. The three men looked at each other, surprised at this -stoicism, which to them was unintelligible.</p> - -<p>"Will you then abandon Doña Rosario to her ravishers?" Don Gregorio -asked, in a reproachful tone.</p> - - -<p>Don Tadeo darted at him a look charged with such bitter irony, that Don -Gregorio quailed beneath it.</p> - -<p>"Were the ravishers concealed in the entrails of the earth, I would -discover them, be they who they may!" Don Tadeo replied.</p> - -<p>"A man is on their track," said Trangoil-Lanec, advancing; "that man is -Curumilla. He will discover them."</p> - -<p>A flash of joy for a moment shot from the eye of the King of Darkness.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" he murmured, with clenched teeth, "beware, Doña Maria, beware!"</p> - -<p>He at once had divined the author of the abduction of Rosario.</p> - -<p>"What do you intend to do?" said Don Gregorio.</p> - -<p>"Nothing, till the return of our scout," he replied, coldly; and then -turning towards Valentine, added—"Well, my friend, have you nothing -else to announce to me?"</p> - -<p>"What leads you to suppose I have not told you all?" said the young man.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" Don Tadeo replied, with a melancholy smile, "you know, my friend, -that we Spanish Americans, however civilized we may appear, are still -semi-barbarians, and, as such, horribly superstitious."</p> - -<p>"Well?"</p> - -<p>"Well, then, among other follies of the same kind, we place faith in -proverbs; and is there not one which somewhere says, that a misfortune -never comes singly?"</p> - -<p>"Good Heavens! do you take me for a bird of ill omen, Don Tadeo?"</p> - -<p>"God forbid, my friend! only search in your memory, I am sure I am not -mistaken, and that you have still something else to inform me of."</p> - -<p>"Well, you are right, I have other news to announce to you; whether good -or bad, I leave you to judge."</p> - -<p>"I knew there was something more behind," said Don Tadeo, with a sad -smile; "go on, my friend, let us hear this news, I am listening to you."</p> - -<p>"Yesterday, as you know, General Bustamente renewed the treaties of -peace with the Araucano chiefs."</p> - -<p>"He did."</p> - -<p>"I cannot tell what fugitive or what scout gave them information of what -had taken place here; but by evening they had learnt the defeat and -capture of the General."</p> - -<p>"I can understand that; go on."</p> - -<p>"A kind of furious madness immediately seemed to possess them, and they -held a great war council."</p> - -<p>"In which, I suppose, they decided upon breaking the treaties; is not -that it?"</p> - -<p>"Exactly."</p> - -<p>"And most likely determined upon war with us?"</p> - -<p>"I suppose so; the four toquis cast the hatchet into the fire, and a -supreme toqui was elected in their place."</p> - -<p>"Ah! ah!" said Don Tadeo, "and do you know the name of this supreme -toqui?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; Antinahuel."</p> - -<p>"I suspected as much," Don Tadeo cried, angrily; "that man has deceived -us. He is a scoundrel only living by cunning, and whose devouring -ambition leads him to sacrifice, when occasion offers, the dearest -interests, and falsify the most sacred oaths. He has been playing a -double game; he feigned to be the partisan of General Bustamente, as he -appeared to be ours, building upon our mutual ruin his own fortunes and -his future elevation. But he has thrown off the mask too hastily. By -heaven! I will inflict a chastisement upon him, of which his compatriots -shall preserve the remembrance, and which a century hence shall make -them tremble with fear."</p> - -<p>"Beware of the ears that, listen to you," said Don Gregorio, directing -his attention by a look to the Ulmen, who stood quietly before him.</p> - -<p>"Eh! what care I?" Don Tadeo replied, warmly; "if I speak thus, it is -because I wish to be heard. I am a Spanish noble, and what my heart -thinks my lips give utterance to; the Ulmen is welcome, if it seems good -to him, to repeat my words to his chief."</p> - -<p>"The Great Eagle of the Whites is unjust towards his son," replied -Trangoil-Lanec, in a serious tone; "all Araucanos have not the same -heart; Antinahuel is only responsible for his own acts. Trangoil-Lanec -is an Ulmen in his tribe; he knows how to be present at a council of -chiefs: what his eyes see, what his ears hear, his heart forgets, his -mouth repeats it not: why should my father address such unkind words to -me, who am ready to devote myself to restore to him her he has lost?"</p> - -<p>"That is true; I am unjust, chief, I was wrong in speaking so; your -heart is true, your tongue is unacquainted with falsehood. Pardon me, -and let me clasp your loyal hand in mine."</p> - -<p>Trangoil-Lanec pressed warmly the hand Don Tadeo held out to him.</p> - -<p>"My father is good," he said; "his heart is at this moment darkened by -the great misfortune that has fallen upon him; but let my father be -comforted, Trangoil-Lanec will restore the blue-eyed maiden to him."</p> - -<p>"Thanks, chief! I accept your offer, you may depend upon my gratitude."</p> - -<p>"Trangoil-Lanec does not sell his services, he is repaid when his -friends are happy."</p> - -<p>"Caramba!" cried Valentine, shaking the hand of the chief with all his -might, "you are a worthy man, Trangoil-Lanec—I am proud of being your -friend."</p> - -<p>Then, turning towards Don Tadeo, he said—"I must bid you farewell, for -a time. I confide my brother Louis to your care."</p> - -<p>"Why do you leave me?" Don Tadeo asked, warmly.</p> - -<p>"I must. I see your heart is breaking, in spite of the incredible -efforts you make to appear impassive. I know not the nature of the tie -which binds you to the unfortunate girl who has been the victim of an -odious crime; but I can see the loss of her is killing you—now, with -the assistance of Heaven, I will restore her to you, Don Tadeo; I will, -or I will die in the endeavour."</p> - -<p>"Don Valentine!" the gentleman exclaimed, strongly moved, "what do you -propose to do? your project is wild; I cannot accept such devotion."</p> - -<p>"Leave it to me. Caramba! I am a Parisian—that is to say, as obstinate -as a mule; and when once an idea, good or bad, has entered into my -brain, it has no chance of getting out, I swear to you. I shall only -take the time to embrace my poor brother, and set off immediately. Come, -chief, let us set ourselves upon the track of the ravishers."</p> - -<p>"Let us be gone," said the Ulmen.</p> - -<p>Don Tadeo remained for a moment motionless, his eyes fixed upon the -young man with a strange expression; a violent conflict appeared to be -going on within him; at length nature prevailed, he burst into tears; -and, throwing himself into the arms of the Frenchman, he murmured, in a -voice choked by grief—</p> - -<p>"Valentine! Valentine! restore me my daughter!"</p> - -<p>The father had at length revealed himself; the stoicism of the statesman -had sunk before paternal love!—But human nature has its limits, beyond -which it cannot go; the moral shock which Don Tadeo had received, the -immense efforts he had made to conceal it, had completely exhausted -his strength, and he sank upon the slabs of the floor like a proud oak -struck by thunder. He had fainted. Valentine contemplated him for a -moment with pity and grief.</p> - -<p>"Poor father!" he said, "take courage, thy child shall be restored to -thee!"</p> - -<p>And he left the room with hasty steps, followed by Trangoil-Lanec, -whilst Don Gregorio, kneeling by his friend, gave him the most earnest -and kind attentions for the recovery of his senses.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XLVI" id="CHAPTER_XLVI">CHAPTER XLVI.</a></h4> - -<h3>CURUMILLA.</h3> - - -<p>In order to explain to the reader the miraculous disappearance of -Rosario, we are obliged to make a few retrograde steps, and return to -Curumilla, at the moment when the Ulmen, after his conversation with -Trangoil-Lanec, had thrown himself, like a staunch bloodhound, upon the -track of the young girl. Curumilla was a warrior as renowned for his -prudence and wisdom in council, as for his bravery in fight. Having -crossed the river, he left his horse in the care of a peon who had -accompanied him, as it would not only be useless to him, but, still -further, because it might even be injurious by betraying his presence by -the clatter of its hoofs upon the ground. Indians are expert horsemen, -but they are indefatigable walkers. Nature has endowed them with -incredible strength of muscles of the legs and hams; and they possess in -the highest degree the knowledge of that rising and sinking gymnastic -step, which, for some years past, has been introduced into Europe, -particularly into France, in the marching of troops. They accomplish -with incredible swiftness journeys which horses could hardly perform, -always directing their course in a straight line, or as the bird flies, -without regard to the difficulties that may arise in their way, no -obstacle being sufficient to turn them from their course. This quality -renders them particularly formidable to the Spanish Americans, who -cannot obtain this facility of locomotion, and who, in time of war, find -the redskins always before them at the moment they least expect them, -and that almost always at considerable distances from the spots where, -logically, they ought to be.</p> - -<p>Curumilla, after having carefully studied the prints made by the -ravishers, at once divined the route they had taken, and the place they -were bound to. He did not amuse himself with following them, for that -would have been losing precious time; on the contrary, he resolved to -cut across country, and wait for them at an elbow of the road he was -acquainted with, where, at all events, he could ascertain their numbers, -and, perhaps, save the young girl. This being determined, the Ulmen -set off. He walked for several hours without rest, eye and ear on the -watch, trying to penetrate the darkness, and listening patiently to the -various noises of the desert. These noises, which are to us white men -a dead letter, have for the Indians, who are accustomed to interrogate -them, a special signification, in which they are never deceived; they -analyse them, they decompose them, and often learn by this means things -which their enemies have the greatest interest in concealing from them. -However inexplicable this fact may at first appear, it is very simple. -There exists no noise in the desert without a cause. The flight of -birds, the passage of wild beasts, the rustling of leaves, the rolling -of a stone down a ravine, the undulation of high grass, the friction of -branches in the woods, are for the Indian valuable indications.</p> - -<p>At a certain point with which he was acquainted, Curumilla laid himself -down flat on his face, behind a block of rock, and remained motionless -among the grass and bushes that bordered the route. He remained thus for -more than an hour, without making the least movement. Whoever might have -perceived him would have taken him for a dead body. The practised ear of -the Indian, ever on the watch, at length caught in the distance the dull -sound of the feet of horses and mules upon the dry and sonorous road. -This noise grew rapidly nearer, and soon, from his hiding place, he -perceived about twenty horsemen passing slowly along in the dark, within -two lance lengths of him. The ravishers, emboldened by their numbers, -and believing themselves secure from all danger, rode along in perfect -security. The Indian raised his head softly, and leaning on his hands, -followed them with his anxious eyes, and waited. They passed without -seeing him. At some paces behind the troop, a horseman came along, -leaving himself carelessly to the measured pace of his horse. His head -occasionally sank upon his breast, and his hands had but a feeble hold -of the reins. It was evident that this man was asleep in his saddle.</p> - -<p>A sudden idea rushed like lightning through Curumilla's brain; gathering -himself up, he stiffened the iron muscles of his legs, and, bounding -like a tiger, leaped up behind the horseman. Before the latter, -surprised by this unexpected attack, had time to utter a cry, he pressed -his throat in such a manner as, for the time, to render him incapable -of calling for help. In the twinkling of an eye the horseman was gagged -and thrown to the ground: then, securing the horse, Curumilla fastened -it to a bush, and returned to his prisoner. The latter, with the stoical -and disdainful courage peculiar to the aborigines of America, finding -himself conquered, attempted no useless resistance; he looked at his -conqueror with a smile of contempt, and waited for him to speak to him.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" said Curumilla, who, upon leaning over him, recognised him, "is it -you, Joan?"</p> - -<p>"Curumilla!" the other replied.</p> - -<p>"Hum!" the Ulmen murmured to himself, "I would rather it had been -somebody else. What is my brother doing on this path?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Of what consequence is that to my brother?" said the Indian, replying -to one question by another.</p> - -<p>"We have no time to waste," the chief replied, unsheathing his knife; -"let my brother speak."</p> - -<p>Joan started; a shudder ran through his limbs at the blue light -reflected by the long, sharp blade of the knife.</p> - -<p>"The chief can question me," he said, in a husky voice.</p> - -<p>"Where is my brother going?"</p> - -<p>"To the toldería of San Miguel."</p> - -<p>"Good! and for what purpose is my brother going there?"</p> - -<p>"To place in the hands of the sister of the grand toqui a woman whom we -have carried off this morning."</p> - -<p>"Who ordered you to do so?"</p> - -<p>"She whom we are going to meet."</p> - -<p>"Who had the direction of this affair?"</p> - -<p>"I had."</p> - -<p>"Good! where does this woman expect the prisoner?"</p> - -<p>"I have told the chief; at the toldería of San Miguel."</p> - -<p>"In which casa?"</p> - -<p>"In the last; the one which stands a little apart from the others."</p> - -<p>"That is well! Let my brother exchange poncho and hat with me."</p> - -<p>The Indian obeyed without a word, and when the exchange was made, -Curumilla said—</p> - -<p>"I could kill my brother; prudence would even require me to do so, but -pity has entered my heart—Joan has wives and children, he is one of the -brave warriors of his tribe; if I let him live, will he be grateful?"</p> - -<p>The Indian had expected that he was going to die, but these words -restored him to hope. He was not a bad man at bottom; the Ulmen knew him -well, and was satisfied he would keep his promises.</p> - -<p>"My father holds my life in his hands," Joan replied; "if he does not -take it today, I shall remain his debtor—I will lay down my life at a -sign from him."</p> - -<p>"Very well!" said Curumilla, returning his knife to its sheath, "my -brother may rise, a chief keeps his word."</p> - -<p>The Indian sprang upon his feet, and fervently kissed the hand of the -man who had spared him.</p> - -<p>"What does my father command?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"My brother must repair as fast as possible to the toldería which the -Huincas name Valdivia. He will seek Don Tadeo, the Great Eagle of the -Whites, and relate to him what has passed between us, adding, that I -will save the prisoner, or die."</p> - -<p>"Is that all?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. If the Great Eagle requires the services of my brother, he will -place himself without hesitation at his orders. Farewell! May Pillian -guide my brother! and let him never forget that I was not willing to -take the life that was in my power!"</p> - -<p>"Joan will not forget," the Indian replied.</p> - -<p>At a sign from Curumilla, he bent down in the high grass, crept along -like a serpent, and disappeared in the direction of Valdivia. The chief, -without losing an instant, jumped into the saddle and soon joined the -little troop, who had continued jogging quietly along, without dreaming -of the substitution that had just taken place. It was Curumilla who, -while carrying the young girl into the house, had whispered hope and -courage. These three words, in announcing to her that she had a friend -watching over her, had restored her the strength necessary for the -struggle that awaited her.</p> - -<p>After the unexpected arrival of Antinahuel, when, at the order of Doña -Maria, Curumilla led away the prisoner, instead of reconducting her -to the apartment in which she had been, he threw a poncho over her to -disguise her.</p> - -<p>"Follow me," he said in a low voice; "step out boldly, I will endeavour -to save you."</p> - -<p>The maiden hesitated; she was fearful of a snare. The Ulmen comprehended -her feeling, and said quickly, in a low voice—</p> - -<p>"I am Curumilla, one of the Ulmens devoted to the two Frenchmen, the -friends of Don Tadeo."</p> - -<p>Rosario startled imperceptibly.</p> - -<p>"Go on," she replied in a firm tone; "happen what may, I will follow -you."</p> - -<p>And they left the hut together. The Indians, dispersed here and there, -were busily talking over the events of the day, and did not observe -them. The two fugitives proceeded for ten minutes without exchanging a -word. The village was soon lost in the darkness; at length Curumilla -stopped at a thick clump of cactus, behind which two horses stood, -saddled and bridled.</p> - -<p>"Does my sister find herself strong enough to mount on horseback, and -ride a long distance?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"To escape from my persecutors," she replied, in a broken voice, "I feel -I have strength to do anything."</p> - -<p>"Good!" said Curumilla, "my sister is courageous. Her God will help her!"</p> - -<p>"It is in Him alone I place my hope," she said, with a sigh.</p> - -<p>"To horse, then, and let us begone! minutes are ages!"</p> - -<p>He unfastened the horses, they mounted, and set of at full speed, -without any sound being produced upon the road by their hoofs, which -Curumilla had covered with pieces of sheepskin. The maiden breathed -a sigh of relief on feeling herself once more free, and under the -protection of a devoted friend. The fugitives continued to ride at a -rapid pace, in a direction diametrically opposite to the one they should -have taken to return to Valdivia. Prudence required that they should not -yet take any route on which, according to all possibilities, they would -be looked for.</p> - -<p>We must leave our friends in this critical position for the present; -but those readers who feel an interest in the loves of Don Louis and -Doña Rosario, will find their curiosity fully satisfied in the following -volume of this series, called "The Pearl of the Andes."</p> - - - -<h4>THE END.</h4> - - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventurers, by Gustave Aimard - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURERS *** - -***** This file should be named 43716-h.htm or 43716-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/3/7/1/43716/ - -Produced by Marc D'Hooghe at http://www.freeliterature.org - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The Adventurers - -Author: Gustave Aimard - -Release Date: September 14, 2013 [EBook #43716] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURERS *** - - - - -Produced by Marc D'Hooghe at http://www.freeliterature.org - - - - -THE ADVENTURERS - -A Story of a Love-Chase - -BY - -GUSTAVE AIMARD - -AUTHOR OF - -"LAST OF THE INCAS," "QUEEN OF THE SAVANNAH," - -ETC. - -LONDON - -WARD AND LOCK, 158, FLEET STREET. - -1863. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -With the publication of the present and the ensuing volume, "The Pearl -of the Andes," I am enabled to perfect the most important series of -Aimard's Tales of Indian Life and Adventure. To preserve uniformity, the -volumes of this series should be arranged in the following order on the -book-shelf;-- - - 1. THE ADVENTURERS. - 2. THE PEARL OF THE ANDES. - 3. THE TRAIL-HUNTER. - 4. PIRATES OF THE PRAIRIES. - 5. THE TRAPPER'S BRIDE. - 6. THE TIGER SLAYER. - 7. THE GOLD SEEKERS. - 8. THE INDIAN CHIEF. - 9. THE RED TRACK. - -Gustave Aimard has a precedent in Fenimore Cooper for introducing the -same hero in a long range of volumes, and, like his great predecessor, -he has so arranged, that each work should be complete in itself, and -not necessitate the purchase of another. But Aimard has one marked -advantage over Cooper; for while "Leather-Stocking" is but a creation -of the fancy, or, at the most, the type of the Backwoodsman, the Count -Louis who figures as the hero of Aimard's series, is a real man. Count -de Raousset Boulbon, had he succeeded in his daring attempt of founding -an independent kingdom in Mexico, would in all probability have become -the Napoleon of the West. A gallant adventurer and thorough gentleman, -he staked his life upon the issue, and ended his career the victim -of unparalleled treachery, as Aimard has faithfully recorded. Hence -Aimard's romances have the great merit of being founded on an historic -basis, and but little fiction was required to heighten the startling -interest of the narrative. - -Valentine Guillois, there is very little doubt, is intended for the -Author himself, with all his qualities and defects. When he first -reached the New World, he was the true, reckless Parisian; but constant -intercourse with nature rendered him a generous and thoughtful friend -of humanity. So soon as he returned to civilization, he began recording -the history of his past life; not so much as a livelihood, as for -the pleasure he felt in living once again the life of excitement and -adventure which he had known among the Indians. Hence his books are -written without an effort; they flow spontaneously from his pen; and the -absence of artistic effect is the best guarantee of their truthfulness. - -It is not surprising, consequently, that M. Aimard's books have met -with such extensive popularity. They have been translated into nearly -every modern language, and the Author is now generally recognised as the -French Cooper. The reception given to his stories in this country has -been most flattering, and each day heightens their popularity. Hence -it is not too much to assume that they will become standard works, -especially with young readers, for whom they are especially adapted; -because M. Aimard has never yet written a line which could prove -offensive to the most delicate mind. - - L.W. - - -CONTENTS. - - - I. THE CHAPARRAL - II. THE FOSTER BROTHERS - III. THE RESOLUTION - IV. THE EXECUTION - V. THE PASSAGE - VI. THE LINDA - VII. HUSBAND AND WIFE - VIII. THE DARK-HEARTS - IX. IN THE STREET - X. SWORD-THRUSTS - XI. GENERAL BUSTAMENTE - XII. THE SPY - XIII. LOVE - XIV. THE QUINTA VERDE - XV. THE DEPARTURE - XVI. THE MEETING - XVII. THE PUELCHES - XVIII. THE BLACK JACKAL - XIX. TWO OLD FRIENDS - XX. THE SORCERER - XXI. THE OBSEQUIES OF AN APO-ULMEN - XXII. EXPLANATIONS - XXIII. THE CHINGANA. - XXIV. THE TWO ULMENS - XXV. THE SUN-TIGER - XXVI. THE MATRICIDE - XXVII. THE JUSTICE OF THE DARK-HEARTS - XXVIII. THE TREATY OF PEACE - XXIX. THE ABDUCTION - XXX. THE PROTEST - XXXI. SPANIARD AND INDIAN - XXXII. IN THE MOUNTAIN - XXXIII. ON THE WATCH - XXXIV. FACE TO FACE - XXXV. THE REVOLT - XXXVI. THE LION AT BAY - XXXVII. THE TRUCE - XXXVIII. TWO ROGUISH PROFILES - XXXIX. THE WOUNDED MAN - XL. ARAUCANIAN DIPLOMACY - XLI. THE COUNCIL - XLII. THE NIGHT JOURNEY - XLIII. TWO HATREDS - XLIV. THE RETURN TO VALDIVIA - XLV. THE FATHER REVEALS HIMSELF - XLVI. CURUMILLA - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE CHAPARRAL. - - - -During my last sojourn in America, chance, or rather my good star, led -me to form an acquaintance with one of those hunters, or wood rangers, -the type of whom has been immortalized by Cooper, in his poetical -personage, _Leather-Stockings_. - -The strange circumstance by which we were brought together was as -follows. Towards the end of July, 1855, I had left Galveston, terrified -at the fevers prevalent there, which are so fatal to Europeans, with the -intention of visiting the north-west portion of Texas, a country I was -then unacquainted with. - -A Spanish proverb somewhere says, "It is better to go alone than in -bad company;" and, like all other proverbs, this possesses a certain -foundation of truth, particularly in America, where the traveller is -exposed at each instant to the chance of meeting rogues of every hue, -who, thanks to their seducing exterior, charm him, win his confidence, -and take advantage of the first occasion to remorselessly plunder and -assassinate him. - -I had profited by the proverb, and, like a shrewd old traveller of the -prairies, as I knew no one who inspired me with sufficient sympathy -to lead me to make him my travelling companion, I had bravely set out -alone, clothed in the picturesque dress of the inhabitants of the -country, armed to the teeth, and mounted upon an excellent half wild -horse, which had cost me twenty-five piastres--an enormous sum in those -countries, where horses are considered as worth little or nothing. - -I carelessly wandered here and there, living that nomadic life which -is so full of attractions; at times stopping at a _tolderia_, at -others encamping in the desert, hunting wild animals, and plunging -deeper and deeper into unknown regions. I had, in this fashion, passed -through, without any untoward accident, Fredericksburgh, the Llana -Braunfels, and had just left Castroville, on my way to Quichi. Like -all Spanish-American villages, Castroville is nothing but a miserable -agglomeration of ruined cabins, cut at right angles by streets choked -with weeds, growing undisturbed, and concealing multitudes of ants, -reptiles, and even rabbits of a very small breed, which spring up -beneath the feet of the few passengers. The _pueblo_ is bounded on the -west by the Medina, a slender thread of water, almost dry in the great -heat seasons; and on the east by thickly-wooded hills, the dark green of -which forms a pleasing contrast with the pale blue of the sky. - -At Galveston I had undertaken to deliver a letter to an inhabitant of -Castroville. The worthy man lived in this village like La Fontaine's rat -in the depths of its Dutch cheese. Charmed by the arrival of a stranger, -who, no doubt, brought him news for which he had been long anxious, he -received me in the most cordial manner, and thought of every expedient -to detain me. Unfortunately, the little I had seen of Castroville had -sufficed to completely disgust me with it, and my only wish was to get -out of it as quickly as possible. My host, in despair at seeing all -his advances repulsed, at length consented to allow me to continue my -journey. - -"Adieu, then," he said, warmly pressing my hand, with a sigh of regret; -"since you are determined to go, may God protect you! You are wrong -in setting out so late; the road you have to travel is dangerous; the -_Indios bravos_ are up; they assassinate without mercy all the whites -who fall into their hands--beware!" - -I smiled at this warning, which I took for a last effort of the worthy -man to detain me. - -"Bah!" I replied gaily; "the Indians and I are too old acquaintances for -me to fear anything on their account." - -My host shook his head sorrowfully, and retreated into his hut, making -me a last farewell greeting. I again set forward. I soon began to -reflect that it was full late, and pressed my horse, in order to pass, -before nightfall, a _chaparral_, or large thicket of underwood, of at -least two miles in length, against which my host had particularly warned -me. This ill-famed spot had a very sinister aspect. The mezquite, the -acacia, and the cactus constituted its sole vegetation, while here and -there, whitened bones and planted crosses plainly designated places -where murders had been committed. Beyond that extended a vast plain, -called the Leona, peopled by animals of every description. This plain, -covered by grass at least two feet in height, was dotted at intervals -with thickets of trees, upon which warbled thousands of golden-throated -starlings, cardinals, and bluebirds. I was anxious to reach the -Leona, which I saw in the distance; but ere I did so, I had to cross -the chaparral. After examining my weapons, and looking carefully in -all directions, as I could perceive nothing positively suspicious, I -resolutely spurred my horse forward, determined, if attacked, to sell my -life as dearly as possible. - -The sun, in the meantime, was sinking rapidly towards the horizon, the -ruddy hues of closing day tinged with their changing reflections the -summits of the wooded hills, and a fresh breeze agitated the branches -of the trees with mysterious murmurs. In this country, where there is -no twilight, night was not long in enveloping me in thick darkness, and -that before I had passed through two-thirds of the chaparral. - -I was beginning to hope I should reach the Leona safe and sound, when, -all at once, my horse made a violent bound on one side, pricking up its -ears, and snorting loudly. The sudden shock almost threw me out of the -saddle, and it was not without trouble that I recovered the mastery -over my horse, which displayed signs of the greatest terror. As always -happens in such cases, I instinctively looked round me for the cause of -this panic; and soon the truth was revealed to me. A cold perspiration -bedewed my brow, and a shudder of terror ran through my whole frame, at -the horrible spectacle which met my eyes. Five dead human bodies lay -stretched beneath the trees, within ten paces of me. Among them was -one of a woman, and one of a girl about fourteen years of age. They -all belonged to the white race. They appeared to have fought long and -obstinately before they fell; they were literally covered with wounds; -and long arrows, with jagged barbs, and painted red, stood out from the -bodies, which they had pierced through and through. The victims had all -been scalped. It was evidently the work of Indians, marked with their -sanguinary rage, and their inveterate hatred for the white race. The -form and colour of the arrows told me that the perpetrators of this -atrocity were the Apaches, the most cruel plunderers of the desert. -Around the bodies I observed fragments of both wagons and furniture. The -unfortunate beings, assassinated with refined cruelty, had, no doubt, -been poor emigrants on their way to Castroville. - -At the aspect of this heartbreaking spectacle, I cannot express the pity -and grief which weighed upon my spirits; high in the air, urubus and -vultures hovered with lazy wings over the bodies, uttering lugubrious -cries of joy, whilst in the depths of the chaparral the wolves and -jaguars began to growl portentously. - -I cast a melancholy glance around: all immediately near to me was quiet. -The Apaches had, according to all appearances, surprised the emigrants -during a halt. Gutted bales were still ranged in a symmetrical circle, -and a fire, near which was a heap of dry wood, was not yet extinguished. - -"No!" said I to myself, "whatever may happen, I will not leave -Christians without burial, to become, in this desert, the prey of wild -beasts." - -My resolution, once formed, was soon carried into execution. Springing -to the ground, I hobbled my horse, gave it some provender, and cast some -branches of wood upon the fire, which soon sparkled and sent into the -air a column of bright flame. Among the necessaries of the emigrants -were spades, pickaxes, and other agricultural instruments, which, being -of no use to the Indians, they had disdainfully left behind them. I -seized a spade, and, after having carefully explored the environs -of my encampment, to assure myself that no immediate danger need be -apprehended, I set to work to dig a grave. - -The night had now set in; one of those American nights, clear, -silent, full of intoxicating odours, and mysterious melodies chanted -by the desert in praise of God. Extraordinary to say, all my fears -had vanished, as if by enchantment! Though alone in this sinister -place, close to these frightfully-mutilated carcasses, watched in the -darkness, no doubt, by the unseen eyes of wild beasts, and, perhaps, -of the murderous Indians, some incomprehensible influence sustained -me, and gave me strength to accomplish the rude but sacred task I had -undertaken. Instead of thinking of the dangers which surrounded me, I -found myself yielding to a pensive melancholy. I thought of these poor -people, who had come from distant lands, full of hope for the future, -to seek in the New World a little of the comfort and well-being which -were denied to them at home, and who, scarcely landed, had fallen, in an -obscure corner of the desert, by the hands of ferocious savages. They -had left in their own country friends, perhaps relations, to whom their -fate would for ever remain a mystery, and who would for years reckon -the hours with anxiety, looking for their much-wished return, or for -intelligence of their success in their bold undertaking. - -Except two or three alarms caused by the rustling of the leaves in the -bushes, nothing occurred to interrupt my melancholy duty. In less than -three-quarters of an hour I had dug a grave large enough to contain the -five bodies. After extracting the arrows by which they were transfixed, -I raised them one after the other in my arms, and laid them gently -side by side at the bottom of the grave. I then hastened to throw in -the mould again, till it was level with the sod; and that being done, -I dragged upon the surface all the large stones I could find, to keep -wild beasts from profaning the dead. This religious duty accomplished, -I breathed a deep sigh of satisfaction, and bowing my head towards the -ground, I mentally addressed a short prayer to the Almighty, for the -unfortunate beings I had buried. - -Upon raising my head, I uttered a cry of surprise and terror, while at -the same time mechanically feeling for my revolver; for, without the -least noise having given me warning of his approach, a man was standing -within four paces of me, watching me earnestly, and leaning on his long -rifle. Two magnificent Newfoundland dogs were lying carelessly but -quietly at his feet. On observing my gesture, the unknown smiled with a -kindly expression, and holding out his hand to me over the grave, said-- - -"Fear nothing! I am a friend. You have buried these poor people; _I_ -have avenged them--their assassins are dead!" - -I silently pressed the hand that was so frankly extended to me. -Acquaintance was formed--we were friends--we are so still! A few minutes -later we were seated near the fire, supping together with a good -appetite, while the dogs kept watch against intruders. - -The companion I had fallen in with in so curious a manner was a man of -about forty-five years of age, although he did not appear to be more -than thirty-two. He was tall and well made; his broad shoulders and -muscular limbs denoting extraordinary strength and agility. He wore the -picturesque hunter's costume in all its purity, that is to say, the -_capote_, or surtout (which is nothing but a kind of blanket worn as a -robe, fastened to the shoulders, and falling in long folds behind), a -shirt of striped cotton, large _mitasses_ (drawers of doeskin, stitched -with hair, fastened at distances, and ornamented with little bells), -leather gaiters, moccasins of elk skin, braided with beads and porcupine -quills, and a checked woollen belt, from which hung his knife, tobacco -pouch, powder horn, pistols, and medicine bag. His headdress consisted -of a cap made of the skin of a beaver, the tail of which fell between -his shoulders. This man was a type of a hardy race of adventurers who -traverse America in all directions. A primitive race, longing for -open air, space, and liberty, opposed to our ideas of civilization, -and consequently destined to disappear before the immigration of the -laborious races, whose powerful agents of conquest are steam and the -application of mechanical inventions of all kinds. - -This hunter was a Frenchman, and his frank, manly countenance, his -picturesque language, his open and engaging manners, notwithstanding -his long abode in America, had preserved a reflex of the mother country -which awakened sympathy and created interest. - -All the countries of the New World were familiar to him; he had lived -more than twenty years in the depths of the woods, and had been engaged -in dangerous and distant excursions among the Indian tribes. Hence, -although myself well initiated in the customs of the redskins, and -though a great part of my existence had been passed in the desert, I -have felt myself often shudder involuntarily at the recital of his -adventures. When seated beside him on the banks of the Rio Gila, during -an excursion we had undertaken into the prairies, he would at times -allow himself to be carried away by his remembrances, and relate to me, -as he smoked his Indian pipe, the strange history of the early days -of his abode in the New World. It is one of these recitals I am about -to lay before my readers--the first in order of date, since it is the -history of the events which led him to become a wood ranger. I do not -venture to hope that my readers will take the interest in it which it -excited in me; but I beg them to have the kindness to recollect that -this narrative was told me in the desert, amidst that grand, vast, and -powerful nature, unknown to the inhabitants of old Europe, and that I -had it from the lips of the man who had been the hero. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -THE FOSTER BROTHERS. - - -On the 31st of December, 1834, at eleven o'clock in the evening, a man -of about twenty-five years of age, of handsome person and countenance, -and aristocratic appearance, was sitting, or rather reclining, in a -luxurious easy chair, near the mantelpiece, within which sparkled a -fire that the advanced season rendered indispensable. This personage -was the Count Maxime Edouard Louis de Prebois-Crance. His countenance, -of a cadaverous paleness, formed a striking contrast with his black -curly hair, which fell in disorder upon his shoulders, covered by -a large-patterned damask dressing gown. His brows were contracted, -and his eyes were fixed with feverish impatience upon the dial of a -charming Louis Quinze clock, whilst his left hand, hanging carelessly -by his side, played with the silky ears of a magnificent Newfoundland -dog which lay by his side. The room in which the Count was sitting was -furnished with all the refinement of comfort invented by modern luxury. -A four-branched chandelier, with rose-coloured wax candles, placed upon -a table, was scarcely sufficient to enliven the room, and only spread -around a dim, uncertain light. Without, the rain was dashing against -the windows violently; and the wind sighed in mysterious murmurs, which -disposed the mind to melancholy. When the clock struck the hour the -Count started up, as if aroused from a dream. He passed his thin white -hand across his moist brow, and said, in a dissatisfied tone-- - -"He will not come!" - -But at that moment the dog, which had been so motionless, sprang up and -bounded towards the door, wagging its tail with joy. The door opened, -the _portiere_ was lifted by a firm hand, and a man appeared. - -"Here you are at last!" the Count exclaimed, advancing towards the -newcomer, who had great trouble to get rid of the caresses of the dog. -"I had begun to be afraid that you, like the rest, had forgotten me." - -"I do not understand you, brother, but trust you will explain yourself," -the other replied. "Come, that will do, Caesar; lie down! you are a very -good dog, but lie down!" - -And drawing an easy chair towards the fire, he sat down at the other -side of the fire, in front of the Count, who had resumed his place. The -dog lay down between them. - -The personage so anxiously expected by the Count formed a strange -contrast with him; for, just as M. de Prebois-Crance united in himself -all the qualities which physically distinguish nobility of race, the -other displayed all the lively, energetic strength of a true child of -the people. He was a man of twenty-six years of age; tall, thin, and -perfectly well proportioned; while his face, bronzed by the sun, and -his marked features, lit up by blue eyes sparkling with intelligence, -wore an expression of bravery, mildness, and loyalty of character that -created sympathy at first sight. He was dressed in the elegant uniform -of a quartermaster sergeant of the Spahis, and the cross of the legion -of honour glittered on his breast. With his head leaning on his right -hand, a pensive brow and a thoughtful eye, he examined his friend -attentively, whilst twisting his long, silky light-coloured moustache -with the other hand. - -The Count, shrinking before his earnest look, which appeared trying to -read his most secret thoughts, broke the silence abruptly. - -"You have been a long time in responding to my message," he said. - -"This is the second time you have addressed that reproach to me, Louis," -the soldier replied, taking a paper from his breast; "you forget the -terms of the note which your groom brought yesterday to my quarters." - -And he was preparing to read. - -"It is useless to read it," said the Count, with a melancholy smile. "I -acknowledge I am in the wrong." - -"Well, then, let us see," said the Spahi gaily, "what this serious -affair is which makes you stand in need of me. Explain: is there a woman -to be carried off?--Have you a duel on hand?--Tell me." - -"Nothing that you can possibly imagine," the Count interrupted him -bitterly; "therefore do not waste time in useless surmises." - -"What the devil is it, then?" - -"I am going to blow out my brains." - -The young man uttered these words with so firm and resolute an accent, -that the soldier started in spite of himself, and bent an anxious glance -upon the speaker. - -"You believe me mad, do you not?" the Count continued, who guessed his -friend's thoughts. "No, I am not mad, Valentine; I am only at the bottom -of an abyss from which I can only escape by death or infamy, and I -prefer death." - -The soldier made no reply. With an energetic gesture he pushed back his -chair, and began to walk about the room with hurried steps. The Count -had allowed his head to sink upon his breast in a state of perfect -prostration of mind. After a long silence, during which the fury of the -storm without increased, Valentine resumed his seat. - -"A very strong reason must have obliged you to take such a -determination," he said coolly; "I will not endeavour to combat it; but -I command you, by our friendship, to tell me fully what has led you to -form it. I am your foster brother, Louis; we have grown up together; our -ideas have been too long in common, our friendship is too strong and too -fervent for you to refuse to satisfy me." - -"To what purpose?" cried the Count, impatiently; "my sorrows are of a -nature which none but he who experiences them can comprehend." - -"A bad pretext, brother," replied the soldier, in a rough tone; "the -sorrows we dare not avow are of a kind that make us blush." - -"Valentine," said the Count, with a flashing eye, "it is ill judged to -speak so." - -"On the contrary, it is quite right," replied the young man, warmly. "I -love you, I owe you the truth; why should I deceive you? No, you know my -frankness; therefore do not hope that I shall listen to you with my eyes -shut. If you want to be flattered in your last moments, why send for me? -Is it to applaud your death? If so, brother, farewell! I will retire, -for I have nothing to do here. You great gentlemen, who have only known -the trouble of coming into the world, know nothing of life but its joys; -at the first roseleaf which chance happens to ruffle in your bed of -happiness, you think yourselves lost, and appeal to that greatest of all -cowardices, suicide." - -"Valentine!" the Count cried angrily. - -"Yes," continued the young man, with increased energy, "I repeat, that -supreme cowardice! Man is no more at liberty to quit life when he -fancies he is tired of it, than the soldier is to quit his post when he -comes face to face with his country's enemy. Your sorrows, indeed! I -know well what they are." - -"You know?" demanded the Count with astonishment. - -"All--listen to me; and when I have told you my thoughts, why, kill -yourself if you like. Pardieu! do you think when I came here I did not -know why you summoned me? A gladiator, far too weak to fight the good -fight, you have cast yourself defencelessly among the wild beasts of -this terrible arena called Paris--and you have fallen, as was sure to -be the case. But remember, the death you contemplate will complete your -dishonour in the eyes of all, instead of reinstating you or surrounding -you with the halo of false glory you are ambitious of." - -"Valentine! Valentine!" cried the Count, striking the table forcibly -with his clenched hand, "what gives you a right to speak to me thus?" - -"My friendship," the soldier replied, energetically, "and the position -you have yourself placed me in by sending for me. Two causes reduce you -to despair. These two causes are, in the first place, your love for -a coquettish woman, a Creole, who has played with your heart as the -panther of her own savannahs plays with the inoffensive animals she is -preparing to devour.--Is that true?" - -The young man made no reply. With his elbows on the table, his face -buried in his hands, he remained motionless, apparently insensible to -the reproaches of his foster brother. Valentine continued-- - -"Secondly, when, in order to win favour in her eyes, you have -compromised your fortune, and squandered all that your father had left -you, this woman flits away as she came, rejoicing over the mischief -she has done, over the victims she has left on the path she has trod, -leaving to you and to so many others the despair and the shame of having -been the sport of a coquette. What urges you to seek refuge in death is -not the loss of fortune, but the impossibility of following this woman, -the sole cause of all your misfortunes. I defy you to contradict me." - -"Well, I admit all that is true. It is that alone which kills me. What -care I for the loss of fortune? She alone is the object of my ambition! -I love her--I love her--I tell you, so that I could struggle against -the whole world to obtain her!" the young man exclaimed with great -excitement. "Oh, if I could but hope! Hope--a word void of meaning, -invented by the ambitious, always implying something unattainable! Do -you not plainly see the truth of what I say? There is nothing left me -but to die!" - -Valentine contemplated him for some minutes with a sad countenance. -Suddenly his brow cleared, his eye sparkled; he laid his hand upon the -Count's shoulder. - -"Is this, then, more than a caprice? Do you really love this woman?" he -said. - -"Have I not told you that I am ready to die for her?" - -"Ay; and you told me at the same time that you would struggle with the -whole world to obtain her." - -"I did--and would." - -"Well, then," continued Valentine, fixing his eyes earnestly upon him, -"I can help you to find this woman again--I can." - -"You can?" - -"Yes, I can." - -"Oh! you are mad! She has left Paris, and no one knows into what region -of America she has retreated." - -"Of what consequence is that?" - -"And then, besides, I am ruined!" - -"So much the better." - -"Valentine, be careful of what you say," the young man remarked with a -sigh; "in spite of my reason, I allow myself to believe you." - -"Hope, man! hope, I tell you." - -"Oh, no; no, that is impossible!" - -"Nothing is impossible; that is a word invented by the impotent and the -cowardly. I repeat that I not only will find this woman for you again, -but that she--she herself, mind--shall be afraid lest you should despise -her love." - -"Oh!" - -"Who knows? You yourself may then, perhaps, reject it." - -"Valentine! Valentine!" - -"Well, to obtain this glorious result, I only ask two years." - -"So long?" - -"Oh, such is man!" cried the soldier, with a faint, pitying laugh. "But -an instant ago, and you were anxious to die, because the word had never -stood in its true light before you; and now you have not the courage to -look forward, or wait two years, which constitute only a few minutes of -human life!" - -"Yes, but----" - -"Be satisfied, brother--be satisfied! If in two years I have not -fulfilled my promise, I myself will load your pistols--and then----" - -"Well, and then?" - -"And then you shall not die alone," he said coolly. - -The Count looked at him. Valentine seemed transfigured: his countenance -wore an expression of indomitable energy, which his foster brother had -never observed in it before; his eyes sparkled with unwonted brilliancy. -The young man avowed himself conquered; he took his friend's hand, and -pressing it warmly, said-- - -"I agree!" - -"You now, then, belong to me?" - -"I give myself entirely up to you." - -"That's well!" - -"But what will you do?" - -"Listen to me attentively," the soldier said, sinking back into his -chair, and motioning to his friend to resume his seat. At this moment -the clock struck the hour of midnight, and, from a feeling for which -they could not account, the young men listened silently and reflectively -to the twelve strokes which resounded at equal intervals upon the bell. - -When the echo of the last stroke had ceased to vibrate, Valentine lit a -cigar, and turning towards Louis, whose eyes were intensely fixed upon -him, "Now, then," he said slowly, emitting a puff of thin blue smoke, -which went curling gracefully up towards the ceiling. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE RESOLUTION. - - -"I am listening," said Louis, leaning forward as if to hear the better. - -Valentine resumed with a melancholy smile. - -"We have now reached the 1st of January, 1835," said he; "with the last -vibration of midnight your existence as a gentleman has come to an end. -From this time you are about to commence a life of trials and struggles; -in a word, you are about to become a man!" - -The Count gave him an inquiring glance. - -"I will explain myself," Valentine continued; "but in order to do that, -you must, in the first place, allow me, in a few words, to recall your -history to you." - -"Surely, I am well enough acquainted with that," interrupted the Count, -in a tone that displayed impatience. - -"Well, perhaps you are; but, at all events, listen to my version of it; -if I err, put me right." - -"Follow your own humour," the Count replied, sinking back into his chair -with the air of a man whom politeness obliges to listen to a tiresome -discourse. - -Though he saw it, Valentine appeared to take no notice of this movement -on the part of his foster brother. He relit his cigar, which he had -allowed to go out, patted the dog, whose great head was lying upon his -knees, and began, as if convinced that Louis gave him the most profound -attention. - -"Your history is that of almost every man of your rank," said he. "Your -ancestors, whose name can be traced to the Crusades, left you at your -birth a noble title, and a hundred thousand francs a year. Rich, without -having had occasion to employ your faculties to gain your fortune, -and consequently ignorant of the real value of money, you spent it -heedlessly, believing it to be inexhaustible. This is just what has -happened; only, one day, when you least expected it, the hideous spectre -of ruin rose up suddenly before you, and you had a glimpse of want, -that is, of the necessity for labour; and then you drew back terrified, -declaring there was no refuge but in death." - -"All that is perfectly true," the Count interrupted; "but you forget to -mention, that before forming this last resolution, I took care to put -my affairs in order, and to pay all my creditors. I then became my own -master, and had a right to dispose of my life as I thought fit." - -"Not at all. And it is this which your education as a gentleman has -prevented you from understanding. Your life is not your own; it is -a loan which God has made you. It is, consequently, nothing but an -expectation, a _waiting_, a passage: for this reason it is short, -but the profit of it is due to humanity. Every man who wastes the -faculties which he holds from God in orgies and debaucheries, commits a -robbery upon the great human family. Remember that we are all mutually -responsible for one another, and that we ought to employ our faculties -for the advantage of the whole." - -"For Heaven's sake, brother, a truce to your sermons! Such theories, -more or less paradoxical, may succeed with certain people, but----" - -"Brother," Valentine interrupted, "do not speak so. In spite of -yourself, your pride of race dictates words which you will ere long -regret. Certain people! there you have let slip the great word. Oh, -Louis, Louis! how many things you have yet to learn! But that we may -know what we are about, reckoning all your resources, how much have you -left?" - -"Oh, I scarcely know! A pitiful sum." - -"Well, but how much?" - -"Good Heavens! some forty thousand francs, I suppose, at most, which may -amount to sixty thousand by the sale of these luxurious trifles," the -Count said carelessly. - -Valentine started up in his chair. - -"Sixty thousand francs!" he cried; "and you are in despair! and have -made up your mind to die! Senseless fellow! why, these sixty thousand -francs, well employed, are a fortune! they will enable you to find the -woman you love! How many poor devils would fancy themselves rich with -such a sum!" - -"What do you mean to do, then?" - -"You shall see. What is the name of the lady you are in love with?" - -"Dona Rosario del Valle." - -"Very well. She has, you say, gone to America?" - -"Ten days ago; but I, in justice, must observe to you, that Dona -Rosario, whom you do not know, is a noble and amiable girl, who has -never lent an ear to one of my flatteries, or given favourable heed to -the ruinous extravagances which I committed to please her." - -"Ah, that is very possible! why, then, should I seek to rob you of this -sweet illusion? Only it makes me the more puzzled to perceive how, under -these circumstances, you could manage to melt your fortune, which was -considerable, like a lump of butter in the sun." - -"Here! read this note from my broker." - -"Oh!" said Valentine, pushing back the paper; "you have been dabbling -on the Stock Exchange, have you! Everything is now easily explained, my -poor pigeon; the kites have plucked you nicely! Well, brother, you must -take your revenge." - -"Oh, I ask nothing better!" said the young man, knitting his brows. - -"We are of the same age; my mother's milk nourished us both; in the -eyes of God we are brothers! I will make a man of you! I will help -you to put on that armour of brass which will render you invincible. -Whilst you, protected by your name and your fortune, allowed life to -glide luxuriously away, only plucking its flowers as it passed, I, a -poor wretch wandering over the rough pavement of Paris, carried on a -gigantic struggle to obtain a mere existence; a struggle of every hour -and every minute, where the victory for me was a morsel of bread, and -experience most dearly bought; for often, when I held horses, sold -theatre checks, or acted clown to a mountebank--in fact, when I went -through the thousand impossible shifts of the Bohemian, depression and -discouragement nearly choked me; often and often have I felt my burning -brow and throbbing temples clasped in the pinching vice of want; but I -resisted, I girded myself up against adversity; never did I allow myself -to be conquered, although I left upon the thorns of my rugged path many -of the rags of my most fondly-cherished illusions; while my heart, -writhing with despair, has bled from twenty wounds at once! Courage, -Louis! henceforth there will be two of us to fight the battle! You shall -be the head to conceive, I the arm to execute; you the intelligence, I -the strength! Now the struggle will be equal, for we will sustain one -another. Trust in me, my brother; a day will come when success will -crown our efforts!" - -"I can fully appreciate your devotion, and I accept it. Am I not, at -present, your property? Entertain no fear of my resisting you. But I -cannot help telling you that I fear all my attempts will be in vain, and -that we shall be forced, sooner or later, to fall back upon that last -means which you now prevent me having recourse to." - -"Oh, thou man of little faith!" Valentine said, cheerfully; "on the road -which we are about to take, fortune will be our slave!" - -Louis could not repress a smile. - -"We must, at all events, depend upon the aid of chance in what we are -about to undertake," he said. - -"Chance! chance is the hope of fools; the strong man commands it." - -"Well, but what do you mean to do?" - -"The lady you love is in America, is she not?" - -"I have already told you so several times." - -"Very well, then, we must go thither." - -"But I do not know even in what part of America she resides." - -"Of what consequence is that? The New World is the country of gold--the -true region of adventurers! We shall retrieve our fortunes whilst -searching for her; and is that so disagreeable a thing? Tell me--this -lady was born somewhere?" - -"She is a Chilian." - -"Good! she has gone back to Chili, then; and it is there we shall find -her." - -Louis looked at his foster brother for a moment, with a species of -respectful admiration. - -"What! do you seriously mean that you will do this, brother?" he said, -in an agitated voice. - -"Without hesitation." - -"Abandon the military career which offers you so many chances of -success? I know that in three months you will be an officer." - -"I have ceased to be a soldier since the morning; I have found a -substitute." - -"Oh, that is not possible!" - -"Ay, but it is done." - -"But your old mother, my nurse, whose only support you are!" - -"Out of what you have left we will give her a few thousand francs, -which, joined to my pension, will suffice for her to live on till we -come back." - -"Oh," said the young man, "I cannot accept of such a sacrifice--my -honour forbids it!" - -"Unfortunately, brother," Valentine said, in a tone which silenced the -Count, "you have it not in your power to prevent it. In acting as I -propose to do I am only discharging a sacred duty." - -"I do not understand you." - -"What is the use of explaining it to you?" - -"I insist." - -"Very good; and, perhaps, it will be better. Listen:--When, after -having nursed you, my mother restored you to your family, my father fell -sick, and died at the end of an illness of eight months, leaving my -mother and myself in the greatest want; the little we possessed had been -spent in medicines, and in paying the doctor for his visits. We ought to -have had recourse to your family, who would, no doubt, have relieved us; -but my mother would never consent to it. 'The Count de Prebois-Crance -has done as much as he ought,' she remarked, 'he shall not be troubled -any more.'" - -"She was wrong," said Louis. - -"I know she was," Valentine replied. "In the meantime, hunger soon began -to be felt. It was then I undertook all those impossible trades of which -I just now spoke to you. One day, as I was carrying my cap round in the -Place du Trone, after swallowing sabres and eating fire, to the great -delight of the crowd, I found myself face to face with an officer of the -Chasseurs d'Afrique, who looked at me with an air of pity and kindness -that melted my heart within me. He led me away with him, made me relate -my history, and insisted upon being conducted to the shed where I and -my mother lived. At the sight of our misery the old soldier was much -affected; a tear, which he could not restrain, flowed silently down his -sunburnt cheek. Louis, that officer was your father." - -"My noble and good father!" the Count exclaimed, pressing his foster -brother's hand. - -"Yes! yes, noble and good! he secured my mother a little annuity which -enables her to live, and took me into his own regiment. Two years ago, -during the last expedition against the Rey of Constantine, your father -was struck by a bullet in his chest, and died at the end of two hours, -calling upon his son." - -"Yes," the young man said, with tears in his eyes, "I know he did." - -"But what you do not know, Louis, is, that at the point of death your -father turned towards me--for, from the moment he had received his wound -I had never left him." - -Louis again silently pressed the hand of Valentine, whilst the latter -continued-- - -"'Valentine,' he said to me, in a faint voice, broken by the rattle of -death, for the mortal agony had commenced, 'my son is left alone, and -without experience; he has nobody but you, his foster brother. Watch -over him--never abandon him! May I depend upon your promise? it will -mitigate the pain of dying.' I knelt down beside him, and respectfully -seizing the hand he held out to me, exclaimed--'Die in peace! in the -hour of adversity I will be always by the side of your Louis. Two tears -of joy at that awful hour dropped from your father's eyes; he said, in a -faltering voice--'God has heard your oath and murmuring your name, and -clasping my hand, he expired. Louis, I owe to your father the comfort -my mother enjoys; I owe to your father the feelings that make me a man, -and this cross which glitters on my breast. Can you not now comprehend, -then, why I have spoken to you as I have done? While you held your -course in your strength, I kept aloof; but now that the hour has arrived -for accomplishing my vow, no human power can prevent me from doing so." - -The two young men were silent for a moment, and then Louis, laying his -face on the soldier's honest chest, said, with a burst of tears-- - -"When shall we set out, brother?" - -The latter looked at him earnestly-- - -"You are fully resolved to commence a new life?" - -"Entirely!" Louis replied, in a firm tone. - -"Do you leave no regrets behind you?" - -"None." - -"You are ready to pass bravely through all the trials to which I may -expose you?" - -"I am." - -"That is well, brother! it is thus I wish you to be. We will set out as -soon as we have settled the balance of your past life. You must enter -on the new existence I am about to open to you quite free from clogs or -remembrances." - - * * * * * - -On the 2nd of February, 1835, a packet boat belonging to the -Trans-Atlantic Company left Havre, directing its course towards -Valparaiso. On board this vessel, as passengers, were the Count de -Prebois-Crance, Valentine Guillois his foster brother, and Caesar their -Newfoundland dog--Caesar, the only friend who had remained faithful to -them, and whom they could not think of leaving behind. Upon the quay -a woman of about sixty years of age, her face bathed in tears, stood -with her eyes intently fixed upon the vessel as long as it remained in -sight. When it had disappeared below the horizon, she cast a desponding -glance around her, and with a heavy heart bent her steps towards a house -situated at a small distance from the beach, where she remained three -days. - -"Do what is right, happen what may!" she said, in a voice stifled by -grief. - -This woman was the mother of Valentine Guillois. She was the most to be -pitied, for she was left alone! - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE EXECUTION. - - -Towards the end of the year 1450, Chili was invaded by Prince -Sinchiroca, afterwards Inca, who gained possession of the valley of -Mapocho, then called Promocaces, that is to say, the place of dancing -and rejoicing. The Peruvian government, however, was never able to -establish itself in the country, on account of the armed opposition of -the Promocians, then encamped between the rivers Rapel and Maule. Hence, -though the historian Garcilasso de la Vega may place the limits of the -territory conquered by the Incas upon the river Maule, everything proves -they were upon the Rapel, for, near the confluence of the Cachapeul with -the Tingerica, which from this point takes the name of Rapel, start the -ruins of an ancient Peruvian fortress, constructed exactly like those of -Callao and Asseray, in the province of Quito. These fortresses served to -mark the frontier. - -The Spanish conqueror, Don Pedro de Valdivia, founded, on the 24th of -February, 1541, the city of Santiago in a delightful position upon the -left bank of the Rio Mapocho, at the entrance of a plain a hundred miles -in extent, bounded by the Rio Parahuel, and the mountain of El Pardo, -which has an elevation of not less than four thousand feet. This plain, -which is also bathed by the Rio Maypo, forms a natural reservoir, in -which the light soil brought down from the neighbouring heights has -found a level, and created one of the richest territories of the New -World. - -Santiago, which at a later period became the capital of Chili, is one of -the finest cities in Spanish America. Its streets are broad, built in -straight lines, and refreshed by _acequias_; or rivulets of clear and -limpid water; while the houses, built of _adobes_, only one story high, -on account of the earthquakes so frequent in this country, are vast, -airy, and well situated. It possesses a great number of monuments, the -most remarkable of which are the stone bridge of five arches, thrown -over the Mapocho, and the Tajamar, or breakwater, formed of two brick -walls, the interior one of which is filled with earth, and serves to -protect the inhabitants from inundations. The Cordilleras, with their -eternally snow-crowned summits, although eighty miles distant from -the city, appear suspended over it, and present an aspect of the most -majestic and imposing kind. - -On the 5th of May, 1835, towards ten o'clock in the evening, stifling -heat oppressed the city; there was not a breath in the air, or a cloud -in the heavens. Santiago, generally so joyous at this hour of the -night, when beams from black eyes and smiles from rosy lips are seen at -every balcony, and each window seems to challenge the passer-by with -the twanging of _sambecuejas,_ and snatches of Creole songs, appeared -plunged in the deepest sadness. The balconies and the windows were -filled, it is true, with the heads of men and women, packed together as -closely as possible, but the expression of every face was serious, every -look was thoughtful and uneasy: no smile, no joy could be witnessed; but -on all sides were sorrowful brows, pale cheeks, and eyes filled with -tears. - -Here and there in the streets numerous groups were stationed in the -middle of the causeway, or upon the steps of the doors, conversing in a -low voice, but with great vivacity. At every instant, orderly officers -left the government palace, and galloped off in various directions. -Detachments of troops quitted their barracks, and marched, with drums -beating, to the Plaza Mayor, where they formed in line, passing silently -amidst the terrified inhabitants. The Plaza Mayor on this evening -afforded an exceptional appearance. Torches, waved about by individuals -mixed with the crowd, threw their red dull reflections upon the -assembled people, who seemed to be in expectation of some great event. - -But among all these people assembled on one spot, and whose number -increased every second, not a cry, not a word could be heard. Only, at -intervals, there arose a nameless murmur--a noise of the sea before a -tempest--the whisper of a whole anxious people--the hoarse fury of a -storm lashing all these oppressed breasts. The clock of the cathedral -heavily and slowly struck ten. - -Scarce had the _serenos_, according to custom, chanted the hour, ere -military commands were heard, and the crowd violently driven back in all -directions, with cries and oaths, accompanied by blows from gunstocks, -divided in two nearly equal parts, leaving between them a wide, free -space. At this moment arose the sounds of religious chants, murmured in -a low, monotonous tone, and a long procession of monks debouched upon -the square. These monks all belonged to the order of the Brothers of -Mercy. They walked slowly in two lines, with their hoods pulled down -over their faces, their arms crossed upon their breasts, their heads -hanging down, and chanting the _De Profundis_. In the middle of them ten -penitents each bore an open coffin. Then came a squadron of cavalry, -preceding a battalion of militiamen, in the centre of which body, ten -men, bare headed, with their arms bound behind them, were conducted, -each riding with his face toward the tail of a donkey, whose bridle -was held by a monk of the order of Mercy; a detachment of lancers came -immediately after, and closed this lugubrious procession. - -At the cry of halt, given by the commander of the troops drawn up -upon the Plaza, the monks separated to the right and left, without -interrupting their funeral chant, and the condemned remained alone in -the middle of the space left free for them. These men were patriots, -who had attempted to overthrow the established government, in order to -substitute another, the more broad and democratic basis of which would -be, as they thought, in better accordance with ideas of progress and the -welfare of the nation. These patriots belonged to the first families of -the country. - -The population of Santiago viewed with sullen despair the death of -the men whom they considered as martyrs. It is even probable that a -rising in their favour would have taken place, if General Don Poncho -Bustamente, the minister at war, had not drawn out a military force -capable of imposing upon the most determined, and obliging them to be -silent spectators of the execution of men whom they could not save, but -whom they entertained a fierce hope of avenging at a future day. - -The condemned alighted; they piously knelt, and confessed themselves to -the monks of Mercy nearest to them, whilst a platoon of fifty soldiers -took up a position within twenty paces of them. When their confession -was completed, they rose up bravely, and taking each other by the hand, -ranged themselves in a single line in front of the soldiers appointed -to put them to death. In spite, however, of the great numbers of troops -assembled on the Plaza, an ominous fermentation prevailed among the -people. The crowd rocked about in all directions. Murmurs of sinister -augury and curses, pronounced aloud against the agents of power, seemed -to remind the latter that they had better finish the affair at once, if -they did not wish to have their victims torn from their hands. - -General Bustamente, who calmly and stoically presided over this -dismal ceremony, smiled with disdain at this expression of popular -disapprobation. He waved his sword over his head and commanded "right -about face," which was executed with the rapidity of lightning. The -troops faced the insurgents on all sides; the front rank pointing their -muskets at the citizens crowded together before them, whilst the others -appeared to take aim at the balconies encumbered with people. This was -followed by so dead a silence, that not a word was lost of the sentence -read by the proper officer to the patriots--a sentence which condemned -them to be shot as traitors, or accomplices in a conspiracy designed -to overthrow the constituted government, and plunge their country into -anarchy. - -The conspirators listened to their sentence with silent firmness; but -when the officer, who trembled in every limb, had finished reading it, -they all cried, as with one voice, - -"Viva la Patria! Viva la Libertad!" - -The General gave a signal, and a loud rolling of the drums drowned the -voices of the condemned. A discharge of musketry resounded like a clap -of thunder, and the ten martyrs fell, once again shouting their cry of -liberty, a cry doomed to find an echo in the hearts of their terrified -compatriots. - -The troops filed off, with shouldered arms, ensigns flying, and band at -their head, past the dead bodies, and regained their barracks. When the -General had disappeared with his escort, and the troops had left the -Plaza, the people rushed in a mass towards the spot where the martyrs -of their cause lay in a confused heap. Every one wished to offer them a -last farewell, and to swear over their bodies to avenge them, or to fall -in their turn. - -At length, by degrees, the crowd became less compact, the groups -dispersed, the last torches were extinguished, and the spot where, -scarce an hour before, an awful drama had been accomplished, was left -completely deserted. A considerable time elapsed before any noise -disturbed the solemn silence which brooded over the Plaza Mayor. - -Suddenly, a heavy sigh escaped from the heap of bodies, and a pale head, -disfigured by the blood and dirt which stained it, arose slowly from -this human slaughterhouse, pushing aside with difficulty the carcasses -which had covered it. The victim, who, by a miracle, survived this -bloody hecatomb, cast an anxious look around him, and passing his hand -over his brow, which was bathed in a dark perspiration, said vehemently-- - -"My God! my God! grant me strength to live, that I may avenge myself and -my country!" - -Then, with incredible courage, this man, too weak from the blood he had -lost, and was still losing, to stand, or to escape by walking away, -began to crawl along upon his hands and knees, leaving behind him a long -wet track, and directing his course towards the cathedral. At every yard -he stopped to take breath, and to place his hands upon his wounds, which -motion rendered more painful. Scarce had he left the centre of the Plaza -and its horrid sacrifice fifty paces behind him, and that with immense -difficulty, when, from a street which opened just before him, issued two -men, who advanced with hasty steps towards him. - -"Oh!" the unhappy man cried, in utter despair, "I am lost! I am lost! -Heaven is not just!"--And he fainted. - -The two men, on coming up to him, stopped with great surprise; they -leant over him, and examined him with care and in an anxious manner. - -"Well?" said one of them, at the end of a minute or two. - -"He is alive!" the other replied, in a tone of conviction. - -Without uttering another word, they rolled up the wounded man in a -_poncho_, lifted him on their shoulders, and disappeared in the gloomy -depths of the street by which they had come, and which led to the -Canadilla suburb. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE PASSAGE. - - -It is a long voyage from Havre to Chili. The man accustomed to the -thousand agitations and the intoxicating whirlwind of the atmosphere of -Paris, necessarily finds the life on shipboard, the calm and regular -life, insipid and monotonous. It is certainly tedious to remain months -together in a vessel, confined to a cabin a few feet square, without -air and without sun, almost without light, and to have no walk but the -narrow deck of the ship, no horizon but the rolling or the tranquil -sea--at all times and everywhere nothing but sea. - -The transition is very trying. The Parisian, accustomed to the noise -and perpetual motion of a great city, cannot at once enter into or -comprehend the poetry of the sailor's life, of which he knows nothing, -or the sublime pleasures and keen enjoyments which those granite-hearted -men, exposed incessantly to a struggle with the elements, constantly -experience; men who laugh at the tempest and brave the hurricane; who, -twenty times a minute, stand face to face with death, and at last feel -such a contempt for it that they end by not believing in it. The hours -are of interminable length to the passenger who pines for the land; -every day appears an age to him. With his eyes constantly turned toward -a point which he begins to imagine he shall never gain, he sinks, in -spite of himself, into a species of gloomy nostalgia, which the sight of -the wished for port is alone powerful enough to dissipate. - -The Count de Prebois-Crance and Valentine Guillois had, then, undergone -the dispersion of all the illusions and all the ennuis attendant upon a -first sea voyage. During the first days they were employed in recalling -the vivid remembrance of that other life from which they had parted -for ever. They talked over the surprise which the sudden disappearance -of the Count would cause in the fashionable society from which he -had fled without warning, and without leaving any means of tracing -him. Forgetting for awhile the distance which separated them from the -America to which they were bound, they dwelt at great length upon the -unknown pleasures which awaited them upon that golden soil, that land -of promise for all sorts of adventurers, but which, alas! often offers -those who go thither in the hope of gaining an easy fortune, nothing but -disappointment and sorrow. - -As every subject, however interesting it may be, must in the end grow -exhausted, the two young men, to escape the fatiguing monotony of the -voyage, had the good sense so to arrange their existence as to prevent -tedium from gaining the influence over them which it had upon the -other passengers. Twice a day, morning and evening, the Count, who was -perfectly well acquainted with Spanish, gave his foster brother lessons -in that language, lessons by which he profited so well, that after two -months' study, he was able to carry on a conversation in Spanish. When -he had made such progress, the young men employed no other language, -either between themselves or with the persons on board who understood -it. This habit produced the desired result; that is to say, Valentine, -in a very short time, spoke Spanish, which is not difficult to acquire, -as fluently as French; and then, in return, Valentine occasionally -became the professor. He made Louis go through gymnastic exercises, in -order to develop his natural strength, accustom his body to fatigue, and -render him capable of supporting the rude exigencies of his new position. - -We will here, for a moment, return to the character of Valentine -Guillois, a character of which the reader, from the young man's manner -of acting and speaking, might form a completely erroneous opinion, and -this we think it our duty to rectify. Morally, Valentine Guillois was -a young fellow quite unacquainted with himself; hot-headed, giddy in -the extreme, the surface had been slightly vitiated by reading chosen -without discernment; but the foundation was essentially good. He -united in himself all the characteristics of a class whose knowledge -of the world is obtained from romances and the dramas of the Faubourg -du Temple. He had sprung up like a mushroom upon _the pave_ of Paris, -performing for bread, as he himself said, the most eccentric and -impossible things. As a soldier, he had lived from hand to mouth, -happy in the present, and careless of a future whose existence was so -uncertain for him. But in the heart of this thoughtless _gamin_ a new -sentiment had germinated, and, in a very short time, taken deep root,--a -hearty devotion to the man who had held out his hand to him, had had -pity on his mother, and who, by dragging him from the slough in which he -was plunged, without hope of ever rising, had given him a consciousness -of his own personal value. The death of this benefactor had struck -him like a clap of thunder. He felt all the importance of the mission -with which his dying colonel had charged him, the responsible burden -he imposed upon him, and he swore, with the firm resolution of keeping -his oath, cost what it might, to watch, like an attentive and devoted -brother, over the son of him who had made a man of him equal to other -men. The two most prominent points of Valentine's character were, an -energy which obstacles only augmented instead of depressing, and an iron -will. - -With these two qualities, employed to the extent to which Valentine -carried them, a man is sure to accomplish great things, and, if death -does not surprise him on the road, to attain, at a given moment, the -object, whatever it may be, which he has marked out for himself. In the -present circumstances, these qualities were invaluable to the Count de -Prebois-Crance, a man of a dreamy, poetical nature, weak character, and -timid mind, who, accustomed from his birth to the easy life of people -of fortune, was entirely ignorant of the incessant difficulties of the -new life into which he found himself suddenly cast. As always happens, -when two men gifted with such opposite qualities meet, Valentine was -not long in gaining over his foster brother a great moral influence, an -influence which he employed with infinite tact, without ever rendering -his companion aware of it; he appeared to do everything according to -his will, whilst imposing his own upon him. In short, these two men, -who loved each other thoroughly, and had but one head and one heart, -perfected each other. - -The mode of speaking employed by Valentine in the early chapters of -this history, was not at all habitual to him, and had truly astonished -himself. Rising to the level of the situation in which the resolution of -the young man he wished to save placed him, he had comprehended, with -that sound common sense which he unwittingly possessed, that instead -of desponding over the misfortune which struck his foster brother so -unexpectedly, it was his duty, on the contrary, to endeavour to impart -to him the courage he was deficient in. Thus, as we have seen, he -found in his heart arguments so peremptorily decisive, that the Count -consented to live, and gave himself up to his counsels. Valentine did -not hesitate. The departure of Dona Rosario furnished him with the -excuse he needed for dragging his foster brother from the Parisian gulf -which, after having swallowed up his fortune, threatened to swallow up -himself. Perceiving, before all else, the necessity for expatriating -him, he persuaded Louis to follow the object of his love to America; and -both set out gaily for the New World, abandoning the country which, like -other emigrants, they fancied had been so ungrateful to them. - -Often during the passage the young Count had felt his courage flag, -and his faith in the future abandon him, when thinking of the life of -struggles and trials that awaited him in America. But Valentine, by -his inexhaustible gaiety, his incredible store of anecdotes, and his -incessant sallies, always succeeded in smoothing the wrinkles from the -brow of his companion, who, with his habitual carelessness and want of -energy, allowed himself to sink under that occult influence of Valentine -which remoulded him, without his cognizance, and gradually made a new -man of him. - -Such was the state of mind in which our two personages found themselves -when the packet boat cast anchor in the roads of Valparaiso. Valentine, -with his imperturbable assurance, doubted of nothing: he was persuaded -that the people he was about to have to do with were very much beneath -him in intelligence, and that he could manage very well to attain the -double object which he aimed at. The Count entirely depended upon his -foster brother for finding for him the woman he loved, and whom he had -come so far to seek. As to retrieving his fortune, he did not even dream -of that. - -Valparaiso--Valley of Paradise--so named probably by antiphrasis, for it -is the filthiest and ugliest city of Spanish America--is nothing but a -depot for foreigners, whom commercial interests do not call into Chili. -Our young men only remained there long enough to equip themselves in -the costume of the country; that is to say, to assume the Panama hat, -the _poncho_, and _polenas_; then, each armed with two double-barrelled -pistols, a rifle, and a long knife in his belt, they left the port, and, -mounted on excellent horses, took their course towards Santiago, on the -evening preceding the day on which the execution we have described in -the preceding chapter was to take place. The weather was magnificent;-- -the rays of a burning sun rendered the very dust golden, and made the -stones of the road shine like jewels. - -"Ah!" said Valentine, as soon as they found themselves upon the superb -road which leads to the capital of Chili; "it does one good to breathe -the air of the land--_caramba_, as they say here. Well, now, here we -are in this boasted America, and now we must set about collecting our -harvest of gold." - -"And Dona Rosario?" said his foster brother, in a melancholy tone. - -"Oh! we shall have found her within a fortnight," replied Valentine, -with astounding confidence. - -With these consolatory words, he animated his horse with the spur, and -the distance before them rapidly diminished. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -THE LINDA.[1] - - -The night was gloomy; no star glittered in the heavens; the moon, -concealed by clouds, only spread a wan, pale light, which, when it -disappeared, rendered the darkness the denser. The streets were -deserted; but at regular intervals the furtive steps of the serenos, who -alone watched at this hour, were audible. - -The two men whom we have seen upon the Plaza Mayor, bearing away the -wounded man, walked for a long time, loaded with their strange burthen, -stopping at the least noise, and concealing themselves in the depths of -a doorway, or in the angle of a street, to allow the serenos to pass, as -they would be sure to require a reason for their being in the streets -at that unusual hour. Since the discovery of the conspiracy, orders had -been given that at eleven o'clock every citizen should be within doors. -After many turnings and windings, the strangers stopped in the street El -Mercado, one of the most secluded and narrow in Santiago. They appeared -to be expected, for a door was opened at the sound of their steps, and -a woman, dressed in white, and holding a candle, the light of which -she shaded with her left hand, appeared on the threshold. The two men -stopped, and one of them, taking a steel from his pocket, struck the -flint so as to produce as few sparks as possible. At this signal--for it -evidently was one--the woman extinguished the light, saying with a loud -voice, but as if speaking to herself-- - -"Dios proteja a Chile (May God protect Chili)!" - -"Dios lo ha protegido (God has protected it)," the man with the flint -and steel replied, as he replaced his utensils in his pocket. - -The woman uttered a cry of joy, which her prudence suddenly repressed. - -"Come in, come in," she said in a low voice; and in an instant the two -men were beside her. - -"Is he alive?" she asked, with intense anxiety. - -"He is alive," one of the strangers laconically replied. - -"In Heaven's name, come in!" she exclaimed. - -The bearers, guided by the woman, who had relighted her candle, -disappeared in the house, the door of which was immediately and softly -closed after them. All the houses of Santiago are alike, with respect -to their internal arrangements. To describe one is to describe all. -A wide doorway, ornamented with pilasters, leads to _the patio_, or -great entrance court, at the end of which is the principal apartment, -generally the dining room. On each side are bed chambers, reception -rooms, and cabinets for labour or study. Behind these apartments is the -_huerta_, or garden, laid out with taste, ornamented with fountains, and -planted with orange trees, citron trees, pomegranates, limes, cedars, -and palm trees, which grow with incredible luxuriance. Behind the garden -is the _corral_--a vast enclosure appropriated to horses and carriages. - -The house into which we have introduced the reader, only differed from -the others in the princely luxury of its furniture, which seemed to -indicate that its inhabitant was a person of importance. The two men, -still preceded by the woman, who served them as guide, entered a little -room, whose window opened on the garden. They laid their burthen down -upon a bed, and retired without speaking a word, but bowing respectfully. - -The woman remained for a moment motionless, listening to the sound -of their retreating footsteps; and when all was silent, she sprang -with a bound towards the door, the bolts of which she fastened with -an impetuous gesture; then, returning and placing herself beside the -wounded man, she fixed upon him a long and melancholy look. - -This woman, though really thirty-five years of age, appeared to be -scarcely more than five-and-twenty. She was of an extraordinary, but a -strange style of beauty; it attracted attention, commanded admiration, -but created an instinctive repulsion. In spite of the majestic splendour -of her graceful form, the elegance of her carriage, the freedom of her -motions, full of voluptuous ease,--in spite of the purity of the lines -of her fair face, slightly tinged by the warm rays of an American sun, -which the magnificent tresses of her black hair beautifully enframed, -her large black eyes, ornamented with long velvety lashes, and crowned -by perfectly-arched brows, her straight nose, with its mobile and rosy -nostrils, her little mouth, whose blood-red lips contrasted admirably -with her pearl-white teeth--in spite of all these rich endowments, -there was in this splendid creature something fatal, which chilled the -heart as you contemplated her. Her searching glance, the satirical -smile, which almost always contracted the corners of her lips, the -slight wrinkle, which formed a harsh, deep line along her white -brow--everything about her, even to the melodious sound of her voice, -with its strongly-accentuated pitch, destroyed sympathy, and produced a -feeling of hatred, rather than respect. - -Alone in that chamber, dimly lighted by one flickering taper, in that -calm and silent night, face to face with that pale, bleeding man, whom -she contemplated with stern, contracted brows, she resembled, with her -long, black hair falling in disorder from her shoulders on to her white -robe, a Thessalian witch, preparing herself to accomplish some terrible -and mysterious work. - -The stranger was a man of, at most, forty-five years of age, of lofty -stature, strongly built, and well proportioned. His features were -handsome, his brow noble, and the expression of his countenance proud, -but frank and resolute. - -The woman remained for a considerable time in mute contemplation. -Her bosom heaved, her brows became more and more contracted, and she -appeared to watch the too slow progress of the return to sensibility -of the man her emissaries had saved from death. At length words forced -their way through her compressed lips, and she murmured in a low, broken -voice,-- - -"Here he is, then; this time, at least, he is in my power! Will he -consent to answer me? Oh! perhaps I had better have left him to die." - -She paused to breathe a deep, broken sigh, but almost immediately -continued:-- - -"My daughter! my daughter! of whom this man has bereaved me! and whom, -in spite of all my researches, he has hitherto concealed in some -inviolable asylum! My daughter! he must restore her to me; it is my -will!" she added with inexpressible energy. "He shall, even if I had -to deliver him up again to the executioners from whom I have ravished -their prey! These wounds are nothing; loss of blood and terror are the -sole causes of this insensibility. But time passes--my absence may be -noticed. Why should I hesitate longer? Let me at once know what I have -to hope from him. Perhaps he will allow himself to be softened by my -tears and prayers. What, he! he to whom all human feeling is unknown! -Better for me to implore the most implacable Indian! He will laugh at my -grief, he will reply by sarcasms to my cries of despair;--oh! woe, woe -be to him if he do so!" - -She looked earnestly at the wounded man, who was still motionless, for -another instant, and then, adding resolutely, "I will try," she drew -from her bosom a small crystal phial, curiously cut, and raising the -head of the unknown, made him inhale the contents. This was followed by -a moment of intense expectation; the woman watching with an anxious eye -the convulsive movements which are the precursors of the return to life, -as they agitated the body of the wounded man. At length, with a deep -sigh, he opened his eyes. - -"Where am I?" he murmured in a faint voice, then sank back, and closed -his eyes again. - -"In safety," the woman replied. - -The sound of the voice produced upon the wounded man the effect of an -electric shock. He raised himself quickly, and looking around him with a -mixture of disgust, terror, and anger, asked in a hollow voice,-- - -"Who spoke?" - -"I!" the woman replied haughtily, placing herself before him. - -"Ah!" he said with a gesture of disgust, and sinking back upon the bed; -"you again! ever you!" - -"Yes, I! still I, Don Tadeo! I, whose will, in spite of your disdain -and your hatred, has never faltered! I, in short, whose assistance you -have always obstinately refused, and who have saved you, in spite of -yourself." - -"Oh! that is an easy matter for you, madam; are you not on the best -possible terms with my executioners?" - -At this reply the woman could not repress a movement of anger; a sudden -redness flitted across her face. - -"No insults, Don Tadeo de Leon!" she said, stamping her foot; "I have -saved you! I am a woman, and you are under my roof!" - -"That is true," he replied, rising and bowing to her with ironical -respect; "I had forgotten that, madam; I am in your house. Have the -goodness, then, to direct me the way out, that I may be gone as quickly -as possible." - -"Do not be in such haste, Don Tadeo--you have not yet sufficiently -recovered your strength. Within a few steps, you perhaps would fall -again, to be raised up by the agents of the power which, this time, I -swear to you, would not let you escape." - -"And who told you, madam, that I should not prefer being retaken and -executed a second time, to the chance of remaining longer in your -presence?" - -There was a moment of silence, during which the two interlocutors -observed each other attentively. The woman was the first to speak. - -"Listen to me, Don Tadeo," she said. "In spite of all your efforts, -destiny, or, speaking more correctly, woman's genius, which nothing can -resist, has brought us together once again. If you live, if you have -received only slight wounds, it is because I lavished my gold upon the -soldiers charged with your execution; I wished to force you to that -explanation which I have so long demanded of you, which you so often -have refused me, but which you can now no longer avoid. Submit, then, -with a good grace. We will afterwards separate, if not good friends, -at least indifferent, never to meet again. Though I do not wish to -establish any claim upon your gratitude, you certainly owe your life to -me; were it for that service alone, you are bound to hear me." - -"What! madam," Don Tadeo replied, proudly, "do you think that I consider -what you have done was rendering me a service? By what right have you -saved my life? You know me but ill if you fancied I should allow myself -to be softened by your tears. No, no, I have been too long your dupe and -your slave to do so. Heaven be praised! I know you well now; and the -Linda, the mistress of General Bustamente, the tyrant of my country, the -executioner of my brothers and myself, has nothing to expect from me! -All that you can say, all that you can do, will be to no purpose. Spare -yourself, then, I advise you, the trouble of pretending a gentleness -which neither accords with your character nor your mode of life. I -madly loved you, a young, pure, and prudent girl, in the cabin of the -worthy _guaso,_ your father, whose death was caused by your scandalous -life; you were then called Maria. At that period, would I not have -sacrificed my life and my happiness for you?--you know I would. Many -times have I given you proofs of that boundless love; but the Linda, the -shameless courtezan, the Linda, the woman branded on the brow like Cain -with the seal of infamy, the miserable creature--I know her not. Away, -madam!--away! There can be nothing in common between you and me." - -And with a gesture of proud authority he waved her from him. - -The woman had listened to him with flashing eyes and heaving bosom, -trembling with rage and shame. Drops of perspiration stood upon her -face, which glowed with a feverish redness. When he had finished, she -seized his arm, pressed it with her utmost strength, and placed her face -close to his. - -"Have you said all?" she muttered from between her teeth. "Have you -heaped insults enough upon me? Have you cast sufficient mire in my face? -Have you nothing more to add?" - -"Nothing, madam," he replied, in a tone of cool contempt. "You can, when -you please, summon your assassins--I am ready to receive them." - -And throwing himself upon the bed, he waited with an air of the most -insolent indifference. - - -[1] This word, which has no equivalent in English or French, is in the -Spanish language the highest expression of physical beauty in woman. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -HUSBAND AND WIFE. - - -Dona Maria, notwithstanding the fresh and bitter insult she had just -received from Don Tadeo, did not yet renounce the hope of softening -him. When she recalled to her mind the early years, already so distant, -of her love for Don Tadeo, his devotion to her smallest caprices, when -she could bring him trembling and prostrate to her feet by a glance or -a smile, and the entire abnegation he had made of his will, in order -to live for her and by her; notwithstanding all that had since taken -place between them, she could not persuade herself that the violent -and deeply-seated passion he had entertained for her, the species of -worship he had vowed to her, could have entirely disappeared without -leaving some slight traces behind. Her pride revolted at the idea of -having lost all her empire over the lofty nature which she so long had -moulded at her pleasure like soft wax, under the burning impression of -wild caprices. She fancied that, like most other men, Don Tadeo, deeply -wounded in his pride, loved her still without being willing to admit it, -and that the virulent reproaches he had addressed to her, were flashes -of that ill-extinguished fire which still smouldered in his heart, and -whose flame she should succeed in reviving. - -Unfortunately Dona Maria had never given herself the trouble to study -the man she had married, and whom her beauty had so long held in -subjection. Don Tadeo had been nothing in her eyes but an attentive, -submissive slave, and, under the apparent weakness of the loving man, -she had not discovered the powerful energy which formed the foundation -of his character. And yet the history itself of their love had been a -proof of that energy, and of a will which nothing could control. Dona -Maria, then fifteen years of age, dwelt with her father in a _hacienda_, -in the neighbourhood of Santiago. Deprived of her mother, who had died -in giving her birth, she was brought up under the care of an old aunt, -an incorruptible Argus, who allowed no lover to come near her niece. -The young girl, ignorant as all girls brought up in the country are, -but whose warm aspirations led her to desire to know the world, and to -launch into that whirlwind of pleasures the sound of which died without -an echo in her ears, waited impatiently the arrival of the man who -should introduce her to these delights, of which, although unknown, she -had formed seducing ideas. Don Tadeo had only been the guide charged -with initiating her into the pleasures for which she thirsted. She -had never loved him; she had only said to herself, on seeing him and -learning he was of a noble family, "That is the man I have been looking -for." - -This hideous and selfish calculation is made by more girls than -we may fancy. Don Tadeo was handsome. Dona Maria's self-love was -flattered by the conquest; but if he had been ugly and disagreeable, -it would not have altered her course. In her extraordinary character, -a strange conjunction of the most abject passions, among which shone -here and there, like diamonds gleaming in the mire, a few feelings -which attached her to humanity, there was the spirit of two women -of ancient Rome; Locusta and Messalina were united in her: ardent, -passionate and ambitious, covetous and prodigal, this demon, concealed -under the outward form of an angel, acknowledged no other laws but her -own caprices; and all means, by which she could satisfy them, to her -appeared good. - -For a long time, Don Tadeo, blinded by passion, had submitted without -complaining to the iron yoke of this infernal genius; but when the day -arrived that the scales fell from his eyes, he measured with terror the -depth of the abyss into which this woman had cast him. The frightful -disorders to which, under the sanction of his name, she had abandoned -herself, imprinted on his blushing brow a stigma of infamy: the world -believed him to be her accomplice. - -Don Tadeo had by Maria an only daughter, a fair girl of angelic beauty, -at the period of our history fifteen years of age, whom he loved in -proportion to the sufferings her mother had inflicted upon him. He -trembled to think of the frightful future which lay before this innocent -creature. For four years he had been separated from his wife; and -during that time she had set no bounds on her irregularities. One day, -Don Tadeo presented himself unexpectedly at the house of his wife, and -without saying a word as to his ulterior intentions, took away his -daughter. From that time--nearly ten years--Dona Maria had never seen -her child. - -A strange revolution was effected by this step in the mother's feelings; -a new sentiment, so to say, germinated in her soul. A thing, till that -time unknown to her, happened; she felt the pulses of her heart beat -for another--she grieved at the remembrance of the little angel who had -been ravished from her. What was the sentiment? She, herself, knew not; -she only ardently wished to see her child again. During six years she -contended, publicly and privately, with Don Tadeo, to have her daughter -restored to her. The father was deaf and dumb; she could never learn -what had become of her. Don Tadeo, who, since he ceased to love her, had -studied the character of the woman of whom he had made an implacable -enemy, had taken his precautions so prudently that all Dona Maria's -researches proved fruitless, and all her attempts to obtain an interview -remained without a result. She imagined that he was afraid of yielding, -if face to face with her; and she resolved, cost what it might, to force -him to grant her the interview to which nothing had been able to make -him consent. - -Such was, at the moment we bring them on the scene, the position of -the two personages who now doubtless met for the last time. It was an -extraordinary position for both; an unequal contest between a wounded -and proscribed man, and an ardent, insulted woman, who, like a lioness -deprived of her whelps, was resolved to succeed, whatever might happen, -and compel the man whom she had forced to hear her, to restore her -daughter to her. - -Don Tadeo turned towards her. - -"I am waiting," he said. - -"You are waiting?" she replied, with a friendly smile. "What do you -expect, then?" - -"The assassins whom you doubtless have at hand, in case I should be -unwilling to reply to your questions concerning your daughter." - -"Oh!" she said, with an air of repulsion, "how can you, Don Tadeo, have -so bad an opinion of me? How can you pretend to believe that, after -having saved you, I should deliver you up to those who have proscribed -you?" - -"Who knows?" he replied, in a strongly ironical tone. "The heart of -women of your class, Linda, is an abyss which no man can pretend to -sound. You, who are incessantly seeking eccentric pleasures, perhaps -would find an unknown enjoyment and a charm in this second execution, -which, besides, would not at all compromise you, as I am already legally -dead to the world." - -"Don Tadeo, I know how unworthy my conduct towards you has been, and -how little I deserve your pity; but you are a gentleman, and, as such, -do you think it does you honour to load with insults, however merited, -a woman who is your wife, and who, after saving your life, with no -intention of reinstating herself in your favour, merely makes a claim, -at least upon your pity, if not on your esteem?" - -"Very well, madam; nothing can be more just than your observations, and -I subscribe to them with all my heart. I beg you to pardon me for having -allowed myself to utter certain words; but, at the first movement, I -was not master of myself, and I could not keep down in the depths of my -heart the feelings which were stifling me. Now, accept my sincere thanks -for the immense service you have rendered me, and permit me to retire. -A longer sojourn, on my part, in this house, is a robbery of which I -render myself guilty towards your numerous adorers." - -And, bowing with ironical courtesy to his infuriated wife, he made a -movement towards one of the doors of the room. - -"One word more," she said. - -"Speak, madam." - -"Are you resolved to leave me ignorant of the fate of my daughter?" - -"She is dead." - -"Dead!" she cried, in a voice of terror. - -"For you--yes," he replied, with a cold smile. - -"Oh, you are implacable!" she shrieked, stamping her foot with rage. - -He bowed, without making any reply. - -"Well, then," she resumed, "it is now no longer a favour I implore--it -is a bargain I propose to you." - -"A bargain?" - -"Yes, a bargain." - -"The idea strikes me as original." - -"Perhaps it is; you shall judge for yourself." - -"I listen, but time presses, and I--" - -"Oh, I will be brief," she interrupted. - -"I am at your service," and he reseated himself, smiling, exactly like a -friend on a visit. The Linda followed his motions with her eye, without -appearing to attach any importance to them. - -"Don Tadeo," she said, "during the many years we have been separated a -great number of events has taken place." - -"Quite correct," said he, with a gesture of polite assent. - -"I will say nothing to you of myself--my life is known to you." - -"Very little of it, madam." - -She cast a savage look at him. - -"Let that pass," she said, "it is of you I would speak." - -"Of me?" - -"Yes, of you, whose moments are not so completely absorbed by patriotism -and the effervescence of political ideas as not to leave you a few for -more intimate joys and emotions." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Why do you feign ignorance?" she said, with a perfidious smile; "I am -sure you understand me." - -"Madam!" - -"Do not deny it, Tadeo! Tired of the ephemeral love of women of my -class, as you have just now so well said, you seek in the pure heart of -a young girl emotions more in accordance with your tastes; in a word, -I know you are in love with a charming young creature, worthy in all -respects of being the wife of your choice, if I, unfortunately, did not -exist." - -Don Tadeo fixed upon his wife a scrutinizing look while she was -pronouncing these words. As she finished, a sigh escaped him. - -"What, are you aware?" he exclaimed, with well-feigned surprise. "You -know--" - -"I know that her name is Dona Rosario del Valle," she replied, satisfied -of the effect she thought she had produced upon her husband; "why, it is -the freshest news in Santiago! all the world is talking of it. How was -it likely it should escape me, when I take such an interest in you?" - -The Linda interrupted herself, and laid her hand on his arm. - -"It is of very little consequence," she added; "restore me my daughter, -Don Tadeo, and this new love of yours shall be sacred to me--if not--" - -"You are mistaken, madam, I tell you." - -"Beware, Don Tadeo!" she remarked, with a glance at the clock; "by this -time the woman we were speaking of is in the hands of my agents." - -"What do you mean?" he cried, in great agitation. - -"Yes," she replied, in a husky tone, "I have had her carried off. In a -few minutes she will be here. Beware! I repeat, Don Tadeo! if you do not -tell me where my daughter is, and if you continue to refuse to restore -her to me--" - -"Well," he said, haughtily, looking her full in the face, and crossing -his arms, "what then will you do?" - -"I will kill this woman!" she replied, in a gloomy but firm tone. - -Don Tadeo looked at her for a moment with an undefinable expression, and -then burst into a dry, nervous laugh, which chilled the woman with fear. - -"You will kill her!" he cried, "unhappy woman! Well!--kill that innocent -creature!--Call in your executioners--I will be mute." - -The Linda sprang up like a lioness, and rushed towards the door, which -she opened violently. - -"This is too much!--Come in!" she called out, loudly. - -The two men who had brought in Don Tadeo appeared, poniard in hand. - -"Ah!" the gentleman said, with a contemptuous smile, "I know you again -at last." - -At a motion from the Linda the assassins advanced towards him. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -THE DARK-HEARTS. - - -As we have seen, the people had dispersed almost immediately after the -execution of the patriots. Everyone carried away in the depths of his -heart the hope of avenging, at an early day, the victims who had so -nobly died, with the cry for a time left without an echo, of Viva la -patria! A cry checked by the bayonets of the soldiers of Bustamente, but -which must soon give birth to fresh martyrs. - -And yet the square, though it seemed a desert, was not so. Several -men, folded in dark cloaks, and with broad-brimmed hats, pulled down -over their eyes, were grouped in the recess of the coach entrance of a -house, and were conversing earnestly together in a low voice, keeping an -anxious look-out the meanwhile. These men were patriots. - -In spite of the terror which hovered over the city, they had, by dint of -prayers, obtained from the archbishop of Santiago, who was a true priest -according to the gospel, and at heart devoted to the liberal cause, -permission to pay the last rites to their unfortunate brethren. - -No part of the dismal drama which followed the execution had escaped -them. They had seen Don Tadeo rise like a phantom from the heap of -carcasses which covered him; they had heard the words he had pronounced, -and were preparing to go to his succour, when the two strangers, -appearing suddenly, raised his body and bore it away. This carrying off -of a half dead man had surprised them exceedingly. After exchanging a -few words, two of them went in pursuit of the mysterious strangers, -probably in order to learn to what house the wounded man was taken, -whilst the others, twelve in number, advanced to the middle of the -square. - -They anxiously bent down and examined the bodies stretched at their -feet, hoping, perhaps, that another victim might have escaped the -slaughter. Unfortunately, Don Tadeo was the only one saved by some -inexplicable mystery. The nine other victims were all dead. After a long -examination, the patriots stood up again with a painful sigh of regret, -and one of them went and knocked at a lower door of the cathedral. - -"Who is there?" was immediately asked from the interior. - -"_One for whom the night hath no darkness_," the man who had knocked -replied. - -"What do you want?" the voice asked again. - -"_Is it not written: Knock and it shall be opened to thee_?" the -stranger added. - -"_Our country!_" said the voice. - -"_Or vengeance!_" the man promptly replied. - -The door opened, and a monk appeared. His cowl pulled down over his -face, prevented his features being seen. - -"Well," he said, "what do the _Dark-Hearts_ require?" - -"A prayer for their murdered brothers." - -"Return to those who sent you; they shall be satisfied." - -"Thanks for all!" the unknown replied; and, after bowing respectfully to -the monk, he rejoined his companions. During his absence they had not -been idle, but had placed the bodies upon hand barrows concealed under -the arcades of the place. - -At the expiration of a few minutes a brilliant light inundated the -place; the cathedral doors were opened. The interior was seen to be -splendidly illuminated, and from the principal door issued a long -procession of monks, each bearing a wax light in his hand; they chanted, -as they walked, the service of the dead. At the same moment the gates -of the government palace were thrown open as if by enchantment, and a -squadron of the Ceras, with General Bustamente at their head, advanced, -at a trot, towards the procession. - -When the monks and soldiers met, they stopped as of one accord. The -twelve unknown men, folded in their cloaks, and grouped round the -fountain which forms the centre of the square, anxiously awaited the -denouement of the scene about to take place. - -"What is the meaning of this procession, at such an unusual hour?" the -general haughtily demanded. - -"It means that we have come," the monk who walked first replied, with a -firm voice, but in a melancholy tone, "to take up the victims you have -struck down, and give them honourable burial." - -"And who, pray, are you?" the general asked, sharply. - -"I?" the monk replied, in the same firm tone, and throwing back his -cowl upon his shoulders--"I am the archbishop of Santiago, primate of -Chili, invested by his holiness the Pope with the power of binding and -unbinding on earth." - -In Spanish America, all persons yield without hesitation to the religion -of Christ. The only power that is real is that of the priests. No one, -however high he may be placed, ventures to struggle against it: he knows -beforehand that, if he did, he would be sure to be crushed. The general -knitted his brows, struck his forehead forcibly with his hand, but was -constrained to admit himself conquered. - -"My lord!" he said, with a bow; "pardon me! In these times of civil -discord, we often, in spite of ourselves, confound our friends with our -enemies. I was ignorant that your lordship had given orders for prayers -to be offered up for these criminals, and still more so that you would -deign to perform this task in person--I beg leave to retire." - -During this scene, the patriots had concealed themselves behind the -pillars of the place, where, thanks to the darkness, they remained -unseen by the general. As soon as the military had disappeared, at a -sign from the archbishop the bodies were borne into the cathedral. - -"Beware of that man, my lord," whispered one of the unknown in the -archbishop's ear; "he darted at you the glance of a tiger as he retired." - -"Brother!" the priest replied calmly; "I am prepared for martyrdom." - -The service commenced. As soon as it was terminated, the patriots -retired, after warmly thanking the archbishop for his kindness towards -their dead brethren. Scarce had they proceeded a few steps along a -narrow street, edged by mean dwellings, when two men rose from behind an -overturned cart which concealed them, and coming towards them, said in a -low voice-- - -"Our country!" - -"Vengeance!" one of the unknown replied. "Come on!" - -The two men approached. - -"Well!" said he who appeared to be the chief. "What have you learnt?" - -"All that it is possible to know," one of the newcomers replied. - -"Whither have they transported Don Tadeo?" - -"To the mansion of the Linda." - -"To the residence of his wife! Of the woman who is now the mistress -of the General Bustamente!" the chief replied anxiously. "By the holy -Virgin! my comrades, he is lost, for she hates him mortally. Shall we -allow him to be assassinated without an effort to save him?" - -"That would be base cowardice," they replied unanimously. - -"But how can we introduce ourselves into the house?" - -"Nothing more easy; the garden walls are very low." - -"Come on, then! there is not a minute to be lost!" - -Without another word, they all hastened off in the direction of the -Linda's house, which, as we have said, was situated in the faubourg -of the Canadilla, the handsomest quarter in Santiago. The windows, -hermetically closed, did not allow one ray of light to pass; not a -sound could be heard, and the house seemed deserted. The patriots stole -silently round the walls, and when they reached the back, they easily -climbed the fence by sticking their poniards between the bricks, and -sprang into the garden. Here they looked carefully about them, and, -after a short pause, proceeded with stealthy steps towards a pale, -trembling light, which sent a feeble beam through the chink of a -shutter. They were within a few paces of this window, when they suddenly -heard the noise of what appeared a scuffle, and a terrible cry was -uttered, mingled with the crash of furniture and imprecations of rage -and pain. Bounding forward like panthers, the strangers, who had covered -their faces with masks of black velvet, dashed at the window, which flew -in a thousand fragments around them, and entered the salon. - -And it was time for them to arrive. Don Tadeo, with a stool, had split -the head of one of the bandits, who lay lifeless upon the floor; but -the other had got him down, and, with his knee upon his breast, was on -the point of stabbing him. With a pistol shot, one of the unknown blew -out his brains, and the wretch rolled in his agony close to his dead -companion. Don Tadeo sprang up quickly, exclaiming-- - -"By the Virgin! I thought my hour was come!" Then, turning towards the -masked men, he said--"Thanks, caballeros! thanks for your very timely -succour! One minute more, and it would have been all over with me! The -Linda is expeditious!" - -The courtesan, with features contracted by rage, and clenched teeth, -looked on without appearing to see, overwhelmed, confounded by the scene -which had so rapidly taken place, and which had, in a few minutes, -ravished from her the vengeance which she thought had this time been so -certain. - -"Without bearing malice, madam," said Don Tadeo in a jeering tone, "this -is a match deferred. Your fertile imagination will no doubt soon furnish -you with the means of taking your revenge!" - -"I hope so," she said with a sardonic smile. - -"Seize this woman," the leader of the unknown commanded; "gag her, and -bind her securely to the bed." - -"Bind me!" she cried in a paroxysm of anger; "me! do you know who I am?" - -"Perfectly well, madam," the stranger replied drily. "You are a woman -for whom honourable people have no name. Libertines have given you that -of the Linda, and your present lover is General Bustamente. You see, -madam, that we are not unacquainted with you." - -"Beware, sir," she hissed; "I am not to be insulted with impunity." - -"We do not insult you, madam; we only wish, for a time, to put it out -of your power to do mischief. In a few days," he continued, in a quiet, -firm tone, "we will determine what shall be done with you." - -"Done with me!--me!--who then are you, with faces you dare not reveal, -and who presume to speak to me thus?" - -"Who we are,--learn!--We are the _Dark-Hearts!_" At this terrible -announcement, a convulsive trembling shook the limbs of the woman, who, -retreating to the wall, a prey to intense terror, exclaimed in a faint -voice; "My God! my God! I am lost," and sank down fainting. - -At a sign from the leader, one of his companions bound her securely, and -after gagging her, fastened her to the foot of the bed. Then, taking Don -Tadeo with them, they departed by the same way they had entered, without -taking any heed of the two assassins lying upon the floor. Before he -left the room, the chief pinned a piece of parchment to a table with -a dagger. Upon this parchment were written a few words of terrible -import:-- - -"_The traitor Pancho Bustamente is cited at the expiration of -ninety-three days!"_ - - THE DARK-HEARTS. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -IN THE STREET. - - -As soon as they were outside of the house, the masked men, at a sign -from the leader, dispersed in various directions. When they had -disappeared round the corners of the neighbouring streets, the chief -turned towards Don Tadeo, who, scarce recovered from the trying emotions -he had successively gone through, and weakened by the blood he had lost, -as well as by the prodigious efforts his last struggle had cost him, -was leaning, half fainting against the wall of the house he had been so -fortunately enabled to quit. A flood of bitter reflections rushed upon -his brain; the incidents of that terrible night almost unsettled his -reason: in vain he tried to recover the train of his ideas which had -been so often and so violently broken. The stranger looked at him for -a few minutes with profound attention; then approaching him, he laid -his hand quietly upon his shoulder. At this sudden touch, the gentleman -started as if he had received an electric shock. - -"What!" the unknown said in a tone of reproach, "scarcely entered on the -good fight, and you despair already, Don Tadeo?" - -The wounded man shook his head. - -"You, Don Tadeo, whose lofty brow has never bent before revolutionary -storms; you, who in the most trying circumstances have always remained -firm, are now pale and cast down, without faith in the present, or hope -in the future, and have lost strength and courage through the vain -threats of a woman!" - -"That woman," he replied mournfully, "has always been my evil genius. -She is a demon!" - -"And suppose," the unknown exclaimed energetically, "that this woman -should succeed in getting up another of the infamous schemes in which -her brain is so fertile, a man of heart takes courage in a struggle? -Forget these impotent hatreds that can never reach you; remember what -you are; look boldly at the glorious mission which is imposed upon you." - -"What do you mean?" - -"Do you not understand me? Can you believe that God, who has this night -allowed you so miraculously to escape death, has not great designs -in store for you? Brother," he added, in a tone of authority, "the -existence that has been restored to you is not your own, it belongs to -your country!" - -A moment of silence followed this appeal, during which Don Tadeo -appeared a prey to profound despair. At length, looking at the unknown, -he said with bitter despondency-- - -"What is to be done? Heaven is my witness that my only desire, my sole -happiness, would be to see my country free. But during the twenty years -we have been struggling we have done nothing, alas! but pass from one -tyranny to another, each time riveting afresh the chains which bind -us. No! Heaven itself seems to forbid our contending longer against an -implacable destiny. You know well from experience that citizens cannot -be improvised from slaves. Servitude destroys moral virtue, abases the -soul, and degrades the heart. Many generations must pass away before the -inhabitants of this unfortunate country will be fit to form a people!" - -"By what right do you presume to fathom the designs of Providence?" -the unknown replied, in an imposing tone of voice. "Do you know what -is reserved for you? Who tells you that the passing triumph of our -oppressors is not granted by God, in His boundless wisdom, in order to -render their future fall more terrible?" - -Don Tadeo, restored to himself by the manly words of his disguised -friend, drew himself up proudly, and looked attentively at the speaker. - -"And who are you," he said, "whose sympathetic voice has stirred the -most secret fibres of my heart? Who authorizes you to speak thus? -Answer! Who are you?" - -"Of what importance is it who I am," the unknown remarked, calmly, "if -I succeed in persuading you that all is far from being lost--that the -liberty which you believe for ever destroyed has never been so near -triumphing, and that it only perhaps requires one sublime effort to -recover it!" - -"But still?" the wounded man said, persistently. - -"I am he who, a few minutes ago, saved your life. That ought to suffice." - -"Not so," Don Tadeo said, warmly, "for you conceal your features under a -mask, and the very circumstance you named gives me a right to see them." - -"Perhaps it does," the unknown said, slowly removing his mask, and -revealing to Don Tadeo, in the pale beams of the moon, a countenance -with manly, marked features, and wearing a frank and loyal expression. - -"Oh! my heart did not deceive me!" Tadeo cried--"Don Gregorio Peralta!" - -"Yes, it is I, Don Tadeo!" the young man, he was scarcely thirty, -replied--"and cannot comprehend the depression of the man whom the -avengers have chosen as their chief." - -"How do you know? Notwithstanding our friendship, I have always -concealed from you--" - -"Were you not condemned to death?" Don Gregorio interrupted. "Your -companions elected me _King of Darkness_ in your place, that is, they -placed in my hands an immense power, as they had done in yours, of -which I was left the uncontrolled disposal. Death unbound the oath of -silence imposed upon the brethren. Your name was unknown to all; I was -as ignorant that you were the energetic chief who had made our society -a power, as you were, my dear friend, that I was one of your soldiers. -But, thanks be to God, you are saved, Don Tadeo! Resume your place. -You alone, under present circumstances, are able to fill worthily the -post which our confidence has assigned you. Become again the King of -Darkness! But," he added, in a deep, concentrated tone, "remember that -we are the avengers; that we ought to be without pity for ourselves -as for others; that one feeling, and one alone, ought to live in our -souls--the love of our country!" - -Then followed a short silence; the two men appeared to be reflecting -deeply. At length Don Tadeo raised his head proudly. - -"Thanks, Don Gregorio!" he said, in a firm voice, and pressing his -hand--"thanks for your rough words; they have restored me to myself. I -will prove myself worthy of you. Don Tadeo de Leon no longer exists; -the hired assassins of a tyrant have shot him tonight upon the Plaza -Mayor. No one is left but the King of Darkness! the implacable leader -of the Dark-Hearts! Woe be to them whom God shall bring across my path! -for I will crush them without pity. We shall triumph, Don Gregorio; -for from this day I am no longer a man, I am the avenging sword, the -exterminating angel, fighting for our country!" - -While uttering these words, Don Tadeo had drawn his imposing stature up -to its full height; his handsome, noble features became animated, and -his eyes sparkled in accordance with his speech. - -"Oh," Don Gregorio exclaimed, cheerfully, "I have found my friend again! -Thank God! thank God!" - -"Yes, my brother," the leader continued, "from this moment the real -struggle between us and the tyrant begins--a struggle without pity, -without truce, and without mercy, which can only terminate in the -complete extinction of our enemies. Woe be to them! Woe!" - -"No time is to be lost; let us begone!" Don Gregorio said. - -"But whither am I to go?" Don Tadeo asked, with a sardonic smile. "Am I -not legally dead in the eyes of all? My house is no longer mine." - -"That is true," the lieutenant of the Dark-Hearts murmured. "Well, never -mind that! Tomorrow the news of your miraculous resurrection will be a -thunderclap to our enemies! Their awaking will be terrible! They will -learn with stupor that the invincible athlete, whom they thought they -had for ever crushed beneath their feet, is up again, and ready to renew -the contest." - -"And this time, I solemnly swear," Don Tadeo cried, with energy, "the -fall of the tyrant alone shall terminate it. But you are right; we -cannot remain longer here. Come home with me; for a time you will be -there in safety; unless," he added, with a smile, "you prefer asking an -asylum of Dona Rosario?" - -Don Tadeo, who had taken Don Gregorio's arm, stopped suddenly at this -question, of which his friend did not suspect the terrible extent. -A convulsive shudder darted through his frame, a cold perspiration -inundated his face. - -"Oh," he exclaimed, in a tone of agony, "my God! I had forgotten!" - -Don Gregorio was terrified at the state he beheld him in. - -"In heaven's name, what is the matter?" he asked. - -"What is the matter!" the chief replied, in a voice choked with emotion, -"that woman--that serpent whom we have weakly failed to crush--" - -"Well, what of her?" - -"Oh, I have but this moment recollected a horrible threat she made. Good -heavens! good heavens! What is to be done?" - -"Explain yourself, my friend; you quite terrify me." - -"By her orders, Dona Rosario this very night, was to be carried off; and -who knows if, furious at my escape from her assassins, that woman has -not by this time put her to death?" - -"Oh, that is frightful!" Don Gregorio cried. "What is to be done?" - -"Oh, that woman!" the wounded man replied; "and not to be able to act, -or to know how to thwart her horrible schemes." - -"Let us fly to Dona Rosario's residence!" Don Gregorio said. - -"Alas! you see I am wounded; I can scarcely support myself." - -"Well, when you can no longer walk, I will carry you," his friend said, -resolutely. - -"Thanks, brother! May God help us!" - -And the two men, the one leaning upon the other, set off, as fast as the -state of Don Tadeo would permit, towards the residence of the lady whom -they were so anxious to save. But, in spite of the earnest will that -animated him, Don Tadeo felt his strength fail him; and, notwithstanding -all his efforts, it was with extreme difficulty he sustained himself. -Whilst labouring on thus, the noise of horses' footsteps reached them -from a distance. Torches gleamed up the street, and a troop of horsemen -appeared in sight. - -"Oh, oh!" Don Gregorio said, stopping, and endeavouring to make out who -those persons could be, who, in defiance of the police regulations, -dared to be passing along the streets at this hour of the night. - -"Let us stop," Don Tadeo replied; "I see the glitter of uniforms. They -are the spies of the minister of war." - -"By Saint Jago!" cried Don Gregorio, "it is General Bustamente himself! -The two accomplices are going to have a little chat together." - -"Yes," the wounded man said, in a faltering voice; "he is going towards -the residence of the Linda." - -As the horsemen were but at a short distance, the two men, fearing to be -surprised, turned quickly into a side street, and the General and his -suite passed by without seeing them. - -"Let us begone as fast as possible," Don Gregorio said; and his -companion, aware of the urgency for prompt flight, made a desperate -effort. They resumed their course, and had walked for about ten minutes, -when they heard the steps of more horses coming towards them. - -"What can this mean?" the wounded man said, endeavouring to smile; "Are -all the people of Santiago running about the streets tonight?" - -"Hum!" said Don Gregorio, "I will find out this time." - -All at once a female voice was heard in a lamentable tone imploring help. - -"Make her hold her tongue, _carajas!_" a man said, coarsely. - -But the sound of that voice had reached the ears of Don Tadeo and his -friend. At that voice, which both had recognized, they were roused to -feelings of deep interest and anger. They pressed each other's hand -firmly; their resolution was formed--to die or to save her who called -upon them for help. - -"Holloa! what is this about?" another individual said, pulling up his -horse. - -Two men, standing firmly in the middle of the street, seemed determined -to bar the passage of the horsemen, of whom there were five. One of them -held a woman before him on his horse. - -"Holloa!" cried the one who had just spoken, "get out of the way, if you -don't wish to be ridden over." - -"You shall not pass," a deep voice replied, "unless you release the -woman you are bearing off." - -"Shan't we?" the horseman remarked with a laugh. - -"Try," said Don Gregorio, cocking his pistol; a movement silently -imitated by Don Tadeo, whom he had supplied with firearms. - -"For the last time, stand out of the way!" the horseman shouted. - -"We will not!" - -"We will ride over you, then!" and turning towards his companions, -"Forward!" he cried angrily. - -The five horsemen advanced with uplifted sabres upon the two men, who, -firmly fixed in the middle of the street, made no effort to avoid them. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -SWORD-THRUSTS. - - -In order to make the facts that follow intelligible, we must leave Don -Tadeo and his friend in their critical position, and return to the two -principal personages of this history, whom we have so long neglected. -We saw in a preceding chapter the two foster brothers gaily leaving -Valparaiso, to repair to the capital of Chili, like Bias, carrying all -their fortune with them, but possessing over the philosophical Greek the -immense advantage of being amply furnished with hopes and illusions, two -words which, in this life, have but too frequently the same meaning. - -After a rather long ride, the young men had stopped for the night in -a miserable _rancho_ constructed of mud and dry branches, the dismal -skeleton of which stood out on one side of the road. The inhabitant of -this miserable dwelling, a poor devil of a peon, whose life was passed -in guarding a few head of lean cattle, gave our travellers a frank and -hospitable reception. Quite delighted at having something to offer them, -he had cheerfully shared with them his _charqui_--strips of meat, dried -in the sun--and his _harina tostada_--roasted corn--the whole washed -down with cups of detestable _chicha_. - -The Frenchmen, who had been literally dying of hunger, were glad of even -these humble viands, however little savoury they might be, and after -ascertaining that their horses were comfortably provided for, they lay -down, wrapped in their ponchos, upon a heap of dry leaves, a delicious -bed for fatigued men, and upon which they slept soundly till morning. - -At daybreak, our two adventurers, still accompanied by their dog Caesar, -who, whatever he might think, expressed no astonishment at this new kind -of life, but trotted seriously beside them, saddled their horses, bade -farewell to their host, to whom they gave a few reals in return for -his hospitality, and set forward again, looking with earnest curiosity -at every object that presented itself to their view, and surprised to -find so little difference between the New World and the Old. The life -they were beginning, so different from that they had hitherto led, was, -for them, full of unexpected charms, and they felt like schoolboys in -holiday time. Their lungs seemed to expand to inhale the fresh, sharp -breeze of the mountains. Everything, in their eyes, wore a smiling -aspect; in a word, they felt they lived. - -It is about thirty-five leagues from Valparaiso to Chili, as the people -of the country are accustomed to call the capital of the Republic. The -handsome, broad, and well-kept up road, which was formerly cut through -the mountain by the Spaniards, is rather monotonous, and completely -devoid of interest for tourists. Vegetation is rare and poor; a fine -and almost impalpable dust arises with the least puff of wind. The few -trees, which stand at long distances from each other, are slender, -stunted, dried up by both wind and sun, and seem, by their wretched -appearance, to protest against the efforts at cultivation which have -been made on this plateau, which is rendered sterile by the strong sea -breezes and the cold winds of the Cordilleras which sweep over it. - -At times may be seen, at an immense height, like a black dot in space, -the great condor of Chili, the eagle of the Andes, or the savage vulture -in search of prey. At long intervals pass _recuas_ of mules, headed by -the _yegua madrina_, whose sonorous bells are heard to a great distance, -accompanying, well or ill, the dismal chant of the muleteer, who thus -endeavours to keep his beasts going. Or else it is a _guaso_ of the -interior, hastening to his chacra or his hacienda, and who, proudly -mounted upon a half wild horse, passes like a whirlwind, favouring you -as he goes by, with the eternal "Santas tardes, caballero!" - -With the exception of what we have described, the road is dull, dusty, -and solitary. There is not, as with us, a single hostelry affording -accommodation for horse and foot; these would be useless establishments -in a country where the stranger enters every house as if it were his -own home. Nothing! Solitude everywhere and always; hunger, thirst, and -fatigue must be expected and endured. - -But our young men perceived nothing of this. Enthusiasm supplied the -place of all they wanted; the road appeared charming to them; the -journey they were making, delightful! They were in America; beneath -their feet was the soil of the New World, that privileged land, of which -so many surprising accounts are given; of which so many people talk, and -about which so few know anything. Having landed only a few days before, -while still under the impressions of an endless passage, the weariness -of which had weighed down their spirits like a mantle of lead, they -beheld Chili through the enchanting prism of their hopes; reality did -not yet exist for them. What we have here said may appear a paradox to -many people; and yet, we are satisfied that all travellers of good faith -will acknowledge the exact truth. - -At times travelling at a steady foot pace, at others enjoying a laugh -and a gallop, our young men, to whom the political events of the Chilian -Republic were very uninteresting, and who, consequently, knew nothing of -what was going on, arrived quietly within a league of Santiago, at about -eleven o'clock in the evening, just at the moment when the ten Chilian -patriots were falling on the Plaza Mayor, beneath the balls of General -Bustamente's soldiers. - -"Let us pull up here," Valentine said cheerfully; "it will give our -horses time to breathe." - -"Pull up! what for?" Louis asked. "It is late; we shall not find a -single hotel open." - -"My dear friend," Valentine replied, with a laugh, "you are still a -Parisian to the backbone! You forget that we are in America. In that -city, of which the numerous steeples dimly stand out on the horizon -before us, everybody is long since asleep, and all the doors are closed." - -"What shall we do, then?" - -"Pardieu! why, we will bivouac. The night is magnificent. The heavens -display all their jewelry; the air is warm and balmy; what better could -we desire?" - -"Oh, nothing, of course!" Louis replied, laughingly. - -"Well, then, we have, as you see, time to chat a little." - -"Chat, brother! why, we have done nothing else since morning." - -"Pardon me, I don't agree with you. We have talked much, about all sorts -of things, of the country in which we are, and of the manners of the -inhabitants, little as we know about them; but we have not talked in the -manner I mean." - -"Explain yourself more clearly." - -"Look you, brother; an idea has just struck me. We know not what -adventures await us in that city, yonder, before us. Well! before we -enter it, I should like to have a sort of final conversation with you." - -The young men took off their horses' bridles, that the animals might -have the advantage of a few tufts of grass which sprang up here and -there; and, stretching themselves luxuriously upon the ground, they lit -their cigars. - -"We are in America," Valentine resumed; "in the country of gold, upon -that soil where, with intelligence and courage, men of our age can in a -few years amass princely fortunes!" - -"Do you know, my friend----" interrupted Louis. - -"Oh, perfectly!" said Valentine, cutting him short. "You are in love, -and you are seeking the object of your love; that's understood: but that -does not at all interfere with our projects--quite the contrary." - -"How is that?" - -"Pardieu! that's plain enough. You know, do you not, that Dona -Rosario--that's her name, I think--" - -"Yes." - -"Very well, then; you know she is rich, do you not?" - -"There's no doubt of that." - -"Ay, ay! but be it understood, not rich as with us: that is to say, some -fifty thousand francs a year--a paltry pittance!--but rich as people are -here--a dozen times over millionaires!" - -"Probably she may be," the young man said impatiently. - -"That's capital! You must understand, then, that when we have found her, -for we _shall_ find her, and that soon, you can only demand her hand by -producing a fortune equal to her own." - -"The devil! I never thought of that," said the young man. - -"I know you did not; you are in love; and, like all other men afflicted -with that disease, you think of nothing but the person you love. -Fortunately, however, I am with you, to think for both; and whenever you -have spoken to me of love, I have replied by reminding you of fortune." - -"That is true. But how is fortune to be made so promptly?" - -"Ah! ah! you have come to that question at last," Valentine said, -laughing. - -"I know no profession," Louis continued, following his own idea. - -"Nor I either. But let not that alarm you; people succeed best in things -they don't understand." - -"What's to be done?" - -"I will think of it; so set your mind at rest. But you must be well -convinced of one thing, and that is, that we have set foot in a land -where the ideas are quite different from those of the country we have -left; where the manners and customs are diametrically opposite." - -"You mean to say--" - -"I mean to say that we must forget all we have learnt, in order that -we may remember but one thing--our desire quickly to make a colossal -fortune." - -"By honourable means?" - -"I am acquainted with no other," Valentine replied, seriously. "And -remember, brother, that in the country in which we at present are, the -point of honour is not at all the same as in France, and many things -which with us would appear false coin are here deemed good and passable. -On this point a word to the wise! You understand me, don't you?" - -"Nearly, I think." - -"Very well! Imagine we are in an enemy's country, and must act -accordingly." - -"But----" - -"Do you wish to marry the woman you love:" - -"Can you ask me such a question?" - -"Allow me to act, then, as I see best! But, above all, when chance -throws a good opportunity in our way, let us be careful not to miss it." - -"Act just as you please." - -"Well, that is all I had to say to you;" and throwing away the remains -of his cigar, he rose from his recumbent position. - -They were soon again in the saddle, and, at a foot's pace, resumed their -way towards the city, chatting as they went. - -Midnight was striking by the clock of the Cabildo at the moment when -they entered Santiago by the Canada. The streets were deserted and -silent. - -"Everybody is asleep," said Louis. - -"So it seems," Valentine replied. "Let us look out, notwithstanding. If -we find no door open, we can then but compound for a night's bivouac, as -I suggested." - -At this moment two pistol shots were heard, mingled with the gallop of -horses. - -"What can that be?" said Louis. "Assassination is going on here!" - -"Forward! cordieu!" replied Valentine. - -They clapped spurs to their horses, and galloped at full speed in the -direction whence the sound proceeded. They soon reached a narrow street, -in the middle of which two men on foot were bravely contending with five -on horseback. - -"Have at the horsemen!" Valentine shouted; "help the weaker party!" - -"Be of good heart, gentlemen!" said Louis; "help is at hand!" - -And timely help it was for Don Gregorio and his friend. A minute later, -and they must have succumbed. The providential arrival of the Frenchmen -quickly changed the appearance of the fight. Two horsemen fell dead from -pistol shots fired by the young men; while a third, knocked down by Don -Gregorio, was silently strangled by Caesar. The other two thought it -high time to decamp, leaving their fair prisoner behind them. She had -fainted; and Don Tadeo, leaning against the wall of a house, was upon -the point of following her example. Valentine, with the presence of mind -acquired in his old profession of a Spahi, secured the horses of the -bandits killed in the skirmish. - -"Quick, gentlemen! to the saddle!" Valentine said to the Chilians. - -Louis had already dismounted, and was attending to the young lady. - -"Do not leave us," Don Gregorio remarked; "we are surrounded by enemies." - -"Fear nothing!" said Valentine, "we are quite at your service." - -"Many thanks!--A little assistance, if you please, to place my friend, -who is wounded, on horseback." - -Once in the saddle, Don Tadeo declared he felt sufficiently strong to -keep his seat without help. Don Gregorio placed the still inanimate -young lady before him. - -"Now, gentlemen," he said, "nothing remains for me but to thank you most -cordially, if your business will not allow you to remain longer with us." - -"I beg to repeat, caballeros, that we are at your service." - -"We have no pressing demand upon our time; we will not leave you till we -are assured you are in safety," Louis said, with animation. - -"Follow me, then," said Don Gregorio, with a bow; "and do not spare the -horses; it is an affair of life and death." - -And the four horsemen set off as fast as their horses could bear them. - -"Eh! eh!" said Valentine, in an undertone to his foster brother. "Here -is an adventure that promises something! We are losing no time at -Santiago! What think you?" - -"We shall see!" Louis replied, in a more thoughtful tone. - -No light had gleamed out, no window had been opened, during the combat. -The streets remained silent and gloomy; the city seemed abandoned. -Nothing was to be heard but the clatter of the horses' feet upon the -rough pavement of the streets through which they galloped. The cathedral -clock struck two as they passed across the Plaza Mayor. Don Tadeo could -not repress a sigh of relief when glancing at the spot where on, only a -few hours before, he had so miraculously escaped death. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -GENERAL BUSTAMENTE. - - -Don Tadeo was right, when, on seeing General Bustamente pass, he said he -was on his way to visit his mistress. It was, in fact, to the residence -of the Linda the General was going. On arriving at the gate, one of his -men dismounted, and knocked. But no one answered; and at a sign from -the General, the soldier knocked louder. But still all remained silent; -there was no movement within. He began to feel uneasy. This silence was -the more extraordinary from the General's visit having been announced, -and he was, consequently, expected. "Oh! oh!" he said, "What is going on -here? Knock again, Diego, and knock in a way to make yourself heard!" - -The soldier knocked with all his strength, but still uselessly. Don -Pancho's brow contracted; he began to fancy some misfortune must have -occurred. - -"Break open the door!" he cried. - -The order was instantly obeyed; and the General, followed by his escort, -entered the house. In the Patio all dismounted. - -"Be prudent," said the General in a low voice to the corporal who -commanded the escort; "place sentinels everywhere, and keep a sharp -look-out whilst I search the house." - -After giving these orders, the General took his pistols from his -holsters, and, followed by some of his lancers, entered the house; -but everywhere the silence of death prevailed. After passing through -several apartments, he arrived at a door, which, being a little ajar, -allowed a stream of light to pass. From the other side of this door -proceeded something like stifled groans. With a kick of his foot, one -of the lancers dashed open the door; the General entered, and a strange -spectacle presented itself to his astonished eyes! Dona Maria, tightly -bound, and gagged, was fastened to the foot of a damask bed, saturated -with blood. The furniture was broken and disordered, whilst two dead -bodies, lying in a pool of blood, made it evident that the room had been -the scene of a desperate conflict. - -The general ordered the dead bodies to be removed, and then desired to -be left alone with the lady. As soon as the lancers had departed he shut -the door, and approaching the Linda, he hastened to release her from her -bonds. She was senseless. - -On turning round to place the pistols he had retained in his hands on -the table, he drew back with astonishment, and almost with terror, as -he perceived the dagger standing erect in the middle of it. But this -instinctive feeling lasted only a moment. He went quickly up to the -table, seized the dagger, which he carefully drew out, and eagerly took -up the paper it had pinned down. - -"_The tyrant Don Pancho Bustamente is cited at the expiration of -ninety-three days! - - _"THE DARK-HEARTS."_ - -he read in a loud, harsh tone, and then crushed the paper violently in -his hand. "Sangre de Dios! Will these demons always make a mock of me? -Oh! they know that I show no mercy, and that those who fall into my -hands----" - -"Escape!" said a hollow voice, which made him start involuntarily. - -He turned sharply round, and beheld the Linda, with her vicious eye -fixed upon him with a demoniacal expression. He sprang towards her. - -"Thank God!" he cried warmly, "you are again restored to your senses. -Are you sufficiently recovered to explain the scene that has taken place -here?" - -"A terrible scene, Don Pancho!" she replied, in a tremulous voice; "a -scene, the bare remembrance of which still freezes me with terror." - -"Are you strong enough to describe it to me?" - -"I hope so," she replied. "Listen to me attentively, Don Pancho, for -what I have to tell concerns you, perhaps, more than me." - -"You mean this insolent summons, I suppose?" he remarked, showing it. - -She glanced over it, and replied-- - -"I did not even know that such a paper had been addressed to you. But -listen to me attentively." - -"In the first place, have the goodness to explain to me what you just -now said." - -"Everything in its turn, General; I will not fail to explain everything, -for the vengeance I thirst for must be complete." - -"Oh!" he said, a flash of hatred gleaming from his eye, "set your heart -at ease on that head,--whilst avenging myself, I will avenge you." - -The Linda related to the General what had passed between her and Don -Tadeo in the fullest details--how the Dark-Hearts had snatched him from -her hands, and the threats they had addressed to her on leaving her. -But, with that talent which all women possess, of making themselves -appear innocent in everything, she represented as a miraculous piece of -awkwardness on the part of the soldiers charged to shoot him, the fact -of Don Tadeo being alive after his execution. She said that, attracted -by the hope of avenging himself upon her, whom he suspected of being no -stranger to his condemnation, he had introduced himself unseen into her -house, where by a strange chance she happened to be alone, having that -evening permitted her servants to be present at a _romeria_ (a fete), -from which they were not to return before three o'clock. - -The General had not for an instant the idea of doubting the veracity of -his mistress. The situation in which he had found her,--the incredible -news of the resurrection of his most implacable enemy, altogether so -confused his thoughts, that suspicion had no time to enter his mind. -He strode about the room with hasty steps, revolving in his head the -most extravagant projects for seizing Don Tadeo, and, above all, for -annihilating the Dark-Hearts,--those never-to-be-caught Proteuses, who -so incessantly crossed his path, thwarted all his plans, and always -escaped him. He plainly saw what additional strength the escape of Don -Tadeo would give to the patriots, and how much it would complicate his -political embarrassments, by placing at their head a resolute man who -could have no longer any considerations to preserve, but would wage war -to the knife with him. His perplexity was extreme; he instinctively -felt that the ground beneath him was mined, that he was walking over -a volcano, but he had no power to denounce to public opprobrium the -enemies who conspired his ruin. The recital made by his mistress had -produced the effect of a thunderclap upon him; he knew not what measures -to employ in order to counteract the numerous plots in action against -him on all sides, and simultaneously. The Linda did not take her eyes -off him for a moment, but watched upon his countenance the various -feelings aroused by what she told him. - -We will, in a few words, introduce to the reader this personage, who -will play so important a part in the course of the following history.[1] -General Don Pancho Bustamente, who has left in Chili a reputation for -cruelty so terrible that he is generally called _El Verdugo_, or the -executioner, was a man of from thirty-five to thirty-six years of age, -although he looked near fifty, a little above the middle height, well -made, and of good carriage, announcing altogether great corporeal -strength. His features were tolerably regular, but his prominent -forehead, his grey eyes deeply set beneath the brows, and close to his -hook nose, his large mouth and high cheek bones, gave him something of -a resemblance to a bird of prey. His chin was square, an indication -of obstinacy; his hair and moustache, beginning to be streaked with -grey, were trained and cut in military fashion. He wore the magnificent -uniform, covered at every seam with gold embroidery, of a general -officer. - -Don Bustamente was the son of his own works, which was in his favour. -At first a simple soldier, he had, by exemplary conduct and more than -common talents, raised himself, step by step, to the highest rank of the -army, and had in the last instance been named minister-at-war. Then the -jealousy which had been silent whilst he was confounded with the crowd, -was unchained against him. The General, instead of despising calumnies -which might have died out of themselves, gave them some degree of -foundation, by inaugurating a system of severity and cruelty. Devoured -by an ambition which nothing could satisfy, all means were deemed good -by him for the attainment of an object he secretly aimed at, which was -the overthrow of the republic and government of Chili, and the formation -of Bolivia and Araucania into one state, of which he would cause -himself to be proclaimed Protector--an object which, besides the almost -insurmountable difficulties it presented, ever appeared--owing to the -universal hatred which the General had aroused against himself--to slip -further from his grasp each time he thought he was about grasping it. - -At the moment we bring him on the scene, he found himself in one of the -most critical circumstances of his political career. He had in vain -shot the patriots _en masse_--conspiracies, as always happens in such -cases, succeeded each other without interruption, and the system of -terror which he had inaugurated, far from intimidating the population, -appeared, on the contrary, to urge them on to revolt. Secret societies -were formed; and one of these, the most powerful and the most terrible, -that of the Dark-Hearts, enveloped him in invisible nets in which he -struggled in vain. He foresaw that if he did not hasten on the _coup -d'etat_ he meditated, he should be lost beyond redemption. After a -rather long silence, the General placed himself by the side of the Linda. - -"We will be avenged!" he said, in a deep tone; "be but patient." - -"Oh!" she replied, bitterly, "my vengeance has commenced!" - -"What do you mean by that?" - -"I have caused Dona Rosario del Valle, the woman Don Tadeo de Leon loves -so passionately, to be carried off." - -"You have _done_ that?" said the General. - -"Yes, and in ten minutes she will be here." - -"Oh! oh!" he exclaimed; "and do you mean to keep her with you?" - -"With me!" she cried; "No, I thank you, General. I hear that the -Pehuenches are very fond of white women; I will make them a present of -her." - -"Oh!" Don Pancho muttered, "women will be always our masters! they alone -know how to revenge themselves! But," he added aloud, "have you no fear -lest the man to whom you have confided this mission should betray you?" - -She smiled with terrible irony, - -"No," she said; "that man hates Don Tadeo more than I do, if that be -possible; he is working out his own vengeance." - -At the same instant steps were heard in the chamber preceding the room. - -"You will see, General--here is my emissary. Come in!" the Linda cried. - -A man appeared; his face was pale and haggard; and his clothes, torn and -disordered, were stained in various places with blood. - -"Well!" she exclaimed, in a tone of intense anxiety. - -"All has failed," answered the man, breathless with haste and terror. - -"What!" the Linda shouted, with a cry like that of a wild beast. - -"There were five of us," the man continued, quite unmoved, "and we -carried off the _senorita_. All went on well till within a short -distance from this house, when we were attacked by four demons, who came -I know not whence." - -"And you did not defend yourselves, miserable cowards!" interrupted the -General violently. - -The bandit gave him a cold look, and continued impassively-- - -"Three of our number are dead, and the leader and myself wounded." - -"And the girl?" the Linda asked passionately. - -"The girl was recaptured by our opponents. The Englishman has sent me to -you to learn if you still wish him to carry off Dona Rosario?" - -"Would he attempt it again?" - -"Yes. And this time, he says, he is certain to succeed if the conditions -are the same." - -A smile of contempt played round the lips of the courtezan. - -"Repeat to him this," she replied; "not only shall he receive the -hundred ounces if he succeeds, but, still further, he shall have a -hundred more; and that he may be in no doubt of my promise," she added, -rising and taking from a drawer a rather heavy bag which she handed to -the bandit, "give him this; there is the half of the sum, but bid him -despatch!" - -The man bowed. - -"As to you, Juanito," she continued, "as soon as you have acquitted -yourself of this mission, return, for I shall, perhaps, want you here. -Begone!" - -The bandit disappeared instantly. - -"Who is that man?" the General asked. - -"A poor devil whom I saved some years ago from certain death. He is -devoted to me, body and soul." - -"Hum!" said the general, "he has rather too cunning an eye not to be a -rogue." - -The Linda shrugged her shoulders. - -"You are mistrustful of everybody," she said. - -"That is the way not to be deceived." - -"Or to be deceived the more easily." - -"Perhaps so. Well, you see this abduction, so admirably planned, and the -success of which was certain, has failed." - -"I can only repeat what you yourself said to me just now." - -"What is that?" - -"Patience! But, pray, what are your present plans?" The General rose. - -"Whilst you are carrying on against our enemies," he said, in a low, -stern tone, "a guerilla warfare of ambuscades and treacheries, I, on my -part, will wage an open war against them--a war in the face of the sun, -but as merciless as yours. Their blood shall flow in streams over all -the territories of the Republic. The Dark-Hearts have summoned me in -ninety-three days. Well, I take up the gauntlet they have thrown to me." - -"That is well!" the Linda replied. "And now let us so arrange our plans -that they may not fail like their predecessors. We must come to an end -with these miserable plotters, and in doing so, take a revenge that will -make an impression on others." - -"It shall be a vengeance! I will stake my head on the game. Oh," he -added, "I hold them! I have found the means I sought to make them all -fall into my hands; let them sleep for a while in deceitful security, -but their awakening shall be terrible!" - -And, having saluted the Linda with the greatest courtesy, the General -retired. - -"I leave you a few soldiers to watch over your safety till the return of -your servants," he said, as he went out. - -"Thank you, thank you!" she replied, with a bland smile. - -The Linda, when left alone, instead of seeking the repose so necessary -after the excitement of the night, remained plunged in deep thought. -At sunrise she was still in the same place, in the same position. She -was still reflecting, but her features became animated; a sinister -smile curled her pale lips; and her eyes, though apparently fixed upon -vacancy, emitted portentous flashes. Suddenly she sprang up, and passing -her hand rapidly over her brow, as if to efface its wrinkles, she cried, -in a tone of triumph-- - -"And I, too, will succeed!" - - -[1] Reasons of the highest consideration oblige us to change the names -and the portraits of the personages of this history, as the majority -still exist. But we vouch for the correctness of the facts we relate. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -THE SPY. - - -When the young lady was delivered, the four men set off as fast as they -could go, with regard to her ease. In ten minutes they were out of the -city, and with the change of the road their speed was increased. The -route they took was that which leads to Talca. - -"Eh, eh!" Valentine said, laughing, to his foster brother; "we seem to -be playing at prisoners' bars. We enter the city by one gate, to leave -it immediately by another. We shall not have an opportunity of seeing -the capital of Chili this time." - -With the exception of these few words, to which Louis only replied by a -careless shrug of the shoulders, no other conversation took place during -the hour which their rapid journey lasted. By the pale light of the moon -the trees on each side of the road seemed to defile like a legion of -melancholy phantoms. Ere long the white walls of a _chacra_ (large farm) -stood out upon the horizon. - -"Here we are," said Don Gregorio, pointing with his finger. - -They reached the house in a few minutes. The gate was open, but a -man was standing evidently on the watch. The fugitives dashed like a -hurricane into the _patio_, and the gates were immediately closed behind -them. - -"What has happened, Tio Pepito?" Don Gregorio asked, before he was quite -off his horse, of the man who appeared to have expected him. - -"Nothing, _mi amo_" (my master), "nothing of consequence," replied Tio -Pepito, a little thick-set man, with a round face, lit up by two grey -eyes, sparkling with cunning. - -"Have not the persons I expected arrived?" - -"Pardon me, _mi amo_. They have been at the _chacra_ more than an -hour. They say they must begone immediately; they are waiting for you -impatiently." - -"That's well. Announce my arrival to them, and tell them I shall be at -their service in two or three minutes." - -The mayoral, for this man was the major-domo of the _chacra_, entered -the house without reply. Don Tadeo also, who seemed to know perfectly -well where he was, disappeared, bearing the young girl in his arms. The -two Frenchmen were left alone with the chacrero, who advanced towards -them. - -"Now that you are, as we suppose, for the present at least, in safety, -sir," said Valentine, "we have only to take our leave of you." - -"Not so!" Don Gregorio exclaimed; "it must not be so. _Diable_! as you -Frenchmen say," he added, smiling; "chance does not so often procure -us such friends as you, to allow us to part with you thus when we have -met you. You will remain here, if you please. Our acquaintance must not -terminate so." - -"If our continuing here can be of any service to you," Louis replied, -courteously, "we are at your command." - -"Thank you," he said, in a slightly agitated voice, and pressing their -hands warmly; "I shall never forget that I owe to you the lives of -myself and my friend. In what way can I be of service to you?" - -"Well," Valentine said, laughing, "in every way, and no way, as it may -happen, caballero." - -"Explain yourself," Don Gregorio replied. - -"_Dame!_ it is clear enough; we are strangers in this country." - -"When did you arrive?" the Chilian said, examining them attentively. - -"Faith! very recently. You are the first persons we have spoken to." - -"That is well," Gregorio said, slowly. "I told you that I was at your -service, did I not?" - -"Yes, and we sincerely thank you; although we hope never to have -occasion to remind you of this obliging offer." - -"I perfectly appreciate your delicacy; but a service like the one you -have rendered me and my friend is an eternal bond. Take no heed of your -future fortune, it is made." - -"Pardon me, pardon me!" said Valentine, earnestly; "we do not understand -one another at all; you mistake us. We are not men who expect to be paid -for having acted as our hearts dictated. You owe us nothing." - -"I do not propose or pretend to pay you, gentlemen. I only wish, in -order to attach you to me, to propose to you to share my good or evil -fortune; in a word, I offer myself to you as a brother." - -"In that case we at once accede," said Louis, "and will endeavour to -prove ourselves worthy of such an offer." - -"I have no doubt you will. Only I beg you not to be misled by my words; -the life I am leading at present is full of perils." - -"I can suppose that," said Valentine, with a laugh. "The scene at which -we have been present, and the _denoument_ of which we perhaps hastened, -makes it pretty evident that your existence is not of the most peaceful -nature." - -"What you have as yet seen is nothing. Do you know nobody in this -country?" - -"Nobody." - -"Your political opinions, then, are unformed?" - -"As regards Chili, completely." - -"Bravo!" Don Gregorio exclaimed, with delight; "if we agree on that -point our compact will be for life and death." - -"We do agree," said Valentine, laughing; "and if you conspire--" - -"Well?" the Chilian asked, fixing an inquiring look upon him. - -"Why, we will conspire, too, pardieu! That is agreed." - -The three men exchanged a cordial pressure of the hand, and then Don -Gregorio called the major-domo to conduct them to the chamber which was -prepared for them. - -"Good night! or rather good morning!" he said, on quitting them. - -"Come!" said Valentine, rubbing his hands, "matters are going on well. -We shall not want for amusement here." - -"Hum!" Louis replied, with a tone of something like uneasiness; -"conspire!" - -"Well, and what better?" said Valentine. "Does that frighten you? -Remember, my friend, that the best fishing is in troubled waters." - -"In that case," Louis remarked, taking up the gay humour of his -companion, "if my presentiments are just, ours will be miraculous." - -"I expect so, firmly," said Valentine, bidding good night to the -major-domo, who retired, after bowing respectfully. - -The _cuarto_ (chamber) in which the young men found themselves, was -whitewashed, and entirely destitute of furniture, with the exception of -two oak frames furnished with dressed hides, which served as beds, a -massive table with twisted feet, and four seats covered with leather. -In a corner of the room burned a little green wax light before a -badly-engraved print supposed to represent the Virgin. - -"Eh!" said Louis, casting a glance around him, "our friends, the -Chilians, do not seem to consult comfort much." - -"Bah!" Valentine replied, "we have all that we require. A man can sleep -soundly anywhere when he is fatigued. This chamber is better than the -bivouac we were threatened with." - -"You are right. Let us take a little rest then, for we don't know what -tomorrow has in reserve for us." - -In a quarter of an hour they were both fast asleep. At the moment the -Frenchmen went into the house with the major-domo, Don Tadeo came out by -another door. - -"Well?" Don Gregorio asked, anxiously. - -"She is asleep. Her terror is abated," Don Tadeo replied. "The joy she -experienced at seeing me, whom she believed dead, brought about a very -salutary crisis." - -"I am glad to hear it! In that quarter, then, we may be at ease?" - -"Completely." - -"Do you feel yourself strong enough to be present at an important -interview?" - -"Is it necessary that I should be present?" - -"I think it quite right that you should hear the communications that one -of my emissaries is about to make me." - -"It is very imprudent of you," said Don Tadeo, "to receive such a man in -your own house!" - -"Oh! do not alarm yourself! I have known him for a long time. Besides, -he is not aware whose house he is in; he was brought hither blinded, by -two of our brethren. In addition to which, we shall be masked." - -"Well! since you desire it, I am at your commands." - -The two friends, after having covered their faces with black velvet -masks, entered the apartment in which were the persons who waited for -them. This apartment, which served as a dining room, was very large, and -furnished with a long table; it was faintly illumined by two sconces, -in which burned small candles of yellow tallow, yielding so doubtful a -light that objects could be seen but indistinctly. Three men, wrapped -in variegated ponchos, and with broad-brimmed hats pulled down over -their eyes, were carelessly smoking their slender papelitos, whilst -warming themselves round a copper _brasero,_ placed in the middle of the -apartment, and in which some olive-stones were slowly burning. At the -entrance of the leaders of the Dark-Hearts, these men rose. - -"Why," asked Don Tadeo, who at the first glance recognized the emissary, -"why did you not wait, Don Pedro, for the meeting tomorrow, at the -_Quinta Verde,_ to communicate to the council the revelations you have -to make?" - -The man thus named as Don Pedro bowed respectfully. He was an individual -of about thirty-five years of age. He was tall, and his countenance, as -sharp as the blade of a knife, wore a cunning, roguish expression. - -"What I have to state only indirectly concerns the Dark-Hearts," he said. - -"Then, of what importance is it to us?" Don Gregorio interrupted him. - -"But it greatly concerns the leaders, particularly the King of Darkness." - -"Explain yourself then, for he is before you," Don Tadeo remarked, -taking a step forward. - -Pedro darted a look at him which seemed to endeavour to penetrate -through the tissue of his mask. - -"What I have to say will be brief," he replied,--"I leave to you the -care of judging of its importance. General Don Bustamente will be -present at the meeting tomorrow." - -"Are you sure of that?" the two conspirators exclaimed with a degree of -astonishment that denoted incredulity. - -"It was I who persuaded him to do so." - -"You?" - -"Yes, I." - -"Are you ignorant, then," Don Tadeo exclaimed with great warmth, "in -what manner we punish traitors?" - -"I am no traitor; on the contrary, I deliver into your hands your most -implacable enemy." - -Don Tadeo replied only by a suspicious glance. - -"The General then is ignorant?" - -"Of everything," said Don Pedro. - -"With what purpose, then, does he wish to introduce himself among us?" - -"Can you not guess? For that of obtaining your secret." - -"But he risks his life." - -"Do you forget that every adept must be introduced by a sponsor, who -alone knows him? No one sees his face. Well, _I_ introduce him," he -added, with a smile of strange significance. - -"That is true. But if he should suspect you of treachery?" - -"I must undergo the consequences; but he will not suspect me." - -"Why not?" Don Gregorio asked. - -"Because," the spy replied, with a cynical smile, "for ten years the -General has employed me, and during those ten years he has had only -cause to praise me for the services I have rendered him." - -A momentary silence followed. - -"Here!" said Don Gregorio, after a long pause, "this time it is not ten -ounces, but twenty, that you have earned. Continue to be faithful to us." - -And he placed a heavy purse in his hands. The spy seized it with a -gesture of avidity, and concealed it quickly under his poncho. - -"You shall have no reproach to make me," he replied, with a bow. - -"I hope we shall not," said Don Tadeo, with difficulty repressing an -expression of disgust. "Only remember, we should be merciless." - -"I know it." - -"In that case, farewell." - -"Farewell till tomorrow." - -The men who had brought him, and who during the conversation had -remained motionless, at a sign from Don Gregorio approached the spy, -bandaged his eyes again, and led him away. - -"Is that fellow a traitor?" asked Don Gregorio, as he listened to the -retreating steps of the horses. - -"It is our duty to suppose him one," the King of Darkness replied, -gravely. - -The two friends, instead of seeking the repose which must have been -so necessary to them, talked together for a long time, in order to -arrange all the measures of safety which were required by the importance -of the scene about to take place on the morrow at the meeting of the -conspirators. In the meantime Don Pedro had been quickly led back -to Santiago. On arriving at one of the gates, his guides left him, -disappearing in opposite directions. As soon as he was alone, he removed -the handkerchief from his eyes. - -"Hum!" he said, with a sinister smile, as he tossed up in his right hand -the purse Don Gregorio had given him. "Twenty ounces make a purse of -gold. Now let us see if General Bustamente is as liberal as his enemies. -By the Virgin! the news I carry him are worth something to him! Let us -try to get the best price for them." - -After having cast his eyes around to see if the coast was clear, he set -off at a sharp trot towards the government palace, muttering to himself-- - -"Bah! times are hard. If a man did not manoeuvre a little, he would find -no means of bringing up his family honestly." - -This reflection, of a rather dubious morality, was accompanied by a -grimace, the expression of which would have given Don Tadeo cause for -suspicion if he had seen it. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -LOVE. - - -On the morrow the two Frenchmen were awakened by the rays of the sun. -The day promised to be a brilliant one, for there was not a cloud in -the heavens. A light vapour, full of penetrating odours, arose slowly -from the earth, drawn up by the beams of the sun, whose warm influence -increased every minute. The morning breeze refreshed the air, and -invited them to inhale it. The young men, perfectly recovered from their -fatigue, sprang cheerfully from their humble beds and dressed themselves -in haste. - -The chacra, of which they had only a glimpse the night before by -moonlight, was an immense farm, consisting of extensive buildings, -and surrounded by fields in full cultivation. The greatest animation -prevailed everywhere. Peons, mounted on half wild horses, were driving -out the cattle to the artificial meadows, whilst others were running -about after the horses they were getting together, in order to lead -them to the drinking place. In the patio the major-domo was overlooking -the women and girls engaged in milking. In short, this residence, which -had appeared to them so silent and dismal the night before, assumed -by daylight an appearance of life and cheerfulness delightful to -contemplate. - -The cries of the peons mingled with the lowing of the cattle, the -barking of the dogs, and the crowing of the cocks, and formed that -melodious concert which is only to be heard on a farm, and which always -rejoices the heart. - -It is a justice that we willingly render here to the Chilian republic -when we say that it alone of the southern states of America appears -to understand that the wealth of a country consists not in the number -of its mines, but in the encouragement given to cultivation; and that -this country, while possessing rich mines of gold, silver, and precious -stones, only places their produce in the second rank, whilst it reserves -its principal solicitude for agriculture. Chili is as yet young as a -nation. There manufactures and the arts are in their infancy; but the -farms are numerous, the fields well cultivated, and soon this country -will be called upon, there is no doubt, through its system of labour, -to become the entrepot of the other American powers, which it already -provides in a great measure with corn and wine, from Cape Horn to -California. - -Behind the chacra extended a well-kept up garden, in which oranges, -pomegranates, and citrons, planted in the open ground, grew amidst -limes, apples, plums, and all the other fruits of Europe. Louis was -agreeably surprised at the aspect of this garden, with its numerous -alleys, in which a thousand birds of brilliant colours warbled gaily -under the foliage of the tufted thickets of jasmine and honeysuckle. -Whilst Valentine went, followed by Caesar, to look at the operations of -the peons and smoke his cigar in the patio, Louis felt himself led by -his dreamy spirit to indulge in poetical reveries, and to seek a few -minutes' solitude in the Eden which lay before him. Urged by an unknown -power, intoxicated by the sweet odours which embalmed the atmosphere, he -glided into the garden, casting around him a vaguely questioning look. - -The young man went dreaming along the garden walks, mechanically pulling -to pieces with his fingers a rose which he had gathered. He had walked -thus for nearly an hour, when he was roused by a slight noise among -the leaves, at a short distance from him. He instinctively raised his -head, just in time to catch a glimpse of a light white robe which was -disappearing among the trees, but too late to completely distinguish the -person who wore it, and who appeared to trip over the dewy grass like -a white phantom. At the sight of this mysterious apparition the young -man felt his heart bound in his breast; he stopped trembling, and the -emotion he felt was so powerful, that he was forced to lean against a -tree for support. - -"What can be the matter with me?" he murmured to himself, as he wiped -the cold perspiration from his brow. "I am mad!" he continued, with a -forced smile. "I think I see her everywhere. Heavens! I love her so -deeply that, in spite of myself, my imagination brings her before me -unceasingly. That girl, of whom I just caught a glimpse, is probably the -same we last night so miraculously saved. Poor child! Fortunately she -did not see me; I should have frightened her. Better avoid her by going -out of the garden; in my present state I should alarm her." - -And, as always happens in such cases, he set off, on the contrary, in -the very footsteps of her he had only caught a glimpse of, but whom, by -one of the instinctive feelings of sympathy which come from God, and -which science can never explain, he had nevertheless recognized. - -The young girl, reclining in the depths of an arbour, like a hummingbird -in its bed of muss, with a pale face, and her eyes cast down to the -earth, was listening, pensive and sad, to the joyous melodies which the -birds chanted in her absent ear. All at once, a slight noise made her -start and raise her head. The Count was before her! She uttered a faint -cry, and endeavoured to fly. - -"Don Louis!" she exclaimed. - -She had recognized him. The young man sank on his knees at the entrance -of the arbour. - -"Oh!" he cried, in a voice trembling with emotion, and with an accent of -the most earnest entreaty, "for pity's sake, remain, madam!" - -"Don Louis!" she repeated, already recovered, and feigning the most -perfect indifference. Young girls, even the purest, possess in a high -degree the talent of concealing their feelings, and of deceiving persons -with regard to the emotions they really experience. - -"Yes, it is I, madam," he continued, with an accent of the most -respectful passion; "I, who, to see you again, have abandoned -everything!" - -The young lady displayed some slight surprise. - -"For Heaven's sake!" he resumed, "allow me once more, if but for an -instant, to contemplate your adored features! Oh!" he added, with a look -of deep affection, "my heart had told me you were here, before my eyes -had perceived you." - -"Caballero," she said, in a tremulous voice, "I do not understand you." - -"Oh, fear nothing from me, madam!" he interrupted her vehemently; "my -respect for you is as profound as---- - -"Pray, caballero," she said, earnestly, "rise; if anyone should surprise -you thus!" - -"Madam," he replied, "the avowal I have to make to you, requires me to -remain in the position of a suppliant!" - -"Oh, caballero!" - -"I love you, madam!" he said, in broken accents; "I know not what gives -me the boldness to pronounce a word which in France I did not venture -to breathe in your ear, and which I have never allowed to pass from my -heart to my lips. But even if you banished me from your presence for -ever, once again I must tell you that I love you, madam; and if you do -not return my love, I shall die!" - -The maiden looked at him for a moment with a melancholy air; a tear -trembled on her long eyelashes; she took a step towards him, and holding -out her hand, upon which he imprinted a burning kiss, said softly,-- - -"Rise." - -The Count obeyed. Dona Rosario sunk back upon the bench behind her, -and appeared plunged in profound and painful meditation. Both remained -silent, Louis watching her with intense anxiety, and a throbbing heart. -At length she raised her head, and exhibited a countenance bathed in -tears. - -"Caballero," she said in a melancholy tone, "if God has permitted us to -meet once again, it is because, in His divine goodness, He has judged -that a decisive explanation should take place between us." - -The young man appeared anxious to speak. - -"Do not interrupt me," she continued, "or I shall not have the courage -to finish what I have to say to you. You love me, Louis; your presence -here is an incontestable proof of it--you love me; and yet how many -times, during my short residence in France, have you cursed me in -secret, accusing me of coquetry, or, at least, of unaccountable levity!" - -"Madam!" - -"Oh!" she said, with a faint smile, "since you have avowed your love -for me, I will be frank with you, Louis; and although it be my duty to -deprive you of all future hope, I am at least anxious to justify the -past, and leave you a remembrance of me that nothing can tarnish!" - -"Oh, madam! why do you repeat such things to me?" - -"Why?" she said, with a look full of melancholy, and in a voice -harmonious as the sigh of an AEolian harp, "because I have faith in that -love, so warm, so young, so true; which neither daily indignities nor -vast distances have been able to conquer--because, in short, I also love -you! do you not plainly see that, Louis?" - -On hearing this confession, so ingenuous, and made in a tone so -sorrowful that the young girl appeared no longer to belong to earth, the -Count felt struck by a terrible presentiment; his heart was wrung with -doubtful agony. Trembling, bewildered, he gazed on her with the fixed -and desperate eye of one condemned to death, who is listening to the -reading of his sentence. - -"Yes!" she resumed, with feverish eagerness; "yes, I love you, Louis, I -shall always love you; but never, never, can we be united." - -"Oh, that is impossible!" he cried, raising his head vehemently. - -"Listen to me," she said, in a tone of authority; "I do not order you to -forget me, Louis; a love like yours is eternal: alas! I feel that mine -will last as long as my life. You see, my friend, I am frank; I do not -speak to you as a maiden ought to speak; I unfold my heart before you, -leaving you to read it as you would your own. Well, this love, which -would be for us the height of felicity,--this communion of two spirits, -which blend with each other to form one blissful whole,--this boundless -happiness must be dispersed for ever, without chance of recovery, -without hesitation!" - -"Oh, I cannot consent!" he exclaimed, in a voice broken by sobs. - -"But it must be so, I tell you!" she continued, wild with anguish. -"Great Heaven! what more do you require of me? Must I confess everything -to you? Well, then, since it must be so, know that I am a miserable -creature, condemned from my birth, pursued by a terrible hatred, -which follows me step by step, which watches me incessantly; and some -day--tomorrow, perhaps today--will crush me without mercy! Obliged -to change my name constantly; flying from city to city, from country -to country; wherever I may go, this implacable enemy, whom I do not -know, and against whom I cannot defend myself, pursues me without -intermission." - -"But I will defend you!" the young man said, with confident energy. - -"And I, on my part, am not willing that you should die!" she replied, -with an accent of ineffable tenderness. "To attach yourself to me is -to court destruction. I went to France to seek a place of refuge. I -was obliged to quit that hospitable land with the greatest suddenness. -Arrived here only a few weeks since, but for you, last night, I should -have been lost! No, no, I am condemned; I know I am, and I am resigned; -but I will not drag you down in my fall! Alas! I am, perhaps, doomed to -suffer tortures still more horrible than those I have hitherto endured! -Oh, Louis, in the name of the love which you have for me, and which I -fully share, leave me the supreme consolation in my wretchedness of -knowing that you are safe from the torments which overwhelm me!" - -At this moment Valentine's voice was heard at a short distance, and -Caesar came wagging his tail to his master. Dona Rosario gathered a -blossom of the _suchil_ which grew close to them, and presented it to -the young man, after having for a moment inhaled its sweet odour. - -"Here," she said, "my friend, accept this flower, the only memorial, -alas! that will remain with you of me." - -The young man concealed the flower in his bosom. - -"Someone is coming," she continued, in broken accents. "Swear, Louis! -swear to quit this country as soon as possible, without endeavouring to -see me again." - -The Count hesitated. - -"Oh!" he cried, "some day, perhaps,----" - -"Never on earth. Have I not told you that I am condemned? Swear, Louis, -that at least I may hope to meet you again in heaven." - -She pronounced these words with such a tone of despair, that the young -man, overcome, in spite of himself, made a gesture of assent, and let -the almost inarticulate words escape his lips,-- - -"I swear to do so!" - -"Thanks! thanks!" she cried wildly, and hurriedly imprinting a kiss upon -the brow of her prostrated lover, she disappeared with the lightness of -a fawn amidst a thicket of standard roses, at the moment when Valentine -became visible at the turning of the walk. - -"Why brother," the soldier said gaily, "what the deuce are you about -here, at the bottom of the garden? Breakfast is waiting for you. I have -been looking for you this hour; and if it had not been for Caesar, I -should not have found you now." - -The Count turned towards him, his face lathed in tears, and threw his -arms round his neck. - -"Brother! brother!" he cried, in an accent of despair; "I am the most -unhappy of men!" - -Valentine looked at him in astonishment. The Count had fainted. - -"What on earth is all this about?" said the soldier, casting a -suspicious look around him, and laying his foster brother, who was -motionless as a corpse, gently upon a grassy bank. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE QUINTA VERDE. - - -Not far from Rio Claro, a charming little city, built in a delicious -situation between Santiago and Talca, there was then, and probably is -still, upon a hill commanding an extensive view, a pretty _quinta_, with -white walls and green shutters, coquettishly concealed from indiscreet -eyes by a thicket of trees of various sorts--oaks, acajous, maples, -palms, aloes, cactus, &c, which sprang up and intertwined within each -other in such a fashion around it as to form an almost impregnable -rampart. It is difficult to explain how, in such a period of convulsions -and overthrows, this delicious habitation had hitherto escaped, as if by -a miracle, from the devastation and pillage which incessantly menaced -it, and which fell without intermission around it, enveloping it, as -it were, in a network of ruins, without, however, having ever troubled -that tranquil dwelling, although the human tempest had frequently howled -beneath its walls, and, in the shade of night, it had often seen the red -torches of incendiaries gleam; all at once, though no one knew why, and -as if by enchantment, the cries of murder ceased, and the torches became -extinguished and harmless in the hands of the men who, a minute before, -had waved them about madly. This habitation was named the "Quinta Verde." - -By what prodigy had this house, so simple in appearance, and so like -the rest, avoided the common fate and remained alone, perhaps, of all -the houses of the Chilian plains, calm and tranquil in the midst of -general confusion, equally respected by the two parties contending for -power, and surveying carelessly from the top of its pretty _mirador_ the -revolution raging at its feet, which carried away, as in an infernal -whirlwind, cities, villages, houses, fortunes, and families? This is -what many people, at various periods, had been anxious to know, though -they had never been able to find out. Nobody ostensibly inhabited this -quinta, in which, on certain days, noises were heard which filled with a -superstitious terror the worthy _guasos_ living in the neighbourhood. - -The day after that on which the events occurred which open this history, -the heat had been oppressive, the atmosphere heavy, and the sun had -gone down amidst a flood of purple vapour, the precursors of a storm -which burst with fury as soon as night had completely closed in. The -wind bent down the trees as it whistled through them, the collision of -the branches producing a melancholy sound; the heavens were black, not -a star was to be seen; and large grey clouds coursed rapidly across -the zenith, covering all nature with a leaden pall. In the distance -resounded the howlings of wild beasts, among which was occasionally -mingled the hoarse, sharp barking of stray dogs. - -Nine o'clock struck slowly from a distant steeple; the sound of the -metal, repeated by the echoes from the hills, vibrated with a plaintive -tone over the deserted landscape. The moon, fitfully emerging from -behind the clouds which veiled her, spread for a few seconds a pale -and trembling light over the scene, giving it a fantastic aspect. This -fugitive ray of doubtful light, nevertheless, enabled a small troop of -horsemen, who were painfully ascending a winding path on the side of a -mountain, to distinguish, at a few paces before them, the black outline -of a house, from the top window of which beamed like a pharos a red, -uncertain light. This house was the "Quinta Verde." - -At about four or five paces in advance of the troop rode two horsemen, -muffled carefully in their cloaks, the flaps of their hats pulled down -over their eyes, appeared, in the darkness, to be a needless precaution; -but it, nevertheless, showed that these personages were very anxious not -to be recognized. - -"Heaven be praised!" said one of these horsemen to his companion, as -he pulled up his horse, to look searchingly around him, as far as the -darkness would permit; "I hope we shall soon be there." - -"In a quarter of an hour, at latest, General, we shall be at the end of -our journey." - -"Do not let us stop, then," the one addressed as General said; "I am -impatient to penetrate into this abominable den." - -"One moment, General!" the first speaker continued. "It is my duty to -warn your Excellency that there is still time to retreat; and that -would, perhaps, be the more prudent step." - -"Please to observe this, Diego," said the General, fixing upon his -companion a look which gleamed in the semi-obscurity like that of a -tiger-cat--"in the circumstances in which I am placed, prudence, as you -understand the word, would be cowardice. I am quite aware what I am -called upon to do by the confidence placed in me by my fellow citizens; -our position is most critical: the liberal reaction is raising its head -in all quarters, and we must put an end to this ever-reviving hydra. -The news of Don Tadeo's escape from death has spread with the rapidity -of a train of gunpowder; all the malcontents of whom he is the leader, -are in almost open action; if I were to hesitate to strike a great blow -and crush the head of the serpent which hisses in my ears, it would -tomorrow, perhaps, be too late; hesitation has always been the ruin of -statesmen in affairs of importance." - -"And yet, General, if the man who has furnished you with this -information should--" - -"Be a traitor? Well, that is possible--ay, even probable; therefore, -I have neglected nothing that may neutralize the consequences of a -treachery which I foresee." - -"By the Virgin! General, in your place, however--" - -"Thank you, old comrade, thank you for your solicitude; but enough of -this subject, you ought to know me well enough to be sure that I shall -never flinch from my duty." - -"I have nothing more to do, then, but to wish your Excellency well -through your undertaking; for you know you must arrive alone at the -Quinta Verde, and I can escort you no farther." - -"Very well, wait here then; make your men dismount for a time, keep a -sharp watch, and execute punctually the orders I have given you. I am -going on." - -Diego bowed respectfully, but with an air of anxiety, and withdrew his -hand, which had been placed on the bridle of the General's horse. The -latter more carefully enveloped himself in his cloak, the folds of which -had become too loose, and gave the usual jockey signal to excite his -horse. At this well-known sound the horse pricked up its ears, and being -thoroughbred, although fatigued, set off at a gallop. - -After a few minutes of this rapid travelling, the General stopped; but -it appeared as if his journey was completed, for, dismounting, he threw -the bridle on his horse's neck, with as little care what became of it as -if it had been a hack post-horse, and walked with a firm step towards -the house, which he had held in view some time, and from which he was -now not more than ten paces distant. This was soon cleared. When he -reached the gate, he stood for a second and looked around him, as if -endeavouring to penetrate the darkness; but all was calm and silent. -In spite of himself, the General was seized with that vague fear which -takes possession of the most courageous man when in face of the unknown. -But General Bustamente, whom the reader has no doubt recognized, was too -old a soldier to suffer himself to be mastered long by an impression, -however strong it might be; with him this had lasted but an instant, and -he almost immediately recovered his usual coolness. - -"What the devil! am _I_ afraid?" he murmured, with an ironical smile, -and going boldly up to the gate, he knocked three times at equal -intervals with the pummel of his sword. In an instant his arms were -seized by invisible hands, a bandage was placed over his eyes, and a -voice, faint as a breath, murmured in his ear-- - -"Make no resistance, twenty poniards are at your breast; at the first -cry, at the least opposition, you are a dead man. Reply categorically to -our questions." - -"All these threats are needless," the General replied, in a calm -voice; "as I came here of my own free will, I can have no intention of -resisting--ask, and I will answer." - -"What do you come to seek here?" the voice said. - -"The Dark-Hearts." - -"Are you ready to appear in their presence?" - -"I am," the General replied, still impassive. - -"Do you dread nothing?" - -"Nothing." - -"Let your sword fall." - -The General quitted his hold of his sword, and felt at the same moment -that his pistols were taken from him. - -"Now, step forward without fear," said the voice. - -The prisoner found himself instantly at liberty. - -"In the name of Christ, who died upon the cross for the salvation of the -world, Dark-Hearts, receive me among the number of your brethren!" the -General then said, in a low and firm voice. - -The double gates of the Quinta Verde flew open before him, and two -masked men, each holding a dark lantern in his hand, the focus of which -he directed on the stranger's face, appeared in the entrance. - -"There is still time," said one of the unknown; "if your heart be not -firm, you may retreat." - -"My heart is firm." - -"Come on, then, as you think yourself worthy to share our glorious task, -but tremble if you have the least intention of betraying us," said the -masked man, in a deep, sonorous voice. - -The General felt, notwithstanding the recklessness of his character, -a cold shudder run through his limbs at these words; but he quickly -surmounted this involuntary emotion. - -"It is for traitors to tremble," he replied; "for my part, I have -nothing to fear." - -And he boldly stepped into the Quinta Verde, the doors of which closed -after him with a dull, heavy sound. The bandage which covered his eyes, -and which had prevented those who had interrogated him from recognizing -him, notwithstanding their efforts to do so, was then removed. After -proceeding for more than a quarter of an hour along a circular corridor, -lighted only by the red flickering flame of the torch carried by the -guide through this labyrinth, the General was suddenly stopped by a door -in front of him. He turned hesitatingly towards the masked men, who had -followed him step by step. - -"What do you wait for?" said one of them in reply to his mute -interrogation. "Is it not written, _Knock and it shall be opened unto -you?_" - -The General bowed in sign of acquiescence, and knocked loudly at the -door. The folding panels drew back silently into the wall, and the -General found himself at the entrance of a vast hall, whose walls were -covered with long red draperies, gloomily enlightened by a bronze lamp -and several chandeliers suspended from the ceiling, which shone in an -uncertain manner upon the countenances of about a hundred men, who, -with naked swords in their hands, fixed their eyes upon him through the -black masks which concealed their faces. At the bottom of this hall was -a table covered with a green cloth, at which were seated three men. Not -only were those three men masked, but, as a further precaution, before -each of them a lighted torch was planted on the table, the dazzling -flame of which allowed them to be but vaguely seen. Against the wall was -a crucifix, between two hourglasses surmounted by a death's-head with a -poniard run through it. - -The General manifested no emotion at this imposing _mise en scene_. A -smile of disdain curled his lip, and he stepped boldly forward. At this -moment he felt a light touch on the shoulder, and, on turning round, -perceived that one of the guides was holding out a mask to him. In spite -of the precautions he had taken to disguise his features, he eagerly -seized it, placed it on his face, folded his cloak round him, and -entered. - -"_In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti!_" he said. - -"_Amen_!" all present replied, in a sepulchral tone. - -"_Exaudiat te Dominus, in die Tribulationis,_" said one of the -personages behind the table. - -"_Impleat Dominus omnes petitiones tuas_," the General replied, without -hesitation. - -"_La Patria!_" the first speaker rejoined. - -"_O la Muerte!_" replied the General. - -"What is your purpose in coming here?" the man who up to this time alone -had spoken, asked. - -"I wish to be admitted into the bosom of the elect." - -There was a momentary silence. - -"Is there anyone among us who can or will answer for you?" the masked -man then asked. - -"I cannot say; for I do not know the persons among whom I find myself." - -"How know you that?" - -"I suppose so, as they, as well as I, are masked." - -"The Dark-Hearts," said the interrogator in a deep tone, "consider not -the countenance; they search souls." - -The General bowed at this sentence, which appeared to him to border upon -the ridiculous. The interrogator continued:--"Do you know the conditions -of your affiliation?" - -"I know them." - -"What are they?" - -"To sacrifice mother, father, brothers, relations, friends, and myself, -without hesitation, to the cause which I swear to defend." - -"What next?" - -"At the first signal, whether it be by day or night, even at the foot of -the altar, in whatever circumstance I may be placed, to quit everything, -in order to accomplish immediately the orders that shall be given me, in -whatever manner they may be given, and whatever may be the tenor of that -order." - -"Do you subscribe to these conditions?" - -"I subscribe to them." - -"Are you prepared to swear to submit yourself to them?" - -"I am prepared." - -"Repeat, then, after me, with your hand upon the Gospels, the words I am -about to dictate to you." - -"Dictate!" - -The three men behind the table rose; a Bible was brought, and the -General resolutely placed his hand upon the book. A faint murmur ran -through the ranks of the assembly. The president struck the table with -the hilt of his dagger, and silence was re-established. This man then -pronounced in a slow and deep toned voice the following words, which the -General repeated after him without hesitation:-- - -"I swear to sacrifice myself, my family, my property, and all that I -can hope for in this world, for the safety of the cause defended by -the Dark-Hearts. I swear to kill every man, be he my father, be he my -brother, who shall be pointed out to me. If I fail in my faith, if I -betray those who accept me as their brother, I acknowledge myself to -be worthy of death; and I, beforehand, pardon the Dark-Hearts who may -inflict it upon me." - -"So far well!" replied the president, when the General had pronounced -the oath. "You are now our brother." - -He then rose, and stepping across the hall, stood full in front of the -General. - -"Now," he said in a solemn threatening voice, "answer me, Don Pancho -Bustamente. As you, of your own free will, take a false oath before a -hundred persons, do you think we should commit a crime in condemning -you, since you have had the audacity to place yourself in our power?" - -In spite of his assurance, the General could not repress a start of -terror. - -"Remove the mask which covers this man's face, so that everyone may know -that it is he! Ah! General; you have entered the lion's den, and you -will be devoured." - -The noise of a distant commotion was heard. - -"Your soldiers are coming to your rescue," the president resumed, "but -they will come too late, General; prepare to die!" - -These words fell like the blow of a mace upon the brow of him who found -himself thus outwitted; he, nevertheless, did not yet lose heart; the -noise evidently approached; and there could be no doubt but that his -troops, who surrounded the Quinta Verde on all sides, would soon gain -possession of it; all he wanted was time. - -"By what right," he said haughtily, "do you constitute yourselves judges -and executioners of your own sentence?" - -"You are one of us, and are bound by our sentence," the president -replied, with an ironical smile. - -"Beware of what you are about to do, gentlemen," the General added in a -haughty tone; "remember I am minister-at-war!" - -"And I am King of Darkness," the president cried in a voice that froze -the very blood of the General; "my dagger is more sure than the muskets -of your soldiers; it does not let its victims escape. Brethren, what -chastisement does this man deserve?" - -"Death!" the conspirators replied. - -The General saw that he was lost. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -THE DEPARTURE. - - -Sergeant Diego, when left by General Bustamente a few paces from the -Quinta Verde, was very uneasy regarding the fate of his leader, and -entertained dismal presentiments. He was an old soldier, and well -acquainted with all the machinations and treacheries practised in this -country between inveterate enemies. He had been far from approving of -the General's undertaking, for he knew better than anyone how little -confidence ought to be placed in spies. Constrained, ostensibly, to -obey the order he had received, he had resolved, _in petto_, not to -leave his leader without help in the wasps' nest into which he had -cast himself headlong. Diego entertained for General Bustamente, under -whose orders he had served ten years, a profound regard, which entitled -him to certain freedoms, and his entire confidence. He immediately -placed himself in relation with two other officers of the detachment, -ordered, like himself, to watch the mysterious house whose dark outline -cut gloomily across the cloudy sky, and around which there was a close -blockade. He was walking about, biting his moustache, and swearing to -himself, determined, if the General did not come out within half an -hour, to obtain an entrance by force, if necessary, when a heavy hand -was laid upon his shoulder. He turned sharply round, stopping short in -an oath that was passing his lips, and saw a man standing before him: it -was Don Pedro. - -"Is that you?" he asked, as soon as he recognised him. - -"Myself," the spy replied. - -"But where the devil do you come from?" - -"No matter; do you wish to save the General?" - -"Is he in danger?" - -"In danger of death." - -"_Demonios!_" the sergeant shouted; "he must be saved!" - -"For that purpose I am here; but don't speak so loud." - -"I will speak as you like, provided you will tell me." - -"Nothing!" Don Pedro replied, "for there is not a minute to be lost." - -"What is to be done?" - -"Listen! A detachment must feign an attack upon the gate by which the -General entered; another will watch the environs, for the Dark-Hearts -have roads known only to themselves; you, with a third detachment, will -follow me; I will undertake to introduce you into the house--is that -agreed upon?" - -"Perfectly." - -"Make haste, then, to inform your colleagues; time presses." - -"Instantly; where shall I find you again?" - -"Here." - -"Very well; I only ask five minutes," and he strode away in haste. - -"Hem!" thought Don Pedro, as soon as he was alone; "we should be -prudent when we wish affairs to be profitable; from what I heard, they -will condemn the General, and they must not be allowed to go as far as -that, for my interests would suffer too seriously; I have manoeuvred -so as to be safe from all suspicion; if I succeed, I shall be more in -favour with the General than ever, without losing the confidence of the -conspirators." - -"Well!" he said, as he saw Diego coming towards him. - -"Everything is done," replied the sergeant, out of breath. "I am ready." - -"Come on, then, and God grant it may not be too late!" - -"Amen!" said the soldier. - -Everything was done as had been arranged; whilst one detachment -vigorously attacked the gate of the Quinta Verde, Don Pedro led the -troops commanded by Diego to the opposite side of the house, where a -low window was open; this window was grated, but several bars had been -removed beforehand, which left the entrance easy. Pedro commanded the -soldiers to be silent, and they entered the house one by one. Guided by -the spy, they advanced stealthily, without meeting with obstacles of any -kind. At the end of a few minutes they came to a closed door. - -"This is it!" said Pedro, in a low voice. - -At a sign from the sergeant, the door was beaten in with the butt end -of their muskets, and the soldiers rushed into the room. It was nearly -empty, its only occupant being a man stretched motionless upon the -floor. The sergeant sprang towards him, but recoiled with a cry of -horror--he had recognised his leader--General Bustamente lay with a -dagger sticking upright in his breast. To the hilt of the dagger was -tied a long black strip, upon which were written these words in red ink: - -"_The Justice of the Dark-Hearts!_" - -"Oh!" cried Diego; "Vengeance! Vengeance!" - -"Vengeance!" the soldiers repeated, with rage, mingled with terror. - -The sergeant turned round towards Pedro, whom he believed to be still by -his side; but the spy, who alone could guide them in their researches, -had thought it prudent to steal away. As soon as he saw that what he -dreaded had happened, he had disappeared without anybody observing his -departure. - -"No matter!" said Diego. "If I demolish this den of assassins, from -bottom to top, and don't leave stone upon stone, I swear I will find -these demons, if they are buried in the centre of the earth." - -The old soldier began searching in all directions, whilst a surgeon who -had followed the detachment paid attention to the wounded man, whom he -endeavoured to restore to his senses. - -The Dark-Hearts, as the spy had truly said, had paths known only -to themselves, by which they had quietly departed, after having -accomplished their terrible vengeance, or executed their severe justice, -according to the point of view in which an act of this nature and -importance is viewed. They were already far off in the country, safe -from all danger, while the soldiers were still ferociously searching for -them in and about the house. - -Don Tadeo and Don Gregorio returned together to the chacra, and were -astonished, on their arrival, to find Valentine, whom they supposed to -be in bed and asleep long before, waiting for them at that late hour, -to request a few minutes' conversation. In spite of the very natural -surprise which the demand at such a singular hour excited, the two -gentlemen, who supposed the Frenchman had serious reasons for acting -thus, granted his request, without making the least observation. The -conversation was long--so long, that we think it useless to repeat it -here in detail, but will satisfy ourselves with giving our readers the -end of it, which sums it up perfectly. - -"I will not insist," said Don Tadeo, "although you will not tell us -your motives. I believe you to be too considerate a man, Don Valentine, -not to be convinced that the reasons which force you to leave us are -serious." - -"Of the greatest seriousness," the young man replied. - -"Very well. But on leaving this place, in which direction do you intend -to bend your steps?" - -"Faith! I own frankly--besides, you know already that I and my friend -are in search of fortune--that all directions are the same to us, since -we must, above everything, depend upon chance." - -"I am of your opinion," replied Don Tadeo, smiling. "Listen to me, -then. I possess large estates in the province of Valdivia, which it -is my intention to visit shortly. What prevents you going that way in -preference to any other?" - -"Nothing, that I know of." - -"I, at this moment, stand in need of a man whom I can depend upon, to -undertake an important mission into Araucania, to one of the principal -chiefs of the people of that country. If you are going to the province -of Valdivia, you will be obliged to traverse Araucania in its whole -length. Are you willing to undertake this commission? Will that -inconvenience you?" - -"Why should I not?" said Valentine. "I have never come face to face with -savages; I should like to see what sort of people they are." - -"Very well; now is your opportunity. That is agreed upon then. You wish -to start tomorrow, do you not?" - -"Tomorrow! Today, if you please--in a few hours, for it will not be long -before the sun will be up." - -"That is true. Very well, then; at the moment of your departure, my -major-domo shall place, on my part, written instructions in your hands." - -"Caramba!" said Valentine, laughing; "here am I transformed into an -ambassador!" - -"Do not joke, my friend," said Don Tadeo, seriously. "The mission I -confide to you is delicate--dangerous, even; I do not conceal that from -you. If the papers of which you will be the bearer are found upon you, -you will be exposed to great dangers. Are you still willing to be my -emissary?" - -"Pardieu! Wherever there is danger there is pleasure. And what is the -name of the person to whom I am to remit these despatches?" - -"They are of two descriptions. The latter only concerns yourself; during -the course of your journey you can make yourself acquainted with them; -they will instruct you in certain matters you should know in order to -secure the success of your mission." - -"I understand--and the others?" - -"The others are for Antinahuel, that is, the Tiger Sun, and must be -delivered into his own hands." - -"A queer name that!" Valentine replied, with a laugh. "And where am I to -find the gentleman rejoicing in such a formidable title?" - -"By my faith, my friend," replied Don Tadeo, "I know no more than you -do." - -"The Araucano Indians," interrupted Don Gregorio, "are a rather -wandering race, and it is sometimes difficult to find the one you are in -search of." - -"Bah! I shall find him, be assured of that." - -"We do entirely rely upon you." - -"In a few hours, as I have told you, I shall myself set out to place in -a convent in Valdivia the young lady whom you so fortunately saved; it -will, therefore, be in Valdivia I shall await your answer." - -"I beg your pardon, but I have not the least idea where Valdivia is," -observed Valentine. - -"Don't be uneasy on that account; any child in this country can direct -you the way thither," Don Gregorio replied. - -"Thanks." - -"And now, if you change your mind when we meet again, and consent to -remain among us, remember we are brothers, and do not hesitate to inform -me of your new determination." - -"I can neither, reply yes or no, sir; if it depended upon me, we should -continue to see each other frequently." - -After exchanging a few more friendly expressions, the three men -separated. At sunrise, Louis and Valentine, mounted on magnificent -horses, which Don Tadeo had forced them to accept, rode away from the -chacra, followed by Caesar. Valentine had received his despatches from -the hands of the major-domo. As they were quitting the farm Louis -turned round instinctively, as if to salute with a last look a spot -he abandoned for ever, and which contained all that was dear to him. -A window was gently opened, and the face of the fair girl appeared -through the small interval, bathed in tears. The two young men bowed -respectfully towards the necks of their horses, and with a deep sigh -from Louis, they moved on as the window closed. - -"Adieu! oh, adieu for ever!" murmured Louis, choking with emotion. - -"Ah, perhaps!" said Valentine; and, to rouse his friend from his grief, -he put his horse into a gallop, and they soon lost sight of the chacra -in the windings of the road. - -Within four hours from their departure Don Tadeo and Don Gregorio -likewise set out on their journey to Valdivia, for the purpose of -placing Dona Rosario in the convent. But the enemy of whom they thought -they had relieved themselves at the Quinta Verde, was not dead; the -dagger of the King of Darkness had not proved more sure than the bullets -of the General. The two enemies were destined soon to meet again. -Notwithstanding the seriousness of the wound he had received, thanks -to the intelligent cares lavished upon him, but more particularly, -thanks to his excellent constitution, General Bustamente was soon in a -convalescent state. Don Pancho and the Linda, from that time united by -the strongest of ties--a common personal hatred--prepared to take their -revenge upon Don Tadeo, and that of the bitterest nature. The General -signalized his restoration to health by cruelties of the most flagrant -kind towards every man suspected of liberalism, and by inaugurating -throughout the republic a pitiless system of terror. Don Tadeo was -pronounced outlawed; his friends were cast into dungeons, and their -property was confiscated; and then, when the General thought that all -these vexations must bring his enemy to bay, and he had nothing to dread -from him or his partizans, under the pretence of visiting the provinces -of the Republic, he set out for Valdivia, accompanied by his mistress. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -THE MEETING. - - -As the principal incidents of this history are now about to take place -in Araucania, we think it necessary to give our readers some account of -this people, who alone of all the nations the Spaniards encountered in -America, succeeded in resisting them, and had, up to the time we treat -of, preserved intact their liberty and almost all their territory. The -Araucanos or Moluchos inhabit the beautiful country situated between the -rivers Biobio and Valdivia, having on one side the sea, and on the other -the great Cordilleras of the Andes. They are thus completely enclosed -within the Chilian republic, and yet, as we have said, have always -remained independent. It would be a great error to suppose these Indians -savages. The Araucanos have adopted as much of European civilization as -suited their character and their mode of living, and have rejected the -rest. From the most remote times these peoples had formed a national -body, strong and compact, governed by wise laws rigorously executed. The -first Spanish conquerors were quite astonished to find in this remote -corner of America, a powerful aristocratic republic, and a feudalism -organized almost upon the same plan as that which prevailed in Europe -in the thirteenth century. We will here enter into a few details of the -government of the Araucanos, who proudly style themselves _Aucas_--free -men. These details concerning a people too little known, up to this day, -cannot fail to interest the reader. - -The principal chiefs of the Araucanos are the Toquis,[1] the Apo-Ulmens, -and the Ulmens. There are four Toquis, one for each territorial -division; they have under their orders the Apo-Ulmens, who, in their -turn, command the Ulmens. The Toquis are independent of each other, but -confederated for the public good. Titles are hereditary, and pass from -males to males. The vassals or Mosotones are free; in time of war alone -they are subject to military service; but, in this country, and it is -this which constitutes its strength, every man in a condition to bear -arms is a soldier. It may easily be understood what the chiefs are when -we state that the people consider them only as the first among their -equals, and that their authority is consequently rather precarious; -and if, now and then, certain Toquis have endeavoured to extend their -authority, the people, jealous of their privileges, have always found -means to keep them within the bounds prescribed by their ancient usages. - -A society whose manners are so simple, and interests so little -complicated, which is governed by wise laws, and all the members of -which have an ardent love of liberty, is invincible, as the Spaniards -have many times found to their cost. After having, in several attempts, -endeavoured to subdue this little corner of land, isolated amidst their -own territory; they have ended by acknowledging the futility of their -efforts, and have tacitly admitted their defeat by renouncing for ever -their projects of obtaining dominion over the Araucanos, with whom -they have contracted alliances, and across whose territory they now -peacefully pass on their road from Santiago to Valdivia. - -The Carampangue--in the Araucano idiom, refuge of lions--is a charming -stream, half torrent, half river, which comes bounding down from the -inaccessible summits of the Andes, and, after many capricious windings, -loses itself in the sea two leagues to the north of Arauco. Nothing -can be more beautiful than the banks of the Carampangue, bordered by -smiling valleys, covered with woods, with apple trees loaded with fruit, -rich pastures in which animals of all kinds range and feed at liberty, -and high mountains, from the verdant sides of which hang, in the most -picturesque positions, clusters of cabins, whose whitewashed walls shine -in the sun, and give life to this enchanting landscape. - -On the day when we resume our narrative, that is, on a beautiful morning -in July--called by the Indians the month of the sun--two horsemen, -followed by a magnificent black and white Newfoundland dog, were -ascending, at a sharp trot, the course of the river, following what is -called a wild beast's track, scarcely marked in the high grass. These -men, dressed in the Chilian costume, surging up suddenly amidst this -wild natural scene, formed, by their manners and their vestments, a -contrast with everything which surrounded them; a contrast of which -they probably had no idea, for they rode as carelessly through this -barbarous country, abounding in perils and ambushes without number, as -they would have done along the road from Paris to Saint-Cloud. These two -men, whom the reader has, no doubt, recognized, were the Count Louis -de Prebois-Crance and Valentine Guillois, his foster brother. They had -passed in turn through Maule, Talca, and Concepcion; and on the day we -meet them again, in the middle of Araucania, they had been full two -months on the road, travelling philosophically along with their dog -Caesar upon the banks of the Carampangue. This was the 14th of July, -1837, at eleven o'clock in the morning. - -The young men had passed the night in an abandoned _rancho_ which -they had fallen in with on their way, and at sunrise resumed their -journey; so that they now began to be sensible of the calls of hunger. -Upon taking a survey of the spot where they found themselves, they -perceived a clump of apple trees, which intercepted the rays of the -sun, and offered them a shelter for their repast and a little rest. -They dismounted and sat down at the foot of a large apple tree, leaving -their horses to browse upon the young branches so abundant around -them. Valentine knocked down a few apples with a stick, opened his -_alforjas_--large cloth pockets placed behind the saddle--drew out some -sea biscuit, a piece of bacon, and a goat's milk cheese, and the two -young men began eating gaily, sharing their provisions with Caesar in a -brotherly way, whilst he, seated gravely in front of them, followed with -his eyes every morsel they put into their mouths. - -"Caramba!" said Valentine, with a satisfied smile; "it is comfortable to -have a little rest, after having been on horseback from four o'clock in -the morning." - -"Well, to tell the truth, I must own I am a little fatigued," Louis -confessed. - -"My poor friend, you are not, as I am, accustomed to long journeys. It -was stupid of me not to remember that." - -"Bah! on the contrary, I am getting accustomed to them very well; and -besides," he added, with a sigh, "physical fatigue makes me forget----" - -"Ah! that's true," Valentine interrupted; "come! I am happy to hear you -speak thus--I see you are becoming a man!" - -Louis shook his head sorrowfully. - -"No," he said, "you are mistaken. As the malady which undermines me is -without remedy, I endeavour to play a manly part." - -"Yes, hope is one of the supreme illusions of love; when it can no -longer exist, love dies." - -"Or he who experiences it," said the young man, with a melancholy smile. - -This was followed by a silence, which Valentine at length broke. - -"What a charming country!" he cried, with feigned enthusiasm, for the -purpose of giving the conversation another direction, as he swallowed, -with delectation, an enormous piece of bacon. - -"Yes, but the roads are very bad." - -"Who knows?" said Valentine, with a smile: "they say the roads to -Paradise are of that kind; this may be the way thither." Then addressing -the dog, "And you, Caesar, what do you think of our journey, old boy?" - -The dog wagged his tail, fixing his eyes, sparkling with intelligence, -upon the speaker's face, whilst he eagerly devoured all that was given -to him. But he stopped suddenly in his masticating operations, pricked -up his ears, turned his head sharply round, and balked furiously. - -"Silence, Caesar!" said Valentine; "what do you bark in that manner for? -You know right well we are in a desert, and that in a desert there is -nobody but the devil!" - -But Caesar continued to bark without heeding his master. - -"Hum!" said Louis, "I do not agree with you; I think that the deserts of -America are thickly peopled." - -"Well, perhaps you are right." - -"The dog's barking is not usual; we ought to take precautions." - -"I will see," said Valentine; and addressing the Newfoundland, "Come! -come! hold your tongue, Caesar! You are tiresome! What's the matter with -you? What teases you? Do you scent a stag? Caramba! That would be a -glorious godsend for us." - -Here he rose, and cast an inquiring glance around, but he immediately -stopped, and seized his rifle, making a sign to Louis to do the same, in -order to be prepared for whatever might happen. - -"Diable!" he said, "Caesar was right, and I must confess myself a stupid -fellow. Look yonder, Louis!" - -The other turned his eyes as directed. - -"Oh! oh!" he said; "what is this?" - -"Hum! I believe we shall soon discover." - -"With God's help!" Louis replied, cocking his rifle. - -Ten Indians in war costume, and mounted on magnificent horses, were -drawn up within twenty paces of the travellers, though the latter were -quite unable to comprehend how they had succeeded in approaching so near -to them without being discovered. Notwithstanding Valentine's efforts, -Caesar continued to bark furiously, and endeavoured to rush upon the -Indians. The American warriors, motionless and impassible, made neither -gesture nor movement, but they surveyed the Frenchmen so closely and -persistently, that Valentine, not very patient in his nature, began to -find himself excessively annoyed. - - -[1] This word comes from the verb _toquin_, which means to _judge_, to -_command._ - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -THE PUELCHES. - - -"Eh! eh!" said Valentine, whistling sharply to his dog, who immediately -came to him; "these fellows do not seem to have friendly intentions; we -must be upon our guard: who knows what may happen?" - -"They are Araucanos," said Louis. - -"Do you think so? Then they are devilish ugly!" - -"Well, now, for my part, I think them very handsome." - -"Ah, yes; that may be in an artistic point of view. But, ugly or -handsome, we will await their coming." - -The Indians talked among themselves, and continued to look at the young -men. - -"They are consulting to determine with what sauce they shall eat us," -said Valentine. - -"Not at all----" - -"Bah! I tell you they are." - -"Pardieu! they are not cannibals!" - -"No? So much the worse; that's a defect. In Paris, all the savages -exhibited in public are cannibals." - -"You madman! you laugh at everything." - -"Would you prefer my weeping a little? It appears to me that at this -moment our position is not so seducing in itself that we should seek to -make it more dismal." - -These Indians were for the most part men of from forty to forty-five -years of age, clothed in the costume of the Puelches, one of the most -warlike tribes of Upper Araucania; they wore the poncho floating from -the shoulders, the calzoneras fastened round the hips and falling to -the ankle, the head bare, the hair long, straight, and greasy, gathered -together by a red ribbon, which encircled the brow like a diadem, and -the face painted of various colours. Their arms consisted of a long -lance, a knife, a gun hanging from the saddle, and a round buckler, -covered with leather, ornamented with horsehair and human scalps. - -The man who appeared to be their chief was a man of lofty stature, -expressive features, hard and haughty, but still displayed a certain -frankness, a very rare quality among Indians. The only thing which -distinguished him from his companions was a feather of the eagle of the -Andes, planted upright on the left side of his head, in the bright red -ribbon that confined his hair. - -After having consulted with his companions for a few minutes, the chief -advanced towards the travellers, making his horse curvet with inimitable -grace, and lowered the point of his lance in sign of peace. When -within three paces of Valentine, he stopped, and, after saluting him -ceremoniously, in the Indian fashion, by placing his right hand on his -breast, and slowly bowing his head twice, he said to him in Spanish:-- - -"My brothers are Muruches--foreigners,--and not Culme-Huinca--despicable -Spaniards. Why are they so far from the men of their own nation?" - -This question, asked in the guttural accent, and with the emphatic tone -peculiar to the Indians, was perfectly understood by the young men, who, -as we have before observed, generally spoke Spanish themselves. - -"Hum!" Valentine said to his companion, "here is a savage who appears to -have a little curiosity about him--what think you?" - -"Bah!" Louis replied, "answer him, at all events that will do no harm." - -"Why, no, that is true; we cannot easily be more compromised than we are -already." - -And turning towards the chief, who waited impassibly, - -"We are travelling," he said, laconically. - -"What! alone, thus?" asked the chief. - -"Does that astonish you, my friend?" - -"Do my brothers fear nothing?" - -"What should we fear?" said the Parisian in a bantering tone. "We have -nothing to lose." - -"What! not even your hair?" - -Louis could not refrain from laughing, as he looked at Valentine. - -"Ah! ah! what, he is laughing at the disordered state of my hair, is he, -the ugly wretch?" Valentine grumbled, vexed at the observation of the -chief, and quite mistaking his intentions. "Stop a bit!" then he added, -in a loud voice, "Have the goodness to pass on, gentlemen savages. Your -remarks are not pleasant, I can assure you." - -He cocked his rifle, and lifted it to his shoulder, as if taking aim -at the chief. Louis, who had attentively followed the progress of the -conversation, without saying a word imitated the action of his friend, -directing the barrel of his rifle towards the group of Indians. The -chief had, doubtless, understood but little of the speeches of his -adversaries, but far from appearing terrified at the menacing attitude -they assumed, he seemed to contemplate with pleasure the martial and -firm deportment of the Frenchmen; and putting gently on one side the -weapon pointed against his breast, said in a conciliatory tone: - -"My friend is mistaken. I have no intention of insulting him. I am his -_penni_--brother--and his companion's likewise. Were not the palefaces -eating when I and my young men came up?" - -"Faith! yes, chief, you say true," interrupted Louis, with a smile; -"your sudden appearance stopped the progress of our humble repast." - -"Part of which is very much at your service," continued Valentine, -pointing with his finger to the provisions spread upon the grass. - -"I accept your offer," said the Indian, cordially. - -"Bravo!" cried Valentine, throwing down his rifle, and preparing to -resume his seat on the grass; "to table, then!" - -"Yes," replied the chief, "but upon one condition." - -"What is that?" the young men asked together. - -"That I shall furnish my part." - -"Agreed," said Louis. - -"Well, that is but fair," Valentine added; "and it will be the more -acceptable, from our not being rich, and having but meagre fare to offer -you." - -"The bread of a friend is always good," the chief said, sententiously. - -"That is admirably answered! But, at this moment, unfortunately, our -bread is only stale biscuit." - -"I will remedy that;" and the chief said a few words in the Molucho -language to his companions, who began to rummage in their alforjas, and -quickly produced maize tortillas, some charqui, and several leathern -bottles filled with chica--a sort of cider made of apples and Indian -corn. The whole was placed upon the grass before the two Frenchmen, who -were wonderstruck at the sudden abundance which had succeeded without -any transition to their late short commons. The Indians dismounted, -and sat down in a circle round the travellers. The chief, then turning -towards his guests, said with a pleasant smile-- - -"Now, then, let my brothers eat." - -The young men did not require the cordial invitation to be repeated, but -vigorously attacked the provisions so frankly offered. For the first few -minutes silence prevailed among the party, for all were too well engaged -to talk; but as soon as appetite was a little appeased, conversation was -resumed. - -Of all men, Indians, perhaps, understand the laws of hospitality -the best. They have an instinct of social conventions, if such an -expression may be allowed, which makes them divine at once, with -infallible correctness, what the questions are that may be properly -addressed to their guests, and the point at which they should stop to -avoid committing any indiscretion. The two Frenchmen, who for the first -time found themselves in contact with Araucanos, could not overcome -the surprise caused by the knowledge of life, and the noble and frank -manners of these men, whom, on the faith of accounts more or less false, -they were accustomed, in common with all Europeans, to consider as gross -savages, almost destitute of intelligence, and quite incapable of any -delicacy of behaviour. - -"My brothers are not Spaniards?" the chief said, half interrogatively. - -"That is true," Louis replied; "but how did you discover that?" - -"Oh!" he said, with a disdainful smile, "we are well acquainted with -those _chiaplos_--wicked soldiers. They are too old enemies to allow us -to commit an error with regard to them. From what island do my brothers -come?" - -"Our country is not an island," Valentine observed. - -"My brother is mistaken," the chief said emphatically; "there is but one -country that is not an island, and that is the great land of the Aucas." - -The two young men bowed their heads before an opinion so peremptorily -put forth--all discussion became impossible. - -"We are Frenchmen," Louis replied. - -"Frenchmen! ah! a good brave nation! We had several French warriors in -the time of the great war." - -"What!" said Louis, with excited curiosity, "have French warriors fought -with you?" - -"Yes," the chief remarked, proudly; "warriors with grey beards, and -breasts marked with honourable scars, which they received in the wars of -their island, when they fought under the orders of their great chief, -Zaleon." - -"Napoleon?" said Valentine, quite astonished. - -"Yes; I believe it is so the palefaces pronounce his name. Did my -brother know him?" the chief added, with ill-concealed curiosity. - -"No," replied the young man. "Although born in his reign, I was never -able to get sight of him, and he is now dead." - -"My brother is mistaken," said the Puelche, solemnly; "such warriors as -he do not die. When they have performed their task upon earth they go to -Paradise--to hunt with Pillian, the master of the world." - -The young men bowed, as if convinced. - -"It is very singular," said Louis, "that the reputation of that powerful -genius should have spread to the most remote and unknown regions of the -globe, and be preserved pure and brilliant among these rude men; whilst -in that France, for which he did everything men invariably seek to -lessen it, and even to destroy it." - -"Like all their compatriots, who, from time to time, traverse our -hunting grounds, our brothers have, doubtless, trading purposes in -coming among us. Where are your goods?" said the chief. - -"We are not traders," replied Valentine; "we came to visit our brothers, -the Araucanos, of whose wisdom and hospitality we have heard much." - -"The Moluchos love the French," the chief said, flattered by the -compliment; "my brothers will be well received in our villages." - -"To what tribe does my brother belong?" asked Valentine, inwardly -delighted at the good opinion the Indians entertained of his compatriots. - -"I am one of the principal Ulmens of the sacred tribe of the Great -Hare," the chief said, proudly. - -"Thank you--one word more." - -"Let my brother speak; my ears are open." - -"We are in search of a Molucho chief, to whom we have a message from a -friend of his, with whom he has had much dealing." - -"What is the chief's name?" - -"Antinahuel." - -"Good!" - -"Does my brother know him?" - -"I know him. If my brothers will follow me they shall see the toldo of -a chief in which they shall be received like pennis. When they have -rested, if they desire it, I will myself conduct them to Antinahuel, the -most powerful Toqui of the four Uthal-Mapus of the Araucano confederacy." - -"What province is governed by Antinahuel?" - -"The Pire-Mapus, that is to say, the interior of the Andes." - -"Thanks, brother." - -"Will my brothers accept the offer I have made them?" - -"Why should we not accept it, chief, if, as I believe, it is made in -earnest?" - -"Let my brothers come, then," the chief said, with a smile; "my tolderia -is not far off." - -The breakfast was over, and the Indians were mounting. - -"We may as well go," said Valentine, in French. "This Indian appears to -speak cordially and honestly, and it will give us a capital opportunity -of studying interesting manners and customs. What do you think, -Louis?--It may prove very amusing." - -"Well, I see no harm that accepting the invitation can do." - -"God speed us, then!" - -And with a bound he was in his saddle, imitated by Louis. - -"Forward!" cried the chief, and the party set off at a gallop. - -"Well, it must be allowed," said Valentine, in his cheerful way, "that -these savages, if savages they are, have some redeeming qualities -belonging to them. I begin to take a warm interest in them. They are -true Scotch mountaineers for hospitality. I wonder what my regimental -comrades, and more particularly my old friends of the Boulevard du -Temple, would say if they could see me now! Houp! After me, the end of -the world!" - -Louis laughed at this outburst of the incorrigible _gamin_, and, without -further inquiries, the young men gaily abandoned themselves to the -guidance of their new friends, who, after leaving the banks of the -river, directed their course towards the mountains. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -THE BLACK JACKAL. - - -In order to make the facts which follow intelligible, we are obliged -here to relate an adventure which happened more than twenty years before -the period at which our history commences. - -Towards the end of the month of December, 1816, on a cold, rainy night, -a traveller, mounted on an excellent horse, and carefully wrapped in -the folds of an ample cloak, was following at a round trot the road, -or rather the blind path, on the mountains which leads from Cruces to -San-Jose. This man was a rich landowner, who was making a journey into -Araucania, for the purpose of treating with the Indians for a large -number of cattle and sheep. Having left Cruces about two o'clock in the -afternoon, he had been delayed on his way by settling some business with -various _guasos_, and he was hastening to gain a hacienda he possessed -at some leagues from the spot where he then was, and where he reckoned -upon passing the night. - -The country at the time was not in a state of tranquillity. For several -days past the Puelches had appeared in arms upon the frontiers of Chili, -and made incursions into the territories of the republic, burning the -chacras, and carrying off the families they surprised. These marauders -were commanded by a chief named The Black Jackal, whose cruelty spread -terror among the people exposed to his depredations. - -It was, therefore, with some anxiety, mixed with secret apprehensions, -that the man we have spoken of made all speed along the desolate road -which led to his hacienda. Every minute only added to his fears. The -storm, which had threatened all day, burst forth at last with a fury -of which we have no conception in our climates. The wind roared loudly -through the trees, bending some, and uprooting others. The rain fell in -torrents, and the lightning became so vivid, that the horse began to -plunge and rear, and refused to advance. The rider spurred the restive -animal, and endeavoured, as well as the darkness would permit, to -discover whereabouts he was. After surmounting immense difficulties, he -saw at length, in the distance, the shadow of the walls of his hacienda, -and the lights which shone like guiding stars, when suddenly his horse -bounded on one side in such a way as almost to unseat him. When, with -much trouble, he had recovered his command of the animal, he looked -round to see what could have frightened it so, and perceived, with -terror equal to the horse's, several men of sinister appearance standing -motionless before him. The horseman's first movement was to seize his -pistols, in order to sell his life as dearly as he could, for he had no -doubt he had fallen into an ambuscade of bandits. - -"Keep your hands from your weapons, Don Antonio Quintana," said a rough -voice; "we desire neither your life nor your money." - -"What do you want then?" he replied, in a tone that showed he was a -little reassured by that frank declaration, though he still kept on the -defensive. - -"Hospitality for this night, in the first place," said the other. - -Don Antonio endeavoured to ascertain if he knew the man who was speaking -to him, but he could not distinguish his features through the darkness. - -"The doors of my dwelling always fly open to the stranger," he remarked; -"why have you not knocked at them?" - -"Knowing you must come this way, I preferred waiting for you." - -"What else do you desire of me, then?" - -"I will tell you under your own roof; the open road is a place ill -adapted for imparting confidence." - -"If you have nothing more to say to me now, and are as willing as I am -to get under shelter, we will continue our journey." - -"Go on, then; we will follow you." - -Without exchanging another word, they directed their course towards the -hacienda. Don Antonio Quintana was a resolute man, as the manner in -which he had replied to the men who had so rudely barred his passage -proved him. In spite of the fluency with which the one who had spoken -employed the Spanish language, he had, at the first word, by his -guttural accent, perceived he was an Indian; and with him fear had -immediately given way to curiosity, and he had not hesitated to grant -the hospitality asked, knowing that the Araucano, Puelches, Hueliches, -or Moluchos, never violate the roof under which they are welcomed, and -that the hosts who shelter them are held sacred. - -On arriving at the hacienda, Don Antonio found he was not mistaken; the -men who had accosted him in so strange a manner were really Indians. -There were four of them, and with them was a young woman with a child -at the breast. The hacendero welcomed them to his dwelling with all the -minute forms of Castilian courtesy, and gave orders to his peones or -Indian domestics, terrified at the savage appearance of the strangers, -to assist them with everything they might desire. - -"Eat and drink," he said, "you are at home, here." - -"Thanks!" replied the man, who had till that time been spokesman. "We -accept your offer with as good a will as you give it, as far as regards -food, of which we stand most in need." - -"Will you not rest till day?" asked Don Antonio; "the night is dark, and -the weather frightful for travelling." - -"A black night is what we desire; besides, we must depart immediately. -Now, allow me to put my second request to you." - -"Explain yourself," said the Spaniard, examining the speaker attentively. - -The latter was a tall, well-made man, of about forty; his -strongly-marked features and his commanding eye proclaimed that he was -accustomed to exercise authority. - -"It was I," he said, without preamble, "who directed the last invasion -made upon the palefaces of the frontiers. My mosotones were all killed -yesterday in an ambuscade by your lanceros; the three you see with me -are all that remain of a troop of two hundred warriors; the others are -dead. I myself am wounded, hunted, tracked like a wild beast; we are -without horses to rejoin our tribe, without weapons to defend ourselves -if we are attacked on the plain. I come to ask of you the means of -escape from our pursuers. I will neither deceive nor surprise your good -faith. I am bound to tell you the name of the man whose safety you hold -in your hands. I am the greatest enemy of the Spaniards; my life has -been passed in contending with them. In a word, I am The Black Jackal, -the Apo-Ulmen of the Black Serpents." - -On hearing this redoubtable name the Chilian could not suppress a start -of terror; but immediately recovering his self-possession, he replied in -a calm voice, and in a kind tone. - -"You are my guest, and you are unfortunate, two titles sacred with me. I -desire to know nothing more; you shall have horses and arms." - -A smile of ineffable sweetness lit up the countenance of the Indian. - -"One last prayer," he said. - -"Speak." - -The chief took by the hand the young Indian squaw, who had remained -cowering and weeping in a corner, rocking her child in her arms, and -presented her to Don Antonio. - -"This woman belongs to me; this child is mine," he said, "and I confide -them both to you." - -"I will take charge of them; the woman shall be my sister, the child my -son," the hacendero replied kindly, and after the Indian fashion. - -"The Apo-Ulmen will remember!" said the Puelche chief, in a voice -trembling with emotion. - -He imprinted a kiss upon the brow of the poor little creature, who -smiled upon him, cast upon the woman a look beaming with tenderness, -and rushed out of the house, followed by his companions. Don Antonio -supplied them with arms and horses, and the four Indians disappeared in -the darkness. - -Many years passed away ere Don Antonio heard anything of the Black -Jackal; the woman and the child remained at the hacienda, and were -treated as if they had been members of the Chilian's family. The -hacendero had been married; but, unfortunately, after a year, which -promised to be the commencement of a long and happy union, the wife died -when giving birth to a beautiful little girl, whom her father named -Maria. The two children grew up together, watched over by the anxious -solicitude of the Indian woman, loving each other like brother and -sister. - -At length, one day, a numerous troop of Puelches, magnificently equipped -and mounted, arrived at Rio-Claro, the town in which Don Antonio -resided. The chief of these Indians was the Black Jackal, who came to -redemand his wife and son of him to whom he had intrusted them. The -interview was very affecting. The chief forgot his Indian stoicism; he -gave himself up to the feelings which agitated him, and enjoyed the -happiness of finding again, after such a length of time, the two beings -he held dearest in the world. When it became necessary to depart, and -the children learnt they were to be separated, they shed abundance of -tears. They had been accustomed from their infancy to live together, and -they could not comprehend why they were not to continue to do so. - -Don Antonio had extended his traffic over different parts of the -frontiers; he possessed chacras, in which the breeding of cattle -was carried on upon a vast scale. The Black Jackal, who had sworn -a perpetual friendship, became of great use to him in his business -transactions; he often put him in the way of making excellent bargains -with his compatriots, and, what was still more serviceable, protected -his property from the depredations of plunderers. Every year Don Antonio -visited all his chacras in Araucania, and passed a couple of months -among the tribe of the Black Serpents, with his friend, the Black -Jackal. His daughter accompanied him in all these journeys, on account -of the friendship that existed between the children. Things went on thus -for many years. - -At the period when our history commences, the Black Jackal was dead: -he had fallen, like a brave warrior, with his weapons in his hand, in -a combat on the frontier; his son, Antinahuel, now about thirty-five -years of age, who promised to tread in his footsteps, had been elected -Apo-Ulmen in his place, and afterwards Toqui of his Uthal-Mapus or -province, which made him one of the principal men of Araucania. Don -Antonio had likewise died, shortly after the marriage of his daughter, -Dona Maria, with Don Tadeo de Leon, brought to an untimely grave by his -grief at her misconduct, which had produced terrible scandal in the -upper classes of Santiago. - -Dona Maria for some years past had only seen Antinahuel at long -intervals; but between them their friendship remained as warm as in -the days of their childhood; and, on the part of the Indian warrior, -it was carried so far that he obeyed the least caprice of the young -woman as an imperative duty. Great, then, was the astonishment of the -warriors of the tribe of the Black Serpents, when, in the evening of -the day on which we have resumed our story, they saw Dona Maria arrive -on horseback, accompanied only by two peons, at their tolderia, and go -straight towards the rancho of the Toqui. On perceiving her, the usually -gloomy face of the chief was suddenly lighted up with an expression of -gladness. - -"Eglantine of the Woods!" he cried, in a joyous tone, "does my sister -then still remember the poor Indian?" - -"I have come to visit the toldo of my brother," she said, turning her -brow towards him, upon which he impressed a kiss; "my heart is sad, -grief devours me--and I have remembered my brother." - -The chief cast a look upon her of anxiety, mingled with sorrow. - -"Although it be to trouble that I owe the visit of my sister, I am, -nevertheless, rejoiced to see her." - -"Yes," she resumed, "when we are in trouble we think of our friends." - -"My sister has done well in thinking of me; what can I do for her?" - -"My brother can render me a great service." - -"My life is my sister's; she knows she can dispose of it at her -pleasure." - -"Thank you! I was certain I could depend upon my brother." - -"Everywhere, and at all times." - -After bowing respectfully to Dona Maria, he led her into his rancho, -where his mother had prepared everything worthy of the visit of one whom -for so many years she had loved as a daughter. - - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -TWO OLD FRIENDS. - - -Antinahuel--the Tiger Sun--was at this time a man of about thirty-five -years of age. In stature he was tall, and in his carriage majestic; -everything in his person announced a man accustomed to command, and made -to rule over his fellows. As a warrior, his reputation was immense, -and his mosotones held him in superstitious veneration. Such was, -physically, the man whom Dona Maria de Leon came to visit; what he was, -morally, we shall soon see. - -The cloth was laid in the toldo,--we make use of the expression, the -cloth was laid, advisedly, because the Araucano chiefs are perfectly -well acquainted with European customs, and almost all possess dishes, -plates, and silver spoons and forks. It is true, they only make use of -these upon great occasions, and for the purpose of display; for, as -to themselves, they carry frugality and plainness to an excess, and -when they are alone with their families, are content to eat with their -fingers. - -Dona Maria seated herself at the table, and made a sign to Antinahuel, -who stood respectfully beside her, to keep her company, and to take his -place opposite to her. It was clear to the Indian chief that his sister, -as he called her, who for some years had completely neglected him, must -have been induced by some powerful interest to seek him thus in his -remote village. But what could the interest be which led a delicate -woman, accustomed to all the luxurious comforts of life, to undertake a -long and perilous journey in order to come and talk with an Indian in a -miserable tolderia, hidden in the midst of the desert? - -On her side, the young woman was a prey to still greater uneasiness, -for she was anxious to discover whether, in spite of her neglect of the -chief, she had preserved the boundless power she had formerly exercised -over that Indian nature, which civilization had softened rather than -subdued; she feared lest the long forgetfulness in which she had left -him had made her lose her prestige in his eyes, and that coolness and -indifference might have succeeded to the warm friendship of early days. - -When the repast was ended, a peon brought in the _mate_[1] the infusion -of the Paraguay herb which, with the Chilians, takes the place of tea, -and of which they are very fond. Two chased cups, placed upon a filagree -salver, were presented to Dona Maria and the chief; they lit their maize -_pajillos_, and smoked, whilst sipping their _mate_, reflectively. After -a few minutes' silence, which was beginning to be embarrassing to both, -Dona Maria, who perceived that Antinahuel was resolved to act on the -defensive, determined to open the attack. - -"My brother," she said, with a smile, "is surprised at my sudden arrival -at his tolderia." - -"It is true; the Eglantine of the Woods has appeared unexpectedly -amongst us, but she is not the less welcome on that account." - -And he bowed. - -"I am glad to observe that my brother is as gallant as ever." - -"No; I love my sister, and I am happy to see her, after being so long -deprived of her presence." - -"I know your friendship for me, Penni; our childhood was passed -together, but it is a long time since that time. You are now one of the -caraskens, whilst I am only, as formerly, a poor woman." - -"The Eglantine of the Woods is my sister, her least wishes shall always -be sacred with me." - -"Thanks, Penni! But let us drop this conversation, and talk of our early -years, which, alas! so quickly glided away." - -"Yesterday exists no longer," he said, sententiously. - -"That's true," she replied, with a sigh; "why, indeed, should we talk of -times that can never come back?" - -"Does my sister intend to return to Chili?" - -"No; I have left Santiago for a time; I intend, for a season, to take up -my abode in Valdivia; I left my friends to continue their route, whilst -I came on to pay my respects to my brother." - -"Yes, I know that the man whom the palefaces call General Bustamente, -though scarcely cured of a dangerous wound, set off, a month ago, to -visit the province of Valdivia, I, myself, intend shortly to visit that -city." - -"There are many palefaces from the South there at present." - -"Among these strangers are there any that I know?" - -"Good heavens! how can I tell? Yes, there is one, Don Tadeo, my husband." - -Antinahuel raised his head in astonishment. - -"I thought he had been shot!" he said. - -"He was." - -"Well?" - -"He escaped death, though grievously wounded." - -The artful woman endeavoured to read what impression the news she had so -coolly imparted made upon the stoical face of the Indian. - -"Listen to me, my sister," he resumed, after a minute's pause; "Don -Tadeo is still your enemy, is he not?" - -"More so than ever." - -"Good!" - -"Not content with having basely abandoned me, and having torn from me -my child, the innocent creature who alone consoled me and enabled me to -support the sorrows with which he has overwhelmed me, he has crowned -his insults by publicly paying his addresses to another woman, whom he -takes with him everywhere, and who is at this moment his companion at -Valdivia." - -"Hum!" the chief said, carelessly. - -Accustomed to Araucanian manners, which permit every man to take as many -wives as he can support, he found the action of Don Tadeo perfectly -natural. This did not escape Dona Maria: an ironical smile curled for -a second the corners of her lips, and she continued, negligently, but -looking earnestly in the face of the chief-- - -"Yes, the woman is called, as I hear, Dona Rosario de Mendoz; and is, -they say, a beautiful creature!" - -That name, pronounced with such apparent indifference, produced the -effect of a clap of thunder upon the chief; he sprang up, his face -inflamed, and his eyes sparkling. - -"Rosario de Mendoz, did you say, my sister?" he shouted. - -"Good heavens! I hardly know," she replied. "I have only heard her -name--I believe that may be it--but," she added, "what interest can my -brother take in it?" - -"Oh! none," he said, as he quietly resumed his seat. "Why does not my -sister avenge herself upon the man who has abandoned her?" - -"To what purpose? and, besides, what vengeance can I hope for? I am but -a weak and timid woman, without friends, without support; in short, -alone." - -"And I?" said the chief; "what am I, then?" - -"Oh!" she replied, warmly; "I would not on any account that my brother -should constitute himself the avenger of an insult which is personal to -myself." - -"My sister is mistaken; in attacking this man I avenge my own insult." - -"My brother must explain himself--I do not understand him." - -"That is what I am going to do." - -"I am all attention." - -At this moment Antinahuel's mother entered the toldo, and, approaching -the chief, said in a humble, but sad tone,-- - -"My son is wrong in thus recalling old remembrances, and opening ancient -wounds again." - -"Woman!" the Indian replied, "Retire! I am a warrior! My father left me -a vengeance. I have sworn, and I will accomplish my oath!" - -The poor mother left the toldo with a sigh. The Linda, whose curiosity -was excited to the highest degree, awaited impatiently the chief's -explanation. Without, the rain fell pattering upon the leaves of the -trees; at intervals a blast of night wind, loaded with uncertain sounds, -came whistling through the ill-joined boards of the toldo, and caused -the flame of the torch which lighted it to waver unsteadily. The two -speakers, though absorbed in their own reflections, involuntarily lent -an ear to these nameless sounds, and felt a depression of spirits they -could not account for. The chief raised his head, and inhaling, one -after another, several mouthfuls of smoke from his pajillo, which he -puffed out brusquely, commenced in a low voice,-- - -"Although my sister is almost a child of the nation, as my mother nursed -her, she has never been made acquainted with the history of my family. -The history I am about to relate will reveal to her that I have against -Don Tadeo de Leon an old hatred, ever kept alive; and which, if I have -to the present moment appeared to allow to slumber, it has been because -that man was the husband of my sister: the conduct of Don Tadeo towards -my sister frees me from the promise I had made myself, and leaves me -liberty of action." - -Dona Maria bowed assentingly. - -"When the vile Spaniards," he continued, "conquered Chili, and reduced -its cowardly inhabitants to slavery, they dreamt of subjugating -Araucania in its turn, and marched against the Aucas, whose frontiers -they violated. My sister sees that I take up my recital from the -beginning. The Toqui Cadegual was one of the first to convoke a grand -council of the nation, on the plain of the Carampangue. Named Toqui, one -of the four Uthal-Mapus, he gave battle to the palefaces. The conflict -was terrible! It lasted from the rising to the setting of the sun. Many -Molucho warriors departed for the happy prairies of the Eskennane, but -Pillian did not abandon the Aucas; they were conquerors, and the Chiaplo -fled like timid hares before the terrible lances of our warriors. -Numbers of palefaces fell into our hands; among them was a powerful -chief, named Don Estevan de Leon. The Toqui Cadegual might have employed -his rights, and have killed him, but he did nothing of the kind: so far -from it, he led him to his toldo, and treated him with kindness, as a -brother. But when did Spaniards ever show themselves grateful for a -kindness? Don Estevan, forgetful of the sacred duties of hospitality, -seduced the daughter of the man to whom he owed his life, and, one -day, disappeared with her. The grief of the Toqui was immense at this -unworthy and disloyal treachery. He swore to wage from that time a -pitiless war against the palefaces, and he kept his oath: all Spaniards -taken by them, whatever their age or sex, were massacred. These terrible -reprisals were just, were they not?" - -"Yes," said the Linda laconically. - -"One day, Cadegual, surprised by his ferocious enemies, fell, covered -with wounds, into their hands, after a heroic resistance, during which -all his brave Mosotones had allowed themselves to be killed by his side. -In his turn, as it happened, Cadegual was in the power of Don Estevan de -Leon. The Spanish chief recollected the man who had, years before, saved -his life. He was merciful. After cutting off the hands, and scooping out -the eyes of his prisoner, he restored to him his daughter, of whom he -was tired, and sent him back to his nation. The Toqui was led back by -his child, whom he pardoned. When he joined his tribe, Cadegual called -together his relations, related to them what he had suffered, showed -them his bleeding and mutilated arms, and, after having made his sons -and all his relations swear to avenge him, he allowed himself to die of -hunger, that he might not survive his shame." - -"Oh, that is frightful!" Dona Maria cried, affected, in spite of herself. - -"That is nothing yet!" the chief resumed, with a bitter smile; "let -my sister listen to the sequel. From that time, an implacable destiny -has always hung over the two families, and continually brought the -descendants of the Toqui Cadegual in contact with those of Captain -Don Estevan de Leon. During three centuries, this ardent, inveterate -struggle has lasted between the two families, and will never terminate -but by the extinction of one, or perhaps both of them. Up to the present -time, the advantage has almost always been on the side of the Leons; -the sons of the Toqui have very often been conquered, but they have -always remained firm and implacable, ready to re-commence the combat at -the first signal. At the present day, the family of Don Estevan has but -one representative, Don Tadeo--a representative formidable through his -courage, his fortune, and the immense influence, he exercises over his -compatriots. He, personally, has never injured the Aucas; he seems even -to be ignorant of the inveterate hatred which exists between his family -and that of the Toqui; but the descendants of Cadegual do not forget -it: they are strong, numerous, and powerful in their turn; the hour -of vengeance has struck, they will not let it escape! My sister," he -continued, in a voice almost rising to a shout; "my sister, my ancestor -was the Toqui Cadegual, and I thank you for having warned me that not -only my enemy is not dead, but that he is within my reach!" - -"Your mother asked you properly, Penni, why should you revive old -hatreds? Peace now reigns between the Chilians and the Aucas: let -my brother beware; the whites are numerous; they have many warlike, -disciplined soldiers." - -"Oh," he replied, with a sinister look; "I am sure of succeeding, for I -have my nymph." - -Indians of high rank all entertain a firm belief that they have a -familiar genius, who is bound to obey them. - -Dona Maria feigned to yield to this reason; she had succeeded in putting -the hunter upon the scent of the game she wished to destroy, and it was -of very little importance to her what motive made him obey her. She knew -perfectly well that the hatred alleged by the chief was nothing but a -pretext, and that the real cause remained hidden in the depths of his -heart. Although she had a clear idea of what it was, she affected not to -have the least suspicion of it. - -She continued talking with Antinahuel for some time longer about -indifferent subjects, and then retired to a chamber which had been -prepared for her. It was late, and she wished to set out for Valdivia at -daybreak. She was sufficiently well acquainted with the companion of her -childhood to know that, now the tiger was roused, it would not be long -before he started in quest of the prey which she had marked down for him. - -As for the Toqui, the whole night passed away without his thinking of -taking a moment's repose; he remained plunged in profound and agitating -reflections. - - -[1] The Chilians borrowed the mate from the Araucanos, who think it a -great delicacy, and have a particular talent for making it. This is the -manner in which they prepare it:--They put into a coffee cup a spoonful -of the Paraguay herb, to which they add a lump of sugar, which they -leave upon the fire till it is a little burnt; they squeeze a few drops -of lemon juice into it, with some cinnamon and a clove; they then fill -the cup up with boiling water. The mate being now ready, they introduce -a silver tube of the thickness of a quill, pierced with small holes at -its lower end, by means of which the mate is drawn up,--at the risk, -be it remembered, of horribly scalding the mouth, as always happens to -strangers when they first partake of the luxury, to the great amusement -of the Chilians. Drinking mate is so common in Chili, as to be what -coffee is in the East; it is taken after every repast, and presented to -every visitor. In ceremonial parties, a single tube serves for all the -persons assembled. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -THE SORCERER. - - -On the same day, a tolderia, situated at some miles from Orano, on the -banks of the Carampangue, was a scene of the greatest commotion. The -women and warriors assembled in front of a toldo, on the threshold of -which was exposed a corpse, lying as it were in state, upon a bed of -branches, were uttering cries and groans, which were mingled with the -deafening sound of drums and flutes in most dismal discord, and the -continuous howling of dogs, whom all this din rendered furious. In the -middle of the crowd, by the side of the body, stood a man advanced -in years, tall in stature, and clothed in the costume of a woman, -who appeared to direct the ceremony, making extraordinary gestures -and contortions, accompanied by scarcely human yells. This man, of a -ferocious aspect, was the machi, or sorcerer of the tribe; the motions -he affected, the cries he uttered, were intended to protect the body -against the attacks of the evil genius, supposed to be eager to get -possession of it. At a sign from him the music and groans ceased; the -evil genius, conquered by the power of the machi, had given up the -contest, after a sharp struggle, and abandoned the body which it was -beyond his power to obtain. The sorcerer then turned towards a man of -lofty stature and commanding countenance, who stood near him leaning -upon a long lance. - -"Ulmen of the powerful tribe of the Great Hare," he said, in a -sepulchral tone, "thy father, the valiant Ulmen, who has been ravished -from us by Pillian, is no longer in dread of the influence of the -evil genius, whom I have forced to depart; he now hunts in the happy -prairies of the Eskennane with the just warriors: all the rites are -accomplished--the hour for surrendering his body to the earth has -arrived!" - -"Stop!" the chief replied, warmly; "my father is dead, but who has -killed him? A warrior does not succumb thus, in a few hours, unless some -secret influence has weighed upon him, and dried up the springs of life -in his heart. Answer me, O machi, inspired by Pillian! Tell me the name -of the assassin! My heart is sad, and can only be comforted by avenging -my father." - -At these words, pronounced in a firm voice, a shudder crept through the -ranks of the people assembled in a group round the body. The machi, -after having looked searchingly round, cast down his eyes, crossed his -arms upon his breast, and appeared to reflect. - -The Araucanos only think one sort of death possible--that on the field -of battle; they do not suppose any one can lose his life by either -accident or disease; in these two cases they always attribute death to -the action of an occult power, and are persuaded that some enemy of -the defunct has cast the charm upon him that has killed him. In this -persuasion, at the period of the funeral ceremonies, the relations and -friends of the dead person call upon the machi to denounce the assassin -to them. The machi is obliged to point him out; it would be in vain -for him to endeavour to make them comprehend that the death of their -relation is natural, for their fury would be immediately turned against -him, and he would become their victim. - -In this hard alternative, the machi takes good care not to hesitate; the -murderer is the more easily pointed out through his non-existence, and -from the sorcerer being in no danger of being suspected of deception. -Generally, in order to make his own interests agree with those of the -relations who claim a victim, he gives up one of his own personal -enemies to their vengeance; when--but that is rare--the machi has no -enemies, he fixes upon someone at hazard. The pretended murderer, in -spite of his protestations of innocence, is immolated without mercy. - -It may be easily understood how perilous such a custom is, and what -an influence it gives the sorcerer in the tribe; an influence we are -obliged to admit which he abuses under all circumstances, without the -least scruple. - -Fresh personages, among whom were Valentine and his friend, had arrived -at the village, and, attracted by curiosity, mingled with the crowd -collected round the body. The two Frenchmen could not comprehend -anything of this scene till their guide had briefly explained it to -them; then they followed the different phases of it with great interest. - -"Speak!" said the Ulmen, after a short pause. "Does not my father know -the name of the man of whom we must demand an account of this murder?" - -"I know him," the sorcerer replied, in a solemn tone. - -"Why, then, does the inspired machi preserve silence, when the dead body -cries for vengeance?" - -"Because," the machi said, looking this time the newly-arrived chief -full in the face, "there are powerful men who laugh at human justice." - -The eyes of the crowd turned to the man whom the sorcerer appeared -indirectly to point out. - -"The guilty man," the Ulmen cried, in a loud voice, "whatever be his -rank in the tribe, shall not escape my just vengeance; speak without -fear, priest of fate! I swear that the man whose name passes your lips -shall die!" - -The machi drew himself up majestically; he raised his arm slowly, and, -amidst the general anxious curiosity, he, with his finger, pointed to -the chief who had offered such cordial hospitality to the strangers, -saying, in a loud, ringing voice-- - -"Accomplish your oath, then, Ulmen--that is the assassin of your father, -Trangoil-Lanec cast the charm upon him which has killed him!" - -And the machi veiled his face with the corner of his poncho, as if -overwhelmed with grief at making the revelation. - -The sorcerer's terrible words were succeeded by the silence of -astonishment. Trangoil-Lanec was the last man in the tribe who would -have been suspected. He was beloved and venerated by all for his -courage, frankness, and generosity. The first sensation of surprise -over, a general movement took place in the crowd; all drew back from -the supposed murderer, leaving him face to face with the chief of whose -death he was accused. Trangoil-Lanec remained impassive, a smile of -disdain passed over his lips, he dismounted from his horse, and waited. - -The Ulmen walked slowly towards him, and when within a few paces, asked, -in a sorrowful voice-- - -"Why didst thou kill my father, Trangoil-Lanec? He loved thee, and I, -was not I thy Penni?" - -"I have not killed thy father, Curumilla," the chief replied, with a -tone of frankness that would have convinced a man less prejudiced than -the one he addressed. - -"The machi has said so." - -"The machi lies." - -"No, the machi cannot lie--he is inspired by Pillian; thou, thy wife, -and thy children must die; the law decrees that it shall be so." - -Without deigning to reply, the chief threw down his arms, and went -and placed himself beside the stake of blood, planted in front of the -medicine toldo, which contains the sacred idol. A circle was formed, of -which the stake formed the centre; the wife and children of the chief -were brought up, and were prepared immediately for the sacrifice; for -the funeral ceremony of the chief could not be completed before the -execution of his murderer. The machi was triumphant. One man alone in -the tribe had ventured to hold up his hand against his robberies and -rogueries, and that man was about to die and leave him absolute master. -Upon a sign from Curumilla, two Indians seized the chief, and, in spite -of the tears and sobs of his wives and children, they prepared to fasten -him to the stake. - -The two Frenchmen had anxiously watched the spectacle of this infamous -drama; Louis was disgusted with the rascality of the machi and the -credulity of the Indians. - -"Oh!" he said, to his friend, "we cannot allow this murder to be -accomplished." - -"Hum!" muttered Valentine, stroking the ends of his light moustache, and -casting a glance around him, "hum! there is a great number of them." - -"What matters it how many?" Louis replied, impetuously; "I will not -be the witness of such iniquity, if I die for it. I will attempt to -save the life of that unfortunate man, who so frankly offered us his -friendship." - -"The fact is," Valentine said, pensively, "this Trangoil-Lanec, as they -call him, is a very worthy fellow, for whom I feel a warm sympathy; but -what can we do?" - -"Pardieu!" Louis said, seizing his pistols, "throw ourselves between him -and his enemies; we can each of us kill five or six." - -"Yes, and the others will kill us, without our having succeeded in -saving the man for whom we devote ourselves. A bad means that! Let us -try to find some other." - -"We must be quick, then; the torture is about to commence." - -Valentine struck his forehead, and cried, with a jeering laugh-- - -"Bah! I have it! Trick must serve our turn--leave it to me; my old trade -of a mountebank will do! Help me, if I want it; but, for heaven's sake, -swear to remain calm!" - -"I swear I will, if you save him." - -"Be satisfied--against rogue I'll play rogue and a half; these savages -shall see I can be more cunning than they." - -Valentine urged his horse into the middle of the circle, and shouted-- - -"Stop a minute!" - -At the unexpected appearance of this man, whom nobody had yet observed, -all turned round and looked at him with astonishment. Louis, with his -hands on his pistols, watched his movements with anxiety, ready to fly -to his succour, if he needed it. - -"We will not joke," continued Valentine, "we have not time for that. -You are a set of fools, and your machi is laughing at you. What! would -you kill a man without a moment's reflection, because a rogue bids you -do so? Caramba! I have taken it into my head to prevent your committing -such a folly--I will do it, too!" - -And placing his hand upon his hip, he looked round with an intrepid -glance. The Indians, according to their strange custom, listened to -this speech without evincing surprise, even by a gesture. Curumilla -approached him. - -"My pale brother must retire," he said, calmly; "he is unacquainted with -the laws of the Puelches; this man is condemned, he must die; the machi -has pointed him out as a murderer." - -"I repeat to you, you are fools!" said Valentine shrugging his -shoulders; "your machi is no more a conjurer than I am; I again tell -you, he is cheating you, and I will prove it, if you will let me." - -"What says my father?" said Curumilla to the machi, who stood cold and -motionless by the side of the body. - -The machi smiled disdainfully. - -"When did the white man ever speak truth?" he replied, with a sneer. -"Let this one prove what he asserts, if he is able." - -"Good!" the Ulmen said; "the Murucho may speak." - -"Pardieu!" cried Valentine. "Notwithstanding the bold-faced assurance of -this individual, I shall find it no difficult matter to prove that he is -an impostor." - -"We are attentive," said Curumilla. - -The Indians drew round with intense curiosity. Louis could not at all -make out what his friend proposed to do. He could only suppose that some -extravagant idea had crossed his brain, and was as impatient as the rest -to see how he would come through his dangerous undertaking with honour. - -"One moment!" said the machi, with perfect assurance. "What will my -brothers do if I prove my accusation true?" - -"The stranger must die," said Curumilla, coolly. - -"I accept the terms," Valentine replied, resolutely. Placed thus in the -necessity of explaining himself, the Frenchman drew himself up to his -full height, and, knitting his brows, exclaimed pompously-- - -"I, too, am a great medicine man!" - -The Indians bowed reverentially. The science of Europeans is perfectly -established among them; they respect without disputing it. - -"It was not Trangoil-Lanec," continued the Frenchman, with the greatest -audacity, "who killed the chief; it was the machi himself." - -A start of astonishment pervaded the assembly. - -"I!" cried the machi, in a voice of amazement. - -"You, yourself, and you know it well," replied Valentine, giving him a -look that made him tremble. - -"Stranger," said Trangoil-Lanec, with the majesty of a martyr, "it is -no use to interpose in my favour; my brothers believe me guilty, and -innocent though I am, I must die." - -"Your devotion to your laws is noble, but in this case it is absurd," -Valentine replied. - -"This man is guilty," the machi persisted. - -"Let us put an end to this, then," replied Trangoil-Lanec; "kill me!" - -"What say my brothers?" Curumilla asked of the crowd, who pressed -anxiously around him. - -"That the Murucho medicine-man be allowed to prove the truth of his -words," replied the warriors with one voice. - -They loved Trangoil-Lanec, and in their hearts desired that he should -not die. On the other hand, they entertained for the machi a hatred -which the profound terror he inspired them with scarcely sufficed to -make them conceal. - -"Very well," said Valentine, "this is what I propose." - -All were silent as the grave. The Frenchman drew his sword, and waved -the bright blade before the eyes of the spectators. - -"You see this weapon," said he, in a pompous tone; "I will put it into -my mouth, and swallow it up to the hilt. If Trangoil-Lanec is guilty, I -shall die; if he is innocent, as I affirm, Pillian will help me, and I -shall draw forth the sword from my body without suffering a wound." - -"My brother speaks like a courageous warrior," said Curumilla; "we are -ready to behold." - -"I will not suffer it!" Trangoil-Lanec shouted. "Does my brother want to -kill himself?" - -"Pillian is judge!" Valentine replied, with a smile of strange -expression, and with an air of conviction admirably well played. - -The two Frenchmen exchanged a glance. The Indians are perfect children -in their love of spectacle, and the extraordinary proposal of the -Parisian seemed to them to admit of no reply. - -"The trial! the trial!" they shouted. - -"Very well," said Valentine; "let my brothers behold, then." - -He first placed himself in the proper position adopted by jugglers when -they exhibit this feat in public places; then introducing the blade of -the sword into his mouth, in a few seconds the whole of it disappeared. -During the performance of this trick, which in their eyes was a -miracle, the Puelches watched the bold Frenchman in breathless terror. -They could not comprehend how a man could perform such an operation -without deliberately killing himself. Valentine turned on all sides, -so that everyone might be convinced of the reality of the fact; then -he deliberately withdrew the blade from his mouth, as bright as when -it came from the sheath. A cry of enthusiasm burst from the crowd: the -miracle was evident. - -"One minute more," he said; "I have still something to demand of you." - -Silence was in an instant re-established. - -"I have proved to you, in an incontrovertible manner, that the chief is -not guilty--have I not?" - -"Yes! yes!" they shouted simultaneously; "the paleface is a great -medicine man! he is beloved by Pillian!" - -"Very well. Now, then," he added, with a sardonic smile directed towards -the machi, "your machi should prove in his turn that I have calumniated -him, and that it was not he who killed the Apo-Ulmen of your tribe. The -dead chief was a great warrior; it ought to be avenged." - -"Yes," the warriors cried, "he ought to be avenged." - -"My brother speaks well," observed Curumilla; "let the machi be put to -the proof." - -The unfortunate machi perceived at once that he was lost. He became -livid, and a cold perspiration bathed his temples, whilst a convulsive -tremor shook his limbs. - -"This man is an impostor," he muttered, in a voice scarcely audible; "he -abuses your good faith." - -"Perhaps I am," said Valentine; "but, in the meantime, imitate me." - -"Here," said Curumilla, holding out the sword to the machi, "if you are -innocent, Pillian will protect you, as he has protected my brother." - -"Caramba! that is certain; Pillian always protects the innocent, and you -are about to be a proof of it," said the Parisian, in whom the revived -spirit of the _gamin_ was now triumphant. - -The machi cast around a look of despair; all eyes were expressive of -impatience and curiosity; the unhappy wretch perceived but too plainly -that he could look for help to nobody, and he formed his resolution -instantly--he determined to die as he had lived, deceiving the crowd to -the last minute. - -"I fear nothing," he said, in a firm voice; "this steel will be harmless -to me. You desire that I should go through the trial--I will obey. But, -beware! Pillian is angry with your conduct towards me; the humiliation -you impose upon me will be avenged by the terrible scourges which he -will inflict upon you." - -At these words of their prophet the Puelches were moved. They hesitated. -For many long years they had been accustomed to place entire faith in -his predictions, and they experienced a kind of fear in thus daring to -accuse him of imposture. Valentine saw at a glance what was passing in -their hearts. - -"Capitally well played," he said, replying by a knowing wink to the -triumphant smile of the machi; "now it is my turn. Let my brothers take -heart!" he added, in a loud, firm voice. "No misfortune threatens them; -this man speaks thus because he is afraid to die; he knows he is guilty, -and that Pillian will not protect him." - -The machi darted a glance at him gleaming with hatred, seized the -sword, and, imitating as well as he knew how what he had seen, with -desperate quickness plunged the blade down his throat. A stream of black -blood sprang from his mouth, his eyes glared hideously, his arms shook -convulsively, he staggered two steps forward, and fell flat upon his -face. The people crowded round him--he was dead. - -"Let this lying dog be thrown to the vultures," said Curumilla, kicking -the lifeless body with contempt. - -"We are brothers for life and death," cried Trangoil-Lanec, embracing -Valentine. - -"Well," the young man said with a smile, to his friend, "I think I -have not got very badly through that affair--eh? You see, it is well, -sometimes, to have practised many trades; even that of a mountebank may -serve at need." - -"Do not calumniate your heart and courage," Louis replied, warmly -pressing his hand; "you have; saved the life of a man." - -"Aye; but I have killed another." - -"Oh, he was a guilty wretch!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -THE OBSEQUIES OF AN APO-ULMEN. - - -The emotion caused by the death of the machi gradually died away, and -order was re-established. Curumilla and Trangoil-Lanec, abjuring any -feeling of enmity, exchanged a fraternal embrace, amidst the frantic -applause of the warriors, who loved both the chiefs. - -"Now my father is avenged, we can restore his body to the earth," -Curumilla observed. Then, advancing towards the strangers, he bowed to -them, saying-- - -"Will the palefaces assist at the obsequies?" - -"We will," Louis replied. - -"My toldo is large," the chief continued; "my brothers will do me honour -by consenting to inhabit it during their sojourn with the tribe." - -Louis was about to reply, but Trangoil-Lanec hastily prevented him. - -"My brothers the palefaces," he said, "have deigned to accept my poor -hospitality." - -The young men bowed in silence. - -"Good!" the Ulmen continued. "Of what consequence is that? Whichever be -the toldo the Muruches may choose, I shall consider them as my guests." - -"Many thanks, chief," Valentine replied; "be assured that we are -grateful for your kindness." - -The Ulmen then took leave of the Frenchmen, and resumed his place by the -side of his father's corpse, and the ceremonies commenced. The Araucanos -are not, as some travellers have led us to believe, a people destitute -of any faith; on the contrary, their faith is warm, and their religion -rests upon bases which are not deficient in grandeur. They have no -dogma, and yet they recognize two principles--that of good and that of -evil. - -The first, named Pillian, is the Creating God; the second, named -Guecubu, is the Destroying God. Guecubu is in a state of continual -struggle with Pillian, endeavouring to disturb the harmony of the world, -and destroy what exists; by which we see that the doctrine of Manicheism -was embraced by the barbarians of both the old and the new world, who, -being unable to penetrate the causes of good and evil, have imagined two -contrary principles. In addition to these two principal deities, the -Araucanos recognize a considerable number of secondary genii, who assist -Pillian in his contest with Guecubu. These genii are males and females; -the latter are all virgins, for--and it is a refined idea which we could -not expect in a barbarous people--procreation is not necessary in the -supernatural world. The male gods are named Geru, or lords; the females, -Amey-Malghen, or spiritual nymphs. - -The Araucanos believe in the immortality of the soul, and, consequently, -in a future life, in which the warriors who have distinguished -themselves on earth hunt in game-abounding prairies, surrounded by -everything they have loved. Like all American aborigines, the Araucanos -are extremely superstitious. Their worship consists in assembling in -the medicine toldo, where there is a shapeless idol, said to represent -Pillian. They weep; they utter loud cries, with numberless contortions; -and sacrifice to him a sheep, a cow, a horse, or a _chilihuegue_. - -At a signal from Curumilla, the warriors drew back to give place to the -women, who surrounded the body, and began to walk in a circle, singing -in a low and plaintive tone the noble feats of the deceased. At the -expiration of about an hour, the cortege moved off after the corpse, -which was borne by the four most renowned warriors of the tribe, and -directed its course towards a hill where the place of sepulture was -prepared. Behind followed the women, casting handfuls of hot ashes over -the traces left by the passage of the funeral train; so that if the soul -of the defunct should have any inclination to return to its body, it -would not be able to find the way to his toldo, or come and trouble his -heirs. - -When the body was laid in the grave, Curumilla cut the throats of his -father's dogs and horses, which were placed near him, to enable him -to hunt in the happy prairies. Within reach of his hand was placed a -certain quantity of provisions for the nourishment of himself and the -_tempulazzy_, or boatman, appointed to convey him to the other country, -and into the presence of Pillian, where he is to be judged according -to his good or evil actions. Earth was then thrown in upon the body. -But, as the defunct had been a renowned warrior, a heap of stones was -collected, of which a pyramid was formed; then everyone walked slowly -once more round the tomb, pouring upon it a great quantity of chica. The -relations and friends returned dancing and singing to the village, where -awaited them one of those Homeric repasts of Araucanian funerals called -cahuins, which last till all the partakers lie upon the ground utterly -intoxicated. - -Beyond a little natural curiosity, our travellers did not take much -interest in the ceremony or feast; they were fatigued, and preferred a -short repose. Trangoil-Lanec guessed their thoughts; and, as soon as the -procession returned, he left his companions, and offered to conduct the -young men to his dwelling. They availed themselves of his kindness with -alacrity. Like all Araucanian huts, this was a vast wooden building, -covered with whitewashed mud, in the form of a rectangle, the roof being -a terrace. This simple, airy residence displayed, in its interior, a -perfect Dutch cleanliness. - -Trangoil-Lanec, as we have said, was one of the richest and most -respected chiefs of his tribe, and had eight wives. Polygamy is allowed -among the Moluches. When an Indian is desirous of marrying a woman, he -declares his purpose to her parent, and fixes the number of animals he -is willing to give. His conditions being accepted, he comes with a few -friends, carries off the young woman, throws her on the saddle behind -him, and gallops off to the woods, in the depths of which the couple -remain three days. On the fourth they return; he slaughters a young -mare in front of the hut of the father of his bride, and the marriage -festivities begin. The abduction of the bride, and the sacrifice of -the mare, take the place of a civil contract. After this fashion an -Araucano is at liberty to marry as many wives as he can support. And -yet, the first wife, who bears the title of unem domo, or legitimate -wife, is most honoured; she has the direction of the household, and -is the superior of the others, who are called inam domo, or secondary -wives. All inhabit the same toldo, but in different apartments, where -they employ themselves in bringing up their children, in weaving -ponchos with the wool of guanacos and chilihuegues, and in preparing -the dish which an Indian woman is bound to place every day on the table -of her husband. Marriage is held sacred, and adultery is considered -the greatest of crimes; the man and woman who should commit it would -inevitably be assassinated by the husband and his relations, unless they -redeemed their lives by means of a compensation imposed by the injured -husband. When an Araucano leaves his home, he confides his wives to -his relations, and, on his return, if he can prove that they have been -unfaithful to him, he has the right of demanding of the guardians all he -thinks proper to ask; so that the relations are interested in watching -them. This strictness of morals only regards married women; others -enjoy the greatest liberty, and take advantage of it without any person -presuming to find fault with them. - -The two Frenchmen, thrown so suddenly into the midst of these strange -manners and customs, were some time before they could comprehend Indian -life. Valentine, in particular, was completely at a loss; he was in -a state of perpetual astonishment, which, however, he took good care -should not appear in his words or in his actions; for the adventure of -the machi had raised him so high in the estimation of the inhabitants -of the toldero, that he dreaded, with reason, lest the smallest -indiscretion should cast him down from the pedestal upon which he -maintained his erect position. - -One evening, when Louis was preparing, as he frequently did, to visit -the various toldos, in order to inquire after the sick, and administer -to them all the relief his limited knowledge of medicine permitted, -Curumilla came to the two strangers to invite them to be present at the -cahuin given by the new machi, who had been elected that day, in place -of the dead one. Valentine promised that they would come. From what -we have said before, it may easily be comprehended what an enormous -influence a sorcerer possesses over the members of the tribe; the choice -is therefore difficult to make, and is seldom a good one. The sorcerer -is generally a woman: when it is a man, he assumes the female costume, -which he wears for the rest of his life. In almost all cases the science -is inherited. - -After smoking a considerable number of pipes, and making endless -speeches, the Araucanos had chosen, as a successor to the machi, an old -man, of a mild, kindly character, who, during the course of his long -existence, had only made friends. The repast was, as may be supposed, -copious, abundantly furnished with ulpo, the national dish of the -Araucans, and moistened with an incalculable number of couis of chica. -Among the other delicacies which figured at the feast was a large basket -filled with hard eggs, which the Ulmens swallowed in emulation of each -other. - -"Why don't you eat some eggs?" said Curumilla to Valentine. "Do you not -like them?" - -"On the contrary, chief, I am very fond of eggs, but not cooked in that -fashion; I have no inclination to choke myself, thank you." - -"Oh! yes," the Ulmen said; "I understand; you prefer them raw." - -Valentine burst into a Homeric fit of laughter. - -"Not better than these," he said, when he had recovered his gravity; -"I like eggs boiled in the shell; I like omelettes, or pancakes, but -neither hard nor raw, if you please." - -"What do you mean by that? Cooked eggs must be hard." - -The young man looked at him with astonishment, and then said to him in a -tone of profound compassion-- - -"Now, really, chief, do you mean to say you are only acquainted with -hard eggs?" - -"Our fathers have always eaten them thus," the Ulmen replied, quietly. - -"Poor people! how I pity them! They have been ignorant of one of the -greatest enjoyments of life. Well, my friend," he exclaimed, raising his -voice with jocular enthusiasm, "I am determined you shall adore me as -a benefactor to humanity! In short, I will endow you with soft-boiled -eggs, and with omelettes; at least, the remembrance of me shall not die -from among you. When I am gone, and you eat one of those two dishes, you -will think of me." - -In spite of his sadness, Louis could not help laughing at the burlesque -humour and inexhaustible cheerfulness of his foster brother, in whom, -at every minute, the gamin prevailed over the serious man. The chiefs -welcomed with joy the offer of the spahi, and asked, with loud cries, on -what day he would carry his promise into execution. - -"Oh, I will not make you wait long," he said; "tomorrow, on the square -of the tolderia, and before all the assembled tribe of the Great Hare, -I will show you how you must set about boiling an egg, and making an -omelette." - -At this promise, the satisfaction of the chiefs mounted to the highest -pitch, the couis of the chica circulated with increased vivacity, and -the Ulmens soon found themselves sufficiently intoxicated to begin to -sing as loud as they could shout, and all together,--a sort of music -that produced such an effect upon the two Frenchmen, that they made -their escape, stopping their ears. The feast was kept up long after -their departure. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -EXPLANATIONS. - - -We will now return to the chacra of Don Gregorio Peralta, to which -Dona Rosario had been conducted after her miraculous deliverance. -The first days that followed the departure of the two Frenchmen were -sufficiently devoid of incident: Dona Rosario, shut up in her bedroom, -remained almost continually alone. The poor girl, like all wounded -spirits, sought to forget reality, by taking refuge in dreams, in order -to collect and preserve piously in the depths of her heart the few -happy remembrances which had so rarely gilded with a ray of sunshine -the sadness of her existence. Don Tadeo, completely absorbed in his -imperative political combinations, could only see her now and then, and -but for a few minutes at a time. Before him, she endeavoured to appear -cheerful, but she suffered the more from being obliged to conceal in her -own bosom the sorrow which consumed her. She occasionally crept down -into the garden; she stopped under the arbour in which her meeting with -Louis had taken place, and remained hours together thinking of him she -loved, and whom she had driven from her for ever. - -This poor child, so beautiful, so mild, so pure, so worthy of being -loved, was condemned by an implacable destiny continually to lead a -life of suffering and isolation; without a relation, without a friend -to whom she might impart the secret of her grief. She was little more -than sixteen, and already her bruised heart shrank back upon itself; her -colour faded, her step became languid, her large blue eyes, swimming in -tears, were incessantly raised towards heaven, as the only refuge that -remained for her; she appeared to hold to the earth only by a slight -thread, which the least fresh shock of adversity would snap. - -The maiden's story was a strange one. She had never known her parents; -she had no remembrance of the kisses of her mother--those warm caresses -of childhood, which make even mature age tremble with joy. From her -earliest days, she could only remember being alone, always alone, in the -hands of the mercenary and indifferent. The innocent joys of childhood -remained unknown to her; she had known nothing of them but their -weariness and sadness, and had ever been deprived of those friendships -of early youth which, by insensibly preparing the mind for affectionate -expansion, give birth to smiles in the midst of tears, and console with -a kiss. - -Don Tadeo was the only person who was attached to her; he had never -abandoned her, but watched with the greatest care over her material -well-being, smiled upon her, and ever gave her good and pleasant -counsels: but Don Tadeo was much too serious a man to comprehend the -thousand little cares which the education of a young girl requires. She -could only entertain for him that profound, yet respectful friendship -which forbids those ingenuous confidences which can only be made to a -mother, or to a companion of the same age. The visits of Don Tadeo were -surrounded by an incomprehensible mystery; sometimes, without apparent -cause, he made her suddenly quit people to whom he had confided her, -and took her away with him, after ordering her to change her name, -upon long tours. It was thus she had been to France: then, he quite as -unexpectedly brought her back to Chili, sometimes to one city, sometimes -to another, without ever condescending to explain to her the reasons for -her leading such a wandering life. - -Constrained by her isolation to depend only upon herself, forced to -reflect as soon as the first rays of reason enlightened her brain, the -maiden, though so delicate and fragile in appearance, was endowed with -an energy and firmness of character of which she was ignorant, but -which supported her unconsciously; and if the hour of danger arrived, -would be of infinite use to her. She had often, urged by the instinct -of curiosity so natural to her age in the exceptional position in which -she was placed, sought by adroit questions to seize the thread that -might guide her in this labyrinth; but all had proved useless--Don Tadeo -remained mute. One day only, after having for a long time contemplated -her with an expression of sadness, he had pressed her to his heart, and -said in a trembling voice,-- - -"Poor child! I will protect you against your enemies!" - -Who could those formidable enemies be? Why were they so inveterate -against a girl of sixteen, who knew nothing of the world, and had -never injured a human being? These questions, which Dona Rosario was -continually asking herself, always remained unanswered. She only caught -a glimpse in her life, of one of those terrible mysteries which bring -death to the imprudent who persist in endeavouring to discover them; -her days, therefore, were passed in continual fears, engendered by her -imagination. - -One evening, when, sad and thoughtful as usual, and buried in the depths -of an easy chair, in her bedchamber, she was turning over the leaves of -a book which she was not reading, Don Tadeo entered the room. He saluted -her, as he always did, by a kiss on her brow, took a seat, placed -himself in front of her, and after looking at her for a moment with a -melancholy smile, said quietly,-- - -"I wish to speak with you, Rosario." - -"I am all attention, dear friend," she replied, endeavouring to smile. - -But before we report this conversation, we must present our readers -with a few necessary explanations. Like all the other countries of -South America, Chili, for a long time depressed beneath the Spanish -yoke, had conquered its independence, more through the weakness of its -ancient master than by its own proper strength. The system followed by -the Spanish authorities from the beginning had checked in the people -of these countries the development of the philosophical ideas which -give man a consciousness of his own value, render him one day apt to -achieve liberty, and ripe to enjoy it within just limits. We have said, -in a preceding work, that the Americans of the South have none of the -virtues of their ancestors, but, to make up for it, they possess all -their vices. Destitute of that early education without which it is -impossible to do or even to conceive great things, the Chilian nation, -free by an unexpected chance, found itself immediately the sport of -a few intriguing men, who concealed beneath high-sounding words of -patriotism a boundless ambition. The newly-freed country struggled in -vain; the innate carelessness of its inhabitants, and the levity of -their character, formed an invincible object to any amelioration. - -At the epoch at which we have arrived, Chili was labouring under the -oppression of General Bustamente. This man, not contented with being -minister of a republic, dreamt of nothing less than causing himself -to be proclaimed the chief of it, under the title of protector. The -realization of this idea was not impossible. From its geographical -position, Chili is almost independent of those troublesome neighbours -who, in the states of the old world, keep watch over all the acts of -a nation, and are, ready to put in their _veto_ as soon as their own -interest appears to be threatened. On one side separated from Upper -Peru by the vast and almost impassable desert of Atacama, Bolivia alone -might hazard some timid observations; but the General cherished secret -hopes of including that republic itself in the new confederation; on -the other side, immense solitudes and the Cordilleras separated it from -Buenos Aires, which had neither the will nor the power to oppose his -projects. One people alone could make a war with him, which he should -dread, and they were the Araucanos; that little nation, driven like -an iron wedge into Chili, disturbed the General's plans seriously. He -resolved to treat with the Araucano Toqui, while determined, at the same -time, when his projects should have succeeded, to unite all his forces -to conquer that country which had so long resisted the Spanish power. In -a word, General Bustamente dreamt of creating at the southern extremity -of America, with Chili, Araucania, and Bolivia confederated, a rival -nationality to the United States. Unfortunately for the General, there -was not in him the stuff to make a great man; he was simply a _parvenu_, -an ignorant and cruel soldier. - -When America raised the standard of revolt against the mother country, -numerous secret societies were formed at all points of the territory, -the most redoubtable, beyond contradiction, being that of the -Dark-Hearts. The men who placed themselves at the head of this society -were all intelligent and well informed, mostly educated in Europe, who, -having seen in the field of action the great principles of the French -revolution, wished, by applying them in their own country, to regenerate -the nation. After the proclamation of Chilian independence, the secret -societies, having no longer an object, disappeared. One alone persisted -in remaining permanent--that of the Dark-Hearts. This society was not -willing that license should assume the mantle of liberty: it felt that -it had a great and holy mission to fulfil, and that its task, so far -from being terminated, was scarcely commenced. It was necessary to -instruct the people, to render them worthy of taking their place among -nations, and, above all, to deliver them from the tyrants who wished -to enslave them. This mission the society of the Dark-Hearts laboured -incessantly to carry out, struggling constantly against oppressive -powers, which succeeded each other, and destroying them without mercy. -Proteus-like and intangible, the members of this society escaped the -most active researches: if by chance some few of them fell in the arena, -they died with head erect, confident in the future, and leaving to their -brethren the care of continuing their task. - -The recovery of General Bustamente caused the Dark-Hearts a momentary -stupor; but Don Tadeo, who had caused the news of the miraculous manner -in which he had survived his execution to be spread universally, -revived their spirits by placing himself again at their head. Not that -either courage or hope had failed them. However great the skill of the -machinations employed by the General to insure the success of his plans, -the Loyal-Hearts, who had confederates everywhere, foresaw and defeated -them. They watched all his movements with the greatest care, for they -were quite aware that the moment was drawing near when their enemy would -throw off the mask. They had heard of the departure of the convalescent -General for Valdivia. For what reason, as his health was still so -uncertain, and repose so necessary, had he gone to that remote province? -That must be learnt at any price, and they must prepare against any -eventuality. - -In a meeting of the society, future measures were agreed upon; it was -moreover resolved that the King of Darkness should at the same time -repair to Valdivia, in order, if advisable, to take the initiative in -resistance. But Don Tadeo could not think of leaving Dona Rosario behind -him, exposed to the unprincipled attacks of the Linda. He alone could -defend the young girl; was he not her only support? As soon, then, as -the Dark-Hearts had dispersed, Don Tadeo returned to the chacra, and -went straight to Dona Rosario's chamber. - -"My dear child," he said, "I have sad news to inform you of." - -"Speak, my kind friend," she replied. - -"Urgent affairs require my presence as soon as possible in Valdivia." - -"Oh!" she cried, with an expression of terror, "you will not leave me -here, will you?" - -"At first I intended to do so, this retreat appearing to me to unite all -the guarantees for security; but cheer up, my child! I have changed my -mind; I have fancied you would prefer accompanying me?" - -"Oh, yes," she said, eagerly; "you are always kind. When do we set out?" - -"Tomorrow, dear child, at sunrise." - -"I shall be ready," she replied, holding up her pretty face towards him, -that he might impress his customary kiss upon her brow. - -Don Tadeo retired, and Rosario immediately set about the preparations -for her journey. Of what consequence was it to her whether she were in -one place or another, since she was doomed to suffer everywhere? And who -can say whether the poor girl, without daring to avow it to herself, did -not entertain the hope of again seeing him she loved? Love is a divine -sunbeam that illumines the darkest nights. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -THE CHINGANA. - - -Valdivia, founded in 1551 by the Spanish conqueror Don Pedro de -Valdivia, is a charming city, two leagues from the sea, upon the left -bank of a river, which large vessels can easily ascend into the fertile -valley of Guadallanguen. The aspect of the city, the advanced post of -civilization in these remote countries, is most agreeable; the streets -are large, uniformly built; the white houses, only one story high, -on account of the frequency of earthquakes, are terrace-roofed. Here -and there rise in the air the steeples of the numerous churches and -convents, which occupy more than a third of the city. It is astonishing -to what an extent convents are multiplied in South America. It might -be supposed that the New World was the land of promise for monks; they -appear to rise out of the earth at every step. Thanks to the extensive -commerce which Valdivia carries on by means of its port, which is -visited by the numerous whalers fishing in those seas, and ships which -come there to refit, after doubling Cape Horn, or before passing -it,--its streets have more animation than is generally to be met with in -American cities. - -Don Tadeo arrived in Valdivia, accompanied by Don Gregorio and Dona -Rosario, on the evening of the sixteenth day after his departure from -his friend's chacra. They had used all diligence, and for that country, -where there are no other means of travelling but on horseback, it might -be considered a quick journey. If the two gentlemen had thought proper -to do so, they might have entered the city about three o'clock in the -afternoon, but they deemed it advisable that no one in a place where -so many people knew them should be made aware of their arrival: in the -first place, because the causes which brought them there required the -greatest secrecy; and, further, because Don Tadeo was forced to conceal -himself, in order to avoid the police agents of the president of the -republic, who had orders to arrest him wherever they might meet with -him. Fortunately, in these countries the police never arrest anybody -when not absolutely compelled, unless those whom they pursue come and -deliver themselves up into their hands--an event, we may safely say, -that rarely happens. - -As during his sojourn at Valdivia, his manner of living must be -regulated by the affairs which brought him there, he could not openly -keep house or appear in public, Don Tadeo went straight to the convent -of the Ursulines, and committed the young lady he had brought with him -to the care of the abbess, who was not only his relation, but was a -worthy person, in whom he had perfect confidence. Dona Rosario accepted -without hesitation the asylum which was offered to her, and where she -fancied she should be safe from the attacks of her invisible enemies. -Don Tadeo took an affectionate leave of her and the venerable abbess, -and hastened to a house of the calle San-Xavier, where Don Gregorio, who -had left him on entering the city, to avoid observation, awaited his -coming. - -"Well?" asked Don Gregorio, as soon as he saw him. - -"She is in safety; at least I suppose so," Don Tadeo replied, with a -sigh. - -"So much the better, for we must redouble our precautions." - -"Why so?" - -"After leaving you I made inquiries; I observed, I questioned people as -I walked about and loitered at the port and the Almeda." - -"Well, what have you learnt?" - -"As we imagined, General Bustamente is here." - -"Already?" - -"He arrived three days ago." - -"What reason could be so important as to bring him here?" said Don -Tadeo, with an uneasy expression. "Oh, I will know!" - -"Another thing: who do you think accompanies him?" - -"The executioner, no doubt!" said Don Tadeo, with an ironical smile. - -"Almost as bad," Don Gregorio replied. - -"Whom do you mean, then?" - -"The Linda!" - -The chief of the Dark-Hearts turned deadly pale. - -"Oh," he said, "that woman! for ever that woman! you must be mistaken, -my friend; it is impossible!" - -"I have seen her." - -Don Tadeo walked about in great agitation for several minutes; then, -stopping short in front of his friend, said, in a husky voice-- - -"Dear Don Gregorio, are you certain you have not been misled by a -resemblance? Are you quite sure it was she?" - -"You had just left me, and I was coming hither, when the sound of horses -made me turn my head, and I saw, I repeat I saw, the Linda; she also -appeared to have just arrived at Valdivia; two lancers escorted her, and -an arriero led the baggage mules. - -"Oh!" said Don Tadeo, "will the infernal malice of that demon ever -pursue me?" - -"My friend," Don Gregorio remarked, "in the path we have undertaken to -tread, every obstacle must, unhesitatingly, be destroyed." - -"What, kill a woman?" the gentleman said, with horror. - -"I do not say that, but place her in such a position that she cannot -possibly injure anyone. Remember, we are Dark-Hearts, and, as such, we -ought to be without pity." - -"Silence!" Don Tadeo murmured, as two low, quick taps were struck on the -door. - -"Come in!" cried Don Gregorio. - -The door opened, and Don Pedro showed his polecat face. He did not -recognize the two men whom, in the various meetings he had had with -them, he had always seen masked. - -"God preserve you, gentlemen!" he said, with a profound bow. - -"What is your pleasure, sir?" Don Gregorio asked, in a coldly-polite -tone, while returning his salutation. - -"Sir," said Don Pedro, looking about for a seat which was not offered -him, "I have just arrived from Santiago." - -Don Gregorio bowed again. - -"On my departure from that city, a banker in whose hands I had placed -funds, gave me several bills; among others this, addressed to Don -Gregorio Peratla, payable at sight." - -"That is my name, sir; be so kind as to hand it to me." - -"As you see, sir, the bill is for twenty-three ounces." - -"Very well, sir," replied Don Gregorio, as he took it, "allow me to -examine it." - -Don Pedro bowed in his turn, whilst Don Gregorio, approaching a -flambeau, looked attentively at the bill of exchange, put it into his -pocket, and took some money from his purse. - -"Here are the twenty-three ounces, sir," he said, giving them. - -The spy took them, counted the gold pieces, examining them attentively, -and then put them into his pocket. - -"It is very singular, sir," he said, just as the two gentlemen thought -they were about to be relieved of his presence. - -"What is it, sir?" asked Don Gregorio; "do you not find the amount -right?" - -"Oh, pardon me, perfectly right; but," he added, with a slight -hesitation, "I thought you had been a merchant?" - -"And what leads you to think otherwise?" - -"Because I see no desks." - -"They are in another part of the house," Don Gregorio replied; "I am a -private trader." - -"Oh, very well, sir." - -"And, if I had not thought you had pressing need of the money--" - -"Very pressing!" the other interrupted. - -"I should have begged you to call again tomorrow, for, at this late -hour, my cashbox is closed." - -And thereupon he waved his hand, rather haughtily, as dismissing him. -Don Pedro retired, visibly disappointed. - -"That is a double-faced fellow, I am sure," said Don Gregorio; "I should -not wonder if he were a spy of the General." - -"Oh, I know him!" Don Tadeo replied; "I have about me proofs of his -treachery. He has been a necessary instrument; at present he may injure -us. He must be crushed." - -Don Gregorio drew from his pocket the bill which had been presented to -him, and holding it to Don Tadeo-- - -"Look at this," he said. - -This bill, payable at sight, appeared perfectly like others. It was -drawn in the usual form: _At sight, please pay_, &c. &c.; but, in two -or three places, the pen, too hard, no doubt, had spluttered and formed -a certain number of little black spots, of which some were almost -imperceptible. It appeared that these black spots had a meaning for the -two men; for as soon as Don Tadeo had cast his eyes over the bill, he -seized his cloak, and folded himself in it. - -"It is Heaven that protects us!" he said; "we must go thither without -delay." - -"That is my opinion, likewise," Don Gregorio replied, holding the bill -to the light, and burning it till there was not a particle of it left. -The two men took each a long dagger and a brace of pistols, which they -concealed under their clothes--the conspirators were too well acquainted -with their country to neglect these precautions--they pulled the flaps -of their hats over their faces, and wrapping themselves up to the very -eyes, like two lovers or seekers of adventures, they descended into the -street. - -It was one of those splendid nights unknown in our foggy climates; the -sky, of a dark blue, was thickly studded with an infinite number of -stars, among which conspicuously shone the brilliant Southern Cross; -the air was embalmed with a thousand odours, and a light sea breeze -refreshed the atmosphere, which had been heated by the torrid sunbeams -during the past day. The two men passed silently and rapidly through -the joyous groups which traversed the streets in all directions. It is -in the evening that the Americans leave their homes to take the air and -enjoy the freshness. - -The conspirators appeared to hear neither the enticing sounds of the -vihuela which vibrated in their ears, nor the refrains of sambacuejas -which flew in gusts from the chinganas, nor the bursts of fresh, silvery -laughter of the black-eyed, rosy-lipped girls, who elbowed them on -their way. They walked thus for a long time, turning round at intervals -to ascertain if they were followed, plunging by degrees into the -lowest quarters of the city, and at length stopped at a house of mean -appearance, from which issued the loud but not very melodious strains of -music eminently national. - -This house was a chingana, a name which has no equivalent in French -or English. A Chilian chingana presents so eccentrically droll an -appearance, that it would defy the pencil of Callot, and is beyond all -description. Let the reader figure to himself a low room, with smoky -walls, the floor of which is but beaten earth, and rendered filthy by -the detritus left by the feet of incessantly arriving and departing -visitors. In the centre of this den, lighted only by a smoky lamp called -a _candil_, by which it is impossible to distinguish more than the -shadows of the customers, are seated four men upon stools. Two of them -are twanging wretched guitars, which have lost most of their strings, -with the backs of their hands; the third plays the tambourine with his -thumbs upon a crippled table, striking it with all his might; whilst -the fourth rolls between his hands a piece of bamboo six feet long, -split into several strips, which yield the most discordant sound that -can possibly be imagined. The four musicians, not content with the -formidable clatter made by their instruments, shout, at the very top of -their voices, songs which we can neither venture to repeat nor translate. - -All this infernal noise is made to excite the dancers, who flutter -about, assuming the most lascivious postures they can invent, amidst the -hearty applause of the spectators, who writhe with delight, stamp their -feet with pleasure, and sometimes, carried away by the harmony, thunder -out all together, the burthen of the song, with the musicians and -dancers. Amidst this disturbance, these cries and stampings, wind in and -out the master of the establishment and his waiters, armed with couis of -chicha, bottles of aguardiente, and even guarapo, to slake the thirst -of the customers, who, to do them justice, the more they drink the more -thirsty they become, and the more they wish to drink. - -Twice or thrice in the course of an evening, it may happen that some -of the guests, more heated than the rest, or seized by the demon of -jealousy, take it into their heads to quarrel. Then knives are drawn -from the polena, ponchos are rolled round the left arm to serve as -bucklers, the music ceases, and a circle is formed round the combatants. -The sanguinary contest begins, and when one of the combatants has -fallen, he is carried into the street, the music is resumed, the dance -recommences, and no more is thought of the poor wounded or dying man. - -It was in front of one of these establishments that the chief of the -Dark-Hearts and his friend had stopped; they did not hesitate. Pulling -up the folds of their cloaks so as to completely conceal their faces, -they entered the chingana: in spite of the pestilential atmosphere which -nearly choked them, they passed unnoticed through the drinkers, and -gained the further end of the room. The cellar door stood ajar; they -opened it softly, and disappeared down the steps. After descending ten -of these, they found themselves in a cellar, where a man, leaning over a -barrel, which he appeared to be occupied in putting in its place, said -to them, without interrupting his work-- - -"Would you like some aguardiente de pesco, some mescal, or some chica?" - -"Neither the one nor the other," Don Tadeo replied; "we wish for some -French wine." - -The man sprang up as if moved by a spring. The two adventurers had put -on their masks. - -"Do you wish to have it white or red?" the man asked. - -"Red--as red as blood," said Don Tadeo. - -"Of what year?" the unknown rejoined. - -"Of that vintaged on the 5th of April, 1817," said Don Tadeo. - -"Then you must come this way, gentlemen," the man replied, with a -respectful bow; "the wine you do me the honour to call for is extremely -valuable; it is kept in a separate cellar." - -"To be drunk at Martinmas," Don Tadeo remarked. - -The man, who seemed only to wait for this last reply to his question, -smiled with an air of intelligence, and laid his hand lightly on the -wall. A stone turned slowly round upon itself, without the least noise, -and opened a passage to the conspirators, which they immediately -entered, and the stone instantly returned to its place. - -In the chingana, the cries, the songs, and the music had acquired an -intensity really formidable; the joy of the tipplers was at its height. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -THE TWO ULMENS. - - -If we were writing a romance instead of a true history, there are -certain scenes of the recital which we would pass over in silence. The -one which follows would certainly be of this number; and yet, though of -a rather hazardous puerility, it carries with it its lesson, by showing -what is the influence of the early habits of a miserable life, even upon -natures the best endowed, and how difficult it is, at a later period, to -shake them off. We will add, to the praise of Valentine, the man of whom -we are speaking, that his gaminism, if we may be allowed to employ such -a term, was much more feigned than real, and that his aim, in allowing -himself to be sometimes led away by it, was to bring a smile to the lips -of his foster brother, and thus cheat the sorrow that was undermining -his peace. - -This necessary preamble being gone through, we will resume the course -of our narrative, and, abandoning for a time Don Tadeo and his friend, -we will request the reader to follow us back to the tribe of the Great -Hare. The looked-for morrow was a great day for the tribe, a day -expected with impatience by all housekeepers, who were about to learn -how to discover, to use Valentine's word, a new dish, which promised -to please the palates of their race. As soon as it was daylight, men, -women, and children assembled on the great Square of the village, and -formed numerous groups, in which the merit of the unknown dish about -to be revealed to them was discussed. Louis, for whom the experiment -his friend was going to make had very little interest, wished to remain -in the toldo; but Valentine insisted upon his being present at the -experiment, and much against his will, he consented. - -The Parisian was already at his post, standing in an open spot, in -the middle of the Square, watching with a laughing eye the anxious -or incredulous expression by turn displayed upon the faces directed -towards him. A table, which was to serve for his culinary preparations, -a lighted brasier, upon which boiled an iron pot filled with water, a -kitchen knife, an enormous frying-pan, found I know not where, a sort -of tub, a wooden spoon, some parsley, a bit of bacon, some salt, some -pepper, and a basket full of fresh eggs, had been prepared at his desire -by the cares of Trangoil-Lanec. - -All eagerly looked for the arrival of the Apo-Ulmen of the tribe, with -which the exhibition was to commence. A kind of dais had been erected -for him in front of the operator, and when he had taken his lighted -calumet from the hands of his pipe-bearer, he bent a little on one -side and whispered a few words in the ear of Curumilla, who stood -respectfully beside him. The Ulmen bowed, came down from the dais, went -straight to the Parisian to tell him he might begin, and then resumed -his post. - -Valentine returned the salutation of this master of the ceremonies, -took off his poncho, which he folded up and laid carefully at his feet, -and turning up his sleeves above his elbows with the studied grace of -a performer, he leant slightly forward, placed his right hand upon the -table, and assuming the tone of a vendor of quack medicines who boasts -of the efficacy of his nostrums to gaping clowns, he thus commenced his -demonstration in a loud voice and with a perfectly clear utterance:-- - -"Illustrious Ulmens, and you redoubtable warriors of the noble and -sacred tribe of the Great Hare, listen attentively to what I have the -honour of explaining to you. In the beginning of time the world did -not exist; water and clouds, which continually clashed against each -other in space, then formed the universe. When Pillian created the -world, as soon as at his voice man had issued from the bosom of the red -mountain, he took him by the hand, and pointing to all the productions -of the earth, the air, and the water, he said to him,--'Thou art the -king of creation: consequently, animals, plants, and fishes all belong -to thee, and are, each in proportion with its strength, instincts, or -conformation, to minister to thy welfare and thy happiness in the world -in which I have placed thee; thus the horse shall bear thee with fiery -speed across the deserts, fleecy lamas and sheep clothe thee with their -wool, and nourish thee with their succulent flesh.' When Pillian had -analyzed, one after the other, the diverse qualities of the animals, -before proceeding to the plants and fishes, he stopped at the hen, which -was moving carelessly about, and picking up the grains of corn scattered -on the ground. Pillian took her by the wings, and showing her to man, -said, 'Here is one of the most useful animals I have created for thy -service; boiled in a pot, the hen will afford thee an excellent broth -when thou art sick; roasted, its white flesh will acquire a delicious -flavour; of her eggs thou canst make omelettes with herbs, omelettes -with mushrooms, omelettes with ham, and, above all others, with bacon. -If thou art indisposed, and solid food should be too heavy for thy weak -stomach, thou canst boil her eggs in the shell, and then thou wilt say -something, indeed!' - -"Thus," continued Valentine, attitudinizing before the Indians, who, -with open mouths and staring eyes, lost not a single word he uttered, -whether they understood it or not, whilst, in spite of his secret -grief, Louis literally writhed with laughter; "thus it was that Pillian -spoke to the first man at the commencement of ages; you were not there, -Araucano warriors, it is therefore not astonishing that you know nothing -about it; neither was I there, it is true; but, thanks to the talent -we white men possess of transmitting our thoughts from age to age, by -means of writing, these words of the Great Spirit have been carefully -collected, and have come down to us in their purity. Without further -prelude, I am going to have the honour of producing before you a boiled -egg! Listen to me; it is as simple as saying good-day, and within the -reach of the most limited capacity. In order to enjoy a boiled egg, -two things are necessary--in the first place, an egg, and then, some -boiling water! You take the egg in your fingers, thus, you uncover your -saucepan, you place the egg in a spoon and deposit it carefully in the -saucepan, where you allow it to boil gently three minutes. Mind, three -minutes, neither more nor less: pay attention to that important detail, -for a longer time would compromise the success of your operation. There -it is!" - -The action suited the word; the three minutes were past: Valentine -took out the egg, beheaded it, sprinkled a little salt on it, and -presented it to the Ulmen with some long strips of maize bread. All -this was performed with the most imperturbable seriousness, amidst the -profound silence of the attentive crowd. The Apo-Ulmen proceeded to -taste this wonderful egg with the most deliberate gravity. An air of -doubt appeared for a second on his lips, as he raised the first mouthful -towards them; but, by degrees, the features of his broad face expanded -under the influence of joy and pleasure, and he at last exclaimed -enthusiastically,-- - -"Wah! It is good! Very good!" - -Valentine returned to his brasier with a modest smile, and set about -boiling eggs, which he distributed among the Ulmens and principal -warriors, who quickly mingled their felicitations with those of the -Apo-Ulmen. A delirious joy took possession of the poor Indians, and -Valentine could hardly keep his ground, so eagerly did they press round -him, to examine closely his mysterious mode of cooking the eggs. At -length, calm was re-established, and the curiosity of the majority was -satisfied. The Apo-Ulmen, who had not been able to make his voice heard -in the tumult, was able to restore a little order, and obtain silence. -Valentine looked at his public with an air of satisfaction. From that -moment the Indians were believers--the most incredulous were convinced, -and all awaited with impatience the continuation of his experiments. - -"Listen to me!" he continued, striking a sharp blow on the table with -the knife he held in his hand; "listen to me, but, above all, observe -closely how I proceed. A boiled egg was child's play to me, but the -omelette requires to be considered seriously, and executed with care, in -order to obtain that finish, that smoothness, flavour, and perfection -so much prized by real judges. I am about to make a bacon-omelette, and -when I name that, I name the most exquisite dish in the world! Whilst -explaining to you the manner in which you should set about it, I will -produce it: follow my reasonings closely, and observe attentively the -manner in which I mingle the various ingredients which enter into the -composition of this dish. To make a bacon omelette, I must have bacon, -eggs, salt, pepper, parsley, and some butter--there they are, as you -see, all on that table. Now I will mix them." - -Then, with incredible address, and the greatest quickness, he commenced -a monster bacon-omelette, of at least sixty eggs, while continuing his -explanation with inexpressible freedom and copiousness. The interest of -the Indians was warmly excited, their enthusiasm betraying itself by -shouts, leaps, and laughter; but it was carried to its height, and the -stamping, crying, and screaming became terrific, when the Puelches saw -Valentine seize the long handle of the frying-pan with a firm grasp, -and toss the omelette three different times into the air, without any -apparent effort, and with the style and ease of a finished cook. When -the omelette was done to the moment, the Frenchman placed it upon a -dish, taking care to double it with the talent which _cordons bleus_ -alone possess, and was then preparing to carry it smoking to the -Apo-Ulmen, but he, enticed by the flavour of the boiled egg, and with -appetite excited to the highest pitch, spared him that trouble; for -he forgot all decorum, and rushed towards the table, followed by the -principal Ulmens of the tribe. The success of the Parisian was enormous. -Never, in the history of the divine art, did a cook obtain such a -glorious triumph! Valentine, with the modesty peculiar to men of real -talent, stole away from the honours they wished to pay him, and hastened -to conceal himself with his friend in the toldo of Trangoil-Lanec. - -On the morrow of this eventful day, at the moment when the young men -were about to leave the quarters they inhabited in common, their host -presented himself, followed by Curumilla. The two chiefs saluted them, -sat down upon the beaten earth which served instead of flooring, and lit -their pipes. Louis, already accustomed to the ceremonious habits of the -Araucanos, and convinced that their friends had something of importance -to say, reseated himself, as did also his foster brother, and awaited -patiently the expected communication. When the chiefs had deliberately -smoked out their pipes, and shaken the last ashes upon their nails, -they replaced them in their belts, and, after exchanging a glance, -Trangoil-Lanec began:-- - -"Are my pale brothers still resolved to leave us?" - -"Yes," replied Louis. - -"Has Indian hospitality been wanting towards them?" - -"So far from that, chief," the young man said, warmly pressing his -hands, "you have treated us like children of your own tribe." - -"Then why leave us?" Trangoil-Lanec asked; "we know not what we lose, do -we ever know what we shall find?" - -"You are right, chief; but you know we came into this country for the -purpose of visiting Antinahuel," Louis observed. - -"And does my golden-haired brother," for so he called Valentine, -"absolutely wish to see him?" - -"Absolutely," replied the young man. - -The two chiefs exchanged a second glance. - -"He shall see him," replied Trangoil-Lanec; "Antinahuel is at his -village." - -"Good!" said Valentine. "In that case we will set out tomorrow." - -"My brothers shall not go alone." - -"What do you mean by that?" Valentine asked. - -"The Indian soil is not safe for palefaces; my brother has saved my -life, I shall follow him." - -"My brother has preserved me a friend," said Curumilla, who had till -that time preserved silence; "I shall follow him." - -"You cannot think of such a thing, chief," Valentine remarked. "We are -travellers whom chance knocks about at its pleasure; we know not what -destiny has in reserve for us, nor whither it will conduct us, after -having seen the man to whom we are sent." - -"What does it signify?" Curumilla replied; "where you go, we will go." - -The young men were greatly moved by such frank and noble devotion. - -"Oh!" Louis exclaimed, warmly, "it is impossible! your friends, your -wives, and your children." - -"Our wives and children will be taken care of by our relations until our -return." - -"My friends, my good friends," said Valentine, with emotion, "you are -wrong; we cannot impose such a sacrifice upon you, we will not consent -to it for your sake; I have already told you, we are ignorant of what -awaits us, or what we shall do; allow us to go alone." - -"We will follow our pale brothers," Trangoil-Lanec said in a tone that -admitted of no reply; "my brothers are not acquainted with the llanos; -four men are a force in the desert--two men are dead." - -The Frenchmen contested the matter no longer, they accepted the offer -of the Ulmens, and did so the more readily, because they plainly -perceived what an immense advantage these men would be to them. They -were accustomed to a life in the woods, they knew all its mysteries, -and had fathomed all its depths. The chiefs took leave of their guests, -to prepare for their departure, which was irrevocably fixed for the -next day. At sunrise, a small party, composed of Louis, Valentine, -Trangoil-Lanec, and Curumilla, all four mounted upon excellent horses of -that mixed Andalusian and Arabian breed, which the Spaniards imported -into America, and Caesar, who trotted at their side in close file, left -the tolderia, escorted by all the members of the tribe shouting: "Come -back again! come back again!--A good journey! a good journey!" - -After repeated farewells to these worthy people, the four travellers -directed their course towards the tolderia of the Black-Serpents, and -soon disappeared in the numberless defiles formed by the quebradas. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -THE SUN-TIGER. - - -In the state of anarchy in which Chili was plunged at the period of our -history, the parties were numerous, and everyone was manoeuvring in the -shade, as skilfully as possible, in order to gain possession of power. -General Bustamente, as we have stated, aimed at nothing less than the -protectorate of a confederation similar to that of the United States, -which, then but little understood, dazzled his ambition. He could not -divine that those ancient outlaws, those sectarian fanatics exiled from -Europe, those thriving merchants, had already begun to dream in America -of a universal monarchy, a senseless Utopia, the application of which -will one day cost them the loss of that so-called nationality of which -they are so proud, and which, in reality, does not exist. Probably -General Bustamente did not look so far into the future, or, if he did -divine the tendencies of the Anglo-Americans, perhaps he dreamt of -himself following also that ambitious aim, as soon as his power should -repose upon solid bases. - -The Dark-Hearts, the only true patriots in this unhappy country, on -their side, wished that the government should adopt measures of a -rather democratic nature, but they had no intention to overturn it, -for they were persuaded that a revolution could only be prejudicial -to the general welfare of the nation. Beside General Bustamente and -the society of the Dark-Hearts, a third party, more powerful, perhaps, -than the two first, was at work silently, but active. This party was -represented by Antinahuel, the toqui of the most important Uthal-Mapus -of the Araucanian confederacy. We have said that from its geographical -position, this little insignificant republic is placed like a wedge -in the Chilian territory, which it separates sharply in two. This -position gave Antinahuel immense power. All Araucanos are soldiers; at -a signal from their chiefs, they take up arms, and are able, in a few -days, to get together an army of experienced warriors. The republicans -and the partizans of Bustamente were fully aware how much it was to -their interest to attach the Araucanos to their party; with the aid -of these ferocious soldiers victory would be certain. Already had the -King of Darkness and Bustamente made proposals to Antinahuel,--of -course, unknown to each other. These overtures the redoubtable toqui -had appeared to listen to, and had feigned to reply to both, for the -following reasons:-- - -Antinahuel, in addition to the hereditary hatred which his ancestors -had bequeathed to him against the white race, or perhaps on account of -that hatred, had dreamt, since he had been elected supreme chief of an -Uthal-Mapus, not only of the complete independence of his country, but -moreover of re-conquering all the territory which the Spaniards had -deprived it of; he hoped to drive them back to the other side of the -Cordilleras of the Andes, and restore to his nation the splendour it had -enjoyed before the arrival of the whites in Chili. And this patriotic -project Antinahuel was just the man to carry through. Endowed with -vast intelligence, at once daring and subtle, he allowed himself to be -stopped by no obstacle, conquered by no reverse. Almost entirely brought -up in Chili, he spoke Spanish perfectly, was thoroughly acquainted with -the manners of his enemies, and by means of numberless spies spread -everywhere, he was well informed with regard to the Chilian policy, -and of the precarious situation of those whom he wished to conquer; he -habitually took advantage of the dissensions which separated them, and -feigned to lend an ear to the propositions made to him on all parts, in -order, when the moment should arrive, to crush his enemies one after the -other, and be left alone standing. - -He wanted a plausible pretext for keeping his Uthal-Mapus under arms, -without inspiring the Chilians with mistrust: and this pretext General -Bustamente and the Dark-Hearts supplied him with by their preparations. -No one could be surprised, for this reason, at seeing, in a time -of peace, the toqui gather together a numerous army on the Chilian -frontiers, since, _in petto_, either party flattered itself that this -army was destined to aid its cause. The conduct of the toqui was, -therefore, most skilful; for he not only inspired mistrust in no one, -but, on the contrary, gave hopes to all. The position was becoming -serious; the hour for action could not long be delayed; and Antinahuel, -whose measures were all prepared, awaited impatiently the moment for -beginning the struggle. - -Things were at this point on the day when Dona Maria came to the -tolderia of the Black-Serpents, to visit the friend of her childhood. As -soon as she awoke, the Linda gave orders for her departure. - -"Is my sister going to leave me already?" said Antinahuel, in a tone of -mild reproach. - -"Yes," Dona Maria replied, "my brother knows that I must reach Valdivia -as quickly as possible." - -The chief did not press her stay; a furtive smile played round his lips. -After Dona Maria was on horseback, she turned towards the toqui. - -"Did not my brother say he should be soon in Valdivia?" she asked, in a -perfectly well-played tone of indifference. - -"I shall be there as soon as my sister," he replied. - -"We shall see each other again, then?" - -"Perhaps we may." - -"We must!" - -This was said in a positive tone. - -"Very well," the chief replied, after a moment's pause; "my sister may -depart--she shall see me again." - -"Till then, farewell, then," she said, and rode away at a quick pace. - -She soon disappeared in a cloud of dust, and the chief returned -thoughtfully to his toldo. - -"Woman," he said, to his mother, "I am going to the great tolderia of -the palefaces." - -"I heard everything last night," the Indian woman replied, sorrowfully; -"my son is wrong." - -"Wrong! how, or why?" he asked, passionately. - -"My son is a great chief; my sister deceives him, and makes him -subservient to her vengeance." - -"Or rather my own," he replied, in a singular tone. - -"The young white girl has a right to the protection of my son." - -"I will protect the Pearl of the Andes." - -"My son forgets that she of whom he speaks saved his life." - -"Silence, woman!" he shouted, in a passionate tone. - -The Indian woman held her peace, but sighed deeply. - -The chief summoned his mosotones, and selecting from among them a score -of warriors upon whom he could place entire reliance, ordered them to -be ready to follow him within an hour. He then threw himself upon a -bench, and sank into serious and agitating reflections. Suddenly a great -noise was heard from without, and the chief sprang from his recumbent -position, and went to the door of his toldo. He was surprised to see two -strangers, mounted upon excellent horses, and preceded by an Indian, -advancing towards him. These strangers were Valentine and Louis, who had -left their friends a short distance from the tolderia. - -Valentine, on leaving the village of the Puelches, had opened the letter -addressed to himself, and placed in his hands by the major-domo, with a -recommendation not to open it till the last minute. The young man was -far from expecting the contents of this strange missive. After carefully -reading it, he communicated it to his friend, saying-- - -"Here, read this, Louis;--hem! who knows but that this singular letter -is the first step to our fortune?" - -Like all men in love, Louis was sceptical upon every subject that did -not bear some relation to his passion, and he returned the paper, -shaking his head. - -"Politics burn the fingers," he said. - -"Yes, of those who don't know how to handle them," Valentine replied, -with a shrug of the shoulders. "Now, it is my opinion that in this -country, in which it has pleased fate to drop us, the most promising -element of fortune we have at command happens to be those very politics -which you so much disdain." - -"I must confess, my friend, that I care very little for these -Dark-Hearts, of whom I know nothing, and who have done us the honour to -affiliate us." - -"I do not share your opinion at all; I believe them to be resolute, -intelligent men, and am persuaded they will, some day, gain the upper -hand." - -"Much good may it do them! But of what consequence is that to us -Frenchmen?" - -"More than you may think for; and I am determined, immediately after -my interview with this said Antinahuel, to go directly to Valdivia, in -order to be present at the meeting they appoint." - -"As you please," said the Count, carelessly. "As such is your advice, -we will go thither; only I warn you that we shall risk our heads. If we -lose them, it will be all very well; but I wash my hands of the matter -beforehand." - -"I will be prudent, caramba! My head is the only thing I can call my -own," Valentine replied, laughing, "and be assured I will not risk it -for nothing. Besides, do you not partake of my curiosity to see how -these people understand politics, and in what a fashion they set about -conspiring?" - -"Well, that may become interesting; we travel partly for instruction; -let us gain it, then, when it offers itself." - -"Bravo! that's the way in which I like to hear a man speak. Let us go -and seek the redoubtable chief to whom we have a letter to deliver." - -Trangoil-Lanec and Curumilla were too prudent to venture to let -Antinahuel know of the friendship which bound them to the two Frenchmen. -Without suspecting the reasons which induced their friends to present -themselves to the toqui, they foresaw that a day might come when it -would be advantageous that their relations should be unknown. When they -arrived, therefore, at a short distance from the tolderia, the Indian -warriors remained concealed in a secluded corner, keeping Caesar with -them, and allowing the two Frenchmen to continue their route to the -village of the Black-Serpents, with whom, in addition, they had not -lately been upon the best terms. - -The reception given to the Frenchmen was most friendly; for in time -of peace the Araucanos are exceedingly hospitable. As soon as they -perceived the strangers, they crowded round them; and as all the Indians -speak Spanish with astonishing facility, Valentine had no difficulty in -making himself understood. One warrior, more polite than the rest, took -upon himself to be their guide through the village, in which, of course, -they were at a loss. He led them to the toldo of the chief, in front of -which were drawn up twenty horsemen, armed, and apparently waiting. - -"That is Antinahuel, the great toqui of the Inapire-Mapu," said the -guide, emphatically, pointing with his finger at the chief, who at that -moment came out of his toldo, attracted by the noise. - -"Thank you," said Valentine; and the two Frenchmen advanced rapidly -towards the toqui, who, on his part, made a few steps to meet them. - -"Eh, eh!" Valentine said, in a subdued voice, to his companion; "here -is a man with a good bearing, and with a rather intelligent air for an -Indian." - -"Yes," Louis replied, in the same tone, "but he has a contracted brow, -a sinister look, and compressed lips--he inspires me with very little -confidence." - -"Bah!" said Valentine, "you are too difficult by half; did you expect to -find an Indian an Antinous or an Apollo Belvedere?" - -"No; but I should like a little more open frankness in his look." - -"Well, well, we shall see." - -"I do not know why, but that man produces the effect of a reptile upon -me; he inspires me with invincible repulsion." - -"Oh, nonsense! you are too impressionable. I am sure that the man, who, -I cannot deny, has the air of a thorough rascal, is, at bottom, one of -the best fellows in the world." - -"God grant I may be deceived! But I experience, on seeing him, a feeling -for which I cannot account; it seems as if a kind of presentiment warned -me to be on my guard against that man, and that he will be fatal to me." - -"All folly! What relations can you ever have with this individual? We -are charged with a mission to him; who knows whether we may ever see him -again? and then what interests can connect us with him hereafter?" - -"You are right; and I do not know what makes me think as I have -said; besides, we shall soon know what we have to trust to on his -account--here he is." - -The adventurers were, in fact, at that moment in front of the chief's -toldo. Antinahuel stood before them; and, although appearing to be -giving orders to his men, examined them very attentively. He stepped -towards them quickly, and, bowing with perfect politeness, said, in a -pleasant tone, and with a graceful gesture-- - -"Strangers, you are welcome to my toldo. Your presence rejoices my -heart. Condescend to pass over the threshold of this poor hut, which -will be yours as long as you deign to remain among us." - -"Thanks for the kind words of welcome you address to us, powerful -chief," Valentine replied. "The persons who sent us to you assured us of -the kind reception we might expect." - -"If the strangers come on the part of my friends, that is a further -reason why I should endeavour to make their abode here as agreeable as -my humble means will allow me." - -The two Frenchmen bowed ceremoniously, and alighted from their horses. -At a sign from the toqui, two peons led the horses away to a vast corral -behind the toldo. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -THE MATRICIDE. - - -We have repeatedly said that in times of peace the Araucanos are -exceedingly hospitable. This hospitality, which on the part of -the warriors is cordial and simple, on that of the chiefs becomes -extravagant. Antinahuel was far from being a rude Indian, attached -though he was to the customs of his fathers; and although in his heart -he hated not only the Spaniards, but indiscriminately all belonging to -the white race, the half-civilized education he had received had given -him ideas of comfort completely above Indian habits. Many of the richest -Chilian farmers would have found it impossible to display greater luxury -than he exhibited when his caprice or his interest led him to do so. -On the present occasion, he was not sorry to show strangers that the -Araucanos were not so barbarous as their arrogant neighbours wished it -to be supposed, and that they could, when necessary, rival even them. -At the first glance, Antinahuel had discovered that his guests were not -Spaniards; but, with the circumspection which forms the foundation of -the Indian character, he confined his observations to his own breast. It -was with the kindest air and in the most winning tone of voice that he -pressed them to enter his toldo. - -The Frenchmen followed him in, and with a gesture he requested them -to be seated. Peons placed a profusion of cigars and cigarettes upon -the table, near a tasty filigree brasero. In a few minutes other -peons entered with the mate, which they respectfully presented to the -chief and his guests. Then, without the silence being broken--for the -Araucanian laws of hospitality require that no question should be -addressed to strangers until they think proper to speak themselves--each -sipped the herb of Paraguay, while smoking. This preliminary operation -being gone through, Valentine rose. - -"I thank you, chief, in the name of myself and my friend, for your -cordial hospitality." - -"Hospitality is a duty which every Araucano is jealous to fulfil!" - -"But," replied Valentine, "as I have been given to understand that the -chief is about to set out on a journey, I do not wish to detain him." - -"I am at the orders of my guests; my journey is not so pressing as not -to admit of being put off for a few hours." - -"I thank the chief for his courtesy, but I hope he will soon be at -liberty." - -Antinahuel bowed. - -"A Spaniard has charged me with a letter for the chief." - -"Ah!" the toqui exclaimed, with a singular intonation, and fixing a -piercing look upon the face of the young man. - -"Yes," the Frenchman continued; "and that letter I am about to have the -honour of handing to you." - -And he put his hand to his breast, to take out the letter. - -"Stop!" said the chief, laying his hand upon his arm, as he turned -towards his servants; adding, "leave the room." The three men were left -alone. - -"Now you may give me the letter," he continued. - -The chief took it, looked carefully at the superscription, turned the -paper in all directions in his hand, and then, with some hesitation, -presented it to the young man. - -"Let my brother read it," he said; "the whites are more learned than we -poor Indians: they know everything." - -Valentine gave his countenance the most silly expression possible. - -"I cannot read this," he said, with well-assumed embarrassment. - -"Does my brother then refuse to render me this service?" the chief -pressed him. - -"I do not refuse you, chief; only I am prevented doing what you request -by a very simple reason." - -"And what is that reason?" - -"It is that my companion and I are both Frenchmen." - -"Well, and what then?" - -"We speak a little Spanish, but we cannot read it." - -"Ah!" said the chief, in a tone of doubt; but, after walking about, and -reflecting a minute, he added,--"Hem! that is possible." - -He then turned towards the two Frenchmen, who, on their part, were, in -appearance, impassive and indifferent. - -"Let my brothers wait an instant," he said; "I know a man in my tribe -who understands the marks which the whites make upon paper: I will go -and order him to translate this letter." - -The young men bowed, and the chief left the apartment. - -"Why the devil did you refuse to read the letter?" Louis asked. - -"In good truth," Valentine replied, "I can scarcely tell you why; but -what you said of the expression of this man's countenance, produced a -certain effect upon me. He inspires me with no confidence, and I am not -anxious to be the depository of secrets which he may some day reclaim in -a disagreeable manner." - -"Yes, you are right! We may, some day, congratulate ourselves upon this -circumspection. Hush! I hear footsteps." - -And the chief re-entered the room. - -"I know the contents of the letter," he said; "if my brothers see the -man who charged them with it, they will inform him that I am setting out -this very day for Valdivia." - -"We would, with pleasure, take charge of that message," replied -Valentine; "but we do not know the person who gave us the letter, and it -is more than probable we may never see him again." - -The chief darted at them a stolen and deeply suspicious glance. - -"Good! Will my brothers remain here, then?" - -"It would give us infinite pleasure to pass a few hours in the agreeable -society of the chief, but with us time presses; with his permission, we -will take our leave." - -"My brothers are perfectly free; my toldo is open for those who leave -it, as well as for those who enter it." - -The young men rose to depart. - -"In what direction are my brothers going?" - -"We are bound for Concepcion." - -"Let my brothers go in peace, then! If their course lay towards -Valdivia, I would have offered to journey with them." - -"A thousand thanks, chief, for your kind offer; unfortunately we cannot -profit by it, for our road lies in a completely opposite direction." - -The three men exchanged a few more words of courtesy, and left the -toldo. The Frenchmen's horses had been brought round; they mounted, and -after having saluted the chief once more, they set off. As soon as they -were out of the village, Louis, turning to Valentine, said,-- - -"We have not an instant to lose. If we wish to reach Valdivia before -that man, we must make all speed. Who knows whether Don Tadeo may not be -awaiting our arrival impatiently?" - -They soon rejoined their friends, who looked for them anxiously, and all -four set off at full speed in the direction of Valdivia, without being -able to explain to themselves why they used such diligence. Antinahuel -accompanied his guests a few paces out of his toldo. When he had taken -leave of them, he followed them with his eyes as far as he could see -them, and when they disappeared at the extremity of the village, he -returned thoughtfully and slowly to his toldo, saying to himself,-- - -"It is evident to me that these men are deceiving me; their refusal to -read the letter was nothing but a pretext. What can be their object? Can -they be enemies? I will watch them!" - -When he arrived in front of his toldo, he found his mosotones mounted, -and awaiting his orders. - -"I must set out at once," he said; "I shall learn all yonder, and, -perhaps," he added, in a voice so low that he could hardly hear it -himself, "perhaps I shall find _her_ again. If Dona Maria breaks her -promise, and does not give her up to me, woe, woe be to her!" - -He raised his head, and saw his mother standing before him. "What do you -want, woman?" he asked, harshly; "this is not your place!" - -"My place is near you when you are suffering, my son," she mildly -replied. - -"I suffering! You are mad, mother! age has turned your brain! Go back -into the toldo, and, during my absence, keep a good watch over all that -belongs to me." - -"Are you, then, really going, my son?" - -"This moment," he said, and sprang into his saddle. - -"Where are you going?" she asked, and seized his horse's bridle. - -"What is that to you?" he replied, with an ugly glance. - -"Beware! my son; you are entering on a bad course. Guerubu, the spirit -of evil, is master of your heart." - -"I am the best and sole judge of my actions." - -"You shall not go!" she exclaimed, as she placed herself resolutely in -front of his horse. - -The Indians collected round the speakers looked on with mute terror at -this scene; they were too well acquainted with the violent and imperious -character of Antinahuel not to dread something fatal, if his mother -persisted in endeavouring to prevent his departure. - -The brows of the chief lowered--his eyes gleamed like lightning--and it -was not without a great effort that he mastered the passion boiling in -his breast. - -"I will go!" he said, in a loud voice, and trembling with rage; "I will -go, if I trample you beneath my horse's hoofs!" - -The woman clung convulsively to the saddle, and looked her son in the -face. - -"Do so," she cried; "for, by the soul of your father, who now hunts in -the blessed prairies with Pillian, I swear I will not stir, even if you -pass over my body!" - -The face of the Indian became horribly contracted; he cast around a -glance which made the hearts of the bravest tremble with fear. - -"Woman! woman!" he shouted, grinding his teeth with rage; "get out of my -way, or I shall crush you like a reed!" - -"I will not stir, I tell you!" she repeated, with wild energy. - -"Take care! take care!" he said again; "I shall forget you are my -mother!" - -"I will not stir!" - -A nervous tremor shook the limbs of the chief, who had now attained the -highest paroxysm of fury. - -"If you will have it so," he cried, in a husky, but loud voice, "your -blood be upon your own head!" - -And he dug the spurs into the sides of his horse, which plunged with -pain, and then sprung forward like an arrow, dragging along the poor -woman, whose body was soon but one huge wound. A cry of horror burst -from the quivering lips of the terrified Indians. After a few minutes -of this senseless course, during which she had left fragments of her -flesh on every sharp point of the road, the strength of the Indian woman -abandoned her; she left her hold of the bridle, and sank dying. - -"Oh!" she said, in a faint voice, and following, with a look dimmed by -agony, her son, as he was borne away like a whirlwind, "my unhappy son! -my unhappy----" - -She raised her eyes towards heaven, clasped her mangled hands, as if to -offer up a last prayer, and fell back. - -She died pitying the matricide, and pardoning him. The women of the -tribe took up the body respectfully, and carried it, weeping, into the -toldo. At the sight of the corpse, an old Indian shook his head several -times, murmuring in a prophetic tone,-- - -"Antinahuel has killed his mother! Pillian will avenge her!" - -And all bowed down their heads sorrowfully: this atrocious crime made -them dread horrible misfortunes in the future. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -THE JUSTICE OF THE DARK-HEARTS. - - -Don Tadeo and his friend Don Gregorio were introduced, after exchanging -several passwords, into a subterraneous apartment, the entrance to which -was perfectly concealed in the wall. The door closed immediately after -them; the two men turned round sharply, but all signs of an opening -had disappeared. Without taking further notice of this circumstance, -which they no doubt had expected, they cast an inquiring glance around -them, in order to obtain some knowledge of the locality. The place -was admirably chosen for a meeting of conspirators. It was an immense -apartment, which must have served for a long time as a cellar, as was -made evident by the essentially alcoholic emanations still floating in -the air; the walls were low and thick, and of a dirty red colour; a -lamp with three jets, hanging from the roof, far from dispersing the -darkness, seemed only to render it in a manner visible. In a recess -stood a table, behind which a man in a mask was seated, near to two -empty seats. Men enveloped in cloaks, and all wearing black velvet -masks, were gliding about in the darkness, silent as phantoms. - -Don Tadeo and his friend exchanged a glance, and without speaking a -word, proceeded to take their places in the empty seats. As soon as -they were seated, a change came over the meeting: the low whispering -which had been heard till that moment ceased all at once, as if by -enchantment. All the conspirators gathered in a single group in front of -the table, and with arms crossed upon their chests, waited earnestly. -The man who before the arrival of Don Tadeo had appeared to preside over -the meeting arose, and casting round a confident glance on the attentive -crowd, said-- - -"On this day the seventy-two _ventas_ of the Dark-Hearts, spread over -the territories of the republic, are assembled in council. In all of -them the taking up of arms, of which we, the _venta_ of Valdivia, will -instantly give the signal, will be decreed. Everywhere men faithful to -the good cause, true lovers of liberty, are preparing to commence the -struggle with Bustamente. Will you all, comrades, who are here present, -when the hour strikes, descend frankly and boldly into the arena? Will -you sacrifice, without reserve, your family, your fortune, and even your -life, if necessary, for the public good?" - -He ceased, and a funereal silence prevailed in the assembly. - -"Answer!" he resumed; "what will you do?" - -"We will die!" the band of conspirators murmured, like a sinister and -terrible echo. - -"That is well, my brothers," Don Tadeo said, rising suddenly. "I -expected no less from you, and I thank you. I have long known you all, -and felt that I could depend upon you--I, whom none of you know. These -masks which conceal you one from another, are but transparent gauze -for the chief of the Dark-Hearts--and I am the King of Darkness! I -have sworn that you shall live as free men, or that I will die! Before -twenty-four hours have passed away, you will hear the signal you have -so long waited for, and then will commence that terrible struggle which -can only end in the death of the tyrant; all the provinces, all the -cities, all the towns will rise _en masse_ at the same instant; courage, -then! You have only a few hours longer to suffer. The war of ambushes, -surprises, of subterranean treacheries is ended; war, frank, loyal, -open, in the face of the sun, is about to begin; let us show ourselves -what we always have been, firm in our faith, and ready to die for our -opinions! Let the chiefs of sections draw near." - -Ten men left the ranks, and placed themselves silently ten paces from -the table. - -"Let the corporal of chiefs of sections answer for all," said Don Tadeo. - -"I am the corporal," said one of the masked men; "the orders expedited -from the Quinta Verde have been executed; all the sections are warned; -they are all ready to rise at the first signal; each will take -possession of the posts that are assigned it." - -"So far well! How many men have you at your disposal?" - -"Seven thousand three hundred and seventy-seven." - -"Can you depend upon them all?" - -"No." - -"How many are there lukewarm or irresolute?" - -"Four thousand." - -"How many firm and convinced?" - -"Nearly three thousand; but for these I will be answerable." - -"That is well! we have even more than we want; the brave will attract -others. Return to your places." - -The chiefs of sections drew back, - -"Now," Don Tadeo continued, "before we separate, I have to call down -your justice upon one of our brothers, who, having entered deeply into -our secrets, has been false to the society several times for a little -gold; I have the proofs in my hands. The circumstances are of the utmost -importance; one word--a single word--may ruin our cause and us! Say, -what chastisement does this man deserve?" - -"Death!" the conspirators responded, coolly, but simultaneously. - -"I know this man," Don Tadeo continued; "let him come forth from the -ranks, and not oblige me to tear off his mask, and hurl his name in his -face." - -No one stirred. - -"This man is here--I can see him; for the last time, let him step forth, -and not crown his baseness by seeking to avoid the punishment he merits." - -The conspirators cast suspicious glances at each other; the assembly -seemed moved by an extreme anxiety; the man, however, upon whom the -King of Darkness called, persisted in remaining confounded amongst his -companions. - -Don Tadeo waited for an instant, but finding that the man whom he -summoned imagined he should remain unknown, and not be discovered -beneath his mask, he made a signal, and Don Gregorio rose and advanced -towards the group of conspirators, which opened at his approach, and -laid his hand roughly on the shoulder of a man who had instinctively -retreated before him, until the wall forced him to stop. - -"Come with me, Don Pedro," he said, and he dragged rather than led him -to the table, behind which stood Don Tadeo, calm and implacable. - -The guilty spy was seized with a convulsive trembling, his teeth -chattered, and he fell upon his knees, crying with terror: - -"Mercy, my lord, mercy!" - -Don Gregorio tore off his mask, and revealed the face of the spy, whose -features, horribly contracted by fear, and of an ashy paleness, were -really hideous. - -"Don Pedro," Don Tadeo said, in a stern voice, "you have several times -sought to sell your brothers of the society; it was you who caused -the death of the ten patriots shot upon the Place of Santiago; it was -you who betrayed the secret of the Quinta Verde to the soldiers of -Bustamente; this very day, even, scarcely two hours ago, you held a long -conversation with General Bustamente, in which you agreed to deliver up -to him tomorrow the principal chiefs of the Dark-Hearts: is that true?" - -The miserable wretch had not a word to say in his defence; confounded, -overwhelmed by the irresistible proofs accumulated against him, he hung -down his head in utter abandonment. - -"Is this true?" Don Tadeo reiterated. - -"It is true," he murmured, in a scarcely audible voice. - -"You acknowledge yourself guilty?" - -"Yes," he said, with a heart-stifling sob; "but grant me life, noble -seigneur, and I swear----" - -"Silence!" - -The spy was struck with mute despair. - -"You have heard, companions and friends, how this man confesses his own -crimes; for the last time, what punishment does he deserve for having -sold his brothers?" - -"Death!" replied the Dark-Hearts, without hesitation. - -"In the name of the Dark-Hearts, of whom I am king, I condemn you, -Don Pedro Saldillo, to death, for treachery and felony towards your -brethren. You have five minutes to make your peace with Heaven," Don -Tadeo said, sternly. - -He placed his watch upon the table, and drawing a pistol from his belt, -cocked it deliberately. The sharp noise of the hammer made the condemned -man shudder with fear. A profound silence prevailed in the vault; the -hearts of these implacable men might be heard beating in their breasts. -The spy cast around wild, despairing glances, but beheld nothing but -angry eyes gleaming upon him through hideous masks. Over the vault, in -the chingana, they continued dancing, and faint puffs of _sambacuejas_ -penetrated, at intervals, mixed with uproarious bursts of laughter, even -to the awful scene beneath. The contrast of this riotous mirth with -the terrible act of justice which was being carried out, had something -appalling in it. - -"The five minutes are past," said Don Tadeo, in a firm voice. - -"A few minutes more! a few minutes, my lord!" the spy implored, wringing -his hands in despair. "I am not prepared; you cannot kill me thus! In -the name of all you hold most dear, let me live!" - -Without appearing to hear him, Don Tadeo lifted his pistol, and the -miserable culprit rolled upon the ground, with his brains scattered -around him. - -"Oh!" he cried, as the pistol was aimed, "be accursed, ye assassins!" -His death prevented the utterance of more. - -The conspirators stood cold, impassive spectators of the scene. As soon -as the stern act of justice was completed, at a signal from the chief, -several men opened a trap in the floor which covered a hole half filled -with quick lime; the body was thrown into it, and the trap closed again. - -"Justice has been done, brothers," said Don Tadeo, solemnly; "go in -peace, the King of Darkness watches over you." - -The conspirators bowed respectfully, and disappeared one after the -other, without uttering a word. At the end of a quarter of an hour no -one remained in the vault but Don Tadeo and Don Gregorio. - -"Oh!" said Don Tadeo, "Shall we always have thus to combat treachery?" - -"Courage! my friend; you have yourself said, in a few hours war will -commence in the face of day." - -"God grant I may not be deceived! This contest in the dark makes -frightful demands upon the mind; my heart begins to fail me!" - -The two conspirators regained the chingana, in which the dancing, -laughing, and drinking were going on with undiminished spirit; they -passed through so as not to be observed, and came out into the street. -They had hardly walked fifty steps when they were joined by a man, who, -to their great surprise, proved to be Valentine Guillois. - -"God be praised for bringing you here so opportunely!" said Don Tadeo. - -"I hope I am punctual," the Parisian remarked, with a gay laugh. - -Don Tadeo pressed his hand warmly, and drew him towards his residence, -where our three personages soon arrived. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -THE TREATY OF PEACE. - - -General Bustamente had come to Valdivia under the pretence of himself -renewing the treaties which existed between the republic of Chili -and the Araucanian Confederation. This pretext was excellent in the -sense that it permitted him to concentrate a considerable force in the -provinces, and gave him, besides, a plausible reason for receiving the -most powerful Ulmens of the Indians, who would not fail to come to the -meeting, accompanied by a great number of mosotones. Every time a new -president is elected in Chili, the minister at war renews the treaties -in his name. General Bustamente had, up to this moment, neglected to do -so: he had good reasons for that.-- - -This ceremony, in which a great retinue is purposely displayed, -generally takes place in a vast plain situated upon the Araucanian -territories, and not at a great distance from Valdivia. By a curious -coincidence, the pretext of the General suited equally well the -interests of the three factions which, at this period, divided this -unhappy country. The Dark-Hearts had skilfully profited by it to prepare -the resistance they meditated, and Antinahuel, feigning to wish to -pay the greatest honours to the war minister of the President of the -republic, had collected a real army of his best warriors in the environs -of the place chosen for the solemnity. - -Such was the state of things, and of the various parties with regard to -each other, at the time we resume our narrative. The enemies were about -to come face to face; it was evident that each, being well prepared, -would endeavour to take advantage of the opportunity, and that a shock -was imminent; but how would it be brought about? Who would set fire to -the mine, and cause all those passions, those grudges, those ambitions, -so long restrained, to explode? Nobody could say! - -The plain on which the ceremony was to take place was vast, covered -with high grass, and belted by mountains verdant with lofty trees. The -plain, crossed by woods and lines of apple trees, loaded with fruit, -was divided in two by a meandering river, which flowed gently along, -balancing on its silver waters numerous troops of black-headed swans; -here and there, through the breaks of the thickets, might be seen the -pointed nose of a vicuna, which, with ear erect, and eye on the watch, -seemed to sniff the breeze, and all at once bounded away into the -distance. - -The sun was rising majestically in the horizon when a measured noise -of tinkling bells proceeded from a wood of apple trees, and a troop of -half a score mules, led by the mother mare, and driven by an arriero, -debouched into the plain. These mules carried diverse objects for an -encampment, provisions, and even some bales of clothes and linen. At -twenty paces behind the mules, came a rather numerous troop of horsemen. -When they arrived at the banks of the little river we have spoken of, -the arriero stopped his mules, and the party dismounted. In an instant -the bales were unpacked and arranged with care, so as to form a perfect -circle, in the centre of which a fire was lighted. Then a tent was -erected in this temporary camp, and the horses and mules were hobbled. - -This party, whom, no doubt, our readers have already recognized, were -Don Tadeo, his friends the Frenchmen, the Indian Ulmens, with Dona -Rosario, and three servants. By a strange coincidence, at the same time -that they were arranging their camp, another party nearly as numerous -established theirs on the opposite bank of the river, exactly in face -of them. The leader of this was Dona Maria. As frequently happens, it -had pleased chance to bring into propinquity irreconcilable enemies, who -were only separated from each other by a distance of fifty yards at the -most. But was this entirely owing to chance? - -Don Tadeo had no suspicion of this dangerous proximity, or he would -probably have done everything in his power to avoid it. He had cast a -vacant glance at the caravan opposite to him, without taking any further -heed of it, being absorbed in thoughts of the highest importance. Dona -Maria, on the contrary, knew perfectly well, what she was about, and -had placed herself where she was with the skill of an able tactician. -In the mean time, as the morning advanced, the number of travellers -kept increasing on the plain; by nine o'clock it was literally covered -with tents; a free space only being reserved around an old half ruined -chapel, in which mass was to be celebrated before the commencement of -the ceremony. - -The Puelches, who had descended from their mountains in great numbers, -had passed the night in making joyous libations around their campfires; -many of them were sleeping in a state of complete intoxication; -nevertheless, as soon as the arrival of the minister of the Chilian -republic was announced, they all sprang up tumultuously, and began to -dance, and utter cries of joy. On one side arrived General Bustamente -at a canter, surrounded by a brilliant staff, all glittering with gold -lace, and followed by a numerous troop of lancers; whilst on the other -side came, at a gallop, the four Araucano Toquis, followed by the -principal Ulmens of their nation, and a great number of mosotones. - -These two troops, which hastened to meet each other amidst the _vivas_ -and cries of joy of the crowd, raised immense clouds of dust, in which -they disappeared. The Araucanos in particular, who are excellent -jinetes, a term used in this country to designate good horsemen, -indulged in equestrian eccentricities, of which the so-much vaunted Arab -fantasias can give but a faint idea; for they are nothing in comparison -with the incredible feats performed by these men, who seem born to -manage a horse. The Chilians had a much more serious bearing, from -which they would gladly have freed themselves, if human respect had not -restrained them. - -As soon as the two troops met, the chiefs dismounted and ranged -themselves, the Ulmens, armed with their long, silver-headed canes, -behind Antinahuel, and the three other Toquis and the Chilians behind -General Bustamente. It was the first time the Tiger-Sun and the General -had met. Each of these two men, therefore, equally good politicians, -equally false and equally ambitious, and who, at the first glance, -understood one another, contemplated his rival with intense earnestness. - -After exchanging a few salutes, impressed with a rather suspicious -cordiality, the two bands retrograded from each other a few paces, to -afford room for the commissary-general and four Capitanes de Amigos. -These officers are what they call in the United States Indian agents; -they serve as interpreters and agents to the Araucanos, for trade, and -all that concerns their transactions with the Chilians. It must be -observed that all these Indians speak Spanish perfectly well; but they -never will use it in appointed meetings. These Capitanes de Amigos, who, -for the most part, are half-breeds, are much beloved and respected. -They arrived, leading a score of mules loaded with presents, destined -by the President of the Republic for the principal Ulmens. For, be it -noted, when Indians treat with Christians, they consider nothing settled -till they have received presents: it is for them a proof that the other -party does not wish to deceive them; they constitute an earnest which -they require to bind the bargain, and prove that they are treated in -good faith. The Chilians, who, unfortunately for them, had long been -accustomed to Araucanian habits, had taken good care not to forget this -important condition. - -Whilst the commissary-general was distributing the presents, General -Bustamente repaired to the chapel, where a priest, who had come -purposely from Valdivia, celebrated mass. After mass, the speeches -commenced, as soon as the minister of the republic and the four Toquis -of the Uthal-Mapus had embraced. These speeches, which were very long, -resulted in mutual assurances that they were satisfied with the peace -which reigned between the two peoples, and that they would do all in -their power to maintain it as long as possible. We think it our duty to -beg our readers to observe, in justice to the two speakers, that one was -not more sincere than the other, and that they did not mean one word -they said, since in their hearts they determined to break their promises -as soon as possible. They appeared, however, very well satisfied with -the comedy they were playing, and they terminated it by a final embrace, -more close and warm than the first, but equally false. - -"Now," said the General, "if my brothers, the great chiefs, will please -to follow me, we will plant the cross." - -"No," Antinahuel replied, with a honied smile, "the cross must not be -planted in front of the stone toldo." - -"Why not?" the General asked, with astonishment. - -"Because," the Indian replied, in a tone of decision, "the words we -have exchanged must remain buried on the spot where they have been -pronounced." - -"That is just!" said the General, bowing his head in sign of assent. "It -shall be done as my brother desires." - -Antinahuel smiled proudly. - -"Have I spoken well, powerful men?" he asked, looking at the Ulmens. - -"Our father, the Toqui of the Inapire-Mapu, has spoken well," the Ulmens -replied. - -The Indian peons then went to fetch from the chapel, upon the floor of -which it lay, a cross of at least thirty feet in height, which they -brought to the spot where the conferences had been held. All the chiefs -and the Chilian officers ranged themselves around it; the troops forming -a vast circle at a respectful distance. After the pause of an instant, -of which the priest took advantage to bless the cross with that off-hand -carelessness which distinguishes the Spanish clergy in America, it was -planted in the ground. At the moment it was about to gain its upright -position, Antinahuel interposed. - -"Stop!" he said to the Indians armed with spades; and turning towards -the General, "Peace is well assured between us, is it not?" he asked. - -"Yes, certainly," the General replied. - -"All our words are buried under this cross?" - -"All of them." - -"Cover them with earth then," he said to the peons, "that they may not -escape, and that war may not be rekindled between us." - -"When this ceremony was accomplished, Antinahuel caused a young lamb to -be brought, which the machi slaughtered near the cross. All the Indian -chiefs bathed their hands in the still warm blood of the quivering -animal, and daubed the cross with hieroglyphic signs, destined to keep -away Guecubu, the genius of evil, and prevent the words from escaping -from the spot in which they were buried. In conclusion, the Araucans -and the Chilians discharged their firearms in the air, and the ceremony -was ended. General Bustamente then coming up to the Toqui of the -Inapire-Mapu, passed his arm through the chiefs in a friendly manner, -saying in an ingratiating tone-- - -"Will not my brother, Antinahuel, come for an instant in my tent, to -taste a glass of aguardiente de Pisco and take mate?--he would render -his friend happy." - -"Why should I not?" the chief replied, smiling, and in the most -good-humoured tone. - -"My brother will accompany me!" - -"Lead on, then." - -Both moved off, chatting upon indifferent subjects, directing their -course towards the General's tent, which had been pitched within gunshot -of the place where the ceremony had taken place. The General had given -his orders beforehand, so that everything was prepared to receive the -guest he brought with him magnificently, as for the success of his -projects he had so great an interest in pleasing him. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -THE ABDUCTION. - - -Whilst the ceremony we have described was being accomplished, a terrible -event was passing not far from it, on the banks of the river, in the -camp of Don Tadeo de Leon. The three parties which divided Chili, and -aimed at governing it, had, as if of one accord, chosen the day for the -renewal of the treaty to throw off the mask and give their partisans the -signal of revolt. Don Tadeo, who feared everything from Dona Maria and -the General's spies, had consented, but with regret, that Rosario should -accompany him to the plain, to be present at the ceremony; he had taken -her from the convent, and brought the young girl with him, inwardly -pleased that she would thus not be in Valdivia during the serious events -that were there preparing. - -Dona Rosario, to tell the truth, had only consulted her love in the -request she had made of her guardian; the desire of seeing unobserved, -for a few hours, the object of her affections, had dictated it. Don -Tadeo, who could not on any account be present at the ceremony, being -obliged to conceal himself, took the two young Frenchmen aside as soon -as his little encampment was arranged. It was then about seven o'clock -in the morning, and the crowd began to flock to the plain. The King of -Darkness cast a prudent and searching look around, but, reassured by the -complete solitude that prevailed, he at length decided upon explaining -to the young men, who were astonished at this strange proceeding, all -that appeared so unusual and inconsistent in his conduct. - -"Caballeros," he said, "since I have had the honour of knowing you, I -have concealed nothing from you, and you know all my secrets; this day -must decide the question of life or death to which, from my boyhood, -I have devoted all the energies of my mind. I must leave this spot -instantly, and return to Valdivia. It is in that city that the first -blow will be struck, within a few hours, against the tyrant, and the -struggle I expect will be terrible. I am not willing to expose the -young lady whom you know, and whose life you have already saved, to the -chances of it. I confide the care of her to one of you, the other will -accompany me to the city. In the event of any fatal mischance happening -to me, I will place in his hands a paper, which will inform you both of -my intentions, and of what I wish you to do with that poor child, who is -all I hold dear on earth, and whom I leave with the greatest pain. Which -of you, gentlemen, will take charge of Dona Rosario during my absence?" - -"Be at ease, Don Tadeo, go where your duty calls you," Louis answered, -in a solemn but agitated tone; "I swear that while I live no danger, -either near or distant, shall assail her; to reach her it must pass over -my dead body." - -"Receive my warmest thanks, Don Louis," the Dark-Heart replied, somewhat -surprised, and yet affected by the manner of the Frenchman; "I place -implicit faith in your words; I know you will keep your vow at all -risks; besides, in a few hours I hope I shall be back, and here she can -have nothing to dread." - -"I will watch over her," the young man said, quietly. - -"Once again I thank you." - -Don Tadeo left the young men, and returned to the tent where Dona -Rosario, reclining in a hammock, was gently swinging herself, and -indulging in perhaps pleasing reveries. On seeing her guardian, she -sprang up eagerly. - -"Do not disturb yourself, my child," said Don Tadeo, putting her back -with a gentle hand, "I have but two words to say to you." - -"I am always attentive to you, my kind friend." - -"I have come to bid you farewell." - -"Farewell, Don Tadeo!" she exclaimed, in great terror. - -"Oh! comfort yourself, timid darling! only for a few hours." - -"Ah! that is all!" she said, with a smile of satisfaction. - -"Certainly, all! There is in this neighbourhood an exceedingly curious -grotto. I was foolish enough to let some words slip concerning it this -morning before Don Valentine, and that demon of a Frenchman," he added, -with a smile, "insists upon my showing it to him; so that, in order to -get rid of his importunities, I have been obliged to comply." - -"You have done quite right," she said, eagerly; "we are under great -obligations to those two French caballeros, and what he asked is such a -trifle!" - -"That it would have been uncourteous on my part to refuse him," Don -Tadeo interrupted, "therefore I have not. We shall set off directly, -in order to be the sooner back. Be as cheerful as you can during our -absence, dear child." - -"I will endeavour," she said, absently. - -"Besides, I shall leave Don Louis to take care of you; you can chat -together, and the time will quickly pass away." - -The young girl blushed as she stammered--"Come back soon, dear friend." - -"Time to go and return, that is all; adieu, then, darling!" - -Don Tadeo left the tent, and rejoined the young men. - -"Adieu, Don Louis!" he said. "Are you ready, Don Valentine?" - -"Ready!" the Frenchman replied, laughing; "Caramba! I should be in -despair at losing such an opportunity of judging whether you understand -getting up revolutions as well as we Frenchmen do." - -"Oh! We are but young at the work yet," Don Tadeo remarked; "and yet we -begin to have some idea of the matter, I assure you." - -"Good-bye, Louis, for a time," said Valentine, pressing his friend's -hand; and stooping towards his ear, he added--"Be thankful to your -stars, do you not see that Heaven protects your love?" The young man -only replied by shaking his head despondingly, and sighing deeply. A -peon had brought the horses for the two Chilians and the Frenchman, -and they were soon in the saddle. They set off at a quick pace, and -were quickly lost in the high grass and the windings of the road. Louis -returned pensively to the camp, where he found Dona Rosario alone in her -tent; the two Indian chiefs, attracted by curiosity, having gone in the -direction of the chapel, where, mingled with the crowd, they might be -present at the ceremony. The arrieros and the peons had not been long in -following their example. - -The young girl was seated on a heap of dyed sheepskins in front of -the tent, dreamily looking at, but without seeing, the clouds which -were driven across the heavens by a strong breeze. Dona Rosario was -a charming girl of sixteen, slender, fragile, and delicate, small in -person, whose least gestures and least movements possessed inexpressible -attractions. Of a rare kind of beauty in America, she was fair; her -long silky hair was of the colour of ripe golden corn; her blue eyes, -in which were reflected the azure of the heavens, had that melancholy, -dreamy expression which we attribute only to angels, and young girls who -are beginning to love; her nose, with its pinky nostrils, was inclined -to be aquiline; while her mouth, rather serious, with rosy lips set -off by teeth of dazzling whiteness, and her skin of pearl-like purity, -altogether made her a charming creature. - -The noise of the approaching young man's steps roused her from her -reverie. She turned her head in the direction, and looked at him with -inexpressible sadness, although a faint smile played upon her lips. - -"It is I," said the Count, in a low, inarticulate voice, bowing -respectfully. - -"I knew of your coming," she replied, in a sweetly-toned voice. "Oh! why -did you return to me at all?" - -"Be not angry with me for drawing near you once more. I endeavoured to -obey you; I left the spot you resided in, without, alas! even the hope -of seeing you again; but destiny has decided otherwise." - -She gave him a long and eloquent look. - -"Unfortunately," he continued, with a melancholy smile, "you are -condemned for some hours to endure my presence." - -"I must resign myself to it," she said, extending her hand to him -cordially. - -The young man imprinted a burning kiss upon the white, soft hand he held. - -"And so we are left alone!" she said gaily, but withdrawing her hand. - -"Good heavens! yes, nearly so," he replied, falling in with her humour. -"The Indian chiefs and the peons, overcome by curiosity, have joined the -crowds, and kindly procured us a _tete-a-tete_." - -"In the midst of ten thousand people!" she said, smiling. - -"That is all the better; everyone is engaged with his own affairs, -without troubling himself about those of others; and we can speak to -each other without the fear of being interrupted by importunate persons." - -"True," she said, thoughtfully; "it is frequently amidst a crowd that we -find the greatest solitude." - -"Does not the heart possess that great faculty of being able to isolate -itself when it pleases--to fold itself, as it were, within itself?" - -"And is not that faculty often a misfortune?" - -"Perhaps it is," he replied, with a sigh. - -"But how comes it?" she said, with a half-smiling air, in order to -change the conversation, which was becoming a little too serious. -"Pardon my giddy impertinence! How comes it, I say, that you, of whom I -sometimes caught a glimpse at Paris, during my short sojourn there, and -who then enjoyed, if I was not mistaken, a brilliant position, should -meet me here so far from your country?" - -"Alas! madam, my history is that of many young men, and may be summed up -in two words--weakness and ignorance." - -"That is but too true; that is the history of nearly all the world, in -Europe as well as in America." - -At this moment a great noise reached them from the camp. Dona Rosario -and the Count were placed so as not to be able to see what was passing -in the plain. - -"What is that noise?" she asked. - -"Probably the tumult of the festival which reaches us: should you like -to be present at this ceremony?" - -"To what purpose? Those cries and that tumult terrify me." - -"And yet, I thought it was you who asked Don Tadeo to see this." - -"A silly girl's caprice," she said, "which passed away as soon as -conceived." - -"But was it not Don Tadeo's intention to----" - -"Who can tell Don Tadeo's intention?" she interrupted, with a sigh. - -"He appears to love you tenderly?" Louis hazarded, timidly. - -"Sometimes I am on the point of believing so; he pays me the most -delicate attentions, shews me the tenderest care; then at other times he -appears to endure me with, pain--he repulses me--my caresses annoy him." - -"Singular conduct!" the Count observed; "this gentleman is your -relation, there can be no doubt." - -"I do not know," she replied ingenuously; "when alone and pensive, my -thoughts stray back to my early years. I have some vague remembrance of -a young and handsome woman, whose black eyes smiled upon me constantly, -and whose rosy lips lavished affectionate kisses upon me; and then, all -at once, a complete darkness comes over my brain, and memory entirely -fails me. As far back as I can recollect, I find nobody but Don Tadeo -watching over me, everywhere and always, as a father would do over his -daughter." - -"Perhaps, then," said the Count, "he is your father." - -"Listen. One day, after a long and dangerous illness which I had just -gone through, and in which Don Tadeo had night and day watched over -my pillow for more than a month, happy at seeing me restored to life, -for he had been fearful he should lose me, he smiled upon me tenderly, -kissed my brow and my hands, and appeared to experience the most -lively joy. 'Oh!' I said, as a sudden thought rushed across my mind; -'oh! you are my father! None but a father could devote himself with -such abnegation for his child!' and throwing my arms round his neck, -I concealed my tear-laden face on his chest. Don Tadeo arose, his -countenance was lividly pale, his features were frightfully contracted; -he repulsed me roughly, and strode hastily about the chamber. I Your -father! I! Dona Rosario!' he cried, in a husky voice, 'you are a silly, -poor child! Never repeat those words again; your father is dead, and -your mother, likewise, long, long ago. I am not your father--never -repeat that word--I am only your friend. Yes, your father, at the point -of death, confided you to my care, and that is why I am bringing you up, -that is why I watch over you; as to me, I am not even your relation!' -His agitation was extreme; he said many other things which I do not now -remember, and then he left me. Alas! from that day I have never ventured -to ask him for any account of my family." - -A silence ensued; the two young people were pensively thoughtful: the -simple and touching recital of Dona Rosario had strongly affected the -Count. At length he said, in a tremulous voice,-- - -"Let _me_ love you, Dona Rosario!" - -The maiden sighed. - -"To what could that love lead, Don Louis?" she said sadly,--"to death, -perhaps!" - -"Oh!" he exclaimed madly; "and it would be welcome, if it came in your -defence!" - -At this very instant, several individuals rushed into the tent, uttering -discordant cries. Quick as thought, the Count threw himself before the -young girl, a pistol in each hand. But, as if Heaven had decreed that he -should accomplish the wish he had just uttered, before he had time to -defend himself, he was struck to the earth, stabbed by several machetes. -In falling, he saw, as if in a dream, Dona Rosario seized by two -individuals, who fled away with her in their arms. With an incredible -effort, the young man succeeded in getting on his knees, and afterwards -in rising altogether. He beheld the ravishers hastening towards their -horses, which were being held at a short distance by an Indian. He -took aim at the flying wretches, crying, with a faint voice, "Murder! -Murder!" and fired. - -One of the ravishers fell, uttering an imprecation of rage. The Count, -exhausted by the superhuman effort he had made, staggered like a drunken -man; the blood gushed from his ears, his sight grew dim, and he rolled -senseless upon the ground. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX. - -THE PROTEST. - - -The three travellers returned with such speed to Valdivia, that it -scarcely took them an hour and a half to traverse the distance which -divided the plain from the city. They passed on their way General -Don Pancho Bustamente, at the head of a detachment of lanceros, and -attended by a numerous staff; but the Dark-Hearts, employing their usual -precautions, escaped notice. Don Tadeo cast an ironical glance at his -enemy. - -"Look," he said, with a somewhat malignant smile, to Don Gregorio, -"at our worthy general; he fancies himself already protector. What a -majestic bearing he affects!" - -"Yes," said Don Gregorio, with the same expression; "but between the cup -and the lip he may find there is room for a mischance." - -It was striking ten as they entered Valdivia. The city was almost -deserted: for all who were not detained at home by urgent business had -gone to the plain, to be present at the renewal of the treaties between -the Chilians and the Araucanos. This ceremony strongly interested the -inhabitants of the province: it was for them a guarantee of tranquillity -for the future; that is to say, the liberty of carrying on with safety -their commercial transactions with the Indians. More than all the other -provinces of Chili, Valdivia had cause to dread hostilities with its -redoubtable neighbours. Separated entirely from the territory of the -republic, when left to its own resources, the least movement among -the Moluchos annihilated its commerce. If the inhabitants appeared to -have emigrated for a time, it was not the same with the soldiers; the -numerous garrison, composed--a thing unheard of in time of peace--of -fifteen hundred men, had been still further increased within the last -two days, principally in the course of the preceding night, by two -regiments of cavalry, and a battery of artillery. - -For what purpose was this calling together of forces, which nothing -appeared to justify? The few inhabitants who remained in the city -experienced a vague uneasiness on this head, for which they could not -account. There is a singular fact that we wish to point out here, but -which we by no means take upon ourselves to explain, because it has -always seemed to us inexplicable. When a great event, whatever it may -be, is about to be accomplished in a country, a vague presentiment -seems to warn the inhabitants; men and things assume an unusual aspect; -nature itself, associating with this disposition of men's minds, grows -sensibly darker; a magnetic fluid rushes through the veins; a painful -pressure weighs upon every breast; the atmosphere becomes heavy; the -sun loses its brilliancy; and people only communicate their impressions -to each other in a suppressed voice; in short, there is in the air -something incomprehensible, but I know not what, which says to man in -a dismal tone, "Beware! a catastrophe threatens thee!" And this fatal -presentiment is so general, that when the event takes place, and the -crisis is over, every one instinctively cries, "I felt it!" And yet no -one could say why he foresaw the cataclysm. - -It is the sentiment of self-preservation which God has placed in the -heart of man--that sentiment which constitutes his safeguard, and is -so strong, that when danger approaches him, it cries to him, "Beware!" -Valdivia was at this moment oppressed by the weight of an unknown -apprehension. The few citizens who remained in the city hastened to -regain their homes. Numerous patrols of cavalry and infantry traversed -the streets in all directions; cannon rolled along with portentous -noise, and were planted at the comers of all the principal places. At -the cabildo a crowd of officers and soldiers went in and out with a -busy air; couriers succeeded each other unceasingly, and after having -delivered the orders with which they were charged, set off again at full -speed. - -At the same time, at the corners of streets, men wrapped in large -cloaks, and with hats pulled down over their eyes, harangued the workmen -and the sailors of the port, and formed groups, which every instant -became more numerous. In these groups, arms, gun barrels, bayonets, -and pike heads began to glitter in the sun. When these mysterious men -were satisfied that they had accomplished their task in one place, they -went to another. Immediately after their departure, as if by magic, -barricades were raised behind them, and impeded the passage. As soon as -a barricade was terminated, an energetic-looking sentinel, a workman -with bare arms, but with a callous hand, brandishing a gun, an axe, or -a sabre, placed himself at its summit, and bade all who approached go -another way. - -On entering the city, Don Tadeo and his companions found themselves -completely barricaded. Don Tadeo smiled triumphantly. The three men -cleared the barricades, which were thrown open at their approach, and -the sentinels bowed to them as they passed. We have forgotten to say -that all three were masked. There was something striking in the march -of these three phantoms, before whom all obstacles gave way. If now and -then a stray citizen ventured to ask timidly who those three masked -men were, he received for answer, "It is the King of Darkness and his -lieutenants;" and the citizen, trembling with fear, crossed himself, and -went his way hastily. - -The three men thus arrived at the entrance of the Plaza Mayor. There -two pieces of mounted cannon barred their passage, and the artillerymen -were at their guns waiting, match in hand. At a sign from Don Tadeo, the -officer who commanded approached him. He leant down upon the neck of his -horse and said a few words to the officer in a whisper; the latter bowed -respectfully, and, turning to his soldiers, said-- - -"Let these gentlemen pass." - -In all the cities of Spanish America there is a monumental fountain in -the centre of the Plaza Mayor. It was towards this fountain that Don -Tadeo conducted his companions. A hundred individuals, scattered here -and there, and who appeared to expect him, drew together at his approach. - -"Well," Don Tadeo asked Valentine, "how do you like our ride?" - -"Delightful," the other replied, "only I fancy we shall shortly come to -blows, and hear the hissing of bullets." - -"I hope so," said the conspirator, coolly. - -"Ah! ah!" the young man remarked, "all is for the best, then?" - -"You are about to be present at a very interesting spectacle." - -"Oh! I depend upon you for that. For my part, I am glad at not having -lost such an opportunity." - -"Is it not one?" - -"Pardieu!--yes. It is astonishing how travelling instructs one," he -added, in the form of a parenthesis. - -The individuals assembled near the fountain surrounded them with -every mark of the profoundest respect. These were the faithful--the -Dark-Hearts--upon whom perfect dependence was to be placed. - -"Gentlemen," said Don Tadeo, "the struggle is about to commence. I -desire at length that you should know me, that you should be informed -who the man is who commands you." - -And he threw off his mask. A burst of enthusiasm broke from the ranks -of the conspirators. "Don Tadeo de Leon!" they cried with astonishment, -mingled with a species of veneration for the man who had suffered so -much for the common cause. - -"Yes, gentlemen," Don Tadeo replied, "the man whom the creatures of the -tyrant condemned to death, and whom God has miraculously preserved, in -order to be the instrument of His vengeance today." - -All the conspirators pressed tumultuously round him. These men of -spontaneous impressions, and essentially superstitious, no longer -doubted of victory, since they had at their head the man whom God, as -they believed, had so manifestly protected. Don Tadeo had calculated -upon this manifestation to heighten the ardour of the conspirators, -and to augment still further the prestige he enjoyed. The result had -answered his expectations. - -"Is everyone at his post?" he asked. - -"Yes." - -"Are arms and ammunition distributed?" - -"To everybody." - -"Are all the barricades completed?--all the gates of the city guarded?" - -"All." - -"That is well. Now wait." - -And quiet was re-established. - -All these men had known Don Tadeo for a long time; they appreciated his -character at its true value; they had already vowed to him a boundless -friendship; and now they knew that Don Tadeo and the King of Darkness -were the same person, they were ready to lay down their lives for him. -The news of the revelation which had been made near the fountain spread -through the city with the rapidity of a train of gunpowder, and added -greatly to the fermentation which already prevailed. Whilst the few -words were being exchanged between the chief of the conspirators and -his party, a regiment of infantry had formed in front of the cabildo, -flanked right and left by two squadrons of horse. - -"Attention!" Don Tadeo commanded. - -A sensation of impatience pervaded the men grouped around him. - -"Eh! eh!" Valentine murmured, with that mocking, short laugh that was -peculiar to him; "this is going on capitally! Caramba! we shall soon -have some fun!" - -The gates of the cabildo were thrown open violently, and a general, -followed by a brilliant staff, took his station on the top step of the -great staircase; next several senators made their appearance in full -costume, and formed a group round him. At a signal from the general, the -drums beat for a time, to secure attention and silence. When all was -quiet, a senator, who held a roll of paper in his hand, came forward a -few steps, and prepared to read. - -"Bah!" said the General, seizing his arm, "Why lose your time in reading -that rubbish? Leave it to me." - -The senator, who asked no better than to be freed from the dangerous -commission with which, very much against his will, he had been charged, -rolled up his papers, and retreated to the rear. The general assumed a -commanding posture, placed his hand upon his hip, with the point of his -sword on the ground, and said in a voice audible in every corner of the -place-- - -"People of the province of Valdivia, the sovereign senate, assembled -in congress at Santiago de Chili, has unanimously passed the following -resolutions:-- - -"1st. The various provinces of the Chilian republic shall be composed of -independent states united under the title of the Confederation of the -United States of South America. - -"2nd. The valiant and most excellent general, Don Pancho Bustamente, has -been elected Protector of the Chilian Confederation." - -"People, cry with me--'Long live the Protector Don Pancho Bustamente!'" - -The officers grouped round the General, and the soldiers drawn up in the -place, shouted-- - -"Long live the Protector!" - -But the people were mute. - -"Hum!" the general murmured to himself; "they do not display much -enthusiasm." - -A man came forward from the group collected round the fountain, and -advanced boldly to within twenty paces of the soldiers. This man was -Don Tadeo de Leon; his countenance was calm and his bearing firm and -collected. He made a sign with his hand. - -"What is your will?" the general shouted. - -"To reply to your proclamation," the King of Darkness said, intrepidly. - -"Speak! I hear you," the general replied. - -Don Tadeo bowed with a significant smile. - -"In the name of the Chilian people," he said, in a loud, clear voice, -"the senate of Santiago de Chili, composed of creatures sold to the -tyrant, is declared traitorous to its country." - -"Miserable fellow! what do you dare to say?" the General cried, angrily. - -"No insults, if you please! Allow me to terminate the answer I have to -give you," Don Tadeo replied, coolly. - -The General, involuntarily brow-beaten by the heroic courage of this -man, who, alone, unarmed before a triple row of muskets ready to be -directed towards his breast, had dared to speak in this loud, firm -tone, and overcome by that ascendancy which a great character always -exercises, bit the pommel of his sword with rage. - -"In the name of the people," Don Tadeo, still calm and stoical, -continued, "Don Pancho Bustamente is declared a traitor to his country, -and as such is degraded from his titles and his power. Liberty! Chili!" - -"Liberty! Chili!" the populace assembled on the square shouted with the -greatest enthusiasm. - -"Oh, this is too audacious!" the General cried, pale with anger. -"Soldiers, seize that rebel!" - -Several soldiers stepped forward; but, quicker than thought, Don -Gregorio and Valentine had sprung to Don Tadeo's side, and dragged him -back with them among the people. - -"Cordieu!" cried Valentine, pressing his hands enough to crush them, -"you are a troublesome man! but I love you the better for it." - -The General, outrageous at seeing his enemy escape, shouted silence. "In -the name of the Protector," he said, "I command that rebel to be given -up!" - -Hisses and hootings were the only reply. - -"Fire!" the General commanded, who, even before the last insulting -manifestation, had perceived that no half measures were possible. The -muskets were lowered, and a formidable discharge pealed like thunder. -Several men fell, killed or wounded. - -"Chili! Liberty! down with the oppressor!" the people shouted, arming -themselves with everything they could lay their hands on. A second -discharge resounded, followed closely by a third. The ground was, in an -instant, strewed with the dead and dying; but the patriots showed no -disposition to disperse; on the contrary, under the incessant fire of -the soldiers, they organized a resistance, and soon replied by a few -shots to the incessant platoon firing which was decimating them. The -combat became mutual; the revolution had commenced. - -"Hum!" the General muttered to himself, "I have undertaken a rather -awkward mission." - -But, essentially a soldier, and endowed to the highest degree with that -spirit of passive obedience which distinguishes all who have grown old -in harness, he prepared either to chastise the insurgents severely, or -die at his post. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI. - -SPANIARD AND INDIAN. - - -It was not, as may well be believed, through fear, that General -Bustamente had absented himself from Valdivia at the moment when one -of his lieutenants so boldly proclaimed him from the top of the steps -of the cabildo, before the populace. No, General Bustamente was one -of those soldiers of fortune of whom so many are found in America, -accustomed to set his life upon a cast of the die, and to be turned -aside by nothing in the world from the accomplishment of his projects. -He had hoped, by the means of the forces he had concentrated in this -remote province of the republic, that the inhabitants, taken unawares, -would only offer an insignificant resistance, and that he should be -able, by joining his troops with those of Antinahuel, to make a forced -march through Araucania, gain possession of Concepcion, and thence, -keeping the gathering snowball in motion, and dragging his companions -after him, arrive at Santiago in time to prevent any movement, and -oblige the inhabitants to capitulate and accept, as an accomplished -fact, the change of government inaugurated by him in the distant -provinces of the republic. - -This plan was not deficient in audacity, or even in a certain degree of -policy; it comprised great chances of success. Unfortunately for General -Bustamente, the Dark-Hearts, whose spies were everywhere, had got wind -of this project, and had countermined it by taking advantage of the -opportunity offered them by their enemy to unmask their own batteries. -We have seen under what conditions the struggle between the two parties -had commenced in Valdivia. The General, who was ignorant of what was -passing, felt in a state of perfect security. As soon as he was in his -tent with Antinahuel, he let fall the curtain which closed it behind -them, and, by a gesture, invited the toqui to be seated. - -"Sit down, chief," he said, "I have something to say to you." - -"I am at the orders of my white brother," the Indian replied, with a bow. - -The General attentively examined the man before him; he endeavoured to -read on his countenance the various feelings that acted upon him; but -the features of the Indian were marble; no impression was reflected by -them. - -"Let us speak frankly, loyally, and as friends who wish no better than -to understand each other plainly," he said. - -Antinahuel bowed reservedly to this appeal to frankness, and the General -continued-- - -"At this moment the people of Valdivia are constituting me, by -acclamation, protector of a new confederation, formed of all the states." - -"Good!" said the chief, with an almost imperceptible shake of the head; -"is my father sure of that?" - -"Certainly I am. The Chilians are tired of the continual agitations -which disturb the country; they have forced this heavy burden upon me; -but I owe myself to my country, and I will not disappoint the hopes my -compatriots place in me." - -These words were pronounced in a hypocritical tone of self-denial, of -which the Indian was not in the least the dupe. A smile flitted across -the lips of the chief, which the General affected not to perceive. - -"To be brief," he continued, quitting the mild, conciliatory tone in -which he had till that time spoken, to assume a more decided and abrupt -manner, "are you prepared to keep your engagements?" - -"Why should I not keep them?" Antinahuel remarked. - -"Will you march with me to assure the success of my projects?" - -"Let my father order, I will obey." - -This readiness was displeasing to the General. - -"Come," he said, angrily, "let us put an end to this; I have not time to -enter into a contest of wits with you, or follow you through a labyrinth -of Indian circumlocutions." - -"I do not understand my father," Antinahuel replied, impassively. - -"We shall never get to the end, chief," the General said, stamping his -foot, "if you will not answer me categorically." - -"I listen to my father; let him ask, I will reply." - -"How many men can you have under arms within twenty-four hours?" - -"Ten thousand," the chief said, drawing himself up proudly. - -"All experienced warriors?" - -"All." - -"What do you require of me for them?" - -"My father knows." - -"I accept of all your conditions but one." - -"Which is that?" - -"The surrender of the province of Valdivia to you." - -"Is not my father going to make up for that province on another side?" - -"How so?" - -"Am I not to assist my father in conquering Bolivia?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, then?" - -"You are mistaken, chief, it is not the same thing; I may enlarge the -Chilian territory, but honour forbids me to diminish it." - -"Let my father reflect; the province of Valdivia was anciently an -Araucanian Uthal-Mapus." - -"Very possibly, chief; but, according to that principle, all Chili was -Araucanian previous to the discovery of America." - -"My father is mistaken; the Inca Sinchiroca had, a hundred years before, -conquered the Chilian land as far as the Rio-Maule." - -"You seem to be well acquainted with the history of your country, -chief," the General observed. - -"Does not my father know the history of his?" - -"That is not the question, now; do you accept my proposals or not?" - -The chief appeared to reflect for an instant. - -"Well!" the General exclaimed, impatiently, "time presses." - -"That is true; I will, therefore, go and command a council, composed -of the Apo-Ulmens and Ulmens of my nation, and submit the words of my -father to them." - -The General with difficulty suppressed an expression of anger. - -"You must, doubtless, be joking, chief," he said--"your words cannot be -serious." - -"Antinahuel is the first toqui of his nation," the Indian replied, -haughtily; "he never jokes." - -"But you must give me your answer now--at once--in a few minutes!" cried -the General; "who knows whether we may not be obliged to march within an -hour from this time?" - -"It is my duty, as much as it is my father's, to enlarge the territory -of my people." - -At this moment the gallop of a horse was heard approaching; the General -flew to the entrance of the tent, where an orderly officer appeared. The -face of this officer was bathed with perspiration, and spots of blood -stained his uniform. - -"General!" he said breathlessly. - -"Silence!" the latter hissed, pointing to the chief, who, though -apparently indifferent, followed all his movements attentively. The -General turned towards Antinahuel. - -"Chief," he said, "I have orders to give to this officer--pressing -orders; if you will permit me, we will resume our conversation -presently." - -"Good!" replied the chief; "my father need not inconvenience himself; I -can wait." - -And after bowing, he left the tent slowly. - -"Oh!" said the General to himself, "you demon! if, some day, I have you -in my power!" - -But perceiving that anger was making him forget himself, he turned -towards the officer, who stood motionless: - -"Well, Diego," he said, "what news have you?--are we conquerors?" - -"No," the officer replied, shaking his head; "the people, excited by -those incarnate demons, the Dark-Hearts, have rebelled." - -"Oh!" the General cried, "shall I never be able to crush them? What has -taken place?" - -"The people have raised barricades; and Don Tadeo de Leon is at the head -of the movement." - -"Don Tadeo de Leon!" said the General. - -"Yes, he who was so clumsily shot." - -"Oh! this is war to the death then!" - -"A part of the troops, seduced by their officers, who have sold -themselves to the Dark-Hearts, have passed over to their side; at -this moment they are fighting in all the streets with the fiercest -inveteracy. I had to pass through a shower of bullets to come and inform -you." - -"We have not an instant to lose." - -"No; for though the soldiers who have remained faithful to you are -fighting like lions, I can assure you they are closely pressed." - -"Maldicion!" the General howled; "I will not leave stone upon stone of -that accursed city!" - -"Yes, but, in the first place, we must reconquer it, General, and that -will prove rather a rough job, I promise you," replied the old soldier, -who had preserved his blunt speech throughout. - -"Very well!" said Bustamente; "let 'boot and saddle' be sounded, and -every horseman take a foot soldier behind him." - -Don Pancho Bustamente was a prey to the most violent rage; for several -instants he stamped about his tent, like a wild beast in its cage. This -unexpected resistance, in spite of all the measures of precaution he had -taken, exasperated him. Suddenly the curtain of his tent was raised. -"Who is there?" he cried. "Ah! chief, is that you? Well, what do you -say?" - -"I saw the chief come out, and I thought that perhaps my father would -not be sorry to see me," the other replied, courteously. - -"And you were right; I am delighted to see you; forget all we have said, -chief; I accept all your conditions; are you satisfied, this time?" - -"Yes. Including Valdivia?" - -"That above all!" said the General, with concentrated rage. - -"Ah!" - -"Yes, and as that province has revolted, in order to be able to give it -to you, I must bring it back to its duty, must I not?" - -"To be sure you must!" - -"Well, as I have it at my heart to fulfil all my engagements to you, -I am going instantly to march against that city; will you help me to -subdue it?" - -"That will be but just, as I shall labour for myself." - -"How many horsemen have you at hand?" - -"Twelve hundred." - -"Good!" said the General, "they will be more than we shall want." - -"The troops are ready," said Diego, entering the tent, "and only await -your Excellency's orders." - -"To saddle, then; let us be gone! let us be gone! And you, chief, will -you not accompany us?" - -"Let my father move onward! my mosotones and I will tread in his steps -quickly." - -Ten minutes later, General Bustamente, with his soldiers, was again -galloping along the road to Valdivia. Antinahuel followed him with his -eyes attentively; then he rejoined his Ulmens, saying between his teeth, -"Let us leave these Moro-Huincas to slaughter each other a little while; -it will always be time enough to fall into the party." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII. - -IN THE MOUNTAIN. - - -Dona Rosario was so terrified, and such mortal anguish assailed her -on beholding the Count fall under the knives of the assassins, that -she fainted. When she recovered her senses, it was dark night. For -several minutes her confused thoughts whirled about in her brain; and -she endeavoured, but for a long time in vain, to recover the violently -broken thread of her ideas. At length light returned to her mind; she -breathed a deep sigh, and murmured in a low voice full of terror: - -"My God! my God! what has happened to me?" - -She then opened her eyes, and cast around a despairing look. We have -said it was a dark night; but what made the darkness more complete -for the poor girl, was a heavy covering of some kind which was spread -over her face, as well as her person. Then, with that patience which -characterizes all prisoners, and which is merely the instinct of -liberty, the poor child endeavoured to ascertain what her position was. -As well as she could judge, she was lying upon the back of a mule, -between two bales; a cord, which passed round her waist, prevented her -from rising, but her hands were free. The mule had that rough, irregular -trot, peculiar to its species, which made the young girl suffer terribly -at every step. Some horse cloths had been thrown over her, no doubt to -protect her from the heavy dews of the night, or perhaps to prevent her -from making out what road she was going. Dona Rosario, gently, and with -great precaution, slipped the covering down from her face: after a few -efforts her head was completely free. She then looked around her; but -all was dark. The moon, closely veiled by the clouds which passed over -its pale disc, only yielded, at rare intervals, a weak, uncertain light. -By lifting her head softly, the young girl could distinguish several -horsemen, riding before and behind the mule which carried her. As well -as she could make out, from the obscurity which surrounded her, these -horsemen were Indians. - -The rather numerous party--it apparently consisted of a score of -individuals--followed a narrow road deeply inclosed between two abrupt -mountains, the rocky masses of which, throwing their shadow over the -road, augmented the darkness. This road rose with a gentle ascent; and -the horses and mules, probably fatigued with a long journey, travelled -at a foot pace. The young girl, scarcely recovered from her fainting, -had not been able to judge of the time that had elapsed since her -abduction; and yet, by collecting her remembrances, and thinking at what -hour she had been the victim of this odious attempt, she calculated -that twelve hours must have passed away since she was made a prisoner. -Overcome by the effort she had been forced to make in order to look -around her, the poor girl let her head sink back again, stifling a sigh -of despondency; and closing her eyes, as if to isolate herself the more, -she plunged into sad and deep meditations. - -She was at least ignorant of whom she was with. Many times, it was true, -Don Tadeo had spoken to her of an inveterate enemy, inveterate for her -destruction; of a woman whose hatred watched her incessantly, ready to -sacrifice her on the first favourable opportunity. But who was this -woman? What cause had she for her hatred? Was she in the hands of this -woman at that moment? And if so, why had she not already sacrificed -her to her vengeance? From what motive had she been spared? For what -punishment was she reserved? - -These thoughts and many others came in crowds to assail the maiden's -bewildered mind. This uncertainty was for her an atrocious torture; at -that moment, the truth would, perhaps, have been a consolation. Man is -so constructed, that what he is most in dread of is the unknown; what he -is ignorant of, assumes instinctively, in the prepossessed eyes of one -whom a terrible danger menaces, gigantic proportions, a thousand times -more terrific than the danger itself. The diseased imagination creates -for itself phantoms which reality, however horrible it may be, puts -to flight. In a word, the condemned prisoner who is led to punishment -suffers more from the apprehensions which the fear of the death awaiting -him inspires him with, than the physical pain of that death itself will -cause him. Such was, at this moment, the situation of Dona Rosario; her -mind, filled with inquietude and dark presentiments, made her dread -nameless sufferings, the mere thought of which froze the young blood in -her veins. - -The caravan still proceeded; it had left the ravine, and was climbing -a path traced along the edge of a precipice, at the base of which -could be heard the dull murmur of invisible water. At times, a stone, -half-broken beneath the hoof of a mule, became detached, and rolled with -a sinister noise down the side of the mountain, to engulf itself in the -waters, into which it plunged with a dull plash, the sound of which -ascended from the abyss. The wind howled through the pines and larches, -the clashing branches of which showered a deluge of dry cones upon the -travellers. At intervals the owl, and the screech owl, concealed in -the crevices of the rocks, poured out into the night their plaintive -notes, breaking the silence dismally. Furious barkings were heard in the -distance; by degrees they grew nearer, and ended by forming a frightful -concert, broken by the sharp voices of women and children, endeavouring -to quiet them; lights appeared, and the caravan stopped. They had -evidently arrived at the halt, at which they were to pass the rest of -the night. - -The maiden cast an anxious but cautious look around her; but the flame -of the torches agitated by the wind would not permit her to see anything -but the dark outlines of some buildings and the shadows of several -individuals who flitted about her, with cries and laughter--nothing -more. The people of the escort were busily employed in unsaddling the -horses and unloading the mules, amidst cries and oaths, and did not -appear to bestow the least attention upon the young girl. - -A considerable time passed away; Dona Rosario did not know to what to -attribute this unaccountable forgetfulness. At length she felt that -someone took the mule by the bridle, and she heard him shout in a hoarse -voice, _Arrea!_--the word with which the arrieros are accustomed to -excite their beasts. Had she, then, been deceived? Was it not here they -were to stop? What was the meaning of the halt, then? Why did a portion -of the escort leave her? - -Her uncertainty was not of long duration; at the end of ten minutes at -most, the mule stopped again, and the man who led it approached Dona -Rosario. This man, clothed in the costume of the Chilian peasantry, wore -an old straw Panama hat, the large brim of which, pulled down over his -face, prevented her distinguishing his features. At the sight of this -individual, the young girl felt an involuntary shudder run through her -frame. The peasant, or pretended peasant, without addressing a word to -her, withdrew the covering which enfolded her, untied the cord which -bound her to the mule, and taking her in his arms, carried her with as -much ease as if she had been a child, into a detached cabin a few paces -distant, the door of which, standing open, seemed to invite them to -enter. - -The interior of this cabin was dark. The young girl was laid upon the -ground with a care and attention she did not expect. At the moment when -he let her sink softly down from his arms to the ground, the man bent -his head down towards her, and in a voice as inaudible as a breath, he -whispered, "Courage! and hope!" and recovering himself quickly, went -hastily out of the cabin, closing the door after him. - -As soon as he was gone, Dona Rosario sprang upon her feet. The two words -pronounced by the unknown had sufficed to restore her presence of mind, -and remove all her terrors. Hope, that universal panacea, that supreme -good, which God, in His infinite mercy, has given to the unfortunate -to help them to suffer, had suddenly re-entered her heart; she felt -herself become strong, and ready to engage in the struggle with her -unknown enemies. She knew now that a friend watched in secret over her, -and, if required, his assistance would not be wanting; therefore it was -almost with impatience, though still with fear, that she waited for her -ravishers to signify their intentions. - -The place in which she was confined was completely dark. At the first -moment she in vain endeavoured to distinguish anything in this chaos; -but, by degrees, her eyes became accustomed to the darkness, and, in -front of her, she perceived a faint light, which flitted between the -badly-joined boards of a door. She then, with great precaution, for -fear of arousing her invisible guardians, and stretching out her hand -to keep her from contact with any obstacle she could not see, advanced -cautiously, and listening attentively, towards the side from which came -the light--a light which attracted her as instinctively as a flame -attracts the imprudent moth whose wings it burns. - -The nearer she approached, the more distinct the light became, and the -sound of a voice reached her ears. At length her extended hands touched -the door, and leaning forward, she applied her eye to the chink. She -stifled a cry of surprise, and, as at that moment the conversation, -which had been for a short time interrupted, recommenced, she listened -with intensity. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII. - -ON THE WATCH. - - -What she heard, but still more what she saw, necessarily powerfully -interested Dona Rosario. In a vast room, dimly lighted by one of those -yellow candles which the Chilians call _velas de cebo_, fastened to -the wall by means of a ring, a woman, still young, and very handsome, -attired in a riding dress of great richness, was seated on an ebony -chair, covered with Cordova leather. With her right hand she played -with a gold headed whip, and was speaking in an animated tone to a man -who stood respectfully before her, hat in hand. This man, as well as -Dona Rosario could make out, was the same who had carried her into the -_cuarto_. The woman, whom Dona Rosario did not recollect ever to have -seen, was no other than Dona Maria, the shameless courtesan, who, under -the name of the Linda, enjoyed such a scandalous celebrity. - -Dona Maria's position threw the light of the candle full upon her face, -and gave Dona Rosario an opportunity of distinguishing her features. -She contemplated them with deep interest, for she felt instinctively -that this woman was the enemy who, from her birth, had fatally followed -her steps. She imagined that a decisive conference between her and -the unknown was about to take place, and that in a few minutes her -fate would be made known to her. And yet, at the aspect of this woman, -whose bent brows, clear and haughty look, coldly compressed lips, -and cruel words, revealed with the hatred which devoured her, it was -neither a feeling of terror, nor a feeling of hatred, that the young -girl experienced. Without knowing why, a sadness and an undefined pity -for the very woman who was giving orders that made her shudder, took -possession of her. She listened breathlessly, fascinated, scarcely -knowing whether what she heard was really true, and fancying herself at -times under the influence of some terrible hallucination. - -The two speakers, who knew not that they were either watched or -overheard, resumed their conversation in an unrestrained voice. Dona -Rosario, we may well suppose, did not lose a single word. - -"How is it," said the Linda, "that Joan has not come? I expected him." - -The man thus questioned cast a sharp look around him, and rolling up -the broad brim of his hat in his fingers, replied with ill-dissembled -embarrassment-- - -"Joan sent me in his place." - -"And by what right," said the Linda, in a haughty tone, "does the fellow -presume to confide to others the care of accomplishing the orders I give -him?" - -"Joan is my friend," the man replied. - -"What are the ties that unite you to me:" she asked, contemptuously. - -"The mission you charged him with is accomplished." - -"Ay--but faithfully?" - -"The woman is there," he said, pointing to the room in which Dona -Rosario was; "during the journey she has spoken to nobody, and I can -guarantee that she does not know to what place she has been brought." - -At this assurance the look of Dona Maria softened a little, and it was -in a less sharp and haughty tone she continued-- - -"But why did Joan give up his place to you?" - -"Oh!" the man said with a feigned bluntness, belied by his cunning eye, -"for a very simple reason; Joan is at this moment attracted towards the -plain by the black eyes of the wife of a paleface, which sparkle like -fireflies in the night. The woman's toldo is built in the country, near -the tolderia which you call, I think, Concepcion. Although such conduct -be unworthy of a warrior, his heart is flying constantly towards this -woman, in spite of himself, and until he gain possession of her, he will -never be in his senses." - -"Well, then," the Linda interrupted, stamping her foot with vexation, -"why does not the fool carry her off?" - -"I proposed that to him." - -"And what did he say?" - -"He refused." - -Dona Maria shrugged her shoulders with a smile of disdain. "Still," she -remarked, "all that does not tell me who you are." - -"I! I am an Ulmen in my tribe; a great warrior among the Puelches," he -replied, proudly. - -"Ah!" she said, with an air of satisfaction, "you are an Ulmen of the -Puelches, are you? Good! then I can depend upon your fidelity." - -"I am the friend of Joan," he remarked simply, with a respectful bow. - -"Do you know the woman whom you have brought here?" the Linda asked, -darting at him a mistrustful glance. - -"How should I know her?" - -"Are you ready to obey me in everything?" - -"My obedience will depend on my sister; let her speak, and I will -answer." - -"This woman is my enemy," said the Linda. - -"Must she die?" he asked, roughly, without lowering his eyes before the -searching glances of the Linda. - -"Oh, no!" she cried eagerly; "these Indians are brutes--they understand -nothing of vengeance! What use would her death be to me? It is her life -I want." - -"Let my sister explain; I do not comprehend." - -"Death! that is nothing but a few instants of suffering, then all is -over." - -"White death may be so, but an Indian death must be called for many -hours before it answers." - -"I wish her to live, I tell you!" - -"She shall live. Ah!" he added, with a sigh, "the toldo of a chief is -empty, its fires are extinguished." - -"Oh! oh!" the Linda interrupted; "have you no wives?" - -"They are dead." - -"And where is your tribe at this moment?" - -"Oh!" said the Indian, "far from here--ten suns' march, at least. I was -returning to rejoin the warriors of my tolderia, when Joan charged me -with this mission." - -There was a short silence, during which the Linda appeared to be -reflecting. Dona Rosario redoubled her attention--she felt she was about -to know her fate. - -"And pray," Dona Maria resumed, fixing her keen eyes upon the Indian, -"what great interest detained you on the plains near the seashore?" - -"None; I came, as the other Ulmens did, to renew the treaties." - -"Had you no other reasons?" - -"None at all." - -"Listen to me, chief. You have, doubtless, admired the four horses -fastened at the gate of this house?" - -"They are noble beasts," the Indian replied, his eyes glistening with -the desire of possessing them. - -"Well, it only depends upon yourself that I should give them to you." - -"Oh! oh!" he cried, joyfully, "what must I do for that?" - -"Obey me," said the Linda, with a smile. - -"I will obey," he replied. - -"Whatever I command you?" - -"Whatever my sister commands." - -"That is well; but remember what I am going to say to you. If you -deceive me, my vengeance will be terrible--it will follow you -everywhere." - -"Why should I deceive my sister?" - -"Because your Indian race is so constituted--astute and roguish, ever -ready to betray." - -A sinister flash gleamed from the downcast eye of the Puelche warrior; -nevertheless, he replied in a calm tone-- - -"My sister is mistaken; the Araucanos are loyal." - -"We shall see," she coldly remarked. "What is your name?" - -"The Musk Rat." - -"Very well; listen, Musk Rat, to what I am going to say." - -"My ears are open." - -"This woman, who, according to my orders, you brought here, must never -again revisit the shores of the sea." - -"She shall never see them again." - -"I do not wish her to die--understand that; she must suffer," the Linda -added, in a tone which made the unhappy girl tremble with fear. - -"She shall suffer." - -"Yes," said Dona Maria, with sparkling eyes, "I wish that, during a -long course of years, she may suffer a martyrdom at every instant; she -is young, she will have time to call upon death to deliver her from her -misery before it deigns to listen to her. Beyond the mountains, far in -the deserts, in the virgin forests of the Grou-Chaco, I am told that -hordes of Indians exist who are ferocious and sanguinary, and bear a -deadly hatred towards all of the white race." - -"Yes," said the Puelche, in a melancholy tone, "I have heard of these -men from the chiefs of my tribe; they live only for murder." - -"That is it!" she said, with sinister delight. "Well, chief, do you -think yourself able to traverse these vast deserts, and reach the -Grou-Chaco?" - -"Why should I not?" the Indian replied, raising his head proudly, "Do -there exist obstacles strong enough to resist the Araucano warrior in -his course? The puma is the king of the forests, the vulture that of the -heavens; but the Aucas is the king of the puma and the eagle; the desert -is his--Guatechu has given it to him; his horse and his lance render him -invincible and master of immensity." - -"Then my brother will accomplish this journey, which is impossible?" - -A disdainful smile played for an instant round the lips of the savage -warrior. - -"I will accomplish it," he said. - -"Good! my brother is a chief--I perceive he is one now." - -The Puelche bowed modestly. - -"My brother will go there, then, and when he arrives in the Chaco, he -will sell the pale girl to the Guayacuras." - -The Indian did not allow any mark of astonishment to be perceived upon -his face. - -"I will sell her," he replied. - -"That is well!--my brother will be faithful?" - -"I am a chief; I have but one word, my tongue is not forked; but why -should I take this pale woman so far?" - -Dona Maria cast a penetrating glance at him--a suspicion crossed her -mind--the Indian perceived it. - -"I only made a simple observation to my sister; it concerns me little, -and she need not answer me if she does not think proper," he said, with -indifference. - -The brow of the Linda became serene again. - -"The remark is just, chief; I will answer it. Why take her so far, you -asked me; because Antinahuel loves this woman--his heart is softened by -her--and perhaps he will suffer himself to be moved by her prayers, and -restore her to her family. But it shall not happen; she shall weep tears -of blood; her heart shall break under the incessant pangs of grief; she -shall lose everything, even hope!" - -After uttering these words, Dona Maria arose, with head erect, sparkling -eyes, and extended arm; there was in her aspect something fatal and -terrible, which terrified even the Indian, by nature so difficult to -move. - -"Go," she cried, in a tone of command, "before she departs for ever, -I will see this woman once--only once, and speak with her for a few -minutes; she shall at least know me: bring her hither!" - -The Indian went out silently; this woman, so beautiful and so cruel, -terrified him--she inspired him with horror. - -Dona Rosario, on hearing this atrocious sentence pronounced against her, -fell senseless to the ground. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV. - -FACE TO FACE. - - -The door of the cuarto in which Dona Rosario was confined was thrown -open, and the Puelche warrior appeared; he held in his hand a rude -earthen lamp, the flame of which, although feeble, sufficed to -distinguish objects. He had replaced his shabby hat upon his head, and -its wide brim served as a mask to his features. - -"Come with me!" he said, in a rough voice, to the maiden. - -Conscious of the inutility of a resistance which could only be dangerous -to her amidst the bandits who surrounded her, and bowing her head with -resignation, she followed her guide in silence. Dona Maria had resumed -her place in the ebony chair; with arms crossed, and her head hanging -upon her bosom, she was buried in dark meditations. At the slight noise -made by the footsteps of the young lady, she drew herself up, a flash of -hatred gleamed from her dark eyes, and with, a gesture she commanded the -Indian to retire. The Puelche obeyed. - -The two women examined each other intensely; their looks crossed; the -hawk and the dove were face to face. A deathlike silence reigned in the -apartment; at intervals the wind came in gusts and dismal moanings, -through the ill-joined boards of the doors, shook the old building to -its foundation, and agitated the flame of the only candle that illumined -the vast gloomy room in which the two women were. After a sufficiently -long pause, the Linda, who, with that instinct which women possess in -such a high degree, had examined in detail, one by one, the numerous -beauties of the charming girl who stood pale and trembling before her, -at length spoke-- - -"Yes," she said, in a hollow voice, as if speaking to herself, and -overcome by the evidence of the fact, "yes, this girl is beautiful; she -has everything to make her an object of love--to see her must be to -love her; well, this beauty, which up to this time has been her joy and -her pride, grief shall wither rapidly; before one year has passed away -I am resolved that she shall become an object of pity and contempt for -all. Oh!" she added, in a piercing, shrill voice, "I have her at length -within the power of my vengeance!" - -"What have I done to you, madam, that you should hate me thus?" the -maiden asked, in a plaintive voice, the sweet and melodious accent of -which would have softened anyone but her to whom she spoke. - -"What have you done to me, silly creature?" the Linda cried, bounding -up like a wounded lioness, and placing herself close in front of Dona -Rosario--"what have you done to me?" and then added, with a loud -laugh--"Ah! ah! that's true, _you_ have done nothing to me!" - -"Alas, madam! I do not even know you; this is the first time I have been -in your presence; I, a poor young girl, whose life to the present time -has passed away in retirement--how can I have offended you?" - -"Yes, I allow it," the Linda replied; "you have done nothing to me; and, -personally, as you have just said, I have nothing to reproach you with; -but, by making you suffer, learn that it is upon _him_ I avenge myself." - -"I do not understand what you mean, madam," the maiden said, simply. - -"Senseless fool, do not play with the lioness who is ready to devour -you, or pretend to feign an ignorance of which I am not the dupe; if you -have not already divined my name, I will tell it you--I am Dona Maria, -whom they call the Linda--do you understand me now?" - -"Not more than I did before, madam," replied Dona Rosario, with an -accent of frankness that shook the belief of her persecutor, in spite of -herself; "I have never even heard that name." - -"Can that be true?" she cried, doubtingly. - -"I swear it is." - -Dona Linda strode about the apartment with long, hasty steps. Dona -Rosario, more and more astonished, looked stealthily at this woman, -without being able to account to herself for the emotion which her -presence, and the sound of her voice, caused her to experience; it -was not fear, still less was it joy, but an incomprehensible mixture -of sadness, joy, pity, and terror; an undefinable feeling, which, -far from creating repulsion, drew her towards a woman whose odious -projects were no secret to her, and from whom she knew she had so much -to dread. Singular sympathy; what Dona Rosario felt towards the Linda, -the Linda felt towards Dona Rosario: in vain she called to her aid the -remembrance of all the wrongs with which she fancied she had to reproach -the man whom she wished to strike in the person of the young girl; in -the innermost recesses of her heart, a voice, which constantly gained -strength, spoke to her in favour of the maiden whom she was about to -sacrifice to her hatred; the more she endeavoured to overcome this -sentiment, for which she could not account, the more powerless she found -her efforts become; at length, she was on the point of being softened. - -"Oh!" she murmured, passionately, "what is going on within me? Am I -weak enough to allow myself to be subdued by the tears of that paltry -creature?" - -Like Indian warriors, who, when fastened to the stake of blood, sing -their own exploits to encourage them to endure bravely the tortures -which their executioners silently prepare, the Linda recalled the -maddening remembrance of all the outrages Don Tadeo had loaded her with; -and with flashing eyes and trembling lips, she stopped short in front of -Dona Rosario. - -"Listen to me, girl," she said, in a voice which passion caused to -tremble, "this is the first and last time we shall be in the presence of -each other; and you shall know why I bear you such hatred. What you will -learn will be hereafter, perhaps, a consolation to you, and help you to -bear with courage the miseries I reserve for you," she added, with the -laugh of a demon. - -"I will listen to you, madam," Rosario replied, meekly, "although I am -certain that what you are about to say cannot, in any sense, render me -guilty with respect to you." - -"Do you think so?" the Linda said, in a tone of ironical compassion; -"well, then, listen; we have time to talk, as you will not leave this -place for an hour." - -This allusion to her approaching departure made the poor girl shudder, -by recalling to her all that the departure threatened. - -"A woman," the Linda continued, "a young and beautiful woman, more -beautiful than you, fragile child of cities, whom the least storm -bends like a weak reed--a woman, I say, had for love married a man, -also young, and handsome as the evil angel before his fall, who with -perfidiously golden words, by opening before her immense and unknown -horizons, had so seduced her, the poor, poor girl, that in a few days -he induced her to abandon stealthily the roof which had sheltered her -infancy, and to which her aged father in vain recalled her up to the day -of his death, that he might bless and pardon her." - -"Oh, that is frightful!" cried Dona Rosario. - -"Why so? as he had married her, morality was satisfied, in the eyes -of the world. This woman was pure, and could thenceforward move with -head erect before the crowd which had hailed her fall with laughter and -contempt. But everything passes away in this world, and most quickly of -all, the love of the most passionate man. Only a year after marriage -this woman, alone in the most retired room of her dwelling, wept over -the remembrance of the happiness which had left her for ever. Her -husband had deserted her! A child born of this union, a little fair -girl, a rosy-lipped cherub, whose eyes reflected the azure of the -heavens, was the sole consolation which in her misfortunes was left to -the poor abandoned mother. One night, when she was plunged in sleep, her -husband stole like a thief into her house, seized the child, in spite -of the cries of the desolate mother, who threw herself in tears at his -feet, and implored him by all he held sacred in the world. After roughly -repulsing the despairing mother, who sank dying on the cold slabs of the -floor, this heartless and pitiless man disappeared with the child." - -"And the mother?" Dona Rosario anxiously asked, much affected by the -story which the Linda told, entirely to her own advantage. - -"The mother," she continued, in a low, broken voice, "the mother was -doomed never to see her child again. She never has seen her! Prayers, -threats, everything in turn, have been employed without success. And -now, this mother, who adores her child, and would sacrifice her life -for her,--this mother has vowed a hatred against this man, whom she so -fondly loved, and who showed no pity to her, which no vengeance can -satisfy! Now, then, young girl, do you know the name of this mother? -Say, do you know it? No, you do not? Well, then, I am this mother! and -the man who ravished from her all her happiness--the man whom she hates -as she does the demon whose heart he bears, is Don Tadeo de Leon!" - -"Don Tadeo!" Rosario cried, starting back with surprise. - -"Yes!" the Linda said, furiously; "yes, Don Tadeo, your lover!" - -The maiden sprang towards Dona Maria, and seizing her arm violently, and -placing her face, inflamed with anger, close to that of the courtezan, -who was stupefied at the energy she could not have expected from this -delicate creature, cried indignantly,-- - -"What have you dared to say, madam? Don Tadeo my lover! It is false, -madam!" - -"Can this be true?" the Linda asked, eagerly. "Can I have been so -grossly mistaken? But then," she added, mistrustfully, "who are you? and -by what title does he keep you always with him?" - -"I will tell you who I am, madam!" Rosario replied, proudly. - -All at once the hasty gallop of several horses was heard from without, -mingled with cries and oaths. - -"What can the matter be?" said Dona Maria, turning pale. - -"Oh!" said Dona Rosario, clasping her hands fervently; "oh, my God! are -you sending me liberators?" - -"You are not free yet," the Linda said, with a bitter smile. - -The tumult increased greatly; the door, violently pushed from without, -flew open, and several men rushed into the room. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV. - -THE REVOLT. - - -The multiplicity of the scenes we have to describe, and the exigencies -of our story, compel us to abandon Dona Rosario and the Linda, -and return to Valdivia, where the revolt had assumed the gigantic -proportions of a revolution. Electrified by the heroic conduct of the -King of Darkness, the patriots fought with the greatest obstinacy. -The Dark-Hearts appeared to have the gift of ubiquity; their numbers -increased, they were everywhere at the head of the insurgents, exciting -them by gesture and voice; but, above all, by their example. The city -was completely cut up by barricades, against which the few troops who -remained faithful to General Bustamente struggled in vain. Beaten back -by the enemies who on all sides rose up against them to the thousand -times repeated cries of "Our country!" "Chili Liberty!" the soldiers -retreated, step by step, abandoning, one after another, the different -posts of which they had been in possession at the commencement of the -action, and rallied upon the Plaza Mayor, the outlets of which they had -barricaded in their turn. - -The city was in the power of the insurgents; for as the battle from this -moment was concentrated at one point, it was not difficult to foresee -with which party the victory would remain; for the soldiers, discouraged -by the ill success of their _coup de main_, and sensible of being the -champions of a lost cause, only fought to obtain honourable conditions. -General Bustamente's officers, and the senators whom he had brought -with him as partizans, trembled when thinking of the fate that awaited -them if they fell into the hands of their enemies. Success justifies -everything: from the moment they failed to succeed they became traitors -to their country, and, as such, had no right to a capitulation. They -therefore excited their soldiers to fight valiantly, promising them -speedy assistance, and trying to revive their courage by telling them -that their adversaries were merely citizens, whom they could easily -overcome if they made a bold attempt, or even resisted for an hour -longer. - -The general who commanded the garrison, and whom we saw upon the steps -of the cabildo read with so much arrogance the decree which changed the -form of government, bit his lips with rage and performed prodigies of -valour, to give Bustamente time to arrive. As soon as he saw the turn -things had taken, he sent off an express for the General with the utmost -promptitude. This express was Diego, the old soldier who was so devoted -to General Bustamente. - -"Lieutenant," he said, in conclusion, "you see in what a position we -are; you must reach the General at all risks." - -"I will reach him, General; be at ease on that head!" Diego replied, -intrepidly. - -"And I will endeavour to hold out till your return." - -Don Diego, before he finished speaking, had ridden desperately at -the ranks of the insurgents, spurring on his horse, and waving -his sword with menacing rapidity round his head. The Dark-Hearts, -astonished by such an attack on the part of a single man, at the first -moment unconsciously opened their ranks before him as to a canister -shot, incapable of resisting the impetuous shock of this apparently -invulnerable demon, who mowed down all that came in his way. Diego -skilfully took advantage of the disorder produced on the enemy by his -furious assault; he kept pushing on, and, after incredible efforts, -succeeded in getting out of the city. As soon as he was in safety, the -overexcitement which till that time had sustained him, suddenly sank, -and at a few paces from the gates he was forced to stop to take breath, -and restore his confused ideas to a little order. The old soldier washed -the sides and nostrils of his horse with a little brandy and water; -and as soon as this duty was performed, aware that the fate of his -companions depended upon his speed, he sprang into his saddle and set -off with the fleetness of an arrow. - -The General did not delay his return to Valdivia a minute, for he felt -that success would be an immense advantage to him; and a check, if he -were beaten, irreparable. As a conqueror, his march to Santiago would -be nothing but a triumphant march; the authorities of the cities he -passed through would rival each other in ranging themselves beneath his -standard; whereas, if he were forced to abandon Valdivia as a fugitive, -he would be tracked like a wild beast, and obliged to seek safety in -a prompt flight, either in Bolivia or Buenos Aires, and the projects -he had nourished so long, and of which he believed he had beforehand -assured the success, would be deferred, or perhaps destroyed for ever. -Thus the General was a prey to one of those cold furies, which are so -much more terrible, because they cannot be exhibited outwardly. - -The horsemen advanced amidst a cloud of dust raised by their precipitate -course, rushing along the road like a whirlwind, and with a noise like -thunder. Two lances' length in advance of the soldiers, Don Pancho, -bending over the neck of his horse, with pale brow and clenched teeth, -galloped at full speed, keeping his eyes fixed upon the lofty steeples -of Valdivia, whose dark shadows became more enlarged on the horizon -every minute. Within half a mile of the city he halted his squadron. The -sharp pattering of musketry resounded strongly, mingled at intervals -with the dismal, rolling bass of cannon; the battle, therefore, must -still be going on. The General hastened to make his last preparations -before attempting an attack he hoped would prove decisive. The foot -soldiers dismounted, and formed in platoons, and firearms of all kinds -were loaded. - -The troops brought up by the General were not numerous from the European -point of view, according to which we are accustomed to see great masses -in conflict; they, at most, did not exceed eight hundred men. In Europe -it is customary to say that victory is most likely to attend large -battalions: in America, where the largest armies are frequently of not -more than three thousand men, this idea becomes naturally modified, -and it is generally the most skilful or the most brave man who remains -master of the field of battle. - -Don Pancho was a rough soldier, accustomed to the struggles of civil -wars, which, for the most part, consist of audacious _coups de main_. -Endowed with courage bordering on rashness, and devoured by ambition, he -prepared, with the greatest coolness, to re-establish his compromised -affairs by an irresistible attack. The country in the neighbourhood of -Valdivia is a real English garden, interspersed with thickets, apple -orchards, copses, and slender streams of water rippling away to the -river. It was very easy for the General to conceal his arrival. Two -soldiers were detached as scouts, in order to learn the state of things. -At the expiration of a few minutes they returned. The outskirts of the -city were deserted, the insurgents had driven the troops back into the -centre, and, according to the scouts, with the imprudence of citizens -metamorphosed suddenly into soldiers, they had left no reserve, or even -placed sentinels, to secure their rear against a surprise. - -This information, instead of restoring confidence to the General, made -him knit his brows; he thought it must be a manoeuvre, and whilst his -officers were laughing with all their might at the able tactics of -the insurgents, he judged it necessary to redouble his precautions. -The troops were divided into two bodies, which, in case of need, were -to support each other; and, as they were attacking a city entirely -barricaded, the lancers were ordered to dismount, and reinforce the -infantry. Only one squadron of a hundred horsemen remained in the -saddle, concealed about a quarter of a mile from the place, in order to -support a retreat, or to put the fugitives to the sword, if the surprise -succeeded. These arrangements made, the General made an earnest address -to his soldiers, to whom he promised, in the event of success, the -pillage of the city. He then placed himself at the head of the first -detachment, and gave the order, "March! Forward!" - -The troops advanced in the Indian fashion, taking advantage of every -inequality in the ground, and of every tree to conceal themselves, and -arrived thus, without giving alarm, to within pistol shot of the city. -The dead silence which continued to prevail around him, contrasted in -a dismal manner with the musketry and cannon which became more audible -as they advanced, and greatly increased the General's anxiety. A dark -presentiment warned him that he was threatened by some great danger, -which he knew not how to avoid, from being ignorant of what kind it -might be. The least hesitation at this critical minute might bring on -irreparable misfortunes. The General grasped the hilt of his sword -firmly in his clenched hand, and turning towards his soldiers, shouted -in a loud, clear voice, "Forward!" - -The detachment, which only awaited this order, rushed forward shouting, -and, at double-quick time, cleared the space between them and the city. -Windows, doors, all were closed; and had it not been for the distant -report of musketry, the city might have been thought deserted. The first -detachment, finding no obstacles before them, continued their march; -and the second detachment also entered. But then, all at once, behind, -before, and on the flanks of the troops, a loud cry burst forth; and -at every window appeared men with muskets in their hands. Don Pancho -Bustamente was surrounded, he had allowed himself to be taken--pardon us -the triviality of the comparison--like a rat in a trap. The soldiers, -astonished for a second, soon recovered themselves; they faced front and -rear, and attacked the double barrier that enclosed them: but though -they desperately rushed against it, they could not force it. They then -plainly perceived they were lost, that they could expect no quarter, and -prepared to die like brave men. - -The General cast fierce and desperate glances around him, looking, -but unsuccessfully, for a point of issue from the menacing forest of -bayonets crossed before him, and which enclosed him as in a steel -network. Some authors have amused themselves at the expense of the -wars and battles of the Americans, in which they say the two armies -always take care to place themselves out of reach of cannon shot, so as -never to have a single man killed. This pleasantry, which is in very -bad taste, has assumed the proportions of a calumny it is but just -to refute, for it attacks the honour of the Americans of the South, -who, I unhesitatingly assert, are endowed with intrepid courage--a -courage that was brilliantly displayed during the wars of independence -against the Spaniards. Unhappily, at present this courage is employed -in fratricidal struggles, without any understood object. Thrice the -soldiers rushed upon the insurgents, and thrice were they repulsed -with enormous loss. The battle was horrible, without mercy on either -side; they fought hand to hand, foot to foot, breast to breast, to -the last breath, only falling to die. The troops, decimated by this -frightful carnage, gradually gave ground; the space they occupied -became narrower and narrower, and the moment did not appear distant -when they would disappear under the popular flood which continued to -ascend, and threatened to engulf them under its irresistible mass. The -General collected about fifty men resolved to die or open a passage, and -he made a desperate attempt. It was a collision of giants. For a few -minutes, the two masses launched one against the other remained almost -motionless, from the force of the blow with which they met; Don Pancho, -flourishing his sword around him, and standing in his stirrups, struck -down all who opposed his passage. - -Suddenly a man placed himself before him, like a rock which rises from -the depths of the sea. At the sight of him the General paused, in spite -of himself, with a stifled cry of surprise and rage. This man was Don -Tadeo de Leon, his mortal enemy; whom he had once condemned to death, -and who had, in a miraculous manner, survived his execution. But, now! -God seemed to place him fatally before him, to be the instrument of his -vengeance, and the cause of his ruin and his shame. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVI. - -THE LION AT BAY. - - -"My God!" said the General, "am I the dupe of an hallucination?" - -"Ah! ah!" the King of Darkness exclaimed, with an ironical smile, "you -recognize me then, General?" - -"Don Tadeo de Leon!" Don Pancho cried, in horror. "Do the dead then -arise from the tomb? Oh! I hoped that what I heard was false. It is you!" - -"Yes," Don Tadeo replied, in a stern voice, "you are not mistaken, Don -Pancho; I am Don Tadeo de Leon, whom you caused to be shot upon the -Plaza Mayor of Santiago. Your spies have informed you correctly." - -"Man or demon," the General shouted, half choking with rage, "I will not -yield to you! I will fight you as a man, and send you back again to the -hell from which you have escaped!" - -His enemy smiled disdainfully. - -"Your hour has arrived, Don Pancho," he said; "you are due to the -justice of the Dark-Hearts." - -"You do not hold me yet, wretched traitor! If I cannot conquer, I can -die, weapon in hand, like a soldier." - -"No, your hour has struck, I tell you; you are ours, you shall die, but -not the death of a soldier; you shall be executed by our justice!" - -"If that be the case," the General yelled, brandishing his sword, "come -and take me!" - -Don Tadeo did not deign a reply; he gave a signal, and a lasso whizzed -through the air, launched by an invisible hand, and fell round the -General's shoulders. Astonished by this unexpected attack, before he -could make the least possible resistance, he received a terrific shock, -lost his stirrups, was pulled from his horse, and dragged amongst -the insurgents. The astounded General, half mad with rage and shame, -exhausted himself in vain efforts; nearly strangled by the lasso which -flayed his neck, his face assumed a purple tint; his eyes, injected with -blood, seemed starting from their sockets, and a white foam flowed from -the corners of his discoloured lips. Don Tadeo contemplated him for a -moment with a mixture of pity and triumph. - -"Free him from that slipknot," he said. "Secure his person, but treat -him with respect." - -The soldiers, terrified at this prompt capture, which they had not at -all expected, stood downcast and silent; in their stupor forgetting even -the use of their arms. Don Tadeo turned towards them: - -"Surrender," he shouted, "surrender! the man who misled you is in our -power; your lives shall be spared." - -The soldiers consulted each other for an instant with their eyes; and -then, as if by a spontaneous movement, they threw down their muskets, -crying aloud: - -"Chili! Chili! liberty! liberty!" - -"That is well!" said Don Tadeo; "leave the city, encamp at the distance -of a mile, and await the orders which shall soon be transmitted to you." - -The conquered soldiers, with downcast looks, followed the road they had -traversed an hour before; they passed through the silent ranks of the -insurgents, which opened to give them passage. Without loss of time, -Don Tadeo, followed by a crowd of his partisans, directed his course -towards the Plaza Mayor, where the battle still raged. The soldiers, -solidly intrenched in the Plaza, and masters of the cabildo, fought -valiantly, hoping still for the assistance of General Bustamente, of -whose fate they were ignorant. Although reduced to a small number, these -troops occupied a formidable position, in which it was almost impossible -to force them, without resolving to suffer great loss. Persuaded that -they only required to gain time, the soldiers fought with the energy of -despair, defending inch by inch the barricade behind which they were -sheltered. - -But the day was passing away, their ammunition was growing exhausted, a -great number of their comrades were stretched dead at their feet, and -nothing could support them but the hope that the succour so impatiently -expected was at hand. In the heat of their own contest they had not -heard the noise of the battle fought by Don Pancho at the city gates, in -which but few shots had been fired, as it had been principally decided -by cold steel. Discouragement, however, began to affect the bravest, -the general who commanded even felt his energy diminish, and he looked -around him with great anxiety. - -Dejected, and with downcast eyes, the senator, who had been the bearer -of the fatal proclamation, trembled in all his limbs; he regretted, -but too late, having thrown himself into this hornet's nest; and he -offered up the most magnificent vows to the innumerable saints of the -golden Spanish legend, if they would bring him safe and sound through -the perils which surrounded him. The worthy man had not any warlike -instincts; and we can safely affirm, without fear of contradiction, that -if he had had the slightest suspicion that things would have taken the -turn they did, he would have remained quiet in his charming quinta of -Corro-Azul, in the environs of Santiago, where his life glided away so -softly, so happily, and, above all, so free from care. Unfortunately, -as it sometimes happens in this nether world, where, whatever Candide -may say, everything is not for the best, in the best of worlds, Don -Ramon Sandias--so the worthy senator was named--had not been able duly -to appreciate the charms of that calm life; ambition had gnawed at his -heart, though he had nothing to wish for; and he had, as we have seen, -plunged up to the neck in a hornet's nest, from which he did not know -how to emerge. - -At every shot he heard, the poor senator jumped like a Guanaco, with -startled eyes; and when, now and then, in spite of the precautions he -had taken, the sinister hissing of a bullet resounded in his ear, he -threw himself flat on his face, murmuring all the prayers that his -troubled memory could recall. - -At first, the contortions and cries of Don Ramon had very much amused -the officers and soldiers among whom accident had placed him; they had -even taken delight in augmenting his terrors; but, at length, as happens -more frequently in such cases than people fancy, the pleasantries had -ceased; Don Ramon's terrors had communicated themselves to the laughers, -who saw, with fright, that their position was becoming every minute more -desperate. - -"The devil take the poltroon!" the General at length cried, angrily; -"cannot you keep your trembling limbs still? Caspita! console yourself, -they won't kill you more than once." - -"Ah! that is very easy for you to say," the senator replied, in a broken -voice; "I am no soldier; it is your trade to be killed, it is all one to -you." - -"Hum!" said the General, "not quite so much so as you may think; but -comfort yourself; if this goes on a little longer, we shall all go -together." - -"What is that you say?" the poor man muttered, with redoubled fear. - -"Caramba! it is clear as day, if Don Pancho does not make haste and -come, all of us here will die." - -"But I do not wish to die!" said the senator, bursting into tears; "I -am no soldier. Oh! I implore you, my good, my inestimable Don Tiburcio -Cornejo, let me go away!" - -The General shrugged his shoulders. - -"What consequence can it be to you?" the senator continued, in a -supplicating tone; "do save my life! show me which way I can get out of -this cursed confusion." - -"Eh! how the devil do I know?"' the General said, impatiently. - -"Well, now, look here," said the senator; "you owe me two thousand -piastres, which I won of you at Monte, do you not?" - -"What then?" the General, vexed at this ill-timed remark, said, sharply. - -"Get me away from here, and I will cry quits." - -"You are a fool, Don Ramon; do you think if I could get safely away from -here, that I would remain?" - -"I see what you are," said the senator, despondingly; "you are but a -false friend, you desire my death, you thirst for my blood." - -In short, the poor man was almost mad; he knew not what he said, -terror had deprived him of the little sense he ever possessed. But, in -reality, the position became every instant more critical; the carnage -was horrible, the soldiers fell one after another beneath the bullets -of the insurgents, who were sheltered by every corner of the plaza. Two -or three sorties attempted by the troops had been vigorously repulsed; -and hence, decimated as they were, all they could possibly do now was to -prevent their intrenchments from being carried. - -All at once the senator bounded forward like a chamois; he made directly -to the General, and seized his arm. - -"We are saved!" he cried; "thanks be to God! we are saved!" - -"Hilloh! what's the matter now, Don Ramon? What bee has stung you? are -you really mad?" - -"I have not been stung," the senator replied, as fast as he could speak, -"nor am I mad; we are saved; I tell you, we are saved!" - -"Well, how? what is it? Is Don Pancho coming at last?" - -"Don Pancho, indeed! I wish he were at the devil!" "Well, what is it, -then?" - -"Why, do you not see, yonder? look, behind the barricade which blocks -the entrance of the Calle de la Merced." - -"What is there to see?" - -"Why, a flag of truce! a white flag!" - -"Ah!" said the General, eagerly, "let us look! let us look!" - -And he did look. - -"True!" he said, at the expiration of a minute. "Success to all cowards, -say I, for having good eyes; I did not see it." - -"Ay, but I did," said Don Ramon, rubbing his hands, quite revived, and -marching off with great glee. But, at that moment, a nearly spent ball -came ricocheting and whizzing close to his ear. - -"Lord, have mercy upon me!" he cried, falling flat on his face, and -so remaining, as motionless as if he were dead, although he had not -received a scratch. - -In the meantime, the General had likewise caused a flag of truce to be -hoisted on his intrenchments, and had given orders for the firing to -cease. The noise of the combat being hushed, the senator, like a rabbit -relieved from alarm, raised his head a little; reassured by the silence -which prevailed, he sat up, looking on all sides with the greatest -anxiety, and, at length, convinced that the peril was over, he contrived -to get upon his legs, which, however, trembled so frightfully under him, -that they could scarcely support him. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVII. - -THE TRUCE. - - -As soon as the flag of truce was hoisted, firing at once ceased on both -sides. The troops at bay, who had ceased to hope for succour, were not -sorry to find that the insurgents saved their military honour by being -the first to demand a parley. General Cornejo, in particular, was tired -of the hopeless combat, which he had bravely maintained all the morning. - -"Well, Don Ramon," he said, addressing the senator in a more cordial -tone than he had before employed, "I think I have found means to enable -you to escape without striking a blow; so what we agreed to stands good, -does it not?" - -The senator looked at him with a bewildered air; the worthy man had not -the least recollection of what he had either said or done while the -balls were whistling round him. - -"I do not at all understand you, General," he replied. - -"Poor man! pretend to be innocent, do!" said the General, laughing, and -slapping him on the shoulder; "do you wish to persuade me you are like -the Guanacos, which lose their memory through trembling with fear?" - -"Upon my honour," said the senator, "I swear, Don Tiburcio, that I have -not the least remembrance of having promised you anything." - -"Ah! well, it is possible, for you were devilishly frightened. Come, I -will refresh your memory: pay attention!" - -"You will give me great pleasure." - -"Well, I doubt that! but that is of no consequence. You said to me, on -the spot where we now stand, not more than half an hour ago, that if I -found the means of securing your escape, safe and sound, you would hold -me quits for the two thousand piastres I lost to you, and owed you." - -"Do you flatter yourself that that is the truth?" said the senator, -whose avaricious instincts began to revive, as fear departed. - -"I am sure it is. Ask these gentlemen," the General asked, turning -towards some officers who stood by. - -"Oh, certainly! true to the letter," they said, with a laugh. - -"Ah! ah!" - -"Yes, and as I would not listen to you, you added--" - -"What!" Don Ramon, who knew of old the man he had to deal with, said, -with a start--"do you mean to say that I added something?" - -"The devil! yes," said the other. "You added this; and I repeat your -own words. You said, as plainly as you could speak--'And I will give a -thousand piastres in addition.'" - -"Oh, that is not possible!" the senator ejaculated, quite beside himself. - -"Perhaps I did not understand you?" - -"That must be it." - -"Do you admit you mentioned the two thousand?" asked the General, -quietly. - -"Not at all! not at all!" replied Don Ramon, quite confounded by the -laughter of the bystanders. - -"Perhaps you meant more; well, we will not haggle about that." - -"I never said a word of the kind!" the exasperated senator exclaimed. - -"In that case," said the General, with a stern frown, and surveying him -coolly, "you mean to say that I have told a falsehood." - -Don Ramon became aware that he had made a false move, and drew back. - -"Pardon me, my dear General," he said, in the most amiable voice -possible, "you are perfectly right; I do now remember it was two -thousand piastres I promised you in addition." - -It was now the General's turn to be at a loss, for this generosity on -the part of the senator, whose avarice was proverbial, confused him; he -was suspicious of some snare or trick. - -"But," Don Ramon added, with an air of triumph, "you have not saved me." - -"What do you mean by that?" - -"Why, Santiago! as we are going to hold a parley, you are too late, and -our bargain is void." - -"Oh! oh!" said Don Tiburcio, with a jeering smile, "you think so, do -you?" - -"Caspita! I am sure of it." - -"And yet you are deceived, my dear friend, as you shall judge: come with -me, the flag of truce is now crossing the barricades, and in an instant -you will learn that you have never been so near death as now." - -"You are joking." - -"I never joke about serious circumstances." - -"In Heaven's name explain yourself!" said the poor senator, whose fears -had all returned. - -"Lord! it is the simplest thing in the world," said the General, -carelessly; "I have but to declare to the leader of the revolt, and be -assured I will not fail to do so, that I only acted by your orders." - -"Well, but that is not true," interrupted Don Ramon, in great alarm. - -"I know that," the General replied, bluntly; "but, as you are a senator, -they will believe me, and you will be fully and fairly shot, and that -will be a pity." - -Don Ramon was thunder-struck by this piece of implacable logic; he found -that he was in a hobble, from which he could not possibly escape without -paying handsomely. He looked at his _friend_, who surveyed him with a -pitilessly ironical smile, whilst the officers bit their lips to keep -from laughing; he stifled a sigh, and resolving to make the best of -it, very much against his will, he said, inwardly cursing the man who -exposed him in such a cynical fashion-- - -"Well, Don Tiburcio, I admit that I owe you two thousand piastres, but -_I_ will pay you." - -This was the only epigram he ventured to indulge in regarding the -General's willingness to pay; but the latter was magnanimous, he took -no notice of the offensive part of the speech, and rendered quite -cheerful by the bargain he had concluded, he prepared to listen to the -propositions of the officer with the flag of truce, who was brought to -him with his eyes bandaged. This officer was Don Tadeo de Leon. - -"What do you come here for?" the General asked. - -"To offer you good terms, if you will surrender," Don Tadeo replied, in -a firm voice. - -"Surrender!" the General shouted with a laugh; "you must be mad, sir!" -and, turning towards the soldiers who had brought Don Tadeo, he added, -"Remove the bandage from the eyes of this caballero." - -The bandage fell accordingly. - -"Look round you," said the General, haughtily, "do we look like people -asking for a favour?" - -"No, General, you are a stout soldier, and your troops are brave; you -ask no favour of us, it is we who come to you to offer to lay down our -arms on both sides, and put an end to this fratricidal contest," Don -Tadeo replied, with an air of grandeur. - -"Who are you, may I ask, sir?" said the General, struck with the noble -bearing of the man who was speaking to him. - -"I am Don Tadeo de Leon, whom your leader ordered to be shot." - -"You!" cried the General, "you here!" - -"I, myself; and I have another name." - -"Tell it to me, sir." - -"I am called the King of Darkness." - -"The leader of the Dark-Hearts!" the General murmured, starting, in -spite of himself, and surveying the speaker with uneasy curiosity. - -"Yes, General, I am the leader of the Dark-Hearts, but I am still -something more." - -"Explain yourself, sir," the General asked, who began to be in doubt how -to behave toward the strange personage who was speaking to him. - -"I am the leader of the men whom you term insurgents, but who have, -in reality, only taken up arms to defend the institutions you have -overthrown, and the constitution you have violated." - -"Sir!" said the General, "your words----" - -"Are severe, but just," continued Don Tadeo; "ask your own loyal, -soldier's heart, General, and then tell me which side is right." - -"I am not a lawyer, sir," Don Tiburcio replied impatiently; "you have -yourself said that I am a soldier, and, as such, I confine myself to -obeying, without discussion, the orders I receive from my leaders." - -"Let us not lose time uselessly in idle speeches, sir; will you, or will -you not, lay down your arms?" - -"By what right do you make me such a proposal?" the General asked, whose -pride revolted at being forced to hold a parley with a citizen. - -"I could answer you," replied Don Tadeo, sternly, "that it is by the -right of the stronger, and that you know as well as I do that you -are combating for a lost cause, and that you are persisting without -advantage in a senseless struggle; but I prefer addressing myself to -your heart, and saying, why should brothers and fellow countrymen -continue to cut each other's throats?--why should we any longer shed -such precious blood? Make your conditions, General, and be assured that -for the sake of protecting your soldier's honour, that honour which is -ours also, as among the troops against whom we fight are our relations, -friends, and countrymen, we will grant them as extensively as you can -desire." - -The General felt himself moved, this noble language had found an echo -in his heart; he looked down on the ground, and reflected for several -minutes; at length, raising his head, he replied-- - -"Sir, believe me it costs me much not to answer as I could wish what you -have done me the honour to say to me; but I have a leader above me." - -"In your turn please to explain yourself, sir," said Don Tadeo. - -"I have sworn to Don Pancho Bustamente to defend his cause to the death." - -"Well?" - -"Well, sir, unless Don Pancho Bustamente were killed or a prisoner,--in -either of which cases I should consider myself freed from my oath to -him,--I will lay down my life for him." - -"Is that the only reason that prevents you, General?" - -"Yes, the only one." - -"In case General Bustamente should be either killed or a prisoner, you -would surrender?" - -"Instantly, I repeat." - -"Well," replied Don Tadeo, stretching out his arm in the direction of -the barricade by which he had come, "look yonder, General." - -Don Tiburcio looked in the direction indicated, and uttered a cry of -surprise and sorrow. Don Pancho Bustamente appeared at the top of -the barricade; his head was bare, and two armed men watched all his -movements. - -"Do you see him?" Don Tadeo asked. - -"Yes," replied the General, sorrowfully; "we all surrender, sir;" and -turning the point of his sword to the ground, he bent the blade with the -intention of breaking it. Don Tadeo stopped him by seizing the sword, -which he, however, returned to him immediately, saying-- - -"General, keep that weapon, it will serve you against the enemies of our -country." - -The General made no reply; he silently pressed the hand which the King -of Darkness held out to him, and turning away to conceal the emotion -which agitated him, he wiped away a tear that had fallen upon his grey -moustache. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVIII. - -TWO ROGUISH PROFILES. - - -The city was quiet, the revolt was over, or, to speak more logically, -the revolution was complete. The soldiers, after laying down their arms, -had evacuated Valdivia, which was left completely in the power of the -Dark-Hearts. As soon as peace was re-established, the Dark-Hearts gave -orders that the barricades should be destroyed, and that all traces of -the sanguinary struggle should be removed as quickly as possible. By the -force of accomplished facts alone, Don Tadeo de Leon found himself quite -naturally invested with power, and in command of the province, with the -faculties of a dictator. - -"Well," he asked Valentine, "what do you think of what you have seen?" - -"Faith," the Parisian replied, with characteristic bluntness, "I think -people must come to America to see how men can be caught with hook and -line like simple gudgeons." - -Don Tadeo could not refrain from smiling at this whimsical answer. - -"Do not leave me," he said; "all is not over yet." - -"I ask no better; but, our friends yonder, don't you think they will be -very uneasy at our long absence?" - -"Can you for a moment imagine that I have forgotten them? Within an hour -you will be at liberty. Come with me; I want to show you two faces to -which our victory has given an expression very different from that which -they generally wear." - -"That will be curious," said Valentine. - -"Yes," Don Tadeo replied, "or hideous, whichever you please." - -"Hum! man is not perfect," said Valentine, philosophically. - -"Fortunately not; if he were, he would be execrable," Don Tadeo remarked. - -They entered the cabildo, the doors of which were guarded by a -detachment of Dark-Hearts. The vast saloons of the palace were invaded -by an eager crowd, who came to salute the rising sun; that is to say, -they came to offer the spectacle of their baseness to the fortunate man, -whom, no doubt, they would have stoned if success had not crowned his -audacious attempt. Don Tadeo passed, without seeing them, through the -ranks of these sycophants, the sworn courtiers of every authority, as -void of honour as of shame, possessing but one single talent--that of -making bendings to which it would seem impossible that the vertebral -column of a man could attain, however flexible it may be. Valentine, who -followed the footsteps of his friend, feigned to take for himself the -greater part of the genuflexions meant for Don Tadeo, and bowed to the -right and left with imperturbable coolness and assurance. - -The two gentlemen, after many delays caused by the increasing crowd, -which closed around them, reached at last a retired apartment, in which -there were only two persons. These two persons were General Tiburcio -and Senator Don Ramon Sandias. The physiognomy of these persons offered -a striking contrast. The General, with a sad face and a pensive step, -walked about the apartment, whilst the senator, luxuriantly reclining -on a fauteuil, with a smile upon his lips, his visage expanded, and -one leg thrown over the other, was fanning himself carelessly with an -embroidered handkerchief of the finest cambric. At the sight of Don -Tadeo, the General advanced rapidly towards him; as for the senator, he -sat upright in his chair, assumed a serious look, and waited. - -"Sir," the General said, in a low voice, "two words." - -"Speak, General," replied Don Tadeo; "I am entirely at your disposal." - -"I have some questions which I wish to put to you." - -"You may be assured, General, that if it be in my power to answer you, I -will not hesitate to satisfy you." - -"I am convinced of that, and it is that which emboldens me to speak." - -"I am all attention." - -The General hesitated for a moment, but seemed at length determined. - -"Good heavens, sir!" said he, "I am an old soldier, unacquainted with -diplomacy; I had a friend, almost a brother, and I am a prey to mortal -uneasiness on his account." - -"And that friend?" - -"Is General Bustamente. You must know," he added, warmly, "that we have -been fellow soldiers thirty years; and I should wish--" here he stopped, -as if in doubt, looking earnestly at the person he was addressing. - -"You would like?" said Don Tadeo, quietly. - -"To know the fate that is reserved for him." - -Don Tadeo gave the General a melancholy glance. - -"To what purpose?" he murmured. - -"I beg of you." - -"You insist on knowing?" - -"I do." - -"General Bustamente is a great criminal. While a leader in power, he -wished to change the form of government against the will of the people -from whom he held his position, and in contempt of the laws, which he -shamelessly trampled underfoot." - -"That is but too true," said the General, whose brow turned crimson. - -"General Bustamente has been implacable during the course of his too -long career; you know that he who sows the wind can only hope to reap -the tempest." - -"Hence!" - -"The same implacability will be shown to him that he has shown to -others." - -"That is to say?" - -"He will, in all probability, be condemned to death." - -"Alas! I expected as much; but will this condemnation of which you -speak, be long delayed?" - -"Two days at most; the commission which must try him will be formed -today." - -"Poor friend!" said the General, piteously; "and that's the end! Will -you grant me a favour, sir?" - -"Name it." - -"As the General must die, it would be a consolation to him to have a -friend by his side." - -"No doubt it would." - -"Allow me to be his guard. I am sure he will be happy to know that it is -I who have the duty of watching over him and leading him to death. And -then I shall not, at least, abandon him till the last minute." - -"So be it,--your request is granted. Have you anything else to say? I -shall be happy to serve you." - -"No, I thank you, sir; that is all I desired,--Ah! one word more!" - -"Speak." - -"Can I be allowed to take this guard soon?" - -"Immediately, if you like." - -"I thank you, sir." - -And after profoundly bowing to Don Tadeo, the General quitted the room -with a hasty step. - -"Poor man!" said Valentine. - -"Eh?" cried Don Tadeo. - -"I said, poor man!" - -"Oh, yes; I heard you plainly enough, but of whom were you speaking?" - -"Of the unfortunate man who has just left us." - -Don Tadeo shrugged his shoulders, and Valentine looked at him with -surprise. - -"Do you think you know whence the solicitude of this poor man, as you -call him, for his friend arises?" - -"Why, from his friendship for him; that is clear." - -"You think so, do you?" - -"I can think nothing else." - -"Well, then, allow me to tell you you are completely mistaken; the poor -General is only desirous to be near his companion in arms, that he may -have the opportunity of suppressing the proofs of his complicity in the -rash enterprise of yesterday; proofs which Don Pancho most likely has -about him, and which the other wishes to destroy at all hazards." - -"Can that be possible?" - -"By Saint Jago, yes! He desires to be constantly with him, that he may -not communicate with anyone--why, he would kill him, if necessary." - -"Oh! this is infamous!" - -"But so it is." - -"Bah! it gives me a nausea." - -"Well, do not be sick yet." - -"Why not?" - -"Because," Don Tadeo continued, pointing to the senator, "I think we -have something here that will bring the agreeable feeling to its height." - -As soon as Don Ramon saw the General leave the apartment, he quitted his -easy chair, and advanced towards Don Tadeo, bowing obsequiously. - -"To whom have I the honour of speaking?" said the King of Darkness, with -studied politeness. - -"Sir," the other replied, with a jaunty, gentlemanly air, "my name is -Don Ramon Sandias, and I am a senator." - -"How can I be of service to you, sir?" said Don Tadeo, bowing. - -"Oh," Don Ramon replied, affectedly; "as regards myself, personally, I -ask nothing." - -"Indeed!" - -"Caspita! no; I am rich, what more can I want? But I am a Chilian, a -patriot, sir; and, what is more, a senator. Placed in an exceptional -position, I am bound to give my fellow citizens unequivocal proofs of my -devotion to the holy cause of liberty. Are you not of my opinion, sir?" - -"Entirely." - -"I have heard, sir, that the wretched cabecilla, the cause of this silly -movement, which brought the republic within two inches of ruin, is in -your hands." - -"Yes, sir," replied Don Tadeo, with imperturbable coolness, "we have -been fortunate enough to obtain possession of his person." - -"You are, doubtless, going to bring this man to trial?" Don Ramon asked, -in a somewhat familiar tone. - -"Within forty-eight hours, sir." - -"That is right, sir. It is thus that justice should be dealt to these -shameless agitators, who, in contempt of the sacred laws of humanity, -seek to plunge our beautiful country into the gulf of revolutions." - -"Sir!" - -"Pardon me for speaking thus," said Don Ramon, with well-feigned -enthusiasm; "I feel that my freedom goes rather far, but my indignation -carries me away, sir; it is quite time that these makers of widows and -orphans should receive the exemplary chastisement they merit. I cannot -think, without trembling, of the manifold evils that would have fallen -upon us, if this miserable adventurer had succeeded." - -"Sir, this man is not yet condemned." - -"And that is exactly what brings me to you, sir. As a senator, and -a devoted patriot, I claim of you the right which belongs to me, of -presiding over the commission whose duty it is to sit in judgment upon -him." - -"Your request is granted, sir," Don Tadeo replied, who was unable to -repress a smile of contempt. - -"Thank you, sir!" said the senator, with an expression of joy; "however -painful the duty may be, I shall know how to perform it." - -After bowing deeply to Don Tadeo, the senator left the room in high -spirits. - -"You see," said Don Tadeo, turning to Valentine, "Don Pancho had two -friends upon whom he thought he could depend: one took upon him to -proclaim him, the other to defend him. Well, in one he finds a gaoler, -in the other an executioner." - -"It is monstrous!" said Valentine, with disgust. - -"No," replied Don Tadeo; "it is logical, that's all;--he has failed." - -"I have had enough of your politic men, with two faces, and neither of -them a true one," replied Valentine; "allow me to return to our friends." - -"Begone, then, since you wish it." - -"Thanks!" - -"You will come back to Valdivia immediately, will you not?" - -"Pardieu, will I!" - -"Will you have an escort?" - -"For what purpose?" - -"Ah! that is true; I am always forgetting that you never apprehend -danger." - -"I am only anxious about our friends; that is why I leave you." - -"Have you any cause for apprehension?" - -"None; but yet, a vague uneasiness, which I can not account for, compels -me to remain no longer away from them." - -"Begone, then, as quickly as you please, my friend; but pray be watchful -over the poor child, Rosario." - -"Be at ease on that score; within three hours she shall be here." - -"That is understood: a pleasant ride to you, and remember that I shall -look for you with impatience." - -"Time to go and return, that is all." - -"Till then, adieu!" - -Valentine left the room, went straight to the stables, saddled his horse -himself, and set off at a gallop. He had told Don Tadeo the truth: a -vague uneasiness disturbed him, he had a presentiment of some misfortune -or another. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIX. - -THE WOUNDED MAN. - - -Let us return to the Count de Prebois Crance. When the abduction was -committed, that part of the plain where Don Tadeo had pitched his camp -was deserted. The crowd, attracted by curiosity, had all gone to the -side where the renewal of the treaties was taking place. Besides, the -measures of the ravishers had been so judiciously taken, all had passed -so quickly, without resistance, without cries or tumult, that no alarm -had been given, and no one could suspect what was going on. The cries of -"murder!" uttered by the wounded young man were too faint to be heard, -and the pistol shots he had fired were confounded with the other noises -of the festival. - -Louis remained for a considerable time lying senseless in front of the -tent, the blood flowing from two wounds. By a singular chance, the -peons, the arrieros, and even the two Indian chiefs, who could not think -there was anything to be dreaded, had all gone, as we have said, to be -present at the ceremony. When the cross had been planted, and the toqui -and the General had gone, arm in arm, to the tent of the latter, the -crowd began to separate into little groups, and soon dispersed, each -returning to the spot where he had established his temporary camp. - -The Indian chiefs were the first to quit the scene; now that their -curiosity was satisfied, they reproached themselves for having been so -long absent from their friend. On approaching the little camp, they were -surprised at not seeing Louis, and a certain appearance of disorder in -the baggage filled them with uneasiness. They quickened their pace, and -the nearer they drew the more evident this disorder became in their -eyes, accustomed to remark those thousands of signs which escape the -eyes of the white man. In fact, the passage left free in the inclosure -formed by the bales, seemed to have been the scene of a struggle; the -footmarks of several horses were strongly imprinted in the moist earth, -and some bales had even been removed, as if to widen the entrance, and -lay scattered about. All these indications were more than sufficient for -the chiefs; they exchanged an anxious glance, and rushed into the camp. - -Louis was still lying where the assassins had left him, stretched across -the entrance of the tent, his discharged pistols in his hands, his head -thrown back, his mouth half open, and his teeth clenched. The blood had -ceased to flow. The two men looked at him for a moment with a feeling of -stupor. His countenance was of a livid paleness. - -"He is dead!" said Curumilla, in a voice stifled by emotion. - -"He seems so," Trangoil-Lanec replied as he knelt down by the body. - -He raised the young man's senseless head, untied his cravat, and opened -his vest; then they perceived the two gaping wounds. - -"This is a revenge!" he murmured. - -"What is to be done?" said Curumilla, shaking his head discouragingly. - -"Let us try to recover him--I hope he is not dead." - -And then, with infinite address and incredible celerity, the two Indians -bestowed upon the wounded man the most intelligent and most effective -cares. For a long time all were useless. At length a sigh, faint as a -breath, exhaled painfully from the oppressed breast of the young man; a -slight flush tinted his cheeks, and, after several efforts, he opened -his eyes. Curumilla, after having washed the wounds with clean cold -water, applied a cataplasm to them of bruised oregano leaves. - -"Loss of blood alone has made him faint," he said; "the wounds are wide, -but not deep, and not at all dangerous." - -"But what has been going on here?" Trangoil-Lanec asked. - -"Hush!" said Curumilla, laying his hand upon his comrade's arm; "he -speaks." - -Indeed, the young man's lips did move silently; but, at length, he -pronounced with a great effort, and in a voice so low that the Indians -scarcely heard it--that single word which for him contained everything-- - -"Rosario!" - -Then he sank back again. - -"Ah!" cried Curumilla, as if a sudden light had broken upon him, -"where is the young palefaced maiden?" and he sprang into the tent, "I -understand it all now!" he said, returning quickly to his friend. - -The Indians lifted up the wounded man gently in their arms, and carried -him into the tent, where they placed him in Rosario's empty hammock. -Louis recovered his senses, but almost immediately was overcome by -a profound drowsiness. After having made him as comfortable as they -could, the two Indians left the tent, and began, with the instinct of -their race, to seek on the ground for indications they could ask of no -witness, but which would show them traces they could understand. Now -that the murder and the abduction had taken place, it became necessary -to get upon the track of the ravishers, and endeavour, if possible, to -save the young girl. After minute researches, which did not last less -than two hours, the Indians returned to the front of the tent; they sat -down, face to face, and smoked for a few minutes in silence. - -The peons and arrieros had returned from the ceremony, and expressed -the greatest terror on learning what had taken place during their -absence. The poor people did not know what to do; they trembled when -they reflected upon the responsibility which rested upon them, and upon -the terrible account Don Tadeo would require of them. After the two -chiefs had smoked a few minutes, they extinguished their pipes, and -Trangoil-Lanec began: - -"My brother is a wise chief, let him say what he has seen." - -"I will speak, since my brother desires it," Curumilla replied, bowing -his head; "the pale maiden with the blue eyes has been carried off by -five horsemen." - -To this Trangoil-Lanec made a sign of assent. - -"These five horsemen came from the other side of the river; their -footmarks are strongly imprinted on the ground, which was wetted in the -places where the horses trod with their dripping hoofs; four of these -horsemen are Huiliches, the fifth is a paleface; when they reached the -entrance of the camp, they stopped and consulted an instant, then four -of them dismounted; the trace of their footsteps is visible." - -"Good!" said Trangoil-Lanec, "my brother has the eyes of a Quanaco; -nothing escapes him." - -"Of the four horsemen who dismounted, three are Indians, as is easily -perceived by the impression of their naked feet, the great toe of which, -accustomed to the stirrup, is very wide apart from the other toes; but -the fourth is a Muruche, for the rowels of his spurs have left deep -marks all around. The three first have crept up to the tent, where Don -Louis was talking with the young blue-eyed maiden, and, consequently, -with his back towards those who came towards him; he was attacked -unexpectedly, and fell without having time to defend himself: then the -fourth horseman sprang forward like a puma, seized the maiden in his -arms, and after jumping a second time over the body of Don Louis, went -straight to his horse, followed by the three Indians. But Don Louis -got up, first on his knees, and then on his feet; he fired his pistols -at the ravishers, and one of them fell mortally wounded. It was the -paleface, for a pool of blood marks the place of his fall, and, in -his agony, he pulled up the grass with his clenched hands; then his -companions dismounted again, took him up, and fled. Don Louis, after -discharging his pistols, had a faintness come over him, and fell down -again: that is what I have learnt." - -"Good!" Trangoil-Lanec replied, "my brother knows everything; after -taking up the body of their comrade, the ravishers crossed the river, -and went in the direction of the mountains. Now, what will my brother -do?" - -"Trangoil-Lanec is an experienced chief, he will wait for Don Valentine; -Curumilla is younger, he will go upon the track of the ravishers." - -"My brother has spoken well; he is wise and prudent; he will find them." - -"Yes, Curumilla will find them," the chief replied, laconically. - -After saying these words, he arose, saddled his horse, and left the -camp; Trangoil-Lanec soon lost sight of him. He then returned and took -his place by the wounded man. The day passed away thus. The Spaniards -had all left the plain; the Indians, for the most part, had followed -their example; there only remained a few tardy Araucanos; but these, -also, were preparing to depart. Towards evening, Louis found himself -much better; he was able, in a few words, to relate to the Indian what -had passed; but he told him nothing new, he had divined it all. - -"Oh!" said the young man, as he ended, "Rosario! poor Rosario is lost!" - -"My brother must not be depressed with grief," Trangoil-Lanec replied -softly; "Curumilla is upon the track of the ravishers; the young pale -maiden will be saved!" - -"Do you seriously tell me that, chief? Is Curumilla really in pursuit -of them?" the young man asked, fixing his anxious eyes upon the Indian; -"can I indeed hope that?" - -"Trangoil-Lanec is an Ulmen," the Araucano replied proudly: "no lie has -ever soiled his lips, his tongue is not forked; I repeat that Curumilla -is in pursuit of the ravishers. Let my brother hope; he will see again -the little bird which sings such sweet songs in his heart." - -A sudden flush crossed the young man's face at these words; a sad smile -curled his pale lips; he gently pressed the hand of the chief, and -closing his eyes, he sank gently back in the hammock. All at once the -furious galloping of a horse was heard from without. - -"Good!" Trangoil-Lanec murmured, looking at the wounded man, whose -regular breathing proclaimed that he was sleeping peacefully: "what will -Don Valentine say to all this?" - -And he strode out hastily to meet the Parisian, whose face was the -picture of anxiety. - -"Chief!" he cried, in a tremulous voice, "can what the peons say be -true?" - -"Yes!" the chief replied coolly. - -The young man sank down, as if thunder-struck. The Indian seated him -gently upon a bale, and placing himself beside him, pressed his hand, -saying in a soothing tone: - -"My brother has much courage." - -"Alas!" the young man exclaimed, in an agonized voice, "Louis, my poor -Louis, dead, assassinated! Oh!" he added, with a terrible gesture, "I -will avenge him! I will solely live to accomplish that sacred duty!" - -The chief looked at him for an instant attentively. - -"What does my brother mean?" he asked; "his friend is not dead." - -"Oh! why do you seek to deceive me, chief?" - -"I speak the truth; Don Louis is not dead," the Ulmen replied, in such -an imposing voice that it carried conviction to the wounded heart of the -young man. - -"Oh!" he cried, impetuously, and springing up, "he lives!--is that -possible?" - -"He has received two wounds." - -"Two wounds!" - -"Yes, but my brother can be comforted, they are not dangerous; in a -week, at latest, they will be cured." - -Valentine remained for an instant stupefied by this good news, after the -catastrophe which the peons and arrieros had announced to him. - -"Oh!" he exclaimed, throwing himself into the arms of the chief, whom -he pressed with a kind of frenzy to his breast, "it is true, is it -not?--his life is not in danger?" - -"No, no, my brother can reassure himself; loss of blood alone reduced -him to the state of torpor into which he fell. I will answer for his -recovery." - -"Thanks! thanks, chief! I can see him, may I not?" - -"He is asleep." - -"Oh! I will not wake him, be assured of that; I only wish to see him." - -"See him, then," Trangoil-Lanec replied, smiling. - -Valentine went in. He looked at his friend, peacefully sleeping; he -leant softly over him, and impressing a kiss upon his brow, whispered-- - -"Sleep, dear brother, I will watch." - -The lips of the wounded man moved; he murmured-- - -"Valentine, save her!" - -The Parisian knitted his brow, and drew himself up again. - -"Come here, chief," he said to Trangoil-Lanec, "and tell me the details -of what has passed, that I may know how to avenge my brother, and save -her he loves." - -The two men quitted the tent. - - - - -CHAPTER XL. - -AHAUCANIAN DIPLOMACY. - - -Antinahuel had not remained long inactive. Scarce had General -Bustamente's escort disappeared in the cloud of dust, ere he remounted -his horse, and, followed by all the Araucano chiefs, crossed the river. -When he arrived on the other bank, he planted his lance in the ground, -and turned towards the herald who was beside him, ready to execute his -orders. - -"Let the three toquis, the Ulmens, and the Apo-Ulmens meet here in an -hour," he said; "the fire of council shall be lighted on this spot for a -grand council. Begone!" - -The herald bowed down to his horse's neck and set off at full speed. -Antinahuel cast a glance around him. All the chiefs had regained their -huts; one warrior alone remained. On perceiving him a smile stole over -the lips of the toqui. This warrior was a man of lofty stature, proud -carriage, and haughty countenance, whose piercing look conveyed a fierce -and cruel expression. He appeared to be in the prime of life, that is to -say, about forty years of age; he wore a poncho of exceedingly fine lama -wool, striped with striking colours, while the long silver-headed cane -which he held in his hand proclaimed him an Apo-Ulmen. He replied to the -toqui's smile by a look of intelligence, and, bending to his ear, said, -with an accent of gratified hatred-- - -"When the cougars tear each other to pieces, they prepare a rich quarry -for the eagles of the Andes." - -"The Puelches are eagles," Antinahuel replied; "they are masters of the -other side of the mountains; they leave to the Huiliche women the care -of weaving their ponchos." - -At this sarcasm, launched against the Huiliches, a fraction of the -Araucano people, who devote themselves principally to agriculture and -the breeding of cattle, the Apo-Ulmen frowned. - -"My father is severe with his sons," he said, in a husky voice. - -"The Black-Stag is a formidable chief in his nation," Antinahuel -remarked, in a conciliatory tone; "he is the first of the Apo-Ulmens -of the province of the maritime country. His heart is Puelche; my soul -rejoices when he is at my side. Why is it that the Ulmens are not of the -same temper as he?" - -"My brother has explained the reason. Obliged to live in continual trade -relations with the miserable Spaniards, the tribes of the flat country -have laid down the lance to take up the pickaxe: they have become -cultivators; but let not my father be deceived,--the old spirit of their -race still dwells within them, and on the day when they are called on to -fight for their independence, all will rise at once to punish those who -would attempt to enslave them." - -"Can that be true?" Antinahuel cried, stopping his horse short, and -looking in the speaker's face; "may they be depended upon?" - -"What is the use of speaking of the subject at this moment?" said the -Apo-Ulmen, with a bantering smile; "has not my father just come from -renewing the treaties with the palefaces?" - -"That is true," said the toqui, darting a keen look at the Indian -warrior: "peace is secured for a long time." - -"My father is a wise chief, that which he does is well done," the other -replied, casting down his eyes. - -Antinahuel was preparing to reply, when an Indian arrived at full speed, -and, with a prodigy of skill which these matchless horsemen alone -can execute, he stopped suddenly before the two chiefs, and stood as -motionless as a statue of bronze. The panting sides of his horse, which -ejected clouds from his nostrils, and was spotted with white foam, -showed that he had ridden far and fast. Antinahuel looked at him for an -instant. - -"My son Theg-teg--the thunderer--has made a rapid journey." - -"I have executed the orders of my father." - -At these words, out of politeness, the Apo-Ulmen pressed the sides of -his horse to retire, but Antinahuel laid his hand upon his arm. - -"Black-Stag may remain," he said; "is he not my friend?" - -"I will remain if my father wishes it," the chief answered, quietly. - -"Let him remain, then; his brother has no secrets from him;" and turning -to the still motionless warrior, he added, "my brother can speak." - -"The Chiaplos are fighting," the latter replied; "they have dug up the -hatchet and turned it against their own breasts." - -"Oh!" the toqui exclaimed with feigned astonishment; "my brother must be -mistaken, the palefaces are not cougars, to devour each other." - -And he turned towards Black-Stag, with a smile of undefinable expression. - -"Theg-teg is not mistaken," the Indian warrior replied, gravely; "his -eyes have seen clearly: the stone tolderia, which the palefaces call -Valdivia, is at this moment a more ardent furnace than the volcano of -Autaco, which serves as a retreat for Guecubu, the genius of evil." - -"Good!" the toqui remarked, coldly, "my son has seen well; he is a -warrior brave in battle, but he is likewise prudent; did he stand apart -to rejoice, without seeking to learn which side prevailed?" - -"Theg-teg is prudent, but when he looks he means to see; he knows all, -my father may question him." - -"Good! the great warrior of the palefaces set out from here to fly to -the help of his soldiers; the advantage is with him." - -The Indian smiled, but made no reply. - -"Let my brother speak!" Antinahuel resumed; "the toqui of his nation -interrogates him." - -"He whom my brother names as the great warrior of the palefaces, is the -prisoner of his enemies; his soldiers are dispersed like grains of wheat -scattered over the field." - -"Wah!" Antinahuel cried with feigned anger, "my brother has a lying -tongue, what he says cannot be true; does the eagle become the prey of -the owl? The great warrior has an arm strong as the thunder of Pillian. -Nothing can resist it." - -"That arm, however powerful, has not been able to save him; the eagle -is captive: the courageous puma was surprised by cunning foxes; he has -fallen, treacherously overcome, into the snare they had laid before his -feet." - -"But his soldiers? the great toqui of the whites had a numerous army." - -"I have told my father; the chief being made captive, the soldiers, -bewildered and struck with fear by Guecubu, fell beneath the blows of -their angry enemies." - -"The chiefs who were conquerors, no doubt, pursued them." - -"What for? The palefaces are women without courage: as soon as their -enemies weep and pray for pardon they forgive them." - -At this news the toqui could not repress a movement of impatience, but -he soon recovered himself. - -"Brothers ought not to be inexorable," he said, "when they lift the -hatchet against each other: they may wound a friend without wishing it. -The pale warriors have done well." - -The Indian bowed if as assenting. - -"What are the palefaces doing now?" the chief continued. - -"They are assembled round the council fire." - -"Good! They are wise men. I am satisfied with my son," Antinahuel -added, with a gracious smile; "he is a warrior, as skilful as brave; -he may retire, and take the repose necessary after so long a journey." -"Theg-teg is not fatigued; his life is my father's," the warrior said -with a bow; "he may dispose of it at his pleasure." - -"Antinahuel will remember his son," the toqui said with a sign of -dismissal. - -The Indian bowed respectfully to his chief, and pressing his knees -whilst shortening the bridle, he made his horse perform a curvet, -brought it to the ground with an extraordinary bound, and went off -caracoling. The toqui looked after him in apparent abstraction; then -addressing the Apo-Ulmen-- - -"What does my brother think of that which this man has said?" he asked. - -"My father is the wisest of the toquis of his nation, the chief the most -venerated by the Araucanian tribes; Pillian will breathe words into his -mind which will mount to his lips, and which we shall listen to with -respect," Black-Stag replied, evasively, fearing to compromise himself -by too frank a reply. - -"My brother is right," the toqui said, with a haughty glance; "I have my -nymph!" - -The Apo-Ulmen bowed with an air of conviction. We beg our readers to -observe, with regard to this expression, which for the first time -has fallen from our pen, that in the Araucanian mythology, besides -an infinite number of gods and goddesses, there are what are called -spiritual nymphs, who perform towards man the office of familiar genii. -There is not a renowned chief among the Araucanos who does not glorify -himself with the idea of having one of these in his service. Hence, -what Antinahuel said, instead of disturbing Black-Stag, gave him, on -the contrary, a greater veneration for his chief; for he also flattered -himself with having a familiar spirit at his command, although he did -not dare to proclaim it aloud. At this moment the Araucanian drums and -trumpets sounded loudly--the _chasquis_ were calling the chiefs to -council. - -"What will my father do?" asked the Apo-Ulmen. - -"Man is weak," Antinahuel replied; "but Pillian loves his sons, the -Moluchos, he will inspire the words I shall pronounce; my only desire is -the happiness of the Araucano nation." - -"My father has convoked the great Auca-coyog of the nation; did he then -suspect the news he has just received?" - -"Antinahuel knows everything," he answered, with a smile. - -"Good! I know what my father thinks." - -"Perhaps." - -"Let my father remember the words I have spoken." - -"My ears are open, my son may repeat them," - -"When cougars tear each other to pieces, they prepare a rich quarry for -the eagles of the Andes." - -"Good!" said Antinahuel, with a laugh; "my son is a great chief, let him -follow me to the Auca-coyog, the warriors are waiting for us." - -The two warriors exchanged a look of undefinable meaning; these two men, -so cunning and dissimulating, had compromised themselves to each other -without avowing anything. They directed their course at a gallop towards -the spot where the principal chiefs awaited them, drawn up in a circle -around a fierce fire, the smoke of which ascended in graceful eddies -towards heaven. - - - - -CHAPTER XLI. - -THE COUNCIL - - -The Araucanos, whom certain travellers, either ill-informed or of -bad faith, persist in representing as savage men plunged in the most -frightful barbarism, are, on the contrary, a relatively civilized -people. Their government, the origin of which is lost in the night of -time, and which, at the period of the Spanish conquest, was as well -organized and carried out as easily as at the present day, is, as -we have said in a preceding chapter, an aristocratic republic, with -essentially feudal tendencies. This government, which affects all the -appearances of the feudal system, has all its good qualities and all its -defects. Hence, except in time of war, the toquis possess but the shadow -of sovereignty, and the power resides in the entire body of the chiefs, -who, in questions of importance, decide in a general diet, called the -_Auca-coyog_, the great council, or council of free men, for such is -the name they claim for themselves, and very justly, for no power has -yet been able to subdue them. These councils are generally held in the -presence of all, in a vast prairie. - -Antinahuel had eagerly seized the pretext of the renewal of the treaties -to try and obtain from the chiefs authority to carry into execution the -projects which had been so long ripening in his brain. The Araucanian -code, which contains all the laws of the nation, created an obligation -for his doing so, from which even his renown and popularity were -powerless to release him. But he hoped to overcome the opposition of -the chiefs, or their repugnance to submit to his will, by means of his -eloquence and the influence which, under many circumstances, he had -exercised over the minds of the Ulmens, even those most determined to -resist him. - -The Araucanos cultivate with success the art of speaking, which among -them leads to public honours. They make it a point to speak their own -language well, and to preserve its purity by guarding particularly -against the introduction of foreign words. They carry this so far, -that when a white establishes himself amongst them, they oblige him -to abandon his own name and take one of their country. The style of -their speeches is figurative and allegorical. They call the style of -parliamentary harangues _coyagtucan;_ and it must be observed that these -speeches contain all the essential parts of true rhetoric, and are -almost all divided into three heads. - -The few words we have said will suffice to show that the Araucanos are -not so savage as we have been led to suppose. In short, a small people, -who, without allies, isolated at the extremity of the continent, have -since the landing of the Spaniards on their coasts, that is to say, -during three hundred years, constantly and alone resisted European -armies composed of experienced soldiers and greedy adventurers, whom no -difficulty was likely to stop, and who have preserved their independence -and their nationality intact, are, in our opinion, respectable in -every point of view, and ought not to be stigmatized as barbarians -with impunity--the sad, despicable vengeance of those proud and -impotent Spaniards, who have never been able to conquer them, and whose -degenerate sons at this very day pay them a tribute, under the lying -excuse of an annual offering. - -We who, thrown by the chance of our adventurous travels among these -indomitable tribes, have lived many days with them, have had an -opportunity of judging soundly of these ill-understood people. We have -been able to appreciate all that is really simple, great, and generous -in their character. Terminating here this somewhat long digression, a -tribute of gratitude paid to ancient and dearly-beloved friends, we will -resume our narrative. - -Antinahuel and Black-Stag arrived at the place where the chiefs were -assembled. They dismounted and joined the groups of Ulmens. The chiefs, -who were peacefully chatting together, at their arrival became silent, -and, for a few minutes, not a word was heard in the assembly. At length -Cathicara, the toqui of the Pire-Mapus, made a few steps towards the -centre of the circle, and took the initiative. - -Cathicara was an old man of seventy, of majestic bearing, and imposing -countenance. A renowned warrior in his youth, now that many winters had -wrinkled his brow and silvered his long hair, he enjoyed, by just title, -a great reputation for wisdom in his nation. Descended from an old race -of Ulmens, continually opposed to the whites, he was an inveterate enemy -of the Chilians, against whom he had long waged war. He was acquainted -with the secret views of Antinahuel, of whom he was the most devoted -friend and partisan. - -"Toquis, Apo-Ulmens and Ulmens of the valiant nation of the Aucas, whose -immense hunting grounds cover the surface of the earth," he said, "my -heart is sad; a cloud covers my mind, and my eyes, filled with tears, -are constantly cast towards the ground; whence comes it that grief -devours me? Why does the joyous song of the goldfinch no longer sound -cheerfully in my ears? why do the rays of the sun seem less warm to me? -why, in short, does nature appear less beautiful to me? Will you tell -me, my brothers? You are silent; shame covers your brows; your humbled -eyes are cast down--have you nothing to reply? It is because you are a -degenerate people! your warriors are women, who instead of the lance -take up the spindle; because you bow basely beneath the yoke of these -Chiaplos, these Huincas, who laugh at you, for they know that you have -no longer blood red enough to contend with them! When, Aucas warriors, -did impure owls and screech owls begin to make their nests in the eyrie -of eagles? Of what use is this stone hatchet, the symbol of strength; -this hatchet, which you have given me to defend you, if it is to remain -inactive in my hands, and if I must descend into the tomb, towards -which I am already hastening, without having been able to do anything -for your enfranchisement?--Take it back again, warriors, if it is to be -nothing but a vain, honorary ornament; for myself, my life has been too -long--let me retire to my toldo, where, to my last days, it will be at -least permitted me to weep over our independence, which is compromised -by your weakness, and our glory eclipsed for ever by your cowardice!" - -After uttering these words, the old man made a few paces backwards, -staggering as if overcome by grief. Antinahuel sprang towards him, and -appeared to lavish consolations upon him in a low voice. The speech had -strongly moved the assembly, for the toqui was beloved and venerated -by all. The Ulmens remained apparently silent and stoical; but their -feelings of hatred had been powerfully stirred, and passion began to -gleam from their eyes in ominous flashes. Black-Stag stepped forward. - -"Father," he said, in a low, insinuating tone, and with a quiet air, -"your words are rough; they have plunged our hearts in sadness; why have -you been so severe with your children? Pillian alone is acquainted with -the intentions of men. What do you reproach us with? with having done -today what our fathers have always done before us, while they did not -believe themselves in a position to contend victoriously against their -enemies! No, owls and impure birds do not make their nests in the eyries -of eagles. No, the Aucas are not women! They are valiant and invincible -warriors, as their fathers were before them. Listen! listen to what -the spirit reveals to me: the council with the Spaniards of today is -null and void, because it has not taken place as the Admapu requires. -The toqui has not presented to the chief of the palefaces the branch -of the Cinnamon tree, the symbol of peace; the canes of the Apo-Ulmens -have not been bound in a sheaf with the sword of the Huinca chief; -the oath and the speeches have been pronounced upon the cross of the -palefaces, and not upon the sheaf, as the law requires. I repeat, then, -the Huinca-coyog is a nullity, nothing but a vain, laughable ceremony, -to which we ought to attach no importance. Have I spoken well, powerful -men?" - -"Yes! yes!" the chiefs cried, brandishing their arms, "the Huinca-coyog -is null!" - -Antinahuel then took a few steps forward within the circle, with his -head advanced, his eyes fixed on vacancy, and his arms extended, as if -he heard and saw things which he alone could see and hear. - -"Silence!" Black-Stag cried, pointing to him with his finger; "the great -toqui is holding conference with his nymph!" - -The chiefs experienced a sensation of terror while looking at the toqui. -A solemn silence prevailed in the assembly. On his part, Antinahuel did -not stir. - -Black-Stag approached him softly, and, stooping towards his ear, asked,-- - -"What does my father see?" - -"I see the warriors of the palefaces; they have dug up the war hatchet, -and are fighting with one another." - -"What more does my father see?" Black-Stag resumed. - -"I see streams of blood, which redden the soil; the odour of that blood -rejoices my heart, for it is the blood of palefaces shed by their -brothers!" - -"Does my father see anything more?" - -"I see the great chief of the whites! he fights valiantly at the head -of his soldiers! he is surrounded, he fights still! he is nearly -falling--he falls--he is down--he is conquered! His enemies seize him!" - -The Ulmens present at this scene looked on in stupefied amazement; it -was incomprehensible to them. A smile of disdain curled the lips of -Black-Stag, as he continued,-- - -"Does my father hear anything?" - -"I hear the cries of the dying demanding vengeance upon their brothers!" - -"Does my father hear anything else?" - -"Yes; I hear the cries of Aucas warriors, long since dead, and they -freeze me with terror!" - -"What do they say?" the chiefs exclaimed unanimously, a prey to intense -anxiety. "What do the Aucas warriors say?" - -"They say, 'Brothers, the hour is come! To arms! To arms!'" - -"To arms!" the chiefs shouted, as with one voice. "To arms! Death to the -palefaces!" - -The impulse was given, enthusiasm had seized all hearts; from this -moment Antinahuel was able to raise the passions of the crowd to -delirium at his pleasure. A smile of supreme satisfaction lighted his -haughty countenance as he recovered apparently from his vision. - -"Chiefs of the Aucas," he said, "what do you order me to do?" - -"Antinahuel," Cathicara replied, throwing his stone hatchet into the -fire, in which he was directly imitated by the other toquis; "there is -now but one supreme hatchet in the nation, it is in your hands; let -it be red up to the hilt in the blood of the vile Huincas; lead our -Uthal-Mapus to battle--you have the supreme command! We give you the -power of life and death over our persons. From this hour, you alone in -the nation have the right to command us; whatever be your orders, we -will accomplish them." - -Antinahuel raised his lofty head, his brow radiant with pride: -brandishing in his nervous hand his powerful war hatchet, the symbol of -the dictatorial and boundless power which had just been conferred upon -him, he said haughtily,-- - -"Aucas, I accept the honour you do me; I will prove worthy of the -confidence you place in me. This hatchet shall never be buried till -my body has served for food to the vultures of the Andes, or till the -cowardly palefaces, against whom we are about to combat, shall have come -upon their knees to implore pardon!" - -The chiefs replied to these words by cries of joy and ferocious -howlings. The Auca-coyog was terminated. Tables were placed, and a -banquet gathered together all the warriors present at the council. -At the moment when Antinahuel was seating himself in the high place -reserved for him, an Indian, covered with perspiration and dust, -approached him, and whispered a few words in his ear. The chief started; -a nervous paroxysm shook his whole frame, and he arose a prey to the -most lively agitation. - -"Oh!" he cried, passionately, "it is to me alone that woman should -belong!" and, addressing the Indian who had spoken to him, he added, -"Bid my mosotones mount, and be prepared to follow me instantly." - - - - - -CHAPTER XLII. - -THE NIGHT JOURNEY. - - -Antinahuel beckoned Black-Stag to come to him, and the Apo-Ulmen did not -delay. Notwithstanding the number and copiousness of the libations in -which he had indulged, the face of the Araucano chief was as impassive, -and his step as steady, as if he had only drunk water. When he arrived -in front of the toqui, he bowed respectfully, and waited in silence till -he was spoken to. The toqui, with his eyes fixed on the ground, and -buried in serious reflections, was some time before he was aware of his -presence. At length he raised his eyes; his countenance was dark, his -eyes seemed to dart lightning, a nervous tremour agitated all his limbs. - -"Is my father suffering?" Black-Stag asked, mildly and affectionately. - -"I am," the chief replied. - -"Guecubu has breathed upon the heart of my father; but let him take -courage, Pillian will support him." - -"No," Antinahuel replied; "the breath which dries my breast is a breath -of fear." - -"Of fear?" - -"Yes; the Huincas are powerful. I dread the strength of their arms for -my young men!" - -Black-Stag surveyed him with astonishment. - -"What signifies the power of the palefaces," he said, "when my father is -at the head of the four Uthal-Mapus?" - -"This war will be terrible; and I would conquer." - -"My father will conquer. Do not all the warriors listen to his voice?" - -"No," said Antinahuel, sorrowfully; "the Ulmens of the Puelches were not -present at the council." - -"That is true," Black-Stag murmured. - -"The Puelches are the first among Aucas warriors." - -"That is true, too," said Black-Stag. - -"I suffer!" Antinahuel repeated. - -Black-Stag laid his hand upon his shoulder. - -"My father," he said, in an insinuating tone, "is a great chief; nothing -is impossible to him!" - -"What does my son mean?" - -"War is declared. Whilst we attempt incursions into the Chilian -territory, to keep our enemies in a state of uncertainty as to our -plans, let my father mount with his mosotones upon his coursers more -fleet than the wind, and fly upon the wings of the tempest to the -Puelches. His words will convince them; the warriors will abandon -everything to follow him and fight under his orders. With their -assistance we shall conquer the Huincas, and the heart of my father will -swell with joy and pride!" - -"My son is wise! I will follow his counsels," the toqui answered, with a -smile of mysterious expression; "but he has said war is resolved upon; -the interests of my nation must not suffer from the short absence I am -forced to make." - -"My father will provide for that." - -"I have provided for it," Antinahuel said, with a courteous smile; "let -my son listen to me." - -"My ears are open to receive the words of my father." - -"At sunrise, when the fumes of the water fire are dissipated, the chiefs -will ask for Antinahuel." Black-Stag nodded assent. - -"I will place in the hands of my son," the chief continued, "the stone -hatchet, the sign of my dignity. Black-Stag is a part of my soul, his -heart is devoted to me; I name him my vice-toqui--he will take my place." - -The Apo-Ulmen bowed respectfully before Antinahuel, and kissed his hand. - -"Whatever my father orders shall be instantly executed," he said. - -"The chiefs are of a proud character; their courage is fiery: my son -must not give them time to cool, he must make them so compromise -themselves, that they cannot afterwards retract." - -"What are the names of these chiefs, that I may keep them in my memory?" - -"They are the most powerful Ulmens of the nation. Let my son remember -they are eight in number; each of them must make an incursion on the -frontier, in order to prove to the Chiaplos that hostilities have -commenced. The four principal among them will immediately repair to -Valdivia, to proclaim the declaration of war to the palefaces." - -"Good!" - -"These are the names of the Ulmens: Tangol, Qud-pal, Auchanguer, -Colfunguin, Trumau, Cuyumil, and Pailapen. Does my son hear these names -distinctly?" - -"I have heard them." - -"Has my son understood the sense of my words? Have they entered into his -brain?" - -"The words of my father are here," said Black-Stag, pointing to his -forehead; "he may banish all uneasiness, and fly towards her who has -taken possession of his heart." - -"Good!" Antinahuel replied; "my son loves me, he will remember; after -two suns he will find me at the tolderia of the Black Serpents." - -"The Black-Stag will be there, accompanied by his most valiant warriors; -may Pillian guide the steps of my father, and may the god of war grant -him success." - -"Farewell, brother!" Antinahuel murmured, taking leave of his lieutenant. - -Black-Stag bowed to the toqui and retired. As soon as he was alone, -Antinahuel made a sign to the Indian whose news had caused his -departure. During the conference of the two chiefs this man had stood -motionless, at a sufficient distance to prevent his hearing what they -said, but near enough to execute immediately the orders that might be -given him. He drew near in obedience to the sign. - -"Is my son fatigued?" the toqui asked. - -"No; my horse alone wants rest." - -"Well, my son shall have another horse; he will guide us." - -Antinahuel, followed by the scout, advanced, without more words, towards -a group of horsemen, who, leaning on their long lances, cast their black -shadows gloomily into the night. These horsemen, about thirty in number, -were the mosotones of the toqui. Antinahuel, at a bound, sprang upon a -magnificent horse, held by the bridle by two Indians. - -"Forward!" he cried, settling himself in his saddle, and plunging his -spurs into the sides of the horse, which set off with the speed of an -arrow. - -The mosotones followed as quickly after, and the troop of horsemen -glided through the darkness like a legion of gloomy phantoms, preceded -by the scout. Who can express the terrible poetry of a night ride in -the American deserts? The midnight wind had swept the heavens clear of -clouds, and its vault, of a dark blue, appeared to be, like a monarch's -robe, splendidly adorned with an infinite number of stars. The night -had that velvety transparency peculiar to warm climates. At intervals, -a puff of wind, loaded with indistinct sounds, scattered the dry leaves -into the air, and was lost in the distance like a sigh. - -The Araucanos, bending over the necks of their horses, whose nostrils -emitted dense clouds of smoke, rode on, and on, and ever on, without -casting even a look around them. And yet the desert they were -traversing, so silently and so rapidly, poured floods of splendid -harmonies into space. The murmur of water among the lianas and the -glayeuls, the moaning of the wind among the leaves, or the confused -noise of a thousand invisible insects, could be heard; at times, lights, -fluttering through the foliage, danced upon the grass in the manner of -wild fires; at distances were to be seen old trees, at the angles of -ravines or the brink of precipices, standing like spectres, shaking -their winding sheets of parasitical plants; a thousand rumours hovered -in the air; nameless cries issued from dens hollowed under vast roots; -stifled sighs descended from the hoary summits of the mountains: an -unknown and mysterious world could be felt existing around. Everywhere, -on the earth, in the air, was to be heard the great flood of life, which -comes from God, passes away, and is incessantly renewed. - -The Araucanos still continued their furious course, clearing torrents -and ravines, and crushing under the hoofs of their flying coursers -stones, the fragments of which rolled with a splash into the barrancas. -At two lances, length, in front, by the side of the scout, Antinahuel, -with his eyes ardently directed forward, kept urging on his horse, whose -hard and loud breathing proclaimed fatigue. All at once a dark mass -surged up in the distance, and then a voice was heard. - -"We have arrived," the guide exclaimed. - -"At last!" Antinahuel said, pulling up his horse, which could no longer -stand when the impetus had ceased. They found themselves in a miserable -village, composed of five or six huts falling to ruins, and which, -at every gust of wind, threatened to tumble to pieces. Antinahuel, -who expected the fall of his horse, disengaged himself quickly, and -addressing the guide, who had likewise dismounted, asked-- - -"In which toldo is she?" - -"Come," the Indian replied, laconically. - -Antinahuel followed him. - -They walked some steps without exchanging a word; the chief pressing -his hand strongly on his breast, as if to keep down the beatings of his -heart. After a hasty march of ten minutes, the two men found themselves -in front of an isolated cabin, from the interior of which glimmered a -feeble light. The Indian stopped, and turned towards Antinahuel. - -"That is it," he said, stretching out his arm in the direction of the -cabin. - -The toqui turned round to ascertain whether his mosotones, whom, in his -rapid course, he had left far behind, were rejoining him; and then, -after the hesitation of a second, he approached the door and pushed it, -saying in a low but determined voice-- - -"An end must be put to this!" - -The door opened, and he entered. - - - - -CHAPTER XLIII. - -TWO HATREDS. - - -Antinahuel found himself face to face with Dona Maria; by an instinctive -movement each drew back a step, stifling a cry; a cry of stupor on the -part of Antinahuel, of surprise on the part of the Linda. - -"Oh!" sighed Dona Rosario, quite overcome, and bowing her head to avoid -the ardent glance of the Indian chief--"Oh, Heaven! now I am really -lost, indeed!" - -Dona Maria had in a few seconds driven back to her heart the feelings -which raged within her; and with a mild voice and a smiling face she -addressed Antinahuel-- - -"My brother is welcome," she said, inviting him by a gesture to enter -the cuarto; "to what happy chance do I owe his presence?" - -"A happy chance for me, particularly," he replied, with a satirical -smile, and endeavouring to compose his features. - -The toqui was too well acquainted with the companion of his childhood -not to know that he had in her a formidable adversary, with whom he must -play close, in order to bring her to do his will. - -"Well!" the Linda resumed, "will my brother deign to do me the pleasure -of explaining the cause of his sudden appearance, which, not the less, -fills me with delight?" - -"Oh! the cause is very simple indeed, not worth mentioning; I did not -hope, in any way, to meet my sister here; I must even confess, with all -humility that I did not seek her." - -"Ah!" said Dona Maria, feigning to be imposed upon, "I am doubly -fortunate, then." - -The chief bowed. - -"It is the truth," he said. - -"Good!" she thought; "now he is going to lie, let us see what villainy -the demon will invent;" and then she added aloud, with a seducing smile, -which displayed thirty-two little teeth of the purest pearl--"I am all -ears, my brother can speak." - -"As my sister knows, this village is on the route which leads to my -tolderia, I have naturally traversed it in returning to my tribe; the -night is advanced, my mosotones require a few hours' rest; I resolved -to encamp here. I entered the first rancho which presented itself to -my view, this rancho in which you are temporarily sojourning, and I am -grateful to the chance which, as I have told you, has done all this, and -is alone guilty." - -"Not bad for an Indian," murmured Dona Maria; "well, we will say no more -about that." - -"Eh!" said Antinahuel, feigning for the first time to perceive Dona -Rosario, and advancing towards her; "who is this charming young woman?" - -"A slave, not worthy of your notice," the Linda replied, sternly. - -"A slave!" Antinahuel cried. - -"Yes, a slave." The Linda clapped her hands, and the Indian we have seen -talking with her entered. - -"Take away this woman!" she said. - -"Oh, madam!" Rosario exclaimed, falling on her knees, "can you be -inexorable towards a poor girl who has never injured you?" - -The Linda gave her a fiery glance, and repulsed her with her foot. - -"I ordered this girl to be taken away," she said, perilously. - -At this flagrant insult, the blood rushed to the heart of the poor -girl; her pallid brow flushed with scarlet, and drawing herself up -majestically and proudly, she said in a piercing voice, the prophetic -tone of which struck the Linda to the heart-- - -"Beware, madam! God will punish you! As you today are without pity for -me, so the day will come when there will be no pity for you!" - -And she left the room, after darting a look at her implacable enemy that -made even her blench. - -When Antinahuel and the Linda were left alone, a long silence ensued. -The last words of Rosario had wounded the Linda like the stroke of a -poniard; it was in vain she endeavoured to steel herself against the -emotion she experienced. She felt herself conquered by the weak girl. -She, however, gradually overcame the incomprehensible sensation that -oppressed her. Passing her hand across her brow, as if to drive away the -importunate idea that pursued her, she turned towards Antinahuel-- - -"No diplomacy between us, brother," she said, "we know each other too -well to lose time in manoeuvring." - -"My sister is right; let us speak frankly." - -"The story of your return to your tribe is very clever, Antinahuel, but -I do not believe a word of it." - -"Good! then my sister knows the reason that brings me here." - -"I do know it," she said, with an arch smile, which played like a -sunbeam round her rosy lips. - -Antinahuel made no reply. He began to walk in great agitation about the -room, casting looks of anger and vexation towards the door by which -Rosario had gone out. The Linda followed him with a keen and mocking eye. - -"Well," she said, at the end of a minute, "will not my brother speak?" - -"Why should I not speak?" he angrily replied. "Antinahuel is the most -redoubtable chief of his nation, the proudest warriors bend their lofty -brows without hesitation before him!" - -"I am waiting," she said, in a calm voice. - -"A chief explains himself clearly, no one imposes upon him. My sister -knows my hatred for the chief of the palefaces, of whom she has so much -reason to complain." - -"Yes, I know that man is the personal enemy of my brother." - -"Well, then, my sister has in her hands the blue-eyed maiden, and she -will give her to me, so that I may, in making her suffer, revenge myself -on my enemy." - -"My brother is a man, he does not know how to avenge himself: why -should I give my prisoner up to him? Women alone possess the secret of -torturing those they hate. Let my brother leave it to me," she added, -with a vindictive smile; "the torments I shall invent will suffice, I -swear, to satisfy a hatred much deeper than any he can feel." - -Antinahuel, although his face remained impassive, shuddered inwardly at -these odious words. - -"My sister is boastful," he replied, "her skin is white, her heart knows -not how to hate, let her leave it to the Indian chief." - -"No," she passionately exclaimed, "I have fixed the fate of this woman; -I will not give her to my brother." - -"Will my sister then forget her promise, and falsify her oaths?" - -"Of what promises and of what oaths do you speak, chief?" - -"Of those," the Indian replied haughtily, "which my sister pronounced in -the toldo of Antinahuel, when she came among his tribe to implore his -assistance." - -The Linda smiled. - -"Woman is a mockingbird," she said, "the man who pays attention to her -words is----" - -"Good!" Antinahuel interrupted, "my sister shall keep her prisoner. Let -my sister do her will; I will continue my route towards the tolderia of -my tribe." - -The Linda looked at him with astonishment; the facility with which -Antinahuel apparently renounced his projects seemed to her the more -incomprehensible, from her knowing with what pertinacity he pursued -his enterprises, when once he believed he had a chance of success. She -resolved to know what she had to trust to. At the moment when the chief -made a step towards the door, she said. - -"Is my brother going?" - -"I am going," he replied. - -"Has he, then, already terminated the affairs about which General -Bustamente requested him to come and consult with him?" - -"General Bustamente no longer stands in need of Antinahuel or of anyone -else." - -"Has he then succeeded so quickly?" - -"Yes," he answered in an equivocal tone. - -"Then," the Linda exclaimed, joyfully, "he is master of the city, and -triumphs at last!" - -Antinahuel appeared to hesitate for a minute--an ironical smile flitted -across his lips. - -"Will not my brother answer?" the Linda continued, with an impatience -mingled with uneasiness. - -"He whom my sister calls General Bustamente," he replied in a sharp -tone, "no longer needs the assistance of anyone: he is a prisoner." - -The Linda sprang up like a wounded lioness. - -"A prisoner!" she cried. "Oh! my brother must be mistaken." - -"He is a prisoner, and within three days will be dead." - -The Linda was struck with stupor; this frightful news crushed all her -hopes. - -"Oh!" she murmured at length, "he shall not die!" - -"He will die!" Antinahuel replied; "who can save him?" - -"You, chief!" she said, emphatically grasping his arm. - -"Why should I do it?" he remarked carelessly; "of what consequence is -the life of the man to me?--the palefaces are not my brothers." - -"No; but his life is precious to me, for the sake of my vengeance! He -alone can deliver up my enemy to me! He shall live, I tell you!" - -"Good! My sister will deliver him, then, as she is so anxious to save -him." - -"You alone could do it, chief, if you would," she observed. - -Antinahuel fixed his eyes upon her. - -"What makes you suppose I would?" he said. - -"Listen to me, chief!" the Linda cried. "You love that woman--that puny, -palefaced thing, do you not?" - -The Indian started, but made no reply. - -"Oh! do not endeavour to deceive me; you cannot blind the eyes of a -woman. The hatred you bear to Don Tadeo is changed into love in your -heart at the sight of this creature." - -"Well! and suppose it should be so?" he said, evidently moved. - -"An even-handed bargain with you then; give me General Bustamente," she -remarked earnestly, "and I will deliver her up to you." - -"Oh!" said Antinahuel, with a bantering smile, "a woman is but a -mockingbird; the man who puts faith in her words----" - -On hearing the chief throw in her face the words she herself had uttered -only a few minutes before, she stamped with impatience. - -"Well, then," she cried, almost bursting with rage, "take her -then!--take the woman! and may my curses cling to her!" - -Antinahuel uttered a tiger-like roar, and rushed out of the room. - -"Ah!" cried the Linda in a hoarse voice, and with an expression -impossible to be described, "may not the love of this wretch avenge me -better than all the tortures I could have invented!" - -In a few minutes the chief returned precipitately, his features -distorted by fury and disappointment. - -"She has fled!" he shouted. It was true. Rosario and the Indian to whose -charge the Linda had given her had both disappeared. No one knew what -had become of them. Antinahuel immediately dispatched his mosotones in -all directions in search of them. The Linda was left in the toldo a -prey to indescribable rage; she was cheated of her vengeance! She felt -crushed under the weight of the helplessness to which she was reduced. - - - - -CHAPTER XLIV. - -THE RETURN TO VALDIVIA. - - -Night was come; bending over the pillow of his friend, who was still -buried in that lethargic sleep which generally follows great loss of -blood, Valentine watched with anxious tenderness the changes which at -times darkened his pale countenance. - -"Oh!" he said, in a suppressed voice, clenching his hands with anger, -"be thy assassins who they may, brother, they shall pay for their crime -dearly." - -The curtain of the tent was slowly raised, and a hand was laid upon the -young man's shoulder. He turned quickly round; Trangoil-Lanec was before -him. The face of the Ulmen was dark as night, and he appeared a prey to -strong emotion. - -"What is the matter, chief?" asked Valentine, terrified at his manner; -"what has happened, in the name of Heaven? Have you any fresh misfortune -to announce?" - -"Misfortune incessantly watches over man," the chief remarked -sententiously; "he should be ready to receive it at all hours, like an -expected guest." - -"Speak then!" the young man asked, in a firm voice; "whatever may -happen, I will not falter." - -"Good, my brother is strong, he is a great warrior, he will not suffer -himself to be cast down. Let my brother hasten; we must be gone!" - -"Be gone!" cried Valentine, with a nervous start; "and my friend?" - -"Our brother Louis will accompany us." - -"Is it possible to move him?" - -"It must be," the Indian said peremptorily; "the war hatchet is dug up -against the palefaces, the Aucas chiefs have drunk firewater, the genius -of evil is master of their hearts; we must depart before they think of -us; in an hour it will be too late." - -"Let us depart then," the young man replied, sorrowfully, convinced that -Trangoil-Lanec knew more than he was willing to tell, and that some -great danger threatened them, since the chief, who was a man of tried -courage, had let fall that mask of stoicism which scarcely ever abandons -the Indian. - -Preparations for departure were made in all haste, and were soon -terminated. The hammock in which Louis reposed was solidly fastened to -two long cross pieces of wood, and then, as it was, harnessed upon two -mules without awakening him. The little band set out, employing the -greatest precautions. They proceeded thus for more than an hour, without -exchanging a word; the campfires of the Indians became every minute more -faint in the distance, and they were, at least for the present, out of -danger. Valentine approached Trangoil-Lanec, who rode at the head of the -convoy. - -"Where are we going?" he asked. - -"To Valdivia," the chief replied; "it is there alone that Don Louis will -be able to recover in safety." - -"You are right," said Valentine; "but shall we remain inactive?" - -"I will do what my brother the paleface wishes; am I not his penni? -where he goes I will go--his will shall be mine!" - -"Thank you, chief," the Frenchman replied, with emotion; "you have a -brave and worthy heart." - -"My brother saved my life," said the Ulmen earnestly; "that life is no -longer mine, it belongs to him." - -Whether it was that the Araucano chiefs did not perceive the departure -of the strangers, or that, as is more probable, they did not think it -worthwhile to pursue them, the little troop was not interrupted in its -flight--for what other name could be given to this night march amidst -the desert? They advanced slowly, on account of the wounded man, who -could not, in his state of weakness and prostration, have supported the -shaking of a more rapid pace. - -Towards three o'clock in the morning, a few fugitive and uncertain -lights, which flitted across the horizon, and with difficulty pierced -through the fog, which at that hour of the night envelopes the earth -like a winding sheet, announced to the party that they were approaching -the city, and should soon be there. At the end of three quarters of an -hour, they reached the gardens which envelope Valdivia like an immense -bouquet of flowers, from the centre of which it seems to spring up. The -party made a short halt, in order not to attract observation on entering -the city, through the state of the horses and mules. From that time they -had nothing to fear from the Indians. - -"Is my brother acquainted with the city?" Trangoil-Lanec asked. - -"Why do you ask that question?" - -"For a very simple reason. In the desert, by night or by day, I can -serve as a guide to my brother; but here, in this tolderia of the -whites, my eyes close--I am blind; my brother must conduct us." - -"The devil!" said Valentine, quite disconcerted; "in that sense I am as -blind as you, chief; it was only yesterday that I entered the city for -the first time: and," he added, laughingly, "the bullets then whistled -round in such a merry fashion, I had scarcely time to look about me, or -to ask my way." - -"Don't let that disturb you, senor," said one of the peons, who had -heard the few words pronounced by the two men; "only tell me where you -want to go, and I will undertake to conduct you." - -"Hum!" Valentine replied; "where I want to go to? Caspeta! I cannot -exactly say; all places are alike to me, provided my friend be in -safety." - -"Pardon me, senor," the arriero replied, "if I dare----" - -"Oh, dare! dare! there's a good fellow! your idea is probably excellent; -for myself, I confess at this moment my mind is as empty as a drum." - -"Why, senor, should you not go to the residence of Don Tadeo de Leon, my -master?" - -"Pardieu!" cried Valentine, vexed at his own want of thought. "On my -word, you are something like a guide! I do not go to Don Tadeo, because, -simply, I don't know how to find the place, that's all." - -"I know, senor; Don Tadeo is most likely at the cabildo." - -"By Jove! that's true again; my powers of thought seem to have been -driven out of my head; but which is the way to the cabildo?" - -"I will show you, senor." - -"That's well! this is an intelligent lad. Let us be moving, my friend." - -"Forward, then!" cried the arriero. "_Ea! arrea mula!_" he shouted to -his beasts. - -In a few minutes they debouched upon the Plaza Mayor, opposite the -cabildo. The city was still and silent; here and there traces of the -sanguinary contest of the preceding day, heaps of broken furniture, or -large trenches cut in the ground, gave evidence of the ravages caused by -the insurrection. A soldier was marching with slow steps in front of the -cabildo. At sight of the little party, he stopped, and cocked his musket. - -"Who goes there?" he shouted sharply. - -"_La Patria!_" Valentine replied. - -"Go on, then!" said the soldier. - -"Hum!" the young man murmured; "it appears not to be such an easy matter -to obtain entrance; never mind," he added, "let us try. My friend," he -said, in an insinuating voice, to the sentinel, who stood motionless -before him; "we have business in the palace." - -"Have you the password?" - -"Santiago! no," Valentine answered, frankly. - -"Then you cannot enter." - -"And yet I wish very much to enter." - -"Very possibly; but as you have not the password, I advise you to go -on your way; for I swear, if you were the devil in person, I would not -afford you a passage." - -"My friend," said the Parisian, in a jeering tone, "you do not talk -logically; if I were the devil, I should stand in no need of the -password--I should get in in spite of you." - -"Take care, senor," whispered the arriero; "that soldier is not unlikely -to fire at you." - -"Pardieu! that's what I reckon upon," said Valentine, laughing. - -The peon looked at him in astonishment; he thought he was mad. The -soldier, annoyed by this long conversation, and believing it of no use -to stand wrangling with these jokers, presented his musket, crying -angrily,-- - -"For the last time, go on, or I will fire!" - -"I am determined I will go in!" Valentine replied, resolutely. - -"To arms!" the soldier cried, and fired. Valentine, who had watched -attentively all the soldier's movements, had slipped quickly from his -horse, and the bullet whistled harmlessly over his head. At the cry -of the soldier and the report of his piece, several armed soldiers, -followed by an officer with a lighted lantern in his hand, rushed -tumultuously out of the palace. - -"What is going on here?" the officer asked, in a loud voice. - -"Ah!" Valentine cried, to whom the voice was not unknown, "is that you, -Don Gregorio?" - -"Who calls me?" said the latter; for, in fact, it was he. - -"I, Valentine!" - -"What! is it you, my friend, who are making all this disturbance?" -replied Don Gregorio, advancing; "I thought it was nothing less than an -attack." - -"What the devil was I to do?" said the young man, laughing; "I had not -the password, and I wanted to get in." - -"Hum! none but a Frenchman would have such an idea as that." - -"Is it not original?" - -"Yes, but you risked being killed." - -"Bah! we are always risking being killed, and yet we are not," said -Valentine, carelessly; "I recommend my plan to you, under similar -circumstances." - -"Much obliged! but I do not think I shall ever try it." - -"Ah! there you are wrong." - -"Well, then, come in! come in!" - -"That is all I want; particularly as I must see Don Tadeo instantly." - -"I believe he is asleep." - -"He must be awakened." - -"Do you bring interesting news, then?" - -"Yes," Valentine replied, becoming suddenly serious; "terrible news!" - -Don Gregorio, struck with the tone in which the Frenchman had pronounced -these words, had a presentiment of some misfortune, and asked no -further. The arrieros bore the hammock, with Don Louis still asleep, -into the cabildo. By the care of Don Gregorio he was carried to a -bedchamber, and placed in a bed hastily provided. - -"What does all this mean?" Don Gregorio said, in astonishment; "is Don -Louis wounded?" - -"Yes," Valentine replied, in a husky voice; "he has received two dagger -wounds." - -"But how did it all happen?" - -"You will soon learn; but pray conduct me instantly to Don Tadeo." - -"In heaven's name, come, then! your reserve alarms me." - -And, followed by Valentine and Trangoil-Lanec, Don Gregorio plunged into -the labyrinth formed by the numerous corridors of the palace, with which -he seemed well acquainted. - - - - -CHAPTER XLV. - -THE FATHER REVEALS HIMSELF. - - -Don Tadeo had passed the greater part of the night in giving orders -for the clearing away of the hideous traces left by the combat. He -had named the magistrates charged with the police of the city. After -having assured, as far as possible, the tranquillity and safety of the -citizens, and sent several couriers to Santiago, and other centres -of population, to inform them of what had taken place, worn out with -fatigue, sinking with sleep, he had thrown himself, clothed as he was, -upon a camp bed, to take a little repose. He had slept scarcely an hour -that agitated sleep which is the lot of men upon whom the destinies of -empires rest, when the door of the chamber was pushed violently open, a -strong light gleamed in his eyes, and several men surrounded him. Don -Tadeo awoke suddenly. - -"Who is there?" he cried, endeavouring to recognise, in spite of the -light which dazzled his eyes, the persons who so inopportunely disturbed -his repose. - -"It is I," replied Don Gregorio. - -"Well, but you do not seem to be alone?" - -"No, Don Valentine accompanies me." - -"Don Valentine!" cried Don Tadeo, starting up, and passing his hand over -his brow, to drive away the clouds which still obscured his ideas; "why, -I did not expect Don Valentine before morning, at soonest; what serious -reason can have induced him to travel by night?" - -"A powerful reason, Don Tadeo," the young man remarked, in a melancholy -voice. - -"In Heaven's name! speak, then!" cried Don Tadeo. - -"Be a man! be firm! collect all your courage to bear worthily the blow -you are about to receive." - -Don Tadeo walked two or three times round the room, with his head -cast down, and his brow contracted; then stopped suddenly in front of -Valentine with a pale brow, but with a stoical countenance. This man -of iron had subdued nature within him; as if aware of the rudeness of -the shock he was about to receive, he had ordered his heart not to -break--his muscles not to quiver. - -"Speak!" he said, "I am ready to hear you." - -While uttering these words his voice was firm, his features calm. -Valentine, though well acquainted with his courage, was struck with -admiration. - -"Is the misfortune you are about to announce to me personal?" said Don -Tadeo. - -"Yes," the young man replied, in a tremulous voice. - -"God be praised! Go on, then; I listen to you." - -Valentine perceived that he must not put the soul of this man to too -hard a trial; he determined to speak. - -"Dona Rosario has disappeared," he said; "she has been carried off -during our absence; Louis, my foster brother, in endeavouring to defend -her, has fallen, pierced by two sword thrusts." - -The King of Darkness appeared a statue of marble; no emotion was -perceptible upon his austere countenance. - -"Is Don Louis dead?" he asked, earnestly. - -"No," Valentine answered, more and more astonished; "I even hope that in -a few days he will be cured." - -"So much the better," said Don Tadeo, feelingly; "I am indeed glad to -hear that." - -And, crossing his arms upon his broad chest, he resumed his hasty walk -about the room. The three men looked at each other, surprised at this -stoicism, which to them was unintelligible. - -"Will you then abandon Dona Rosario to her ravishers?" Don Gregorio -asked, in a reproachful tone. - - -Don Tadeo darted at him a look charged with such bitter irony, that Don -Gregorio quailed beneath it. - -"Were the ravishers concealed in the entrails of the earth, I would -discover them, be they who they may!" Don Tadeo replied. - -"A man is on their track," said Trangoil-Lanec, advancing; "that man is -Curumilla. He will discover them." - -A flash of joy for a moment shot from the eye of the King of Darkness. - -"Oh!" he murmured, with clenched teeth, "beware, Dona Maria, beware!" - -He at once had divined the author of the abduction of Rosario. - -"What do you intend to do?" said Don Gregorio. - -"Nothing, till the return of our scout," he replied, coldly; and then -turning towards Valentine, added--"Well, my friend, have you nothing -else to announce to me?" - -"What leads you to suppose I have not told you all?" said the young man. - -"Ah!" Don Tadeo replied, with a melancholy smile, "you know, my friend, -that we Spanish Americans, however civilized we may appear, are still -semi-barbarians, and, as such, horribly superstitious." - -"Well?" - -"Well, then, among other follies of the same kind, we place faith in -proverbs; and is there not one which somewhere says, that a misfortune -never comes singly?" - -"Good Heavens! do you take me for a bird of ill omen, Don Tadeo?" - -"God forbid, my friend! only search in your memory, I am sure I am not -mistaken, and that you have still something else to inform me of." - -"Well, you are right, I have other news to announce to you; whether good -or bad, I leave you to judge." - -"I knew there was something more behind," said Don Tadeo, with a sad -smile; "go on, my friend, let us hear this news, I am listening to you." - -"Yesterday, as you know, General Bustamente renewed the treaties of -peace with the Araucano chiefs." - -"He did." - -"I cannot tell what fugitive or what scout gave them information of what -had taken place here; but by evening they had learnt the defeat and -capture of the General." - -"I can understand that; go on." - -"A kind of furious madness immediately seemed to possess them, and they -held a great war council." - -"In which, I suppose, they decided upon breaking the treaties; is not -that it?" - -"Exactly." - -"And most likely determined upon war with us?" - -"I suppose so; the four toquis cast the hatchet into the fire, and a -supreme toqui was elected in their place." - -"Ah! ah!" said Don Tadeo, "and do you know the name of this supreme -toqui?" - -"Yes; Antinahuel." - -"I suspected as much," Don Tadeo cried, angrily; "that man has deceived -us. He is a scoundrel only living by cunning, and whose devouring -ambition leads him to sacrifice, when occasion offers, the dearest -interests, and falsify the most sacred oaths. He has been playing a -double game; he feigned to be the partisan of General Bustamente, as he -appeared to be ours, building upon our mutual ruin his own fortunes and -his future elevation. But he has thrown off the mask too hastily. By -heaven! I will inflict a chastisement upon him, of which his compatriots -shall preserve the remembrance, and which a century hence shall make -them tremble with fear." - -"Beware of the ears that, listen to you," said Don Gregorio, directing -his attention by a look to the Ulmen, who stood quietly before him. - -"Eh! what care I?" Don Tadeo replied, warmly; "if I speak thus, it is -because I wish to be heard. I am a Spanish noble, and what my heart -thinks my lips give utterance to; the Ulmen is welcome, if it seems good -to him, to repeat my words to his chief." - -"The Great Eagle of the Whites is unjust towards his son," replied -Trangoil-Lanec, in a serious tone; "all Araucanos have not the same -heart; Antinahuel is only responsible for his own acts. Trangoil-Lanec -is an Ulmen in his tribe; he knows how to be present at a council of -chiefs: what his eyes see, what his ears hear, his heart forgets, his -mouth repeats it not: why should my father address such unkind words to -me, who am ready to devote myself to restore to him her he has lost?" - -"That is true; I am unjust, chief, I was wrong in speaking so; your -heart is true, your tongue is unacquainted with falsehood. Pardon me, -and let me clasp your loyal hand in mine." - -Trangoil-Lanec pressed warmly the hand Don Tadeo held out to him. - -"My father is good," he said; "his heart is at this moment darkened by -the great misfortune that has fallen upon him; but let my father be -comforted, Trangoil-Lanec will restore the blue-eyed maiden to him." - -"Thanks, chief! I accept your offer, you may depend upon my gratitude." - -"Trangoil-Lanec does not sell his services, he is repaid when his -friends are happy." - -"Caramba!" cried Valentine, shaking the hand of the chief with all his -might, "you are a worthy man, Trangoil-Lanec--I am proud of being your -friend." - -Then, turning towards Don Tadeo, he said--"I must bid you farewell, for -a time. I confide my brother Louis to your care." - -"Why do you leave me?" Don Tadeo asked, warmly. - -"I must. I see your heart is breaking, in spite of the incredible -efforts you make to appear impassive. I know not the nature of the tie -which binds you to the unfortunate girl who has been the victim of an -odious crime; but I can see the loss of her is killing you--now, with -the assistance of Heaven, I will restore her to you, Don Tadeo; I will, -or I will die in the endeavour." - -"Don Valentine!" the gentleman exclaimed, strongly moved, "what do you -propose to do? your project is wild; I cannot accept such devotion." - -"Leave it to me. Caramba! I am a Parisian--that is to say, as obstinate -as a mule; and when once an idea, good or bad, has entered into my -brain, it has no chance of getting out, I swear to you. I shall only -take the time to embrace my poor brother, and set off immediately. Come, -chief, let us set ourselves upon the track of the ravishers." - -"Let us be gone," said the Ulmen. - -Don Tadeo remained for a moment motionless, his eyes fixed upon the -young man with a strange expression; a violent conflict appeared to be -going on within him; at length nature prevailed, he burst into tears; -and, throwing himself into the arms of the Frenchman, he murmured, in a -voice choked by grief-- - -"Valentine! Valentine! restore me my daughter!" - -The father had at length revealed himself; the stoicism of the statesman -had sunk before paternal love!--But human nature has its limits, beyond -which it cannot go; the moral shock which Don Tadeo had received, the -immense efforts he had made to conceal it, had completely exhausted -his strength, and he sank upon the slabs of the floor like a proud oak -struck by thunder. He had fainted. Valentine contemplated him for a -moment with pity and grief. - -"Poor father!" he said, "take courage, thy child shall be restored to -thee!" - -And he left the room with hasty steps, followed by Trangoil-Lanec, -whilst Don Gregorio, kneeling by his friend, gave him the most earnest -and kind attentions for the recovery of his senses. - - - - -CHAPTER XLVI. - -CURUMILLA. - - -In order to explain to the reader the miraculous disappearance of -Rosario, we are obliged to make a few retrograde steps, and return to -Curumilla, at the moment when the Ulmen, after his conversation with -Trangoil-Lanec, had thrown himself, like a staunch bloodhound, upon the -track of the young girl. Curumilla was a warrior as renowned for his -prudence and wisdom in council, as for his bravery in fight. Having -crossed the river, he left his horse in the care of a peon who had -accompanied him, as it would not only be useless to him, but, still -further, because it might even be injurious by betraying his presence by -the clatter of its hoofs upon the ground. Indians are expert horsemen, -but they are indefatigable walkers. Nature has endowed them with -incredible strength of muscles of the legs and hams; and they possess in -the highest degree the knowledge of that rising and sinking gymnastic -step, which, for some years past, has been introduced into Europe, -particularly into France, in the marching of troops. They accomplish -with incredible swiftness journeys which horses could hardly perform, -always directing their course in a straight line, or as the bird flies, -without regard to the difficulties that may arise in their way, no -obstacle being sufficient to turn them from their course. This quality -renders them particularly formidable to the Spanish Americans, who -cannot obtain this facility of locomotion, and who, in time of war, find -the redskins always before them at the moment they least expect them, -and that almost always at considerable distances from the spots where, -logically, they ought to be. - -Curumilla, after having carefully studied the prints made by the -ravishers, at once divined the route they had taken, and the place they -were bound to. He did not amuse himself with following them, for that -would have been losing precious time; on the contrary, he resolved to -cut across country, and wait for them at an elbow of the road he was -acquainted with, where, at all events, he could ascertain their numbers, -and, perhaps, save the young girl. This being determined, the Ulmen -set off. He walked for several hours without rest, eye and ear on the -watch, trying to penetrate the darkness, and listening patiently to the -various noises of the desert. These noises, which are to us white men -a dead letter, have for the Indians, who are accustomed to interrogate -them, a special signification, in which they are never deceived; they -analyse them, they decompose them, and often learn by this means things -which their enemies have the greatest interest in concealing from them. -However inexplicable this fact may at first appear, it is very simple. -There exists no noise in the desert without a cause. The flight of -birds, the passage of wild beasts, the rustling of leaves, the rolling -of a stone down a ravine, the undulation of high grass, the friction of -branches in the woods, are for the Indian valuable indications. - -At a certain point with which he was acquainted, Curumilla laid himself -down flat on his face, behind a block of rock, and remained motionless -among the grass and bushes that bordered the route. He remained thus for -more than an hour, without making the least movement. Whoever might have -perceived him would have taken him for a dead body. The practised ear of -the Indian, ever on the watch, at length caught in the distance the dull -sound of the feet of horses and mules upon the dry and sonorous road. -This noise grew rapidly nearer, and soon, from his hiding place, he -perceived about twenty horsemen passing slowly along in the dark, within -two lance lengths of him. The ravishers, emboldened by their numbers, -and believing themselves secure from all danger, rode along in perfect -security. The Indian raised his head softly, and leaning on his hands, -followed them with his anxious eyes, and waited. They passed without -seeing him. At some paces behind the troop, a horseman came along, -leaving himself carelessly to the measured pace of his horse. His head -occasionally sank upon his breast, and his hands had but a feeble hold -of the reins. It was evident that this man was asleep in his saddle. - -A sudden idea rushed like lightning through Curumilla's brain; gathering -himself up, he stiffened the iron muscles of his legs, and, bounding -like a tiger, leaped up behind the horseman. Before the latter, -surprised by this unexpected attack, had time to utter a cry, he pressed -his throat in such a manner as, for the time, to render him incapable -of calling for help. In the twinkling of an eye the horseman was gagged -and thrown to the ground: then, securing the horse, Curumilla fastened -it to a bush, and returned to his prisoner. The latter, with the stoical -and disdainful courage peculiar to the aborigines of America, finding -himself conquered, attempted no useless resistance; he looked at his -conqueror with a smile of contempt, and waited for him to speak to him. - -"Oh!" said Curumilla, who, upon leaning over him, recognised him, "is it -you, Joan?" - -"Curumilla!" the other replied. - -"Hum!" the Ulmen murmured to himself, "I would rather it had been -somebody else. What is my brother doing on this path?" he asked. - -"Of what consequence is that to my brother?" said the Indian, replying -to one question by another. - -"We have no time to waste," the chief replied, unsheathing his knife; -"let my brother speak." - -Joan started; a shudder ran through his limbs at the blue light -reflected by the long, sharp blade of the knife. - -"The chief can question me," he said, in a husky voice. - -"Where is my brother going?" - -"To the tolderia of San Miguel." - -"Good! and for what purpose is my brother going there?" - -"To place in the hands of the sister of the grand toqui a woman whom we -have carried off this morning." - -"Who ordered you to do so?" - -"She whom we are going to meet." - -"Who had the direction of this affair?" - -"I had." - -"Good! where does this woman expect the prisoner?" - -"I have told the chief; at the tolderia of San Miguel." - -"In which casa?" - -"In the last; the one which stands a little apart from the others." - -"That is well! Let my brother exchange poncho and hat with me." - -The Indian obeyed without a word, and when the exchange was made, -Curumilla said-- - -"I could kill my brother; prudence would even require me to do so, but -pity has entered my heart--Joan has wives and children, he is one of the -brave warriors of his tribe; if I let him live, will he be grateful?" - -The Indian had expected that he was going to die, but these words -restored him to hope. He was not a bad man at bottom; the Ulmen knew him -well, and was satisfied he would keep his promises. - -"My father holds my life in his hands," Joan replied; "if he does not -take it today, I shall remain his debtor--I will lay down my life at a -sign from him." - -"Very well!" said Curumilla, returning his knife to its sheath, "my -brother may rise, a chief keeps his word." - -The Indian sprang upon his feet, and fervently kissed the hand of the -man who had spared him. - -"What does my father command?" he asked. - -"My brother must repair as fast as possible to the tolderia which the -Huincas name Valdivia. He will seek Don Tadeo, the Great Eagle of the -Whites, and relate to him what has passed between us, adding, that I -will save the prisoner, or die." - -"Is that all?" - -"Yes. If the Great Eagle requires the services of my brother, he will -place himself without hesitation at his orders. Farewell! May Pillian -guide my brother! and let him never forget that I was not willing to -take the life that was in my power!" - -"Joan will not forget," the Indian replied. - -At a sign from Curumilla, he bent down in the high grass, crept along -like a serpent, and disappeared in the direction of Valdivia. The chief, -without losing an instant, jumped into the saddle and soon joined the -little troop, who had continued jogging quietly along, without dreaming -of the substitution that had just taken place. It was Curumilla who, -while carrying the young girl into the house, had whispered hope and -courage. These three words, in announcing to her that she had a friend -watching over her, had restored her the strength necessary for the -struggle that awaited her. - -After the unexpected arrival of Antinahuel, when, at the order of Dona -Maria, Curumilla led away the prisoner, instead of reconducting her -to the apartment in which she had been, he threw a poncho over her to -disguise her. - -"Follow me," he said in a low voice; "step out boldly, I will endeavour -to save you." - -The maiden hesitated; she was fearful of a snare. The Ulmen comprehended -her feeling, and said quickly, in a low voice-- - -"I am Curumilla, one of the Ulmens devoted to the two Frenchmen, the -friends of Don Tadeo." - -Rosario startled imperceptibly. - -"Go on," she replied in a firm tone; "happen what may, I will follow -you." - -And they left the hut together. The Indians, dispersed here and there, -were busily talking over the events of the day, and did not observe -them. The two fugitives proceeded for ten minutes without exchanging a -word. The village was soon lost in the darkness; at length Curumilla -stopped at a thick clump of cactus, behind which two horses stood, -saddled and bridled. - -"Does my sister find herself strong enough to mount on horseback, and -ride a long distance?" he asked. - -"To escape from my persecutors," she replied, in a broken voice, "I feel -I have strength to do anything." - -"Good!" said Curumilla, "my sister is courageous. Her God will help her!" - -"It is in Him alone I place my hope," she said, with a sigh. - -"To horse, then, and let us begone! minutes are ages!" - -He unfastened the horses, they mounted, and set of at full speed, -without any sound being produced upon the road by their hoofs, which -Curumilla had covered with pieces of sheepskin. The maiden breathed -a sigh of relief on feeling herself once more free, and under the -protection of a devoted friend. The fugitives continued to ride at a -rapid pace, in a direction diametrically opposite to the one they should -have taken to return to Valdivia. Prudence required that they should not -yet take any route on which, according to all possibilities, they would -be looked for. - -We must leave our friends in this critical position for the present; -but those readers who feel an interest in the loves of Don Louis and -Dona Rosario, will find their curiosity fully satisfied in the following -volume of this series, called "The Pearl of the Andes." - - - -THE END. - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventurers, by Gustave Aimard - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURERS *** - -***** This file should be named 43716.txt or 43716.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/3/7/1/43716/ - -Produced by Marc D'Hooghe at http://www.freeliterature.org - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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