These men, though they were without arms, appeared to be treated, if not as completely free, at least with a certain consideration, which proved that they were not looked upon as prisoners.
They were two young men of twenty-five or twenty-eight, dressed in the costume of Brazilian officers, with fine bold features, and careless and hearty expression. They galloped in the midst of the Indian warriors without appearing to concern themselves in any way as to the place whither they were being conducted, and talked gaily, changing from time to time a few words in a good-humoured tone, with the warriors nearest to them.
The sun had set below the horizon, and perfect darkness had almost immediately replaced the light of day—as happens in all intertropical countries, which have no twilight—at the moment when the Indians were ascending at a gallop the scarcely-traced path which led to the summit of the bank, and gave access to the wood.
Arrived in the middle of a glade—from which sprang a stream of water, clear and limpid, which, after a tortuous course through the rocks, fell in the form of a splendid cascade into the Rio Bermejo, from a height Of forty or fifty feet—the young Gueyma chief stopped his horse, leaped from his saddle, and ordered his warriors to instal themselves in a camp for the night; his intention being not to go farther that day.
The latter obeyed; they immediately alighted, and quickly occupied themselves with securing the horses, giving them provender, lighting the watch fires, and in preparing the repast for the evening.
Some five or six warriors had alone preserved their arms, and were stationed on the outskirts of the glade, to watch over the safety of their companions.
The two Brazilian officers, no doubt fatigued with the long journey during the great heat of the day, had, with a sigh of relief, heard the order of the chief, and had obeyed it with a speed which testified to the desire which they felt to take repose.
Twenty minutes later the fires were lighted, a covering constructed to shelter the whites against the abundant dew of the morning, and the warriors, clustered in little groups of four or five, ate with a good appetite the simple provisions placed before them—consisting for the most part of yams, baked under ashes, of the meal of manioc, and of meat dried in the sun, and roasted over the fire—the whole accompanied with limpid water from the stream—a wholesome and fortifying beverage, but in no way liable to get into the heads of the guests.
The chiefs had, through a warrior, invited the Brazilian officers to take part in the meal—a courteous invitation that the latter had accepted with so much the more pleasure as, with the exception of gourds full of sugar cane brandy, which they carried at their saddles, they were completely without provisions, and at over time thought they were condemned to a forced fast—a prospect all the more disagreeable for them, as they were literally dying with hunger, not having had the opportunity, since the previous evening, of taking any other refreshment than a little brandy, diluted with water, a regimen quite insufficient for them, but to which they had resolutely submitted, rather than exhibit their distress to the Indians, amongst whom they had accidentally been thrown. Happily for them, the Guaycurus chiefs had noticed this forced abstinence, and had kindly put an end to it by inviting the young men to sup with them—a proceeding which had the double advantage of saving the pride of the officers, and of breaking the ice between them and the Indians.
However, as often happens between persons who do not know each other, or who at least know one another but little, the first few minutes were embarrassing to these four companions, so different in manners and disposition.
The officers, after a ceremonious bow, which the chiefs acknowledged in a very awkward fashion, seated themselves on the grass, and attacked the provisions set before them, at first with a certain forbearance which politeness demanded; but they soon gave way to the imperious demands of their appetites.
"Epoï!" said the old chief, with a smile of good humour, "I am happy, gentlemen, to see you so much enjoy so poor a meal."
"Upon my word," answered one of the officers, laughing, "poor or not, chief, it comes at a time when we cannot disdain it."
"Hum!" said the second, "it is just twenty-four hours since we have eaten; and that is rather a long time."
"Why did you not say that before?" resumed the chief; "We would immediately have given orders for you to have the necessary provisions."
"A thousand thanks for your kindness, chief; but it neither suited our dignity nor our disposition to make such a request to you."
"The whites have strange scruples," murmured Gueyma, speaking rather to himself than to the officers.
However, they heard the remark, to which one of them replied—
"It is not a question of delicacy, chief, but an innate feeling of propriety amongst men who not only respect themselves, but also in themselves respect those whom they are charged to represent."
"You will excuse us, Señor," pursued Gueyma, "we Indians, almost savages, as you call us, know nothing of those subtle distinctions that you are pleased to establish; the life of the desert does not teach such things."
"And we are, perhaps, only the more happy that it is so," added the old chief.
"Possibly," answered the officer; "I will not discuss so futile a point with you. Let us quit this subject, and allow me to offer you a mouthful of brandy."
And after having uncorked his gourd, he presented it to the chief.
The latter, pushing away the gourd, looked in astonishment at the officer.
"You refuse me?" asked the latter, "For what motive, chief? Have I not accepted what you have offered me?"
The Indian several times shook his head.
"My son is not accustomed to be in the company of the Guaycurus," said he.
"Why this question, chief?"
"Because," answered he, "if it were otherwise, the young pale chief would know that the Guaycurus warriors never drink that liquid which the whites name ardent spirits, and which makes them stupid; the water from the springs which the Great Spirit, Macunhan, has profusely scattered in the desert is sufficient to slake their thirst."
"Excuse my ignorance, chief; I had no intention of offending you."
"Where there is no intention, as the paleface says," answered the old chief, smiling, "an injury cannot exist."
"Well spoken, my master," gaily pursued the young man. "I should have been annoyed if an inconsiderate action on my part had disturbed the good understanding which ought to exist between us; so much the more, as I wish to ask you a few questions, if it is not inconvenient."
The meal was concluded. The two chiefs had rolled up some tobacco in palm leaves, and were smoking; the officers had lighted their cigars.
"What are the questions that the paleface wishes to ask me?" pursued the Indian.
"First, let me tell you, that since chance has brought me among you, I am a prey to continual astonishment."
"Epoï!" said the chief, smiling; "Indeed!"
"Upon my word, yes. I had never seen an Indian. At Rio de Janeiro, when they spoke to me of the redskins, they were represented as men quite savage, fierce, faithless—entirely sunk in the most horrible barbarism. I thus acquired an impression which, according to what I now see, was most erroneous."
"Ah, ah! And what does the paleface now see?"
"Why, I see men brave, intelligent—enjoying a civilization different to ours, it is true, but which is civilization, nevertheless—chiefs like you and your companion for example, speaking the Portuguese language as well as myself, and who, in all circumstances, act with a prudence and wisdom, and a circumspection which I have often regretted I have not met with in my own countrymen. That is what I have seen among you up to the present time, chief, without taking account of the white complexion of your companion, which—you will admit—added to his features, and the expression of his countenance, gives him rather the appearance of a European than of an Indian warrior."
The two chiefs smiled as they exchanged a stealthy look, and the elder resumed, with an expression of pride—
"The Guaycurus are descendants of the great Tupinambas, the ancient possessors of Brazil, before the whites had robbed them of their territory. They are called by the palefaces themselvesCavalheiros. The Guaycurus are masters of the desert; who would dare to resist them? When many winters shall have blanched the hair of my son, and he shall have seen other Indian nations, he will recognise the immense difference that exists between the noble Guaycurus and the miserable savages scattered here and there in thellanos."
The young officer bowed affirmatively.
"So," said he, "the Guaycurus are the most civilised among the Indians?"
"The only civilised," answered the chief, with pride; "the Great Spirit loves and protects them."
"I admit it, chief; but that does not explain to me how it is that you speak our language with perfection—a perfection which you warriors are far from attaining, for they can scarcely understand a word I say to them."
"The Cougar has lived many years," answered he; "the snows of many a great winters have fallen on his head since he saw the light. The Cougar was a warrior before the paleface was born. At that time the chief visited the great villages of the whites; for several moons he even lived amongst them as if he had formed part of their families. He thus loves them, although he has left them forever to rejoin his tribe. The whites taught the Cougar their language. Has my son any other questions to ask him?"
"No, chief; I thank you sincerely for the frank and friendly way in which you have been pleased to answer me. I am the more delighted at the sympathy which you say you have for my countrymen, as in the circumstances in which we are placed, this sympathy cannot but be very conducive to the satisfactory termination of the business we have in hand."
"I hope it may be so."
"And I also, with all my heart. Are we still far distant from the place where the interview is to take place? I confess that I am anxious for the conclusion of the treaty between us."
"Then let my son rejoice, for we have reached the spot assigned by the Guaycurus captains, to the chiefs of the palefaces. The interview of which he speaks will take place probably tomorrow, two or three hours at most after sunrise."
"What! We have already reached the place called by the Spaniards the Rincón del Bosquecillo?"
"It is here."
"Thank God, for the general will not be long before he comes here, as we have already come; and now, chief, accept again my thanks. I am going, with your permission, to take a few hours' repose, which I really want, after the fatigues of the journey which has just finished."
"Let my sons sleep; sleep is good for young men," answered the chief, with a benevolent smile.
The officers immediately withdrew under the awning prepared for them, and were not long before they slept.
The chiefs remained, facing each other.
The Guaycurus warriors, stretched before the fires, slept, enveloped in their ponchos.
But the sentinels watched, and were motionless as bronze statues, their eyes open to the surrounding country, and their ears ready for the least sound.
A complete calm reigned in the desert; the night was warm, clear, and starlight.
The Cougar looked for a moment pensively at his companion, and then, after looking inquiringly around him—
"Of what is Gueyma thinking at this moment?" said he, with a gentle voice, and in a tone of tender nation; "Is he communing with his heart? Do his thoughts recall the pleasant memory of Dove's Eye, the Virgin with the azure eyes or is his spirit busy with the meeting scheduled for tomorrow?"
The young man trembled, raised his head and cast an uncertain look, in which a spark glowed, on the old chief, who looked at him sadly.
"No," he replied with a voice, silent and broken by inner emotion: "my father has not clearly read in the heart of his son; the memory of Dove's eye is ever present in Gueyma's soul: she need not be called up to shine even more. The result of the conference that will take place tomorrow is not of the young chief's concern. His mind is elsewhere; he wanders in the midst of the clouds guided by the wind to seek his father."
The face of the old chief suddenly grew dark with these words; he frowned his brow and answered after a while with an uncertain, emotional voice:
"Is that thought still tormenting you, my son?"
"Still!" replied the young man with some animation; "Until the Cougar has fulfilled his promise."
"Which promise is that, that my son reminds me of?"
"This, to reveal to me my father's name; because I never knew him as a child; and because the warriors of my nation sadly turn their heads when I ask them why he left from our midst so long ago."
"Yes, surely," replied the Cougar, "I did promise that to my son, but he gave me another one, doesn't he remember?"
"Yes, my father; forgive me, I do remember, but my father is good, and will be tolerant toward a young man and pardon an impatience that only comes forth from his childish love."
"My son is not only one of the most feared warriors of his nation, but also one of the most renown chiefs; he must be the example of patience for all. It will seal his mouth better, if I don't disclose the secret; to learn that when he is so impatient the men will follow him therein, to give him this and this only thought; it is: to see him once happy."
After he had spoken these words in a tone both stern and moved, the old chief wrapped his poncho around him, stretched himself on the ground and closed his eyes.
Gueyma gave him a glance with a mixture of indescribable anger, reverence and despondency; then he sighed deeply, and let his head sink to his chest, overwhelmed by sleep. He lay down beside his fellow tribesmen. Soon there were no more people awake in the whole of the Indian encampment, except for the sentinels appointed to watch over the common safety.
The night was calm; nothing disturbed its peaceful and majestic tranquillity. The guardsmen kept watch with a conscientious alertness over the repose of their kinsmen, which is not very often the case among the Indians.
At about half past four in the morning, the darkness gradually began to give way to the still faint glow of the first daylight; the sky painted itself with broad strokes of changing colours, which at last blended into a brilliant red, and the sun appeared rising above the horizon as if it had come from a furnace, suddenly illuminating the heavens with its resplendent rays, which resembled flakes of fire.
In the desert the first hours of the morning are the sweetest and the most splendid of the day.
Nature, on awaking calm and refreshed, appears during the darkness to have resumed all her powers. The freshened foliage is pearled with dew; a light and transparent mist rises from the ground, and is speedily absorbed by the sun; a fresh breeze ripples the silvery surface of the rivers and the lakes, agitates the branches of the trees, and sends a quivering through the tall grass, from the midst of which rise every now and then the heads of affrightened oxen, wild horses, deer, or gazelles; while the birds, joyously clapping their wings, make their morning toilet, or fly about with cries and twitterings of pleasure.
The Indians are not generally heavy sleepers; so the sun had scarcely appeared above the horizon than they all awoke and proceeded to dress, washing themselves every day; for the Guaycurus, contrary to other American tribes, number among their characteristics that of strict cleanliness, and even have a kind of coquetry in the arrangement of their picturesque clothing.
At the voice of Cougar, they united in a semicircle, their eyes turned towards the rising sun, and addressed a fervent prayer to the radiant orb of day—not that they look upon it as positively a god, but because it is, according to their belief, the visible representative of the invisible Divinity, and the great dispenser of benefits.
We have remarked with astonishment this worship rendered to the sun in all the countries of America, as well in the south as in the north, and which, although varied in form, is everywhere in substance the same in all the indigenous tribes. Moreover, this natural religion must be more easily understood by primitive races, who thus render homage to what the more forcibly strikes their eyes than their senses.
This pious duty accomplished, the warriors arose, and immediately shared the labours of the camp.
Some led the horses to water; others rubbed them down carefully; some went to cut wood, in order to rekindle the smouldering fires, whilst some five or six chosen warriors, leaping on their barebacked horses, started off into the savannah, to procure by hunting the necessary provisions for their breakfast, and that of their companions.
In a few minutes the camp offered a most animated picture; for just as the Indians are idle and careless when their wives, to whom they abandon all the domestic work, are with them, so they are active and alert in their war expeditions, during which they cannot claim their wives' assistance.
The Brazilian officers, awakened by the noise and movements which were being made around them, came out from the canopy under which they had passed the night, and proceeded gaily to mix among the groups of Indians, having themselves also to tend their horses, and to see that nothing had occurred to them during the night.
The Guaycurus received them in the most cordial way, laughing and talking with them, affably inquiring if they had well slept, and if they were completely recovered from their fatigue of the previous day.
Soon all was in order in the camp; the horses which had been led to water were again attached to pickets, with a good supply of fresh grass; the huntsmen returned loaded with game; and the morning meal, prepared in all haste, was soon served to the guests on large banana and palm leaves, which served for plates and dishes.
Immediately after breakfast, the Cougar—after having conversed some minutes with Gueyma, who, although the principal chief of the detachment, appeared only to act under his counsel—dispatched several scouts in different directions.
"Your friends are late in arriving," said he to the Brazilian officers; "perhaps something has occurred to hinder them. These men are charged to ascertain the state of affairs, and to announce to us their approach."
The officers bowed as a sign of assent; they had nothing to reply to this observation, especially as they themselves began to be uneasy at the delay of the persons expected.
Several hours thus passed. The Guaycurus warriors talked among themselves, smoked, or fished from the banks of the Rio Bermejo; but no Indian wandered far from the camp, in the midst of which was raised, as a standard, the long lance of Gueyma planted in the ground, and having floating at its summit a white banner made with a handkerchief borrowed from the officer.
About eleven in the morning the sentinels signalled the appearance of two troops coming from two opposite directions, but both riding towards the camp.
The Guaycurus chief dispatched two warriors towards these troops.
The latter returned in a very few minutes.
They had recognised the strangers. The first were Macobis, the others Trentones.
But almost immediately appeared a third troop, then a fourth, then a fifth, and at last a sixth.
Scouts were immediately dispatched to meet them, and they were not long in returning, announcing that they were detachments of Chiriguanos, Langoas, Abipones, and Payagoas.
"Epoï!" answered the Cougar, at each announcement which was made to him; "The warriors will camp at the foot of the hill; the chiefs will come up near us."
The scouts then set off at full speed, and proceeded to communicate to the captains of the different detachments the orders of their chief.
Arrived at a certain distance from the bank, on the summit of which the camp of the Guaycurus was established, the Indian detachments stopped, uttered their war cry with a resounding voice, and, after having executed certain evolutions, making their horses caracole, they proceeded to establish themselves at the points which had been assigned to them.
The chiefs of their detachments, followed each by two warriors more particularly attached to their persons, ascended the hill at a gallop and entered the camp, where they were received in the most cordial way by the Guaycurus chiefs, who were mounted on horseback, and had advanced some paces to meet them.
After a rather long interchange of compliments, in which all the minute exigencies of Indian etiquette were studied, the chiefs proceeded together towards the council fire, where all sat down without distinction of, place or rank.
There was then perfect silence in the assembly. The slaves gave to each some tobacco rolled in palm leaves, and sent round thematéthat the chiefs drank slowly and religiously, according to custom.
When the cup had passed from hand to hand, and when the last puff of smoke had been drawn from the rolls of tobacco, Gueyma made a gesture with his hand to claim attention—
"Allied captains of the powerful and invincible tribe of the Guaycurus," said he, "I am happy to see you here, and at the readiness you have shown in coming at the invitation of the members of the supreme council of our tribe. The reason for this extraordinary assembly is extremely important; you will soon learn it. It is not for me, and I should fail in my duty as a faithful ally, if I tried on this occasion to influence your ultimate determination, which your interests alone must of course decide. Let it suffice, at present, to know that your friends the Guaycurus have thought it right only to act in this affair with your consent, and the assistance of your counsel."
A Payagoa chief, aged and of respectable aspect, bowed and answered—
"Captain of the Guaycurus, although still very young, you unite in yourself the prudent circumspection of the agouti with the fervid courage of the jaguar. The words that you utter are inspired by the Great Spirit. In the name of the captains here present, I thank you for the latitude you give us in leaving us entire freedom as to our determinations. We shall, you may be convinced, know how to distinguish the true from the false in this affair; that we are now ignorant of, and, availing ourselves of your wisdom, conclude it according to the laws of justice, while we conform to the interests of the tribes of which we are the representatives."
The other chiefs then bowed, and each in his turn, with his hand placed on his heart, pronounced these words—
"Emavidi Chaïme, the great captain of the Payagoas, has spoken as a prudent man; wisdom is in him."
At this moment one of the sentinels signalled the approach of a numerous troop, shown by a thick cloud of dust which rose on the horizon.
"Here are those with whom we shall now confer," said Gueyma. "To horse, brothers! And let us go to meet them, to do them honour, for they come as friends, which has permitted them to come safe and sound upon our territory."
The captains immediately rose and mounted their horses, that their slaves held by the hand behind them.
Gueyma and the Cougar put themselves at their head; the troop, composed of some fifteen chiefs, all chosen horsemen and warriors, renowned in their tribes, rode like a hurricane from the top to the bottom of the hill, and darted at full speed through the plain, raising in its passage thick clouds of greyish dust, in the midst of which it was not long in disappearing completely.
Meanwhile the newcomers rapidly approached, although with some circumspection, demanded by the rules of strict prudence.
The troop was composed but of ten horsemen, of whom two were Indians, and appeared to act as guides to those who followed them.
The latter were whites—Brazilians—as was easy to discover by their costume.
He who rode at the head of the little troop was a man of some fifty years. With noble and haughty features, and refined and elegant manners, he wore the rich gold-embroidered uniform of a general. Although he sat upright and firmly on his horse, and his full black eye seemed to flash with all the fire of youth, nevertheless, his greyish hair, and the deep wrinkles of his forehead, added to the careworn and pensive expression of his countenance, gave proof of a life which had been much tried, either by passions or the chances of continual war.
The horseman who was at his side wore the costume of a captain, and the insignia of an aide-de-camp; he was about twenty-three or twenty-four. He had a proud eye and noble and regular features; his countenance indicated bravery; and an expression of bantering carelessness gave to it an undefinable air of knowing confidence.
The six other horsemen were dressed in the costume of soldiers of the Conquista; one of the two bore the insignia of a sub-officer.
As to the Indians, who probably acted as guides to, the troop, they did not carry any apparent arms, but thanks to the war dress and by the feather planted in the bright red band which circled their forehead, it was easy to recognise them as Guaycurus chiefs.
Both—warriors of a certain age, and of sombre and reserved appearance—galloped silently side by side, their eyes obstinately fixed in front, and not appearing in any way to occupy themselves with the Brazilians, who came a few paces after them.
As they rode, the two officers talked with a freedom which, considering the difference of grade, showed a certain intimacy between them, or at least a long acquaintance.
"Here we are at last, arrived at the Bosquecillo," said the captain, casting a curious look around him, "and this river is the Rio Bermejo, which we have been obliged twice already to cross. Upon my word— saving the respect that I owe you, general—I am happy to see at last this mysterious territory, which these brutes of Indians guard with such jealous mistrust."
"Hush! Don Paulo," answered the general, placing a finger on his lips, "do not speak so loud; our guides can hear you."
"Bah! Do you think so, general? At this distance?"
"I know the sharpness of ear of these fellows, my dear Don Paulo; take my advice; be prudent."
"I will follow your counsel, general—especially as, according to what you tell me, you have had some experience of these Indians."
"Yes," answered the general, with a suppressed sigh; "I had something to do with them on a terrible occasion; and although long years have flown since then, the memory of it is always present to my thoughts. But let us quit that subject, and speak of the occasion which brings us today in these parts. I do not conceal from you, my friend, that, honourable as may be the mission which has been confided to me by the Government, I consider it extremely difficult, and as presenting very few chances of success."
"Is that really your opinion, general?"
"Certainly. I should not wish to speak diplomatically with you."
"Do you fear treachery on the part of these Indians?"
"Who knows? However, as far as I know of the manners of the tribe with which we have especially to do, I feel assured that all will be done honourably."
"Hum! Do you know, general, that our friends would be in a terrible position if the fancy seized these Indians to violate the right of nations? For—pardon me, general, for saying so—it appears to me that if our guides should have the desire to leave us in the lurch, nothing would be more easy for them, and then, what hostages—when they had gone—would answer for the lives of our companions?"
"What you say is very true; unhappily, I have not been able to take any other measures. I ought, in the interest even of our companions, to leave these Indians free, and to treat them honourably; their disposition is very gloomy; they do not pardon what they believe to be an insult. Moreover, one thing reassures me; it is, that if they had the intention of betraying us, they would not have waited until this moment to do so; a long time ago they would have abandoned us."
"That is true; and in fact, if I am not deceived, here we are at the rendezvous."
"Or at least we shall arrive there before half an hour."
"Our guides have, without doubt, perceived something now, general; for you see they have stopped, and are turning towards us, as if they had a communication to make to you."
"Let us rejoin them, then, as soon as possible," answered the general, spurring his horse, which set off at a gallop.
The two Indians had indeed stopped to await the Brazilians. When the general had reached them he ranged his horse near theirs, and immediately addressing them—
"Well, captains," said he to them, in a cheerful voice, "what has happened that you stop thus short in the middle of the path?"
"My brother and I have stopped," sententiously replied the elder of the two chiefs, "because the captains come to meet the palefaces, to do them the honour which is their due in their quality of ambassadors."
"We have then just reached the place?"
"Look," pursued the chief, stretching out his arms towards the hill, which was distant at the most a mile from the spot where they were.
"Ah! Ah! So I was not deceived; this hill is indeed the Rincón del Bosquecillo?"
"That is the name which the palefaces call it."
"Very well, I am charmed to know it with certainty. You say then, chief, that the captains are coming to meet us?"
"You see that dust?" resumed the Indian; "It is raised by the hasty feet of the captains' horses."
"If it is so, captain, I shall be obliged to you, captain, to inform me what I ought to do."
"Nothing. Wait and respond to the friendly reception of the captains when they arrive."
"That is what I will do with pleasure. By the way, I avail myself of the opportunity of thanking you personally, captain, for the honour with which your companion and you have guided us hitherto."
"We have accomplished our duty; the pale chief; does not owe us any thanks."
"However, captain, honour compels me to acknowledge the loyalty with which you have acquitted yourselves of this duty."
"Tarou Niom and his brother I-me-oh-eh are Guaycurus captains; treachery is unknown to them."
At the first name pronounced by the Indian chief the general had imperceptibly started, and his black eyebrows were for a moment knitted.
"The name of my father is Tarou Niom?" asked he, as if he had wished to know it for certain.
"Yes," laconically answered the Indian; and he added, after a short pause, "these are the captains."
In fact, almost immediately the tall grass appeared to divide, trodden down by several horses, and the Indians appeared.
"The palefaces are welcome on the hunting grounds of the Guaycurus," said Gueyma, after he had gracefully bowed to the general; "the warriors of my tribe and of the allied tribes are happy to see them amongst them."
"I thank the captains for their kind words," answered the general, "and especially for the distinction with which the allies honour me in coming thus to meet me. I am ready to follow the captains to the place whither they please to conduct me."
After some other commonplace politeness, the two troops, blended into one, resumed the direction of the hill.
A few minutes afterwards the Brazilian officers, escorted by the Indian chiefs, reached the summit of the hill, where they were received with marks of the most lively joy by their countrymen.
As soon as they had reached the camp, Gueyma stopped his horse, and, placing his right hand on the shoulder of one of the two officers, who had come forward to meet the newcomers, he turned towards the general—
"Here are the two hostages confided by the palefaces to the Guaycurus captains; these men have been treated by us as brothers."
"Indeed," answered immediately one of the two officers, "we hasten to state that we have only to praise the conduct pursued towards us, and the attentions of which we have been the object."
"I think," said the general, "that the two Guaycurus captains confided to our keeping, to answer for the safety of our hostages, have not had to complain of the manner in which they have been treated by us."
"The palefaces have acted honourably towards the Guaycurus warriors," answered Tarou Niom, bowing to the general.
After some few words the Brazilians were ceremoniously conducted before the council fire, where a felled tree had been prepared to serve them for a seat.
The general took his seat, having his officers at his side, while the soldiers silently ranged themselves behind.
The Guaycurus chiefs and the captains of the other allied nations crouched on their heels in the Indian fashion, in face of the whites, from whom they were only separated by the fire. The rolled tobacco and the cigars were lighted, then thematéwas presented to the Brazilians, and the council commenced.
"We beg," said Gueyma, "the great captain of the palefaces to repeat, as it has been agreed before the captains of the allied tribes, the propositions that he addressed to us on the Salto Grande, where we met at his request. These propositions, communicated by us to the allied captains, have been, I ought to state, well received by them; however, before engaging themselves definitely, and contracting an offensive alliance with the palefaces here assembled, against other men of the same colour, the captains wish to be assured that these conditions will be strictly and honourably executed by the whites, and that the red warriors will not afterwards have to repent having opened a complacent ear to perfidious counsels. Let my father speak, then the chiefs will hear him with great attention."
The general bowed, and after having looked attentively on the crowd which, so to speak, hung upon his lips, he rose, leant carelessly on the handle of his sabre, and commenced in Portuguese—a language that the greater part of the chiefs spoke with case, and which they all understood.
"Captains of the great allied tribes," said he, "your white grandfather, the powerful monarch that I have the honour to represent, has heard your complaints; the tale of your misfortunes has moved his heart, always good and compassionate, and he has resolved to put an end to the disgraceful vexations of which, for so many years, the Spaniards have made you the victims; therefore, he has sent me to you to communicate his benevolent intentions. Listen, then, to my words; for although it is my mouth that pronounces them, they are in reality the expression of the sentiments of your white grandfather."
A murmur of pleasure received this first part of the general's discourse. When silence was re-established, he continued—
"The Spaniards," pursued he, "in contempt of treaties and of justice, not content with oppressing you—you, the true possessors of the soil we tread—have traitorously seized on large, rich, and fertile territories, belonging for a very long time to the powerful monarch, my master. These territories he means to recover by force of arms. Since the perfidious Spaniards continually break, in the most dishonourable way, the treaties concluded with them, my sovereign, seizing the opportunity which presents itself, to render you that justice to which, as his children, you have a right, takes your cause in hand, makes it his own, and will protect you in everything. He engages that the hunting grounds which have been so unjustly taken from you shall be restored, and he also engages that not only your liberty, but your life, your flocks—in fact, all that you possess—shall be respected. But it is just, captains, that you should show yourselves grateful for the aid that my sovereign deigns to accord you, and that you will be as faithful towards him as he is towards you. This is what, through me, the powerful sovereign whom I represent demands of you: you shall arm your chosen warriors, of whom you shall form detachments of horsemen under the orders of experienced captains. These detachments shall abandon the Llano de Manso—or, as you call your territory, the valley of Japizlaga; at a signal given by us, and from several points at the same time, they will invade the provinces of Tucuman and Cordova, so as to effect their junction with the Indians of the Pampas, and to harass the Spaniards, to whatever faction they belong, and wherever they may be met with, only attacking isolated parties, and acting as pioneers and scouts, to the troops which the king, my master, will, under my orders, and those of the other chiefs, send into the enemy's territory. The war ended, all the promises made through thisquipu," added he, throwing into the midst of the assembly a stick split halfway up, and garnished with cords of several colours in the form of chaplets, having seeds, shells, and flints strung upon it, and separated by knots tied in various ways, "their promises, I say, shall be strictly kept. Now, I have given myquiputhirty mules, loaded with lassos, bolas, ponchos, frazadas, bits for the horses, knives, &c., wait at the entrance of the llano, under the care of some soldiers. If you please, you can share among yourselves the treasures that the king, my master, deigns to present to you. On my return, if my propositions are accepted, I will give the order that all shall be given to you. I await, then, the reply through yourquipu, persuaded that you will not falsify the word given, and that the king, my master, shall be able confidently to rely on your loyal assistance."
Warm applause followed the general's speech, and he sat down again with the most unequivocal manifestations of sympathy.
The slaves again sent round thematé, and the Indian captains commenced to converse among themselves, although in a low voice, and in a language incomprehensible to the Europeans.
We will here draw the reader's attention to a peculiarity that we have only met with in these regions, and especially among the Guaycurus.
The men and the women have a language which presents striking differences; moreover, when they discuss diplomatic questions before the envoys of a foreign nation—as occurred at the present time—they produce by the contraction of the lips a hissing which has received among them certain recognised modifications, and which has thus become a distinct language.
Nothing is more curious than to be present at a serious deliberation, hissed in this way by the orators, with modulations and graces, which are really remarkable, and which produce a strange and mysterious effect.
The general talked in a low voice with his officers, sipping hismaté, while the captains in turn discussed his propositions, as he conjectured, at least; for it was impossible for him to understand anything, or even to seize a single word in the midst of this continual hissing and chirping.
At last Gueyma rose, and after having claimed silence by a majestic gesture, he replied to the general in Portuguese—
"The captains," said he, "have listened to the words of the grand captain of the palefaces with all the attention they deserve; they have considered attentively the propositions which he has been charged to make to them. These propositions the captains find just and equitable; they accept them, begging the captain of the palefaces to thank their white grandfather, and to assure him of the respect and devotion of his children of the desert. From the twelfth sun after today the war detachments of the allied tribes will be ready, at the first signal, to invade the enemy's frontiers. I have said it; there is myquipu;a troop of warriors shall accompany my father, the captain, to do him honour, and bring back the presents intended for the chiefs of the allied tribes."
After these words he sat down, and threw in hisquipu—a movement which was imitated by the other chiefs.
The general thanked the council, requested his aide-de-camp to gather up thequipus;and the treaty was thus concluded.
An hour later the Brazilians, to whom the hostages had been given up, left the Rincón del Bosquecillo in company with a detachment of chosen warriors, and again took the road to the plantations, after having derided, with Gueyma, Tarou Niom, and the principal captains, upon supplementary measures for the success of the projected invasion, and upon the means to be employed for the Brazilians and the Indians, under all circumstances, to communicate with each other.
About a month had passed since the conclusion of the treaty between the Brazilians, the Guaycurus, and their allies of the Rincón del Bosquecillo. At the foot of a steep mountain, surrounded by ridges and ravines, the rugged soil of which was covered with a thick forest of oaks, a numerous troop of horsemen was camped at the entrance of a canyon—the dry bed of a torrent—the soil of which was covered with stones rounded and smoothed by the action of the water, which was at this moment exhausted.
This troop, composed of some 250 or 300 men at the most, wore the characteristic costume of Guaycurus Indians.
It was evening. The camp, firmly established and watched over by active sentinels, was, by its position, completely sheltered from attack.
The warriors were sleeping, lying before the fires, enveloped in their ponchos, their arms placed within reach of their hands, so as to be ready to make use of them at the least alarm.
A little behind the camp, on the flank of the mountain, the horses were feeding on the grass, and the young shoots of trees, carefully tended by six Indians, well armed.
Two men, seated before a half extinguished fire, having each a carbine placed near him on the grass, were talking and smoking, and every now and then sipping theirmaté.
These two men were Gueyma and the Cougar; the troop was placed under their immediate orders. It was composed of the youngest, the most vigorous, and most renowned warriors of the tribe.
From the time when, at the signal given by the Brazilian Government, this troop had crossed the Spanish frontier, and had—like a flight of birds of prey—fallen on the enemy's territory, terror had accompanied it; murder, incendiarism, and pillage had preceded it; behind it, it had left only ruins and corpses; in its presence fear chilled the courage of the inhabitants, and made them abandon as rapidly as possible their poor ranchos, to fly from the cruelty of these barbarous Guaycurus, who spared neither women, children, nor old men, and who appeared to have taken an oath to change into a desert the rich and fertile fields, in the midst of which they traced a furrow of blood.
They had thus traversed, like a devastating hurricane the greater part of the province, and had reached the Rio Quinto, not far from which they were camped, on the environs of a little town named Aquadita, a miserable place, the inhabitants of which had taken flight, abandoning all they possessed at the news of the approach of the Guaycurus.
The treaty concluded between the Brazilians and the Indians could not have been more advantageous to the former, for this reason: from the discovery of America, the Portuguese and the Spaniards continually disputed possession of the New World. Placed side by side in Brazil and Buenos Aires, they could not long remain without making war.
When the family of Braganza was obliged to abandon Portugal, to take refuge in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil became the real centre of Portuguese power, and the king contemplated aggrandising his empire, and of adding to it what, in some respects, he reasonably considered his natural frontiers—the Banda Oriental, and the course of the Rio de la Plata.
The war lasted a long time, with alternations of success and disaster on both sides. England offered her mediation, and peace was on the point of being concluded; but, at the epoch we are dealing with, the Brazilian Portuguese, profiting by the troubles which desolated the Rio de la Plata, and especially the Banda Oriental, abruptly broke the negotiations, called out an army of 10,000 men, under the orders of General Lecor, and invaded the province—the lasting object of their covetousness—skilfully making their movements cooperate with those of the Indian bravos, with whom they were leagued, and who themselves rushing from their deserts with the fury of wild beasts, had invaded the Spanish territory from the rear, and had thus placed them between two fires.
The picture presented at this time by the insurgent provinces was one of the saddest that could be offered as a warning to the wisdom of governors, and the good sense of peoples.
The ancient vice-royalty of Buenos Aires, previously so rich and flourishing, had become a vast desert, its towns heaps of cinders; all its territory was but a vast battlefield, where were incessantly contending armies fighting each for its own interests, drowning patriotism, in streams of blood, and replacing it by private ambition.
The Brazilian Portuguese, rendered stronger by the weakness of their enemies, had, almost without striking a blow, occupied the principal strategic points of the Banda Oriental. The gaining of two battles would render them masters of the remainder, and make this province fall into their hands.
Such was the situation of the country at the moment when we resume our narrative, which we have been obliged to interrupt, to put the reader in possession of these facts, indispensable to the understanding of those which follow.
The night was dark; the moon, veiled with clouds, only shed at intervals a pale and trembling light, which impressed a stamp of sadness on the features of the landscape; the wind sighed gloomily through the branches of the trees. The two chiefs, seated side by side, were talking in a low voice, as if they feared that their companions, stretched near them, might hear their conversation. At the moment we place them on the scene, Gueyma was speaking with some animation, while his companion, listening attentively to what was said, only heard it with an ironical smile, which raised the corers of his slender lips, and gave an expression of sarcasm to his fine and intelligent countenance.
"I repeat it, Cougar," said the young man, "affairs cannot go on like this; we must return, and that not later than tomorrow, on the day after at furthest. Do you know that we are now more than 150 leagues from Rio Bermejo, and from the Llano de Manso?"
"I know it," coldly answered the old chief.
"Look you, my friend," pursued the young man, with impatience, "you will finish by putting me in a rage, with your provoking impassibility."
"What would you like me to answer you?"
"How should I know? Give me an opinion—advice; tell me something, in fact. The situation is grave, even critical, for us and our warriors. We have set out on an adventure, like a herd of wild bulls, destroying and scattering everything on our passage, and now, here we are, after a devious and aimless journey, brought to a stand at the foot of the mountains, in a country that we do not know, separated from friends and allies that might have aided us, and surrounded by enemies who, on the first opportunity, will, no doubt, assail us on all sides at once."
"That is true," observed the Cougar, bowing his head affirmatively.
"Observe," pursued Gueyma, with increasing animation, "that I do not address to you any reproach, my friend; but several times I have wished to retreat, but each time you have opposed yourself to it, and have induced me to continue to go forward. Is not that true?"
"It is true, I admit it."
"Ah! You admit it—very well; but you have probably had some design in acting thus?"
"I have always a design, Gueyma; do you not know that?"
"I know it, indeed, for your wisdom is great; but I should like to know this design."
"It is not yet time, my friend."
"That is always what you say. However, our position becomes intolerable. What is to be done? What is to become of us?"
"Still to push on in advance."
"But to go where? To do what?"
"When the moment arrives I will instruct you."
"Come, I give up any further discussion with you, Cougar. It is playing with myself to try and oppose you when you have made up your mind. Only, as I shall afterwards have to render an account of my conduct to the great chiefs of my nation, if I escape safe and sound from the dangers which threaten us, and as; I do not wish to take upon myself the responsibility of the events which, no doubt, will soon transpire, I have a request to make."
"What is it, my friend?"
"It is, at break of day, to convene the council, to explain frankly to the warriors the precarious situation in which we are placed, and your firm determination to push forward, whatever happens."
"You wish it, Gueyma?"
"No, my friend, I desire it."
"The one is as good as the other; no matter, you shall be satisfied."
"Thank you, my friend; I see in this your habitual honour."
"In this only?" said the old man, with a sad smile.
The young man turned his head without answering.
"Cougar," he resumed, after a pause, "the night advances; we have nothing more to say; with your permission I will go to sleep, I am not made of granite, like you—I am horribly fatigued; I want to get strength for tomorrow, which, no doubt, will bring rough work."
"Sleep, Gueyma, and may the Great Spirit give you calm repose."
"Thank you my friend; but you—are you not going to sleep also?"
"No, I must watch moreover, I intend to profit by the darkness to try a reconnaissance about the camp."
"Would you me to accompany you, my friend?" briskly asked the young chief.
"It would be useless; sleep. I shall be equal to the task I have set myself."
"Do as you like, then, my friend; I do not say any more."
Gueyma then carefully wrapped himself in his poncho, stretched himself comfortably before the fire, closed his eyes, and some minutes afterwards he was sunk in profound sleep.
The Cougar had not changed his position; crouched before the fire, his head reclining on his breast, he was reflecting.
The Indian thus remained for a considerable time—so motionless, that, from a distance, he rather resembled one of those idols of the East Indies, than a man of flesh and blood.
At last, after about an hour, probably passed in serious meditation, he gently raised his head, and looked anxiously around him.
A death-like silence pervaded the camp; the warriors were all sleeping, with the exception of a few sentinels, placed behind the entrenchments, to watch over the general safety. The Cougar rose, tightened his girdle, seized his carbine, and proceeded slowly towards the spot where the horses were feeding.
Having reached this spot, he gave a light whistle. Almost immediately a horse came out of the group, and rubbed his head against the shoulder of the chief.
The latter, after having patted him with his hand, put a bridle on him, and, without making use of the stirrup, bounded into the saddle, after having tightened the girth, relaxed for the horse to feed more easily.
The sentinels, although they noticed the various movements of the chief, did not address to him the least observation, and he left the camp without anyone appearing to notice his departure.
The warriors had for a long time been accustomed to these nocturnal absences of their chief, who, from the commencement of the expedition, set out thus nearly every night from the camp, without doubt to go on a discovery, and always remained several hours away.
The Cougar had set out from the camp slowly; he preserved the same pace while he thought he was in view of the sentinels, but as soon as a ridge of ground had concealed his movements, he loosed the bridle gave a slight click with his tongue, and the horse immediately setting off at full speed, ran with extraordinary velocity in a right line without concerning himself with obstacles which were met with on the route, and which he escaped with great agility without slackening his course.
He galloped thus for about an hour and a half, and reached the bank of rather a broad river, whose waters, like a silver ribbon, contrasted strongly with the dark shapes of the landscape.
Having reached the banks of the river, the chief threw the bridle on the neck of his horse.
The intelligent animal sniffed at the river for some time, and then he boldly entered and forded it, scarcely becoming wet up to the chest.
Immediately when he was on the other bank, the horse set out again at a gallop, but this time its course was short, lasting only a quarter of an hour or twenty minutes.
The spot where the chief went to was an immense and desolate plain, where there were but ragged shrubs, and in which, here and there, were rather high hillocks of a blackish sand.
It was at the foot of one of these hillocks that the chief stopped. He immediately alighted, rubbed down his horse carefully, covered him with his poncho, to prevent his chilling after the violent exercise to which he had been for so long a time subject, and, throwing the bridle on his neck, he left him free to browse, if he liked, on the scanty and withered grass of the savannah.
This accomplished, the chief put his hands to his mouth, and three distinct times, at equal intervals, he imitated the cry of the screech owl of the Pampas.
Two or three minutes passed. The same cry was repeated three times at a considerable distance, and then the precipitate gallop of a horse was heard.
The chief hid himself as well as he could behind the hillock, loaded his carbine, and waited.
Soon he perceived the outline of a horseman emerging from the darkness, and rapidly approaching the place where he was.
Having come a certain distance, the horseman, in place of continuing to advance, stopped short, and the cry of the screech owl again broke upon the silence of night.
The Cougar repeated his signal; the horseman, if he had only waited for this answer, immediately resumed his gallop, and soon found himself within pistol shot of the Indian.
A second time he stopped, and the sound of a gun being loaded was heard.
"Who goes there?" cried a firm voice, in Spanish.
"A friend of the desert," immediately answered the chief.
"What hour is it?" pursued the unknown.
"The hour of vengeance," again said the chief.
These passwords exchanged, the two men put up their guns, and advanced towards each other with the utmost confidence.
They recognised each other.
The stranger immediately alighted, and grasped cordially, as that of an old friend, the hand which the chief held out to him.
The unknown was a white. He wore the elegant and picturesque costume of the gauchos of the Pampas of Buenos Aires.
"I have waited a long time for you, chief," said the stranger. "Has anything happened to prevent your coming?"
"Nothing," replied the latter; "only the camp is far off; I have been obliged, before setting out, to wait till my companion was decidedly asleep."
"He still knows nothing?"
"Is it not agreed between us?"
"Just so; but as you have, you say, the greatest confidence in him, I thought that perhaps you might think fit to tell him."
"I have not wished to do anything Without informing you—so much the more as he is a chosen warrior, a chief of acknowledged wisdom, and, more than all, a man of honour under all circumstances. I have not liked to risk taking him into confidence on so serious a matter without having in hand the certain proofs of the treason of the general."
"These proofs I bring in myalforjas;[1]I will give them to you. It is important for the success of our project that Gueyma be informed of it. Otherwise, when the moment had come to strike the grand blow—and that will not be long—he would doubtless counteract our plans, and cause them to fail."
"You are right; I will tell him all immediately on my arrival at the camp."
"Very well, I count upon you."
"Make yourself easy on that head; now, what must we do?"
"Continue to go on in the same direction."
"I thought so; My companion begins to be uneasy at seeing me thus pushing forward in an unknown country."
"When you have informed him he will make no more difficulties."
"That is true but is this journey to last much longer?"
"Watch with care your approaches, for tomorrow we shall probably meet."
"Epoï!You will not fail us at the critical moment?"
"Trust to me; I have given you my word. Our movements will be so planned that both will act at once—the one in advance, the other in arrear; they will be taken as by the throw of a net. If we give them time to recognise us they will escape, so skilful are they. I cannot, therefore, too much urge you to act with the greatest circumspection."
"In your turn, trust in me, Don Zeno. If I your word, you have mine."
"I trust you, then."
"You remember our agreement?"
"Certainly."
"And you will act accordingly?"
"Blindly, although—permit me to tell you—I do not understand your demand."
"One day you will understand me, and then, take my word for it, Don Zeno, you will thank me."
"Be it so; as you like, Diogo, you are an undecipherable man, and wrapped in mystery; I give up your explaining yourself."
"And you are right," answered the chief, laughing; "for you would lose your time and your pains; only remember, Don Zeno, that, white or red, you have not a better friend than I am."
"Of that I am convinced, Diogo; however, I avow that I am very much concerned on your account. If some day you tell me your history, I expect to hear marvellous things."
"And terrible things also, Don Zeno. This history, if you will have patience for some time longer, I promise to tell you; it will interest you much more than you think."
"It is possible; but, meanwhile, let us think of the affair we have in hand."
"Leave that to me; I must quit you."
"Already! We have scarcely had time to exchange a few words."
"I have a long journey to make, you know."
"True; I will not retain you, then."
"And the proofs that you are to give me?"
"You shall have them in a moment."
"Of what do they consist?"
"Inquipus, and especially in letters. You know how to read, do you not?"
"Enough to decipher these papers."
"Then all is right; here is the affair," added he, drawing a rather voluminous packet from hisalforjas, and handing it to the Indian.
"Thank you," answered the latter; "thank you, and shall soon see you again, eh?"
"Most probably we shall see one another again, even today."
"So much the better; I should be delighted if it were all over."
"And I also."
The two men once more shook hands. The gaucho remounted his horse, and set off; he soon disappeared in the darkness.
The Cougar whistled to his horse, which came running at his call, and he set off in the direction of the camp. His horse, refreshed by the rest he had had during the conference of the two men, appeared to annihilate space.
The Indian reflected. His ordinarily sombre countenance had a joyous expression which was not natural to it. He pressed to his chest the packet which the gaucho had given him, as if he feared it Would escape him; and as he galloped he spoke to himself, and at times allowed exclamations of pleasure to escape him, which would have much astonished the warriors of his tribe, if they had heard him.
He made such haste that he re-entered the camp about two hours before daybreak.
After having sent his horse among the others, he laid himself down before a fire, taking care to wrap his precious packet in his poncho, and to place it under his head, to be certain that it should not be carried away then he closed his eyes, murmuring in a low voice, and between his teeth—
"I have well earned two or three hours of repose and I think I shall sleep well, for now I am content."
Indeed, five minutes later he slept as if he would never wake again.
However, at sunrise the Cougar was one of the first awake, and the first up.
Gueyma, crouched near him, waited his awaking.
"Already up?" said the old chief to him.
"Is there anything extraordinary In that? Have I not slept all the night?"
"That is true. Why do they not raise the camp?"
"I did not wish to give the order for it before speaking with you."
"Ah! very well; speak, Gueyma; I am listening."
"Have you forgotten what We said yesterday evening?"
"We said many things, my friend; it is possible that amongst the number I have forgotten some; recall them to me, I beg."
"We agreed to assemble the council this morning."
"True; have you done it?"
"No, not yet; you were asleep, my friend; I did not wish to take upon myself the order for this convocation for fear of displeasing you."
"You are good and generous, Gueyma," answered the old man, after a pause for reflection; "I recognise your habitual delicacy. Do me a pleasure."
"What, my friend?"
"Do not convoke the council yet."
The young chief fixed on him an inquiring look.
"Yes," continued the Cougar, "what I say astonishes you, I can well understand; but we must have a serious conversation before this convocation."
"A conversation?"
"Yes; I have to communicate to you matters of the highest importance, which, no doubt, will render the calling of this assembly needless; be patient; grant me till the halt for the morning meal—that is not too much to exact, I think?"
"You are my friend and my father, Cougar; what you say is a law to me; I will wait."
"Thank you, Gueyma, thank you; now nothing prevents you from giving the order for the raising of the camp."
"That is what I will do, immediately."
"Ah! Recommend the greatest vigilance to the warriors; the enemy is near."
"You discovered his track during your wandering last night?"
"Yes, my friend; I think you will do well also to send scouts in advance in order to avoid a surprise."
"Agreed," answered the young chief, withdrawing.
One hour later the Guaycurus warriors were on the march, in the direction of the Cordilleras, of which the mountain, at the foot of which they had camped during the night, was but one of the advanced and lesser chain.