"We are warriors; let the mameluco explain himself. If he wishes to gain some advantage by the war that is recommencing, we will serve him by serving ourselves," answered Tarou Niom. The half-caste knew the Indians too well not to understand the ironical meaning of the words pronounced by the Guaycurus chief. However, he made no sign of having perceived that meaning. "I direct you to a numerous caravan; so much the more easy to surprise as not having the least mistrust, and believing that the truce still exists, it is on the march almost without any guard." "Ah," said the two Indians. "Yes," resumed Malco; "I am moreover so much the more certain of what I advance, as, for two moons--that is to say, from the day when this caravan left Rio de Janeiro--I have served as guide." "Good, so doubt is not possible," said the Guaycurus. "In no respect." "And towards what part is this caravan going?" "They do not intend to stop until they come to the Rio San Lourenço." "Are these men Paulistas?" asked Tarou Niom. "No," briefly answered the half-caste. The two chiefs exchanged a look. "But," resumed Malco Diaz, "although they may not be Paulistas, they are your enemies." "Perhaps," said the Payagoas. "Is he a friend who enters into a country to seize upon the riches it contains without the authority of the true masters of that country?" "Is such the thought of the chief of this caravan?" asked Tarou Niom. "Not only his thought, but his design." "Very well; but what are the riches which these men intend to seize?" "The gold and the diamonds which are in the country." "They know, then, that there are some?" The half-caste smiled with sarcasm. "Not only they know it," said he, "but also they know so well all the bearings of the country, that they can go there without a guide." "Ah!" said the Indians, fixing upon him a scrutinising look. "It is so," said he without being disconcerted. "And who, then, has so well informed them about the riches of our country?" asked the Guaycurus. "I," coolly answered Malco. "You!" cried Tarou Niom, "Then you are a traitor." The mameluco shrugged his shoulders. "A traitor!" said he, with irony; "Am I then one of your people; do I belong to your nation; have you confided this secret, forbidding me to reveal it?" "But, then, if you have sold your secret to these men, why do you now denounce them to us?" "That is my affair, and concerns me only; as to you, see if it will suit you to allow strangers to penetrate into your country." "Listen," said Tarou Niom severely; "you are just the man that your colour shows you; that is to say, a faithless white man. You sell your brethren. What price do you demand? Answer, and be brief." The half-caste lifted his eyes at this rude apostrophe; then immediately collecting himself-- "A very little matter," said he, "the right of taking prisoner whomsoever may suit me, and to choose him without any obstacle being offered me." "Very well, it shall be so."