"That is of little importance, my lord," answered the captain; "for a man accustomed as I am to track the desert at all hours, darkness does not exist." "So," cried the marquis, with a movement of satisfaction, "if I ordered you to mount horse--" "I would mount immediately, my lord." "And you would bring me news?" "No doubt of it; am I not an Indian myself, my lord--a civilised Indian, it is true; but, nevertheless, I have preserved sufficient of the sagacity of the race to which I belong to fear no failure in a step which may appear to you very difficult." "Since it is to be so, Don Diogo, put yourself in the saddle as soon as possible, and go, for heaven's sake. I await your return with most eager impatience." "Before the rising of the sun I will return, and with good news; but I want you to allow me to conduct the affair in my own way." "Act as you please, Captain; I trust to your sagacity." "I shall not deceive your expectation, my lord," answered the captain, rising. The marquis accompanied him as far as the curtain of the tent, and then returned to sit down; but, after some minutes of reflection, he abruptly rose, went out, and walked rapidly towards the mysterious tent of which we have already had occasion to speak. This tent, much larger, than that erected for the marquis, was divided into several compartments by canvas sheets, ingeniously adapted, and rather resembled, for luxury and comfort, a habitation intended to last several months, than a camp merely constructed for a few hours. The compartment which the marquis entered was furnished with sofas; a carpet was spread on the ground, and a silver lamp, curiously chased, placed on a piece of furniture, diffused a gentle and mellow light. A young Negress of about twenty, of sprightly countenance and pretty figure, was occupied, on the entry of the marquis, in playing with a magnificent ara perched on a slip of rosewood, to which he was attached by a gold chain fastened to one of his legs. The Negress, without leaving off the occupation in which she seemed to take delight, and making the bird utter discordant cries, leant carelessly towards the marquis, half turning in his direction with a movement full of arch insolence, and gave him a roguish look from beneath her long eyelashes, and waited till he should address her. The marquis, without appearing to observe the hostile attitude assumed by the slave, took some steps towards her, and, touching her lightly with his finger-- "Phoebe," said he to her in Spanish, "will you please to take notice that I am here?" "What is your presence to me, Señor marquis?" answered she, slightly shrugging her shoulder. "To you, nothing; it is true, Phoebe, as it is not for you that I have come, but for your mistress." "At this hour?" "Why not?" "Because doña Laura--fatigued, as it appears, by the long journey that she has been obliged to make today--has retired, ordering me not to allow anyone to come near her."