"We are fifty leagues from the nearest town, a few leagues only from the Indian enemies, who only await an opportunity to attack us." "That is true," murmured the marquis pensively, "Good! You understand me, your Excellency; now, suppose I am a traitor?" "I have not said so." "Well! I admit nothing would be easier for me than to abandon you to yourself where we now are--to leave with my soldiers, and believe me, your Excellency, you would be as irremediably lost as if I gave you over tomorrow, or any other day, to the Indians." The marquis turned pale, and his head fell on his breast with a troubled air. The logic of the captain's reason struck him to the heart, showing him his own powerlessness, and the great devotion of the man whom he accused, and who was ready so nobly to sacrifice his life to serve him. "Pardon me my unjust suspicions, Don Diogo," he said; "my doubts are dissipated forever. I have faith in you; act in your own way, without even consulting me, if you think necessary. I swear to you, on my word of honour as a gentleman, that I will not embarrass you in anything; and that, under all circumstances, I will be the first to set the example of obedience." "I regret that I only have a life to sacrifice for you, my lord," answered the captain. "Do not speak any more of that, my friend, but act for the best." "I will try to do so, my lord. First, will you inform me in what direction you intend to proceed?" "We must first reach the borders of a little lake which lies in the neighbourhood of the Rio Bermejo." "Oh, oh," answered the Indian, "the journey is long; we have to traverse, before arriving there, all the country of the Guaycurus and the Payagoas; then we shall pass the Rio Pilcomayo, to enter the Islano de Manso. It is a rough way, your Excellency." "I have always thought that Malco Diaz made us take a wrong direction." "You are wrong, my lord. The manner in which he has abandoned you shows that he had the greatest interest in bringing you as quickly as possible to the Indian territory." "That is true." "Now, my lord, if you will please to mount horse, we will set out as soon as you like." "Immediately," answered the marquis. The young man went towards the palanquin, in which doña Laura was shut up, whilst the captain rejoined his soldiers, and prepared all for the departure. The marquis reined his horse to the right side of the palanquin, and slightly leaning from his saddle-- "Doña Laura," said he, "do you hear me?" "I hear you," answered the young girl, although she remained invisible. "Will you listen to me for a few minutes?" pursued the marquis. "It is impossible for me to do otherwise," murmured she. "You have received my letter this morning? Have you read it?" "I have read it." "I thank you, Señorita." "I do not accept thanks which I do not merit." "For what reason?" "Because this letter has not in the least influenced my immovable determination." The marquis made a gesture of scorn.