"Eh! Mon Dieu, my lord, for a very simple reason; we soldados da conquista, who incessantly make war against the Indian bravos, continually stake our lives, and always finish by being killed in some ambuscade. You see that the sacrifice I make for you is very little, and does not merit in any way that I should glory in it." Don Roque felt emotion in spite of himself, at the artless loyalty of this half-civilised man. "You are worth more than I am," he said, holding out his hand. "Why, no, my lord; I am less civilised, that is all; and," he continued, "now that I have answered your question, we will, if you please, return to our business." "I do not ask anything better, Captain; you told me, I think, that you intended to quit the camp?" "We have not an instant to lose to try and gain information; we have to do, do not forget, with Indian bravos--the cleverest and bravest of the desert. They are tough adversaries." "I begin to believe it." "While I am absent, remain in the camp, keep a good watch, and make yourself personally certain that the sentinels do not sleep at their post." "Depend upon me for that." "I forgot one very important thing, my lord; if you are attacked by the Indians during my absence, and hard put to it, attach a red faja to the highest branch of the watch tree; this faja I shall see in whatever place I may be." "That shall be done; have you any other recommendations?" "None, your Excellency; it only remains for me now to take leave. Remember not to go out." "I shall not stir a step; that's agreed on. You will find me again, I hope, in as good a situation as that in which you leave me." "I hope so, my lord. Au revoir!" Diogo bowed a second time, and left the tent. The captain set out from the camp on foot. The soldados da conquista rarely use horses; they only employ them when they have a long journey on the plain, for the Brazilian forests are so thick and encumbered with ivy and creeping plants, that it is literally impossible to traverse them, otherwise than hatchet in hand, which renders a horse not only useless, but in some respects an obstruction, to his master, by the embarrassment which he continually causes. Thus the soldados da conquista are generally excellent pioneers. These men have legs of iron, nothing stops or retards them; they march with a speed and certainty which would shame our chasseurs à pied, who, nevertheless, justly enjoy a reputation as hardy fellows on the march. Captain Diogo enjoyed among his companions--good judges in such a matter--a reputation for uncommon sagacity. He had on many occasions given proofs of admirable skill and address, but he had never found himself in such difficult circumstances before.