The four domestics started, and sat regarding each other with looks of affright. There could be no doubt of its being a human voice which they had heard, as if intoning a song or chaunt, but uttered in some unknown tongue--such as that in which the ancient Indians used to converse with their divinities. "Santissima madre!" muttered one of the domestics, "what if it should be the Indian who searches for his heart?" His companions made no other answer than by nodding their heads to signify that such had been the thought of each. At this moment another noise reached them. It was a rustling as of leaves, and almost simultaneously they saw the figure of a man making his way through the reeds that grew by the edge of the water. In the clear light of the moon they could see that the man was completely naked, and that his skin was of a bronze or copper colour--in other words, that he was an Indian. As he passed through the reeds he parted their stems with his outstretched arms--at the same time keeping his eyes bent downwards as if searching for something. After reaching the edge of the open water, he plunged in; and, swimming vigorously out into the lake, appeared to direct himself towards the enchanted hill. "God of heaven!" muttered Zefirino, in an accent of terror. "It is the Indian searching for his heart!" CHAPTER SEVENTY FOUR. AN AERIAL COUCH. After escaping from the company of Arroyo and his bandits, Don Cornelio mechanically followed the guidance of Costal--who was now aiming to reach the lake of Ostuta as soon as possible, in order that he might commence his incantations before the rising of the moon. Don Cornelio knew that it would be breath thrown away to attempt persuading the Indian to abandon his absurd and superstitious design; and to propose accompanying him, and becoming either actor or spectator in the pagan ceremony, would be equally against the wishes of Costal. After they had ridden for some distance towards the lake, the Captain admonished his companions of his intention to stay behind and wait for their return, after they should have accomplished their purpose, and had their interview with Tlaloc and his wife Matlacuezc. Costal was only too glad to agree to this proposition; and promised to find a proper halting-place for Don Cornelio at some distance from the shores of the lake. There was no house of any kind in the vicinity, not even the meanest hut. This, Costal, from his perfect knowledge of the locality, was aware of; but the night was a pleasant one, and a few hours might be passed in the open air without any great inconvenience.