CHAPTER XXXI.
THE CAMP OF THE MOLUCHOS
When Tahi-Mari reached the council lodge, the great Molucho chiefswere already assembled. A compact crowd of Indian warriors silentlysurrounded the approaches of the lodge, and pressed forward to hear theresolutions which were going to be formed by the Ulmens.
On perceiving the formidable toqui of the Moluchos, the warriorsrespectfully fell back to let him pass, and Tahi-Mari entered the hut.His face was haughty and frowning, and everything about him indicatedpride and resolution. He sat down on the trunk of a tree reserved forhim, and which enabled him to survey the assembly. After looking roundhim for a moment, he began to speak--
"For what purpose have my brothers, the Ulmens of the twelve nations,assembled?" he asked.
"The pale-faces," Huachacuyac replied, "have sent two great chiefs todiscuss peace with us."
"The Spaniards," Tahi-Mari continued, "have two tongues and two faces.My brothers must be on their guard, for they wish to deceive them byfalse promises, while they are preparing the means to destroy them."
"Matai," said the Ulmens, "our brother is learned: he is a greatwarrior; he will judge."
"What is the opinion of my brothers? We cannot refuse to receive themessengers of peace," Huachacuyac remarked.
"My brothers speak wisely: let the Spanish chiefs be brought in, and wewill hear them."
A movement took place among the Indians; Shounon-Kouiretzi went infor a moment, and returned almost immediately, conducting General DonPedro Sallazar and Colonel Don Juan de Soto-Mayor. They were unarmed,but their bold bearing and haughty brow showed that they did notexperience the slightest fear at finding themselves at the mercy oftheir barbarous enemies.
A dozen lanceros, unarmed like them, halted at the lodge-door.Shounon-Kouiretzi motioned the two officers to sit down on trunks oftrees not so high as the one employed by the chief, then after lightinga calumet, he handed it to Tahi-Mari, who smoked it for an instant andrestored it to him. The latter then presented it to Don Pedro Sallazar,who passed it to Don Juan. The calumet soon went the round of theassembly and returned to Tahi-Mari, who finished it. After this thetoqui threw the ashes towards the strangers, saying, in a loud voice--
"These chiefs and the soldiers who accompany them are the guests of theUlmens of the twelve Molucho nations: the warriors will respect themtill sunset."
This ceremony performed, there was a profound silence.
"What do the Spanish warriors desire?" Tahi-Mari at length said; "thewhite chiefs can speak, for the ears of my brothers the Ulmens areopen."
Don Pedro Sallazar rose and said in Indian, a language which he spokewith considerable facility--
"Grand Ulmens of the twelve nations, you, oh formidable toqui, and allyou red warriors who are listening to me, your great white father sendsme to you; his heart bleeds at seeing the numberless misfortunes whichwar has caused; his ears are filled with the complaints of mothersreduced to despair and of children who are weeping for their fatherskilled in action. The country is devastated, the towns are only pilesof ashes, and the rivers and streams whose waters were so limpid arenow corrupted and fetid with the number of corpses they bear along.His mind being saddened by these terrible calamities, and wishing atlength to restore tranquillity and abundance to this unhappy land, yourgreat white father asks of you through my voice that the axe should beburied between us, peace be re-established among us, and the redskinsand palefaces henceforth form one united nation. Let my red brothersreflect: I have spoken."
Don Pedro Sallazar sat down again, and Tahi-Mari immediately replied--
"The Ulmens of the twelve great nations have never desired war; theyhave avoided it as long as they could, and now endure it. It is not theMolucho nation that dug up the hatchet. It is now three hundred yearssince the Spaniards landed in our country. Our tribes had no libertyupon the seashore, but the palefaces pursued them as if they had beenlike wild beasts, and compelled them to take refuge in the deserts ofthe Andes. Why, after tearing from the poor Indians the fertile andsunlit lands which they possessed, are they now trying to rob them ofthe uncultivated plains and reduce them to slavery? Why do they wish todestroy their religion, and their laws, and drive them into the eternalsnows? Are not the Indians and Spaniards sons of the same Father? Donot the priests of the palefaces themselves say so? Let my brother theSpanish chief answer."
"Yes," said Don Pedro, rising, "the great chief of the Moluchos isright; but why renew old quarrels and revive ancient animosities?Is not the country vast enough to support us all? Why should we notlive in peace together, each following our laws and professing ourreligion? We are ready to grant our Indian brothers all they ask thatis just and equitable. I have come here to listen to the propositionsof the Ulmens, and the great Spanish chief will ratify them if they arereasonable."
"It is too late," Tahi-Mari replied, rising in his turn; "the Moluchosare resolved to regain their liberty, which was unjustly torn fromthem; they are tired of living like wretched vagabonds on thesnow-covered mountains; now that they have descended into the plainswarmed by the sunshine they do not wish to leave them."
"The Ulmens will reflect," Don Pedro resumed. "They must not letthemselves be led astray by a slight success; the Spaniards arepowerful, and victory has ever been on their side up to this day."
"And then, too," said Don Juan, rising in his turn, "what do youhope to obtain? Do you fancy yourselves sufficiently strong, even ifyou succeed in capturing Santiago, to contend against the immenseforces which will come to crush you from the other side of the GreatSalt Lake? No; the war you are waging is a senseless war, withoutany possible object or result. Commenced under the persuasion of anambitious chief, who employs you to carry out schemes of which you areignorant, you are only instruments in his hands. Believe my words andthose of General Sallazar; accept the frank and loyal peace whichwe propose to you. This man, whom you have appointed your toqui, isabusing you and deceiving you, and driving you towards an abyss intowhich you will fall if you do not listen to the voice of reason, whichaddresses you through our lips."
A lengthened tumult and menacing effervescence followed these remarksof the young man. The chiefs anxiously questioned each other in a lowvoice. Don Juan's bold language had produced a certain impression onthem, and some of them recognised its correctness. Tahi-Mari aloneremained impassive; not a muscle of his face had moved, and the traceof any emotion might be sought in vain upon his countenance. When theeffect produced by Don Juan's speech was slightly calmed, he rose, andgiving his foe an ironical glance, he said--
"The young Spanish chief has spoken well, and if he does not countmany years he has a great deal of wisdom. Peace is good when loyallyoffered."
"And we do offer it loyally," Don Juan remarked eagerly.
"Ah! my brother must pardon me," Tahi-Mari said, with a sarcastic smile.
"That demon is meditating some roguery," Don Pedro said, in a lowvoice, to his companion; "we must be on our guard."
"My brothers the Ulmens," Diego continued, "have heard the wordspronounced by the two Spanish chiefs, and if they were really theexpression of their thoughts I would join my voice to theirs in urgingyou to accept the peace they offer; but unfortunately here is a proofof the bad faith which regulates their conduct."
Tahi-Mari drew from under his poncho a paper, which he slowly unfolded,while a quiver of curiosity ran along the ranks of the Indians, and thetwo Spanish officers exchanged glances in which anxiety was visible.
"This despatch, my brothers, was found this very day upon a Spanishsoldier, who was the bearer of it. My brothers, the Ulmens, will listento me as I read it; and then see the amount of confidence which theyought to place in the sincerity of our enemies."
"We are listening;" the Ulmens said.
"This is it," Diego remarked, and read:
"'My dear General,--The Indians are pressing us closely, and haveplaced us in a most precarious position; still I hope to gain a fewdays by making them proposals of peace, which wi
ll have no result, asyou can easily imagine; but will give the reinforcements you announceto me time to come up. Do not delay, for I am anxious to deal adecisive blow, and drive the rebels for ever from these parts.'"
"This letter, signed by the President of the Republic, is addressedto the general commanding the province of Coquimbo. My brother canconsult: I have spoken," and Tahi-Mari resumed his seat.
A movement of fury seized the Ulmens, who rushed on the Spanishofficers with the intention of tearing them to pieces.
"Back, all of you," Tahi-Mari shouted in a thundering voice, "these menare inviolable!"
The Indian stopped as if by enchantment.
"The word of an Ulmen is sacred," the half-breed continued. "Let thesechiefs return to the lodges of their white brothers; my brothers willshow these perfidious Spaniards that the great chiefs of the twelveMolucho nations are as merciful as they are powerful."
Don Pedro and Don Juan, after escaping the peril that menaced them,prepared to depart.
"A moment," said Tahi-Mari; "you will not leave the camp alone; followme."
And leaving the council lodge, he pointed towards his wigwam, in frontof the two officers and their escort of lanceros, who had awaited themat the door.
On reaching the door of his abode, Diego went in, but came out againalmost immediately, holding by the hand a veiled female.
"There," he said, addressing Don Juan, "take away this girl, whowearies me, and whose verses no longer possess any charms for me;perhaps she will succeed in pleasing some of the soldiers, for she isSpanish."
Then with a rapid movement he tore off the veil that concealed theprisoner's features, and pushed her towards the officers.
"Inez!" the latter exclaimed, in horror.
It was indeed Inez; though not to be recognized by others but them,as her face had assumed so strange an expression, and her eyes werewandering. She turned her head in all directions, looking stupidlyaround her, and then suddenly folding her arms on her chest, she sangwith an accent of ineffable sadness the following lines from an olddance song:--
"From the corner, From the corner of the Carmen To the rock, To the golden rock, I have seen a, I have seen a girl descend, Singing, Singing the Sambacueca."
"Oh!" Don Juan murmured in despair; "great Heaven, she is mad."
"And I have not even a sword," Don Pedro exclaimed, wringing his handsfuriously.
"Ah, Don Juan de Soto-Mayor, you did not expect I fancy, to find yoursister in Tahi-Mari's lodge? Take her back, while awaiting the endof my vengeance; for, as I told you, I do not wish to have anythingmore to do with her; and you, Senor Don Pedro, are you not her assumedhusband?"
"Wretch! why did I not listen to the feeling of aversion, with whichyou inspired me, when I saw you at the house of General Soto-Mayor? Iought to have killed you before you made me fall into the trap whichyou and your gang laid for us in offering to escort us."
"Coward!" Don Juan said in his turn, his eyes full of tears; "kill thebrother after dishonouring the sister, for I hate you and defy you."
And, raising his hand, he sprang forward to strike Diego on the face;but the latter at once guessing the young man's intention, seized hisarm and held him as in a vice.
"I need but to give a signal, and your head and that of your companionroll at your feet; but I will not give it."
And with a sudden push he threw Don Juan far from him.
"Begone," he said coldly, "for no one will touch your person, which issacred to all in this camp, our two families no longer reckon insultsand wrongs, Don Juan, and this one will be requited with the rest."
During this time poor Inez, apparently not noticing what was going on,was crouching in a corner, and with her head in her hands and herlong hair covering her face, was humming in a low voice a hymn to theVirgin. Without making any reply to Diego the young men walked up toInez and made her rise. She offered no resistance, but continued tosing--
"'The birds in the sky, The fishes of the sea, The wild beasts of the forests, Celebrate her glory.'"
"What is the matter, Senor Caballero?" she suddenly asked, as she brokeoff her chant and looked at her brother, "you appear sad. Would youlike me to sing you a pretty sequidilla?"
"'Senorita, senorita, Raise your little foot.'"
"Oh," said Don Juan, "what madness! Inez, my sister, recognise me. I amJuanito, your brother, whom you love so dearly."
A flash of intelligence passed into the maiden's eyes, and a smileplayed round her lips.
"Juanito!" she said. "Yes, yes," she exclaimed clapping her hands,"listen--"
"'Juanito is a brave, A brave whom I love, A handsome fellow dressed, All in cloth--"
A hoarse burst of laughter interrupted the song.
"Why try to arouse her memory?" Tahi-Mari said, with a shrug of theshoulders.
"Oh!" Don Juan exclaimed, turning to him, "all your blood will notsuffice to avenge us."
"As you please, caballero: but in the meanwhile be off, or I cannotanswer for your safety."
"Not yet," said a thundering voice, which vibrated through the air.
A great disturbance broke out in camp, and a man covered withperspiration and dust proceeded towards Tahi-Mari's hut. It was CaptainLeon Delbes, on seeing whom Diego turned pale, but remained motionless.Leon advanced toward him thrusting aside every obstacle that barred hisprogress.
"What have you done with General Soto-Mayor's daughter?" he asked,fixing his eyes on the half-breed's.
The smuggler's entrance had been so unexpected, his action soextraordinarily rash, that all the Indians who witnessed the scenestood as if petrified with admiration and amazement. On hearing Leon'squestion Diego looked down, but made no reply.
"What have you done with her, I ask you?" the captain repeated with apassionate stamp of his foot.
At this moment the young lady, to whom nobody paid attention, leant onhis shoulder, and with a charming smile began singing again in a sweetand melancholy voice--
"Seated at the corner of a street, They tell me that my chuca sells, They tell me that she sells flowers."
"Oh!" Leon exclaimed, "I understand it all now. Unhappy child! unhappyfather!"
And quick as thought, he drew a pistol from his girdle, and placed themuzzle against the half-breed's chest. The latter, calm and haughty,raised his eyes and looked at Leon, without making the slightest motionto escape death. The young man trembled, and let his weapon sink again.
"And yet I cannot kill him!" he said, the first feeling of surpriseover. The Indians rushed furiously on him to make him pay dearly forthis insensate attempt.
"Stay," Diego said, "this man is an adopted son of the Moluchos, and Iforbid you touching him."
The Indians fell back.
"Is this the way in which you avenge yourself?" Leon exclaimed. "What!instead of attacking your enemy face to face, you cowardly carry off achild to make her your victim! Oh! I curse the day when my hand claspedyours for the first time: I believed you to be a man of heart, and youare a ferocious brute. I no longer hate you, I despise you."
"Leon, your heart is no longer your own; it belongs to a Spanish girl,and a cloud covers your mind; one day you will render me justice."
"Never!" Leon replied, "never! I curse you, and I swear by the ashesof my mother, that if you let me leave this place, my vengeance shallpursue you; you will ever find me on your road ready to fight you andoverthrow your plans."
"Your will be done, brother: my hand will never be laid upon you to askan account of your outrages. But woe to the Spaniards who have brokenour friendship!"
"Speak no more of friendship, since you have crushed my life anddestroyed my happiness for ever."
"Are you saying the truth?" Diego asked, feeling doubt glide into hismind.
But already the captain, followed by Don Pedro, Don Juan, and Inezwas crossing the camp, through a triple row of Molucho warriors, whowatched without daring to attack them, though the
ir desire so to do wasgreat. They soon reached the spot where their horses were waiting, andhalf an hour later were all four at the house of Senator Don Henriquezde Castago. While all proper care was being given to the unhappy Inez,Leon Delbes told the two officers--in what state he had left GeneralSoto-Mayor, and of; his speedy arrival at Santiago accompanied byMaria. When he had finished this painful narrative, Don Pedro and DonJuan, struck by the same misfortunes, displayed toward Leon the mostlively feelings of esteem and friendship, while complimenting him onthe attachment which he had not ceased to display toward the Soto-Mayorfamily.
"Sir," Don Pedro said to him, "if during the course of our unhappyjourney to Valdivia, I for a moment misunderstood your noble qualities,forgive me, for today I declare to you it is a friend who sincerelyoffers you his hand."
Leon pressed the general's hand warmly.
"Don Juan and I are going to inform the senate of the result of ourmission; you remain in this house till the general arrives."
The smuggler bowed, and the three men separated, respectivelyenlightened as to the feelings of esteem which they professed for eachother.
CHAPTER XXXII.
THE SACK OF SANTIAGO.
Leon's first care on reaching Santiago had been to inquire after theresidence of Don Henriquez de Castago, and to inform him of the visitwhich General Soto-Mayor intended to pay him. At the same time he toldhim of the purpose of his own journey. Don Henriquez eagerly placedhis house at the smuggler's disposal, and told him of the perilousmission which was being attempted at that very moment by General DonPedro, and his cousin, Colonel Don Juan, in going to the toqui of theAraucanos to make him proposals of peace. It was then that Leon, afterquartering his men, set out in all haste for the camp, in order toobtain news of Inez, and at the same time help the two officers if theywere in danger. We know what occurred in consequence of this exploit.
Two days after these events, General Don Juan de Soto-Mayor and hisdaughter Maria arrived at the capital of Chili. Thanks to the numerousprecautions which the surgeon had taken, the old gentleman had sufferedbut little through the journey, and the state of his health was moresatisfactory than might have been supposed. So soon as he reached thehouse of senator Don Castago, he was put to bed, and Leon took uponhimself to inform him of the release of Inez, the outrages of which thepoor girl had been the victim, and the madness which had resulted fromthem. The general begged her to be brought to him, and when she was inhis presence he embraced her, and covered her with tears.
Inez could not at all understand her father's grief, whom she did notat all recognise; but struck by the old man's suffering appearance, sheat once installed herself by his bedside, and would not quit it again.Her madness was gentle and melancholy; she spent long hours withoutbreathing a syllable, or sang to strange tunes snatches of songs whichshe had formerly known.
On her side, Maria, attentive and devoted even to self-denial, lavishedon Don Juan the most affectionate care, and the old man discovered ateach moment in his daughter the germs of the noblest qualities of theheart. Leon's name was never pronounced by the general without arousingin her thoughts of joy and happiness; but, understanding what kindnessand gentleness her father had displayed in not spurning the smuggler'slove for her, she silently awaited the moment when she would be able toyield entirely to the happiness of belonging to the man whom her hearthad selected.
The general, as we may suppose, had been beyond all expressionsurprised on hearing the community of feeling between the captain andMaria; but penetrated with gratitude for the eminent services which theyoung man had rendered him, he heartily desired that an opportunitymight offer itself to fill up the distance that separated Leon's rankfrom his. But it was no easy matter.
In the meanwhile, the position of the Chilians shut up in Santiagowas beginning to grow serious. The Indian lines were being graduallydrawn closer round the town, intercepting the communications with theexterior, and preventing news from being received. The provisions wouldsoon run short; want was already being felt in the poorer districts,and wretched people, with worn and haggard faces, might be seenwandering about the streets and loudly demanding bread.
General Sallazar had succeeded, it is true, in crossing the Masinchoafter a glorious battle with the Indians, and entered Santiago; butit was far more difficult to drive away the besiegers who surroundedthe city. Situated in the heart of the Chilian republic, the capitalis at a great distance from the frontier; and as it had no reasonto apprehend foreign attacks, owing to the impassable deserts thatseparate the states, it had not been fortified.
Attempts had been made hastily to throw up a few breastworks, butworkmen were wanting. Discouragement seized on the population, and theinhabitants, terrified at the sight of the Indians, filled the churcheswith their lamentations, and offered up vows and novenas, insteadof combating their enemies energetically, and dying courageously indefence of their homes.
Eight days passed thus, and during this period Leon distinguishedhimself greatly by making daring sorties at the head of his men,in which he captured herds of cattle or flocks of sheep, whichrevictualled the town and restored a little courage to the population.One evening, after carefully visiting all the posts with DonJuan, General Sallazar, Leon was preparing to take a few hours ofindispensable rest after a fatiguing day, when suddenly the bellsof all the churches began pealing, shrieks were heard, and soldiersgalloped through the town, shouting, "To arms! to arms!"
The Indians were beginning the assault by attacking the town on allsides simultaneously. The danger was imminent, and there was no timefor hesitation. The salvation of the whole population was at stake.The three gentlemen shook hands silently, and rushed in differentdirections.
The night was dark and rainy; the west wind howled furiously in thehills near the town, and from time to time a dazzling flash rent thehorizon, and preluded the rolling of the thunder which was blended withthe sharp sinister crash of the musketry fire. The drums beat, andbugles brayed; the churches were crowded with women and children, who,piously kneeling on the slabs, prayed God, the Virgin, and the saintsto come to their assistance.
The tumult was frightful. The cries of the wounded, the hurrahs of thecombatants, and above all, the war yells of the Indians, who boundedlike panthers upon the last defenders of the town. All this formed adin rendered more horrible still by the sight of the fire which wasbeginning to tinge the sky with a red and ill-omened glare.
Tahi-Mari, naked to the waist, his hair in disorder, and his featurescontrasted by the thirst for carnage and destruction, held an axe inone hand and a torch in the other. He was seen rushing at the head of aband of veteran redskins into the thickest of the Spanish battalions,cleaving a bloody track for himself--felling and pitilessly massacringall those who dared to oppose his fury. Santiago was one immensecrater--the fire embraced the whole city; its devouring flames haddissipated the darkness, and spread around a light which allowed thedark outlines of the combatants to be seen as they struggled with thesublime energy of despair.
A countless swarm of Indians had invaded the town, and fighting wasgoing on on all sides. The Spaniards disputed the ground inch by inch,and the streets, the squares, and the houses were the scene of ahorrible massacre. Tahi-Mari, ever in the first rank of the Indians,excited his soldiers by his shouts and example. All was lost, and theChilian capital had at length fallen into the power of the Araucanos.The burning buildings fell in with a crash, burying beneath their ruinsassailants and assailed. The churches were given up to pillage, whilethe women and girls, torn half naked from their houses or from thefoot of the altar, endured the last violence which their cruel victorsinflicted upon them.
All hope of flight or rescue seemed annihilated; the redskins, drunkwith carnage and spirits, rushed furiously upon the relics of thedespairing population. It was at this moment that the President of theRepublic, followed by a few devoted soldiers, formed a hollow square onthe Plaza de la Merced, in the centre of which he placed all the agedpersons, women, and children, who had e
scaped the fury of the Indians.
Suddenly loud shouts were heard, and three heavy bodies of men,commanded by Don Juan, General Pedro Sallazar, and Leon Delbes,debouched from three different streets. In the centre of the onecommanded by Leon, was old Don Juan carried on a litter, with Mariaand Inez by her side. Leon placed the persons whom he had saved in thecentre of the square formed by the President, and called on Don Juanand Don Pedro's detachments.
"Now," he cried to the President of the Republic, "fall back, while wesupport you."
"Do so," he answered.
And the square fell back with all those whom it contained. "Forward!"Leon shouted, "kill! kill!"
And the three bands, facing the startled Indians, threw themselves uponthem and commenced a frightful butchery. The square De la Merced wasliterally encumbered with combatants. The Moluchos, incessantly pushedforward by their comrades, who arrived to their help, fell impassivelybeneath the lances and sabres of the Spaniards, who protected theflight of the President as he retired and took in his charge all thosepersons incapable of bearing, arms. The fugitives soon reached the citygates.
The contest had lasted more than an hour. A countless number ofcorpses covered the ground and formed a rampart for the Spaniards,who redoubled their energy. At this moment Tahi-Mari appeared inthe square. At a glance he judged the position, and rushed upon theSpaniards. The shock was terrible. Don Pedro and Don Juan recognisedtheir common enemy, and cutting their way through the dead and wounded,both attacked him at once.
"Ah!" Diego shouted, "we meet at last, then."
"Yes," Don Pedro retorted, as he aimed a sabre cut at him, "and for thelast time, I hope."
"You have told the truth," said Diego, as he parried with the handle ofhis axe the blow aimed at him; "die, then!"
And he cleft his head open. The unfortunate Don Pedro stretched outhis arms, rolled his eyes wildly, and fell from his horse, murmuringthe name of Inez. The Spaniards uttered a cry of grief, to which theIndians responded by a shout of triumph.
"It is now our turn," Tahi-Mari exclaimed, as he dashed towards DonJuan.
"Yes," the young man replied, "our long standing quarrel will be atlength decided."
The two enemies rushed upon each other with clenched lips and bloodshoteyes, fighting furiously, caring little about dying, provided that onekilled the other. But at each instant a crowd of Indians or Spaniards,drawn by the moving incidents of the fight, came between them andseparated them. When this happened they made extraordinary efforts tocome together again, overthrowing the obstacles that were in their way,and constantly seeking each other, only one thought occupied them--thatof satiating their vengeance; every other consideration was effacedfrom their minds, and forgetting the sacred interests which they hadto defend, they only thought of their personal hatred. Ere long thosewho separated them fell back, and they found themselves once more faceto face.
"Defend yourself, Tahi-Mari," Don Juan shouted, as he dashed at theIndian chief.
"Here I am," the latter shouted, "and you are about to die."
Suddenly leaping from his horse, he cut the sinews of the colonel'shorse with a blow of his axe. But Don Juan probably expected thisattack, for when his horse fell uttering a long snort of pain, he wasstanding with his feet freed from the stirrups. Then began, betweenthese two men, a combat impossible to describe, in which rage andfury took the place of skill. Tahi-Mari wielded his terrible axe withunparalleled dexterity; Don Juan had his sabre welded to his wrist, andfollowed the slightest movements of the other.
Each observed the other, and calculated the value of his blows. Eyeon eye, chest against chest, panting, with foreheads streaming withperspiration, and their features violently contracted by hatred, theywatched for the decisive moment. Don Juan was bleeding from two deepwounds; he felt his strength becoming exhausted, and felt as if hecould no longer hold his sword. Tahi-Mari had also received severalwounds, not dangerous, it is true, but which were, for all that,visible on his face and movements.
All at once, the half-breed, profiting by the fact that his enemy,who had constantly been on guard, left himself uncovered, aimed ablow at him with his axe. Don Juan raised his sword, but only parriedimperfectly, and the axe was buried deeply in his shoulder. Collectingall his strength, he had to keep his feet; but tottering involuntarily,he fell to the ground, heaving a deep sigh. Diego burst into a yell oftriumph, and rushed upon the young man.
"At last," he said.
At the same moment he received a violent blow, and he fell backblaspheming. He rose with lightning speed, and saw Leon Delbes beforehim, who had rolled him in the dust by dashing his horse's chest at him.
"Oh!" the Indian exclaimed, as he let his axe fall, "always he betweenthis family and me!"
"Yes, I! Tahi-Mari--I, whom you must kill before you can reach yourenemies--I, who have sworn to tear your victims from you: attack me.What are you waiting for?"
A combat seemed to be going on in Diego's mind, and then he remarked,as if speaking to himself:--
"No, no; not he, not he! the only man who ever loved me on this earth.Now, for the other," he added, as he looked furiously around him, "hecan never have enough of Spanish blood."
And slipping on one side, he rushed back into the thick of the fight.
"What!" cried Wilhelm, who had just stationed himself by Leon's side,"will you let that hyena escape, captain?"
"Yes!" Leon answered, as he shook his head sadly, "my hands shall notbe dyed with that man's blood; his life is sacred to me."
"That is possible," the German grunted, "but it is not so to me! Andthen, again, the opportunity is too fine, and it is doing a service tohumanity."
And before Leon could prevent his design, he raised his rifle to hisshoulder, and fired. Diego made an enormous leap, turned half round,stretched out his arms, and fell with his face on the ground. Thecaptain rushed towards him and had to raise him; the Indian looked athim for a moment, his eyes were fixed on his with an expression ofineffable tenderness, and pressing his hand forcibly, he said in a lowvoice--
"Thanks, thanks, brother, but it is useless; I feel that I am going todie."
Suddenly, by a supreme effort of will, and aided by the smuggler, hesucceeded in gaining his feet again. Then, his black eyes flashed withpride and triumph.
"Look!" he exclaimed, "they are flying, those cowardly Spaniards areflying! I die; but I am the victor, and almost avenged."
And he found sufficient strength within him to utter his terriblewar cry. Suddenly, a jet of black blood rose to his lips; his bodystiffened with a horrible convulsion, and he fell dead. Still, his eyeswere open, and his lips, curled by a smile of bitter irony, seemed todefy his conquered foes, even after he had drawn his last breath.
"Back, der Teufel! back, or we are lost!" Wilhelm exclaimed, as heseized the bridle of Leon's horse and pulled it back.
"Oh!" the smuggler said, as he wiped away a tear, "that man was made ofiron."
"Stuff, why pity him?" Wilhelm said, carelessly; "he died like asoldier."
The fall of Tahi-Mari, which was not known to the Indians for someminutes, did not at once check the order of the battle. Leon's band,which had advanced too far, had extraordinary difficulties ineffecting a retreat, and joining the debris of the army marching onValparaiso.
* * * * *
The Moluchos, deprived of the man of genius, who had conceived theplan of this daring campaign, and who was alone capable of bringing itto a satisfactory conclusion, henceforth were a body without a soul.Dissensions broke out among them, each chief claiming to succeed thegreat Tahi-Mari, and they could not come to any understanding. Theleague of the twelve nations was; broken; the Ulmens no longer actedharmoniously, and soon undertook isolated expeditions, which haddisastrous results.
The Indians were for nine days masters of Santiago; at the end of thattime, the Spaniards, who had vigorously assumed the offensive, expelledthem from the capital, and pursued them even beyond their frontierline. Of the 200,
000 men who had invaded the Chilian territory, 40,000at the most succeeded in regaining the inaccessible llanos which serveas their retreat. The others found death in the land which they hadfor a moment hoped to conquer. Such was, through the imbecility of thechiefs, the result of this enterprise, which, if better conducted,might have changed the fate of South America.
Six months after these events Leon Delbes was married at the church ofLa Merced to Dona Maria de Soto-Mayor. The old general and his son,Don Juan, who had both recovered from their wounds, were present atthe ceremony, offering up vows for the happiness of the young couple.Inez lived for a year without regaining her reason, but her madnesshad become a sort of gloomy and taciturn melancholy, which nothingin the world could remove. She expired one day without pain, for herdeath-agony was a pallid smile, in the midst of which her soul fledaway.
As for the secondary characters of the story, we will mention theirfate in a few words. The band of smugglers was broken so soon as Leonleft to go and live with the general. Wilhelm, for his splendid conducton the night of the capture of Santiago, was given a commission aslieutenant in the Chilian army. The worthy abbess of the Convent ofthe Purisima Concepcion continued to sell her aqua milagrosa at thefairest price. And one fine day, Master Crevel, tired of the annoyancethe police inflicted on him, placed the ocean between them and him byreturning to France.
THE END.
Les fils de la tortue. English Page 31
