human
But, he says, thinking of a reservation,
gpt
No, not all, rejoins the ruffian, interrupting.
human
There is one, he continues, looking askant at the Indian, with the leer of a demon,
gpt
Cypriano shall never have her!
human
How can you help it, amigo? interrogates his tempter.
gpt
That is, supposing the two are inclined for one another. As you know, her father is not only a paleface, but _a gringo_, with prejudices of blood far beyond us Paraguayans, who are half-Indian ourselves. Ah! and proud of it too. Being such, he would never consent to give his daughter in marriage to a red man--make a _squaw_ of her, as he would scornfully call it. No, not even though it were the grandest cacique in the Chaco. He would see her dead first.
human
Indeed!
gpt
Indeed, yes, asseverates Valdez.
human
And whether they remain under your protection, or be taken back to Paraguay, 'twill be all the same as regards the senorita. There's but one way I know of to hinder her from becoming the wife of her cousin Cypriano, and that is--
gpt
What?
human
To separate them. Let father, mother, son, and nephew be taken back to where they belong; the _nina_ to stay behind.
gpt
But how can that be done?
human
You mean without your showing your hand in it?
gpt
I do. For know, Senor Rufino, that, though I'm now chief of our tribe, and those we have with us here will do as I bid them--obey me in anything--still the elders have control, and might make trouble if I did aught to injure the friend of my late father. I am not free, and dare not act as you propose.
human
Speak low! cautions the wily Indian, casting a glance over his shoulders as one willing to do a wicked deed, but without desiring it known.
gpt
Don't let them hear us. _You have my consent_.