human
No, _sobrino_! that's not it. It your uncle had gone after an ostrich, you forget that Caspar has gone after him. If he had found them, they'd all have been back before this. _Ay de mi_! I know they'll never be back--never more!
gpt
Nay, mamma! don't say that, breaks in Ludwig, flinging his arms around her neck, and kissing the tears from her cheek.
human
What Cypriano says appears to me probable enough, and likely to be true. But if it isn't, I think I can tell what is.
gpt
My idea, pursues Ludwig,
human
What makes you think that, cousin?
gpt
Because of Naraguana. You know how the old Indian's given to drinking _guarape_. Every now and then he gets upon a carousal, and keeps it up for days, sometimes weeks. And he may be at that now, which would account for none of them having been to see us lately. If that's the reason, the silly old fellow might just take it into his head to detain father and Francesca. Not from any ill will, but only some crazy notion of his own. Now, isn't that likely enough?
human
But Gaspar? they wouldn't detain him. Nor would he dare stay, after what I said to him at parting.
gpt
Gaspar couldn't help himself, mamma, any more than father or sister. If the chief be as I've said--intoxicated--all the other Indians will be the same, sure enough; and Gaspar would have to stay with them, if they wished it. Now, it's my opinion they have wished it, and are keeping all of them there for the night. No doubt, kindly entertaining them, in their own rough way, however much father and Francesca may dislike it, and Gaspar growl at it. But it'll be all right. So cheer up, _madre mia_! We'll see them home in the morning--by breakfast time, or before it.