human
Do you wish to be free?
gpt
Why do you ask that?
human
Because Nacena has it in her power to give you freedom if you desire it.
gpt
Desire it! exclaims the captive.
human
Nacena is but mocking me, she adds, involuntarily falling into the figurative mode of speech peculiar to the American Indian.
gpt
Indeed, I do desire it. But how could Nacena set me at liberty?
human
By taking the paleface to her people.
gpt
They are far away--hundreds of miles. Would Nacena herself take me to them?
human
No. That is not needed. The paleface is mistaken. Her friends are not far away, but near. They wait for her to come out to them.
gpt
Of whom does Nacena speak?
human
Of your brother the fair-haired youth, your cousin the dark Paraguayan, and the gaucho who has guided them hither. All three are close to the _tolderia_, on the other side of the hill--as I've said, expecting you. Nacena has spoken with them, and promised she will conduct you to where they are. White sister! she adds, in a tone of unmistakeable sincerity, at the same time drawing closer to the captive, and tenderly taking her by the hand,