Les fils de la tortue. English

by Gustave Aimard

  CHAPTER IV.

  THE SMUGGLERS.

  Three years prior to the events which we have just recorded, that isto say, about the month of May, 1830, Diego the Vaquero, who at thatperiod was one of the bravest gauchos on the pampas of Buenos Aires,was returning to his rancho one evening after a day's hunting, whensuddenly, before he could notice it, a magnificent panther, probablypursuing him in the tall grass, leaped, with an enormous bound, on hishorse's neck. The animal, startled by this attack, which it was farfrom expecting, neighed with pain, and reared so violently that it fellback on its master, who had not had time to leap on the ground, but washeld down by the weight of his steed.

  It was, doubtless, all over with man and horse when Diego, who, in hisdesperation, was commending his soul to all the saints in paradise, andreciting, in a choking voice, all the scraps of prayers which he couldcall to mind, saw a long knife pass between his face and the head ofthe foetid brute, whose breath he could feel on his forehead.

  The panther burst into a frightful howl, writhed, vomited a stream ofblack blood, and after a terrible convulsion, which set all the musclesof his body in action, fell dead by his side.

  At the same moment the horse was restored to its trembling feet, and aman helped the Vaquero to rise, while saying, good-humouredly--

  "Come, tell me, comrade, do you think of sleeping here, eh?"

  Diego rose, and, with an anxious glance around him, felt all his limbsto make sure they were intact; then, when he was quite certain thathe was perfectly sound and free from any wound, he gave a sigh ofsatisfaction, devoutly crossed himself, and said to his defender,who, with folded arms and a smile on his lips, had followed all hismovements with the utmost interest--

  "Thanks, man. Tell me your name, that I may retain it in my heart alongwith my father's."

  "Leon," the other answered.

  "Leon," the gaucho repeated, "it is well; my name is Diego; you havesaved my life; at present we are brothers, and do with me as you will."

  "Thanks," said Leon, affectionately pressing the hard, rugged handwhich the half-breed offered him.

  "Brother, where is your rancho?"

  "I have none," Leon answered, with a cloud of sorrow over his face.

  "You have none? What were you doing all alone, then, in the middle ofthe Pampas at this hour of the night?"

  The young man hesitated for a moment, and then, regaining his goodspirits, replied--

  "Well, if I must confess to you, comrade, I was dying of hunger in themost philosophical way in the world: I have eaten nothing for two days."

  "Caray," Diego exclaimed; "die of hunger! Come with me, brother; wewill not part again; I have some charqui in my rancho. I repeat to you,you have saved my life, and henceforth all must be in common betweenus. You look like a daring fellow, so remain with me."

  From this day Leon and Diego never parted again; and the friendship ofthese two men grew with time so great that they could not live withoutone another; but however great was the intimacy existing between them,never had a word been exchanged concerning their past life; and thismutual secret, mutually respected, was the only one that existedbetween them.

  Diego certainly knew that Leon was a Frenchman, and had also noticedhis great aptitude in bodily exercises, his skill as an excellenthorseman, and, above all, the depth of his ideas and far from ordinaryconceptions.

  Recognising of what great use the young man's intellect had been to himin critical moments to get out of a difficulty, Diego regarded him witha species of veneration, and endured his moral superiority without evenperceiving it.

  With the sublime self-denial of virgin natures whom the narrowcivilization of towns has not degraded, he had grown to regard Leonas a being placed on his path by Providence, in order that he mighthave someone to love; and finding in Leon a perfect reciprocity offriendship, he felt ready to sacrifice to Leon the life which he owedhim.

  On his side, Leon, captivated by the frank advances which the Vaquerohad made him, had gradually come to feel for him a sincere affection,which was evidenced by a deep and unbounded devotion.

  A short time after their meeting, Diego communicated to Leon the planhe had of going to Chili, and proposed to him to accompany him. Theidle life on the pampas could not suit Leon, who had dreamed of anactive and brilliant existence when he set foot on American soil.Gifted with an adventurous and enterprising character, he had left hisnative land to tempt fortune, and hitherto chance had not favoured hishopes. As nothing, therefore, prevented him from trying whether Chilimight not be more lucky, he accepted.

  One morning, therefore, the pair, mounted on Indian horses, crossedthe pampas, and then, after resting for some days at San Luis deMendoza, they entered the passes of the Cordilleras, which they gotthrough with great difficulties and dangers of every description, andat length reached their journey's end.

  On arriving at Chili, Leon, powerfully supported by Diego, organizedthe contraband trade on a vast scale, and a few months later fifty menobeyed his orders and those of Diego, whom he made his lieutenant. Fromthis moment Captain Leon Delbes found the mode of life which suited histastes.

  Now that we have explained the nature of the ties which bound the twoprincipal characters of our story, we will resume our narrative atthe moment when we left our smugglers in the room which Don Juan ySoto-Mayor ordered to be got ready for them.

  Scarce had the peon left the room ere Leon, after assuring himself thatno one could hear his words, walked up to Diego, who was sitting gloomyand silent on a folding chair, and said--

  "What is the matter with you tonight? Why did you remain so silent? Isit that General Soto-Mayor--"

  "There is nothing the matter with me," the half-breed sharplyinterrupted; "but by the way," he added, looking Leon in the face, "youappear yourself to be suffering from extraordinary agitation."

  "You are right; but if you wish to learn the cause, confidence forconfidence, and tell me what you have on your mind."

  "Leon, do not question me on this subject. You are not mistaken; Iallow I have been thoughtful and silent ever since I have crossed thethreshold of this house; but do not try to penetrate the motive. It isnot the time yet to tell you the things which you must know some day.Thanks for the interest you take in my annoyances and my sorrows; butonce again I implore you, in the name of our friendship, do not pressme."

  "Since such is the case, brother, I will refrain from any questions,"Leon answered.

  "And now, if you please, tell me why I saw you turn pale and tremblewhen a word that fell from the lips of the Senora Inez, and which I didnot catch, struck your ear."

  "Brother, do you remember that this morning, after saving from acertain death the novice of the convent of the Purisima Concepcion, Itold you that my heart knew love for the first time in my life?"

  "But what is there in common between that girl and Senora Inez?"

  "Do you remember also," Leon continued, without answering the Vaquero'sobservation, "that I swore to see the maiden again, even if I wereobliged to lay down my life in satisfying my desire?"

  "But again I say--"

  "Well, know then, brother, that I have learned her name, and it is DonaMaria y Soto-Mayor."

  "What are you saying?"

  "And that she is the daughter of our host, Don Juan de Dios-Souza ySoto-Mayor."

  "And you love her?" Diego exclaimed.

  "Must I repeat it again?" Leon remarked impetuously.

  "Malediction!" said the half-breed.

  "Yes, malediction, is it not? for Maria is eternally lost to me; shewill take the veil shortly, and the hopes I entertained of being ableto drag her out of the walls of that convent are blighted."

  "To marry her?" Diego remarked, mockingly.

  "Nonsense, Leon, my friend: you are mad. What, you, the smuggler, marrya Senora, the daughter of a gentleman! No, you cannot suppose such athing."

  "Silence, Diego, silence! for the more that I feel the impossibility ofpossessing the girl, the more I feel that I love her.
"

  And the young man, crushed by sorrow, fell into a seat by Diego's side.

  "And do you believe," the latter continued, after a moment's silence,"that there is no hope of delaying her in taking the veil?"

  "How do I know? Besides, of what good is it, as you said just now--canI think of the daughter of General Soto-Mayor? No, all is lost!"

  "Remember the Spanish proverb--'Nothing is certain but death and thetax gatherer.'"

  For a moment past, the half-breed's face had become animated with asingular expression, which would not have escaped Leon, had not thelatter been entirely absorbed in the thought of losing her whom heloved.

  "What do you mean?" he asked Diego.

  "Listen patiently, for the question I am going to ask you is intendedto fix an important determination in my mind."

  "I am listening," the young man said.

  "Do you really love Dona Maria?"

  At this question, which might seem, at the least, inopportune afterwhat Leon had just stated, the latter frowned angrily; but on noticingthe half-breed's serious face, he understood that it was not for thepurpose of making a jest of his despair that Diego had revived the firewhich was burning in his bosom.

  "If I do not see her again, I shall die," the young man replied,simply.

  "You shall not die, brother, for within a fortnight she will be at yourknees."

  Leon knew the half-breed, and that he was a man who never promisedin vain: hence he did not dare doubt, and merely raised his eyes andquestioned him with a look.

  "Within a fortnight she will be at your knees," the half-breed slowlyrepeated; "but till then, not a word, not a sign of recollection,reproach, impatience, or amazement, but passive obedience."

  "Thanks, brother," Leon contented himself with answering, as he heldout his hand to Diego, who pressed it in his.

  "And now let us sleep, so that tomorrow our foreheads may be lessburning, and we may be able to set to work."

  Then, putting out the candles, the two men threw themselves on theirbeds, without exchanging another word, for each was anxious to reflectupon the course he should pursue.

  Neither slept: Leon thought of Maria and the means Diego might employto fulfil the pledge he had made; while Diego had in his head aready-traced plan, whose success appeared to him certain, as it wasconnected with a far more dangerous affair.

  At daybreak they rose, and kneeling down in the middle of the room,took each other by the hand, and devoutly said their prayers. Anyonewould have been astonished who had overheard what these two men askedof God--the God of mercy and goodness! Their prayer ended, they wentdown into the garden; the night storm had entirely passed away, the sunwas rising in a flood of transparent vapour, and everything announced amagnificent day.

  Shortly after their arrival, they perceived the general, who came tomeet them with a regular step and a joyous face.

  "Well, gentlemen," he shouted to them, so soon as he saw them, "how didyou pass the night?"

  "Excellently, general," Leon replied; "and my friend and myself boththank you sincerely for your kind hospitality."

  "At your age a man can sleep anywhere," the general continued, with apleasant smile. "Oh, youth!" he added, with a sigh of regret, "happytime, which flies, alas! too quickly." Then becoming serious; "As forthe slight service which I have had the pleasure of rendering you, youwill disoblige me by thanking me for so simple a thing."

  After a few more words from him, dictated by politeness, the three menwalked round the garden several times, and, to Leon's great surprise,Diego did not allude to their departure; but as the young man did notknow the Vaquero's line of conduct as to the prospects which he nursed,he waited.

  Don Juan was the first to break the silence.

  "Gentlemen," he said, stopping at the corner of a shady walk, "be goodenough, I pray, not to take in ill part what I am about to say--you aresmugglers, I believe?"

  "Yes, sir," replied Diego, amazed at the old gentleman's perspicuity.

  "This discovery does not injure you at all in my opinion," continuedthe general, who had noticed the look of surprise exchanged by thetwo friends. "I have frequently had dealings with gentlemen of yourprofession, and have had always cause to be pleased with them; and Itrust that the relations which may be established between us will proveadvantageous to both parties."

  "Speak, sir."

  The Vaquero was all ears, and examined the general with a distrustwhich the latter did not notice, or feigned not to notice.

  "This is the matter, gentlemen. I am obliged, owing to certain familyreasons, to undertake a journey to Valdivia, where my brother Don Louisresides; now, your arrival at my house has made me think of making thejourney under your escort, and I wish to propose to you, as I shalltake Senora y Soto-Mayor and my whole family with me, that you and yourmen should escort us, leaving it to you to fix the price as you thinkright."

  "General," Leon answered, "you have guessed correctly in regarding usas smugglers; I have the honour of being the captain of a band of fiftymen, who know how to put down the customs' dues when they are too high;but you are mistaken in supposing that we can accompany you."

  "Why so?" the Vaquero eagerly interrupted, on whose features a strangegleam of satisfaction had appeared. "It is true that it is not ourhabit to undertake business of that nature; but the general has shownhimself too hospitable to us to refuse him our assistance. Captain,remember, too, that we have something to do within a few days in theneighbourhood of Valdivia, and hence we shall merely make our journeythe sooner, which is a trifle."

  "That is true," muttered the captain, whom a glance of Diego's had toldthat he must accept. "I fancied that I must return to Valparaiso; butwhat my friend has just said is perfectly correct, so you can disposeof us as you please."

  "In that case, gentlemen," said the general, who had only seen in thisopposition on the part of the captain a mode of demanding a large sum,"be good enough to step into my study, and while drinking a glass ofAlicante, we will settle money matters."

  "We are at your orders."

  And all three proceeded to the general's apartments. It was arrangedthat, instead of bargaining with an arriero, the captain was to supplya dozen mules to carry the baggage, and that they should start thefollowing morning. When this arrangement was made, Leon and Diego askedthe general's permission to go and join their men, and give orders forthe departure; but he would not consent until they had breakfasted.

  They therefore waited, and soon found themselves again in the companyof the members of the Soto-Mayor family, as well as of Don PedroSallazar, who had decided on spending the night at the countryhouse before setting out for Santiago. Leon was dying to turn theconversation to the Convent of the Purisima Concepcion, and could havemost easily done so by telling the event of the previous day; but heremembered the promise made to Diego, and fearing lest he might commitsome folly injurious to his interests, he held his tongue; still helearned, on hearing the talk, that the general's major-domo had startedthat morning for Valparaiso entrusted with a message for the SenoraDona Maria.

  When breakfast was over, the two friends took leave of their hosts,and, after finally arranging the hour for starting, they left thehouse, and found in the courtyard their horses ready saddled and heldby a peon. At the moment of starting, Don Pedro de Sallazar waved hishand to them, and disappeared in the direction of Santiago, accompaniedby the general's son.

  The two smugglers arrived before midday at the spot where their men,somewhat alarmed at their prolonged absence, were encamped. It was anarrow gorge between two lofty mountains, and at a sufficient distancefrom the beaten road for the band to be safe from any surprise, ofwhich there was not much apprehension, by the way, as in this countrysmugglers enjoy almost complete immunity, and have only to fear theexcessively rare cases of being caught in the act.

  The horses were browsing at liberty, and the men, seated on a hearthmade of two lumps of stone, were finishing their breakfast of charquiand tortillas. They were mostly men in the pri
me of life, whoseresolute air sufficiently evidenced the carelessness they felt forevery species of danger.

  Belonging to all nations, they formed a whole which was not withoutoriginality, but each of them, whether he were German or Portuguese,Sicilian or Dutchman, as he found in the existence which he led thecharm of an adventurous life studded with perils, pleasures, andemotions, had completely forgotten the name of his country, only toremember the memorable days on which, indulging in his dangerousprofession, he had put the custom house officers to flight, and passedunder their very noses bales of merchandize.

  Enemies of a yoke and servitude, under whatever form they mightappear, they obeyed with rigorous exactness the discipline which LeonDelbes had imposed on them--a discipline which, by the way, allowedthem to do whatever they pleased when not actually engaged with theirsmuggling duties. Some were drunkards, others gamblers, and otherslibertines; but all ransomed their faults, which they regarded almostas qualities, by a well-tried courage, and a perfect devotion to Leonand Diego.

  Their dress varied but slightly from that of their chief; all wore aponcho, which covered their weapons, and the boots of wood rangers,which, while protecting their legs from the stings of reptiles, leftthem perfect liberty of motion. Their hats alone might be regarded asthe distinctive mark either of their nationality or the difference oftheir tastes. There were broad-brimmed, pointed, and round hats; everyshape came into strange contact there, from the worn silk hat of Europeto that of the American Bolivar.

  They uttered a shout of joy on perceiving their chiefs, and, eagerlyrising, ran to meet them.

  "Good day, gentlemen," Leon said, as he leaped from his horse. "Iam rather behind my time, but you must blame the night storm, whichcompelled us to halt on the road. Is there any news?"

  "None, captain," they answered.

  "In that case listen to me. Ten of you will stay here, and at fouro'clock tomorrow morning proceed with twelve mules to the house ofDon Juan y Soto-Mayor, and place yourselves at the orders of thatgentleman, whom you will accompany to Valdivia." Diego set aboutselecting the men whom he thought the best fitted for the expedition;and after he had done so, Leon addressed the others.

  "You will start for Valparaiso and await my orders there; you willlodge at Crevel's, in the Calle San Agostino, and at Dominique theItalian's, at the Almendral. Above all," he added, "be prudent, anddo not attract attention; amuse yourselves like good fellows, but donot quarrel with the senores, or have any fights with the sailors. Youunderstand me, I suppose?"

  "Yes, captain," they all answered.

  "Very well. Now I will give each of you five ounces to cover yourexpenses, and do not forget that I may want you at any moment, and youmust be ever ready to obey my summons."

  He gave them the money, and after repeating his recommendations, heretired, leaving it to Diego to give the men who were proceeding toValparaiso the final instructions which they might need. The smugglersremoved all traces of their meal, and each of them hurried to saddlehis horse. A few minutes later, forty men of the band set out under theguidance of the oldest among them.

  Diego watched them start, and then returned to Leon, who was restingfrom his fatigue on a small turf mound, overshadowed by a magnificentclump of trees. The Vaquero held in his hand the alforjas which hehad taken off his horse; he examined the place where Leon was seated,and finding it as he wished, he sat down by his side; then taking outof the bag a clumsy carved earthern pipe, into which he fitted a longstem, he began to strike a light over a small horn box filled withburnt rags, which soon caught fire. When his pipe was lighted, he begansmoking silently.

  Leon, on seeing these preparations, understood that something importantwas about to take place between him and Diego, and waited. At theexpiration of five minutes, the latter passed him his pipe; Leondrew several puffs and then returned it to him. These preliminariescompleted, Diego began to speak.

  "Leon, three years have passed since Heaven brought us together on thepampas of Buenos Aires; since that moment--and I shall never forget it,brother--everything has been in common between us--pleasure and pain,joy and sorrow."

  Leon bowed his head in the affirmative, and the half-breed continued:

  "Still, there is one point upon which our mouths have ever remainedsilent, and it is the one which refers to the life of each of us beforethat which we now lead together."

  Leon looked at him in amazement.

  "It is not a want of confidence," Diego hastily added, "but the slightinterest we felt in cross-questioning each other, which alone is thecause. Of what use is it to know the past life of a man, if from theday when you first saw him he has not ceased to be honest and loyal?Besides, the hours are too short in the pampas for men to dream ofasking such questions."

  "What are you coming to?" Leon at length asked.

  "Listen, brother. I will not question you about what I care little toknow, but I wish to tell you something you must know. The moment hasarrived to speak; and though the story I have to tell you is gloomy andterrible, I am accomplishing a duty."

  "Speak, then," said Leon.

  The half-breed passed his hand over his forehead, and for a momentcollected his recollections. Leon waited in silence.