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To the distant village at the isthmus they hurried, and to the cove on the western coast, some twenty miles away, to which a band of warriors had gone several days before to hunt the otter. That no one among his people might remain in ignorance of his command, Torquam even caused signal fires to be kindled on each of the twin peaks, extinct volcanoes, near the center of the island.
Slowly Sir Francis continued, and now one watching intently might have sensed from the gleam in his eyes that he had reached the real point in the interview. "One question, nevertheless, would I ask of all-wise Torquam before we part." He hesitated, searching the impassive face of the Indian.
Meanwhile, also, the great chief Torquam donned his ceremonial dress, a string of eagle feathers held by the crimsoned quills of the porcupine and extending down his back until almost it touched the ground. About his neck, as token of his priesthood, he threw the bear-claw necklace, known far and wide among the tribes for its famous powers of healing.
I will wed with him whenever thou dost choose!" Taking her face between his hands, Torquam gazed long and searchingly into the sorrowful eyes of his daughter. "And thou art wise to do so, my beloved one," he said at last. "He will make to thee a good husband." In his voice was the keen understanding of a father. "He will be kind to thee and heal thy wounded heart, my daughter.
The last words were uttered with significance. The Indian slowly shook his head. "The noble white chief asks what is unknown to any man," he answered. "The young Cabrillo once landed, 'tis true, on Punagwandah. Many moons ago it was. Where he is now, how should Torquam know?" In his bitter disappointment the hand of the Englishman sought the hilt of his sword.
"If they come in friendship," quickly Torquam replied, "then indeed may all be well. But the ship is not of the Senor's fleet, and if so be that we must fight, thou wert better hidden in the cave. We shall see." Bending her head in mute acquiescence the girl moved away to join the group of women now almost ready to depart.
On yonder vessel I carry steeds like those of which I told you. For a journey over the mountains of the north we have brought them. One there is, swifter of foot than all the rest. Him will I cause my men to lower into the boat and bring to you after our return tonight." In silence Torquam inclined his head. Nothing could have pleased him more.
Torquam he taught to speak the Spanish tongue, learning in his turn safer and easier routes to the gold fields of the north, while not the least among the treasures carried with him when at last he sailed away did he hold the promise that the beautiful daughter of the chief should become his bride when next he touched upon that shore. Could this, then, be the Spaniard's fleet returning?
Loveliest was she among all the maidens of the Mariposa and of royal blood besides; although of this the great chief Torquam, who even at that moment lay sleeping in his lodge of deerskin on the crescent beach below, knew more than he had ever told.
"I will catch fish with thee next time thou goest," declared young Harold later as they ate together. "There's no reason I can see why I should stay mewed up forever in this cave. I fear not Indians! No, not even Torquam, thy father, himself." For an instant Wildenai seemed alarmed. Then she laughed. "You are afraid of nothing. I knew it!" she exclaimed with pride. "Nor would there be much danger.
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