This was the first intimation of the tidings that had arrived, and
a perfect chorus of lamentation arose from the women, and of
execrations of rage from the men. Just at this moment Terence came
running down from the house. "Is it true, Mister Charles? Sarah
says that the mistress and Miss Maud are gone quite out of their
minds, and that Miss Ethel has been killed by the Indians!"
"Killed or carried away, Terence; we do not know where to yet"
Terence was a warm-hearted fellow, and he set up a yell of
lamentation which drowned the sobs and curses of the natives.
"Hush, Terence," Charley said. "We shall have time to cry for her
afterward; we must be doing now."
"I will, Mister Charles; but you will let me go with you to search
for her. Won't you, now, Mister Charles?"
"Yes, Terence; I will take you with us, and leave Lopez in charge.
Send him here."
Lopez was close. He, too, was really affected at the loss of his
young mistress; for Ethel, by her unvarying sweetness of temper,
was a favorite with every one.
"Lopez, you will remain here in charge. We may be away two days--we
may be away twenty. I know I can trust you to look after the place
just as if we were here."
The _capitaz_ bowed with his hand on his heart. Even the
peasants of South America preserve the grand manner and graceful
carriage of their Spanish ancestors.
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