Page:Iracéma, the honey-lips (1886).djvu/51

The daughter of Araken advances in the darkness; she stands and listens. For the third time the cry of the Seagull sounds in her ears; she bends her steps straight to the place whence it came, and arrives at the edge of a lake. Her glance pierces the darkness, but finds nought of what it seeks. The tender voice, soft as the hum of the colibri bird, breaks the silence.

Poty, the brave՚s white brother calls him by the mouth of Iraçéma !"

Echo only answered her.

"The Daughter of his Foes comes to seek him, because the stranger loves him, and she loves the stranger."

The smooth surface of the lake clove, and a figure appeared swimming towards the margin and rising from the water.

"Was it Martim who sent Iraçéma, since she knows the name of Poty, his brother in war?"

"The Pytiguára chief may speak; the white warrior is waiting."

"Then Iraçéma will return and tell him that Poty has come to save him."

"The stranger knows, and sent Iraçéma to hear Poty՚s tidings."

"The words of Poty will leave his mouth only for the ear of his white brother."

"He must wait then till Araken leaves and the wigwam remains deserted; then will Iraçéma guide him to the presence of the stranger."

"Never, daughter of the Tabajáras! has a Pytiguára brave crossed the threshold of a foeman՚s wigwam save as a conqueror. Bring here the warrior of the sea."

"The vengeance of Irapúam hovers around the wigwam of Araken. Has the stranger՚s brother