Page:Iracéma, the honey-lips (1886).djvu/53

"Iraçéma, it is time that thy guest should leave the wigwam of the Pagé and the plains of the Tabajaras. He does not fear the braves of Irapúam; he fears the eyes of the Virgin of Tupan."

"He will fly from them?"

"The stranger must fly from them as the Oitibó does from the morning star."

Martim hastened his steps.

"Ungrateful brave! go slay, first brother, then self. Iraçéma will follow him to the happy plains where wend the shades of those that were."

"Kill my brother, sayest thou, cruel maid?"

"Thy trail will guide the enemy to his hiding-place."

The Christian halted suddenly midway in the wigwam, and there remained silent and still. Iraçéma, fearing to look upon him, fixed her eyes on his shadow, which the bright embers of the fire threw on the broken wall of the wigwam.

The shaggy dog lying close to the hot ashes gave signs that a friend was approaching. The door inter-woven with the fronds of the Carnaúba palm was opened from without. Cauby entered.

"The Cauim wine has disturbed the spirit of the braves. They are coming to slay the stranger."

The maiden arose impetuously.

"Lift up the stone which closes the throat of Tupan, that he may conceal the guest."

The Tabajára brave uphove the enormous slab, and poised it on the ground.

"The son of Araken shall lie across the Wigwam-door, and if a brave pass over his body, let him rise no more from the ground."

Cauby obeyed. The maiden fastened the door.

A few moments passed. The war-cry of the braves sounds closer; the angry voices of Irapúam and Cauby rise above the rest.

"They come, but Tupan will save his guest."