The Ulmen rose without replying and went, out.
"Come!" Nocobotha said, so soon as he was alone, "The die is cast. I am in Caesar's position, but, by heavens, like him, I will cross the Rubicon."
He rose and walked for more than hour up and down the toldo, immersed in deep thought. A noise of footsteps was heard; the curtain was raised, and Lucaney appeared.
"Well?" Nocobotha asked him.
"The chiefs are here."
"Let them come in!"
The Ulmens, sixty at least, dressed in their richest clothes, and painted and armed for war, passed silently one after the other in front of the great chief, saluted him, kissed the hem of his robe, and ranged themselves round the fire. A troop of warriors, outside, kept listeners aloof.
Nocobotha, in spite of his self-command, could not restrain a movement of pride.
"My brothers are welcome," he said, "I was impatiently expecting them. Lucaney, how many warriors have you assembled?"
"Two thousand five hundred."