Louis could not refrain from laughing, as he looked at Valentine.
"Ah! ah! what, he is laughing at the disordered state of my hair, is he, the ugly wretch?" Valentine grumbled, vexed at the observation of the chief, and quite mistaking his intentions. "Stop a bit!" then he added, in a loud voice, "Have the goodness to pass on, gentlemen savages. Your remarks are not pleasant, I can assure you."
He cocked his rifle, and lifted it to his shoulder, as if taking aim at the chief. Louis, who had attentively followed the progress of the conversation, without saying a word imitated the action of his friend, directing the barrel of his rifle towards the group of Indians. The chief had, doubtless, understood but little of the speeches of his adversaries, but far from appearing terrified at the menacing attitude they assumed, he seemed to contemplate with pleasure the martial and firm deportment of the Frenchmen; and putting gently on one side the weapon pointed against his breast, said in a conciliatory tone:
"My friend is mistaken. I have no intention of insulting him. I am his penni—brother—and his companion's likewise. Were not the palefaces eating when I and my young men came up?"
"Faith! yes, chief, you say true," interrupted Louis, with a smile; "your sudden appearance stopped the progress of our humble repast."
"Part of which is very much at your service," continued Valentine, pointing with his finger to the provisions spread upon the grass.
"I accept your offer," said the Indian, cordially.
"Bravo!" cried Valentine, throwing down his rifle, and preparing to resume his seat on the grass; "to table, then!"
"Yes," replied the chief, "but upon one condition."
"What is that?" the young men asked together.