"This evening," the young man resumed, "the three Guaycurus chiefs had a long conversation round the council fire; then, after this conversation, the Cougar and Gueyma, after having gone the round of the camp, set out, to go, as they said, and reconnoitre on foot."
The marchioness remained a short time in a reverie, and then, raising her head—
"I do not think that is anything extraordinary, or that it should disquiet us," said she.
"There would be nothing, indeed, disquieting in this sortie," answered he, "if it had not been induced by a motive."
"It has a motive?"
"Yes, Madame. Without doubt the desire of visiting the people camped near us, whose fire can be seen shining in the darkness."
"Oh!" she said, with a thrill of fear, "You are right; that is serious. What do you intend doing?"
"I intend to set out from the camp to follow the two chiefs to this encampment, where, perhaps, I shall meet faces that I know."
"You run great danger in this excursion," said the marchioness.
"I thank you sincerely for this good opinion, Madame, and to justify it I shall set out as soon as possible."