By a spontaneous movement, the two ladies held out their hands to the young man.
"Chief!" said the marchioness, "After God, who sees us, and who judges us, all my hopes are in you. I will not speak to you of gratitude."
"Thank you, Madame," answered the chief, with dignity, "Whatever happens, do not despair."
At this moment they heard a great noise in the camp. Dove's Eye ran towards them.
"What has happened?" asked Arnal.
"Brother, the great chief Tarou Niom enters the camp," answered she.
"I will go and receive him. You, child, remain here till I ask for you."
It was, indeed, Tarou Niom, who had arrived at the camp, at the head of a troop of about fifteen hundred warriors, who were all well mounted and armed with guns.
Tarou Niom was received with all the honours usual in such a case. Then, after having given the order to his warriors to instal the camp near that of their brothers, he entered the council hut, preceded by Arnal.
The interview between the two chiefs was long. When, at last, they left the council tent, the brow of Tarou Niom was thoughtful.