They stopped at about twenty yards from the covert, where Fray Antonio placed his hands funnel-wise on either side his mouth, and shouted at the full extent of his lungs—
"Hilloh! Tranquil, is that you?"
"Who calls me?" the latter immediately answered.
"I—Fray Antonio. I am accompanied by the person you are expecting."
"Advance without fear," Tranquil replied. "Those who seek me without any intention of treachery have nothing to fear from me."
The monk turned to the Apache Chief. "What shall we do?" he asked him.
"Go on," the latter replied, laconically.
The distance which separated them from the hunter was soon covered; and the Mexican becoming an impromptu master of the ceremonies, presented the two men to each other. The Sachem took a searching glance around him.
"I do not see the young Pale girl," he said.
"Did you wish to speak to her or to me?" the Canadian answered, drily. "I am ready to listen to you. What have you to say to me?"