"I mean that the Redskins do not at all understand our manner of carrying on war, are not accustomed to sentinel duty, and so everybody is asleep in the camp."
"Ah!" said the Colonel, as he began once more, with a thoughtful air, the promenade he had interrupted to listen to the hunter's story.
The latter waited, taking an interrogative glance at Don Felix, who had remained in the room till it pleased the Commandant to dismiss him. A few minutes passed, and not a syllable was exchanged; Don Juan seemed to be plunged in serious thought. All at once he stopped before the hunter, and looked him full in the face.
"I have known you for a long time by reputation," he said, sharply. "You pass for an honest man, who can be trusted."
The Canadian bowed, not understanding to what these preliminaries tended.
"I think you said the enemy's camp was plunged in sleep?" the Colonel continued.
"That is my conviction," Tranquil answered; "we crossed their lines too easily for it to be otherwise."
Don Felix drew nearer.
"Yes," the young officer muttered, "we might give them a lesson."
"A lesson they greatly need," the Major-domo added.