The Indian shrugged his shoulders.
"The paleface is not a fool," he said.
"But suppose I do act in that way?"
"I shall say that the paleface is afraid."
"Afraid of what?"
"Of the vengeance of the warriors of my nation."
It was Don Louis' turn to shrug his shoulders.
"Then," he proceeded, "if I restored you your liberty you would feel no gratitude?"
"Why should I be grateful? A warrior should kill his enemy when he holds him. If he does not do so he is a coward."
The hunters could not refrain from a start of surprise at the enunciation of this singular theory. Don Louis rose.