"Any idea attacking the honour of Flying Eagle," Brighteye sharply interrupted, "is necessarily false. Who knows whether, at this moment, while we are discussing his good faith, he may not be risking his life on our behalf?"
These words produced a sensation on the hearers; there was a momentary silence, which the Canadian soon broke, by continuing:—"But I am not angry with you. You are young, and, from that very fact, your tongue often goes faster than your thoughts; but, I entreat you, pay attention to it, for it might entail dire consequences. But enough on the subject. I remember a singular adventure which occurred to me in 1851. I was coming from—"
"Now that I reflect more seriously," Don Miguel interrupted, "I fully allow that I was in the wrong."
"I am happy that you allow it so frankly. Then we will say no more about it."
"Very good; and now, returning to the old subject, I confess to you that I also feel anxious about Marksman."
"There, you see."
"Yes, but for other reasons than those you brought forward."
"Tell me them."
"Oh! they are very simple. Marksman is a brave and honest hunter, thoroughly up to Indian roguery; but he has no one to back him up. Flying Eagle would prove of but slight assistance to him; if he were detected, the brave Chief could only be killed by his side; and he would do so, I am convinced."
"And I too; but what good would that do them? How, after that catastrophe, should we succeed in saving the maidens?"