The warrior shook his head in contradiction.
"Do you doubt it, Chief?" the hunter asked.
"I doubt it more than ever."
"Why so, when everything is going on as well as we can desire, when all obstacles are levelled before us?"
"Och! obstacles are levelled, but others greater and more difficult to overcome arise immediately."
"I do not understand you, Chief. Have you any ill news to tell me? If so, speak quickly, for time is precious."
"My brother shall judge," the Chief said, simply. Then tuning half away, he clapped his hand thrice. As if this inoffensive signal had the power to call up phantoms, two men instantaneously emerged from the shadow, and appeared before the hunter's astonished eyes. Marksman looked at them for a moment, and then clasped his hand with surprise, muttering, "Brighteye and Don Miguel here! Mercy! what will become of us?"
"Is that the way you receive us, my friend?" Don Miguel asked, affectionately.
"In Heaven's name what have you come here for? What evil inspiration urged you to join me when all was going on so well, and success, I may say, was insured?"
"We have not come to cross your plans; on the contrary, alarmed by the thought of your being among these demons, we wished to see you and help you, were that possible."