"Well, I am afraid lest some misfortune has happened to him."
"Oh, oh, do you think so? Still, this Don Miguel, from what I have heard you say, is a man of well-tried courage and uncommon strength."
"All that is true," Marksman replied, with a preoccupied air.
"Well! do you think that such a man, well armed, and acquainted with prairie life, is not able to draw himself out of a difficulty, whatever the danger which threatens him?"
"Yes, if he has to deal with a loyal foe, who stands resolutely before him, and fights with equal weapons."
"What other danger can he fear?"
"Brighteye, Brighteye!" the hunter continued, sadly, "you have lived too long among the Missouri fur traders."
"Which means—?" the Canadian asked, somewhat piqued.
"Come, my friend, do not feel vexed at my remarks; but it is evident to me, that you have, in a great measure, forgotten prairie habits."
"Hum! that is a serious charge against a hunter, Marksman; and in what, if you please, have I forgotten desert manners?"