"That's right," resumed the young man.
He immediately proceeded to abandon his disguise, and soon he had recovered his ordinary appearance.
"There—that's done," said he, sitting near the Indian, and lighting a cigarette. "I can tell you that this disgusting costume annoys me horribly, and I shall be happy when I shall be able to get rid of it altogether."
"That will be soon, I hope, master."
"And I also, my friend. God grant that we have not deceived ourselves! Now, what have you to tell me? Speak, I am listening."
"But you—have you not told me you have news?"
"That is true; but I am anxious to know what you have to tell me. I believe it is more important than what I have to tell you. So, speak first; my communication will come soon enough."
"As you please, master," answered the Indian, settling himself, and throwing away his cigarette, which began to burn his fingers; then, half turning his head towards the young man, and looking him full in the face—
"Are you brave?" he asked.
This question, put so suddenly unawares, caused such a profound surprise to the painter, that he hesitated an instant.