Bright-eye looked at him with such pertinacity that after a time he was compelled to open his eyes.
The Canadian smiled, whispered to Keen-hand, who nodded his head, and soon left the hut.
"Gentlemen," said Bright-eye in a loud tone, "we will at once proceed to instal the head of the court of Judge Lynch."
"You are the chief," said the others.
"I accept. You will be the accusers. I shall at once take my seat, as we are here to judge this man."
"You forget I am here to defend him," remarked Clinton.
"You are quite right," replied Bright-eye; "pray therefore attend carefully to the accusations I am about to make against him; you can then undertake his defence, if, indeed, when you know all, you care to do so."
The wounded man had appeared motionless and insensible to all around him, but on hearing the generous words of the young man, spoken in a gentle voice, he seemed to shiver all over, and, raising himself a little, looked keenly at George Clinton, with a glance of gratitude.
Bright-eye meanwhile reflected a moment, folded his arms, and throwing back his head spoke:
"Prisoner," he said, "you are before a terrible tribunal. Judge Lynch has been appointed to condemn you if guilty, to absolve you if innocent. Prepare yourself to hear and answer the charges made against you."