"He is a warrior," Trangoil-Lanec said proudly.
"Now, chief," continued the spahi, "suppose we have a little chat."
"I listen to my brother."
"Well, I will explain myself; the task we have undertaken is a difficult one! I would even add, it is impossible, if we had not you with us; Louis and I, notwithstanding our courage, would be obliged to renounce it; for in this country, the eyes of the white man, however good they may be, are powerless to direct him."
Trangoil-Lanec reflected for a few minutes, and then replied—
"My brother has spoken well; yes, the route is long and bristling with perils, but let my pale brothers leave it to us; brought up in the desert, it has no mysteries for us."
"That is exactly what I mean, chief," said Valentine; "as to us, we have only to obey."
"This point agreed upon," the count observed, "there is another not less important."
"What is that point, brother?" Valentine asked.
"That of knowing which way we are to direct our course, and when we shall set off."