The Indian took a parting glance at his friends, and a sigh escaped from his chest; but with a superior effort he overcame the sorrow that choked him, his face assumed its usual mask of stoicism, and turning to the two Apache chiefs, he said in a firm voice—
"I am ready: let us go."
The hunters exchanged a glance of discouragement, but they made no attempt to oppose the Coras' resolution, for they knew that it would be futile. But at this moment Doña Clara suddenly appeared, walked boldly up to the Indian, and touched him lightly on the shoulder.
"Stay!" she exclaimed. "I will not have you go, chief."
Eagle-wing turned as if he had received an electric shock, and gave the maiden a glance of undefinable expression; but he overcame this emotion, and reassumed his apparent coolness.
"I must go," he said softly, "the Lily must not restrain me; she is doubtless ignorant that her safety depends on my departure."
"I have heard everything," she quickly retorted. "I know the odious propositions these men have dared to make, and the condition they had audacity to insist on."
"Well, why then does my sister wish to stop me?"
"Because," the maiden energetically exclaimed, "I will not accept that condition."
"By Heavens! That is fine," Valentine said joyfully; "that is what I call speaking."