"Is my brother a chief?" Valentine again asked.
"I am Pethonista (the Eagle)," the Indian said, regarding the hunter like a man persuaded that he was about to produce a profound sensation.
He was not mistaken; for the name was that of one of the most venerated chiefs of the Comanche nation.
"I know my brother," Valentine answered; "I am very happy to have met him."
"Let my brother speak; I am listening to him: the great white hunter is no stranger to the Comanches, who have adopted him."
"What?" the hunter exclaimed; "Do you know me too, chief?"
The warrior smiled.
"Unicorn is the most powerful Sachem of the Comanches," he said. "On leaving his village twelve hours ago, he warned his brother Pethonista that he expected a great white warrior adopted by the tribe."
"It is him," said Valentine. "Unicorn is a part of myself, and the sight of him dilates my heart. Personally, I have nothing to say to you, chief, since the sachem has instructed you; but I bring with me friends and two females—one is Sunbeam, the other the White Lily of the Valley."
"The White Lily is welcome among my people: my sons will make it a duty to serve her," the Indian answered nobly.