The Pirates were, consequently, received with open arms by the Apaches; a tent was put up expressly for them, and they were supplied with everything they could want.
The first care of Red Cedar was to carry out his bargain with Black Cat, and pay him what he had promised. The chief was delighted; his little eyes sparkled like carbuncles, he leaped, gesticulated, and was half out of his mind. The squatter had paid him a royal ransom, which he was far from expecting ever to receive. Hence he did not leave his new friend again, whom he overwhelmed with attentions.
When the Pirates had rested and had their food, Red Cedar turned to Black Cat.
"When the council assembles," he said, "I will point out to the chief the spot where Bloodson now is."
"My brother knows it?"
"I suspect it."
"In that case I will warn the hachesto, that he may assemble the chiefs round the council fire."
"Why not light the fire here, instead of returning to the village, which will occasion a great loss of time?"
"My brother is right," the chief answered.
He rose, and immediately quitted the tent. A few moments after, the hachesto of the hill mounted a species of hillock, and shaking his chichikoui with all his strength, invited the chiefs of the nation to assemble in council. The same announcement was made in the camp on the other side of the Gila.