And the sharp sound produced by cocking a pistol could be heard.
"Wah!" the girl replied in her gentle, melodious voice, "I am a friend."
"It is evidently a woman," the first speaker growled, "but no matter, we must be prudent. What on earth does she want here?"
"Halloh!" Bright-eye suddenly shouted, aroused by this short altercation, "what's the matter there, what have you caught, Ivon?"
"My faith, I don't know; I believe it is a woman."
"Eh, eh," the hunter said, with a laugh, "let us have a look at that: don't let her escape."
"Don't be alarmed," the Breton replied, "I have hold of her."
Prairie-Flower remained motionless, not making the slightest effort to escape from the clutch of the man who held her. Bright-eye rose, felt his way to the fire, and began blowing it up. In a few minutes a bright flame burst forth, and illumined the interior of the lodge.
"Stay, stay," the hunter said, with surprise, "you are welcome, girl; what do you want here?"
The Indian maid blushed, and replied:—