Ivon did not understand the epigram.
"No," he said, "we must talk at once."
The Indian suppressed an impatient gesture.
"The Red Wolf's ears are open," he said; "the Chattering Jay can explain himself."
The Redskins, finding some difficulty in pronouncing the names of people with whom the accidents of the chase or of trade bring them into relation, are accustomed to substitute for these names others, derived from the character or physical aspect of the individual they wish to designate. Ivon was called by the Blackfoot Indians the Chattering Jay, a name whose justice we will refrain from discussing. The Breton did not seem annoyed by what Red Wolf said to him; absorbed by the thought that troubled him, every other consideration was a matter of indifference to him.
"You promised me to save Glass-eye," he said.
"Yes," the Chief answered, laconically.
"I accepted your propositions without discussion; for three hours I have followed you without saying anything; but, before going further, I should not be sorry to know the means you intend to employ to take him out of the hands of the enemy."
"Is my brother deaf?" the Indian asked.
"I do not think so," Ivon answered, rather wounded by the question.