"Good; I am waiting."
"In return, I pledge myself—"
"Ah!" the Count said, contemptuously, "let us see to what you pledge yourself; that must be curious."
"I pledge myself," the Chief continued, still cold and calm, "to give you your liberty in twenty-four hours."
"And my comrade?"
The Indian bowed his head in affirmation; the Count burst into a loud laugh.
"And suppose we did not accept?" he asked.
"But you will do so," he said, with an ironical smile.
"Possibly; but suppose the contrary for a moment."
"At daybreak you will both be attached to the stake, and tortured until sunset."