"They are accepted beforehand, sir," Natah Otann said, with a bow.
"Do not be too certain, sir; for you do not yet know what I mean to ask from you."
"I am awaiting your explanation."
"As it must be so, I will march at the head of your tribes; but alone, unarmed, and on condition, that under no pretext you impose on me any other character in the gloomy tragedy you are preparing to act."
The Chief frowned.
"And supposing that I refuse?" he said, in a hoarse voice.
"If you refuse," the young man answered, with his calmest air, "I will employ sure means to compel you to assent."
"They are?"
"I will blow out my brains, sir, in the sight of all your warriors."
The Chief cast a viper's glance at him.