"I will employ no subterfuges with you, sir; you have spoken the truth; I promised you liberty and satisfaction, and I am prepared to keep my word."
"Oh, oh!" White Buffalo said.
"Silence!" the Chief ordered, peremptorily. "Listen, my friend; prove to these Europeans, so vain and so proud of their so-called civilization, that the Redskins are not the ferocious brutes they imagine them, and that the code of honour is the same among nations who are regarded as the most barbarous. You are free, sir, from this moment, and, if you please, I will myself lead you in safety outside the lines. As for the duel you desire, I am equally ready to satisfy you in any way you may indicate."
"Thank you, sir," the Count answered, with a bow, "I am happy to hear your determination."
"Now that affair is arranged between us, allow me to add a few words."
"I am listening to you, sir."
"Am I in the way?" White Buffalo asked, ironically.
"On the contrary," Natah Otann said, with emphasis, "your presence is at this moment more necessary than ever."
"Ah, ah! what is going to happen?" the old man went on, in a sarcastic tone.
"You will learn," the Chief said, still cold and impassive; "if you will take the trouble to listen to me for five minutes."