The maiden blushed, the tears rose to her eyes, a nervous tremor agitated her limbs, and, without uttering a word, she took her place by the Count's side. Natah Otann smiled sorrowfully.
"Follow me," he said, "I will escort you out of the camp."
And he went out, accompanied by the two young people.
"We shall soon meet again, I presume, noble Count?" White Buffalo called out, after his countryman.
"I hope so," the latter answered, simply.
Guided by Natah Otann, the Count and his companion left the fort, and entered the prairie, passing through groups of Redskins, who stood back respectfully to make room for them. Their walk was silent; it lasted about half an hour, until the Chief stopped.
"Here you have nothing more to fear," he said; and going to a dense thicket, and pulling back the branches, "Here are two horses I had prepared for you; take also these weapons, perhaps you will need them; and now, if you wish to fight with me, I am ready."
"No," the Count answered, nobly, "any combat is henceforth impossible between us; I can no longer be the enemy of a man whom honour orders me to esteem; here is my hand, I will never lift it against you; I offer it you frankly, and without any afterthought; unfortunately, too deep a hatred divides our two races to prevent us being ere long opposed to each other, but if I fight your brothers, I shall not the less remain personally your friend."
"I ask no more of you," the Chief replied, as he pressed the hand offered him; "farewell! be happy!"
And without adding a word, he turned away, and hurried back by the road he had come; he soon disappeared in the darkness.