"Is my lord calling me?" the Breton asked, raising his head.
"No, no, Ivon, my good fellow; I only say that we shall soon have some fighting."
The Breton emitted a sigh, and muttered, as he lay down again,—
"Ah! if I had as much courage as I possess goodwill; but alas! as you know, I am a wonderful coward, and I shall prove more harm to you than good."
"You will do all you can, my friend, and that will be sufficient."
Ivon sighed in reply. Bright-eye had listened laughingly to this colloquy. The Breton still possessed the privilege of astonishing him, for he did not at all comprehend his singular organization. The Count turned towards him.
"So it is settled?" he said.
"Settled," the hunter answered.
"Then give the signal; my friend."
"The owl, I suppose?"