"Speak!"
"When you are certain the people you wish to save are in security, accompany me to my village,—that is all I desire. That will not cost you much, especially as my tribe is encamped not more than a day's march from the spot where you now are."
"I accept your proposition, chief. I will accompany you wherever you please, though not till I am certain that my protégés no longer require my aid."
"That is agreed. Stay, one word more."
"Say it."
"It is well understood that I am only an Indian like the rest, even to the two white men who accompany you!"
"You demand it?"
"For our common welfare: a word spoken thoughtlessly, any indiscretion, how trifling soever, would destroy us both. Ah! you do not know the Redskins yet," he added, with that melancholy smile which had already given the Count so much subject for thought.
"Very good," he answered; "you may be easy; I am warned."
"Now, if you think proper, I will recall my warriors; a longer conference between us might arouse their jealousy."