"I do not see what can prevent me."
"Yourself, Sir; who, I hope, will not walk, with your eyes open, into the lion's jaws."
"Will you explain—yes, or no?" the Count exclaimed with rising impatience.
"Oh, what is the use of explaining?—will what I say stop you? No, I am persuaded of that. You see, therefore, it is useless for me to say more; besides, it is too late—the chief is returning."
The Count made a movement of ill-humour, at once suppressed; but this movement did not escape Natah Otann, who at this moment appeared on the plateau. The young man walked toward him.
"Well?" he asked eagerly.
"My young men consent to do what our Paleface father desires; if he will mount his horse and follow us, he can convince himself that our intentions are loyal."
"I follow you, chief," the Count replied, making Ivon a sign to bring up his horse.
The Blackfeet welcomed the three hunters with unequivocal signs of joy.
"Forward!" the young man said.