The Indian shook his head as he displayed the weapon.
"This," he continued, "is the Apache chief's scalping knife; the totem of the tribe is engraved on the hilt."
"'Tis true."
"The Black Bear is a renowned chief. His heart is large enough to contain a world. Obliged to fulfil the engagements he has made, he wished to prove to his enemy that he was master of his life, and that he would take it whenever he thought proper. That is the meaning of this knife placed on the chest of the Yori during his sleep."
The adventurers were confounded by so much boldness. They shuddered at the thought that they had been at the mercy of the chief, who disdained to kill them, and contented himself with defying them. The Mexican especially felt a shudder in spite of his courage. The Canadian was the first to recover his coolness.
"Canario!" he exclaimed, "This Apache dog did right to warn us. Now we will be on our guard."
"Hum!" Cucharés said, passing his hands through his thick and matted hair, "I have not the least desire to be scalped."
"Bah!" Belhumeur said, "People sometimes recover."
"That is possible; but I don't care to make the attempt."
"And now that day has quite broken," Louis observed, "I fancy the time has arrived for me to go to the hacienda. What do you say, gentlemen?"