"The caballero is right," the Mexican answered, bowing to Don Louis; "but, in the first place, are you certain about this attack?"
"This gentleman came expressly to warn me."
"Then there can be no further doubt. We must make the necessary arrangements as quickly as possible. What is the caballero's opinion?"
"He was about to give it at the moment you came in."
"Then pray do not let me disturb your conference. Speak, sir."
Don Louis bowed and took the word.
"Caballero!" he began, turning to Don Sylva, "What I am about to say is addressed principally to the French señores, who, accustomed to European warfare and in the white mode of fighting, are, I am convinced, ignorant of Indian tactics."
"'Tis true," the count observed.
"Bah!" Leroux said, twirling his long moustaches with great self-sufficiency, "We will learn them."
"Take care you do not do so at your own expense," Don Louis continued. "Indian war is entirely one of stratagems and ambushes. The enemy who attacks you never forms in line; he remains constantly concealed, employing all means to conquer, but principally treachery. Five hundred Apache warriors, commanded by an intrepid chief, would defeat in the prairie your best soldiers, whom they would decimate, while not giving a chance for retaliation."