After these words, uttered in a firm and peremptory tone, there was a moment of supreme silence. The Mexican officers reflected sadly on the fearful fate that threatened their friends. Unicorn continued:—
"What does my father say? Shall we fasten our prisoners to the stake of blood, or restore them to liberty?"
"What ransom do you ask?" the general said.
"Listen, all you chiefs of the palefaces here present, and judge of the clemency and generosity of the Comanches. We only, wish, for the life of these five men, the life of two men."
"That is little, I allow," the general remarked; "and who are the two men whose lives you ask?"
"The palefaces call them, the first, Don Miguel Zarate; the second, General Ibañez."
The general started.
"These two men cannot be delivered to you," he answered; "they are condemned to death, and will die tomorrow."
"Good! My prisoners will be tortured this night," the chief replied stoically.
"Confound it!" the general sharply exclaimed, "Is there no other arrangement possible? Let my brothers ask me a thing I can grant them, and—"