The sudden apparition of the sachem of the Coras had produced a certain degree of emotion among the hunters and the Comanches. Valentine, the first to recover from his surprise, addressed Eagle-wing.
"My brother is welcome," he said, as he held out his hand, which the Indian warmly pressed, "What news does the chief bring us?"
"Good," the Coras answered laconically.
"All the better," the hunter said gaily; "for some time past all we have received has been so bad that my brother's will create a diversion."
The Indian smiled at this sally, but made no remark.
"My brother can speak," Valentine continued; "he is surrounded by none but friends."
"I know it," the chief answered, as he bowed gracefully to the company. "Since I left my brother two months have passed away: I have worn out many moccasins amid the thorns and brambles of the desert; I have been beyond the Great Lakes to the villages of my nation."
"Good; my brother is a chief; he was doubtless well received by the sachems of the Coras of the Great Lakes."
"Mookapec is a renowned warrior among his people," the Indian answered proudly; "his place by the council fire of the nation is pointed out. The chiefs saw him with joy: on his road he had taken the scalps of seven gachupinos: they are now drying before the great medicine lodge."
"It was your right to do so, chief, and I cannot blame you. The Spaniards have done you harm enough for you to requite them."