"My brother speaks well; his skin is white, but his heart is red."
"Hum," observed Valentine; "I am a friend to justice; vengeance is permissible against treachery. Go on, chief."
The hunter's comrades had drawn nearer, and now formed a circle round the two speakers. Curumilla was occupied silently, as was his wont, in completely stripping each Spanish prisoner, whom he then bound in such a way that the slightest movement was impossible.
Valentine, although time pressed, knew too well the Redskin character to try and hurry Eagle-wing on. He felt certain that the chief had important news to communicate to him; but it would have been no use trying to draw it from him; hence he allowed him to act as he pleased. Unicorn, leaning on his rifle, listened attentively, without evincing the slightest impatience.
"Did my brother remain long with his tribe," Valentine continued.
"Two suns. Eagle-wing had left behind him friends to whom his heart drew him."
"Thanks, chief, for the pleasant recollections of us."
"The chiefs assembled in council to hear the words of Eagle-wing," the Coras continued. "They shuddered with fury on hearing of the massacre of their children; but Mookapec had formed his plan, and two hundred warriors are assembled beneath his totem."
"Good!" said Valentine, "the chief will avenge himself."
The Indian smiled.