"Yes," he said, "my young men have their orders, they know what I mean to do."
"Very good; in that case they are near here?"
"No," the chief replied, with a shake of his head. "Eagle-wing does not march with them; he has hidden himself under the skin of an Apache dog."
"What does my brother say?" Valentine asked with amazement.
"My white brother is quick," Unicorn said, sententiously; "he will let Mookapec speak. He is a great sachem, and wisdom dwells in him."
Valentine shook his head, however, and said—
"Hum! Answering one act of treachery by another, that is not the way in which the warriors of my nation behave."
"The nation of my brother is great, and strong as the grizzly bear," Unicorn said; "it does not need to march along hidden paths. The poor Indians are weak as the beaver, but like him they are very cunning."
"That is true," Valentine replied, "cunning must be allowed you in dealing with the implacable enemies who surround you. I was wrong; so go on, chief; tell us what deviltry you have invented, and if it is ingenious. Well, I will be the first to applaud it."
"Wah, my brother shall judge. Red Cedar is about to enter the desert, as my brother doubtless knows?"