"I have done it," the sachem answered, coldly. "Now, farewell. I am about to join my young men, who are impatient at my long absence."
With these words the Comanche haughtily turned his back on the governor, and walked toward the door.
"A few moments longer, chief," the general said; "perhaps we are nearer an understanding than you suppose."
The Comanche gave the speaker a glance which made him quiver.
"Here is my last word," he said. "I insist on the two prisoners being handed over to me."
"They shall be."
"Good; but no perfidity, no treachery."
"We will act honourably," the general replied, not dreaming, of resenting the insult conveyed in the Indian's words.
"We shall see. My warriors and myself will remain on the square till my father has performed his promise. If, within an hour, the palefaces are not free, the prisoners I hold will be pitilessly massacred, and the altepetl plundered. I have spoken."
A gloomy silence greeted these terrible threats. The pride of the Mexicans was quelled, and they at length recognised that nothing could save them from the vengeance of the Comanche chief. The general bowed in assent, not having strength to answer otherwise. The sight of the scalp had paralyzed in him all desire to contend longer. Unicorn left the hall, mounted his horse again, and calmly awaited the fulfilment of the promise made to him.