"Very good."
Without any apparent passion, he let the watch fall, and, putting his heel on it, reduced it to powder. The rest of the supper passed off without incident; the three men ate greedily, not speaking to each other, and waited on by Ellen. When the pipes were lit, the maiden wished to retire to the compartment which served as her bedroom.
"Stay, my child," Red Cedar said. "I have to speak with you."
Ellen sat down in a corner of the jacal and waited. The three men went on smoking silently for some time, while outside the storm still continued. At length, the young men shook the ashes out of their pipes, and rose.
"Then," said Nathan, "all is arranged."
"It is," replied Red Cedar.
"At what hour will they come to fetch us?" Sutter asked.
"At an hour before sunrise."
"Very good."
The brothers lay down on the ground, rolled themselves in their furs, and soon fell asleep. Red Cedar remained for some time plunged in thought, while Ellen did not stir. At length he raised his head.