"That is true," the monk said, with humility; "I did not think of that, so forgive me. Still, you will permit me to remark that it is an extraordinary thing your father has not yet returned?"
"Well, señor," the maiden said, warmly, "although you are so ready to accuse a friend, who has constantly offered you the most unequivocal proofs of his unknown devotion, how do you know that he is not delayed by his desire to save us?"
"Well spoken, by Heaven!" a rough voice said; "Thank you, my daughter."
The adventurers turned with an involuntary start; at this moment the bushes were parted by a firm hand, a heavy step sounded on the pebbles, and Red Cedar appeared, bearing a doe on his shoulder. On reaching the light of the fire he stopped, threw his burden the ground, and looked sarcastically around him.
"Oh, oh," he said, with a grin, "it seems that I have arrived just in time, señor Padre. Viva Dios! you were giving me a fine character in my absence; is that the way in which you understand Christian charity, gossip? Cristo! I do not compliment you on it, if that be the case."
The monk, startled by the sudden appearance and rough address, found no answer, so Red Cedar went on:
"By Jove! I am a better fellow than yourself, for I bring you food, and it was not without difficulty that I succeeded in killing that confounded animal, I can tell you. But now look sharp and roast a joint."
Sutter and Nathan had not waited for their father's orders, but had already begun skinning the doe.
"Hilloh!" Nathan remarked, "to roast this meat, we must enlarge our fire; and how about our pursuers?"
"It is a risk to run," Red Cedar replied; "settle among ourselves if you will incur it."