"How could I tell I should meet that cursed trapper there?"
"In our trade we must be awake to everything."
"You are right. I have committed an error. At present I believe the evil to be without remedy, for I have a presentiment that Black Elk has completely edified the general with respect to me."
"Hum! that is more than probable. What is to be done, then?"
"Act as soon as possible, without giving them time to put themselves on their guard."
"For my part, I ask no better than that, you know."
"Yes, but where is the captain? Has he returned?"
"He arrived this evening. All our men are concealed in the grotto; there are forty of us.
"Bravo! Why did you not come all together, instead of you by yourself? Only see, what a fine opportunity you have lost? They are all sleeping like dormice. We could have seized them all in less than ten minutes."
"You are right; but one cannot foresee everything; besides, the affair was not so agreed upon with the captain."