"The law of the prairies is an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Listen to me well, Old Oak. In remembrance of our ancient friendship, I grant you a respite. Tomorrow at sunrise, you shall set out in search of Loyal Heart; if, within four days, he does not come to deliver himself up into my hands, his mother shall perish; my young men shall burn her alive at the stake of blood, and my brothers shall make war whistles of her bones. Begone! I have spoken!"
The old man eagerly implored mercy. He threw himself on his knees before the chief; but the vindictive Indian spurned him with his foot, and turned away.
"Oh! madam," the old man murmured, in despair, "you are lost!"
"But be sure, Eusebio," the mother replied, choking with tears, "be sure not to bring back my son! Of what consequence is my death! Alas! has not my life already been long enough?"
The old servant cast a glance of admiration at his mistress.
"Ever the same!" he said affectionately.
"Does not the life of a mother belong to her child?" she said, with a cry which seemed to come from her very heart.
The old people sank, overwhelmed with grief, at the foot of a tree, and passed the night in praying to God.
Eagle Head did not appear to have an idea of this despair.