"Go! and God speed you!"
The other looked at him without replying; he evidently did not understand him.
Loyal Heart smiled.
"You are free," he resumed; "here are all the objects necessary for your new trade,—I give them to you, the desert is before you; I wish you good luck!"
The young man shook his head.
"No," he said, "I will not leave you unless you drive me from you; I am alone, without family or friends; you have saved my life, and I belong to you."
"It is not my custom to receive payment for the services I render," said the hunter.
"You require to be paid for them too dearly," the other answered warmly, "since you refuse to accept gratitude. Take back your gifts, they are of no use to me; I am not a mendicant to whom alms can be thrown; I prefer going back and delivering myself up again to the Comanches—adieu!"
And the Canadian resolutely walked away in the direction of the Indian camp.
Loyal Heart was affected. This young man had so frank, so honest and spirited an air, that he felt something in his breast speak strongly in his favour.