The Chief, before replying, bent a piercing glance around.
"No," he at length said, in a low and suppressed voice, "Black-deer has not seen five crows on his right; he saw a fox on his left, and a flight of owls in the bushes."
"You know, Chief, that I do not at all understand you," Loyal Heart said, laughing.
"Nor do I, on my honour," Tranquil observed with a crafty smile.
The Chief bravely endured this double volley of sarcasm. Not a muscle of his face stirred; on the contrary, his features seemed to grow more gloomy.
"My brothers can laugh," he said, "they are Palefaces; they care little whether good or evil happens to the Indians."
"Pardon, Chief," Loyal Heart answered, suddenly becoming serious; "my friend and myself had no intention of insulting you."
"I am aware of it," the Chief replied, "my brothers cannot suppose that on a day like this I should be sad."
"That is true, but now our ears are open: my brother will speak, and we listen with all the attention his words deserve."
The Indian seemed to hesitate, but in a moment he walked up to Loyal Heart and Tranquil, seated by his side, and bent over them, so that his head touched theirs.