"You will come with me, I suppose, Tranquil?" the young man asked the Canadian so soon as they were alone.
"Of course!" the other replied; "Did you doubt it? What the deuce should I do here during your absence? I prefer accompanying you, especially as, if I am not mistaken, there will be a jolly row."
"You are not mistaken. It is evident to me that the Apaches would not have ventured so near the village, unless they were in considerable force."
"Well, in that case, two hundred men are as nothing; you should have asked for more."
"Why so? In a surprise the man who attacks is always the stronger; we will try to get the first blow, that is all."
"That is true, by Jove! I am delighted at the affair; I have not smelt powder for some time, and feel myself beginning to rust; that will restore me."
At this outburst, Loyal Heart began laughing, Tranquil formed the chorus, and they spoke about something else.