"My brothers, the Antelope Comanches," he said, with an almost imperceptible tinge of irony in his voice, "are great warriors; they understand the laws of hospitality better than any other nation."
"The Antelope Comanches," Black-deer answered, peaceably, "know that Blue-fox is a renowned Chief, and one of the great braves of the Buffalo Apaches; they are anxious to do him honour."
The Chief bowed.
"Does this honour go so far as to compel so great a warrior as my brother to watch over my sleep?"
"My brother is the guest of the Antelopes, and in that quality has a claim to all possible attention."
Like two experienced duellists the Chiefs had crossed swords; having felt their blades, they perceived that they were of equal strength, and each fell back a step to continue the engagement on new ground.
"Then," Blue-fox continued, "my brother will remain in the calli with me."
The Chief gave a nod of assent.
"Wah! I know for what reason the Comanche Sachems treat me thus: they are aware that Black-deer and Blue-fox, though each adopted by a different tribe, are yet brothers of the great and powerful nation of the Snake Pawnees; hence they suppose that the two Chiefs would be pleased to converse together and recall their early years. My brother will thank the Sachems of his nation for Blue-fox; I was far from expecting so great a proof of courtesy on their part."
"My brother is rightly called the Fox," the Comanche replied, briefly, with a bitter accent; "his craft is great."