The Chief smiled contemptuously, and shrugged his shoulders.
"Why should I tell you what has passed? It would be uselessly losing precious time; suffice it for you to know that I left the village with the general consent of the Chiefs, and if I was galloping, it was probably because I was in a hurry to reach the spot I am bound for."
"Hum!" said the hunter; "You will permit me to remark, Chief, that your answer is very vague, and anything but satisfactory."
"It is the only one, however, I am enabled to give you."
"And do you fancy we shall be satisfied with it?"
"You must."
"Perhaps so, but listen; we are awaiting Black-deer at every moment, and he shall decide your fate."
"As it pleases the Pale hunter. When the Comanche Chief arrives, my brother will see that the Apache Sachem has spoken truly, that his tongue is not forked, and that the words that from his lips are sincere."
"I hope so."
At this moment the signal agreed on between Black-deer and the hunters was heard: the hunter said at once to his prisoner.