"Here is the Chief."
"Good," the latter simply answered.
Five minutes later, the Sachem indeed reached the spot where the adventurers were assembled. His first glance fell on the Apache, standing upright with folded arms in the circle formed by the hunters.
"What is Blue-fox doing here?" he asked in surprise.
"The Chief can ask the Pale warriors, they will answer," said the Apache.
Black-deer turned to Loyal Heart; the latter, not waiting till he was addressed, related in the fullest detail what had occurred; how he had captured the Chief, and the conversation he had had with him: Black-deer seemed to reflect for a moment—
"Why did not my brother show the sign of recognition I gave him?" he asked.
"For what good, as my brother was coming?"
The Comanche frowned.
"My brother will be careful to remember that he has passed his word, and the mere appearance of treachery will cost his son's life."