The old servant obeyed, and an Indian stalked in; it was Black-deer. The Chiefs face was gloomy; he bowed slightly to the company, and, without saying a syllable, sat down on an equipal placed for him near the brasero. The hunters were too conversant with the Indian character to question the Chief, so long as he was pleased to keep silence. Tranquil, however, drew his pipe from his lips, and handed it to Black-deer, who began smoking, after thanking him with one of those emphatic gestures usual with the Redskins. There was a long silence, but at last the Chief raised his head.
"The Chiefs have left the Council lodge," he said.
"Ah!" Loyal Heart replied, for the sake of saying something.
"No determination was formed, no answer given the Envoy?"
"The Sachems are prudent, they wished to reflect."
The Sachem nodded in affirmation,
"Does my brother Loyal Heart wish to learn what happened at the Council after his departure?" he asked.
"My brother is thoughtful, his heart is sad; let him speak, the ears of a friend are open."
"The Chief will eat first," Doña Garillas remarked, "he remained late at the Council; the squaws have not prepared his evening meal."
"My mother is good," he replied with a smile, "Black-deer will eat; he is here in the wigwam of the brother of his heart: the warriors have exchanged horses and weapons."