There was a rather lengthened silence, during which the Chief reflected deeply on what he had just heard.
"My brother is right," he said at last; "wisdom resides in him, his tongue is not forked, the words he utters are inspired by the Wacondah! The Comanches will not treat with the plundering Apaches. The council has asked for three suns to reflect on this grave question; in three suns Blue Fox will return with a categorical refusal to those who sent him. The Comanches will dig up the war hatchet sooner than ally themselves with their enemies."
"My brothers, if they do that, will act like wise men."
"They will do it. I have now to speak to my brother on a matter that interests me personally."
"Good. Sleep does not yet weigh down my eyelids, so I will listen to my brother.
"Loyal Heart is a friend of Blackbird," the Chief continued, with some hesitation.
The hunter smiled knowingly.
"Blackbird is one of the most renowned braves of the tribe," he answered; "his daughter, Bounding Fawn, will count fourteen autumns at the fall of the leaves."
"Black-deer loves Bounding Fawn."
"I know it; my brother has already confessed to me that the virgin of the first love placed, during his sleep, a four-leaved shamrock under his head. But has the Chief assured himself as to Bounding Fawn's feelings?"