"The young virgin smiles when the Chief returns from an expedition with scalps hanging from his girdle; she trembles when he departs; she feeds his horse in secret, and her greatest pleasure is to clean his weapons. When the maidens of the tribe dance at night to the sound of the drum and chichikouè, Bounding Fawn gazes thoughtfully in the direction of Black-deer's calli, and forgets to dance with her companions."
"Good! And does the maiden recognise the sound of my brother's war whistle, and run joyfully to the meeting the Chief grants her? Tonight, for instance, were the Chief to call her, would she rise from her bed to obey his summons?"
"She would rise," the Chief answered, laconically.
"Good! Now, what does the Chief wish to ask of me? Blackbird is rich."
"Black-deer will give six mares which have never felt a bit, two guns, and four hides of the white she-buffalo; tomorrow the Chief's mother will give them to my brother."
"Good. And does my brother intend to carry off the woman he loves this night?"
"Black-deer suffers from being so long separated from her; since the death of his well-beloved wife, Singing-bird, the Chief's calli is solitary. Bounding Fawn will prepare the venison for the Chief; what does my brother think of it?"
"My horse is ready; if my brother say yes, I will accompany him, if it be that he desires, as I suppose."
"Loyal Heart knows everything; nothing escapes his discernment."
"Let us go without loss of time. Will you accompany us, Tranquil? Two witnesses are required, as you are aware."