"What is up, then?"
"The marriage of our friend Black-deer. I supposed it to be good policy not to refuse our aid, especially as you, Davis, have an interest in getting into the good graces of the Indians."
"I should think so. But tell me, old hunter, have you consulted with our friend on the matter that brings me here?"
"Not yet: various reasons urged me to wait for a favourable moment."
"As you please; but you know the matter is pressing."
"I know it, and you can trust to me."
"Oh! I leave you to act entirely as you please. What are we to do now?"
"Nothing but mount our horses, and wait till Loyal Heart comes to fetch us. He has undertaken the management of the ceremony."
"Well, that is not very difficult," the American said, with a laugh.
In an instant the hunters were up, performed their ablutions, and saddled their horses. They had scarce mounted, ere a great noise of shells, drums, and chichikouès, mingled with shouts of joy, shots, and the sharp barking of all the dogs in the village, announced the arrival of Loyal Heart. The young Chief advanced at the head of a numerous procession of Indian warriors, dressed in their most magnificent costumes, armed and painted for war, and mounted on superb mustangs, which they caused to curvet with marks of the most lively delight. The procession halted before the calli.