Glenarvan and Robert had stationed themselves so as to defend the entrance of the ramada, and with their loaded rifles were about to fire at the first ranks of wolves, when Thalcave turned aside their weapons already poised for a shot.
"What does Thalcave wish?" asked Robert.
"He prohibits us from firing," answered Glenarvan.
"Why?"
"Perhaps he does not consider it the proper time."
This was not, however, the motive which actuated the Indian, but a graver reason, which Glenarvan understood when Thalcave, raising his powder-flask and inverting it, showed that it was almost empty.
"Well?" said Robert.
"We must economize our ammunition. Our hunt to-day has cost us dear, and we are deficient in powder and shot. We have not twenty charges left."
The boy answered nothing.
"You are not afraid, Robert?"