“Oh, no,” she replied. “For the white Chief I love is greater than the San Blas. He will save himself and fly, and I will go with him.”
“Will you?” cried Duncan, earnestly.
“And why not?” she asked, frankly. “Will the doe leave the stag she has chosen? Could I be happy or content without my white chief?”
“Here is a case of love at first sight, with a vengeance!” I said, greatly amused at the girl’s bold declaration. But Moit frowned upon me angrily and his eyes flashed.
“Shut up, you pig!” he growled, and suddenly I felt ashamed of myself for not better appreciating the maiden’s brave honesty.
“Is there no way, Ilalah, to make your father wait until to-morrow morning?” he asked, turning again toward the girl.
“Why should he wait?” she returned.
“I have summoned mighty powers to my assistance,” declared Moit, after a moment’s thought, “and it would please me to await their arrival. It will make me stronger; but I am not afraid if your people begin the war at any time.”
“And to-morrow morning?”
“Then, at daybreak, you must come to me, and we will go away and leave your people.”