A profound silence followed this proposal. All had bound themselves to the wishes of their leader.
“I am glad that you are unanimous. I will now state my purpose fully. It is but just you should know it.”
“Ay, let us know that,” muttered Kirker, “if tain’t to raise har we’re goin’.”
“We go, then, to seek for our friends and relatives, who for years have been captives to our savage enemy. There are many among us who have lost kindred, wives, sisters, and daughters.”
A murmur of assent, uttered chiefly by men in Mexican costume, testified to the truth of this statement.
“I myself,” continued Seguin, and his voice slightly trembled as he spoke, “am among that number. Years, long years ago, I was robbed of my child by the Navajoes. I have lately learned that she is still alive, and at their head town with many other white captives. We go, then, to release and restore them to their friends and homes.”
A shout of approbation broke from the crowd, mingled with exclamations of “Bravo!” “We’ll fetch them back!” “Vive le capitaine!” “Viva el gefe!”
When silence was restored, Seguin continued—
“You know our purpose. You have approved it. I will now make known to you the plan I had designed for accomplishing it, and listen to your advice.”
Here the chief paused a moment, while the men remained silent and waiting.