Oloompa was evidently pleased with the compliment, but there was a slight curl of his lip, as if in scorn, when he turned to confer with the hunters. The subject having been discussed, with all the plans suggested by each, it was agreed, that the whole party should lay concealed in the forest, until night sat in; that then, approaching nearer to the town, the hunters should conceal themselves, while Oloompa entered it, to search for Netnokwa and her party. Should the captive maiden be there, and an opportunity offer of rescuing her by stratagem, Oloompa was to effect it, and deliver her over to the hunters. In any event, he promised to return, and give them such information as he might be able to obtain; and while for them he promised to do this, his thoughts were chiefly engrossed by Miskwa, and he was revolving over and over in his own mind, what plan he should adopt in reference to her:—“If, with the white, Oloompa brings the red maiden, will the hunters harm her?” said he. “No,” said Earth, “although she is a red skin, by heaven, I swear to protect and defend her as I would my sister, were she living.” Rolfe readily promised the same, and eagerly cried, “Oh! bring her, Oloompa! bring both! and go with me; I will give thee a wigwam and lands, which shall be thy own, and thy days shall pass in peace and quiet.” “No,” answered Oloompa; “I have said the red men and white can never dwell together. There must ever be a wall between them. Yet Oloompa is satisfied—the hunters will protect the red maiden?” “They will,” was the answer. “Oloompa will visit the camp of the Prophet,” said Rolfe, “and hear him preach; he may find the red maiden safe, and forget the white. The hunters wait for him; will he return?” “Oloompa's promise is not a reed to be bent or broken,” was the answer. “If Oloompa lives, the hunters shall see him. If the maiden can be brought without the camp, she comes with Oloompa.” It was now getting dark, and the party concealing their horses, began to approach the town. The hunters then selected a spot, where they promised to remain, and Oloompa moved on. Upon going off, he said:—“The hunters will not doubt Oloompa, for though it be deep in the night, he will return.” “We doubt thee not,” said Rolfe, “return as soon as may be, and our blessings attend thee.”