As Alphonse D'Erlach approached his commander, a close observer might have seen in the eyes of Oolenoe, an increased brilliancy of expression. The sentiment which it conveyed was not that of love. It is with quick, intelligent natures to comprehend, as by an instinct of their own, in what quarter to find sympathies, and whence their antipathies are to follow. Oolenoe had soon discovered that D'Erlach was not friendly to his objects. With this conviction there arose another feeling, that of contempt, with which the extreme youth, and general effeminacy of the young man's appearance, had inspired him. He did not _seem_ the warrior,--and the Indian is not apt to esteem the person of whose conduct in battle he has doubts. Besides, the costume of D'Erlach was that of dandyism; and, though the North American savage was no humble proficient in the arts of the toilet, yet these are never ventured upon until the reputation of the hunter and warrior have been acquired. Of the abilities of D'Erlach, in these respects, Oolenoe had no knowledge; and his doubts, therefore, and disrespects, were the natural result of his conviction that the youth was suspicious of, and hostile to, himself. Of these feelings, D'Erlach knew nothing, and perhaps cared as little. His features, as he drew nigh to Laudonniere, were marked with more gravity and earnestness than they usually expressed; and, touching the wrist of his commander, as he approached him, he beckoned him somewhat farther from his followers: "It is not too late," said he, "to escape this arrangement." "And why seek to escape it, Alphonse?" replied the other, with something like impatience in his tones. "For the best of reasons. You can have no faith in this savage. If there be this abundance of gold in the country, why brings he so little. Where are his proofs? But this is not all. But lately our enemy, jealous of our presence, and only respectful because of his fears, we can have no confidence in him, as an ally. He will lead the men whom you give him, into ambuscade--into remote lands, where provision will be found with difficulty,--require to be fought for at every step, and where the best valor in the world, and the best conduct will be unavailing for their extrication." "To prevent this danger, Alphonse, you shall have command of the detachment," said Laudonniere, with a dry accent, and a satirical glance of the eye. "I thank you, sir, for this proof of confidence," replied the other, no ways disquieted, "and shall do my best to avoid or prevent the evils that I apprehend from it; but----" "I have every confidence in your ability to do so, Alphonse," said the other, interrupting him in a tone which still betrayed the annoyance which he felt from the expostulations of his favorite. The latter proceeded, after a slight but respectful inclination of the head.