"You have done well, Charbonneau, as I would not for the world offend those worthy fellows. And now, gentlemen, follow me, and I will take you where you can speak openly without fear of being overheard." Saying which George moved away from the house and led them to a hillock, wholly without trees, overlooking the river, and whence he could see a long way. "This is my observatory," he said, smiling. "Admirably well chosen," replied Oliver. On the invitation of Clinton everyone seated himself on the grass, and lit his pipe; then Bright-eye, who appeared general spokesman, addressed their host. "We have learned from Keen-hand that you have not long left the cities of the United States to visit for a time the prairies of the Far West." "I have no reason for making any secret of the matter." "Everyone is master of his own actions," continued Bright-eye, "and we have no right to inquire in any way into your affairs. We only desire to indicate you as new to prairie customs." "I am not very learned in the matter, and am therefore wholly guided by my hunter, who, despite his youth, is an old runner of the woods. But as I see no motive for this conversation, I should be glad if it were abridged." "One question first--Are you prepared as a dweller in the desert to submit to its habits and customs?" asked Bright-eye. "As long as they are just and reasonable," said the other, "I pledge my word to be guided by them." "We find that your friend here described you well." "Still you must be aware that you are keeping me waiting." "Two words will explain," said Bright-eye; "we demand the body of the wounded man yonder." "What to do?" cried Clinton. "To apply Lynch law to him," coldly replied the hunter. The young man shuddered, a livid pallor spread over his countenance; he looked at the hunters, who nodded their heads, with a glance of horror. "What do you mean, gentlemen?" he cried; "Do you intend to torture this man, whose life hangs on a thread?" "It is our right and our duty, not to torture him, but to try him, and execute the sentence, whatever it may be, at once." "This is terrible!" cried the young man. "You do not know him. If, for reasons best known to ourselves, we feigned not to know him, now that your friend has left we will tell you who the wretch is." "No matter who he is," cried Clinton, fiercely, "all I know is that he is wounded and under the protection of my roof." "Your sentiments of humanity do you honour," said Bright-eye, ironically; "they are well suited to civilised society, where the law defends you. In the desert they have no meaning. Every moment menaced with death, you must cut down your murderous foes without mercy." "Better be victim than executioner," said George. "If you like to present your breast to the enemies, that is your lookout; we beg to differ from you." "But, gentlemen--" said Clinton, haughtily. "You made a promise. Do you or do you not intend to be bound by it?" asked Bright-eye.