"The demand is ridiculous," cried the captain. "How so?" said a voice, and at the same time two magnificent dogs bounded to where Clinton stood. There was a moment of profound stupefaction on the part of the outlaws, who saw this succour arrive. Tom Mitchell, however, stooped towards Sleepy and whispered a few words in his ear. The man nodded, turned away and disappeared. "Beware!" said the captain; "I have hesitated to attack one man. But if blood is shed it is your fault." "We shall see," said Keen-hand, appearing beside his master, "you are ten and we are five. What do you think?" "Nothing," replied the chief, laughing; "but you seem to forget that we have the advantage of the situation. If we like we can take possession of the hut, whence I fancy my good friend will find it difficult to dislodge us." "Without counting that we are master of the person of the owner of the wigwam," cried Versenca, triumphantly. It was true. Assisted by the sentinels whom the outlaw had brought up behind, he had been seized. He was at once taken inside and then secured with his servants, whom the noise had at last aroused. But even this had not been done without a struggle. The two splendid dogs on seeing their master attacked had flown at the throats of the bandits, had knocked two down and throttled them in a minute; then, obedient to a whistle from Charbonneau, they had darted into a thicket, whence came a discharge of firearms. The three young men had returned. The outlaws retreated into the hut, prepared to defend themselves to the last gasp. Battle was imminent. "Stop," cried the voice of Oliver, "stop, for heaven's sake," and rushing forward he added, "Captain Tom Mitchell, I demand safety for myself and friends, and a truce until this unfortunate affair can be settled amicably. Speak." "I consent at once," said the captain, frankly; "what has happened was not of my doing. Down with your arms. Let all retain their positions. As for you, sir, you may advance, you are entirely under the protection of my honour." "I am here," replied Oliver, advancing. The two men went into the house and seated themselves at a table near an open window. "I am prepared to listen," said the captain; "I suppose you think I deceived you, or the young girl was gone." "It was our opinion, sir." "Don't be in the least uneasy," said the captain, "I only secured the girl as a hostage for my own safety." "A hostage!" replied Oliver. "Yes. I have an important question to treat of with her tribe. But let us speak of our own affairs." "I don't understand you." "I will explain, and you will find that all that has taken place today has been caused by yourself." "Really," cried Oliver, "I understand you less and less." "I have no doubt you are astonished," said the captain; "but we can come to an explanation in a few words, M. Oliver." "You know my name."