"I see no reason why we should not be," he replied. "I am happy to hear it," continued Tom Mitchell; "but before we go any farther, allow me to say a word to this young Frenchman. In that room you will find a friend." "A friend!" cried Oliver; "Impossible! You know I have only recently reached this country." "Take my advice," said the outlaw, with a smile. Oliver shrugged his shoulders, as if yielding to a foolish whim, and went in to find himself face to face with Durand. "Now," said the outlaw, "I have not told all; I have left out certain matters which personally concern yourself. One moment, and you shall judge for yourself. Excuse me if I have to touch upon a very tender topic--that of love." "Captain!" cried George. "Pardon me. You love a charming girl, whom you have followed into the desert with as much devotion as men show in the search of gold. To this I have only to add that the girl is as beautiful and as good as an angel." George bowed his head to hide his confusion. "Her father is against you, I know. But the important fact is that a terrible calamity threatens her and you." "Pray explain yourself," George cried. "Do you think the redskins are blind? You forget them in your calculation of future happiness." "Explain yourself," continued the young man. "I cannot at present. You are young in the desert, but you have clever and devoted friends. Above all, you have Bright-eye, honest, devoted, intelligent. Tell him all I have said, and to work. You have not a moment to lose to save her." At this moment the three Canadians came in at one door, Oliver and Captain Durand at the other. Before anyone else could speak, Oliver rushed forward. "Captain," he said to the outlaw, "I can never thank you enough. I know all. Command me in every way." "I shall remind you of your promise." "And my wretched persecutor--you will bring him to me?" "Yes; and place in your hands papers to confound him," cried the outlaw; "papers which prove your rank." The conversation now became general. The two Canadians had been at work, and warned all the sachems. But everything had been done without exciting suspicion. All went on just as usual in the village. The preparations for the marriage continued. The Canadians entertained their friends at a great banquet that night, at which Numank was present, grave and proud, seated beside Angela, who was charming, though blushing with downcast eyes, and never speaking a word. The formal ceremony of betrothal had taken place in the morning, so that this was rather a friendly meeting than anything else. There was, however, a magnificent exchange of presents. Next day, just before the final ceremony, Tom Mitchell went off with a hundred of his most resolute men. Camotte remained in command of the others.