When the two men were within three paces of each other they stopped. Loyal Heart spoke the first. "The Master of Life," he said, "sees into our hearts. He knows that among us the road is good and open, and that the words which our lungs breathe and our mouths pronounce are sincere. The white hunters come to visit their red friends." "They are welcome!" Eagle Head replied cordially, bowing with the grace and majestic nobleness which characterize Indians. After these words the Comanches and the hunters discharged their pieces into the air, amidst long and loud cries of joy. Then all ceremony was banished; the two bands mingled, and were confounded so thoroughly that, at the end of a few minutes, they only formed one. Loyal Heart, however, who knew from what Black Elk had told him how precious the moments were, took Eagle Head aside, and explained to him frankly what he expected from his tribe. The chief smiled at this request. "My brother shall be satisfied," he said, "let him but wait a little." Leaving the hunter, he joined the other chiefs. The crier quickly mounted upon the roof of a hut, and convoked with loud cries the most renowned warriors to a meeting in the hut of council. The demand of Loyal Heart met with general approbation. Ninety chosen warriors, commanded by Eagle Head, were selected to accompany the hunters, and co-operate with all their power to secure the success of the expedition. When the decision of the chiefs was made known, it created a general joy throughout the tribe. The allies were to set forward at sunset, in order to surprise the enemy. The great war-dance, with all the ceremonies usual upon such occasions, was danced, the warriors the while continually repeating in chorus:-- "Master of Life, look upon me with a favourable eye, thou hast given me the courage to open my veins." When they were on the point of setting out, Eagle Head, who knew what dangerous enemies they were going to attack, selected twenty warriors upon whom he could depend, and sent them forward as scouts, after having given them some scotte wigwas, or bark wood, in order that they might immediately light a fire as a warning in case of alarm. He then examined the arms of his warriors, and, satisfied with the inspection, he gave the orders for departure. The Comanches and the trappers took the Indian file, and, preceded by their respective chiefs, they quitted the camp, amidst the good wishes and exhortations of their friends, who accompanied them to the first trees of the forest. The little army consisted of a hundred and thirty resolute men, perfectly armed, and commanded by chiefs whom no obstacle could stop, no peril could make recede. The darkness was dense; the moon, veiled by large black clouds, which floated heavily in space, only shed at intervals a dull, rayless light, which, when it disappeared, gave objects a fantastic appearance. The wind blew in gusts, and filled the ravines with dull, plaintive moans.