"Ah! señora," she replied, with emotion, whilst a vivid blush rose to her cheeks, "can I do otherwise, after the services he has rendered us, and will continue to render us, I am sure?" "My son has promised to deliver your uncle; be assured that he will fulfil his promise." "Oh! I do not at all doubt it, señora. What a noble, grand character!" she cried with warmth; "how justly is he named Loyal Heart!" The old lady and Eusebio looked at her and smiled; they were delighted with the enthusiasm of the young girl. Doña Luz perceived the attention with which they were looking at her. She stopped short in confusion, hung down her head, and blushed more than ever. "Oh!" said the old lady, taking her hand, "you may go on, my child; I am pleased to hear you speak thus of my son. Yes," she added, in a melancholy tone, and as if talking to herself, "yes; his is a grand and noble character. Like all exalted natures, he is misunderstood: but patience! God is trying him, and the day will come when justice will be rendered him in the face of all men." "Can he, then, be unhappy?" the young girl ventured to ask, timidly. "I do not say he is, my child," the good mother answered, with a stifled sigh. "In this world who can flatter himself with being happy? Everyone has his troubles, which he must bear; the Almighty measures the burden according to the strength of every man." A movement was heard in the grotto; several men entered. "Here is your son, señora," said Black Elk. "Thank you, my friend," she replied. "Oh! I am so glad!" said Doña Luz, springing up joyfully. But ashamed of this inconsiderate movement, the girl sank back, confused and blushing, into her seat again. It was, in fact Loyal Heart, but he was not alone. Belhumeur and Eagle Head accompanied him, as did several other trappers. As soon as he was in the grotto, the young man directed his steps hastily towards his mother's retreat; he kissed her, and then turning towards Doña Luz, he bowed to her with a degree of embarrassment that was not natural to him, and which the old lady could not but remark. The young lady returned him a salutation not less confused than his own. "Well," he said, with a cheerful smile, "you must have been very tired of waiting for me, my noble prisoners. Time must travel slowly in this horrible grotto. Pardon me for having confined you to such a hideous dwelling, Doña Luz--you are made to inhabit splendid palaces. Alas! this is the most magnificent of my habitations." "With the mother of him who has saved my life, señor," the girl replied, nobly, "I think myself lodged like a queen, whatever be the place I inhabit." "You are a thousand times too good, señora," the hunter stammered; "you really make me confused."