The fugitives threw themselves into a cavity of the rocks, to avoid being seen, and there waited the landing of the newcomers, whose manoeuvres appeared more and more suspicious. CHAPTER XIII. THE LAW OF THE PRAIRIES. A considerable space of ground, situated in front of the grotto inhabited by Loyal Heart, had been cleared, the trees cut down, and from a hundred and fifty to two hundred huts erected. The whole tribe of the Comanches was encamped on this spot. Among trappers, hunters, and redskin warriors there existed the best possible understanding. In the centre of this temporary village, where the huts of buffalo hides painted of different colours were arranged with a degree of symmetry, one much larger than the others, surmounted by scalps fixed to long poles, and in which a large fire was continually kept up, served as the council lodge. The greatest bustle prevailed in the village. The Indian warriors were armed and in their war paint, as if preparing to march to battle. The hunters had dressed themselves in their best costumes, and cleaned their arms with the greatest care, as if expecting soon to make use of them. The horses completely caparisoned, stood hobbled, and held by half a score warriors, ready to be mounted. Hunters and redskins were coming and going in a busy, preoccupied manner. A rare and almost unknown thing among Indians, sentinels were placed at regular distances to signal the approach of a stranger, whoever he might be. In short, everything denoted that one of the ceremonies peculiar to the prairies was about to take place. But, strange to say, Loyal Heart, Eagle Head, and Black Elk were absent. Belhumeur alone watched over the preparations that were being made, talking, the while, to the old Comanche chief _Eshis_, or the Sun. But their countenances were stern, their brows thoughtful, they appeared a prey to an overpowering preoccupation. It was the day fixed upon by the captain of the pirates for Doña Luz to be delivered up to him. Would the captain venture to come? or was his proposition anything more than a rodomontade? Those who knew the pirate, and their number was great--almost all having suffered by his depredations--inclined to the affirmative. This man was endowed, and it was the only quality they acknowledged in him, with a ferocious courage and an iron will. If once he had affirmed he would do a thing, he did it, without regard to anybody or any danger. And then, what had he to dread in coming a second time amongst his enemies? Did he not hold the general in his power? the general, whose life answered for his own; all knew that he would not hesitate to sacrifice him to his safety. It was about eight o'clock in the morning, a brilliant sun shed its dazzling rays in profusion upon the picture we have endeavoured to describe. Doña Luz left the grotto, leaning upon the arm of the mother of Loyal Heart, and followed by Nô Eusebio.