At this moment the signal agreed on between Black-deer and the hunters was heard: the hunter said at once to his prisoner. "Here is the Chief." "Good," the latter simply answered. Five minutes later, the Sachem indeed reached the spot where the adventurers were assembled. His first glance fell on the Apache, standing upright with folded arms in the circle formed by the hunters. "What is Blue-fox doing here?" he asked in surprise. "The Chief can ask the Pale warriors, they will answer," said the Apache. Black-deer turned to Loyal Heart; the latter, not waiting till he was addressed, related in the fullest detail what had occurred; how he had captured the Chief, and the conversation he had had with him: Black-deer seemed to reflect for a moment-- "Why did not my brother show the sign of recognition I gave him?" he asked. "For what good, as my brother was coming?" The Comanche frowned. "My brother will be careful to remember that he has passed his word, and the mere appearance of treachery will cost his son's life." A shudder passed over the Indian's body, although his features lost none of their marble-like rigidity. "Blue-fox has sworn on his totem," he replied; "that oath is sacred, and he will keep it." "Ocht! My brother is free, he can start without farther delay." "I must find my horse again which has escaped." "Does my brother take us for children, that he says such things to us?" Black-deer replied angrily. "The horse of an Indian Chief never abandons its master; let him whistle, and it will come up." Blue-fox made no reply; his black eye shot forth a flash of fury, but that was all; he bent forward, seemed to be listening for a few moments, and then gave a shrill whistle, almost immediately after which there was a rustling in the branches, and the Chief's horse laid its fine and intelligent head on its master's shoulder. The latter patted the noble animal, leaped on its back, and digging in his spurs, started at full speed without taking further leave of the hunters, who were quite startled by this hurried departure. John Davis, by an instinctive movement swift as thought, raised his rifle, with the evident intention of saluting the fugitive with a bullet, but Black-deer suddenly clutched his arm. "My brother must not fire," he said; "the sound would betray our presence." "That is true," the American said, as he took down his gun. "It is unlucky, for I should have been very glad to get rid of that ill-favoured scoundrel." "My brother will find him again," said the Indian with an accent impossible to describe. "I hope so, and if it should happen, I assure you that no one will be able to prevent me killing that reptile." "No one will try to do so, my brother may rest assured." "Nothing less than that certainly was needed to console me for the magnificent opportunity you make me lose today, Chief." The Indian laughed, and continued--