The greatest silence prevailed in the village; the songs and laughter had gradually died out; the Indians were asleep or appeared to be so. Doña Garillas had made in the corner of the room a bed of furs, which would seem delicious to a man accustomed, during the course of his adventurous life, to sleep most nights on the bare ground, and she was about to invite the hunter to rest his weary limbs, when the dogs raised their heads sharply and began growling; at the same instant, two slight taps were given on the door of the rancho. "Tis a friend," Loyal Heart said; "open, no Eusebio." The old servant obeyed, and an Indian stalked in; it was Black-deer. The Chiefs face was gloomy; he bowed slightly to the company, and, without saying a syllable, sat down on an equipal placed for him near the brasero. The hunters were too conversant with the Indian character to question the Chief, so long as he was pleased to keep silence. Tranquil, however, drew his pipe from his lips, and handed it to Black-deer, who began smoking, after thanking him with one of those emphatic gestures usual with the Redskins. There was a long silence, but at last the Chief raised his head. "The Chiefs have left the Council lodge," he said. "Ah!" Loyal Heart replied, for the sake of saying something. "No determination was formed, no answer given the Envoy?" "The Sachems are prudent, they wished to reflect." The Sachem nodded in affirmation, "Does my brother Loyal Heart wish to learn what happened at the Council after his departure?" he asked. "My brother is thoughtful, his heart is sad; let him speak, the ears of a friend are open." "The Chief will eat first," Doña Garillas remarked, "he remained late at the Council; the squaws have not prepared his evening meal." "My mother is good," he replied with a smile, "Black-deer will eat; he is here in the wigwam of the brother of his heart: the warriors have exchanged horses and weapons." Who taught the Indians this affecting custom, which makes them select a friend, with whom they exchange arms and horses, and who, from that moment, is dearer to them than if blood ties attached them? Black-deer and Loyal Heart had really made the exchange referred to by the Sachem. "My mother will retire to sleep," said Loyal Heart. "I will wait on my brother." "Be it so," the Redskin answered; "my mother needs rest--the night is advanced." Doña Garillas understood that the three men had to talk about secret affairs, so, after bidding her guests good-night, she withdrew without offering any objection. As for No Eusebio, considering his presence unnecessary, he went to bed after the Indian's arrival, that is to say, lay down on a hammock, suspended in the porch of the house, with the two rastreros at his feet, so that no one could enter or leave the house without awakening him. After hurriedly eating a few mouthfuls, rather through politeness than want, Black-deer spoke again.