"That of being agreeable to you in the first place," Belhumeur replied politely, "and next, the desire to save the scalps of the poor wretches menaced by those infernal redskins."
"In that case I heartily accept your offer."
"Be good enough, then, to follow us to our camping ground, that we may discuss the plan of the campaign."
So soon as Cucharés noticed that the men who presented themselves so strangely were really friends, he returned his knife to his boot, and went in search of the horses, which had been left a short distance off. He arrived at this moment, leading the two horses, and the five men proceeded together to the camping ground.
"Take care," Belhumeur said to Don Martial; "you have made yourself an implacable enemy this night. If you do not make haste to kill him, one day or another the Black Bear will kill you. The Apaches never pardon an insult."
"I know it; so I shall take my precautions, you may be sure."
"That is your concern. Perhaps it would have been better to get rid of him, at the risk of what might have happened afterwards."
"How could I imagine I had friends so near me? Oh, had I but known it!"
"Well, it is of no use crying over spilt milk."
"Do you believe that he will keep scrupulously the conditions he accepted?"
"You do not know the Black Bear; he is a man of noble sentiments and has a way of his own for understanding points of honour. You saw that during your entire discussion he disdained to play any trickery: his words were always frank."
"Be certain, therefore, that he will keep his promise."
The conversation was interrupted. Don Martial had suddenly become pensive. The Apache's menaces gave him a good deal to think about. The camp was reached, and Eagle-head immediately set to work rekindling the fire.
"What are you about?" Belhumeur observed to him. "You will reveal our presence."
"No," the Indian said, shaking his head. "The Black Bear has retired with his warriors: they are far away at present; so we need not take useless precautions."
The fire soon cracked again. The five men crouched round it joyfully, lit their pipes and began smoking.
"I don't care," the Canadian presently said. "Had it not been for the extraordinary coolness you displayed I do not know how you would have escaped."