I prayed that the matador had met with a similar interruption! I could
not tell--those profuse clusters covered all--neck, bosom, and
shoulders--all were hidden under the dark dishevelment. I could not
tell, but I did not dare to hope. Cyprio had seen the blood!

It was but a momentary glance, and her face was again turned away.

At intervals she repeated it, and I saw that she looked in other
directions. I could note the uneasiness of her manner; I could tell why
those glances were given; I knew her design. O for one word in her
hearing--one whisper!

It might not be; she was too closely watched. Jealous eyes were upon
her; savage hearts were gloating over her beauty. No word could have
reached her, that would not have been heard by others--by all around the
fire--for the silence was profound. The "council" had not yet essayed
to speak.

The stillness was at length broken by the voice of a crier, who in a
shrill tone proclaimed that the "council was in session."

There was something so ceremonious in the whole proceedings, and every
movement was made with such regularity, that but for the open air, the
fire, the wild savage costumes, and fierce painted faces, I might have
fancied myself in the presence of a civilised court, and witnessing a
trial by jury! It was in effect just such a trial, though judge there
was none. The members of the jury were themselves the judges--for in
the simplicity of such primitive litigation, each was presumed to
understand the law without an interpreter.

Pleaders, too, were equally absent; each party--plaintiff and
defendant--was expected to plead his own case. Such is the simple
fashion in the high court of the prairies--a fashion which might
elsewhere be adopted with advantage.

The name of "Hissoo-royo" pealed upon the air. The crier was calling
him into court--another parallel with the customs of civilisation!

Three times the name was pronounced, at each repetition in louder voice
than before.

The man might have spared his breath; he who was summoned was upon the
spot, and ready to answer.

Before the echo died away, the renegade uttered a response; and,
stepping to an open space within the ring, halted, drew himself up to
his full height, folded his arms, and in this attitude stood waiting.

At that crisis the thought occurred to me, whether I should rash
forward, and at once decide the fate of myself and my betrothed. The
seated warriors appeared to be al