He knew that he might without difficulty overtake and fling his noose over some of the "fags" of the herd; but to capture the leader was quite another thing--a feat _never accomplished upon the prairies_, even by the Indians themselves.

He had often heard this, nevertheless, he was determined to try.

He had great confidence in the speed and bottom of Black Hawk.
He communicated his determination to his brothers, in a whisper--lest he might frighten the mustangs, now circling very near.

Lucien tried to dissuade him, offering as a reason, that it would lead them from their course, and might separate them from each other.
"No," said Basil.

"Go on to the butte, you and Francois.