"
The Professor rose at once to his feet and stepped out to where the Chief
was giving orders.
"Chief," he said, "my friends desire me to speak with you. We are worn out
with our adventures. The young ladies who are with us are unused to and
ill-prepared for this hard life. We beg that you will allow us to remain
here and await the arrival of the English soldiers."
The Chief turned his head. There was little friendliness in his tone.
"Wise man," he replied, "I have sent you my bidding by him who is our
honoured guest. I tell you frankly that I am not satisfied with the
explanations I have received of your presence here."
Feerda leaned forward, her beautiful eyes flashing in the dim light.
"Ah! but I know," she cried, "they would bring harm to the master. I can
read it in their hearts as I have heard it from their own lips."
"What my daughter says is truth," the Chief declared. "Back, wise man, and
tell your friends that you ride with us to-night, either as guests or
captives. You may take your choice."
The Professor returned to where the others were eagerly awaiting him.
"It is useless," he announced. "The girl, who is clearly enamoured of
Craig, suspects us. So does the Chief. Perhaps, secretly, Craig himself is
unwilling to leave us here. The Chief never changes his mind and he has
spoken. We go either as his captives or his guests. I have heard it said,"
the Professor added grimly, "that the Mongars never keep captives longer
than twenty-four hours.
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