"We have been exploring," said the elder Floyd.
"See any Injin signs?" asked Seth.
"A great many," replied the old man. "What of that? The Indians are friendly now."
"Glad to hear it, 'cause I didn't know it. So this man Willimack lost his way?"
"Yes."
"Youngster," said the Yankee, leaping off the barrel, "you come here a minnit. I want tew speak with yew."
Young Floyd went with the Yankee aside, followed by the suspicious glances of the savage, who would have gone aside with them, but Floyd signed to him sternly to keep back, and he obeyed, chafing inwardly.
"Look here," said Spink, when they were out of ear-shot. "They say we Yankees are a little gumptious, an' I guess we be, but, it don't need much smartness tew see threw his gilding. That Injin is a Wyandot, and knows every foot of the soil along the Wabash, and yit he loses his way! Now, does that sound nat'ral? I only ask yew fair."
"It does look strange."
"Then put up yure gate. I won't tell yew why, but it'll be better for yew. Now I'll tell yew how tew prove Willimack, cuss him! Go out an' offer tew put up the gates, and yew see ef he don't huff and want tew hurry away."