Will followed her glance, which rested upon the person of Hulet. For the first time he noticed the latter had kept as much as possible in the background when the Indian girl came. Hulet had advanced a little nearer to the rest, who had apparently noticed his conduct.
“That?” said Revel. “He’s a scout like the rest of us. Does Moorooine know ’im?”
“Most do,” she answered, in a whisper, keeping her eyes toward him. “You know ’im long?”
“Only a few days. Why do you ask?”
“Sure now,” she whispered. “Have seen ’im ’round fort with Injuns. Watch ’im sharp. He’s no good white man. He carries two tongues an’ will betray you an’ me too if can.”
“What did they call ’im?” inquired Revel, excitedly.
“Sly Hate. Take care him. Mus’ go. You know cry of night-hawk? One, tell you ‘look out;’ two will mean, ‘come.’” The girl turned and disappeared through the bushes toward the lake.
Will stood a few moments in deep surprise. “Sly Hate,” he muttered. “The one that was cashiered for cowardice a year ago at Montreal, and then j’ined the Injuns. An’ he’s here ter lead us into a trap. By the great livin’, he shain’t play the game no further!”
He stalked through the bushes and approached the group of rangers. He kept his head down so that Hulet might not suspect his designs till the last moment. But when he came near the men, he raised his eyes and saw that Hulet was not present. The rest were watching his own strange approach curiously.
“Phat’s come across yees?” exclaimed the Irishman.