“The desire to see Mahaska once more,” he answered.
She smiled, then darted a stern glance at him.
“You are an English spy,” she said; “the Indians are friendly with the French; have you come to carry back information concerning their movements?”
“No, lady; the Virgin is my witness, no.”
“If you were discovered and recognized they would put you to death.”
“But the queen would protect me; you would not let them harm poor Rene,” he said, humbly.
“Why should I interfere? What interest can I have in your life?”
“Because I have endangered it in seeking you,” he replied; “you would not allow an humble messenger to be molested.”
“You were seeking me?” she repeated.
He made a gesture of assent.