“What news?” she asked.
“A party of our foes are encamped within a few hours’ march,” he answered; “they will remain there until to-morrow as they have heard that warriors from several of the Six Nations have joined our braves.”
“Are they waiting for more men?” she asked.
“They have sent back for them.”
“And when they arrive they mean to march on to our village?”
“So the scouts have learned.”
Her face lighted up; she smiled and appeared gratified.
“They shall be spared the trouble,” she said.
“What does the queen desire?” asked Gi-en-gwa-tah. “It is her first trial upon the war-path; let her tell the chief her pleasure.”
“Let the warriors rest here till the dark comes,” she replied; “then we will march upon the encampment. Not a man must escape. When the reinforcements arrive Mahaska and her braves will be ready to receive them.”