“I have had no opportunity of speaking with you until to-night,” Mahaska was saying in French.
“You have ridden fast, day and night,” he returned; “I had difficulty in keeping in advance of you, but this was our last meeting-place, so I thought I should meet you here.”
“Do you know who is with me?” she asked.
“A prisoner I could see, but nothing more.”
She laughed.
“A prisoner, indeed! Go back to the English General and tell him queen Mahaska has indeed shaken off all faith with the French: she carries with her the wife of the Governor of Canada!”
The spy gave a start of mingled fear and astonishment her reckless daring.
“The French will be mad!” he exclaimed.
“Ay, ay!” she said. “But let them come! I am ready to meet them.”
“Do you mean to demand a heavy ransom?” he asked.