"Well, of that we will say no more," I said. "I find it unpleasant to hear you talk of her."
He frowned, but made no reply.
"You consider us as hostages, then?" I continued.
"Yes. I might as well admit to you that I am surrounded here. The Iroquois have sent out the largest war-party ever I saw."
"You are helpless, but you attempt to impose terms," I said.
"Pardon me, sir; I am not helpless," he objected. "If the worst comes to the worst I shall give intelligence to my opponents of my intent to blow up my house and my hostages and undertake to fight a way through the Iroquois. Better a death in such fashion than captivity and disgrace, let alone the torture-stake."
I considered this, and gauged him as capable of doing all that he said.
"Yes," I assented finally; "being what you are, you have advantages on your side. What are your terms?"
"A safe-conduct for me and my people to Canada."
"So that you may restore your trade again?"