He turned away towards where the Chief and Feerda, already on horseback, were waiting for him. Quest leaned towards the Professor.
“Why not tackle the Chief yourself?” he suggested. “Here he comes now. Craig may be speaking the truth, but, on the other hand, it’s all to his interests to keep us away from the soldiers.”
The Professor rose at once to his feet and stepped out to where the Chief was giving orders.
“Chief,” he said, “my friends desire me to speak with you. We are worn out with our adventures. The young ladies who are with us are unused to and ill-prepared for this hard life. We beg that you will allow us to remain here and await the arrival of the English soldiers.”
The Chief turned his head. There was little friendliness in his tone.
“Wise man,” he replied, “I have sent you my bidding by him who is our honoured guest. I tell you frankly that I am not satisfied with the explanations I have received of your presence here.”
Feerda leaned forward, her beautiful eyes flashing in the dim light.
“Ah! but I know,” she cried, “they would bring harm to the master. I can read it in their hearts as I have heard it from their own lips.”
“What my daughter says is truth,” the Chief declared. “Back, wise man, and tell your friends that you ride with us to-night, either as guests or captives. You may take your choice.”
The Professor returned to where the others were eagerly awaiting him.