CHAPTER XXV
TAKEN AS A SPY
The Frenchmen now began an earnest conversation in their native tongue, and they spoke so rapidly that Henry could understand little of what was being said. But he knew that they were talking about him, and more than once he heard his own name and that of Dave, and of his Uncle James mentioned, and once he heard them mention the trading-post on the Kinotah.
“Jean Bevoir is going to square accounts if he possibly can,” thought the young captive dismally. “He is going to make me suffer for all his troubles. How General Johnson could let such a rascal go is more than I can understand.”
At length the Frenchmen turned to prepare themselves something to eat, and one went out to care for the horses, which were stabled in a lean-to of the farmhouse. Then Henry’s bonds were examined and an additional strap passed over his lower limbs, after which the bench was let down, that he might lie at full length.
“Now, if you can sleep, you sleep,” said Bevoir roughly. “But do not try to get away, or ze bullet from a pistol shall find you verra soon.”
The Frenchmen laid down after this, and once again the farmhouse became quiet. Henry tried several times to free himself, but found the task impossible. At last worn out by the struggle, he too, passed into the land of dreams.
When the captive was released at daybreak he found himself so cramped that he could scarcely stand. His hands were now untied that he might eat the little breakfast allotted to him, and were then refastened in front of him.
Soon after this the farmhouse was left behind, and the whole party started down the river road single file, Henry taking turns in riding with each of the others. It was still cold and clear, and traveling was by no means easy. Yet the horses were of large build and covered many miles before being halted for midday lunch.
It was nightfall when the camp of a French outpost was discovered, quarter of a mile back from the St. Lawrence, and close to a settlement named Girot, since entirely abandoned. Here some fur traders, well known to Jean Bevoir, had erected something of a fort and stockade, and the French soldiers had taken possession.