"I bring news of importance. The Wyandots have in their village the son of
James Morris, he who has settled upon the Ohio."
"A prisoner, or to trade?"
"A prisoner. Where he was captured they will not tell, but Flat Nose thinks it must have been miles from here."
"Was Pontiac of the Ottawas at the village?" asked the other Indian.
"He was looked for by sunset. That is why I have hurried to see Jean Bevoir and his men. They may wish to question the Wyandots and Pontiac concerning young Morris."
"And what about word to fall upon the whites and slay them?"
"The time is not yet ripe, such was the word given to me by
Foot-in-His-Mouth. Many of the Indians are not yet ready for the war."
"Bah! we shall never be ready!" cried the other red man in disgust, and turned away.
For the rest of the day Flat Nose waited impatiently for the coming of Bevoir and Jacques Valette. When at last he saw them approaching he ran to meet them.
As best he could he related what he had seen and heard at the Indian village. Jacques Valette listened in moody silence, but ere Flat Nose had finished a crafty look came into Jean Bevoir's face.