Henry knew full well that the rascally French trader could be in that vicinity for no good purpose. The enmity between Jean Bevoir and the Morrises was of too long standing to admit of any other conclusion.
He could not hear what was being said, but from the appearance of things saw that the Frenchman and his companions were on good terms with the red men who had attacked the trading-post. An animated discussion was going on, in which Jean Bevoir and Black Ear were taking the principal parts.
"I'll wager they are plotting to make another attack," said the youth to himself.
As well as he was able he counted the force now at hand. He had scarcely finished when, to his dismay, he saw another band of red men, nine or ten in number, approaching. They were greeted by Black Ear in a kindly fashion and then introduced to Jean Bevoir. The newcomers were all armed with rifles—weapons which some of the Indians who had participated in the first attack did not possess.
A few of the Indians were now moving directly beneath the hollow tree, and, for fear of being discovered, Henry slid to the bottom and entered the tunnel once more. He had to work his way to the post backward and this took considerable time.
"I am glad you are back," said his uncle. "I was afraid they might see you."
"You'd never guess who is out there with those redskins," returned Henry. "Jean Bevoir and two other Frenchmen, with some more Indians."
"Jean Bevoir!" ejaculated James Morris. "You are certain of this?"
"Yes, Uncle Jim, I saw him as plain as day."
"Will that rascal never get done molesting me?" muttered the trader. "You say he had two other Frenchmen with him?"