The chief now advanced straight to the Irishman and addressed him.
“Glad see you—me Wahlangson.”
“Mighty glad to see you,” responded Teddy, grasping his hand, and identifying him the moment he heard his name pronounced.
“Brave man,” added the chief admiringly. “Like much.”
Teddy understood Indian ways well enough to understand what all this was tending to. He felt that his case was safe and he did not hesitate to manifest a little of his joviality.
“Would yes like a thrial? If ye does, jist say the word, and I’ll do my best to accommodate yes.”
The Indian did not understand the precise meaning of this, at any rate he concluded to take no offence at it.
“Fight for Wahlangson?”
“That depends on circumstances, as the cobbler—”
An exclamation from one of the warriors arrested their attention. The chief turned his head, and his immobile countenance for once betrayed signs of emotion. The whole party manifested excitement, and it was not long before Teddy understood that a hostile party of Indians had appeared, and a conflict was inevitable.