The large eyes of the Dutchman grew larger as he proceeded. "Vot makes you falls on mine head, eh?"
"I's up in de tree a-takin' ob obserwashuns, when jis' as you got down hyar, de limb broke, and down I comes. Much obleege fur yer bein' so kind fur to stand under and breaks my fall."
"And breaks mine own neck, too, eh?"
"Who might be you wid your big bread-basket?" inquired Cato, still lying upon his back and kicking up his heels.
"Me? I's Hans Vanderbum, dat pelongs to Keewaygooshturkumkankangewock."
Cato grew sober in an instant. He had heard Lieutenant Canfield mention this man's name in conversation with the Huron, and suspected at once that he was to perform a part in the day's work.
"You're Hans Vanderbum, eh? I've heerd Massa Canfield and Mister Oonymoo speak of you."
"Yaw, I'm him. Where am dey?"
"Ain't fur off. I lef 'em sleepin'; and come out for to see whedder dar war any Injines crawlin' round in de woods, and I didn't see none but you, and you ain't an Injine."
The appointed hour for the meeting between Hans Vanderbum and Oonomoo having arrived, the Dutchman added: