"If that is the case, the most likely ones to suffer will be yours and ours."
Jack nodded his head.
"It is a queer kind of gratitude that Hua-awa-oma has for you if he burns down your home, and kills your father and mother. I don't expect mercy for any of us, for he wouldn't have let us go except for you."
"What I mean is this," explained Jack: "I have heard Simon Kenton speak of Hua-awa-oma as one of the worst Indians in Kentucky. We know that he has twenty warriors at least with him, and, as I said, they are not likely to go home without striking a blow. Hua-awa-oma himself will not harm any of my folk."
"But he may claim that he didn't know they were yours."
"He can't do that, for he already knows it; but he may let another party go down there while he and the rest attack your home."
The brothers could not help feeling thankful to the Wyandot leader for sparing their lives, but their respect for him was much lessened by the opinion that Jack expressed. However, the danger startled Will and George, and drove away all wish on their part to continue their hunting jaunt. There would be plenty of time in the future in which to resume their sport in the woods.
"We mustn't wait on the road," said Will, gravely; "let us hurry."
Something cold struck the hand of George. He glanced downward, and saw that it was a snow-flake.
"A snow-storm is coming, sure," said Jack, "and if we don't hasten we shall lose our way."