But here was no one save his "mother", as Benee lovingly called her.
A great fear took possession of his mind. Could it be that his father himself was dead, and that Weenah was captive?
His lips and voice almost refused to formulate the question nearest to his heart.
But his mother's smile reassured him. Weenah was safe, and at the court of the queen, and Shooks-gee himself was there. So Benee grew hopeful once more.
But his task would be by no means an easy one.
First and foremost he must establish communication between the captive girl and himself. How could this be done?
Had Shooks-gee been at home it might have been managed simply enough. But he himself dared not appear anywhere in sight of the savages.
He felt almost baffled, but at last his mother came to his rescue.
The risk would be extreme. These cannibal savages are as suspicious of strangers as they are fierce and bloodthirsty, and if this poor, kindly-hearted woman was taken for a spy her doom would be sealed.
But see the young queen she must, or little Weenah, her daughter; for great though Benee's abilities were, he did not possess the accomplishment of writing.