"Oh, Oh! My father is quick for his age. Tell me what brings you here."
The Ulmens exchanged a glance, and a few whispered words. At length Churlakin continued—
"Has my father seen the great army of the Aucas?" he said.
"Yes," the major replied carelessly.
"And has my father, who is a white man and has great learning, counted the warriors?"
"Yes."
"Ah! And how many are they, according to his calculation?"
"Their number is but of slight consequence to us."
"Still," the Indian pressed, "does my father know how many they may be?"
"Two hundred thousand at the most."