"They are only seeking to gain time, in order to execute one of their devilries."
"What is the sum of their demands?"
"Their pretensions are absurd, and they know it; for they sneered when they laid them before me. They pretend that the sachem who ceded the territory to the Spaniards, two hundred years ago, had no right to sell it. They demand that we should surrender it to them in twenty-four hours; if not—then follow the usual threats. Ah!" said the major, with an ironical smile, "I forgot to tell you, colonel, that they pretend to be ready to restore everything the sachem received for the land he sold. That is all I am commissioned to report."
The colonel shrugged his shoulders in disdain.
"The demons are mad," said he, "or else they are trying to lull us into security, so as to surprise us the more easily."
"What do you think of doing?" asked the major.
"Redouble my vigilance, my good friend; for I have no doubt we shall soon come to blows with them again. I am specially uneasy about the old presidio."
"You go back to the fort; I will take the command of the advanced post. It is most important, in case of a check, that our communication should not be cut off, and that we may be able to retreat into the place without too great loss."
"I will leave you at liberty to act, my dear major; I am sure you will do your best."
The two veterans separated, after shaking hands warmly. The colonel returned to the fort, while the major actively bestirred himself to put the post confided to him in safety against a surprise.