The latter bowed without further reply, and walked at his side.
They reached the tower without exchanging a syllable.
The Captain introduced them into the keeper's room, where Mrs. Watt was alone, a prey to the most lively anxiety.
By a sign her husband ordered her to retire. She gave him a suppliant glance, which he understood, for he did not insist, and she remained silent in her chair.
Tranquil had the same calm and open countenance as of yore. Nothing in his manner seemed to evidence that he had any hostile intentions towards the colonists.
Black-deer, on the contrary, was gloomy and stern. The Captain offered his guests seats by the fire.
"Be seated, gentlemen," he said. "You must feel the need of warmth. Have you come to me as friends or foes?"
"It is more easy to ask that question than answer it," the hunter said, honestly; "up to the present our intentions are kindly; you will decide yourself, Captain, as to the terms on which we shall leave you."
"In any case, you will not refuse some slight refreshment?"
"For the present, I must ask you to excuse us," Tranquil replied, who appeared to be spokesman for himself and friend; "it is better, I think, to settle at once the point that brings us here."