Tranquil could not understand the conduct of the Chief; it seemed to him extraordinary that this man had thus become a friend of the Americans. Several times he asked him explanations on this head, but Monkey-face had always answered in an ambiguous way, or evaded his questions.
Tranquil, whose suspicions daily grew, and who was determined to know positively what opinion to have of a man whose manoeuvres appeared to him daily more suspicious, succeeded in getting himself chosen with Black-deer, by the Great Council of the Nation, to bear the declaration of war to Captain Watt.
Monkey-face was vexed at the choice of the envoys whom he knew to be secretly his enemies; but he concealed his resentment; the more so, because matters were too far advanced to withdraw, and everything was in readiness for the expedition.
Tranquil and Black-deer consequently set out with orders to declare war on the Palefaces.
"If I am not greatly mistaken," the Canadian said to his friend as they rode along, "we are going to hear something about Monkey-face."
"Do you think so?"
"I would wager it. I am convinced the scamp is playing a double game, and cheats us all to his own profit."
"I have no great confidence in him, still I cannot believe that he could carry his effrontery so far."
"We shall soon see what we have to depend on; at any rate, though, promise me one thing."
"What is it?"