"O nothing in particular, Squire; but I thought I'd come up and tell you that there's a large lot of Injins round."
"I suppose there is nothing very singular in that," answered Barton, "so long as this may be considered Indian territory, as yet."
Now, Barton had always looked upon Guthrie with a feeling of distrust; and for this reason he thought it best to appear ignorant of facts he well knew, as by so doing, he might better ascertain the true object of his visit.
He therefore continued: "I am a kind of tenant at sufferance of the Oneidas here, myself; and I certainly cannot object to their visiting their own territory."
"But these Injins arn't Oneidas, Squire. If I know one Maqua from another, they're Senecas," said Guthrie.
"Senecas!" exclaimed Barton, with the appearance of surprise, "what business have the Senecas here, I should like to know?"
"I ra'ally can't tell, Squire, what kind of business they did come on out here; but they've got into a raging passion since they've been here, and I am ra'ally afeard of trouble."
"They have had no occasion, certainly, for anger with me or mine, and I cannot suppose that they intend me any injury."
"Well, the truth is, Squire, they say that this Injin you've got here," pointing to the Tuscarora, "has got the scalp of one of their young men; and they declare they'll take him, any way; if they can't by fair means, they will by foul."
"You do not think they would dare to attack the cottage for the purpose of capturing him?" said Barton.