"There's no telling what them Senecas won't do, Squire, when they're angry; but I rather reckon they will, if they know you've got him here."
"What would you advise me to do, Guthrie? You understand the ways of this nation pretty well."
"As for understanding the ways of the Senecas, in particular Squire," answered Guthrie somewhat hastily, "I can't say that I do; but a man can't live in the woods as long as I have, without knowing something about the Injins in general: but as for what you'd better do, I ra'ally can't say. But the way it looks to me is, that if you want your buildings burnt down, and may be yourself and family taken prisoners, you'll keep him; but if you don't, you'll send him away. But it arn't for me to say."
"Now, Guthrie," said Barton, with the appearance of doubt. "I'll put it to you as a question of honor, under all the difficulties you mention: this Tuscarora saved my daughter's life, yesterday; now, can I, as an honorable man, surrender him to his enemies?"
"Well Squire, that is a pretty tight spot, that's sartin," said Guthrie. "But you see, if he did save Miss Barton's life yesterday, it is no reason why he should put it in danger to-day; and yours and your guests besides."
"Why, Guthrie, you talk as if I couldn't defend myself here, if I really tried. You seem to take it for granted, that if we are attacked, they must conquer. I am not so certain of that."
"I know," said Guthrie, "you've got a pretty tolerably strong fix of a place here; but I do reckon you couldn't hold out much of a siege. I've seen stronger places taken by fewer Indians, in my day."
"Why, how many Senecas do you think there are, Guthrie?" asked Barton.
"Well, I ra'ally don't know; but I should think I'd seen pretty nigh a hundred on 'em."
Barton smiled. The object of Guthrie was now perfectly evident. For some reason, he had endeavored to induce Barton to surrender the Tuscarora, and had thus magnified the force of the enemy, and cast doubt upon the ability of Barton to maintain the defence of his dwelling.