[CHAPTER XII.]
HOW THE THREE TRAVELLERS WENT TO GEORGE CLINTON'S.
This terrible revelation fell like a thunderclap upon the four personages who sat at table. There was for some minutes a silence caused by perfect stupor.
"You are indeed a sinister messenger, chief," said the old man, bitterly; "whence do you get this news?"
"Perhaps you are mistaken," gasped the father.
"Listen," said the chief, sadly, "and you shall hear what has passed in a few words."
"First sit down and break bread," cried the old man; "we are friends and relatives, and this awful catastrophe affects you as well as us."
"You say truly," responded the young chief, seating himself.
"Eat and drink," said the old man; "then we will talk."