Two men landed.
Numank-Charake had been right. These two men were indeed the father and grandfather of the young hunter. They were coming to the encampment.
The five adventurers all leaped up, and eagerly rushed to meet the two old men.
After the first compliments had passed and welcomes had been exchanged with effusion between the newcomers and their friends, the Canadians seated themselves by the fire, and, upon the invitation given, ate some mouthfuls of fresh-cooked venison and drank some brandy.
"We have been to see our relative, Lagrenay, the squatter of the Wind River," said the old man. "It appears he had received a very pressing message from Tom Mitchell, the outlaw."
"Yes," said Bright-eye, "we were there when it was delivered. We know all about it. But, as far as I am concerned, I am afraid—"
"Of what are you afraid, my son?" asked François Berger, in a rather imperious tone of voice.
"That all this pretended facility and frankness on the part of the pirate chief hides a snare."
The two old hunters exchanged a smile.
"Child, you are very much mistaken," said the grandfather. "Tom Mitchell means exactly what he says. He has no intention, no motive for laying any unworthy trap."