Nothing was omitted to give éclat to such a reception. The most renowned of the sachems, with the three Canadians, Bright-eye, and Oliver, advanced to meet them, and give them a most cordial and sincere welcome.
Captain Pierre Durand, who had given up his disguise, kept a little in the background.
Having exchanged compliments, Tom ordered his men to camp outside, and entered the village with the others.
As soon as all were collected in the hut of the Canadians, Tom Mitchell closed the door carefully.
"Gentlemen," he said, in a low and solemn tone, "I owe you no explanation for coming, but for coming in such force."
"You owe no explanation. You are welcome."
"Listen. Not a moment is to be lost. Spies are on all hands. You are surrounded by treachery and traitors. You are all to be made the victims of an execrable plot concocted by two wretches, Lagrenay and Tubash-Shah."
All were stupefied. While the other spoke, Pierre Durand slipped into Bright-eye's own room to rest.
"Yes. Tubash-Shah hates Numank; but that is not all. He loves your gentle daughter, Evening Dew."
"Horrible!" cried the old man.