"Why talk thus in the open country, instead of going to your house, where we should be much more comfortable?"
Red Cedar shook his head in denial.
"No," he said; "the open is better for what we have to talk about. Here we need not fear listeners at out doors."
"That is true. Well, go on; I am listening."
"Hum! You insist upon my commanding the expedition you project?"
"Of course. I have known you a long time. I am aware that you are a sure man, perfectly versed in Indian signs; for, if I am not mistaken, the greater part of your life has been spent among them."
"Do not speak about what I have done? The question now concerns you, and not me."
"How so?"
"Good, good! Let me speak. You need me, so it is to my interest to make you pay as dearly as I can for me."
"Eh?" the monk muttered, as he made a grimace. "I am not rich, gossip, as you are aware."