"But why wait so long? Tonda cannot stay."
"Is Tonda afraid of the Hishus? Does he fear their fangs?"
"No, no; Tonda knows not fear. But the Big Lakes are waiting."
"Let them wait," answered the woman. "What does Tonda know about the Hishus? What has he learned to-night? Nothing. Two sleeps and Nadu will be here. She knows much."
"And the canoe?" breathed the warrior.
"Let Tonda wait, and he shall have the canoe. He shall have it to-night."
For a few minutes the two men moved aside and conversed with each other in low tones. At length Tonda turned toward the woman.
"The Big Lake warriors will trust Nadu," he said. "Let her show them the canoe, and after two sleeps they will be here."
"Tonda speaks well" was the reply. "Nadu is pleased. She will find the canoe. Come."