In a few minutes there came a soft tap on Sevier’s door and a house-servant entered and informed—
“My master asks Mr. Sevier to join him at the table.”
Sevier made ready to follow and noted that the servant was curiously studying the knives on the wall.
“Only the four are missing,” laughed the borderer, suspecting the man was under orders to make sure the “guest” had not secreted a blade on his person. “I am unarmed. Lead the way.”
With a deep bow the servant did so, and Sevier soon stood in a pleasant side room. McGillivray was at the window. A table was set for two. The emperor haughtily returned the borderer’s greeting and motioned for him to be seated.
After the servant had served them and had withdrawn Sevier blandly asked—
“How goes the chase?”
“You should know. You were at the window when I talked with the Indians and with Polcher,” was the cold reply.
“Jackson is a brave fellow. He deserves to escape,” Sevier stoutly maintained.
“My four knives helped him,” McGillivray grimly reminded, his gaze becoming baleful.