When Etzeeah caught sight of the little tents through the trees, he pulled up his horse. Extending a trembling forefinger, he asked hoarsely:
"Ascota, is he there?"
"Yes," said Jack. "He can't hurt you. He's tied up."
Etzeeah slipped from his horse. "I wait here," he said. "I not go where he is."
"Are you afraid?" asked Jack with curling lip.
Etzeeah had turned pale; his eyes darted from side to side, and he moistened his lips. "I am afraid," he muttered doggedly. "He is more than a man. He has made the beasts speak to me; the porcupine, the bear, the beaver, each after his own nature. He has made men mad before my eyes, and brought their senses back when it pleased him. He mastered the white man, and made him kneel before him, and bring him his food. This I saw. The like was never known before. Who would not be afraid? What if he is tied? He will wither me with his eyes!"
Jack and Mary looked at each other in perplexity.
"Blindfold Jean Paul," Mary suggested.
"Good," said Jack with clearing brow. "Watch him," he added in English, "and come over when I wave my hand."
Jack led his horse across the brook. Here another evidence of Jean Paul Ascota's evil power awaited him. Davy at sight of Jack sprang up with an odd, low cry, and came running to meet him, running waveringly as if his knees were sinking under him. He cast himself on Jack, trembling like aspen leaves.