"Some one was to meet me here," said Garth confidently.
An expression of genuine concern appeared under Ancose Mackey's solemn mugging. "You Garth Pevensey?" he asked.
Garth nodded.
Ancose's English was not equal to the situation. He turned quickly to Pake, squatting in the doorway, and exploded in Cree. Pake answered in kind. It takes a roundabout course to say anything of an abstract nature in Cree. Finally Garth heard the ominous name of Mary Co-que-wasa enter into their discourse.
"What is it?" he demanded impatiently.
Ancose turned a long face to him. "Bad medicine here," he said. "Bishop send ol' Pierre Toma down from head of rapids with him team to get you," he went on, struggling manfully with his English. "Ol' Pierre stay to me three days of waiting. Las' night come boy up big river in canoe. Boy say to ol' Pierre, Cap'n Jack stuck at Caliper Island. Boy say, Cap'n Jack want tell to Bishop, Garth Pevensey no can come. Garth Pevensey him gone back outside."
Garth and Natalie looked at each other in dismay.
"Mary Co-que-wasa do this," added Ancose. "Him no speak never true."
"Of course!" said Natalie. "She knew they wouldn't believe her, so she sent the boy up, while she waited below."
"Where's the boy?" Garth demanded.