“You’re an honorable, upright gentleman, Ross Douglas; you keep your word, even when the breaking of it would give you the liberty you covet. I would set you free—but no! You must not—you shall not leave the place, until I am ready for you to do so. I’m off now. Good-by.”
Silently the two men shook hands and parted. Both were strangely moved.
A few minutes later Bradford was saying to a stalwart Shawnee brave—one of the few remaining at the Mississinewa village:
“Long Gun, you are not to join any of the expeditions against the Americans. Select a score of your most trusty warriors, and remain here to protect La Violette and guard Fleet Foot. This evening when the young paleface retires to rest, slip into the hut and disarm him. Do not lose sight of him at any time—and guard him well each night. Remember that he is fleet of foot, brave, and strong. Under no circumstances is he to be ill-treated or injured. Keep him safe until my return, and you shall have fifty pounds in gold. Here is ten pounds to bind the bargain. Can I depend on you?”
“Ugh!” ejaculated the imperturbable Long Gun, as one by one he dropped the jingling coins into his pouch.
Bradford hurried away toward Tenskwatawa’s cabin. Arriving there, he found the Prophet alone; and, striding up to him, said brusquely:
“I am leaving upon a mission to the neutral tribes. During my absence, La Violette is to remain here. Do you understand?”
Tenskwatawa nodded stiffly.
“Heed my words, then,” Bradford continued savagely. “If you drag her away from here in my absence—and thus defeat my plans—I will choke the life out of you, the first time I meet you. Beware!”