“They fled.”
“In the direction of their village?”
“They did.”
“In what language did you address them?”
“We tried several different Indian tongues.”
“Judging from what you know of Indian character, and what you have seen to-day, Douglas, do you think the savages desire peace or war?”
“War,” Ross answered promptly and emphatically.
“The reasons for your opinion, if you please,” the commander said quietly.
“Had they desired peace,” was the quick reply, “a deputation of their chiefs—headed by the Prophet himself—would have met you ere this. They have been aware of your coming. They mean to give you battle.”