"Ugh! big baby!" he grunted.
"Wawillaway!" cried Nell, springing up and shaking hands with the chief in the most cordial manner; "you are welcome, always welcome to my brother's wigwam! Mr. Lyttleton, you need not be alarmed; Wawillaway is my very good friend, and has always been a brother to the white man."
The major coming in at that moment with Captain Bernard, echoed his sister's words of welcome, as he grasped the chief's hand and shook it heartily.
The captain did likewise, gazing with admiration upon the tall sinewy form and well developed limbs of this untutored son of the forest.
Leaving the gentlemen to entertain each other, Nell led the way to the dining-room, and with her own fair hands set before the chief an abundant supply of the best food the house afforded.
He ate heartily, then wrapping his blanket about him, stretched himself upon the kitchen floor with his feet to the fire.
"Pray do not deem me a coward," Lyttleton said in a low aside to Nell on her return to the parlor. "It was my first sight of an Indian, I unarmed, and I expected to see that tomahawk go crashing through your brain."
"I shall endeavor to make all due allowance," Nell answered courteously; but he fancied that he read contempt in the smile that accompanied her words.
It nettled him, and he mentally resolved to seize the first opportunity of proving to her that he was not lacking in courage.