“Let him wait in the mission house, then,” said Tonty, “until Monsieur de la Salle has ended his business.”
“I have ended,” said La Salle. “It is time I ordered my men and baggage and canoes out of Fort Frontenac.”
“Monsieur, remain, and let an order from you be taken to the gate.”
“Some of those sulky fellows need my hand over them, Tonty. Besides, there are matters which must be definitely settled before I leave the fort. I have need to go myself, besides the obligation to deliver this runaway girl, on whom her uncle La Salle is always bringing penances.”
Barbe sprung up and put herself in the attitude of accompanying him.
“Mademoiselle,” said Tonty, “the rain is still falling. If Monsieur de la Salle can carry this hide over you, it will be some protection.”
He took up the buffalo skin, and shook it to loosen any dust which might be clinging to the shag.
“Monsieur, you are very good,” she answered. “But it is not necessary for me.”
“Mademoiselle cares very little about a wetting,” said La Salle. “She was born to be a princess of the backwoods. Call in your Indian before we go, Tonty. He may have some news for us.”