"What does he say?" asked Beatrice, impatiently.
"He says he is very thankful and very grateful and much pleased, and that as long as he lives neither of you shall ever want for a friend. He says while the sun rises and sets and the stars move in their courses, Black Partridge will be the faithful friend of the paleface and her lover."
Robert was much embarrassed, but Beatrice only laughed. "Tell him he is very welcome," she said, "and that when we need a friend we will not hesitate to call upon Black Partridge."
The speech was duly repeated, with additional assurances which Mackenzie knew would please the chief, and the visit was ended with much ceremony.
Ronald was coming across the river, and Beatrice lingered upon the piazza until he opened the gate, when she gathered up her paints and went into the house without a word of greeting. There was a shade of annoyance in the Ensign's salutation, but he made no allusion to the girl.
"Come on out for a bit," suggested Robert; "I want to talk to you."
They went north along the river bank in silence until they were out of sight of the house, then Robert turned suddenly and faced him.
"Say," he said, "did you tell any one about my—about yesterday, you know?"
"No," answered Ronald, meeting his eyes squarely; "why?"
"Oh—nothing. Are you sure you didn't say anything that would lead any one to suspect?"