Silence.
"Lieutenant Howard and Ensign Ronald, it is time for the council I have appointed with the Indians. Are you going with me?"
"An order, Captain?" inquired Ronald.
"Neither an order nor a request—not even a suggestion. It is an opportunity, to be taken or not, as you choose."
"Speaking for myself," said Ronald, "I do not see what we could accomplish by going. You are the army and the officers of it."
"As you pay no attention to our suggestions," remarked the Lieutenant, "I prefer to remain here."
"Very well." The Captain and Mackenzie went out alone.
"Better go to the blockhouse, hadn't we?" asked Ronald. "There may be trouble."
"I hope there will be," answered Howard. "Let Franklin fight it out alone with his precious Indians. Providence may yet intervene and give me the command."
Ronald went to the blockhouse alone, trained the cannon at the port-holes, and watched the Indians. After the first formal greetings were exchanged, the business of the afternoon began. Franklin spoke to Mackenzie, who translated for the benefit of Black Partridge, and he, in turn, conveyed the message to the assembly.