“There is much wisdom in such prudence,” answered Bracknell, wondering when the half-breed would unfold his news.
“It is ze way of ze white mans, and it is ze way of ze wise, therefore do we eat and leave meat that we may eat again.”
The corporal nodded, but said nothing, and after a pause Chief Louis spoke again. “Of ze two men you met, one was Sibou.”
“Ah! Sibou, who with Paslik went as guide with the stranger who wished to overtake Rolf Gargrave?”
“Oui! Sibou, who went with ze stranger mans who blow ze bottom out of ze trail that Rolf Gargrave die!”
Roger Bracknell waited. He felt that he was on the verge of some revelation, but he concealed his impatience and maintained an unperturbed demeanour, knowing that such would commend him to his host. The half-breed puffed stolidly at his pipe for a full minute, then he spoke again.
“Sibou brings not meat alone, he brings news.”
“News.”
“Oui! Of ze stranger mans who dynamite ze trail!”
“Is that so?”