“Did you see the white man? Is it——”
Sibou shook his head. “I saw him, but it is not the man we follow; and he is very sick with the coughing sickness!”
The corporal’s excitement died as quickly as it had risen.
“Did you speak with him, Sibou?”
“No,” replied the Indian. “There was no need. I saw his face as he came to the cabin door. It is not the man.”
Corporal Bracknell bent over the fire. He was disappointed, but he did not show it. He turned the bacon in the pan then he looked up.
“We will have supper first, then I will walk up the creek as far as the cabin, and have a talk with this white man. He may know something of the man we follow.”
Sibou made no reply, and when the meal was ready they ate it in silence, and smoked whilst they drank the coffee. Then Bracknell arose.
“I go now, Sibou. I shall return before sleeping time.”