After this candid statement he stared solemnly at his companion, as though to say, “What think ye of that, my brave?”
Apparently my brave did not think much of it one way or other, for he only looked indifferent and said, “Waugh!”
“Big Otter’s ears are sharp,” continued Muskrat. “How did he come to hear of Attick’s intentions?”
The younger Indian paused thoughtfully before replying.
“Waboose told me,” he said.
“Does the daughter of Weeum the Good hold communion with evil spirits?” asked the old chief, with a slight elevation of the eyebrows.
“Not willingly, but evil spirits force themselves upon the daughter of Weeum the Good. My father knows that Attick is presumptuous. He wishes to mate Waboose.”
“Yes, I knew he was presumptuous, but I did not know he was so great a fool,” replied the old chief scornfully.
“My father knows,” continued Big Otter, “that when the pale-face chief went and brought Waboose back to Fort Wichikagan, Attick was staying there in his wigwam by the lake. The big chief of the pale-faces, who fears nothing, had forgiven him. Attick went to Waboose, and offered to take her to his wigwam; but the daughter of Weeum the Good turned away from him. Attick is proud, and he is fierce. He told Waboose that he would kill all the pale-faces. Although a fool, he does not boast. Waboose knew that he was in earnest. She went to the pale-face Muxbee (by which name Big Otter styled my humble self), and told him all, for she has set her heart on Muxbee.”
“Did she tell you so?” asked Muskrat, sharply.