“True, but you know that Spooner is already on his way here to replace me, my resignation having been accepted. In a week, or two at farthest, he will arrive, when I shall be absolutely free to go where I please. Meanwhile, to prevent even a shadow of impropriety, I ask your majesty for a fortnight’s leave of absence to go a-hunting. Surely you won’t refuse so small a favour? I will be sure to find Waboose, and bring her back by that time.”
“Well, Max, my boy, I won’t refuse. Go, and God go with you. I shall expect to see you again in two weeks, if not sooner.”
“Unless, of course, circumstances render my return so soon impossible.”
“Of course, of course,” said Lumley.
Thus we parted, and thus it was that Salamander and I found ourselves at last in the Indian camp. The pursuit, however, had been much longer than I had expected. More than the stipulated fortnight had already passed.
But to return from this digression. After we had looked at each other silently for a few seconds in the council tent, as already described, I advanced to Big Otter and held out my hand. I then shook hands with the old chief, sat down beside him, and expressed a hope that I did not intrude.
“We palaver about the disappearance of Waboose,” said the old chief.
“Disappearance! Waboose!” I exclaimed, turning abruptly to Big Otter.
“Attick has fled,” said the Indian, sternly, “carrying Waboose and her mother along with him.”
“And you sit here idly talking,” I exclaimed, almost fiercely, as I sprang up.