Explanations were speedily exchanged, and our fugitives learned that news had been carried to the Settlement of the approach of the very band of Saulteaux whom they had encountered, and a band of fiery young men, led by Dechamp, had come out to meet them for the purpose of asking them whether they meant their visit to be friendly, or whether they wished to measure their strength with the men of Red River; as, if so, a sample had come out for the express purpose of accommodating them!
On hearing the news that Okématan and Fergus had to give, the men—most of whom were half-breeds connected with Cree families—gave a cheer and voted for an immediate advance against the Saulteaux. This, after very brief palaver, was unanimously agreed to.
“You’ll not object to return with us, I suppose?” asked Dechamp of Fergus.
“Iss it objectin’ to a fecht you will mean?”
“Well—it’s not unlikely that there may be something of the sort going if we meet.”
“Did you ever hear of a McKay objectin’ to a fecht, Antoine?”
Dechamp laughed.
“Well,” he said, “I know Okématan won’t object to turn back, and show us the way to the place where he met the reptiles.”
“Okématan was on his way to seek for help,” said the Indian quietly.
Every one being agreed on this point, the whole band re-embarked, and proceeded on their way up the river. They advanced rapidly, for although the stream was against them it was so sluggish as to be scarcely appreciable, and by keeping near to the banks they were not delayed by it at all.