“It looks feasible enough, but the flanking parties may not reach their positions in time.”
“The one from the west will not have as far to travel as we do. The other does not make so much difference, for if the Iroquois break they will come in this direction––the other side of the trail is sheer rock.”
“True; and what about the lady?”
“I shall go with you, Messieurs,” I said quietly. “There will be no more danger there than here; besides you would not leave me alone without a guard, and you will need every fighting man.”
I felt the grip of Rene’s hand but it was La Forest’s voice that spoke.
“The right ring to that, hey, De Artigny! Madame answers my last argument. But first, let us have word with the chief.”
He addressed a word into the crowd of indistinguishable figures, and an Indian came forward. Dim as the light was I was impressed with the dignity of his carriage, the firm character of his facial outline.
“I am Sequitah, Chief of the Mascoutins,” he said gravely, “for whom the white chief sent.”
De Artigny stepped forth, standing as erect as the other.