However, presently his symmetrical features recovered pleasantly from abstraction, and he said:
"Mr. Loskiel, it is said of you that, except for the Oneida Sachem, Spenser, you are perhaps the most accomplished interpreter Guy Johnson employed."
"No," I said, "there are many better interpreters, my General, but few, perhaps, who understand the most intimate and social conditions of the Long House better than do I."
"You are modest in your great knowledge, Mr. Loskiel."
"No, General, only, knowing as much as I do, I also perceive how much more there is that I do not know. Which makes me wary of committing myself too confidently, and has taught me that to vaunt one's knowledge is a dangerous folly."
General Sullivan laughed that frank, manly, and very winning laugh of his. Then his features gradually became sombre again.
"Colonel Broadhead, at Fortress Pitt, sent you a supposed Wyandotte who might have been your undoing," he said abruptly. "He is a cautious officer, too, yet see how he was deceived! Are you also likely to be deceived in any of your Indians?"
"No, sir."
"Oh! You are confident, then, in this matter!"
"As far as concerns the Indians now under my command."