"Yes, I am Boyd. What next?"
"What next?" repeated Walter Butler. "Well, really I don't know, my impudent friend, but I strongly suspect the Seneca stake will come next."
Boyd laughed: "We gave Brant a sign that you also should recognize. We are now under his protection."
"What sign?" demanded Butler, his eyes becoming yellow and fixed. And, as Boyd carelessly repeated the rapid and mystical appeal, "Oh!" he said coolly. "So that is what you count on, is it?"
"Naturally."
"With me also?"
"You are a Mason."
"Also," snarled Butler, "I am an officer in his British Majesty's service. Now, answer the questions I put to you. How many cannon did your Yankee General send back to Tioga after Catharines-town was burnt, and how many has he with him?"
"Do you suppose that I am going to answer your questions?" said Boyd, amused.
"I think you will, Come, sir; what artillery is he bringing north with him?"