He passed his arm through mine; we both bowed very low, then went away together, arm in arm, the Major fuming under his breath.
"Silly baggage," he muttered, "to treat an old friend so high and mighty. Dash it, what's come over these Johnstown gentlemen and ladies. Can't we fight one another politely but they must affect to treat us as dirt beneath their feet, who once were welcome at their tables?"
At the well I called to my men, who got up from the grass and greeted Major Fonda with unmilitary familiarity.
"Major," said I, "we're off to scout the Sacandaga trail and learn what we can. It's cold sniffing, now, on Sir John's heels, but there was Iroquois smoke on old Maxon this morning, and I should like at least to poke the dead ashes of that same fire before moonrise."
"Certainly," said the Major, gravely; and we shook hands.
"Now, Nick," said I briskly.
"Ready," said he; and "Ready!" repeated every man.
So, rifle a-trail, I led the way out into the Fish House road.