"Brother," she whispered, "was it well considered to let loose that Tree-eating rover in our rear?"
"Would the Oneida take such a wretched trophy as that poor hunter's tangled scalp?"
"Neah. Yet, I ask again, was it wisdom to let him loose, who, for a mouthful of parched corn, might betray us to the Mengwe?"
"Poor devil, he means no harm to anybody."
"Then why does he skulk after us?"
Startled, I turned and caught a glimpse of something slinking on the ridge between our flankers; but was instantly reassured because no living thing could dog us without discovery from the rear. And presently I did see the Screech-owl run forward and hurl a clod of moss into the thicket; and the Saguenay broke cover like a scared dog, running perdue so that he came close to Hanatoh, who flung a stick at him.
That was too much for me; and, as the Tree-eater bolted past me, I seized him.
"Come," said I, dragging him along, "what the devil do you want of us? Did I not bid you go in peace?"
Thiohero caught him by the other arm, and he panted some jargon at her.
"Koué!" she exclaimed, and her long, sweet whistle of the Canada sparrow instantly halted us in our tracks, flankers, rearguard, and all.