They went off with their rifles and the lantern, and I waited until I heard the dip of paddles in the dark.
"Throw a dry log on the fire, Godfrey," said I. And to Joe de Golyer: "Bring that prisoner here."
Joe fetched him, and he stood before me, arms trussed up and head hanging. Tahioni approached.
"Untie him," said I.
Whilst they were fumbling with the knotted rope of thrums, I said to Tahioni:
"Luysnes is on guard, I take it?"
"My French brother watches."
"That is well. Now, tell my Oneida brothers that here we have taken a very dangerous man; and that if he makes any move to escape from where he stands beside that fire, they shall not attempt to take him alive!"
The young warrior turned calmly and translated. I saw my Oneidas loosen their knives and hatchets. The Saguenay quietly strung his short, heavy bow, and, laying an arrow across the string, notched it.
"Thiohero!" I called.