"Messengers from Fort La Roche," they screeched.
"La Roche? Ah! With what news?"
"A message for Brondel's factor."
"Well?"
"Ferguson, our leader, orders his transfer to Fort La Roche. He is to occupy the same position there."
The chief trader roared outright with laughter.
"It seems that I arrived none too soon," he commented ironically, half to himself and half to Maskwa, standing silent by his shoulder.
"Sir?" the couriers interrogated. But Bruce failing to answer, studied some sudden idea grimly and at length.
"Strong Father," interrupted the Ojibway softly, "bid me open the gates, let these French Hearts enter, and thus make them prisoners."
Dunvegan shook his head. "No," he returned. "They shall go back to La Roche. The shock Ferguson receives will be well worth the warning."