As they turned away to execute these orders, the guide observed to the chief “that Huron has not been long with the War–Eagle.”
“True,—but how does the Grande–Hâche know it?”
“His eye has been on him more than once; Grande–Hâche sees, but he can hold his tongue.”
“Grande–Hâche is a warrior,” replied the chief: “he has seen many things; he has talked with the wise men; does he know why yon Huron wished to kill the young white brave?”
“He does,” said Grande–Hâche; but as he did not of himself state what he knew, it would have been contrary to the usages of Indian courtesy to have questioned him further.
Baptiste now diverting the conversation to another topic, said, “It is singular that War–Eagle, on a war–path far from his village, should have only strangers with him excepting the youth who is wounded!”
“What means the Grande–Hâche?”
“He means,” replied the guide, “that the other two, now gone to bury the Huron, are Southern men[13]—they are not Lenapé.”
“Grande–Hâche has ears and eyes open—how can he know that he speaks truth?” said the chief.