“Within five days, or more.”
“Shall we keep Strong untried for five days?”
“No; put him on trial to-morrow. If he is proven a traitor, deal with him accordingly. You can testify for me, for I have told you all that I know bearing on the case. But we must be off, Armstrong.”
The trapper put forth his hand, and with many good wishes for the journey, Armstrong pressed it and saw the twain pass out the gate.
“I may never see him again,” said the old settler, pausing suddenly as the ponderous gate swung back. “He ought to know all now. I will tell him; it will make him more cautious, and he will hate me, I know. Yes, I will disclose the secret.”
Quickly then, he turned to the gate again, and bade the sentry open.
“I want to see Wolf-Cap again,” said Levi, and then he stepped without.
The dusky forms of the two men were still visible toward the river.
He hurried forward; but his heart failed him, for he suddenly returned to the fort without hailing the trapper.
“I can’t break the spell,” he said, slowly and in an undertone, shaking his head. “I still hold the blessed belief into which I have schooled my heart for many years. When Wolf-Cap brings her back, I’ll tell him all. God give her back to me, for I love her. Though he kill me, I will tell him all.”