We mingled suggestions and advice, and
struck a balance. The sunset flamed in the woods behind us, and I knew
that the moon rose early. I could have used a knife upon Pierre for
the time it took me to convince him that our canoes could carry one man
more. Heretofore my nod had been enough to bring him to my heels, but
now he thought his head in danger, so he fought with me like an animal
or an equal. The equal I would not tolerate, and the animal I cowed in
brute fashion. Then I sent Singing Arrow to do her work, and I went to
the Englishman.
The Englishman saw me from the window, and was at the door before I
could lift the latch. Yet his eagerness did not trip him into
carelessness, and so long as the guards could see, he greeted me with a
hostile stare.
I pushed him within, and closed the door. "Have you seen any one?" I
asked.
"Only the guard with my supper."
I drew a freer breath. "Good tidings. Then Cadillac has succeeded in
holding off the Indians until moonrise."
He glanced out at the dusk. "That is not long," he said
dispassionately.
I put out my hand. Somehow this youth could move me curiously by his
calmness, although I was no stranger to brave men.
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