Part 79 (1/2)

”The army is making ready today.”

”To march into the Indian country?”

I nodded.

”When does it march?”

”On Friday. But that is not to be known at present.”

”I understand. By what route do you go?”

”By Chemung.”

”And then?”

”At Chemung we leave the army, Boyd and I. You heard.”

”Yes, Euan.”

I said, forcing myself to speak lightly:

”You are not to be afraid for us, Little Rosy Pigeon of the Forest.

Follow me with your swift-winged thoughts and no harm shall come to me.”

”Must you go?”

I laughed: * ”Ka-teri-oseres, Lois.”

[* ”I am going to this war, Lois.”]

* ”Wa-ka-ton-te-tsihon,” she said calmly. ”Wa-ka-ta-tiats-kon.”

[* ”I understand perfectly. I am resigned.”]

Then I gave way to my increasing surprise:

”Wonder-child!” I exclaimed. ”When and where have you learned to understand and answer me in the tongue of the Long House?”

* ”Kio-ten-se,” she said with a faint smile.

[* ”I am working for somebody.”]

”For whom?”

”For my mother, Euan. Did you suppose I could neglect anything that might be useful in my life's quest? Who knows when I might need the tongue I am slowly learning to speak?... Oh, and I know so little, yet.

Something of Algonquin the Mohican taught me; and with it a little of the Huron tongue. And now for nearly a month every day I have learned a little from the Oneidas at Otsego--from the Oneida girl whose bridal dress you bought to give to me. Do you remember her? The maid called Drooping Wings?”

”Yes--but--I do not understand. To what end is all this? When and where is your knowledge of the Iroquois tongue likely to aid you?”