en, by Corporal O'Flynn's tone and expression of ingenuous eyes and
respectful word of mouth. Willinawaugh was glad to have these Chote
Cherokees see how highly he was esteemed--he was indeed a great warrior
and a "Big Injun" of exclusive privilege. The invitation in no wise was
to be extended to the others to pass the night at Fort Loudon--not even
to Savanukah, a chief himself, who spoke French!

Corporal O'Flynn was now going over in his mind how Willinawaugh might
best be insulated, so to speak, that he might not have means to fire the
barracks, should that enterprise suggest itself to his fertile brain, or
find a way to open the gates, or otherwise afford ingress to
confederates without; how to lock him in, and yet not seem to treat him
as a prisoner; to leave him at liberty, and yet free to do nothing but
that which his hosts should please. All such complicated and
contradictory details did Corporal O'Flynn deem himself capable of
reconciling--but one such subject was enough. Unfortunately for the
triumphant elucidation of these puzzling problems, Willinawaugh, with
dignity and a certain gruffness; yet now and again a flicker of covert
smile as if to himself, declined to partake of Captain Stuart's
hospitality. He had a mission to the head-men of Chote which would not
brook delay. Yet he had a message to leave for the English officer. He
desired to tell Captain Stuart that he often thought of him! Whenever he
heard tales of famous warriors, of British generals, he thought of
_him_! He considered these fighting men brave and noble, when he learned
of their splendid deeds in battle; and then again, they were as naught
in his mind,--for he had once more thought of the great Captain Stuart!

The corporal, listening attentively to pick out the meaning of Cherokee
and English, made a low bow in behalf of Captain Stuart, with a
flourishing wave of his hat.

"I'll bear yer message, sir, and a proud man Captain Stuart ought to be
the day! An those jontlemen,"--he glanced at the pettiaugre full of
Indians,--"be so good as to ask them to lead the way."

Then he added in an undertone to his own men, "I am glad on't. I don't
want the responsibility of takin' care of the baste. I might be accused
of kidnapin' the craythure if anythin' was to happen to 'm,--though as
to kids, he's more like the old original Billy-goat o' the whole
worruld!"

Corporal O'Flynn cast the eye of a disciplinarian about him. It was one
of the rule