ost theirs?"

He folded his arms across his broad chest and, stern and accusing,
awaited the answer. De Peyster quailed again, but he quickly recovered.
He was a flexible man skilled in diplomacy, and he saw that he must
promise, promise much and promise it in convincing tones. He noticed
moreover the deep murmur of approval that the chiefs gave to the words
of White Lightning. Then he in turn rose also and assuming his most
imposing manner said:

"On behalf of the King, Timmendiquas, I promise you the help of his full
strength. It is not likely that the Kentuckians will ever be able to
come against your villages, but if they do I will march forth with all
my force to your help. Nay, I will send East for others, to Niagara and
Oswego and to Canada. It shall never be said of us that we deserted the
tribes in their hour of need, if such an hour should come. I myself
would gladly march now against these intruders if my duty did not hold
me here."

He looked around the table and his eye encountered Caldwell's. The
officer instantly saw his cue and springing to his feet he cried:

"What our brave commander says is true, Timmendiquas. I myself and some
of our best men, we will fight beside you."

Now the chiefs murmured approval of the words of de Peyster and
Caldwell, as they had approved those of Timmendiquas. The great Wyandot
himself seemed to be convinced, and said that it was well. Henry had
listened to it all in silence, but now de Peyster turned his attention
to him.

"I think that we have given enough of our hospitality to this prisoner,"
he said, "and since you have turned him over to me, Timmendiquas, I will
send him to a place which will hold him for a while."

Henry rose at once.

"I am willing to go," he said. "I thank you for your food and drink, but
I think I shall feel more at home in any prison that you may have than
here among those who are planning the destruction of my people."

Girty was about to speak, but de Peyster waved his hand, and the words
stopped unsaid.

"Take him to the jail, Holderness," he said to one of the younger
officers. "He can wait there. We shall have plenty of time to decide
concerning his fate."

Henry walked by the side of the officer across the court. Holderness was
quite young, ruddy, and evidently not long in America. He looked with
admiration at Henry's height and magnificent shoulders.

"You are from that far land they call Kaintuckee?" he said.

"Yes."

"O