Page:Barbour--Metipoms Hostage.djvu/225

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METIPOM TAKES WAR-PATH
211

squaw who anointed his burns with a cooling salve that brought instant relief.

“I am weary,” said the Indian when the squaw had gone again. “I have traveled many leagues since we parted, David, and the heat has baked my vitals. I had not thought to see my brother so soon, for it was not so said. The Great Sachem lays his plans to-day and to-morrow rubs them out with his foot.”

Sequanawah drew a moccasin over the grass and shook his head.

“Where have you been, Sequanawah?” asked David.

The Indian waved a lean hand vaguely. “Into the sunset and back,” he answered.

David smiled faintly. “Aye? And what saw you, brother?”

A reflection of the boy’s smile flickered in the black eyes of the Indian, though he replied gravely enough. “Deer in the forest and fish in the streams.”

“Were any white, my brother?”

“Nay.” Sequanawah shook his head. “I sought not your people, David.”

“Is Philip near by, then?”

“He comes.”

“Hither?”