Adventure Magazine Cover — page 121: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

War Wampum or solve the enigmas of yesterday. But a man might say he dreamed when he had not. “Perhaps a wicked spirit whispered to the Seneca,” he suggested. Black Beaver had had his say and re- mained mute, and staring at the ground. Pontiac now came to the real purpose of his visit. He asked Ballou— “Has the child of the manitos made any medicine talk since he stood by the dead men?” “He has made no talk.” Ballou wished his visitors would depart. “The Trade Knife seeks the truth about his father’s dead warriors. Let him ask the child of the manitos.”’ Ballou called out— “Rickards, any Indians crowding in?” “Too many.” “He says many Indians are coming,” said Ballou. : ‘Pontiac heard him. Now let the Knife ask him who killed the oth men,” directed the chief. His tone forbade any evasion. Realizing it would be dangerous ‘to attempt any decéit Ballou nerved himself to face the calamity his next query might pre- cipitate. Black Beaver, while greatly de- pressed by the incident of the burned scalps, was not oblivious to the danger threatening _ his friends. Hot hate, too, against Pontiac, filled his heart. He cast about to create a diversion. His quick gaze noted an Indian emerging from the western woods: He carried no arms and wore only a breech- clout. He was a runner, engaged to carry messages over long distances and leave fighting for others. Even as Ballou was opening his mouth to put the question the Beaver sounded the discovery-cry and pointed to the approaching figure. “He comes from Detroit!” Pontiac as he watched the man. Ninivois and Take started to meet the runner, then remembered their dignity, and copied the calm bearing of their chief, who now stood with folded arms. Warriors called out to the runner and pointed to where Pontiac stood. Ninivois exclaimed— “He is one of my children!” The Fox came to a halt and stood in silence before Pontiac. ‘“‘What does the swift runner of the brave Fox people have to say?” quietly asked the muttered 115 overchief. ‘‘Has Detroit been taken while Pontiac is at Sandusky? Has Gladwin re- ceived many more men while Pontiac is away?” “Detroit is not yet taken, great Pontiac. No more white men have come in big canoes to make the fort stronger. Little Elk comes with a talk from the Rat.” ‘“‘Pontiac’s ears are open. speak.” “The Rat comes to see a white woman. He sends Little Elk ahead to say he will be here after one more sleep.”’ ‘He will be welcome at our fires. Let the Let Little Elk Elk go to any of the meat-kettles and say he is a friend of Pontiac.” After the runner had departed in search of food and tobacco Pontiac said to Ballou: “The heart of the Trade Knife will be very glad. He will soon see his friend the Rat. They can talk about their hunting beyond the Ohio and their fights with the Cherokee.” “We shall have a big talk,”’ replied Ballou, and attempting to simulate much joy. ‘‘__ and brimstone!” muttered Meekly. “‘What does: the prisoner say?” sternly inquired Pontiac. “He talks to his medicine,” Ballou. explained CHAPTER IX THE RAT COMES AND GOES Boe was calm and composed now that uncertainty had given way to certainty. The arrival of the Rat would reveal the white men’s ruse to Pontiac. His margin for action was very narrow. Yet until the Rat came the Trade Knife was entitled to represent Tamaque. He spoke to Richards and told him to follow. “Where you going?”’: Meekly anxiously asked. “To talk with Nell Marks.’ ; “They won’t let you.” “They will. They must. She belongs to Tamaque until he has received the fifty guns. As Tamaque’s adopted son I shall demand to see her. She belongs to Tam- aque and he would expect his son to make sure she is alive and well.” ‘“‘Then fix it so we can skip out at once. We oughter try tonight. It’s got so I can’t stand this staying hitched to a tree much longer. My legs getting all cramped up.” DOOLK C©