“You can kill me or Jackson, but the settlement won’t turn over the half-crazed slayer of your Creek,” Sevier calmly reiterated. “It is for me to say that you talk big when you complain because your secret messengers aren’t received and protected in Jonesboro at almost the moment you hold as prisoners Kirk Jackson and myself, who came here openly.” “Came here to make trouble,” ventured Polcher. Sevier directed a sleepy smile at the tavern-keeper and remarked to the emperor: “I’ve been thoroughly honest and above board with you. Suppose you ask your trusted agent to be the same.” “You can’t make his Majesty believe I’m anything but honest with him,” defied Polcher. “_Ku!_” grunted Sevier. “You killed a war-eagle out of season, Polcher. It has spoiled your medicine. The Great Crystal of the Cherokees would show you floating in blue shadows. Death is very close to you. Now tell the emperor why your friend Red Hajason went to Great Hiwassee and took with him the horses rode by Major Tonpit and his daughter when they departed from Jonesboro.” Polcher was astounded. When he could master his tongue it was to give a shrill cry of alarm, and for a moment his smug mask of complacency slipped and revealed the stark terror in his soul. “Lies! Lies!” he choked. McGillivray was fairly bewildered by the unexpected revelation and glanced swiftly from the borderer to his henchman. “Tonpit’s horses in Red Hajason’s hands,” he mumbled. Then fiercely, “Polcher, look at me! So. Eye to eye! What do you know about this?” “Nothing! Nothing! The man lies!” Polcher’s frightened voice persisted. McGillivray swung about and for nearly a minute searched the depths of Sevier’s steady blue eyes. “No,” he softly concluded, “he speaks the truth.” Raising a silver whistle to his lips, he blew two short blasts. Almost instantly a dozen warriors glided into the room and encircled the three men. Pointing to Polcher, the emperor ordered: “Take this man away. Turn out the dogs.” “I’ve served you, McGillivray—” “What?” “I’ve served your Majesty faithfully. I give my word of honour I will not try to escape until after you have investigated this ridiculous story.” “You will come to no harm if you’re innocent; and the Emperor of the Creeks knows how to make up for his mistakes with many presents. But if you have played me false you will—if you are wise—cut your own throat tonight. If you attempt to leave the grounds the dogs will get you.” “I do not wish to leave the grounds,” sullenly replied Polcher as they led him away. After the warriors and their prisoner left, McGillivray remained staring at the door, seemingly forgetful of Sevier. Black care was worrying his handsome countenance. Speaking gently, he at last asked— “Do you know anything about the Tonpits, besides what you’ve told?”