"He says he saw painted Mohawks fishing in the Big Eddy, and others watching the trail. He does not know how many, because he can not count above five numbers. He says the Mohawks stoned him and mocked him, calling him Tree-eater and Woodpecker; and they drove him away from the Big Eddy, saying that no Saguenay was at liberty to fish in Canienga territory until permitted by the Canienga; and that unless he started back to Canada, where he belonged, the Iroquois women would catch him and beat him with nettles." As Thiohero uttered the dread name, Canienga, I could see our captive shrink with the deep fear that the name inspired. And I think any Iroquois terrified him, for it seemed as though he dared not sustain the half-contemptuous, half-indifferent glances of my Oneidas, but his eyes shifted to mine in dumb appeal for refuge. "What is my brother's name?" I asked. "Yellow Leaf," translated the girl. "His clan?" "The Hawk," she said, shrugging her shoulders. "Nevertheless," said I, very quietly, "my Saguenay brother is a man, and not an animal to be mocked by the Maqua!" And I stooped and picked up his blanket and weapons, and gave them to him. "The Saguenays are free people," said I. "The Yellow Leaf is free as is his clan ensign, the Hawk. Brother, go in peace!" And I motioned my people forward. Our flankers, who, keeping stations, had waited, now started on again, the Water-snake running swiftly to his post on the extreme right flank. After ten minutes' silent and swift advance, Thiohero came lightly to my side on the trail. "Brother," she whispered, "was it well considered to let loose that Tree-eating rover in our rear?" "Would the Oneida take such a wretched trophy as that poor hunter's tangled scalp?" "_Neah._ Yet, I ask again, was it wisdom to let him loose, who, for a mouthful of parched corn, might betray us to the Mengwe?" "Poor devil, he means no harm to anybody." "_Then why does he skulk after us?_" Startled, I turned and caught a glimpse of something slinking on the ridge between our flankers; but was instantly reassured because no living thing could dog us without discovery from the rear. And presently I did see the Screech-owl run forward and hurl a clod of moss into the thicket; and the Saguenay broke cover like a scared dog, running perdue so that he came close to Hanatoh, who flung a stick at him. That was too much for me; and, as the Tree-eater bolted past me, I seized him. "Come," said I, dragging him along, "what the devil do you want of us? Did I not bid you go in peace?" Thiohero caught him by the other arm, and he panted some jargon at her. "Koué!" she exclaimed, and her long, sweet whistle of the Canada sparrow instantly halted us in our tracks, flankers, rearguard, and all. Thiohero, still holding the Saguenay by his lean, muscular arm, spoke sharply to him in his jargon; then, at his reply, looked up at me with the flaming eyes of a lynx.