Ronald looked at him quickly but he appeared unconscious. "I just thought I'd tell you," he continued. "Of course, it's none of my affair." "All right--much obliged to you." The Doctor went away and Ronald went immediately to his superior officer. "Lieutenant Howard," he demanded sternly, "have you been talking mutiny to the men?" Howard's eyes met his squarely. "No," he said sharply, "have you?" Ronald retreated, shamefaced and ill at ease. "I--I beg your pardon." "The boys aren't fools," laughed the Lieutenant. "They can see farther than some. I've spoken to no one but you, but if mutiny arises, I'll let it take its rightful course." "Well, I won't. Remember what I said." "I can't remember all your valuable utterances. Don't cast your pearls before swine, but reserve them for--for a more appreciative audience." Stung to the quick by the insult, Ronald instinctively put his hand on his sword. Then both saw the Captain coming swiftly toward them, and waited. "It is time for the council," he said. "Well?" queried the Lieutenant, after an awkward pause. "Are you going with me?" Silence. "Lieutenant Howard and Ensign Ronald, it is time for the council I have appointed with the Indians. Are you going with me?" "An order, Captain?" inquired Ronald. "Neither an order nor a request--not even a suggestion. It is an opportunity, to be taken or not, as you choose." "Speaking for myself," said Ronald, "I do not see what we could accomplish by going. You are the army and the officers of it." "As you pay no attention to our suggestions," remarked the Lieutenant, "I prefer to remain here." "Very well." The Captain and Mackenzie went out alone. "Better go to the blockhouse, hadn't we?" asked Ronald. "There may be trouble." "I hope there will be," answered Howard. "Let Franklin fight it out alone with his precious Indians. Providence may yet intervene and give me the command." Ronald went to the blockhouse alone, trained the cannon at the port-holes, and watched the Indians. After the first formal greetings were exchanged, the business of the afternoon began. Franklin spoke to Mackenzie, who translated for the benefit of Black Partridge, and he, in turn, conveyed the message to the assembly. "We come for the last time," said Captain Franklin, "to speak with our brothers, the red men. Your Great Chief has told you how our Great Chief has bidden us to assemble at another place and how, though our hearts are torn with sorrow, we must obey the command. We have sent swift messengers a day's journey and more on every side, that we might say farewell to those with whom we have so long dwelt in peace. The goods in yonder storehouse, by the mandate of the Great White Father, are to be given to our brothers as a parting gift, that they may long hold us in kindly remembrance, as we shall them.