He told the Mohegans how he had come hither and what he sought, showed them the star at his throat, spoke briefly as possible--for the afternoon was fast drawing on. He was startled by the utter stupefaction of the two redskins at his words; sight of the Star of Dreams brought a wondering awe into their eyes. They were far too courteous to interrupt him, however, and sat in grave silence while he told them the present situation; none the less, a certain blaze of excitement was in their eyes. “We must take instant decision,” he concluded. “Sieur Perrot is in grave danger here, both from fever and from the Stone Men. Are other men with you? Is any post near by?” “No,” said Le Talon. “We are in strange country. We came from Montreal, with Metaminens.” “Last summer?” “No. We came by canoe to the Nottawasaga, for the streams were open. Here in the north they were closed, and we came on by the ice to this spot.” Crawford stared at them. “A journey before the rivers were open--why, it was madness! What caused your trip? What is Sieur Perrot doing in this country?” The two Mohegans glanced at each other, exchanged a nod, and Le Talon continued. In the brown faces was a quiet excitement, an air of keen suspense. “Long years ago, before my father Metaminens carried a grey scalplock, he met a woman in the lodges of the Dacotah. In those days Metaminens was Commandant of the West, and ruled for Onontio. Also, he was a chief among the Dacotah; he was the first white man to visit them and bring them trade. Now Metaminens is old, and his scalplock is grey. His manitou has whispered to him that he must seek this woman again. We, his children, came with him. That is all.” Crawford frowned, guessing that the chief was leading up to some surprise. “A woman? But the lodges of the Dacotah are not in this direction!” “Metaminens seeks the Star Woman,” said Le Talon bluntly. A sardonic smile touched the lips of Frontin. Crawford, after a slight start of surprise, regarded the Mohegans; in their intent gaze he read a vivid eagerness, a breathless suspense--for they were waiting to see how this tale would affect him. That they told the truth was indubitable. He could not question the fact, incredible as it seemed--Perrot, like himself, had come seeking this Star Woman! More, it appeared that Sieur Perrot had actually known her in days past. Well, that was possible enough; he knew that this explorer had been the one to tell Iberville about the Star Woman. And at this, a sudden wonder seized upon him. “Metaminens told about this Star Woman to Pierre le Moyne d’Iberville,” he said slowly. “And Iberville told me--hence I am here. A strange business, a strange business!” The Indians stared at him in awe, knowing well the name of Iberville and the man himself; but Frontin laughed softly, thinly. “Strange? Not at all, cap’n! _Mort de ma vie_, we are going to have some interesting times ahead, you and I and Perrot--and Maclish!” Crawford frowned darkly.