“That is good,” said the Cree chief. “But first let him receive this message, if he will accept it.” Moon had no choice but to obey, and ordered his men to revive the senseless Deakin. Crawford watched in wondering surmise. Beyond a doubt, then, the Star Woman was no Indian myth, but a real person! Deakin’s insolent summons had gone to her, passed from tribe to tribe--and here was the answer to be delivered! Now Moon strode over to the two captives, gave Crawford one curious glance, then turned his attention to Deakin. The latter, under the impact of icy water from the bay, was glaring and blinking around, helpless to move; a furious thing he was, and grim to behold, all his grizzled beard being dribbled and matted with blood from his wounded forehead. Moon stood laughing at him. “It was kind of ye to give us warning wi’ shot and shout!” he exclaimed. “Well, Moses Deakin, shalt have thy head lying in salt when we leave here; the company hath twenty pound on those moustachios. And why? For that broadside ye poured into us last year i’ the straits, and killed poor Cap’n Allen--ay, into a royal navy ship too! Dost mind how ye slid out from among the bergs and poured in shot, and went scooning down the wind and away? Ay, and now that work is to cost ye a head.” The Bostonnais spat at his tormentor. “That for ye, and the pox to boot!” he roared. “Ye’ll never have my head! It’s no hand of man can bring me to death, but only the gift of a woman----” Deakin swallowed hard, then suddenly recollected everything. “Hark, cap’n! We be from the south, wi’ great news. Iberville ha’ whipped the company’s fleet, and by now is master of Nelson----” “What else, liar?” exclaimed Moon, laughing. “Nay, ’tis truth! Ask Crawford, here. And what hope have ye, with your ship gone? There is one man can guide ye out, can bring ye safe south again to Albany or New Severn--and that’s Moses Deakin. Come, I’ll bargain with ye----” Captain Moon roared with laughter, whereat Deakin lost temper and caused Moon to roar anew. “Iberville indeed! There are no French on the bay, ye rascal pirate! If there were, they’d be soon enough swept away----” This disbelief maddened Deakin, who cursed and raved like a maniac, until presently the officer quieted him with a word. “These redskins have a message for ye from one called the Star Woman. Do ye want it or not, afore we hang ye?” Deakin stared, sobered suddenly, swallowed his wrath. “Be that truth?” “Ay.” Moon surveyed him curiously. “Who’s this Star Woman?” “Sink me if I know,” growled Deakin, with a sidelong glance at Crawford. Moon shrugged, and ordered his men to loose both prisoners from the trees. This was done. Their arms were tied, and they were led to the circled ranks of red warriors, who met Deakin’s glare with impassive countenances. Deakin and Crawford sat down, with Moon standing beside them. Behind clustered the company men, but at a little distance.