He paused to watch his words take effect and they obviously stirred the soul of the savage chief who moved uneasily.

“It is true,” he said.  “Sharp Sword never tells a falsehood.  If Onontio is struck down then the British, the Bostonnais and the Hodenosaunee triumph, but my warriors bring me word that our enemies have gathered the greatest force the world has ever seen at the head of Andiatarocte.  They come thicker than the leaves of the forest.  They have more guns than we can count.  They will trample Montcalm and his soldiers under their feet.  So, according to our custom, Tandakora and his warriors would go away into the forest, until the British and the Bostonnais scatter, unable to find us.  Then, when they are not looking, we will strike them and take many scalps.”

Tandakora spoke in his most impressive manner, and, when he ceased, his eyes met St. Luc’s defiantly.  Again the blood of the Chevalier burned with wrath, but as before he restrained himself, and his smooth voice gave no hint of anger as he replied: 

“Odds are of no avail against Montcalm.  The children of Onontio are used to dealing with them.  Remember, Tandakora, the great victories Montcalm won at Oswego and William Henry.  He has the soul of a mighty chief.  He has decided to stay here at Ticonderoga and await the enemy, confident that he will win the victory.  Tandakora is a great warrior, is he willing to have no share in such a triumph?”

The cruel eyes of the Ojibway glistened.

“The heart of Tandakora is heavy within him,” he said.  “He and his warriors are not afraid of the British and the Bostonnais.  They have fought by the side of Montcalm, but they do not receive all the rewards that Onontio owes them.”

“Onontio has given to them freely of his muskets and powder and bullets, and of his blankets and food.”

“But he takes from them the prisoners.  We have no scalps to carry home.”

“It is against the custom of the French to put prisoners to death or torture.  Moreover, we have no prisoners here.  The rangers taken by Langy have already been sent to Canada.”

“There is one in the camp now.  He was captured by three of my warriors, those you sent out, and by the law of war he belongs to me.  Yet Sharp Sword and Montcalm hold him.  I speak of the youth Lennox, the comrade of the Onondaga, Tayoga, who is my bitterest enemy.  I hate Lennox too because he has stood so often in my way and I demand him, to do with as I please, because it is my right.”

The Ojibway moved close to St. Luc and the fierce black eyes glared into those of stern blue.  The Chevalier did not change his smooth, placatory tone as he replied: 

“I cannot give up Lennox.  It is true that he was taken by your warriors, but they were then in my service, so he is my prisoner.  But he is only a single captive, a lad.  Ask for some other and greater reward, Tandakora, and it shall be yours.”