THE AMERICANS AND THE ABORIGINES. 341 



slowly and gravely towards his dwelling ; whilst the 

 warriors hurried in various directions to their respec- 

 tive wigwams. It seemed as if they avoided the 

 new-comer ; for not one of them crossed his path, 

 although he evidently expected them so to do. He 

 gazed silently after the receding groups, shook his 

 head, and entered the Miko's hut. 



" Here I am, friend Tokeah ! " cried he, with a 

 forced smile, stretching out his hand to the Miko, 

 who was seated upon his couch, calm, and with his 

 head bowed upon his breast. " I'm a man of my 

 word, you see. Arrived only last night in the bay ; 

 but the devil take me if I could keep quiet : started 

 off again, and rowed all night and all clay ; and here 

 you see me, old friend, as hungry as a sea-lawyer, 

 and as dry as a dolphin." He spoke in English, 

 fluently enough, but with a strong French accent. 



Tokeah knocked with his finger upon the table, 

 and Canondah came out of her room. 



" Canondah ! " cried the man, stepping forward with 

 an air of gallantry to salute her. The young girl 

 avoided his embrace, and with the single word, 

 " Welcome ! " slipped out at the door. Our guest 

 appeared thunderstruck. 



" What does this mean, friend Miko 1 " cried he. 

 " Am I in disgrace ? Should really be sorry for it. 

 As I came across the meadow, your people made all 

 sail from me, as if I had been a privateer ; and now 

 you are as cold as a nor'-wester, and your daughter 



