human
Menehwehna, said he at length,
gpt
But who will assure my people of that? asked Menehwehna.
human
They have heard that certain things were done in the south, and that toll will be taken.
gpt
What matters that to your people, though it be true? They were not at Fort William Henry.
human
But again, how shall they tell this to the English and hope to be believed?
gpt
You cannot hide your heart from me, Menehwehna. You wish two things of me, and the first is my leave to tell your people that I am English.
human
Without your leave I will never tell them, my brother.
gpt
Did I ever suppose that you would? Well, as soon as you have told them, they will clamour for me to go to Fort Niagara, and at need to entreat for them. Now I say that there will be no need; but they will compel me to go, and you too will wish it. Have I not guessed?
human
For my people I wish it, he said at length;
gpt
You fear it because I go into great danger. By my countrymen I shall be rightly held a deserter; and, among them, for an officer to desert is above all things shameful.
human
But, answered Menehwehna with a cheerful readiness which proved that he had thought the matter out,
gpt
Why do you fear then, Menehwehna, he demanded,
human
Do not ask, my brother!
gpt
Ah, well, said John lightly, after regarding him for a moment,