human
I was quite a young lad then, and the old man died the next year, for I went to see him, and found him just at the last gasp. I have since heard a good deal about those people, however, from other Ingians, who all have a dread of them, and call them the children of the devil; so I take care not to show my devil's mark amongst them, and have never had need to use it till now.
gpt
How will it serve you now?
human
Well, if I can get speech of one of them, even for an instant, replied Woodchuck,
gpt
I can get together a band of the only men who will go against the superstitions of their people, and help me to set the poor boy free; and they will do it, whether they be tortoises, or bears, or wolves, or snipes, or stags.
human
What--what! exclaimed Lord H----, in utter amazement.
gpt
I do not understand what you mean.
human
Only names of their Totems or tribes, my lord, answered Brooks.
gpt
These Ingians are queer people. You must not judge of them or deal with them as you would other men; and these are the only critturs amongst them I could get to help me, if their habits came in the way in the least bit. Now, you know, though I may do something by myself, I may not be able to do all. If I get the boy out of the hole where they have, doubtless, hid him, I have to find out where it is first, and to make sure that we are not followed and overtaken afterwards. I would fain save my life if I can, my lord, he continued, looking up in the face of his companion with a sort of appealing look.
human
I think a man has a right to do that if he can.
gpt
Assuredly, replied Lord H----;
human
I think not, answered Woodchuck, musingly;
gpt
Will it not be dangerous so to divide your force?
human
Ingian ways with Ingian people, answered Woodchuck.
gpt
But I don't think you understand the thing, my lord. You see, through a great part of this Ingian territory, we English have built a little fort here, and a little fort there, all the way up the shores of Ontario, where they made sad work of it last year at Oswego. Well, if I stow away these scouts at the different posts, the nearest I can to Oneida creek, they will be only at arm's length, and can stretch out their hand to help whenever they're called upon. They'll be able to get in, one by one, quite easily; for I've a great notion some of the Ingians have got a spite at Walter, and are not very likely to look for any one in his stead. If they caught me, they'd be obliged to have me; and if the scouts went all together they'd stop them, for they don't like their number; but one at a time they'll pass well enough, if they understand their business, which is to be supposed.
human
I see your plan now, said Lord H----,
gpt
No need of command, answered Woodchuck;
human
I can take it to-morrow myself,
gpt
That won't do, he said, with a shrewd look;