Indian, and as the
Indian grasped his arm.

It was too late. The European looked up. It was Cazeneau!

For a moment he stood staring at Claude as though he was some
apparition. But the Indians who were behind, and who came forward,
not knowing what was the matter, gave to this vision too practical a
character; and Cazeneau saw plainly enough that, however
unaccountable it might be, this was in very deed the man whom he
believed to be in safe confinement at Grand Pre. A bitter curse
escaped him. He rushed towards Claude, followed by his Indians.

"Scoundrel," he cried, "you have escaped! Aha! and do you dare to
come on my track! This time I will make sure of you."

He gnashed his teeth in his fury, and, snatching a rifle from one of
his Indians who were near him, aimed it at Claude, and pulled the
trigger.

But the trigger clicked, and that was all. It was not loaded. With
another curse Cazeneau dashed the rifle to the ground, and turned
towards the other Indian. All this had been the work of a moment. The
next moment Claude sprang forward with drawn sword.

"Villain," he cried, "and assassin! draw, and fight like a man!"

At these words Cazeneau was forced to turn, without having had time
to get the other Indian's rifle, for Claude was close to him, and the
glittering steel flashed before his eyes. He drew his sword, and
retreating backward, put himself on guard.

"Seize this fellow!" he cried to his Indians; "seize him! In the name
of your great father, the King of France, seize him, I tell you!"

The Indians looked forward. There, behind Claude, they saw six other
Indians--their own friends. They shook their heads.

"Too many," said they.

"You fellows!" cried Cazeneau to Claude's Indians, "I am the officer
of your great father, the King of France. This man is a traitor. I
order you to seize him, in the king's name."

Claude's Indians stood there motionless. They did not seem to
understand.

All this time Cazeneau was keeping up a defence, and parrying
Claude's attack. He was a skilful swordsman, and he wished to take
Claude alive if possible, rather than to fight with him. So he tried
once more. He supposed that Claude's Indians did not understand. He
therefore told his Indians to tell the others in their language what
was wanted. At this the two walked over to the six, and began
talking. Caseneau watched them earnestly. He saw, to his infinite
rage, that his words had no effect whatever on Claude's