What pledge have you to offer
that my son will be restored?"
"Nay, the pledge is easily given, and without much risk.
You have only to defer my death until your messenger
return from his interview with Ponteac. If Captain de
Haldimar accompany him back, shoot me as I have requested;
if he come not, then it is but to hang me after all."
"Ha! I understand you; this is but a pretext to gain
time, a device to enable your subtle brain to plan some
mode of escape."
"As you will, Colonel de Haldimar," calmly retorted
Wacousta; and again he sank into silence, with the air
of one utterly indifferent to results.
"Do you mean," resumed the colonel, "that a request from
yourself to the Ottawa chief will obtain the liberation
of my son?"
"Unless the Indian be false as yourself, I do."
"And of the lady who is with him?" continued the colonel,
colouring with anger.
"Of both."
"How is the message to be conveyed?"
"Ha, sir!" returned the prisoner, drawing himself up to
his full height, "now are you arrived at a point that is
pertinent. My wampum belt will be the passport, and the
safeguard of him you send; then for the communication.
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