“I am no soldier, but an Indian!” he said sullenly.

“You are employed and paid as a guide by General Sullivan, are you not? Very well. Then obey my orders to the letter, or I’ll put you under arrest!”

That was not the way to talk to any Indian; but such a great loathing and contempt far this Wyandotte had seized me, so certain in my mind was I that he was disloyal and that every stupid act of his had been done a-purpose, that I could scarce control my desire to take him by that thick, bull-throat of his and kick him into the river.

For every stupid act or omission of his — or any single one of them — might yet send us all to our deaths. And their aggregate now incensed me; for I could not see how we were entirely to escape their consequences.