“I think the Sagamore has understood, sir,” said I. “Is it not so, Sagamore?”

“Mayaro has understood,” said the Indian quietly.

“Does the great Mohican Sagamore accept?”

“My elder brother,” replied the Sagamore calmly, “Mayaro has pledged his word to his younger brother Loskiel. A Mohican Sagamore never lies. Loskiel is my friend. Why should I lie to him? A Sagamore speaks the truth.”

Which was true in a measure, at least as far as wanton or idle lying is concerned, or cowardly lying either, But he had lied to me concerning his knowledge of the strange maid, Lois, which kind of untruth all Indians consider more civil than a direct refusal to answer a question.