Page:Lost with Lieutenant Pike (1919).djvu/291

 XIX

IN THE HANDS OF THE SPANIARDS

In a few minutes the two strangers crawled through the hole. They were clad in blanket-coats and deer-hide trousers and fur caps; looked like French traders—and Frenchmen they proved to be, for the lieutenant called to them, in French, "Come here," and he and they talked together in that language.

Stub might catch only a word now and then; the men listened, puzzled, prepared to grasp their stacked guns.

The lieutenant finished the conversation. The Frenchmen bowed politely again, he saluted them and spoke to his party.

"These are two Frenchmen from Santa Fe, lads," he said. "They inform me that the governor of New Mexico is fearful of an attack upon us by the Utah Indians, and has sent a detachment of fifty dragoons for our protection. The detachment is within two days' march of us. You know your duty. I rely upon you to act in a manner that will reflect credit upon our Country."

Scarcely had he spoken when they all heard the sentinels outside hailing loudly, with "Halt!