Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/352

336 would they arrive before a final assault was made?

It was at this very time that Han Yost Schuyler, accompanied by two of the Oneida Indians,—the one tribe that had resisted Brant's appeals and remained friendly to the Americans,—was approaching the camp of St. Leger's Indian allies. As has been stated, Han Yost had been permitted freely to enter either camp, for he was looked upon as a half-wit, at least by the Americans, but his sudden appearance now at once aroused the interest of the red men. It chanced that their medicine men were at this very time consulting the Manitou as to what was best for his red-skinned children to do. Han Yost's unexpected appearance in their midst at once aroused their curiosity, and several of them gathered about him. Half-witted, Han Yost may have been, but he certainly put the half of his wits to good advantage. Thoroughly understanding Indian nature, he did not at once declare his purpose in coming, but began by certain mysterious signs to arouse their interest. And he succeeded. Then he began to explain that great numbers of American soldiers were advancing, and even then were near; and, as he pointed to the bullet holes