"
"It hasn't rained at all for several days."
"Know dat, but, den, expect maybe 'twill. Bes' to be ready for it when
_does_ come."
"But, as there were no evidences of a storm coming very soon, why
should you get in there just now?"
"Storms out in dese parts bust berry suddent sometimes. Oughter know
dat, Massa Canfield."
"Yes, I do; but, why in the name of common sense did you set up such a
growling when I came near your old cabin?"
"Did I growl at you?"
"Yes: made as much noise as a grizzly bear could have done."
"Done it jist for fun, Massa. Hebens, golly! wanted to see if you was
afeard, too."
"But," said the soldier, assuming a more serious air, "let the jesting
cease. When did you put those logs together, Cato?"
"Dis morning, arter _dey_ went away," he replied, with a shudder,
casting a look of terror around him.
"And when did they--the Shawnees--go away?"
"Didn't stay long, Massa; come in de night, berry late--bust on de
house all at once."
Lieutenant Canfield felt a painful interest in all that related to Mary
Prescott. Although the Huron had given him the principal incidents of
the attack and massacre, he could not restrain himself from questioning
the negro still further.
"Had you no warning of their approach?"
"Nothing; didn't know dey war about till dey war among us."
"What was the first thing you heard, Cato? Give me the particulars so
far as you can remember.
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