By this time the new-comer was so near, that the conversation ceased, all standing gazing at him, as he drew near, and Maud gathering up her hair, with maiden bashfulness, though certainly Nick was no stranger. As for Little Smash, she waddled off to proclaim the news to the younger Pliny, Mari, and Great Smash, all of whom were still in the kitchen of the Hut, flourishing, sleek and glistening.
Soon after, Nick arrived. He came up the Knoll on his loping trot, never stopping until he was within five or six yards of the Captain, when he suddenly halted, folded his arms, and stood in a composed attitude, lest he should betray a womanish desire to tell his story. He did not even pant but appeared as composed and unmoved, as if he had walked the half-mile he had been seen to pass over on a trot.
"Sago--Sago," cried the captain, heartily--"you are welcome back, Nick; I am glad to see you still so active."
"Sago"--answered the guttural voice of the Indian, who quietly nodded his head.
"What will you have to refresh you, after such a journey, Nick--our trees give us good cider, now."
"Santa Cruz better,"--rejoined the sententious Tuscarora.
"Santa Cruz is certainly _stronger_" answered the captain laughing, "and, in that sense, you may find it better. You shall have a glass, as soon as we go to the house. What news do you bring, that you come in so fast?"
"Glass won't do. Nick bring news worth _jug_. Squaw give _two_ jug for Nick's news. Is it barg'in?"
"I!" cried Mrs. Willoughby--"what concern can I have with your news. My daughters are both with me, and Heaven be praised! both are well. What _can_ I care for your news, Nick?"
"Got no pap-poose but gal? T'ink you got boy--officer--great chief--up here, down yonder--over dere."
"Robert!--Major Willoughby! What can _you_ have to tell me of my son?"
"Tell all about him, for _one_ jug. Jug out yonder; Nick's story out here. One good as t'other."
"You shall have all you ask, Nick."--These were not temperance days, when conscience took so firm a stand between the bottle and the lips.--"You shall have all you ask, Nick, provided you can really give me good accounts of my noble boy. Speak, then; what have you to say?"
"Say you see him in ten, five minute. Sent Nick before to keep moder from too much cry."