"But the Indians are friendly to us. Why, we made a treaty with them
right here nearly five years ago."

"I know that. But the Indians have become quite restless of late.
When the war was on they received special attention from the English
and the Americans. Both sides were anxious to win their good will and
support, and gave them many presents. But now that the war is over the
Indians are neglected, so they are becoming surly, and ready for
mischief. Mark my word, the arrival of these Loyalists will make
matters worse."

"In what way?"

"The slashers will do their utmost to stir up the Indians. They will
tell them that these newcomers will settle on their hunting-grounds,
and kill all their game, while they will be driven out and left to
starve."

"Surely they will not do that."

"They have been doing it already, although they know nothing as yet
about the coming of the Loyalists. They have been filling the minds of
the Indians with all kinds of false stories. So far their words have
had little definite effect, but when the natives see so many white
people settling along the river, I am afraid they will remember what
the slashers have told them, and trouble will follow. Some of the
Indians, I am sure, will stand by the treaty, but I have my doubts
about many others."

During this conversation Mr. Simonds had been a silent and interested