te captives. Still, in either case I
felt sure that we should be put to death--though I rejoiced in the
belief that Lily and my other relatives and friends had escaped; for as
none of the Indians I had seen had firearms, I had good reason for
hoping that our party had gained the victory. Should Mr Sparks prove
equal to his professions, by leading them well and taking the necessary
precautions against surprise, they might still fight their way through
the hostile territory.

My mind being relieved of anxiety about my friends, I was able to think
more about myself and Reuben and Mike. Had we any chance of escaping?
I was determined, at all events, to make the attempt; and I was very
sure that they would do likewise. I resolved, could I get near enough
to Mike, to tell him of my intention, and to advise him to keep up his
spirits; and before long I had an opportunity.

"Bedad! it's what I have been afther thinking about," he answered.
"I'll let young Reuben know me thoughts, too. We've outwitted the
Ridskins once before, and, sure, we'll thry to play them another trick."

He spoke in a tone of voice which showed that no coward fears had
overcome him.

We galloped on until we reached the wood, where our captors dismounted,
aided by the third Indian I have mentioned. I had scarcely thought
about my foot during my ride, but when I was cast loose and attempted to
move by myself, I found that I could not stand, and presently sank to
the ground. Mike, on finding himself at liberty, hurried to my
assistance, and, taking off my shoe, examined my ankle.

"It's a bad sprain," he observed; "but maybe these rid gintlemen will
just let me get some cowld wather. I'll bathe it and bind it up, and in
the course of a few days, or in less time than that, it will be all to
rights again."

I could only smile, not believing that I should be allowed many days to
get well.

He then carried me under the shade of a tree, against the trunk of which
I reclined. The pain rapidly went off, and I was better able to
consider our position, and the possibility of escape.

CHAPTER TEN.

MY SPRAINED ANKLE--MIKE'S DEVOTION--REUBEN BROUGHT TO THE CAMP--THE
INDIANS BIND US TO TREES--THE DEBATE ON OUR FATE--I AM RELEASED BY SANDY
MCCOLL--OLD SAMSON AGAIN--THE SECRET CAVERN--SAMSON IS VERY KIND AND
ATTENTIVE TO ME--HIS CLOSE ATTENTION TO MY ACCOUNT OF THE BURNING OF THE
SETTLEMENT, AND THE RESCUE OF LILY AND ME WHEN CHILDREN--I RECOVER, A