lain, they will wreak their vengeance upon
us. Are you prepared to die, Roger? We must make up our minds for
that, and we may consider ourselves fortunate if we are not scalped and
flayed first. I have often read, with very little concern, of the
dreadful tortures the Redskins inflict on their prisoners, little
dreaming that I should ever have to suffer the same."

"It is not wise to anticipate evil," I said. "Let us hope for the best;
and perhaps means may be offered us, that we do not now think of, to
make our escape."

"I don't see where they can come from," he replied. "These fellows keep
too sharp a look-out on us to give us a chance. Look there! here come
the whole tribe of savages, and they will soon settle our fate."

He pointed as he spoke to a large number of horsemen galloping across
the country from different directions, towards us. They halted outside
the wood, and several of them appeared to be wounded; but they did not
allow themselves to exhibit any sign of suffering. Having taken the
saddles and bridles from their horses, the greater number led them down
towards the water to drink; while six, who, from their more ornamental
dresses, appeared to be chiefs, advanced towards us. Their principal
man, or head chief, spoke to us; but as we could not understand what he
said, we knew that it would be useless to reply. He then pointed to
Mike and me, and addressed a few words to his companions. They nodded,
and we were led to separate trees, to which we were bound, with our
hands secured behind us in a very unpleasant fashion.

Matters now began to look more serious than at first. Darkness was
coming on, and our captors lighted a large fire near to the spot where
we were bound, and those among them who acted the part of cooks began
dressing the evening meal. They then sat down to discuss it--an
operation which was soon concluded. We in the meantime were left bound
to the trees, watching what was going on. After supper, a similar fire
having been lighted near where we were bound, the principal Indians took
their seats round it and began to smoke their long pipes, while, as I
suspected, they deliberated on our fate. They were some little distance
off, but the flames from the fire cast a red glow on their figures, and
enabled me to observe the expression of the countenances of those turned
towards me, from which, with painful anxiety, I endeavoured to learn how
they were disposed towards us. Tho