to realize, in some measure,
his appalling situation. His natural thoughtlessness and recklessness
could not last forever. It might carry him into many a danger, but not
_beyond_ it.

The Shawnees seemed to imagine that the bonds of the prisoners were
secure, and that there was no possibility of their escape. In fact,
Leland had no hopes of release. Had his hands been free, he might have
ventured to do something; but at present they were as useless as if he
were deprived altogether of those members.

It was fully an hour beyond midnight, when, in spite of his situation,
Leland began to yield to the fatigue of the day. His head drooped upon
his breast, and he started fitfully. It is at such times as these that
the nervous system seems to be most fully alive to what is passing. The
prisoner was just in this state of mind when his attention was arrested
by a sound no louder than the murmuring wind above him--so low, indeed,
that it would have escaped his attention altogether, had it not been of
a character different from that monotonous moaning.

With the consciousness of this sound, came also the knowledge that it
was a continuous one, and had been in progress some time. At first it
seemed to be in the tree above him, but a moment's listening proved that
it came from the direction of the negro, Zeb. The darkness had deepened
somewhat during the last hour, so that he could barely make the outline
of the fellow, but could not discern any motion upon his part, unless it
was an absolute change of position.

All doubt as to Zeb being the author of the disturbing sound was removed
as soon as Leland became fully awake. It came directly from toward him,
and was of such a nature that it could not have been caused by one of
the sleeping Shawnees. With his eyes intently fixed upon the shadowy
outlines of the negro, Leland saw the upper part of his body move
forward, and then suddenly straighten itself again. This singular
movement was repeated several times, and then, to his amazement, he saw
the African step clear away from the tree and approach him!

As Zeb deposited his foot upon the ground, it was slowly and cautiously,
and at each time he threw his outstretched arms upward, like a bird when
flying, distorting his face also, as if the effort caused him extreme
pain. But he passed the sleepers safely, and was soon beside his master.

"How did you succeed in freeing yourself?" he asked.

"Golly, I chawed 'em off!" he repli