ly every hour of his life the delight of living, but
he would face them with all the pride of race and wilderness training.

"Well, Timmendiquas," he said, "I suppose that you have come for me!"

"It is true," replied Timmendiquas steadily, "but we would first prepare
you. It shall not be said of the Wyandots that they brought to the
ordeal a broken prisoner, one whose blood did not flow freely in his
veins."

Henry's bonds were loosened, and he stood up. Although he had been bound
securely, his thongs had always allowed him a little movement, and he
had sought in the days of his captivity to keep his physical condition
perfect. He would stretch his limbs and tense his muscles for an hour at
a time. It was not much, it was not like the freedom of the forest, but
pursued by one as tenacious and forethoughtful as he, it kept his
muscles hard, his lungs strong, and his blood sparkling. Now, as he
stood up, he had all his strength, and his body was flexible and alert.

But Heno and Hainteroh seized him by each hand and pulled strongly. He
understood. They were acting in a wholly friendly manner for the time
being, and would give him exercise. He tried to guess from it the nature
of the first ordeal that awaited him, but he could not. He pulled back
and felt his muscles harden and tighten. So strong was he that both
warriors were dragged to his side of the wigwam.

"Good!" said Timmendiquas. "Prison has not made you soft. You shall
prove to all who see you that you are already a great warrior."

Then they rubbed his ankles and wrists with bear's oil that any possible
stiffness from the bonds might be removed, and directed him to walk
briskly on the inside circuit of the lodge for about fifteen minutes. He
did readily as they suggested. He knew that whatever their motives--and
after all they were Indians with all the traits of Indians--they wished
him to be as strong as possible for the fate that awaited him outside.
The hardier and braver the victim, the better the Indians always liked
it. Over a half hour was passed in these preparations, and then White
Lightning said tersely and without emotion:

"Come!"

He led the way, and Henry, following him, stepped from the lodge into
the sunlight with Hainteroh and Heno close behind. The boy coming from
the half darkness was dazzled at first by the brilliant rays, but in a
few moments his eyes strengthened to meet them, and he saw everything. A
great crowd was gathered for a