the lungs. They felt strong
enough for any task. Now that the guard was relaxed somewhat they hoped
for a chance to save Paul and Jim, but none came. Three separate nights
they went near enough to see them by the camp fire, but they could not
approach any closer. Henry surmised that they would soon reach a large
village of the Chippewas, and then their chances would decrease again.
The attempt must be made soon.

It was now late October and all the forests were dyed the varied and
beautiful colors of an American autumn. The camp of Timmendiquas was
pitched on a beautiful stream that ran a few miles further on into an
equally beautiful little lake. Food had become scarce and that morning
he had sent most of the warriors on a hunting expedition. He sat with
Braxton Wyatt and only two warriors by the side of the small camp fire.
The two prisoners were there also, their arms bound, but not in a manner
to hurt. Motives of policy had compelled Timmendiquas and Wyatt to be
seeming friends, but the heart of the great chief was full of
bitterness. He had not wanted to bring Wyatt with him and yet it had
been necessary to do so. Wyatt had taken the two prisoners who were
intended as offerings to the Northwestern tribes, and, under tribal law,
they belonged to him, until they were willingly given to others. His
presence would also convince the Ojibways, Chippewas and others that
white men, too, were on their side. Yet nothing could make Timmendiquas
like Wyatt. It seemed unnatural to him for a man to fight against his
own race, and he knew the young renegade to be treacherous and cruel.

They were sitting in silence. Wyatt spoke once or twice to Timmendiquas,
but the chieftain made no reply. Timmendiquas stared into the fire, and
planned how he would bring down the Northwestern tribes. The two
warriors were as still as statues. Paul and Long Jim were leaning
against the fallen tree, and Braxton Wyatt's eyes wandered over them. He
sneered at Paul, but the boy took no notice. Wyatt had often tried to
annoy the two prisoners on the march, but he was afraid to go very far
because of Timmendiquas. Yet he remembered with great satisfaction how
he had trapped them that night after the battle of Piqua, when they
wandered too near the edge of the forest.

His eyes passed from them, wandering around the circle, and came back to
them again. Did he see Long Jim start? Did he see a flash of
intelligence appear in the eyes of the hunter? Coul