n, because he will not be home before we are
away. I'm sorry for that, as I should have liked him to be with me."

"It can't be helped," replied Alfred. "Well then, Martin and I will go
back at once; in two hours I will return with Captain Sinclair, if I
possibly can."

"As quick as you please, sir, and Martin will get every thing ready for
the journey, for we must not fire our rifles, if we can help it."

Alfred hastened away, and was soon followed by Martin, to whom Malachi
had given some directions. Malachi and the Strawberry then continued to
follow the trail, which they traced through the thickest of the wood for
more than an hour, when they came upon a spot where a fire had been
lighted, and the ground trodden down, evidently showing that the parties
had been living there some time.

"Here was the nest of the whole gang," resumed Malachi, as he looked
round.

The Strawberry, who had been examining the ground, said--

"Here is her foot again."

"Yes, yes; it's clear enough that two of them have carried her off and
brought her here to where the others were waiting for them, and from
here the whole party have made their start. Now we have the new trail to
find, and that they have taken every care to prevent us, I do not
doubt."

The Strawberry now pointed to a mark near where the fire had been
lighted, and said, "The moccasin of a squaw."

"Right, then she is with them, so much the better," replied Malachi,
"for, as she sent me that letter, she may serve us still, if she
chooses."

CHAPTER XXXVII.

Previous to his starting for the fort, Alfred had a hasty communication
with his father and mother, in which he informed them simply that it was
evident that Mary had been carried off, and that it was the opinion of
Malachi and Martin, that the Angry Snake was the party to be suspected.

"But what cause could he have?" said Emma, weeping.

"Merely to get powder and shot as a reward for bringing her back again,"
replied Alfred; "so there is not any thing to fear as to her being
ill-treated; but if he has any other reason for what he has done, it is
well known that an Indian always respects a female. But here comes my
horse."

"But what are you going to do, Alfred?" said Mrs. Campbell, who was in a
state of great agitation.

"Ride to the fort for assistance, bring Captain Sinclair, and go in
pursuit as fast as we can, mother. Martin will get all ready by my
return, Malachi is following up the trai