l with Strawberry. But there is
no time to be lost; I shall soon be back."

Alfred then sprang upon his horse, which Martin had brought to the door,
and galloped away to the fort.

As it may be supposed, Mr. and Mrs. Campbell and Emma were in great
distress; this did not, however, prevent them from listening to Martin,
and supplying him with all that he requested, which was salt pork and
other food for their journey, powder and shot for their rifles, etc.
Having specified all that was wanted, Martin then went off to summon
young Graves and Meredith; they were soon found, and when they heard the
intelligence, were ready in a minute for departure. Their rifles and an
extra pair of moccasins each was all that they required for the journey,
and in a few minutes they accompanied Martin to the house. After they
had been occupied for a little time in dividing the various articles
into different packages, that each might carry his proportion, Mr.
Campbell said--

"Martin, supposing that you and Malachi are correct in your supposition,
where do you think that they will take my poor niece?"

"Right away to their own wigwams, sir," replied Martin.

"Have you any idea how far that may be?" said Mrs. Campbell.

"Yes, ma'am, I have heard that the Angry Snake's quarters are about
twelve days' journey from this."

"Twelve days' journey! how far is a journey?"

"As far as a stout man can walk in a day, ma'am."

"And will my niece have to walk all the way?"

"Why, yes, ma'am; I don't see how it can be otherwise; I don't know of
the Indians having any horses, although they may have."

"But she can not walk as far as a man," replied Mrs. Campbell.

"No, ma'am, and so I suppose they will be twenty days going instead of
twelve."

"Will they ill-treat or ill-use her, Martin?" said Emma.

"No, ma'am, I shouldn't think they would, although they will make her
walk, and will tie her at night when they stop."

"Poor Mary: what will she suffer?" exclaimed Emma; "and if you do come
up with them, Martin, will they give her up to you?"

"We shan't ask their leave, miss," replied Martin; "we shall take her."

"But not without bloodshed, Martin," said Mrs. Campbell.

"No, ma'am, certainly not without bloodshed, for either the Indians must
destroy us or we them; if we conquer, not an Indian will be left alive;
and if they master us, it will be about the same thing, I suppose."

"Heaven protect us, but this is dreadful; I was prepare