e of your
own instead of a bow and arrows; come, eat this."

This was a long speech for John, but it produced its effect, for
Percival opened his mouth for the venison, and being fed by John, made a
very good dinner. As soon as their meal was over, they consulted as to
what steps should next be taken. The question discussed was whether they
should now capture the women who were left in the lodges, or remain
quiet till the Angry Snake and his party arrived?

Malachi's opinion was as follows:--

"I think we had at all events better wait till to-morrow, sir; you see,
the women will not be at all surprised at the hunting party not
returning for even a day or two, as they know that they will not return
without game, and may not find it immediately; their absence, therefore,
will create no suspicion of our being here. I think we should return to
our former place of concealment, and watch their motions. There is no
saying when the party with Miss Percival may return, they may have
arrived while we have been away, or they may come to-morrow. It will be
better, therefore, not to encumber ourselves with more prisoners unless
it is necessary."

This opinion was at last assented to, and they set off, on their return
to the Indian lodges. They arrived about an hour before dusk at their
hiding-place, having taken the precaution to gag the two Indians for
fear of their giving a whoop as notice of their capture. Percival was
very quiet, and had begun to talk a little with John.

Scarcely had they been five minutes again concealed among the spruce fir
trees, when they heard a distant whoop from the woods on the other side
of the lodges.

"They are now coming on," said Martin; "that is their signal."

One of the Indian women from the lodges returned the whoop.

"Yes, sir, they are coming," said Malachi. "Pray, Captain Sinclair, be
quiet and sit down; you will ruin all our plans."

"Down, Sinclair, I beg," said Alfred.

Captain Sinclair, who was very much excited, nevertheless did as he was
requested.

"Oh, Alfred!" said he; "she's so near."

"Yes, my good fellow, but if you wish her nearer, you must be prudent."

"True, very true," replied Captain Sinclair.

In about half an hour more, the Angry Snake and his party were seen to
emerge from the woods, and it was perceived that four of the Indians
carried a litter made of branches between them.

"She could walk no further, sir," said Malachi to Captain Sinclair; "so
they