At this moment, Goodbrand, who had remained in the rear, glided up.
“Bes’ go!” he whispered. “Comin’ ag’in, an’ more from village, guess!”
“You that kin, find the body of poor Hank an’ hide it from their devilish ways!” said Scarred Eagle.
This was soon done. The friendly Miami kept somewhat in the rear of the rest, who pressed cautiously on toward the gorge.
For some time not even a whisper was uttered. A terrible anxiety filled the heart of Scarred Eagle. All knew the cause was Brom Vail. But they knew a present attempt to reach the village and endeavor to release the latter, would be worse than useless. It would be an extremely dangerous undertaking under far more favorable circumstances. But one thought gave a ray of hope, and that was what the Indian girl had promised. But would she alone be able to effect Brom’s release?
They were nearing the retreat when Scarred Eagle suddenly halted and listened anxiously.
“Goodbrand orter j’ined us by this time,” he said. “But thar’s one thing, men. Whatever news he may bring of the mad devils, we must git close to their camp afore mornin’ ef the boy’s tu be saved. Mebbe he kain’t be. It’ll be an oncommon job to undertake, an’ I ask no man tu go that ain’t parfictly willin’.”
“’Tain’t a fair way o’ puttin’ it!” said Mace. “Ye’d orter know thar ain’t a man of us thet won’t stan’ by ye an’ him till the last!” This resolve was echoed by the rest.
“I knowed it, men, I knowed it!” said Scarred Eagle, hopefully. “Our mission as scouts is done, mostly. The major at the fort’s got his cue, an’ thar’s nothin’ but to wait till Bradstreet comes up, when a sally kin be made. Ay, here’s Goodbrand!”
The latter glided up with the news that quite a reinforcement had arrived from the direction of the Indian village. Some of these were seeking out their dead warriors; others were lurking in the woods near the scene of conflict.