"Of course we will pay," hastily answered Frank. "Can you aid us in saving her? If you can, you shall be——"
"Socato save her. White man and two boys go back to cabin of Great White Phantom. Stay there, and Socato come with the girl."
"Begorra! Oi don't loike thot," declared Barney. "Oi'd loike to take a hand in th' rescue mesilf."
"Socato can do better alone," asserted the Seminole. "Trust me."
But Frank was not inclined to desert Elsie Bellwood in her hour of trouble, and he said:
"Socato, you must take me with you. Professor, you and Barney go back to the hut, and stay there till we come."
The Indian hesitated, and then said:
"If white boy can shoot so well with the bow and arrow, he may not be in the way. I will take him, if he can step from one canoe to the other without upsetting either."
"That's easy," said Frank, as he deliberately and safely accomplished the feat.