CHAPTER XXXVII.
FRANK'S MERCY.
The forenoon passed, and the afternoon was well advanced, but still Socato the Seminole did not return.
But late in the afternoon a boat and a number of canoes appeared. In the boat was Leslie Gage and the two sailors, Black Tom and Bowsprit. The canoes were filled with Indians.
"Great shnakes av Ireland!" cried Barney Mulloy, amazed. "Phwat th' dickens does this mane, Oi dunno?"
"It means trouble," said Frank, quickly. "Have the rifles ready, and be prepared for hot work."
"Indians!" gurgled Professor Scotch. "We're all dead and scalped!"
"Those must be Seminoles," said Frank. "It is scarcely likely that they are very dangerous."
The boat containing the three white persons ran boldly up to the shore, and Leslie Gage landed. Advancing a short distance toward the hut, the door of which was securely closed, he cried: