"And conquer we shall!" added Bob, with determination.
On reaching the camp, the rescuers were met by a host of Indians, who were all filled with curiosity regarding the strangers. The white men looked around them, but no signs could they see of the captives.
Then Mackintosh recognised a friend in Swift Arrow.
"Ha, Nitchie!" he exclaimed, holding out his hand for the Indian to grasp.
"It is pleasant for the eyes of Swift Arrow to see the Black Bear in the camp of the Dacotahs," said the redskin as he returned the greeting.
"And it's good for him to look upon the face o a friend," said the Scotsman. "I wish to speak with Mighty Hand. Where is he?"
"The chief of the Dacotahs is here," replied a voice from the crowd, and the great man himself stepped forward.
"H'm. That's good. Saves a deal of seeking when folk come of themselves." Then the speaker launched straight into the subject of their quest.
"Now then, Mighty Hand, you and me are old friends, and we can talk freely. You're wondering the noo what has brought us here, and you may ken without palaver. We have come for your captives."
"Captives?" The chief looked puzzled as he repeated the word.