The most dangerous implement of all still remained in the hands of the Shawanoe, and the captors were perplexed for the moment as to how it was to be disposed of. It would have been easy to render it useless, and the arrows might have been cast down the ravine, but they hesitated to take that step.
The same thought was in the minds of the lads. Arqu-wao might be used as a friend and an ally in the danger which still threatened, and, if so, he would need some weapon to be of avail in emergencies.
Wharton now advanced and spoke:
"Arqu-wao, do you know where the block-house is?"
The expression of the Indian's face showed that he did not comprehend the question.
"Big house—fort—place where white men are?"
"Yes—me know—me been dere," he replied, nodding his head vigorously.
"It's off yonder, isn't it?" inquired Wharton, pointing with his hand in the supposed direction.
Arqu-wao shook his head.
"Not dere—off dere," he said, indicating a point of the compass fully forty-five degrees removed from the first.