"It's what has got to be done, Marian. You see, we'll be inshore in a few minutes. Stick by me, and I'll take you overboard."
"Why not now, Jim?"
"You see it's getting dark fast, and every minute will help us. By the eternal! do you know that feller on shore? It is McGable! Hello! the boat has struck!"
Such was the case, and what was more alarming they were but a few rods from shore. It was noticed, too, that the wailing tone of the decoy had changed to a more commanding one, while the Frontier Angel had disappeared.
"What does this mean, sir?" asked one of the oarsmen, thoroughly alarmed.
"You're my prisoners, sir!" replied the stranger. "Don't get excited—it's no use. That man is McGable, and the Shawnees are waitin' fur yer ha'r. Ef you undertake to fight, you'll be tomahawked in a minute; but ef you give in nice like, p'raps some of yer'll be let alone. Ef you've no objections, I'll give the signal for 'em to come aboard."
All except Peterson were paralyzed with horror, and seemed utterly speechless. He stepped deliberately forward and said:
"I'd like to ax a question afore you does that thing. What yer going to do with me?"
"Burn and toast you as soon as we get ashore."
"I rather reckon not, old hoss. How does that suit?"