"They're like the hounds in the owld country, barring they go on two legs an' don't stick their noses in the ground, nor howl whin they git on trail. They're mighty handy to have around ye at such a time as this, if they be savages wid only a spark of Christianity in 'em not bigger than a tobaccy pipe."
"It will be impossible, I think, for the savage to conceal traces of his flight, and, if there be any chance of coming up with him, these men will surely do so."
"But suppose Miss Cora should be tomahawked and—"
"Don't mention it," said the missionary, with a shudder.
While these words were interchanged, the Indians had employed the time more profitably in solving the meaning of the footsteps upon the ground. A slight whoop announced the trail's discovery, and when the missionary turned, he saw the whole five gliding off in a line through the woods. They went in "Indian file," and resembled a huge serpent making its way with all swiftness toward its prey.
Our two friends started at once after them. On reaching the edge of the Clearing Teddy asked, abruptly:
"If the haythen comes back to the cabin while we's be gone?"
"Impossible! he cannot."
"Spowsen he hides his track in that manner, he may take a notion to gobble up the little boy."
"He would not dare—"