At this juncture Gray Panther seemed to think there was too much conversation going on, and in broken English he ordered all to keep their tongues still.
No one of the prisoners regretted the command, for it was a dismal thing to talk when their hearts were so oppressed.
The route they followed was through the wood, that was stony and rocky, and in the deep shadows it was anything but pleasing work. The captors kept close to the captives, so as to prevent any break for freedom on their part.
The distance was not far, but it was not yet passed, when something took place which caused some alarm, though none of the prisoners could tell what it was.
One of the Indians in front uttered a peculiar signal, which caused a halt on the part of every Seneca. Gray Panther hastened forward.
It was idle for Godfrey to look for any interference in their behalf, but he did feel, for a few brief seconds, something akin to such hope.
But Gray Panther speedily returned, and the march was resumed, with the same stillness and care as before.
What the cause of the interruption was, became known to none but the Senecas themselves.
A few minutes later, the glimmer of a light was seen among the trees, and as the faces of the party were turned in that direction, they knew it was the camp-fire that was their destination.
Only a few steps more were passed when the entire party, with the exception of the African servant, stood in the presence of Jake Golcher, the Tory.