Fred had little faith in the proposal, but fortunately he did not object, and a minute later Gimp was gone.
Left to himself Fred stealthily approached the vicinity of the camp, fully alive to the delicacy of his mission.
He was resolved that if detected, and this was likely to occur, since a number of the Senecas were still absent and would soon be returning, he would not be retaken.
"There will not be a shadow of hope, if I fall into their hands again, and I may as well make it lively for a while."
A few steps farther and he reached a point from which he obtained a clear view of the Indian camp.
He saw Aunt Peggy busy with her culinary duties, while the group of half a dozen Indians were as eagerly watching and scrambling for the brown slices as if they were so many wolves.
By and by Jake Golcher cut the withes that bound the arms of Habakkuk McEwen and Mr. Brainerd, and began talking with Maggie while Fred watched with the deepest interest the singular camp.
"I think there'll be some mischief done pretty soon," thought the youth, after watching the scene for a moment; "and, if so, I must take a hand."
He had stationed himself by the side of a tree with large spreading limbs, and he now resorted to the odd plan of climbing a short distance and seating himself among the limbs.
"I've got just as good a view here," he said to himself, "and, if it becomes necessary to shoot, they won't be apt to look in this place for me."