And the little band, as may well be imagined, were grateful beyond expression to find that what was first taken to be a dreaded enemy was after all a valuable friend.
CHAPTER XI.
It caused Lieutenant Godfrey the deepest chagrin to reflect that, after his remarkable escapes of the day, he had been taken prisoner in this fashion.
He was in a crouching posture, watching the scene in front, when several Seneca warriors returning to camp discovered him, and before he could make an effective resistance, he was borne to the ground, disarmed, and made prisoner.
But chagrin was quickly lost in alarm, for there could be no doubt of the intentions of Queen Esther respecting all her captives.
It was characteristic of the youth that his first misgiving was concerning his father, who was but such a short distance behind him, and he expected every minute to see the hapless man brought in as his companion.
But as time passed, Fred gained hope for him, and, recalling his pledge, believed he would keep beyond danger.
Katharine Montour bent her gaze upon the youth, as he came in front of her escorted by several warriors, and then she broke into a chuckling laugh.
This extraordinary creature was once quite popular with civilized people, and she spoke English as well as the Seneca tongue.