“You are a Mohawk, but you are a good friend,” Running Fox said, warmly.
While the Delawares had little hope that the fierce Mohawk chief would relent and give them their liberty, still they realized that an appeal in their behalf from one of the powerful Mohawk medicine-men might go a long way toward gaining them sufficient freedom to enable them to escape.
“See, they do not free our hands and feet,” said Spotted Deer. “I believe the Chippewas have made an opening into the camp.”
“Well, we must try to do something,” declared Running Fox. “Pretty soon it will get light. Then perhaps we can look around, and see what has happened.”
CHAPTER XVI—THE ESCAPE
The following day the Delawares waited impatiently for an opportunity to venture into the village, and learn the result of the battle. However, the day was more than half gone before any one came to the lodge to free them. Then a warrior came, and unbound them. He made them understand that they might go into the camp, and partake of food.
“This is bad,” said Running Fox, as they left the lodge. “The Mohawks kept us tied up until they closed up the place where the Chippewas got in. Now there is no chance to get out.”
“Yes, I believe that is true,” agreed Spotted Deer.
They found the Mohawks still jubilant over their victory. The lads realized, therefore, that it would be foolish to show themselves too prominently at that time. Many of the younger warriors seemed carried away by the glory of their first triumph, and the Delawares knew that they would be only too willing to find an excuse for attacking them. For some time the lads had been quite free from annoyance, and they had no desire to lose the privileges which their long stay in the Mohawk camp had brought them.
“Those young men are very fierce,” said Running Fox. “We must be very cautious. I believe the best thing to do is to keep away from them.”