“I know the nature of these Injuns, sir,” replied Malachi; “they’re never safe, even when tied, if the thong does not cut into the bone; but you have him now, sir, fast enough, and the sooner you get to the fort the better. You have your rifles in the bush?”
“Yes,” replied Martin, “you’ll find them behind the large oak tree.”
“I’ll fetch them; not that I think there’s much danger of a rescue.”
“We have not far to take him,” said Captain Sinclair, “for, as I wished you and Alfred not to be so long away as to induce questions to be asked, I have a file of men and a corporal about half a mile off, concealed in the bush. But Malachi, it is as well to let the Indian know that he is only detained as a hostage, and, will be returned as soon as the boy is sent back.”
Malachi addressed the Indian in his own tongue, and told him what Captain Sinclair requested.
“Tell him that there are several Indian women about the fort, who will take any message he may send to the Angry Snake.”
The Young Otter made no reply to anything said by Malachi, but looked around him very impatiently.
“Be off as fast as you can,” said Malachi, “for, depend upon it, the Angry Snake was to meet him after his talk with me; I see it by his wandering eye, and his looking round for assistance. I will go with you, and return with Alfred and Martin, for I have no rifle.”
“You can take mine, Malachi, as soon as we come up to the soldiers.”
This was done in a few minutes. Captain Sinclair then took charge of the Indian, and set off with his party for the fort. Malachi, Alfred, and Martin returned to the house, and before they entered the prairie, Martin detected the tall figure of an Indian at a short distance, in the shade of the trees.