"Pale-face girl does not know Singing-Bird. She loves Eagle's-Wing. Hates Panther ever so much. Do tell me 'bout Eagle's-Wing."
Ruth related what she knew of the Tuscarora, and of the attack upon the cottage. Singing-Bird listened intently; and when Ruth had concluded, she placed her arm gently about her neck, and said—
"We sisters now; but look out for Seneca. They think me friend; but I want Eagle's-Wing to get all their scalp."
She then informed Ruth that another party of the Senecas had also brought in a prisoner, and from the description which she gave of the appearance of the captive, Ruth concluded that the unfortunate prisoner could be none other than Ichabod. She conjectured, also, that the Senecas had made no other prisoners, and that her father, together with Ralph and the Tuscarora, still remained in possession of the cottage. This fact at once gave relief to her mind; and she regained a serenity and composure which she had not before been able to feel since her capture.
"What are these Indians going to do with us?" asked she of Singing-Bird.
"Don't know what they do want with pale-face girl. P'raps want to trade for Eagle's-Wing. But Panther wants me for his squaw—wants me to go beyond the lakes, in the Seneca country, to live in his wigwam. Won't do it, though; I kill myself first."
"I never shall consent to be exchanged for Eagle's-Wing," said Ruth. "I shall rely upon some other means of deliverance."
Singing-Bird thanked her by a grateful smile. "O, I do want to get away," replied she. "Oneida and Tuscarora warriors come pretty soon, I hope. When they come, then I get away; p'raps before, if Eagle's-Wing know how. He great warrior."
"I have friends, too, who will assist; and I hope they will find means to deliver us," said Ruth.
"What friend?" asked Singing-Bird, suddenly. "Have you got husband, too?"