"Comrades," said Tom Mitchell, "the owner of this home found me wounded in the prairie and took me in."
"We know that—what then?"
"What then! Not only did George Clinton shelter me beneath his roof, but saved my life from the lynchers."
"Thank goodness," said Versenca, "that induced him to leave the hut by the exercise of cunning."
"Without violence, I hope," said Tom.
"Quite so; sent him on a false trail, that is all."
"Then you are agreed with me—no pillage."
"No pillage!" cried all; "Let us go."
None had entered the house, and now, on the order of the chief, they turned to go. George Clinton was before them.
"Gentlemen," he cried, standing resolutely before them, "what is the meaning of this visit in my absence?"