Came the sound of steps and the glitter of light from the doorway behind her. With a low gasp of fright, the girl rose and fled to the far end of the place, where she crouched behind some piled kegs. Norton twisted about to see Grigg, Duval, and two men enter with lanterns.
Setting down their lights, the four grouped themselves comfortably on kegs around the two prisoners. Norton noted without grief that his fists had left the face of Duval badly marked, while the lawyer stared down at his captive in savage hatred. Red Hugh was completely disregarded, but Norton was soon to find that the old man had been taken alive for very definite reasons.
"Your race is done, Captain Norton," said Duval coldly. "I presume that you are now quite satisfied of your folly? I hope to have a very pretty scene for you to-morrow night, when Madam Grigg and I will be united in holy matrimony—save the mark!"
The others joined in the laughter, as Duval kicked Norton roughly. The Louisianian did not reply.
"Well, let's hear about it, Cap," spoke up one of the evil-eyed men impatiently enough. "The boys want to split the stuff and be off, so if we're a-goin' to have any fun first——"
"You'll have your fun," broke in Duval easily. "Look at Mr. Norton's powder-horn and see if you recognize it."
The two leaned over Norton, pulling the red-streaked horn into view. A curse broke from them, and one of them kicked Norton again.
"Tobin's!" burst out the man vengefully. "Did the cuss git Tobin, Cap? That's why he ain't showed up?"
"Exactly"—and Duval smiled cruelly. "Tell the other boys about it. Now to-morrow the circuit-rider we sent Darby after last week will be in from the north. To-morrow night Miss Kitty and I will be married. One of you go over to the Miami village and bring 'em all over for a jamboree, squaws and all."
"We'll git the squaws all right," jeered one of the men.