"What is to be done?" asked Hinton, as he shuddered at the scene before him.
"I will tell you what is to be done, Hayward," cried Branch. "I hold you in my power, and I shall dictate my own terms."
"What are they?" asked Hayward.
"Let the entire party, excepting yourself withdraw some distance to the rear, and then swear by your honor that I shall not be molested, and shall be permitted to go as I please, and I will restore your sister. If you do not, she shall perish, even if I go with her!"
The villain, who supposed his proposition would be readily accepted, had been partially thrown off his guard. With a cry of
"Brother!" Mamie sprang suddenly to the ground. In doing so, she had collected all her strength, and, as she sprang, the concussion had thrown Branch backward, and he was falling over the ledge. He caught a small sapling in his fall, and there the villain hung, suspended over this dreadful gulf, only by the frail twig. He turned upward an imploring glance, but did not speak. He gazed below, and a thrill of terror shook his frame.
"Your hour has come!" cried Hayward, as he approached the edge of the cliff.
"No! no! me—me!" cried the Indian, stepping forward.
"Oh! save me!" groaned Branch.
"Pray," said Hayward, as he saw the tomahawk of the Indian raised high in the air.