He pointed up the river. A small boat was seen floating down the stream, in which three men were sitting erect, and the form of a fourth, lying prostrate.
“How do you propose testing my loyalty, Colonel Price?”
“That boat contains a Yankee officer. He is to be hung up by the neck. You shall perform the job.”
“Is not that man wounded, Colonel Price?”
“Yes, very badly so, I am informed.”
“Then I will not perform the base thing you propose.”
Price drew a revolver, and pointing it to the head of Campbell, commanded him to start at once for camp. He had scarcely done so, when a powerful Indian sprung from concealment, and snatched the weapon from his hand. At the same time he seized Price, as if he had been a child, and hurled him into the water below. Without waiting to watch the result of this sudden immersion upon the chivalrous colonel, he caught the maiden in his arms, and bounded off in the direction of Springfield. As he started, he beckoned to the young man and muttered:
“Come—follow—me save her!”
Price floundered about in the water for a moment, and finally succeeded in reaching the shore just as the boat came up.
“Come—quick—join me in the pursuit!” yelled Price.