“Not if I want to be alone.”
“You mean you are free to go and come unwatched?” I demanded.
She nodded her head.
“Then why haven’t you tried to make the settlement? It is near. Listen. Shelby Cousin is here. The Indians can’t afford the time it will take to capture the place. Walk along into the woods. Go due east. By God’s grace I believe you can make it!”
“Basdel, you forget,” she sorrowfully reproached. “You forget my father is here. That is why they give me my freedom.”
“He would rejoice and thank God if you would do as I say.”
“But the Indian woman with the blue eyes has told me in English that if I run away they will hurt him terribly.”
Poor child! As if her presence could save Ericus Dale from dying the death once Black Hoof found time to indulge in his favorite pastime. I vehemently begged her to flee, promising all sorts of absurd things if she would but do so, even to assuring her I would effect her father’s release.
She slowly shook her head, tempted not the least by my pleas.
“Even the Indians know me better than that. And to think we trusted them! Oh, Basdel, it doesn’t seem possible! You were right. Father was wrong. God help him! And now they have taken you!”