Then aloud to Ross:
“That fat an’ greasy redskin, that come sidelin’ up to us jest as you was goin’ into the hut, has been slippin’ ’round ’mong the other Injins an’ doin’ a heap o’ talkin’. I’ll bet a new ramrod he’s up to some devilment. I wish I could place him—I’ve seen him somewheres.”
Ross merely nodded; and, taking La Violette’s arm, hurried her onward. Just outside the walls, John Douglas turned and whispered in his son’s ear:
“We’ll proceed to the landing-place at once. If the officer who came over with us isn’t there with his soldiers, you must hail your friends on the other side and have a boat brought to you immediately. The Indians know and hate you and your comrades. There’s mischief brewing. Let’s hasten.”
The little party moved rapidly. John Douglas’s whispered words and anxious demeanor had warned his companions, of the gravity of the situation; and they realized that no time was to be lost, if they would escape. At last they came in sight of the place and, to their great relief, beheld the American officer and his escorts just ready to embark. An English officer and two subalterns were among the group upon the shore.
Ross frantically waved his hand and hallooed at the top of his voice. The American soldiers gave him a ringing cheer in reply, thus signifying they would await his arrival.
At that moment, a score or more of savages, quickly emerging from the shelter of the trees, confronted Ross and his companions.
Bright Wing uttered a sharp grunt and cocked his rifle. Farley did the same, muttering as he did so:
“Jest as I ’xpected! Ther’s that dang fat brave leadin’ ’em.”