"Yes, Henry," replied the shiftless one, "it's the teacher."
"Do you think his presence here means Wareville has been destroyed by Bird?"
"I'm hopin' that it doesn't, Henry."
Shif'less Sol spoke steadily, but Henry could read the fear in his mind, and the reply made his own fears all the stronger.
"They are going to sacrifice that good old man, Sol," he said.
"They mean to do it, but people sometimes mean to do things that they don't do."
They remained in silence until Tom returned with Paul, who was excited greatly when he learned that Mr. Pennypacker was there a prisoner.
"Lie perfectly still, all of you, until the time comes," said Henry. "We've got to save him, and we can only do it by means of a surprise and a rush."
The Indians and their prisoner were now not more than a hundred yards away, having come into the center of the open circle used for the sacrifice, and they stood there a little while talking. Mr. Pennypacker's arms were bound, but he held himself erect. His face was turned toward the South, his home, and it seemed to Henry and Paul—although it was fancy, the distance being too great to see—that his expression was rapt and noble as if he already saw beyond this life into the future. They loved and respected him. Paul had been his favorite pupil, and now tears came into the eyes of the boy as he watched. The old man certainly had seen the stakes, and doubtless he had surmised their purpose.
"What's your plan, Henry?" whispered Shif'less Sol.