“There,” he said to himself; “if either of them comes this way, it may be the means of saving us.”
But though John did not observe this, he did notice the pieces of paper which Julius dropped, and he was sharp enough to detect his motive for doing this.
“What for drop paper?” he demanded, seizing Julius roughly by the shoulder.
Julius knew that it would be of no use to equivocate, and he answered, manfully. “To let Mr. Taylor know where we are.”
“Umph!” grunted the Indian. “Pick up.”
Julius was forced to pick up all the bits of paper he had scattered, but the original one containing the message he left where it lay.
“Now come.”
The Indian made Julius go in front, and the three went on till they reached the pile of leaves where Carrie and the Indian had rested before.
The Indian resumed his reclining position, and made Julius and Carrie sit down also. Our hero, who still{187} had the pistol, was in doubt whether to use it, but a moment’s reflection satisfied him that it would be of no use. If he wounded the Indian, the latter in his rage might kill them both. Another idea came to him. He had heard from Mrs. Taylor that the Indian had demanded money, and had probably taken offense because it was not given him. He had two dollars in his pocket. If he should give this to their captor, he would probably be eager to invest it in “fire water,” and this would make it necessary to go to the village. While he was absent Carrie and he could start again on their way home.
Upon this hint he spoke.