“Well,” said Peter Brush, “that beats all I ever heard of. I don’t believe I’m awake. Pinch me, to make sure.”
“No need of that, friend Brush. Tom has had a signal deliverance. Just now he was in danger of being sacrificed; now he is a prime favorite.”
Just then the interpreter, after a brief conference with the chief, advanced toward our two friends.
“Wanuka bids me say that you are free. You can go where you will.”
“And may Tom go, too?”
“Who is Tom?”
“The boy.”
“No, he will stay with us. He will be the brother of Miantonimo.”
Peter Brush and Dr. Spooner looked at each other in perplexity. Tom’s life was saved, but the Indians were resolved to keep him a captive, and that, they knew, would make him miserable.
“Here’s a pretty kettle of fish, doctor,” said Peter. “Must we leave Tom here?”