He set her down, and taking Nellie by the hand she clung to her all the way home.
As they passed the cottage where the missionary resided they saw a crowd near the door.
"It is what they call a prayer-meeting, I think," said the Indian boy.
"Not at this time of day," remarked Walter. "The missionary woman is crying."
"Maybe William frightened her with the rattlesnake," said Francisco.
"But your uncle is there—I see him," said Nellie. "He is talking to the men."
"Very well; but it is late now, and we must not stop," said Francisco. "Perhaps she has been putting some pictures in the church again. My uncle can get angry, too, sometimes."
"But he would not make a woman cry, would he, Francisco?" asked Nellie, with some anxiety.
"No; I do not think he would make a woman cry. It is strange, a little, that he is there; but he would be displeased if I should go over and leave the water on the roadside. Your people will be wondering why we are not back."
At the camp they had begun to feel uneasy. When everything had been explained by the children, who now that Margarita was safe rather enjoyed telling the experience, the elders were inclined to think Hernando really intended to kidnap the child.