Not deigning to reply, the Indian strode on to the hut, and entered it. It was deserted.
A bead bracelet lying inside attested to the truth of that portion of Crookleg’s story which told him Sansuta had been there.
He returned to the negro.
“Rise,” he said, in a commanding tone.
“I can’t, massa; you has tied me so tight that I can’t move.”
“Rise, I tell you,” repeated the Indian with a threatening gesture.
Beginning to obey, the negro rolled over the ground in the direction of the rifle which Nelatu had laid aside in order to tie him.
Could he but reach that, he might defy his raptor.
But the Indian was too quick for him.
With a kick which made Crookleg howl with pain, he forced him aside, and secured the weapon himself.