The captain immediately recognized me, and the wheels of the steamer stopped. Mr. Gracewood pulled the barge up to the steamer, and we went on board.
"Where is the young lady we left at your wood-yard?" demanded the captain, very much excited, as I stepped on deck.
"She was captured by the Indians less than an hour ago," I replied, breathless with emotion. "They have taken her up into Crooked River. Do put your boat about and chase them."
"Captured by the Indians!" exclaimed the captain, aghast at the intelligence.
"Will you put about, and follow them, captain?" interposed Mr. Gracewood.
"He is Ella's father," I added.
"I am," said he.
The captain directed the pilot to start the steamer, and head her up the river, as we dragged the barge on deck.
"But we can't go up these small streams," he added.
"The Indians cannot have gone far, and the water is deep for several miles," replied Mr. Gracewood.