But this intelligence was too heavy for the strength of the poor lady, and she was borne fainting up the stairs to the saloon. Mr. Gracewood assisted in this duty, and I was left to give the military officers the information they needed. The steamer had already entered Crooked River, and a leadman was calling out the depth of water.
"There they are!" I cried, when the boat turned a sharp bend in the river, as I discovered the two dugouts paddling up the stream.
"We will make short work of them," replied Lieutenant Pope, who was in command of the detachment of soldiers sent down for our relief.
The Indians saw the steamer, and immediately made for the shore, where they landed.
CHAPTER XII.
IN WHICH PHIL TAKES DELIBERATE AIM AT ONE OF THE CAPTORS OF ELLA.
"What is your name, young man?" said Lieutenant Pope to me.
"Phil Farringford, sir."
"Are you acquainted with the country in this vicinity?"