"Injins."
"No white folks?"
"All gone: some on 'em's killed, and some on 'em's kerried off. Awful times, everywhar," added the trapper, shaking his head mournfully. "Whar's the Injin boy?"
"Up thyer," answered Ethan, pointing to the cabin where Wahena had been secured as soon as the raft was discovered, for another attack from the Indians had been anticipated. "You may let him loose again, Fanny."
She was always glad to perform this office for her captive friend, and she soon returned to the shore with Wahena.
"He's all safe—ain't he?" asked Rattleshag.
"Yes; we hain't hurt him; and he's as fond of Fanny as a pet puppy dog."
"Glad on't. I was tooken by the Injins over thar, and got nigh bein' skelped. Lean B'ar let me go to kim over here arter the boy," added the trapper.
"We can't let him go," said Ethan.
"I reckon you mought."