“Yer daughter is safe, Oll,” said Bell.
The trader started at the sound of the voice, for the two men had stolen up behind him.
“How do you know she’s safe?” he demanded.
“Because your boat is gone, an’ she an’ that young Peoria ar’ in it.”
“Gone down Cahokia right into the jaws of death.”
“Not much. Swamp Oak ain’t a durned fool if he is young. He’s gone up Cahokia, to his mysterious home.”
“Do you know where it is?” and Oliver Blount griped the hunter’s arm in his eagerness.
“Not exactly, but I kin tramp mighty nigh it. Ye see, that young red chap stole his wife, an’ he won’t tell anybody whar he keeps her. But we’ll hunt for the place, an’ we’ll begin right away. I’d give any thing fur a boat now.”
But no canoe was to be had, and the trio were obliged to set out on the hunt for Kate Blount on foot.
They had arrived too late to attack the Indians while they besieged the devoted pair in the cottage; but they reached the spot from whence they slew the three red-men in time to hear the oath which Segowatha imposed upon his followers.