Gilbert, "in casting loose the bonds which bind your hands, and
you can then render the same good service to me."

"I pray that we may have the chance," remarked Fenton, "though, when our
arms are free, how we are to escape from the lynx-eyed natives I know
not."

"That must be as opportunity offers," said Gilbert.

The possibility of escaping kept up their spirits, and they moved along
with apparent willingness in the direction the Indians wished them to
go. They had thus made considerable progress before nightfall, when the
Indians halted in a small open space in the midst of a thick wood, where
they lighted a fire and prepared, as it seemed, to pass the night there.
Much to Gilbert and Fenton's disappointment, however, the cunning
natives placed them apart, one on each side of the fire, though they
gave them to eat some of the venison and dried fish which they carried
in their wallets.

"We must put a good face on the matter, and not let them suspect our
intentions," observed Gilbert. "Let us sing them a merry stave. It
will make them fancy we are thoughtless about the future, and they will
deem it less necessary to watch us closely. No matter the words,
provided the tune is such as to take their fancy."

Thereon they struck up an air which they had often sung on board ship.
The Indians nodded their heads approvingly. Next morning two of the
Indians went out hunting, and on their return with a small deer, shared
the flesh with their prisoners. After this they travelled on as before,
and continued moving to the northward for two more days. Every mile
they went they felt that their chance of escape was lessening, still,
like brave lads, they did not give way to despair. They tried to learn
from the Indians what had become of their party; they understood that
they were on a war-path, but would ere long overtake them.

"To-night or never we must make our attempt to escape, Ned," said
Gilbert. "I have heard tell of the cruel tricks of these Indians, who
only spare the lives of their prisoners at first, that they may carry
them to their villages to show them to their squaws, before they put
them to death with the most cruel tortures. Such may be the lot they
intend for us, and such an ending is not to my taste any more than it is
to yours, I am sure."

"That it is not," said Fenton; "and if we can once free our arms and get
hold of our weapons, we may, at all events, have a brave tussle for
life."

Ano