lled the scalp-lock, which was twisted up so as to hold tufts
of brilliant feathers. The women, scarcely less hideous than the men
(excepting here and there a young maiden, the joy of her tribe,
standing apart from the rest), crowded fiercely about, and the children,
naked and dirty, whooped and yelled like so many imps.

The scene was certainly not likely to inspire the prisoners with any
keen sense of security. Indeed, Tom expected instant death at their
hands. As for Rudolph and Kitty, the poor little creatures were
stupefied with terror, and clung to Tom in a way that seemed to make the
Indian children half mad with delight.

Suddenly all the warriors arranged themselves into two long lines,
facing each other--and, brandishing their tomahawks, switches, and
clubs, called upon Tom to run the gauntlet! One of the savages proceeded
to set free the limbs of the captive, at the same time explaining to
him, in broken English, the nature of the ceremony about to be enacted.
This was nothing less than for Tom to run between the lines, along their
entire length, with the chance of receiving a blow from each Indian as
he passed.

"Run like deer!" said the Indian, as he jerked off the last strip of
hide from the captive's arm, "then he get more few knock."

Casting one despairing look about him, and seeing not a possible chance
of escape, even if he were not bound to the spot by the presence of
Rudolph and Kitty, poor Tom entered upon the dread ordeal. His weariness
was forgotten as, in very desperation, he flew between the lines so
rapidly that for a short distance the blows fell but lightly upon him.
Soon a crushing stroke from the back of a tomahawk fell heavily upon his
shoulder, but he did not falter; the yells and blows of the savages lent
wings to his feet--until, at last, when the end was nearly reached, a
huge chief struck him a blow, with his club, that felled him to the
ground. Springing up instantly, Tom dashed forward again, and staggered
on to the end of the line where he sank to the ground, unable to rise.
Up to the last moment he could hear the shrieks of Rudolph rising above
the din. The poor child had been forced to witness Tom's suffering from
the first.

As soon as Tom opened his eyes he saw the pale, tearful faces of Rudolph
and Kitty. "Don't cry, youngsters," he gasped; "be good, and we may get
home again yet."

"Oh, come _now_," urged Kitty; "come tell mammy--mammy'll whip'em for
hurtin' 'oo; naug