rk of a buffalo-thong
on ankle or wrist, to tell of captivity, the little man was running
about the hill, to all appearance as he list--his moving shadow dodging
hither and thither, as if it were a long-legged, short-bodied goblin
quizzically mocking his motions, or playing at hide-and-seek with him
among the trees and bushes. But Burl observed that the dear little
fellow, though left to his freedom, never came nigh the giant, nor the
grim savage in the ruffled shirt and blue coat, but always kept nearest
to him who sat on the further end of the log--the youngest of the three
Indian, quite youthful indeed, and of form and face exceedingly pleasing
and noble. In fact, between the young brave and the little captive a
friendly and familiar understanding seemed to have sprung up already;
for while the giant and other savage talked together, these two kept up
a lively confab between themselves, which, as neither could understand a
word the other was saying, must have been highly entertaining and
edifying to both. A few minutes before, while playing about the hill,
Bushie had found an old stone hatchet, and picking it up, had brought it
to his red friend to have him fit a handle to it, which the young brave,
with mingled pity and good humor, was now busy in doing--the edifying
interchange of thought and sentiment never ceasing for a moment. Had
Burl needed any further proof of the gentle, even indulgent kindness
with which his little master had been treated--at least by the young
Indian--there it was to be seen in the little coon-skin cap, stuck
thicker than even the giant's scalp-lock with the gorgeous plumes of the
war-bird.

All this, that has taken so long to describe, it took Burl but a glance
of the eye to discern, and as quickly to form his plan of attack. In the
first place, he must, with the one bullet already in his gun, dispatch
the two Indians who sat on the log. This advantage gained, he should, he
felt confident, then be able to cope with the giant on equal terms, full
six inches taller though he seemed to be where he sat just there, so
composedly smoking his war-pipe--not to mention his being freshly
victualed withal. But in order to deal this double blow, he needs must
shift his ground, so as to bring himself on a line with the two smaller
Indians--a movement, which to execute under the very skirts of a
quick-eared foe, would put him up to all the cunning and skill he was
master of. Nevertheless, for the sake