re's good sense in that observation, Malachi," said Alfred,
laughing. "Come, Sinclair."

Captain Sinclair quitted in the evening, and went back to the fort. He
returned at the time appointed, and informed them that the Colonel fully
approved of their plan of holding the young Indian as a hostage, and
that he would secure him in the fort as soon as he was brought in.

"Now, do we want any assistance from the fort? Surely not, to capture
an Indian lad--at least, so I said to the Colonel," continued Captain
Sinclair.

"No, sir, we want no assistance, as you say. I am his match myself, if
that were all; but it is not strength which is required. He is as lithe
and supple as an eel, and as difficult to hold, that I am certain of.
If we were to use our rifles there would be no difficulty; but to hold
him will give some trouble to two of us, and if once he breaks loose he
would be too fleet for any of us."

"Well, then, Malachi, how shall we proceed?"

"Why, sir, I must meet him, and you and Mr Alfred and Martin must be
hid at a distance, and gradually steal near to us. Martin shall have
his deer-thongs all ready, and when you pounce upon him he must bind him
at once. Martin is used to them, and knows how to manage it."

"Well, if you think that we three cannot manage him, let us have
Martin."

"It isn't strength, sir," replied Malachi, "but he will slip through
your fingers if not well tied in half a minute. Now, we will just walk
down to where I intend to meet him, and survey the place, and then I'll
show you where you must be, for we must not be seen together in that
direction to-morrow, for he may be lurking about, and have some
suspicion."

They then walked to the end of the prairie nearest the fort, which was
about a mile from the house, and Malachi having selected his ground, and
pointed out to them where to conceal themselves, they returned to the
house, Alfred having made arrangements when and where he and Martin
would meet Captain Sinclair on the day appointed.

The next day passed, and Malachi, as the sun sank behind the lake,
walked out to the end of the prairie. He had not been there ten minutes
when the young Indian stood before him. He was armed as before with his
tomahawk and bow and arrows; but Malachi had come out expressly without
his rifle.

Malachi, as soon as he perceived the Indian, sat down, as is the usual
custom among them when they hold a talk, and the Young Otter followed
his e