the wigwam, followed by two of the Indian women. A
short parley took place between the Angry Snake and the other two women,
and the chief and rest of the party then went into another lodge.

"All's right so far, sir," observed Malachi; "they have left her to the
charge of the two women in a lodge by herself, and so there will be no
fear for her when we make the attack, which I think we must do very
shortly, for if it is quite dark some of them may escape, and may
trouble us afterwards."

"Let us do it immediately," said Captain Sinclair.

"No, not immediately, sir; we have yet an hour and a-half daylight. We
will wait one hour, for I think that as they have nothing to eat, and
are pretty well tired from carrying Miss Percival, they will, in all
probability, go to sleep, as Injuns always do. An hour hence will be
the beat time for us to fall upon them."

"You are right, Malachi," replied Alfred. "Sinclair, you must curb your
impatience."

"I must, I believe," replied Captain Sinclair; "but it will be a tedious
hour for me. Let us pass it away in making out arrangements; we have
but six to deal with."

"And only two rifles," replied Alfred; "so we are pretty sure of
success."

"We must watch first," said Martin, "to see if they all continue in the
same lodge, for if they divide we must arrange accordingly. Who will
remain with the prisoners?"

"I won't," said John, in a positive manner.

"You must, John, if it is decided that you do," said Alfred.

"Better not, sir," replied Malachi; "for as soon as the boy hears the
crack of the rifles he will leave his prisoners and join us; that I'm
sure of. No, sir, the Strawberry can be left with the prisoners. I'll
give her my hunting-knife; that will be sufficient."

They remained for about half-an-hour more watching the lodges, but
everything appeared quiet, and not a single person came out. Having
examined the priming of their rifles, every man was directed to take up
a certain position, so as to surround the buildings and support each
other. John was appointed to the office of looking after his cousin
Mary, and preventing the women from escaping with her from the lodge in
which she was confined; and John took this office willingly, as he
considered it one of importance, although it had been given him more
with a view that he might not be exposed to danger. Leaving the
prisoners to the charge of the Strawberry, who, with her knife drawn,
stood over them,