om them,
but we will first take them two or three days' march into the woods, in
case they have alliance with any other band whom they might call to
their assistance."

"And the wounded Indians?"

"Must be left to Providence, sir. We cannot take them. We will leave
them provisions and water. The women will come back and find them; if
they are alive they will look after them; if dead, bury them. But here
comes John, with some bears'-skins which he has saved for Miss Mary;
that was thoughtful of the boy. As soon as the flames are down, we will
take up our quarters in the clearing, and set a watch for the night; and
to-morrow, with the help of God, we will commence our journey back. We
shall bring joy to your father and mother, and the sooner we do it the
better; for they must be anything but comfortable at our long absence."

"Yes," said Mary Percival; "what a state of suspense they must be in!
Truly, as the Bible saith, `Hope deferred maketh the heart sick.'"

CHAPTER THIRTY NINE.

THE FAMILY REUNITED.

Not one of the party slept much on this night. There was much to do,
and much to be looked after. Captain Sinclair, as it may be supposed,
was fully occupied with Mary Percival, of whom more anon. As soon as
they had taken up their position in the clearing, and made arrangements
for the accommodation of Mary, they relieved the Strawberry from her
charge of the prisoners, whom they brought to the clearing, and made to
sit down close to them. Percival, who had not yet been freed from his
bonds, was now untied, and suffered to walk about, one of the men
keeping close to him and watching him carefully. The first object which
caught his eye was the body of the Angry Snake. Percival looked on it
for some time, and then sat down by the side of it. There he remained
for more than two hours, without speaking, when a hole having been dug
out by one of the party, the body was put in and covered up.

Percival remained a few minutes by the side of the grave, and then
turned to the two wounded Indians. He brought them water, and spoke to
them in the Indian tongue; but while he was still with them, Mary sent
for him to speak with him, for as yet she had scarcely seen him. The
sight of Mary appeared to have a powerful effect upon the boy; he
listened to her as she soothed and caressed him, and appearing to be
overcome with a variety of sensations, he lay down, moaned, and at last
fell fast asleep. The soldier