The savages, after starting the fire, allowed it to smolder and die
out, for fear of guiding their enemies. Now this was the most fortunate
thing that could have happened for their pursuers; for, in the first
place, it burned long enough to give them a perfect knowledge of the
position of Ina and Seth; and, when its light could no longer be of any
assistance, but would materially injure their hopes, the Indians were
kind enough to let it fade entirely out.
Before giving the signal, the hunter deemed it best to ascertain the
whereabouts of the savage missing at the camp-fire. Leaving his rifle
in the charge of Haverland, and cautioning them not to move, he crept
stealthily forward. So silent and snake-like was his approach, that
the savage lying directly in his path had not the slightest suspicion
of his proximity. The first thing that attracted his attention was the
_thought_ that he heard a slight movement in front of him. Raising his
head a few inches, he peered cautiously forward. Nothing meeting his
keen vision he sunk back again.
The hunter and savage, both being on the ground, were in blank
darkness, and although their forms, if standing on their feet, would
have been plainly discernible, yet under the thick shadows of the
undergrowth, they might have touched each other without knowing it. The
hunter, however, as he lay, caught the outlines of the savage’s head
against the fading light of the fire behind him, as he raised it. This
gave him a knowledge of his position and determined his own mode of
action.
Without the least noise, he slid slowly forward until he was so close
that he could actually hear the Indian’s breath. Then he purposely made
a slight movement. The Indian raised his head, and was gradually coming
to his feet, when the hunter bounded like a dark ball forward, clutched
him by the throat, and bearing him like a giant to the earth, drove
his hunting knife again and again to the hilt in his heart. It was a
fearful act, yet there was no hesitation upon the hunter’s part. He
felt that it must be done.
He loosened his grip upon his victim’s throat, when there was not a
spark of life left. Then casting his body to one side, he made his
way back to his companions. Here, in a few words, he explained what
had taken place. It was evident that the Indians were so cautious and
alarmed, that the most consummate skill was required, to accomplish the
work in hand.
Suddenly an ingenious plan occurred to Graham. It was to dress
himself in the fallen Indian’s dress, walk boldly into their camp,
and be guided by circumstances. After a moment’s consultation, it was
acquiesced in by all. Haldidge made his way to where the savage lay,
and hastily stripping him, returned with his garments. These Graham
donned in a few moments, and was ready. It was agreed that he should
walk leisurely among them, while Haverland and Haldidge would follow
him, and remain nigh enough to be ready at a moment’s warning. If
discovered, he was to seize Ina and make off in the woods, while his
two friends would rush forward, free Seth, and make an onslaught upon
the others.
The fire was now so low, that Graham had little fear of exposing
himself unless compelled to hold a conversation. The savages started as
he came to view, but fortunately said nothing, as they supposed it to
be their comrade. Graham walked leisurely to the almost dead fire, and
seated himself by Seth. The savages continued placidly smoking their
pipes.
“Ugh!” grunted Graham, peering into Seth’s face. The latter started
slightly, looked up, and understood all in a moment. Seth pointed to
his feet; Graham nodded.
“Say, you, you was clever enough to tie up my feet, and, now just have
the kindness to move ’em a little nearer the fire. Come, do, and I’ll
remember you in my will.”
Graham mumbled something, and, stooping forward as he moved the feet
slightly, dexterously cutting the thong at the same moment.
“Much obliged,” said Seth; “that’ll dew: needn’t take no further
trouble, you old painted heathen.”
Graham felt that if he could now put Ina upon her guard, all would be
necessary was--to act. But this was hardly possible. While ruminating
upon the next step to be taken, an Indian addressed him in the Indian
tongue. Here was a dilemma, and Graham was already meditating upon
making the onslaught at once, when the ready wit of Seth came to
his aid. Disguising most completely his voice, the eccentric fellow
replied in the Indian tongue. This slight stratagem was executed so
perfectly, that not a savage entertained the slightest suspicion that
another than their dead comrade had spoken to them. Another question
was put, but before Seth could reply, there came the startling cry of
the whipporwil close at hand. All the savages sprang to their feet, and
one held his tomahawk, ready to brain the captive Ina, in case they
could not retain her. Another leaped toward Seth, but his surprise
was great, when the man in turn sprang nimbly to his feet, and this
surprise became unbounded, when, doubling himself like a ball, Seth
struck him with tremendous force in the stomach, knocking him instantly
senseless. Quick as thought, Graham felled the savage standing over
Ina, and seizing her in his arms, plunged into the wood, setting up
a loud shout at the same instant. The scene now became desperate.
Haldidge and Haverland, fired almost to madness, rushed forward, and
the former added his own yells to those of the savages. Ten minutes
after, not an Indian was in sight. Finding it impossible to withstand
this terrible onslaught, they fled precipitately, carrying with them
several desperate wounds and feelings.
No lives were lost on either side, and not a wound worth mentioning was
received by the assailants. The rout was complete.
But there was still danger, as the routed Indians would make all haste
to the main body, and would in turn pursue the whites. This Haldidge
remarked, as he struck into the forest, and called upon the others not
to lose sight of him. There was danger of this, indeed.
“By gracious! yew, Haverland, things begin to look up,” exclaimed Seth.
“Thank God!” responded the father, with a trembling voice.
Ina, for a few moments after her recapture, was so bewildered as not to
comprehend the true state of affairs. Finally, she realized that she
was in the arms of friends.
“Am I safe? Where is father?” she asked.
“Here, my dearest child,” answered the parent, pressing her to his
heart.
“Is mother and aunty safe?”
“Yes, all--all are safe, I trust now.”
“And who are these, with you?”
“This is Haldidge, a dear friend of ours, to whom, under Heaven, your
rescue is owing, and--”
“Just hold on, Alf, now, if you please; that’s plenty,” interrupted the
hunter.
“Of course I did not mean to leave out Seth here, and--”
“No, by gracious, it wouldn’t do, especially when you recollect how
nice it was that me and Graham gave ’em the slip.”
“You, and who?” eagerly asked Ina.
“Me and Mr. Graham--that fellow standing there--the one that has come
out here to marry you. Haven’t you heard of him?”
Ina stepped forward, and scrutinized the face before her.
“Don’t you remember me?” asked Graham, pleasantly.
“Oh, is it you? I am _so_ glad you are here,” she repeated, placing
both her hands in his, and looking up into his face.
“Now just see here,” said Seth, stepping earnestly forward, “I ’bject
to this. Cos why, you haven’t the time to go into the sparking
business, and if you do, why you’ll be obsarved. I advise you to
postpone it till you git home. What’s the opinion of the audience?”
“Your suggestion is hardly necessary,” laughed Graham. “The _business_
you referred to, shall most certainly be deferred until a more
convenient season.”
“It gives me great pleasure,” remarked Haverland, “to witness this
reunion of friends, and I thank God that my dear child, so nearly lost
forever, has been restored to me; but, there is another, whose heart
is nearly broken, who should not be kept waiting, and there is a long
distance between us and perfect safety, which should be shortened as
rapidly and quickly as possible.”
“That’s the idea,” added Haldidge, “it won’t do to consider yourself
safe till you _are_, and that isn’t yet.”
“Jest so, exactly, and consequently all fall into line of march.”
Our friends now set out on a rapid walk homeward. As had been remarked,
there was yet a long distance to be passed, and even now, while
surrounded by darkness, it was reckless to halt or lag upon the way.
Haldidge, as well as Seth, resolved that they should not pause until it
was evident that Ina needed rest. Both well knew that the Mohawks would
not yield up their captives, as long as there was a chance to regain
them.
Seth’s only fear now was that they would be pursued and overtaken by
some of the savages. That this apprehension was well grounded, the
events which we shall now record, will plainly show.