Page:Barbour--Metipoms Hostage.djvu/115

Rh happy. Give you plenty servant. You like maybe so?”

“Tell the great Sachem that I thank him for his kindness, but that I must return to  my home, for my father does not know where I am and will be sorrowful.”

“Great Sachem say his heart weep for your father. Say he send message to him so he not trouble for you. Say you stay here and be brother for little time he much like.”

“Talk plainly!” cried David, patience at an end. “You mean to keep me prisoner. So be it! But say to your sachem that whether I go or stay will make no difference  to his son, for he will be held until tried and  if guilty will be punished. And say to him that my people will seek me, and will know  where to seek, as well, and when I am found  it will go hard with him, indeed!”

“Great Sachem say you talk without thought,” answered the powwow gently. “You his brother. He no make prisoner his brother. English may so, but he not. You have long journey. Forest hide many enemies. You stay here and have plenty rest. Then you go home all safe. Great Sachem very kind heart for English brother.”

“I am in your hands,” replied David bit-