Page:Barbour--Metipoms Hostage.djvu/265



“Pikot!” gasped David.

“Softly!” answered the voice of the Indian, now beside him. “Speak little and hearken much. There is little time for talk.” Monapikot’s knife slashed the thongs that  held David, and then, as the boy would have  fallen without their support, took him into  his arms and laid him gently on the ground. “Rest,” he whispered, “for there is a journey before you. I will return after a minute.”

The Pegan stole away and David heard the murmuring of voices where Memecho lay. Presently both Indians were beside him and Monapikot lifted him to his feet. “Can you walk, David?” he asked.

David tried, but would have fallen save for the other’s hold on him. “Slowly,” bade the Pegan. “Put your weight on my shoulder and try again, Noawama.”

In this manner, with Memecho following,