Page:Edward Ellis--Seth Jones.djvu/27

24 "Neyther."

"Is it possible they have escaped?"

"Jest so, I helped 'em off myself."

"Thank heaven ! Where are they?" "Down the river at one of the settlements."

"How far distant is it?"

"A dozen miles, p'raps, though it mought be more, and then agin it mightn't."

"Well, let us then hasten to them, or, let me at least, as I have nothing to detain me here."

"I'm willing," said Seth, moving forward, "but I forgot to tell you the darter's 'mong the Indians, I didn't think of that."

Graham started, for, perhaps, the shrewd reader has already suspected he had more than a passing interest in the fate of Ina. Visions of a fair childish face had haunted him, and his perilous journey was owing much to their enchantment. He had played with her in childhood, and while they were yet children, they had separated; but they had pledged their hearts to each other, and looked hopefully forward to a reunion in later years. Graham had dreamed of this meeting a long time; and, now that it was so cruelly thwarted, he felt agonized indeed. Years before, when still a boy, although quite a large one, he had visited this section, and the memory of that visit had ever been a bright dream in the past. He mastered his emotion in a moment, with a strong effort, and asked his companion calmly—

"What tribe has captured Ina?"

"Them infarnal Mohawks, I believe."

"How long ago did it occur?"

"Only a few hours, as you can see by them coals there."

"Will you be kind enough to give me the particulars?"

"Sartinly."

And thereupon, Seth proceeded to narrate the incidents given in the preceding chapter, adding, however, that the parents and sister were safe. He had accompanied them himself down to the settlement mentioned, where, leaving them he had made all haste back again, and had arrived just in time to meet Graham. At first he said he mistook him for a savage, and as he was alone, he came very near shooting him;