Page:Edward Ellis--Seth Jones.djvu/71

65 "I make it favorable. Ina has done this to guide us," said Haverland.

"My opinion exactly," added Graham.

"You are mistaken about one thing. Ina did not do it." "Did not do it?" exclaimed the others; "and who did then?"

"That's the question. I'm of the opinion that that white man you have told me about, has done it."

"But it can not be that he is with them, too."

"Surely it is impossible that the Indians would allow both of their captives to be in charge of two or three of their number at the same lime."

"As for two or three, there are six painted Mohawks ahead of us for that matter. I haven't detected the trail of the gal yet, but have discovered several times pretty convincing evidence that a white man is among them. If you will look at that stick again, you will see that it is not likely your gal broke it. In the first place I don't believe she is able; for notice how thick it is; and, if she could have done it, it would have taken so much time, that she would have been prevented." "Very probably Seth is among them, although it is singular to say the least. Some unaccountable whim has taken possession of the Indians."

"But you say you discern nothing of Ina's trail?" asked Graham.

"Not as yet."

"Do you think she is among them?"

"I do."

"Where is her trail then?"

"Somewhere on the ground, I suppose."

"Well, why have we not seen it, then?"

"I suppose, because it has escaped our eyes."

"A good explanation," smiled Graham, "but if we have failed altogether thus far to detect it, is it probable that she is among them?"

"I think so. You must remember that these half dozen Mohawks are walking promiscuously and not in Indian file, as is generally their custom. It is very probable that the gal is in front, and what tracks her little moccassins might make would be entirely covered up with the big feet of the Ingins."