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Rh would take him to the boat again; and the latter appeared to be moved by his reasonings, and kept his companions off by nourishing an old cutlass. He then desired Bourne to get up behind him on his horse, an order which he obeyed with alacrity; but, whatever may have been the Indian's intention, he soon abandoned the idea of returning to the boat. One of the most audacious of the savages rode up, and insisted that he should not be allowed to return, affirming that Bourne was captain of the ship, and that if he were returned they should get none of the promised rum and tobacco. The prisoners then offered a large ransom, and, after some higgling, it was agreed that three of their number might be released, but that one must remain as a hostage, and Bourne was pointed out as the one. After a while the three released men returned with a portion of the ransom to the Indians who had accompanied them, and it was agreed that the remainder was to be brought at the daylight in the morning. Bourne was then hurried back into the country five or six miles to an Indian village, consisting of a few huts, in one of which the chief and his captive remained for the night.

The Indian lighted a fire of grass and sticks, which rendered the atmosphere of the hut scarcely endurable. A rude meal ended, he then lay down with others of his tribe, and being soon convinced by their breathing that they were asleep, the American found means of groping his way to the aperture, and escaping into the open air. Here, however, an unexpected difficulty awaited him. A great number of savage dogs, which the Indians kept about their encampment, suddenly rushed upon him, and he had great difficulty in