Page:Hugh Pendexter--Tiberius Smith.djvu/306

 "And Feeney's eyes were blood red. "‘Not what you'd call amiability,' I suggested, with a shudder.

"‘Certainly not the innocent jollity of childhood,' groaned Tib.

"At this point the chief gave the warrior some command, and as if reprieved from death the subject sprang to his feet and motioned us to follow him. The chief, still decorated with his hideous smile, nodded for us to obey, and as we were led to a hut in the middle of the glade he kept us company and bowed us within with much mock humility.

"‘Too intensely polite,' snorted Tib, once we were alone and the opening filled up by the backs of two giant guards. Then he added, thoughtfully, 'But my ancestors weren't Green Mountain Boys just for notoriety's sake, and he'd have a run for his money if I had a gun.'

"‘They are busy about something,' I remarked, as the sound of falling timbers and the guttural cries of the men beat against the hide sides of our prison.

"‘I guess it is something elaborate,' admitted Tib, trying to peer through the opening; whereat the guards pushed him back.

"It's needless to say our little cosey-corner was getting warm with the doorway closed. But the warriors, sitting back to us, not knowing but what