Part 25 (1/2)
”All go 'way,” answered Ethan, pointing to the west with the revolver.
”Give Wahena--all go.”
”No, _sir_!”
”No give Wahena?”
”I'll kill him ef them creeturs come hyer,” said Ethan, sternly, as he pointed the pistol at the boy's head.
”No kill Wahena!” shouted the messenger.
”Tell 'em to keep back, then.”
This demonstration on the part of Ethan had been caused by the sudden movement of the savages towards the house. Their spokesman fortunately understood his meaning, and turning round, he shouted out a few words in the Indian dialect, accompanying them with violent gestures, which had the effect to stop the nearer approach of the band. As they moved back, Ethan lowered his weapon. Wahena did not flinch, nor exhibit any signs of terror while he was menaced with the pistol, though he looked stern and resolute, as he had probably been taught to be by his savage father.
Ethan, finding that he had the power all in his own hands, walked a few paces nearer to the messenger, dragging his prisoner after him. It was not an easy matter to carry on a conversation with the savage, whose knowledge of the English language was limited to a few words; but after a long time, and a great deal of effort, he succeeded in making the Indian spokesman understand his intention. He refused to give up Wahena, but he promised that the boy should not be injured if the Indians would retire, and not attempt to molest f.a.n.n.y or himself. He a.s.sured the messenger that he would kill the boy if the savages followed, or fired upon himself or his companion.
It was a long and trying conference, and when the parties came to an understanding, the Indian withdrew to communicate the result to his chief. Ethan returned to the house with his prisoner, and from the window watched the movements of the foe, while he related to f.a.n.n.y what had pa.s.sed between himself and the messenger during the interview.
”I reckon they'll do it, f.a.n.n.y,” said Ethan.
”I hope they will.”
”When we are safe, they kin hev the Injin boy; I don't want him. I reckon it was a smart idee o' mine, ketchin' the young cub.”
”I think it was a very good idea. They would certainly have butchered us before this time if it hadn't been for him.”
”I reckon they would; but ef I knows myself, some on 'em would hev gone down fust.”
”I suppose the Indians have murdered a great many people.”
”I reckon they hev.”
”It's awful!” exclaimed f.a.n.n.y, shuddering, as she glanced at the place where poor Mrs. Grant lay cold and still in death.
”So 'tis, but 'tain't no use to think on't now; it makes a feller feel kind o' weak and sickly. We must figur' it out now.”
”Thanks to your good management, we may yet escape.”
”I reckon we will. Did you ever fire a pistil, f.a.n.n.y?”
”No, but I'm not afraid to do so.”
”Better take this, then, and I'll use the guns. I reckon it may be of use to you,” added he, handing her the weapon. ”Hokee!” suddenly exclaimed he, as he glanced out of the window.
”What is it, Ethan?”
”Them Injins is go'n off!”