"Now God forbid!" exclaimed Mr. Rivers, "for they would walk into a trap. Some of these Indians have muskets and ammunition, and are therefore as well armed as our men. If many more of us were taken there would not be left able-bodied men enough to sail the sloop. 'Twould be better if they held off and waited for the Indians to take the initiative. My hope is that we will be able to treat with the savages for ransom,--that is, if the friar bears us no real ill will. See, here he comes again, with his oily tongue." The shifty eyes and full-lipped mouth of the man filled me with a sudden loathing. Fear began to take hold of me at last, and a little sob broke in my throat. My dear love turned to me with a quick, warm glance. "Cheer up, sweetheart," he whispered. "It is too soon to lose courage. Come, where is my brave Margaret?" "Here!" I answered, and forced a smile on my quivering lips. CHAPTER III. The rest of the day passed by like a long nightmare. The friar had us removed to a small but strongly built hut, containing two rooms, separated by a thin partition of hides nailed to a row of upright studs. These were of squared timber, as was the floor also, and the outer frame and wall-plate. The roof and sides were overlaid with thatch; and there was no window, only a square opening in the roof which admitted the light, and also let out the smoke when a fire was built upon the floor. As dark came on, two young Indian girls entered the hut, where we sat, bound, with our backs against the wall. They seemed kindly disposed and gentle-mannered, for all their outlandish garb, which consisted of a petticoat of long gray moss, and strings of little shells and beads of divers colours festooned about the neck. They loosed Barbara and me, for which we were mightily grateful, as our arms had grown numb and sore. We made signs that they should cut the bonds of the men also, which they declined to do. Yet they touched us with gentle hands, and stroked our shoulders in token of their good will. After this they brought wet clay and spread it upon the floor, and on this laid a fire and kindled it; going forth again, they returned with food and set it before us, making signs that we who were free should feed the rest. While I was serving my dear love--who made pitiable pretence of enjoying my ministrations--the friar entered the hut, accompanied by two others who were doubtless of mixed Spanish and Indian blood. They bore with them heavy manacles and chains, which they fastened upon our men, cutting the leathern thongs which had held them until now. Mr. Rivers demanded to know by whose orders this was done. "For it would seem our true jailers are not the Indians. These fetters are of Spanish forging. Is it to your nation, padre, we are indebted for this urgent hospitality?"