"True, but he is no puling girl to be affected for long by a wound. Let us go in and find him." "'Tis useless, I am here," said a grave voice. And a man leaning on his rifle and walking with some difficulty appeared before them in the doorway. "The captain!" they all cried. "Silence, boys," with an imperious gesture; "I am happy to see that you have not forgotten me." "Forgotten you!" cried Versenca, boldly; "Do we not follow wherever you go? Are we not devoted to you body and soul?" "Quite right," said the captain, with a bitter smile; "let us say no more about it. I am here, and all is well." "And now, captain, we await your orders." "Right! And how many are here?" "Ten here ready to obey--three on the watch." "Have you horses?--but of course, I need not ask. Bring them up and let us be off." "With empty pockets?" cried Sleepy. "What do you want?" asked the captain. "Want!" exclaimed Sleepy, shrugging his shoulders; "Why, is not this wigwam very rich, and the owner absent? There can be no two opinions as to what should be done." "Comrades," said Tom Mitchell, "the owner of this home found me wounded in the prairie and took me in." "We know that--what then?" "What then! Not only did George Clinton shelter me beneath his roof, but saved my life from the lynchers." "Thank goodness," said Versenca, "that induced him to leave the hut by the exercise of cunning." "Without violence, I hope," said Tom. "Quite so; sent him on a false trail, that is all." "Then you are agreed with me--no pillage." "No pillage!" cried all; "Let us go." None had entered the house, and now, on the order of the chief, they turned to go. George Clinton was before them. "Gentlemen," he cried, standing resolutely before them, "what is the meaning of this visit in my absence?" "Confound the fools who did not warn us." "I was never far. I have heard nearly all." "Much good may it do you; and now let us pass." "On the contrary; I decline to let you pass," said Clinton. "Good!" said Sleepy, rubbing his hands together; "After all there will be some broken bones here." "Perhaps," continued Oliver, clutching his rifle. "Ah! Ah! So the fun is going to begin," said the outlaw. "Silence," cried the captain, sternly; "silence, and fall back." As soon as they had obeyed he advanced to Clinton. "As you have heard our conversation," he said, "why do you try and oppose our free departure?" "Because, as you know, I am answerable for your person. I promised you should not leave my house until you were quite cured of your wounds." "Your solicitude for my health is charming," said the captain, ironically, "and I really know not how to thank you." "I take little interest in you. My honour is concerned." "You are not polite, while I try to be courteous. I will therefore simply remark that strength is on my side. Still I should be sorry to proceed to extremities." "Menaces are useless. Will you return to the house?"