"Not much, sir; but at all events, we must put it out of their power. We must take possession of all the weapons we can find in the lodges. We have their two rifles; but we must collect all the bows and arrows, tomahawks, and knives, and either destroy or keep possession of them. John, will you look to that? Take Graves with you." "Yes," replied John, who, with Graves, immediately commenced his search of the lodges. The two women, who had been in the lodge with Mary Percival, had remained where they were, as John's rifle had kept them from leaving the lodge; but the other two had escaped into the woods during the affray. This was of little consequence; indeed, the others were told that they might go away, if they would; and, as soon as they heard this from Malachi, they followed the example of their companions. John and Graves brought out all the arms they could find, and Malachi and Alfred then went to the bushes to which Mary Percival and Sinclair had previously retired. Alfred embraced his cousin, who was still too greatly agitated to say much, being almost overpowered by the sudden transition in all her thoughts and feelings:--and, in the variety of her emotions, perhaps the most bewildering was that occasioned by the re-appearance of Percival,--like a restoration from the dead. Alfred was in consultation with Malachi, when he perceived the flames bursting out of the lodges. Martin, as soon as his wound was dressed, had returned and set fire to them. "It's all right, sir," said Malachi; "it will leave the proof of our victory, and be a caution to other Injuns." "But what will become of the women?" "They will join some other band, sir, and tell the story. It is better that they should." "And our prisoners, what shall we do with them?" "Release them; by-and-bye, sir, we shall have nothing to fear from them, but we will first take them two or three days' march into the woods, in case they have alliance with any other band whom they might call to their assistance." "And the wounded Indians?" "Must be left to Providence, sir. We cannot take them. We will leave them provisions and water. The women will come back and find them; if they are alive they will look after them; if dead, bury them. But here comes John, with some bears'-skins which he has saved for Miss Mary; that was thoughtful of the boy. As soon as the flames are down, we will take up our quarters in the clearing, and set a watch for the night; and to-morrow, with the help of God, we will commence our journey back. We shall bring joy to your father and mother, and the sooner we do it the better; for they must be anything but comfortable at our long absence." "Yes," said Mary Percival; "what a state of suspense they must be in! Truly, as the Bible saith, `Hope deferred maketh the heart sick.'" CHAPTER THIRTY NINE. THE FAMILY REUNITED.