“Then I should play the part of a passive traitor, simply to please you who have wronged——” Ross began hotly, but came to an abrupt stop. “Well?” And Bradford smiled broadly. “I was going to say,” Douglas resumed calmly, “that according to your admissions, I should play the traitor, to please you who have kept me a prisoner for months and still have me in your power.” “You’ll not be playing the traitor; you’ll remain neutral—that’s all.” “A passive traitor is as bad as an active one. I cannot consent to your proposal. I’ve been here too long already, much against my will. I wish to revisit my home for a few days—then again offer my services to my country. You say you are my friend. In some ways you have proven your assertion. Let me depart in peace.” “You put my friendship to a severe test,” Bradford laughed. “You will not grant my request?” “No—I cannot.” “Why?”—impatiently. “Because to allow you to leave here would upset my plans.” “Your plans?” “Yes; the plans I have laid for your future.” “Please explain,” Ross said, a sneer curling his lip. “I wish I _might_ explain to you—tell you everything,” Bradford answered very earnestly. “But I don’t dare to do so at present. I fear it might prove disastrous. Be patient just a little longer. You shall know all ere long. Then you’ll bless me for having kept you here.” “Never!” Douglas cried angrily. “I’m no child—and I’ll not stay.” “You mean to try to escape again?” “Yes.” For a half minute Bradford dropped his head in thought. Evidently he was greatly moved. At last he said sadly but decidedly—his husky voice hardly audible: “You’re an honorable, upright gentleman, Ross Douglas; you keep your word, even when the breaking of it would give you the liberty you covet. I would set you free—but no! You _must_ not—you _shall_ not leave the place, until I am ready for you to do so. I’m off now. Good-by.” Silently the two men shook hands and parted. Both were strangely moved. A few minutes later Bradford was saying to a stalwart Shawnee brave—one of the few remaining at the Mississinewa village: “Long Gun, you are not to join any of the expeditions against the Americans. Select a score of your most trusty warriors, and remain here to protect La Violette and guard Fleet Foot. This evening when the young paleface retires to rest, slip into the hut and disarm him. Do not lose sight of him at any time—and guard him well each night. Remember that he is fleet of foot, brave, and strong. Under no circumstances is he to be ill-treated or injured. Keep him safe until my return, and you shall have fifty pounds in gold. Here is ten pounds to bind the bargain. Can I depend on you?” “Ugh!” ejaculated the imperturbable Long Gun, as one by one he dropped the jingling coins into his pouch. Bradford hurried away toward Tenskwatawa’s cabin. Arriving there, he found the Prophet alone; and, striding up to him, said brusquely: