On reaching the open air, Bradford turned to his companion and said briskly: “Wait for me here. I’ll be gone but a few minutes.” And without tarrying for an answer, he disappeared around the corner of the building. On his return he remarked: “Well, we have escaped from our difficulty. It was a bold plan that I followed—but the only one; and it succeeded admirably. But Tenskwatawa is a weak and treacherous villain, and will bear close watching. His success in overpowering Winnemac made him reckless—mad.” “Do you think he’ll keep his promise?” Ross asked. “Yes.” “Then you are safe; and I’ll return to the army.” “But you can’t,” Bradford answered smilingly. “Why?” “Because you are my prisoner.” Douglas’s anger arose; and he answered hotly: “Your prisoner! Hiram Bradford, you saved my life. Then I accompanied you here, that the vengeance of the savages might not fall upon you—that you might not suffer for my escape. You have cowed the Prophet—you are safe. I’m going back to my friends.” “Again I say—you _cannot_.” “And again _I_ say—why?” “Because you are my prisoner and must accompany me whither I’m going. I have just given the order that you be closely watched. Escape is impossible. Give me your promise that you’ll not attempt it.” “I’ll do nothing of the kind,” Douglas cried angrily. “Do you imagine for a moment I’ll submit to your high-handed proceeding? Do you think I’ll remain a captive when the way of escape lies open?” “There _is_ no way of escape, my boy,” was the cool reply. “You’ll gracefully submit to the inevitable.” “Why have you done this thing?” demanded Douglas, almost choking with fury. “I?” returned Bradford with lifted brows. “I have done nothing but save your life and look after your safety. Your temerity led you into the lion’s jaws. They snapped shut—and you are a prisoner. And a prisoner you must remain for the present. If I permit you to return to your people, I endanger myself. Besides, you heard me promise Tenskwatawa that I would hold you captive, to keep you from fighting against the British and Indians, in the war that is surely coming. Then, I have other reasons for desiring to keep you with me—reasons I don’t care to divulge at present. Come, be reasonable! We shall be the best of friends yet. I—I have learned to like you, although you persist in saying that you hate me——” “Hate you!” Ross broke forth. “Hiram Bradford, I despise you—I _loathe_ you! You shall pay for this. Here, you are surrounded by hundreds of murderous savages ready to do your bidding—and I’m helpless. But I have friends who will follow and rescue me. Some day I shall meet you alone. Then I’ll plunge my knife into your black heart—and rid the world of a villain!” “No—no! You don’t mean what you say—you cannot!” gasped Bradford, his disfigured face as pale as death and his lips quivering.