Mark inferred, from what Barney said, that I and my companion were ignorant of the existence of this last avenue of escape; but he knew of it, and couldn’t he put his knowledge to some use? Could he not secure Jake, or knock him over, and go into the passage-way and release us?
The idea was no sooner conceived than he proceeded to put it into practice. He arose slowly and cautiously to his feet, hoping to creep upon Jake unobserved; but a twig which snapped under his feet betrayed him.
The sentry turned on the instant, only to find himself covered by Mark’s double-barrel, which was aimed straight at his heart.
“Consarn it all, don’t!” cried Jake, turning as pale as death, and trembling in every limb. “Turn that we’pon t’other way, can’t you?”
“Silence!” commanded Mark. “If you speak above your breath again, you are a gone Dragoon.”
Just at this moment, when Mark was about to lay down his gun to secure his prisoner, help arrived.
A lithe, active figure, clad in buckskin, glided through the cane as easily and noiselessly as a serpent, and before the sentry knew that there was an enemy in his rear, the strong arms of “Mark Two Times” were clasped about him, and he was thrown to the ground.
It was an operation of no difficulty to bind him, for Jake, fearing the double-barrel, submitted without a word of remonstrance.
As soon as the prisoner was secured, the young Indian turned to Mark in great excitement. He had heard strange things and seen strange sights while he was skulking about the house.
He had seen Tom and me looking out of our prison and heard Luke Redman tell us that if we did not come down he would burn the house. He had seen him carry his threat into execution, and he knew that unless something turned up in our favor very speedily, our chances for life were small indeed.
It took him a long time to tell this, for, as was always the case with him when he became excited, he forgot his English and rattled away in Indian.
“I understand what you mean,” interrupted Mark. “I know that my brother is in great danger, and I think, too, that I know where to look for him. Jake, how long is this passage-way, and where does it lead to?”
“Now hold your grip till I tell you, won’t you?” growled Jake.