200 MARTIN RATTLER.

“ That's not a satisfactory conclusion, Barney. I,
too, have been cogitating a good deal about these
Indians, and it is my opinion that they have been on
a war expedition, for I’ve noticed that several of
them have been wounded; and, besides, I cannot
fancy what else could take them so far from home.”

“True, Martin, true. I wonder what they intind
to do with us. They don’t mean to kill us, anyhow,
for if they did they would niver take the trouble to
bring us here. Ochone! me heart’s beginnin’ to go
down altogether, for we are miles and miles away
from anywhere now, and I don’t know the direction
o’ no place whatsumdiver.”

“ Never mind, Barney, cheer up,” said Martin with
a smile; “if they don’t kill us, that’s all we need care
about. I’m sure we shall manage to escape somehow
or other in the long-run.”

While they thus conversed the old trader spread
his poncho over himself and was soon sound asleep ;
while the Indians, after finishing supper, held an
animated conversation. At times they seemed to
be disputing, and spoke angrily and with violent
gesticulations, glancing now and then at the corner
where their prisoners lay.

“Tt’s my belafe,” whispered Barney, “ that they're

spakin’ about us. Tm afeard they don’t mean us any