250 MARTIN RATTLER.

cake. Barney smiled upon her as usual, and then,
letting his eyes fall on the ground, sighed deeply,
for his heart was heavier than usual that day. As
the woman was about to go, he looked earnestly and
gravely in her face, and putting his large hand gently
on her head, patted her gray hairs. This tender
action seemed to affect the old woman more than
usual. She laid her hand on Barney’s arm, and
looked as if she wished to speak. Then turning
suddenly from him, she drew a small knife from her
girdle and dropped it on the ground, as if accidentally,
while she left the hut and refastened the door.
Barney’s heart leaped. He seized the knife and con-
cealed it hastily in his bosom, and then ate his dinner
with more than ordinary zest, for now he possessed
the means of cutting the strong rope that bound him.

He waited with much impatience until night
closed over the Indian village; and then cutting his
bonds, he tore down the rude and rather feeble fast-
enings of the door. In another instant he was dash-
ing along at full speed through the forest, without
hat or coat, and with the knife clutched in his right
hand! Presently he heard cries behind him, and
redoubled his speed, for now he knew that the sav-
ages had discovered his escape and were in pursuit.

But, although a good runner, Barney was no match