Page:Edward Ellis--Seth Jones.djvu/30

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A COUNCIL OF WAR.
27

CHAPTER V.
ON THE TRAIL, AND A SUDDEN DEPARTURE PROM IT BY SETH.

"The Mohawks, you say, have then captured her?" remarked Graham, after a moment's pause.

"Yes; I know it's them."

"Did you get a glimpse of them?"

"I came up as soon as possible, and they were leaving at that moment. I saw one or two of them, and know'd it was them, sure 'nough. Howsumever, that don't make no difference, whether it's the Mohawks, Oneidas, or any of thent blasted Five Nation niggers. They are all a set of skunks, and one would just as lief run off with a man's gal, as not. There ain't any difference atwixt 'em."

"I suppose not. The same difficulties would have to be surmounted in each case. The point is not whether one shall make an attempt at a rescue, but how shall it be done. I confess I am in a maze. The Mohawks are an exceedingly cunning people."

"That's a fact, that needn't be disputed."

"But then, you know, if we outwit them, we will not be the first whites who have done such a thing in their day!"

"That's a fact, too. Now, just hold on 'a minute, while I think."

Graham ceased talking for a moment, while Seth remained as if in deep and anxious thought. Suddenly lifting up his head, he remarked.

"I have it."

"Have what? The plan which must be pursued by us?"

"I cac'late I have."

"Well, out with it."

"Why, it's this. We've got to git that gal, an' no mistake."

Despite the gloominess which had been upon Graham, he could not help laughing outright at the serious tone in which this was uttered.