Beadle's Dime Novels No. 85: The Fugitives — page 64: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

“ 66 THH FUGITIVES. CHAPTER XI. THE CAMP-FIRE. Mrs. Anrnepon and Annie were fortunate in being the cap- tives of two Indians who treated them with such leniency. It was the fate of no other prisoners, and is accounted for by the fact that they belonged to a tribe in the South, who had joined the expedition chiefly for the sake of plunder. It was their intention to retain these valuable prisoners, confident that they would be claimed and ransomed by their friends, The horse, after being stopped by the leading sayage, was allowed to remain in the path, while one of the captors turned aside to find tufts and leaves wherewith to start a fire. This required but a short time, when a cheerful, crackling blaze as- cended against the trunk of a giant oak. The ladies were now, compelled to dismount and follow them to the spot, while the horse was secured to a small sapling. “T wonder whether they intend to offer us supper,” im tS, Annie, who by this time had come to look upon her captors with very little fear. | ipernss| “T doubt whether they have any to offer. I see nothing, at least. Do you feel hungry ?” » , * No; I could rot swallow a mouthful.” Nor could I, so we shall not be troubled regarding that, I suppose they intend remaining here all night.” “Mother, is it not strange that they should do it, when they know Arthur has gone, and may bring pursuers ?” “Yes; it seems reckless upon their part. There are but two of them, and I think either George or Stoddard: could come upon them stealthily and overcome. them.” “By shooting one and rushing upon the other. I only hope they will not stir from here before morning. I feel very hope- ful now since Arthur has escaped... He deserves credit for it.” “Yes; I can’t understand how he accomplished it with that one walking directly behind him.” “We must avoid showing any hopefulness or expectations Cconmmiclooks. conn | a eS ’