through the thunder-storm that ere long seemed to rend the forest.

In this way the Indians hurried on, pausing once to change their
captive's bands, so as to leave his right arm free instead of his left.
Now and then Tom would put Rudolph upon the ground for awhile, and when
the little fellow flagged he would lift him up to his shoulder again.

At nightfall the party halted and made a large fire of brush, by which
they cooked some venison and hominy, which had been carried by them
during the march. After partaking of their meal, and giving their
prisoners a liberal supply, they disposed themselves for the night,
first taking care to fasten Tom's hands and feet securely, and even to
bandage the children's ankles so that they could not stand. In vain Tom
peered about him for a chance of escape for himself and his charges--for
he would on no account have left them behind--but there was no hope.
His knife had been taken away from him, and all night long he was
watched by two Indians, who remained near him in a sitting posture. Even
when their dusky faces were lost in the darkness, he could see the gleam
of their piercing eyes as the fire-light flashed and faded. Once, when
the pain from his fastenings became insupportable, he complained to one
of the watchers and begged to be unbound for a moment, while a wild hope
rushed through his heart that he might then, quick as a flash, seize
Rudolph and Kitty and fly through the darkness out of the reach of his
pursuers. Vain hope! no opportunity came, though the Indian readily
complied with his request. Almost every warrior raised himself upon his
elbow in an instant, and he felt the glare of a dozen eyes upon him at
the slightest motion he made. After the Indian had loosened the
fastenings somewhat, and given Tom a drink of pure spring water, he even
offered him some parched corn, and in no unfriendly way motioned to him
to try and sleep; but all this show of kindness did not reassure Tom. He