"Where are you going to lead me?"

 

"Never you mind. Come along."

 

Gilbert saw that resistance would be useless, and he obeyed. His companion plunged¹ into the woods, looking back occasionally to see that he was following. He kept on for about half a mile as near as Gilbert could judge, when they came to a small clearing, in the midst of which was a dilapidated log hut. It was no longer occupied, but had been deserted² by the former occupant, who had gone across the Mississippi to regions yet unexplored years before.

 

"Go in there," said Hugh.

 

Gilbert entered.

 

He saw nothing but bare walls, all furniture having been removed when it was deserted.

 

Our hero looked around him curiously³, and then at his conductor inquiringly. He was not long in doubt as to his intention.

 

Hugh drew a strong cord from his pocket, and drew near him.

 

"What are you going to do?" asked Gilbert.

 

"Tie your hands and feet," was the reply.

 

Gilbert shrank back.

 

"Don't do that," he said.

 

"I ain't goin' to have you run away," growled⁴ Hugh.

 

"I won't run away. I shall be released this afternoon at any rate, and I can stand captivity⁵ till then."

 

"How do you know you will get free this afternoon?"

 

"You promised to let me go when my uncle brought the money."

 

"Your uncle?" repeated Hugh, exhibiting surprise, fixing his eyes keenly upon our hero.

 

"Yes, he is my uncle, but he does not acknowledge me yet."

 

"Humph!" said Hugh, thoughtfully to himself. "Suppose he does own you, what then?"

 

"It is a secret."

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