CHAPTER XI
At the Stake
Dick and Ben were horrified, as well as amazed when they were confrontedby the encircling gang of Indians.
That they could not escape was evident, for the redskins had them atsuch a disadvantage it would be folly to try to do so. They would beeither cut down by tomahawks or pierced by arrows before they could drawtheir pistols.
The Indian who had spoken first now said something to his companionbraves in a guttural voice, and a couple advanced and bound the arms ofDick and Ben together behind their backs.
Then they were encompassed about by the redskins and conducted awaythrough the forest. They traveled westward for a period of two or threehours, and then they reached the camp of the Indians.
Dick and Tom were placed in a wigwam near the center of the village, andguards were placed about the wigwam.
"Well, this isn't very pleasant, Dick," said Ben, when they were alone.
"No, it isn't, Ben," was the reply.
"I wonder what they'll do with us?"
"I don't know. Hold us prisoners, I suppose."
"Do you think they are likely to burn us at the stake?" asked Ben, ananxious note in his voice.
"I hardly think so," was the reply. "I haven't heard that the CherokeeIndians torture prisoners."
"Indians are not to be trusted," said Ben.
"Well, we'll have to wait till morning and see what they intend doing,"said Dick. Then presently he went on: "I wonder where Tom is?"
"Possibly the Indians have got him a prisoner also, Dick."
"Possibly, but I hope not. We must try to find out."
They talked a while longer, and then lay down on the skins of wildanimals that constituted their beds, and presently went to sleep, and inspite of their dangerous situation, they slept soundly till morning.
Food was brought them, after a while, and a couple of braves stood guardover them while they ate. Then their hands were bound again, and theywere left to themselves an hour or more.
Then a couple of braves entered, and the two youths were conducted to apoint where a circle of Indians sat on the ground, while in the centersat a big, ugly-looking Indian at least fifty years of age. This was thechief, and the youths were taken in front of him.
"Ugh," he grunted. "Young white men cause a lot uv braves to die over inPeaceful Valley. Young white men's lives must pay for braves. You dieto-night, at the stake."
The youths glanced at each other, and then looked at the old chiefsearchingly. They were trying to see whether he meant what he said, ornot. And from the grim look on his face, they guessed that he did meanabsolutely what he said. The part the youths had played in the affairsat Peaceful Valley had angered the Indians, and they intended takingrevenge, now that they had the two captives helpless and in their power.
"Take um away," said the chief, with a wave of his hand, and Dick andBen were conducted back to the wigwam. As soon as they were alone, theylooked at each other for a few moments in silence, a look of dismay ontheir faces.
"The outlook is not very pleasing for us, Dick," said Ben, presently.
"You are right, Ben. I wonder if we could escape?"
Ben shook his head. "Not much chance of that," he said. "Our arms arebound, and the wigwam is guarded. We couldn't get away."
"I guess you are right. But I don't relish being burned at the stake,Ben."
"Neither do I."
"Perhaps we can make a break and escape as we are being taken to theplace where they intend to conduct the ceremonies," said Dick,thoughtfully.
"I am for making the attempt, Dick."
"Well, we will do our best."
The time passed slowly, that day, but also it passed faster than the twoyouths liked, for every hour that rolled away brought them nearer to thetorture-stake.
After supper, that evening, they sat and waited in almost completesilence. They did not exchange many words, for they did not feel liketalking. They reiterated their determination to try to make theirescape, however, if any opportunity presented itself.
Presently it grew dark, and the youths heard considerable stirringabout. They judged that the Indians were getting ready for the ceremonyof burning them at the stake.
Slowly the time passed, and then presently into the wigwam came fourIndian braves. They seized hold of the arms of Dick and Ben, and hustledthem out of the wigwam, and conducted them toward a point just outsidethe edge of the village, where a fire was burning. As they drew nearer,the youths saw that several piles of wood had been gathered, and theyknew that this was to be piled about them, and set fire to. In spite ofthe fact that they were brave youths, they shuddered.
They were led to a couple of tall, slender trees, about a foot indiameter, and their backs were placed against the trees. The moment hadcome when if at all the youths must make an attempt to get away, andsuddenly they gave a strong wrench and attempted to jerk away from theircaptors' grasp and make their escape, but they were quickly seized by anumber of strong hands and held against the trees, while they weresecurely bound there with thongs.
Then the Indians began piling the wood around them, against their legs,while all the members of the band gathered around, to watch theproceedings.
Then brands from the fire were brought and stuck in among the dry woodthat had been piled around them, and soon the wood was on fire andburning at a brisk rate.
Dick and Ben looked at each other, with despair in their eyes. Theycould see no possible chance of escape.
Louder crackled the burning wood, and as the flames neared the limbs ofthe prisoners, the redskins began chanting a guttural song of triumph.