"Why didn't they ambush us ?" "Because they didn't want you, and they were sure they'd reach their camp before you took up the trail.

I was their prize.

With me in their power they figured on communicating with you and Mukoki and sending you back to the Post with their terms.

They would have bled father to his last cent--and then killed me.

Oh, they talked pretty plainly to me when they thought they had me!" There came a noise from above them and the young hunters held their rifles in readiness.