Some voices were uplifted in rage, which was evidently spreading among the agitated barbarians, and displacing the other passions in their minds.
In the midst of the tumult, and while he was yet lost in wonder and speculation, the renegade Doe suddenly rushed into the wigwam, pale with affright and agitation.
"They'll murder you, captain!" he cried, "there's no time for holding back now--Take the gal, and I'll save you.

The village is up--they'll have your blood, they're crying for it already--squaws, warriors and all--ay, d----n 'em, there's no stopping 'em now!" "What in Heaven's name is the matter ?" demanded the soldier.
"All etarnity's the matter!" replied Doe, with vehement utterance: "the Jibbenainosay has been in the village, and killed the chief--ay, d----n him,--struck him in his own house, marked him at his own fire! he lies, dead and scalped--ay, and crossed too--on the floor of his own wigwam;--the conjuror gone, snapped up by his devil, and Wenonga stiff and gory! Don't you hear 'em yelling?
The Jibbenainosay, I tell you--he has killed the chief; we found him dead in his cabin; and the Injuns are bawling for revenge--they are, d----n 'em, and they'll murder you, burn you, tear you to pieces;--they will, there's no two ways about it: they're singing out to murder the white men, and they'll be on you in no time!" "And there is no escape!" cried Roland, whose blood curdled, as he listened to the thrilling yells that were increased in number and loudness, as if the enraged barbarians, rushing madly through the village, were gathering arms to destroy the prisoners,--"there is no escape ?" "Take the gal! jist say the word, and I'll save you, or die with you, I will, d----n me!" exclaimed Doe, with fierce energy.

"There's hosses grazing in the pastures; there's halters swinging above us: I'll mount you and save you.

Say the word, captain, and I'll cut you loose and save you--say it, and be quick; your life depends on it--Hark! the dogs is coming! Hold out your arms till I cut the tug--" "Anything for my life!" cried the Virginian; "but if it can be only bought at the price of marrying the girl, it is lost." And the soldier would have resisted the effort Doe was making for his deliverance.
"You'll be murdered, I tell you!" re-echoed Doe, with increased vehemence, holding the knife ready in his hand: "they're coming on us: I don't want to see you butchered like an ox.

One word, captain!--I'll take your word; you're an honest fellow, and I'll believe in you;--jist one word, captain; I'll help you; I'll fight the dogs for you; I'll give you weapons.