“Look at me attentively!”
“I look upon you, Boyd.”
Then something extraordinary happened; I saw Boyd make a quick sign; saw poor Parker imitate him; realized vaguely that it was the Masonic signal of distress.
Brant remained absolutely motionless for a full minute; suddenly he sprang forward, pushed away the Senecas who immediately surrounded the prisoners, shoving them aside right and left so fiercely that in a moment the whole throng was wavering and shrinking back.
Then Brant, facing the astonished warriors, laid his hand on Boyd’s head and then on Parker’s.
“Senecas!” he said in a cold and ringing voice. “These men are mine; Let no man dare interfere with these two prisoners. They belong to me. I now give them my promise of safety. I take them under my protection —