Hetty and Hist were now left
alone with Hutter and Hurry, no visible restraint being placed on
the movements of either; though all four, in fact, were vigilantly
and unceasingly watched. As respects the men, care was had to prevent
them from getting possession of any of the rifles that lay scattered
about, their own included; and there all open manifestations of
watchfulness ceased. But they, who were so experienced in Indian
practices, knew too well how great was the distance between appearances
and reality, to become the dupes of this seeming carelessness.
Although both thought incessantly of the means of escape, and this
without concert, each was aware of the uselessness of attempting
any project of the sort that was not deeply laid, and promptly
executed. They had been long enough in the encampment, and were
sufficiently observant to have ascertained that Hist, also, was a
sort of captive, and, presuming on the circumstance, Hutter spoke
in her presence more openly than he might otherwise have thought it
prudent to do; inducing Hurry to be equally unguarded by his example.
"I'll not blame you, Hetty, for coming on this errand, which
was well meant if not very wisely planned," commenced the father,
seating himself by the side of his daughter and taking her hand; a
sign of affection that this rude being was accustomed to manifest
to this particular child.
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