In a few words, however, the lad was acquainted with the situation as far as it had developed.
In the meantime what was the squaw doing with Tom?
It must be admitted that Reade hadn't any too clear an idea.

The gaunt old red woman poured hot water, small quantities at a time, into the bowls and cups in which she had distributed the herbs.

Then she stirred vigorously, in the meantime muttering monotonously in her own language.
"She isn't relying on the herbs alone," muttered Tom curiously to himself.

"She's working up some kind of incantation.

I wonder what effect she expects an Indian song to have on snake poison ?" Presently the squaw turned, bringing one of the cupfuls to the wounded boy.
"Sit up," she ordered.