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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/29686-8.txt b/29686-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..49b92c4 --- /dev/null +++ b/29686-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5577 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Fiery Totem, by Argyll Saxby + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Fiery Totem + A Tale of Adventure in the Canadian North-West + +Author: Argyll Saxby + +Release Date: August 14, 2009 [EBook #29686] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FIERY TOTEM *** + + + + +Produced by Larry B. Harrison, Delphine Lettau, Suzanne +Shell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + +[Illustration: THEN HE GRIPPED HIS WEAPON BY THE MUZZLE, AND SPRANG +STRAIGHT FOR THE PACK. + + _See page 175._ +] + + + + +THE FIERY TOTEM + +A TALE OF ADVENTURE IN THE +CANADIAN NORTH-WEST + +BY +ARGYLL SAXBY, M.A., F.R.G.S. + +AUTHOR OF +"BRAVES, WHITE AND RED" "COMRADES THREE!" +"TANGLED TRAILS" ETC. ETC. + +_SECOND IMPRESSION_ + +LONDON +THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY +4 BOUVERIE STREET AND 65 ST. PAUL'S CHURCHYARD + + + + +CONTENTS + + +CHAPTER PAGE + + I. A PERILOUS PASSAGE 5 + + II. DEER-STALKING 14 + + III. THE LONELY CAMP 22 + + IV. FRIENDS OR FOES? 33 + + V. LOST IN THE FOREST 41 + + VI. THE MEDICINE MAN 53 + + VII. THE FRIEND IN NEED 67 + + VIII. NIGHT IN THE WIGWAM 83 + + IX. THE TEMPTATION 96 + + X. A DEATH-TRAP 104 + + XI. TO THE RESCUE! 115 + + XII. CRAFTY TACTICS 130 + + XIII. THE PRICE OF A ROBE 142 + + XIV. THE BATTLE OF WITS 151 + + XV. OFF! 165 + + XVI. A NIGHT'S TERROR 172 + + XVII. THE FATE OF RED FOX 181 + + XVIII. HOT ON THE TRAIL 191 + + XIX. THUNDER-MAKER'S DOWNFALL 205 + + XX. THE FIERY TOTEM 217 + + + + +THE FIERY TOTEM + + + + +CHAPTER I + +A PERILOUS PASSAGE + + +"Well, good-bye, boys! You won't go far from camp before we return, will +you?" The speaker was one of two men seated in an Indian canoe. He +gripped the forward paddle, while his companion at the stern added +cheerfully-- + +"The backwoods is not the City of London. There are no policemen to +appeal to if you lose your way. Besides, we hope to find dinner waiting +for our return. Hunting lost sons is not the same sport as hunting +moose." + +Both the boys laughed at the elder man's remark, and one--Bob Arnold by +name--answered-- + +"Don't worry about us, father. Alf and I can take care of ourselves for +half a day. Can't we, Alf?" + +"Rather," the younger chum replied. "It's our respected parents who'll +need to take care of themselves in unknown waters in that cockleshell." +Then he called out merrily, imitating the tone of the first speaker--his +father: "Take care of yourselves, dads! Remember the Athabasca River is +not Regent Street!" + +"Cheeky youngster!" returned the elder man banteringly, as he struck the +forward paddle into the water. "There's not much of the invalid left +about you after three months' camping." + +Then with waving hands and pleasant chaffing, that showed what real good +chums the quartette were, the men struck out for the centre of the +river, leaving their sons watching from the strand before the camp that +was pitched beneath the shadow of the great pine trees. + +It was a glorious morning--just the right sort for a hunting-expedition. +The air was just chilly enough to render paddling a welcome exercise, +and just warm enough to allow intervals of pleasant drifting in the +centre of the current when there were no shoals or driftwood to be +avoided. + +"Yes," remarked Holden, the younger of the two men, as the rhythm of the +dripping paddles murmured pleasantly with Nature's music heard from +leafy bough and bush; "yes, Alf's a different boy now. Who would have +believed that these three short months would have changed a fever-wasted +body into such a sturdy frame?" + +"It looks like a miracle," returned the other man. "It was a great idea, +that of a six months' trapping in the backwoods. When we get back to +England we'll all four look as healthy as savages. My Bob is the colour +of a redskin." + +"It was a great blessing that you were able to bring him. It wouldn't +have been half as enjoyable for Alf, not having a chum." + +The elder man laughed softly as he turned a look of good-comradeship +towards his companion. + +"That's just as it ought to be, Holden," he said. "You and I were chums +at school, chums at college, and now chums in business. It's the right +thing that our sons should follow our good example. At least, that's my +opinion." + +"And you know it's mine," was the response. "But, I say! Do you think we +are wise to keep quite in the centre of the current? It seems to be +driving pretty hard, and we don't know the course. We might wish to land +if we saw rapids." + +"I dare say you are right," replied Arnold. "We'll steer straight +across that bend ahead of us. After that we can keep well under the +shadow of the willows--or near them. We will look for a good landing +spot and strike inwards. There ought to be moose or some equally good +sport among those bluffs and clearings." + +It is one thing to make plans; it is quite another matter to carry them +out. Especially is this the case when strangers are travelling in +strange country. + +Of course the present mode of travel was no novelty to either of the +men. Their youth had been passed in Western Canada (though not in the +vicinity of the present voyage) before their parents sent them home to +college in England. But even the hardened voyager knows that experience +does not anticipate all chances, and this case was no exception to the +rule. + +The river was certainly beginning to run at a pace that was perceptibly +swifter than that of the start when two miles farther up. This did not +give any cause for concern, however, for the ears of the travellers were +prepared for any sound that indicated rapids, and there was no other +contingency that they felt need to dread. + +At a little distance ahead, the course could be seen to take a sharp +turn to the right, where the dense growth of beech and towering pines +resembled the portals of a giant gateway; and, as it neared the opening, +the canoe swung round the curve with the swift flight of a swallow. + +It was a sudden change of pace, due mainly to the sharpness of the turn. +But as soon as the men fully entered the fresh span of the course they +both started involuntarily, for the banks were so steep as to prohibit +landing, and the river narrowed towards a second gateway formed by +towering cliffs--steep as a Colorado caņon. + +"Look out!" exclaimed Holden, as he knelt high and gripped his paddle +firmly. "Leave the steering to me, I can manage better from the stern. +Come back here if you can." + +The canoe had already begun to dance among foaming crests like an +egg-shell. + +Arnold crept towards his companion. + +"Not a pleasant look out!" he remarked, with a grim smile on his face. +"It will be a marvel if we get through that caņon with dry skins." + +"Dry skins!" laughed Holden. His voice was laughing, but his eyes were +fixed steadily a few yards in front of the canoe with that firm gaze of +a brave man looking peril straight in the face. "Dry skins! It'll be a +greater marvel if we get through it with any skins at all!" + +"We'll have a good try, anyway," responded Arnold. Then he remarked +quaintly: "This is like old times, isn't it--you and I out in a scrape +together? I hope the Head won't blow us up for it when we get back to +school!" + +The river had now entered the narrow course, and was rushing on a +foaming way with an awesome roar. + +Now and then the canoe would leap to one side as a wave hungrily licked +her prow; sometimes she would push her nose into a crest that splashed +the travellers with spray. Fortunately the spring torrents were over, +and danger from drifting logs was not to be reckoned with, but the +possibility that rocks might be hidden among the white waves was a +reasonable cause for concern--all the more so, considering that they +were unknown. + +Onwards they dashed at breakneck speed, while both the men sat grimly +silent, prepared to take bravely whatever fate might be in store for +them. Probably their thoughts were more of the two boys at the camp than +of their present strait--more engaged with commending their sons to the +care of God than speculating as to the result of this adventure. + +Then, with a suddenness that gave no time for thought, there was a crash +like crackling match-wood--a rush of water that seemed to crush all +within its embrace. Next moment the two men were struggling in the +stream. + +At that crisis, Arnold's first thought was for his friend--just as it +had always been since he fought his chum's first battles at school. + +He grabbed wildly, and held on to something that he afterwards found to +be his friend's jacket. + +"Are you all right?" he yelled above the din of the waters, as both men +reached the surface. + +"A1 at Lloyd's!" came the cheerful reply--undaunted even in extremity. + +"That's good. We'll weather this yet. Hang on to my coat, and we'll keep +together!" + +Being expert swimmers, there was little cause for fear so long as the +current passed clear of obstacles, and the men had little to do but keep +a suitable position, for the force of the water bore them well on the +surface. But the chief danger was from undercurrents and whirlpools, and +as the boundaries of the river rapidly narrowed this risk became more +serious every moment. + +As they rushed onwards, so the two walls of the caņon came +nearer--shutting out the light until the scene resembled the gloomy +depths of a seething cauldron. + +Closer and closer came the walls; swifter and swifter rushed the water. + +Now the limits were so narrow that the river was but a smooth riband +darting between walls worn glassy by the wear of countless ages. + +The friends came so close that they touched one another's shoulders. + +That was one moment. + +The next instant each felt himself shot forward through a narrow opening +like a cork that is volleyed from a bottle; and when the men came to +realise their position, they found themselves floating on the surface of +a placid lake into which the caņon poured its flood. + +They looked at one another. The adventure had parted them, but Arnold +laughingly held up a portion of Holden's coat as a banner to signal his +position. + +"Our same old luck!" exclaimed Holden, laughing. + +"It'll cost you a new coat!" returned Arnold with equal cheer. + +It was perhaps a hundred yards to the nearest shore, so the men +immediately started in that direction. Both were considerably exhausted +by the experiences through which they had providentially passed without +serious injury, and consequently the progress was slow. + +But at last they reached the bank, where the red and grey willows bent +their long strands in a tangled trellis. + +Knee deep in the mud, the men stood upright, to clear the way to +freedom. But, as they parted the nearest branches, a number of arms were +suddenly forced through the scrub; a number of hands gripped them with +irresistible strength; and before they could realise what had happened +they were rudely dragged up the bank of the lake. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +DEER-STALKING + + +The boys did not find that time hung heavily on their hands when left to +their own devices. + +The two tents that marked the camp at Crane Creek were pitched on a +grassy slope that led down to the Athabasca's dancing waters. This had +been their camp-ground for several days after a desultory hunting +pilgrimage from Loon Portage--the last town where they had left railways +and civilisation. Having penetrated northwards into a region that was +apparently remote from attacks of the plough and beyond the sound of the +rancher's whoop, it was determined to make this a headquarters for a +couple of months or so. Sport in much variety had already been found. +Moose-tracks had been seen in the vicinity, and it had been with the +hope of practically substantiating the discovery that the two elders had +started off that morning. + +The boys' first consideration was that of dinner. + +"Let's go into the woods and see what we can find!" Bob Arnold suggested +to his chum, after they had watched the canoe disappear round a bend of +the river. "There's only the carcase of a prairie chicken left in the +larder. That won't be much to satisfy our paters when they come back." + +"And we'll want to tackle a small morsel ourselves," added Holden. "I've +never had such an appetite in my life until I came West. There's +something inside me that is always calling out: 'Grub! Grub! Give me +grub!'" And the boy sniffed the pine-scented air with relish, as a +hungry street gamin sniffs the fragrance of a cook-shop. + +Bob laughed as he strolled back to the tents and stuck a tin dipper into +a wooden pail near by for a draught of cold water that had lately been +taken from a moss-bordered spring. + +"You're a freak of Nature; that's what you are, Alf. Two months ago you +were as thin and white as a sheet of paper, and even Saturday's school +resurrection-pie failed to tempt you. Now you are the colour of a +redskin, and nothing is safe from your teeth!" + +"I'll not deny that I'm sometimes a bit peckish," returned the younger +boy, entering one of the tents and filling a cartridge belt, which he +proceeded to buckle round his waist. Then he remarked with twinkling +eyes: "Say! Mustn't the fellows at St. Wenford's be green with envy if +they think of themselves swotting away in class while we're having the +time of our lives in the backwoods? They'll all be back by this time, +for the school was only to be closed for seven weeks, the doctor said. +Lucky thing fever is--in some ways." + +"In some ways--perhaps," repeated Bob in an undertone that had much +seriousness in it, as he followed his friend's example in preparing for +the hunt. "But it didn't seem very lucky--to me--when--when your dad was +sent for, post-haste, that night. It didn't seem the best of luck +then--to me, I mean." + +"Nor to me," added Alf with equal seriousness. Both boys sighed at the +memory, and then the younger resumed light-heartedly: "I tell you what +it was, Bob, I was thoroughly riled with that fever. We always meant to +be chums for the rest of our lives, just like our dads; and it put my +back up to find the fever trying to upset our plans. That's what did it. +Once I got the spirit of fight into me, I knocked the stuffing out of +the old fever!" + +"That you did!" laughed Arnold. "The doctors said they never saw +anything like your recovery, once you set to work. Well, I'm fixed up +for shooting. Are you all right? Better take hunting-knives. They come +in handy." + +"And a repeating rifle, in case of big game. One will be enough; we can +take turns in carrying it." + +"All aboard. I'll just see that the camp-fire is properly stamped out, +and then we'll set off." + +In a short time all preparations were completed, and the two boys were +ready to enjoy a morning's adventure in any form that it chose to offer. + +Having hopes that something bigger than duck or chicken might reward +their efforts, the chums immediately struck inwards through the bush, +following an old trail from a buffalo wallow that was the ancient path +of those bovines when they sought water to drink or mud to wallow in +when the mosquitoes were troublesome. + +Beyond chipmunks, gophers, and a single jack-rabbit (the latter falling +to Bob's gun), nothing was met to tempt powder for some time. Then they +reached a large "slough" that in early spring would be a small lake, +though now it was filled with long blue grass and wild lavender. Here +the boys paused as they examined the clearing. + +"It's a likely-looking place for rattlesnakes," Bob remarked. "It hardly +seems probable that---- What's that?--Over there in the centre?" The +speaker's voice had suddenly dropped to an excited undertone as he +pointed to a couple of small dark marks that peeped above long grass and +might have been the ends of a broken branch. + +Alf stared keenly for a few moments. + +"I thought I saw them move----" + +"So did I. Wait a minute and we'll make sure." + +Keeping as still as statues, the boys waited in silence with both pairs +of eyes steadily fixed upon the dark objects, and the pulses of each +gave a sudden jump, for then the points moved and sank among the long +grass. + +"Antelope! Those are horns!" decided Alf, to which Bob returned, with a +sly dig at his chum's ribs-- + +"'Horns?' _Antlers_, you old duffer! We're not hunting cows!" + +"Same thing," was the retort. "Horns or antlers both mean deer in these +parts." Next the boy gave a slight start. "Say! I thought I heard the +branches moving above my head!" + +The young hunters turned to look upwards among the dense leaves of a +gigantic maple tree whose lower branches were matted with twining +convolvulus and other wild creepers. + +"A bird or a chipmunk," was Bob's decision. "In any case, whatever it +is, this antelope comes first. We are both at windward, though I guess +he hasn't scented us yet on account of the long grass. But I think it +would be better if we got round to the lee-side and waited for him to +rise." + +"How would it be if I were to stay here, in case he comes this way?" Alf +suggested. "You could take the rifle----" + +"A good idea. No, you keep the rifle," amended Bob, falling in with the +suggestion. "If I get to lee, I'll be near enough to do damage with the +breech-loader. If I fail, you'll have the longer sight with the rifle." + +"All right," said Holden. "I'll wait just where I am behind this red +willow. I'll not fire until I'm certain that your gun is out of it." + +"Good. I'm off," responded Bob, and immediately he started a cautious +creeping journey in the shelter of the bush, in hopes of reaching the +lee-side of the slough without attracting the attention of the animal +that was apparently resting in innocent bliss among the cool blue grass. + +During his silent guard Alf a second time thought that he heard a +rustling above his head. But, following former experience, he thought +that the sound was due to nothing more than a flying squirrel at the +most, and he did not allow his eyes to be diverted from the spot where +the signs of the antelope had last been seen. + +By and by he at last caught sight of his chum. Bob had reached the +farther end of the oval slough, and had risen to show himself. He waved +his arm to announce his position before creeping down to the grass. +Holden answered the signal, and rose to be ready for emergencies. But, +as he moved his right foot, he stepped upon something soft, whereupon he +was startled by a cry like that of a kitten. He gave a swift glance +downwards, and saw that he had inadvertently trodden on something small +and furry which was now expressing pain by means of shrill infantile +wails. + +But his attention was immediately diverted by the sight of a dark body +starting up from the long grass in the slough. At the same instant he +heard the sharp crack of Arnold's gun. Alf darted the butt of his rifle +to his shoulder, to be in readiness for an emergency shot; but, before +the position was attained, something launched down upon him from the +trees--bearing him forwards into the willow bush, while the forest +echoed with the snarls of an infuriated wild beast. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +THE LONELY CAMP + + +A lynx may be only a cat, but a cat that is the size of a young tiger, +with all a tiger's ferocity, is no pleasant opponent at any time. Add to +naturally aggressive tendencies the fact that her baby has cried out in +pain, and you have an angry mother-fiend that takes a deal of seeking to +find her equal in fierceness. + +In this case the lynx had been watching the young hunters with one eye +for some time from her shelter among the leaves of the overhanging +maple. She had been keeping the other eye upon her offspring, having an +idea that the humans might endanger its safety; and, when she heard the +cry of pain, she simply dropped from her branch right upon Holden's +back, fixing her claws in his coat and snapping furiously at his neck. + +Luckily the boy's hunting-coat was of tough buckskin, and when the lynx +set her teeth in the collar she imagined that she was wreaking vengeance +upon flesh and blood. And the sound she made was enough to chill the +marrow. + +Arnold had heard the scream and his chum's cry of surprise at the sudden +assault. But he did not understand it at first. He surmised vaguely that +it was nothing more than sympathetic rejoicing at his successful shot +that had toppled a fine buck antelope in the grass. + +However, second thoughts quickly dispelled the first surmise, for he +heard Holden calling upon him in evident trouble. + +"Bob! Come quickly! There's something on my back, and I can't get at +it!" + +Bob dashed into the long grass as the shortest route. But before he had +crossed the slough Alf had managed to free himself from one sleeve of +his coat, and had got the lynx beneath him. + +Now it was a hand-to-hand fight. The claws of the animal seemed to be +everywhere. They struck with lightning swiftness, and the teeth snapped +like steel gins. In fact, the boy's opponent was simply a mass of fur +and claws--nothing that could be gripped, but everything that could +wound. + +"Don't shoot!" exclaimed Alf, as his friend appeared with gun half +raised in his hands. "You can't get a clean shot at her--ugh! the brute! +She's clawed my shoulder!" + +It was a fierce struggle while it lasted. + +Hot and panting, Alf fought to get a grip of the creature's throat. She, +on her part, seemed to divine his purpose, and battled successfully to +prevent him. + +The combatants rolled over. The lynx was uppermost, and she made a +vicious snap at the boy's face. But the quick head-turn of a trained +boxer avoided that snap, and the sharp white teeth met in the lad's coat +collar, slightly grazing his neck. + +Alf gave a cry of pain. + +That was too much for Bob, who snatched his hunting-knife from its +sheath, and threw himself upon the enemy. + +One plunge of the blade in the animal's side made it yell like a thing +possessed. Then Bob dug his thumbs into the lynx's neck and pressed his +fingers into its throat, pulling towards him with all his might, to drag +the animal from his friend. + +The knife was still sticking in the wound, and as the lynx felt another +enemy above her, she momentarily turned her attention to the one above, +while she struck with her claws to deliver herself from the fingers that +were choking her. + +That was Alf's chance. He plucked at the hunting-knife, and plunged it +into the wild animal with three rapid thrusts. + +Then followed another scream more wild and blood-curdling than the rest. +It was a death-cry; for in a moment more Bob stood up, holding a limp +body by the neck. + +Holden slowly rose from his bed of broken willows, and he grinned as he +regarded his clothes--especially the jacket, that hung from his left arm +like the evening dress of a Weary Willie. + +"Rather the worse for wear and tear!" he remarked with comical +ruefulness. + +"Which? The clothes or yourself?" questioned Bob, as he threw the lynx's +carcase to one side. + +"I guess it's the clothes more than anything else. There's a lot of +blood about, but that's the lynx's more than mine." + +In truth the lad was a strange spectacle, for hardly an inch of his +clothes had not been visited by claws or teeth. The boy himself was +covered with dust and dirt, while crimson patches of blood completed a +picture that was both humorous and pathetic. + +Fortunately, both the boys were able to look at the matter from the +former point of view. Physical damage was not severe. There was a +scratch on Alf's shoulder. Arnold examined it carefully, but decided +that no danger was likely to follow, since the claws had passed through +the leather jacket before touching the flesh. As a precaution against +blood-poisoning, he insisted upon sucking the wound, after which he +bound it with a handkerchief. + +"That will be all right, I expect," he said, as the operation was +completed. "I don't think we need worry about the other scratches." + +"There would have been more--worse ones, probably--if you hadn't turned +up," said Alf. "I couldn't get at the beast any way. She seemed to have +claws like a porcupine's quills." + +"And she knew jolly well how to use them. Do you think she's worth +skinning?" + +The dead lynx was examined. + +"I don't think the hide is worth the trouble," commented Holden. "It's a +bit ragged in any case, and the hunting-knife did not improve it. But +I'll take the tail as a memento. What about the antelope?" + +"Oh, I got him all right. He's lying somewhere in the grass." + +"Good!" exclaimed Alf delightedly. He had soon recovered from the +exhaustion of the fight. "That will surprise the paters when they return +to grub. And say! I'm as hungry as a hawk. Let's get back to camp. It +must be getting on for noon by this time." + +"Half-past ten. That's all," remarked Bob, as he looked at his watch. +"Time drags when the appetite's healthy. I vote we leave the antelope +where it is for the present, and shoot a few chicken for dinner. It +would be a pity for us to try skinning the animal. We might spoil it +altogether. I dare say father will do it for us afterwards." + +"What about wolves?" questioned Alf. + +"Yes, I hadn't thought of them. But I don't think there's much chance of +wolves coming in the daytime. It would be safe enough until night." + +"Right you are," agreed Alf. "First for the tail of my lynx, and then a +bee-line for the camp." + +Retracing their path by the buffalo trail, the boys were soon on the +home journey again. Five prairie chicken were bagged on the way, and +soon the hunters were once more at the camp-ground. + +Of course Holden's first move was to strip, plunge into the river, and +then robe himself in garments that were less like a rag-picker's bundle. +Meantime, Arnold set to work lighting a fire and preparing the chicken +for roasting on wooden spits, as their camping experience had taught +them. + +By midday the meal was in readiness. The birds were cooked, "biscuits" +were baked in the camp-oven, the fragrant smell of coffee was issuing +from a billy-tin, and all preparations completed to welcome the elder +hunters. + +But time went past, and there was no sign of a canoe on the river. + +"I wonder if they have missed their way?" remarked Alf, to whom the +waiting was a trial, considering inside calls and tempting odours. + +"I don't think that's likely," said Bob. "Your dad and mine are both old +backwoodsmen. I'm beginning to think something has happened----" + +"An accident?" + +"Possibly. But of course we can't tell. But it isn't like them to be +late when they promised to be back by noon." + +"But then, if an accident has happened to one, the other could always +come back and let us know," Alf answered; and his chum returned-- + +"That's just what I've been thinking. I don't want to frighten you, old +man, but I can't help thinking that something has gone wrong with both." + +"Perhaps it's the canoe. It might have got damaged. They were exploring +new water, you know." + +Bob nodded. + +"As likely as not. In that case they'll come back by land, and that +would take some time, as, of course, they would go much quicker by +water. We'll wait a little longer, and if they don't arrive we'd better +have our grub. They'll turn up later." + +The boys waited as patiently as possible, but ultimately, with no sign +of the travellers, they were obliged to dine alone; though the meal was +not eaten with customary cheerfulness, for both the boys shared +forebodings of troubles to come. + +The day wore on, and still no signs of the wanderers, while the anxiety +of the boys rapidly increased. And when night came, without bringing +any news to allay concern, they then began to decide that some serious +accident must have taken place. + +Until late into the hours of darkness the two lads sat by the camp-fire, +starting hopefully at each sound from the forest or river--ready to +believe that any whisper of Nature must be the sound of a reassuring +messenger. + +How different it was from their usual little camp-fire gatherings! At +such times they were wont to loll about while reciting the many +incidents of the day just gone, and planning fresh exploits for the +morrow. Even last night they had thus sat and planned the expedition +that had ended in adding a heavier gloom to the night. + +The fire-flies flickered their tiny lamps, the night-hawks shrieked as +they swooped from the heavens, the owls hooted their dismal cries, and +the wolves wailed in the distance as they fought over the remains of the +antelope that had been left to them. + +It must have been near midnight when Bob broke an unusually long spell +of silence. + +"Well, old boy," he said, with forced brightness, "I guess the best +thing we can do is to turn in. They won't be back to-night, that's +certain." + +"Yet--one might come. I wouldn't like to be asleep if--if there was any +call, you know." + +"Then we'll take it turn about--two hours asleep, two hours watch," was +the elder boy's practical suggestion. "Besides, very likely we are +worrying ourselves without need. Anything may have happened to keep them +from returning--not even an accident, as we've been supposing. One never +knows what may take place in the backwoods, and--and perhaps they were +forced to wait till morning." + +Bob knew, and Alf knew as well, that it was but a plucky attempt to look +at fears in the best light--an effort to convince both against their +conviction that their evil forebodings were groundless. + +But Alf was not easily convinced. + +"I am sure that nothing except accident could have happened to prevent +at least your father or mine from returning to camp. They would know +that we should be worried. And no matter how far they went by canoe in +the morning, there has been plenty of time to walk the distance. I can't +help thinking that they came upon tracks of the moose, as they wanted, +and----" + +"Hush," interrupted Bob kindly. "Don't let your imagination run away +with you like that, old man. Besides, you know what good shots both our +fathers are. They know the ways of most big game. No; I can't think that +you are right. Such an accident _might_ happen to one--even the finest +trapper; but, to both--believe me, it's out of the question. Now, turn +in like a good chap. I'll take first watch." + +"You'll wake me as soon as the two hours are up?" pressed Alf, reluctant +to leave the watch when he might have first sign of news. + +"Yes, I'll waken you. Don't worry about that. You are tired as a dog as +it is--what with fighting lynxes and other excitements. In two hours +you'll find that I'll be too ready for sleep to let you doze a second +over time." + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +FRIENDS OR FOES? + + +So sudden had been the attack when the two men were snatched from the +waters of the treacherous Athabasca, that they were too confused to +realise what was taking place. No signs of any prowlers had been +previously evident, though possibly the fact that danger from that +quarter was unconsidered might have secluded what would have been +discernible by suspicious eyes. + +Moreover, the men were so exhausted by the adventures through which they +had just passed that they were only able to offer feeble resistance, +and, by the time their scattered faculties were collected, they found +themselves lying bound in the centre of a chattering throng of Indians. + +Such conduct was certainly surprising in these days, when the redmen are +a peaceable people who have learned to regard the pale-faces as +well-meaning friends, and have long since buried the hatchet of tribal +feuds. + +"What on earth can be the meaning of this?" Arnold questioned of his +companion, who lay at his side. + +"It's certainly extraordinary," the other man said. "Yet they don't seem +particularly aggressive." + +"No. They offered no indignities, such as would have been our fortune in +olden days. But did you notice how that old warrior examined the knots +himself? He seems to be a sort of head-man. I can remember a smattering +of a few dialects, and I am sure I heard him say to the braves: 'Not too +tight. Do not hurt the pale-faces, but keep them firm.'" + +"It's certainly mysterious," said Holden. "Perhaps we have arrived in +the middle of some sacred feast. Or perhaps we've come upon them when +they were about to carry out some form of lawlessness." + +Arnold shook his head decidedly. + +"No. There are no signs of feasts. As for the latter, these are +Dacotahs--one of the most law-abiding tribes. We'll have to look further +than that for an explanation. Of this I am certain: we are in no +immediate danger. That they are chattering about us is evident from +these side-glances; but there is nothing hostile in the looks." + +"More like awe than hostility." + +"Just what I was thinking. But see! That old warrior is coming our way +again. We'll learn something this time, perhaps." + +As Arnold spoke, an old Indian was seen to step from the chattering +crowd. He was tall, well built, and still a fine specimen of manhood, +though his face bore traces of many years. + +That he received the homage due to rank as well as to years was made +plain by the respectful way that a path was cleared, so that he might +pass through the group of twenty or thirty redskins. He carried himself +with the air of one who commands respect as his right. + +All the same, though there was no hesitation in the steady stride with +which the Indian approached the captives, nor in the stern set of his +face, there was something in his eyes that indicated awe in the heart. +The other Indians barely attempted to conceal their feelings. Throughout +there was the expression that seemed to say (to put it in plain +English): "Plucky of you, old chap. But better you than me!" + +Reaching the Englishmen, who were bound hands and legs, so that they +were unable to adopt any position unaided except sitting or lying down, +the old warrior stopped at a couple of yards' distance. + +Drawing his blanket tightly round his figure, he folded his arms and +thus addressed the strangers in excellent English-- + +"The tomahawk has been buried between the pale-faces and the redman for +countless suns, and for many suns their hands have met as the hands of +brothers. And the heart of Swift Arrow is sore within him this day, for +the hands of the Dacotahs have been raised in their might against those +whose faces shine as those of our pale-face brothers." + +The old man paused, and Arnold jerked in-- + +"Then why on earth raise them? We did not bid you truss us up with these +rawhide thongs?" + +The Indian shook his head. + +"The ears of Swift Arrow are old. They understand not as when he was a +brave." + +"Your idiom is too much for him, old man," said Holden quietly. "Try him +with something easier. Better not let him know that we can speak +Indian, though. It might be to our advantage later to know without being +known." + +"Quite right," answered the elder man. Then he addressed the Indian +again. + +"We would ask, O Swift Arrow, for what good purpose your braves have +bound us. We have been in peril from the waters; we seek the friendship +of your land. Is this the way the Dacotahs treat their white brothers +when they seek the friendship of your shores?" + +The Indian felt the reproach, and his eyes fell for a moment with shame. + +"The pale-face speaks words that go right into the heart like burning +arrows. But Swift Arrow knows well that all things must be fulfilled. +The sun must come and the darkness follow. Then darkness come, and +after--the sun again. All things must be as Manito[1] will." + +The Englishmen looked at one another with puzzled expressions. + +"I wonder what he means by that?" questioned Holden. "'All things must +be fulfilled.' What can that have to do with us?" + +The Indian heard the question and understood. + +"All things must be as Manito will," he repeated; and Arnold, catching +swiftly at the words, demanded sharply-- + +"Is it willed that we be bound, as the Dacotahs of old bound their +captives for burning?" + +This was evidently a point of view that had not occurred to the redskin, +for he was at a loss for an immediate reply. He looked first at one man +and then at the other, after which he repeated half aloud, half to +himself, as if he were conning the exact meaning of the words-- + +"_When the moon is round, and they rise out of the silver waters---- _" + +"Yes, yes!" interrupted Arnold, and speaking at guesswork. "That is +true. We know that--'out of silver waters'--but is anything said about +bonds?" + +The old man shook his head. He was deeply puzzled. + +"The pale-face speaks true, and it may be that the redman is wrong. +There are many trails, but only one that leads to good hunting-ground. +How shall the redman's eyes see right?" + +Then Arnold assumed an air of indifference as he remarked carelessly, +though not without a certain sneer in his tone-- + +"Does Swift Arrow ask a question of his white brothers, or does he talk +as old squaws chatter--foolish words like running water? We could tell +him much, but it is well to know with whom one speaks. Words may be +wasted as rain upon rocks." + +"Let the pale-face speak," returned the Indian with dignity, though it +was plain that he was moved by the sneering tones. + +"Then listen. We who came 'out of the silver waters,' as you put it, can +tell you much. But how can we speak in bonds? The pale-face is a chief. +He will not speak as a slave to his master." + +But the old man shook his head. + +"It cannot be so, lest you return to the waters from whence you +came----" + +"Oh, that's it, is it?" exclaimed Arnold, with sudden enlightenment. "If +that's all, it's easily settled. Look here--you know that when a +pale-face says he will do a thing he will surely do it?" + +"My white brother's word is ever truth." + +"And when we say we will not do a thing, you know that we will keep our +promise?" + +The Indian bowed assent. + +"Well, look here! If you will remove these cords, my friend and I will +promise not to fight and not to run away without telling you first that +we intend to do so. We will go with you where you will. We are not foxes +to hide behind bushes; we are no half-breeds to hide behind forked +words. I have spoken." + +The old man was immediately impressed by this view of the situation. He +retired for a few minutes to consult with his friends, and afterwards +solemnly returned, accompanied by a couple of young men. + +"My white brother has spoken well," he said. "The redman will take the +word of his white brother." Then he turned to the braves, gave a brief +order in Indian, and the next moment Arnold and Holden stood up free. + +"What next, I wonder?" questioned the latter, as he looked inquiringly +at Swift Arrow. + +He was not kept long in doubt, for the old man called the Indians +together, signing to the Englishmen to take places in the centre of the +group. Afterwards the company started on a trail that led away from the +lake through the woods to the north-east. + +[1] Manito = God. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +LOST IN THE FOREST + + +Morning came, but it brought no news of the absent men. There now seemed +to be no possible doubt that some accident of a serious nature had +overtaken both, and the boys were at their wits' end to know what steps +to take. + +There had been but one canoe for the outing, so it was not possible to +follow up the river course in pursuit of explanation. The only course +was to take the journey on foot. That would be a tedious process, seeing +that the river twined in some parts like a corkscrew. Two or three miles +might be walked, and yet only half the distance might be covered as the +crow flies. However, there seemed nothing else to be done. It was +impossible to remain idly at the camp waiting for what might turn up. +Meantime, their services might be urgently needed, and delay might only +increase the necessity. + +"I vote we pack up our outfit in the tents and set off on the chance of +finding their tracks," said Bob. "We can take a good supply of +cartridges with us, in case we are delayed and need to forage for food." + +"It's my opinion that we may have to go a good long way," was Holden's +view. "It would be as well to take a small axe and one or two things for +possible camping. A pannikin would be useful----" + +"And a small coil of rope. You can never go far in the bush without +finding a use for rope." + +"But suppose they come back in our absence?" + +"Ah, that's well thought of," Arnold agreed. "It might mean starting out +to hunt for us. We'll leave a note explaining things." + +As soon as breakfast was over, the boys made their preparations for +departure. They filled knapsacks with such supplies as they deemed +necessary to meet the circumstances and possible emergencies. They +packed away the loose articles of the camp outfit, and pinned a note +against the flap of the tent to explain the cause of their absence to +any person who might reach the ground before their return. Then they set +out bravely on their quest. + +It was their first intention to follow the course of the river, even +though their journey might be considerably lengthened thereby. But very +soon it was found that such tactics were, in the main, impracticable. In +some parts the banks were steep and rocky; in others they were so +thickly clothed with bush that a pathway was only possible after the axe +had cut its way. The latter was particularly the case when a certain +great bend of the Athabasca was reached, so the chums determined to +attempt a short cut across the loop by plunging straight through the +forest. + +"It seems easy enough," Alf had said. "We are going about due north, I +think. The bend goes due west, but as the main part of the river flows +north according to the map, if we go straight on we are bound to strike +the water again." + +"Right, old man," responded Bob. "In any case, the paters could not be +so near home, or they would have had plenty of time to get back, even by +crawling. So it would be almost wasting energy to trudge so far out of +the way." + +It is one thing to say "go north," it is quite another matter to hold a +steady course in a forest. The Indian can do it; likewise the trapper. +They know the signs of the compass such as Nature has provided for +them. They know on which side of the trees certain moss is to be found, +and they know the signs that the blizzard wind leaves behind it when it +has passed on its way from arctic zones. To such as have been initiated +into the higher mysteries of woodcraft from their earliest years, a due +course to any set point of the compass is second nature. But those who +are unlearned in the art soon find out their mistake when they put their +inexperience into practice. The sun is a pointing finger to the +craftsman--a disastrous lure to the ignorant. + +Bob and Alf pursued their way pluckily. Determined to keep a steady +course, the tomahawk had to be requisitioned at frequent intervals in +order to clear a passage through the thorns and binding creepers that +impeded the way. + +At any other time the adventure would have been one of sheer delight, +for who would not have enjoyed exploring unknown land--probably land, +too, where only the Indian's foot and the feet of the wild creatures of +the forest had ever pressed? + +Once or twice the boys saw the great velvet eyes of an antelope peeping +at them through a screen of maple leaves. Again the scrub would rustle, +as a fox crouched down to hide his skulking body from the strangers' +sight. The cat-birds were calling their sad messages to each other among +the maple leaves, and lively little chipmunks would utter their shrill +piping sounds of warning to their friends as they started before the +advance of the young explorers. Yes, it was an experience to fill the +heart with joy when any ordinary call inspired the venture spirit. + +On this occasion, however, neither of the boys had eyes for such +pleasant sights, or ears for such sounds as are the delight of the +trapper's life. Their minds were too full of anxiety to permit room for +ordinary enjoyment, and they hardly spoke as they pressed forward in +single file. + +In this way they continued for two hours or more. At intervals they +would take it in turn to act as leader and handle the axe; but they did +not allow a pause in the pushing forward, until at last Bob called a +halt, feeling that a rest had been earned. + +"We ought to be getting near the river again by this time," he remarked. + +"That's what I've been thinking," said Alf. "You see, it was such a +sharp westward turn that the river took after we crossed the ford, that +I don't think we can be far off now. It must come round to the east +again." + +"Yet there's no sound of it----" + +"That is what's puzzling me. We've covered a couple of miles at the +least." + +"And done enough work for four," added Bob. "However, let's get to work +again. The sooner there, the sooner this job will be over." + +"Thank goodness it looks pretty clear ahead now--more pine trees and +less of the beastly scrub," said Holden. + +Once more the boys pressed forward; but, although they continued the +march for quite another hour, apparently they were as far off as ever +from the river, for they neither sighted water nor came within hearing +distance of the object of their search. + +Again they stopped and faced one another with perplexed expressions. + +"I'll tell you what it is, old man--we've missed the way," said Alf. + +But Bob was never ready to admit defeat of any sort. + +"Nonsense," he said. "We've kept a fairly straight course." + +"Or thought we have. To my mind, if we'd kept straight on we ought to +have reached the river by this time. As it is, there is no sign of it." + +"That's true. Except for being free from the brushwood, we might almost +be where we started. It looks much the same--no slope or any other sign +to suggest that we are nearer to the water." + +"What's to be done?" + +"I see nothing for it but to go back again and follow the river, as we +were doing in the first place. We were fools to think of taking short +cuts. The other way may have seemed longer, but it would have been a +deal shorter in the long-run." + +Both the boys were feeling rather fagged by this time, for their trudge +had been of an exceptionally fatiguing nature. But each kept the thought +to himself, and cheerfully stepped out with the intention of retracing +his steps. It was a disappointment and irksome enough; yet there was no +help for it, and the situation had to be faced pluckily. + +But all the best intentions seemed to go wrong that day, and it did not +take an hour's marching before Bob stopped and turned to his chum with a +crestfallen countenance. + +"Look here, old man, I don't know what you're thinking, but my own +opinion is----" + +"That we've missed the path; that we are lost----" + +"I'm afraid that is the truth of it. You see, we've never come to any of +the places that we had to clear with the tomahawk." + +"Then what's to be done?" Alf questioned. + +Arnold took out his watch and looked at it. + +"What's to be done? Grub. That's the first thing. After that we can make +fresh plans. It's noon now, and we can do nothing while we're hungry. +Besides--well, to tell the truth, I'm feeling a little tired." + +"I, too," responded Alf, with a faint smile. "I didn't want to say so +while I thought you wished to go on----" + +"Just my own idea," Bob returned, with a slight laugh, as he lowered +himself to a soft place under the shadow of a large maple. "So we'll +rest here and have a bite. We'll feel better afterwards." + +The little camp was made, and a meal was enjoyed from the contents of +Bob's haversack--biscuits and cold venison. Neither of the lads thought +it was worth while to trouble about shooting and cooking a meal just +then. They would reserve that till night, in the event of their not +being able to find Crane Creek again. + +After a considerable rest, the march was resumed for the third time. On +this occasion, however, the process was varied. Their first purpose was, +of course, to find the path by which they had come; so at Bob's +suggestion they carefully proceeded to walk in a circle--checking the +route by notching the trees, and taking wider courses each time a +circuit was completed. + +But even these means were ineffective. Circle after circle was made, and +still the earlier track was undiscovered. All the afternoon was thus +occupied, and, when evening came, the boys were footsore and weary--glad +to throw themselves down on the first piece of springy grass, too tired +even to trouble about preparing food. + +The disappointment was beyond words. They had started out in the morning +full of cheerful hopes of being able to render aid to their parents who +(they felt sure) were in need of assistance. And now, not only was this +purpose frustrated, but they themselves were in that terrible plight of +being lost in the backwoods--a hundred miles or more from the haunts of +white men, with nothing but plucky hearts to help them, and limited +ammunition to supply bodily needs. + +The sun passed over their heads and sunk somewhere beyond the forest. +They could not tell where it vanished, for the camp was amid such dense +surroundings that they could hardly see beyond a hundred yards through +the branches. + +With dusk, and after a sparse meal, it was decided to light a fire, more +for the sake of the cheering sight than the need for warmth. + +Bob was the first to rise, and as he stood upright he was heard to give +vent to a decided-- + +"Bother it!" + +"What's the matter?" grunted Alf, as he also proceeded to rise. + +"Matter?" repeated his chum. "Nothing; only I have stuck my head into a +cloud of moths--big ones and little ones. There seems to be a regular +party going on under this tree." + +"It's that luminous patch in the tree that we've been sitting under," +said Holden, at the same time drawing his friend's attention to what +looked like a patch of light on the trunk of the maple about five feet +from the ground. + +"That's curious," remarked Bob, bending forward to examine the spot. "I +wonder what it can be? It looks like the light on one of those luminous +match-boxes that are made so that you can see them in the dark." + +"They say that rotten wood sometimes has that effect----" + +"But this tree is quite sound. And see! There's another the same on that +tree to the right!" + +It was certainly strange, and the boys picked up their guns and +sauntered over to examine the next trunk, on which they found the same +peculiar light attracting an equally numerous lot of moths of many +descriptions. + +"There's another!" exclaimed Alf, pointing ahead of him. + +"And another!" + +"And another!" + +By this time the boys were quite excited by their discovery, and when +Alf suddenly drew attention to the further discovery that the marked +trees were almost in a straight line, their excitement was still further +stirred. + +"It's the strangest thing I ever heard of--in the natural history way," +the younger lad said. "To find all these trees marked on the same side, +and all in a straight line--why, it would puzzle the brains of anybody +to explain it!" + +Without any decided plan, and more out of curiosity than from any other +motive, the chums proceeded from one tree to another, examining each as +they reached it, and marvelling all the time at what they decided as +being one of the most remarkable freaks of Nature that they had ever +heard about. + +Then they became aware of a strange sound that reached them from no +great distance through the trees. It was a most remarkable sound--not +that of any animal with which they were familiar; indeed, it was not a +sound that suggested any beast or bird. + +"What on earth is it?" questioned Alf, as the weird wail sighed through +the forest. + +"It sounds like a harmonium in distress!" replied Bob, with a slight +laugh. And even as he spoke the wail was repeated, though this time +could be distinctly heard the voice of some person struggling to +articulate to some musical accompaniment the words-- + + "Rool Britanny! Britanny rool waves! + Britons ne-vaire--ne-vaire--ne-vaire + Shall be sla-aves!" + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +THE MEDICINE MAN + + +During the march through the woods the Indians were not communicative. +Once or twice Arnold attempted to draw Swift Arrow into conversation, +but the old man merely listened in solemn silence. He refused even to +respond to direct questions. + +Eventually a clearing was reached where a large number of teepees were +pitched. It was quite a wigwam village, and thence the two captives were +escorted to a tent that stood among many others. They were politely +requested to enter, and, on obeying, they found that the teepee was +otherwise empty. Several men were posted on guard at a little distance +from the entrance, while Swift Arrow departed with the rest of his +brethren. + +"There's no doubt but that we are prisoners," remarked Arnold, as he sat +down upon a buffalo hide, preparing to make the best of things and take +his ease while he might. + +"The whole affair is a puzzle," said his companion. "Why on earth they +should take us prisoners passes my comprehension. It can't be that they +regard us as enemies. They would not have been so polite and considerate +if that had been their thought." + +"That's just it," laughed Arnold, who, like his son, had the gift for +worrying little until he knew exactly what to worry about. "That's just +what surprises me. We are treated as prisoners, and not as prisoners. My +impression is that we are regarded with more fear than anger." + +The time allowed for speculation was soon curtailed by the sound of many +voices approaching the tent, though presently there was silence, and a +loud voice called to those within-- + +"The eyes of Mighty Hand would gladly rest on the sight of the White +Men." + +"He means us," commented Arnold, rising from the couch of fur. "He's too +polite to enter the teepee uninvited." + +"By all means let his eyes rest upon us," laughed Holden. + +The two men then advanced, while one threw open the flap of the tent. +And the picture that met their eyes was one that struck the strangers +with admiration, for it seemed to throw the years back to the days when +the Indian ruled the prairie--the days that knew the youth of Ballantyne +and the prime of Fenimore Cooper. + +Ranged in a semicircle before the tent was a crowd of braves and +warriors--all arrayed in the picturesque garb that was unspoilt by any +touch of Saxon attire, such as is commonly seen among redskins of the +present day. Except that the old-time bows and arrows were replaced by +more modern muzzle-loaders, there was nothing to suggest any association +with white men and white men's tastes. + +But it was not so much the background of natives that impressed the +Englishmen. Their admiration was called to the central figure. He was an +Indian of enormous size--tall, squarely built, and equally proportioned. +His head was surmounted with a turban of black fox decorated with eagle +feathers that were continued like a wing right down his back and nearly +touched the ground. His black hair was threaded with many coloured +beads, some of which resembled (and actually were proved to be) nuggets +of pure gold. Necklaces of beads and animals' teeth hung in many +strands upon the breast of his deerskin shirt. Leggings and moccasins +were a mass of beads, feathers, and porcupines' quills woven in +intricately fantastic designs. And, over all, there hung in graceful +folds an ermine robe of spotless white. + +This was the great chief of the Dacotahs. Mighty Hand was his name, and +that hand was famed for its deeds of valour as equally for its deeds of +kindness. He was sole monarch of a mighty branch-tribe of the Dacotahs +that had long been separated from its renegade brethren, preferring to +maintain the old life in the forest and on the prairie rather than a +workhouse existence in a Government Reserve. He led his people far from +the haunts of white men, and his life was only harmful to the game that +supplied his people's needs. Powder and other necessaries he obtained +from frontier trading-stations. But he was known as a man of peace and a +man of spotless honour. Hence his irregular life and failure to comply +with Government Reserve regulations had been hitherto winked at by the +officials. + +When the Englishmen issued from the tent, this chief was standing +before them in a majestic attitude that at once proclaimed his royal +blood. He was unarmed. This was a courtesy to the strangers. + +At the chief's right side stood Swift Arrow; at the left was a figure +that formed a weird contrast to the other two. This one was lean, bent, +and twisted like a gnarled tree that had been starved and warped in the +forest. His dress was alike native, but the grotesque ornaments of +animals' skulls, tails, dried monkeys' hands, and other gruesome relics +gave the wearer an appearance that was repulsive to Saxon eyes. This +freak of figure and dress was Thunder-maker, the great Medicine Man of +the tribe. Without his presence no state conclave was complete; without +his opinion no tribal law or ruling was ever decided. + +It must not be thought that the time we have occupied in describing +these several features was similarly occupied by the Englishmen in +minute observation. Not at all. Arnold, immediately recognising the +bearing of the chief, promptly addressed him in English, which Mighty +Hand could understand--judging from his first salutation. + +"The white brothers of the redmen are gladdened by this visit of the +great chief," he said. "The white brothers have been in great danger +from rushing waters--danger from which the great chief's braves snatched +them. They are grateful that their lives have been saved, and they are +glad to meet the chief and thank him for what was done." + +The Indian listened in silence, and, at the pause that followed, he +returned in deep tones, as if he were repeating a lesson that he had +learnt by heart-- + +"_Out from the silver waters, when the moon is round, they shall come. +They shall be pale-face, and they shall look like men._" + +This was certainly a puzzling rejoinder! To neither of the captives did +it convey any knowledge. Arnold, however, deemed that the best course +would be to assume no impression that he and his friend were regarded as +prisoners. + +"The chief speaks well," he returned. "But his tongue deceives him when +he says that we _look_ like men. Pale-faces we are. But we are friends +to the redman. We would smoke the peace-pipe with him. But we are far +from our camp. At our tents are our young sons, who are awaiting our +return with anxious hearts. Perhaps the great chief has also a son! He +will know, then, how heavy would be the heart of his papoose if the +chief were long absent from his teepee. We therefore beg that the chief +will hasten the peace-pipe. Afterwards he will lend a brave to guide the +white brothers back to their camp-ground." + +While Arnold spoke there was silence among the Indians, and it was +obvious, from the chief's face, that his mind was disturbed with +indecision. + +"Mighty Hand has listened to the words of the pale-face," the chief +said. "The white man's words flow as music, but--'_out from the silver +waters, when the moon is round_---- '" + +The speaker's voice faded into thoughtfulness, and Holden whispered to +his companion-- + +"What is the fellow driving at? What does he mean by 'out from the +silver waters'? Of course we came out from waters, but what has that to +do with the moon, I wonder?" + +"I can't think, unless--yes, I believe I've got it! It's full moon about +this time, Holden. There's some Indian superstition, I imagine, about +full moon and people being rescued from the water----" + +"It sounds like that from the way he speaks. You remember Swift Arrow +said much the same thing." + +"Then depend upon it we've hit the mark. In some way we've got mixed up +with a legend or superstition." + +Mighty Hand had been consulting with Swift Arrow while the Englishmen +had been quietly summing up the situation, but now he again faced the +captives. + +"Mighty Hand has lived long and seen many wonders and much great +medicine. But to-day there is a cloud in his mind. He understands but +darkly. It would be a shame that Mighty Hand should bring water to the +eyes of his white brother's papoose, but who can say if the Fiery Totem +be not calling this day? Behold!" + +As he spoke the chief tore open his deerskin shirt, and when the +Englishmen bent forward in curiosity they saw--upon the naked +breast--the figure of a serpent tattooed in gold and red so cunningly +that it seemed as though a living reptile were there resting--a reptile +moulded from burning flames, with head raised in the attitude of +striking. + +The men gave a gasp of wonder and surprise, and at the same instant the +Medicine Man jumped forward, pointed a finger towards the sign, and +turned with an evil grin towards the strangers. + +"The totem of the Serpent Dacotahs!" he hissed through his teeth. "Can +the pale-face look upon it without fear? Can they not feel the +poison-tooth break the covering of their flesh?" + +At this strange attack Arnold laughed aloud, and Holden smiled as he +said-- + +"The white men are not cowards! They do not shrink before a figure of +paint!" + +The Medicine Man threw up his arms in a transport of rage. + +"They laugh! The white men smile at the sacred totem!" he cried in a +wild appeal to the sympathies of the people, who began to respond with +disapproving murmurs. "Shall it be that the fiery serpent hear laughing +tongues while the hands of the Dacotahs are idle? _Who_ are they that +dare to revile our sacred sign with mocking eyes and tongues?" + +Matters were beginning to assume a serious aspect towards the strangers, +for evidently the Medicine Man was one whose lead was followed by his +people, and who knew well how to play upon their weaknesses. So Arnold +hastened to try and pacify the anger that he had inadvertently roused. + +"My red brother mistakes," he said, addressing Thunder-maker. "The white +man's laughter was at the suggestion of fear. We are brave men who fear +nothing. But we did no insult to the totem of the Dacotahs----" + +"Dogs!" exclaimed the furious Indian. "Dogs! The fiery totem has been +defiled. Revenge, my brothers! Revenge! lest the names Dacotah and +Mighty Hand become things for jeers and laughter in the women's tents!" + +The Indian was quite frantic with passion, and as he flung his wild +appeal to his people the murmurs suddenly burst into a flood of angry +roars--knives were snatched from their sheaths, a hundred arms were +lifted, and the circle quickly closed upon the helpless men. But just at +that moment of peril and almost inevitable death, the great figure of +Mighty Hand was seen to start. He stepped forward with one stride, +turned his back upon the captives, and then raised his arms, from which +his robe hung like great protecting wings that shielded the strangers +beneath their folds. And his voice rang out above the angry clamour +like the voice of a wind roaring through the pine forests. + +"Back, Dacotahs! Back to your tents ere the strength of Mighty Hand is +lifted and you sink to the dust! Is this how the redman treats the +stranger who would smoke the peace-pipe by our fire? Is this the welcome +that my braves give to those whom Mighty Hand has received with a +smile--with no arms in his hand, no tomahawk at his belt? Back, dogs! +and hide your coward faces like frightened papooses in the skirts of the +women!" + +The clamour ceased instantly. The men hung back, and their heads bent +with shame, that is, all heads but that of Thunder-maker. His face +betokened no shame. Nay, greater fury than ever was depicted, though he +was silenced before the anger of his chief. But it was only for a little +while that he was thus disconcerted, for soon he resumed--though now he +spoke with humble fawning-- + +"It is death in the heart of Thunder-maker when the eyes of Mighty Hand +shoot their looks of fire. But--_Thunder-maker speak true_. Has he not +made great medicine these many suns? Did he not bring the thunder to +prove his great medicine? Has he not many times driven the fever from +the camp, till it fled over the prairie like a coyote driven with sticks +and dogs? Huh! many wonders has he done, and--more will he do. He will +do great medicine this day. He will show if the fiery totem has called +in vain for vengeance." + +Thus speaking, Thunder-maker dived a hand into the bosom of his shirt +and drew out a bundle of dirty linen. The chief had lowered his arms, so +that the Englishmen could now see the Indian as he laughed and held up +the bundle triumphantly above his head. + +"Great medicine!" he exclaimed, fixing his eyes upon the white men. +"Great medicine! Look! See! Listen!" + +They looked, and as they looked they saw the linen move, as if something +inside were struggling to be free, and at the same time they heard a +sound like the sudden springing of an old-time policeman's rattle. + +"Rattlesnakes!" exclaimed Arnold under his breath. + +Thunder-maker laughed when he saw that the sound had been recognised. + +"Come! Come, my children!" he cried, as he turned his face upwards. +"Come, my little son--come, my little daughter!" + +Then he shook the knot of the bundle, and out from the aperture crept +two grey-green bodies--a pair of twisting, writhing somethings that +caused the onlookers to shudder and the Medicine Man to laugh, as he +repeated carelessly-- + +"Come, my little papooses! You will speak great medicine in the ears of +Thunder-maker!" + +Slowly the serpents came from their covering. One remained coiled on the +raised wrists, the other--still sounding the ominous rattle--moved +slowly downwards till it rested on the man's shoulder. Then +Thunder-maker inclined his head, as if listening to a whisper. +Afterwards his face lit up with understanding. + +"Huh!" he exclaimed. "Did not the spirit of Thunder-maker speak true? +Come, my little papoose! You shall show for whom the fiery totem +called." + +Turning his head so as to look along his shoulder, the Indian suddenly +grabbed the writhing reptile with his teeth, after which (holding the +other serpent with his right hand) he commenced dancing until he had +cleared an open circular space, of which the Indians and the white men +formed the border. + +Suddenly he sprang to the middle and tossed the snake to the ground, +while he uttered a wild shriek. + +Once on the earth, the snake glided swiftly in several directions, while +all watched the creature with tense excitement. Then for a second it +seemed to pause with its head in the direction of the Englishmen. At the +same moment the Indian gave a cry of triumph, tucked the one snake into +a fold of his robe and bent down, making passes with his hands above the +serpent on the ground. And as his hands moved so the rattlesnake +gradually straightened out its body till it lay stiff and straight as a +piece of wood. + +Thunder-maker paused. Then he rose up slowly and looked with triumph +straight into the chief's face. + +"My children say that the time has come to take the cloud from the +Dacotah. My papooses show _who_ answer call of fiery totem!" + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +THE FRIEND IN NEED + + +Even considering the serious nature of their quest and the plight they +were in, it was not possible for the boys to refrain from laughing when +they recognised Britain's national song as caricatured by the singer. +But they had sufficient wisdom to control most of their amusement to +"inward laughing." It is not always safe in the backwoods to announce +your presence too suddenly where strangers are concerned--especially +strangers who are not of the white skin. + +"That's a rum sort of music to come upon a hundred miles from nowhere," +remarked Bob, with a grin, to his chum. + +"Let's hope that it comes from a throat that has something of +civilisation about it," said Alf. + +"It doesn't sound quite like a white man. That 'ne-vaire' is more French +accent than English--probably a half-breed." + +"What do you think we ought to do?" + +"Investigate. We've got no choice. We're lost; that's certain enough. +What's more, there seems to be very little chance of finding our own +trail back to the camp." + +"That's true enough," Alf assented. "But suppose we come upon a camp of +half-breeds, as you suggested? I've heard that they're not the best of +friends to white people in out-of-the-way places." + +Arnold nodded in agreement. + +"I dare say that's true. But, at the same time, most yarns of the kind +have usually got large bits of ornamental stuff stuck round the facts. +We'll have to take our chance of falling in with friends or foes." + +"Right-away. If you're ready, I'm ready also," said Alf promptly. "It +will be a strange thing if 'Rule Britannia' leads Britons into a mess +instead of out of one." + +Having thus determined what course to pursue, the two boys began to +creep cautiously through the bush towards the locality from whence still +proceeded the music that was being repeated with all the diligence of +some one who was determined to learn his lesson thoroughly. + +The night was now quite dark, but presently the chums were able to +distinguish the flickering of a camp-fire at no great distance before +them. + +Taking every care not to betray their presence by any careless footstep, +they twined a path with all the success that a professional tracker +would have admired. Then, penetrating a more than usually dense portion +of the bush, the young explorers found themselves right on the edge of +the encampment, and the picture that they then discovered was one that +was surely calculated to drive away all melancholy thoughts and feelings +of fatigue, for the time being at least. + +Seated on the end of a water-keg, in front of a moderate-sized "A" tent, +was a man of gigantic size whose black hair stood up from his head as if +he were constantly seeing ghosts, and whose equally black beard streamed +down his breast like a cataract of ink. He was dressed in a blue shirt, +corduroy trousers protected with cowboy "shaps," and heavy top-boots. In +his hands was an accordion, at his side sat a collie dog, while in front +of him, with his back to the fire--standing with his hands behind his +back in the attitude of a schoolboy repeating a lesson--was a +tousle-headed half-breed, whom he of the black beard was addressing in +encouraging tones-- + +"Noo then, ma callant, we'll just be having that last line ower again. +It's no' bad as an eemitation o' a cat left oot on a winter's night; but +it's no' just what I call 'ceevilised'; no' just quite that--yet." + +Then the accordion sounded a dismal chord suggestive of an attack of +asthma, the half-breed reattacked the "ne-vaire, ne-vaire, ne-vaire" in +a manner that made up in energy what it lacked in music, and the collie +raised his head to add a long-drawn wail to the concert. + +"That's a wee bit better," was the player's verdict at the finish. "I'm +thinking we'll make a ceevilised creature oot o' you in time, Haggis." +Then the speaker turned to the dog. "As for you, Bannock, you're a bit +oot o' tune at times. But it's no' that bad for a doggie. It's good to +be aye trying to do our best----" + +"Hear! hear!" shouted Bob, whose interested amusement had quite banished +his caution. + +The effect of the boy's applause was electric. The two men started. The +half-breed snatched up a gun that was leaning against a tree near by; +one hand of the bearded man deposited the musical instrument upon the +ground as his right picked up a handy rifle; while Bannock, the dog, +crouched down with bristling hair and deep growling. + +"Come oot and show yourself, whoever ye be!" commanded the master, as he +raised himself to his great height, with rifle in readiness and eyes +staring towards that part of the bush where the chums stood. "Come +forward this instant, or I'll bore as many holes in your body as there +are farthings in a pound!" + +In obedience to the gentle invitation, and not in the least nervous, now +that they knew who the musicians were, the boys immediately made their +appearance. + +"There's no need to be afraid----" began Holden reassuringly, when he +was interrupted by a huge guffaw of derision. + +"Afraid! And what for shall Skipper Mackintosh be afraid? Unless it's +mosquitoes, there's no man or beast in Canada that'll turn a hair on his +hide." Then, seeing the lads as they approached into the firelight, the +man immediately changed his tone of address as he also altered the +threatening pose of his rifle. "What! A pair o' laddies?" he exclaimed +in astonishment, and Bob replied-- + +"Neither of whom is particularly anxious to be riddled with a pound's +worth of farthing bullets!" + +But the words had barely passed the boy's lips before the rifle had been +dropped to the ground and the man had sprung forward excitedly to grab a +hand of each boy in his great fists. + +"Faix! but this is a fine sight for sore eyes!" he exclaimed, as he +vigorously pumped the arms up and down. "I've no' seen a white face +(barring a trader's, and that was ower dirty to call it 'white') this +twelvemonth past. I'm right glad to see you!" + +"And I guess we're jolly glad to see you," returned Alf. "It's a treat, +but--speaking for myself, I really want to use my hand again. It'll be +jelly in a few more seconds." + +"And mine too!" laughed Bob, who could not help wincing at the vigorous +form of the welcome. + +The Scotsman immediately released his severe grasp. + +"Sakes! But I'm that glad to see you, laddies, I feel just like +squeezing for another hour. I suppose, noo, that I'm no' just dreaming? +You're no' by chance just twa o' them muckle moths that's come into my +dream in a make-believe?" + +"We're human, sure enough," Arnold laughed in reply, and Alf added-- + +"Terribly human we are, for we've lost our way in the forest, and we're +beastly tired as well as hungry." + +"Lost--tired--hungry?" repeated Mackintosh. "That has a human +sound--terribly human, as you say." Then he turned towards the +half-breed, who had been standing an amazed spectator of the scene. "Did +you hear that, Haggis?" he demanded. "Did you hear that--'hungry and +tired'?" + +"Haggis hear," was the quiet reply of the native, to which the Scot +retorted angrily-- + +"You heard? And yet, one meenit after, I see you standing there like a +daft gowk instead o' hustling for food as fast as your legs can move +you? Ma conscience! But you tak' a deal of ceevilising! You dinna ken +the first meaning o' the word 'hospitality.' Off wi' you!" + +There was no need to repeat the order, for the half-breed immediately +disappeared within the tent, and the almost simultaneous rattling sound +of tin-ware was evidence of his haste to supply the want. + +Mackintosh then turned to the boys. + +"Noo then, rest yourselves, laddies. Sit doon by the fire, and you'll +soon have a bit o' something to grind between your molars. Haggis is +slow to understand, but he's quick enough when he kens what's wanted." + +Not unwillingly, the chums soon stretched themselves in comfortable +positions beside the camp-fire at either side of their eccentric host. +Bannock, however, still eyed the strangers with suspicion, so Mackintosh +was forced to introduce the dog formally to each boy in turn, at which +the intelligent animal extended a paw with all the air of one who is +accustomed to polite society. + +"He's a fine chap," explained the Scot. "There's no' a single thing that +he canna do (according to the leemitations o' Nature) except speak. And +even that he manages to do in his ain way. Noo, come here, Bannock, and +lie down while oor freends spin us their yarn. They've no' told us yet +who they are, where they come frae, nor where they're going." + +"That's a yarn that's quickly told," remarked Bob. The half-breed by +this time had returned from the tent with generous supplies of cold +deer, damper, and wild berries, after serving which he placed a pan on +the fire in preparation for coffee. "It's a yarn that won't take long in +the telling, though, if you'll excuse me, I'll eat while I speak." + +"Eat awa'," assented the other, while he lit a corn-cob pipe to satisfy +his own immediate wants. "There's plenty mair where that came frae, and +the coffee will soon be ready!" + +Arnold then launched into a brief recital of his and his chum's +adventures, beginning with the departure of their fathers on the +previous morning, and concluding-- + +"So all this afternoon we've been wandering about trying to find a path +back to our camp, so as to start afresh by the river course. But it was +no use." + +"And we might have been wandering still if it had not been for a strange +accident that led us here," added Alf, at which remark Mackintosh +questioned-- + +"And what might that be? The soond o' Haggis's nightingale voice?" + +"No--at least, not in the first place. We heard that later. What first +started us in this direction was a curious sort of light that we +discovered on one of the trees. And while we were examining it we +noticed that there were other lights on other trees in a straight line +with one another. Strange, wasn't it?" + +"Very," returned the Scotsman dryly. "Very strange." + +"It would be a good thing for a naturalist," said Bob. "I noticed that +there was a perfect cloud of moths flying about wherever there was a +patch of light. A collector of moths and butterflies would reap a +harvest. I suppose you've noticed the lights as well as we?" + +"H'm--yes--considering that I painted the trees mysel' this afternoon," +was the reply. "It's an invention o' my own. I'm what _you_ call a +collector of moths and butterflies. An entomologist is a shorter way o' +putting it. Well, there's many folks stick to treacle--I mean, stick to +the auld-fashioned way o' putting dabs of treacle and speerit on trees +to attract the nocturnal creatures. That's all very fine and good. But +you canna carry gallons o' treacle on a tramp like this, when your whole +outfit must be packed on one pony. So says I to mysel': 'Moths are +attracted by light; I must invent a composeetion o' phosphorus to take +the place o' treacle.' And those lights that you found on yon trees are +the result." + +"And a splendid idea it is!" exclaimed Alf, who had also done his little +share of treacling at school. "Is it a success?" + +"Magnificent. I've found more moths than were known to exist in the +West. I'm thinking that I'll open the eyes o' the Royal Edinburgh +Entomological General Natural History Exchange Society when I get back +again after my journeys. But----" The speaker here paused in his +enthusiasm, remarking seriously, "I'm thinking there's other matters o' +mair importance before us the noo than moths. Your faithers went doon +the Athabasca, you said?" + +"Yes; in a canoe," said Bob. + +Mackintosh shook his head ominously. + +"That's bad. I suppose they'd never been there before--indeed, it was +no' possible, or they'd never have made the attempt yesterday." + +"Is it--dangerous?" questioned Holden, in an undertone of dread, for the +man's voice conveyed no small impression of the risks the voyagers had +run. "We had not thought of danger in the river. We only thought of +moose." + +Mackintosh grunted uneasily. + +"The river is more treacherous than any moose. There's a terrible narrow +bight atween cliffs where it runs like lightning, and then shoots in a +waterfall into the Silver Lake. Man! I've seen great trunks o' pine +giants flung through yon opening like wee arrows a hundred feet in the +air afore they touched water again." + +"Then a canoe----" + +"If it reached so far in safety it would shoot likewise." + +"You think it possible that the canoe _might_ pass the gully unharmed?" +Bob then questioned. It was always his nature to struggle for the +brightest view, and the man's answer was somewhat in the same spirit. + +"It's no' the way o' Skipper Mackintosh to find trouble until trouble +finds him. He's been in a' the back corners o' Europe, Africa, India, +China, and America; and, if he learned nothing mair from his travels, he +learned this: troubles are easier conquered when you meet them wi' a +firm lip at the proper time. But the man that moans before he kens what +he's moaning about--well, it's little strength he's got left when the +fight really begins." + +"Yet if, as you say, the Athabasca is so dangerous----" began Alf, when +he was again interrupted with kindly roughness. + +"If? Laddie, laddie, are you forgetting that there's a Hand that could +guide the frailest birch-bark safely through Niagara itsel'? And I doot +not that I'm right when I say that it's my opeenion that that same Hand +has no' been very far from your faithers in their plight. Does either o' +you ken anything o' this by chance?" + +As he spoke Mackintosh dived his hand into the hip-pocket of his +overalls and produced a white handkerchief which he spread out upon the +ground by the fire. The boys bent forward, and immediately Alf +exclaimed-- + +"That's my father's! See! His initials are at the corner. Where did you +find it?" + +"_Not_ in the Athabasca!" said Mackintosh with quiet triumph. "Haggis +and I came upon it this morning a hundred yards from Silver Lake." + +"Then that means that they are on shore!" exclaimed Bob with delight at +the relief from one anxiety that the evidence of the handkerchief +provided. + +"Ay. The Athabasca is free from that charge, at any rate. That hanky has +no legs to walk by itsel'. It must have been carried. By whom? No' by an +Indian, though I ken there's been Indians in the viceenity. If a +redskin had found it, he'd have taken better care o' it. And so it's +clear to me that one o' your faithers must have dropped it on dry land, +and so--so---- Well, you both o' you can have a sound night's rest." + +So convincing were the tones in which the man clothed his words that the +spirits of the boys were quickly stirred from gloomy anticipations to +comparative cheerfulness. + +"You've lifted a load from my mind, Mr. Mackintosh," Bob said +gratefully, "for of course it is all fairly plain now. As likely as not +they passed through that horrible gully, but were too worn out yesterday +to start the trudge back to camp. It would be a long way, too, seeing +how the river winds." + +"In that case, most likely they are back at the camp by this time," +suggested Alf. "But they would understand our being away, for they would +find the note that we pinned to the tent." + +"That's right, laddies. Look for the bright side and you'll always find +it," the Scotsman remarked. "But I'm thinking that your reasoning is a +wee bit oot in one respect--they have no' gone back yet, else Haggis or +I would have seen them. This camp is in the direct natural path from +that part o' the Athabasca. My opeenion is that they've fallen in with +the Indians--a tribe o' Dacotahs, and peaceable folk they are. It's no' +to be expected that the gully could be passed unscathed. So it's likely +to me that they're nursing themselves for a day wi' the redskins, after, +maybe, sending a brave to your camp to tell you o' it. So to-morrow +we'll lose no time in starting for Silver Lake. That's the best plan I +can think o'." + +"You mean to come with us?" asked Alf. + +"What do you take me for--a savage?" was the reproachful return. "Do you +think that Skipper Mackintosh is going to allow twa laddies like you to +go wandering aboot the backwoods when he can guide you? And when Skipper +fails, is there no' the Haggis and Bannock--a pair o' the finest scouts +and trackers that ever set foot in bush or prairie? What do you take me +for, I'd just like to know?" + +"One of the kindest hearts in the world, Mr. Mackintosh," said Bob +fervently. + +"Bah! Fiddlesticks and porridge-sticks!" was the rough rejoinder, though +a pair of eyes were turned kindly enough upon the youths--eyes that +glistened in a way that rather suggested the nearness of water. "All a +pack o' nonsense! If a man is no' ready to help his fellow-creatures +when they need him--well, I'm thinking that he ought to have a pin stuck +through his thorax and mounted in a box among my moths, labelled, 'A +horrible freak o' Nature.' And I'd have you know, too, that my name is +Mackintosh--Skipper Mackintosh. There's no 'Misters' in the backwoods. +'Skipper' is the name that my auld faither gave me to commemorate his +discovery o' a new variety of skippers in the entomological world. Mind +that, and--and good-night to you, laddies. Good-night, and God bless the +pair o' you." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +NIGHT IN THE WIGWAM + + +While the two boys had been holding their lonely watch at the camp prior +to setting forth the following morning on their disappointing search, +matters of serious moment were taking place at the encampment of Mighty +Hand and his brother Dacotahs. + +Thunder-maker's triumph had been complete. The savage mind seldom looks +for a simple explanation of anything that surprises him. When the +unusual is not understood, he does not search for a simple and natural +explanation. He immediately flies to the supernatural and attributes to +good and evil spirits actions that a little common sense would have +readily explained in an everyday way. + +The Medicine Man of a tribe is different from others of his race. He is +the brainy exception of craft united to common sense, and he uses these +to best advantage for his own interests. Thunder-maker's method of +divining was very simple after all--nay, even childish. We have seen it +performed by redskin jugglers, as we have also seen the same effects +produced by Arab diviners on the Syrian desert. + +The explanation is found in the fact that serpents are exceedingly +sensitive to blows. A cut with an ordinary willow wand is usually +sufficient to break the spine and disable all but the monsters of the +class. At the same time, although the first blow may daze a snake, it is +some time before the final effect takes place, and the creature will +wriggle about for some time after having been struck, while its energy +is practically nil--that is to say, it merely lives without possessing +any real strength. + +Now, Thunder-maker's cunning was well aware of all this, and when he +dropped the rattler from his teeth he was careful to do so in such a way +that the creature would touch the ground with considerable violence. +Then he allowed it to wriggle about until in time its head faced the +Englishmen. That was the moment for which he had waited, and immediately +he started forward with a cry that startled the snake into still fear. +A few passes with his hands fascinated the creature long enough for the +Medicine Man to show the Indians that the creature was undoubtedly +pointing in the direction of the captives, and when that was done the +crafty redskin had achieved his purpose: + +The serpent had divined whom the sacred totem of the tribe had called +that day. + +Then Thunder-maker had replaced his assistant in the linen cloth before +it revived sufficiently to commence wriggling again, and, perhaps, point +its supernatural head to some one else. + +Both Arnold and Holden had observed how Mighty Hand had been wavering +between reason and superstition until the intervention of the Medicine +Man had caused superstition to take the uppermost place. A moment +before, and the chief would have released the captives and sent them +back to their camp in charge of a guide. But the art of Thunder-maker +had stepped in to convince the people that the sacred totem of their +tribe had been calling that day, and that it was the Englishmen for whom +it called. + +Why? + +Ah, that was what the strangers found inexplicable. Of this, however, +there was no doubt: their arrival had been at a most unfortunate time, +when some answer to the supposed call of the totem was then expected. +They were that answer, and the result--who can say what the consequences +would be when falsehood and superstition had a savage people at command? + +So the Englishmen were requested to return within the teepee that had +been reserved for their prison. But, curiously enough, they were not +treated in any way after the traditional Indian mode of treating +prisoners. They were not bound; no guard was placed at the entrance, +though sentries were placed round the camp of which the prison teepee +was the centre. The best food that the Indians possessed was supplied to +them, as well as a sufficiency of fur robes to sleep upon. All the same, +in spite of these kindnesses and other thoughtful attentions, there was +no room for doubting that they were prisoners who were not to be allowed +any opportunity for escape, and the men could only accept the present +situation in a philosophic spirit, and await the course of events with +such patience as they could muster. + +As the day passed, and darkness fell upon the forest, the Englishmen +stretched themselves upon the robes, while in whispers they tried to +arrive at the solution of the mystery and form some sort of plan for +future action. + +"It's all owing to that scoundrel Thunder-maker," Arnold said. "If he +had not stepped in, Mighty Hand would have released us. I could see by +his face that he was favourably disposed towards us." + +"It is a serious business," said Holden. + +"Serious enough for us, for there is no knowing what may happen when +people get mixed up with native superstitions. At the same time, what I +worry about most is the boys." + +Holden sighed at the thought of Bob and his son Alf being alone at the +deserted camp. + +"Yes," he said. "It will be hard on them if anything happens to +us--miles away from civilised habitations. Of course, I don't give up +hope of coming out of this right enough in the long-run, and we may be +worrying over very little after all. But meantime--the boys--I wonder +what they are doing now?" + +At this question the elder man gave a slight laugh. + +"You wonder?" he repeated. "I don't think you need go very far for the +answer if you haven't quite forgotten our own schooldays. What would +you and I have done if two of our chums had disappeared from camp as we +did?" + +"Gone to look for them," was the prompt reply, to which Arnold resumed-- + +"And I think there's not so very much difference between Arnold and +Holden _pčres_ and _fils_. You take my word for it: at this very minute +the youngsters have summed up the situation and are planning a rescue +expedition, if, indeed, they have not already set out. Neither Bob nor +Alf is the sort of chap to sit still and moan at such a time." + +"Yes, I believe you are right. Neither of the youngsters would allow +himself to be knocked over by the first difficulty. And they would know +that some accident must have taken place, for we promised to be back at +camp by dinner-time." + +"All the same, we don't want them to be mixed up in this affair in the +event of their coming on our track," said Arnold. "We must contrive to +prevent that, but---- Hullo! Who's this?" + +A dark outline had suddenly filled the space at the opening of the tent +at this juncture, but the Englishmen were not left long in doubt of the +nature of their late visitor, for a voice addressed them in Indian +accents. + +"Thunder-maker would speak words of counsel with his white brothers." + +"Oh, he would, would he?" returned Arnold, and his companion added-- + +"There was very little friendship about Thunder-maker this afternoon." + +The Indian gave a low laugh, as though he were thoroughly enjoying some +secret joke. + +"There are days when hunter's path must be straight; there are days when +crooked trail lead him where he find much deer. To-day--crooked trail. +But Thunder-maker friend. He would speak in ear of white brother--low, +soft. Thunder-maker wise man. He speak words of wisdom to his friends. +But--none may hear but pale-face." + +"By that you mean that you want to come into the teepee?" said Arnold. +"All right. Come along. And if you have any sense to speak of, out with +it." + +The Indian noiselessly entered and took a seat on the robes between the +Englishmen. He did not speak during these movements, but when he was +comfortably settled he turned to Holden and addressed him in a whisper-- + +"Night dark, and red men sleep--all but braves, who watch that white men +no return to Silver Lake." And a second time the Medicine Man laughed +quietly. + +"Silver Lake!" returned Holden. "I shouldn't think we need any watching +to prevent that. Without a canoe, Silver Lake is not much use to us." + +"Still--braves watch. They believe that white men return to waters. They +came without canoes; they go back without canoes." + +"Fools!" exclaimed Holden. "What do they think we are? Spirits?" + +"Huh! My white brother speaks true. Indians--_some_ Indians--fools," +answered Thunder-maker, at which Holden uttered an exclamation +betokening sudden enlightenment. + +"By Jove, Arnold! That's it! That explains the whole business. These +idiots take us for spirits, since they saw us scramble out from the lake +without any boat in sight. Spirits! It's almost too silly to believe." + +"Yet that's what Thunder-maker means," said Arnold, to whom the solution +of the mystery was now equally clear. "That is what you wish us to +understand, isn't it, Thunder-maker?" + +"The understanding of the white man travels quick." + +"And that accounts for the kind treatment--the food, half-freedom, and +the rest. But if your people think us spirits, why do they keep us here? +Why not let us return?" + +The Indian paused for a moment before he replied, after which he +remarked quietly, and with a peculiar inflection of tone that added deep +meaning to his words, while at the same time it betrayed the fact that +there was some curious reason to account for this confidence-- + +"Dacotahs fools. They think white brothers spirits--_evil_ spirits. They +have not the eyes of Thunder-maker." + +"I see," said Arnold thoughtfully. "But you forget, Thunder-maker, that +your trickery with the snakes helped them to that opinion." + +Once more the Medicine Man laughed quietly in a manner that irritated +his hearers, and Holden broke in roughly-- + +"Come now, you old cheat, explain yourself! _You_ didn't believe as the +rest of your people did. And if not, why did you behave in such a double +way? Out with it. You had some purpose in coming here to-night, and you +may as well give us the truth right away." + +It is not possible to hasten an Indian in the matter of speech. Hasty +response or rapid talk they deem discourteous. Thunder-maker was no +exception to his race in this respect, but he was exceptional in +another, inasmuch as when bent on a subject he stuck to it without using +many unnecessary words or ornaments of speech. He waited in thoughtful +silence for several minutes. Possibly in his cunning way he was mentally +scrutinising the peculiarities of his companions in the teepee--deciding +what course would be best to enable him to be assured of their trust. +Whether or not he judged their characteristics correctly will be seen +later. + +"My white brother has asked for the truth," the Indian began. +"Thunder-maker shall speak words as straight as the path of a burning +arrow. + +"Many years ago--when the buffalo lived upon the prairie to feed the +redman and provide his robes--the great tribe of Dacotahs would hunt in +the valley that is known even to-day as the Peace Camp. Many deer would +feed there, and the buffalo would eat the blue grass, and Manito had +filled the camp with fruit and flowers. In those days the Dacotahs were +ruled by a mighty warrior, Flying Cloud--the son of the fiery totem +serpent that saved his life by slaying the chief of the Chippeways in +the war-path by night." + +Here the speaker paused, as though he expected some comment from the +listeners regarding the seeming miracle. But no remark being +forthcoming, he resumed-- + +"For many years our tribe lived in prosperity. Pemmican was in plenty, +and the redmen kept the hunting-grounds in peace. Then--one night--Chief +Fire-water came to the camp, and a brave with foolish mind praised +Fire-water more than the sacred totem. He was slain by Flying Cloud ere +the insult was cool on his lips. But the serpent was angered. He flashed +tongue of fire to the Dacotahs--called down the rains and the tempest +upon the Peace Camp by night, until the water spirits rushed through the +valley on white horses, destroying trees and fruits--washing the land +bare of earth. And, when the sun came up from his teepee of fire, Flying +Cloud and the best warriors of the Dacotahs had been carried away by the +water spirits and were never seen again. + +"Then there was great wailing in the camp, and the totem of the tribe +was called upon to cease anger, lest the Dacotahs be a tribe no more. + +"And the serpent had pity, and spoke thus to the warriors and braves-- + +"'I will stay my anger; but I have given power to the spirits that ride +on white horses, and I may not call it back again.' + +"'Then what shall the Dacotahs do?' asked the warriors. 'It may be that +the spirits will again ride their white mustangs and take from us our +chief and our young men.' + +"And the serpent replied-- + +"'When such time come, the Dacotahs will see two white spirits rise out +of the lake that is silver. When the moon is round, they shall rise out +of the lake that is silver. They shall come without canoe to bear them, +and without arrow or tomahawk for fighting. By this shall you know them. +Then shall the Dacotahs lay hands upon the white spirits; they shall +treat them kindly, but they shall bring them to the Peace Camp and there +consume them with fire. Then shall the power of the water spirits be +broken. Then shall the Dacotahs be safe. Then shall the fire of my anger +be quenched. + +"'But I--the sacred totem of the Dacotahs--am mighty and full of pity. +The Dacotahs are brave, but they are not all wise. It may be that their +ignorance might lead them to bring suffering to those who are not evil +spirits. But let them not hold back in doubt, for I shall stay their +hand, even though the torch be set at the wood. For if the eyes of my +children are blind, I shall be near to guide them. And the sign of this +shall be: _I shall appear before the eyes of all people as a serpent of +fire_. By this shall they know that they have erred. They shall withhold +the torch, free the captives, and be to them as brothers.'" + +Once more the speaker waited for a space, until he knew that his hearers +had time to grasp the full meaning of the legend that he had related. +Then he lowered his voice and spoke with deep meaning that was not +difficult for the Englishmen to understand-- + +"Yesterday the moon was round. Two white spirits came from the lake that +is silver without canoe for sailing, without arms or tomahawk for +fighting. The fiery totem called, and was answered.... By another sun +Mighty Hand will lead the white spirits of the water to the camp that is +called Peaceful!" + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +THE TEMPTATION + + +It needed no great knowledge of Indian character and Indian ways to make +clear to the Englishmen all that was implied in this story that +Thunder-maker had recited. Nor had they any reason to doubt that he had +spoken the truth, for the evident pleasure that it gave him to watch the +effect of his revelation was almost a sufficiently convincing argument +in itself. + +Of course Thunder-maker had only the evidence of his ears to inform him, +for the tent was in darkness, the convenience of lamps not being a usage +of the redskins, who either retire to sleep at nightfall, or rely upon +camp-fires for illumination. But the Medicine Man could hear his +companions give slight gasps of horror when the climax was reached. His +ears were quick to interpret the faintest sounds of pleasure, pain, or +surprise. + +The trio sat in silence for a time, until at last the soundless night +became too oppressive, and Holden was forced to speak his thoughts. + +"Why have you told us of this, Thunder-maker?" he asked. "Were you sent +to us by Mighty Hand?" + +The Indian made an impatient movement of his body, and grunted meaningly +at the question. + +"Mighty Hand send Thunder-maker?" he exclaimed, in an undertone that +conveyed a sense of the uttermost contempt for the chief of the +Dacotahs. "My white brother speak foolish words--the words of women and +papooses. Mighty Hand do the wish of Thunder-maker. The chief of +medicine no slave to run when any man speak." + +"Then why have you come to us to-night?" urged Holden. + +"It was not out of friendship for us," added Arnold. + +"Huh! It true what the redmen say, that the pale-face have heart of +buffalo skin that keep out the love of brother," responded the Indian, +in fawning tones that caused the listeners to feel as though they would +have gladly kicked the speaker out from the tent. There was low cunning +in his voice--such cringing craft as all brave men naturally despise. +But it was the instinct of both to draw out the visitor's confidence. It +was possibly their only hope of learning the truth of their position, +thereby enabling them to make plans for their future actions. + +"The redman love the pale-face and would be friend to him," +Thunder-maker went on. "So he come to tell his brothers what they did +not know. Dacotahs fools, Dacotahs believe foolish stories, +and--_Thunder-maker can lead their feet by what trail he will_." + +"H'm. That was plain enough this afternoon when you played with those +rattlesnakes," remarked Arnold, at which the Indian laughed quietly. + +"Dacotahs fools. But white men wise. They see not with the eyes of +redmen. But Dacotahs might be great people if Mighty Hand were in Happy +Hunting-ground."[2] + +"But what has all this got to do with us?" asked Holden. + +"My white brothers in great danger. In a few more suns cruel fire burn +beautiful bodies. But----" + +"Well--but?" + +"Thunder-maker could save--white brothers--from fire?" + +"Oh, that's it, is it? That's what you are driving at, you cunning old +serpent?" said Arnold, in accents that were as little complimentary as +the words. "You want us to buy our lives for money? Well, how much do +you wish?" + +"My white brothers have papooses, they say to Mighty Hand?" + +"Yes; two boys in a camp by Crane Creek." + +"It would gladden the eyes of the pale-faces to see their papooses by +another sun?" + +"We would do much to go back to them, for they must be sad at the +absence of their fathers," said the elder man. + +"Then it may be as the pale-face wish," resumed the Medicine Man. +"Thunder-maker can save his white brothers, and he will----" + +"If you will, there is nothing that we will not do, within our power, to +repay you," said Holden, wrongly anticipating the motive of the Indian. +"We can give you many dollars, and will give you blankets and weapons +for hunting." + +"That is good," returned the redskin quietly. "But--Thunder-maker no +wish blankets--dollars, He have many--many." Then he lowered his voice +to speak in deeper tones of confidence. "Let the pale-face be patient, +and listen to the words of the redman. Then he will understand how it +may be that he look not upon the face of the fire. + +"The Dacotahs foolish. They see white men as spirits that came out of +Silver Waters. And Mighty Hand foolish too. He believe that fiery totem +speak--that fiery totem call water spirits to torture. Foolish redmen! +Foolish chief! But Thunder-maker would see his people a great people. He +would see his tribe wise as the fox and brave as the great bear. He +would see _another_ chief to rule them--he would see _another_ wear the +robes of a chief! So he would blind the eyes of his people. He would say +to them: 'Children, you are foolish. The spirits that come from the +Silver Waters are not the spirits that the totem called. They great +spirits sent to you by Manito to tell you how to be a mighty tribe +again.' Then great medicine will be done, and Thunder-maker will ask the +pale-faces to speak what Manito has told them. + +"Then the pale-faces will tell the Dacotahs: 'Slay Mighty Hand! Let him +not see another sun, and place the chief's robes on Thunder-maker; tie +the chief's feathers in the hair of Thunder-maker; write on +Thunder-maker's breast the picture of the sacred totem.' Then will the +Dacotahs believe. Then shall Thunder-maker be chief of the Dacotahs, +and--the pale-faces shall return in peace to their tents. I have +spoken." + +The Indian paused, but, no comment being immediately forthcoming, he +resumed quickly, being warmed to excitement by treacherous hopes-- + +"Then it shall be well with my white brothers. No fire shall have their +white bodies----" + +"And if we--refuse--to do--this?" questioned Arnold slowly and +seriously, and his companion added: "Yes, if we refuse--what then?" + +"The pale-faces will not refuse," returned the Indian firmly. The savage +mind could not conceive such a possibility as refusal to purchase +freedom at any cost, no matter how despicable that cost might be. "The +pale-faces will not refuse," he repeated. "The flames hurt much, and +white men die slow, slow as tongue of fire lick their bodies. The +pale-faces not refuse----" + +"But we do!" exclaimed Arnold angrily, as he raised his voice to a +louder pitch, now that the first need for caution was past. "You know +little of the pale-faces, as you call them, if you think that they would +do the deeds of dogs to save themselves from pain. Manito, to us, is +God--He whom we serve and honour; He whom we love. Do you think that we +could dare to live another hour if we knew that we had pretended to be +sent by Him--and so delude foolish people? No! A thousand times no! Even +if we were to see our sons dying before our eyes, and knew that one such +false word would save them and us, I tell you, liar and cheat that you +are, that word would never be spoken! We would be as dumb as the trees +of the forest!" + +So moved was Arnold by the indignation that he felt at Thunder-maker's +treacherous proposal that he rose as he spoke and poured out the torrent +of his anger with reckless vehemence. Holden also got up, anticipating +that the Indian might attempt some deed of revenge, seeing that he had +displayed his hand to the sight of enemies who might make much of this +knowledge in an appeal to Mighty Hand. + +[Illustration: DACOTAHS! DACOTAHS! COME QUICK TO THE HELP OF +THUNDER-MAKER! HE IS BURNING WITHIN WITH FIRE. QUICK! QUICK!] + +But Thunder-maker was too cunning to risk violent measures with two +such powerful antagonists. He merely waited until Arnold had finished +his tirade. Then he suddenly leaped out from the tent, threw himself +upon the ground, and uttered wild screams that immediately roused the +entire camp. + +"Dacotahs! Dacotahs! Come quick to the help of Thunder-maker! The evil +spirits of the water have witched him! He is burning within with fire. +Quick! quick!" + +Instantly the camp was in an uproar, and men came rushing from all +directions, bearing arms and torches that they had snatched from the +still burning camp-fires. And before the Englishmen were well aware of +the sudden change of affairs, a score of hands had seized them, and many +strands of thongs bound them helpless, hand and foot. + +[2] Heaven. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +A DEATH-TRAP + + +"Wake up! Do you want to sleep all your senses away?" + +It seemed but an hour after the tired boys had laid down their heads +that the above words were bellowed through the opening in the tent. + +Bob sat up and rubbed his eyes. + +Yes, it was really morning. There was no doubt about that, for the sun +was pouring into the tent in a warm stream, the birds were filling the +woods with music, and the perfume of Nature was creeping all around +them. + +One entire end of the tent had been thrown open to reveal these +delights, and when Arnold opened his eyes he saw the gigantic figure of +his Scottish host doing its best to fill the space. There was a +good-humoured smile on the man's face--a smile that betokened a heart of +the largest dimensions. + +Bob soon roused his chum, who was buried in a blanket. + +"What's the matter?" questioned the latter, as he unrolled from the +coverings. + +"Can you not smell it?" demanded Mackintosh. + +"Fried bacon and coffee--yes--ripping!" was the reply as Alf began to +move, being inspired to haste by the odour that proceeded from the +camp-fire beyond the tent, where Haggis was busy cooking. + +Mackintosh gave a snort of assumed contempt. + +"Bacon and coffee! Who thinks o' bacon and coffee on a morning like +this? Fegs! but have you no' ears for the birds, nor nostrils for the +scents of Nature? Man, but I'd sooner have a sniff o' the backwoods----" + +"Than a mouthful of bacon? Not I," chimed in Alf merrily, at which the +man laughed heartily as he turned on his heel. + +"I'm thinking that there's very little poetry in a hungry stomach," he +said. "Well, 'get a gait on.' You'll find a wash-hand basin behind the +tent, and breakfast'll be ready when you are." + +The boys needed no second bidding, and it was not many minutes before +they were ready to show how well they could appreciate the half-breed's +culinary art. + +While the lads were breakfasting, Mackintosh and Haggis busied +themselves with striking the tent and packing the rest of the camp +outfit upon the single pack-horse that accompanied the naturalist's +wanderings. The two men had already fed at an earlier hour, and had +stowed away most of their belongings in preparation for the journey. + +"We'll be making straight for the Silver Lake, where the hanky was +found," explained Mackintosh as they set off. "Haggis'll maybe pick up +tracks there that'll be o' use to us." And so a northerly route was +taken--crossing an arm of the Athabasca, and then following a course +through the woods under the unerring guidance of the half-breed. + +Towards noon the Scotsman called a halt, as he pointed to a small +clearing through which ran a small stream of clear water. + +"This'll no' be a bad place for us to eat our dinner, lads," he said. +"If you'll unpack the mare and tether her, Haggis, we can see aboot the +fire and the meat." + +"Don't you think it would be well if we were to shoot something?" +suggested Bob. "You see, we don't know where we may have to go yet, and +game may be scarce. There seemed to be any amount of it on the way here. +It would be as well to save what we have in hand." + +"A good thought," returned Mackintosh approvingly. "Let's see what the +pair o' you can do wi' your guns while Haggis and I are setting things +to rights." + +"I'll go one way and you the other, Bob, and see which of us will have +the best bag in half an hour!" said Alf, with the eager delight of a +friendly competition in prospect. + +"Right you are," agreed Arnold heartily, "You go to the right; I'll take +the left, and in half an hour we'll meet again at the camp and compare +notes." + +With a few words of friendly chaffing as to which would be the more +successful, the chums parted. Each was determined that his gun should +prove a superior Nimrod's skill, and both were stirred to high spirits +by the excitement of the quest. + +It must not be a matter for surprise that the boys could take such +pleasure in the diversions of the moment, even recollecting the serious +nature of the mission on which they had embarked with the original +Skipper Mackintosh. The truth was that, once having been convinced that +the absent men were indeed alive, the weight of anxiety was greatly +lifted by that knowledge. As we are already aware, their fathers were +men who had had many a backwoods adventure in their youth. They were +well capable of taking care of themselves according to the circumstances +in which they were placed. Hence the chief anxiety now was to hasten a +meeting, when they would learn aright the cause of the elders' absence; +and, though they could not conjecture what that cause could be, they +felt assured that accident (in the ordinary sense of the word) was not +the reason. Ordinary accidents of the hunt were not likely to meet two +such experienced sportsmen at one time; and if one had suffered the +other would have found means to communicate the fact ere this. The boys +felt assured that to some other cause the matter must be attributed, and +so they were fairly at ease in their minds, though, of course, anxious +to hasten the time when the mystery would be explained. + +Thus it was that when the opportunity occurred for this diversion in +the form of a little friendly rivalry, each set off in the highest of +spirits. + +Holden at once plunged into the thickest part of the bush at the back of +the little camp-ground. Arnold decided to follow the downward course of +the stream, in the hope that it might lead to a lake or pool where duck +might fall to his lot. + +Pushing his way through the scrub that bordered the running water, Bob +went some distance without any success. Then he heard the sound of a gun +some way to the rear, and he smiled to himself, as he thought that his +chum had already commenced operations. + +Spurred on by the thought, the boy hastened his steps, and increased his +vigilant scrutiny of the bush for the first signs of game. But luck did +not come his way for some time, and his anxiety not to be beaten in the +contest led his feet farther than the half-hour's limit merited. + +It was not until he had tramped a mile or more that Bob realised how +quickly the time had passed. It was disappointing to have to return +empty-handed to the camp, especially since he had heard Alf's gun crack +twice again. At the same time, if there were no creatures to be shot, he +could not be reproached for his lack of success. + +With a rueful grimace and a laugh of amusement at his own failure, the +boy was just turning to retrace his steps, when suddenly the bush +rustled at his side, and a brown body leapt into the air as if it had +been shot from a catapult. + +"Antelope!" Bob exclaimed with delight, and quick as a flash of light +the butt of his gun darted to his shoulder and the woods resounded with +the explosion of a cartridge. + +It was a quick aim and not too good, for the animal disappeared in the +farther bush, and the cracking of twigs told the young hunter that the +quarry was yet active. + +"This is worth waiting for," said Bob to himself, as he rushed forward +in pursuit. "A dozen of Alf's prairie chicken will not be equal to an +antelope--if I get him!" + +There was much in that little "if," for evidently the deer was far from +being disabled, since it had so rapidly made distance between itself and +the hunter. + +Nothing daunted, Bob hurried on, replacing the used cartridge as he ran, +and easily following the tracks that the animal had made in its dash for +liberty. + +Bob's pulses were thrilling with excitement, but his nerves were the +real hunter's nerves that can be steady even when excitement runs +highest. He gripped his gun firmly, and with eyes scaled to see each +tremor of a leaf he followed the track with the dogged purpose of one +who meant to capture. + +Time and distance were unheeded now. All the boy's senses were converged +towards one aim, and for the time being he was oblivious to all other +distractions. Suddenly he stopped in the very midst of a pace, as if he +were suddenly changed into a statue of marble; for at no great distance, +he saw the deer standing at the edge of what seemed to be a natural +paddock of green grass. The animal had paused in its flight, and was now +sniffing the air with head raised, to discover if it were still pursued. + +It was worth gun-shot. + +Cautiously Bob raised his weapon without even moving from the strained +position in which he had stopped at first glimpse of the game. It would +be useless for him to approach closer, for the least disturbance of the +bush would be discovered, and a few leaps would carry the deer across +that stretch of green turf, and thence--probably beyond all chance of +recovery. + +Bob took a careful sight this time. Then he fired. Instantly the deer +sprang upwards into the air, gave two marvellous leaps forward, and then +fell in a lifeless heap right in the centre of the paddock. + +Bob gave a cry of exultation and ran forwards towards his bag. So +excited was he now that he did not notice how the turf shivered under +his feet when first he stepped upon the edge of the clearing. He had no +thoughts for aught else but the triumph of his stalking. But suddenly, +when he was within a few yards of the deer, he felt one foot sink +beneath him. For a moment he did not give the incident any serious +thought, but placed his other foot a little beyond, where the turf +seemed firmer. But the next step sunk deeper than the first, and at each +effort to release the one the other sunk farther. + +Then a cold sweat broke out all over the lad's body. He realised the +plight that he was in, for the green sward was no more than a thin +covering of turf that concealed a great muskeg--a lake of liquid mud +such as has been known to swallow men, horses--nay, even a herd of +buffalo, without leaving a trace of the hapless victims that have +disappeared within that ever-hungry throat. + +Bob stood still in horror at his terrible discovery. + +He looked round him. There was not a sign of anything that might aid +him--not a log, not so much as a twig. Nothing was at hand but the grass +that a moment before had looked so fresh and alluring, but which now +seemed to suggest all that was ugly and treacherous. Even the slain deer +was already beginning to yield to the suction from beneath. + +If ever Bob was near to utter despair, it was at that moment. He was +over the ankles in mud, and he could feel himself gradually sinking, +while the slimy mass seemed to cling to his limbs and drag him downwards +with irresistible force. + +Once he thought that he might be safer if he lay upon his face, but he +quickly banished that suggestion when he saw that the prostrate position +of the deer did not impede its certain destruction. He scarce dared to +breathe, since every movement of a muscle hastened the work of the +muskeg. + +Down, down he sank. The mud crept to his knees and gradually began to +ascend his thighs. + +It seemed to be only a matter of time--another hour, perhaps less--and +the tragedy would end. + +Yet he tried to be brave. He tried to brace himself to face the trial +like a man, though it is hardly to be wondered at that he felt hope +quickly leaving him, as inch by inch he sunk into that horrible green +death-trap. + +Then, just as suddenly as if a voice had spoken to him from the very +grass at his feet, there flashed into his mind the words that the good +old Scot had spoken by the camp-fire the previous night-- + +"There's a Hand that could guide the frailest birch-bark through +Niagara." + +Bob remembered, and hope sprang up in his heart with a bright-burning +flame. Yet his faith was severely tested, as the mud crept up, up--now +to his hips, then slowly advancing beyond his waist, until at last it +was embracing his chest in a cold grip. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +TO THE RESCUE! + + +As Bob had surmised from the sounds that reached him, Alf had not been +long in striking luck. Shortly after leaving the camp he bagged first +one chicken and then another, and in a short time was lucky enough to +bring down a fine jack-rabbit. Then he hastened back to camp, and +arrived there just as he heard the sound of Bob's gun in the far +distance. + +"I guess I've done the better of the two," he said merrily, as he +displayed the result of his half-hour's hunt. "That's the first shot +that I've heard from Bob." + +"There's no telling. Maybe your friend has shot an elephant!" remarked +Mackintosh. "Here, Haggis! Tak' these birds and the beastie from the +laddie, and dress them for the spit. There's a fine roasting fire, and +we'll be having dinner all ready by the time Maister Bob gets back. I'm +thinking that he's come off second best the day." + +"Not much praise to me. If there's nothing to shoot, a fellow can't get +much of a bag, can he?" remarked Alf generously. He was ready enough to +laugh at his friend in a good-humoured way. It was quite another matter, +however, for any other person to cast the slightest sneer at his chum. +"I was lucky in finding sport right at hand. But when it comes to +shooting--a quick aim on the wing or on the run--I can't hold a candle +to Arnold. Hark! Did you hear that? He has brought down two, to balance +with my three." + +"Young boys give long trail," remarked the half-breed, who was pushing +wooden skewers through the birds, preparatory to balancing them on +wooden Y's before the fire. + +"Too long," grunted the Scotsman. "We can't afford to waste time. I was +meaning to start off again soon after dinner." + +But by the time the birds were ready for eating, and the inevitable +coffee was hot in the billy-tin, there were no signs of the boy's +return. + +Mackintosh was plainly annoyed. + +"I dinna like that sort o' going-on," he grumbled. "Time is time, and +if a body doesn't keep to time, there's no knowing what deeficulties may +arise." + +But Alf knew his friend better than Mackintosh did. He knew that the +excitement of the chase might result in a little lateness, for no one is +perfect in matters of punctuality (or anything else, for that matter) +under unusual circumstances. And the lad's anxiety had been gradually +increasing as the delay had been prolonged, though he said nothing +concerning his feelings until the man offered the remark that rather +displeased him. + +"I don't think it's quite fair to judge a fellow until we know all the +reasons," he said with keen resentment. "Bob is not the chap to forget +other people. There's not a bit of selfishness about him." + +"Yet I'm thinking that the silly laddie _has_ forgotten this time, +though, mind you, I'm no' saying that he's o' a selfish make," returned +Mackintosh a little more gently, seeing how his previous words had hurt +Alf. "I ken fine that boys will be boys----" + +"And Bob is--Bob--one of the best fellows that ever lived. Listen! +What's that?" + +The boy had suddenly started and bent forward with intent listening, +for his quick ear had caught the sound of two shots fired in rapid +succession. They were very distant sounds, but still, far away as they +were, the clear Western air enabled them to reach distinctly across the +distance. + +"That's Bob's gun! I know its voice!" the lad exclaimed; and hardly were +the words uttered before two more shots were heard--equally distant yet +equally clear. + +"That's queer----" began Mackintosh thoughtfully, when Alf interrupted +him by springing up from the ground where he had been sitting, and +exclaiming in troubled excitement-- + +"Queer? It means that Bob is in danger. See! There it is again!" + +Two more shots were heard, followed in a short time by another double. + +By this time Mackintosh was thoroughly roused. His backwoods experience +told him what a chum's sympathy had already gathered, that no freak of +sporting opportunities would cause these shots to be fired at such +regular intervals. They could mean nothing else but a signal of +distress. + +"Come, Haggis!" he said in steady tones that showed how ready he was +for any emergency. "Leave those birds, and set your best foot forward. +There's tracking to be done, and that right quickly." + +Picking up his rifle and bidding Alf take his gun, Mackintosh at once +made a move towards that part of the bush where Bob had last been seen. +Haggis and the dog Bannock quickly followed, and the former moved with +all the quiet swiftness of a native who was used to meeting the +unexpected emergencies of life without being in any degree flustered. +That life had many times been in danger, and its safety had only been +attained by being in a constant state of readiness. + +By instinctive acknowledgment of the presence of a superior craftsman, +the two white men yielded the place of leader to Haggis, who quickly +discovered the tracks that Bob's progress had left behind. The imprint +of a rabbit's foot would not have escaped notice from such eyes as those +of the half-breed, who had been trained in all forest lore from his +babyhood. Hence it was mere child's play for him to pick up the track of +top-boots, as well as the traces that had been made by the displacement +of grasses and thorns. + +Meantime the distant shots were continued at intervals, until Holden +counted twenty in all. + +Poor boy! It was little to be wondered at that he urged Haggis to press +on with greater speed, for now he was certain that his chum must be in a +terrible fix, out from which there was no self-help. He would hardly +waste cartridges so recklessly were he not in some dire extremity. + +"For goodness' sake, hurry!" the boy exclaimed, for even the rapid +walking in Indian file was all too slow for the patience of one who was +pressing to the rescue of his friend. + +But the half-breed did not change the pace. + +"We step enough quick for bush-track," he said, without turning. "We no' +wish lose track. On prairie we go quick--run; but in bush slow." + +"The Haggis is right," completed Mackintosh, whose position was third in +the procession. "It's no' good to be too quick. We might lose the trail, +and that would mean a vexatious delay to find it again." + +Alf was forced to acknowledge the truth of the reasoning, though it was +a hard task for him to curb the desire to make a mad dash forward and +take his chance of keeping in the right track. + +Then the half-breed stopped for a few moments and bent low to examine +the ground and the surrounding scrub. + +"What is it?" questioned Holden. "Have you lost it?" + +Haggis shrugged his shoulders. + +"Lost? No. Haggis no' lose track. But he find others--deer. White boy +shoot deer, but no kill. Deer jump--run--white boy follow +quick--there--there!" + +As he spoke the half-breed rapidly pointed at the various signs that he +had interpreted. They were plain enough to the native eye, and in a +lesser degree to the sight of the Scotsman. But Alf's inexperience could +only distinguish an occasional displacement of the undergrowth, though +he was well content to rely on the opinions of those who were more +versed than he in woodcraft. + +Again the rescuers hastened onwards, with Bannock bringing up the rear, +and when at last they came to a part of the bush where the trees were +somewhat fewer, Haggis suddenly stopped and pointed straight in front of +him, exclaiming the one sound-- + +"Ha!" + +Holden was at the native's side in an instant. + +"What is it? Where? What do you see?" he exclaimed. + +"In middle of grass--see!" + +Alf looked, but all that he saw was a head and shoulders that apparently +rested on the grass without any lower limbs. The poor lad was indeed in +the depth of extremity, and he was almost faint with exhaustion. + +"Bob!" cried Holden in an agony of distress, and darted for the +clearing. + +But he had barely crossed a couple of yards before a pair of strong +hands gripped him and kept him from moving. + +"No! No! You dare not--" said Mackintosh; but the lad struggled +frantically to free himself from the powerful grip. + +"Let me go! Let me go! Can't you see that Bob is lying hurt?" he cried +frantically. + +But the hands did not relax their grasp. + +"Wait, laddie," said the man's kindly voice. "Wait, or we'll be having +two lives to account for. Yon's a muskeg--a living bog. It's death to +them that sets a careless foot on yon green grass." + +Instantly Alf's struggles ceased, and for the moment he was limp in the +arms that supported him. The horror of learning of his friend's plight +struck him dumb and suspended the power to move. + +"Come, come, laddie. You mustn't give in. Your friend's life depends on +your strength." + +Mackintosh was a man of the world, whose experience enabled him to be a +good judge of character. And he well knew the sort of counsel that would +inevitably stir all that was best in the boy and lend strength to his +pluck. He judged rightly, for immediately Alf straightened himself with +set lips, steady eyes, and controlled nerves. + +"Forgive me," he said quietly. "But it knocked me over to think of +Bob--out there." + +"I'm no' blaming you, laddie. But you'll need all your strength now, for +I think that your friend is past helping himself--or nearly." Then +Mackintosh faced the muskeg, and called loudly. + +"Hullo! Bob! Can you hear me?" + +Very slowly the eyelids were seen to open, the head moved slightly. + +"Can you hold out for a bit longer? Can you get a coat under your arms +if I send it to you?" were the next questions. + +The boy did not answer at once. He seemed dazed, and the man repeated +his questions. + +Then came the answer, spoken weakly and with an apparent great effort. + +"I'll try. But--come--quickly----" And the eyes half closed again. + +"That's right. Hold on for a wee bit, and we'll have you oot o' that +mess in a jiffy!" + +Without pausing to explain his intentions, Mackintosh then quickly +stripped off his leather hunting-jacket, emptied the pockets of all that +could weight it, and called Bannock to his side. + +"See, Bannock," he said, "I'm going to tie a sleeve to your collar--like +this. Now you must go over there. Do you see? Right over there where +someone needs your help." + +He pointed towards Bob as he spoke, and the intelligent collie looked +straight in the direction indicated. He had often had game pointed out +to him in the same way, so quickly understood what was wanted of him. + +"Off you go!" his master then commanded. "Off you go--quick--quick!" + +The dog needed no second bidding. He sprang forward at once towards the +hapless boy, dragging the coat with him. + +"Bannock's coming!" shouted Mackintosh. "When he's there, grip the coat +and lean on it. He'll no' move when I bid him stay." + +"All right," came the faint reply. + +The ground that was so treacherous to the heavy boots of the incautious +hunter could play no similar tricks with the light tread of the collie, +and in a few seconds he had reached the goal. + +"Lie down!" the great voice rang out, and the animal immediately +crouched close to the boy, who had just strength enough left to lay hold +of the jacket in such a way that it formed a slight support of a +temporary nature, to check further sinking for the time. + +But how to draw the boy from the slough? That was the next problem. + +Alf turned questioningly to the Scotsman. + +"Get to work and break off as many branches as you can," was the reply +to the look. "Haggis, you've got your tomahawk? Well, cut down a lot o' +these straight poplars. I'll give a hand to the laddie." + +It was not long before the sharp axe had laid prone a number of young +poplars and partly lopped them, while Mackintosh and Alf had torn down a +number of maple and other leafy branches that would lie fairly flat. +These were gathered to the edge of the muskeg. + +"You're no' feared to take a bit o' risk for your friend's sake?" the +man then asked, turning a look of confidence to the boy. + +"Afraid?" echoed Alf contemptuously. "Tell me what to do, and--well, I'd +give my life for Bob!" + +"That's as it should be," returned Mackintosh approvingly. "'Greater +love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his +friend.' I would offer to do this myself, only I'm a great heavy gowk, +and Haggis is no' much better. But you're light as a feather compared +with us. Now we'll put two o' these poles like the sides o' a ladder; +then some o' the branches cross-ways. And you'll go out and build +farther as we hand them to you. Can you do this?" + +"Of course," replied Alf firmly. + +"And don't hurry. Work sure and steady. The turf will stand the weight +with only you on it. And when you reach Bob, you'll spread the branches +all round. The rest I leave to you." + +To Alf it seemed hours before even the first section of the ladder was +completed, but he did his best to control his impatience, knowing well +the value of Mackintosh's advice; and at last came the moment of joy +when he was ready for the second poles to project from the ends of the +first ones, and a fresh supply of branches. But it was a tedious +undertaking at the best, made doubly so by anxiety to reach the end; for +each time the supply of building material was exhausted he had to creep +back for more, as the men dared not trust their weight far from the edge +of the muskeg. + +All this time Bob was watching the work as a starving man feasts his +eyes upon the nearness of food and drink. + +Now and then Alf spoke encouraging words, but he did not relax his +energies, nor did the sufferer make answer except once, when he stirred +himself to say pluckily-- + +"It's--all--right, Alf. I can--hold out--for--some time----" + +Yet when the younger lad once glanced ahead of him, the cold sweat broke +out over his body, for he saw that his chum had sunk yet farther, and +that the weight was dragging down the dog as well. + +"I'm coming, Bob! I'll be very soon now!" the lad forced himself to call +cheerily. + +And, oh! the joy of that moment when at last the bridge was completed, +and Alf could bend down to grip his exhausted chum beneath the arms! + +"Be careful!" called Mackintosh. "Don't jerk. Pull steady!" + +Inch by inch Alf felt the mud release its hold upon its prey, as he +strained every ounce of strength to drag his friend from the clammy +grip. It was a tremendous effort, for the boy was slight, and the hold +of the muskeg added weight to Bob's by no means slender bulk. But at +last Arnold's arms were clear, and in time he was dragged so far that he +could rest his breast upon the structure. + +Then Alf paused for breath. But he did not delay long. He set his teeth +and once more resumed his task. Then he made the woods ring with a +triumphant "Eureka!" for Bob lay safe upon the bridge! + +Bannock barked for joy also, and struggled up to scamper back to his +master. + +"Just in the nick of time! You've saved my life!" muttered Bob +gratefully, when he recovered a little of his strength after a short +rest. + +Alf's reply was characteristic. + +"You'll take a deal of washing, old man, before you're fit for decent +society again!" + +The warmth of the sun soon restored some of the old energy to the +chilled body, and after a time Bob recovered sufficiently to crawl to +safety in the wake of his rescuer. + +And when solid land was regained poor old Mackintosh was fairly crying +with joy. + +"Lads, lads! but God's been kind to us this day!" he was saying, while +the tears ran down his manly, weather-beaten cheeks. Then he made all +laugh by suddenly starting with a look of horror in his face as he +exclaimed-- + +"Ma conscience! But the birds will be burnt to cinders by this time!" + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +CRAFTY TACTICS + + +So unexpected had been Thunder-maker's tactics and so immediate the +response of his people, that the attack was over before the Englishmen +were well aware that it had begun. Not that any foreknowledge would have +availed them much. They were unarmed, while the Dacotahs were both armed +and numerous. Still, the average Englishman does not like to be trussed +up without showing some marked resistance. It makes him feel small to be +trapped without dealing a blow in self-defence. + +The place was brilliantly lit with burning brands which many of the +Indians had brought, and the camp was in an uproar with the voluble +chatter of the men as they crowded round the captives, while +Thunder-maker excitedly cried out his story of the affair. + +So well did the Medicine Man concoct his lies so as to work upon the +feelings of his people that meanwhile it seemed as though the Englishmen +were in for a hot time. Indeed, so great was their wrath that knives +were already reflecting the flames, and fingers were nervously twitching +about the locks of their guns. And all the time Thunder-maker was +dancing about in a frenzy of passion. He was not brave enough to strike +a blow, but he hoped to shift the responsibility upon the shoulders of +his brethren. + +What would have been the termination of the scene it is not difficult to +decide, had not the old figure of Swift Arrow pushed a way through the +seething multitude and taken a place at Arnold's side, while he faced +his people with burning indignation. + +"What is this, brothers?" he exclaimed. "Is this how the Dacotahs treat +the stranger in their tents?" + +"They are witches, not men!" came from many throats, and Thunder-maker +added-- + +"They call me from teepee--call me without words, and fill Thunder-maker +with hot fire!" + +"Bah!" ejaculated Swift Arrow with utter contempt, as he turned to the +last speaker. "Is not Thunder-maker great medicine himself? Has he no +weapon to protect himself from magic?" + +But the Medicine Man had his reply ready. + +"Thunder-maker sleep. When Thunder-maker sleep he have no power against +magic." Then he turned to the surrounding Indians with a wild appeal. +"Shall it be, brothers, that the great medicine of the Dacotahs die +before arrows of the evil spirits?" + +"Kawin![3] Kawin!" was the general reply, and again the knives glistened +as they were raised in many hands. + +Thunder-maker shrieked with triumph. + +"Then save our tribe from the magic of the evil ones!" he cried as he +flung his arms upwards and turned to the captives with a fiendish grin +of exultation. + +The Indians were now worked up to a condition of irresponsible madness. +Another such impulse from the Medicine Man, and the thirsty knives would +be quenched. + +"Stay!" commanded Arnold suddenly. + +So unexpected was the word from that quarter that for the time curiosity +superseded frenzy, and all paused to hear what the white man might have +to say. And Arnold, seeing the advantage, went on with a calmness that +seemed to act like a spell upon the excited minds. "Stay! My white +brother and I are not afraid to die, if it be Manito's will that we find +the Happy Hunting-ground this night, and if the Dacotahs have so +forgotten the brave name of their tribe that they would slay the +stranger who came to their tents in trouble. But first tell me: is it +the way of the redmen to kill a prisoner without the wish of their +chief----" + +"Ha!" interrupted Thunder-maker, hissing the exclamation through his +teeth, for even now he felt his victims slipping through his hands. "Do +not listen, brothers! They are evil spirits--they speak magic words +against which nothing prevails. They have forked tongues that dart as +fire. Ugh! I spit upon them--dogs!" + +The Englishmen met the verbal onslaught as firmly as a rock resists a +wave, and Arnold did not so much as look towards the madman, but +resumed, in the same even tones as before. + +"Who are you, redmen? Are you dogs, to be beaten to obey the first loud +voices? Shall the howling wolf put fear into your hearts, to drag down a +prey that he dares not attack alone? Or are you children of your +rightful chief? Who is chief of the Dacotahs--Thunder-maker or Mighty +Hand?" + +"The fiery totem is on the breast of Mighty Hand," answered one of the +warriors. The hubbub had fallen, and all were listening intently--partly +with the native courtesy that forbids the rude interruption of speech, +and partly because the better self was beginning to replace the moment's +frenzy. + +"Ah," resumed Arnold with a smile, "I see that the understanding of the +pale-face was wrong. We thought that the chief was Thunder-maker, as you +hastened to obey _his_ words." + +"Thunder-maker great medicine----" began Swift Arrow, when the former +speaker rejoined-- + +"Then he would make himself great chief. Will you braves suffer this +insult to the wearer of the fiery totem?" + +"Ka--Kawin!" was the chorus that met this question, and the dark looks +that had been directed towards the Englishmen but a little while since +were now turned towards the defeated Medicine Man, who was standing +sullen and silent. + +But Thunder-maker was not yet conquered, though he was apparently +humbled. To give him his due, he was a man of wonderful resource, and +when he saw that the tide was turning against him he was quick to meet +the occasion. + +"My brothers, listen not to the words of Thunder-maker," he said +quietly, and with a pretence of sad emotion that he had failed to +influence the other Indians to take the right course. "Did not +Thunder-maker say that these evil spirits have tongues of magic? Did he +not say that no weapon could prevail against those magic words? But let +it be as my red brothers wish. Mighty Hand rest in teepee. He not come +from tent at night, unless the war-cry call him. So let it be as +these--dogs--say. Let them rest in their tent to-night, and at another +sun we will bring them before the great chief Mighty Hand, who is the +greatest of warriors, and chief of the greatest of all tribes, the +Dacotahs. I have spoken." + +"And spoken well," said Holden, thinking that it might be well to +propitiate the Medicine Man for the time. But Thunder-maker, stooping +forward with a pretence of picking up something from the ground, came +close enough to whisper, so that only the Englishmen could hear him-- + +"By another sun, when Mighty Hand looks upon the pale-faces, it may be +that the friends of Thunder-maker have looked first!" + +The words were spoken with all the venom of a savage threat, and before +Holden could make reply the Medicine Man was speaking loudly to Swift +Arrow. + +"The Dacotahs shall see great medicine when the fiery totem again turn +eyes upon the evil water-spirits. Thunder-maker will now go to his +teepee. He would speak with his little children that they show much +magic." + +But Swift Arrow did not deign to reply. He turned to the Englishmen, and +with a few movements of his hunting-knife severed the cords that bound +them. + +"The stranger who has raised no arm against the redmen may not be bound +in the camp of the Dacotahs. My brothers did wrong. The pale-faces will +forgive my foolish people." + +"We do not blame you. You are a good man, and Manito smiles upon the +kind heart," returned Arnold quietly. + +Thoroughly worn out with the events of the previous day as well as the +exciting incidents of the night, the two friends were glad to be at +liberty to return to their tent and stretch their tired limbs upon the +robes that had been provided for them. The Indians had quickly dispersed +at the bidding of old Swift Arrow, and soon the camp was once more in +peace. + +Little was said by either of the men as they lay down at opposite parts +of the teepee, and it was not long before sleep came to the relief of +weariness. + +For a couple of hours or more the Englishmen were wrapt in deep slumber. +Then, just as the grey dawn was beginning to chase the shadows from the +forest, Holden suddenly awoke. It was not the calm awakening that +follows refreshing rest, but that sudden return of the senses that one +sometimes experiences accompanied by a horrible instinct of danger. + +Holden sat up and looked round. Nothing strange was to be seen within +the tent, and when he looked through the entrance all seemed peaceful +without. The brown teepees were not even stirred by a morning breeze. +Not a soul was to be seen, and it was too early even for the birds to +sing their morning anthems. + +He looked at Arnold, and saw that his friend was still enjoying profound +rest. So, laughing at his own weakness, Holden returned to his robes +and was soon dozing again. + +Then a second time he wakened with the former conviction even stronger +than before. + +He raised himself on his right elbow, and as he did so was startled by a +sound that is calculated to strike terror into the hearts of men quicker +than the most formidable of human foes. + +It was the danger-signal of a rattlesnake--the harsh alarm that is +unmistakable even when heard for the first time, and the sinuous green +thing was poised in the centre of the tent, with head thrown back in the +attitude to strike. It had been startled by Holden's sudden movement on +awakening, and now was armed to repel its supposed enemy. + +The man dared not move, for the least motion of a muscle might be +sufficient to frighten the deadly little rope of flesh, and then----? + +The continued sound of the rattle had roused Arnold by this time; but at +his first stirring Holden spoke, though he managed to do so without +moving his lips. + +"Keep still. There's a rattlesnake in the tent. It's got an eye on me, +and----" + +But the rest of the sentence was choked, for the man's blood suddenly +ran cold as another serpent came from among the fur robes, writhing its +cold chill body across his bare hand as it lay at his side, and then +moving towards its companion. + +"There's another--just crawled over my hand," whispered Holden hoarsely. + +"And I see a third--over there just beyond my feet!" said Arnold. "What +on earth are we to do?" + +"Lie still. We can do no more, unless we get a chance to make a bolt for +it. But they are between us and the door." + +The men waited in tense silence, preserving the immovable attitudes of +statues until, as time passed, other serpents made their appearance and +the teepee was swarming with a dozen at least. They seemed to be +everywhere. They crawled over the robes and peered into the men's faces, +they wriggled beneath the covering and even passed across Holden's bared +throat. But they were no longer aggressive. They were more of an +exploring than an antagonistic bent. + +"I wonder where they have come from and why they have congregated in +this particular tent?" Arnold questioned in a whisper, and, with the +question, the explanation seemed to flash into Holden's mind like a +flame of fire. + +"Thunder-maker!" he exclaimed. "The treacherous hound! This is his work. +I was wakened by something before. He must have been letting loose his +vile creatures." + +Just then the snakes returned unpleasantly near to the men's heads +again, so further conversation was impossible, for it is remarkable what +little sound will attract a serpent's attention, and the nature of a +rattler is to regard every sound and movement as something dangerous to +be fought. + +For more than an hour the men lay in strained positions, watching the +writhing movements of the ugly creatures, and wondering how long the +position could be sustained. + +And then, just when it seemed that the situation could not be supported +another minute, they became aware of a sound of soft whistling at no +great distance from the rear of the tent. At first the sound was quite +low, and barely audible, but gradually it increased in volume until it +took the form of a sort of minor tune of barbaric rhythm played on some +sort of reed instrument. + +At the beginning the music was unheeded by the serpents, but as it +became more distinct it was observable that the creatures became +restless and uneasy. Now and then one would raise its head and begin to +sway gently to and fro, in agreement with the rhythm. But gradually each +seemed to be irresistibly drawn towards the back of the tent, as the +spell of their master's music fascinated them. One by one they passed in +one direction--moving slowly yet steadily in obedience to the call. + +And as the last of the reptiles passed beneath the edge of the +tent-cloth both men sprang from their couches and rushed round to the +teepee that was pitched a little way behind their own. + +But they found Thunder-maker reclining on a heap of robes and apparently +asleep; and not a sign was seen to suggest the presence of a "rattler." + +So much for the art of the snake-charmer and the craft of an evil man. + +[3] No. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +THE PRICE OF A ROBE + + +Thunder-maker did not move while the strangers were watching him. To all +outward appearance he was asleep. + +Holden stepped forward and shook the Medicine Man roughly by the +shoulder. + +"Come along! Open your eyes, you old scoundrel. You are no more sleeping +than we are," he said. + +The Indian moved, slowly opened his eyes, and looked for a few moments +at the speaker, just as a person would who had been suddenly roused from +a deep slumber. Then a pleased smile broke over his face. + +"My white brothers in the tent of Thunder-maker? They are very welcome," +he said. + +But Holden did not respond to the greeting, as he demanded-- + +"Does Thunder-maker think that we are fools? Do you think we did not +hear you piping to those vile serpents of yours?" + +The Indian looked puzzled. + +"My white brothers speak strange words, or it may be that the mind of +Thunder-maker still sleeps----" + +"Rot!" interrupted Arnold brusquely. "The Thunder-maker's mind is wide +enough awake. What is the use of lying to us? We know that you put those +snakes into our teepee, and we heard you call them back when you found +that your purposes had failed." + +For answer, the Indian raised one of the blankets and disclosed a basket +against which he had been leaning during his pretended sleep. He raised +the lid, looked in, and signed the Englishmen to do likewise. + +"See? On their bed of grass my little papooses also sleep," he said, +lifting the basket so as to show the tangle of green bodies that it +contained. + +"We can gain nothing by further talking," remarked Arnold to his +companion in an undertone. "The fellow has done us this time, and we +have nothing to support us if we accuse him before Mighty Hand." + +"That's true enough," returned Holden. "He is best man this time." + +The Indian quietly closed the lid and again covered the basket with a +blanket, after which he looked up with a cunning and triumphant leer. + +"White men will eat; then--Mighty Hand take trail for Pleasant Valley!" + +How he seemed to gloat over the thought of the terrible fate that +awaited his enemies! Brave men though they were, they could not but feel +a sense of shrinking at the picture that this man's attitude and tone +conjured up. There are times when anticipations of pleasure seem to be +rendered more alluring by reason of description. It is also so with +expectancy of pain. Words may paint that picture in crimson colours so +that our revulsion is intensified before we see it. + +"We will gain nothing by remaining here," said Arnold abruptly, as he +turned from the tent, whence he was followed by his companion. And as +the Englishmen departed they heard the Indian saying aloud, purposely to +be overheard-- + +"The pale-face no' think that he see Pleasant Valley, but fiery totem +call. Fiery totem must be obeyed." + +Thunder-maker grinned evilly to himself as he watched the departure of +his visitors. Then he rose up, folded around him a robe of deerskin that +was covered with many strange designs, and crept with the sly movements +of a prowling wolf among the various teepees. Reaching the farther side +of the camp, he stopped in front of one of the tents that stood a little +way apart from the others. Gently he raised the flap and looked in. An +Indian of gigantic size was sitting by himself, adjusting his leggings +and moccasins. He looked up to observe his visitor, and it was +noticeable that as he did so Thunder-maker winced as though he were in +pain. + +There were few who could look upon that man's face without wincing. In +early scalping-days it had been slashed on one side with a +scalping-knife in such a way that the left eye was totally destroyed, +and a livid scar ran from the eyebrow to the neck--drawing the flesh +into creases that robbed that part of the face of any semblance to +humanity. The other side was whole, but the entire expression was so +horrible that even familiarity did little to prevent repulsion in the +senses of the beholder. + +"Thunder-maker is welcome to the tent of Red Fox," the Indian remarked, +returning again to the completion of his wardrobe. + +"Thunder-maker would speak wise words with his brother," said the +Medicine Man, entering, but not deigning to sit in the tent of that +"brother." He seldom paid that honour to any teepee except his own and +that of the chief. + +"It is well," returned the other man. "Red Fox will gladly hear the wise +words the Thunder-maker will speak." + +The Medicine Man did not waste any time in needless palaver. The hours +were precious to him, and even an Indian can cut time when his business +is pressing. + +"Red Fox is great warrior; Red Fox have eyes like father of his name," +he said. "There is good work for Red Fox to do." + +The listener had broken the cord of a moccasin, and was apparently +concentrating all his attention on knotting the break. But his attention +was mainly given to Thunder-maker all the same, and the latter knew it, +so he continued-- + +"Thunder-maker have rich robe of ermine--better robe than Mighty Hand +wear. Many dollars as leaves in tree not buy the robe of Thunder-maker. +Yet--Red Fox may wear it." + +"Huh! Red Fox poor. He not have dollars to buy new traps for hunting." + +That was what the Indian said. He pretended that he thought the Medicine +Man had come to trade. But he knew differently, and waited for the +visitor to "show his hand." Whatever bargain was to be proposed, he knew +that his share would not be increased by any show of eagerness to +possess the robe that even chiefs had coveted in vain. + +Thunder-maker darted a keen glance at the other man as he said +mockingly-- + +"The dollars of Red Fox stay in pouch, yet ermine robe lie on his +shoulders--if he do what Thunder-maker say." + +Still Red Fox made no sign to show interest, and the other went on-- + +"At Crane Creek two white papooses live in tent. Red Fox will find +them--he will go as a friend, and he will say, gentle as the voice of a +mother pigeon: 'White boys would find friends who are far away? Then Red +Fox will lead them.' And Red Fox will take them by dark path through the +forest--by long path that twine like path of serpent. Then, when sun +sleep, Red Fox will creep away--soft--soft, that pale-faces hear not. +And when sun waken--Red Fox will be back at camp of Mighty Hand. I have +spoken." + +Red Fox had fastened the moccasin by now, though he still sat with body +bent while he intently listened to the Medicine Man's proposal to cause +the two boys to be lost in the forest. And as the story was ended he +slowly raised his head to look into Thunder-maker's face. What he saw +there evidently satisfied him, for his ghastly face moved with a sort of +smile that indicated satisfaction. + +"Then the--the fiery totem--foolish?" he questioned shyly, and the other +Indian rejoined solemnly-- + +"The totem of the Dacotahs wise--very wise. It speak to Thunder-maker by +night, and tell him this." + +Red Fox nodded. But it was not the nod of agreement with the falsehood +so much as at recognition of the lie. + +"Thunder-maker great medicine," he said, with a slight sneer. "But Red +Fox hear much. He hear water-spirits say to Mighty Hand that they have +papooses. Water-spirits have not young. So these are pale-faces." + +Thunder-maker's face flushed angrily. + +"Does the Red Fox insult the sacred totem of the Dacotahs?" he demanded, +as he drew himself up as though it had been he to whom the insult was +offered. + +But the Indian also raised himself, and did so with the conscious +knowledge that his gigantic body and bare limbs, which glistened like +muscles of copper, were more than protection against any physical attack +that the Medicine Man might offer. And his upper lip curled with a sneer +as he stared straight into the eyes of the totem's champion. + +"Red Fox is not fool. He live long among white men, and he know that +totem cannot speak--that totem a lie. But Red Fox will do this for his +brother Thunder-maker. Thunder-maker would have revenge against the +pale-faces in yonder teepee, for they face Medicine Man--bravely when he +would have had Dacotahs slay them. This will Red Fox do, for he would +gladly wear the ermine robe." + +"The papooses will never again see their fathers?" interrupted the +Medicine Man eagerly. He forgot etiquette and totem alike in the +excitement of knowing that the success of one part of his evil plans +was practically assured. Red Fox was known to be a man of little +conscience though great determination, and it was only his enormous +strength of arm that allowed him to keep a place within the clan of the +really kindly Dacotahs. + +"The Red Fox will blind the trail, that the white boys never follow? For +Mighty Hand weak--like woman. He listen to soft words, and it may be +that he will not light fire in Pleasant Valley. The robe must return to +tent of Thunder-maker if boys find their fathers." + +"Let Thunder-maker take his way in peace. By another sun Red Fox will +have found the young pale-faces; by two suns he will return to the camp +of Mighty Hand--alone. I have spoken." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +THE BATTLE OF WITS! + + +It was only to be expected that Bob was not fit for much exertion after +his experience with the muskeg, and it was Skipper Mackintosh's decision +on returning to camp that the boy should proceed no farther that night. + +"But that will be a longer time before we get on the track of our +fathers," protested Arnold, to whom the thought of inactivity for even +twelve hours was irksome. + +"Better to bide quiet for a night at present than be laid up for days +later on," was the Scotsman's response. "But you can set your mind +easy-like. The time will no' be lost, for Haggis and me will set oot on +a wee scouting expedition to the place where we found yon hanky. We'll +be back by midnight." + +This plan was a relief to the boys' minds, for though it entailed a +certain delay in the forward journey, the result of the scouting might +curtail matters in the long-run. Mackintosh's report might enable them +to make more definite plans than were possible at present. + +So, after a few preparations for the journey, the two men set off, +accompanied by the faithful Bannock, early in the afternoon. + +"Don't you go and disappear like the others did!" laughed Holden, to +which the "ceevilised" Haggis replied-- + +"Fox lose trail in bush easier than me!" + +It was a hot afternoon, so, when the boys had watched their friends +disappear in the forest, Bob decided that it would be a good opportunity +to wash the mud and slime from his clothes, as they would soon dry in +the sun. + +No sooner said than done. The soiled garments were stripped (for of +course the lads were reduced to one suit apiece) and the stream utilised +as a washing-tub, after which Bob was obliged to sit in his suit of +Nature while the clothes of Art were drying upon handy branches. + +As we said, the day was hot, and, as the grassy slope upon which the +boys sat formed the margin of a clear pool where the stream widened, it +was not to be expected that the period of idle ease would be prolonged. + +"Ah!" Bob suddenly exclaimed, as he sat up and regarded the water with +covetous eyes, "the temptation is too much for me. I'm going to have a +dip." + +"It certainly looks more tempting than your plunge into mud. A pleasant +change, I should say," remarked Alf chaffingly. Then he added merrily: +"But are you sure that you can stand it? It won't do to exert yourself +too much yet. Old Mackintosh expects you to rest." + +"That's all right. I shan't muck about very much. I can take it easy. As +a matter of fact, I am sure that a plunge will buck me up." + +"All serene," returned the younger boy, rising to prepare himself for a +bathe. "So long as you don't think that it will do you any harm, I'm +ready." + +A short run, and then Bob had entered the water in the clean-cut style +of a practised diver. + +"It's glorious!" he called to his chum, who was almost ready to follow +his leader. "I should think that it is quite eight feet in the middle, +so you can plunge safely." + +"Right. Clear out of the way!" was the response, and in a second more +Holden in his turn cleft the sparkling water. + +Those of our readers who are only familiar with the cheerless sea or +even the placid river-bathing of England can have no idea of the charm +that is found in emulating the fishes in the cool depths of a Western +forest stream. + +Imagine the great trunks of cedar and pine and the gnarled giants of +maples spreading their great arms--shutting off the distance with a +surrounding barrier of dense colour; imagine the red willows dipping +their heads in the margin of the bowl, gaily coloured birds skimming the +surface in pursuit of insects, and gaudy butterflies sometimes touching +your cheek, like a piece of down borne upon the mellow air. At such a +time, in such a place, you feel yourself to be but a tiny little speck +in the centre of the world of Nature. You feel as free as a savage. If +you are not happy, it must be that you are a weakling boy who lacks the +real boy's love for out-of-door freedom. + +These were some of the sensations that our young heroes experienced as +they splashed about in the crystal pool. Probably they did not realise +the details as I have described them; but that was the effect, all the +same. It is the glorious sense of freedom that everybody feels if they +have the "backwoods spirit." It cannot be properly described, but I can +smell the atmosphere of it all, even though I am now sitting in an +English room in an English county. And so intent were the boys on the +enjoyment of the moment that they did not observe the figure of an +Indian who crept out of the bush near by while they were experimenting +in various positions for swimming. + +The Indian paused for a few moments. Then, seeing the attention of the +lads was devoted to their amusement, he crept to the tent like a snake +in the long grass. This he examined thoroughly, and he gave a grunt of +satisfaction as he discovered the pack-horse picketed near by. After +this, seeing no necessity for further secrecy of movement, he boldly +walked to the edge of the pool where the boys were bathing, and sat down +quietly to watch their play. + +It was Alf who was the first to discover the stranger. "I say! There's +an Indian!" he exclaimed. + +"Where?" questioned Bob, who had swum a little way out of sight beyond a +curve in the creek. + +"Over there--beside our clothes. But, I say, what a horrible face he has +got! He looks as if a lion had started to chew him and changed his mind! +He's the ugliest-looking freak I ever saw." + +Taking for granted that the Indian would not understand the +uncomplimentary remarks, Holden swam towards the side of the pool, being +quickly followed by his chum. But the Indian had understood. He was as +familiar with colloquial English as he was with his own tongue. +Nevertheless, he did not alter the grin on his face, though there was +something very different from a grin at his heart--a something which (if +the rash speaker had only known it) had suddenly determined him to carry +out his contract in quite a different manner from that which had been +arranged with Thunder-maker. + +An Indian is a queer creature at the best. He loves as quickly and +impulsively as he hates, while devotion may be turned into detestation +as rapidly as a vessel of clear water is discoloured by a drop of ink. +Red Fox's eyes flashed fire towards the imprudent lad, though his lips +still smiled, and anyone who was a judge of Indian character would have +understood from that look that it would be an ill moment for Alf if ever +it was within the power of the redskin to repay the insulting +expressions. + +By this time both lads had reached the shore, whereupon Bob addressed +the stranger while the pair proceeded to dress--Arnold's clothes being +dry by this time. + +"Well, where have you come from?" the boy questioned. + +"Trail long. Red Fox come over prairie--bush--far--far----" + +"Oh, you understand English?" exclaimed Alf, at the same time hoping +that the Indian had not heard enough, or understood English well enough, +to comprehend the recent criticisms as to his personal appearance. + +The redskin nodded, though he craftily pretended that his knowledge of +the foreign tongue was but scanty. + +"Red Fox know little--very little. He speak--he no' understand all that +ears tell him." + +"And a jolly good job, too," commented Alf to his friend. "He's a +hideous monster, but I shouldn't like to hurt his feelings by letting +him know my opinion." + +"I don't think that I would express it too freely, if I were you," said +Bob, who had quickly resumed his everyday attire. "You never can tell +how much fellows like that understand. I remember father telling me that +Indians won't always admit that they know English well. They think that +they can drive better bargains by pretending ignorance." + +Then the boy turned to the native, and the fact that the man was alone +and seemed to have no other possessions than his gun, hunting-knife, and +pipe, raised doubts in the lad's mind as to the truth of the statement +concerning the long journey. He knew and had heard sufficient about +Indians to be aware that they seldom travelled any distance without +their family and other belongings. + +"You said that you had come a long trail?" he said, regarding the Indian +with a sharp scrutiny. + +Red Fox bowed assent, taking out his pipe to fill it with kini-ka-nik +(tobacco and red willow bark mixed) as he spoke. + +"Red Fox come far--with feet of deer. He have story for ear of pale-face +brothers." + +The boys started at the remark, while Alf repeated-- + +"A story?" + +"From the white men to their papooses." + +This was news indeed; but the unexpected announcement disarmed suspicion +for the moment. + +"From our fathers?" said Bob eagerly. "Where are they? What has kept +them from returning to camp?" + +"The white men rest," replied the Indian. "The trail far. They find Red +Fox, and they say: 'Go, find our papooses and lead them by straight +trail to our tent.'" + +"But they had no tent with them!" exclaimed Alf, at once touching the +weak point in the falsehood. "Perhaps they are with other Indians?" + +Red Fox had not been instructed by Thunder-maker in the details of the +story that he was to tell in order to gain his ends. It had not occurred +to him to invent more than that he had been sent to bring the lads. That +had seemed sufficient to attain his aims, though he realised that it +would not do to say that the white men were captives. That might +frighten the boys and prevent their following his guidance. The poor +servant had not calculated upon the probing questions that would have +been naturally anticipated by an English mind and prepared for. + +But he saw the blunder, and hastened to amend the error as best he +might. + +"White men with Indians--with friends. Red men good to pale-faces--give +them food and teepees and robes to rest on. So white men wish papooses +to follow where Red Fox walk." + +Holden turned aside to his chum. + +"I'll be hanged if I'll follow the lead of a murderous-looking villain +like that unless he can show very good reasons why I should. His face is +like a nightmare." + +"I can't say I like the look of him myself," returned Bob. "He hasn't +got the expression of a fellow you could trust. Besides, don't you think +that if our fathers were well and had sent a native messenger to +us--don't you think that they would have sent some sort of written +message as well?" + +"It would have been easy enough. Father always carries his notebook and +pencil with him----" + +"So he could have easily explained matters. I don't think he would have +trusted an Indian to be understood. It isn't as if we knew anything of +the lingo." + +While the boys were thus discussing the situation in low tones, they did +not heed how Red Fox was observing them sharply from the corners of his +eyes. He was trying to discover how far his deception had succeeded, +though he endeavoured to hide his anxious observation by the action of +lighting his redstone pipe. And it must be confessed that his keen +scrutiny of the lads' faces did not reassure him. He could see suspicion +plainly marked in both, while his heart burned with fire of anger, +though resentment was mainly directed to the younger lad, whose +inadvertent remarks had cut so deeply into the savage pride. + +But the redskin's mental observations were suddenly cut short by Bob, +who wheeled upon him with a sudden inspiration. + +"Look here," he said quickly, though his voice was pleasant and almost +reassuring, "it is very good of you to travel so far to bring us this +news. We are glad to see you, and will try to give you a good present. +But we will settle our business first. So, give me the letter, and then +we will go to the tent and eat." + +"Letter?" + +The Indian repeated the single word in a puzzled tone. + +"Yes; the one my father gave you," said Bob. + +So mystified was Red Fox by the intelligence that apparently he had not +only been expected by the boys but that he had been looked for as the +bearer of a letter from the fathers to their sons, that he was +momentarily startled out of his caution in pretending an only slight +acquaintance with the English language. + +He stared open-eyed at the question, and Bob continued evenly-- + +"Of course my father would send a letter if he wanted us. He would do +that to prove that his messenger was one whom we could trust. Did he +give you one?" + +Red Fox was quite taken off his guard by the white boy's guile, but he +strove to cover his confusion by further lying. + +"Yes--the white man send paper by hand of Red Fox, but--but Red Fox +foolish; he--lose letter--on trail----" + +"But you are _sure_ you had one? It would be written--in red--with a red +pencil--a red paint-stick." + +"My white brother speaks true," said the Indian. + +"Of course he does!" chimed in Alf, to whom his chum's ruse was now +clear. "And if that letter was written in red and sent to us, we would +know where it came from, and would follow the messenger at once." + +The Indian flashed a quick glance of hatred towards the last speaker, +but instantly lowered his eyelids again, as he returned with more +calmness than before-- + +"It is well. The pale-face did paint letter with red. But--Red Fox +foolish Indian. He lose letter on trail. He seek much--much--but no' +find." + +The game of bluff had succeeded. Now the boys knew for certain that the +man was lying--that he had not been commissioned by either of their +parents, and both laughed derisively. + +"Trapped!" exclaimed Holden triumphantly. "You've got him tight as a +rabbit in a gin, Bob." + +How that sneering laughter scorched the redman's pride! It touched him +at the quick, and caused him to writhe inwardly, until his fingers +twitched beneath the folds of his blanket with eagerness to tear out the +tongue that thus jeered at him. Yet the lads did not dream how near they +were to tragedy as they laughed at the little comedy, with the chief +actor sitting huddled at their feet. They did not notice how the +Indian's eyes first measured the distance from the overhanging bank to +the surface of the water, and then as quietly calculated the distance +between himself and the lads. + +"Yes, you were indeed foolish," resumed Arnold, "for you have shown us +that your words were lies. My father never wrote such a letter, I am +sure, for a red pencil is not a thing that he possesses. And if he were +well enough to write, he would be well enough to come himself, instead +of sending such a foolish Indian and a bad liar." + +"At the same time," whispered Alf, "the chap must know something, or he +wouldn't be here at all. We must find out that in some way or other." + +"True," Bob said. + +But there was no time allowed for considering what means to adopt to +obtain further information, for just at that moment Red Fox uttered a +wild cry, and sprang from the ground with the leap of a deer. Next +instant Bob was gripped as in a vice and flung into the centre of the +pool; then, with a snarl like that of a wild cat, the Indian sprang for +Alf's throat. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +OFF! + + +The Indian is nothing if he is not unexpected in all his actions. +Surprise attacks were ever his weapons of warfare. From among the long +grass of an apparently innocent meadow he would suddenly rise up with +his followers to attack the caravan that was quietly pursuing its way +along the prairie in absolute ignorance of the nearness of enemies. In +the dead hour of night the war-whoop would suddenly ring through the +forest, and the settlers would be scalped and dead before the last echo +had time to fade away. + +So it was on this occasion. Utterly unsuspicious of attack, both boys +were taken at a disadvantage. Bob was floundering in the water before he +had time to realise the assault, while Alf was equally unprepared as the +Indian sprang towards him. + +The claw-like fingers missed their intended grip upon the boy's throat, +but the arms managed to grapple the lad in a tight embrace. Alf +struggled well, but he was no match for the muscles of the giant +Dacotah. + +"I'm coming! I'll be with you in a second!" called Bob from the water, +striking out strongly for the shore as soon as he had recovered breath. + +The Indian looked hastily around him without releasing the bearlike hug. +He saw the swimmer quickly approaching, and he gave a cry of fury as he +thought that he would be baulked of his purpose of revenge, for he +rightly thought that he would stand a poor chance against two active +lads. He might succeed in injuring the one, but there was little chance +of his escaping. + +Suddenly he released Alf. Feeling himself free for the moment, the boy +jumped back in readiness for another attack. But once again the +unexpected had him at a vantage. The boy anticipated no other attack now +but that of fists or a knife at the utmost. These were the only +contingencies that his inexperience could imagine. But before he had +time to conjecture other possibilities, Red Fox had slipped off his +blanket, flung it around the lad just as the ancient gladiator was wont +to entangle his opponent in the deadly net, and before Arnold had +reached the river bank the Indian had wound the blanket tightly round +his captive, picked him up in his arms, and commenced running towards +the tent. + +Bob gave a cry of dismay and rushed on in pursuit. + +But the redskin had the start, and ran straight towards the picketed +horse, still carrying the lad, who was half stifled by the thick cloak, +and practically helpless, owing to the tightness with which the bond was +twined. + +It would have been an easy matter then for Red Fox to have killed his +captive and yet escape the other boy. But that was not his purpose. In +his thirst to revenge the insult of Alf's words, he had quite forgotten +Thunder-maker's commission and the coveted ermine robe. These were +nothing to him now. He had listened to sneers with patience. The time +had now come to repay the taunts with interest. He ran towards the +pack-horse. A slash with his hunting-knife severed the rope within two +or three feet of the halter. Alf was then thrown roughly across the +animal's back, while the Indian was himself astride an instant +afterwards. A vicious dig of the heels, and the horse sprang forward. + +And the last that Bob saw as he reached the tent was an ugly face +grinning at him and an arm waving tauntingly as horse, rider, and burden +disappeared into the woods. + +Arnold was aghast! + +He rushed into the tent and snatched up his repeating rifle, which was +already loaded; by the time he emerged again he could only hear the +distant sound of the fugitive rider pressing the branches through the +bush track. + +He ran forwards at top speed, but he knew well that unless some accident +befell the horse he stood a poor chance of being able to aid his chum. +The Indian would know the bush as well as his namesake fox. He would not +be likely to take any risk that would imperil his safety or blight any +evil purpose that he might harbour. + +The boy followed the track, which was well marked. It was the same +course that had been taken by Mackintosh and Haggis earlier in the day. +For a time it led through an avenue of trees. Then it branched off to +the left, where the ground was hard-packed and dry, having been +stripped of vegetation by a bush fire earlier in the year. Here the +tracks were less easy to follow, for a steady breeze was blowing, and +the imprints of the hoofs were covered almost as quickly as they were +made. + +It was heart-breaking to have to slacken speed at such a time, when +every second might mean disaster to his chum. But what else could he do? +And when ultimately the tracks led him to the border of a vast +marshland, the lad was obliged to halt in what was almost despair. + +"What is to be done now?" he exclaimed to himself. "Poor old Alf! What a +fool I was not to be prepared for such a rascal, when once my suspicions +were so roused!" + +But it was no use sitting down in hopelessness. Such weakness would have +nothing to gain and everything to lose. So Bob pulled himself together, +as the apt saying has it, and racked his brains to meet the occasion. + +Not a sound could he now hear to indicate which way the fugitive had +taken. Moreover, the tracks completely disappeared from sight when the +boy had taken a few paces into the shallow water and spongy moss. + +Plainly the only course was to mark a starting-point with a stake, and +then follow round the margin of the swamp until he discovered the spot +where the rider had crossed. + +It was a tedious process, but apparently there was no option. So he +resumed the weary tour with such hope as he could summon. + +Arnold found the tracks after more than two hours' patient searching, as +the dusk was beginning to creep over the forest. The footprints were +more distinct now than they had been at the other side of the marsh, so +the boy was able to make some rapid progress. But, as the darkness fell +the work became more difficult. He had to stoop low in order to see the +tracks at all, and ultimately he could only follow them on hands and +knees--feeling the footprints with his fingers, just as a blind man +feels the letters in his book. + +He was becoming thoroughly exhausted. Still he plodded on with dogged +perseverance. His knees were grazed and his back was aching, especially +where the rifle was strapped; and at times he even stumbled and fell in +a heap, from which each time he found it more difficult to rise than on +the former occasion. + +It was indeed a trial that would have taxed the strength and nerves of +the strongest. When we remember what the boy had already undergone that +day, we have reason to wonder that he endured so long. Still he +persevered. Inch by inch he felt his path in the pitch darkness, +crawling through the bush with only hooting owls and whining wolves for +company, until at last, worn out and dizzy, his muscles gave way, and he +floundered unconscious upon the earth. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +A NIGHT'S TERROR + + +When Bob reopened his eyes, it was to awake suddenly with the horrible +feeling that he was being watched by some hidden foe. + +He started, and as he did so he was conscious of the sound of many +pattering feet--soft, muffled sounds, yet loud enough for him to hear. +He even thought, as he turned over and flung out his arm, that his hand +had touched something that was warm and furry. + +He sat up and gripped his rifle as he stared around him. + +In the semi-darkness of the rising moon he could see dark figures moving +restlessly all around him, while a score or more of eyes kept twinkling +like stars to indicate how he was being watched. + +Just then a wild, long-drawn wail rent the night air beside him. The +boy's blood seemed to run cold at the sound, for he knew that he was +surrounded by a horde of timber wolves who had thought him dead, and +come too soon. + +Too soon? Yes. But how long would their moment be delayed? + +Bob staggered to his feet and held his rifle in readiness. But the +ghouls of the night kept at some distance, though he could still see +them stirring here and there, as if they were discussing plans among +themselves. + +The boy waited--it seemed hours--each moment expecting a dash from the +black spectres. Still they hung back, until Bob actually began to long +for the attack to begin, that the strain of waiting might be broken. + +Then something moved behind him. He wheeled about and swung his rifle +like a club, at random. The butt met a soft substance, and a wild howl +followed, as a wolf that had been creeping upon him from the rear now +sprang back among his lurking comrades. Instantly the forest rang with +wails and howls and snarling, as the wolves sprang upon their wounded +comrade (as is the way of many wild animals) and tore him to pieces. + +Yet Arnold dared not leave the spot. If he ran, the wolves would soon be +upon him, for a fleeing prey is more closely pressed than one that +stands at bay. Moreover, he was in the centre of a clearing. If he were +to enter the woods, there would be many quarters from which he would be +open to attack and unable to defend himself freely. + +The night wore on, and the moon crept up into the arc of the sky. His +enemies could be plainly seen now, though the shadows prevented him from +determining how great was their number. Probably the uncertain light +deceived him and multiplied the actual score. One thing--they were in +sufficient numbers to be a formidable danger, and it would need sharp +watching to ward off the attack effectively. + +So long as there was a remnant of their comrade's flesh to fight and +snarl over, Bob was left in peace. But presently the strife became less +and the noise sank, and by such signs he knew that he had again become +the object of their unwelcome attentions. + +He stood his guard with every nerve strained to catch the first sight +and sound of danger. + +Then he saw two large forms creeping towards him from the front. They +came slowly, creeping low like dogs stalking game in the grass. + +Bob waited until they drew near. He was reluctant to exhaust a cartridge +unless it was an absolute necessity. His wish was to exercise the force +of his muscle on these as he had done with their predecessor. + +But, as the wolves came within a few yards, they stopped and eyed him +cautiously, and in this position the furred enemies and the boy stood +watching each other, just as wrestlers watch each other's eyes to +discover the vantage moment for a deadly grip. + +The time passed, yet neither side moved. Then, to Bob's dismay, he +discovered that the whole mass of wolves had gathered together, and were +slowly creeping upon him in the wake of these two leaders. + +And with the knowledge, the boy seemed to go mad for the time. He could +delay the fight no longer. His blood rushed hot to his head. He fired +one shot at the foremost wolves. Then he gripped his weapon by the +muzzle and sprang straight for the pack. + +"Come on, you brutes!" he yelled, as he laid about him right and left. +"If it's got to be a fight, the sooner we begin, the sooner it'll be +over!" + +Wild with passion, the boy fought with the false strength that is always +the accompaniment of delirium. As the blows told, the wolves howled and +shrieked and leapt for him with a rage that was equally frantic to his. +Fortunately they kept to one side--that was the side from which the moon +shone. They could see him plainer thus. Otherwise the light would be in +their eyes, and he but a black figure that they could not understand. + +How he fought that night! + +Strange to say, all fatigue had left the lad's body. He had the +endurance of three normal boys--at least it seemed thus, though we never +know our real strength, muscular or mental, until we are in the straits +of desperation. + +More than once he received a nasty little snap in the arm. But these +were unnoticed in the heat of the combat. His eyes were "seeing red," as +the Westerners say. He had no nerves to feel with; only muscles to fight +with. And all the time the impromptu club was in action--sometimes +swinging like a flail, at other times being gripped for a no less +effective thrust with the butt. + +But gradually the attack became perceptibly easier, as the wolves were +beaten back or slain by the ceaseless swing of the rifle. Bob recognised +the weakening of the assault, and the spirit of the conqueror fired his +blood to renewed energy. + +Baulked of his prey, a great timber dog sprang forward with +determination to vindicate the honour of his kind. + +Crash went the weapon, a single howl escaped from the savage creature, +then he fell back, quivering and lifeless, upon the ground. + +That was the end of the conflict. Their last leader slain, the others +turned tail and fled. + +Arnold stood firm on the defensive. His hair was soaked in sweat, his +clothes were torn in many places, and he could feel the sharp sting of a +wound in his shoulder. It was some time before he could believe that the +fight was indeed over. The change from storm to calm had been sudden; +and it was only when he understood that strength was no longer needed +that he began to feel the evidences of fatigue. His limbs began to +tremble with the reaction as the unnatural strength that had buoyed him +so well now commenced to ebb. He looked around him. The signs of his +conquest were visible in the moonlight as dark lumps lying here and +there. Then his keen eyes began to haze and his head to swim. And for +the second time that night he sank to the ground in a state of +unconscious fatigue. + +It was bright daylight when Bob regained his normal faculties. The +morning had considerably advanced while he had lain oblivious to the +passage of time. + +The boy sat up. He was stiff and sore. But he was no puny schoolboy. He +had a sturdy frame that healthy athletics had trained to meet fatigue +without injury, and Nature's needed rest had rapidly restored normal +strength, though, as we said, his muscles were not free from certain +little aches to remind him of late events. + +At first his thought was that the previous adventure had been nothing +more than a bad dream. But as his eyes scanned the surroundings, and he +saw no fewer than seven carcases of timber wolves lying unpleasantly +close to him, he was quickly convinced that there had been no ill vision +but terrible reality. + +Next he called to mind the quest on which he had started from the camp. + +That thought was sufficient to banish the last sensation of drowsiness, +and he immediately rose up and examined his rifle, to see if it had +suffered from the adventure. The weapon had stood the test well. Beyond +a few dents on the butt (which would be so many trophies of the combat) +it was otherwise uninjured. The scratches on his own flesh were not +serious, though they nipped a little at first movement. So, altogether, +Bob was satisfied that he had come through the ordeal in a manner that +demanded thankfulness to a protecting Providence. + +The next move was towards the bush, where the Saskatoon berries were +hanging in inviting clusters like myriad bunches of purple grapes in +miniature. These, together with a draught from an adjacent spring, had +to suffice for breakfast. Then he turned once more to take up the tracks +that he had been forced to forego on the previous night. + +It was not long before the boy rediscovered the trail, and with a +thousand misgivings for the unavoidable delay in going to his chum's +assistance he started on the track at a rapid pace. + +It was a winding path that he followed; but in order to ride swiftly +Red Fox had been obliged to keep more or less to the open way through +the woods, relying upon speed more than strategy to outreach pursuit. He +had a plan in his mind that he meant to carry out when at a safe +distance. After that was accomplished, he did not care how soon the +searchers might reach the spot. He would be far away. And the boy--well, +they would be welcome to find him then. + +Doggedly determined to find his chum at all costs, Bob pressed on, +seldom taking his eyes from the ground, where the imprints showed how +heavy hoofs had thrashed the trail. + +What had happened to his chum? Had the savage merely stolen him for some +wild purpose--perhaps to await a ransom? Or could the worst have +happened, and Alf be even now---- No, no. Bob could not bear that +thought, and he put it from him, struggling manfully to retain hope as +well as strength. + +And then suddenly--when it was about noon--he came upon the Scotsman's +pack-horse quietly grazing beneath the trees, and at a little distance +Alf sitting on the ground with Red Fox prostrate, resting his head on +the lad's lap. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +THE FATE OF RED FOX + + +It may seem a little surprising that Alf did not make a better +resistance when he found himself being carried away on horseback. It is +no easy matter for even an Indian to carry a person lying in front of +him on a bare-backed broncho when the person is helpless and still. It +is a yet less easy matter--if not an impossibility--to do the same thing +with a struggling captive. + +Of course we know that Holden was at a disadvantage. He was powerless to +use his arms, which were held close to his sides by the wrappings, and +it was with difficulty that he breathed. But his legs were comparatively +free, and it would not have required much energy to make such resistance +as would have considerably hampered Red Fox in his purpose. + +The reason for the lad's passive demeanour is not difficult to +understand. + +Alf was no fool. Indeed, he possessed a more than usual degree of common +sense, together with a gift for rapid reasoning. He quickly decided +that, for the time being at least, he was at the Indian's mercy. His +instinct told him that, for some unknown reason, he must have incurred +the native's wrath; and, even though he might have struggled with a +measure of success, the Indian was both powerful and passionate enough +to murder him then and there. + +No person, even in the direst straits, is anxious to incur a violent +death. Holden was no exception to that rule, so he deemed it best to +make pretence of fainting, on the chance that time might release him +from his plight. It would only be a needless exhaustion to struggle now, +when he would be easily overpowered. Moreover, a show of resistance +might mean the sudden plunge of a hunting-knife. + +So he lay still, and the Indian laughed aloud, believing the lad to be +unconscious through fright. + +"Huh! White dog laugh at Red Fox? He say Red Fox face hideous?" the +redskin exclaimed jeeringly, as he pressed the horse to the race. "'Tis +well. Red Fox face bad--very bad; but white boy worse when Indian hand +have used knife!" + +Then the boy understood the mystery. His careless words _had_ been +understood, as Bob had suggested. And his fate was to be vengeance of a +like mutilation of his own fair cheeks! + +Not if he knew it! + +It was little wonder if the lad felt his blood run cold as he listened +to the Indian's vaunt, and it is little wonder that his head swam until +he was near in reality to the very faintness that he had assumed. + +But real pluck is never subdued for long. The very threat was enough to +rouse a strong determination to thwart the brutal intention, and his +mental decision was that which we have just recorded in the third +person: "Not if I know it!" + +Red Fox had quite forgotten about the ermine robe. That was quite +Indian-like. The object of the moment was all that he cared about. To +gain that aim he would have sacrificed a thousand robes of costliest +fur--nay, even life itself, if he could have the satisfaction of +vengeance first. + +Guiding the broncho by the swaying of his body and the occasional use +of a halter-rope, the redskin did not permit the animal to slacken speed +for an instant. + +Once, owing to the stillness of his burden, he drew aside a portion of +the blanket to look at the boy's face. + +He saw that the eyes were closed, and a fear came into his heart that +perhaps he was to be robbed of his pleasure after all. + +But the lips trembled, and, on bending down the Indian could hear the +sound of breathing. + +"Huh!" he laughed, as he replaced the cloth. "That good! Pale-face--he +sleep, but he wake soon when Red Fox make sign of totem. Then white boy +laugh not again at Indian. Red Fox, he laugh at hideous white boy." + +A peal of harsh, savage laughter rang through the woods at this +delicious humour, and startled the horse so that it strained harder in +the gallop. + +Through the woods, the burnt clearing, across the marsh where Bob had +tracked so steadily, the broncho passed in the mad race. It was rough +riding for the boy as he lay on his back--half across the Indian's knee, +with his head partly free of the blanket; but he set his teeth, +determined to bear the ordeal without a whimper, that he might be more +ready for the later critical moment. + +Then something (he never knew what) startled the horse. It sprang +sideways from the path right into the bush, where a heavy branch caught +Red Fox right in the forehead. + +One cry the Indian gave. Next moment both the riders were thrown +violently to the ground, while the broncho went off wildly and +riderless. + +The folds of the blanket considerably lessened the shock of Alf's fall, +and as soon as he had collected his rudely scattered senses he did not +take long to emerge from his chrysalis-like state. + +He sprang to his feet, prepared to be instantly on the defensive. + +To his surprise he was unaccosted, and on turning he saw the Indian +lying face downwards upon the ground, while a red stream was making a +ghastly pool around his head. + +Holden was by his enemy's side in an instant. He knelt down and turned +the man on his back. The movement was answered by a groan, but +apparently the Dacotah was unconscious, for he did not attempt to move, +and his eyes were closed. + +A spring was close at hand. Alf tore off the scarf that he wore round +his throat in bushman fashion, soaked it in the water, and mopped the +redman's brow. Still there was no sign of returning senses, and the lad +was now grievously distressed at his enemy's disaster. He would have +been rejoiced to have vanquished the man, had the adventure terminated +in an unavoidable encounter. But now that Red Fox was in distress, all +hard feelings and resentment had left the lad's heart. He was all +sympathy for misfortune. That is the way of the truly brave. + +Seeing that recovery was tardy, Alf tore the scarf in two pieces. With +one strip he bound the ugly wound that gaped in the Indian's forehead; +with the other he resumed his attentions by moistening his lips and +temples. + +And by and by the redman opened his eyes. He looked up vacantly before +him, not seeming to understand what had taken place. + +"That's good!" remarked Alf cheerfully. "You feel better now, don't +you?" + +Red Fox looked straight into the boy's face, but without appearing to +recognise him. Then he muttered a few words in Indian and closed his +eyes again. + +For some time he lay with his head resting against his nurse, while +Alf's thoughts began to wander to his absent father and the chum whom +he had left in such strange fashion. + +Then he looked down again, and saw that the Indian was regarding him +with eyes wide open--looking at him in a peculiar wondering fashion, as +if he saw for the first time a being of some strange creation. + +Holden smiled encouragingly as he touched the man's brow with the damp +cloth. + +"How does the head feel now?" he asked. "Does the cut pain you much?" + +Red Fox did not answer immediately, but continued to stare at the lad +with the same open-eyed wonder. + +"Pale-face kind," he said at length, in quiet tones. "He touch Red Fox +like wing of a dove. Why is the white boy so good?" + +"Nonsense," returned Alf. "It's nothing at all. You don't think that +Englishmen would leave a fellow to bleed to death, do you?" + +"No--English boy good," said the redskin. Then he added, with a sort of +wistfulness: "But Indian would leave pale-face----" + +"Rot!" was the sharp interruption. "If I had been hurt as you have been, +you would do just the same. Now lie quiet for a while. You'll feel +better soon, and then you can go back to your people." + +The Indian shook his head slowly. + +"Red Fox understand. Red Fox know English tongue good. But--he no' go +back to people. He go--Manito--Happy Hunting-ground--soon." + +Alf was silent. He had never been in the presence of death, and never +before in the presence of the dying. The thought awed him. + +"Yes--white papoose good," the redskin went on falteringly. "He kind to +hand--that would have cut face for revenge. Ugh! Red Fox bad Indian, +but--he sorry--now. Can brave white boy forgive poor Indian?" + +"Of course," returned Alf huskily. "You did not understand. English +people speak words that they do not mean to hurt. It is I who should ask +forgiveness for what I said about you. I, too, am sorry." + +"Then--white and red are--brothers. They bury the hatchet and--my white +brother will stay with Red Fox while he go Happy Hunting-ground?" + +"Yes, yes," the boy assented readily. "I won't leave you. Don't you be +afraid of that." + +"It is well, for Red Fox would speak before he go. He would speak true +words to the pale-face. He spoke forked words like serpent tongue when +he say that white man sent Red Fox to bring papooses to Indian camp. But +he speak well now when he say white men with Mighty Hand now----" + +"_Safe?_" exclaimed Holden, as the information came to him with sudden +joy and sudden dread. + +And the answer was at once a relief and double anxiety. + +"White men safe--now. But before another sun they--they die----" + +"Die?" was the exclamation of horror that greeted this announcement. + +"Yes," the Indian answered. "Dacotahs foolish. They say white men +spirits that brought great trouble of water to Indian. They say that +serpent totem call them to Pleasant Valley, and there they burn unless +serpent appear to save them from fire." Here the Indian seemed to gather +strength, for, without allowing the horrified boy time for utterance, he +slightly raised himself and spoke with a flash of energy. + +"But white boy brave--white boy good. He kind to Red Fox who would have +used cruel knife. But Red Fox no' papoose now. He know that white boy +too brave to suffer; Red Fox too bad to live. And he would save the +pale-face man-- + +"Go, my brother--go to the village of the Dacotahs and find +Thunder-maker, the Medicine Man. Tell him that Red Fox die sorry that he +made bad promise--that before he die he bid Thunder-maker speak true to +foolish Dacotahs, and tell that white men no' spirits. Thunder-maker +know. Thunder-maker can save white men, and----" + +The last word choked in the Indian's throat. He gave a gasp, fell back +into Alf's arms, while his eyes looked up hungrily into the lad's face. + +"Be brave!" whispered the boy. "Be brave, Red Fox. Manito waits for you. +I have forgiven you; He has forgiven you. All will be well." + +"Red Fox understand. He--happy----" were the last words that the poor +misguided redman spoke, as he died gazing lovingly in his young friend's +tear-clouded eyes. + +And it was thus that Bob found his chum--tenderly holding his red +brother in his arms while the great journey was taken to Manito's happy +land for the sorrowful. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +HOT ON THE TRAIL + + +It was a happy meeting for the two chums after the exciting events that +each had experienced. But it was rather sad, all the same; for even in +their joy at finding how both had come through their trials with but +little damage, they could not but regret the tragic end to poor Red Fox. + +"He was a high-tempered chap," said Arnold, when he had listened to his +friend's story. "All the same, he must have had some good in him, since +he was so completely changed at the end." + +"He seemed sorry enough," Alf rejoined. "And I must say that I feel +wretchedly sorry about the whole thing. In a way it was my fault--making +the remarks that I did. It never occurred to me that he would understand +a word----" + +"As apparently he did. However, it can't be helped now. No doubt he had +some evil purpose all along, or he wouldn't have come to us with that +lie about being sent by your father and mine." + +"At the same time it has taught me a lesson," said Alf. "I guess I'll +keep my opinions to myself next time, when they are so uncomplimentary." + +"Just as well," Bob agreed seriously. Then, turning to the dead Indian: +"We've got to lay that poor redskin to rest. I wonder how we are to +manage it!" + +"We can't dig----" + +"And we can't leave the body uncovered. The wolves would work mischief +in no time." + +"How would it be if we were to lay him in that little hollow and cover +him with big stones?" suggested Holden. "There are plenty of boulders +about, and we could easily cover him with branches first, with stones on +the top, to keep off the animals." + +"Right," Bob said; and together the lads gently raised the Indian's body +and placed it in a little flower-scented hollow that, after all, was a +fitting bed to receive the royal dead--quite as fitting as a dark pit. +Then they cast maple branches over it, and carried boulders until a +substantial mound was raised. + +And when all was completed as well as they were able to do it, +instinctively both lads knelt beside the grave and prayed for a few +minutes in silence. And the birds overhead sang their hymns to unite in +the service--happy songs of gladness they sang, that seemed to convey to +the boys' hearts the grand lesson of all funeral services--that death is +not all sadness, for we know of the joy that follows. + +There was nothing more to be done now but to return to camp. Mackintosh +had probably returned by this time, and he or Haggis would be able to +guide to the Dacotah village on the urgent errand. So the broncho was +caught. It had never wandered far after the recovery from its fright, +which was probably due to the sudden appearance of a wolf in the scrub; +and before long the chums were on the home trail, taking it in turn to +ride the horse. + +Camp was reached about noon, and the boys were greeted at the tent by +the Scot. + +"Where in the world have you two laddies been?" he immediately +questioned. "Here's Haggis and me (to say no' a word about Bannock) +returned at breakfast-time to find no' a single body at the camp. No' +that time has been wasted, for we would have rested till dinner in any +case. But it's foolish tiring yoursels like this when there's hard work +before you. Pleasure is all very well----" + +"We've been on no pleasure trip," interrupted Alf, with a sad smile. "It +has been anything but pleasure to Arnold and me." + +Thereupon Holden immediately launched into the story of his adventure +and his chum's--a tale that was listened to with silent surprise both by +Mackintosh and the half-breed, who had come out from the tent and stood +attentively apart. + +"Well, well," the Scotsman commented at the close, "these are stirring +times for you boys. There's no' a bit o' doot aboot that." Then he added +seriously: "But I'm thinking we'll no' be able to wait here ower long. +We must set oot at once. I ken something o' this Indian legend o' +water-spirits, and I ken something o' Indian ways as well. There's evil +things that will be doing if we canna stop them." + +"Did you find out anything while you were away with Haggis?" questioned +Bob. + +"A bit. We found the tracks o' boots as well as moccasins, and we +followed far enough to learn that they had gone to the Dacotah village. +Then we came back to fetch you laddies. And I found four grand specimens +for my collection! Real fine they are--such as will make my brither +entomologists in Edinburgh open their eyes as big as Duddingston Loch +when they see them. But there--I must be daft to be thinkin' o' moths at +such a time. See, Haggis! Hurry on wi' the denner! We'll be striking the +camp, for we must mak' straight for Pleasant Valley wi'oot delay." + +The speaker was all bustle and hurry now, and as the boys followed to +render assistance, Bob asked-- + +"Pleasant Valley? But did you not say that they were at the Dacotah +village?" + +"Of course I did. But I said _were_, not _are_. Did you no' attend to +what your freend said--that Red Fox told him that Mighty Hand would +leave for Pleasant Valley by another sun? That's the day." + +"Oh, I see. Then you mean to go there direct?" + +"Exactly. I ken something o' that Pleasant Valley. There's no' a verra +pleasant look aboot it noo--a desert o' a place--all crags and sand, +wi' just a pickle o' trees. It's a branch arm o' the Athabasca, and has +been a torrent at some flood-time--the time that probably started the +legend. But there's no' been ony stream flowing there in the +recollection o' living man. But"--and the naturalist was predominant for +the instant--"there are rare kinds o' hawk moth to be found in that same +desert! You'll be seeing the value o' my phosphorus invention before +another couple of nights are out." + +The boys laughed as the man's enthusiasm came suddenly uppermost, to the +exclusion of (to their minds) a subject of more vital importance. + +"I do believe, Skipper, that you would sooner capture a rare beetle than +be a Napoleon!" laughed Bob, to which the naturalist replied with scorn, +as he indicated the lads to take the opposite end of the tent to roll-- + +"Beetle? What do you take me for--a coleopterist? Ma conscience, laddie, +these insects are no interest to me. I wouldn't touch one with a pair o' +tongs. It's moths and butterflies for Skipper Mackintosh--the dainty +fluttering things that are like bits o' sunshine and beams o' the +moonlight. Beetle? Speak not to me the name o' thae things o' +darkness!" + +The tent was rolled and most of the other adjuncts to the camp were +collected and deftly stowed on the back of the pack-horse with the +neatness of expert campers. Then a hasty cold meal was taken while +Mackintosh delivered his plans. + +"Now, boys, listen to me. I've got to be your captain in this journey, +for you'll admit that I know best. Well, I've prepared food enough for +three of us for two days. Each will carry his own. Then you've got a +pair o' guns and a rifle between you. That's all that you'll need. I've +got my own rifle and a revolver, in case o' accidents, though I'm hoping +there'll be no need for the like o' that. Now we'll start off at once. +There's no straight road from here for Pleasant Valley, but it's through +bog and bush where the horse canna get wi' its burden. But it'll make +four or five hours' difference to us other than by the round-about way. +So Haggis'll take the pack-horse. Ay, he'll be better o' Bannock, too. +Dogs are often useless creatures in an expedition that might mean +creeping and hiding. Bannock's no' that bad-mannered; but he loves +hunting, and a wolf might tempt him." + +"How far is it to this Pleasant Valley, as it is called?" asked Holden. + +"Aboot fifteen mile as we will travel, twenty at the least by the path +Haggis'll follow. Oh, ay, Haggis'll be all right. There's no fear o' him +not turning up aboot midnight. He's no' quite ceevilised yet, for he +canna mind a' the words o' 'Auld Lang Syne' and 'Rule Britannia.' But +he's ceevilised enough to be dependable. You wait at the Old Crossing +till we turn up, Haggis!" + +"Right, boss," answered the half-breed, who seldom spoke more than two +words at a time if he could avoid doing so, and he immediately rose up +to make the final arrangements for his departure. + +"Then there's no more to be said," the Scotsman concluded. "It's start +right away; keep a brave heart and a steady foot foremost, and we'll no' +be that far from our friends come nightfall." + +Skipper Mackintosh had spoken nothing but the truth when he said that +the direct trail was not one that a laden pack-horse could travel with +ease, far less speed. + +The earlier portion of the march was easy enough. But after about an +hour's walking through the bush the travellers reached a mile of +bogland, across which a path could only be found by stepping cautiously +from one grassy hummock to another. Even then the surface of the moss +shivered for yards around, and the mud between the tufts oozed, as if +its mouth were watering to swallow up the trio. + +"Feel for every step before you put your weight on it!" the naturalist +instructed. He, of course, had taken the foremost position of leader. +"If you want to disappear quicker than you did in yon muskeg, Master +Bob, you can set the tip o' your big toe in yon mud, and you'll travel +as quick as electricity." + +This part of the journey was certainly fatiguing, but the travellers +kept up good hearts by pleasant banter and dogged determination. + +Reaching solid ground again, there was another easier spell of bush +tramping. Then the trail began the ascent of a hill--a rocky, +loose-bouldered slope that could only be traversed by a narrow path that +somewhat resembled a strip of ribbon on the side of a house. + +Up they went, higher and higher each step, with the sharp slope to the +left and a sheer declivity of loose stones at the right. + +Once Alf slipped, and the stone against which he tripped went leaping +down the slope without stopping, until it was lost to sight some three +hundred feet or more below. + +"Which of you two laddies is the one that's danced down the hillside?" +questioned Mackintosh, without seeming to look round. His voice was +pleasant, but he had taken a quick glance backwards all the same, and +his face had paled a little. That was but his kindly way of cheering the +boys and helping them to keep their nerves in hand. + +After a time the climbing ceased. It was now a level path, though it was +none the less ready to trap the unwary, as it twisted round spurs and +crossed little ravines. Then suddenly the travellers became aware of a +sound like that of a small cataract. + +Mackintosh stopped, and as they listened they were able to tell that the +sound was one that proceeded from the continuous rolling of innumerable +stones that were being propelled down the hillside at no great distance. + +"What on earth is it?" questioned Alf, and at the same moment the man +pointed towards a cloud of dust that had rounded a spur ahead of them--a +cloud that was advancing rapidly in their direction to the +accompaniment of loud bleating. + +"A herd of mountain sheep on the stampede," was the Skipper's immediate +verdict. + +"Sheep? Coming towards us?" exclaimed Bob, and as the words were spoken +there could be seen amid the dust a lot of woolly animals tearing +frantically along the narrow path, throwing the stones from beneath +their feet, while now and then one would stumble and roll down the slope +as though it had been shot from a cannon. + +The noise was bewildering as it echoed among the barren hills and rocks. + +"See! There's a black animal chasing them!" exclaimed Holden excitedly. + +"A bear," said Mackintosh with grim calmness, as he rapidly slung his +repeating rifle into readiness, an example that the boys quickly +followed. + +"What's to be done?" Bob questioned. Frankly he had not the remotest +notion how to meet such an emergency, for it was impossible to climb +upwards, as it was equally impossible to descend, while to retire along +the path would only be to postpone the threatening disaster for a few +minutes. + +"Come! Follow me quickly; but be careful," Mackintosh suddenly ordered, +he himself hastening forward as the boys followed. + +At this position the side of the hill bent to the left in the form of a +horseshoe, so that it was quite easy from where the three adventurers +stood to throw a stone across the intervening chasm to the path at the +other side. + +Mackintosh led the way until he had reached the first spur; then he told +the boys to wait. + +"Keep your hands steady and your guns ready, boys," he said. "I'm going +along a bit to shoot down the leaders, if it may be; you empty your +rifle and a round or two o' shot into yon bear. They'll all be opposite +us on the other side in a few minutes. A steady nerve will do it; so, if +ever you were cool in your born days, this is the day to be coolest." + +Without waiting for further remark from either side, the man then +hastened some yards along the path and took up a position where he could +kneel and steady his gun arm on a boulder, and hardly had the several +positions been taken up when with roar and clatter and cloud the +stampede rounded the opposite hill-spur. + +Crack! went the Scotsman's repeater. Crack! crack! And down tumbled +three sheep, two of which rolled over the slope, leaving one to bar the +way in the path. The others took the downward plunge. Crack! crack! +crack! The rifle spoke rapidly and surely, as each bullet found a billet +in a different animal. + +The race was checked, but not yet effectually, though the Skipper had +now more time to pick off the leaders as they scrambled over their +brethren--only to fall victims to the sharp-shooter and help to build up +a barrier to impede the others. + +It was now a terrible sight of animals in desperation. + +There were a hundred mountain sheep at least, and they were scrambling +in a dense mass, trying vainly to advance--fighting, struggling, +tumbling down the slope in mad confusion. Now and then one would have a +momentary success and almost cross the barrier; then the deadly rifle +would again send its message--and the barrier would be raised by one +victim more. + +Meantime, faithful to their charge, the boys kept their attention to the +rear of the herd, but the dust was so dense that they could barely +discern the hindmost animals. + +Then Bob suddenly exclaimed-- + +"Look out!" + +But Alf had been equally ready. A rifle and a gun darted up to each +boy's shoulder at the same instant; a simultaneous explosion came like +one from both weapons. Then followed a roar like a miniature +thunder-peal, and a brown grizzly was seen to shoot down the declivity +in pursuit of the poor sheep that he had driven to destruction in such +numbers. + +"Bravo!" shouted Mackintosh, letting go his feelings in a wild whoop of +exultation. "A grand shot, lads!" + +"I guess his day's work is done," returned Alf quietly, though he was +none the less delighted with his own and his chum's success. + +Finding that the fierce pursuit had ceased, the few remaining sheep +turned on the retreat, since they found it impossible to advance +farther. Then the adventurers proceeded on their way, though they, in +their turn, found it impossible to pass the barrier, and some time had +to be expended in carefully tumbling the carcases down the slope. But +soon the work was successfully accomplished, and the path once more +clear to permit the three comrades to pursue their urgent course. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +THUNDER-MAKER'S DOWNFALL + + +During the rest of the journey through the hills and along Trapper's +Pass, no further accidents occurred to hinder progress, and once free of +the hills the trail was level and across a stretch of prairie. + +Towards night the Pleasant Valley was reached, and the three travellers +descended to the part of the river known to trappers as the Old +Crossing, though it was a ford where no water flowed. + +On reaching this camp-ground there were evidences of the recent presence +of strangers. Moreover, these strangers were not travelling in any +secret way, since they had taken no pains to conceal their tracks, and +the ashes of trampled-out fires were still warm. + +Mackintosh carefully examined the surroundings, and came to the +decision, from certain signs, that it had been an Indian camp. + +"To my mind the best thing for us to do is to rest here for an hour or +two," the man said. + +"I shan't be sorry," said Bob. "We pressed on rather rapidly, and, to +tell you the truth, I'm rather fagged." + +"But what of the others--your father and mine?" questioned Alf. "They +may need help----" + +"Not yet," Mackintosh interrupted. "It's no' possible for them to reach +Flood Creek before morning, and the--the ceremony must take place at +moonlight. Oh yes, I ken fine how you are both feeling. You're wanting +to be off until you break down with weariness. But that's no' the way to +do things in the backwoods. Work until you are out-and-out weary, then +rest, and you'll be able to work again. But to keep on slaving till +you're worked out--that's nothing but a gowk's game, and can bring no +good." + +"I suppose you are right," said Holden slowly. + +"Of course I am. Don't you fear, laddie. I'll no' be too late. I know +the ways o' the Indian, and I know the Dacotahs. Depend upon it, your +faithers are being kindly treated, as best the redskins know how to +treat friends. The Dacotahs are firm in their superstition, but they're +kindly folk all the same." + +So the boys resigned themselves to the ruling of their guide, though it +was irksome to be idle when each was longing to be up and doing. And now +that they were so near to the achievement of their quest, it was even +more galling to be inactive than it had been when there was distance as +an excuse. + +It was a dreary place. The valley was deep, and there was a river-bed +where once--before the memory of living man--water had flowed in a swift +and wide flood, but where now there was nothing but dust. Not a tree was +within sight. There was hardly any grass. Only a few cacti appeared to +thrive on the barren soil. The rest was rocks, sand, and bordering +precipices. + +The boys shuddered as they looked around. + +"It's a terrible spot," Bob commented, as he viewed the dreary scene. +"It feels like being in prison." + +"There's a well with the finest of cool water about six feet away," was +Mackintosh's remark. It was his quiet way of forcing home the truth that +there is a bright speck in everything, if we only take the trouble to +look for it. + +A meal was made from the supplies with which each had been provided, and +an hour or two later Haggis turned up with the pack-horse. + +It was not considered necessary to pitch the tent that night, as a very +early start was proposed to be taken at the streak of dawn. So each lay +down as he was, with a sand-heap for a pillow, and soon the little camp +was fast asleep. They needed no rocking. Sleep came almost with the +closing of eyes. + +As morning broke, Mackintosh was the first to waken. He quickly roused +the others, and a swift "eve-of-battle" meal was served out. The +business being ended, the pack-horse was once more loaded, and the +journey resumed toward Flood Creek, which was now only about five miles +distant. + +The Dacotah camp was sighted some way off, and it may be imagined how +excited the lads felt when they found themselves practically at the end +of their journey. + +But once there, what would be the result? + +That was the question that was exercising the minds of both; and when +Bob gave it voice, the Scotsman smiled grimly. + +"What'll happen? Well, no one can foresee the future, but I can imagine +it." + +"And what do you imagine?" asked Bob. + +"That there will be a pickle o' bother before all comes out right. +Superstition is no' that easy baulked; but if we ever have to fight for +it, don't think that the ancient Highland blood of the Mackintosh is +water in the veins of the clan." + +"I hope it won't come to that," remarked Alf quietly, and the Highlander +rejoined-- + +"That's my hope too. But there's no telling. We've _got_ to conquer----" + +"And conquer we shall!" added Bob, with determination. + +On reaching the camp, the rescuers were met by a host of Indians, who +were all filled with curiosity regarding the strangers. The white men +looked around them, but no signs could they see of the captives. + +Then Mackintosh recognised a friend in Swift Arrow. + +"Ha, Nitchie!" he exclaimed, holding out his hand for the Indian to +grasp. + +"It is pleasant for the eyes of Swift Arrow to see the Black Bear in the +camp of the Dacotahs," said the redskin as he returned the greeting. + +"And it's good for him to look upon the face o a friend," said the +Scotsman. "I wish to speak with Mighty Hand. Where is he?" + +"The chief of the Dacotahs is here," replied a voice from the crowd, and +the great man himself stepped forward. + +"H'm. That's good. Saves a deal of seeking when folk come of +themselves." Then the speaker launched straight into the subject of +their quest. + +"Now then, Mighty Hand, you and me are old friends, and we can talk +freely. You're wondering the noo what has brought us here, and you may +ken without palaver. We have come for your captives." + +"Captives?" The chief looked puzzled as he repeated the word. + +"Ay, captives," emphasised Mackintosh. "Perhaps you don't know the +meaning of the word." + +"Mighty Hand knows the language of the pale-face. But there are no +captives in the Dacotah camp." + +At this the boys felt their hearts sink. Could it be that, after all, +Mackintosh had been mistaken, or that Red Fox had deluded them? Could it +be that they had come too late? + +But Mackintosh did not share these doubts. He understood the working of +the native mind too well. + +"That is good," he resumed. "If the Dacotahs have no captives, then the +white men are free. They will travel back with me to their camp now!" + +Instantly a stern change came over the face of the chief, and such of +the other Indians as understood English began to murmur with ominous +disapproval. + +"My white brother speak not wise words," said Mighty Hand firmly. "The +fiery totem call that water-spirits suffer. What the totem call must be +answered. Only great medicine can bid the fire sleep now." + +"Idiots! Fools!" exclaimed Mackintosh, for once allowing his irritation +to betray him. "Do you think that we are going to allow our own people +to suffer at the service of a lie? I tell you that we will take those +white men from your hands whether you wish it or not!" + +The Indian was unmoved by the Scotsman's outburst. + +"My white brother speak hot words. It saddens heart of Mighty Hand to +see anger in face of his brother. But he is wrong. The call of the +totem shall be answered when the moon is round--to-night." + +How this strain of argument might have progressed it is hard to say, but +it was cut short by a cry like that of a wild beast, as Thunder-maker +sprang through the crowd, dressed in all the hideous regalia of his +profession. + +"Dogs!" he cried furiously. "Do the pale-faces come to insult the great +chief of Dacotahs and say that the fiery totem lie? Ugh! Spit upon them, +Mighty Hand! Chase these dogs from the camp!" + +Mackintosh had resumed his temper by now, and he turned to greet the +newcomer with a look of feigned amusement. + +"Who's this?" he asked pleasantly. "Is it a monkey that Mighty Hand has +caught to please him, or is it maybe a little dancing-bear tricked out +in feathers for the braves and warriors to laugh at?" + +Thunder-maker well understood the jibe, and he flung himself about with +passion. + +"Ma conscience! Don't go making all that noise," was the quiet reproof. +"And if you'll take my advice, you'll go home and put on warmer +clothes. You've little enough on to keep you cosy when the wind blows +chill." + +Poor Thunder-maker! He had never been treated with such scant respect. +Even the young papooses were putting "tongue in cheek" towards him, and +some of the women could be seen pointing their fingers at his +discomfited self. + +Blind with passion the Indian threw himself upon the Scotsman. Instantly +the boys had their guns ready to protect their friend. But the next +moment they could not have pulled a trigger if it had been necessary to +save their lives thereby, for they and the whole concourse of Indians +were shaking themselves with laughter at what was taking place. + +What was it? + +Well, merely that Thunder-maker had not reckoned with the enormous +strength that was latent in the Scotsman, nor the peculiar sense of his +humour; for, no sooner had the Indian charged, than he found himself +gripped by powerful hands, turned face downwards on a bent knee, and +smacked in good old homely style of punishment, which the medicine man's +scanty attire rendered exceedingly suitable. + +Thunder-maker yelled and kicked, but he was held as if in a vice, while +the slaps rang out in rapid succession and the valley echoed with +laughter. + +At last Mackintosh released the delinquent, and the poor man slunk away +amid jeers and laughter. His day was over, and from that hour our white +friends saw him no more. + +When the hum had subsided, Mackintosh once more appealed to the chief, +but without success. + +"We must obey the totem," was reiterated doggedly, though it was plain +that the chief was sorry to be at enmity with the strangers. + +"But how do you know that you are obeying the totem?" questioned Bob, +who could remain silent no longer. + +At this question Mighty Hand turned to the boy with an indulgent smile. + +"White spirits come from waters that are silver when moon round. By this +we know. But if redmen foolish, totem wise. Totem will not let redmen do +wrong. Totem will appear serpent of fire to warn redmen no' light +flames." + +"We can do nothing more at present," said Mackintosh, as he turned to +the lads. "We'll pitch our camp over yonder and talk things over." + +After the camp was pitched and food partaken, Mackintosh decided to pay +a visit to Swift Arrow, to see if he could not manage to argue that old +man into a state of reason, so as to support another appeal to Mighty +Hand. It had not been considered advisable to press for an interview +with the captives, lest they might be too closely watched, and any +future attempt at rescue be thus frustrated. + +"I'll just go by mysel'," the man explained. "Swift Arrow is an old +friend o' mine, and no' a bad creature in many ways. Haggis is away +cracking with some o' his friends also. You'll not mind being left alone +for a time? I'll no' be long." + +"We don't mind," said Bob. "Anything to see light in this difficulty. +We'll be all right." + +"Very well. I'll be back as soon as I can, and I'll hope to have good +news for you." + +Left to themselves, the lads did not speak much, for their hearts were +very heavy, knowing that if some plan of rescue was not thought of +within a few hours it would be too late. + +For a considerable time they were absolutely silent, lying within the +tent, surrounded by stores and the various tins and boxes of the +naturalist's outfit. + +Then Bob's mind began to wander over all the events that led up to the +present day, and, in wondering at the blind ignorance that could yield +so much to a mere legend, he recalled the chiefs last words-- + +"'The totem will not let the redmen do wrong,'" he quoted mentally. +"Fools! As if a serpent could tell them to do anything in the first +place! How can any reasoning person be so---- Alf!" + +Bob had suddenly sprung to his feet as he uttered the exclamation, and +Holden started to look at his friend, as if he had suddenly lost his +senses. + +"Why, what's the matter, old man?" he exclaimed. "Have you been asleep?" + +"Asleep? No! Never was wider awake in all my life. Why, I've got it. +They are saved! They are saved!" And the boy laughed for very joy at the +thought. + +"What do you mean?" questioned Holden anxiously. It was little wonder +that he believed for the moment that anxiety had brought his chum to a +fever. + +"Mean?" the elder boy echoed. "Simply this--that our fathers shall be +saved, and you and I will do it. It's all so simple. We must have been +fools not to think of it before!" + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +THE FIERY TOTEM + + +The two men--Arnold and Holden--were sitting alone in the teepee that +had been assigned for their use. Neither was speaking, for the day was +drawing to a close, and they were almost hopeless of seeing any avenue +of escape from the fate that the Indian superstition had ordained for +them. + +We said "almost hopeless." Of course it was necessary to make that +proviso, for no one is ever hopeless in extremity, so long as he retains +faith in Providence. But every scheme that they had planned had been +proved void on consideration. Though free to a certain extent, they were +well watched. Escape was impossible, and their only remaining hope was +that when they were led forth for the sacrifice they might be able to +take advantage of some opportunity to make a last stand for freedom. + +"It would not matter so much for ourselves, if it were not for the +boys," Arnold said at last. "Their position is too terrible." + +"Of course they will be able to find their way back to Edmonton, when +they see that there is no hope of our returning----" + +"_No_ hope?" repeated Arnold. "Don't say that. I don't want to give up +hope until the very last moment. Something _may_ turn up, and in any +case I intend to make a good fight for freedom." + +"I suppose I do, too, when I think about it," returned Holden, with a +short forced laugh. "We both mean to kick up a bit of a dust when the +exciting moment comes----" + +"And you may bet it will be exciting for the first redskin who comes +against my fist. I promised myself to have a go at that skunk +Thunder-maker, before I make my bow to the world. But for him, I believe +this trouble would never have gone so far." + +"He certainly did his best to pile it on," agreed the younger man. "I +imagine that he was rather in hot water this morning, for I thought I +heard him yelling. There's no mistaking that harsh voice of his. And +there were sounds, too, for all the world as if some person were +getting a jolly good spanking. You were dozing at the time, so I didn't +disturb you. But I know I nearly waked you with laughing at the thought +of Thunder-maker receiving a good old-fashioned correction." + +"It would take more than that to do him good," said Arnold, with a +frown. "The man is a cheat and a scoundrel of the worst sort. He showed +us what he was worth when he told us, two nights ago, that he had the +tribe by the nose. Even now, after telling us that he knew better, I +suppose he's working up the people for to-night's show." + +Holden grunted contemptuously. + +"He seems bad to the core. In my opinion it has been he who has kept +Mighty Hand away. The chief was ready to reason, but I expect +Thunder-maker's boast that he could lead the tribe was a true one." + +"The old case of kings being ruled by their subjects," commented Arnold. + +After this conversation again flagged. Having little to say of an +encouraging nature, the men deemed that silence was best, and each sat +engrossed with his own thoughts while the daylight waned and the +shadows began to creep over the valley that a joking fate had called +"Pleasant." + +As time went on the Englishmen seemed to become aware of a sort of +disturbance in the camp. Feet were hurrying here and there, and voices +were speaking rapidly in low tones. Now and then, as some one passed the +teepee, the words "fiery totem" could be heard by those within, so +naturally the Englishmen attributed the excitement to matters relating +to the approaching sacrifice. + +But presently the excitement seemed to grow more intense, and the voices +were raised to a higher pitch. + +Unable to restrain curiosity any longer, the men went to look out from +the door of the teepee, and as they reached the opening a strange sight +presented itself before them. + +Gathered in many groups were all the Indians of the tribe, including all +the squaws and papooses, while the tall figure of Mighty Hand could be +seen through the gloaming, standing erect upon a hillock at a little +distance to one side. + +All had their backs turned towards the Englishmen. + +They were facing the towering blackness of a mighty cliff, while with a +sudden wave of silence they stood doubly transfixed, with eyes directed +to one portion of the dark wall, where a sort of light was dimly +glimmering. + +What could it be that had such a power to fascinate the whole tribe? + +The Englishmen looked in the same direction, but the object seemed to be +nothing more than an irregular line of light that might have been some +reflection caused by the setting sun. + +Still all watched in silence. + +And, as the darkness deepened so did the light become clear. From an +irregular line about ten feet long it seemed to take form gradually, +while it undoubtedly intensified in brightness. Clearer and still more +plainly was the outline revealed, until at last--when the sun had quite +vanished--there stood out against the black wall the shape of a snake of +fire, poised in the very act to strike, just as it was outlined on the +breast of Mighty Hand! + +Arnold and Holden were astounded at what they surmised to be some fresh +trick on the part of Thunder-maker, or some special form of the +impending ceremony. And at the same moment a loud cry broke from the +throats of the watching multitude. + +"The fiery totem! The fiery totem!" + +Then the Indians fell face downwards to the ground with fear. + +Surely such a prodigy had never been seen before? + +The sacred totem of the tribe had itself appeared, to warn the Dacotahs +that the fire was not to burn that night; that the two prisoners were +men, not evil spirits. + +While the two men were standing watching the prostrate Indians, three +figures crept round an adjacent tent--two of whom then darted forward, +while the third followed at more dignified leisure. + +"Bob!" + +"Alf!" + +These were the exclamations that burst from the lips of the captives as +two boys launched themselves forward to receiving arms. Then came the +dignified Skipper Mackintosh. + +"You are saved, good sirs," he said, without waiting for an +introduction. "My good phosphorus paint and the brains o' these fine +laddies has called up the fiery totem. I'm thinking that there will be +no sacrifice to superstition the--night, and that you'll a' be on your +way back to Crane Creek the morn." + + * * * * * + +And when next day the time came for departure, and the fathers and sons +had made their arrangements with the good wishes and help of Mighty +Hand, Swift Arrow, and a host of eager redmen, it was Bob who was first +to notice that Skipper Mackintosh and the half-breed seemed in no haste +to accompany the party. + +"Are you not coming with us?" the boy asked. + +The Scot smiled and shook his head. + +"No. I'm thinking to bide here for a few days, to hunt for yon hawk moth +that I told you aboot. Besides, when you're safe out of the way, I mean +to have a serious talk with Mighty Hand and his folk. I wouldn't have +them think that yon was a real fiery serpent. That would be idolatry. We +had to cheat them to save life, but--well, I'll no' leave the Dacotahs +until I've ceevilised them into believin' that the legend of the fiery +totem is false, and that there's better ways o' living than by believin' +such gowk's nonsense." + + THE END + +PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN BY MORRISON AND GIBB LIMITED, EDINBURGH + + + + +[Transcriber's Note: + +The following corrections and changes were made: + +*Passages in italics are indicated by _underscores_. + +*Illustrations have been moved closer to the relevant paragraphs. + +*In the text version, the footnotes have been moved to the end of the +relevant chapter. + +*In the html version, the footnotes have been moved to the end of the +book. + +*p. 30: Added missing period to end of "I guess the best thing we can do +is to turn in" + +*p. 64: Added missing hyphen to "Thunder maker" in "Thus speaking, +Thunder maker dived a hand" + +*p. 218: Added missing period after "returned Holden, with a short +forced laugh"] + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Fiery Totem, by Argyll Saxby + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FIERY TOTEM *** + +***** This file should be named 29686-8.txt or 29686-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/9/6/8/29686/ + +Produced by Larry B. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Fiery Totem + A Tale of Adventure in the Canadian North-West + +Author: Argyll Saxby + +Release Date: August 14, 2009 [EBook #29686] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FIERY TOTEM *** + + + + +Produced by Larry B. Harrison, Delphine Lettau, Suzanne +Shell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<hr style="width: 50%;" /> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> + <a href="images/totem001b.jpg" > + <img src="images/totem001a.jpg" width="240" height="375" alt="Frontiersman and a wolf pack." title="" /></a> + <p class="caption">THEN HE GRIPPED HIS WEAPON BY THE MUZZLE, AND<br /> + SPRANG STRAIGHT FOR THE PACK.<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20.0em;"><i>See page <a href="#Page_173">175</a>.</i></span><br /></p> +</div> + +<hr style="width: 50%;" /> + + +<h1>THE FIERY TOTEM</h1> + +<h2>A TALE OF ADVENTURE IN THE</h2> +<h2>CANADIAN NORTH-WEST</h2> + +<h3>BY</h3> +<h3>ARGYLL SAXBY, M.A., F.R.G.S.</h3> + +<h5>AUTHOR OF</h5> +<h5>"BRAVES, WHITE AND RED" "COMRADES THREE!"</h5> +<h5>"TANGLED TRAILS" ETC. ETC.</h5> + +<h4><i>SECOND IMPRESSION</i></h4> + +<h3>LONDON</h3> +<h3>THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY</h3> +<h4><span class="smcap">4 Bouverie Street and 65 St. Paul's Churchyard</span></h4> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'><small>CHAPTER</small></td><td align='right'><small>PAGE</small></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>I. </td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Perilous Passage</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_4">5</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>II. </td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Deer-Stalking</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_13">14</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>III. </td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Lonely Camp</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_21">22</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>IV. </td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Friends or Foes?</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_32">33</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>V. </td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Lost in the Forest</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_40">41</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>VI. </td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Medicine Man</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_52">53</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>VII. </td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Friend in Need</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_66">67</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>VIII. </td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Night in the Wigwam</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_82">83</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>IX. </td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Temptation</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_95">96</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>X. </td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Death-Trap</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_103">104</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XI. </td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">To the Rescue!</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_114">115</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XII. </td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Crafty Tactics</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_129">130</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XIII. </td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Price of a Robe</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_141">142</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XIV. </td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Battle of Wits</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_150">151</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XV. </td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Off!</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_164">165</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XVI. </td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">A Night's Terror</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_171">172</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XVII. </td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Fate of Red Fox</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_180">181</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XVIII. </td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Hot on the Trail</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_190">191</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XIX. </td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">Thunder-Maker's Downfall</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_204">205</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align='right'>XX. </td><td align='left'><span class="smcap">The Fiery Totem</span></td><td align='right'><a href="#Page_216">217</a></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="THE_FIERY_TOTEM" id="THE_FIERY_TOTEM"></a>THE FIERY TOTEM</h2> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h2>CHAPTER I</h2> +<h3>A PERILOUS PASSAGE</h3> + +<p>"Well, good-bye, boys! You won't go +far from camp before we return, will +you?" The speaker was one of two men seated +in an Indian canoe. He gripped the forward +paddle, while his companion at the stern added +cheerfully—</p> + +<p>"The backwoods is not the City of London. +There are no policemen to appeal to if you lose +your way. Besides, we hope to find dinner waiting +for our return. Hunting lost sons is not the +same sport as hunting moose."</p> + +<p>Both the boys laughed at the elder man's remark, +and one—Bob Arnold by name—answered—</p> + +<p>"Don't worry about us, father. Alf and I +can take care of ourselves for half a day. Can't +we, Alf?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Rather," the younger chum replied. "It's +our respected parents who'll need to take care +of themselves in unknown waters in that cockleshell." +Then he called out merrily, imitating the +tone of the first speaker—his father: "Take +care of yourselves, dads! Remember the Athabasca +River is not Regent Street!"</p> + +<p>"Cheeky youngster!" returned the elder man +banteringly, as he struck the forward paddle into +the water. "There's not much of the invalid +left about you after three months' camping."</p> + +<p>Then with waving hands and pleasant chaffing, +that showed what real good chums the quartette +were, the men struck out for the centre of the +river, leaving their sons watching from the strand +before the camp that was pitched beneath the +shadow of the great pine trees.</p> + +<p>It was a glorious morning—just the right sort +for a hunting-expedition. The air was just chilly +enough to render paddling a welcome exercise, +and just warm enough to allow intervals of +pleasant drifting in the centre of the current +when there were no shoals or driftwood to be +avoided.</p> + +<p>"Yes," remarked Holden, the younger of the +two men, as the rhythm of the dripping paddles<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> +murmured pleasantly with Nature's music heard +from leafy bough and bush; "yes, Alf's a +different boy now. Who would have believed +that these three short months would have changed +a fever-wasted body into such a sturdy frame?"</p> + +<p>"It looks like a miracle," returned the other +man. "It was a great idea, that of a six months' +trapping in the backwoods. When we get back +to England we'll all four look as healthy as +savages. My Bob is the colour of a redskin."</p> + +<p>"It was a great blessing that you were able to +bring him. It wouldn't have been half as enjoyable +for Alf, not having a chum."</p> + +<p>The elder man laughed softly as he turned a +look of good-comradeship towards his companion.</p> + +<p>"That's just as it ought to be, Holden," he +said. "You and I were chums at school, chums +at college, and now chums in business. It's the +right thing that our sons should follow our good +example. At least, that's my opinion."</p> + +<p>"And you know it's mine," was the response. +"But, I say! Do you think we are wise to keep +quite in the centre of the current? It seems to +be driving pretty hard, and we don't know the +course. We might wish to land if we saw rapids."</p> + +<p>"I dare say you are right," replied Arnold.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span> +"We'll steer straight across that bend ahead of +us. After that we can keep well under the +shadow of the willows—or near them. We will +look for a good landing spot and strike inwards. +There ought to be moose or some equally good +sport among those bluffs and clearings."</p> + +<p>It is one thing to make plans; it is quite +another matter to carry them out. Especially +is this the case when strangers are travelling in +strange country.</p> + +<p>Of course the present mode of travel was no +novelty to either of the men. Their youth had +been passed in Western Canada (though not in +the vicinity of the present voyage) before their +parents sent them home to college in England. +But even the hardened voyager knows that +experience does not anticipate all chances, and +this case was no exception to the rule.</p> + +<p>The river was certainly beginning to run at a +pace that was perceptibly swifter than that of the +start when two miles farther up. This did not +give any cause for concern, however, for the ears +of the travellers were prepared for any sound +that indicated rapids, and there was no other +contingency that they felt need to dread.</p> + +<p>At a little distance ahead, the course could be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span> +seen to take a sharp turn to the right, where +the dense growth of beech and towering pines +resembled the portals of a giant gateway; and, +as it neared the opening, the canoe swung round +the curve with the swift flight of a swallow.</p> + +<p>It was a sudden change of pace, due mainly to +the sharpness of the turn. But as soon as the +men fully entered the fresh span of the course +they both started involuntarily, for the banks +were so steep as to prohibit landing, and the +river narrowed towards a second gateway formed +by towering cliffs—steep as a Colorado caņon.</p> + +<p>"Look out!" exclaimed Holden, as he knelt +high and gripped his paddle firmly. "Leave the +steering to me, I can manage better from the +stern. Come back here if you can."</p> + +<p>The canoe had already begun to dance among +foaming crests like an egg-shell.</p> + +<p>Arnold crept towards his companion.</p> + +<p>"Not a pleasant look out!" he remarked, with +a grim smile on his face. "It will be a marvel +if we get through that caņon with dry skins."</p> + +<p>"Dry skins!" laughed Holden. His voice +was laughing, but his eyes were fixed steadily a +few yards in front of the canoe with that firm +gaze of a brave man looking peril straight in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> +face. "Dry skins! It'll be a greater marvel if +we get through it with any skins at all!"</p> + +<p>"We'll have a good try, anyway," responded +Arnold. Then he remarked quaintly: "This is +like old times, isn't it—you and I out in a scrape +together? I hope the Head won't blow us up +for it when we get back to school!"</p> + +<p>The river had now entered the narrow course, +and was rushing on a foaming way with an awesome +roar.</p> + +<p>Now and then the canoe would leap to one side +as a wave hungrily licked her prow; sometimes +she would push her nose into a crest that splashed +the travellers with spray. Fortunately the spring +torrents were over, and danger from drifting logs +was not to be reckoned with, but the possibility +that rocks might be hidden among the white +waves was a reasonable cause for concern—all +the more so, considering that they were +unknown.</p> + +<p>Onwards they dashed at breakneck speed, +while both the men sat grimly silent, prepared to +take bravely whatever fate might be in store for +them. Probably their thoughts were more of +the two boys at the camp than of their present +strait—more engaged with commending their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> +sons to the care of God than speculating as to +the result of this adventure.</p> + +<p>Then, with a suddenness that gave no time for +thought, there was a crash like crackling match-wood—a +rush of water that seemed to crush all +within its embrace. Next moment the two men +were struggling in the stream.</p> + +<p>At that crisis, Arnold's first thought was for +his friend—just as it had always been since he +fought his chum's first battles at school.</p> + +<p>He grabbed wildly, and held on to something +that he afterwards found to be his friend's jacket.</p> + +<p>"Are you all right?" he yelled above the din +of the waters, as both men reached the surface.</p> + +<p>"A1 at Lloyd's!" came the cheerful reply—undaunted +even in extremity.</p> + +<p>"That's good. We'll weather this yet. Hang +on to my coat, and we'll keep together!"</p> + +<p>Being expert swimmers, there was little cause +for fear so long as the current passed clear of +obstacles, and the men had little to do but keep +a suitable position, for the force of the water bore +them well on the surface. But the chief danger +was from undercurrents and whirlpools, and as +the boundaries of the river rapidly narrowed this +risk became more serious every moment.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p> + +<p>As they rushed onwards, so the two walls of +the caņon came nearer—shutting out the light +until the scene resembled the gloomy depths of +a seething cauldron.</p> + +<p>Closer and closer came the walls; swifter and +swifter rushed the water.</p> + +<p>Now the limits were so narrow that the river +was but a smooth riband darting between walls +worn glassy by the wear of countless ages.</p> + +<p>The friends came so close that they touched +one another's shoulders.</p> + +<p>That was one moment.</p> + +<p>The next instant each felt himself shot forward +through a narrow opening like a cork that is +volleyed from a bottle; and when the men came +to realise their position, they found themselves +floating on the surface of a placid lake into which +the caņon poured its flood.</p> + +<p>They looked at one another. The adventure +had parted them, but Arnold laughingly held up +a portion of Holden's coat as a banner to signal +his position.</p> + +<p>"Our same old luck!" exclaimed Holden, +laughing.</p> + +<p>"It'll cost you a new coat!" returned Arnold +with equal cheer.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p> + +<p>It was perhaps a hundred yards to the nearest +shore, so the men immediately started in that +direction. Both were considerably exhausted +by the experiences through which they had +providentially passed without serious injury, and +consequently the progress was slow.</p> + +<p>But at last they reached the bank, where the +red and grey willows bent their long strands in +a tangled trellis.</p> + +<p>Knee deep in the mud, the men stood upright, +to clear the way to freedom. But, as they parted +the nearest branches, a number of arms were +suddenly forced through the scrub; a number of +hands gripped them with irresistible strength; +and before they could realise what had happened +they were rudely dragged up the bank of the lake.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER II</h2> +<h3>DEER-STALKING</h3> + + +<p>The boys did not find that time hung heavily +on their hands when left to their own +devices.</p> + +<p>The two tents that marked the camp at Crane +Creek were pitched on a grassy slope that led +down to the Athabasca's dancing waters. This +had been their camp-ground for several days +after a desultory hunting pilgrimage from Loon +Portage—the last town where they had left railways +and civilisation. Having penetrated northwards +into a region that was apparently remote +from attacks of the plough and beyond the sound +of the rancher's whoop, it was determined to make +this a headquarters for a couple of months or so. +Sport in much variety had already been found. +Moose-tracks had been seen in the vicinity, and +it had been with the hope of practically substantiating +the discovery that the two elders had +started off that morning.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span></p> + +<p>The boys' first consideration was that of dinner.</p> + +<p>"Let's go into the woods and see what we can +find!" Bob Arnold suggested to his chum, after +they had watched the canoe disappear round a +bend of the river. "There's only the carcase of +a prairie chicken left in the larder. That won't +be much to satisfy our paters when they come +back."</p> + +<p>"And we'll want to tackle a small morsel ourselves," +added Holden. "I've never had such an +appetite in my life until I came West. There's +something inside me that is always calling out: +'Grub! Grub! Give me grub!'" And the boy +sniffed the pine-scented air with relish, as a hungry +street gamin sniffs the fragrance of a cook-shop.</p> + +<p>Bob laughed as he strolled back to the tents +and stuck a tin dipper into a wooden pail near by +for a draught of cold water that had lately been +taken from a moss-bordered spring.</p> + +<p>"You're a freak of Nature; that's what you +are, Alf. Two months ago you were as thin and +white as a sheet of paper, and even Saturday's +school resurrection-pie failed to tempt you. Now +you are the colour of a redskin, and nothing is +safe from your teeth!"</p> + +<p>"I'll not deny that I'm sometimes a bit peckish,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> +returned the younger boy, entering one of the +tents and filling a cartridge belt, which he +proceeded to buckle round his waist. Then he +remarked with twinkling eyes: "Say! Mustn't +the fellows at St. Wenford's be green with envy +if they think of themselves swotting away in class +while we're having the time of our lives in the +backwoods? They'll all be back by this time, +for the school was only to be closed for seven +weeks, the doctor said. Lucky thing fever is—in +some ways."</p> + +<p>"In some ways—perhaps," repeated Bob in an +undertone that had much seriousness in it, as he +followed his friend's example in preparing for the +hunt. "But it didn't seem very lucky—to me—when—when +your dad was sent for, post-haste, +that night. It didn't seem the best of luck then—to +me, I mean."</p> + +<p>"Nor to me," added Alf with equal seriousness. +Both boys sighed at the memory, and then the +younger resumed light-heartedly: "I tell you +what it was, Bob, I was thoroughly riled with +that fever. We always meant to be chums for +the rest of our lives, just like our dads; and it +put my back up to find the fever trying to upset +our plans. That's what did it. Once I got the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> +spirit of fight into me, I knocked the stuffing out +of the old fever!"</p> + +<p>"That you did!" laughed Arnold. "The +doctors said they never saw anything like your +recovery, once you set to work. Well, I'm fixed +up for shooting. Are you all right? Better +take hunting-knives. They come in handy."</p> + +<p>"And a repeating rifle, in case of big game. +One will be enough; we can take turns in +carrying it."</p> + +<p>"All aboard. I'll just see that the camp-fire +is properly stamped out, and then we'll set off."</p> + +<p>In a short time all preparations were completed, +and the two boys were ready to enjoy a morning's +adventure in any form that it chose to offer.</p> + +<p>Having hopes that something bigger than +duck or chicken might reward their efforts, the +chums immediately struck inwards through the +bush, following an old trail from a buffalo wallow +that was the ancient path of those bovines when +they sought water to drink or mud to wallow in +when the mosquitoes were troublesome.</p> + +<p>Beyond chipmunks, gophers, and a single +jack-rabbit (the latter falling to Bob's gun), +nothing was met to tempt powder for some time. +Then they reached a large "slough" that in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> +early spring would be a small lake, though now +it was filled with long blue grass and wild +lavender. Here the boys paused as they examined +the clearing.</p> + +<p>"It's a likely-looking place for rattlesnakes," +Bob remarked. "It hardly seems probable +that—— What's that?—Over there in the centre?" +The speaker's voice had suddenly dropped to an +excited undertone as he pointed to a couple of +small dark marks that peeped above long grass +and might have been the ends of a broken +branch.</p> + +<p>Alf stared keenly for a few moments.</p> + +<p>"I thought I saw them move——"</p> + +<p>"So did I. Wait a minute and we'll make +sure."</p> + +<p>Keeping as still as statues, the boys waited +in silence with both pairs of eyes steadily fixed +upon the dark objects, and the pulses of each +gave a sudden jump, for then the points moved +and sank among the long grass.</p> + +<p>"Antelope! Those are horns!" decided Alf, +to which Bob returned, with a sly dig at his +chum's ribs—</p> + +<p>"'Horns?' <i>Antlers</i>, you old duffer! We're +not hunting cows!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Same thing," was the retort. "Horns or +antlers both mean deer in these parts." Next +the boy gave a slight start. "Say! I thought +I heard the branches moving above my head!"</p> + +<p>The young hunters turned to look upwards +among the dense leaves of a gigantic maple tree +whose lower branches were matted with twining +convolvulus and other wild creepers.</p> + +<p>"A bird or a chipmunk," was Bob's decision. +"In any case, whatever it is, this antelope +comes first. We are both at windward, though I +guess he hasn't scented us yet on account of the +long grass. But I think it would be better if we +got round to the lee-side and waited for him to +rise."</p> + +<p>"How would it be if I were to stay here, in +case he comes this way?" Alf suggested. "You +could take the rifle——"</p> + +<p>"A good idea. No, you keep the rifle," +amended Bob, falling in with the suggestion. "If +I get to lee, I'll be near enough to do damage +with the breech-loader. If I fail, you'll have the +longer sight with the rifle."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Holden. "I'll wait just where +I am behind this red willow. I'll not fire until +I'm certain that your gun is out of it."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Good. I'm off," responded Bob, and immediately +he started a cautious creeping journey +in the shelter of the bush, in hopes of reaching +the lee-side of the slough without attracting the +attention of the animal that was apparently resting +in innocent bliss among the cool blue grass.</p> + +<p>During his silent guard Alf a second time +thought that he heard a rustling above his head. +But, following former experience, he thought +that the sound was due to nothing more than a +flying squirrel at the most, and he did not allow +his eyes to be diverted from the spot where the +signs of the antelope had last been seen.</p> + +<p>By and by he at last caught sight of his chum. +Bob had reached the farther end of the oval +slough, and had risen to show himself. He +waved his arm to announce his position before +creeping down to the grass. Holden answered +the signal, and rose to be ready for emergencies. +But, as he moved his right foot, he stepped upon +something soft, whereupon he was startled by a +cry like that of a kitten. He gave a swift glance +downwards, and saw that he had inadvertently +trodden on something small and furry which was +now expressing pain by means of shrill infantile +wails.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> + +<p>But his attention was immediately diverted by +the sight of a dark body starting up from the +long grass in the slough. At the same instant +he heard the sharp crack of Arnold's gun. Alf +darted the butt of his rifle to his shoulder, to be +in readiness for an emergency shot; but, before +the position was attained, something launched +down upon him from the trees—bearing him +forwards into the willow bush, while the forest +echoed with the snarls of an infuriated wild +beast.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER III</h2> +<h3>THE LONELY CAMP</h3> + +<p>A lynx may be only a cat, but a cat that is +the size of a young tiger, with all a tiger's +ferocity, is no pleasant opponent at any time. +Add to naturally aggressive tendencies the fact +that her baby has cried out in pain, and you have +an angry mother-fiend that takes a deal of seeking +to find her equal in fierceness.</p> + +<p>In this case the lynx had been watching the +young hunters with one eye for some time from +her shelter among the leaves of the overhanging +maple. She had been keeping the other eye +upon her offspring, having an idea that the +humans might endanger its safety; and, when +she heard the cry of pain, she simply dropped +from her branch right upon Holden's back, fixing +her claws in his coat and snapping furiously at +his neck.</p> + +<p>Luckily the boy's hunting-coat was of tough<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> +buckskin, and when the lynx set her teeth in +the collar she imagined that she was wreaking +vengeance upon flesh and blood. And the sound +she made was enough to chill the marrow.</p> + +<p>Arnold had heard the scream and his chum's +cry of surprise at the sudden assault. But he did +not understand it at first. He surmised vaguely +that it was nothing more than sympathetic +rejoicing at his successful shot that had toppled +a fine buck antelope in the grass.</p> + +<p>However, second thoughts quickly dispelled +the first surmise, for he heard Holden calling +upon him in evident trouble.</p> + +<p>"Bob! Come quickly! There's something +on my back, and I can't get at it!"</p> + +<p>Bob dashed into the long grass as the shortest +route. But before he had crossed the slough +Alf had managed to free himself from one sleeve +of his coat, and had got the lynx beneath him.</p> + +<p>Now it was a hand-to-hand fight. The claws +of the animal seemed to be everywhere. They +struck with lightning swiftness, and the teeth +snapped like steel gins. In fact, the boy's +opponent was simply a mass of fur and claws—nothing +that could be gripped, but everything +that could wound.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Don't shoot!" exclaimed Alf, as his friend +appeared with gun half raised in his hands. +"You can't get a clean shot at her—ugh! the +brute! She's clawed my shoulder!"</p> + +<p>It was a fierce struggle while it lasted.</p> + +<p>Hot and panting, Alf fought to get a grip of +the creature's throat. She, on her part, seemed +to divine his purpose, and battled successfully to +prevent him.</p> + +<p>The combatants rolled over. The lynx was +uppermost, and she made a vicious snap at the +boy's face. But the quick head-turn of a trained +boxer avoided that snap, and the sharp white +teeth met in the lad's coat collar, slightly grazing +his neck.</p> + +<p>Alf gave a cry of pain.</p> + +<p>That was too much for Bob, who snatched his +hunting-knife from its sheath, and threw himself +upon the enemy.</p> + +<p>One plunge of the blade in the animal's side +made it yell like a thing possessed. Then Bob +dug his thumbs into the lynx's neck and pressed +his fingers into its throat, pulling towards him +with all his might, to drag the animal from his +friend.</p> + +<p>The knife was still sticking in the wound, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> +as the lynx felt another enemy above her, she +momentarily turned her attention to the one +above, while she struck with her claws to deliver +herself from the fingers that were choking her.</p> + +<p>That was Alf's chance. He plucked at the +hunting-knife, and plunged it into the wild animal +with three rapid thrusts.</p> + +<p>Then followed another scream more wild and +blood-curdling than the rest. It was a death-cry; +for in a moment more Bob stood up, holding a +limp body by the neck.</p> + +<p>Holden slowly rose from his bed of broken +willows, and he grinned as he regarded his clothes—especially +the jacket, that hung from his left +arm like the evening dress of a Weary Willie.</p> + +<p>"Rather the worse for wear and tear!" he +remarked with comical ruefulness.</p> + +<p>"Which? The clothes or yourself?" questioned +Bob, as he threw the lynx's carcase to one +side.</p> + +<p>"I guess it's the clothes more than anything +else. There's a lot of blood about, but that's +the lynx's more than mine."</p> + +<p>In truth the lad was a strange spectacle, for +hardly an inch of his clothes had not been visited +by claws or teeth. The boy himself was covered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> +with dust and dirt, while crimson patches of blood +completed a picture that was both humorous and +pathetic.</p> + +<p>Fortunately, both the boys were able to look +at the matter from the former point of view. +Physical damage was not severe. There was a +scratch on Alf's shoulder. Arnold examined it +carefully, but decided that no danger was likely +to follow, since the claws had passed through the +leather jacket before touching the flesh. As a +precaution against blood-poisoning, he insisted +upon sucking the wound, after which he bound it +with a handkerchief.</p> + +<p>"That will be all right, I expect," he said, as +the operation was completed. "I don't think we +need worry about the other scratches."</p> + +<p>"There would have been more—worse ones, +probably—if you hadn't turned up," said Alf. "I +couldn't get at the beast any way. She seemed +to have claws like a porcupine's quills."</p> + +<p>"And she knew jolly well how to use them. +Do you think she's worth skinning?"</p> + +<p>The dead lynx was examined.</p> + +<p>"I don't think the hide is worth the trouble," +commented Holden. "It's a bit ragged in any +case, and the hunting-knife did not improve it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> +But I'll take the tail as a memento. What about +the antelope?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I got him all right. He's lying somewhere +in the grass."</p> + +<p>"Good!" exclaimed Alf delightedly. He +had soon recovered from the exhaustion of the +fight. "That will surprise the paters when they +return to grub. And say! I'm as hungry as a +hawk. Let's get back to camp. It must be +getting on for noon by this time."</p> + +<p>"Half-past ten. That's all," remarked Bob, as +he looked at his watch. "Time drags when the +appetite's healthy. I vote we leave the antelope +where it is for the present, and shoot a few +chicken for dinner. It would be a pity for us to +try skinning the animal. We might spoil it altogether. +I dare say father will do it for us afterwards."</p> + +<p>"What about wolves?" questioned Alf.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I hadn't thought of them. But I don't +think there's much chance of wolves coming +in the daytime. It would be safe enough until +night."</p> + +<p>"Right you are," agreed Alf. "First for the +tail of my lynx, and then a bee-line for the camp."</p> + +<p>Retracing their path by the buffalo trail, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> +boys were soon on the home journey again. +Five prairie chicken were bagged on the way, +and soon the hunters were once more at the +camp-ground.</p> + +<p>Of course Holden's first move was to strip, +plunge into the river, and then robe himself in +garments that were less like a rag-picker's bundle. +Meantime, Arnold set to work lighting a fire and +preparing the chicken for roasting on wooden +spits, as their camping experience had taught +them.</p> + +<p>By midday the meal was in readiness. The +birds were cooked, "biscuits" were baked in the +camp-oven, the fragrant smell of coffee was issuing +from a billy-tin, and all preparations completed to +welcome the elder hunters.</p> + +<p>But time went past, and there was no sign of +a canoe on the river.</p> + +<p>"I wonder if they have missed their way?" +remarked Alf, to whom the waiting was a trial, +considering inside calls and tempting odours.</p> + +<p>"I don't think that's likely," said Bob. "Your +dad and mine are both old backwoodsmen. I'm +beginning to think something has happened——"</p> + +<p>"An accident?"</p> + +<p>"Possibly. But of course we can't tell. But<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> +it isn't like them to be late when they promised +to be back by noon."</p> + +<p>"But then, if an accident has happened to one, +the other could always come back and let us +know," Alf answered; and his chum returned—</p> + +<p>"That's just what I've been thinking. I don't +want to frighten you, old man, but I can't help +thinking that something has gone wrong with +both."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps it's the canoe. It might have got +damaged. They were exploring new water, you +know."</p> + +<p>Bob nodded.</p> + +<p>"As likely as not. In that case they'll come +back by land, and that would take some time, as, +of course, they would go much quicker by water. +We'll wait a little longer, and if they don't arrive +we'd better have our grub. They'll turn up later."</p> + +<p>The boys waited as patiently as possible, but +ultimately, with no sign of the travellers, they +were obliged to dine alone; though the meal was +not eaten with customary cheerfulness, for both +the boys shared forebodings of troubles to come.</p> + +<p>The day wore on, and still no signs of the +wanderers, while the anxiety of the boys rapidly +increased. And when night came, without bringing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> +any news to allay concern, they then began +to decide that some serious accident must have +taken place.</p> + +<p>Until late into the hours of darkness the two +lads sat by the camp-fire, starting hopefully at +each sound from the forest or river—ready to +believe that any whisper of Nature must be the +sound of a reassuring messenger.</p> + +<p>How different it was from their usual little +camp-fire gatherings! At such times they were +wont to loll about while reciting the many incidents +of the day just gone, and planning fresh +exploits for the morrow. Even last night they +had thus sat and planned the expedition that had +ended in adding a heavier gloom to the night.</p> + +<p>The fire-flies flickered their tiny lamps, the +night-hawks shrieked as they swooped from the +heavens, the owls hooted their dismal cries, and +the wolves wailed in the distance as they fought +over the remains of the antelope that had been +left to them.</p> + +<p>It must have been near midnight when Bob +broke an unusually long spell of silence.</p> + +<p>"Well, old boy," he said, with forced brightness, +"I guess the best thing we can do is to turn in. +They won't be back to-night, that's certain."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yet—one might come. I wouldn't like to be +asleep if—if there was any call, you know."</p> + +<p>"Then we'll take it turn about—two hours +asleep, two hours watch," was the elder boy's +practical suggestion. "Besides, very likely we +are worrying ourselves without need. Anything +may have happened to keep them from returning—not +even an accident, as we've been +supposing. One never knows what may take +place in the backwoods, and—and perhaps they +were forced to wait till morning."</p> + +<p>Bob knew, and Alf knew as well, that it was +but a plucky attempt to look at fears in the best +light—an effort to convince both against their +conviction that their evil forebodings were +groundless.</p> + +<p>But Alf was not easily convinced.</p> + +<p>"I am sure that nothing except accident could +have happened to prevent at least your father or +mine from returning to camp. They would know +that we should be worried. And no matter how +far they went by canoe in the morning, there has +been plenty of time to walk the distance. I can't +help thinking that they came upon tracks of the +moose, as they wanted, and——"</p> + +<p>"Hush," interrupted Bob kindly. "Don't let<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> +your imagination run away with you like that, +old man. Besides, you know what good shots +both our fathers are. They know the ways of +most big game. No; I can't think that you are +right. Such an accident <i>might</i> happen to one—even +the finest trapper; but, to both—believe +me, it's out of the question. Now, turn in like a +good chap. I'll take first watch."</p> + +<p>"You'll wake me as soon as the two hours are +up?" pressed Alf, reluctant to leave the watch +when he might have first sign of news.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I'll waken you. Don't worry about that. +You are tired as a dog as it is—what with fighting +lynxes and other excitements. In two hours +you'll find that I'll be too ready for sleep to let +you doze a second over time."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2> +<h3>FRIENDS OR FOES?</h3> + +<p>So sudden had been the attack when the two +men were snatched from the waters of +the treacherous Athabasca, that they were too +confused to realise what was taking place. No +signs of any prowlers had been previously +evident, though possibly the fact that danger +from that quarter was unconsidered might have +secluded what would have been discernible by +suspicious eyes.</p> + +<p>Moreover, the men were so exhausted by the +adventures through which they had just passed +that they were only able to offer feeble resistance, +and, by the time their scattered faculties were +collected, they found themselves lying bound in +the centre of a chattering throng of Indians.</p> + +<p>Such conduct was certainly surprising in these +days, when the redmen are a peaceable people +who have learned to regard the pale-faces as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> +well-meaning friends, and have long since buried +the hatchet of tribal feuds.</p> + +<p>"What on earth can be the meaning of this?" +Arnold questioned of his companion, who lay at +his side.</p> + +<p>"It's certainly extraordinary," the other man +said. "Yet they don't seem particularly aggressive."</p> + +<p>"No. They offered no indignities, such as +would have been our fortune in olden days. But +did you notice how that old warrior examined the +knots himself? He seems to be a sort of head-man. +I can remember a smattering of a few +dialects, and I am sure I heard him say to the +braves: 'Not too tight. Do not hurt the pale-faces, +but keep them firm.'"</p> + +<p>"It's certainly mysterious," said Holden. +"Perhaps we have arrived in the middle of some +sacred feast. Or perhaps we've come upon them +when they were about to carry out some form of +lawlessness."</p> + +<p>Arnold shook his head decidedly.</p> + +<p>"No. There are no signs of feasts. As for +the latter, these are Dacotahs—one of the most +law-abiding tribes. We'll have to look further +than that for an explanation. Of this I am<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> +certain: we are in no immediate danger. That +they are chattering about us is evident from +these side-glances; but there is nothing hostile +in the looks."</p> + +<p>"More like awe than hostility."</p> + +<p>"Just what I was thinking. But see! That +old warrior is coming our way again. We'll +learn something this time, perhaps."</p> + +<p>As Arnold spoke, an old Indian was seen to +step from the chattering crowd. He was tall, +well built, and still a fine specimen of manhood, +though his face bore traces of many +years.</p> + +<p>That he received the homage due to rank as +well as to years was made plain by the respectful +way that a path was cleared, so that he might +pass through the group of twenty or thirty +redskins. He carried himself with the air of one +who commands respect as his right.</p> + +<p>All the same, though there was no hesitation +in the steady stride with which the Indian +approached the captives, nor in the stern set of +his face, there was something in his eyes that +indicated awe in the heart. The other Indians +barely attempted to conceal their feelings. +Throughout there was the expression that seemed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> +to say (to put it in plain English): "Plucky +of you, old chap. But better you than me!"</p> + +<p>Reaching the Englishmen, who were bound +hands and legs, so that they were unable to adopt +any position unaided except sitting or lying +down, the old warrior stopped at a couple of +yards' distance.</p> + +<p>Drawing his blanket tightly round his figure, +he folded his arms and thus addressed the +strangers in excellent English—</p> + +<p>"The tomahawk has been buried between the +pale-faces and the redman for countless suns, and +for many suns their hands have met as the hands +of brothers. And the heart of Swift Arrow is +sore within him this day, for the hands of the +Dacotahs have been raised in their might against +those whose faces shine as those of our pale-face +brothers."</p> + +<p>The old man paused, and Arnold jerked in—</p> + +<p>"Then why on earth raise them? We did not +bid you truss us up with these rawhide thongs?"</p> + +<p>The Indian shook his head.</p> + +<p>"The ears of Swift Arrow are old. They +understand not as when he was a brave."</p> + +<p>"Your idiom is too much for him, old man," +said Holden quietly. "Try him with something<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> +easier. Better not let him know that we can +speak Indian, though. It might be to our advantage +later to know without being known."</p> + +<p>"Quite right," answered the elder man. Then +he addressed the Indian again.</p> + +<p>"We would ask, O Swift Arrow, for what +good purpose your braves have bound us. We +have been in peril from the waters; we seek the +friendship of your land. Is this the way the +Dacotahs treat their white brothers when they +seek the friendship of your shores?"</p> + +<p>The Indian felt the reproach, and his eyes fell +for a moment with shame.</p> + +<p>"The pale-face speaks words that go right into +the heart like burning arrows. But Swift Arrow +knows well that all things must be fulfilled. The +sun must come and the darkness follow. Then +darkness come, and after—the sun again. All +things must be as Manito<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> will."</p> + +<p>The Englishmen looked at one another with +puzzled expressions.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what he means by that?" questioned +Holden. "'All things must be fulfilled.' What +can that have to do with us?"</p> + +<p>The Indian heard the question and understood.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p> + +<p>"All things must be as Manito will," he +repeated; and Arnold, catching swiftly at the +words, demanded sharply—</p> + +<p>"Is it willed that we be bound, as the Dacotahs +of old bound their captives for burning?"</p> + +<p>This was evidently a point of view that had +not occurred to the redskin, for he was at a loss +for an immediate reply. He looked first at one +man and then at the other, after which he repeated +half aloud, half to himself, as if he were conning +the exact meaning of the words—</p> + +<p>"<i>When the moon is round, and they rise out of +the silver waters—— </i>"</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes!" interrupted Arnold, and speaking +at guesswork. "That is true. We know that—'out +of silver waters'—but is anything said about +bonds?"</p> + +<p>The old man shook his head. He was deeply +puzzled.</p> + +<p>"The pale-face speaks true, and it may be that +the redman is wrong. There are many trails, +but only one that leads to good hunting-ground. +How shall the redman's eyes see right?"</p> + +<p>Then Arnold assumed an air of indifference +as he remarked carelessly, though not without a +certain sneer in his tone<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>—</p> + +<p>"Does Swift Arrow ask a question of his +white brothers, or does he talk as old squaws +chatter—foolish words like running water? We +could tell him much, but it is well to know with +whom one speaks. Words may be wasted as +rain upon rocks."</p> + +<p>"Let the pale-face speak," returned the Indian +with dignity, though it was plain that he was +moved by the sneering tones.</p> + +<p>"Then listen. We who came 'out of the silver +waters,' as you put it, can tell you much. But +how can we speak in bonds? The pale-face is +a chief. He will not speak as a slave to his +master."</p> + +<p>But the old man shook his head.</p> + +<p>"It cannot be so, lest you return to the waters +from whence you came——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's it, is it?" exclaimed Arnold, with +sudden enlightenment. "If that's all, it's easily +settled. Look here—you know that when a pale-face +says he will do a thing he will surely do it?"</p> + +<p>"My white brother's word is ever truth."</p> + +<p>"And when we say we will not do a thing, +you know that we will keep our promise?"</p> + +<p>The Indian bowed assent.</p> + +<p>"Well, look here! If you will remove these<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> +cords, my friend and I will promise not to fight +and not to run away without telling you first that +we intend to do so. We will go with you where +you will. We are not foxes to hide behind +bushes; we are no half-breeds to hide behind +forked words. I have spoken."</p> + +<p>The old man was immediately impressed by +this view of the situation. He retired for a few +minutes to consult with his friends, and afterwards +solemnly returned, accompanied by a couple +of young men.</p> + +<p>"My white brother has spoken well," he said. +"The redman will take the word of his white +brother." Then he turned to the braves, gave +a brief order in Indian, and the next moment +Arnold and Holden stood up free.</p> + +<p>"What next, I wonder?" questioned the latter, +as he looked inquiringly at Swift Arrow.</p> + +<p>He was not kept long in doubt, for the old +man called the Indians together, signing to the +Englishmen to take places in the centre of the +group. Afterwards the company started on a +trail that led away from the lake through the +woods to the north-east.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER V</h2> +<h3>LOST IN THE FOREST</h3> + +<p>Morning came, but it brought no news +of the absent men. There now seemed +to be no possible doubt that some accident of a +serious nature had overtaken both, and the boys +were at their wits' end to know what steps to take.</p> + +<p>There had been but one canoe for the outing, +so it was not possible to follow up the river course +in pursuit of explanation. The only course was +to take the journey on foot. That would be a +tedious process, seeing that the river twined in +some parts like a corkscrew. Two or three miles +might be walked, and yet only half the distance +might be covered as the crow flies. However, +there seemed nothing else to be done. It was +impossible to remain idly at the camp waiting for +what might turn up. Meantime, their services +might be urgently needed, and delay might only +increase the necessity.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I vote we pack up our outfit in the tents and +set off on the chance of finding their tracks," said +Bob. "We can take a good supply of cartridges +with us, in case we are delayed and need to forage +for food."</p> + +<p>"It's my opinion that we may have to go +a good long way," was Holden's view. "It +would be as well to take a small axe and one or +two things for possible camping. A pannikin +would be useful——"</p> + +<p>"And a small coil of rope. You can never go +far in the bush without finding a use for rope."</p> + +<p>"But suppose they come back in our absence?"</p> + +<p>"Ah, that's well thought of," Arnold agreed. +"It might mean starting out to hunt for us. +We'll leave a note explaining things."</p> + +<p>As soon as breakfast was over, the boys made +their preparations for departure. They filled +knapsacks with such supplies as they deemed +necessary to meet the circumstances and possible +emergencies. They packed away the loose +articles of the camp outfit, and pinned a note +against the flap of the tent to explain the cause +of their absence to any person who might reach +the ground before their return. Then they set +out bravely on their quest.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p> + +<p>It was their first intention to follow the course +of the river, even though their journey might be +considerably lengthened thereby. But very soon +it was found that such tactics were, in the main, impracticable. +In some parts the banks were steep +and rocky; in others they were so thickly clothed +with bush that a pathway was only possible after +the axe had cut its way. The latter was +particularly the case when a certain great bend +of the Athabasca was reached, so the chums +determined to attempt a short cut across the loop +by plunging straight through the forest.</p> + +<p>"It seems easy enough," Alf had said. "We +are going about due north, I think. The bend +goes due west, but as the main part of the river +flows north according to the map, if we go straight +on we are bound to strike the water again."</p> + +<p>"Right, old man," responded Bob. "In any +case, the paters could not be so near home, or +they would have had plenty of time to get back, +even by crawling. So it would be almost wasting +energy to trudge so far out of the way."</p> + +<p>It is one thing to say "go north," it is quite +another matter to hold a steady course in a +forest. The Indian can do it; likewise the +trapper. They know the signs of the compass<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> +such as Nature has provided for them. They +know on which side of the trees certain moss is +to be found, and they know the signs that the +blizzard wind leaves behind it when it has passed +on its way from arctic zones. To such as have +been initiated into the higher mysteries of woodcraft +from their earliest years, a due course to any +set point of the compass is second nature. But +those who are unlearned in the art soon find out +their mistake when they put their inexperience +into practice. The sun is a pointing finger to +the craftsman—a disastrous lure to the ignorant.</p> + +<p>Bob and Alf pursued their way pluckily. +Determined to keep a steady course, the tomahawk +had to be requisitioned at frequent intervals +in order to clear a passage through the thorns and +binding creepers that impeded the way.</p> + +<p>At any other time the adventure would have +been one of sheer delight, for who would not +have enjoyed exploring unknown land—probably +land, too, where only the Indian's foot and the +feet of the wild creatures of the forest had ever +pressed?</p> + +<p>Once or twice the boys saw the great velvet +eyes of an antelope peeping at them through a +screen of maple leaves. Again the scrub would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> +rustle, as a fox crouched down to hide his skulking +body from the strangers' sight. The cat-birds +were calling their sad messages to each other +among the maple leaves, and lively little chipmunks +would utter their shrill piping sounds of +warning to their friends as they started before +the advance of the young explorers. Yes, it was +an experience to fill the heart with joy when any +ordinary call inspired the venture spirit.</p> + +<p>On this occasion, however, neither of the boys +had eyes for such pleasant sights, or ears for such +sounds as are the delight of the trapper's life. +Their minds were too full of anxiety to permit +room for ordinary enjoyment, and they hardly +spoke as they pressed forward in single file.</p> + +<p>In this way they continued for two hours or +more. At intervals they would take it in turn to +act as leader and handle the axe; but they did +not allow a pause in the pushing forward, until at +last Bob called a halt, feeling that a rest had +been earned.</p> + +<p>"We ought to be getting near the river again +by this time," he remarked.</p> + +<p>"That's what I've been thinking," said Alf. +"You see, it was such a sharp westward turn +that the river took after we crossed the ford, that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> +I don't think we can be far off now. It must +come round to the east again."</p> + +<p>"Yet there's no sound of it——"</p> + +<p>"That is what's puzzling me. We've covered +a couple of miles at the least."</p> + +<p>"And done enough work for four," added Bob. +"However, let's get to work again. The sooner +there, the sooner this job will be over."</p> + +<p>"Thank goodness it looks pretty clear ahead +now—more pine trees and less of the beastly +scrub," said Holden.</p> + +<p>Once more the boys pressed forward; but, +although they continued the march for quite +another hour, apparently they were as far off as +ever from the river, for they neither sighted +water nor came within hearing distance of the +object of their search.</p> + +<p>Again they stopped and faced one another with +perplexed expressions.</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you what it is, old man—we've missed +the way," said Alf.</p> + +<p>But Bob was never ready to admit defeat of +any sort.</p> + +<p>"Nonsense," he said. "We've kept a fairly +straight course."</p> + +<p>"Or thought we have. To my mind, if we'd<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> +kept straight on we ought to have reached the +river by this time. As it is, there is no sign +of it."</p> + +<p>"That's true. Except for being free from the +brushwood, we might almost be where we started. +It looks much the same—no slope or any other +sign to suggest that we are nearer to the water."</p> + +<p>"What's to be done?"</p> + +<p>"I see nothing for it but to go back again and +follow the river, as we were doing in the first +place. We were fools to think of taking short +cuts. The other way may have seemed longer, +but it would have been a deal shorter in the long-run."</p> + +<p>Both the boys were feeling rather fagged by +this time, for their trudge had been of an exceptionally +fatiguing nature. But each kept the +thought to himself, and cheerfully stepped out +with the intention of retracing his steps. It was +a disappointment and irksome enough; yet there +was no help for it, and the situation had to be +faced pluckily.</p> + +<p>But all the best intentions seemed to go wrong +that day, and it did not take an hour's marching +before Bob stopped and turned to his chum with +a crestfallen countenance.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Look here, old man, I don't know what +you're thinking, but my own opinion is——"</p> + +<p>"That we've missed the path; that we are +lost——"</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid that is the truth of it. You see, +we've never come to any of the places that we +had to clear with the tomahawk."</p> + +<p>"Then what's to be done?" Alf questioned.</p> + +<p>Arnold took out his watch and looked at it.</p> + +<p>"What's to be done? Grub. That's the first +thing. After that we can make fresh plans. It's +noon now, and we can do nothing while we're +hungry. Besides—well, to tell the truth, I'm +feeling a little tired."</p> + +<p>"I, too," responded Alf, with a faint smile. +"I didn't want to say so while I thought you +wished to go on——"</p> + +<p>"Just my own idea," Bob returned, with a +slight laugh, as he lowered himself to a soft place +under the shadow of a large maple. "So we'll +rest here and have a bite. We'll feel better +afterwards."</p> + +<p>The little camp was made, and a meal was +enjoyed from the contents of Bob's haversack—biscuits +and cold venison. Neither of the lads +thought it was worth while to trouble about<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> +shooting and cooking a meal just then. They +would reserve that till night, in the event of their +not being able to find Crane Creek again.</p> + +<p>After a considerable rest, the march was +resumed for the third time. On this occasion, +however, the process was varied. Their first +purpose was, of course, to find the path by which +they had come; so at Bob's suggestion they +carefully proceeded to walk in a circle—checking +the route by notching the trees, and taking wider +courses each time a circuit was completed.</p> + +<p>But even these means were ineffective. Circle +after circle was made, and still the earlier track +was undiscovered. All the afternoon was thus +occupied, and, when evening came, the boys were +footsore and weary—glad to throw themselves +down on the first piece of springy grass, too tired +even to trouble about preparing food.</p> + +<p>The disappointment was beyond words. They +had started out in the morning full of cheerful +hopes of being able to render aid to their parents +who (they felt sure) were in need of assistance. +And now, not only was this purpose frustrated, +but they themselves were in that terrible plight +of being lost in the backwoods—a hundred miles +or more from the haunts of white men, with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> +nothing but plucky hearts to help them, and +limited ammunition to supply bodily needs.</p> + +<p>The sun passed over their heads and sunk +somewhere beyond the forest. They could not +tell where it vanished, for the camp was amid +such dense surroundings that they could hardly +see beyond a hundred yards through the branches.</p> + +<p>With dusk, and after a sparse meal, it was +decided to light a fire, more for the sake of the +cheering sight than the need for warmth.</p> + +<p>Bob was the first to rise, and as he stood +upright he was heard to give vent to a decided—</p> + +<p>"Bother it!"</p> + +<p>"What's the matter?" grunted Alf, as he also +proceeded to rise.</p> + +<p>"Matter?" repeated his chum. "Nothing; +only I have stuck my head into a cloud of moths—big +ones and little ones. There seems to be +a regular party going on under this tree."</p> + +<p>"It's that luminous patch in the tree that we've +been sitting under," said Holden, at the same +time drawing his friend's attention to what looked +like a patch of light on the trunk of the maple +about five feet from the ground.</p> + +<p>"That's curious," remarked Bob, bending forward +to examine the spot. "I wonder what it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> +can be? It looks like the light on one of those +luminous match-boxes that are made so that you +can see them in the dark."</p> + +<p>"They say that rotten wood sometimes has +that effect——"</p> + +<p>"But this tree is quite sound. And see! There's +another the same on that tree to the right!"</p> + +<p>It was certainly strange, and the boys picked +up their guns and sauntered over to examine the +next trunk, on which they found the same peculiar +light attracting an equally numerous lot of moths +of many descriptions.</p> + +<p>"There's another!" exclaimed Alf, pointing +ahead of him.</p> + +<p>"And another!"</p> + +<p>"And another!"</p> + +<p>By this time the boys were quite excited by +their discovery, and when Alf suddenly drew +attention to the further discovery that the marked +trees were almost in a straight line, their excitement +was still further stirred.</p> + +<p>"It's the strangest thing I ever heard of—in +the natural history way," the younger lad said. +"To find all these trees marked on the same side, +and all in a straight line—why, it would puzzle +the brains of anybody to explain it!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> + +<p>Without any decided plan, and more out of +curiosity than from any other motive, the chums +proceeded from one tree to another, examining +each as they reached it, and marvelling all the +time at what they decided as being one of the +most remarkable freaks of Nature that they had +ever heard about.</p> + +<p>Then they became aware of a strange sound +that reached them from no great distance through +the trees. It was a most remarkable sound—not +that of any animal with which they were familiar; +indeed, it was not a sound that suggested any +beast or bird.</p> + +<p>"What on earth is it?" questioned Alf, as the +weird wail sighed through the forest.</p> + +<p>"It sounds like a harmonium in distress!" +replied Bob, with a slight laugh. And even as +he spoke the wail was repeated, though this time +could be distinctly heard the voice of some person +struggling to articulate to some musical accompaniment +the words—</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Rool Britanny! Britanny rool waves!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Britons ne-vaire—ne-vaire—ne-vaire<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Shall be sla-aves!"<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2> +<h3>THE MEDICINE MAN</h3> + +<p>During the march through the woods the +Indians were not communicative. Once +or twice Arnold attempted to draw Swift Arrow +into conversation, but the old man merely listened +in solemn silence. He refused even to respond +to direct questions.</p> + +<p>Eventually a clearing was reached where a +large number of teepees were pitched. It was +quite a wigwam village, and thence the two +captives were escorted to a tent that stood among +many others. They were politely requested to +enter, and, on obeying, they found that the teepee +was otherwise empty. Several men were posted +on guard at a little distance from the entrance, +while Swift Arrow departed with the rest of his +brethren.</p> + +<p>"There's no doubt but that we are prisoners," +remarked Arnold, as he sat down upon a buffalo<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> +hide, preparing to make the best of things and +take his ease while he might.</p> + +<p>"The whole affair is a puzzle," said his companion. +"Why on earth they should take us +prisoners passes my comprehension. It can't +be that they regard us as enemies. They would +not have been so polite and considerate if that +had been their thought."</p> + +<p>"That's just it," laughed Arnold, who, like his +son, had the gift for worrying little until he knew +exactly what to worry about. "That's just what +surprises me. We are treated as prisoners, and +not as prisoners. My impression is that we are +regarded with more fear than anger."</p> + +<p>The time allowed for speculation was soon +curtailed by the sound of many voices approaching +the tent, though presently there was silence, +and a loud voice called to those within—</p> + +<p>"The eyes of Mighty Hand would gladly rest +on the sight of the White Men."</p> + +<p>"He means us," commented Arnold, rising +from the couch of fur. "He's too polite to enter +the teepee uninvited."</p> + +<p>"By all means let his eyes rest upon us," +laughed Holden.</p> + +<p>The two men then advanced, while one threw<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> +open the flap of the tent. And the picture that +met their eyes was one that struck the strangers +with admiration, for it seemed to throw the years +back to the days when the Indian ruled the prairie—the +days that knew the youth of Ballantyne +and the prime of Fenimore Cooper.</p> + +<p>Ranged in a semicircle before the tent was a +crowd of braves and warriors—all arrayed in the +picturesque garb that was unspoilt by any touch +of Saxon attire, such as is commonly seen among +redskins of the present day. Except that the +old-time bows and arrows were replaced by more +modern muzzle-loaders, there was nothing to +suggest any association with white men and white +men's tastes.</p> + +<p>But it was not so much the background of +natives that impressed the Englishmen. Their +admiration was called to the central figure. He +was an Indian of enormous size—tall, squarely +built, and equally proportioned. His head was +surmounted with a turban of black fox decorated +with eagle feathers that were continued like a +wing right down his back and nearly touched +the ground. His black hair was threaded with +many coloured beads, some of which resembled +(and actually were proved to be) nuggets of pure<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> +gold. Necklaces of beads and animals' teeth +hung in many strands upon the breast of his deerskin +shirt. Leggings and moccasins were a mass +of beads, feathers, and porcupines' quills woven +in intricately fantastic designs. And, over all, +there hung in graceful folds an ermine robe of +spotless white.</p> + +<p>This was the great chief of the Dacotahs. +Mighty Hand was his name, and that hand was +famed for its deeds of valour as equally for its +deeds of kindness. He was sole monarch of a +mighty branch-tribe of the Dacotahs that had +long been separated from its renegade brethren, +preferring to maintain the old life in the forest and +on the prairie rather than a workhouse existence +in a Government Reserve. He led his people +far from the haunts of white men, and his life +was only harmful to the game that supplied his +people's needs. Powder and other necessaries +he obtained from frontier trading-stations. But +he was known as a man of peace and a man of +spotless honour. Hence his irregular life and +failure to comply with Government Reserve +regulations had been hitherto winked at by the +officials.</p> + +<p>When the Englishmen issued from the tent,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> +this chief was standing before them in a majestic +attitude that at once proclaimed his royal blood. +He was unarmed. This was a courtesy to the +strangers.</p> + +<p>At the chief's right side stood Swift Arrow; +at the left was a figure that formed a weird +contrast to the other two. This one was lean, +bent, and twisted like a gnarled tree that had been +starved and warped in the forest. His dress was +alike native, but the grotesque ornaments of +animals' skulls, tails, dried monkeys' hands, and +other gruesome relics gave the wearer an appearance +that was repulsive to Saxon eyes. This +freak of figure and dress was Thunder-maker, +the great Medicine Man of the tribe. Without +his presence no state conclave was complete; +without his opinion no tribal law or ruling was +ever decided.</p> + +<p>It must not be thought that the time we have +occupied in describing these several features was +similarly occupied by the Englishmen in minute +observation. Not at all. Arnold, immediately +recognising the bearing of the chief, promptly +addressed him in English, which Mighty Hand +could understand—judging from his first salutation.</p> + +<p>"The white brothers of the redmen are gladdened<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> +by this visit of the great chief," he said. +"The white brothers have been in great danger +from rushing waters—danger from which the great +chief's braves snatched them. They are grateful +that their lives have been saved, and they are +glad to meet the chief and thank him for what +was done."</p> + +<p>The Indian listened in silence, and, at the +pause that followed, he returned in deep tones, +as if he were repeating a lesson that he had learnt +by heart—</p> + +<p>"<i>Out from the silver waters, when the moon is +round, they shall come. They shall be pale-face, +and they shall look like men.</i>"</p> + +<p>This was certainly a puzzling rejoinder! To +neither of the captives did it convey any knowledge. +Arnold, however, deemed that the best +course would be to assume no impression that he +and his friend were regarded as prisoners.</p> + +<p>"The chief speaks well," he returned. "But +his tongue deceives him when he says that we +<i>look</i> like men. Pale-faces we are. But we are +friends to the redman. We would smoke the +peace-pipe with him. But we are far from our +camp. At our tents are our young sons, who are +awaiting our return with anxious hearts. Perhaps<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> +the great chief has also a son! He will know, +then, how heavy would be the heart of his papoose +if the chief were long absent from his teepee. +We therefore beg that the chief will hasten the +peace-pipe. Afterwards he will lend a brave to +guide the white brothers back to their camp-ground."</p> + +<p>While Arnold spoke there was silence among +the Indians, and it was obvious, from the chief's +face, that his mind was disturbed with indecision.</p> + +<p>"Mighty Hand has listened to the words of +the pale-face," the chief said. "The white man's +words flow as music, but—'<i>out from the silver +waters, when the moon is round</i>—— '"</p> + +<p>The speaker's voice faded into thoughtfulness, +and Holden whispered to his companion—</p> + +<p>"What is the fellow driving at? What does +he mean by 'out from the silver waters'? Of +course we came out from waters, but what has +that to do with the moon, I wonder?"</p> + +<p>"I can't think, unless—yes, I believe I've got +it! It's full moon about this time, Holden. +There's some Indian superstition, I imagine, +about full moon and people being rescued from +the water——"</p> + +<p>"It sounds like that from the way he speaks.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> +You remember Swift Arrow said much the same +thing."</p> + +<p>"Then depend upon it we've hit the mark. +In some way we've got mixed up with a legend +or superstition."</p> + +<p>Mighty Hand had been consulting with Swift +Arrow while the Englishmen had been quietly +summing up the situation, but now he again faced +the captives.</p> + +<p>"Mighty Hand has lived long and seen many +wonders and much great medicine. But to-day +there is a cloud in his mind. He understands +but darkly. It would be a shame that Mighty +Hand should bring water to the eyes of his white +brother's papoose, but who can say if the Fiery +Totem be not calling this day? Behold!"</p> + +<p>As he spoke the chief tore open his deerskin +shirt, and when the Englishmen bent forward in +curiosity they saw—upon the naked breast—the +figure of a serpent tattooed in gold and red so +cunningly that it seemed as though a living +reptile were there resting—a reptile moulded +from burning flames, with head raised in the +attitude of striking.</p> + +<p>The men gave a gasp of wonder and surprise, +and at the same instant the Medicine Man jumped<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> +forward, pointed a finger towards the sign, and +turned with an evil grin towards the strangers.</p> + +<p>"The totem of the Serpent Dacotahs!" he +hissed through his teeth. "Can the pale-face +look upon it without fear? Can they not feel +the poison-tooth break the covering of their +flesh?"</p> + +<p>At this strange attack Arnold laughed aloud, +and Holden smiled as he said—</p> + +<p>"The white men are not cowards! They do +not shrink before a figure of paint!"</p> + +<p>The Medicine Man threw up his arms in a +transport of rage.</p> + +<p>"They laugh! The white men smile at the +sacred totem!" he cried in a wild appeal to the +sympathies of the people, who began to respond +with disapproving murmurs. "Shall it be that +the fiery serpent hear laughing tongues while the +hands of the Dacotahs are idle? <i>Who</i> are they +that dare to revile our sacred sign with mocking +eyes and tongues?"</p> + +<p>Matters were beginning to assume a serious +aspect towards the strangers, for evidently the +Medicine Man was one whose lead was followed +by his people, and who knew well how to play +upon their weaknesses. So Arnold hastened to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> +try and pacify the anger that he had inadvertently +roused.</p> + +<p>"My red brother mistakes," he said, addressing +Thunder-maker. "The white man's laughter was +at the suggestion of fear. We are brave men who +fear nothing. But we did no insult to the totem +of the Dacotahs——"</p> + +<p>"Dogs!" exclaimed the furious Indian. +"Dogs! The fiery totem has been defiled. +Revenge, my brothers! Revenge! lest the +names Dacotah and Mighty Hand become +things for jeers and laughter in the women's +tents!"</p> + +<p>The Indian was quite frantic with passion, and +as he flung his wild appeal to his people the +murmurs suddenly burst into a flood of angry +roars—knives were snatched from their sheaths, +a hundred arms were lifted, and the circle quickly +closed upon the helpless men. But just at that +moment of peril and almost inevitable death, the +great figure of Mighty Hand was seen to start. +He stepped forward with one stride, turned his +back upon the captives, and then raised his arms, +from which his robe hung like great protecting +wings that shielded the strangers beneath their +folds. And his voice rang out above the angry<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> +clamour like the voice of a wind roaring through +the pine forests.</p> + +<p>"Back, Dacotahs! Back to your tents ere the +strength of Mighty Hand is lifted and you sink +to the dust! Is this how the redman treats the +stranger who would smoke the peace-pipe by +our fire? Is this the welcome that my braves +give to those whom Mighty Hand has received +with a smile—with no arms in his hand, no +tomahawk at his belt? Back, dogs! and hide +your coward faces like frightened papooses in the +skirts of the women!"</p> + +<p>The clamour ceased instantly. The men hung +back, and their heads bent with shame, that is, +all heads but that of Thunder-maker. His face +betokened no shame. Nay, greater fury than +ever was depicted, though he was silenced before +the anger of his chief. But it was only for a +little while that he was thus disconcerted, for +soon he resumed—though now he spoke with +humble fawning—</p> + +<p>"It is death in the heart of Thunder-maker +when the eyes of Mighty Hand shoot their looks +of fire. But—<i>Thunder-maker speak true</i>. Has +he not made great medicine these many suns? +Did he not bring the thunder to prove his great<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> +medicine? Has he not many times driven the +fever from the camp, till it fled over the prairie +like a coyote driven with sticks and dogs? Huh! +many wonders has he done, and—more will he +do. He will do great medicine this day. He +will show if the fiery totem has called in vain +for vengeance."</p> + +<p>Thus speaking, Thunder-maker dived a hand +into the bosom of his shirt and drew out a bundle +of dirty linen. The chief had lowered his arms, +so that the Englishmen could now see the Indian +as he laughed and held up the bundle triumphantly +above his head.</p> + +<p>"Great medicine!" he exclaimed, fixing his +eyes upon the white men. "Great medicine! +Look! See! Listen!"</p> + +<p>They looked, and as they looked they saw the +linen move, as if something inside were struggling +to be free, and at the same time they heard a +sound like the sudden springing of an old-time +policeman's rattle.</p> + +<p>"Rattlesnakes!" exclaimed Arnold under his +breath.</p> + +<p>Thunder-maker laughed when he saw that the +sound had been recognised.</p> + +<p>"Come! Come, my children!" he cried, as he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> +turned his face upwards. "Come, my little son—come, +my little daughter!"</p> + +<p>Then he shook the knot of the bundle, and +out from the aperture crept two grey-green +bodies—a pair of twisting, writhing somethings +that caused the onlookers to shudder and the +Medicine Man to laugh, as he repeated carelessly—</p> + +<p>"Come, my little papooses! You will speak +great medicine in the ears of Thunder-maker!"</p> + +<p>Slowly the serpents came from their covering. +One remained coiled on the raised wrists, the +other—still sounding the ominous rattle—moved +slowly downwards till it rested on the man's +shoulder. Then Thunder-maker inclined his +head, as if listening to a whisper. Afterwards +his face lit up with understanding.</p> + +<p>"Huh!" he exclaimed. "Did not the spirit +of Thunder-maker speak true? Come, my little +papoose! You shall show for whom the fiery +totem called."</p> + +<p>Turning his head so as to look along his +shoulder, the Indian suddenly grabbed the writhing +reptile with his teeth, after which (holding the +other serpent with his right hand) he commenced +dancing until he had cleared an open<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> +circular space, of which the Indians and the white +men formed the border.</p> + +<p>Suddenly he sprang to the middle and tossed +the snake to the ground, while he uttered a wild +shriek.</p> + +<p>Once on the earth, the snake glided swiftly +in several directions, while all watched the +creature with tense excitement. Then for a +second it seemed to pause with its head in +the direction of the Englishmen. At the same +moment the Indian gave a cry of triumph, tucked +the one snake into a fold of his robe and bent +down, making passes with his hands above the +serpent on the ground. And as his hands moved +so the rattlesnake gradually straightened out its +body till it lay stiff and straight as a piece of +wood.</p> + +<p>Thunder-maker paused. Then he rose up +slowly and looked with triumph straight into +the chief's face.</p> + +<p>"My children say that the time has come to +take the cloud from the Dacotah. My papooses +show <i>who</i> answer call of fiery totem!"</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2> +<h3>THE FRIEND IN NEED</h3> + +<p>Even considering the serious nature of their +quest and the plight they were in, it was +not possible for the boys to refrain from laughing +when they recognised Britain's national song as +caricatured by the singer. But they had sufficient +wisdom to control most of their amusement to +"inward laughing." It is not always safe in +the backwoods to announce your presence too +suddenly where strangers are concerned—especially +strangers who are not of the white skin.</p> + +<p>"That's a rum sort of music to come upon a +hundred miles from nowhere," remarked Bob, +with a grin, to his chum.</p> + +<p>"Let's hope that it comes from a throat that +has something of civilisation about it," said Alf.</p> + +<p>"It doesn't sound quite like a white man. +That 'ne-vaire' is more French accent than +English—probably a half-breed."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What do you think we ought to do?"</p> + +<p>"Investigate. We've got no choice. We're +lost; that's certain enough. What's more, there +seems to be very little chance of finding our own +trail back to the camp."</p> + +<p>"That's true enough," Alf assented. "But +suppose we come upon a camp of half-breeds, as +you suggested? I've heard that they're not the +best of friends to white people in out-of-the-way +places."</p> + +<p>Arnold nodded in agreement.</p> + +<p>"I dare say that's true. But, at the same time, +most yarns of the kind have usually got large bits +of ornamental stuff stuck round the facts. We'll +have to take our chance of falling in with friends +or foes."</p> + +<p>"Right-away. If you're ready, I'm ready also," +said Alf promptly. "It will be a strange thing +if 'Rule Britannia' leads Britons into a mess +instead of out of one."</p> + +<p>Having thus determined what course to pursue, +the two boys began to creep cautiously through +the bush towards the locality from whence still +proceeded the music that was being repeated +with all the diligence of some one who was +determined to learn his lesson thoroughly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p> + +<p>The night was now quite dark, but presently +the chums were able to distinguish the flickering +of a camp-fire at no great distance before +them.</p> + +<p>Taking every care not to betray their presence +by any careless footstep, they twined a path with +all the success that a professional tracker would +have admired. Then, penetrating a more than +usually dense portion of the bush, the young +explorers found themselves right on the edge of +the encampment, and the picture that they then +discovered was one that was surely calculated to +drive away all melancholy thoughts and feelings +of fatigue, for the time being at least.</p> + +<p>Seated on the end of a water-keg, in front of a +moderate-sized "A" tent, was a man of gigantic +size whose black hair stood up from his head as +if he were constantly seeing ghosts, and whose +equally black beard streamed down his breast +like a cataract of ink. He was dressed in a blue +shirt, corduroy trousers protected with cowboy +"shaps," and heavy top-boots. In his hands was +an accordion, at his side sat a collie dog, while +in front of him, with his back to the fire—standing +with his hands behind his back in the attitude of +a schoolboy repeating a lesson—was a tousle-headed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> +half-breed, whom he of the black beard +was addressing in encouraging tones—</p> + +<p>"Noo then, ma callant, we'll just be having +that last line ower again. It's no' bad as an +eemitation o' a cat left oot on a winter's night; +but it's no' just what I call 'ceevilised'; no' just +quite that—yet."</p> + +<p>Then the accordion sounded a dismal chord +suggestive of an attack of asthma, the half-breed +reattacked the "ne-vaire, ne-vaire, ne-vaire" in a +manner that made up in energy what it lacked in +music, and the collie raised his head to add a long-drawn +wail to the concert.</p> + +<p>"That's a wee bit better," was the player's +verdict at the finish. "I'm thinking we'll make a +ceevilised creature oot o' you in time, Haggis." +Then the speaker turned to the dog. "As for +you, Bannock, you're a bit oot o' tune at times. +But it's no' that bad for a doggie. It's good to +be aye trying to do our best——"</p> + +<p>"Hear! hear!" shouted Bob, whose interested +amusement had quite banished his caution.</p> + +<p>The effect of the boy's applause was electric. +The two men started. The half-breed snatched +up a gun that was leaning against a tree near by; +one hand of the bearded man deposited the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> +musical instrument upon the ground as his right +picked up a handy rifle; while Bannock, the +dog, crouched down with bristling hair and deep +growling.</p> + +<p>"Come oot and show yourself, whoever ye +be!" commanded the master, as he raised himself +to his great height, with rifle in readiness +and eyes staring towards that part of the bush +where the chums stood. "Come forward this +instant, or I'll bore as many holes in your body +as there are farthings in a pound!"</p> + +<p>In obedience to the gentle invitation, and not +in the least nervous, now that they knew who the +musicians were, the boys immediately made their +appearance.</p> + +<p>"There's no need to be afraid——" began +Holden reassuringly, when he was interrupted by +a huge guffaw of derision.</p> + +<p>"Afraid! And what for shall Skipper Mackintosh +be afraid? Unless it's mosquitoes, there's no +man or beast in Canada that'll turn a hair on his +hide." Then, seeing the lads as they approached +into the firelight, the man immediately changed his +tone of address as he also altered the threatening +pose of his rifle. "What! A pair o' laddies?" he +exclaimed in astonishment, and Bob replied<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>—</p> + +<p>"Neither of whom is particularly anxious to be +riddled with a pound's worth of farthing bullets!"</p> + +<p>But the words had barely passed the boy's +lips before the rifle had been dropped to the +ground and the man had sprung forward excitedly +to grab a hand of each boy in his great fists.</p> + +<p>"Faix! but this is a fine sight for sore eyes!" +he exclaimed, as he vigorously pumped the arms +up and down. "I've no' seen a white face +(barring a trader's, and that was ower dirty to +call it 'white') this twelvemonth past. I'm right +glad to see you!"</p> + +<p>"And I guess we're jolly glad to see you," +returned Alf. "It's a treat, but—speaking for +myself, I really want to use my hand again. It'll +be jelly in a few more seconds."</p> + +<p>"And mine too!" laughed Bob, who could not +help wincing at the vigorous form of the welcome.</p> + +<p>The Scotsman immediately released his severe +grasp.</p> + +<p>"Sakes! But I'm that glad to see you, laddies, +I feel just like squeezing for another hour. I +suppose, noo, that I'm no' just dreaming? +You're no' by chance just twa o' them muckle +moths that's come into my dream in a make-believe?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p> + +<p>"We're human, sure enough," Arnold laughed +in reply, and Alf added—</p> + +<p>"Terribly human we are, for we've lost our +way in the forest, and we're beastly tired as well +as hungry."</p> + +<p>"Lost—tired—hungry?" repeated Mackintosh. +"That has a human sound—terribly +human, as you say." Then he turned towards +the half-breed, who had been standing an amazed +spectator of the scene. "Did you hear that, +Haggis?" he demanded. "Did you hear that—'hungry +and tired'?"</p> + +<p>"Haggis hear," was the quiet reply of the +native, to which the Scot retorted angrily—</p> + +<p>"You heard? And yet, one meenit after, I +see you standing there like a daft gowk instead +o' hustling for food as fast as your legs can move +you? Ma conscience! But you tak' a deal of +ceevilising! You dinna ken the first meaning o' +the word 'hospitality.' Off wi' you!"</p> + +<p>There was no need to repeat the order, for the +half-breed immediately disappeared within the +tent, and the almost simultaneous rattling sound +of tin-ware was evidence of his haste to supply +the want.</p> + +<p>Mackintosh then turned to the boys.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Noo then, rest yourselves, laddies. Sit doon +by the fire, and you'll soon have a bit o' something +to grind between your molars. Haggis is +slow to understand, but he's quick enough when +he kens what's wanted."</p> + +<p>Not unwillingly, the chums soon stretched +themselves in comfortable positions beside the +camp-fire at either side of their eccentric host. +Bannock, however, still eyed the strangers with +suspicion, so Mackintosh was forced to introduce +the dog formally to each boy in turn, at which +the intelligent animal extended a paw with all +the air of one who is accustomed to polite +society.</p> + +<p>"He's a fine chap," explained the Scot. +"There's no' a single thing that he canna do +(according to the leemitations o' Nature) except +speak. And even that he manages to do in his +ain way. Noo, come here, Bannock, and lie +down while oor freends spin us their yarn. +They've no' told us yet who they are, where they +come frae, nor where they're going."</p> + +<p>"That's a yarn that's quickly told," remarked +Bob. The half-breed by this time had returned +from the tent with generous supplies of cold deer, +damper, and wild berries, after serving which he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> +placed a pan on the fire in preparation for coffee. +"It's a yarn that won't take long in the telling, +though, if you'll excuse me, I'll eat while I speak."</p> + +<p>"Eat awa'," assented the other, while he lit a +corn-cob pipe to satisfy his own immediate wants. +"There's plenty mair where that came frae, and +the coffee will soon be ready!"</p> + +<p>Arnold then launched into a brief recital of +his and his chum's adventures, beginning with the +departure of their fathers on the previous morning, +and concluding—</p> + +<p>"So all this afternoon we've been wandering +about trying to find a path back to our camp, so +as to start afresh by the river course. But it was +no use."</p> + +<p>"And we might have been wandering still if it +had not been for a strange accident that led us +here," added Alf, at which remark Mackintosh +questioned—</p> + +<p>"And what might that be? The soond o' +Haggis's nightingale voice?"</p> + +<p>"No—at least, not in the first place. We +heard that later. What first started us in this +direction was a curious sort of light that we discovered +on one of the trees. And while we were +examining it we noticed that there were other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> +lights on other trees in a straight line with one +another. Strange, wasn't it?"</p> + +<p>"Very," returned the Scotsman dryly. "Very +strange."</p> + +<p>"It would be a good thing for a naturalist," +said Bob. "I noticed that there was a perfect +cloud of moths flying about wherever there was a +patch of light. A collector of moths and butterflies +would reap a harvest. I suppose you've +noticed the lights as well as we?"</p> + +<p>"H'm—yes—considering that I painted the +trees mysel' this afternoon," was the reply. "It's +an invention o' my own. I'm what <i>you</i> call a +collector of moths and butterflies. An entomologist +is a shorter way o' putting it. Well, +there's many folks stick to treacle—I mean, stick +to the auld-fashioned way o' putting dabs of +treacle and speerit on trees to attract the nocturnal +creatures. That's all very fine and good. +But you canna carry gallons o' treacle on a tramp +like this, when your whole outfit must be packed +on one pony. So says I to mysel': 'Moths are +attracted by light; I must invent a composeetion +o' phosphorus to take the place o' treacle.' And +those lights that you found on yon trees are the +result."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And a splendid idea it is!" exclaimed Alf, +who had also done his little share of treacling at +school. "Is it a success?"</p> + +<p>"Magnificent. I've found more moths than +were known to exist in the West. I'm thinking +that I'll open the eyes o' the Royal Edinburgh +Entomological General Natural History Exchange +Society when I get back again after my journeys. +But——" The speaker here paused in his enthusiasm, +remarking seriously, "I'm thinking there's +other matters o' mair importance before us the noo +than moths. Your faithers went doon the Athabasca, +you said?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; in a canoe," said Bob.</p> + +<p>Mackintosh shook his head ominously.</p> + +<p>"That's bad. I suppose they'd never been +there before—indeed, it was no' possible, or +they'd never have made the attempt yesterday."</p> + +<p>"Is it—dangerous?" questioned Holden, in an +undertone of dread, for the man's voice conveyed +no small impression of the risks the voyagers had +run. "We had not thought of danger in the +river. We only thought of moose."</p> + +<p>Mackintosh grunted uneasily.</p> + +<p>"The river is more treacherous than any +moose. There's a terrible narrow bight atween<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> +cliffs where it runs like lightning, and then shoots +in a waterfall into the Silver Lake. Man! I've +seen great trunks o' pine giants flung through yon +opening like wee arrows a hundred feet in the air +afore they touched water again."</p> + +<p>"Then a canoe——"</p> + +<p>"If it reached so far in safety it would shoot +likewise."</p> + +<p>"You think it possible that the canoe <i>might</i> +pass the gully unharmed?" Bob then questioned. +It was always his nature to struggle for the +brightest view, and the man's answer was somewhat +in the same spirit.</p> + +<p>"It's no' the way o' Skipper Mackintosh to find +trouble until trouble finds him. He's been in a' +the back corners o' Europe, Africa, India, China, +and America; and, if he learned nothing mair +from his travels, he learned this: troubles are +easier conquered when you meet them wi' a firm +lip at the proper time. But the man that moans +before he kens what he's moaning about—well, +it's little strength he's got left when the fight really +begins."</p> + +<p>"Yet if, as you say, the Athabasca is so +dangerous——" began Alf, when he was again +interrupted with kindly roughness.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p> + +<p>"If? Laddie, laddie, are you forgetting that +there's a Hand that could guide the frailest birch-bark +safely through Niagara itsel'? And I doot +not that I'm right when I say that it's my opeenion +that that same Hand has no' been very far from +your faithers in their plight. Does either o' you +ken anything o' this by chance?"</p> + +<p>As he spoke Mackintosh dived his hand into +the hip-pocket of his overalls and produced a +white handkerchief which he spread out upon the +ground by the fire. The boys bent forward, and +immediately Alf exclaimed—</p> + +<p>"That's my father's! See! His initials are at +the corner. Where did you find it?"</p> + +<p>"<i>Not</i> in the Athabasca!" said Mackintosh +with quiet triumph. "Haggis and I came upon +it this morning a hundred yards from Silver +Lake."</p> + +<p>"Then that means that they are on shore!" +exclaimed Bob with delight at the relief from one +anxiety that the evidence of the handkerchief +provided.</p> + +<p>"Ay. The Athabasca is free from that charge, +at any rate. That hanky has no legs to walk by +itsel'. It must have been carried. By whom? +No' by an Indian, though I ken there's been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> +Indians in the viceenity. If a redskin had found +it, he'd have taken better care o' it. And so it's +clear to me that one o' your faithers must have +dropped it on dry land, and so—so—— Well, +you both o' you can have a sound night's rest."</p> + +<p>So convincing were the tones in which the man +clothed his words that the spirits of the boys were +quickly stirred from gloomy anticipations to comparative +cheerfulness.</p> + +<p>"You've lifted a load from my mind, Mr. Mackintosh," +Bob said gratefully, "for of course it is all +fairly plain now. As likely as not they passed +through that horrible gully, but were too worn +out yesterday to start the trudge back to camp. +It would be a long way, too, seeing how the river +winds."</p> + +<p>"In that case, most likely they are back at the +camp by this time," suggested Alf. "But they +would understand our being away, for they would +find the note that we pinned to the tent."</p> + +<p>"That's right, laddies. Look for the bright +side and you'll always find it," the Scotsman +remarked. "But I'm thinking that your reasoning +is a wee bit oot in one respect—they have no' +gone back yet, else Haggis or I would have seen +them. This camp is in the direct natural path<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> +from that part o' the Athabasca. My opeenion +is that they've fallen in with the Indians—a tribe +o' Dacotahs, and peaceable folk they are. It's no' +to be expected that the gully could be passed +unscathed. So it's likely to me that they're nursing +themselves for a day wi' the redskins, after, +maybe, sending a brave to your camp to tell you +o' it. So to-morrow we'll lose no time in starting +for Silver Lake. That's the best plan I can +think o'."</p> + +<p>"You mean to come with us?" asked Alf.</p> + +<p>"What do you take me for—a savage?" was +the reproachful return. "Do you think that +Skipper Mackintosh is going to allow twa laddies +like you to go wandering aboot the backwoods +when he can guide you? And when Skipper +fails, is there no' the Haggis and Bannock—a pair +o' the finest scouts and trackers that ever set foot +in bush or prairie? What do you take me for, +I'd just like to know?"</p> + +<p>"One of the kindest hearts in the world, Mr. +Mackintosh," said Bob fervently.</p> + +<p>"Bah! Fiddlesticks and porridge-sticks!" +was the rough rejoinder, though a pair of eyes +were turned kindly enough upon the youths—eyes +that glistened in a way that rather suggested<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> +the nearness of water. "All a pack o' nonsense! +If a man is no' ready to help his fellow-creatures +when they need him—well, I'm thinking that he +ought to have a pin stuck through his thorax and +mounted in a box among my moths, labelled, +'A horrible freak o' Nature.' And I'd have you +know, too, that my name is Mackintosh—Skipper +Mackintosh. There's no 'Misters' in the backwoods. +'Skipper' is the name that my auld +faither gave me to commemorate his discovery o' +a new variety of skippers in the entomological +world. Mind that, and—and good-night to you, +laddies. Good-night, and God bless the pair o' +you."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2> +<h3>NIGHT IN THE WIGWAM</h3> + +<p>While the two boys had been holding +their lonely watch at the camp prior +to setting forth the following morning on their +disappointing search, matters of serious moment +were taking place at the encampment of Mighty +Hand and his brother Dacotahs.</p> + +<p>Thunder-maker's triumph had been complete. +The savage mind seldom looks for a simple +explanation of anything that surprises him. +When the unusual is not understood, he does +not search for a simple and natural explanation. +He immediately flies to the supernatural and +attributes to good and evil spirits actions that a +little common sense would have readily explained +in an everyday way.</p> + +<p>The Medicine Man of a tribe is different from +others of his race. He is the brainy exception +of craft united to common sense, and he uses<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> +these to best advantage for his own interests. +Thunder-maker's method of divining was very +simple after all—nay, even childish. We have +seen it performed by redskin jugglers, as we have +also seen the same effects produced by Arab +diviners on the Syrian desert.</p> + +<p>The explanation is found in the fact that +serpents are exceedingly sensitive to blows. A +cut with an ordinary willow wand is usually +sufficient to break the spine and disable all but +the monsters of the class. At the same time, +although the first blow may daze a snake, it is +some time before the final effect takes place, and +the creature will wriggle about for some time +after having been struck, while its energy is +practically nil—that is to say, it merely lives +without possessing any real strength.</p> + +<p>Now, Thunder-maker's cunning was well aware +of all this, and when he dropped the rattler from +his teeth he was careful to do so in such a way +that the creature would touch the ground with +considerable violence. Then he allowed it to +wriggle about until in time its head faced the +Englishmen. That was the moment for which +he had waited, and immediately he started forward +with a cry that startled the snake into still<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> +fear. A few passes with his hands fascinated the +creature long enough for the Medicine Man to +show the Indians that the creature was undoubtedly +pointing in the direction of the captives, +and when that was done the crafty redskin had +achieved his purpose:</p> + +<p>The serpent had divined whom the sacred +totem of the tribe had called that day.</p> + +<p>Then Thunder-maker had replaced his assistant +in the linen cloth before it revived sufficiently to +commence wriggling again, and, perhaps, point +its supernatural head to some one else.</p> + +<p>Both Arnold and Holden had observed how +Mighty Hand had been wavering between +reason and superstition until the intervention of +the Medicine Man had caused superstition to +take the uppermost place. A moment before, +and the chief would have released the captives +and sent them back to their camp in charge of a +guide. But the art of Thunder-maker had stepped +in to convince the people that the sacred totem +of their tribe had been calling that day, and that +it was the Englishmen for whom it called.</p> + +<p>Why?</p> + +<p>Ah, that was what the strangers found inexplicable. +Of this, however, there was no doubt:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> +their arrival had been at a most unfortunate time, +when some answer to the supposed call of the +totem was then expected. They were that +answer, and the result—who can say what the +consequences would be when falsehood and +superstition had a savage people at command?</p> + +<p>So the Englishmen were requested to return +within the teepee that had been reserved for their +prison. But, curiously enough, they were not +treated in any way after the traditional Indian +mode of treating prisoners. They were not +bound; no guard was placed at the entrance, +though sentries were placed round the camp of +which the prison teepee was the centre. The +best food that the Indians possessed was supplied +to them, as well as a sufficiency of fur robes to +sleep upon. All the same, in spite of these kindnesses +and other thoughtful attentions, there was +no room for doubting that they were prisoners +who were not to be allowed any opportunity for +escape, and the men could only accept the present +situation in a philosophic spirit, and await the +course of events with such patience as they +could muster.</p> + +<p>As the day passed, and darkness fell upon the +forest, the Englishmen stretched themselves upon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> +the robes, while in whispers they tried to arrive +at the solution of the mystery and form some +sort of plan for future action.</p> + +<p>"It's all owing to that scoundrel Thunder-maker," +Arnold said. "If he had not stepped +in, Mighty Hand would have released us. I +could see by his face that he was favourably +disposed towards us."</p> + +<p>"It is a serious business," said Holden.</p> + +<p>"Serious enough for us, for there is no knowing +what may happen when people get mixed up with +native superstitions. At the same time, what I +worry about most is the boys."</p> + +<p>Holden sighed at the thought of Bob and his +son Alf being alone at the deserted camp.</p> + +<p>"Yes," he said. "It will be hard on them if +anything happens to us—miles away from civilised +habitations. Of course, I don't give up hope of +coming out of this right enough in the long-run, +and we may be worrying over very little after all. +But meantime—the boys—I wonder what they +are doing now?"</p> + +<p>At this question the elder man gave a slight +laugh.</p> + +<p>"You wonder?" he repeated. "I don't think +you need go very far for the answer if you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> +haven't quite forgotten our own schooldays. +What would you and I have done if two of our +chums had disappeared from camp as we did?"</p> + +<p>"Gone to look for them," was the prompt reply, +to which Arnold resumed—</p> + +<p>"And I think there's not so very much difference +between Arnold and Holden <i>pčres</i> and <i>fils</i>. +You take my word for it: at this very minute the +youngsters have summed up the situation and are +planning a rescue expedition, if, indeed, they have +not already set out. Neither Bob nor Alf is the +sort of chap to sit still and moan at such a time."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I believe you are right. Neither of the +youngsters would allow himself to be knocked +over by the first difficulty. And they would know +that some accident must have taken place, for we +promised to be back at camp by dinner-time."</p> + +<p>"All the same, we don't want them to be mixed +up in this affair in the event of their coming on +our track," said Arnold. "We must contrive to +prevent that, but—— Hullo! Who's this?"</p> + +<p>A dark outline had suddenly filled the space at +the opening of the tent at this juncture, but the +Englishmen were not left long in doubt of the +nature of their late visitor, for a voice addressed +them in Indian accents.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Thunder-maker would speak words of counsel +with his white brothers."</p> + +<p>"Oh, he would, would he?" returned Arnold, +and his companion added—</p> + +<p>"There was very little friendship about +Thunder-maker this afternoon."</p> + +<p>The Indian gave a low laugh, as though he +were thoroughly enjoying some secret joke.</p> + +<p>"There are days when hunter's path must be +straight; there are days when crooked trail lead +him where he find much deer. To-day—crooked +trail. But Thunder-maker friend. He would +speak in ear of white brother—low, soft. Thunder-maker +wise man. He speak words of wisdom to +his friends. But—none may hear but pale-face."</p> + +<p>"By that you mean that you want to come +into the teepee?" said Arnold. "All right. +Come along. And if you have any sense to +speak of, out with it."</p> + +<p>The Indian noiselessly entered and took a +seat on the robes between the Englishmen. He +did not speak during these movements, but when +he was comfortably settled he turned to Holden +and addressed him in a whisper—</p> + +<p>"Night dark, and red men sleep—all but +braves, who watch that white men no return to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> +Silver Lake." And a second time the Medicine +Man laughed quietly.</p> + +<p>"Silver Lake!" returned Holden. "I shouldn't +think we need any watching to prevent that. +Without a canoe, Silver Lake is not much use +to us."</p> + +<p>"Still—braves watch. They believe that white +men return to waters. They came without canoes; +they go back without canoes."</p> + +<p>"Fools!" exclaimed Holden. "What do they +think we are? Spirits?"</p> + +<p>"Huh! My white brother speaks true. +Indians—<i>some</i> Indians—fools," answered +Thunder-maker, at which Holden uttered an +exclamation betokening sudden enlightenment.</p> + +<p>"By Jove, Arnold! That's it! That explains +the whole business. These idiots take us for +spirits, since they saw us scramble out from the +lake without any boat in sight. Spirits! It's +almost too silly to believe."</p> + +<p>"Yet that's what Thunder-maker means," +said Arnold, to whom the solution of the mystery +was now equally clear. "That is what you wish +us to understand, isn't it, Thunder-maker?"</p> + +<p>"The understanding of the white man travels +quick."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And that accounts for the kind treatment—the +food, half-freedom, and the rest. But if your +people think us spirits, why do they keep us +here? Why not let us return?"</p> + +<p>The Indian paused for a moment before he +replied, after which he remarked quietly, and with +a peculiar inflection of tone that added deep +meaning to his words, while at the same time it +betrayed the fact that there was some curious +reason to account for this confidence—</p> + +<p>"Dacotahs fools. They think white brothers +spirits—<i>evil</i> spirits. They have not the eyes of +Thunder-maker."</p> + +<p>"I see," said Arnold thoughtfully. "But you +forget, Thunder-maker, that your trickery with +the snakes helped them to that opinion."</p> + +<p>Once more the Medicine Man laughed quietly +in a manner that irritated his hearers, and Holden +broke in roughly—</p> + +<p>"Come now, you old cheat, explain yourself! +<i>You</i> didn't believe as the rest of your people did. +And if not, why did you behave in such a double +way? Out with it. You had some purpose in +coming here to-night, and you may as well give +us the truth right away."</p> + +<p>It is not possible to hasten an Indian in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> +matter of speech. Hasty response or rapid talk +they deem discourteous. Thunder-maker was no +exception to his race in this respect, but he was +exceptional in another, inasmuch as when bent +on a subject he stuck to it without using many +unnecessary words or ornaments of speech. He +waited in thoughtful silence for several minutes. +Possibly in his cunning way he was mentally +scrutinising the peculiarities of his companions in +the teepee—deciding what course would be best +to enable him to be assured of their trust. +Whether or not he judged their characteristics +correctly will be seen later.</p> + +<p>"My white brother has asked for the truth," +the Indian began. "Thunder-maker shall speak +words as straight as the path of a burning arrow.</p> + +<p>"Many years ago—when the buffalo lived +upon the prairie to feed the redman and provide +his robes—the great tribe of Dacotahs would +hunt in the valley that is known even to-day as +the Peace Camp. Many deer would feed there, +and the buffalo would eat the blue grass, and +Manito had filled the camp with fruit and flowers. +In those days the Dacotahs were ruled by a +mighty warrior, Flying Cloud—the son of the +fiery totem serpent that saved his life by slaying<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span> +the chief of the Chippeways in the war-path by +night."</p> + +<p>Here the speaker paused, as though he +expected some comment from the listeners +regarding the seeming miracle. But no remark +being forthcoming, he resumed—</p> + +<p>"For many years our tribe lived in prosperity. +Pemmican was in plenty, and the redmen kept +the hunting-grounds in peace. Then—one night—Chief +Fire-water came to the camp, and +a brave with foolish mind praised Fire-water +more than the sacred totem. He was slain by +Flying Cloud ere the insult was cool on his lips. +But the serpent was angered. He flashed tongue +of fire to the Dacotahs—called down the rains +and the tempest upon the Peace Camp by night, +until the water spirits rushed through the valley +on white horses, destroying trees and fruits—washing +the land bare of earth. And, when the +sun came up from his teepee of fire, Flying Cloud +and the best warriors of the Dacotahs had been +carried away by the water spirits and were never +seen again.</p> + +<p>"Then there was great wailing in the camp, +and the totem of the tribe was called upon to cease +anger, lest the Dacotahs be a tribe no more.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And the serpent had pity, and spoke thus to +the warriors and braves—</p> + +<p>"'I will stay my anger; but I have given +power to the spirits that ride on white horses, +and I may not call it back again.'</p> + +<p>"'Then what shall the Dacotahs do?' asked +the warriors. 'It may be that the spirits will +again ride their white mustangs and take from +us our chief and our young men.'</p> + +<p>"And the serpent replied—</p> + +<p>"'When such time come, the Dacotahs will see +two white spirits rise out of the lake that is silver. +When the moon is round, they shall rise out of +the lake that is silver. They shall come without +canoe to bear them, and without arrow or tomahawk +for fighting. By this shall you know them. +Then shall the Dacotahs lay hands upon the +white spirits; they shall treat them kindly, but +they shall bring them to the Peace Camp and +there consume them with fire. Then shall the +power of the water spirits be broken. Then shall +the Dacotahs be safe. Then shall the fire of my +anger be quenched.</p> + +<p>"'But I—the sacred totem of the Dacotahs—am +mighty and full of pity. The Dacotahs are +brave, but they are not all wise. It may be that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> +their ignorance might lead them to bring suffering +to those who are not evil spirits. But let +them not hold back in doubt, for I shall stay +their hand, even though the torch be set at the +wood. For if the eyes of my children are blind, +I shall be near to guide them. And the sign of +this shall be: <i>I shall appear before the eyes of all +people as a serpent of fire</i>. By this shall they +know that they have erred. They shall withhold +the torch, free the captives, and be to them as +brothers.'"</p> + +<p>Once more the speaker waited for a space, until +he knew that his hearers had time to grasp the +full meaning of the legend that he had related. +Then he lowered his voice and spoke with deep +meaning that was not difficult for the Englishmen +to understand—</p> + +<p>"Yesterday the moon was round. Two white +spirits came from the lake that is silver without +canoe for sailing, without arms or tomahawk +for fighting. The fiery totem called, and was +answered.... By another sun Mighty Hand +will lead the white spirits of the water to the +camp that is called Peaceful!"</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2> +<h3>THE TEMPTATION</h3> + +<p>It needed no great knowledge of Indian +character and Indian ways to make clear to +the Englishmen all that was implied in this story +that Thunder-maker had recited. Nor had they +any reason to doubt that he had spoken the +truth, for the evident pleasure that it gave him to +watch the effect of his revelation was almost a +sufficiently convincing argument in itself.</p> + +<p>Of course Thunder-maker had only the +evidence of his ears to inform him, for the tent +was in darkness, the convenience of lamps not +being a usage of the redskins, who either retire +to sleep at nightfall, or rely upon camp-fires for +illumination. But the Medicine Man could hear +his companions give slight gasps of horror when +the climax was reached. His ears were quick to +interpret the faintest sounds of pleasure, pain, or +surprise.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p> + +<p>The trio sat in silence for a time, until at last +the soundless night became too oppressive, and +Holden was forced to speak his thoughts.</p> + +<p>"Why have you told us of this, Thunder-maker?" +he asked. "Were you sent to us by +Mighty Hand?"</p> + +<p>The Indian made an impatient movement of +his body, and grunted meaningly at the question.</p> + +<p>"Mighty Hand send Thunder-maker?" he +exclaimed, in an undertone that conveyed a sense +of the uttermost contempt for the chief of the +Dacotahs. "My white brother speak foolish +words—the words of women and papooses. +Mighty Hand do the wish of Thunder-maker. +The chief of medicine no slave to run when any +man speak."</p> + +<p>"Then why have you come to us to-night?" +urged Holden.</p> + +<p>"It was not out of friendship for us," added +Arnold.</p> + +<p>"Huh! It true what the redmen say, that the +pale-face have heart of buffalo skin that keep out +the love of brother," responded the Indian, in +fawning tones that caused the listeners to feel +as though they would have gladly kicked the +speaker out from the tent. There was low<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> +cunning in his voice—such cringing craft as all +brave men naturally despise. But it was the +instinct of both to draw out the visitor's confidence. +It was possibly their only hope of learning +the truth of their position, thereby enabling them +to make plans for their future actions.</p> + +<p>"The redman love the pale-face and would be +friend to him," Thunder-maker went on. "So +he come to tell his brothers what they did not +know. Dacotahs fools, Dacotahs believe foolish +stories, and—<i>Thunder-maker can lead their feet +by what trail he will</i>."</p> + +<p>"H'm. That was plain enough this afternoon +when you played with those rattlesnakes," +remarked Arnold, at which the Indian laughed +quietly.</p> + +<p>"Dacotahs fools. But white men wise. They +see not with the eyes of redmen. But Dacotahs +might be great people if Mighty Hand were in +Happy Hunting-ground."<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p> + +<p>"But what has all this got to do with us?" +asked Holden.</p> + +<p>"My white brothers in great danger. In a +few more suns cruel fire burn beautiful bodies. +But——"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well—but?"</p> + +<p>"Thunder-maker could save—white brothers—from +fire?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's it, is it? That's what you are +driving at, you cunning old serpent?" said +Arnold, in accents that were as little complimentary +as the words. "You want us to buy our +lives for money? Well, how much do you wish?"</p> + +<p>"My white brothers have papooses, they say +to Mighty Hand?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; two boys in a camp by Crane Creek."</p> + +<p>"It would gladden the eyes of the pale-faces to +see their papooses by another sun?"</p> + +<p>"We would do much to go back to them, for +they must be sad at the absence of their fathers," +said the elder man.</p> + +<p>"Then it may be as the pale-face wish," +resumed the Medicine Man. "Thunder-maker +can save his white brothers, and he will——"</p> + +<p>"If you will, there is nothing that we will not +do, within our power, to repay you," said Holden, +wrongly anticipating the motive of the Indian. +"We can give you many dollars, and will give +you blankets and weapons for hunting."</p> + +<p>"That is good," returned the redskin quietly. +"But—Thunder-maker no wish blankets—dollars,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> +He have many—many." Then he lowered his +voice to speak in deeper tones of confidence. +"Let the pale-face be patient, and listen to the +words of the redman. Then he will understand +how it may be that he look not upon the face of +the fire.</p> + +<p>"The Dacotahs foolish. They see white men +as spirits that came out of Silver Waters. And +Mighty Hand foolish too. He believe that fiery +totem speak—that fiery totem call water spirits to +torture. Foolish redmen! Foolish chief! But +Thunder-maker would see his people a great +people. He would see his tribe wise as the fox +and brave as the great bear. He would see +<i>another</i> chief to rule them—he would see <i>another</i> +wear the robes of a chief! So he would blind +the eyes of his people. He would say to them: +'Children, you are foolish. The spirits that come +from the Silver Waters are not the spirits that +the totem called. They great spirits sent to you +by Manito to tell you how to be a mighty tribe +again.' Then great medicine will be done, and +Thunder-maker will ask the pale-faces to speak +what Manito has told them.</p> + +<p>"Then the pale-faces will tell the Dacotahs: +'Slay Mighty Hand! Let him not see another<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> +sun, and place the chief's robes on Thunder-maker; +tie the chief's feathers in the hair of +Thunder-maker; write on Thunder-maker's +breast the picture of the sacred totem.' Then +will the Dacotahs believe. Then shall Thunder-maker +be chief of the Dacotahs, and—the pale-faces +shall return in peace to their tents. I have +spoken."</p> + +<p>The Indian paused, but, no comment being +immediately forthcoming, he resumed quickly, +being warmed to excitement by treacherous +hopes—</p> + +<p>"Then it shall be well with my white brothers. +No fire shall have their white bodies——"</p> + +<p>"And if we—refuse—to do—this?" questioned +Arnold slowly and seriously, and his companion +added: "Yes, if we refuse—what then?"</p> + +<p>"The pale-faces will not refuse," returned the +Indian firmly. The savage mind could not conceive +such a possibility as refusal to purchase +freedom at any cost, no matter how despicable +that cost might be. "The pale-faces will not +refuse," he repeated. "The flames hurt much, +and white men die slow, slow as tongue of fire +lick their bodies. The pale-faces not refuse——"</p> + +<p>"But we do!" exclaimed Arnold angrily, as he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> +raised his voice to a louder pitch, now that the +first need for caution was past. "You know +little of the pale-faces, as you call them, if you +think that they would do the deeds of dogs to +save themselves from pain. Manito, to us, is +God—He whom we serve and honour; He +whom we love. Do you think that we could +dare to live another hour if we knew that we had +pretended to be sent by Him—and so delude +foolish people? No! A thousand times no! +Even if we were to see our sons dying before +our eyes, and knew that one such false word +would save them and us, I tell you, liar and +cheat that you are, that word would never be +spoken! We would be as dumb as the trees of +the forest!"</p> + +<p>So moved was Arnold by the indignation that +he felt at Thunder-maker's treacherous proposal +that he rose as he spoke and poured out the +torrent of his anger with reckless vehemence. +Holden also got up, anticipating that the Indian +might attempt some deed of revenge, seeing that +he had displayed his hand to the sight of enemies +who might make much of this knowledge in an +appeal to Mighty Hand.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 350px;"> + <a href="images/totem004b.jpg" > + <img src="images/totem004a.jpg" width="220" height="333" alt="DACOTAHS! DACOTAHS!" title="" /></a> + <p class="caption">DACOTAHS! DACOTAHS! COME QUICK TO THE HELP OF<br /> + THUNDER-MAKER! HE IS BURNING WITHIN WITH FIRE.<br /> + QUICK! QUICK!</p><br /> +</div> + +<p>But Thunder-maker was too cunning to risk<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> +violent measures with two such powerful antagonists. +He merely waited until Arnold had +finished his tirade. Then he suddenly leaped +out from the tent, threw himself upon the ground, +and uttered wild screams that immediately +roused the entire camp.</p> + +<p>"Dacotahs! Dacotahs! Come quick to the +help of Thunder-maker! The evil spirits of the +water have witched him! He is burning within +with fire. Quick! quick!"</p> + +<p>Instantly the camp was in an uproar, and men +came rushing from all directions, bearing arms +and torches that they had snatched from the +still burning camp-fires. And before the Englishmen +were well aware of the sudden change of +affairs, a score of hands had seized them, and +many strands of thongs bound them helpless, +hand and foot.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER X</h2> +<h3>A DEATH-TRAP</h3> + +<p>"Wake up! Do you want to sleep all +your senses away?"</p> + +<p>It seemed but an hour after the tired boys had +laid down their heads that the above words +were bellowed through the opening in the tent.</p> + +<p>Bob sat up and rubbed his eyes.</p> + +<p>Yes, it was really morning. There was no +doubt about that, for the sun was pouring into +the tent in a warm stream, the birds were filling +the woods with music, and the perfume of +Nature was creeping all around them.</p> + +<p>One entire end of the tent had been thrown +open to reveal these delights, and when Arnold +opened his eyes he saw the gigantic figure of +his Scottish host doing its best to fill the space. +There was a good-humoured smile on the man's +face—a smile that betokened a heart of the +largest dimensions.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p> + +<p>Bob soon roused his chum, who was buried in +a blanket.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter?" questioned the latter, as +he unrolled from the coverings.</p> + +<p>"Can you not smell it?" demanded Mackintosh.</p> + +<p>"Fried bacon and coffee—yes—ripping!" was +the reply as Alf began to move, being inspired to +haste by the odour that proceeded from the camp-fire +beyond the tent, where Haggis was busy +cooking.</p> + +<p>Mackintosh gave a snort of assumed contempt.</p> + +<p>"Bacon and coffee! Who thinks o' bacon and +coffee on a morning like this? Fegs! but have +you no' ears for the birds, nor nostrils for the +scents of Nature? Man, but I'd sooner have a +sniff o' the backwoods——"</p> + +<p>"Than a mouthful of bacon? Not I," chimed +in Alf merrily, at which the man laughed heartily +as he turned on his heel.</p> + +<p>"I'm thinking that there's very little poetry in +a hungry stomach," he said. "Well, 'get a gait +on.' You'll find a wash-hand basin behind the +tent, and breakfast'll be ready when you are."</p> + +<p>The boys needed no second bidding, and it was +not many minutes before they were ready to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> +show how well they could appreciate the half-breed's +culinary art.</p> + +<p>While the lads were breakfasting, Mackintosh +and Haggis busied themselves with striking the +tent and packing the rest of the camp outfit +upon the single pack-horse that accompanied +the naturalist's wanderings. The two men had +already fed at an earlier hour, and had stowed +away most of their belongings in preparation for +the journey.</p> + +<p>"We'll be making straight for the Silver +Lake, where the hanky was found," explained +Mackintosh as they set off. "Haggis'll maybe +pick up tracks there that'll be o' use to us." And +so a northerly route was taken—crossing an arm +of the Athabasca, and then following a course +through the woods under the unerring guidance +of the half-breed.</p> + +<p>Towards noon the Scotsman called a halt, as +he pointed to a small clearing through which ran +a small stream of clear water.</p> + +<p>"This'll no' be a bad place for us to eat our +dinner, lads," he said. "If you'll unpack the +mare and tether her, Haggis, we can see aboot +the fire and the meat."</p> + +<p>"Don't you think it would be well if we were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> +to shoot something?" suggested Bob. "You +see, we don't know where we may have to go +yet, and game may be scarce. There seemed to +be any amount of it on the way here. It would +be as well to save what we have in hand."</p> + +<p>"A good thought," returned Mackintosh +approvingly. "Let's see what the pair o' you +can do wi' your guns while Haggis and I are +setting things to rights."</p> + +<p>"I'll go one way and you the other, Bob, and +see which of us will have the best bag in half an +hour!" said Alf, with the eager delight of a +friendly competition in prospect.</p> + +<p>"Right you are," agreed Arnold heartily, +"You go to the right; I'll take the left, and in +half an hour we'll meet again at the camp and +compare notes."</p> + +<p>With a few words of friendly chaffing as to +which would be the more successful, the chums +parted. Each was determined that his gun +should prove a superior Nimrod's skill, and both +were stirred to high spirits by the excitement of +the quest.</p> + +<p>It must not be a matter for surprise that the +boys could take such pleasure in the diversions +of the moment, even recollecting the serious<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> +nature of the mission on which they had embarked +with the original Skipper Mackintosh. +The truth was that, once having been convinced +that the absent men were indeed alive, the +weight of anxiety was greatly lifted by that +knowledge. As we are already aware, their +fathers were men who had had many a backwoods +adventure in their youth. They were +well capable of taking care of themselves according +to the circumstances in which they were +placed. Hence the chief anxiety now was to +hasten a meeting, when they would learn aright +the cause of the elders' absence; and, though +they could not conjecture what that cause could +be, they felt assured that accident (in the ordinary +sense of the word) was not the reason. Ordinary +accidents of the hunt were not likely to meet two +such experienced sportsmen at one time; and if +one had suffered the other would have found +means to communicate the fact ere this. The +boys felt assured that to some other cause the +matter must be attributed, and so they were +fairly at ease in their minds, though, of course, +anxious to hasten the time when the mystery +would be explained.</p> + +<p>Thus it was that when the opportunity occurred<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> +for this diversion in the form of a little friendly +rivalry, each set off in the highest of spirits.</p> + +<p>Holden at once plunged into the thickest part +of the bush at the back of the little camp-ground. +Arnold decided to follow the downward course of +the stream, in the hope that it might lead to a +lake or pool where duck might fall to his lot.</p> + +<p>Pushing his way through the scrub that +bordered the running water, Bob went some +distance without any success. Then he heard +the sound of a gun some way to the rear, and +he smiled to himself, as he thought that his chum +had already commenced operations.</p> + +<p>Spurred on by the thought, the boy hastened +his steps, and increased his vigilant scrutiny of +the bush for the first signs of game. But luck +did not come his way for some time, and his +anxiety not to be beaten in the contest led his +feet farther than the half-hour's limit merited.</p> + +<p>It was not until he had tramped a mile or +more that Bob realised how quickly the time had +passed. It was disappointing to have to return +empty-handed to the camp, especially since he +had heard Alf's gun crack twice again. At the +same time, if there were no creatures to be shot, +he could not be reproached for his lack of success.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p> + +<p>With a rueful grimace and a laugh of amusement +at his own failure, the boy was just turning +to retrace his steps, when suddenly the bush +rustled at his side, and a brown body leapt into +the air as if it had been shot from a catapult.</p> + +<p>"Antelope!" Bob exclaimed with delight, +and quick as a flash of light the butt of his gun +darted to his shoulder and the woods resounded +with the explosion of a cartridge.</p> + +<p>It was a quick aim and not too good, for the +animal disappeared in the farther bush, and the +cracking of twigs told the young hunter that +the quarry was yet active.</p> + +<p>"This is worth waiting for," said Bob to +himself, as he rushed forward in pursuit. "A +dozen of Alf's prairie chicken will not be equal to +an antelope—if I get him!"</p> + +<p>There was much in that little "if," for evidently +the deer was far from being disabled, since it had +so rapidly made distance between itself and the +hunter.</p> + +<p>Nothing daunted, Bob hurried on, replacing +the used cartridge as he ran, and easily following +the tracks that the animal had made in its dash +for liberty.</p> + +<p>Bob's pulses were thrilling with excitement,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> +but his nerves were the real hunter's nerves that +can be steady even when excitement runs highest. +He gripped his gun firmly, and with eyes scaled +to see each tremor of a leaf he followed the track +with the dogged purpose of one who meant to +capture.</p> + +<p>Time and distance were unheeded now. All +the boy's senses were converged towards one aim, +and for the time being he was oblivious to all +other distractions. Suddenly he stopped in the +very midst of a pace, as if he were suddenly +changed into a statue of marble; for at no great +distance, he saw the deer standing at the edge of +what seemed to be a natural paddock of green +grass. The animal had paused in its flight, and +was now sniffing the air with head raised, to discover +if it were still pursued.</p> + +<p>It was worth gun-shot.</p> + +<p>Cautiously Bob raised his weapon without even +moving from the strained position in which he +had stopped at first glimpse of the game. It +would be useless for him to approach closer, +for the least disturbance of the bush would be +discovered, and a few leaps would carry the deer +across that stretch of green turf, and thence—probably +beyond all chance of recovery.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p> + +<p>Bob took a careful sight this time. Then he +fired. Instantly the deer sprang upwards into +the air, gave two marvellous leaps forward, and +then fell in a lifeless heap right in the centre of +the paddock.</p> + +<p>Bob gave a cry of exultation and ran forwards +towards his bag. So excited was he now that he +did not notice how the turf shivered under his +feet when first he stepped upon the edge of the +clearing. He had no thoughts for aught else +but the triumph of his stalking. But suddenly, +when he was within a few yards of the deer, he +felt one foot sink beneath him. For a moment +he did not give the incident any serious thought, +but placed his other foot a little beyond, where +the turf seemed firmer. But the next step sunk +deeper than the first, and at each effort to release +the one the other sunk farther.</p> + +<p>Then a cold sweat broke out all over the lad's +body. He realised the plight that he was in, for +the green sward was no more than a thin covering +of turf that concealed a great muskeg—a lake of +liquid mud such as has been known to swallow +men, horses—nay, even a herd of buffalo, without +leaving a trace of the hapless victims that have +disappeared within that ever-hungry throat.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span></p> + +<p>Bob stood still in horror at his terrible discovery.</p> + +<p>He looked round him. There was not a sign +of anything that might aid him—not a log, not so +much as a twig. Nothing was at hand but the +grass that a moment before had looked so fresh +and alluring, but which now seemed to suggest all +that was ugly and treacherous. Even the slain +deer was already beginning to yield to the suction +from beneath.</p> + +<p>If ever Bob was near to utter despair, it was +at that moment. He was over the ankles in +mud, and he could feel himself gradually sinking, +while the slimy mass seemed to cling to his limbs +and drag him downwards with irresistible force.</p> + +<p>Once he thought that he might be safer if he +lay upon his face, but he quickly banished that +suggestion when he saw that the prostrate +position of the deer did not impede its certain +destruction. He scarce dared to breathe, since +every movement of a muscle hastened the work +of the muskeg.</p> + +<p>Down, down he sank. The mud crept to his +knees and gradually began to ascend his thighs.</p> + +<p>It seemed to be only a matter of time—another +hour, perhaps less—and the tragedy would end.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p> + +<p>Yet he tried to be brave. He tried to brace +himself to face the trial like a man, though it is +hardly to be wondered at that he felt hope quickly +leaving him, as inch by inch he sunk into that +horrible green death-trap.</p> + +<p>Then, just as suddenly as if a voice had spoken +to him from the very grass at his feet, there +flashed into his mind the words that the good old +Scot had spoken by the camp-fire the previous +night—</p> + +<p>"There's a Hand that could guide the frailest +birch-bark through Niagara."</p> + +<p>Bob remembered, and hope sprang up in his +heart with a bright-burning flame. Yet his faith +was severely tested, as the mud crept up, up—now +to his hips, then slowly advancing beyond +his waist, until at last it was embracing his chest +in a cold grip.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XI</h2> +<h3>TO THE RESCUE!</h3> + +<p>As Bob had surmised from the sounds that +reached him, Alf had not been long in +striking luck. Shortly after leaving the camp he +bagged first one chicken and then another, and in +a short time was lucky enough to bring down a +fine jack-rabbit. Then he hastened back to camp, +and arrived there just as he heard the sound of +Bob's gun in the far distance.</p> + +<p>"I guess I've done the better of the two," he +said merrily, as he displayed the result of his +half-hour's hunt. "That's the first shot that I've +heard from Bob."</p> + +<p>"There's no telling. Maybe your friend +has shot an elephant!" remarked Mackintosh. +"Here, Haggis! Tak' these birds and the +beastie from the laddie, and dress them for the +spit. There's a fine roasting fire, and we'll be +having dinner all ready by the time Maister Bob<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> +gets back. I'm thinking that he's come off +second best the day."</p> + +<p>"Not much praise to me. If there's nothing +to shoot, a fellow can't get much of a bag, can +he?" remarked Alf generously. He was ready +enough to laugh at his friend in a good-humoured +way. It was quite another matter, however, for +any other person to cast the slightest sneer at his +chum. "I was lucky in finding sport right at +hand. But when it comes to shooting—a quick +aim on the wing or on the run—I can't hold a +candle to Arnold. Hark! Did you hear that? +He has brought down two, to balance with my +three."</p> + +<p>"Young boys give long trail," remarked the +half-breed, who was pushing wooden skewers +through the birds, preparatory to balancing them +on wooden Y's before the fire.</p> + +<p>"Too long," grunted the Scotsman. "We +can't afford to waste time. I was meaning to +start off again soon after dinner."</p> + +<p>But by the time the birds were ready for eating, +and the inevitable coffee was hot in the billy-tin, +there were no signs of the boy's return.</p> + +<p>Mackintosh was plainly annoyed.</p> + +<p>"I dinna like that sort o' going-on," he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> +grumbled. "Time is time, and if a body doesn't +keep to time, there's no knowing what deeficulties +may arise."</p> + +<p>But Alf knew his friend better than Mackintosh +did. He knew that the excitement of the +chase might result in a little lateness, for no one +is perfect in matters of punctuality (or anything +else, for that matter) under unusual circumstances. +And the lad's anxiety had been gradually increasing +as the delay had been prolonged, though he +said nothing concerning his feelings until the man +offered the remark that rather displeased him.</p> + +<p>"I don't think it's quite fair to judge a fellow +until we know all the reasons," he said with keen +resentment. "Bob is not the chap to forget +other people. There's not a bit of selfishness +about him."</p> + +<p>"Yet I'm thinking that the silly laddie <i>has</i> +forgotten this time, though, mind you, I'm no' +saying that he's o' a selfish make," returned +Mackintosh a little more gently, seeing how his +previous words had hurt Alf. "I ken fine that +boys will be boys——"</p> + +<p>"And Bob is—Bob—one of the best fellows +that ever lived. Listen! What's that?"</p> + +<p>The boy had suddenly started and bent forward<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> +with intent listening, for his quick ear had +caught the sound of two shots fired in rapid +succession. They were very distant sounds, but +still, far away as they were, the clear Western +air enabled them to reach distinctly across the +distance.</p> + +<p>"That's Bob's gun! I know its voice!" the +lad exclaimed; and hardly were the words uttered +before two more shots were heard—equally distant +yet equally clear.</p> + +<p>"That's queer——" began Mackintosh thoughtfully, +when Alf interrupted him by springing up +from the ground where he had been sitting, and +exclaiming in troubled excitement—</p> + +<p>"Queer? It means that Bob is in danger. +See! There it is again!"</p> + +<p>Two more shots were heard, followed in a +short time by another double.</p> + +<p>By this time Mackintosh was thoroughly +roused. His backwoods experience told him +what a chum's sympathy had already gathered, +that no freak of sporting opportunities would +cause these shots to be fired at such regular +intervals. They could mean nothing else but +a signal of distress.</p> + +<p>"Come, Haggis!" he said in steady tones that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> +showed how ready he was for any emergency. +"Leave those birds, and set your best foot forward. +There's tracking to be done, and that +right quickly."</p> + +<p>Picking up his rifle and bidding Alf take his +gun, Mackintosh at once made a move towards +that part of the bush where Bob had last been +seen. Haggis and the dog Bannock quickly +followed, and the former moved with all the +quiet swiftness of a native who was used to meeting +the unexpected emergencies of life without +being in any degree flustered. That life had +many times been in danger, and its safety had +only been attained by being in a constant state +of readiness.</p> + +<p>By instinctive acknowledgment of the presence +of a superior craftsman, the two white men yielded +the place of leader to Haggis, who quickly discovered +the tracks that Bob's progress had left +behind. The imprint of a rabbit's foot would not +have escaped notice from such eyes as those of +the half-breed, who had been trained in all forest +lore from his babyhood. Hence it was mere +child's play for him to pick up the track of top-boots, +as well as the traces that had been made by +the displacement of grasses and thorns.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p> + +<p>Meantime the distant shots were continued at +intervals, until Holden counted twenty in all.</p> + +<p>Poor boy! It was little to be wondered at that +he urged Haggis to press on with greater speed, +for now he was certain that his chum must be in +a terrible fix, out from which there was no self-help. +He would hardly waste cartridges so +recklessly were he not in some dire extremity.</p> + +<p>"For goodness' sake, hurry!" the boy exclaimed, +for even the rapid walking in Indian file was all +too slow for the patience of one who was pressing +to the rescue of his friend.</p> + +<p>But the half-breed did not change the pace.</p> + +<p>"We step enough quick for bush-track," he +said, without turning. "We no' wish lose track. +On prairie we go quick—run; but in bush slow."</p> + +<p>"The Haggis is right," completed Mackintosh, +whose position was third in the procession. "It's +no' good to be too quick. We might lose the +trail, and that would mean a vexatious delay to +find it again."</p> + +<p>Alf was forced to acknowledge the truth of the +reasoning, though it was a hard task for him to +curb the desire to make a mad dash forward and +take his chance of keeping in the right track.</p> + +<p>Then the half-breed stopped for a few moments<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> +and bent low to examine the ground and the +surrounding scrub.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" questioned Holden. "Have +you lost it?"</p> + +<p>Haggis shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"Lost? No. Haggis no' lose track. But he +find others—deer. White boy shoot deer, but no +kill. Deer jump—run—white boy follow quick—there—there!"</p> + +<p>As he spoke the half-breed rapidly pointed at +the various signs that he had interpreted. They +were plain enough to the native eye, and in a +lesser degree to the sight of the Scotsman. But +Alf's inexperience could only distinguish an +occasional displacement of the undergrowth, +though he was well content to rely on the opinions +of those who were more versed than he in woodcraft.</p> + +<p>Again the rescuers hastened onwards, with +Bannock bringing up the rear, and when at last +they came to a part of the bush where the trees +were somewhat fewer, Haggis suddenly stopped +and pointed straight in front of him, exclaiming +the one sound—</p> + +<p>"Ha!"</p> + +<p>Holden was at the native's side in an instant.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What is it? Where? What do you see?" +he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"In middle of grass—see!"</p> + +<p>Alf looked, but all that he saw was a head and +shoulders that apparently rested on the grass +without any lower limbs. The poor lad was +indeed in the depth of extremity, and he was +almost faint with exhaustion.</p> + +<p>"Bob!" cried Holden in an agony of distress, +and darted for the clearing.</p> + +<p>But he had barely crossed a couple of yards +before a pair of strong hands gripped him and +kept him from moving.</p> + +<p>"No! No! You dare not—" said Mackintosh; +but the lad struggled frantically to free himself +from the powerful grip.</p> + +<p>"Let me go! Let me go! Can't you see +that Bob is lying hurt?" he cried frantically.</p> + +<p>But the hands did not relax their grasp.</p> + +<p>"Wait, laddie," said the man's kindly voice. +"Wait, or we'll be having two lives to account +for. Yon's a muskeg—a living bog. It's death +to them that sets a careless foot on yon green +grass."</p> + +<p>Instantly Alf's struggles ceased, and for the +moment he was limp in the arms that supported<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> +him. The horror of learning of his friend's plight +struck him dumb and suspended the power to +move.</p> + +<p>"Come, come, laddie. You mustn't give in. +Your friend's life depends on your strength."</p> + +<p>Mackintosh was a man of the world, whose +experience enabled him to be a good judge of +character. And he well knew the sort of counsel +that would inevitably stir all that was best in the +boy and lend strength to his pluck. He judged +rightly, for immediately Alf straightened himself +with set lips, steady eyes, and controlled nerves.</p> + +<p>"Forgive me," he said quietly. "But it +knocked me over to think of Bob—out there."</p> + +<p>"I'm no' blaming you, laddie. But you'll +need all your strength now, for I think that your +friend is past helping himself—or nearly." Then +Mackintosh faced the muskeg, and called loudly.</p> + +<p>"Hullo! Bob! Can you hear me?"</p> + +<p>Very slowly the eyelids were seen to open, the +head moved slightly.</p> + +<p>"Can you hold out for a bit longer? Can you +get a coat under your arms if I send it to you?" +were the next questions.</p> + +<p>The boy did not answer at once. He seemed +dazed, and the man repeated his questions.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span></p> + +<p>Then came the answer, spoken weakly and +with an apparent great effort.</p> + +<p>"I'll try. But—come—quickly——" And the +eyes half closed again.</p> + +<p>"That's right. Hold on for a wee bit, and +we'll have you oot o' that mess in a jiffy!"</p> + +<p>Without pausing to explain his intentions, +Mackintosh then quickly stripped off his leather +hunting-jacket, emptied the pockets of all that +could weight it, and called Bannock to his +side.</p> + +<p>"See, Bannock," he said, "I'm going to tie a +sleeve to your collar—like this. Now you must +go over there. Do you see? Right over there +where someone needs your help."</p> + +<p>He pointed towards Bob as he spoke, and the +intelligent collie looked straight in the direction +indicated. He had often had game pointed out +to him in the same way, so quickly understood +what was wanted of him.</p> + +<p>"Off you go!" his master then commanded. +"Off you go—quick—quick!"</p> + +<p>The dog needed no second bidding. He sprang +forward at once towards the hapless boy, dragging +the coat with him.</p> + +<p>"Bannock's coming!" shouted Mackintosh.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> +"When he's there, grip the coat and lean on it. +He'll no' move when I bid him stay."</p> + +<p>"All right," came the faint reply.</p> + +<p>The ground that was so treacherous to the +heavy boots of the incautious hunter could play +no similar tricks with the light tread of the +collie, and in a few seconds he had reached +the goal.</p> + +<p>"Lie down!" the great voice rang out, and +the animal immediately crouched close to the boy, +who had just strength enough left to lay hold +of the jacket in such a way that it formed a +slight support of a temporary nature, to check +further sinking for the time.</p> + +<p>But how to draw the boy from the slough? +That was the next problem.</p> + +<p>Alf turned questioningly to the Scotsman.</p> + +<p>"Get to work and break off as many branches +as you can," was the reply to the look. "Haggis, +you've got your tomahawk? Well, cut down a +lot o' these straight poplars. I'll give a hand to +the laddie."</p> + +<p>It was not long before the sharp axe had laid +prone a number of young poplars and partly +lopped them, while Mackintosh and Alf had torn +down a number of maple and other leafy branches<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> +that would lie fairly flat. These were gathered +to the edge of the muskeg.</p> + +<p>"You're no' feared to take a bit o' risk for +your friend's sake?" the man then asked, turning +a look of confidence to the boy.</p> + +<p>"Afraid?" echoed Alf contemptuously. "Tell +me what to do, and—well, I'd give my life for +Bob!"</p> + +<p>"That's as it should be," returned Mackintosh +approvingly. "'Greater love hath no man than +this, that a man lay down his life for his friend.' +I would offer to do this myself, only I'm a great +heavy gowk, and Haggis is no' much better. But +you're light as a feather compared with us. Now +we'll put two o' these poles like the sides o' a +ladder; then some o' the branches cross-ways. +And you'll go out and build farther as we hand +them to you. Can you do this?"</p> + +<p>"Of course," replied Alf firmly.</p> + +<p>"And don't hurry. Work sure and steady. +The turf will stand the weight with only you on +it. And when you reach Bob, you'll spread the +branches all round. The rest I leave to you."</p> + +<p>To Alf it seemed hours before even the first +section of the ladder was completed, but he did +his best to control his impatience, knowing well<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> +the value of Mackintosh's advice; and at last +came the moment of joy when he was ready for +the second poles to project from the ends of the +first ones, and a fresh supply of branches. But +it was a tedious undertaking at the best, made +doubly so by anxiety to reach the end; for each +time the supply of building material was exhausted +he had to creep back for more, as the men dared +not trust their weight far from the edge of the +muskeg.</p> + +<p>All this time Bob was watching the work as a +starving man feasts his eyes upon the nearness +of food and drink.</p> + +<p>Now and then Alf spoke encouraging words, +but he did not relax his energies, nor did the +sufferer make answer except once, when he stirred +himself to say pluckily—</p> + +<p>"It's—all—right, Alf. I can—hold out—for—some +time——"</p> + +<p>Yet when the younger lad once glanced ahead +of him, the cold sweat broke out over his body, +for he saw that his chum had sunk yet farther, +and that the weight was dragging down the dog +as well.</p> + +<p>"I'm coming, Bob! I'll be very soon now!" +the lad forced himself to call cheerily.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span></p> + +<p>And, oh! the joy of that moment when at last +the bridge was completed, and Alf could bend +down to grip his exhausted chum beneath the +arms!</p> + +<p>"Be careful!" called Mackintosh. "Don't +jerk. Pull steady!"</p> + +<p>Inch by inch Alf felt the mud release its hold +upon its prey, as he strained every ounce of +strength to drag his friend from the clammy grip. +It was a tremendous effort, for the boy was slight, +and the hold of the muskeg added weight to +Bob's by no means slender bulk. But at last +Arnold's arms were clear, and in time he was +dragged so far that he could rest his breast upon +the structure.</p> + +<p>Then Alf paused for breath. But he did not +delay long. He set his teeth and once more +resumed his task. Then he made the woods +ring with a triumphant "Eureka!" for Bob lay +safe upon the bridge!</p> + +<p>Bannock barked for joy also, and struggled up +to scamper back to his master.</p> + +<p>"Just in the nick of time! You've saved my +life!" muttered Bob gratefully, when he recovered +a little of his strength after a short rest.</p> + +<p>Alf's reply was characteristic.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You'll take a deal of washing, old man, before +you're fit for decent society again!"</p> + +<p>The warmth of the sun soon restored some of +the old energy to the chilled body, and after a +time Bob recovered sufficiently to crawl to safety +in the wake of his rescuer.</p> + +<p>And when solid land was regained poor old +Mackintosh was fairly crying with joy.</p> + +<p>"Lads, lads! but God's been kind to us this +day!" he was saying, while the tears ran down +his manly, weather-beaten cheeks. Then he +made all laugh by suddenly starting with a look +of horror in his face as he exclaimed—</p> + +<p>"Ma conscience! But the birds will be burnt +to cinders by this time!"</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XII</h2> +<h3>CRAFTY TACTICS</h3> + +<p>So unexpected had been Thunder-maker's +tactics and so immediate the response of +his people, that the attack was over before the +Englishmen were well aware that it had begun. +Not that any foreknowledge would have availed +them much. They were unarmed, while the +Dacotahs were both armed and numerous. Still, +the average Englishman does not like to be +trussed up without showing some marked resistance. +It makes him feel small to be trapped +without dealing a blow in self-defence.</p> + +<p>The place was brilliantly lit with burning +brands which many of the Indians had brought, +and the camp was in an uproar with the voluble +chatter of the men as they crowded round the +captives, while Thunder-maker excitedly cried +out his story of the affair.</p> + +<p>So well did the Medicine Man concoct his lies<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> +so as to work upon the feelings of his people +that meanwhile it seemed as though the +Englishmen were in for a hot time. Indeed, +so great was their wrath that knives were already +reflecting the flames, and fingers were nervously +twitching about the locks of their guns. And +all the time Thunder-maker was dancing about +in a frenzy of passion. He was not brave +enough to strike a blow, but he hoped to shift +the responsibility upon the shoulders of his +brethren.</p> + +<p>What would have been the termination of +the scene it is not difficult to decide, had not +the old figure of Swift Arrow pushed a way +through the seething multitude and taken a place +at Arnold's side, while he faced his people with +burning indignation.</p> + +<p>"What is this, brothers?" he exclaimed. "Is +this how the Dacotahs treat the stranger in their +tents?"</p> + +<p>"They are witches, not men!" came from +many throats, and Thunder-maker added—</p> + +<p>"They call me from teepee—call me without +words, and fill Thunder-maker with hot fire!"</p> + +<p>"Bah!" ejaculated Swift Arrow with utter +contempt, as he turned to the last speaker. "Is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> +not Thunder-maker great medicine himself? Has +he no weapon to protect himself from magic?"</p> + +<p>But the Medicine Man had his reply ready.</p> + +<p>"Thunder-maker sleep. When Thunder-maker +sleep he have no power against magic." Then he +turned to the surrounding Indians with a wild +appeal. "Shall it be, brothers, that the great +medicine of the Dacotahs die before arrows of +the evil spirits?"</p> + +<p>"Kawin!<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> Kawin!" was the general reply, +and again the knives glistened as they were +raised in many hands.</p> + +<p>Thunder-maker shrieked with triumph.</p> + +<p>"Then save our tribe from the magic of the +evil ones!" he cried as he flung his arms upwards +and turned to the captives with a fiendish +grin of exultation.</p> + +<p>The Indians were now worked up to a condition +of irresponsible madness. Another such +impulse from the Medicine Man, and the thirsty +knives would be quenched.</p> + +<p>"Stay!" commanded Arnold suddenly.</p> + +<p>So unexpected was the word from that quarter +that for the time curiosity superseded frenzy, and +all paused to hear what the white man might<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> +have to say. And Arnold, seeing the advantage, +went on with a calmness that seemed to act like +a spell upon the excited minds. "Stay! My +white brother and I are not afraid to die, if it be +Manito's will that we find the Happy Hunting-ground +this night, and if the Dacotahs have so +forgotten the brave name of their tribe that they +would slay the stranger who came to their tents +in trouble. But first tell me: is it the way of +the redmen to kill a prisoner without the wish of +their chief——"</p> + +<p>"Ha!" interrupted Thunder-maker, hissing +the exclamation through his teeth, for even now +he felt his victims slipping through his hands. +"Do not listen, brothers! They are evil spirits—they +speak magic words against which nothing +prevails. They have forked tongues that dart +as fire. Ugh! I spit upon them—dogs!"</p> + +<p>The Englishmen met the verbal onslaught as +firmly as a rock resists a wave, and Arnold did +not so much as look towards the madman, but +resumed, in the same even tones as before.</p> + +<p>"Who are you, redmen? Are you dogs, to +be beaten to obey the first loud voices? Shall +the howling wolf put fear into your hearts, to drag +down a prey that he dares not attack alone?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> +Or are you children of your rightful chief? Who +is chief of the Dacotahs—Thunder-maker or +Mighty Hand?"</p> + +<p>"The fiery totem is on the breast of Mighty +Hand," answered one of the warriors. The hubbub +had fallen, and all were listening intently—partly +with the native courtesy that forbids the +rude interruption of speech, and partly because +the better self was beginning to replace the +moment's frenzy.</p> + +<p>"Ah," resumed Arnold with a smile, "I see +that the understanding of the pale-face was wrong. +We thought that the chief was Thunder-maker, +as you hastened to obey <i>his</i> words."</p> + +<p>"Thunder-maker great medicine——" began +Swift Arrow, when the former speaker rejoined—</p> + +<p>"Then he would make himself great chief. +Will you braves suffer this insult to the wearer +of the fiery totem?"</p> + +<p>"Ka—Kawin!" was the chorus that met this +question, and the dark looks that had been +directed towards the Englishmen but a little +while since were now turned towards the defeated +Medicine Man, who was standing sullen and +silent.</p> + +<p>But Thunder-maker was not yet conquered,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> +though he was apparently humbled. To give +him his due, he was a man of wonderful resource, +and when he saw that the tide was turning +against him he was quick to meet the occasion.</p> + +<p>"My brothers, listen not to the words of +Thunder-maker," he said quietly, and with a +pretence of sad emotion that he had failed to influence +the other Indians to take the right course. +"Did not Thunder-maker say that these evil +spirits have tongues of magic? Did he not say +that no weapon could prevail against those magic +words? But let it be as my red brothers wish. +Mighty Hand rest in teepee. He not come from +tent at night, unless the war-cry call him. So let +it be as these—dogs—say. Let them rest in +their tent to-night, and at another sun we will +bring them before the great chief Mighty Hand, +who is the greatest of warriors, and chief of the +greatest of all tribes, the Dacotahs. I have +spoken."</p> + +<p>"And spoken well," said Holden, thinking that +it might be well to propitiate the Medicine Man +for the time. But Thunder-maker, stooping forward +with a pretence of picking up something +from the ground, came close enough to whisper, +so that only the Englishmen could hear him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span>—</p> + +<p>"By another sun, when Mighty Hand looks +upon the pale-faces, it may be that the friends of +Thunder-maker have looked first!"</p> + +<p>The words were spoken with all the venom of +a savage threat, and before Holden could make +reply the Medicine Man was speaking loudly to +Swift Arrow.</p> + +<p>"The Dacotahs shall see great medicine when +the fiery totem again turn eyes upon the evil +water-spirits. Thunder-maker will now go to +his teepee. He would speak with his little +children that they show much magic."</p> + +<p>But Swift Arrow did not deign to reply. He +turned to the Englishmen, and with a few movements +of his hunting-knife severed the cords that +bound them.</p> + +<p>"The stranger who has raised no arm against +the redmen may not be bound in the camp of +the Dacotahs. My brothers did wrong. The +pale-faces will forgive my foolish people."</p> + +<p>"We do not blame you. You are a good man, +and Manito smiles upon the kind heart," returned +Arnold quietly.</p> + +<p>Thoroughly worn out with the events of the +previous day as well as the exciting incidents of +the night, the two friends were glad to be at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> +liberty to return to their tent and stretch their +tired limbs upon the robes that had been provided +for them. The Indians had quickly dispersed +at the bidding of old Swift Arrow, and +soon the camp was once more in peace.</p> + +<p>Little was said by either of the men as they +lay down at opposite parts of the teepee, and it +was not long before sleep came to the relief of +weariness.</p> + +<p>For a couple of hours or more the Englishmen +were wrapt in deep slumber. Then, just as the +grey dawn was beginning to chase the shadows +from the forest, Holden suddenly awoke. It was +not the calm awakening that follows refreshing +rest, but that sudden return of the senses that +one sometimes experiences accompanied by a +horrible instinct of danger.</p> + +<p>Holden sat up and looked round. Nothing +strange was to be seen within the tent, and when +he looked through the entrance all seemed peaceful +without. The brown teepees were not even +stirred by a morning breeze. Not a soul was +to be seen, and it was too early even for the +birds to sing their morning anthems.</p> + +<p>He looked at Arnold, and saw that his friend +was still enjoying profound rest. So, laughing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span> +at his own weakness, Holden returned to his +robes and was soon dozing again.</p> + +<p>Then a second time he wakened with the +former conviction even stronger than before.</p> + +<p>He raised himself on his right elbow, and as he +did so was startled by a sound that is calculated +to strike terror into the hearts of men quicker +than the most formidable of human foes.</p> + +<p>It was the danger-signal of a rattlesnake—the +harsh alarm that is unmistakable even when heard +for the first time, and the sinuous green thing +was poised in the centre of the tent, with head +thrown back in the attitude to strike. It had +been startled by Holden's sudden movement on +awakening, and now was armed to repel its +supposed enemy.</p> + +<p>The man dared not move, for the least motion +of a muscle might be sufficient to frighten the +deadly little rope of flesh, and then——?</p> + +<p>The continued sound of the rattle had roused +Arnold by this time; but at his first stirring +Holden spoke, though he managed to do so +without moving his lips.</p> + +<p>"Keep still. There's a rattlesnake in the tent. +It's got an eye on me, and——"</p> + +<p>But the rest of the sentence was choked, for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> +the man's blood suddenly ran cold as another +serpent came from among the fur robes, writhing +its cold chill body across his bare hand as it lay +at his side, and then moving towards its companion.</p> + +<p>"There's another—just crawled over my hand," +whispered Holden hoarsely.</p> + +<p>"And I see a third—over there just beyond +my feet!" said Arnold. "What on earth are +we to do?"</p> + +<p>"Lie still. We can do no more, unless we get +a chance to make a bolt for it. But they are +between us and the door."</p> + +<p>The men waited in tense silence, preserving +the immovable attitudes of statues until, as time +passed, other serpents made their appearance and +the teepee was swarming with a dozen at least. +They seemed to be everywhere. They crawled +over the robes and peered into the men's faces, +they wriggled beneath the covering and even +passed across Holden's bared throat. But they +were no longer aggressive. They were more of +an exploring than an antagonistic bent.</p> + +<p>"I wonder where they have come from and +why they have congregated in this particular +tent?" Arnold questioned in a whisper, and,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> +with the question, the explanation seemed to flash +into Holden's mind like a flame of fire.</p> + +<p>"Thunder-maker!" he exclaimed. "The +treacherous hound! This is his work. I was +wakened by something before. He must have +been letting loose his vile creatures."</p> + +<p>Just then the snakes returned unpleasantly +near to the men's heads again, so further conversation +was impossible, for it is remarkable +what little sound will attract a serpent's attention, +and the nature of a rattler is to regard every +sound and movement as something dangerous to +be fought.</p> + +<p>For more than an hour the men lay in strained +positions, watching the writhing movements of +the ugly creatures, and wondering how long the +position could be sustained.</p> + +<p>And then, just when it seemed that the situation +could not be supported another minute, +they became aware of a sound of soft whistling +at no great distance from the rear of the tent. +At first the sound was quite low, and barely +audible, but gradually it increased in volume +until it took the form of a sort of minor tune of +barbaric rhythm played on some sort of reed +instrument.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span></p> + +<p>At the beginning the music was unheeded by +the serpents, but as it became more distinct +it was observable that the creatures became +restless and uneasy. Now and then one would +raise its head and begin to sway gently to and +fro, in agreement with the rhythm. But gradually +each seemed to be irresistibly drawn towards the +back of the tent, as the spell of their master's +music fascinated them. One by one they passed +in one direction—moving slowly yet steadily in +obedience to the call.</p> + +<p>And as the last of the reptiles passed beneath +the edge of the tent-cloth both men sprang from +their couches and rushed round to the teepee +that was pitched a little way behind their own.</p> + +<p>But they found Thunder-maker reclining on +a heap of robes and apparently asleep; and not +a sign was seen to suggest the presence of a +"rattler."</p> + +<p>So much for the art of the snake-charmer and +the craft of an evil man.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2> +<h3>THE PRICE OF A ROBE</h3> + +<p>Thunder-maker did not move while +the strangers were watching him. To all +outward appearance he was asleep.</p> + +<p>Holden stepped forward and shook the +Medicine Man roughly by the shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Come along! Open your eyes, you old +scoundrel. You are no more sleeping than we +are," he said.</p> + +<p>The Indian moved, slowly opened his eyes, +and looked for a few moments at the speaker, just +as a person would who had been suddenly roused +from a deep slumber. Then a pleased smile +broke over his face.</p> + +<p>"My white brothers in the tent of Thunder-maker? +They are very welcome," he said.</p> + +<p>But Holden did not respond to the greeting, as +he demanded—</p> + +<p>"Does Thunder-maker think that we are fools?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> +Do you think we did not hear you piping to +those vile serpents of yours?"</p> + +<p>The Indian looked puzzled.</p> + +<p>"My white brothers speak strange words, or +it may be that the mind of Thunder-maker still +sleeps——"</p> + +<p>"Rot!" interrupted Arnold brusquely. "The +Thunder-maker's mind is wide enough awake. +What is the use of lying to us? We know that +you put those snakes into our teepee, and we +heard you call them back when you found that +your purposes had failed."</p> + +<p>For answer, the Indian raised one of the +blankets and disclosed a basket against which he +had been leaning during his pretended sleep. +He raised the lid, looked in, and signed the +Englishmen to do likewise.</p> + +<p>"See? On their bed of grass my little +papooses also sleep," he said, lifting the basket +so as to show the tangle of green bodies that it +contained.</p> + +<p>"We can gain nothing by further talking," +remarked Arnold to his companion in an undertone. +"The fellow has done us this time, and +we have nothing to support us if we accuse him +before Mighty Hand."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span></p> + +<p>"That's true enough," returned Holden. "He +is best man this time."</p> + +<p>The Indian quietly closed the lid and again +covered the basket with a blanket, after which +he looked up with a cunning and triumphant +leer.</p> + +<p>"White men will eat; then—Mighty Hand +take trail for Pleasant Valley!"</p> + +<p>How he seemed to gloat over the thought of +the terrible fate that awaited his enemies! Brave +men though they were, they could not but feel a +sense of shrinking at the picture that this man's +attitude and tone conjured up. There are times +when anticipations of pleasure seem to be rendered +more alluring by reason of description. It is also +so with expectancy of pain. Words may paint +that picture in crimson colours so that our revulsion +is intensified before we see it.</p> + +<p>"We will gain nothing by remaining here," +said Arnold abruptly, as he turned from the tent, +whence he was followed by his companion. And +as the Englishmen departed they heard the +Indian saying aloud, purposely to be overheard—</p> + +<p>"The pale-face no' think that he see Pleasant +Valley, but fiery totem call. Fiery totem must +be obeyed."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span></p> + +<p>Thunder-maker grinned evilly to himself as he +watched the departure of his visitors. Then he +rose up, folded around him a robe of deerskin that +was covered with many strange designs, and crept +with the sly movements of a prowling wolf among +the various teepees. Reaching the farther side +of the camp, he stopped in front of one of the +tents that stood a little way apart from the others. +Gently he raised the flap and looked in. An +Indian of gigantic size was sitting by himself, +adjusting his leggings and moccasins. He looked +up to observe his visitor, and it was noticeable +that as he did so Thunder-maker winced as +though he were in pain.</p> + +<p>There were few who could look upon that +man's face without wincing. In early scalping-days +it had been slashed on one side with a +scalping-knife in such a way that the left eye was +totally destroyed, and a livid scar ran from the +eyebrow to the neck—drawing the flesh into +creases that robbed that part of the face of any +semblance to humanity. The other side was +whole, but the entire expression was so horrible +that even familiarity did little to prevent repulsion +in the senses of the beholder.</p> + +<p>"Thunder-maker is welcome to the tent of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> +Red Fox," the Indian remarked, returning again +to the completion of his wardrobe.</p> + +<p>"Thunder-maker would speak wise words with +his brother," said the Medicine Man, entering, but +not deigning to sit in the tent of that "brother." +He seldom paid that honour to any teepee except +his own and that of the chief.</p> + +<p>"It is well," returned the other man. "Red +Fox will gladly hear the wise words the Thunder-maker +will speak."</p> + +<p>The Medicine Man did not waste any time in +needless palaver. The hours were precious to +him, and even an Indian can cut time when his +business is pressing.</p> + +<p>"Red Fox is great warrior; Red Fox have +eyes like father of his name," he said. "There +is good work for Red Fox to do."</p> + +<p>The listener had broken the cord of a moccasin, +and was apparently concentrating all his attention +on knotting the break. But his attention was +mainly given to Thunder-maker all the same, and +the latter knew it, so he continued—</p> + +<p>"Thunder-maker have rich robe of ermine—better +robe than Mighty Hand wear. Many +dollars as leaves in tree not buy the robe of +Thunder-maker. Yet—Red Fox may wear it."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Huh! Red Fox poor. He not have dollars +to buy new traps for hunting."</p> + +<p>That was what the Indian said. He pretended +that he thought the Medicine Man had come to +trade. But he knew differently, and waited for +the visitor to "show his hand." Whatever +bargain was to be proposed, he knew that his +share would not be increased by any show of +eagerness to possess the robe that even chiefs had +coveted in vain.</p> + +<p>Thunder-maker darted a keen glance at the +other man as he said mockingly—</p> + +<p>"The dollars of Red Fox stay in pouch, yet +ermine robe lie on his shoulders—if he do what +Thunder-maker say."</p> + +<p>Still Red Fox made no sign to show interest, +and the other went on—</p> + +<p>"At Crane Creek two white papooses live in +tent. Red Fox will find them—he will go as a +friend, and he will say, gentle as the voice of a +mother pigeon: 'White boys would find friends +who are far away? Then Red Fox will lead +them.' And Red Fox will take them by dark +path through the forest—by long path that twine +like path of serpent. Then, when sun sleep, Red +Fox will creep away—soft—soft, that pale-faces<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> +hear not. And when sun waken—Red Fox will +be back at camp of Mighty Hand. I have +spoken."</p> + +<p>Red Fox had fastened the moccasin by now, +though he still sat with body bent while he intently +listened to the Medicine Man's proposal to +cause the two boys to be lost in the forest. And +as the story was ended he slowly raised his head +to look into Thunder-maker's face. What he +saw there evidently satisfied him, for his ghastly +face moved with a sort of smile that indicated +satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"Then the—the fiery totem—foolish?" he +questioned shyly, and the other Indian rejoined +solemnly—</p> + +<p>"The totem of the Dacotahs wise—very wise. +It speak to Thunder-maker by night, and tell +him this."</p> + +<p>Red Fox nodded. But it was not the nod +of agreement with the falsehood so much as at +recognition of the lie.</p> + +<p>"Thunder-maker great medicine," he said, with +a slight sneer. "But Red Fox hear much. He +hear water-spirits say to Mighty Hand that they +have papooses. Water-spirits have not young. +So these are pale-faces."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p> + +<p>Thunder-maker's face flushed angrily.</p> + +<p>"Does the Red Fox insult the sacred totem of +the Dacotahs?" he demanded, as he drew himself +up as though it had been he to whom the insult +was offered.</p> + +<p>But the Indian also raised himself, and did so +with the conscious knowledge that his gigantic +body and bare limbs, which glistened like muscles +of copper, were more than protection against any +physical attack that the Medicine Man might offer. +And his upper lip curled with a sneer as he +stared straight into the eyes of the totem's +champion.</p> + +<p>"Red Fox is not fool. He live long among +white men, and he know that totem cannot speak—that +totem a lie. But Red Fox will do this +for his brother Thunder-maker. Thunder-maker +would have revenge against the pale-faces in +yonder teepee, for they face Medicine Man—bravely +when he would have had Dacotahs slay +them. This will Red Fox do, for he would gladly +wear the ermine robe."</p> + +<p>"The papooses will never again see their +fathers?" interrupted the Medicine Man eagerly. +He forgot etiquette and totem alike in the excitement +of knowing that the success of one part of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> +his evil plans was practically assured. Red Fox +was known to be a man of little conscience though +great determination, and it was only his enormous +strength of arm that allowed him to keep a place +within the clan of the really kindly Dacotahs.</p> + +<p>"The Red Fox will blind the trail, that the +white boys never follow? For Mighty Hand +weak—like woman. He listen to soft words, and +it may be that he will not light fire in Pleasant +Valley. The robe must return to tent of Thunder-maker +if boys find their fathers."</p> + +<p>"Let Thunder-maker take his way in peace. +By another sun Red Fox will have found the +young pale-faces; by two suns he will return +to the camp of Mighty Hand—alone. I have +spoken."</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XIV</h2> +<h3>THE BATTLE OF WITS!</h3> + +<p>It was only to be expected that Bob was not +fit for much exertion after his experience +with the muskeg, and it was Skipper Mackintosh's +decision on returning to camp that the boy should +proceed no farther that night.</p> + +<p>"But that will be a longer time before we get +on the track of our fathers," protested Arnold, to +whom the thought of inactivity for even twelve +hours was irksome.</p> + +<p>"Better to bide quiet for a night at present +than be laid up for days later on," was the Scotsman's +response. "But you can set your mind +easy-like. The time will no' be lost, for Haggis +and me will set oot on a wee scouting expedition +to the place where we found yon hanky. We'll +be back by midnight."</p> + +<p>This plan was a relief to the boys' minds, for +though it entailed a certain delay in the forward<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> +journey, the result of the scouting might curtail +matters in the long-run. Mackintosh's report +might enable them to make more definite plans +than were possible at present.</p> + +<p>So, after a few preparations for the journey, the +two men set off, accompanied by the faithful +Bannock, early in the afternoon.</p> + +<p>"Don't you go and disappear like the others +did!" laughed Holden, to which the "ceevilised" +Haggis replied—</p> + +<p>"Fox lose trail in bush easier than me!"</p> + +<p>It was a hot afternoon, so, when the boys had +watched their friends disappear in the forest, +Bob decided that it would be a good opportunity +to wash the mud and slime from his clothes, as +they would soon dry in the sun.</p> + +<p>No sooner said than done. The soiled +garments were stripped (for of course the lads +were reduced to one suit apiece) and the stream +utilised as a washing-tub, after which Bob +was obliged to sit in his suit of Nature while +the clothes of Art were drying upon handy +branches.</p> + +<p>As we said, the day was hot, and, as the grassy +slope upon which the boys sat formed the margin +of a clear pool where the stream widened, it was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> +not to be expected that the period of idle ease +would be prolonged.</p> + +<p>"Ah!" Bob suddenly exclaimed, as he sat up +and regarded the water with covetous eyes, "the +temptation is too much for me. I'm going to +have a dip."</p> + +<p>"It certainly looks more tempting than your +plunge into mud. A pleasant change, I should +say," remarked Alf chaffingly. Then he added +merrily: "But are you sure that you can stand +it? It won't do to exert yourself too much yet. +Old Mackintosh expects you to rest."</p> + +<p>"That's all right. I shan't muck about very +much. I can take it easy. As a matter of fact, +I am sure that a plunge will buck me up."</p> + +<p>"All serene," returned the younger boy, rising +to prepare himself for a bathe. "So long as +you don't think that it will do you any harm, +I'm ready."</p> + +<p>A short run, and then Bob had entered the +water in the clean-cut style of a practised diver.</p> + +<p>"It's glorious!" he called to his chum, who +was almost ready to follow his leader. "I should +think that it is quite eight feet in the middle, so +you can plunge safely."</p> + +<p>"Right. Clear out of the way!" was the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> +response, and in a second more Holden in his +turn cleft the sparkling water.</p> + +<p>Those of our readers who are only familiar +with the cheerless sea or even the placid river-bathing +of England can have no idea of the +charm that is found in emulating the fishes in +the cool depths of a Western forest stream.</p> + +<p>Imagine the great trunks of cedar and pine +and the gnarled giants of maples spreading their +great arms—shutting off the distance with a +surrounding barrier of dense colour; imagine the +red willows dipping their heads in the margin +of the bowl, gaily coloured birds skimming the +surface in pursuit of insects, and gaudy butterflies +sometimes touching your cheek, like a piece of +down borne upon the mellow air. At such a +time, in such a place, you feel yourself to be +but a tiny little speck in the centre of the world +of Nature. You feel as free as a savage. If +you are not happy, it must be that you are a +weakling boy who lacks the real boy's love for +out-of-door freedom.</p> + +<p>These were some of the sensations that our +young heroes experienced as they splashed about +in the crystal pool. Probably they did not realise +the details as I have described them; but that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> +was the effect, all the same. It is the glorious +sense of freedom that everybody feels if they +have the "backwoods spirit." It cannot be +properly described, but I can smell the atmosphere +of it all, even though I am now sitting in +an English room in an English county. And so +intent were the boys on the enjoyment of the +moment that they did not observe the figure of +an Indian who crept out of the bush near by +while they were experimenting in various positions +for swimming.</p> + +<p>The Indian paused for a few moments. Then, +seeing the attention of the lads was devoted to +their amusement, he crept to the tent like a snake +in the long grass. This he examined thoroughly, +and he gave a grunt of satisfaction as he discovered +the pack-horse picketed near by. After +this, seeing no necessity for further secrecy of +movement, he boldly walked to the edge of the +pool where the boys were bathing, and sat down +quietly to watch their play.</p> + +<p>It was Alf who was the first to discover the +stranger. "I say! There's an Indian!" he +exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"Where?" questioned Bob, who had swum a +little way out of sight beyond a curve in the creek.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Over there—beside our clothes. But, I say, +what a horrible face he has got! He looks as +if a lion had started to chew him and changed his +mind! He's the ugliest-looking freak I ever saw."</p> + +<p>Taking for granted that the Indian would not +understand the uncomplimentary remarks, Holden +swam towards the side of the pool, being quickly +followed by his chum. But the Indian had +understood. He was as familiar with colloquial +English as he was with his own tongue. Nevertheless, +he did not alter the grin on his face, +though there was something very different from +a grin at his heart—a something which (if the +rash speaker had only known it) had suddenly +determined him to carry out his contract in quite +a different manner from that which had been +arranged with Thunder-maker.</p> + +<p>An Indian is a queer creature at the best. He +loves as quickly and impulsively as he hates, +while devotion may be turned into detestation as +rapidly as a vessel of clear water is discoloured +by a drop of ink. Red Fox's eyes flashed fire +towards the imprudent lad, though his lips still +smiled, and anyone who was a judge of Indian +character would have understood from that look +that it would be an ill moment for Alf if ever it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> +was within the power of the redskin to repay the +insulting expressions.</p> + +<p>By this time both lads had reached the shore, +whereupon Bob addressed the stranger while the +pair proceeded to dress—Arnold's clothes being +dry by this time.</p> + +<p>"Well, where have you come from?" the boy +questioned.</p> + +<p>"Trail long. Red Fox come over prairie—bush—far—far——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, you understand English?" exclaimed Alf, +at the same time hoping that the Indian had not +heard enough, or understood English well enough, +to comprehend the recent criticisms as to his +personal appearance.</p> + +<p>The redskin nodded, though he craftily pretended +that his knowledge of the foreign tongue +was but scanty.</p> + +<p>"Red Fox know little—very little. He speak—he +no' understand all that ears tell him."</p> + +<p>"And a jolly good job, too," commented Alf +to his friend. "He's a hideous monster, but I +shouldn't like to hurt his feelings by letting him +know my opinion."</p> + +<p>"I don't think that I would express it too +freely, if I were you," said Bob, who had quickly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> +resumed his everyday attire. "You never can +tell how much fellows like that understand. I +remember father telling me that Indians won't +always admit that they know English well. +They think that they can drive better bargains +by pretending ignorance."</p> + +<p>Then the boy turned to the native, and the +fact that the man was alone and seemed to have +no other possessions than his gun, hunting-knife, +and pipe, raised doubts in the lad's mind as to +the truth of the statement concerning the long +journey. He knew and had heard sufficient +about Indians to be aware that they seldom +travelled any distance without their family and +other belongings.</p> + +<p>"You said that you had come a long trail?" +he said, regarding the Indian with a sharp scrutiny.</p> + +<p>Red Fox bowed assent, taking out his pipe to +fill it with kini-ka-nik (tobacco and red willow +bark mixed) as he spoke.</p> + +<p>"Red Fox come far—with feet of deer. He +have story for ear of pale-face brothers."</p> + +<p>The boys started at the remark, while Alf repeated—</p> + +<p>"A story?"</p> + +<p>"From the white men to their papooses."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p> + +<p>This was news indeed; but the unexpected +announcement disarmed suspicion for the moment.</p> + +<p>"From our fathers?" said Bob eagerly. +"Where are they? What has kept them from +returning to camp?"</p> + +<p>"The white men rest," replied the Indian. +"The trail far. They find Red Fox, and they +say: 'Go, find our papooses and lead them by +straight trail to our tent.'"</p> + +<p>"But they had no tent with them!" exclaimed +Alf, at once touching the weak point in the falsehood. +"Perhaps they are with other Indians?"</p> + +<p>Red Fox had not been instructed by Thunder-maker +in the details of the story that he was to +tell in order to gain his ends. It had not occurred +to him to invent more than that he had been sent +to bring the lads. That had seemed sufficient to +attain his aims, though he realised that it would +not do to say that the white men were captives. +That might frighten the boys and prevent their +following his guidance. The poor servant had +not calculated upon the probing questions that +would have been naturally anticipated by an +English mind and prepared for.</p> + +<p>But he saw the blunder, and hastened to amend +the error as best he might.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span></p> + +<p>"White men with Indians—with friends. Red +men good to pale-faces—give them food and +teepees and robes to rest on. So white men +wish papooses to follow where Red Fox walk."</p> + +<p>Holden turned aside to his chum.</p> + +<p>"I'll be hanged if I'll follow the lead of a +murderous-looking villain like that unless he can +show very good reasons why I should. His face +is like a nightmare."</p> + +<p>"I can't say I like the look of him myself," +returned Bob. "He hasn't got the expression +of a fellow you could trust. Besides, don't you +think that if our fathers were well and had sent +a native messenger to us—don't you think that +they would have sent some sort of written message +as well?"</p> + +<p>"It would have been easy enough. Father +always carries his notebook and pencil with +him——"</p> + +<p>"So he could have easily explained matters. +I don't think he would have trusted an Indian +to be understood. It isn't as if we knew anything +of the lingo."</p> + +<p>While the boys were thus discussing the situation +in low tones, they did not heed how Red +Fox was observing them sharply from the corners<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> +of his eyes. He was trying to discover how far +his deception had succeeded, though he endeavoured +to hide his anxious observation by +the action of lighting his redstone pipe. And it +must be confessed that his keen scrutiny of the +lads' faces did not reassure him. He could see +suspicion plainly marked in both, while his heart +burned with fire of anger, though resentment was +mainly directed to the younger lad, whose inadvertent +remarks had cut so deeply into the +savage pride.</p> + +<p>But the redskin's mental observations were +suddenly cut short by Bob, who wheeled upon +him with a sudden inspiration.</p> + +<p>"Look here," he said quickly, though his voice +was pleasant and almost reassuring, "it is very +good of you to travel so far to bring us this +news. We are glad to see you, and will try to +give you a good present. But we will settle our +business first. So, give me the letter, and then +we will go to the tent and eat."</p> + +<p>"Letter?"</p> + +<p>The Indian repeated the single word in a +puzzled tone.</p> + +<p>"Yes; the one my father gave you," said Bob.</p> + +<p>So mystified was Red Fox by the intelligence<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> +that apparently he had not only been expected +by the boys but that he had been looked for as +the bearer of a letter from the fathers to their +sons, that he was momentarily startled out of +his caution in pretending an only slight acquaintance +with the English language.</p> + +<p>He stared open-eyed at the question, and Bob +continued evenly—</p> + +<p>"Of course my father would send a letter if he +wanted us. He would do that to prove that his +messenger was one whom we could trust. Did he +give you one?"</p> + +<p>Red Fox was quite taken off his guard by the +white boy's guile, but he strove to cover his confusion +by further lying.</p> + +<p>"Yes—the white man send paper by hand of +Red Fox, but—but Red Fox foolish; he—lose +letter—on trail——"</p> + +<p>"But you are <i>sure</i> you had one? It would be +written—in red—with a red pencil—a red paint-stick."</p> + +<p>"My white brother speaks true," said the +Indian.</p> + +<p>"Of course he does!" chimed in Alf, to whom +his chum's ruse was now clear. "And if that +letter was written in red and sent to us, we would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> +know where it came from, and would follow the +messenger at once."</p> + +<p>The Indian flashed a quick glance of hatred +towards the last speaker, but instantly lowered +his eyelids again, as he returned with more calmness +than before—</p> + +<p>"It is well. The pale-face did paint letter +with red. But—Red Fox foolish Indian. He +lose letter on trail. He seek much—much—but +no' find."</p> + +<p>The game of bluff had succeeded. Now the +boys knew for certain that the man was lying—that +he had not been commissioned by either of +their parents, and both laughed derisively.</p> + +<p>"Trapped!" exclaimed Holden triumphantly. +"You've got him tight as a rabbit in a gin, +Bob."</p> + +<p>How that sneering laughter scorched the redman's +pride! It touched him at the quick, and +caused him to writhe inwardly, until his fingers +twitched beneath the folds of his blanket with +eagerness to tear out the tongue that thus jeered +at him. Yet the lads did not dream how near +they were to tragedy as they laughed at the +little comedy, with the chief actor sitting huddled +at their feet. They did not notice how the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> +Indian's eyes first measured the distance from +the overhanging bank to the surface of the +water, and then as quietly calculated the distance +between himself and the lads.</p> + +<p>"Yes, you were indeed foolish," resumed +Arnold, "for you have shown us that your words +were lies. My father never wrote such a letter, +I am sure, for a red pencil is not a thing that he +possesses. And if he were well enough to write, +he would be well enough to come himself, instead +of sending such a foolish Indian and a bad +liar."</p> + +<p>"At the same time," whispered Alf, "the chap +must know something, or he wouldn't be here +at all. We must find out that in some way or +other."</p> + +<p>"True," Bob said.</p> + +<p>But there was no time allowed for considering +what means to adopt to obtain further information, +for just at that moment Red Fox uttered a +wild cry, and sprang from the ground with the +leap of a deer. Next instant Bob was gripped +as in a vice and flung into the centre of the +pool; then, with a snarl like that of a wild cat, +the Indian sprang for Alf's throat.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XV</h2> +<h3>OFF!</h3> + +<p>The Indian is nothing if he is not unexpected +in all his actions. Surprise attacks +were ever his weapons of warfare. From among +the long grass of an apparently innocent meadow +he would suddenly rise up with his followers to +attack the caravan that was quietly pursuing its +way along the prairie in absolute ignorance of +the nearness of enemies. In the dead hour of +night the war-whoop would suddenly ring through +the forest, and the settlers would be scalped and +dead before the last echo had time to fade +away.</p> + +<p>So it was on this occasion. Utterly unsuspicious +of attack, both boys were taken at a +disadvantage. Bob was floundering in the water +before he had time to realise the assault, while +Alf was equally unprepared as the Indian sprang +towards him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p> + +<p>The claw-like fingers missed their intended +grip upon the boy's throat, but the arms managed +to grapple the lad in a tight embrace. Alf +struggled well, but he was no match for the +muscles of the giant Dacotah.</p> + +<p>"I'm coming! I'll be with you in a second!" +called Bob from the water, striking out strongly +for the shore as soon as he had recovered +breath.</p> + +<p>The Indian looked hastily around him without +releasing the bearlike hug. He saw the swimmer +quickly approaching, and he gave a cry of fury +as he thought that he would be baulked of his +purpose of revenge, for he rightly thought that +he would stand a poor chance against two active +lads. He might succeed in injuring the one, +but there was little chance of his escaping.</p> + +<p>Suddenly he released Alf. Feeling himself +free for the moment, the boy jumped back in +readiness for another attack. But once again +the unexpected had him at a vantage. The boy +anticipated no other attack now but that of fists +or a knife at the utmost. These were the only +contingencies that his inexperience could imagine. +But before he had time to conjecture other +possibilities, Red Fox had slipped off his blanket,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> +flung it around the lad just as the ancient +gladiator was wont to entangle his opponent in +the deadly net, and before Arnold had reached +the river bank the Indian had wound the blanket +tightly round his captive, picked him up in his +arms, and commenced running towards the tent.</p> + +<p>Bob gave a cry of dismay and rushed on in +pursuit.</p> + +<p>But the redskin had the start, and ran straight +towards the picketed horse, still carrying the lad, +who was half stifled by the thick cloak, and +practically helpless, owing to the tightness with +which the bond was twined.</p> + +<p>It would have been an easy matter then for +Red Fox to have killed his captive and yet +escape the other boy. But that was not his +purpose. In his thirst to revenge the insult of +Alf's words, he had quite forgotten Thunder-maker's +commission and the coveted ermine robe. +These were nothing to him now. He had +listened to sneers with patience. The time had +now come to repay the taunts with interest. He +ran towards the pack-horse. A slash with his +hunting-knife severed the rope within two or +three feet of the halter. Alf was then thrown +roughly across the animal's back, while the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> +Indian was himself astride an instant afterwards. +A vicious dig of the heels, and the horse sprang +forward.</p> + +<p>And the last that Bob saw as he reached the +tent was an ugly face grinning at him and an +arm waving tauntingly as horse, rider, and +burden disappeared into the woods.</p> + +<p>Arnold was aghast!</p> + +<p>He rushed into the tent and snatched up his +repeating rifle, which was already loaded; by the +time he emerged again he could only hear the +distant sound of the fugitive rider pressing +the branches through the bush track.</p> + +<p>He ran forwards at top speed, but he knew +well that unless some accident befell the horse +he stood a poor chance of being able to aid his +chum. The Indian would know the bush as well +as his namesake fox. He would not be likely to +take any risk that would imperil his safety or +blight any evil purpose that he might harbour.</p> + +<p>The boy followed the track, which was well +marked. It was the same course that had been +taken by Mackintosh and Haggis earlier in the +day. For a time it led through an avenue of +trees. Then it branched off to the left, where +the ground was hard-packed and dry, having<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> +been stripped of vegetation by a bush fire earlier +in the year. Here the tracks were less easy to +follow, for a steady breeze was blowing, and the +imprints of the hoofs were covered almost as +quickly as they were made.</p> + +<p>It was heart-breaking to have to slacken speed +at such a time, when every second might mean +disaster to his chum. But what else could he +do? And when ultimately the tracks led him +to the border of a vast marshland, the lad was +obliged to halt in what was almost despair.</p> + +<p>"What is to be done now?" he exclaimed to +himself. "Poor old Alf! What a fool I was not +to be prepared for such a rascal, when once my +suspicions were so roused!"</p> + +<p>But it was no use sitting down in hopelessness. +Such weakness would have nothing to gain and +everything to lose. So Bob pulled himself together, +as the apt saying has it, and racked his +brains to meet the occasion.</p> + +<p>Not a sound could he now hear to indicate +which way the fugitive had taken. Moreover, +the tracks completely disappeared from sight +when the boy had taken a few paces into the +shallow water and spongy moss.</p> + +<p>Plainly the only course was to mark a starting-point<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> +with a stake, and then follow round the +margin of the swamp until he discovered the spot +where the rider had crossed.</p> + +<p>It was a tedious process, but apparently there +was no option. So he resumed the weary tour +with such hope as he could summon.</p> + +<p>Arnold found the tracks after more than two +hours' patient searching, as the dusk was beginning +to creep over the forest. The footprints +were more distinct now than they had been at the +other side of the marsh, so the boy was able to +make some rapid progress. But, as the darkness +fell the work became more difficult. He had +to stoop low in order to see the tracks at all, and +ultimately he could only follow them on hands +and knees—feeling the footprints with his fingers, +just as a blind man feels the letters in his book.</p> + +<p>He was becoming thoroughly exhausted. Still +he plodded on with dogged perseverance. His +knees were grazed and his back was aching, +especially where the rifle was strapped; and at +times he even stumbled and fell in a heap, from +which each time he found it more difficult to rise +than on the former occasion.</p> + +<p>It was indeed a trial that would have taxed +the strength and nerves of the strongest. When<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> +we remember what the boy had already undergone +that day, we have reason to wonder that he +endured so long. Still he persevered. Inch by +inch he felt his path in the pitch darkness, crawling +through the bush with only hooting owls and +whining wolves for company, until at last, worn +out and dizzy, his muscles gave way, and he +floundered unconscious upon the earth.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XVI</h2> +<h3>A NIGHT'S TERROR</h3> + +<p>When Bob reopened his eyes, it was +to awake suddenly with the horrible +feeling that he was being watched by some +hidden foe.</p> + +<p>He started, and as he did so he was conscious +of the sound of many pattering feet—soft, muffled +sounds, yet loud enough for him to hear. He +even thought, as he turned over and flung out +his arm, that his hand had touched something +that was warm and furry.</p> + +<p>He sat up and gripped his rifle as he stared +around him.</p> + +<p>In the semi-darkness of the rising moon he +could see dark figures moving restlessly all +around him, while a score or more of eyes kept +twinkling like stars to indicate how he was being +watched.</p> + +<p>Just then a wild, long-drawn wail rent the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span> +night air beside him. The boy's blood seemed +to run cold at the sound, for he knew that he +was surrounded by a horde of timber wolves who +had thought him dead, and come too soon.</p> + +<p>Too soon? Yes. But how long would their +moment be delayed?</p> + +<p>Bob staggered to his feet and held his rifle in +readiness. But the ghouls of the night kept at +some distance, though he could still see them +stirring here and there, as if they were discussing +plans among themselves.</p> + +<p>The boy waited—it seemed hours—each +moment expecting a dash from the black +spectres. Still they hung back, until Bob +actually began to long for the attack to begin, +that the strain of waiting might be broken.</p> + +<p>Then something moved behind him. He +wheeled about and swung his rifle like a club, +at random. The butt met a soft substance, and +a wild howl followed, as a wolf that had been +creeping upon him from the rear now sprang +back among his lurking comrades. Instantly the +forest rang with wails and howls and snarling, as +the wolves sprang upon their wounded comrade +(as is the way of many wild animals) and tore +him to pieces.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span></p> + +<p>Yet Arnold dared not leave the spot. If he +ran, the wolves would soon be upon him, for a +fleeing prey is more closely pressed than one that +stands at bay. Moreover, he was in the centre +of a clearing. If he were to enter the woods, +there would be many quarters from which he +would be open to attack and unable to defend +himself freely.</p> + +<p>The night wore on, and the moon crept up +into the arc of the sky. His enemies could be +plainly seen now, though the shadows prevented +him from determining how great was their +number. Probably the uncertain light deceived +him and multiplied the actual score. One thing—they +were in sufficient numbers to be a formidable +danger, and it would need sharp watching to +ward off the attack effectively.</p> + +<p>So long as there was a remnant of their comrade's +flesh to fight and snarl over, Bob was left +in peace. But presently the strife became less +and the noise sank, and by such signs he knew +that he had again become the object of their +unwelcome attentions.</p> + +<p>He stood his guard with every nerve strained +to catch the first sight and sound of danger.</p> + +<p>Then he saw two large forms creeping towards<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span> +him from the front. They came slowly, creeping +low like dogs stalking game in the grass.</p> + +<p>Bob waited until they drew near. He was +reluctant to exhaust a cartridge unless it was an +absolute necessity. His wish was to exercise the +force of his muscle on these as he had done with +their predecessor.</p> + +<p>But, as the wolves came within a few yards, +they stopped and eyed him cautiously, and in this +position the furred enemies and the boy stood +watching each other, just as wrestlers watch each +other's eyes to discover the vantage moment for +a deadly grip.</p> + +<p>The time passed, yet neither side moved. +Then, to Bob's dismay, he discovered that the +whole mass of wolves had gathered together, and +were slowly creeping upon him in the wake of +these two leaders.</p> + +<p>And with the knowledge, the boy seemed to +go mad for the time. He could delay the fight +no longer. His blood rushed hot to his head. +He fired one shot at the foremost wolves. Then +he gripped his weapon by the muzzle and sprang +straight for the pack.</p> + +<p>"Come on, you brutes!" he yelled, as he laid +about him right and left. "If it's got to be a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> +fight, the sooner we begin, the sooner it'll be +over!"</p> + +<p>Wild with passion, the boy fought with the +false strength that is always the accompaniment +of delirium. As the blows told, the wolves +howled and shrieked and leapt for him with a rage +that was equally frantic to his. Fortunately they +kept to one side—that was the side from which +the moon shone. They could see him plainer thus. +Otherwise the light would be in their eyes, and he +but a black figure that they could not understand.</p> + +<p>How he fought that night!</p> + +<p>Strange to say, all fatigue had left the lad's +body. He had the endurance of three normal +boys—at least it seemed thus, though we never +know our real strength, muscular or mental, until +we are in the straits of desperation.</p> + +<p>More than once he received a nasty little snap +in the arm. But these were unnoticed in the +heat of the combat. His eyes were "seeing red," +as the Westerners say. He had no nerves to +feel with; only muscles to fight with. And all +the time the impromptu club was in action—sometimes +swinging like a flail, at other times +being gripped for a no less effective thrust with +the butt.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span></p> + +<p>But gradually the attack became perceptibly +easier, as the wolves were beaten back or slain +by the ceaseless swing of the rifle. Bob recognised +the weakening of the assault, and the spirit +of the conqueror fired his blood to renewed +energy.</p> + +<p>Baulked of his prey, a great timber dog sprang +forward with determination to vindicate the +honour of his kind.</p> + +<p>Crash went the weapon, a single howl escaped +from the savage creature, then he fell back, +quivering and lifeless, upon the ground.</p> + +<p>That was the end of the conflict. Their last +leader slain, the others turned tail and fled.</p> + +<p>Arnold stood firm on the defensive. His hair +was soaked in sweat, his clothes were torn in +many places, and he could feel the sharp sting of +a wound in his shoulder. It was some time +before he could believe that the fight was indeed +over. The change from storm to calm had been +sudden; and it was only when he understood +that strength was no longer needed that he +began to feel the evidences of fatigue. His +limbs began to tremble with the reaction as the +unnatural strength that had buoyed him so well +now commenced to ebb. He looked around him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> +The signs of his conquest were visible in the +moonlight as dark lumps lying here and there. +Then his keen eyes began to haze and his head +to swim. And for the second time that night he +sank to the ground in a state of unconscious +fatigue.</p> + +<p>It was bright daylight when Bob regained +his normal faculties. The morning had considerably +advanced while he had lain oblivious +to the passage of time.</p> + +<p>The boy sat up. He was stiff and sore. But +he was no puny schoolboy. He had a sturdy +frame that healthy athletics had trained to meet +fatigue without injury, and Nature's needed rest +had rapidly restored normal strength, though, as +we said, his muscles were not free from certain +little aches to remind him of late events.</p> + +<p>At first his thought was that the previous +adventure had been nothing more than a +bad dream. But as his eyes scanned the surroundings, +and he saw no fewer than seven +carcases of timber wolves lying unpleasantly close +to him, he was quickly convinced that there had +been no ill vision but terrible reality.</p> + +<p>Next he called to mind the quest on which +he had started from the camp.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p> + +<p>That thought was sufficient to banish the last +sensation of drowsiness, and he immediately rose +up and examined his rifle, to see if it had +suffered from the adventure. The weapon had +stood the test well. Beyond a few dents on +the butt (which would be so many trophies of +the combat) it was otherwise uninjured. The +scratches on his own flesh were not serious, +though they nipped a little at first movement. +So, altogether, Bob was satisfied that he had +come through the ordeal in a manner that demanded +thankfulness to a protecting Providence.</p> + +<p>The next move was towards the bush, where +the Saskatoon berries were hanging in inviting +clusters like myriad bunches of purple grapes +in miniature. These, together with a draught +from an adjacent spring, had to suffice for +breakfast. Then he turned once more to take +up the tracks that he had been forced to forego +on the previous night.</p> + +<p>It was not long before the boy rediscovered +the trail, and with a thousand misgivings for +the unavoidable delay in going to his chum's +assistance he started on the track at a rapid +pace.</p> + +<p>It was a winding path that he followed; but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> +in order to ride swiftly Red Fox had been +obliged to keep more or less to the open way +through the woods, relying upon speed more +than strategy to outreach pursuit. He had a +plan in his mind that he meant to carry +out when at a safe distance. After that +was accomplished, he did not care how soon +the searchers might reach the spot. He would +be far away. And the boy—well, they would +be welcome to find him then.</p> + +<p>Doggedly determined to find his chum at all +costs, Bob pressed on, seldom taking his eyes +from the ground, where the imprints showed +how heavy hoofs had thrashed the trail.</p> + +<p>What had happened to his chum? Had the +savage merely stolen him for some wild purpose—perhaps +to await a ransom? Or could the +worst have happened, and Alf be even now—— No, +no. Bob could not bear that thought, and +he put it from him, struggling manfully to retain +hope as well as strength.</p> + +<p>And then suddenly—when it was about noon—he +came upon the Scotsman's pack-horse quietly +grazing beneath the trees, and at a little distance +Alf sitting on the ground with Red Fox prostrate, +resting his head on the lad's lap.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XVII</h2> +<h3>THE FATE OF RED FOX</h3> + +<p>It may seem a little surprising that Alf did +not make a better resistance when he found +himself being carried away on horseback. It is +no easy matter for even an Indian to carry a +person lying in front of him on a bare-backed +broncho when the person is helpless and still. It +is a yet less easy matter—if not an impossibility—to +do the same thing with a struggling captive.</p> + +<p>Of course we know that Holden was at a +disadvantage. He was powerless to use his +arms, which were held close to his sides by the +wrappings, and it was with difficulty that he +breathed. But his legs were comparatively free, +and it would not have required much energy to +make such resistance as would have considerably +hampered Red Fox in his purpose.</p> + +<p>The reason for the lad's passive demeanour is +not difficult to understand.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p> + +<p>Alf was no fool. Indeed, he possessed a more +than usual degree of common sense, together +with a gift for rapid reasoning. He quickly +decided that, for the time being at least, he was +at the Indian's mercy. His instinct told him +that, for some unknown reason, he must have +incurred the native's wrath; and, even though +he might have struggled with a measure of +success, the Indian was both powerful and passionate +enough to murder him then and there.</p> + +<p>No person, even in the direst straits, is anxious +to incur a violent death. Holden was no +exception to that rule, so he deemed it best to +make pretence of fainting, on the chance that +time might release him from his plight. It +would only be a needless exhaustion to struggle +now, when he would be easily overpowered. +Moreover, a show of resistance might mean the +sudden plunge of a hunting-knife.</p> + +<p>So he lay still, and the Indian laughed aloud, +believing the lad to be unconscious through +fright.</p> + +<p>"Huh! White dog laugh at Red Fox? He +say Red Fox face hideous?" the redskin exclaimed +jeeringly, as he pressed the horse to the +race. "'Tis well. Red Fox face bad—very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> +bad; but white boy worse when Indian hand +have used knife!"</p> + +<p>Then the boy understood the mystery. His +careless words <i>had</i> been understood, as Bob +had suggested. And his fate was to be +vengeance of a like mutilation of his own fair +cheeks!</p> + +<p>Not if he knew it!</p> + +<p>It was little wonder if the lad felt his blood +run cold as he listened to the Indian's vaunt, +and it is little wonder that his head swam until +he was near in reality to the very faintness that +he had assumed.</p> + +<p>But real pluck is never subdued for long. +The very threat was enough to rouse a strong +determination to thwart the brutal intention, and +his mental decision was that which we have just +recorded in the third person: "Not if I know it!"</p> + +<p>Red Fox had quite forgotten about the ermine +robe. That was quite Indian-like. The object +of the moment was all that he cared about. To +gain that aim he would have sacrificed a +thousand robes of costliest fur—nay, even life +itself, if he could have the satisfaction of vengeance +first.</p> + +<p>Guiding the broncho by the swaying of his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> +body and the occasional use of a halter-rope, +the redskin did not permit the animal to slacken +speed for an instant.</p> + +<p>Once, owing to the stillness of his burden, he +drew aside a portion of the blanket to look at +the boy's face.</p> + +<p>He saw that the eyes were closed, and a fear +came into his heart that perhaps he was to be +robbed of his pleasure after all.</p> + +<p>But the lips trembled, and, on bending down +the Indian could hear the sound of breathing.</p> + +<p>"Huh!" he laughed, as he replaced the cloth. +"That good! Pale-face—he sleep, but he wake +soon when Red Fox make sign of totem. Then +white boy laugh not again at Indian. Red Fox, +he laugh at hideous white boy."</p> + +<p>A peal of harsh, savage laughter rang through +the woods at this delicious humour, and startled +the horse so that it strained harder in the gallop.</p> + +<p>Through the woods, the burnt clearing, across +the marsh where Bob had tracked so steadily, the +broncho passed in the mad race. It was rough +riding for the boy as he lay on his back—half +across the Indian's knee, with his head partly free +of the blanket; but he set his teeth, determined +to bear the ordeal without a whimper, that he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> +might be more ready for the later critical +moment.</p> + +<p>Then something (he never knew what) startled +the horse. It sprang sideways from the path +right into the bush, where a heavy branch caught +Red Fox right in the forehead.</p> + +<p>One cry the Indian gave. Next moment both +the riders were thrown violently to the ground, +while the broncho went off wildly and riderless.</p> + +<p>The folds of the blanket considerably lessened +the shock of Alf's fall, and as soon as he had +collected his rudely scattered senses he did not +take long to emerge from his chrysalis-like state.</p> + +<p>He sprang to his feet, prepared to be instantly +on the defensive.</p> + +<p>To his surprise he was unaccosted, and on +turning he saw the Indian lying face downwards +upon the ground, while a red stream was making +a ghastly pool around his head.</p> + +<p>Holden was by his enemy's side in an instant. +He knelt down and turned the man on his back. +The movement was answered by a groan, but +apparently the Dacotah was unconscious, for he +did not attempt to move, and his eyes were closed.</p> + +<p>A spring was close at hand. Alf tore off the +scarf that he wore round his throat in bushman<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> +fashion, soaked it in the water, and mopped the +redman's brow. Still there was no sign of +returning senses, and the lad was now grievously +distressed at his enemy's disaster. He +would have been rejoiced to have vanquished +the man, had the adventure terminated in an +unavoidable encounter. But now that Red Fox +was in distress, all hard feelings and resentment +had left the lad's heart. He was all sympathy for +misfortune. That is the way of the truly brave.</p> + +<p>Seeing that recovery was tardy, Alf tore the +scarf in two pieces. With one strip he bound +the ugly wound that gaped in the Indian's forehead; +with the other he resumed his attentions +by moistening his lips and temples.</p> + +<p>And by and by the redman opened his eyes. +He looked up vacantly before him, not seeming +to understand what had taken place.</p> + +<p>"That's good!" remarked Alf cheerfully. +"You feel better now, don't you?"</p> + +<p>Red Fox looked straight into the boy's face, +but without appearing to recognise him. Then +he muttered a few words in Indian and closed his +eyes again.</p> + +<p>For some time he lay with his head resting +against his nurse, while Alf's thoughts began to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> +wander to his absent father and the chum whom +he had left in such strange fashion.</p> + +<p>Then he looked down again, and saw that the +Indian was regarding him with eyes wide open—looking +at him in a peculiar wondering fashion, as +if he saw for the first time a being of some strange +creation.</p> + +<p>Holden smiled encouragingly as he touched +the man's brow with the damp cloth.</p> + +<p>"How does the head feel now?" he asked. +"Does the cut pain you much?"</p> + +<p>Red Fox did not answer immediately, but continued +to stare at the lad with the same open-eyed +wonder.</p> + +<p>"Pale-face kind," he said at length, in quiet +tones. "He touch Red Fox like wing of a dove. +Why is the white boy so good?"</p> + +<p>"Nonsense," returned Alf. "It's nothing at +all. You don't think that Englishmen would +leave a fellow to bleed to death, do you?"</p> + +<p>"No—English boy good," said the redskin. +Then he added, with a sort of wistfulness: "But +Indian would leave pale-face——"</p> + +<p>"Rot!" was the sharp interruption. "If I had +been hurt as you have been, you would do just the +same. Now lie quiet for a while. You'll feel<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> +better soon, and then you can go back to your +people."</p> + +<p>The Indian shook his head slowly.</p> + +<p>"Red Fox understand. Red Fox know +English tongue good. But—he no' go back to +people. He go—Manito—Happy Hunting-ground—soon."</p> + +<p>Alf was silent. He had never been in the +presence of death, and never before in the +presence of the dying. The thought awed him.</p> + +<p>"Yes—white papoose good," the redskin went +on falteringly. "He kind to hand—that would +have cut face for revenge. Ugh! Red Fox bad +Indian, but—he sorry—now. Can brave white +boy forgive poor Indian?"</p> + +<p>"Of course," returned Alf huskily. "You did +not understand. English people speak words +that they do not mean to hurt. It is I who +should ask forgiveness for what I said about you. +I, too, am sorry."</p> + +<p>"Then—white and red are—brothers. They +bury the hatchet and—my white brother will stay +with Red Fox while he go Happy Hunting-ground?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes," the boy assented readily. "I won't +leave you. Don't you be afraid of that."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It is well, for Red Fox would speak before he +go. He would speak true words to the pale-face. +He spoke forked words like serpent tongue when +he say that white man sent Red Fox to bring +papooses to Indian camp. But he speak well +now when he say white men with Mighty Hand +now——"</p> + +<p>"<i>Safe?</i>" exclaimed Holden, as the information +came to him with sudden joy and sudden dread.</p> + +<p>And the answer was at once a relief and double +anxiety.</p> + +<p>"White men safe—now. But before another +sun they—they die——"</p> + +<p>"Die?" was the exclamation of horror that +greeted this announcement.</p> + +<p>"Yes," the Indian answered. "Dacotahs +foolish. They say white men spirits that brought +great trouble of water to Indian. They say that +serpent totem call them to Pleasant Valley, and +there they burn unless serpent appear to save +them from fire." Here the Indian seemed to +gather strength, for, without allowing the horrified +boy time for utterance, he slightly raised himself +and spoke with a flash of energy.</p> + +<p>"But white boy brave—white boy good. He +kind to Red Fox who would have used cruel<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> +knife. But Red Fox no' papoose now. He +know that white boy too brave to suffer; Red +Fox too bad to live. And he would save the +pale-face man—</p> + +<p>"Go, my brother—go to the village of the +Dacotahs and find Thunder-maker, the Medicine +Man. Tell him that Red Fox die sorry that he +made bad promise—that before he die he bid +Thunder-maker speak true to foolish Dacotahs, +and tell that white men no' spirits. Thunder-maker +know. Thunder-maker can save white +men, and——"</p> + +<p>The last word choked in the Indian's throat. +He gave a gasp, fell back into Alf's arms, while +his eyes looked up hungrily into the lad's face.</p> + +<p>"Be brave!" whispered the boy. "Be brave, +Red Fox. Manito waits for you. I have forgiven +you; He has forgiven you. All will be well."</p> + +<p>"Red Fox understand. He—happy——" were +the last words that the poor misguided redman +spoke, as he died gazing lovingly in his young +friend's tear-clouded eyes.</p> + +<p>And it was thus that Bob found his chum—tenderly +holding his red brother in his arms while +the great journey was taken to Manito's happy +land for the sorrowful.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> +<h3>HOT ON THE TRAIL</h3> + +<p>It was a happy meeting for the two chums +after the exciting events that each had +experienced. But it was rather sad, all the same; +for even in their joy at finding how both had +come through their trials with but little damage, +they could not but regret the tragic end to poor +Red Fox.</p> + +<p>"He was a high-tempered chap," said Arnold, +when he had listened to his friend's story. "All +the same, he must have had some good in him, +since he was so completely changed at the end."</p> + +<p>"He seemed sorry enough," Alf rejoined. +"And I must say that I feel wretchedly sorry +about the whole thing. In a way it was my +fault—making the remarks that I did. It never +occurred to me that he would understand a +word——"</p> + +<p>"As apparently he did. However, it can't be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> +helped now. No doubt he had some evil purpose +all along, or he wouldn't have come to us with +that lie about being sent by your father and +mine."</p> + +<p>"At the same time it has taught me a lesson," +said Alf. "I guess I'll keep my opinions to +myself next time, when they are so uncomplimentary."</p> + +<p>"Just as well," Bob agreed seriously. Then, +turning to the dead Indian: "We've got to lay +that poor redskin to rest. I wonder how we are +to manage it!"</p> + +<p>"We can't dig——"</p> + +<p>"And we can't leave the body uncovered. The +wolves would work mischief in no time."</p> + +<p>"How would it be if we were to lay him in +that little hollow and cover him with big stones?" +suggested Holden. "There are plenty of +boulders about, and we could easily cover him +with branches first, with stones on the top, to +keep off the animals."</p> + +<p>"Right," Bob said; and together the lads +gently raised the Indian's body and placed it in +a little flower-scented hollow that, after all, was +a fitting bed to receive the royal dead—quite as +fitting as a dark pit. Then they cast maple<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> +branches over it, and carried boulders until a +substantial mound was raised.</p> + +<p>And when all was completed as well as they +were able to do it, instinctively both lads knelt +beside the grave and prayed for a few minutes +in silence. And the birds overhead sang their +hymns to unite in the service—happy songs of +gladness they sang, that seemed to convey to +the boys' hearts the grand lesson of all funeral +services—that death is not all sadness, for we +know of the joy that follows.</p> + +<p>There was nothing more to be done now but +to return to camp. Mackintosh had probably +returned by this time, and he or Haggis would +be able to guide to the Dacotah village on the +urgent errand. So the broncho was caught. It +had never wandered far after the recovery from +its fright, which was probably due to the sudden +appearance of a wolf in the scrub; and before +long the chums were on the home trail, taking it +in turn to ride the horse.</p> + +<p>Camp was reached about noon, and the boys +were greeted at the tent by the Scot.</p> + +<p>"Where in the world have you two laddies +been?" he immediately questioned. "Here's +Haggis and me (to say no' a word about<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span> +Bannock) returned at breakfast-time to find no' a +single body at the camp. No' that time has been +wasted, for we would have rested till dinner in +any case. But it's foolish tiring yoursels like this +when there's hard work before you. Pleasure is +all very well——"</p> + +<p>"We've been on no pleasure trip," interrupted +Alf, with a sad smile. "It has been anything but +pleasure to Arnold and me."</p> + +<p>Thereupon Holden immediately launched into +the story of his adventure and his chum's—a tale +that was listened to with silent surprise both by +Mackintosh and the half-breed, who had come +out from the tent and stood attentively apart.</p> + +<p>"Well, well," the Scotsman commented at the +close, "these are stirring times for you boys. +There's no' a bit o' doot aboot that." Then he +added seriously: "But I'm thinking we'll no' be +able to wait here ower long. We must set oot at +once. I ken something o' this Indian legend o' +water-spirits, and I ken something o' Indian ways +as well. There's evil things that will be doing +if we canna stop them."</p> + +<p>"Did you find out anything while you were +away with Haggis?" questioned Bob.</p> + +<p>"A bit. We found the tracks o' boots as well<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> +as moccasins, and we followed far enough to learn +that they had gone to the Dacotah village. Then +we came back to fetch you laddies. And I found +four grand specimens for my collection! Real +fine they are—such as will make my brither +entomologists in Edinburgh open their eyes as +big as Duddingston Loch when they see them. +But there—I must be daft to be thinkin' o' moths +at such a time. See, Haggis! Hurry on wi' the +denner! We'll be striking the camp, for we must +mak' straight for Pleasant Valley wi'oot delay."</p> + +<p>The speaker was all bustle and hurry now, +and as the boys followed to render assistance, +Bob asked—</p> + +<p>"Pleasant Valley? But did you not say that +they were at the Dacotah village?"</p> + +<p>"Of course I did. But I said <i>were</i>, not <i>are</i>. +Did you no' attend to what your freend said—that +Red Fox told him that Mighty Hand would leave +for Pleasant Valley by another sun? That's the +day."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I see. Then you mean to go there +direct?"</p> + +<p>"Exactly. I ken something o' that Pleasant +Valley. There's no' a verra pleasant look aboot +it noo—a desert o' a place—all crags and sand,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> +wi' just a pickle o' trees. It's a branch arm o' the +Athabasca, and has been a torrent at some flood-time—the +time that probably started the legend. +But there's no' been ony stream flowing there in +the recollection o' living man. But"—and the +naturalist was predominant for the instant—"there +are rare kinds o' hawk moth to be found in that +same desert! You'll be seeing the value o' my +phosphorus invention before another couple of +nights are out."</p> + +<p>The boys laughed as the man's enthusiasm +came suddenly uppermost, to the exclusion of (to +their minds) a subject of more vital importance.</p> + +<p>"I do believe, Skipper, that you would sooner +capture a rare beetle than be a Napoleon!" +laughed Bob, to which the naturalist replied with +scorn, as he indicated the lads to take the opposite +end of the tent to roll—</p> + +<p>"Beetle? What do you take me for—a +coleopterist? Ma conscience, laddie, these insects +are no interest to me. I wouldn't touch +one with a pair o' tongs. It's moths and butterflies +for Skipper Mackintosh—the dainty fluttering +things that are like bits o' sunshine and +beams o' the moonlight. Beetle? Speak not to +me the name o' thae things o' darkness!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span></p> + +<p>The tent was rolled and most of the other +adjuncts to the camp were collected and deftly +stowed on the back of the pack-horse with the neatness +of expert campers. Then a hasty cold meal +was taken while Mackintosh delivered his plans.</p> + +<p>"Now, boys, listen to me. I've got to be your +captain in this journey, for you'll admit that I +know best. Well, I've prepared food enough for +three of us for two days. Each will carry his +own. Then you've got a pair o' guns and a rifle +between you. That's all that you'll need. I've +got my own rifle and a revolver, in case o' accidents, +though I'm hoping there'll be no need for the like +o' that. Now we'll start off at once. There's no +straight road from here for Pleasant Valley, but +it's through bog and bush where the horse canna +get wi' its burden. But it'll make four or five +hours' difference to us other than by the round-about +way. So Haggis'll take the pack-horse. +Ay, he'll be better o' Bannock, too. Dogs are +often useless creatures in an expedition that +might mean creeping and hiding. Bannock's no' +that bad-mannered; but he loves hunting, and a +wolf might tempt him."</p> + +<p>"How far is it to this Pleasant Valley, as it is +called?" asked Holden.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Aboot fifteen mile as we will travel, twenty at +the least by the path Haggis'll follow. Oh, ay, +Haggis'll be all right. There's no fear o' him +not turning up aboot midnight. He's no' quite +ceevilised yet, for he canna mind a' the words o' +'Auld Lang Syne' and 'Rule Britannia.' But +he's ceevilised enough to be dependable. You +wait at the Old Crossing till we turn up, +Haggis!"</p> + +<p>"Right, boss," answered the half-breed, who +seldom spoke more than two words at a time +if he could avoid doing so, and he immediately +rose up to make the final arrangements for his +departure.</p> + +<p>"Then there's no more to be said," the +Scotsman concluded. "It's start right away; +keep a brave heart and a steady foot foremost, +and we'll no' be that far from our friends come +nightfall."</p> + +<p>Skipper Mackintosh had spoken nothing but +the truth when he said that the direct trail was +not one that a laden pack-horse could travel +with ease, far less speed.</p> + +<p>The earlier portion of the march was easy +enough. But after about an hour's walking +through the bush the travellers reached a mile<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> +of bogland, across which a path could only be +found by stepping cautiously from one grassy +hummock to another. Even then the surface of +the moss shivered for yards around, and the mud +between the tufts oozed, as if its mouth were +watering to swallow up the trio.</p> + +<p>"Feel for every step before you put your +weight on it!" the naturalist instructed. He, of +course, had taken the foremost position of leader. +"If you want to disappear quicker than you +did in yon muskeg, Master Bob, you can set the +tip o' your big toe in yon mud, and you'll travel as +quick as electricity."</p> + +<p>This part of the journey was certainly fatiguing, +but the travellers kept up good hearts by pleasant +banter and dogged determination.</p> + +<p>Reaching solid ground again, there was +another easier spell of bush tramping. Then +the trail began the ascent of a hill—a rocky, loose-bouldered +slope that could only be traversed by a +narrow path that somewhat resembled a strip of +ribbon on the side of a house.</p> + +<p>Up they went, higher and higher each step, +with the sharp slope to the left and a sheer +declivity of loose stones at the right.</p> + +<p>Once Alf slipped, and the stone against which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span> +he tripped went leaping down the slope without +stopping, until it was lost to sight some three +hundred feet or more below.</p> + +<p>"Which of you two laddies is the one +that's danced down the hillside?" questioned +Mackintosh, without seeming to look round. His +voice was pleasant, but he had taken a quick +glance backwards all the same, and his face had +paled a little. That was but his kindly way of +cheering the boys and helping them to keep their +nerves in hand.</p> + +<p>After a time the climbing ceased. It was now +a level path, though it was none the less ready +to trap the unwary, as it twisted round spurs +and crossed little ravines. Then suddenly the +travellers became aware of a sound like that of +a small cataract.</p> + +<p>Mackintosh stopped, and as they listened they +were able to tell that the sound was one that proceeded +from the continuous rolling of innumerable +stones that were being propelled down the hillside +at no great distance.</p> + +<p>"What on earth is it?" questioned Alf, and +at the same moment the man pointed towards +a cloud of dust that had rounded a spur ahead +of them—a cloud that was advancing rapidly in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span> +their direction to the accompaniment of loud +bleating.</p> + +<p>"A herd of mountain sheep on the stampede," +was the Skipper's immediate verdict.</p> + +<p>"Sheep? Coming towards us?" exclaimed +Bob, and as the words were spoken there could +be seen amid the dust a lot of woolly animals +tearing frantically along the narrow path, throwing +the stones from beneath their feet, while now and +then one would stumble and roll down the slope +as though it had been shot from a cannon.</p> + +<p>The noise was bewildering as it echoed among +the barren hills and rocks.</p> + +<p>"See! There's a black animal chasing them!" +exclaimed Holden excitedly.</p> + +<p>"A bear," said Mackintosh with grim calmness, +as he rapidly slung his repeating rifle into +readiness, an example that the boys quickly +followed.</p> + +<p>"What's to be done?" Bob questioned. +Frankly he had not the remotest notion how to +meet such an emergency, for it was impossible +to climb upwards, as it was equally impossible to +descend, while to retire along the path would only +be to postpone the threatening disaster for a few +minutes.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Come! Follow me quickly; but be careful," +Mackintosh suddenly ordered, he himself +hastening forward as the boys followed.</p> + +<p>At this position the side of the hill bent to the +left in the form of a horseshoe, so that it was +quite easy from where the three adventurers +stood to throw a stone across the intervening +chasm to the path at the other side.</p> + +<p>Mackintosh led the way until he had reached +the first spur; then he told the boys to wait.</p> + +<p>"Keep your hands steady and your guns ready, +boys," he said. "I'm going along a bit to shoot +down the leaders, if it may be; you empty your +rifle and a round or two o' shot into yon bear. +They'll all be opposite us on the other side in +a few minutes. A steady nerve will do it; so, if +ever you were cool in your born days, this is the +day to be coolest."</p> + +<p>Without waiting for further remark from either +side, the man then hastened some yards along the +path and took up a position where he could kneel +and steady his gun arm on a boulder, and hardly +had the several positions been taken up when +with roar and clatter and cloud the stampede +rounded the opposite hill-spur.</p> + +<p>Crack! went the Scotsman's repeater. Crack!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> +crack! And down tumbled three sheep, two +of which rolled over the slope, leaving one to +bar the way in the path. The others took the +downward plunge. Crack! crack! crack! The +rifle spoke rapidly and surely, as each bullet found +a billet in a different animal.</p> + +<p>The race was checked, but not yet effectually, +though the Skipper had now more time to pick +off the leaders as they scrambled over their +brethren—only to fall victims to the sharp-shooter +and help to build up a barrier to impede the +others.</p> + +<p>It was now a terrible sight of animals in +desperation.</p> + +<p>There were a hundred mountain sheep at least, +and they were scrambling in a dense mass, trying +vainly to advance—fighting, struggling, tumbling +down the slope in mad confusion. Now and then +one would have a momentary success and almost +cross the barrier; then the deadly rifle would +again send its message—and the barrier would be +raised by one victim more.</p> + +<p>Meantime, faithful to their charge, the boys +kept their attention to the rear of the herd, but the +dust was so dense that they could barely discern +the hindmost animals.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span></p> + +<p>Then Bob suddenly exclaimed—</p> + +<p>"Look out!"</p> + +<p>But Alf had been equally ready. A rifle and +a gun darted up to each boy's shoulder at the +same instant; a simultaneous explosion came like +one from both weapons. Then followed a roar +like a miniature thunder-peal, and a brown grizzly +was seen to shoot down the declivity in pursuit of +the poor sheep that he had driven to destruction +in such numbers.</p> + +<p>"Bravo!" shouted Mackintosh, letting go his +feelings in a wild whoop of exultation. "A grand +shot, lads!"</p> + +<p>"I guess his day's work is done," returned +Alf quietly, though he was none the less delighted +with his own and his chum's success.</p> + +<p>Finding that the fierce pursuit had ceased, the +few remaining sheep turned on the retreat, since +they found it impossible to advance farther. +Then the adventurers proceeded on their way, +though they, in their turn, found it impossible to +pass the barrier, and some time had to be expended +in carefully tumbling the carcases down the slope. +But soon the work was successfully accomplished, +and the path once more clear to permit the three +comrades to pursue their urgent course.</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XIX</h2> +<h3>THUNDER-MAKER'S DOWNFALL</h3> + +<p>During the rest of the journey through the +hills and along Trapper's Pass, no further +accidents occurred to hinder progress, and once +free of the hills the trail was level and across a +stretch of prairie.</p> + +<p>Towards night the Pleasant Valley was reached, +and the three travellers descended to the part of +the river known to trappers as the Old Crossing, +though it was a ford where no water flowed.</p> + +<p>On reaching this camp-ground there were evidences +of the recent presence of strangers. Moreover, +these strangers were not travelling in any +secret way, since they had taken no pains to +conceal their tracks, and the ashes of trampled-out +fires were still warm.</p> + +<p>Mackintosh carefully examined the surroundings, +and came to the decision, from certain signs, +that it had been an Indian camp.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span></p> + +<p>"To my mind the best thing for us to do is to +rest here for an hour or two," the man said.</p> + +<p>"I shan't be sorry," said Bob. "We pressed +on rather rapidly, and, to tell you the truth, I'm +rather fagged."</p> + +<p>"But what of the others—your father and +mine?" questioned Alf. "They may need +help——"</p> + +<p>"Not yet," Mackintosh interrupted. "It's no' +possible for them to reach Flood Creek before +morning, and the—the ceremony must take place +at moonlight. Oh yes, I ken fine how you are +both feeling. You're wanting to be off until you +break down with weariness. But that's no' the +way to do things in the backwoods. Work until +you are out-and-out weary, then rest, and you'll +be able to work again. But to keep on slaving +till you're worked out—that's nothing but a gowk's +game, and can bring no good."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you are right," said Holden +slowly.</p> + +<p>"Of course I am. Don't you fear, laddie. I'll +no' be too late. I know the ways o' the Indian, +and I know the Dacotahs. Depend upon it, +your faithers are being kindly treated, as best the +redskins know how to treat friends. The Dacotahs<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> +are firm in their superstition, but they're kindly +folk all the same."</p> + +<p>So the boys resigned themselves to the ruling +of their guide, though it was irksome to be idle +when each was longing to be up and doing. And +now that they were so near to the achievement +of their quest, it was even more galling to be +inactive than it had been when there was distance +as an excuse.</p> + +<p>It was a dreary place. The valley was deep, +and there was a river-bed where once—before +the memory of living man—water had flowed +in a swift and wide flood, but where now there +was nothing but dust. Not a tree was within +sight. There was hardly any grass. Only a few +cacti appeared to thrive on the barren soil. The +rest was rocks, sand, and bordering precipices.</p> + +<p>The boys shuddered as they looked around.</p> + +<p>"It's a terrible spot," Bob commented, as he +viewed the dreary scene. "It feels like being in +prison."</p> + +<p>"There's a well with the finest of cool water +about six feet away," was Mackintosh's remark. +It was his quiet way of forcing home the truth +that there is a bright speck in everything, if we +only take the trouble to look for it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span></p> + +<p>A meal was made from the supplies with +which each had been provided, and an hour +or two later Haggis turned up with the pack-horse.</p> + +<p>It was not considered necessary to pitch the +tent that night, as a very early start was proposed +to be taken at the streak of dawn. So each lay +down as he was, with a sand-heap for a pillow, +and soon the little camp was fast asleep. They +needed no rocking. Sleep came almost with the +closing of eyes.</p> + +<p>As morning broke, Mackintosh was the first +to waken. He quickly roused the others, and a +swift "eve-of-battle" meal was served out. The +business being ended, the pack-horse was once +more loaded, and the journey resumed toward +Flood Creek, which was now only about five +miles distant.</p> + +<p>The Dacotah camp was sighted some way off, +and it may be imagined how excited the lads felt +when they found themselves practically at the end +of their journey.</p> + +<p>But once there, what would be the result?</p> + +<p>That was the question that was exercising the +minds of both; and when Bob gave it voice, the +Scotsman smiled grimly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What'll happen? Well, no one can foresee +the future, but I can imagine it."</p> + +<p>"And what do you imagine?" asked Bob.</p> + +<p>"That there will be a pickle o' bother before +all comes out right. Superstition is no' that easy +baulked; but if we ever have to fight for it, don't +think that the ancient Highland blood of the +Mackintosh is water in the veins of the clan."</p> + +<p>"I hope it won't come to that," remarked Alf +quietly, and the Highlander rejoined—</p> + +<p>"That's my hope too. But there's no telling. +We've <i>got</i> to conquer——"</p> + +<p>"And conquer we shall!" added Bob, with +determination.</p> + +<p>On reaching the camp, the rescuers were met +by a host of Indians, who were all filled with +curiosity regarding the strangers. The white +men looked around them, but no signs could they +see of the captives.</p> + +<p>Then Mackintosh recognised a friend in Swift +Arrow.</p> + +<p>"Ha, Nitchie!" he exclaimed, holding out his +hand for the Indian to grasp.</p> + +<p>"It is pleasant for the eyes of Swift Arrow to +see the Black Bear in the camp of the Dacotahs," +said the redskin as he returned the greeting.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And it's good for him to look upon the face o +a friend," said the Scotsman. "I wish to speak +with Mighty Hand. Where is he?"</p> + +<p>"The chief of the Dacotahs is here," replied a +voice from the crowd, and the great man himself +stepped forward.</p> + +<p>"H'm. That's good. Saves a deal of seeking +when folk come of themselves." Then the speaker +launched straight into the subject of their quest.</p> + +<p>"Now then, Mighty Hand, you and me are old +friends, and we can talk freely. You're wondering +the noo what has brought us here, and you +may ken without palaver. We have come for +your captives."</p> + +<p>"Captives?" The chief looked puzzled as he +repeated the word.</p> + +<p>"Ay, captives," emphasised Mackintosh. +"Perhaps you don't know the meaning of the +word."</p> + +<p>"Mighty Hand knows the language of the pale-face. +But there are no captives in the Dacotah +camp."</p> + +<p>At this the boys felt their hearts sink. Could +it be that, after all, Mackintosh had been mistaken, +or that Red Fox had deluded them? Could it +be that they had come too late?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span></p> + +<p>But Mackintosh did not share these doubts. +He understood the working of the native mind +too well.</p> + +<p>"That is good," he resumed. "If the Dacotahs +have no captives, then the white men are +free. They will travel back with me to their +camp now!"</p> + +<p>Instantly a stern change came over the face +of the chief, and such of the other Indians as +understood English began to murmur with ominous +disapproval.</p> + +<p>"My white brother speak not wise words," +said Mighty Hand firmly. "The fiery totem call +that water-spirits suffer. What the totem call +must be answered. Only great medicine can bid +the fire sleep now."</p> + +<p>"Idiots! Fools!" exclaimed Mackintosh, for +once allowing his irritation to betray him. "Do +you think that we are going to allow our own +people to suffer at the service of a lie? I tell you +that we will take those white men from your +hands whether you wish it or not!"</p> + +<p>The Indian was unmoved by the Scotsman's +outburst.</p> + +<p>"My white brother speak hot words. It +saddens heart of Mighty Hand to see anger in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span> +face of his brother. But he is wrong. The call +of the totem shall be answered when the moon +is round—to-night."</p> + +<p>How this strain of argument might have progressed +it is hard to say, but it was cut short by +a cry like that of a wild beast, as Thunder-maker +sprang through the crowd, dressed in all the +hideous regalia of his profession.</p> + +<p>"Dogs!" he cried furiously. "Do the pale-faces +come to insult the great chief of Dacotahs +and say that the fiery totem lie? Ugh! Spit upon +them, Mighty Hand! Chase these dogs from the +camp!"</p> + +<p>Mackintosh had resumed his temper by now, +and he turned to greet the newcomer with a look +of feigned amusement.</p> + +<p>"Who's this?" he asked pleasantly. "Is it a +monkey that Mighty Hand has caught to please +him, or is it maybe a little dancing-bear tricked +out in feathers for the braves and warriors to +laugh at?"</p> + +<p>Thunder-maker well understood the jibe, and +he flung himself about with passion.</p> + +<p>"Ma conscience! Don't go making all that +noise," was the quiet reproof. "And if you'll +take my advice, you'll go home and put on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> +warmer clothes. You've little enough on to keep +you cosy when the wind blows chill."</p> + +<p>Poor Thunder-maker! He had never been +treated with such scant respect. Even the young +papooses were putting "tongue in cheek" towards +him, and some of the women could be seen +pointing their fingers at his discomfited self.</p> + +<p>Blind with passion the Indian threw himself +upon the Scotsman. Instantly the boys had their +guns ready to protect their friend. But the next +moment they could not have pulled a trigger if it +had been necessary to save their lives thereby, +for they and the whole concourse of Indians were +shaking themselves with laughter at what was +taking place.</p> + +<p>What was it?</p> + +<p>Well, merely that Thunder-maker had not +reckoned with the enormous strength that was +latent in the Scotsman, nor the peculiar sense of his +humour; for, no sooner had the Indian charged, +than he found himself gripped by powerful hands, +turned face downwards on a bent knee, and +smacked in good old homely style of punishment, +which the medicine man's scanty attire rendered +exceedingly suitable.</p> + +<p>Thunder-maker yelled and kicked, but he was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span> +held as if in a vice, while the slaps rang out +in rapid succession and the valley echoed with +laughter.</p> + +<p>At last Mackintosh released the delinquent, +and the poor man slunk away amid jeers and +laughter. His day was over, and from that hour +our white friends saw him no more.</p> + +<p>When the hum had subsided, Mackintosh once +more appealed to the chief, but without success.</p> + +<p>"We must obey the totem," was reiterated +doggedly, though it was plain that the chief was +sorry to be at enmity with the strangers.</p> + +<p>"But how do you know that you are obeying +the totem?" questioned Bob, who could remain +silent no longer.</p> + +<p>At this question Mighty Hand turned to the +boy with an indulgent smile.</p> + +<p>"White spirits come from waters that are silver +when moon round. By this we know. But if +redmen foolish, totem wise. Totem will not let +redmen do wrong. Totem will appear serpent of +fire to warn redmen no' light flames."</p> + +<p>"We can do nothing more at present," said +Mackintosh, as he turned to the lads. "We'll pitch +our camp over yonder and talk things over."</p> + +<p>After the camp was pitched and food partaken,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> +Mackintosh decided to pay a visit to Swift Arrow, +to see if he could not manage to argue that old +man into a state of reason, so as to support another +appeal to Mighty Hand. It had not been considered +advisable to press for an interview with the captives, +lest they might be too closely watched, and +any future attempt at rescue be thus frustrated.</p> + +<p>"I'll just go by mysel'," the man explained. +"Swift Arrow is an old friend o' mine, and no' +a bad creature in many ways. Haggis is away +cracking with some o' his friends also. You'll not +mind being left alone for a time? I'll no' be long."</p> + +<p>"We don't mind," said Bob. "Anything to +see light in this difficulty. We'll be all right."</p> + +<p>"Very well. I'll be back as soon as I can, +and I'll hope to have good news for you."</p> + +<p>Left to themselves, the lads did not speak +much, for their hearts were very heavy, knowing +that if some plan of rescue was not thought of +within a few hours it would be too late.</p> + +<p>For a considerable time they were absolutely +silent, lying within the tent, surrounded by stores +and the various tins and boxes of the naturalist's +outfit.</p> + +<p>Then Bob's mind began to wander over all +the events that led up to the present day, and,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> +in wondering at the blind ignorance that could +yield so much to a mere legend, he recalled the +chiefs last words—</p> + +<p>"'The totem will not let the redmen do +wrong,'" he quoted mentally. "Fools! As if +a serpent could tell them to do anything in the +first place! How can any reasoning person be +so—— Alf!"</p> + +<p>Bob had suddenly sprung to his feet as he +uttered the exclamation, and Holden started to +look at his friend, as if he had suddenly lost his +senses.</p> + +<p>"Why, what's the matter, old man?" he exclaimed. +"Have you been asleep?"</p> + +<p>"Asleep? No! Never was wider awake in +all my life. Why, I've got it. They are saved! +They are saved!" And the boy laughed for very +joy at the thought.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" questioned Holden +anxiously. It was little wonder that he believed +for the moment that anxiety had brought his +chum to a fever.</p> + +<p>"Mean?" the elder boy echoed. "Simply +this—that our fathers shall be saved, and you +and I will do it. It's all so simple. We must +have been fools not to think of it before!"</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span></p> + +<h2>CHAPTER XX</h2> +<h3>THE FIERY TOTEM</h3> + +<p>The two men—Arnold and Holden—were +sitting alone in the teepee that had been +assigned for their use. Neither was speaking, +for the day was drawing to a close, and they +were almost hopeless of seeing any avenue of +escape from the fate that the Indian superstition +had ordained for them.</p> + +<p>We said "almost hopeless." Of course it +was necessary to make that proviso, for no one +is ever hopeless in extremity, so long as he retains +faith in Providence. But every scheme that they +had planned had been proved void on consideration. +Though free to a certain extent, they were +well watched. Escape was impossible, and their +only remaining hope was that when they were +led forth for the sacrifice they might be able to +take advantage of some opportunity to make a +last stand for freedom.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It would not matter so much for ourselves, +if it were not for the boys," Arnold said at last. +"Their position is too terrible."</p> + +<p>"Of course they will be able to find their +way back to Edmonton, when they see that +there is no hope of our returning——"</p> + +<p>"<i>No</i> hope?" repeated Arnold. "Don't say +that. I don't want to give up hope until the +very last moment. Something <i>may</i> turn up, and +in any case I intend to make a good fight for +freedom."</p> + +<p>"I suppose I do, too, when I think about it," +returned Holden, with a short forced laugh. +"We both mean to kick up a bit of a dust +when the exciting moment comes——"</p> + +<p>"And you may bet it will be exciting for the +first redskin who comes against my fist. I +promised myself to have a go at that skunk +Thunder-maker, before I make my bow to the +world. But for him, I believe this trouble would +never have gone so far."</p> + +<p>"He certainly did his best to pile it on," +agreed the younger man. "I imagine that he +was rather in hot water this morning, for I +thought I heard him yelling. There's no mistaking +that harsh voice of his. And there were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> +sounds, too, for all the world as if some person +were getting a jolly good spanking. You were +dozing at the time, so I didn't disturb you. But +I know I nearly waked you with laughing at +the thought of Thunder-maker receiving a good +old-fashioned correction."</p> + +<p>"It would take more than that to do him +good," said Arnold, with a frown. "The man +is a cheat and a scoundrel of the worst sort. +He showed us what he was worth when he +told us, two nights ago, that he had the tribe +by the nose. Even now, after telling us that +he knew better, I suppose he's working up the +people for to-night's show."</p> + +<p>Holden grunted contemptuously.</p> + +<p>"He seems bad to the core. In my opinion +it has been he who has kept Mighty Hand +away. The chief was ready to reason, but I +expect Thunder-maker's boast that he could +lead the tribe was a true one."</p> + +<p>"The old case of kings being ruled by their +subjects," commented Arnold.</p> + +<p>After this conversation again flagged. Having +little to say of an encouraging nature, the men +deemed that silence was best, and each sat +engrossed with his own thoughts while the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span> +daylight waned and the shadows began to creep +over the valley that a joking fate had called +"Pleasant."</p> + +<p>As time went on the Englishmen seemed to +become aware of a sort of disturbance in the +camp. Feet were hurrying here and there, and +voices were speaking rapidly in low tones. Now +and then, as some one passed the teepee, the +words "fiery totem" could be heard by those +within, so naturally the Englishmen attributed +the excitement to matters relating to the approaching +sacrifice.</p> + +<p>But presently the excitement seemed to grow +more intense, and the voices were raised to a +higher pitch.</p> + +<p>Unable to restrain curiosity any longer, the +men went to look out from the door of the teepee, +and as they reached the opening a strange sight +presented itself before them.</p> + +<p>Gathered in many groups were all the Indians +of the tribe, including all the squaws and papooses, +while the tall figure of Mighty Hand could +be seen through the gloaming, standing erect +upon a hillock at a little distance to one side.</p> + +<p>All had their backs turned towards the +Englishmen.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span></p> + +<p>They were facing the towering blackness of a +mighty cliff, while with a sudden wave of silence +they stood doubly transfixed, with eyes directed +to one portion of the dark wall, where a sort of +light was dimly glimmering.</p> + +<p>What could it be that had such a power to +fascinate the whole tribe?</p> + +<p>The Englishmen looked in the same direction, +but the object seemed to be nothing more than +an irregular line of light that might have been +some reflection caused by the setting sun.</p> + +<p>Still all watched in silence.</p> + +<p>And, as the darkness deepened so did the light +become clear. From an irregular line about ten +feet long it seemed to take form gradually, while +it undoubtedly intensified in brightness. Clearer +and still more plainly was the outline revealed, +until at last—when the sun had quite vanished—there +stood out against the black wall the shape +of a snake of fire, poised in the very act to strike, +just as it was outlined on the breast of Mighty +Hand!</p> + +<p>Arnold and Holden were astounded at what +they surmised to be some fresh trick on the part +of Thunder-maker, or some special form of the +impending ceremony. And at the same moment<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> +a loud cry broke from the throats of the watching +multitude.</p> + +<p>"The fiery totem! The fiery totem!"</p> + +<p>Then the Indians fell face downwards to the +ground with fear.</p> + +<p>Surely such a prodigy had never been seen +before?</p> + +<p>The sacred totem of the tribe had itself appeared, +to warn the Dacotahs that the fire was +not to burn that night; that the two prisoners +were men, not evil spirits.</p> + +<p>While the two men were standing watching +the prostrate Indians, three figures crept round +an adjacent tent—two of whom then darted forward, +while the third followed at more dignified +leisure.</p> + +<p>"Bob!"</p> + +<p>"Alf!"</p> + +<p>These were the exclamations that burst from +the lips of the captives as two boys launched +themselves forward to receiving arms. Then +came the dignified Skipper Mackintosh.</p> + +<p>"You are saved, good sirs," he said, without +waiting for an introduction. "My good phosphorus +paint and the brains o' these fine laddies has +called up the fiery totem. I'm thinking that there +will be no sacrifice to superstition the—night, +and that you'll a' be on your way back to Crane +Creek the morn."</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p>And when next day the time came for departure, +and the fathers and sons had made their +arrangements with the good wishes and help of +Mighty Hand, Swift Arrow, and a host of eager +redmen, it was Bob who was first to notice that +Skipper Mackintosh and the half-breed seemed +in no haste to accompany the party.</p> + +<p>"Are you not coming with us?" the boy asked.</p> + +<p>The Scot smiled and shook his head.</p> + +<p>"No. I'm thinking to bide here for a few +days, to hunt for yon hawk moth that I told you +aboot. Besides, when you're safe out of the +way, I mean to have a serious talk with Mighty +Hand and his folk. I wouldn't have them think +that yon was a real fiery serpent. That would +be idolatry. We had to cheat them to save life, +but—well, I'll no' leave the Dacotahs until I've +ceevilised them into believin' that the legend of the +fiery totem is false, and that there's better ways +o' living than by believin' such gowk's nonsense."</p> + +<div class='center'>THE END<br /> +<br /> +PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN BY MORRISON AND GIBB LIMITED, EDINBURGH<br /><br /> +</div> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<div class="fn"> +<h2>Footnotes</h2> + +<p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"> +<span class="label">[1]</span></a> Manito = God.</p> +<p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"> +<span class="label">[2]</span></a> Heaven.</p> +<p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"> +<span class="label">[3]</span></a> No.</p> + +</div> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<div class="tn"> +<h4>Transcriber's Note:</h4> + +<p>The following corrections and changes were made:</p> + +<ul class="corrections"> +<li>Passages in italics are indicated by _underscores_.</li> +<li>Illustrations have been moved closer to the relevant paragraphs.</li> +<li>In the text version, the footnotes have been moved to the end of the relevant chapter.</li> +<li>In the html version, the footnotes have been moved to the end of the book.</li> +<li><a href="#Page_29">p. 30</a>: Added missing period to end of "I guess the best thing we can do is to turn in"</li> +<li><a href="#Page_63">p. 64</a>: Added missing hyphen to "Thunder maker" in "Thus speaking, Thunder maker dived a hand"</li> +<li><a href="#Page_217">p. 218</a>: Added missing period after "returned Holden, with a short forced laugh"</li> +</ul> + +</div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Fiery Totem, by Argyll Saxby + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FIERY TOTEM *** + +***** This file should be named 29686-h.htm or 29686-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/9/6/8/29686/ + +Produced by Larry B. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Fiery Totem + A Tale of Adventure in the Canadian North-West + +Author: Argyll Saxby + +Release Date: August 14, 2009 [EBook #29686] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FIERY TOTEM *** + + + + +Produced by Larry B. Harrison, Delphine Lettau, Suzanne +Shell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + + +[Illustration: THEN HE GRIPPED HIS WEAPON BY THE MUZZLE, AND SPRANG +STRAIGHT FOR THE PACK. + + _See page 175._ +] + + + + +THE FIERY TOTEM + +A TALE OF ADVENTURE IN THE +CANADIAN NORTH-WEST + +BY +ARGYLL SAXBY, M.A., F.R.G.S. + +AUTHOR OF +"BRAVES, WHITE AND RED" "COMRADES THREE!" +"TANGLED TRAILS" ETC. ETC. + +_SECOND IMPRESSION_ + +LONDON +THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY +4 BOUVERIE STREET AND 65 ST. PAUL'S CHURCHYARD + + + + +CONTENTS + + +CHAPTER PAGE + + I. A PERILOUS PASSAGE 5 + + II. DEER-STALKING 14 + + III. THE LONELY CAMP 22 + + IV. FRIENDS OR FOES? 33 + + V. LOST IN THE FOREST 41 + + VI. THE MEDICINE MAN 53 + + VII. THE FRIEND IN NEED 67 + + VIII. NIGHT IN THE WIGWAM 83 + + IX. THE TEMPTATION 96 + + X. A DEATH-TRAP 104 + + XI. TO THE RESCUE! 115 + + XII. CRAFTY TACTICS 130 + + XIII. THE PRICE OF A ROBE 142 + + XIV. THE BATTLE OF WITS 151 + + XV. OFF! 165 + + XVI. A NIGHT'S TERROR 172 + + XVII. THE FATE OF RED FOX 181 + + XVIII. HOT ON THE TRAIL 191 + + XIX. THUNDER-MAKER'S DOWNFALL 205 + + XX. THE FIERY TOTEM 217 + + + + +THE FIERY TOTEM + + + + +CHAPTER I + +A PERILOUS PASSAGE + + +"Well, good-bye, boys! You won't go far from camp before we return, will +you?" The speaker was one of two men seated in an Indian canoe. He +gripped the forward paddle, while his companion at the stern added +cheerfully-- + +"The backwoods is not the City of London. There are no policemen to +appeal to if you lose your way. Besides, we hope to find dinner waiting +for our return. Hunting lost sons is not the same sport as hunting +moose." + +Both the boys laughed at the elder man's remark, and one--Bob Arnold by +name--answered-- + +"Don't worry about us, father. Alf and I can take care of ourselves for +half a day. Can't we, Alf?" + +"Rather," the younger chum replied. "It's our respected parents who'll +need to take care of themselves in unknown waters in that cockleshell." +Then he called out merrily, imitating the tone of the first speaker--his +father: "Take care of yourselves, dads! Remember the Athabasca River is +not Regent Street!" + +"Cheeky youngster!" returned the elder man banteringly, as he struck the +forward paddle into the water. "There's not much of the invalid left +about you after three months' camping." + +Then with waving hands and pleasant chaffing, that showed what real good +chums the quartette were, the men struck out for the centre of the +river, leaving their sons watching from the strand before the camp that +was pitched beneath the shadow of the great pine trees. + +It was a glorious morning--just the right sort for a hunting-expedition. +The air was just chilly enough to render paddling a welcome exercise, +and just warm enough to allow intervals of pleasant drifting in the +centre of the current when there were no shoals or driftwood to be +avoided. + +"Yes," remarked Holden, the younger of the two men, as the rhythm of the +dripping paddles murmured pleasantly with Nature's music heard from +leafy bough and bush; "yes, Alf's a different boy now. Who would have +believed that these three short months would have changed a fever-wasted +body into such a sturdy frame?" + +"It looks like a miracle," returned the other man. "It was a great idea, +that of a six months' trapping in the backwoods. When we get back to +England we'll all four look as healthy as savages. My Bob is the colour +of a redskin." + +"It was a great blessing that you were able to bring him. It wouldn't +have been half as enjoyable for Alf, not having a chum." + +The elder man laughed softly as he turned a look of good-comradeship +towards his companion. + +"That's just as it ought to be, Holden," he said. "You and I were chums +at school, chums at college, and now chums in business. It's the right +thing that our sons should follow our good example. At least, that's my +opinion." + +"And you know it's mine," was the response. "But, I say! Do you think we +are wise to keep quite in the centre of the current? It seems to be +driving pretty hard, and we don't know the course. We might wish to land +if we saw rapids." + +"I dare say you are right," replied Arnold. "We'll steer straight +across that bend ahead of us. After that we can keep well under the +shadow of the willows--or near them. We will look for a good landing +spot and strike inwards. There ought to be moose or some equally good +sport among those bluffs and clearings." + +It is one thing to make plans; it is quite another matter to carry them +out. Especially is this the case when strangers are travelling in +strange country. + +Of course the present mode of travel was no novelty to either of the +men. Their youth had been passed in Western Canada (though not in the +vicinity of the present voyage) before their parents sent them home to +college in England. But even the hardened voyager knows that experience +does not anticipate all chances, and this case was no exception to the +rule. + +The river was certainly beginning to run at a pace that was perceptibly +swifter than that of the start when two miles farther up. This did not +give any cause for concern, however, for the ears of the travellers were +prepared for any sound that indicated rapids, and there was no other +contingency that they felt need to dread. + +At a little distance ahead, the course could be seen to take a sharp +turn to the right, where the dense growth of beech and towering pines +resembled the portals of a giant gateway; and, as it neared the opening, +the canoe swung round the curve with the swift flight of a swallow. + +It was a sudden change of pace, due mainly to the sharpness of the turn. +But as soon as the men fully entered the fresh span of the course they +both started involuntarily, for the banks were so steep as to prohibit +landing, and the river narrowed towards a second gateway formed by +towering cliffs--steep as a Colorado canon. + +"Look out!" exclaimed Holden, as he knelt high and gripped his paddle +firmly. "Leave the steering to me, I can manage better from the stern. +Come back here if you can." + +The canoe had already begun to dance among foaming crests like an +egg-shell. + +Arnold crept towards his companion. + +"Not a pleasant look out!" he remarked, with a grim smile on his face. +"It will be a marvel if we get through that canon with dry skins." + +"Dry skins!" laughed Holden. His voice was laughing, but his eyes were +fixed steadily a few yards in front of the canoe with that firm gaze of +a brave man looking peril straight in the face. "Dry skins! It'll be a +greater marvel if we get through it with any skins at all!" + +"We'll have a good try, anyway," responded Arnold. Then he remarked +quaintly: "This is like old times, isn't it--you and I out in a scrape +together? I hope the Head won't blow us up for it when we get back to +school!" + +The river had now entered the narrow course, and was rushing on a +foaming way with an awesome roar. + +Now and then the canoe would leap to one side as a wave hungrily licked +her prow; sometimes she would push her nose into a crest that splashed +the travellers with spray. Fortunately the spring torrents were over, +and danger from drifting logs was not to be reckoned with, but the +possibility that rocks might be hidden among the white waves was a +reasonable cause for concern--all the more so, considering that they +were unknown. + +Onwards they dashed at breakneck speed, while both the men sat grimly +silent, prepared to take bravely whatever fate might be in store for +them. Probably their thoughts were more of the two boys at the camp than +of their present strait--more engaged with commending their sons to the +care of God than speculating as to the result of this adventure. + +Then, with a suddenness that gave no time for thought, there was a crash +like crackling match-wood--a rush of water that seemed to crush all +within its embrace. Next moment the two men were struggling in the +stream. + +At that crisis, Arnold's first thought was for his friend--just as it +had always been since he fought his chum's first battles at school. + +He grabbed wildly, and held on to something that he afterwards found to +be his friend's jacket. + +"Are you all right?" he yelled above the din of the waters, as both men +reached the surface. + +"A1 at Lloyd's!" came the cheerful reply--undaunted even in extremity. + +"That's good. We'll weather this yet. Hang on to my coat, and we'll keep +together!" + +Being expert swimmers, there was little cause for fear so long as the +current passed clear of obstacles, and the men had little to do but keep +a suitable position, for the force of the water bore them well on the +surface. But the chief danger was from undercurrents and whirlpools, and +as the boundaries of the river rapidly narrowed this risk became more +serious every moment. + +As they rushed onwards, so the two walls of the canon came +nearer--shutting out the light until the scene resembled the gloomy +depths of a seething cauldron. + +Closer and closer came the walls; swifter and swifter rushed the water. + +Now the limits were so narrow that the river was but a smooth riband +darting between walls worn glassy by the wear of countless ages. + +The friends came so close that they touched one another's shoulders. + +That was one moment. + +The next instant each felt himself shot forward through a narrow opening +like a cork that is volleyed from a bottle; and when the men came to +realise their position, they found themselves floating on the surface of +a placid lake into which the canon poured its flood. + +They looked at one another. The adventure had parted them, but Arnold +laughingly held up a portion of Holden's coat as a banner to signal his +position. + +"Our same old luck!" exclaimed Holden, laughing. + +"It'll cost you a new coat!" returned Arnold with equal cheer. + +It was perhaps a hundred yards to the nearest shore, so the men +immediately started in that direction. Both were considerably exhausted +by the experiences through which they had providentially passed without +serious injury, and consequently the progress was slow. + +But at last they reached the bank, where the red and grey willows bent +their long strands in a tangled trellis. + +Knee deep in the mud, the men stood upright, to clear the way to +freedom. But, as they parted the nearest branches, a number of arms were +suddenly forced through the scrub; a number of hands gripped them with +irresistible strength; and before they could realise what had happened +they were rudely dragged up the bank of the lake. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +DEER-STALKING + + +The boys did not find that time hung heavily on their hands when left to +their own devices. + +The two tents that marked the camp at Crane Creek were pitched on a +grassy slope that led down to the Athabasca's dancing waters. This had +been their camp-ground for several days after a desultory hunting +pilgrimage from Loon Portage--the last town where they had left railways +and civilisation. Having penetrated northwards into a region that was +apparently remote from attacks of the plough and beyond the sound of the +rancher's whoop, it was determined to make this a headquarters for a +couple of months or so. Sport in much variety had already been found. +Moose-tracks had been seen in the vicinity, and it had been with the +hope of practically substantiating the discovery that the two elders had +started off that morning. + +The boys' first consideration was that of dinner. + +"Let's go into the woods and see what we can find!" Bob Arnold suggested +to his chum, after they had watched the canoe disappear round a bend of +the river. "There's only the carcase of a prairie chicken left in the +larder. That won't be much to satisfy our paters when they come back." + +"And we'll want to tackle a small morsel ourselves," added Holden. "I've +never had such an appetite in my life until I came West. There's +something inside me that is always calling out: 'Grub! Grub! Give me +grub!'" And the boy sniffed the pine-scented air with relish, as a +hungry street gamin sniffs the fragrance of a cook-shop. + +Bob laughed as he strolled back to the tents and stuck a tin dipper into +a wooden pail near by for a draught of cold water that had lately been +taken from a moss-bordered spring. + +"You're a freak of Nature; that's what you are, Alf. Two months ago you +were as thin and white as a sheet of paper, and even Saturday's school +resurrection-pie failed to tempt you. Now you are the colour of a +redskin, and nothing is safe from your teeth!" + +"I'll not deny that I'm sometimes a bit peckish," returned the younger +boy, entering one of the tents and filling a cartridge belt, which he +proceeded to buckle round his waist. Then he remarked with twinkling +eyes: "Say! Mustn't the fellows at St. Wenford's be green with envy if +they think of themselves swotting away in class while we're having the +time of our lives in the backwoods? They'll all be back by this time, +for the school was only to be closed for seven weeks, the doctor said. +Lucky thing fever is--in some ways." + +"In some ways--perhaps," repeated Bob in an undertone that had much +seriousness in it, as he followed his friend's example in preparing for +the hunt. "But it didn't seem very lucky--to me--when--when your dad was +sent for, post-haste, that night. It didn't seem the best of luck +then--to me, I mean." + +"Nor to me," added Alf with equal seriousness. Both boys sighed at the +memory, and then the younger resumed light-heartedly: "I tell you what +it was, Bob, I was thoroughly riled with that fever. We always meant to +be chums for the rest of our lives, just like our dads; and it put my +back up to find the fever trying to upset our plans. That's what did it. +Once I got the spirit of fight into me, I knocked the stuffing out of +the old fever!" + +"That you did!" laughed Arnold. "The doctors said they never saw +anything like your recovery, once you set to work. Well, I'm fixed up +for shooting. Are you all right? Better take hunting-knives. They come +in handy." + +"And a repeating rifle, in case of big game. One will be enough; we can +take turns in carrying it." + +"All aboard. I'll just see that the camp-fire is properly stamped out, +and then we'll set off." + +In a short time all preparations were completed, and the two boys were +ready to enjoy a morning's adventure in any form that it chose to offer. + +Having hopes that something bigger than duck or chicken might reward +their efforts, the chums immediately struck inwards through the bush, +following an old trail from a buffalo wallow that was the ancient path +of those bovines when they sought water to drink or mud to wallow in +when the mosquitoes were troublesome. + +Beyond chipmunks, gophers, and a single jack-rabbit (the latter falling +to Bob's gun), nothing was met to tempt powder for some time. Then they +reached a large "slough" that in early spring would be a small lake, +though now it was filled with long blue grass and wild lavender. Here +the boys paused as they examined the clearing. + +"It's a likely-looking place for rattlesnakes," Bob remarked. "It hardly +seems probable that---- What's that?--Over there in the centre?" The +speaker's voice had suddenly dropped to an excited undertone as he +pointed to a couple of small dark marks that peeped above long grass and +might have been the ends of a broken branch. + +Alf stared keenly for a few moments. + +"I thought I saw them move----" + +"So did I. Wait a minute and we'll make sure." + +Keeping as still as statues, the boys waited in silence with both pairs +of eyes steadily fixed upon the dark objects, and the pulses of each +gave a sudden jump, for then the points moved and sank among the long +grass. + +"Antelope! Those are horns!" decided Alf, to which Bob returned, with a +sly dig at his chum's ribs-- + +"'Horns?' _Antlers_, you old duffer! We're not hunting cows!" + +"Same thing," was the retort. "Horns or antlers both mean deer in these +parts." Next the boy gave a slight start. "Say! I thought I heard the +branches moving above my head!" + +The young hunters turned to look upwards among the dense leaves of a +gigantic maple tree whose lower branches were matted with twining +convolvulus and other wild creepers. + +"A bird or a chipmunk," was Bob's decision. "In any case, whatever it +is, this antelope comes first. We are both at windward, though I guess +he hasn't scented us yet on account of the long grass. But I think it +would be better if we got round to the lee-side and waited for him to +rise." + +"How would it be if I were to stay here, in case he comes this way?" Alf +suggested. "You could take the rifle----" + +"A good idea. No, you keep the rifle," amended Bob, falling in with the +suggestion. "If I get to lee, I'll be near enough to do damage with the +breech-loader. If I fail, you'll have the longer sight with the rifle." + +"All right," said Holden. "I'll wait just where I am behind this red +willow. I'll not fire until I'm certain that your gun is out of it." + +"Good. I'm off," responded Bob, and immediately he started a cautious +creeping journey in the shelter of the bush, in hopes of reaching the +lee-side of the slough without attracting the attention of the animal +that was apparently resting in innocent bliss among the cool blue grass. + +During his silent guard Alf a second time thought that he heard a +rustling above his head. But, following former experience, he thought +that the sound was due to nothing more than a flying squirrel at the +most, and he did not allow his eyes to be diverted from the spot where +the signs of the antelope had last been seen. + +By and by he at last caught sight of his chum. Bob had reached the +farther end of the oval slough, and had risen to show himself. He waved +his arm to announce his position before creeping down to the grass. +Holden answered the signal, and rose to be ready for emergencies. But, +as he moved his right foot, he stepped upon something soft, whereupon he +was startled by a cry like that of a kitten. He gave a swift glance +downwards, and saw that he had inadvertently trodden on something small +and furry which was now expressing pain by means of shrill infantile +wails. + +But his attention was immediately diverted by the sight of a dark body +starting up from the long grass in the slough. At the same instant he +heard the sharp crack of Arnold's gun. Alf darted the butt of his rifle +to his shoulder, to be in readiness for an emergency shot; but, before +the position was attained, something launched down upon him from the +trees--bearing him forwards into the willow bush, while the forest +echoed with the snarls of an infuriated wild beast. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +THE LONELY CAMP + + +A lynx may be only a cat, but a cat that is the size of a young tiger, +with all a tiger's ferocity, is no pleasant opponent at any time. Add to +naturally aggressive tendencies the fact that her baby has cried out in +pain, and you have an angry mother-fiend that takes a deal of seeking to +find her equal in fierceness. + +In this case the lynx had been watching the young hunters with one eye +for some time from her shelter among the leaves of the overhanging +maple. She had been keeping the other eye upon her offspring, having an +idea that the humans might endanger its safety; and, when she heard the +cry of pain, she simply dropped from her branch right upon Holden's +back, fixing her claws in his coat and snapping furiously at his neck. + +Luckily the boy's hunting-coat was of tough buckskin, and when the lynx +set her teeth in the collar she imagined that she was wreaking vengeance +upon flesh and blood. And the sound she made was enough to chill the +marrow. + +Arnold had heard the scream and his chum's cry of surprise at the sudden +assault. But he did not understand it at first. He surmised vaguely that +it was nothing more than sympathetic rejoicing at his successful shot +that had toppled a fine buck antelope in the grass. + +However, second thoughts quickly dispelled the first surmise, for he +heard Holden calling upon him in evident trouble. + +"Bob! Come quickly! There's something on my back, and I can't get at +it!" + +Bob dashed into the long grass as the shortest route. But before he had +crossed the slough Alf had managed to free himself from one sleeve of +his coat, and had got the lynx beneath him. + +Now it was a hand-to-hand fight. The claws of the animal seemed to be +everywhere. They struck with lightning swiftness, and the teeth snapped +like steel gins. In fact, the boy's opponent was simply a mass of fur +and claws--nothing that could be gripped, but everything that could +wound. + +"Don't shoot!" exclaimed Alf, as his friend appeared with gun half +raised in his hands. "You can't get a clean shot at her--ugh! the brute! +She's clawed my shoulder!" + +It was a fierce struggle while it lasted. + +Hot and panting, Alf fought to get a grip of the creature's throat. She, +on her part, seemed to divine his purpose, and battled successfully to +prevent him. + +The combatants rolled over. The lynx was uppermost, and she made a +vicious snap at the boy's face. But the quick head-turn of a trained +boxer avoided that snap, and the sharp white teeth met in the lad's coat +collar, slightly grazing his neck. + +Alf gave a cry of pain. + +That was too much for Bob, who snatched his hunting-knife from its +sheath, and threw himself upon the enemy. + +One plunge of the blade in the animal's side made it yell like a thing +possessed. Then Bob dug his thumbs into the lynx's neck and pressed his +fingers into its throat, pulling towards him with all his might, to drag +the animal from his friend. + +The knife was still sticking in the wound, and as the lynx felt another +enemy above her, she momentarily turned her attention to the one above, +while she struck with her claws to deliver herself from the fingers that +were choking her. + +That was Alf's chance. He plucked at the hunting-knife, and plunged it +into the wild animal with three rapid thrusts. + +Then followed another scream more wild and blood-curdling than the rest. +It was a death-cry; for in a moment more Bob stood up, holding a limp +body by the neck. + +Holden slowly rose from his bed of broken willows, and he grinned as he +regarded his clothes--especially the jacket, that hung from his left arm +like the evening dress of a Weary Willie. + +"Rather the worse for wear and tear!" he remarked with comical +ruefulness. + +"Which? The clothes or yourself?" questioned Bob, as he threw the lynx's +carcase to one side. + +"I guess it's the clothes more than anything else. There's a lot of +blood about, but that's the lynx's more than mine." + +In truth the lad was a strange spectacle, for hardly an inch of his +clothes had not been visited by claws or teeth. The boy himself was +covered with dust and dirt, while crimson patches of blood completed a +picture that was both humorous and pathetic. + +Fortunately, both the boys were able to look at the matter from the +former point of view. Physical damage was not severe. There was a +scratch on Alf's shoulder. Arnold examined it carefully, but decided +that no danger was likely to follow, since the claws had passed through +the leather jacket before touching the flesh. As a precaution against +blood-poisoning, he insisted upon sucking the wound, after which he +bound it with a handkerchief. + +"That will be all right, I expect," he said, as the operation was +completed. "I don't think we need worry about the other scratches." + +"There would have been more--worse ones, probably--if you hadn't turned +up," said Alf. "I couldn't get at the beast any way. She seemed to have +claws like a porcupine's quills." + +"And she knew jolly well how to use them. Do you think she's worth +skinning?" + +The dead lynx was examined. + +"I don't think the hide is worth the trouble," commented Holden. "It's a +bit ragged in any case, and the hunting-knife did not improve it. But +I'll take the tail as a memento. What about the antelope?" + +"Oh, I got him all right. He's lying somewhere in the grass." + +"Good!" exclaimed Alf delightedly. He had soon recovered from the +exhaustion of the fight. "That will surprise the paters when they return +to grub. And say! I'm as hungry as a hawk. Let's get back to camp. It +must be getting on for noon by this time." + +"Half-past ten. That's all," remarked Bob, as he looked at his watch. +"Time drags when the appetite's healthy. I vote we leave the antelope +where it is for the present, and shoot a few chicken for dinner. It +would be a pity for us to try skinning the animal. We might spoil it +altogether. I dare say father will do it for us afterwards." + +"What about wolves?" questioned Alf. + +"Yes, I hadn't thought of them. But I don't think there's much chance of +wolves coming in the daytime. It would be safe enough until night." + +"Right you are," agreed Alf. "First for the tail of my lynx, and then a +bee-line for the camp." + +Retracing their path by the buffalo trail, the boys were soon on the +home journey again. Five prairie chicken were bagged on the way, and +soon the hunters were once more at the camp-ground. + +Of course Holden's first move was to strip, plunge into the river, and +then robe himself in garments that were less like a rag-picker's bundle. +Meantime, Arnold set to work lighting a fire and preparing the chicken +for roasting on wooden spits, as their camping experience had taught +them. + +By midday the meal was in readiness. The birds were cooked, "biscuits" +were baked in the camp-oven, the fragrant smell of coffee was issuing +from a billy-tin, and all preparations completed to welcome the elder +hunters. + +But time went past, and there was no sign of a canoe on the river. + +"I wonder if they have missed their way?" remarked Alf, to whom the +waiting was a trial, considering inside calls and tempting odours. + +"I don't think that's likely," said Bob. "Your dad and mine are both old +backwoodsmen. I'm beginning to think something has happened----" + +"An accident?" + +"Possibly. But of course we can't tell. But it isn't like them to be +late when they promised to be back by noon." + +"But then, if an accident has happened to one, the other could always +come back and let us know," Alf answered; and his chum returned-- + +"That's just what I've been thinking. I don't want to frighten you, old +man, but I can't help thinking that something has gone wrong with both." + +"Perhaps it's the canoe. It might have got damaged. They were exploring +new water, you know." + +Bob nodded. + +"As likely as not. In that case they'll come back by land, and that +would take some time, as, of course, they would go much quicker by +water. We'll wait a little longer, and if they don't arrive we'd better +have our grub. They'll turn up later." + +The boys waited as patiently as possible, but ultimately, with no sign +of the travellers, they were obliged to dine alone; though the meal was +not eaten with customary cheerfulness, for both the boys shared +forebodings of troubles to come. + +The day wore on, and still no signs of the wanderers, while the anxiety +of the boys rapidly increased. And when night came, without bringing +any news to allay concern, they then began to decide that some serious +accident must have taken place. + +Until late into the hours of darkness the two lads sat by the camp-fire, +starting hopefully at each sound from the forest or river--ready to +believe that any whisper of Nature must be the sound of a reassuring +messenger. + +How different it was from their usual little camp-fire gatherings! At +such times they were wont to loll about while reciting the many +incidents of the day just gone, and planning fresh exploits for the +morrow. Even last night they had thus sat and planned the expedition +that had ended in adding a heavier gloom to the night. + +The fire-flies flickered their tiny lamps, the night-hawks shrieked as +they swooped from the heavens, the owls hooted their dismal cries, and +the wolves wailed in the distance as they fought over the remains of the +antelope that had been left to them. + +It must have been near midnight when Bob broke an unusually long spell +of silence. + +"Well, old boy," he said, with forced brightness, "I guess the best +thing we can do is to turn in. They won't be back to-night, that's +certain." + +"Yet--one might come. I wouldn't like to be asleep if--if there was any +call, you know." + +"Then we'll take it turn about--two hours asleep, two hours watch," was +the elder boy's practical suggestion. "Besides, very likely we are +worrying ourselves without need. Anything may have happened to keep them +from returning--not even an accident, as we've been supposing. One never +knows what may take place in the backwoods, and--and perhaps they were +forced to wait till morning." + +Bob knew, and Alf knew as well, that it was but a plucky attempt to look +at fears in the best light--an effort to convince both against their +conviction that their evil forebodings were groundless. + +But Alf was not easily convinced. + +"I am sure that nothing except accident could have happened to prevent +at least your father or mine from returning to camp. They would know +that we should be worried. And no matter how far they went by canoe in +the morning, there has been plenty of time to walk the distance. I can't +help thinking that they came upon tracks of the moose, as they wanted, +and----" + +"Hush," interrupted Bob kindly. "Don't let your imagination run away +with you like that, old man. Besides, you know what good shots both our +fathers are. They know the ways of most big game. No; I can't think that +you are right. Such an accident _might_ happen to one--even the finest +trapper; but, to both--believe me, it's out of the question. Now, turn +in like a good chap. I'll take first watch." + +"You'll wake me as soon as the two hours are up?" pressed Alf, reluctant +to leave the watch when he might have first sign of news. + +"Yes, I'll waken you. Don't worry about that. You are tired as a dog as +it is--what with fighting lynxes and other excitements. In two hours +you'll find that I'll be too ready for sleep to let you doze a second +over time." + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +FRIENDS OR FOES? + + +So sudden had been the attack when the two men were snatched from the +waters of the treacherous Athabasca, that they were too confused to +realise what was taking place. No signs of any prowlers had been +previously evident, though possibly the fact that danger from that +quarter was unconsidered might have secluded what would have been +discernible by suspicious eyes. + +Moreover, the men were so exhausted by the adventures through which they +had just passed that they were only able to offer feeble resistance, +and, by the time their scattered faculties were collected, they found +themselves lying bound in the centre of a chattering throng of Indians. + +Such conduct was certainly surprising in these days, when the redmen are +a peaceable people who have learned to regard the pale-faces as +well-meaning friends, and have long since buried the hatchet of tribal +feuds. + +"What on earth can be the meaning of this?" Arnold questioned of his +companion, who lay at his side. + +"It's certainly extraordinary," the other man said. "Yet they don't seem +particularly aggressive." + +"No. They offered no indignities, such as would have been our fortune in +olden days. But did you notice how that old warrior examined the knots +himself? He seems to be a sort of head-man. I can remember a smattering +of a few dialects, and I am sure I heard him say to the braves: 'Not too +tight. Do not hurt the pale-faces, but keep them firm.'" + +"It's certainly mysterious," said Holden. "Perhaps we have arrived in +the middle of some sacred feast. Or perhaps we've come upon them when +they were about to carry out some form of lawlessness." + +Arnold shook his head decidedly. + +"No. There are no signs of feasts. As for the latter, these are +Dacotahs--one of the most law-abiding tribes. We'll have to look further +than that for an explanation. Of this I am certain: we are in no +immediate danger. That they are chattering about us is evident from +these side-glances; but there is nothing hostile in the looks." + +"More like awe than hostility." + +"Just what I was thinking. But see! That old warrior is coming our way +again. We'll learn something this time, perhaps." + +As Arnold spoke, an old Indian was seen to step from the chattering +crowd. He was tall, well built, and still a fine specimen of manhood, +though his face bore traces of many years. + +That he received the homage due to rank as well as to years was made +plain by the respectful way that a path was cleared, so that he might +pass through the group of twenty or thirty redskins. He carried himself +with the air of one who commands respect as his right. + +All the same, though there was no hesitation in the steady stride with +which the Indian approached the captives, nor in the stern set of his +face, there was something in his eyes that indicated awe in the heart. +The other Indians barely attempted to conceal their feelings. Throughout +there was the expression that seemed to say (to put it in plain +English): "Plucky of you, old chap. But better you than me!" + +Reaching the Englishmen, who were bound hands and legs, so that they +were unable to adopt any position unaided except sitting or lying down, +the old warrior stopped at a couple of yards' distance. + +Drawing his blanket tightly round his figure, he folded his arms and +thus addressed the strangers in excellent English-- + +"The tomahawk has been buried between the pale-faces and the redman for +countless suns, and for many suns their hands have met as the hands of +brothers. And the heart of Swift Arrow is sore within him this day, for +the hands of the Dacotahs have been raised in their might against those +whose faces shine as those of our pale-face brothers." + +The old man paused, and Arnold jerked in-- + +"Then why on earth raise them? We did not bid you truss us up with these +rawhide thongs?" + +The Indian shook his head. + +"The ears of Swift Arrow are old. They understand not as when he was a +brave." + +"Your idiom is too much for him, old man," said Holden quietly. "Try him +with something easier. Better not let him know that we can speak +Indian, though. It might be to our advantage later to know without being +known." + +"Quite right," answered the elder man. Then he addressed the Indian +again. + +"We would ask, O Swift Arrow, for what good purpose your braves have +bound us. We have been in peril from the waters; we seek the friendship +of your land. Is this the way the Dacotahs treat their white brothers +when they seek the friendship of your shores?" + +The Indian felt the reproach, and his eyes fell for a moment with shame. + +"The pale-face speaks words that go right into the heart like burning +arrows. But Swift Arrow knows well that all things must be fulfilled. +The sun must come and the darkness follow. Then darkness come, and +after--the sun again. All things must be as Manito[1] will." + +The Englishmen looked at one another with puzzled expressions. + +"I wonder what he means by that?" questioned Holden. "'All things must +be fulfilled.' What can that have to do with us?" + +The Indian heard the question and understood. + +"All things must be as Manito will," he repeated; and Arnold, catching +swiftly at the words, demanded sharply-- + +"Is it willed that we be bound, as the Dacotahs of old bound their +captives for burning?" + +This was evidently a point of view that had not occurred to the redskin, +for he was at a loss for an immediate reply. He looked first at one man +and then at the other, after which he repeated half aloud, half to +himself, as if he were conning the exact meaning of the words-- + +"_When the moon is round, and they rise out of the silver waters---- _" + +"Yes, yes!" interrupted Arnold, and speaking at guesswork. "That is +true. We know that--'out of silver waters'--but is anything said about +bonds?" + +The old man shook his head. He was deeply puzzled. + +"The pale-face speaks true, and it may be that the redman is wrong. +There are many trails, but only one that leads to good hunting-ground. +How shall the redman's eyes see right?" + +Then Arnold assumed an air of indifference as he remarked carelessly, +though not without a certain sneer in his tone-- + +"Does Swift Arrow ask a question of his white brothers, or does he talk +as old squaws chatter--foolish words like running water? We could tell +him much, but it is well to know with whom one speaks. Words may be +wasted as rain upon rocks." + +"Let the pale-face speak," returned the Indian with dignity, though it +was plain that he was moved by the sneering tones. + +"Then listen. We who came 'out of the silver waters,' as you put it, can +tell you much. But how can we speak in bonds? The pale-face is a chief. +He will not speak as a slave to his master." + +But the old man shook his head. + +"It cannot be so, lest you return to the waters from whence you +came----" + +"Oh, that's it, is it?" exclaimed Arnold, with sudden enlightenment. "If +that's all, it's easily settled. Look here--you know that when a +pale-face says he will do a thing he will surely do it?" + +"My white brother's word is ever truth." + +"And when we say we will not do a thing, you know that we will keep our +promise?" + +The Indian bowed assent. + +"Well, look here! If you will remove these cords, my friend and I will +promise not to fight and not to run away without telling you first that +we intend to do so. We will go with you where you will. We are not foxes +to hide behind bushes; we are no half-breeds to hide behind forked +words. I have spoken." + +The old man was immediately impressed by this view of the situation. He +retired for a few minutes to consult with his friends, and afterwards +solemnly returned, accompanied by a couple of young men. + +"My white brother has spoken well," he said. "The redman will take the +word of his white brother." Then he turned to the braves, gave a brief +order in Indian, and the next moment Arnold and Holden stood up free. + +"What next, I wonder?" questioned the latter, as he looked inquiringly +at Swift Arrow. + +He was not kept long in doubt, for the old man called the Indians +together, signing to the Englishmen to take places in the centre of the +group. Afterwards the company started on a trail that led away from the +lake through the woods to the north-east. + +[1] Manito = God. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +LOST IN THE FOREST + + +Morning came, but it brought no news of the absent men. There now seemed +to be no possible doubt that some accident of a serious nature had +overtaken both, and the boys were at their wits' end to know what steps +to take. + +There had been but one canoe for the outing, so it was not possible to +follow up the river course in pursuit of explanation. The only course +was to take the journey on foot. That would be a tedious process, seeing +that the river twined in some parts like a corkscrew. Two or three miles +might be walked, and yet only half the distance might be covered as the +crow flies. However, there seemed nothing else to be done. It was +impossible to remain idly at the camp waiting for what might turn up. +Meantime, their services might be urgently needed, and delay might only +increase the necessity. + +"I vote we pack up our outfit in the tents and set off on the chance of +finding their tracks," said Bob. "We can take a good supply of +cartridges with us, in case we are delayed and need to forage for food." + +"It's my opinion that we may have to go a good long way," was Holden's +view. "It would be as well to take a small axe and one or two things for +possible camping. A pannikin would be useful----" + +"And a small coil of rope. You can never go far in the bush without +finding a use for rope." + +"But suppose they come back in our absence?" + +"Ah, that's well thought of," Arnold agreed. "It might mean starting out +to hunt for us. We'll leave a note explaining things." + +As soon as breakfast was over, the boys made their preparations for +departure. They filled knapsacks with such supplies as they deemed +necessary to meet the circumstances and possible emergencies. They +packed away the loose articles of the camp outfit, and pinned a note +against the flap of the tent to explain the cause of their absence to +any person who might reach the ground before their return. Then they set +out bravely on their quest. + +It was their first intention to follow the course of the river, even +though their journey might be considerably lengthened thereby. But very +soon it was found that such tactics were, in the main, impracticable. In +some parts the banks were steep and rocky; in others they were so +thickly clothed with bush that a pathway was only possible after the axe +had cut its way. The latter was particularly the case when a certain +great bend of the Athabasca was reached, so the chums determined to +attempt a short cut across the loop by plunging straight through the +forest. + +"It seems easy enough," Alf had said. "We are going about due north, I +think. The bend goes due west, but as the main part of the river flows +north according to the map, if we go straight on we are bound to strike +the water again." + +"Right, old man," responded Bob. "In any case, the paters could not be +so near home, or they would have had plenty of time to get back, even by +crawling. So it would be almost wasting energy to trudge so far out of +the way." + +It is one thing to say "go north," it is quite another matter to hold a +steady course in a forest. The Indian can do it; likewise the trapper. +They know the signs of the compass such as Nature has provided for +them. They know on which side of the trees certain moss is to be found, +and they know the signs that the blizzard wind leaves behind it when it +has passed on its way from arctic zones. To such as have been initiated +into the higher mysteries of woodcraft from their earliest years, a due +course to any set point of the compass is second nature. But those who +are unlearned in the art soon find out their mistake when they put their +inexperience into practice. The sun is a pointing finger to the +craftsman--a disastrous lure to the ignorant. + +Bob and Alf pursued their way pluckily. Determined to keep a steady +course, the tomahawk had to be requisitioned at frequent intervals in +order to clear a passage through the thorns and binding creepers that +impeded the way. + +At any other time the adventure would have been one of sheer delight, +for who would not have enjoyed exploring unknown land--probably land, +too, where only the Indian's foot and the feet of the wild creatures of +the forest had ever pressed? + +Once or twice the boys saw the great velvet eyes of an antelope peeping +at them through a screen of maple leaves. Again the scrub would rustle, +as a fox crouched down to hide his skulking body from the strangers' +sight. The cat-birds were calling their sad messages to each other among +the maple leaves, and lively little chipmunks would utter their shrill +piping sounds of warning to their friends as they started before the +advance of the young explorers. Yes, it was an experience to fill the +heart with joy when any ordinary call inspired the venture spirit. + +On this occasion, however, neither of the boys had eyes for such +pleasant sights, or ears for such sounds as are the delight of the +trapper's life. Their minds were too full of anxiety to permit room for +ordinary enjoyment, and they hardly spoke as they pressed forward in +single file. + +In this way they continued for two hours or more. At intervals they +would take it in turn to act as leader and handle the axe; but they did +not allow a pause in the pushing forward, until at last Bob called a +halt, feeling that a rest had been earned. + +"We ought to be getting near the river again by this time," he remarked. + +"That's what I've been thinking," said Alf. "You see, it was such a +sharp westward turn that the river took after we crossed the ford, that +I don't think we can be far off now. It must come round to the east +again." + +"Yet there's no sound of it----" + +"That is what's puzzling me. We've covered a couple of miles at the +least." + +"And done enough work for four," added Bob. "However, let's get to work +again. The sooner there, the sooner this job will be over." + +"Thank goodness it looks pretty clear ahead now--more pine trees and +less of the beastly scrub," said Holden. + +Once more the boys pressed forward; but, although they continued the +march for quite another hour, apparently they were as far off as ever +from the river, for they neither sighted water nor came within hearing +distance of the object of their search. + +Again they stopped and faced one another with perplexed expressions. + +"I'll tell you what it is, old man--we've missed the way," said Alf. + +But Bob was never ready to admit defeat of any sort. + +"Nonsense," he said. "We've kept a fairly straight course." + +"Or thought we have. To my mind, if we'd kept straight on we ought to +have reached the river by this time. As it is, there is no sign of it." + +"That's true. Except for being free from the brushwood, we might almost +be where we started. It looks much the same--no slope or any other sign +to suggest that we are nearer to the water." + +"What's to be done?" + +"I see nothing for it but to go back again and follow the river, as we +were doing in the first place. We were fools to think of taking short +cuts. The other way may have seemed longer, but it would have been a +deal shorter in the long-run." + +Both the boys were feeling rather fagged by this time, for their trudge +had been of an exceptionally fatiguing nature. But each kept the thought +to himself, and cheerfully stepped out with the intention of retracing +his steps. It was a disappointment and irksome enough; yet there was no +help for it, and the situation had to be faced pluckily. + +But all the best intentions seemed to go wrong that day, and it did not +take an hour's marching before Bob stopped and turned to his chum with a +crestfallen countenance. + +"Look here, old man, I don't know what you're thinking, but my own +opinion is----" + +"That we've missed the path; that we are lost----" + +"I'm afraid that is the truth of it. You see, we've never come to any of +the places that we had to clear with the tomahawk." + +"Then what's to be done?" Alf questioned. + +Arnold took out his watch and looked at it. + +"What's to be done? Grub. That's the first thing. After that we can make +fresh plans. It's noon now, and we can do nothing while we're hungry. +Besides--well, to tell the truth, I'm feeling a little tired." + +"I, too," responded Alf, with a faint smile. "I didn't want to say so +while I thought you wished to go on----" + +"Just my own idea," Bob returned, with a slight laugh, as he lowered +himself to a soft place under the shadow of a large maple. "So we'll +rest here and have a bite. We'll feel better afterwards." + +The little camp was made, and a meal was enjoyed from the contents of +Bob's haversack--biscuits and cold venison. Neither of the lads thought +it was worth while to trouble about shooting and cooking a meal just +then. They would reserve that till night, in the event of their not +being able to find Crane Creek again. + +After a considerable rest, the march was resumed for the third time. On +this occasion, however, the process was varied. Their first purpose was, +of course, to find the path by which they had come; so at Bob's +suggestion they carefully proceeded to walk in a circle--checking the +route by notching the trees, and taking wider courses each time a +circuit was completed. + +But even these means were ineffective. Circle after circle was made, and +still the earlier track was undiscovered. All the afternoon was thus +occupied, and, when evening came, the boys were footsore and weary--glad +to throw themselves down on the first piece of springy grass, too tired +even to trouble about preparing food. + +The disappointment was beyond words. They had started out in the morning +full of cheerful hopes of being able to render aid to their parents who +(they felt sure) were in need of assistance. And now, not only was this +purpose frustrated, but they themselves were in that terrible plight of +being lost in the backwoods--a hundred miles or more from the haunts of +white men, with nothing but plucky hearts to help them, and limited +ammunition to supply bodily needs. + +The sun passed over their heads and sunk somewhere beyond the forest. +They could not tell where it vanished, for the camp was amid such dense +surroundings that they could hardly see beyond a hundred yards through +the branches. + +With dusk, and after a sparse meal, it was decided to light a fire, more +for the sake of the cheering sight than the need for warmth. + +Bob was the first to rise, and as he stood upright he was heard to give +vent to a decided-- + +"Bother it!" + +"What's the matter?" grunted Alf, as he also proceeded to rise. + +"Matter?" repeated his chum. "Nothing; only I have stuck my head into a +cloud of moths--big ones and little ones. There seems to be a regular +party going on under this tree." + +"It's that luminous patch in the tree that we've been sitting under," +said Holden, at the same time drawing his friend's attention to what +looked like a patch of light on the trunk of the maple about five feet +from the ground. + +"That's curious," remarked Bob, bending forward to examine the spot. "I +wonder what it can be? It looks like the light on one of those luminous +match-boxes that are made so that you can see them in the dark." + +"They say that rotten wood sometimes has that effect----" + +"But this tree is quite sound. And see! There's another the same on that +tree to the right!" + +It was certainly strange, and the boys picked up their guns and +sauntered over to examine the next trunk, on which they found the same +peculiar light attracting an equally numerous lot of moths of many +descriptions. + +"There's another!" exclaimed Alf, pointing ahead of him. + +"And another!" + +"And another!" + +By this time the boys were quite excited by their discovery, and when +Alf suddenly drew attention to the further discovery that the marked +trees were almost in a straight line, their excitement was still further +stirred. + +"It's the strangest thing I ever heard of--in the natural history way," +the younger lad said. "To find all these trees marked on the same side, +and all in a straight line--why, it would puzzle the brains of anybody +to explain it!" + +Without any decided plan, and more out of curiosity than from any other +motive, the chums proceeded from one tree to another, examining each as +they reached it, and marvelling all the time at what they decided as +being one of the most remarkable freaks of Nature that they had ever +heard about. + +Then they became aware of a strange sound that reached them from no +great distance through the trees. It was a most remarkable sound--not +that of any animal with which they were familiar; indeed, it was not a +sound that suggested any beast or bird. + +"What on earth is it?" questioned Alf, as the weird wail sighed through +the forest. + +"It sounds like a harmonium in distress!" replied Bob, with a slight +laugh. And even as he spoke the wail was repeated, though this time +could be distinctly heard the voice of some person struggling to +articulate to some musical accompaniment the words-- + + "Rool Britanny! Britanny rool waves! + Britons ne-vaire--ne-vaire--ne-vaire + Shall be sla-aves!" + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +THE MEDICINE MAN + + +During the march through the woods the Indians were not communicative. +Once or twice Arnold attempted to draw Swift Arrow into conversation, +but the old man merely listened in solemn silence. He refused even to +respond to direct questions. + +Eventually a clearing was reached where a large number of teepees were +pitched. It was quite a wigwam village, and thence the two captives were +escorted to a tent that stood among many others. They were politely +requested to enter, and, on obeying, they found that the teepee was +otherwise empty. Several men were posted on guard at a little distance +from the entrance, while Swift Arrow departed with the rest of his +brethren. + +"There's no doubt but that we are prisoners," remarked Arnold, as he sat +down upon a buffalo hide, preparing to make the best of things and take +his ease while he might. + +"The whole affair is a puzzle," said his companion. "Why on earth they +should take us prisoners passes my comprehension. It can't be that they +regard us as enemies. They would not have been so polite and considerate +if that had been their thought." + +"That's just it," laughed Arnold, who, like his son, had the gift for +worrying little until he knew exactly what to worry about. "That's just +what surprises me. We are treated as prisoners, and not as prisoners. My +impression is that we are regarded with more fear than anger." + +The time allowed for speculation was soon curtailed by the sound of many +voices approaching the tent, though presently there was silence, and a +loud voice called to those within-- + +"The eyes of Mighty Hand would gladly rest on the sight of the White +Men." + +"He means us," commented Arnold, rising from the couch of fur. "He's too +polite to enter the teepee uninvited." + +"By all means let his eyes rest upon us," laughed Holden. + +The two men then advanced, while one threw open the flap of the tent. +And the picture that met their eyes was one that struck the strangers +with admiration, for it seemed to throw the years back to the days when +the Indian ruled the prairie--the days that knew the youth of Ballantyne +and the prime of Fenimore Cooper. + +Ranged in a semicircle before the tent was a crowd of braves and +warriors--all arrayed in the picturesque garb that was unspoilt by any +touch of Saxon attire, such as is commonly seen among redskins of the +present day. Except that the old-time bows and arrows were replaced by +more modern muzzle-loaders, there was nothing to suggest any association +with white men and white men's tastes. + +But it was not so much the background of natives that impressed the +Englishmen. Their admiration was called to the central figure. He was an +Indian of enormous size--tall, squarely built, and equally proportioned. +His head was surmounted with a turban of black fox decorated with eagle +feathers that were continued like a wing right down his back and nearly +touched the ground. His black hair was threaded with many coloured +beads, some of which resembled (and actually were proved to be) nuggets +of pure gold. Necklaces of beads and animals' teeth hung in many +strands upon the breast of his deerskin shirt. Leggings and moccasins +were a mass of beads, feathers, and porcupines' quills woven in +intricately fantastic designs. And, over all, there hung in graceful +folds an ermine robe of spotless white. + +This was the great chief of the Dacotahs. Mighty Hand was his name, and +that hand was famed for its deeds of valour as equally for its deeds of +kindness. He was sole monarch of a mighty branch-tribe of the Dacotahs +that had long been separated from its renegade brethren, preferring to +maintain the old life in the forest and on the prairie rather than a +workhouse existence in a Government Reserve. He led his people far from +the haunts of white men, and his life was only harmful to the game that +supplied his people's needs. Powder and other necessaries he obtained +from frontier trading-stations. But he was known as a man of peace and a +man of spotless honour. Hence his irregular life and failure to comply +with Government Reserve regulations had been hitherto winked at by the +officials. + +When the Englishmen issued from the tent, this chief was standing +before them in a majestic attitude that at once proclaimed his royal +blood. He was unarmed. This was a courtesy to the strangers. + +At the chief's right side stood Swift Arrow; at the left was a figure +that formed a weird contrast to the other two. This one was lean, bent, +and twisted like a gnarled tree that had been starved and warped in the +forest. His dress was alike native, but the grotesque ornaments of +animals' skulls, tails, dried monkeys' hands, and other gruesome relics +gave the wearer an appearance that was repulsive to Saxon eyes. This +freak of figure and dress was Thunder-maker, the great Medicine Man of +the tribe. Without his presence no state conclave was complete; without +his opinion no tribal law or ruling was ever decided. + +It must not be thought that the time we have occupied in describing +these several features was similarly occupied by the Englishmen in +minute observation. Not at all. Arnold, immediately recognising the +bearing of the chief, promptly addressed him in English, which Mighty +Hand could understand--judging from his first salutation. + +"The white brothers of the redmen are gladdened by this visit of the +great chief," he said. "The white brothers have been in great danger +from rushing waters--danger from which the great chief's braves snatched +them. They are grateful that their lives have been saved, and they are +glad to meet the chief and thank him for what was done." + +The Indian listened in silence, and, at the pause that followed, he +returned in deep tones, as if he were repeating a lesson that he had +learnt by heart-- + +"_Out from the silver waters, when the moon is round, they shall come. +They shall be pale-face, and they shall look like men._" + +This was certainly a puzzling rejoinder! To neither of the captives did +it convey any knowledge. Arnold, however, deemed that the best course +would be to assume no impression that he and his friend were regarded as +prisoners. + +"The chief speaks well," he returned. "But his tongue deceives him when +he says that we _look_ like men. Pale-faces we are. But we are friends +to the redman. We would smoke the peace-pipe with him. But we are far +from our camp. At our tents are our young sons, who are awaiting our +return with anxious hearts. Perhaps the great chief has also a son! He +will know, then, how heavy would be the heart of his papoose if the +chief were long absent from his teepee. We therefore beg that the chief +will hasten the peace-pipe. Afterwards he will lend a brave to guide the +white brothers back to their camp-ground." + +While Arnold spoke there was silence among the Indians, and it was +obvious, from the chief's face, that his mind was disturbed with +indecision. + +"Mighty Hand has listened to the words of the pale-face," the chief +said. "The white man's words flow as music, but--'_out from the silver +waters, when the moon is round_---- '" + +The speaker's voice faded into thoughtfulness, and Holden whispered to +his companion-- + +"What is the fellow driving at? What does he mean by 'out from the +silver waters'? Of course we came out from waters, but what has that to +do with the moon, I wonder?" + +"I can't think, unless--yes, I believe I've got it! It's full moon about +this time, Holden. There's some Indian superstition, I imagine, about +full moon and people being rescued from the water----" + +"It sounds like that from the way he speaks. You remember Swift Arrow +said much the same thing." + +"Then depend upon it we've hit the mark. In some way we've got mixed up +with a legend or superstition." + +Mighty Hand had been consulting with Swift Arrow while the Englishmen +had been quietly summing up the situation, but now he again faced the +captives. + +"Mighty Hand has lived long and seen many wonders and much great +medicine. But to-day there is a cloud in his mind. He understands but +darkly. It would be a shame that Mighty Hand should bring water to the +eyes of his white brother's papoose, but who can say if the Fiery Totem +be not calling this day? Behold!" + +As he spoke the chief tore open his deerskin shirt, and when the +Englishmen bent forward in curiosity they saw--upon the naked +breast--the figure of a serpent tattooed in gold and red so cunningly +that it seemed as though a living reptile were there resting--a reptile +moulded from burning flames, with head raised in the attitude of +striking. + +The men gave a gasp of wonder and surprise, and at the same instant the +Medicine Man jumped forward, pointed a finger towards the sign, and +turned with an evil grin towards the strangers. + +"The totem of the Serpent Dacotahs!" he hissed through his teeth. "Can +the pale-face look upon it without fear? Can they not feel the +poison-tooth break the covering of their flesh?" + +At this strange attack Arnold laughed aloud, and Holden smiled as he +said-- + +"The white men are not cowards! They do not shrink before a figure of +paint!" + +The Medicine Man threw up his arms in a transport of rage. + +"They laugh! The white men smile at the sacred totem!" he cried in a +wild appeal to the sympathies of the people, who began to respond with +disapproving murmurs. "Shall it be that the fiery serpent hear laughing +tongues while the hands of the Dacotahs are idle? _Who_ are they that +dare to revile our sacred sign with mocking eyes and tongues?" + +Matters were beginning to assume a serious aspect towards the strangers, +for evidently the Medicine Man was one whose lead was followed by his +people, and who knew well how to play upon their weaknesses. So Arnold +hastened to try and pacify the anger that he had inadvertently roused. + +"My red brother mistakes," he said, addressing Thunder-maker. "The white +man's laughter was at the suggestion of fear. We are brave men who fear +nothing. But we did no insult to the totem of the Dacotahs----" + +"Dogs!" exclaimed the furious Indian. "Dogs! The fiery totem has been +defiled. Revenge, my brothers! Revenge! lest the names Dacotah and +Mighty Hand become things for jeers and laughter in the women's tents!" + +The Indian was quite frantic with passion, and as he flung his wild +appeal to his people the murmurs suddenly burst into a flood of angry +roars--knives were snatched from their sheaths, a hundred arms were +lifted, and the circle quickly closed upon the helpless men. But just at +that moment of peril and almost inevitable death, the great figure of +Mighty Hand was seen to start. He stepped forward with one stride, +turned his back upon the captives, and then raised his arms, from which +his robe hung like great protecting wings that shielded the strangers +beneath their folds. And his voice rang out above the angry clamour +like the voice of a wind roaring through the pine forests. + +"Back, Dacotahs! Back to your tents ere the strength of Mighty Hand is +lifted and you sink to the dust! Is this how the redman treats the +stranger who would smoke the peace-pipe by our fire? Is this the welcome +that my braves give to those whom Mighty Hand has received with a +smile--with no arms in his hand, no tomahawk at his belt? Back, dogs! +and hide your coward faces like frightened papooses in the skirts of the +women!" + +The clamour ceased instantly. The men hung back, and their heads bent +with shame, that is, all heads but that of Thunder-maker. His face +betokened no shame. Nay, greater fury than ever was depicted, though he +was silenced before the anger of his chief. But it was only for a little +while that he was thus disconcerted, for soon he resumed--though now he +spoke with humble fawning-- + +"It is death in the heart of Thunder-maker when the eyes of Mighty Hand +shoot their looks of fire. But--_Thunder-maker speak true_. Has he not +made great medicine these many suns? Did he not bring the thunder to +prove his great medicine? Has he not many times driven the fever from +the camp, till it fled over the prairie like a coyote driven with sticks +and dogs? Huh! many wonders has he done, and--more will he do. He will +do great medicine this day. He will show if the fiery totem has called +in vain for vengeance." + +Thus speaking, Thunder-maker dived a hand into the bosom of his shirt +and drew out a bundle of dirty linen. The chief had lowered his arms, so +that the Englishmen could now see the Indian as he laughed and held up +the bundle triumphantly above his head. + +"Great medicine!" he exclaimed, fixing his eyes upon the white men. +"Great medicine! Look! See! Listen!" + +They looked, and as they looked they saw the linen move, as if something +inside were struggling to be free, and at the same time they heard a +sound like the sudden springing of an old-time policeman's rattle. + +"Rattlesnakes!" exclaimed Arnold under his breath. + +Thunder-maker laughed when he saw that the sound had been recognised. + +"Come! Come, my children!" he cried, as he turned his face upwards. +"Come, my little son--come, my little daughter!" + +Then he shook the knot of the bundle, and out from the aperture crept +two grey-green bodies--a pair of twisting, writhing somethings that +caused the onlookers to shudder and the Medicine Man to laugh, as he +repeated carelessly-- + +"Come, my little papooses! You will speak great medicine in the ears of +Thunder-maker!" + +Slowly the serpents came from their covering. One remained coiled on the +raised wrists, the other--still sounding the ominous rattle--moved +slowly downwards till it rested on the man's shoulder. Then +Thunder-maker inclined his head, as if listening to a whisper. +Afterwards his face lit up with understanding. + +"Huh!" he exclaimed. "Did not the spirit of Thunder-maker speak true? +Come, my little papoose! You shall show for whom the fiery totem +called." + +Turning his head so as to look along his shoulder, the Indian suddenly +grabbed the writhing reptile with his teeth, after which (holding the +other serpent with his right hand) he commenced dancing until he had +cleared an open circular space, of which the Indians and the white men +formed the border. + +Suddenly he sprang to the middle and tossed the snake to the ground, +while he uttered a wild shriek. + +Once on the earth, the snake glided swiftly in several directions, while +all watched the creature with tense excitement. Then for a second it +seemed to pause with its head in the direction of the Englishmen. At the +same moment the Indian gave a cry of triumph, tucked the one snake into +a fold of his robe and bent down, making passes with his hands above the +serpent on the ground. And as his hands moved so the rattlesnake +gradually straightened out its body till it lay stiff and straight as a +piece of wood. + +Thunder-maker paused. Then he rose up slowly and looked with triumph +straight into the chief's face. + +"My children say that the time has come to take the cloud from the +Dacotah. My papooses show _who_ answer call of fiery totem!" + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +THE FRIEND IN NEED + + +Even considering the serious nature of their quest and the plight they +were in, it was not possible for the boys to refrain from laughing when +they recognised Britain's national song as caricatured by the singer. +But they had sufficient wisdom to control most of their amusement to +"inward laughing." It is not always safe in the backwoods to announce +your presence too suddenly where strangers are concerned--especially +strangers who are not of the white skin. + +"That's a rum sort of music to come upon a hundred miles from nowhere," +remarked Bob, with a grin, to his chum. + +"Let's hope that it comes from a throat that has something of +civilisation about it," said Alf. + +"It doesn't sound quite like a white man. That 'ne-vaire' is more French +accent than English--probably a half-breed." + +"What do you think we ought to do?" + +"Investigate. We've got no choice. We're lost; that's certain enough. +What's more, there seems to be very little chance of finding our own +trail back to the camp." + +"That's true enough," Alf assented. "But suppose we come upon a camp of +half-breeds, as you suggested? I've heard that they're not the best of +friends to white people in out-of-the-way places." + +Arnold nodded in agreement. + +"I dare say that's true. But, at the same time, most yarns of the kind +have usually got large bits of ornamental stuff stuck round the facts. +We'll have to take our chance of falling in with friends or foes." + +"Right-away. If you're ready, I'm ready also," said Alf promptly. "It +will be a strange thing if 'Rule Britannia' leads Britons into a mess +instead of out of one." + +Having thus determined what course to pursue, the two boys began to +creep cautiously through the bush towards the locality from whence still +proceeded the music that was being repeated with all the diligence of +some one who was determined to learn his lesson thoroughly. + +The night was now quite dark, but presently the chums were able to +distinguish the flickering of a camp-fire at no great distance before +them. + +Taking every care not to betray their presence by any careless footstep, +they twined a path with all the success that a professional tracker +would have admired. Then, penetrating a more than usually dense portion +of the bush, the young explorers found themselves right on the edge of +the encampment, and the picture that they then discovered was one that +was surely calculated to drive away all melancholy thoughts and feelings +of fatigue, for the time being at least. + +Seated on the end of a water-keg, in front of a moderate-sized "A" tent, +was a man of gigantic size whose black hair stood up from his head as if +he were constantly seeing ghosts, and whose equally black beard streamed +down his breast like a cataract of ink. He was dressed in a blue shirt, +corduroy trousers protected with cowboy "shaps," and heavy top-boots. In +his hands was an accordion, at his side sat a collie dog, while in front +of him, with his back to the fire--standing with his hands behind his +back in the attitude of a schoolboy repeating a lesson--was a +tousle-headed half-breed, whom he of the black beard was addressing in +encouraging tones-- + +"Noo then, ma callant, we'll just be having that last line ower again. +It's no' bad as an eemitation o' a cat left oot on a winter's night; but +it's no' just what I call 'ceevilised'; no' just quite that--yet." + +Then the accordion sounded a dismal chord suggestive of an attack of +asthma, the half-breed reattacked the "ne-vaire, ne-vaire, ne-vaire" in +a manner that made up in energy what it lacked in music, and the collie +raised his head to add a long-drawn wail to the concert. + +"That's a wee bit better," was the player's verdict at the finish. "I'm +thinking we'll make a ceevilised creature oot o' you in time, Haggis." +Then the speaker turned to the dog. "As for you, Bannock, you're a bit +oot o' tune at times. But it's no' that bad for a doggie. It's good to +be aye trying to do our best----" + +"Hear! hear!" shouted Bob, whose interested amusement had quite banished +his caution. + +The effect of the boy's applause was electric. The two men started. The +half-breed snatched up a gun that was leaning against a tree near by; +one hand of the bearded man deposited the musical instrument upon the +ground as his right picked up a handy rifle; while Bannock, the dog, +crouched down with bristling hair and deep growling. + +"Come oot and show yourself, whoever ye be!" commanded the master, as he +raised himself to his great height, with rifle in readiness and eyes +staring towards that part of the bush where the chums stood. "Come +forward this instant, or I'll bore as many holes in your body as there +are farthings in a pound!" + +In obedience to the gentle invitation, and not in the least nervous, now +that they knew who the musicians were, the boys immediately made their +appearance. + +"There's no need to be afraid----" began Holden reassuringly, when he +was interrupted by a huge guffaw of derision. + +"Afraid! And what for shall Skipper Mackintosh be afraid? Unless it's +mosquitoes, there's no man or beast in Canada that'll turn a hair on his +hide." Then, seeing the lads as they approached into the firelight, the +man immediately changed his tone of address as he also altered the +threatening pose of his rifle. "What! A pair o' laddies?" he exclaimed +in astonishment, and Bob replied-- + +"Neither of whom is particularly anxious to be riddled with a pound's +worth of farthing bullets!" + +But the words had barely passed the boy's lips before the rifle had been +dropped to the ground and the man had sprung forward excitedly to grab a +hand of each boy in his great fists. + +"Faix! but this is a fine sight for sore eyes!" he exclaimed, as he +vigorously pumped the arms up and down. "I've no' seen a white face +(barring a trader's, and that was ower dirty to call it 'white') this +twelvemonth past. I'm right glad to see you!" + +"And I guess we're jolly glad to see you," returned Alf. "It's a treat, +but--speaking for myself, I really want to use my hand again. It'll be +jelly in a few more seconds." + +"And mine too!" laughed Bob, who could not help wincing at the vigorous +form of the welcome. + +The Scotsman immediately released his severe grasp. + +"Sakes! But I'm that glad to see you, laddies, I feel just like +squeezing for another hour. I suppose, noo, that I'm no' just dreaming? +You're no' by chance just twa o' them muckle moths that's come into my +dream in a make-believe?" + +"We're human, sure enough," Arnold laughed in reply, and Alf added-- + +"Terribly human we are, for we've lost our way in the forest, and we're +beastly tired as well as hungry." + +"Lost--tired--hungry?" repeated Mackintosh. "That has a human +sound--terribly human, as you say." Then he turned towards the +half-breed, who had been standing an amazed spectator of the scene. "Did +you hear that, Haggis?" he demanded. "Did you hear that--'hungry and +tired'?" + +"Haggis hear," was the quiet reply of the native, to which the Scot +retorted angrily-- + +"You heard? And yet, one meenit after, I see you standing there like a +daft gowk instead o' hustling for food as fast as your legs can move +you? Ma conscience! But you tak' a deal of ceevilising! You dinna ken +the first meaning o' the word 'hospitality.' Off wi' you!" + +There was no need to repeat the order, for the half-breed immediately +disappeared within the tent, and the almost simultaneous rattling sound +of tin-ware was evidence of his haste to supply the want. + +Mackintosh then turned to the boys. + +"Noo then, rest yourselves, laddies. Sit doon by the fire, and you'll +soon have a bit o' something to grind between your molars. Haggis is +slow to understand, but he's quick enough when he kens what's wanted." + +Not unwillingly, the chums soon stretched themselves in comfortable +positions beside the camp-fire at either side of their eccentric host. +Bannock, however, still eyed the strangers with suspicion, so Mackintosh +was forced to introduce the dog formally to each boy in turn, at which +the intelligent animal extended a paw with all the air of one who is +accustomed to polite society. + +"He's a fine chap," explained the Scot. "There's no' a single thing that +he canna do (according to the leemitations o' Nature) except speak. And +even that he manages to do in his ain way. Noo, come here, Bannock, and +lie down while oor freends spin us their yarn. They've no' told us yet +who they are, where they come frae, nor where they're going." + +"That's a yarn that's quickly told," remarked Bob. The half-breed by +this time had returned from the tent with generous supplies of cold +deer, damper, and wild berries, after serving which he placed a pan on +the fire in preparation for coffee. "It's a yarn that won't take long in +the telling, though, if you'll excuse me, I'll eat while I speak." + +"Eat awa'," assented the other, while he lit a corn-cob pipe to satisfy +his own immediate wants. "There's plenty mair where that came frae, and +the coffee will soon be ready!" + +Arnold then launched into a brief recital of his and his chum's +adventures, beginning with the departure of their fathers on the +previous morning, and concluding-- + +"So all this afternoon we've been wandering about trying to find a path +back to our camp, so as to start afresh by the river course. But it was +no use." + +"And we might have been wandering still if it had not been for a strange +accident that led us here," added Alf, at which remark Mackintosh +questioned-- + +"And what might that be? The soond o' Haggis's nightingale voice?" + +"No--at least, not in the first place. We heard that later. What first +started us in this direction was a curious sort of light that we +discovered on one of the trees. And while we were examining it we +noticed that there were other lights on other trees in a straight line +with one another. Strange, wasn't it?" + +"Very," returned the Scotsman dryly. "Very strange." + +"It would be a good thing for a naturalist," said Bob. "I noticed that +there was a perfect cloud of moths flying about wherever there was a +patch of light. A collector of moths and butterflies would reap a +harvest. I suppose you've noticed the lights as well as we?" + +"H'm--yes--considering that I painted the trees mysel' this afternoon," +was the reply. "It's an invention o' my own. I'm what _you_ call a +collector of moths and butterflies. An entomologist is a shorter way o' +putting it. Well, there's many folks stick to treacle--I mean, stick to +the auld-fashioned way o' putting dabs of treacle and speerit on trees +to attract the nocturnal creatures. That's all very fine and good. But +you canna carry gallons o' treacle on a tramp like this, when your whole +outfit must be packed on one pony. So says I to mysel': 'Moths are +attracted by light; I must invent a composeetion o' phosphorus to take +the place o' treacle.' And those lights that you found on yon trees are +the result." + +"And a splendid idea it is!" exclaimed Alf, who had also done his little +share of treacling at school. "Is it a success?" + +"Magnificent. I've found more moths than were known to exist in the +West. I'm thinking that I'll open the eyes o' the Royal Edinburgh +Entomological General Natural History Exchange Society when I get back +again after my journeys. But----" The speaker here paused in his +enthusiasm, remarking seriously, "I'm thinking there's other matters o' +mair importance before us the noo than moths. Your faithers went doon +the Athabasca, you said?" + +"Yes; in a canoe," said Bob. + +Mackintosh shook his head ominously. + +"That's bad. I suppose they'd never been there before--indeed, it was +no' possible, or they'd never have made the attempt yesterday." + +"Is it--dangerous?" questioned Holden, in an undertone of dread, for the +man's voice conveyed no small impression of the risks the voyagers had +run. "We had not thought of danger in the river. We only thought of +moose." + +Mackintosh grunted uneasily. + +"The river is more treacherous than any moose. There's a terrible narrow +bight atween cliffs where it runs like lightning, and then shoots in a +waterfall into the Silver Lake. Man! I've seen great trunks o' pine +giants flung through yon opening like wee arrows a hundred feet in the +air afore they touched water again." + +"Then a canoe----" + +"If it reached so far in safety it would shoot likewise." + +"You think it possible that the canoe _might_ pass the gully unharmed?" +Bob then questioned. It was always his nature to struggle for the +brightest view, and the man's answer was somewhat in the same spirit. + +"It's no' the way o' Skipper Mackintosh to find trouble until trouble +finds him. He's been in a' the back corners o' Europe, Africa, India, +China, and America; and, if he learned nothing mair from his travels, he +learned this: troubles are easier conquered when you meet them wi' a +firm lip at the proper time. But the man that moans before he kens what +he's moaning about--well, it's little strength he's got left when the +fight really begins." + +"Yet if, as you say, the Athabasca is so dangerous----" began Alf, when +he was again interrupted with kindly roughness. + +"If? Laddie, laddie, are you forgetting that there's a Hand that could +guide the frailest birch-bark safely through Niagara itsel'? And I doot +not that I'm right when I say that it's my opeenion that that same Hand +has no' been very far from your faithers in their plight. Does either o' +you ken anything o' this by chance?" + +As he spoke Mackintosh dived his hand into the hip-pocket of his +overalls and produced a white handkerchief which he spread out upon the +ground by the fire. The boys bent forward, and immediately Alf +exclaimed-- + +"That's my father's! See! His initials are at the corner. Where did you +find it?" + +"_Not_ in the Athabasca!" said Mackintosh with quiet triumph. "Haggis +and I came upon it this morning a hundred yards from Silver Lake." + +"Then that means that they are on shore!" exclaimed Bob with delight at +the relief from one anxiety that the evidence of the handkerchief +provided. + +"Ay. The Athabasca is free from that charge, at any rate. That hanky has +no legs to walk by itsel'. It must have been carried. By whom? No' by an +Indian, though I ken there's been Indians in the viceenity. If a +redskin had found it, he'd have taken better care o' it. And so it's +clear to me that one o' your faithers must have dropped it on dry land, +and so--so---- Well, you both o' you can have a sound night's rest." + +So convincing were the tones in which the man clothed his words that the +spirits of the boys were quickly stirred from gloomy anticipations to +comparative cheerfulness. + +"You've lifted a load from my mind, Mr. Mackintosh," Bob said +gratefully, "for of course it is all fairly plain now. As likely as not +they passed through that horrible gully, but were too worn out yesterday +to start the trudge back to camp. It would be a long way, too, seeing +how the river winds." + +"In that case, most likely they are back at the camp by this time," +suggested Alf. "But they would understand our being away, for they would +find the note that we pinned to the tent." + +"That's right, laddies. Look for the bright side and you'll always find +it," the Scotsman remarked. "But I'm thinking that your reasoning is a +wee bit oot in one respect--they have no' gone back yet, else Haggis or +I would have seen them. This camp is in the direct natural path from +that part o' the Athabasca. My opeenion is that they've fallen in with +the Indians--a tribe o' Dacotahs, and peaceable folk they are. It's no' +to be expected that the gully could be passed unscathed. So it's likely +to me that they're nursing themselves for a day wi' the redskins, after, +maybe, sending a brave to your camp to tell you o' it. So to-morrow +we'll lose no time in starting for Silver Lake. That's the best plan I +can think o'." + +"You mean to come with us?" asked Alf. + +"What do you take me for--a savage?" was the reproachful return. "Do you +think that Skipper Mackintosh is going to allow twa laddies like you to +go wandering aboot the backwoods when he can guide you? And when Skipper +fails, is there no' the Haggis and Bannock--a pair o' the finest scouts +and trackers that ever set foot in bush or prairie? What do you take me +for, I'd just like to know?" + +"One of the kindest hearts in the world, Mr. Mackintosh," said Bob +fervently. + +"Bah! Fiddlesticks and porridge-sticks!" was the rough rejoinder, though +a pair of eyes were turned kindly enough upon the youths--eyes that +glistened in a way that rather suggested the nearness of water. "All a +pack o' nonsense! If a man is no' ready to help his fellow-creatures +when they need him--well, I'm thinking that he ought to have a pin stuck +through his thorax and mounted in a box among my moths, labelled, 'A +horrible freak o' Nature.' And I'd have you know, too, that my name is +Mackintosh--Skipper Mackintosh. There's no 'Misters' in the backwoods. +'Skipper' is the name that my auld faither gave me to commemorate his +discovery o' a new variety of skippers in the entomological world. Mind +that, and--and good-night to you, laddies. Good-night, and God bless the +pair o' you." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +NIGHT IN THE WIGWAM + + +While the two boys had been holding their lonely watch at the camp prior +to setting forth the following morning on their disappointing search, +matters of serious moment were taking place at the encampment of Mighty +Hand and his brother Dacotahs. + +Thunder-maker's triumph had been complete. The savage mind seldom looks +for a simple explanation of anything that surprises him. When the +unusual is not understood, he does not search for a simple and natural +explanation. He immediately flies to the supernatural and attributes to +good and evil spirits actions that a little common sense would have +readily explained in an everyday way. + +The Medicine Man of a tribe is different from others of his race. He is +the brainy exception of craft united to common sense, and he uses these +to best advantage for his own interests. Thunder-maker's method of +divining was very simple after all--nay, even childish. We have seen it +performed by redskin jugglers, as we have also seen the same effects +produced by Arab diviners on the Syrian desert. + +The explanation is found in the fact that serpents are exceedingly +sensitive to blows. A cut with an ordinary willow wand is usually +sufficient to break the spine and disable all but the monsters of the +class. At the same time, although the first blow may daze a snake, it is +some time before the final effect takes place, and the creature will +wriggle about for some time after having been struck, while its energy +is practically nil--that is to say, it merely lives without possessing +any real strength. + +Now, Thunder-maker's cunning was well aware of all this, and when he +dropped the rattler from his teeth he was careful to do so in such a way +that the creature would touch the ground with considerable violence. +Then he allowed it to wriggle about until in time its head faced the +Englishmen. That was the moment for which he had waited, and immediately +he started forward with a cry that startled the snake into still fear. +A few passes with his hands fascinated the creature long enough for the +Medicine Man to show the Indians that the creature was undoubtedly +pointing in the direction of the captives, and when that was done the +crafty redskin had achieved his purpose: + +The serpent had divined whom the sacred totem of the tribe had called +that day. + +Then Thunder-maker had replaced his assistant in the linen cloth before +it revived sufficiently to commence wriggling again, and, perhaps, point +its supernatural head to some one else. + +Both Arnold and Holden had observed how Mighty Hand had been wavering +between reason and superstition until the intervention of the Medicine +Man had caused superstition to take the uppermost place. A moment +before, and the chief would have released the captives and sent them +back to their camp in charge of a guide. But the art of Thunder-maker +had stepped in to convince the people that the sacred totem of their +tribe had been calling that day, and that it was the Englishmen for whom +it called. + +Why? + +Ah, that was what the strangers found inexplicable. Of this, however, +there was no doubt: their arrival had been at a most unfortunate time, +when some answer to the supposed call of the totem was then expected. +They were that answer, and the result--who can say what the consequences +would be when falsehood and superstition had a savage people at command? + +So the Englishmen were requested to return within the teepee that had +been reserved for their prison. But, curiously enough, they were not +treated in any way after the traditional Indian mode of treating +prisoners. They were not bound; no guard was placed at the entrance, +though sentries were placed round the camp of which the prison teepee +was the centre. The best food that the Indians possessed was supplied to +them, as well as a sufficiency of fur robes to sleep upon. All the same, +in spite of these kindnesses and other thoughtful attentions, there was +no room for doubting that they were prisoners who were not to be allowed +any opportunity for escape, and the men could only accept the present +situation in a philosophic spirit, and await the course of events with +such patience as they could muster. + +As the day passed, and darkness fell upon the forest, the Englishmen +stretched themselves upon the robes, while in whispers they tried to +arrive at the solution of the mystery and form some sort of plan for +future action. + +"It's all owing to that scoundrel Thunder-maker," Arnold said. "If he +had not stepped in, Mighty Hand would have released us. I could see by +his face that he was favourably disposed towards us." + +"It is a serious business," said Holden. + +"Serious enough for us, for there is no knowing what may happen when +people get mixed up with native superstitions. At the same time, what I +worry about most is the boys." + +Holden sighed at the thought of Bob and his son Alf being alone at the +deserted camp. + +"Yes," he said. "It will be hard on them if anything happens to +us--miles away from civilised habitations. Of course, I don't give up +hope of coming out of this right enough in the long-run, and we may be +worrying over very little after all. But meantime--the boys--I wonder +what they are doing now?" + +At this question the elder man gave a slight laugh. + +"You wonder?" he repeated. "I don't think you need go very far for the +answer if you haven't quite forgotten our own schooldays. What would +you and I have done if two of our chums had disappeared from camp as we +did?" + +"Gone to look for them," was the prompt reply, to which Arnold resumed-- + +"And I think there's not so very much difference between Arnold and +Holden _peres_ and _fils_. You take my word for it: at this very minute +the youngsters have summed up the situation and are planning a rescue +expedition, if, indeed, they have not already set out. Neither Bob nor +Alf is the sort of chap to sit still and moan at such a time." + +"Yes, I believe you are right. Neither of the youngsters would allow +himself to be knocked over by the first difficulty. And they would know +that some accident must have taken place, for we promised to be back at +camp by dinner-time." + +"All the same, we don't want them to be mixed up in this affair in the +event of their coming on our track," said Arnold. "We must contrive to +prevent that, but---- Hullo! Who's this?" + +A dark outline had suddenly filled the space at the opening of the tent +at this juncture, but the Englishmen were not left long in doubt of the +nature of their late visitor, for a voice addressed them in Indian +accents. + +"Thunder-maker would speak words of counsel with his white brothers." + +"Oh, he would, would he?" returned Arnold, and his companion added-- + +"There was very little friendship about Thunder-maker this afternoon." + +The Indian gave a low laugh, as though he were thoroughly enjoying some +secret joke. + +"There are days when hunter's path must be straight; there are days when +crooked trail lead him where he find much deer. To-day--crooked trail. +But Thunder-maker friend. He would speak in ear of white brother--low, +soft. Thunder-maker wise man. He speak words of wisdom to his friends. +But--none may hear but pale-face." + +"By that you mean that you want to come into the teepee?" said Arnold. +"All right. Come along. And if you have any sense to speak of, out with +it." + +The Indian noiselessly entered and took a seat on the robes between the +Englishmen. He did not speak during these movements, but when he was +comfortably settled he turned to Holden and addressed him in a whisper-- + +"Night dark, and red men sleep--all but braves, who watch that white men +no return to Silver Lake." And a second time the Medicine Man laughed +quietly. + +"Silver Lake!" returned Holden. "I shouldn't think we need any watching +to prevent that. Without a canoe, Silver Lake is not much use to us." + +"Still--braves watch. They believe that white men return to waters. They +came without canoes; they go back without canoes." + +"Fools!" exclaimed Holden. "What do they think we are? Spirits?" + +"Huh! My white brother speaks true. Indians--_some_ Indians--fools," +answered Thunder-maker, at which Holden uttered an exclamation +betokening sudden enlightenment. + +"By Jove, Arnold! That's it! That explains the whole business. These +idiots take us for spirits, since they saw us scramble out from the lake +without any boat in sight. Spirits! It's almost too silly to believe." + +"Yet that's what Thunder-maker means," said Arnold, to whom the solution +of the mystery was now equally clear. "That is what you wish us to +understand, isn't it, Thunder-maker?" + +"The understanding of the white man travels quick." + +"And that accounts for the kind treatment--the food, half-freedom, and +the rest. But if your people think us spirits, why do they keep us here? +Why not let us return?" + +The Indian paused for a moment before he replied, after which he +remarked quietly, and with a peculiar inflection of tone that added deep +meaning to his words, while at the same time it betrayed the fact that +there was some curious reason to account for this confidence-- + +"Dacotahs fools. They think white brothers spirits--_evil_ spirits. They +have not the eyes of Thunder-maker." + +"I see," said Arnold thoughtfully. "But you forget, Thunder-maker, that +your trickery with the snakes helped them to that opinion." + +Once more the Medicine Man laughed quietly in a manner that irritated +his hearers, and Holden broke in roughly-- + +"Come now, you old cheat, explain yourself! _You_ didn't believe as the +rest of your people did. And if not, why did you behave in such a double +way? Out with it. You had some purpose in coming here to-night, and you +may as well give us the truth right away." + +It is not possible to hasten an Indian in the matter of speech. Hasty +response or rapid talk they deem discourteous. Thunder-maker was no +exception to his race in this respect, but he was exceptional in +another, inasmuch as when bent on a subject he stuck to it without using +many unnecessary words or ornaments of speech. He waited in thoughtful +silence for several minutes. Possibly in his cunning way he was mentally +scrutinising the peculiarities of his companions in the teepee--deciding +what course would be best to enable him to be assured of their trust. +Whether or not he judged their characteristics correctly will be seen +later. + +"My white brother has asked for the truth," the Indian began. +"Thunder-maker shall speak words as straight as the path of a burning +arrow. + +"Many years ago--when the buffalo lived upon the prairie to feed the +redman and provide his robes--the great tribe of Dacotahs would hunt in +the valley that is known even to-day as the Peace Camp. Many deer would +feed there, and the buffalo would eat the blue grass, and Manito had +filled the camp with fruit and flowers. In those days the Dacotahs were +ruled by a mighty warrior, Flying Cloud--the son of the fiery totem +serpent that saved his life by slaying the chief of the Chippeways in +the war-path by night." + +Here the speaker paused, as though he expected some comment from the +listeners regarding the seeming miracle. But no remark being +forthcoming, he resumed-- + +"For many years our tribe lived in prosperity. Pemmican was in plenty, +and the redmen kept the hunting-grounds in peace. Then--one night--Chief +Fire-water came to the camp, and a brave with foolish mind praised +Fire-water more than the sacred totem. He was slain by Flying Cloud ere +the insult was cool on his lips. But the serpent was angered. He flashed +tongue of fire to the Dacotahs--called down the rains and the tempest +upon the Peace Camp by night, until the water spirits rushed through the +valley on white horses, destroying trees and fruits--washing the land +bare of earth. And, when the sun came up from his teepee of fire, Flying +Cloud and the best warriors of the Dacotahs had been carried away by the +water spirits and were never seen again. + +"Then there was great wailing in the camp, and the totem of the tribe +was called upon to cease anger, lest the Dacotahs be a tribe no more. + +"And the serpent had pity, and spoke thus to the warriors and braves-- + +"'I will stay my anger; but I have given power to the spirits that ride +on white horses, and I may not call it back again.' + +"'Then what shall the Dacotahs do?' asked the warriors. 'It may be that +the spirits will again ride their white mustangs and take from us our +chief and our young men.' + +"And the serpent replied-- + +"'When such time come, the Dacotahs will see two white spirits rise out +of the lake that is silver. When the moon is round, they shall rise out +of the lake that is silver. They shall come without canoe to bear them, +and without arrow or tomahawk for fighting. By this shall you know them. +Then shall the Dacotahs lay hands upon the white spirits; they shall +treat them kindly, but they shall bring them to the Peace Camp and there +consume them with fire. Then shall the power of the water spirits be +broken. Then shall the Dacotahs be safe. Then shall the fire of my anger +be quenched. + +"'But I--the sacred totem of the Dacotahs--am mighty and full of pity. +The Dacotahs are brave, but they are not all wise. It may be that their +ignorance might lead them to bring suffering to those who are not evil +spirits. But let them not hold back in doubt, for I shall stay their +hand, even though the torch be set at the wood. For if the eyes of my +children are blind, I shall be near to guide them. And the sign of this +shall be: _I shall appear before the eyes of all people as a serpent of +fire_. By this shall they know that they have erred. They shall withhold +the torch, free the captives, and be to them as brothers.'" + +Once more the speaker waited for a space, until he knew that his hearers +had time to grasp the full meaning of the legend that he had related. +Then he lowered his voice and spoke with deep meaning that was not +difficult for the Englishmen to understand-- + +"Yesterday the moon was round. Two white spirits came from the lake that +is silver without canoe for sailing, without arms or tomahawk for +fighting. The fiery totem called, and was answered.... By another sun +Mighty Hand will lead the white spirits of the water to the camp that is +called Peaceful!" + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +THE TEMPTATION + + +It needed no great knowledge of Indian character and Indian ways to make +clear to the Englishmen all that was implied in this story that +Thunder-maker had recited. Nor had they any reason to doubt that he had +spoken the truth, for the evident pleasure that it gave him to watch the +effect of his revelation was almost a sufficiently convincing argument +in itself. + +Of course Thunder-maker had only the evidence of his ears to inform him, +for the tent was in darkness, the convenience of lamps not being a usage +of the redskins, who either retire to sleep at nightfall, or rely upon +camp-fires for illumination. But the Medicine Man could hear his +companions give slight gasps of horror when the climax was reached. His +ears were quick to interpret the faintest sounds of pleasure, pain, or +surprise. + +The trio sat in silence for a time, until at last the soundless night +became too oppressive, and Holden was forced to speak his thoughts. + +"Why have you told us of this, Thunder-maker?" he asked. "Were you sent +to us by Mighty Hand?" + +The Indian made an impatient movement of his body, and grunted meaningly +at the question. + +"Mighty Hand send Thunder-maker?" he exclaimed, in an undertone that +conveyed a sense of the uttermost contempt for the chief of the +Dacotahs. "My white brother speak foolish words--the words of women and +papooses. Mighty Hand do the wish of Thunder-maker. The chief of +medicine no slave to run when any man speak." + +"Then why have you come to us to-night?" urged Holden. + +"It was not out of friendship for us," added Arnold. + +"Huh! It true what the redmen say, that the pale-face have heart of +buffalo skin that keep out the love of brother," responded the Indian, +in fawning tones that caused the listeners to feel as though they would +have gladly kicked the speaker out from the tent. There was low cunning +in his voice--such cringing craft as all brave men naturally despise. +But it was the instinct of both to draw out the visitor's confidence. It +was possibly their only hope of learning the truth of their position, +thereby enabling them to make plans for their future actions. + +"The redman love the pale-face and would be friend to him," +Thunder-maker went on. "So he come to tell his brothers what they did +not know. Dacotahs fools, Dacotahs believe foolish stories, +and--_Thunder-maker can lead their feet by what trail he will_." + +"H'm. That was plain enough this afternoon when you played with those +rattlesnakes," remarked Arnold, at which the Indian laughed quietly. + +"Dacotahs fools. But white men wise. They see not with the eyes of +redmen. But Dacotahs might be great people if Mighty Hand were in Happy +Hunting-ground."[2] + +"But what has all this got to do with us?" asked Holden. + +"My white brothers in great danger. In a few more suns cruel fire burn +beautiful bodies. But----" + +"Well--but?" + +"Thunder-maker could save--white brothers--from fire?" + +"Oh, that's it, is it? That's what you are driving at, you cunning old +serpent?" said Arnold, in accents that were as little complimentary as +the words. "You want us to buy our lives for money? Well, how much do +you wish?" + +"My white brothers have papooses, they say to Mighty Hand?" + +"Yes; two boys in a camp by Crane Creek." + +"It would gladden the eyes of the pale-faces to see their papooses by +another sun?" + +"We would do much to go back to them, for they must be sad at the +absence of their fathers," said the elder man. + +"Then it may be as the pale-face wish," resumed the Medicine Man. +"Thunder-maker can save his white brothers, and he will----" + +"If you will, there is nothing that we will not do, within our power, to +repay you," said Holden, wrongly anticipating the motive of the Indian. +"We can give you many dollars, and will give you blankets and weapons +for hunting." + +"That is good," returned the redskin quietly. "But--Thunder-maker no +wish blankets--dollars, He have many--many." Then he lowered his voice +to speak in deeper tones of confidence. "Let the pale-face be patient, +and listen to the words of the redman. Then he will understand how it +may be that he look not upon the face of the fire. + +"The Dacotahs foolish. They see white men as spirits that came out of +Silver Waters. And Mighty Hand foolish too. He believe that fiery totem +speak--that fiery totem call water spirits to torture. Foolish redmen! +Foolish chief! But Thunder-maker would see his people a great people. He +would see his tribe wise as the fox and brave as the great bear. He +would see _another_ chief to rule them--he would see _another_ wear the +robes of a chief! So he would blind the eyes of his people. He would say +to them: 'Children, you are foolish. The spirits that come from the +Silver Waters are not the spirits that the totem called. They great +spirits sent to you by Manito to tell you how to be a mighty tribe +again.' Then great medicine will be done, and Thunder-maker will ask the +pale-faces to speak what Manito has told them. + +"Then the pale-faces will tell the Dacotahs: 'Slay Mighty Hand! Let him +not see another sun, and place the chief's robes on Thunder-maker; tie +the chief's feathers in the hair of Thunder-maker; write on +Thunder-maker's breast the picture of the sacred totem.' Then will the +Dacotahs believe. Then shall Thunder-maker be chief of the Dacotahs, +and--the pale-faces shall return in peace to their tents. I have +spoken." + +The Indian paused, but, no comment being immediately forthcoming, he +resumed quickly, being warmed to excitement by treacherous hopes-- + +"Then it shall be well with my white brothers. No fire shall have their +white bodies----" + +"And if we--refuse--to do--this?" questioned Arnold slowly and +seriously, and his companion added: "Yes, if we refuse--what then?" + +"The pale-faces will not refuse," returned the Indian firmly. The savage +mind could not conceive such a possibility as refusal to purchase +freedom at any cost, no matter how despicable that cost might be. "The +pale-faces will not refuse," he repeated. "The flames hurt much, and +white men die slow, slow as tongue of fire lick their bodies. The +pale-faces not refuse----" + +"But we do!" exclaimed Arnold angrily, as he raised his voice to a +louder pitch, now that the first need for caution was past. "You know +little of the pale-faces, as you call them, if you think that they would +do the deeds of dogs to save themselves from pain. Manito, to us, is +God--He whom we serve and honour; He whom we love. Do you think that we +could dare to live another hour if we knew that we had pretended to be +sent by Him--and so delude foolish people? No! A thousand times no! Even +if we were to see our sons dying before our eyes, and knew that one such +false word would save them and us, I tell you, liar and cheat that you +are, that word would never be spoken! We would be as dumb as the trees +of the forest!" + +So moved was Arnold by the indignation that he felt at Thunder-maker's +treacherous proposal that he rose as he spoke and poured out the torrent +of his anger with reckless vehemence. Holden also got up, anticipating +that the Indian might attempt some deed of revenge, seeing that he had +displayed his hand to the sight of enemies who might make much of this +knowledge in an appeal to Mighty Hand. + +[Illustration: DACOTAHS! DACOTAHS! COME QUICK TO THE HELP OF +THUNDER-MAKER! HE IS BURNING WITHIN WITH FIRE. QUICK! QUICK!] + +But Thunder-maker was too cunning to risk violent measures with two +such powerful antagonists. He merely waited until Arnold had finished +his tirade. Then he suddenly leaped out from the tent, threw himself +upon the ground, and uttered wild screams that immediately roused the +entire camp. + +"Dacotahs! Dacotahs! Come quick to the help of Thunder-maker! The evil +spirits of the water have witched him! He is burning within with fire. +Quick! quick!" + +Instantly the camp was in an uproar, and men came rushing from all +directions, bearing arms and torches that they had snatched from the +still burning camp-fires. And before the Englishmen were well aware of +the sudden change of affairs, a score of hands had seized them, and many +strands of thongs bound them helpless, hand and foot. + +[2] Heaven. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +A DEATH-TRAP + + +"Wake up! Do you want to sleep all your senses away?" + +It seemed but an hour after the tired boys had laid down their heads +that the above words were bellowed through the opening in the tent. + +Bob sat up and rubbed his eyes. + +Yes, it was really morning. There was no doubt about that, for the sun +was pouring into the tent in a warm stream, the birds were filling the +woods with music, and the perfume of Nature was creeping all around +them. + +One entire end of the tent had been thrown open to reveal these +delights, and when Arnold opened his eyes he saw the gigantic figure of +his Scottish host doing its best to fill the space. There was a +good-humoured smile on the man's face--a smile that betokened a heart of +the largest dimensions. + +Bob soon roused his chum, who was buried in a blanket. + +"What's the matter?" questioned the latter, as he unrolled from the +coverings. + +"Can you not smell it?" demanded Mackintosh. + +"Fried bacon and coffee--yes--ripping!" was the reply as Alf began to +move, being inspired to haste by the odour that proceeded from the +camp-fire beyond the tent, where Haggis was busy cooking. + +Mackintosh gave a snort of assumed contempt. + +"Bacon and coffee! Who thinks o' bacon and coffee on a morning like +this? Fegs! but have you no' ears for the birds, nor nostrils for the +scents of Nature? Man, but I'd sooner have a sniff o' the backwoods----" + +"Than a mouthful of bacon? Not I," chimed in Alf merrily, at which the +man laughed heartily as he turned on his heel. + +"I'm thinking that there's very little poetry in a hungry stomach," he +said. "Well, 'get a gait on.' You'll find a wash-hand basin behind the +tent, and breakfast'll be ready when you are." + +The boys needed no second bidding, and it was not many minutes before +they were ready to show how well they could appreciate the half-breed's +culinary art. + +While the lads were breakfasting, Mackintosh and Haggis busied +themselves with striking the tent and packing the rest of the camp +outfit upon the single pack-horse that accompanied the naturalist's +wanderings. The two men had already fed at an earlier hour, and had +stowed away most of their belongings in preparation for the journey. + +"We'll be making straight for the Silver Lake, where the hanky was +found," explained Mackintosh as they set off. "Haggis'll maybe pick up +tracks there that'll be o' use to us." And so a northerly route was +taken--crossing an arm of the Athabasca, and then following a course +through the woods under the unerring guidance of the half-breed. + +Towards noon the Scotsman called a halt, as he pointed to a small +clearing through which ran a small stream of clear water. + +"This'll no' be a bad place for us to eat our dinner, lads," he said. +"If you'll unpack the mare and tether her, Haggis, we can see aboot the +fire and the meat." + +"Don't you think it would be well if we were to shoot something?" +suggested Bob. "You see, we don't know where we may have to go yet, and +game may be scarce. There seemed to be any amount of it on the way here. +It would be as well to save what we have in hand." + +"A good thought," returned Mackintosh approvingly. "Let's see what the +pair o' you can do wi' your guns while Haggis and I are setting things +to rights." + +"I'll go one way and you the other, Bob, and see which of us will have +the best bag in half an hour!" said Alf, with the eager delight of a +friendly competition in prospect. + +"Right you are," agreed Arnold heartily, "You go to the right; I'll take +the left, and in half an hour we'll meet again at the camp and compare +notes." + +With a few words of friendly chaffing as to which would be the more +successful, the chums parted. Each was determined that his gun should +prove a superior Nimrod's skill, and both were stirred to high spirits +by the excitement of the quest. + +It must not be a matter for surprise that the boys could take such +pleasure in the diversions of the moment, even recollecting the serious +nature of the mission on which they had embarked with the original +Skipper Mackintosh. The truth was that, once having been convinced that +the absent men were indeed alive, the weight of anxiety was greatly +lifted by that knowledge. As we are already aware, their fathers were +men who had had many a backwoods adventure in their youth. They were +well capable of taking care of themselves according to the circumstances +in which they were placed. Hence the chief anxiety now was to hasten a +meeting, when they would learn aright the cause of the elders' absence; +and, though they could not conjecture what that cause could be, they +felt assured that accident (in the ordinary sense of the word) was not +the reason. Ordinary accidents of the hunt were not likely to meet two +such experienced sportsmen at one time; and if one had suffered the +other would have found means to communicate the fact ere this. The boys +felt assured that to some other cause the matter must be attributed, and +so they were fairly at ease in their minds, though, of course, anxious +to hasten the time when the mystery would be explained. + +Thus it was that when the opportunity occurred for this diversion in +the form of a little friendly rivalry, each set off in the highest of +spirits. + +Holden at once plunged into the thickest part of the bush at the back of +the little camp-ground. Arnold decided to follow the downward course of +the stream, in the hope that it might lead to a lake or pool where duck +might fall to his lot. + +Pushing his way through the scrub that bordered the running water, Bob +went some distance without any success. Then he heard the sound of a gun +some way to the rear, and he smiled to himself, as he thought that his +chum had already commenced operations. + +Spurred on by the thought, the boy hastened his steps, and increased his +vigilant scrutiny of the bush for the first signs of game. But luck did +not come his way for some time, and his anxiety not to be beaten in the +contest led his feet farther than the half-hour's limit merited. + +It was not until he had tramped a mile or more that Bob realised how +quickly the time had passed. It was disappointing to have to return +empty-handed to the camp, especially since he had heard Alf's gun crack +twice again. At the same time, if there were no creatures to be shot, he +could not be reproached for his lack of success. + +With a rueful grimace and a laugh of amusement at his own failure, the +boy was just turning to retrace his steps, when suddenly the bush +rustled at his side, and a brown body leapt into the air as if it had +been shot from a catapult. + +"Antelope!" Bob exclaimed with delight, and quick as a flash of light +the butt of his gun darted to his shoulder and the woods resounded with +the explosion of a cartridge. + +It was a quick aim and not too good, for the animal disappeared in the +farther bush, and the cracking of twigs told the young hunter that the +quarry was yet active. + +"This is worth waiting for," said Bob to himself, as he rushed forward +in pursuit. "A dozen of Alf's prairie chicken will not be equal to an +antelope--if I get him!" + +There was much in that little "if," for evidently the deer was far from +being disabled, since it had so rapidly made distance between itself and +the hunter. + +Nothing daunted, Bob hurried on, replacing the used cartridge as he ran, +and easily following the tracks that the animal had made in its dash for +liberty. + +Bob's pulses were thrilling with excitement, but his nerves were the +real hunter's nerves that can be steady even when excitement runs +highest. He gripped his gun firmly, and with eyes scaled to see each +tremor of a leaf he followed the track with the dogged purpose of one +who meant to capture. + +Time and distance were unheeded now. All the boy's senses were converged +towards one aim, and for the time being he was oblivious to all other +distractions. Suddenly he stopped in the very midst of a pace, as if he +were suddenly changed into a statue of marble; for at no great distance, +he saw the deer standing at the edge of what seemed to be a natural +paddock of green grass. The animal had paused in its flight, and was now +sniffing the air with head raised, to discover if it were still pursued. + +It was worth gun-shot. + +Cautiously Bob raised his weapon without even moving from the strained +position in which he had stopped at first glimpse of the game. It would +be useless for him to approach closer, for the least disturbance of the +bush would be discovered, and a few leaps would carry the deer across +that stretch of green turf, and thence--probably beyond all chance of +recovery. + +Bob took a careful sight this time. Then he fired. Instantly the deer +sprang upwards into the air, gave two marvellous leaps forward, and then +fell in a lifeless heap right in the centre of the paddock. + +Bob gave a cry of exultation and ran forwards towards his bag. So +excited was he now that he did not notice how the turf shivered under +his feet when first he stepped upon the edge of the clearing. He had no +thoughts for aught else but the triumph of his stalking. But suddenly, +when he was within a few yards of the deer, he felt one foot sink +beneath him. For a moment he did not give the incident any serious +thought, but placed his other foot a little beyond, where the turf +seemed firmer. But the next step sunk deeper than the first, and at each +effort to release the one the other sunk farther. + +Then a cold sweat broke out all over the lad's body. He realised the +plight that he was in, for the green sward was no more than a thin +covering of turf that concealed a great muskeg--a lake of liquid mud +such as has been known to swallow men, horses--nay, even a herd of +buffalo, without leaving a trace of the hapless victims that have +disappeared within that ever-hungry throat. + +Bob stood still in horror at his terrible discovery. + +He looked round him. There was not a sign of anything that might aid +him--not a log, not so much as a twig. Nothing was at hand but the grass +that a moment before had looked so fresh and alluring, but which now +seemed to suggest all that was ugly and treacherous. Even the slain deer +was already beginning to yield to the suction from beneath. + +If ever Bob was near to utter despair, it was at that moment. He was +over the ankles in mud, and he could feel himself gradually sinking, +while the slimy mass seemed to cling to his limbs and drag him downwards +with irresistible force. + +Once he thought that he might be safer if he lay upon his face, but he +quickly banished that suggestion when he saw that the prostrate position +of the deer did not impede its certain destruction. He scarce dared to +breathe, since every movement of a muscle hastened the work of the +muskeg. + +Down, down he sank. The mud crept to his knees and gradually began to +ascend his thighs. + +It seemed to be only a matter of time--another hour, perhaps less--and +the tragedy would end. + +Yet he tried to be brave. He tried to brace himself to face the trial +like a man, though it is hardly to be wondered at that he felt hope +quickly leaving him, as inch by inch he sunk into that horrible green +death-trap. + +Then, just as suddenly as if a voice had spoken to him from the very +grass at his feet, there flashed into his mind the words that the good +old Scot had spoken by the camp-fire the previous night-- + +"There's a Hand that could guide the frailest birch-bark through +Niagara." + +Bob remembered, and hope sprang up in his heart with a bright-burning +flame. Yet his faith was severely tested, as the mud crept up, up--now +to his hips, then slowly advancing beyond his waist, until at last it +was embracing his chest in a cold grip. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +TO THE RESCUE! + + +As Bob had surmised from the sounds that reached him, Alf had not been +long in striking luck. Shortly after leaving the camp he bagged first +one chicken and then another, and in a short time was lucky enough to +bring down a fine jack-rabbit. Then he hastened back to camp, and +arrived there just as he heard the sound of Bob's gun in the far +distance. + +"I guess I've done the better of the two," he said merrily, as he +displayed the result of his half-hour's hunt. "That's the first shot +that I've heard from Bob." + +"There's no telling. Maybe your friend has shot an elephant!" remarked +Mackintosh. "Here, Haggis! Tak' these birds and the beastie from the +laddie, and dress them for the spit. There's a fine roasting fire, and +we'll be having dinner all ready by the time Maister Bob gets back. I'm +thinking that he's come off second best the day." + +"Not much praise to me. If there's nothing to shoot, a fellow can't get +much of a bag, can he?" remarked Alf generously. He was ready enough to +laugh at his friend in a good-humoured way. It was quite another matter, +however, for any other person to cast the slightest sneer at his chum. +"I was lucky in finding sport right at hand. But when it comes to +shooting--a quick aim on the wing or on the run--I can't hold a candle +to Arnold. Hark! Did you hear that? He has brought down two, to balance +with my three." + +"Young boys give long trail," remarked the half-breed, who was pushing +wooden skewers through the birds, preparatory to balancing them on +wooden Y's before the fire. + +"Too long," grunted the Scotsman. "We can't afford to waste time. I was +meaning to start off again soon after dinner." + +But by the time the birds were ready for eating, and the inevitable +coffee was hot in the billy-tin, there were no signs of the boy's +return. + +Mackintosh was plainly annoyed. + +"I dinna like that sort o' going-on," he grumbled. "Time is time, and +if a body doesn't keep to time, there's no knowing what deeficulties may +arise." + +But Alf knew his friend better than Mackintosh did. He knew that the +excitement of the chase might result in a little lateness, for no one is +perfect in matters of punctuality (or anything else, for that matter) +under unusual circumstances. And the lad's anxiety had been gradually +increasing as the delay had been prolonged, though he said nothing +concerning his feelings until the man offered the remark that rather +displeased him. + +"I don't think it's quite fair to judge a fellow until we know all the +reasons," he said with keen resentment. "Bob is not the chap to forget +other people. There's not a bit of selfishness about him." + +"Yet I'm thinking that the silly laddie _has_ forgotten this time, +though, mind you, I'm no' saying that he's o' a selfish make," returned +Mackintosh a little more gently, seeing how his previous words had hurt +Alf. "I ken fine that boys will be boys----" + +"And Bob is--Bob--one of the best fellows that ever lived. Listen! +What's that?" + +The boy had suddenly started and bent forward with intent listening, +for his quick ear had caught the sound of two shots fired in rapid +succession. They were very distant sounds, but still, far away as they +were, the clear Western air enabled them to reach distinctly across the +distance. + +"That's Bob's gun! I know its voice!" the lad exclaimed; and hardly were +the words uttered before two more shots were heard--equally distant yet +equally clear. + +"That's queer----" began Mackintosh thoughtfully, when Alf interrupted +him by springing up from the ground where he had been sitting, and +exclaiming in troubled excitement-- + +"Queer? It means that Bob is in danger. See! There it is again!" + +Two more shots were heard, followed in a short time by another double. + +By this time Mackintosh was thoroughly roused. His backwoods experience +told him what a chum's sympathy had already gathered, that no freak of +sporting opportunities would cause these shots to be fired at such +regular intervals. They could mean nothing else but a signal of +distress. + +"Come, Haggis!" he said in steady tones that showed how ready he was +for any emergency. "Leave those birds, and set your best foot forward. +There's tracking to be done, and that right quickly." + +Picking up his rifle and bidding Alf take his gun, Mackintosh at once +made a move towards that part of the bush where Bob had last been seen. +Haggis and the dog Bannock quickly followed, and the former moved with +all the quiet swiftness of a native who was used to meeting the +unexpected emergencies of life without being in any degree flustered. +That life had many times been in danger, and its safety had only been +attained by being in a constant state of readiness. + +By instinctive acknowledgment of the presence of a superior craftsman, +the two white men yielded the place of leader to Haggis, who quickly +discovered the tracks that Bob's progress had left behind. The imprint +of a rabbit's foot would not have escaped notice from such eyes as those +of the half-breed, who had been trained in all forest lore from his +babyhood. Hence it was mere child's play for him to pick up the track of +top-boots, as well as the traces that had been made by the displacement +of grasses and thorns. + +Meantime the distant shots were continued at intervals, until Holden +counted twenty in all. + +Poor boy! It was little to be wondered at that he urged Haggis to press +on with greater speed, for now he was certain that his chum must be in a +terrible fix, out from which there was no self-help. He would hardly +waste cartridges so recklessly were he not in some dire extremity. + +"For goodness' sake, hurry!" the boy exclaimed, for even the rapid +walking in Indian file was all too slow for the patience of one who was +pressing to the rescue of his friend. + +But the half-breed did not change the pace. + +"We step enough quick for bush-track," he said, without turning. "We no' +wish lose track. On prairie we go quick--run; but in bush slow." + +"The Haggis is right," completed Mackintosh, whose position was third in +the procession. "It's no' good to be too quick. We might lose the trail, +and that would mean a vexatious delay to find it again." + +Alf was forced to acknowledge the truth of the reasoning, though it was +a hard task for him to curb the desire to make a mad dash forward and +take his chance of keeping in the right track. + +Then the half-breed stopped for a few moments and bent low to examine +the ground and the surrounding scrub. + +"What is it?" questioned Holden. "Have you lost it?" + +Haggis shrugged his shoulders. + +"Lost? No. Haggis no' lose track. But he find others--deer. White boy +shoot deer, but no kill. Deer jump--run--white boy follow +quick--there--there!" + +As he spoke the half-breed rapidly pointed at the various signs that he +had interpreted. They were plain enough to the native eye, and in a +lesser degree to the sight of the Scotsman. But Alf's inexperience could +only distinguish an occasional displacement of the undergrowth, though +he was well content to rely on the opinions of those who were more +versed than he in woodcraft. + +Again the rescuers hastened onwards, with Bannock bringing up the rear, +and when at last they came to a part of the bush where the trees were +somewhat fewer, Haggis suddenly stopped and pointed straight in front of +him, exclaiming the one sound-- + +"Ha!" + +Holden was at the native's side in an instant. + +"What is it? Where? What do you see?" he exclaimed. + +"In middle of grass--see!" + +Alf looked, but all that he saw was a head and shoulders that apparently +rested on the grass without any lower limbs. The poor lad was indeed in +the depth of extremity, and he was almost faint with exhaustion. + +"Bob!" cried Holden in an agony of distress, and darted for the +clearing. + +But he had barely crossed a couple of yards before a pair of strong +hands gripped him and kept him from moving. + +"No! No! You dare not--" said Mackintosh; but the lad struggled +frantically to free himself from the powerful grip. + +"Let me go! Let me go! Can't you see that Bob is lying hurt?" he cried +frantically. + +But the hands did not relax their grasp. + +"Wait, laddie," said the man's kindly voice. "Wait, or we'll be having +two lives to account for. Yon's a muskeg--a living bog. It's death to +them that sets a careless foot on yon green grass." + +Instantly Alf's struggles ceased, and for the moment he was limp in the +arms that supported him. The horror of learning of his friend's plight +struck him dumb and suspended the power to move. + +"Come, come, laddie. You mustn't give in. Your friend's life depends on +your strength." + +Mackintosh was a man of the world, whose experience enabled him to be a +good judge of character. And he well knew the sort of counsel that would +inevitably stir all that was best in the boy and lend strength to his +pluck. He judged rightly, for immediately Alf straightened himself with +set lips, steady eyes, and controlled nerves. + +"Forgive me," he said quietly. "But it knocked me over to think of +Bob--out there." + +"I'm no' blaming you, laddie. But you'll need all your strength now, for +I think that your friend is past helping himself--or nearly." Then +Mackintosh faced the muskeg, and called loudly. + +"Hullo! Bob! Can you hear me?" + +Very slowly the eyelids were seen to open, the head moved slightly. + +"Can you hold out for a bit longer? Can you get a coat under your arms +if I send it to you?" were the next questions. + +The boy did not answer at once. He seemed dazed, and the man repeated +his questions. + +Then came the answer, spoken weakly and with an apparent great effort. + +"I'll try. But--come--quickly----" And the eyes half closed again. + +"That's right. Hold on for a wee bit, and we'll have you oot o' that +mess in a jiffy!" + +Without pausing to explain his intentions, Mackintosh then quickly +stripped off his leather hunting-jacket, emptied the pockets of all that +could weight it, and called Bannock to his side. + +"See, Bannock," he said, "I'm going to tie a sleeve to your collar--like +this. Now you must go over there. Do you see? Right over there where +someone needs your help." + +He pointed towards Bob as he spoke, and the intelligent collie looked +straight in the direction indicated. He had often had game pointed out +to him in the same way, so quickly understood what was wanted of him. + +"Off you go!" his master then commanded. "Off you go--quick--quick!" + +The dog needed no second bidding. He sprang forward at once towards the +hapless boy, dragging the coat with him. + +"Bannock's coming!" shouted Mackintosh. "When he's there, grip the coat +and lean on it. He'll no' move when I bid him stay." + +"All right," came the faint reply. + +The ground that was so treacherous to the heavy boots of the incautious +hunter could play no similar tricks with the light tread of the collie, +and in a few seconds he had reached the goal. + +"Lie down!" the great voice rang out, and the animal immediately +crouched close to the boy, who had just strength enough left to lay hold +of the jacket in such a way that it formed a slight support of a +temporary nature, to check further sinking for the time. + +But how to draw the boy from the slough? That was the next problem. + +Alf turned questioningly to the Scotsman. + +"Get to work and break off as many branches as you can," was the reply +to the look. "Haggis, you've got your tomahawk? Well, cut down a lot o' +these straight poplars. I'll give a hand to the laddie." + +It was not long before the sharp axe had laid prone a number of young +poplars and partly lopped them, while Mackintosh and Alf had torn down a +number of maple and other leafy branches that would lie fairly flat. +These were gathered to the edge of the muskeg. + +"You're no' feared to take a bit o' risk for your friend's sake?" the +man then asked, turning a look of confidence to the boy. + +"Afraid?" echoed Alf contemptuously. "Tell me what to do, and--well, I'd +give my life for Bob!" + +"That's as it should be," returned Mackintosh approvingly. "'Greater +love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his +friend.' I would offer to do this myself, only I'm a great heavy gowk, +and Haggis is no' much better. But you're light as a feather compared +with us. Now we'll put two o' these poles like the sides o' a ladder; +then some o' the branches cross-ways. And you'll go out and build +farther as we hand them to you. Can you do this?" + +"Of course," replied Alf firmly. + +"And don't hurry. Work sure and steady. The turf will stand the weight +with only you on it. And when you reach Bob, you'll spread the branches +all round. The rest I leave to you." + +To Alf it seemed hours before even the first section of the ladder was +completed, but he did his best to control his impatience, knowing well +the value of Mackintosh's advice; and at last came the moment of joy +when he was ready for the second poles to project from the ends of the +first ones, and a fresh supply of branches. But it was a tedious +undertaking at the best, made doubly so by anxiety to reach the end; for +each time the supply of building material was exhausted he had to creep +back for more, as the men dared not trust their weight far from the edge +of the muskeg. + +All this time Bob was watching the work as a starving man feasts his +eyes upon the nearness of food and drink. + +Now and then Alf spoke encouraging words, but he did not relax his +energies, nor did the sufferer make answer except once, when he stirred +himself to say pluckily-- + +"It's--all--right, Alf. I can--hold out--for--some time----" + +Yet when the younger lad once glanced ahead of him, the cold sweat broke +out over his body, for he saw that his chum had sunk yet farther, and +that the weight was dragging down the dog as well. + +"I'm coming, Bob! I'll be very soon now!" the lad forced himself to call +cheerily. + +And, oh! the joy of that moment when at last the bridge was completed, +and Alf could bend down to grip his exhausted chum beneath the arms! + +"Be careful!" called Mackintosh. "Don't jerk. Pull steady!" + +Inch by inch Alf felt the mud release its hold upon its prey, as he +strained every ounce of strength to drag his friend from the clammy +grip. It was a tremendous effort, for the boy was slight, and the hold +of the muskeg added weight to Bob's by no means slender bulk. But at +last Arnold's arms were clear, and in time he was dragged so far that he +could rest his breast upon the structure. + +Then Alf paused for breath. But he did not delay long. He set his teeth +and once more resumed his task. Then he made the woods ring with a +triumphant "Eureka!" for Bob lay safe upon the bridge! + +Bannock barked for joy also, and struggled up to scamper back to his +master. + +"Just in the nick of time! You've saved my life!" muttered Bob +gratefully, when he recovered a little of his strength after a short +rest. + +Alf's reply was characteristic. + +"You'll take a deal of washing, old man, before you're fit for decent +society again!" + +The warmth of the sun soon restored some of the old energy to the +chilled body, and after a time Bob recovered sufficiently to crawl to +safety in the wake of his rescuer. + +And when solid land was regained poor old Mackintosh was fairly crying +with joy. + +"Lads, lads! but God's been kind to us this day!" he was saying, while +the tears ran down his manly, weather-beaten cheeks. Then he made all +laugh by suddenly starting with a look of horror in his face as he +exclaimed-- + +"Ma conscience! But the birds will be burnt to cinders by this time!" + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +CRAFTY TACTICS + + +So unexpected had been Thunder-maker's tactics and so immediate the +response of his people, that the attack was over before the Englishmen +were well aware that it had begun. Not that any foreknowledge would have +availed them much. They were unarmed, while the Dacotahs were both armed +and numerous. Still, the average Englishman does not like to be trussed +up without showing some marked resistance. It makes him feel small to be +trapped without dealing a blow in self-defence. + +The place was brilliantly lit with burning brands which many of the +Indians had brought, and the camp was in an uproar with the voluble +chatter of the men as they crowded round the captives, while +Thunder-maker excitedly cried out his story of the affair. + +So well did the Medicine Man concoct his lies so as to work upon the +feelings of his people that meanwhile it seemed as though the Englishmen +were in for a hot time. Indeed, so great was their wrath that knives +were already reflecting the flames, and fingers were nervously twitching +about the locks of their guns. And all the time Thunder-maker was +dancing about in a frenzy of passion. He was not brave enough to strike +a blow, but he hoped to shift the responsibility upon the shoulders of +his brethren. + +What would have been the termination of the scene it is not difficult to +decide, had not the old figure of Swift Arrow pushed a way through the +seething multitude and taken a place at Arnold's side, while he faced +his people with burning indignation. + +"What is this, brothers?" he exclaimed. "Is this how the Dacotahs treat +the stranger in their tents?" + +"They are witches, not men!" came from many throats, and Thunder-maker +added-- + +"They call me from teepee--call me without words, and fill Thunder-maker +with hot fire!" + +"Bah!" ejaculated Swift Arrow with utter contempt, as he turned to the +last speaker. "Is not Thunder-maker great medicine himself? Has he no +weapon to protect himself from magic?" + +But the Medicine Man had his reply ready. + +"Thunder-maker sleep. When Thunder-maker sleep he have no power against +magic." Then he turned to the surrounding Indians with a wild appeal. +"Shall it be, brothers, that the great medicine of the Dacotahs die +before arrows of the evil spirits?" + +"Kawin![3] Kawin!" was the general reply, and again the knives glistened +as they were raised in many hands. + +Thunder-maker shrieked with triumph. + +"Then save our tribe from the magic of the evil ones!" he cried as he +flung his arms upwards and turned to the captives with a fiendish grin +of exultation. + +The Indians were now worked up to a condition of irresponsible madness. +Another such impulse from the Medicine Man, and the thirsty knives would +be quenched. + +"Stay!" commanded Arnold suddenly. + +So unexpected was the word from that quarter that for the time curiosity +superseded frenzy, and all paused to hear what the white man might have +to say. And Arnold, seeing the advantage, went on with a calmness that +seemed to act like a spell upon the excited minds. "Stay! My white +brother and I are not afraid to die, if it be Manito's will that we find +the Happy Hunting-ground this night, and if the Dacotahs have so +forgotten the brave name of their tribe that they would slay the +stranger who came to their tents in trouble. But first tell me: is it +the way of the redmen to kill a prisoner without the wish of their +chief----" + +"Ha!" interrupted Thunder-maker, hissing the exclamation through his +teeth, for even now he felt his victims slipping through his hands. "Do +not listen, brothers! They are evil spirits--they speak magic words +against which nothing prevails. They have forked tongues that dart as +fire. Ugh! I spit upon them--dogs!" + +The Englishmen met the verbal onslaught as firmly as a rock resists a +wave, and Arnold did not so much as look towards the madman, but +resumed, in the same even tones as before. + +"Who are you, redmen? Are you dogs, to be beaten to obey the first loud +voices? Shall the howling wolf put fear into your hearts, to drag down a +prey that he dares not attack alone? Or are you children of your +rightful chief? Who is chief of the Dacotahs--Thunder-maker or Mighty +Hand?" + +"The fiery totem is on the breast of Mighty Hand," answered one of the +warriors. The hubbub had fallen, and all were listening intently--partly +with the native courtesy that forbids the rude interruption of speech, +and partly because the better self was beginning to replace the moment's +frenzy. + +"Ah," resumed Arnold with a smile, "I see that the understanding of the +pale-face was wrong. We thought that the chief was Thunder-maker, as you +hastened to obey _his_ words." + +"Thunder-maker great medicine----" began Swift Arrow, when the former +speaker rejoined-- + +"Then he would make himself great chief. Will you braves suffer this +insult to the wearer of the fiery totem?" + +"Ka--Kawin!" was the chorus that met this question, and the dark looks +that had been directed towards the Englishmen but a little while since +were now turned towards the defeated Medicine Man, who was standing +sullen and silent. + +But Thunder-maker was not yet conquered, though he was apparently +humbled. To give him his due, he was a man of wonderful resource, and +when he saw that the tide was turning against him he was quick to meet +the occasion. + +"My brothers, listen not to the words of Thunder-maker," he said +quietly, and with a pretence of sad emotion that he had failed to +influence the other Indians to take the right course. "Did not +Thunder-maker say that these evil spirits have tongues of magic? Did he +not say that no weapon could prevail against those magic words? But let +it be as my red brothers wish. Mighty Hand rest in teepee. He not come +from tent at night, unless the war-cry call him. So let it be as +these--dogs--say. Let them rest in their tent to-night, and at another +sun we will bring them before the great chief Mighty Hand, who is the +greatest of warriors, and chief of the greatest of all tribes, the +Dacotahs. I have spoken." + +"And spoken well," said Holden, thinking that it might be well to +propitiate the Medicine Man for the time. But Thunder-maker, stooping +forward with a pretence of picking up something from the ground, came +close enough to whisper, so that only the Englishmen could hear him-- + +"By another sun, when Mighty Hand looks upon the pale-faces, it may be +that the friends of Thunder-maker have looked first!" + +The words were spoken with all the venom of a savage threat, and before +Holden could make reply the Medicine Man was speaking loudly to Swift +Arrow. + +"The Dacotahs shall see great medicine when the fiery totem again turn +eyes upon the evil water-spirits. Thunder-maker will now go to his +teepee. He would speak with his little children that they show much +magic." + +But Swift Arrow did not deign to reply. He turned to the Englishmen, and +with a few movements of his hunting-knife severed the cords that bound +them. + +"The stranger who has raised no arm against the redmen may not be bound +in the camp of the Dacotahs. My brothers did wrong. The pale-faces will +forgive my foolish people." + +"We do not blame you. You are a good man, and Manito smiles upon the +kind heart," returned Arnold quietly. + +Thoroughly worn out with the events of the previous day as well as the +exciting incidents of the night, the two friends were glad to be at +liberty to return to their tent and stretch their tired limbs upon the +robes that had been provided for them. The Indians had quickly dispersed +at the bidding of old Swift Arrow, and soon the camp was once more in +peace. + +Little was said by either of the men as they lay down at opposite parts +of the teepee, and it was not long before sleep came to the relief of +weariness. + +For a couple of hours or more the Englishmen were wrapt in deep slumber. +Then, just as the grey dawn was beginning to chase the shadows from the +forest, Holden suddenly awoke. It was not the calm awakening that +follows refreshing rest, but that sudden return of the senses that one +sometimes experiences accompanied by a horrible instinct of danger. + +Holden sat up and looked round. Nothing strange was to be seen within +the tent, and when he looked through the entrance all seemed peaceful +without. The brown teepees were not even stirred by a morning breeze. +Not a soul was to be seen, and it was too early even for the birds to +sing their morning anthems. + +He looked at Arnold, and saw that his friend was still enjoying profound +rest. So, laughing at his own weakness, Holden returned to his robes +and was soon dozing again. + +Then a second time he wakened with the former conviction even stronger +than before. + +He raised himself on his right elbow, and as he did so was startled by a +sound that is calculated to strike terror into the hearts of men quicker +than the most formidable of human foes. + +It was the danger-signal of a rattlesnake--the harsh alarm that is +unmistakable even when heard for the first time, and the sinuous green +thing was poised in the centre of the tent, with head thrown back in the +attitude to strike. It had been startled by Holden's sudden movement on +awakening, and now was armed to repel its supposed enemy. + +The man dared not move, for the least motion of a muscle might be +sufficient to frighten the deadly little rope of flesh, and then----? + +The continued sound of the rattle had roused Arnold by this time; but at +his first stirring Holden spoke, though he managed to do so without +moving his lips. + +"Keep still. There's a rattlesnake in the tent. It's got an eye on me, +and----" + +But the rest of the sentence was choked, for the man's blood suddenly +ran cold as another serpent came from among the fur robes, writhing its +cold chill body across his bare hand as it lay at his side, and then +moving towards its companion. + +"There's another--just crawled over my hand," whispered Holden hoarsely. + +"And I see a third--over there just beyond my feet!" said Arnold. "What +on earth are we to do?" + +"Lie still. We can do no more, unless we get a chance to make a bolt for +it. But they are between us and the door." + +The men waited in tense silence, preserving the immovable attitudes of +statues until, as time passed, other serpents made their appearance and +the teepee was swarming with a dozen at least. They seemed to be +everywhere. They crawled over the robes and peered into the men's faces, +they wriggled beneath the covering and even passed across Holden's bared +throat. But they were no longer aggressive. They were more of an +exploring than an antagonistic bent. + +"I wonder where they have come from and why they have congregated in +this particular tent?" Arnold questioned in a whisper, and, with the +question, the explanation seemed to flash into Holden's mind like a +flame of fire. + +"Thunder-maker!" he exclaimed. "The treacherous hound! This is his work. +I was wakened by something before. He must have been letting loose his +vile creatures." + +Just then the snakes returned unpleasantly near to the men's heads +again, so further conversation was impossible, for it is remarkable what +little sound will attract a serpent's attention, and the nature of a +rattler is to regard every sound and movement as something dangerous to +be fought. + +For more than an hour the men lay in strained positions, watching the +writhing movements of the ugly creatures, and wondering how long the +position could be sustained. + +And then, just when it seemed that the situation could not be supported +another minute, they became aware of a sound of soft whistling at no +great distance from the rear of the tent. At first the sound was quite +low, and barely audible, but gradually it increased in volume until it +took the form of a sort of minor tune of barbaric rhythm played on some +sort of reed instrument. + +At the beginning the music was unheeded by the serpents, but as it +became more distinct it was observable that the creatures became +restless and uneasy. Now and then one would raise its head and begin to +sway gently to and fro, in agreement with the rhythm. But gradually each +seemed to be irresistibly drawn towards the back of the tent, as the +spell of their master's music fascinated them. One by one they passed in +one direction--moving slowly yet steadily in obedience to the call. + +And as the last of the reptiles passed beneath the edge of the +tent-cloth both men sprang from their couches and rushed round to the +teepee that was pitched a little way behind their own. + +But they found Thunder-maker reclining on a heap of robes and apparently +asleep; and not a sign was seen to suggest the presence of a "rattler." + +So much for the art of the snake-charmer and the craft of an evil man. + +[3] No. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +THE PRICE OF A ROBE + + +Thunder-maker did not move while the strangers were watching him. To all +outward appearance he was asleep. + +Holden stepped forward and shook the Medicine Man roughly by the +shoulder. + +"Come along! Open your eyes, you old scoundrel. You are no more sleeping +than we are," he said. + +The Indian moved, slowly opened his eyes, and looked for a few moments +at the speaker, just as a person would who had been suddenly roused from +a deep slumber. Then a pleased smile broke over his face. + +"My white brothers in the tent of Thunder-maker? They are very welcome," +he said. + +But Holden did not respond to the greeting, as he demanded-- + +"Does Thunder-maker think that we are fools? Do you think we did not +hear you piping to those vile serpents of yours?" + +The Indian looked puzzled. + +"My white brothers speak strange words, or it may be that the mind of +Thunder-maker still sleeps----" + +"Rot!" interrupted Arnold brusquely. "The Thunder-maker's mind is wide +enough awake. What is the use of lying to us? We know that you put those +snakes into our teepee, and we heard you call them back when you found +that your purposes had failed." + +For answer, the Indian raised one of the blankets and disclosed a basket +against which he had been leaning during his pretended sleep. He raised +the lid, looked in, and signed the Englishmen to do likewise. + +"See? On their bed of grass my little papooses also sleep," he said, +lifting the basket so as to show the tangle of green bodies that it +contained. + +"We can gain nothing by further talking," remarked Arnold to his +companion in an undertone. "The fellow has done us this time, and we +have nothing to support us if we accuse him before Mighty Hand." + +"That's true enough," returned Holden. "He is best man this time." + +The Indian quietly closed the lid and again covered the basket with a +blanket, after which he looked up with a cunning and triumphant leer. + +"White men will eat; then--Mighty Hand take trail for Pleasant Valley!" + +How he seemed to gloat over the thought of the terrible fate that +awaited his enemies! Brave men though they were, they could not but feel +a sense of shrinking at the picture that this man's attitude and tone +conjured up. There are times when anticipations of pleasure seem to be +rendered more alluring by reason of description. It is also so with +expectancy of pain. Words may paint that picture in crimson colours so +that our revulsion is intensified before we see it. + +"We will gain nothing by remaining here," said Arnold abruptly, as he +turned from the tent, whence he was followed by his companion. And as +the Englishmen departed they heard the Indian saying aloud, purposely to +be overheard-- + +"The pale-face no' think that he see Pleasant Valley, but fiery totem +call. Fiery totem must be obeyed." + +Thunder-maker grinned evilly to himself as he watched the departure of +his visitors. Then he rose up, folded around him a robe of deerskin that +was covered with many strange designs, and crept with the sly movements +of a prowling wolf among the various teepees. Reaching the farther side +of the camp, he stopped in front of one of the tents that stood a little +way apart from the others. Gently he raised the flap and looked in. An +Indian of gigantic size was sitting by himself, adjusting his leggings +and moccasins. He looked up to observe his visitor, and it was +noticeable that as he did so Thunder-maker winced as though he were in +pain. + +There were few who could look upon that man's face without wincing. In +early scalping-days it had been slashed on one side with a +scalping-knife in such a way that the left eye was totally destroyed, +and a livid scar ran from the eyebrow to the neck--drawing the flesh +into creases that robbed that part of the face of any semblance to +humanity. The other side was whole, but the entire expression was so +horrible that even familiarity did little to prevent repulsion in the +senses of the beholder. + +"Thunder-maker is welcome to the tent of Red Fox," the Indian remarked, +returning again to the completion of his wardrobe. + +"Thunder-maker would speak wise words with his brother," said the +Medicine Man, entering, but not deigning to sit in the tent of that +"brother." He seldom paid that honour to any teepee except his own and +that of the chief. + +"It is well," returned the other man. "Red Fox will gladly hear the wise +words the Thunder-maker will speak." + +The Medicine Man did not waste any time in needless palaver. The hours +were precious to him, and even an Indian can cut time when his business +is pressing. + +"Red Fox is great warrior; Red Fox have eyes like father of his name," +he said. "There is good work for Red Fox to do." + +The listener had broken the cord of a moccasin, and was apparently +concentrating all his attention on knotting the break. But his attention +was mainly given to Thunder-maker all the same, and the latter knew it, +so he continued-- + +"Thunder-maker have rich robe of ermine--better robe than Mighty Hand +wear. Many dollars as leaves in tree not buy the robe of Thunder-maker. +Yet--Red Fox may wear it." + +"Huh! Red Fox poor. He not have dollars to buy new traps for hunting." + +That was what the Indian said. He pretended that he thought the Medicine +Man had come to trade. But he knew differently, and waited for the +visitor to "show his hand." Whatever bargain was to be proposed, he knew +that his share would not be increased by any show of eagerness to +possess the robe that even chiefs had coveted in vain. + +Thunder-maker darted a keen glance at the other man as he said +mockingly-- + +"The dollars of Red Fox stay in pouch, yet ermine robe lie on his +shoulders--if he do what Thunder-maker say." + +Still Red Fox made no sign to show interest, and the other went on-- + +"At Crane Creek two white papooses live in tent. Red Fox will find +them--he will go as a friend, and he will say, gentle as the voice of a +mother pigeon: 'White boys would find friends who are far away? Then Red +Fox will lead them.' And Red Fox will take them by dark path through the +forest--by long path that twine like path of serpent. Then, when sun +sleep, Red Fox will creep away--soft--soft, that pale-faces hear not. +And when sun waken--Red Fox will be back at camp of Mighty Hand. I have +spoken." + +Red Fox had fastened the moccasin by now, though he still sat with body +bent while he intently listened to the Medicine Man's proposal to cause +the two boys to be lost in the forest. And as the story was ended he +slowly raised his head to look into Thunder-maker's face. What he saw +there evidently satisfied him, for his ghastly face moved with a sort of +smile that indicated satisfaction. + +"Then the--the fiery totem--foolish?" he questioned shyly, and the other +Indian rejoined solemnly-- + +"The totem of the Dacotahs wise--very wise. It speak to Thunder-maker by +night, and tell him this." + +Red Fox nodded. But it was not the nod of agreement with the falsehood +so much as at recognition of the lie. + +"Thunder-maker great medicine," he said, with a slight sneer. "But Red +Fox hear much. He hear water-spirits say to Mighty Hand that they have +papooses. Water-spirits have not young. So these are pale-faces." + +Thunder-maker's face flushed angrily. + +"Does the Red Fox insult the sacred totem of the Dacotahs?" he demanded, +as he drew himself up as though it had been he to whom the insult was +offered. + +But the Indian also raised himself, and did so with the conscious +knowledge that his gigantic body and bare limbs, which glistened like +muscles of copper, were more than protection against any physical attack +that the Medicine Man might offer. And his upper lip curled with a sneer +as he stared straight into the eyes of the totem's champion. + +"Red Fox is not fool. He live long among white men, and he know that +totem cannot speak--that totem a lie. But Red Fox will do this for his +brother Thunder-maker. Thunder-maker would have revenge against the +pale-faces in yonder teepee, for they face Medicine Man--bravely when he +would have had Dacotahs slay them. This will Red Fox do, for he would +gladly wear the ermine robe." + +"The papooses will never again see their fathers?" interrupted the +Medicine Man eagerly. He forgot etiquette and totem alike in the +excitement of knowing that the success of one part of his evil plans +was practically assured. Red Fox was known to be a man of little +conscience though great determination, and it was only his enormous +strength of arm that allowed him to keep a place within the clan of the +really kindly Dacotahs. + +"The Red Fox will blind the trail, that the white boys never follow? For +Mighty Hand weak--like woman. He listen to soft words, and it may be +that he will not light fire in Pleasant Valley. The robe must return to +tent of Thunder-maker if boys find their fathers." + +"Let Thunder-maker take his way in peace. By another sun Red Fox will +have found the young pale-faces; by two suns he will return to the camp +of Mighty Hand--alone. I have spoken." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +THE BATTLE OF WITS! + + +It was only to be expected that Bob was not fit for much exertion after +his experience with the muskeg, and it was Skipper Mackintosh's decision +on returning to camp that the boy should proceed no farther that night. + +"But that will be a longer time before we get on the track of our +fathers," protested Arnold, to whom the thought of inactivity for even +twelve hours was irksome. + +"Better to bide quiet for a night at present than be laid up for days +later on," was the Scotsman's response. "But you can set your mind +easy-like. The time will no' be lost, for Haggis and me will set oot on +a wee scouting expedition to the place where we found yon hanky. We'll +be back by midnight." + +This plan was a relief to the boys' minds, for though it entailed a +certain delay in the forward journey, the result of the scouting might +curtail matters in the long-run. Mackintosh's report might enable them +to make more definite plans than were possible at present. + +So, after a few preparations for the journey, the two men set off, +accompanied by the faithful Bannock, early in the afternoon. + +"Don't you go and disappear like the others did!" laughed Holden, to +which the "ceevilised" Haggis replied-- + +"Fox lose trail in bush easier than me!" + +It was a hot afternoon, so, when the boys had watched their friends +disappear in the forest, Bob decided that it would be a good opportunity +to wash the mud and slime from his clothes, as they would soon dry in +the sun. + +No sooner said than done. The soiled garments were stripped (for of +course the lads were reduced to one suit apiece) and the stream utilised +as a washing-tub, after which Bob was obliged to sit in his suit of +Nature while the clothes of Art were drying upon handy branches. + +As we said, the day was hot, and, as the grassy slope upon which the +boys sat formed the margin of a clear pool where the stream widened, it +was not to be expected that the period of idle ease would be prolonged. + +"Ah!" Bob suddenly exclaimed, as he sat up and regarded the water with +covetous eyes, "the temptation is too much for me. I'm going to have a +dip." + +"It certainly looks more tempting than your plunge into mud. A pleasant +change, I should say," remarked Alf chaffingly. Then he added merrily: +"But are you sure that you can stand it? It won't do to exert yourself +too much yet. Old Mackintosh expects you to rest." + +"That's all right. I shan't muck about very much. I can take it easy. As +a matter of fact, I am sure that a plunge will buck me up." + +"All serene," returned the younger boy, rising to prepare himself for a +bathe. "So long as you don't think that it will do you any harm, I'm +ready." + +A short run, and then Bob had entered the water in the clean-cut style +of a practised diver. + +"It's glorious!" he called to his chum, who was almost ready to follow +his leader. "I should think that it is quite eight feet in the middle, +so you can plunge safely." + +"Right. Clear out of the way!" was the response, and in a second more +Holden in his turn cleft the sparkling water. + +Those of our readers who are only familiar with the cheerless sea or +even the placid river-bathing of England can have no idea of the charm +that is found in emulating the fishes in the cool depths of a Western +forest stream. + +Imagine the great trunks of cedar and pine and the gnarled giants of +maples spreading their great arms--shutting off the distance with a +surrounding barrier of dense colour; imagine the red willows dipping +their heads in the margin of the bowl, gaily coloured birds skimming the +surface in pursuit of insects, and gaudy butterflies sometimes touching +your cheek, like a piece of down borne upon the mellow air. At such a +time, in such a place, you feel yourself to be but a tiny little speck +in the centre of the world of Nature. You feel as free as a savage. If +you are not happy, it must be that you are a weakling boy who lacks the +real boy's love for out-of-door freedom. + +These were some of the sensations that our young heroes experienced as +they splashed about in the crystal pool. Probably they did not realise +the details as I have described them; but that was the effect, all the +same. It is the glorious sense of freedom that everybody feels if they +have the "backwoods spirit." It cannot be properly described, but I can +smell the atmosphere of it all, even though I am now sitting in an +English room in an English county. And so intent were the boys on the +enjoyment of the moment that they did not observe the figure of an +Indian who crept out of the bush near by while they were experimenting +in various positions for swimming. + +The Indian paused for a few moments. Then, seeing the attention of the +lads was devoted to their amusement, he crept to the tent like a snake +in the long grass. This he examined thoroughly, and he gave a grunt of +satisfaction as he discovered the pack-horse picketed near by. After +this, seeing no necessity for further secrecy of movement, he boldly +walked to the edge of the pool where the boys were bathing, and sat down +quietly to watch their play. + +It was Alf who was the first to discover the stranger. "I say! There's +an Indian!" he exclaimed. + +"Where?" questioned Bob, who had swum a little way out of sight beyond a +curve in the creek. + +"Over there--beside our clothes. But, I say, what a horrible face he has +got! He looks as if a lion had started to chew him and changed his mind! +He's the ugliest-looking freak I ever saw." + +Taking for granted that the Indian would not understand the +uncomplimentary remarks, Holden swam towards the side of the pool, being +quickly followed by his chum. But the Indian had understood. He was as +familiar with colloquial English as he was with his own tongue. +Nevertheless, he did not alter the grin on his face, though there was +something very different from a grin at his heart--a something which (if +the rash speaker had only known it) had suddenly determined him to carry +out his contract in quite a different manner from that which had been +arranged with Thunder-maker. + +An Indian is a queer creature at the best. He loves as quickly and +impulsively as he hates, while devotion may be turned into detestation +as rapidly as a vessel of clear water is discoloured by a drop of ink. +Red Fox's eyes flashed fire towards the imprudent lad, though his lips +still smiled, and anyone who was a judge of Indian character would have +understood from that look that it would be an ill moment for Alf if ever +it was within the power of the redskin to repay the insulting +expressions. + +By this time both lads had reached the shore, whereupon Bob addressed +the stranger while the pair proceeded to dress--Arnold's clothes being +dry by this time. + +"Well, where have you come from?" the boy questioned. + +"Trail long. Red Fox come over prairie--bush--far--far----" + +"Oh, you understand English?" exclaimed Alf, at the same time hoping +that the Indian had not heard enough, or understood English well enough, +to comprehend the recent criticisms as to his personal appearance. + +The redskin nodded, though he craftily pretended that his knowledge of +the foreign tongue was but scanty. + +"Red Fox know little--very little. He speak--he no' understand all that +ears tell him." + +"And a jolly good job, too," commented Alf to his friend. "He's a +hideous monster, but I shouldn't like to hurt his feelings by letting +him know my opinion." + +"I don't think that I would express it too freely, if I were you," said +Bob, who had quickly resumed his everyday attire. "You never can tell +how much fellows like that understand. I remember father telling me that +Indians won't always admit that they know English well. They think that +they can drive better bargains by pretending ignorance." + +Then the boy turned to the native, and the fact that the man was alone +and seemed to have no other possessions than his gun, hunting-knife, and +pipe, raised doubts in the lad's mind as to the truth of the statement +concerning the long journey. He knew and had heard sufficient about +Indians to be aware that they seldom travelled any distance without +their family and other belongings. + +"You said that you had come a long trail?" he said, regarding the Indian +with a sharp scrutiny. + +Red Fox bowed assent, taking out his pipe to fill it with kini-ka-nik +(tobacco and red willow bark mixed) as he spoke. + +"Red Fox come far--with feet of deer. He have story for ear of pale-face +brothers." + +The boys started at the remark, while Alf repeated-- + +"A story?" + +"From the white men to their papooses." + +This was news indeed; but the unexpected announcement disarmed suspicion +for the moment. + +"From our fathers?" said Bob eagerly. "Where are they? What has kept +them from returning to camp?" + +"The white men rest," replied the Indian. "The trail far. They find Red +Fox, and they say: 'Go, find our papooses and lead them by straight +trail to our tent.'" + +"But they had no tent with them!" exclaimed Alf, at once touching the +weak point in the falsehood. "Perhaps they are with other Indians?" + +Red Fox had not been instructed by Thunder-maker in the details of the +story that he was to tell in order to gain his ends. It had not occurred +to him to invent more than that he had been sent to bring the lads. That +had seemed sufficient to attain his aims, though he realised that it +would not do to say that the white men were captives. That might +frighten the boys and prevent their following his guidance. The poor +servant had not calculated upon the probing questions that would have +been naturally anticipated by an English mind and prepared for. + +But he saw the blunder, and hastened to amend the error as best he +might. + +"White men with Indians--with friends. Red men good to pale-faces--give +them food and teepees and robes to rest on. So white men wish papooses +to follow where Red Fox walk." + +Holden turned aside to his chum. + +"I'll be hanged if I'll follow the lead of a murderous-looking villain +like that unless he can show very good reasons why I should. His face is +like a nightmare." + +"I can't say I like the look of him myself," returned Bob. "He hasn't +got the expression of a fellow you could trust. Besides, don't you think +that if our fathers were well and had sent a native messenger to +us--don't you think that they would have sent some sort of written +message as well?" + +"It would have been easy enough. Father always carries his notebook and +pencil with him----" + +"So he could have easily explained matters. I don't think he would have +trusted an Indian to be understood. It isn't as if we knew anything of +the lingo." + +While the boys were thus discussing the situation in low tones, they did +not heed how Red Fox was observing them sharply from the corners of his +eyes. He was trying to discover how far his deception had succeeded, +though he endeavoured to hide his anxious observation by the action of +lighting his redstone pipe. And it must be confessed that his keen +scrutiny of the lads' faces did not reassure him. He could see suspicion +plainly marked in both, while his heart burned with fire of anger, +though resentment was mainly directed to the younger lad, whose +inadvertent remarks had cut so deeply into the savage pride. + +But the redskin's mental observations were suddenly cut short by Bob, +who wheeled upon him with a sudden inspiration. + +"Look here," he said quickly, though his voice was pleasant and almost +reassuring, "it is very good of you to travel so far to bring us this +news. We are glad to see you, and will try to give you a good present. +But we will settle our business first. So, give me the letter, and then +we will go to the tent and eat." + +"Letter?" + +The Indian repeated the single word in a puzzled tone. + +"Yes; the one my father gave you," said Bob. + +So mystified was Red Fox by the intelligence that apparently he had not +only been expected by the boys but that he had been looked for as the +bearer of a letter from the fathers to their sons, that he was +momentarily startled out of his caution in pretending an only slight +acquaintance with the English language. + +He stared open-eyed at the question, and Bob continued evenly-- + +"Of course my father would send a letter if he wanted us. He would do +that to prove that his messenger was one whom we could trust. Did he +give you one?" + +Red Fox was quite taken off his guard by the white boy's guile, but he +strove to cover his confusion by further lying. + +"Yes--the white man send paper by hand of Red Fox, but--but Red Fox +foolish; he--lose letter--on trail----" + +"But you are _sure_ you had one? It would be written--in red--with a red +pencil--a red paint-stick." + +"My white brother speaks true," said the Indian. + +"Of course he does!" chimed in Alf, to whom his chum's ruse was now +clear. "And if that letter was written in red and sent to us, we would +know where it came from, and would follow the messenger at once." + +The Indian flashed a quick glance of hatred towards the last speaker, +but instantly lowered his eyelids again, as he returned with more +calmness than before-- + +"It is well. The pale-face did paint letter with red. But--Red Fox +foolish Indian. He lose letter on trail. He seek much--much--but no' +find." + +The game of bluff had succeeded. Now the boys knew for certain that the +man was lying--that he had not been commissioned by either of their +parents, and both laughed derisively. + +"Trapped!" exclaimed Holden triumphantly. "You've got him tight as a +rabbit in a gin, Bob." + +How that sneering laughter scorched the redman's pride! It touched him +at the quick, and caused him to writhe inwardly, until his fingers +twitched beneath the folds of his blanket with eagerness to tear out the +tongue that thus jeered at him. Yet the lads did not dream how near they +were to tragedy as they laughed at the little comedy, with the chief +actor sitting huddled at their feet. They did not notice how the +Indian's eyes first measured the distance from the overhanging bank to +the surface of the water, and then as quietly calculated the distance +between himself and the lads. + +"Yes, you were indeed foolish," resumed Arnold, "for you have shown us +that your words were lies. My father never wrote such a letter, I am +sure, for a red pencil is not a thing that he possesses. And if he were +well enough to write, he would be well enough to come himself, instead +of sending such a foolish Indian and a bad liar." + +"At the same time," whispered Alf, "the chap must know something, or he +wouldn't be here at all. We must find out that in some way or other." + +"True," Bob said. + +But there was no time allowed for considering what means to adopt to +obtain further information, for just at that moment Red Fox uttered a +wild cry, and sprang from the ground with the leap of a deer. Next +instant Bob was gripped as in a vice and flung into the centre of the +pool; then, with a snarl like that of a wild cat, the Indian sprang for +Alf's throat. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +OFF! + + +The Indian is nothing if he is not unexpected in all his actions. +Surprise attacks were ever his weapons of warfare. From among the long +grass of an apparently innocent meadow he would suddenly rise up with +his followers to attack the caravan that was quietly pursuing its way +along the prairie in absolute ignorance of the nearness of enemies. In +the dead hour of night the war-whoop would suddenly ring through the +forest, and the settlers would be scalped and dead before the last echo +had time to fade away. + +So it was on this occasion. Utterly unsuspicious of attack, both boys +were taken at a disadvantage. Bob was floundering in the water before he +had time to realise the assault, while Alf was equally unprepared as the +Indian sprang towards him. + +The claw-like fingers missed their intended grip upon the boy's throat, +but the arms managed to grapple the lad in a tight embrace. Alf +struggled well, but he was no match for the muscles of the giant +Dacotah. + +"I'm coming! I'll be with you in a second!" called Bob from the water, +striking out strongly for the shore as soon as he had recovered breath. + +The Indian looked hastily around him without releasing the bearlike hug. +He saw the swimmer quickly approaching, and he gave a cry of fury as he +thought that he would be baulked of his purpose of revenge, for he +rightly thought that he would stand a poor chance against two active +lads. He might succeed in injuring the one, but there was little chance +of his escaping. + +Suddenly he released Alf. Feeling himself free for the moment, the boy +jumped back in readiness for another attack. But once again the +unexpected had him at a vantage. The boy anticipated no other attack now +but that of fists or a knife at the utmost. These were the only +contingencies that his inexperience could imagine. But before he had +time to conjecture other possibilities, Red Fox had slipped off his +blanket, flung it around the lad just as the ancient gladiator was wont +to entangle his opponent in the deadly net, and before Arnold had +reached the river bank the Indian had wound the blanket tightly round +his captive, picked him up in his arms, and commenced running towards +the tent. + +Bob gave a cry of dismay and rushed on in pursuit. + +But the redskin had the start, and ran straight towards the picketed +horse, still carrying the lad, who was half stifled by the thick cloak, +and practically helpless, owing to the tightness with which the bond was +twined. + +It would have been an easy matter then for Red Fox to have killed his +captive and yet escape the other boy. But that was not his purpose. In +his thirst to revenge the insult of Alf's words, he had quite forgotten +Thunder-maker's commission and the coveted ermine robe. These were +nothing to him now. He had listened to sneers with patience. The time +had now come to repay the taunts with interest. He ran towards the +pack-horse. A slash with his hunting-knife severed the rope within two +or three feet of the halter. Alf was then thrown roughly across the +animal's back, while the Indian was himself astride an instant +afterwards. A vicious dig of the heels, and the horse sprang forward. + +And the last that Bob saw as he reached the tent was an ugly face +grinning at him and an arm waving tauntingly as horse, rider, and burden +disappeared into the woods. + +Arnold was aghast! + +He rushed into the tent and snatched up his repeating rifle, which was +already loaded; by the time he emerged again he could only hear the +distant sound of the fugitive rider pressing the branches through the +bush track. + +He ran forwards at top speed, but he knew well that unless some accident +befell the horse he stood a poor chance of being able to aid his chum. +The Indian would know the bush as well as his namesake fox. He would not +be likely to take any risk that would imperil his safety or blight any +evil purpose that he might harbour. + +The boy followed the track, which was well marked. It was the same +course that had been taken by Mackintosh and Haggis earlier in the day. +For a time it led through an avenue of trees. Then it branched off to +the left, where the ground was hard-packed and dry, having been +stripped of vegetation by a bush fire earlier in the year. Here the +tracks were less easy to follow, for a steady breeze was blowing, and +the imprints of the hoofs were covered almost as quickly as they were +made. + +It was heart-breaking to have to slacken speed at such a time, when +every second might mean disaster to his chum. But what else could he do? +And when ultimately the tracks led him to the border of a vast +marshland, the lad was obliged to halt in what was almost despair. + +"What is to be done now?" he exclaimed to himself. "Poor old Alf! What a +fool I was not to be prepared for such a rascal, when once my suspicions +were so roused!" + +But it was no use sitting down in hopelessness. Such weakness would have +nothing to gain and everything to lose. So Bob pulled himself together, +as the apt saying has it, and racked his brains to meet the occasion. + +Not a sound could he now hear to indicate which way the fugitive had +taken. Moreover, the tracks completely disappeared from sight when the +boy had taken a few paces into the shallow water and spongy moss. + +Plainly the only course was to mark a starting-point with a stake, and +then follow round the margin of the swamp until he discovered the spot +where the rider had crossed. + +It was a tedious process, but apparently there was no option. So he +resumed the weary tour with such hope as he could summon. + +Arnold found the tracks after more than two hours' patient searching, as +the dusk was beginning to creep over the forest. The footprints were +more distinct now than they had been at the other side of the marsh, so +the boy was able to make some rapid progress. But, as the darkness fell +the work became more difficult. He had to stoop low in order to see the +tracks at all, and ultimately he could only follow them on hands and +knees--feeling the footprints with his fingers, just as a blind man +feels the letters in his book. + +He was becoming thoroughly exhausted. Still he plodded on with dogged +perseverance. His knees were grazed and his back was aching, especially +where the rifle was strapped; and at times he even stumbled and fell in +a heap, from which each time he found it more difficult to rise than on +the former occasion. + +It was indeed a trial that would have taxed the strength and nerves of +the strongest. When we remember what the boy had already undergone that +day, we have reason to wonder that he endured so long. Still he +persevered. Inch by inch he felt his path in the pitch darkness, +crawling through the bush with only hooting owls and whining wolves for +company, until at last, worn out and dizzy, his muscles gave way, and he +floundered unconscious upon the earth. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +A NIGHT'S TERROR + + +When Bob reopened his eyes, it was to awake suddenly with the horrible +feeling that he was being watched by some hidden foe. + +He started, and as he did so he was conscious of the sound of many +pattering feet--soft, muffled sounds, yet loud enough for him to hear. +He even thought, as he turned over and flung out his arm, that his hand +had touched something that was warm and furry. + +He sat up and gripped his rifle as he stared around him. + +In the semi-darkness of the rising moon he could see dark figures moving +restlessly all around him, while a score or more of eyes kept twinkling +like stars to indicate how he was being watched. + +Just then a wild, long-drawn wail rent the night air beside him. The +boy's blood seemed to run cold at the sound, for he knew that he was +surrounded by a horde of timber wolves who had thought him dead, and +come too soon. + +Too soon? Yes. But how long would their moment be delayed? + +Bob staggered to his feet and held his rifle in readiness. But the +ghouls of the night kept at some distance, though he could still see +them stirring here and there, as if they were discussing plans among +themselves. + +The boy waited--it seemed hours--each moment expecting a dash from the +black spectres. Still they hung back, until Bob actually began to long +for the attack to begin, that the strain of waiting might be broken. + +Then something moved behind him. He wheeled about and swung his rifle +like a club, at random. The butt met a soft substance, and a wild howl +followed, as a wolf that had been creeping upon him from the rear now +sprang back among his lurking comrades. Instantly the forest rang with +wails and howls and snarling, as the wolves sprang upon their wounded +comrade (as is the way of many wild animals) and tore him to pieces. + +Yet Arnold dared not leave the spot. If he ran, the wolves would soon be +upon him, for a fleeing prey is more closely pressed than one that +stands at bay. Moreover, he was in the centre of a clearing. If he were +to enter the woods, there would be many quarters from which he would be +open to attack and unable to defend himself freely. + +The night wore on, and the moon crept up into the arc of the sky. His +enemies could be plainly seen now, though the shadows prevented him from +determining how great was their number. Probably the uncertain light +deceived him and multiplied the actual score. One thing--they were in +sufficient numbers to be a formidable danger, and it would need sharp +watching to ward off the attack effectively. + +So long as there was a remnant of their comrade's flesh to fight and +snarl over, Bob was left in peace. But presently the strife became less +and the noise sank, and by such signs he knew that he had again become +the object of their unwelcome attentions. + +He stood his guard with every nerve strained to catch the first sight +and sound of danger. + +Then he saw two large forms creeping towards him from the front. They +came slowly, creeping low like dogs stalking game in the grass. + +Bob waited until they drew near. He was reluctant to exhaust a cartridge +unless it was an absolute necessity. His wish was to exercise the force +of his muscle on these as he had done with their predecessor. + +But, as the wolves came within a few yards, they stopped and eyed him +cautiously, and in this position the furred enemies and the boy stood +watching each other, just as wrestlers watch each other's eyes to +discover the vantage moment for a deadly grip. + +The time passed, yet neither side moved. Then, to Bob's dismay, he +discovered that the whole mass of wolves had gathered together, and were +slowly creeping upon him in the wake of these two leaders. + +And with the knowledge, the boy seemed to go mad for the time. He could +delay the fight no longer. His blood rushed hot to his head. He fired +one shot at the foremost wolves. Then he gripped his weapon by the +muzzle and sprang straight for the pack. + +"Come on, you brutes!" he yelled, as he laid about him right and left. +"If it's got to be a fight, the sooner we begin, the sooner it'll be +over!" + +Wild with passion, the boy fought with the false strength that is always +the accompaniment of delirium. As the blows told, the wolves howled and +shrieked and leapt for him with a rage that was equally frantic to his. +Fortunately they kept to one side--that was the side from which the moon +shone. They could see him plainer thus. Otherwise the light would be in +their eyes, and he but a black figure that they could not understand. + +How he fought that night! + +Strange to say, all fatigue had left the lad's body. He had the +endurance of three normal boys--at least it seemed thus, though we never +know our real strength, muscular or mental, until we are in the straits +of desperation. + +More than once he received a nasty little snap in the arm. But these +were unnoticed in the heat of the combat. His eyes were "seeing red," as +the Westerners say. He had no nerves to feel with; only muscles to fight +with. And all the time the impromptu club was in action--sometimes +swinging like a flail, at other times being gripped for a no less +effective thrust with the butt. + +But gradually the attack became perceptibly easier, as the wolves were +beaten back or slain by the ceaseless swing of the rifle. Bob recognised +the weakening of the assault, and the spirit of the conqueror fired his +blood to renewed energy. + +Baulked of his prey, a great timber dog sprang forward with +determination to vindicate the honour of his kind. + +Crash went the weapon, a single howl escaped from the savage creature, +then he fell back, quivering and lifeless, upon the ground. + +That was the end of the conflict. Their last leader slain, the others +turned tail and fled. + +Arnold stood firm on the defensive. His hair was soaked in sweat, his +clothes were torn in many places, and he could feel the sharp sting of a +wound in his shoulder. It was some time before he could believe that the +fight was indeed over. The change from storm to calm had been sudden; +and it was only when he understood that strength was no longer needed +that he began to feel the evidences of fatigue. His limbs began to +tremble with the reaction as the unnatural strength that had buoyed him +so well now commenced to ebb. He looked around him. The signs of his +conquest were visible in the moonlight as dark lumps lying here and +there. Then his keen eyes began to haze and his head to swim. And for +the second time that night he sank to the ground in a state of +unconscious fatigue. + +It was bright daylight when Bob regained his normal faculties. The +morning had considerably advanced while he had lain oblivious to the +passage of time. + +The boy sat up. He was stiff and sore. But he was no puny schoolboy. He +had a sturdy frame that healthy athletics had trained to meet fatigue +without injury, and Nature's needed rest had rapidly restored normal +strength, though, as we said, his muscles were not free from certain +little aches to remind him of late events. + +At first his thought was that the previous adventure had been nothing +more than a bad dream. But as his eyes scanned the surroundings, and he +saw no fewer than seven carcases of timber wolves lying unpleasantly +close to him, he was quickly convinced that there had been no ill vision +but terrible reality. + +Next he called to mind the quest on which he had started from the camp. + +That thought was sufficient to banish the last sensation of drowsiness, +and he immediately rose up and examined his rifle, to see if it had +suffered from the adventure. The weapon had stood the test well. Beyond +a few dents on the butt (which would be so many trophies of the combat) +it was otherwise uninjured. The scratches on his own flesh were not +serious, though they nipped a little at first movement. So, altogether, +Bob was satisfied that he had come through the ordeal in a manner that +demanded thankfulness to a protecting Providence. + +The next move was towards the bush, where the Saskatoon berries were +hanging in inviting clusters like myriad bunches of purple grapes in +miniature. These, together with a draught from an adjacent spring, had +to suffice for breakfast. Then he turned once more to take up the tracks +that he had been forced to forego on the previous night. + +It was not long before the boy rediscovered the trail, and with a +thousand misgivings for the unavoidable delay in going to his chum's +assistance he started on the track at a rapid pace. + +It was a winding path that he followed; but in order to ride swiftly +Red Fox had been obliged to keep more or less to the open way through +the woods, relying upon speed more than strategy to outreach pursuit. He +had a plan in his mind that he meant to carry out when at a safe +distance. After that was accomplished, he did not care how soon the +searchers might reach the spot. He would be far away. And the boy--well, +they would be welcome to find him then. + +Doggedly determined to find his chum at all costs, Bob pressed on, +seldom taking his eyes from the ground, where the imprints showed how +heavy hoofs had thrashed the trail. + +What had happened to his chum? Had the savage merely stolen him for some +wild purpose--perhaps to await a ransom? Or could the worst have +happened, and Alf be even now---- No, no. Bob could not bear that +thought, and he put it from him, struggling manfully to retain hope as +well as strength. + +And then suddenly--when it was about noon--he came upon the Scotsman's +pack-horse quietly grazing beneath the trees, and at a little distance +Alf sitting on the ground with Red Fox prostrate, resting his head on +the lad's lap. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +THE FATE OF RED FOX + + +It may seem a little surprising that Alf did not make a better +resistance when he found himself being carried away on horseback. It is +no easy matter for even an Indian to carry a person lying in front of +him on a bare-backed broncho when the person is helpless and still. It +is a yet less easy matter--if not an impossibility--to do the same thing +with a struggling captive. + +Of course we know that Holden was at a disadvantage. He was powerless to +use his arms, which were held close to his sides by the wrappings, and +it was with difficulty that he breathed. But his legs were comparatively +free, and it would not have required much energy to make such resistance +as would have considerably hampered Red Fox in his purpose. + +The reason for the lad's passive demeanour is not difficult to +understand. + +Alf was no fool. Indeed, he possessed a more than usual degree of common +sense, together with a gift for rapid reasoning. He quickly decided +that, for the time being at least, he was at the Indian's mercy. His +instinct told him that, for some unknown reason, he must have incurred +the native's wrath; and, even though he might have struggled with a +measure of success, the Indian was both powerful and passionate enough +to murder him then and there. + +No person, even in the direst straits, is anxious to incur a violent +death. Holden was no exception to that rule, so he deemed it best to +make pretence of fainting, on the chance that time might release him +from his plight. It would only be a needless exhaustion to struggle now, +when he would be easily overpowered. Moreover, a show of resistance +might mean the sudden plunge of a hunting-knife. + +So he lay still, and the Indian laughed aloud, believing the lad to be +unconscious through fright. + +"Huh! White dog laugh at Red Fox? He say Red Fox face hideous?" the +redskin exclaimed jeeringly, as he pressed the horse to the race. "'Tis +well. Red Fox face bad--very bad; but white boy worse when Indian hand +have used knife!" + +Then the boy understood the mystery. His careless words _had_ been +understood, as Bob had suggested. And his fate was to be vengeance of a +like mutilation of his own fair cheeks! + +Not if he knew it! + +It was little wonder if the lad felt his blood run cold as he listened +to the Indian's vaunt, and it is little wonder that his head swam until +he was near in reality to the very faintness that he had assumed. + +But real pluck is never subdued for long. The very threat was enough to +rouse a strong determination to thwart the brutal intention, and his +mental decision was that which we have just recorded in the third +person: "Not if I know it!" + +Red Fox had quite forgotten about the ermine robe. That was quite +Indian-like. The object of the moment was all that he cared about. To +gain that aim he would have sacrificed a thousand robes of costliest +fur--nay, even life itself, if he could have the satisfaction of +vengeance first. + +Guiding the broncho by the swaying of his body and the occasional use +of a halter-rope, the redskin did not permit the animal to slacken speed +for an instant. + +Once, owing to the stillness of his burden, he drew aside a portion of +the blanket to look at the boy's face. + +He saw that the eyes were closed, and a fear came into his heart that +perhaps he was to be robbed of his pleasure after all. + +But the lips trembled, and, on bending down the Indian could hear the +sound of breathing. + +"Huh!" he laughed, as he replaced the cloth. "That good! Pale-face--he +sleep, but he wake soon when Red Fox make sign of totem. Then white boy +laugh not again at Indian. Red Fox, he laugh at hideous white boy." + +A peal of harsh, savage laughter rang through the woods at this +delicious humour, and startled the horse so that it strained harder in +the gallop. + +Through the woods, the burnt clearing, across the marsh where Bob had +tracked so steadily, the broncho passed in the mad race. It was rough +riding for the boy as he lay on his back--half across the Indian's knee, +with his head partly free of the blanket; but he set his teeth, +determined to bear the ordeal without a whimper, that he might be more +ready for the later critical moment. + +Then something (he never knew what) startled the horse. It sprang +sideways from the path right into the bush, where a heavy branch caught +Red Fox right in the forehead. + +One cry the Indian gave. Next moment both the riders were thrown +violently to the ground, while the broncho went off wildly and +riderless. + +The folds of the blanket considerably lessened the shock of Alf's fall, +and as soon as he had collected his rudely scattered senses he did not +take long to emerge from his chrysalis-like state. + +He sprang to his feet, prepared to be instantly on the defensive. + +To his surprise he was unaccosted, and on turning he saw the Indian +lying face downwards upon the ground, while a red stream was making a +ghastly pool around his head. + +Holden was by his enemy's side in an instant. He knelt down and turned +the man on his back. The movement was answered by a groan, but +apparently the Dacotah was unconscious, for he did not attempt to move, +and his eyes were closed. + +A spring was close at hand. Alf tore off the scarf that he wore round +his throat in bushman fashion, soaked it in the water, and mopped the +redman's brow. Still there was no sign of returning senses, and the lad +was now grievously distressed at his enemy's disaster. He would have +been rejoiced to have vanquished the man, had the adventure terminated +in an unavoidable encounter. But now that Red Fox was in distress, all +hard feelings and resentment had left the lad's heart. He was all +sympathy for misfortune. That is the way of the truly brave. + +Seeing that recovery was tardy, Alf tore the scarf in two pieces. With +one strip he bound the ugly wound that gaped in the Indian's forehead; +with the other he resumed his attentions by moistening his lips and +temples. + +And by and by the redman opened his eyes. He looked up vacantly before +him, not seeming to understand what had taken place. + +"That's good!" remarked Alf cheerfully. "You feel better now, don't +you?" + +Red Fox looked straight into the boy's face, but without appearing to +recognise him. Then he muttered a few words in Indian and closed his +eyes again. + +For some time he lay with his head resting against his nurse, while +Alf's thoughts began to wander to his absent father and the chum whom +he had left in such strange fashion. + +Then he looked down again, and saw that the Indian was regarding him +with eyes wide open--looking at him in a peculiar wondering fashion, as +if he saw for the first time a being of some strange creation. + +Holden smiled encouragingly as he touched the man's brow with the damp +cloth. + +"How does the head feel now?" he asked. "Does the cut pain you much?" + +Red Fox did not answer immediately, but continued to stare at the lad +with the same open-eyed wonder. + +"Pale-face kind," he said at length, in quiet tones. "He touch Red Fox +like wing of a dove. Why is the white boy so good?" + +"Nonsense," returned Alf. "It's nothing at all. You don't think that +Englishmen would leave a fellow to bleed to death, do you?" + +"No--English boy good," said the redskin. Then he added, with a sort of +wistfulness: "But Indian would leave pale-face----" + +"Rot!" was the sharp interruption. "If I had been hurt as you have been, +you would do just the same. Now lie quiet for a while. You'll feel +better soon, and then you can go back to your people." + +The Indian shook his head slowly. + +"Red Fox understand. Red Fox know English tongue good. But--he no' go +back to people. He go--Manito--Happy Hunting-ground--soon." + +Alf was silent. He had never been in the presence of death, and never +before in the presence of the dying. The thought awed him. + +"Yes--white papoose good," the redskin went on falteringly. "He kind to +hand--that would have cut face for revenge. Ugh! Red Fox bad Indian, +but--he sorry--now. Can brave white boy forgive poor Indian?" + +"Of course," returned Alf huskily. "You did not understand. English +people speak words that they do not mean to hurt. It is I who should ask +forgiveness for what I said about you. I, too, am sorry." + +"Then--white and red are--brothers. They bury the hatchet and--my white +brother will stay with Red Fox while he go Happy Hunting-ground?" + +"Yes, yes," the boy assented readily. "I won't leave you. Don't you be +afraid of that." + +"It is well, for Red Fox would speak before he go. He would speak true +words to the pale-face. He spoke forked words like serpent tongue when +he say that white man sent Red Fox to bring papooses to Indian camp. But +he speak well now when he say white men with Mighty Hand now----" + +"_Safe?_" exclaimed Holden, as the information came to him with sudden +joy and sudden dread. + +And the answer was at once a relief and double anxiety. + +"White men safe--now. But before another sun they--they die----" + +"Die?" was the exclamation of horror that greeted this announcement. + +"Yes," the Indian answered. "Dacotahs foolish. They say white men +spirits that brought great trouble of water to Indian. They say that +serpent totem call them to Pleasant Valley, and there they burn unless +serpent appear to save them from fire." Here the Indian seemed to gather +strength, for, without allowing the horrified boy time for utterance, he +slightly raised himself and spoke with a flash of energy. + +"But white boy brave--white boy good. He kind to Red Fox who would have +used cruel knife. But Red Fox no' papoose now. He know that white boy +too brave to suffer; Red Fox too bad to live. And he would save the +pale-face man-- + +"Go, my brother--go to the village of the Dacotahs and find +Thunder-maker, the Medicine Man. Tell him that Red Fox die sorry that he +made bad promise--that before he die he bid Thunder-maker speak true to +foolish Dacotahs, and tell that white men no' spirits. Thunder-maker +know. Thunder-maker can save white men, and----" + +The last word choked in the Indian's throat. He gave a gasp, fell back +into Alf's arms, while his eyes looked up hungrily into the lad's face. + +"Be brave!" whispered the boy. "Be brave, Red Fox. Manito waits for you. +I have forgiven you; He has forgiven you. All will be well." + +"Red Fox understand. He--happy----" were the last words that the poor +misguided redman spoke, as he died gazing lovingly in his young friend's +tear-clouded eyes. + +And it was thus that Bob found his chum--tenderly holding his red +brother in his arms while the great journey was taken to Manito's happy +land for the sorrowful. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +HOT ON THE TRAIL + + +It was a happy meeting for the two chums after the exciting events that +each had experienced. But it was rather sad, all the same; for even in +their joy at finding how both had come through their trials with but +little damage, they could not but regret the tragic end to poor Red Fox. + +"He was a high-tempered chap," said Arnold, when he had listened to his +friend's story. "All the same, he must have had some good in him, since +he was so completely changed at the end." + +"He seemed sorry enough," Alf rejoined. "And I must say that I feel +wretchedly sorry about the whole thing. In a way it was my fault--making +the remarks that I did. It never occurred to me that he would understand +a word----" + +"As apparently he did. However, it can't be helped now. No doubt he had +some evil purpose all along, or he wouldn't have come to us with that +lie about being sent by your father and mine." + +"At the same time it has taught me a lesson," said Alf. "I guess I'll +keep my opinions to myself next time, when they are so uncomplimentary." + +"Just as well," Bob agreed seriously. Then, turning to the dead Indian: +"We've got to lay that poor redskin to rest. I wonder how we are to +manage it!" + +"We can't dig----" + +"And we can't leave the body uncovered. The wolves would work mischief +in no time." + +"How would it be if we were to lay him in that little hollow and cover +him with big stones?" suggested Holden. "There are plenty of boulders +about, and we could easily cover him with branches first, with stones on +the top, to keep off the animals." + +"Right," Bob said; and together the lads gently raised the Indian's body +and placed it in a little flower-scented hollow that, after all, was a +fitting bed to receive the royal dead--quite as fitting as a dark pit. +Then they cast maple branches over it, and carried boulders until a +substantial mound was raised. + +And when all was completed as well as they were able to do it, +instinctively both lads knelt beside the grave and prayed for a few +minutes in silence. And the birds overhead sang their hymns to unite in +the service--happy songs of gladness they sang, that seemed to convey to +the boys' hearts the grand lesson of all funeral services--that death is +not all sadness, for we know of the joy that follows. + +There was nothing more to be done now but to return to camp. Mackintosh +had probably returned by this time, and he or Haggis would be able to +guide to the Dacotah village on the urgent errand. So the broncho was +caught. It had never wandered far after the recovery from its fright, +which was probably due to the sudden appearance of a wolf in the scrub; +and before long the chums were on the home trail, taking it in turn to +ride the horse. + +Camp was reached about noon, and the boys were greeted at the tent by +the Scot. + +"Where in the world have you two laddies been?" he immediately +questioned. "Here's Haggis and me (to say no' a word about Bannock) +returned at breakfast-time to find no' a single body at the camp. No' +that time has been wasted, for we would have rested till dinner in any +case. But it's foolish tiring yoursels like this when there's hard work +before you. Pleasure is all very well----" + +"We've been on no pleasure trip," interrupted Alf, with a sad smile. "It +has been anything but pleasure to Arnold and me." + +Thereupon Holden immediately launched into the story of his adventure +and his chum's--a tale that was listened to with silent surprise both by +Mackintosh and the half-breed, who had come out from the tent and stood +attentively apart. + +"Well, well," the Scotsman commented at the close, "these are stirring +times for you boys. There's no' a bit o' doot aboot that." Then he added +seriously: "But I'm thinking we'll no' be able to wait here ower long. +We must set oot at once. I ken something o' this Indian legend o' +water-spirits, and I ken something o' Indian ways as well. There's evil +things that will be doing if we canna stop them." + +"Did you find out anything while you were away with Haggis?" questioned +Bob. + +"A bit. We found the tracks o' boots as well as moccasins, and we +followed far enough to learn that they had gone to the Dacotah village. +Then we came back to fetch you laddies. And I found four grand specimens +for my collection! Real fine they are--such as will make my brither +entomologists in Edinburgh open their eyes as big as Duddingston Loch +when they see them. But there--I must be daft to be thinkin' o' moths at +such a time. See, Haggis! Hurry on wi' the denner! We'll be striking the +camp, for we must mak' straight for Pleasant Valley wi'oot delay." + +The speaker was all bustle and hurry now, and as the boys followed to +render assistance, Bob asked-- + +"Pleasant Valley? But did you not say that they were at the Dacotah +village?" + +"Of course I did. But I said _were_, not _are_. Did you no' attend to +what your freend said--that Red Fox told him that Mighty Hand would +leave for Pleasant Valley by another sun? That's the day." + +"Oh, I see. Then you mean to go there direct?" + +"Exactly. I ken something o' that Pleasant Valley. There's no' a verra +pleasant look aboot it noo--a desert o' a place--all crags and sand, +wi' just a pickle o' trees. It's a branch arm o' the Athabasca, and has +been a torrent at some flood-time--the time that probably started the +legend. But there's no' been ony stream flowing there in the +recollection o' living man. But"--and the naturalist was predominant for +the instant--"there are rare kinds o' hawk moth to be found in that same +desert! You'll be seeing the value o' my phosphorus invention before +another couple of nights are out." + +The boys laughed as the man's enthusiasm came suddenly uppermost, to the +exclusion of (to their minds) a subject of more vital importance. + +"I do believe, Skipper, that you would sooner capture a rare beetle than +be a Napoleon!" laughed Bob, to which the naturalist replied with scorn, +as he indicated the lads to take the opposite end of the tent to roll-- + +"Beetle? What do you take me for--a coleopterist? Ma conscience, laddie, +these insects are no interest to me. I wouldn't touch one with a pair o' +tongs. It's moths and butterflies for Skipper Mackintosh--the dainty +fluttering things that are like bits o' sunshine and beams o' the +moonlight. Beetle? Speak not to me the name o' thae things o' +darkness!" + +The tent was rolled and most of the other adjuncts to the camp were +collected and deftly stowed on the back of the pack-horse with the +neatness of expert campers. Then a hasty cold meal was taken while +Mackintosh delivered his plans. + +"Now, boys, listen to me. I've got to be your captain in this journey, +for you'll admit that I know best. Well, I've prepared food enough for +three of us for two days. Each will carry his own. Then you've got a +pair o' guns and a rifle between you. That's all that you'll need. I've +got my own rifle and a revolver, in case o' accidents, though I'm hoping +there'll be no need for the like o' that. Now we'll start off at once. +There's no straight road from here for Pleasant Valley, but it's through +bog and bush where the horse canna get wi' its burden. But it'll make +four or five hours' difference to us other than by the round-about way. +So Haggis'll take the pack-horse. Ay, he'll be better o' Bannock, too. +Dogs are often useless creatures in an expedition that might mean +creeping and hiding. Bannock's no' that bad-mannered; but he loves +hunting, and a wolf might tempt him." + +"How far is it to this Pleasant Valley, as it is called?" asked Holden. + +"Aboot fifteen mile as we will travel, twenty at the least by the path +Haggis'll follow. Oh, ay, Haggis'll be all right. There's no fear o' him +not turning up aboot midnight. He's no' quite ceevilised yet, for he +canna mind a' the words o' 'Auld Lang Syne' and 'Rule Britannia.' But +he's ceevilised enough to be dependable. You wait at the Old Crossing +till we turn up, Haggis!" + +"Right, boss," answered the half-breed, who seldom spoke more than two +words at a time if he could avoid doing so, and he immediately rose up +to make the final arrangements for his departure. + +"Then there's no more to be said," the Scotsman concluded. "It's start +right away; keep a brave heart and a steady foot foremost, and we'll no' +be that far from our friends come nightfall." + +Skipper Mackintosh had spoken nothing but the truth when he said that +the direct trail was not one that a laden pack-horse could travel with +ease, far less speed. + +The earlier portion of the march was easy enough. But after about an +hour's walking through the bush the travellers reached a mile of +bogland, across which a path could only be found by stepping cautiously +from one grassy hummock to another. Even then the surface of the moss +shivered for yards around, and the mud between the tufts oozed, as if +its mouth were watering to swallow up the trio. + +"Feel for every step before you put your weight on it!" the naturalist +instructed. He, of course, had taken the foremost position of leader. +"If you want to disappear quicker than you did in yon muskeg, Master +Bob, you can set the tip o' your big toe in yon mud, and you'll travel +as quick as electricity." + +This part of the journey was certainly fatiguing, but the travellers +kept up good hearts by pleasant banter and dogged determination. + +Reaching solid ground again, there was another easier spell of bush +tramping. Then the trail began the ascent of a hill--a rocky, +loose-bouldered slope that could only be traversed by a narrow path that +somewhat resembled a strip of ribbon on the side of a house. + +Up they went, higher and higher each step, with the sharp slope to the +left and a sheer declivity of loose stones at the right. + +Once Alf slipped, and the stone against which he tripped went leaping +down the slope without stopping, until it was lost to sight some three +hundred feet or more below. + +"Which of you two laddies is the one that's danced down the hillside?" +questioned Mackintosh, without seeming to look round. His voice was +pleasant, but he had taken a quick glance backwards all the same, and +his face had paled a little. That was but his kindly way of cheering the +boys and helping them to keep their nerves in hand. + +After a time the climbing ceased. It was now a level path, though it was +none the less ready to trap the unwary, as it twisted round spurs and +crossed little ravines. Then suddenly the travellers became aware of a +sound like that of a small cataract. + +Mackintosh stopped, and as they listened they were able to tell that the +sound was one that proceeded from the continuous rolling of innumerable +stones that were being propelled down the hillside at no great distance. + +"What on earth is it?" questioned Alf, and at the same moment the man +pointed towards a cloud of dust that had rounded a spur ahead of them--a +cloud that was advancing rapidly in their direction to the +accompaniment of loud bleating. + +"A herd of mountain sheep on the stampede," was the Skipper's immediate +verdict. + +"Sheep? Coming towards us?" exclaimed Bob, and as the words were spoken +there could be seen amid the dust a lot of woolly animals tearing +frantically along the narrow path, throwing the stones from beneath +their feet, while now and then one would stumble and roll down the slope +as though it had been shot from a cannon. + +The noise was bewildering as it echoed among the barren hills and rocks. + +"See! There's a black animal chasing them!" exclaimed Holden excitedly. + +"A bear," said Mackintosh with grim calmness, as he rapidly slung his +repeating rifle into readiness, an example that the boys quickly +followed. + +"What's to be done?" Bob questioned. Frankly he had not the remotest +notion how to meet such an emergency, for it was impossible to climb +upwards, as it was equally impossible to descend, while to retire along +the path would only be to postpone the threatening disaster for a few +minutes. + +"Come! Follow me quickly; but be careful," Mackintosh suddenly ordered, +he himself hastening forward as the boys followed. + +At this position the side of the hill bent to the left in the form of a +horseshoe, so that it was quite easy from where the three adventurers +stood to throw a stone across the intervening chasm to the path at the +other side. + +Mackintosh led the way until he had reached the first spur; then he told +the boys to wait. + +"Keep your hands steady and your guns ready, boys," he said. "I'm going +along a bit to shoot down the leaders, if it may be; you empty your +rifle and a round or two o' shot into yon bear. They'll all be opposite +us on the other side in a few minutes. A steady nerve will do it; so, if +ever you were cool in your born days, this is the day to be coolest." + +Without waiting for further remark from either side, the man then +hastened some yards along the path and took up a position where he could +kneel and steady his gun arm on a boulder, and hardly had the several +positions been taken up when with roar and clatter and cloud the +stampede rounded the opposite hill-spur. + +Crack! went the Scotsman's repeater. Crack! crack! And down tumbled +three sheep, two of which rolled over the slope, leaving one to bar the +way in the path. The others took the downward plunge. Crack! crack! +crack! The rifle spoke rapidly and surely, as each bullet found a billet +in a different animal. + +The race was checked, but not yet effectually, though the Skipper had +now more time to pick off the leaders as they scrambled over their +brethren--only to fall victims to the sharp-shooter and help to build up +a barrier to impede the others. + +It was now a terrible sight of animals in desperation. + +There were a hundred mountain sheep at least, and they were scrambling +in a dense mass, trying vainly to advance--fighting, struggling, +tumbling down the slope in mad confusion. Now and then one would have a +momentary success and almost cross the barrier; then the deadly rifle +would again send its message--and the barrier would be raised by one +victim more. + +Meantime, faithful to their charge, the boys kept their attention to the +rear of the herd, but the dust was so dense that they could barely +discern the hindmost animals. + +Then Bob suddenly exclaimed-- + +"Look out!" + +But Alf had been equally ready. A rifle and a gun darted up to each +boy's shoulder at the same instant; a simultaneous explosion came like +one from both weapons. Then followed a roar like a miniature +thunder-peal, and a brown grizzly was seen to shoot down the declivity +in pursuit of the poor sheep that he had driven to destruction in such +numbers. + +"Bravo!" shouted Mackintosh, letting go his feelings in a wild whoop of +exultation. "A grand shot, lads!" + +"I guess his day's work is done," returned Alf quietly, though he was +none the less delighted with his own and his chum's success. + +Finding that the fierce pursuit had ceased, the few remaining sheep +turned on the retreat, since they found it impossible to advance +farther. Then the adventurers proceeded on their way, though they, in +their turn, found it impossible to pass the barrier, and some time had +to be expended in carefully tumbling the carcases down the slope. But +soon the work was successfully accomplished, and the path once more +clear to permit the three comrades to pursue their urgent course. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +THUNDER-MAKER'S DOWNFALL + + +During the rest of the journey through the hills and along Trapper's +Pass, no further accidents occurred to hinder progress, and once free of +the hills the trail was level and across a stretch of prairie. + +Towards night the Pleasant Valley was reached, and the three travellers +descended to the part of the river known to trappers as the Old +Crossing, though it was a ford where no water flowed. + +On reaching this camp-ground there were evidences of the recent presence +of strangers. Moreover, these strangers were not travelling in any +secret way, since they had taken no pains to conceal their tracks, and +the ashes of trampled-out fires were still warm. + +Mackintosh carefully examined the surroundings, and came to the +decision, from certain signs, that it had been an Indian camp. + +"To my mind the best thing for us to do is to rest here for an hour or +two," the man said. + +"I shan't be sorry," said Bob. "We pressed on rather rapidly, and, to +tell you the truth, I'm rather fagged." + +"But what of the others--your father and mine?" questioned Alf. "They +may need help----" + +"Not yet," Mackintosh interrupted. "It's no' possible for them to reach +Flood Creek before morning, and the--the ceremony must take place at +moonlight. Oh yes, I ken fine how you are both feeling. You're wanting +to be off until you break down with weariness. But that's no' the way to +do things in the backwoods. Work until you are out-and-out weary, then +rest, and you'll be able to work again. But to keep on slaving till +you're worked out--that's nothing but a gowk's game, and can bring no +good." + +"I suppose you are right," said Holden slowly. + +"Of course I am. Don't you fear, laddie. I'll no' be too late. I know +the ways o' the Indian, and I know the Dacotahs. Depend upon it, your +faithers are being kindly treated, as best the redskins know how to +treat friends. The Dacotahs are firm in their superstition, but they're +kindly folk all the same." + +So the boys resigned themselves to the ruling of their guide, though it +was irksome to be idle when each was longing to be up and doing. And now +that they were so near to the achievement of their quest, it was even +more galling to be inactive than it had been when there was distance as +an excuse. + +It was a dreary place. The valley was deep, and there was a river-bed +where once--before the memory of living man--water had flowed in a swift +and wide flood, but where now there was nothing but dust. Not a tree was +within sight. There was hardly any grass. Only a few cacti appeared to +thrive on the barren soil. The rest was rocks, sand, and bordering +precipices. + +The boys shuddered as they looked around. + +"It's a terrible spot," Bob commented, as he viewed the dreary scene. +"It feels like being in prison." + +"There's a well with the finest of cool water about six feet away," was +Mackintosh's remark. It was his quiet way of forcing home the truth that +there is a bright speck in everything, if we only take the trouble to +look for it. + +A meal was made from the supplies with which each had been provided, and +an hour or two later Haggis turned up with the pack-horse. + +It was not considered necessary to pitch the tent that night, as a very +early start was proposed to be taken at the streak of dawn. So each lay +down as he was, with a sand-heap for a pillow, and soon the little camp +was fast asleep. They needed no rocking. Sleep came almost with the +closing of eyes. + +As morning broke, Mackintosh was the first to waken. He quickly roused +the others, and a swift "eve-of-battle" meal was served out. The +business being ended, the pack-horse was once more loaded, and the +journey resumed toward Flood Creek, which was now only about five miles +distant. + +The Dacotah camp was sighted some way off, and it may be imagined how +excited the lads felt when they found themselves practically at the end +of their journey. + +But once there, what would be the result? + +That was the question that was exercising the minds of both; and when +Bob gave it voice, the Scotsman smiled grimly. + +"What'll happen? Well, no one can foresee the future, but I can imagine +it." + +"And what do you imagine?" asked Bob. + +"That there will be a pickle o' bother before all comes out right. +Superstition is no' that easy baulked; but if we ever have to fight for +it, don't think that the ancient Highland blood of the Mackintosh is +water in the veins of the clan." + +"I hope it won't come to that," remarked Alf quietly, and the Highlander +rejoined-- + +"That's my hope too. But there's no telling. We've _got_ to conquer----" + +"And conquer we shall!" added Bob, with determination. + +On reaching the camp, the rescuers were met by a host of Indians, who +were all filled with curiosity regarding the strangers. The white men +looked around them, but no signs could they see of the captives. + +Then Mackintosh recognised a friend in Swift Arrow. + +"Ha, Nitchie!" he exclaimed, holding out his hand for the Indian to +grasp. + +"It is pleasant for the eyes of Swift Arrow to see the Black Bear in the +camp of the Dacotahs," said the redskin as he returned the greeting. + +"And it's good for him to look upon the face o a friend," said the +Scotsman. "I wish to speak with Mighty Hand. Where is he?" + +"The chief of the Dacotahs is here," replied a voice from the crowd, and +the great man himself stepped forward. + +"H'm. That's good. Saves a deal of seeking when folk come of +themselves." Then the speaker launched straight into the subject of +their quest. + +"Now then, Mighty Hand, you and me are old friends, and we can talk +freely. You're wondering the noo what has brought us here, and you may +ken without palaver. We have come for your captives." + +"Captives?" The chief looked puzzled as he repeated the word. + +"Ay, captives," emphasised Mackintosh. "Perhaps you don't know the +meaning of the word." + +"Mighty Hand knows the language of the pale-face. But there are no +captives in the Dacotah camp." + +At this the boys felt their hearts sink. Could it be that, after all, +Mackintosh had been mistaken, or that Red Fox had deluded them? Could it +be that they had come too late? + +But Mackintosh did not share these doubts. He understood the working of +the native mind too well. + +"That is good," he resumed. "If the Dacotahs have no captives, then the +white men are free. They will travel back with me to their camp now!" + +Instantly a stern change came over the face of the chief, and such of +the other Indians as understood English began to murmur with ominous +disapproval. + +"My white brother speak not wise words," said Mighty Hand firmly. "The +fiery totem call that water-spirits suffer. What the totem call must be +answered. Only great medicine can bid the fire sleep now." + +"Idiots! Fools!" exclaimed Mackintosh, for once allowing his irritation +to betray him. "Do you think that we are going to allow our own people +to suffer at the service of a lie? I tell you that we will take those +white men from your hands whether you wish it or not!" + +The Indian was unmoved by the Scotsman's outburst. + +"My white brother speak hot words. It saddens heart of Mighty Hand to +see anger in face of his brother. But he is wrong. The call of the +totem shall be answered when the moon is round--to-night." + +How this strain of argument might have progressed it is hard to say, but +it was cut short by a cry like that of a wild beast, as Thunder-maker +sprang through the crowd, dressed in all the hideous regalia of his +profession. + +"Dogs!" he cried furiously. "Do the pale-faces come to insult the great +chief of Dacotahs and say that the fiery totem lie? Ugh! Spit upon them, +Mighty Hand! Chase these dogs from the camp!" + +Mackintosh had resumed his temper by now, and he turned to greet the +newcomer with a look of feigned amusement. + +"Who's this?" he asked pleasantly. "Is it a monkey that Mighty Hand has +caught to please him, or is it maybe a little dancing-bear tricked out +in feathers for the braves and warriors to laugh at?" + +Thunder-maker well understood the jibe, and he flung himself about with +passion. + +"Ma conscience! Don't go making all that noise," was the quiet reproof. +"And if you'll take my advice, you'll go home and put on warmer +clothes. You've little enough on to keep you cosy when the wind blows +chill." + +Poor Thunder-maker! He had never been treated with such scant respect. +Even the young papooses were putting "tongue in cheek" towards him, and +some of the women could be seen pointing their fingers at his +discomfited self. + +Blind with passion the Indian threw himself upon the Scotsman. Instantly +the boys had their guns ready to protect their friend. But the next +moment they could not have pulled a trigger if it had been necessary to +save their lives thereby, for they and the whole concourse of Indians +were shaking themselves with laughter at what was taking place. + +What was it? + +Well, merely that Thunder-maker had not reckoned with the enormous +strength that was latent in the Scotsman, nor the peculiar sense of his +humour; for, no sooner had the Indian charged, than he found himself +gripped by powerful hands, turned face downwards on a bent knee, and +smacked in good old homely style of punishment, which the medicine man's +scanty attire rendered exceedingly suitable. + +Thunder-maker yelled and kicked, but he was held as if in a vice, while +the slaps rang out in rapid succession and the valley echoed with +laughter. + +At last Mackintosh released the delinquent, and the poor man slunk away +amid jeers and laughter. His day was over, and from that hour our white +friends saw him no more. + +When the hum had subsided, Mackintosh once more appealed to the chief, +but without success. + +"We must obey the totem," was reiterated doggedly, though it was plain +that the chief was sorry to be at enmity with the strangers. + +"But how do you know that you are obeying the totem?" questioned Bob, +who could remain silent no longer. + +At this question Mighty Hand turned to the boy with an indulgent smile. + +"White spirits come from waters that are silver when moon round. By this +we know. But if redmen foolish, totem wise. Totem will not let redmen do +wrong. Totem will appear serpent of fire to warn redmen no' light +flames." + +"We can do nothing more at present," said Mackintosh, as he turned to +the lads. "We'll pitch our camp over yonder and talk things over." + +After the camp was pitched and food partaken, Mackintosh decided to pay +a visit to Swift Arrow, to see if he could not manage to argue that old +man into a state of reason, so as to support another appeal to Mighty +Hand. It had not been considered advisable to press for an interview +with the captives, lest they might be too closely watched, and any +future attempt at rescue be thus frustrated. + +"I'll just go by mysel'," the man explained. "Swift Arrow is an old +friend o' mine, and no' a bad creature in many ways. Haggis is away +cracking with some o' his friends also. You'll not mind being left alone +for a time? I'll no' be long." + +"We don't mind," said Bob. "Anything to see light in this difficulty. +We'll be all right." + +"Very well. I'll be back as soon as I can, and I'll hope to have good +news for you." + +Left to themselves, the lads did not speak much, for their hearts were +very heavy, knowing that if some plan of rescue was not thought of +within a few hours it would be too late. + +For a considerable time they were absolutely silent, lying within the +tent, surrounded by stores and the various tins and boxes of the +naturalist's outfit. + +Then Bob's mind began to wander over all the events that led up to the +present day, and, in wondering at the blind ignorance that could yield +so much to a mere legend, he recalled the chiefs last words-- + +"'The totem will not let the redmen do wrong,'" he quoted mentally. +"Fools! As if a serpent could tell them to do anything in the first +place! How can any reasoning person be so---- Alf!" + +Bob had suddenly sprung to his feet as he uttered the exclamation, and +Holden started to look at his friend, as if he had suddenly lost his +senses. + +"Why, what's the matter, old man?" he exclaimed. "Have you been asleep?" + +"Asleep? No! Never was wider awake in all my life. Why, I've got it. +They are saved! They are saved!" And the boy laughed for very joy at the +thought. + +"What do you mean?" questioned Holden anxiously. It was little wonder +that he believed for the moment that anxiety had brought his chum to a +fever. + +"Mean?" the elder boy echoed. "Simply this--that our fathers shall be +saved, and you and I will do it. It's all so simple. We must have been +fools not to think of it before!" + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +THE FIERY TOTEM + + +The two men--Arnold and Holden--were sitting alone in the teepee that +had been assigned for their use. Neither was speaking, for the day was +drawing to a close, and they were almost hopeless of seeing any avenue +of escape from the fate that the Indian superstition had ordained for +them. + +We said "almost hopeless." Of course it was necessary to make that +proviso, for no one is ever hopeless in extremity, so long as he retains +faith in Providence. But every scheme that they had planned had been +proved void on consideration. Though free to a certain extent, they were +well watched. Escape was impossible, and their only remaining hope was +that when they were led forth for the sacrifice they might be able to +take advantage of some opportunity to make a last stand for freedom. + +"It would not matter so much for ourselves, if it were not for the +boys," Arnold said at last. "Their position is too terrible." + +"Of course they will be able to find their way back to Edmonton, when +they see that there is no hope of our returning----" + +"_No_ hope?" repeated Arnold. "Don't say that. I don't want to give up +hope until the very last moment. Something _may_ turn up, and in any +case I intend to make a good fight for freedom." + +"I suppose I do, too, when I think about it," returned Holden, with a +short forced laugh. "We both mean to kick up a bit of a dust when the +exciting moment comes----" + +"And you may bet it will be exciting for the first redskin who comes +against my fist. I promised myself to have a go at that skunk +Thunder-maker, before I make my bow to the world. But for him, I believe +this trouble would never have gone so far." + +"He certainly did his best to pile it on," agreed the younger man. "I +imagine that he was rather in hot water this morning, for I thought I +heard him yelling. There's no mistaking that harsh voice of his. And +there were sounds, too, for all the world as if some person were +getting a jolly good spanking. You were dozing at the time, so I didn't +disturb you. But I know I nearly waked you with laughing at the thought +of Thunder-maker receiving a good old-fashioned correction." + +"It would take more than that to do him good," said Arnold, with a +frown. "The man is a cheat and a scoundrel of the worst sort. He showed +us what he was worth when he told us, two nights ago, that he had the +tribe by the nose. Even now, after telling us that he knew better, I +suppose he's working up the people for to-night's show." + +Holden grunted contemptuously. + +"He seems bad to the core. In my opinion it has been he who has kept +Mighty Hand away. The chief was ready to reason, but I expect +Thunder-maker's boast that he could lead the tribe was a true one." + +"The old case of kings being ruled by their subjects," commented Arnold. + +After this conversation again flagged. Having little to say of an +encouraging nature, the men deemed that silence was best, and each sat +engrossed with his own thoughts while the daylight waned and the +shadows began to creep over the valley that a joking fate had called +"Pleasant." + +As time went on the Englishmen seemed to become aware of a sort of +disturbance in the camp. Feet were hurrying here and there, and voices +were speaking rapidly in low tones. Now and then, as some one passed the +teepee, the words "fiery totem" could be heard by those within, so +naturally the Englishmen attributed the excitement to matters relating +to the approaching sacrifice. + +But presently the excitement seemed to grow more intense, and the voices +were raised to a higher pitch. + +Unable to restrain curiosity any longer, the men went to look out from +the door of the teepee, and as they reached the opening a strange sight +presented itself before them. + +Gathered in many groups were all the Indians of the tribe, including all +the squaws and papooses, while the tall figure of Mighty Hand could be +seen through the gloaming, standing erect upon a hillock at a little +distance to one side. + +All had their backs turned towards the Englishmen. + +They were facing the towering blackness of a mighty cliff, while with a +sudden wave of silence they stood doubly transfixed, with eyes directed +to one portion of the dark wall, where a sort of light was dimly +glimmering. + +What could it be that had such a power to fascinate the whole tribe? + +The Englishmen looked in the same direction, but the object seemed to be +nothing more than an irregular line of light that might have been some +reflection caused by the setting sun. + +Still all watched in silence. + +And, as the darkness deepened so did the light become clear. From an +irregular line about ten feet long it seemed to take form gradually, +while it undoubtedly intensified in brightness. Clearer and still more +plainly was the outline revealed, until at last--when the sun had quite +vanished--there stood out against the black wall the shape of a snake of +fire, poised in the very act to strike, just as it was outlined on the +breast of Mighty Hand! + +Arnold and Holden were astounded at what they surmised to be some fresh +trick on the part of Thunder-maker, or some special form of the +impending ceremony. And at the same moment a loud cry broke from the +throats of the watching multitude. + +"The fiery totem! The fiery totem!" + +Then the Indians fell face downwards to the ground with fear. + +Surely such a prodigy had never been seen before? + +The sacred totem of the tribe had itself appeared, to warn the Dacotahs +that the fire was not to burn that night; that the two prisoners were +men, not evil spirits. + +While the two men were standing watching the prostrate Indians, three +figures crept round an adjacent tent--two of whom then darted forward, +while the third followed at more dignified leisure. + +"Bob!" + +"Alf!" + +These were the exclamations that burst from the lips of the captives as +two boys launched themselves forward to receiving arms. Then came the +dignified Skipper Mackintosh. + +"You are saved, good sirs," he said, without waiting for an +introduction. "My good phosphorus paint and the brains o' these fine +laddies has called up the fiery totem. I'm thinking that there will be +no sacrifice to superstition the--night, and that you'll a' be on your +way back to Crane Creek the morn." + + * * * * * + +And when next day the time came for departure, and the fathers and sons +had made their arrangements with the good wishes and help of Mighty +Hand, Swift Arrow, and a host of eager redmen, it was Bob who was first +to notice that Skipper Mackintosh and the half-breed seemed in no haste +to accompany the party. + +"Are you not coming with us?" the boy asked. + +The Scot smiled and shook his head. + +"No. I'm thinking to bide here for a few days, to hunt for yon hawk moth +that I told you aboot. Besides, when you're safe out of the way, I mean +to have a serious talk with Mighty Hand and his folk. I wouldn't have +them think that yon was a real fiery serpent. That would be idolatry. We +had to cheat them to save life, but--well, I'll no' leave the Dacotahs +until I've ceevilised them into believin' that the legend of the fiery +totem is false, and that there's better ways o' living than by believin' +such gowk's nonsense." + + THE END + +PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN BY MORRISON AND GIBB LIMITED, EDINBURGH + + + + +[Transcriber's Note: + +The following corrections and changes were made: + +*Passages in italics are indicated by _underscores_. + +*Illustrations have been moved closer to the relevant paragraphs. + +*In the text version, the footnotes have been moved to the end of the +relevant chapter. + +*In the html version, the footnotes have been moved to the end of the +book. + +*p. 30: Added missing period to end of "I guess the best thing we can do +is to turn in" + +*p. 64: Added missing hyphen to "Thunder maker" in "Thus speaking, +Thunder maker dived a hand" + +*p. 218: Added missing period after "returned Holden, with a short +forced laugh"] + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Fiery Totem, by Argyll Saxby + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FIERY TOTEM *** + +***** This file should be named 29686.txt or 29686.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/9/6/8/29686/ + +Produced by Larry B. 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