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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44574 ***
+
+Note: Images of the original pages are available through
+      HathiTrust Digital Library. See
+      http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3750786;view=1up;seq=495
+
+
+
+
+
+THE MISSOURI OUTLAWS
+
+by
+
+GUSTAVE AIMARD
+
+Author of "Prairie Flower," "Indian Scout," etc., etc.
+
+Translated by Percy B. St. John
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+London
+John And Robert Maxwell
+Milton House, Shoe Lane, Fleet Street
+and
+35, St. Bride Street, Ludgate Circus.
+1877
+
+
+
+
+NOTICE.
+
+Gustave Aimard was the adopted son of one of the most powerful Indian
+tribes, with whom he lived for more than fifteen years in the heart of
+the prairies, sharing their dangers and their combats, and accompanying
+them everywhere, rifle in one hand and tomahawk in the other. In turn
+squatter, hunter, trapper, warrior, and miner, Gustave Aimard has
+traversed America from the highest peaks of the Cordilleras to the
+ocean shores, living from hand to mouth, happy for the day, careless
+of the morrow. Hence it is that Gustave Aimard only describes his
+own life. The Indians of whom he speaks he has known--the manners he
+depicts are his own.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+Very few of the soul-stirring narratives written by GUSTAVE AIMARD
+are equal in freshness and vigour to "The Missouri Outlaws," hitherto
+unpublished in this country. The characters of the Squatter, the real,
+restless, unconquerable American, who is always going ahead, and of
+his wife and daughter, are admirably depicted, while his eccentric
+brother is a perfect gem of description. The great interest, however,
+of the narrative is centred in Tom Mitchell, the mysterious outlaw,
+whose fortunes excite the readers' imagination to the utmost. There
+can be no doubt he is one of the most original characters depicted by
+the versatile pen of the great French novelist. In addition to being
+a story of adventure, "The Missouri Outlaws" is also a love tale, and
+abounds in tender pathos, the interest of which is well sustained in
+"The Prairie Flower" and in its sequel, "The Indian Scout."
+
+PERCY B. ST. JOHN.
+
+London: _February, 1877._
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+       I. THE GOOD SHIP PATRIOT
+      II. SAMUEL DICKSON GIVES ADVICE TO HIS BROTHER
+     III. A QUEER CUSTOMER
+      IV. AN ALLIANCE OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE
+       V. A GREAT MEDICINE COUNCIL
+      VI. SAMUEL DICKSON HUNTS A MOOSE DEER
+     VII. JOSHUA DICKSON BECOMES MASTER OF THE VALLEY
+    VIII. DIANA DICKSON AND HER FOE
+      IX. THEY MAKE AN ACQUAINTANCE
+       X. WHO THE STRANGER WAS
+      XI. EXPLANATIONS
+     XII. HOW THE THREE TRAVELLERS WENT TO GEORGE CLINTON'S
+    XIII. TOM MITCHELL
+     XIV. SAMUEL AND JOSHUA
+      XV. NEW CHARACTERS
+     XVI. TOM MITCHELL AS REDRESSER OF WRONGS
+    XVII. A DIPLOMATIC CONVERSATION BETWEEN TWO RASCALS
+   XVIII. THE PRISONER
+     XIX. IN WHICH TOM MITCHELL DISCOVERS THAT HONESTY
+          IS A GOOD SPECULATION
+      XX. A STRANGE CHASE
+     XXI. CAPTAIN TOM MITCHELL, THE AVENGER
+    XXII. A DESPERATE STRUGGLE
+
+
+
+THE MISSOURI OUTLAWS
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE GOOD SHIP PATRIOT.
+
+
+On the 4th of August, 1801, a little after eight o'clock at night, just
+as the last rays of the setting sun disappeared behind the heights
+of Dorchester, gilding as they did so the summits of certain islands
+scattered at the entrance to Boston Bay, some idlers of both sexes,
+collected on Beacon Hill, at the foot of the lighthouse, saw a large
+vessel making for the harbour.
+
+At first it seemed as if the ship would be compelled to desist from her
+design, as the wind was slightly contrary; but, by a series of skilful
+manoeuvres, it at last passed by the danger which threatened, the sails
+were one by one taken in and furled, and finally the anchor was cast
+beside one of the many vessels in port.
+
+A few minutes later nothing was to be seen on deck save one man walking
+up and down doing duty as watch for the time being.
+
+The vessel had, under cover of a dense fog, escaped from Brest, slipped
+past the English cruisers, and finally, after many dangers, reached its
+destination.
+
+Descending into the cabin, we find two men seated at a table upon which
+were glasses, bottles, pipes, and tobacco, conversing and smoking.
+
+These were Captain Pierre Durand, a young man, with regular but rather
+effeminate features, and yet a look of frank honesty, to which his
+sparkling eyes, his broad forehead, his long waving hair, gave an
+appearance of singular energy. Though every inch a sailor, there was a
+refinement about him not generally found in his class.
+
+His companion was a handsome and haughty young man, of about
+two-and-twenty, of moderate height, but with very broad shoulders; he
+was evidently of powerful make, with nerves of steel. His complexion
+was olive; his hair long wavy black; his eyes were large and bold; the
+expression of his countenance sombre and thoughtful, while at this
+early age many a wrinkle caused by thought or suffering was to be
+observed.
+
+There had evidently been a warm discussion, for the captain was walking
+up and down, a frown upon his brow. Suddenly, however, he reseated
+himself and held out his hand across the table.
+
+"I was wrong. Do not be vexed," he said.
+
+"I am not angry, my good Pierre," he answered.
+
+"Then why sulk with your friend?"
+
+"I do not sulk, heaven knows; I am simply sad. You have reopened a
+wound I thought forever closed," the other added with a sigh.
+
+"Well, then, in heaven's name, if it be so," cried the captain, "let us
+talk about something else--and above all, let us drink. This old rum is
+a sovereign remedy for the blues. Your health, my friend."
+
+Both drank after touching glasses, and then silence again ensued.
+
+"Now, my dear Oliver," resumed the captain, "at last we are safe in
+Boston. We leave tomorrow. What do you intend to do?"
+
+"You remember our conversation at Brest?"
+
+"I have not forgotten it, but I never seriously entertained the idea.
+We had dined rather copiously."
+
+"We were very sober. There were two bottles on the table, one empty
+and the other nearly full. I then told you that though I had only just
+returned to France after an absence of ten years, I was compelled to
+leave at a moment's notice, and to leave without raising any suspicion.
+I wanted to depart without anyone being able to obtain the slightest
+clue; you remember," he added.
+
+"I do, and I told you that I would run the blockade that very night, if
+the weather turned out as bad as I expected. Did I keep my promise?"
+
+"With all the loyalty of your honest heart. I also told you I intended
+remaining in America."
+
+"It is to that madcap resolution I object," said the captain
+emphatically. "Why not stay with me? You are an excellent sailor--you
+shall be my chief officer."
+
+"No, my friend. I can accept nothing which can ever tempt me to return
+to France," he answered.
+
+"How you suffer!" sighed his friend.
+
+"Horribly. Come, my friend, as we shall part for ever tomorrow, I will
+tell you my history."
+
+"Not if it makes you suffer."
+
+"I will be brief. Sad as my story is, it is not very long."
+
+"Go on," replied Captain Durand, filling up two more glasses of rum,
+and lighting a fresh cigar for himself.
+
+"I will not sermonise, but begin at the beginning. I was born in Paris,
+but might be English, German, or even Russian, for all I know. I am
+simply aware that my birthplace was Paris, in the house of a doctor,
+where my mother took refuge. It was in the Rue St. Honoré I first
+saw the light but, as soon as I could be removed, was sent to the
+Foundling. There I remained four years, until a loving young couple,
+who had lost their only child, adopted me. They were poor, and lived on
+the third floor of a wretched old house, in the Rue Plumet, where, I
+must own, I had enough, but of very coarse, food."
+
+"One day, however, fortune knocked at the door. My adopted mother was,
+and still is, one of the handsomest women in Paris. By accident an old
+friend, a distant relation, a man of high position, found her out. He
+at once procured a lucrative appointment for my supposed parent, and
+we moved to a splendid residence in the Faubourg du Roule. The friend,
+who lived close by, at once began to visit us every evening, and, by a
+curious coincidence, the husband always found business which required
+his absence. He never returned until a quarter of an hour after the
+other had left."
+
+"Accommodating husband," sneered Durand.
+
+"Just so. But, unfortunately for me, I became older, curious, was
+always turning up when not wanted, and saying things which were not
+required. It was decided that I was an incorrigible scamp, and must be
+sent away."
+
+"My adopted mother had relations at Dunkirk, and I was packed off to
+them to be sent to sea as cabin boy. Then only did I discover that
+these people were not my parents. My supposed mother coldly kissed me,
+told me to be a good boy and gave me ten sous; my father, who escorted
+me to the ramshackle vehicle which traded between Paris and Calais,
+told me to remember this, that society never having done anything for
+me, I was to do nothing for society; the only virtues to which men ever
+owed success were, he said, selfishness and ingratitude. He further
+added, 'Good-bye, we shall never meet again.'"
+
+"He turned his back and left me. This was my first young sorrow, and I
+felt it very much."
+
+"I feel for you," said the captain; "your story is very much like my
+own."
+
+"These people, knowing me then to be very delicate, hoped that the
+hardy profession they had selected for me would kill me. They were
+mistaken."
+
+"As I see," answered Durand.
+
+"I was first boy on board a herring boat, where I had to endure the
+brutality and insolence of a low drunkard, who never spoke except with
+an oath from his mouth, accompanying it with a blow from his cane. My
+apprenticeship was one long terror. Sometimes a whaler, sometimes a cod
+fisher, sometimes a slaver. I have been five or six times round the
+world; abandoned on the wildest coast of America, I was a long time
+prisoner; shipwrecked on an island in the Pacific, I wonder I did not
+die of misery and despair."
+
+"Poor Oliver!"
+
+"But bad as was my life, I everywhere in savage lands found some
+friend; but in France, from which I was ignominiously expelled eleven
+years ago, I found on my return two implacable foes--Calumny and
+Hatred. I was a very sharp boy, and trusted wholly to strangers.
+I could not help hearing many things I should not have heard. I
+discovered the secret of my birth, who were my father and mother,
+their exact names, and their position in society. One day, in a moment
+of frenzy--and you know I am extremely violent--I was foolish enough
+to let out the fact that I knew all. From that day a vow was made to
+accomplish my ruin; the most calumnious reports pursued me; I was
+accused behind my back and in the dark of the most horrible crimes. It
+is to me still a wonder how I have escaped all the ambushes laid for
+me. My foes hesitated at nothing. They tried to assassinate me. Is it
+not horrible? Well, having failed in the ordinary way, they bribed the
+captain of a ship I had joined to maroon me on the coast of New Mexico,
+where dwell the most ferocious Indian tribes."
+
+"And the captain did this?"
+
+"Pardieu!" cried Oliver; "He was a poor man, and the father of a
+family. I was cast on shore stupefied by laudanum. When I recovered the
+ship was already out of sight. I expected to be killed by the savages
+or to die of hunger. How neither happened is too long a story to tell
+now. But the end of all is, I have determined on an eternal exile.
+Never again will I place myself in the power of my foes, who live rich,
+happy, and respected in France."
+
+"You will establish yourself in Boston?"
+
+"No! I have done with civilised life; I shall now try that of the
+desert. It is my intention to bury myself in the wilds until I find
+an Indian tribe that will welcome me. I will ask them to receive me
+as a warrior. I thoroughly understand the manners and customs of the
+aborigines, and shall easily make friends."
+
+"I believe," observed the captain, "that you are right in this
+particular. You are young, brave, and intelligent; therefore you will
+succeed even in this mad project. But mark my word, you may live five,
+perhaps ten years with the Indians; but at last you will weary of this
+existence--what will you do then?"
+
+"Who knows? Experience will have ripened my reason, perhaps killed my
+grief, even deadened the hatred which burns within my heart. I may even
+learn to forgive those who have made me suffer. That in itself is a
+sort of vengeance."
+
+"But you will never come to that," said his friend.
+
+The young man rose without making any reply, and went on deck.
+
+Next day, as soon as the usual formalities had been gone through, the
+captain landed in his boat with his young friend. Both were silent
+before the sailors. Very soon they were threading their way along the
+crowded quays. Boston was by no means the really magnificent town which
+now excite universal admiration, but it was already a very busy and
+important commercial emporium.
+
+The Americans, with their restless activity, had hastened to clear away
+all signs of the War of Independence; the town had grown quite young
+again, and assumed that gay and lively physiognomy which belongs to
+great commercial centres, where almost everybody can find the means of
+living.
+
+As soon as they were alone the captain spoke.
+
+"When, my friend, do you propose to start?" he said.
+
+"Tonight, two hours before the setting of the sun. I burn with a fierce
+desire to breathe the air of the great savannahs, to feel free from the
+trammels of civilisation," he answered.
+
+"Well, my friend, I must leave you now, but promise to wait breakfast
+for me, and to do nothing until you have seen me again," insisted the
+captain.
+
+"I was about to ask you to join me. Where shall we breakfast?"
+
+The captain indicated a hotel at no great distance, after which he
+hurried away to wait on the consignees.
+
+"What on earth can Pierre mean," muttered Oliver to himself, "by my
+doing nothing until we meet again? Probably he will try once more to
+change my resolution. He ought to know that once I make up my mind I
+never falter. He is a good fellow, the only man who has ever been my
+sincere and devoted friend--the only being in the world I am sorry to
+part from."
+
+Musing thus Oliver strolled about, looking listlessly at the streets,
+the shops, and particularly selecting those which, by-and-by, he would
+have to visit for the purpose of his outfit, which he would have to
+purchase after breakfast.
+
+An hour later the two men met in front of the hotel. Both were exact to
+a minute. They ordered breakfast in a private room. As soon as they had
+finished the captain opened the ball.
+
+"Now let us chat," he said.
+
+"With the greatest of pleasure," replied Oliver. "Nothing is more
+agreeable after a meal than to enjoy a cigar, a cup of coffee, and a
+friend's company."
+
+"And yet you have determined to deprive yourself of these luxuries
+forever," replied Durand.
+
+"Man is ever insatiable. The unknown always did and always will attract
+him. He will ever quit the substance for the shadow. The fable is
+right. But let us talk of something else. Serious conversation after
+eating is folly," observed Oliver.
+
+"You are quite right--some more rum in your coffee? It is an excellent
+thing. What do you think I have been doing since I saw you?"
+
+"It is impossible for me to guess," cried Oliver.
+
+The captain rose, went to the window, and gave a short whistle. After
+this, he returned to his seat, Oliver staring at him while he sipped
+his coffee.
+
+Five minutes elapsed, and then in came several men, carrying various
+packets, which they placed on a side table, and went out without
+speaking.
+
+"What does it mean?" cried Oliver, in comic astonishment.
+
+"Then something can rouse you?" cried Durand, smiling.
+
+"No, only I wondered."
+
+"Never mind. You still intend going off tonight?" asked the captain.
+
+"Certainly," said Oliver rising; "that reminds me--"
+
+"One moment. We are old friends, and there should be no secrets between
+us," urged Durand.
+
+"There shall be none," answered Oliver.
+
+"Have you much money?" asked Durand.
+
+"Do you want to lend me any?" cried Oliver.
+
+"No matter if I did. But still I want an answer," urged Durand.
+
+"I have eleven thousand francs in gold sewn in my belt, and in a bag
+fastened round my neck diamonds worth a hundred and twenty thousand
+more. Besides this I have about eighty guineas in English money for
+immediate expenses. Are you satisfied?"
+
+"Perfectly," said the captain laughing, "and now listen to me."
+
+"Then it appears you are not quite satisfied?" cried Oliver, in his
+turn surprised.
+
+"Don't be in a hurry. I wish to interest you if I can."
+
+"I will wait your pleasure," observed Oliver, smiling at the other's
+hesitation.
+
+"It is useless," said Durand, "for me to feign a gaiety I do not feel.
+I feel more like weeping than laughing. The mere idea of this long,
+perhaps eternal, separation makes my heart bleed. I think that the hand
+now in mine I shall never shake again."
+
+"Don't be downhearted. Perhaps we may meet sooner than either of us
+expect," retorted Oliver.
+
+"I hope you may be a true prophet. Still I cannot help shuddering at
+the thought of your starting off amidst people whose language you do
+not even know."
+
+"There you are mistaken," responded Oliver; "as well as French, I speak
+English, Spanish, and Dutch, with about five Indian dialects, which I
+picked up at different times."
+
+"It is a wonder," mused the other, "that, placed as you have been, you
+should have had the time."
+
+"Before I became a cabin boy I could read and write a little. After a
+time I spent every moment of leisure in study."
+
+"I remember," sighed Durand, "I never met you without you were reading.
+What will you do for books now?"
+
+"What book is more interesting than that in which God has written on
+the plains, on the mountains, on the minutest blade of grass?" replied
+Oliver with enthusiasm. "Believe me, my friend, the sacred book of
+Nature has pages too interesting to ever weary us; from them you always
+find consolation, hope, encouragement. But," he added with a smile, "I
+have two books with me which, in my opinion, epitomise all great human
+thoughts, make man better, and even restore his courage, when bowed
+down by the heavy weight of misfortune. I have these books by heart,
+and yet I read them over again."
+
+And he laid on the table two books bound in black morocco.
+
+"What!" cried the amazed captain, "'The Imitation of Jesus Christ' and
+'Montaigne'!"
+
+"Yes. 'The Imitation of Jesus Christ' and 'Montaigne,' the most
+complete and sincere books ever written, for they tell the story of
+doubt and belief. They tell the rival story of all the philosophers
+who have existed since the creation of the world. With these two books
+and the magnificent spectacle of Nature around me have I not a whole
+library?"
+
+"I cannot make you out. You overwhelm me," said the captain; "but
+I have not the courage to contradict you. You are too much for me.
+Go forth, seek the unknown, for alone that will comprehend you. You
+are one of those whom adversity purifies and renders great; you will
+often feel inclined to fall by the way in the gigantic combat you are
+about to undertake against the world. But fail is not a word in your
+dictionary. Even death, when it comes, will not conquer you."
+
+"All the more that death is but a transformation, a purification of
+brutal matter by Divine agency. But," he remarked with a smile, "I
+think we are talking about very serious matters very foreign to our
+subject. Let us return to business, for the hour of our departure is
+rapidly approaching."
+
+At this moment the tramp of horses was heard, and the captain again ran
+to the window.
+
+"Hilloa!" cried the young man; "Another of your mysterious walks! Do
+explain yourself."
+
+"All right," he replied, reseating himself, "there is no reason for
+circumlocution between friends. The truth must be told. I had hoped to
+lend you money, and I know that had you have required it, you would
+have borrowed it."
+
+"Certainly, without hesitation, my friend."
+
+"Of course, as I find you are very much better off than myself, I
+withdraw the proposition; but I had already provided your outfit."
+
+"What can you mean? Provided my outfit!"
+
+"Yes! I mean to say that there is not a single thing required for your
+journey that is not ready. Look!"
+
+And both rising, the captain opened the parcels which had been left on
+a side table.
+
+"Look here," said the captain; "this is a real Kentucky rifle, the
+only gun fit for a hunter; I have tried it. This is a ball pouch, with
+mould and everything necessary to make others when needed; this is
+your powder horn, which is full, while here are two small canisters
+to replenish with; this is a 'necessary,' as we sailors call it,
+containing spoon, fork, cup, knife, and other trifles; this is a
+leather belt; this is a game bag, with gaiters, riding boots, a cloak,
+and four rugs."
+
+"My dear friend," said Oliver, deeply moved, "you have been ruining
+yourself."
+
+"Get out of that and wait a little longer. As you seriously wish to
+adopt savage life, at all events you must be rigged out accordingly,"
+he added, laughing. "This is a hunting knife, which you put in your
+belt; these pistols are to be placed in the holsters; that sword is
+perhaps one of the best cavalry swords I have ever seen. What, more!
+Oh, yes. This portmanteau, which is neither too large nor too small,
+in which you will find shirts and other necessaries. Then some pipes,
+tobacco, flint and steel, and a dozen boxes of preserves, in case you
+may someday be short of provisions. I think, on my honour, that is all.
+No, I had forgotten: paper, pens, ink, and pencils. And now my watch as
+a last remembrance."
+
+"This I must refuse. Your watch is too useful to yourself."
+
+"My friend, every time you look at it you will think of me," said the
+captain.
+
+And the two Frenchmen embraced.
+
+"I accept," replied Oliver, with deep emotion.
+
+"Now I know," continued the captain, "you are really my friend; and now
+let me see you dressed up as a true traveller, while I put the other
+things back into their parcels."
+
+"But before I don my new prairie costume, I have something else to
+buy," cried Oliver.
+
+"What!" cried the captain, "I thought surely I had forgotten nothing."
+
+"Do you think, my dear friend, that I am going to carry all this on my
+back. I don't want to look like a comic Robinson Crusoe, and, besides,
+it is more than I could do. I must have a horse."
+
+The captain burst out laughing.
+
+"Look out of window, my dear friend," he said, "and then you shall
+decide whether or not I forgot anything."
+
+Oliver approached the window, and saw two magnificent horses admirably
+caparisoned.
+
+"What do you think of those animals?" asked the captain.
+
+"They are both splendid; above all, the black one--a true horse of the
+prairies--a mustang."
+
+"You seem to know all about it."
+
+"I have seen them often enough," replied the young man; "the owner of
+this one should be proud."
+
+"It is yours," said Durand.
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"I bought it for you," was the simple reply.
+
+"Pierre! Pierre! I repeat, you are ruined."
+
+"Hush; I may as well add that under the saddles I have placed double
+pockets, which contain many things I have forgotten."
+
+"But there are two horses," he cried.
+
+"One for you and one for myself. At all events, I must see you fairly
+on your way."
+
+Oliver made no reply, but turned away to dress in order to hide his
+emotion. When he was in full costume his friend burst out laughing, and
+told him he looked like a Calabrian bandit.
+
+"And now which way do we go?" asked the captain.
+
+"Straight forward," replied Oliver.
+
+"Yes," cried the captain, "just so, as you are going round the world."
+
+In two hours, after a hearty and warm shake of the hand, they parted.
+They were too deeply moved to speak.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+SAMUEL DICKSON GIVES ADVICE TO HIS BROTHER.
+
+
+On the same day on which the _Patriot_ anchored in the Bay of
+Massachusetts an interesting event took place between seven and eight
+in the morning in a pretty village named Northampton, at no great
+distance from Boston.
+
+Everybody was excited. A crowd of men, women, and children pressed
+around a number of waggons, each drawn by six horses. They stood in
+front of a brick house, the only inn of the village. Four magnificent
+saddle horses, with very handsome harness, were held by a young
+intelligent-looking Negro, who at the same time smoked a short pipe.
+
+The crowd was very excited, but very decorous and quiet--as a New
+England crowd always is--waiting simply for an explanation.
+
+Suddenly the sharp trot of a horse was heard at the entrance of the
+street. This served to create a new sensation in the crowd.
+
+"Samuel Dickson!" cried the people; "At last he has come. Now he will
+make them listen to reason."
+
+The new arrival was a man of middle age, with a pleasant countenance,
+delicate and intelligent features, clothed in the dress of a rich
+farmer, and in those parts was looked up to as a most important
+individual.
+
+He made his way carefully through the crowd, bowing on either hand, and
+rather puzzled at the ovation he was receiving.
+
+"Ah! Ah! That is you, massa," said a Negro, with a chuckle, as he
+approached the inn door.
+
+"Sandy, is that you? Then I suppose the others are inside," he
+remarked, as he dismounted and handed him the bridle.
+
+"Yes, Massa Samuel, dem all dere."
+
+"I am glad of it," he replied, "for I have come a long way to see them.
+Look after my horse, he is rather fresh."
+
+Then, bowing once more to the crowd, Samuel Dickson entered the inn,
+closing the door behind him.
+
+In a large and comfortable room six persons, two women and four men,
+were seated at one of those copious breakfasts which are never seen
+to such perfection as in America. Upon benches round the room sat
+about twenty persons in a humbler station in life, amongst others two
+coloured young women, who were eating from bowls and plates placed on
+their knees.
+
+Those at the table were the members of the family--father, mother,
+daughter, and three sons. Those around were the servants.
+
+Joshua Dickson, the head of the family, was in reality a man of
+fifty-five, not, however, looking more than forty. He was a man of
+rude manners, but frank, honest expression. He was six feet high, as
+powerful as Hercules, a true type of those hardy pioneers who opened
+up the forests of the New World, drove back the Indians, and founded
+stations in the desert, which in time became rich and flourishing towns.
+
+His sons were named Harry, Sam, and Jack, aged respectively thirty,
+twenty-eight, and twenty-six. They were all three as tall as their
+father, and about as Herculean--true Americans, with no thought of the
+past, only looking to the future.
+
+Susan Dickson, the mother of this trio of giants, was a woman of about
+fifty--small, elegant, but extremely active, with delicate features
+and a pre-possessing physiognomy. She looked much younger than she
+really was--thanks to her really admirable complexion and the singular
+brightness of her eyes. She must have been rarely beautiful in her
+youth.
+
+Diana, the child of her old age, as she loved to call her, was
+scarcely sixteen, was the idol of the family, the guardian angel of
+the fireside; her father and brothers actually worshipped her. It
+was something wonderful to see their rude natures bending like reeds
+before the slightest wish of this delicate child, and obeying her most
+fantastic orders without a murmur.
+
+Diana was a charming brunette, with blue and dreamy eyes, slight and
+flexible form; she was pale; a look of profound melancholy was to be
+remarked on her countenance, giving to her physiognomy that angelic
+expression rarely found except in the Madonnas of Titien. This sadness,
+which all the family saw with sorrow, had only been in existence a few
+days. When questioned on the subject, even by her mother, she had no
+answer to give.
+
+"It is nothing at all," she said, "only a slight feeling of sickness,
+which will soon pass away."
+
+Hearing this, all had ceased to question her, though all felt uneasy,
+and slightly annoyed at her reticence. Still, as she was the spoiled
+child of the family, no one had the heart to blame her or pester her
+with questions. They had seduced her to govern them unquestioned that
+it appeared hard now to want to curb her will.
+
+The entrance of the stranger into the hall where the emigrants were
+breakfasting like persons who knew the value of time, caused no small
+stir; they ceased eating, and, glancing at one another, whispered
+amongst themselves. The stranger, leaning on his riding whip, looked at
+them with an odd kind of smile.
+
+The chief of the family, though himself somewhat surprised, was the
+first to recover himself. He rose, held out his hand, and spoke in what
+he intended should be a jovial tone. The attempt was a failure.
+
+"My good brother," he said, "this is indeed a surprise. I really did
+not expect to see you; but sit down beside my wife and have some
+breakfast."
+
+"Thank you; I am not hungry."
+
+"Then excuse me if I finish my meal," continued the emigrant.
+
+"Brother," presently said Samuel, "for a man of your age you are acting
+in an extraordinary manner."
+
+"I don't think so," replied the other.
+
+"Let me ask you where are you going?"
+
+"Northward, to the great lakes."
+
+"What is the meaning of this?"
+
+"My friend, I am told there is good land to be had but for the taking."
+
+"May I ask who put this silly idea in your head?"
+
+"No one. It is a splendid country, with splendid forests, water in
+abundance, a delicious climate, though rather cold, and land for
+nothing."
+
+"Have you seen this beautiful country?"
+
+"No; but I know all about it."
+
+"Do you?" sneered the other; "Well, beware of the creeks."
+
+"Never you fear. Wherever there is water there are bridges."
+
+"Of course; and now may I ask, what have you done with your magnificent
+southern property?" the other asked.
+
+"I have sold it, slaves and all, keeping only such as were willing to
+follow me. I brought away all that could travel--my wife, my sons, my
+daughter, my furniture, my horses, all I wanted."
+
+"May I without offence ask you this question: Were you not very well
+where you were? Did you not find the land excellent?"
+
+"I was well off, and the land was excellent."
+
+"Were you unable to sell your produce?"
+
+"I had an admirable market," was the answer.
+
+"Then," cried Samuel, angrily, "what in the devil's name do you mean by
+giving it up and going to a land where you will find nothing but wild
+beasts, brutal savages, and a hard and rigorous climate?"
+
+The bold adventurer, driven into his last intrenchment, made no reply,
+only scratching his head in search of a reply. His wife here interfered.
+
+"What is the use," she said, smiling, "asking for reasons which do
+not exist? Joshua is going for the love of change--nothing more. All
+our lives, as you well know, we have been roaming hither and thither.
+As soon as we are once comfortably settled anywhere, then we begin to
+think it time to be off."
+
+"Yes! Yes! I know my brother's vagabond habits. But when he is in one
+of his mad fits, why do you not interfere?" he cried, impetuously.
+
+"Brother, you don't know what it is to be married to a wanderer," she
+said.
+
+"Good!" cried Joshua, laughing.
+
+"But if you don't find this beautiful country?" asked Samuel.
+
+"I will embark on one of the rivers."
+
+"And where will you land?"
+
+"I have not the slightest idea. But there, do not be uneasy, I shall
+find a place."
+
+"Then," said Samuel, gazing at him with perfect amazement in his looks,
+"you are determined?"
+
+"I am determined."
+
+"Then, as we shall never meet again, come and spend a few days at my
+house," urged Samuel.
+
+"I am very sorry to decline, but I cannot go back. If I were to waste a
+day, it would be a serious loss of time and money. I must reach my new
+settlement in time for the sowing."
+
+Samuel Dickson, putting his hands behind his back, walked across the
+room with great strides, backwards and forwards, watching his niece
+curiously under his eyes.
+
+He several times struck the ground with his riding whip, muttering to
+himself all the time. Diana sat with her hands crossed on her knees,
+the teardrops falling from her eyes.
+
+Suddenly the farmer appeared to have made up his mind. Turning round,
+he laid his heavy hand on his brother's shoulder.
+
+"Joshua!" he said, "It is clear to me that you are mad, and that I
+alone in the family possess any common sense; never, God forgive you,
+did more crooked notion enter the head of an honest man. You won't come
+to my house? Very good. I will then ask you one thing, which, if you
+refuse, I shall never forgive you."
+
+"You know how much I love you."
+
+"I know you say so; but this is the favour I ask: don't start until you
+see me again."
+
+"Hem! But--"
+
+"I must get home on important business at once. My house is but twenty
+miles distant; I shall soon be back."
+
+"But when?" cautiously asked the emigrant.
+
+"Tomorrow, or the next day at the latest."
+
+"That is a long delay," continued Joshua.
+
+"I do not deny it. But as your paradise, your El Dorado, your beautiful
+country will not probably run away, you are bound to reach it sooner
+or later. Besides," urged Samuel, "it is important, very important, we
+should meet again."
+
+"As you will, my brother," sighed Joshua; "I give you my word to wait
+until the day after tomorrow at seven o'clock in the morning--no later."
+
+"That will suit me admirably," cried the farmer; "so good-bye for the
+present."
+
+And with a bow to all, and a smile to Diana, he hurried out of the room.
+
+The crowd still patiently surrounded the inn and received him with a
+loud shout. He, however, took no notice, but rode off.
+
+"We could not very well refuse, Susan," said the farmer to his wife.
+
+"He is your brother," she replied.
+
+"Our only relative," murmured Diana.
+
+"True. Diana is right. Children, unharness the animals: we will stop
+here tonight."
+
+And, to the great surprise of the gaping crowd, who hung about after
+the fashion of idlers, the horses of the emigrants were unyoked and
+taken to a shed, the waggons placed under cover, without the curious
+knowing the reason why.
+
+On the morning of the second day Joshua Dickson, shortly after sunrise,
+was overlooking the horses being fed by his sons and servants, when a
+great noise was heard in the street, as of many waggons, and then there
+was a sharp knocking at the door of the inn.
+
+Joshua hastily left the stables and took his way to the great room of
+the hotel.
+
+He came face to face with Samuel Dickson, who had just been admitted by
+the sleepy innkeeper.
+
+"Hilloa!" cried Joshua, "Is that you, my brother?"
+
+"Who else do you suppose it is?" cried Samuel.
+
+"Well, but I did not expect you so early."
+
+"Well," said Samuel, drily, "I was afraid you might give me the slip,
+so I came early."
+
+"An excellent idea, brother," said Mrs. Dickson, who now entered.
+
+"And knowing how anxious my brother is to reach the promised land, I
+would not keep him waiting."
+
+"Quite right," coolly replied Joshua; "and now about this important
+business?"
+
+"Look out of window," drily answered Samuel.
+
+Joshua obeyed, and saw five heavily-laden waggons, drawn each by
+horses, with about twelve hired men.
+
+"Well," coolly observed Joshua, "what may be the meaning of all this?"
+
+"It means," answered the farmer, "that as you have found yourself such
+a fool, it becomes my duty, as your elder brother, to come and look
+after you. I have sold up everything, and invested part, as you see."
+
+"Oh, my brother!" cried Joshua, with tears in his eyes.
+
+"Am I not your only relative? Wherever you go, I shall go--only there
+will now be two fools, but I am the bigger of the two. I talk like a
+wise man and act like a foolish child."
+
+Uncle Samuel was adored by all the family, everyone was delighted,
+while Diana was radiant.
+
+"Oh, my good uncle," she said, warmly embracing him, "it is for me you
+do this."
+
+"Do you think," he whispered, "I ever meant to desert my niece?"
+
+Two hours later the double caravan started on its way.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+A QUEER CUSTOMER.
+
+
+It was the beginning of the month of October, and some sharp frosts
+had rid the land of mosquitoes and gnats, which during the hot season
+abound in myriads near watercourses and beneath the leafy arches of the
+virgin forest, being one of its worst scourges.
+
+A few minutes after the rising of the sun a traveller, mounted on a
+magnificent horse, wearing the costume of a prairie hunter, and whose
+general appearance indicated a white man, emerged at a walking pace
+from a high thicket, and entered upon a vast prairie, at that day
+almost unknown to the trappers themselves, those hardy explorers of
+the desert--and which was not far from the Rocky Mountains, in the
+centre of the Indian country, and nearly two thousand miles from any
+settlement.
+
+This traveller was Oliver. He had, we see, already travelled a long
+distance.
+
+Two months only had elapsed, during which, going always straight before
+him, he had traversed all the provinces of the young American republic,
+never stopping except to rest himself and horse; then he had passed the
+frontier and entered the desert.
+
+Then he was happy. For the first time in his life he was free and
+unfettered, having cut himself off forever, as he thought, from the
+heavy trammels of civilisation.
+
+Oliver had at once begun his apprenticeship as a hunter, and a rude
+apprenticeship it is, causing many of the boldest and bravest to
+retreat. But Oliver was no ordinary man; he was young, of rare vigour
+and address, and, above all, possessed that iron will which nothing
+stops, and which is the secret of great deeds; that leonine courage
+which laughs at danger, and that indomitable pride which made him,
+he thought, the equal of any living being. He therefore considered
+nothing impossible, that is to say, he felt he could not only do what
+anyone else had ever done, but even more, if he were called upon by
+extraordinary circumstances to try.
+
+During two months he had met with numerous adventures. He had fought
+many a battle, and braved dangers before which the bravest might have
+retreated--perils of all kinds, from man, beast, and Nature herself.
+
+A victor in every case, his audacity had increased, his energy had
+redoubled. His apprentice days were over, and he now felt himself a
+true runner of the woods, that is to say, a man whom no appalling
+sight, whom no dreadful catastrophe, would terrify--in fact, one who
+was only to be moved by the majestic aspect of nature.
+
+He had paused as he left the thicket to examine the scene.
+
+Before him was a valley through which flowed two rivers, which after
+some time joined and fell into the Missouri, whose vast lake surface
+appeared like a white vapoury line on the distant horizon. Upon a
+promontory projecting into the first river was a superb bosquet of
+palms and magnolias; the latter, shaped like a perfect cone, stood in
+lustrous verdure against the dazzling whiteness of the flowers, which,
+despite the season, were still blooming. These flowers were so large
+that Oliver could see them a mile off.
+
+The great majority of these magnolias were over a hundred feet high;
+many were very much more.
+
+To the right was a wood of poplars, overrun with vines of enormous
+size, which wholly concealed the trunks. They then ran to the top of
+the tree, then redescending along the branches, passed from one tree
+to another, mixing up with piquot, a kind of creeper which hung in
+garlands and festoons from every bough.
+
+The young man could not take his eyes off the magnificent spectacle.
+Suddenly he started, as he made out a thin column of smoke rising from
+the centre of the magnolia thicket.
+
+Now the presence of smoke denotes fire, and fire indicates human
+beings. In nine cases out of ten, in the desert, such human beings are
+enemies.
+
+It is a harsh word, but it is certain that the most cruel enemy of man
+in the desert, his most terrible adversary, is his fellow man.
+
+The sight of this smoke roused no excited feelings in the bosom of our
+adventurer; he simply saw that his weapons were in order, and rode
+straight for the magnolia valley. As it happened, a narrow path led
+exactly in that direction.
+
+No matter whether he was to meet friends or foes, he was not sorry to
+see a human face; for a week, not a white man, MĂ©tis, or Indian had
+fallen across his path, and, despite himself, this complete silence and
+absolute solitude began to tell upon him, though he would not own it
+even to himself.
+
+He had passed over about one-third of the distance which separated him
+from the thicket, and was only a pistol shot away, when he suddenly
+stopped, under the influence of strange emotion.
+
+A rich and harmonious voice rose from amidst the trees, singing with
+the most perfect accent a song with French words. These words came
+clear and distinct to his ears; the surprise of the young man may be
+conceived when he recognised the "Marseillaise." This magnificent
+work, sung in the desert by an invisible being, amidst that grand
+scenery, and repeated as it were by the echoes of the savannah, assumed
+to him gigantic proportions.
+
+Despite himself, Oliver felt the tears come to his eyes; he pressed
+his hand upon his chest, as if to repress the wild beatings of his
+heart; in a second all his past came rushing tumultuously before him.
+Once more he saw in his mind's eye that France from which he believed
+himself forever separated, and felt how vain must ever be the effort to
+repudiate one's country.
+
+Led on by the irresistible charm, he entered the thicket just as the
+singer gave forth in his rich and stentorian voice the last couplets.
+
+He pushed aside some branches that checked his progress, and found
+himself face to face with a young man, who, seated on the grass by the
+riverside, near a glowing fire, was dipping biscuit in the water with
+one hand, while with the other, in which he held a knife, he dipped
+into a tin containing sardines.
+
+Lifting up his head as the other approached, the unknown nodded his
+head.
+
+"Welcome to my fireside, my friend," he said in French, with a gay
+smile; "if you are hungry, eat; if you are cold, warm yourself."
+
+"I accept your offer," replied Oliver, good-humouredly, as he leaped
+from his horse, and removing the bridle, hoppled him near the unknown.
+
+He then seated himself by the fire, and opening his saddlebags, shared
+his provisions with his new friend, who frankly accepted this very
+welcome addition to his own very modest repast.
+
+The unknown was a tall young fellow about six feet high, well and
+solidly built; his colour, which was very dark, arose from his being of
+a mixed race, called from the colour of their skin Bois brulé, under
+which general appellation we have half-castes of all kinds.
+
+The features of this young man, rather younger if anything than our
+hero, were intelligent and sympathetic with a very open look; his open
+forehead, shaded by curly light chestnut hair, his prominent nose, his
+large mouth, furnished with magnificent teeth, his fair rich beard,
+completed a physiognomy by no means vulgar.
+
+His costume was that of all the trappers and hunters of high northern
+latitudes: mitasses of doeskin, waistcoat of the same, over which was
+thrown a blouse of blue linen, ornamented with white and red threads;
+a cap of beaver fur, and Indian moccasins and leggings reaching to
+the knee; from his belt of rattlesnake skin hung a long knife, called
+langue de boeuf, a hatchet, a bison powder horn, a ball bag, and a pipe
+of red-stone clay with a cherrywood tube; such was the complete costume
+of the person upon whom Oliver had so singularly fallen. Close to his
+hand on the grass was a Kentucky rifle and game bag, which doubtless he
+used to carry his provisions in.
+
+"Faith," cried the adventurer, when his appetite was satisfied, "I have
+to thank fortune for meeting you in this way, my friend."
+
+"Such meetings are rare in the desert. And now allow me to ask you a
+question."
+
+"Ten if you like--nay, fifty."
+
+"Well, then, how was it that the moment you saw me you addressed me in
+French?" he asked.
+
+"For a very simple reason. In the first place, all the runners of the
+woods, trappers, and prairie hunters, are French, or at all events,
+ninety-five out of every hundred," he answered.
+
+"Then of course you are French?"
+
+"And Norman as well. My grandfather was born at Domfront. You know the
+proverb, Domfront, city of evil. You enter it at twelve, and are hung
+before one."
+
+"I am also French," said Oliver.
+
+"So I perceive. But to continue. My grandfather was, as I have said,
+from Domfront, but my father was born in Canada, as I was, so that I am
+a Frenchman born in America. Still we have the old country on the other
+side of the water, and all who come from it are received with open arms
+by us poor exiles. There are brave and noble hearts in Canada; if they
+only knew it in France they would not be so ungrateful and disdainful
+towards us, who never did anything to justify their cruel desertion."
+
+"True," said Oliver, "France was very much in the wrong after you had
+shed so much blood for her."
+
+"Which we would do again tomorrow," replied the Canadian. "Is not
+France our mother, and do we not always forgive our mother? The
+English were awfully taken in when the country was handed over to
+them; three-fourths of the population emigrated, those who remained in
+the towns persisted in speaking French, which no Englishman can speak
+without dislocating his jaws, and all would insist upon being governed
+by their old French laws.[1] You see, therefore, that the insulars are
+merely nominally our masters, but that in reality we are still free,
+and French."
+
+"Our country must have been deeply rooted in your hearts to cause you
+to speak thus," said Oliver.
+
+"We are a brave people," cried the stranger.
+
+"I am sure of it," responded Oliver.
+
+"Thank you," replied the stranger, "you cause me great pleasure."
+
+"Now that we know one another as countrymen, suppose we make more
+intimate acquaintance?"
+
+"I ask nothing better. If you like, I will tell you my history as
+briefly as possible."
+
+"I am attention," said Oliver.
+
+"My father was a baby when Canada was definitively abandoned in 1758
+by the French, an act which was perpetrated without consulting the
+population of New France. Had the mother country have done so, it would
+have been met by a flat refusal. But I will avoid politics, and speak
+only of my family."
+
+"Good. I hate politics."
+
+"So do I. Well, one day my grandfather Berger, after being absent a
+week, came to his home in Québec in company with an Indian in his full
+war paint. The first thing he saw, standing by the side of the cradle
+in which lay my father, was my grandmother, her arms raised in the
+air, with a heavy iron-dog, with which she was menacing an English
+soldier; my grandmother was a brave and courageous woman."
+
+"So it seems."
+
+"A true daughter of Caudebec, handsome, attractive, and good, adored
+by her husband, and respected by all who knew her. It appears that
+the English soldier had seen her through the open door. He at once
+entered with a conquering air, and began to make love to the pretty
+young person he had noticed performing her maternal office. It was
+an unfortunate idea for him. My grandfather lifted him up and threw
+him through the window on to the stones outside. He was dead. My
+grandfather then turned round and spoke of something else."
+
+"A tough old gentleman!"
+
+"Pretty solid. He even had Indian blood--"
+
+"You spoke of Domfront."
+
+"Yes; but his father, having come to America with Comtesse de Villiers,
+married in Canada. He shortly after returned to France with his wife.
+There she died, unable to bear the climate!"
+
+"Very natural," said Oliver.
+
+"Before dying she made her husband promise to send his son to Canada."
+
+"But," continued Oliver, "the finale of your history."
+
+"As soon as that matter was settled, my grandfather embraced his
+wife, offered the Indian a seat, and began smoking his pipe. He then
+explained that he meant to leave Canada."
+
+"'This,' he said, 'is Kouha-hande, my mother's brother, the first
+sachem of his nation. He has offered me a shelter with his warriors,
+and has come with some of his warriors to escort us. Will you remain
+a Frenchwoman and follow me, or will you stay here and become an
+Englishwoman?'"
+
+"'I am your wife, and shall follow you wherever you go, with my little
+one on my back,' she answered."
+
+"'My sister will be loved and respected in our tribe as she deserves to
+be,' remarked the Indian, who had hitherto smoked his pipe in silence."
+
+"'I know it, my cousin,' she said."
+
+"No further words passed. My grandmother began at once to pack up. Two
+hours later the house was empty; my grandparents had left without even
+shutting the door behind them. Before sunset they were making their way
+up the Lawrence, in the canoes of Kouha-hande."
+
+"The river was crowded with fugitives. After a journey of four days
+my grandfather reached the tribe of the Hurons-Bisons, of which our
+relative Kouha-hande was the first sachem. Many other Canadians sought
+refuge in the same place, and were hospitably received by the Indians.
+I need say nothing more save that we have lived there ever since."
+
+"And your grandfather?"
+
+"Still lives, as does my father, though I have recently lost my mother
+and grandmother. I have a sister much younger than myself. She remains
+in the village to nurse my grandfather. My father is at this moment
+with the Hudson Bay Company."
+
+At this moment there was a peculiar rustling in the bushes at no great
+distance.
+
+"Be quiet," whispered the Canadian in the ear of his new friend, and
+before the other could in any way interfere with him, he seized his gun
+and disappeared in the high grass, crawling on his hands and knees.
+
+Then a shot was heard.
+
+
+[1] This is history as told by a Frenchman. As a matter of fact, the
+French Canadians remained where they were, until they became the most
+loyal subjects the British Crown possesses.--Editor.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+AN ALLIANCE OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE.
+
+
+Hearing this unexpected shot, Oliver was in the act of rushing to
+assist his friend, whom he supposed attacked by some wild beast, when
+the hearty and joyous voice of the Canadian was heard.
+
+"Don't disturb yourself, my friend," he cried, "I have only been
+providing our dinner."
+
+And next minute he reappeared, carrying on his back a doe, which he
+hung to one of the lower branches of the magnolia, and then began to
+open.
+
+"Handsome beast, is it not?" he said. "I believe the rascal was
+listening. He paid dear for his curiosity."
+
+"A fine beast and cleverly killed," replied Oliver, helping to skin the
+animal.
+
+"It is a pity to spoil a good skin. I am a pretty good shot, but you
+should see my father shoot a tiger in the eye."
+
+"That," cried Oliver, "seems extraordinary."
+
+"I have seen him do it twenty times, and still more difficult things,"
+said the other. "But such deadly certainty is pure habit. We live by
+our guns--but to finish my story."
+
+"Go on, my friend."
+
+"My father was a child when we left Canada. He is now about
+forty-eight. My grandfather taught him to be a hunter, and to bind
+him to the tribe he married him when very young to a charming young
+Indian, a relative of Kouha-hande, and my mother in consequence. We are
+mere children. I am only twenty, and my sister but fifteen, lovely as
+the breath of dawn, and whose real name is Angela, my father's wish.
+But the Indians call her Evening Dew. That is all. I am a hunter. I
+hate the English and the North Americans, who are worse than John Bull
+himself, and I love the French, whose countryman I am."
+
+"You are quite right. Few native-born Frenchmen are such strong
+patriots as you. But now for your name."
+
+"Have I not told you? My name is Pierre Berger, but the Indians, in
+their mania for such names, call me Bright-eye, I hardly know why."
+
+"Of course because of your admirable power of shooting."
+
+"Well, perhaps you are right. I am a pretty good hand," said the young
+man, modestly. "And now, my friend, I have to add that I reached here
+yester evening at sundown, and that I am waiting for a friend, who will
+be here shortly. It is now your turn to tell me your history, unless,
+indeed, you have any motives for remaining silent, in which case a
+man's secrets are his own."
+
+"I have no secrets, especially from you, my dear Bright-eye, and the
+proof is that if you will listen, I will tell you who I am and why I
+came into this country."
+
+"I shall be delighted to hear your story," cried the Canadian, with
+evident delight.
+
+From the very first moment when he saw the hunter and came to speak
+to him, Oliver felt himself attracted towards him by one of those
+movements of attraction or irresistible sympathy which spring from
+intuition of the heart.
+
+He had therefore, during his conversation, determined if possible to
+make him a friend.
+
+He thereupon told him his story in its most minute details, the
+Canadian listening with the most profound and sustained attention,
+without interrupting him by a single remark. He appeared sincerely
+interested in the numerous incidents of a life wretched from its
+commencement, and yet which the young man told frankly and simply,
+without bitterness, but with an impartiality which indicated the
+grandeur and nobility of his nature.
+
+"Sad story, indeed," he cried, when the other had concluded; "how you
+must have suffered from the unjust hatred of these people! Alone in the
+world, without any to interest himself in you; surrounded by hostile or
+indifferent people; compelled to suffer from dark and insidious foes;
+capable of great things--young, strong, and intelligent, yet reduced to
+fly into the desert, and separate yourself from your fellows. Pardon if
+my cruel curiosity has reopened the wound which long since should have
+been cauterised."
+
+He paused, keenly watching the other's face.
+
+"Will you be my friend?" he suddenly cried. "I already feel for you an
+affection I can scarcely explain."
+
+"Thanks," cried Oliver, warmly, "I accept your offer with delight."
+
+"Then it is agreed: from henceforth we are brothers."
+
+"I swear it," resumed Oliver.
+
+"We shall henceforth be two to fight the battle of the world."
+
+"I thank heaven we have met."
+
+"Never to part again. You have no family. I will find you one, brother,
+and this family will love you," he added.
+
+"Heartily accept my thanks, Bright-eye," exclaimed Oliver; "life
+already seems changed, and I feel as if happiness were yet possible in
+this world."
+
+"There can be no doubt about it. Believe me, it depends on yourself.
+Look upon the past only as a dream, and think only of the future."
+
+"I will do so," returned Oliver, with a sigh.
+
+"And now to business. Young as I am, you will soon find that I enjoy a
+certain amount of reputation among the Indians and trappers. Very few
+would dare to attack me. I was educated in an Indian village, and, as I
+believe I have already told you, I am here to keep an appointment with
+a young Indian, my friend and relative. This Indian I now expect every
+moment, and I shall introduce you to him. Instead of one friend, you
+will have two devoted brothers. Now then," he added, laughing, "are you
+not fortunate?"
+
+"I am convinced of it," said Oliver.
+
+"When we have finished our business in these parts--and you may help us
+in this business--we will return to my tribe, of which you shall become
+a member."
+
+"I am wholly in your hands, Bright-eye," he said; "I make no
+resistance. I only thank you."
+
+"No thanks. I am useful to you today; you may be as useful, or more so,
+tomorrow."
+
+"Very well. But what is the affair that detains you here, to which you
+just alluded?" asked Oliver.
+
+"I must say that I do not know, though frankly I have my own
+suspicions. My friend has not thought proper to explain as yet, but
+simply gave me a rendezvous here, saying that I might prove useful.
+That was enough for me, and, as you see, I am here. It would be an
+act of indiscretion on my part to tell you anything I had not been
+directly told. Besides, I may be mistaken, and speak to you of a wholly
+different matter from the true one."
+
+"You are quite right."
+
+"To pass the time I will prepare supper."
+
+"And while doing so tell what manner of man your friend is."
+
+"He is a young man like ourselves, grandson of Kouha-hande. He is
+himself a chief, and a noted brave. Though young, his reputation is
+immense. He is tall, athletic, and even elegant of face. His features
+are handsome, even to effeminacy. His glance, gentle in repose as that
+of a dove, is, when his anger is aroused, so terrible that few can face
+it. His physical force is stupendous, his cunning sublime. But you will
+soon judge for yourself. His enemies call him Kristikam-Seksenan, or
+Black Thunder; his friends call him Numank-Charake, the brave man, in
+consequence of his mighty deeds."
+
+"You have simply been describing a hero," said Oliver.
+
+"You shall judge for yourself," smiled the other.
+
+"I am extremely anxious to do so."
+
+"You will soon have the opportunity. It is now five o'clock. In a few
+minutes he will be here."
+
+"What, after making an appointment so long ago, you expect him to keep
+it to the minute!"
+
+"Yes; it is the politeness of the desert, from which nothing absolves
+but death."
+
+"A summary excuse, truly," said Oliver.
+
+"Listen," cried Bright-eye.
+
+Oliver listened, and distinctly heard in the distance the trampling
+of a horse, which suddenly ceased, to be followed by the cry of the
+goshawk.
+
+Bright-eye responded with a similar cry, and with such perfection that
+the Frenchman mechanically raised his head in search of the bird.
+
+Then the sound of a horse galloping recommenced, the bushes parted
+violently, and a horseman bounded into the clearing, checking his steed
+so artistically that next moment he stood like a centaur rooted to the
+ground.
+
+The rider was very much as Bright-eye had described him. There was
+about him, moreover, an air of grandeur, a majesty which inspired
+respect without repelling sympathy. One glance sufficed to fix him as a
+man of superior nature.
+
+It was the first time Oliver, since his journey on the prairies, had
+seen an Indian so near, and under such favourable circumstances. He at
+once formed a friendly opinion of him.
+
+The chief bowed, and then pointed to the sun gilding the summits of the
+trees.
+
+"It is five o'clock. Here is Numank-Charake."
+
+"I say welcome, chief. I know your extreme punctuality. Supper is
+ready."
+
+"Good," said the chief, alighting from his horse with one bound.
+
+Bright-eye then placed his hands on his friend's shoulders.
+
+"Let my brother listen. The hunter is my friend."
+
+"Numank-Charake has read it in the eyes of Bright-eye," replied the
+Indian, turning to Oliver; "I put my hand on my heart, what will my
+brother give me in return?"
+
+"My hand and my heart; that is," he added, with a smile, "all that is
+not Bright-eye's."
+
+"I accept my share; henceforth we are three in one, one in three.
+Numank-Charake was once the Bounding Panther. Let that name be the name
+of my brother."
+
+They shook hands. All was done. According to the customs of the country
+they were brothers, and held everything in common.
+
+Almost on the threshold of his desert life, Oliver found himself
+associated with two men noted as the most honest and doughty champions
+of the prairie.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+A GREAT MEDICINE COUNCIL.
+
+
+For some time the three men, of such different birth, race, and
+manners, remained silent. It was a solemn moment. Their meeting
+appeared to them providential.
+
+Above all was the young Frenchman absorbed in his reflections. Alone an
+hour or two ago, he was now one of a formidable trio.
+
+All the time the Canadian went on with his cooking, while the chief
+gave fodder to the horses.
+
+"Supper is ready," suddenly cried Bright-eye, laughing, "let us eat."
+
+And all three seated themselves around a magnificent roast leg of
+venison _à la boucanière._
+
+We must hasten to remark that nearly all Indian tribes on the borders
+of Canada understand and speak French, at all events, they did at the
+time of which we speak. This was the more fortunate as Oliver did not
+know one word of Huron.
+
+The guests did honour to the feast, that is to say, they left nothing
+but the bones.
+
+The meal, which was washed down by several draughts of French brandy,
+was merry, enlivened by jokes and witticisms. The Indians are always
+thus among themselves. It is only when in the presence of the whites,
+whom they hate, that they are grave, silent, and sullen, never
+unbending except under the influence of drink, when their conduct is
+that of beings under the influence of delirium tremens.
+
+Brandy, or rather spirit in every shape and form, is doing the work of
+extermination for the American.
+
+As soon as the repast was finished, they began to smoke, speaking of
+indifferent things. It was the design neither of Bright-eye nor Oliver
+to hurry the young chief. Indian etiquette is excessively severe on
+this point. It is a proof of intense ill breeding to question a chief,
+or even a simple warrior, when he appears anxious for silence.
+
+And yet the sun had disappeared from the horizon; night had spread over
+the desert, blotting out the landscape, and mixing up forms in the most
+fantastic and strange manner. The sky, of a deep blue, was dotted with
+stars. The moon, in its second quarter, began to show itself above the
+trees, floating in ether, and spreading on every side its silvery rays,
+that lit the prairie here and there with fantastic gleams. The night
+wind shivered through the branches of the trees producing plaintive and
+melodious sounds, like those of the Æolian harp.
+
+The sombre dwellers in the desert, roused by the setting of the sun,
+moved slowly about in the darkness, breaking the silence occasionally
+by their wild brays, their sharp barks, and their deep roars. Under
+every blade of grass murmured the never silent world of grasshoppers.
+
+The night was cold. It was the period of the great autumn hunts.
+Several white frosts had already cooled the earth, soon the temperature
+would be below zero. The rivers and streams would be frozen, and snow
+would cover the desert as with a shroud.
+
+The adventurers, after throwing on an armful of dry wood to revive the
+flame, had wrapped themselves in their ponchos, and, sheltered by the
+trees, continued smoking silently.
+
+"This is the hour of the second watch," suddenly observed Numank,
+drawing from his belt the medicine calumet, which is only used by
+chiefs in council; "the blue jay has sung twice, all rests around us.
+Will my pale friends sleep or listen to the voice of a friend?"
+
+"Sleep is for women and children," replied Bright-eye; "men remain
+awake when a friend desires to speak of serious things. Speak."
+
+"We listen," added Oliver, bowing.
+
+"I will speak, since my friends desire it; but as what I have to say is
+grave, it will not be a talk but a medicine council."
+
+"Let it be so," said Bright-eye.
+
+Numank rose, bowed to the four cardinal points, speaking some
+indistinct words; then he seated himself on his hams again, stuffed
+his calumet with moriche, a kind of sacred tobacco only used in great
+ceremonies. Then having burnt some in the fire as an oblation, he took
+a medicine stick, and with it lifted a burning coal to the bowl of the
+calumet.
+
+The chief then gave several puffs, and then, still holding the bowl in
+his hand, presented the stem to Bright-eye. The hunter gave several
+puffs, as did Oliver in his turn; it then came back to the chief, this
+going on until the last morsel of tobacco was consumed.
+
+Then Numank-Charake rose, bent again to the four cardinal points of the
+heavens, shook the ashes into the fire, and spoke.
+
+"Wacondah, master of life," he said, "you who know all, inspire my
+words."
+
+This formality over he replaced his calumet and sat down.
+
+Some minutes elapsed, during which he remained wrapped in deep thought.
+Then he raised his head, before bowed on his chest, bowed to his
+audience, and began.
+
+"Eight moons ago," he said, "I had just returned from an expedition
+against the Piekanns. After presenting the scalps taken by myself and
+young men to the sachems, and receiving their thanks, I was going to
+my wigwam to visit my father, detained at home by old wounds, when I
+suddenly saw a young girl leaning against the ark of the first man.
+The young girl was about fifteen, tall, elegant, and beautiful. I
+had long loved her without ever revealing the secret of my heart. On
+this occasion she seemed to wait for me, and saw me approach with a
+melancholy glance."
+
+Bright-eye's eyes glistened, despite his self-control.
+
+"When I was near her the young girl spread out her arms towards me,
+and then made a step forward. I paused, and waited. 'Numank is a great
+warrior,' she said, modestly lowering her eyes; 'his hut is lined with
+the scalps of his foes, he has rich skins of every kind of beast, his
+ball never misses; happy will be the woman whom he loves.'"
+
+"On hearing these words, I was deeply moved, and seizing the hand of
+the young girl, 'Onoura--beautiful child,' I said in her ear, 'I have
+a little bird in my heart which is always singing and repeating your
+name. Does this bird sing in your heart?' She smiled, looked at me from
+under her eyelashes, and murmured, 'Night and day he whispers tender
+words in my ear, and repeats the name of the warrior who loves me. Does
+not Numank-Charake find his hut very solitary during the long winter
+nights, when the wind howls in the forest and the snow covers the
+earth?' 'My heart has long flown out to you,' I cried, warmly, 'from
+the first hour that I saw you amidst your companions. Do you love me?'
+'For life,' she said, blushing deeply. 'Good,' said I, 'then I will
+attempt a new expedition to win the marriage presents, and ask you
+of your father. You will wait for me, Onoura?' 'I will wait for you,
+Numank. Am I not your slave for life?' and she gently pressed my hand.
+I then took a wampum off my neck, and placed it on hers. She kissed
+it, her eyes full of tears, and taking a gold ring from the thumb of
+her left hand, she placed it on one of my fingers. I allowed her to do
+so with a smile. 'You love me,' she said; 'nothing shall ever separate
+us,' and before I could say another word she fled as does the gazelle
+before the hunter. I followed her with my eyes as long as I could, and
+then when she had disappeared round a corner I thoughtfully took my way
+to my father's hut."
+
+The chief paused. After a few minutes the Canadian, finding that the
+other was not disposed to continue, touched him gently on the arm.
+
+"Why did Numank-Charake show such want of confidence in his brother?"
+asked the Canadian, reproachfully.
+
+"What does my brother Bright-eye mean?" asked the chief, with slight
+embarrassment.
+
+"My brother knows what I mean," said the Canadian, with great
+animation. "Born almost the same day, brought up together, having made
+our first trails together on the prairies, as also our first expedition
+against the Sioux and Piekanns, our hearts melted into one, I thought
+we had no secrets. I know who is the woman whom my brother loves, but
+why let me guess all about it, instead of telling me? Have I done
+anything to offend?"
+
+"Oh, Bright-eye, don't think that," cried the young man, eagerly; "but
+love delights in mystery."
+
+"And yet it likes to confide its sorrows and its joys to the heart of
+a friend. On that very same night when she had this interview with the
+chief, Evening Dew--Nouma Hawa--on her return to her hut, told her
+brother all. Her heart overflowed with joy, and she could not repress
+her feelings."
+
+"Then Evening Dew owned her love to Bright-eye?"
+
+"Am I not her brother, and your best friend?"
+
+"True. Let my brother forgive me; I was wrong not to place confidence
+in him. Perhaps I was fearful he might disapprove of it."
+
+"On the contrary, it carries out my dearest wishes, and binds us more
+and more to one another."
+
+"My brother is better than I am, his heart is better; he will pardon
+the weakness of a friend."
+
+"On one condition," said the hunter, laughing; "that Numank-Charake has
+no more secrets."
+
+"I promise you," continued the chief, in a low, sad tone; "what I have
+now to say is very terrible. But the friends of Numank-Charake must
+know all. Two moons had elapsed since I and Evening Dew had spoken. I
+had not been able to carry out my projects. One day I again met her
+near the ark of the first man. 'The chief has forgotten his promise,'
+she said. 'No,' I replied; 'tomorrow I will keep it.' I left her with
+only a few more words. Next day I began to carry out my promise. I
+prepared everything, even the usual ceremonies were carried out--those
+you know so well."
+
+"One moment," interrupted Oliver. "Bright-eye, brought up in your
+villages, knows all about them, but I, as a mere stranger, know not
+what you mean. As I mean to live with you, I should like to know a
+little."
+
+"My brother is right," said the chief; "I will tell him the whole
+expedition. Before starting, the turf was taken off a considerable
+square of earth, the mould being made soft and pliable with the hands.
+It was then surrounded by stakes. When all was ready I went in and sat
+at the end opposed to the direction in which the enemy lived. After
+singing and praying, I put on the edge of the open space two little
+white stones."
+
+"After waiting half an hour in prayer, asking the Wacondah to guide
+me right, the village crier, or hachesto, approached. I gave him my
+orders. He turned and invited all the great warriors to smoke; then in
+their turn the inferior warriors were invited. After all had smoked,
+everyone examined the result of the ko-sau-ban-zich-egass. The white
+stones had fallen in the direction of a well-known path."
+
+"And what was the result?" asked Bright-eye.
+
+"The Wacondah favoured his children. The path led towards the land of
+our hereditary foes, the Sioux of the West."
+
+"Good," said the hunter.
+
+"Our party consisted of a hundred and fifty warriors, the picked men of
+the nation, armed with guns. Every man carried the offerings to be cast
+away on the field of battle, and hidden, if possible, in the entrails
+of our foes."
+
+"A pious custom," said Bright-eye.
+
+Oliver looked at the Canadian, wondering whether he spoke seriously or
+not. But there was no doubt of his good faith.
+
+"Two days later we started. A small band of twenty presently joined us,
+commanded by Tubash-Shah, the Cheat. My brother knows this restless and
+ambitious chief. I offered to yield the command to him. My warriors
+would not consent. Misunderstandings soon arose. Crossing some vast
+prairies, we began to feel great thirst, and Tubash at once violated
+the laws of war. I knew that water was not far off. The greater number
+of the elder warriors, who had to walk, were exhausted by heat and
+fatigue. Tubash sent out mounted scouts, and private signals were
+agreed on. Soon a small river was discovered. Those who got first to it
+fired guns, but before the detachments and the laggers had got up to
+the river, the sufferings of most of us were excessive. Some vomited
+blood, others were delirious. The expedition was a failure. Next day
+desertions began among the warriors of Tubash, he setting the first
+example. Soon I had only five-and-twenty men left. They offered to
+follow me to the end of the world. But what could I do? With despair in
+my soul I turned homeward. Halfway our scouts gave the alarm. An hour
+later we were engaged in a hand-to-hand conflict with the Sioux. Their
+party, six times as numerous as ours, was luckily composed chiefly of
+young warriors on their first warpath. Our defence was so desperate,
+that the Sioux yielded and fled. We were masters of the field, but out
+of four-and-twenty only ten were alive, and these were badly wounded."
+
+"It would be too terrible to tell the story of our sufferings on the
+way home. We found that all was known about the expedition. But all
+the sachems acclaimed us, the more that I brought back the scalps of
+eighteen Sioux who had fallen on the field of battle. But if my honour
+was safe, my happiness was lost. Evening Dew was gone."
+
+"My sister abducted?" cried Bright-eye.
+
+"No," said the other, sadly, "not abducted. She went away of her own
+accord."
+
+"Of her own accord?" repeated the hunter.
+
+"During the absence of Bright-eye and myself, a paleface came to the
+village. This man, it appears, for your father and grandfather refused
+any explanation, is a relative of my brother. After remaining a week he
+went away, accompanied by your father. Evening Dew followed, weeping
+bitterly. Still she offered no resistance to the orders of her father.
+Three days after your father returned to his tribe. He was alone. What
+had become of the lovely young girl none could tell me. I made the most
+minute inquiries without any result. Not knowing what else to do, I
+then sent a warrior to my brother to appoint a meeting. Here I am, my
+friend--what am I to do?"
+
+"I tell you, chief, that your extraordinary story is inexplicable to
+me. I cannot advise."
+
+"Allow me to speak," said Oliver, "I am wholly disinterested in the
+matter. I can therefore speak with that calmness which suits neither of
+you at this moment."
+
+"Speak!" cried the two young men.
+
+"My advice is, to start at daybreak for the village. The father of
+Bright-eye may have reasons for refusing explanations to the chief.
+Family matters are sacred. But the brother of Evening Dew has a right
+to demand a full explanation. I am certain it will be given to him by
+his father, who can have no reason for being mysterious with him. Let
+us then away to the village. Successful or not, we shall know what to
+do. In every case, my dear friend and brother, count on me."
+
+"What says the chief?" asked Bright-eye.
+
+"The chief thanks Bounding Panther," replied the young man, warmly;
+"his heart is loyal, and his soul generous. His advice is good and
+should be followed. With two such friends, the redskin warrior is
+certain of success."
+
+The conversation then continued for some time on a subject always
+interesting to a lover and a brother. Then, after throwing a pile
+of dry wood on the fire, the three men rolled themselves in their
+blankets, and lay down on the ground.
+
+The two wood rangers lay face downwards, according to Indian custom.
+As for Oliver, he lay on his side with his feet to the fire. At the
+first hoot of an owl--the first bird which announces the rising of
+the sun--the chief wakened his companions, and ten minutes later they
+started on their journey.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+SAMUEL DICKSON HUNTS A MOOSE DEER.
+
+
+The traveller who for the first time reaches the Rocky Mountains is
+amazed at the pile of hills above hills, called by the early discoverer
+the Sierra of the River of the Wind, that immense reservoir whence
+flows so many great streams, some flowing into the Atlantic, others
+into the Pacific.
+
+We now transport our readers to a fork formed by a rather extensive
+stream, flowing from the Mountains of the Wind, just before it joins
+the Missouri, in the centre of a vast and delicious valley.
+
+This charming spot, enchanting in its aspect, was covered by scattered
+thickets, young trees, fat pasturages, and watered by many rills, which
+fell in all directions in silver cascades from the mountains, and
+finally lost themselves in the Missouri.
+
+This unknown Eden, buried in the mountains, had been discovered by a
+hardy explorer, and already the hand of man was at work destroying its
+savage grandeur. In a word, the squatters were at work.
+
+Squatters are generally men of restless habits, greedy of exertions, no
+matter what they may be, impatient of control, and sworn enemies of the
+peaceful and regular life of the great centres of population. Gifted
+with the courage of a lion, of a will--or, rather, obstinacy--which
+nothing can conquer, these men of indomitable energy, in whose hearts
+ferment the most violent passions, are the true pioneers of the desert
+and the vanguard of civilisation in the New World.
+
+Accustomed to place themselves above the law, as soon as the tide of
+civilisation always rising reaches them, they abandon without regret
+all they possess--houses and land--and snatching up their hatchets,
+bury themselves gaily still further in the desert, until they find
+another suitable site, on which they squat.
+
+There is no one to contest their claim. At all events, to do so would
+be a rather imprudent enterprise, for they at once appeal to their
+rifle, and make that the legal arbitrator.
+
+Joshua Dickson was a true specimen of a squatter; his whole life had
+been one long pilgrimage across the States of the Union. Weary of
+rambling within the purlieus of civilisation, where he always felt
+uneasy, one day, as we have already recorded, he came to a final
+resolution, and, abandoning all that he possessed, he started with his
+family and servants in search of a land where none before had ever set
+their foot.
+
+We cannot relate all the incidents of his journey without guide or
+map. They would fill a volume. We come to the point. One night they
+had fixed their camp near a very narrow and wooded gorge. It appearing
+to be rather a difficult spot to travel in the dark, and there being
+no hurry, they had halted by a small stream, in the midst of a green
+prairie, which offered admirable pasturage for their beasts and horses.
+
+Before daybreak, while his companions still slept, Samuel Dickson rose,
+took his rifle, and advanced in the direction of the defile, with the
+double object of examining the locality and of shooting, if possible,
+two or three head of game for the morning repast, provisions being rare
+in camp, so much so that the night before they had gone to bed almost
+without supper.
+
+Harry Dickson, who acted as sentry, alone saw him go out, but as his
+uncle did not speak, he did not venture to make any observation.
+
+Samuel Dickson went away with his rifle on his shoulder, whistling
+"Yankee Doodle," and shortly after disappeared in the tall grass
+without his nephew being able to make out in what direction he had gone.
+
+Seen by the light of morn the defile was not so choked up by trees and
+bushes as it had seemed in the dusk of the evening; the entrance only
+was marked by a curtain of young trees, which would easily succumb to
+a few blows of a hatchet.
+
+The American pushed forward, cutting a passage with his bowie knife,
+resolved to reach the extremity of the defile, in order to examine it
+thoroughly and report to his brother.
+
+Suddenly a moose deer bounded across his path.
+
+"There is a demon who does not suffer from rheumatism. How he runs! But
+remember, my friend, that's your breakfast."
+
+With which words he took to his heels, and, catching sight of the deer,
+followed him up through the dense undergrowth, without being able to
+get a shot at him. This went on for about twenty minutes, during which,
+his rifle at full cock, he never looked to the right or left. Suddenly
+the moose deer stood still, as if he sniffed another enemy in the
+direction in which he was going.
+
+The American lost no time, but took steady aim for a second or two and
+fired.
+
+The stricken deer bounded into the air, and then once more took to its
+heels.
+
+But the hunter was determined not to lose him. Unhappily, however, in
+his eagerness, he did not look before him, and just as he thought the
+deer began to droop, while he increased his speed his foot slipped and
+he went head over heels, falling a height of about fifteen feet, to
+alight upon a kind of pavement of hard flint stones.
+
+The fall was so heavy that the American not only was bruised all over,
+but fainted.
+
+A feeling of coolness suddenly came over him, and caused him to open
+his eyes.
+
+He looked wildly around him, and saw a young man of about
+seven-and-twenty, in the costume of a trapper, his handsome face bent
+over him with a look of deep solicitude, while he bathed his face with
+a handkerchief soaked with water.
+
+"Are you better, Mr. Samuel?" said the other.
+
+"Hem!" cried the American; "Am I mad?"
+
+"Not in the least, Master Samuel, at least, that I am aware of," was
+the reply.
+
+"But what has happened?" cried the other, with an awful grimace.
+
+"A very simple thing: you shot a deer, and in your eagerness to catch
+him you did not notice that you were on the summit of an eminence, and
+so rolled over, to the detriment of your bones."
+
+"A very simple thing!" groaned the other; "You speak very complacently,
+Master George. Is anything broken?"
+
+"Nothing. I examined you carefully--nothing but bruises, of that I am
+sure."
+
+"Cursed deer! If I only had secured it. But the brute escaped me after
+all."
+
+"No, my friend. You are too good a shot to miss your aim. There lies
+your game, quite dead."
+
+"Thank goodness! That is lucky. But oh! Oh! I feel as if I had received
+a severe beating. Help me up."
+
+"But had you not better rest a while?"
+
+"Go to the deuce. I am not a whining sniggler, like my niece," he
+began; "by the way," he added, "that puts me in mind! Young man--"
+
+"Allow me to help you up--take my arm. I am strong; so lean as heavily
+as you like. There, you are all right. Your rifle will serve you as a
+staff."
+
+Thanks to the assistance of the young man, the American contrived to
+stand on his legs, making horrible grimaces and groaning all the time.
+
+"I wish my brother had been anywhere, with his mad notion of
+emigration," he said, grumbling; "but that is not the immediate
+question. Will you answer me?"
+
+"I am quite ready. You cannot carry the deer--shall I hang it up in
+safety until you send for it?"
+
+"Will you answer me?" cried Samuel, ferociously.
+
+"You have not yet asked me any question," said the young man, gently.
+
+The American looked at him with considerable anger in his glance; then
+his muscles relaxing, he burst out laughing.
+
+"Forgive me, George," he said, offering his hand. "I am an old fool.
+I am trying to get up a quarrel with you, instead of thanking you for
+your kindness. In truth, I believe you have saved my life."
+
+"You exaggerate, Mr. Samuel," replied the other.
+
+"Between you and me, I don't think so. What would have become of me,
+fainting in the desert?"
+
+"Chance brought me here."
+
+"Oh, yes! Chance has very broad shoulders," answered the American: "I
+suppose it brought you out here."
+
+The young man held down his head and blushed.
+
+"Well, well, I won't tease you, George," cried Samuel; "you are a noble
+and generous fellow, and I loved your father."
+
+"As you do his son," responded the other.
+
+"I suppose it is so. But this being understood, let us talk like two
+old friends."
+
+"I am at your command."
+
+"Always the same eternal chorus. Now I do not want to dive into your
+secrets, but without going beyond the limits of politeness, allow me to
+ask you one simple question," said Samuel.
+
+"Ask; and if it be in my power, I will answer truthfully," replied the
+other.
+
+"Hem! You are confoundedly close. First let us sit down. I am all aches
+and pains."
+
+The young man gently led him to a soft mound of turf, helped him to be
+seated, and followed his example.
+
+"Now I am good for an hour. Let us chat."
+
+"I am your most obedient servant to command."
+
+"How is it, Mr. George Clinton," began the old man, with a sly look,
+"that three months ago I left you at Boston at the head of a large
+house of business, and that I now find you dressed like a runner of the
+woods, hundreds of miles from the nearest settlement, just ready to
+save my life."
+
+"If my journey served me no other purpose, I am thankful--still I own
+there is another motive."
+
+"I am glad to hear you say so. May I ask its nature?"
+
+"Well, Master Samuel," began Clinton, "I am young, vigorous, and
+passionately fond of field sports; I am a good shot, and very much
+inclined for a free and independent life. Many times while at Boston
+chance brought me in contact with persons who have accomplished
+wonderful journeys into the almost unknown interior of our vast
+continent, and who brought back astounding accounts of what they saw;
+my curiosity was aroused, and I felt within myself a strong desire to
+attempt one of these expeditions in search of the unknown."
+
+"Or the ideal," smiled the American.
+
+"If you like it. As long as my father was alive I kept my ideas to
+myself, but as soon as my actions were quite free my old ideas were
+revived. An opportunity presented itself which I eagerly embraced.
+Confiding my house of business to a trustworthy partner, I started."
+
+"You had a definite object, I suppose?"
+
+"No; I went wherever chance or my feelings urged me," the other
+answered.
+
+"My young friend," said Dickson, laughing, "chance plays too great a
+part in all this. You will excuse me if I don't believe a word of your
+story."
+
+"You are not generous, sir."
+
+"I am not generous?"
+
+"You will not believe that a young man could give way to his
+adventurous instincts; and yet you, a wise man, very much older than
+I am, you, whose position was settled, I find you here, without being
+able to give the slightest explanation of your conduct."
+
+"Well answered, George. You hit me hard, but you know I am an old
+fool. I am so, as sure as fate. Yes, my friend, I am mad enough for a
+straitjacket. But at the same time, I can see that you will not make me
+your confidant."
+
+"I assure you--" began Clinton.
+
+"What is the use of holding out any longer? You must rely on me in the
+end; but when you do come to me with the truth, it will be my turn."
+
+"You are not angry with me?"
+
+"No, my boy: keep your secrets; but remember I am your friend. Keep
+your own counsel then, if you will--it concerns only yourself. But
+remember, whenever you want me, I am ready," he answered.
+
+"I know not how to thank you."
+
+"What nonsense! You owe me nothing. It is I who am your debtor. But
+it is getting late, and I must return to the camp, where they must be
+getting anxious. Thanks to my rest I feel not only able to walk, but to
+carry the confounded deer."
+
+"Wait, however, while I clean and skin him. It will then be easier."
+
+"You are quite right. Be quick, as we are short of food."
+
+"But the country is enormously rich in game, and what a beautiful spot!"
+
+"It certainly is," replied Samuel, after which his young friend soon
+prepared the game so as to be easily carried.
+
+"And now take my arm while I lead you through the defile, which is the
+only way out of the valley."
+
+And so they started, Samuel walking much better than he expected,
+though suffering much.
+
+"One favour," said the young man, after a time.
+
+"What is it, my friend?" asked Samuel.
+
+"Say not one word of our meeting."
+
+"Since you wish it, I will be strictly silent on the subject. Like
+other people I know, I will invent some sort of story--it is not
+difficult."
+
+The young man smiled, and shook him heartily by the hand. Then Samuel
+Dickson walked away in the direction of the camp, while George busied
+himself in the valley.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+JOSHUA DICKSON BECOMES MASTER OF THE VALLEY.
+
+
+After Samuel had walked some distance he found that he had
+miscalculated his strength. He was very weak about the ankle, and the
+way being rude and his load heavy, he could scarcely get along at all.
+Still he would not abandon the deer, knowing as he did how short of
+provisions they were in the camp.
+
+Wiping the cold perspiration off his brow, the brave American resumed
+his journey.
+
+The sufferings he endured it would be impossible to describe; at length
+he became scarcely able to drag one foot before the other; every now
+and then he had to stop, as the blood rushed to his head and myriad
+sparkles flashed before his eyes. He seemed to have the vertigo, his
+mouth was parched, his chest panting, his temples throbbing, and his
+eyes almost starting from his head.
+
+When he had staggered to within five hundred feet of the camp he was
+utterly exhausted, and fell insensible on the grass, where he remained
+inert and motionless for a quarter of an hour. Luckily, as he roused
+himself, he found a small rivulet flowing at his feet. In this he
+bathed his hands and face, and felt better.
+
+But he could walk no farther; that he knew was impossible. He, however,
+suspected they were looking for him, and if they heard him would
+come to his assistance. His voice was powerless to reach them. There
+remained his rifle. Still seated on the ground, he loaded and fired
+three times in succession.
+
+He had not long to wait before he saw his brother and nephews running
+towards him.
+
+He was too weak to enter upon any explanations, but one nephew taking
+up the deer and the other their uncle, they at once made for the camp,
+where Mrs. Dickson and Diana anxiously awaited them.
+
+When they saw the hunter they believed him dead.
+
+Joshua had a great deal of difficulty in persuading them that he had
+only fainted, and was in no danger.
+
+The Americans, especially the hunters and trappers, have great
+experience in wounds and bruises.
+
+The sick man was at once carried to a covered waggon, placed upon a
+mattress, and stripped.
+
+"Heavens!" cried Joshua, as he examined the numerous black bruises,
+"Poor Samuel has indeed had a bad fall. I wonder he was not killed
+outright."
+
+"Fortunate nothing is broken," said the eldest son.
+
+"So it is," replied the father; "and now let us do the best we can for
+him while your mother cooks the deer meat for breakfast. It was for us
+poor Sam risked his life. Get the camphorated brandy and some wool, and
+don't forget to tell your mother to cook the game. She is rather apt to
+burn venison, which does not improve its flavour. While you are about
+it bring the rum bottle--a little poured down his throat will do him
+good. Above all, be quick."
+
+Having given these orders, Joshua bathed his brother's forehead with
+cold water, passed burnt feathers under his nose, and did everything
+which could be done under the circumstances. Still the sick man never
+moved.
+
+"Let us try the rum," he said, as his son returned.
+
+And as he spoke, he forced open the other's teeth with the blade of his
+knife, and putting the neck of the bottle to his mouth, let the liquor
+slip through.
+
+Samuel smacked his lips and opened his eyes.
+
+"That is something like. And now to work."
+
+The two men then, dipping the wool in camphorated brandy, began to rub
+the bruises.
+
+Such a remedy, so roughly employed, was very soon quite efficacious.
+The sick man sat up, howling furiously, and trying to escape from their
+clutches.
+
+But the two men, believing in the remedy, continued, and, despite all
+their victim could say, despite his prayers, howls, and curses, he
+finally had to submit to the treatment for half an hour.
+
+"There you are," cried Joshua; "now try and sleep."
+
+"Go to old Nick!" roared Samuel; "I'm skinned alive."
+
+"You are as fussy as a woman. We scarcely touched you. Tonight we shall
+do it again perfectly, and tomorrow you will be quite well," said
+Joshua.
+
+Samuel shuddered, but said nothing; shortly after he, however,
+slept soundly. At night the two men came again, and, despite his
+lamentations, protestations, and prayers, continued to rub him as
+before, with all the vigour of which their hands and arms were capable.
+
+Then Joshua told his brother to go to sleep, promising if in the
+morning he was not quite well to give him one more dose.
+
+But Samuel was up first, and when they came to find him, he was
+dressed, singing "Yankee Doodle."
+
+His brother was delighted, and while wishing him joy, highly eulogised
+his remedy, the very mention of which caused Samuel to shudder.
+
+He was then questioned as to his adventure, which he related, leaving
+out all mention, however, of George Clinton. They were at breakfast,
+and everyone listened with avidity. The ladies especially, who were
+weary of their journey, heard the description of the beautiful valley
+with extreme delight.
+
+"To conclude, I beg to remark," Samuel wound up by saying, "that I
+never saw a spot better suited for a settlement."
+
+"We shall see," drily remarked Joshua.
+
+Samuel knew his brother well, and was well aware how he should be
+treated.
+
+"As for myself," he added, with indifference, "I don't care where or
+when we stop. As we have gone so far in the desert, what matters fifty
+leagues more or less? Let us then go ahead. Push on by all means, even
+as far as the Bay of Hudson."
+
+"I don't want to go as far as that," cried Joshua; "if the valley's
+anything like what you say, perhaps we may stop."
+
+"Well, perhaps it may not suit you. Everybody, you know, to their
+taste," continued Samuel.
+
+"I shall judge for myself," replied Joshua.
+
+"If we are to stop here all day," Samuel urged, quite satisfied, "I and
+Harry will fetch the deerskin."
+
+"Why not go with me?" said his brother.
+
+"I shall be delighted with your company."
+
+"Then, by Jove, we'll all go. It will be a walk. Harry, Sam, Jack, tell
+Sandy to be ready for a start. Let the camp be raised. Tonight we will
+camp in the valley and examine it at our ease."
+
+"You raise the camp for so small a journey?" said Mrs. Dickson.
+
+"Does it displease you, mistress?"
+
+"No. But it is a useless fatigue for horses and men."
+
+"I shall do as I think proper," said the squatter, drily, as he went to
+hurry his men.
+
+Samuel Dickson and the ladies smiled. They knew now they would stop in
+the valley.
+
+An hour later the whole caravan took its way in the direction of the
+defile, preceded by a dozen of the hired men and others with hatchets,
+to act as pioneers.
+
+Though he declared his health was quite restored, Samuel Dickson,
+instead of riding on horseback, clambered into a waggon with his
+sister-in-law and niece, with whom he gaily discoursed.
+
+Every now and then the old farmer looked sideways at the countenance of
+his pale and thoughtful niece, smiled to himself, and rubbed his hands
+with intense satisfaction.
+
+Neither mother nor daughter could make out his pantomime, but after a
+few trials they knew it was useless to question him, and so let him
+chuckle to himself.
+
+Joshua Dickson, without allowing it to be seen, had been very much
+struck by what his brother had said. Instead, therefore, of riding
+beside the caravan as usual, he had gone on in front.
+
+Presently, as if no longer able to resist the impulse of curiosity
+which was devouring him, he signed to his three sons to follow, and
+next minute the four men were off at a hard gallop and were soon lost
+in the defile.
+
+"The fish is in the net," said Samuel Dickson, with a hearty laugh.
+
+"Is the valley so beautiful as you say?" asked Mrs. Dickson.
+
+"Much more so. It is simply a terrestrial paradise. If you were to
+hunt for months you would never find a more agreeable or advantageous
+position. Everything is to be found in abundance, wood, water, pasture,
+and above all, game."
+
+"If Joshua would only settle."
+
+"A good deal depends on you."
+
+"I have not the influence you suppose over my husband. You know his
+vagabond humour."
+
+"He will remain here if you wish him to."
+
+"I hope you are right," replied the wife, with a sigh.
+
+"Chut! Here he comes. Attention, this is the decisive moment,"
+whispered Samuel, as Joshua came up.
+
+"Holloa!" he cried, "I have come from the valley."
+
+"Did you find the deerskin I left behind?"
+
+"Deerskin be--" was the excited answer; "I had no time to think of it.
+But what a delicious valley! I never saw anything so beautiful in all
+my life."
+
+"It is certainly pretty fair, but not worthy of such frantic eulogy,"
+said Samuel.
+
+"What a man you are!" cried Joshua; "You must always disagree with me.
+The moment I like a thing you must depreciate it."
+
+"Do you then mean to make some stay in the valley?" asked Mrs. Dickson,
+innocently enough.
+
+"Some stay, mistress!" cried the husband; "What are you dreaming about?
+I mean to take the whole valley. It belongs to no one now. It shall
+therefore be ours--that is, mine and my brother's."
+
+"I want very little," said Samuel.
+
+"You shall have your right share, no more and no less. Do you think I
+would cheat you?"
+
+"Far from me be such a thought."
+
+"But, my dear," said the wife, "pray think."
+
+"I have thought," he replied, abruptly; "and my resolution is
+irrevocable. So thoroughly have I made up my mind that I have come back
+alone, leaving the children at work."
+
+"At work!" cried Samuel.
+
+"Yes; they are cutting down trees and clearing the ground. This will be
+so much gained, as the season is far advanced, and we have not a moment
+to lose if we would have our settlement quite ready for the winter."
+
+All this while the caravan was advancing, and by degrees had got
+halfway through the defile.
+
+"This narrow way might easily be stopped," said Joshua.
+
+"Very useful idea, as many redskins are about."
+
+"But we are very numerous."
+
+"Yes; but if we are attacked we have no neighbours to help us, and must
+count only on ourselves alone."
+
+"We shall be sufficient," drily responded Joshua.
+
+"I hope so, and yet I doubt if the Indians leave us in peaceable
+possession if game is as abundant as I believe."
+
+"Bah! Who cares? If the Indians come we will give them such a reception
+as shall astonish them."
+
+"Who lives longest will see the most. It is best to be prudent,"
+responded Samuel.
+
+The squatter, half angry at his brother's manner, gave up the
+conversation, and, spurring his horse, disappeared.
+
+"Now," said Samuel, with a smile, as the other rode off, "you may be
+satisfied. Joshua is sufficiently annoyed at my opposition to become
+seriously obstinate. Nothing will make him change his mind now."
+
+"Perhaps you went a little too far."
+
+"Not a bit, I only stimulated him."
+
+"But what you said about the Indians made me seriously uneasy. Are
+there any about?"
+
+"I suppose so, as we are in the very centre of their territory. They
+may not attack us if let alone."
+
+"But this valley may belong to them."
+
+"Then we shall have to negotiate with the tribe to which the place
+belongs. We shall buy it of the redskins--a thing done every day."
+
+"You ought to know Joshua better by this time. He will take the land,
+and refuse all compromises."
+
+"I know him; but should the contingency come, we must make him listen
+to reason. But look, we are entering on the confines of this garden of
+Eden, which henceforth will be all our own," cried Samuel.
+
+"What a magnificent country!" cried the squatter's wife.
+
+Miss Diana, despite her sadness and habit of concentrated thought,
+could not restrain an exclamation of surprise at the sight of the grand
+spectacle before her.
+
+"Don't be too enthusiastic," said Samuel. "Here is Joshua."
+
+A hundred paces off Joshua had halted, his sons beside him on
+horseback, gun in hand. The squatter held the American flag in his
+right hand. As soon as all the waggons were in the valley he signed to
+everybody to advance.
+
+All the serving men and women surrounded the squatter. His wife,
+daughter, and Samuel remained in the waggon.
+
+The squatter, making his horse prance, waved the American flag over his
+head, then he planted the staff in the earth, and cried in a loud firm
+voice:
+
+"I take possession of this wild territory by the right of the first
+occupant I proclaim myself its sole lord and master, and if anyone,
+white or black, dares to claim it, I will defend myself to the last
+gasp."
+
+"Hurrah! Long live America!" cried all.
+
+"My friends," continued the trapper, "we are now at home. This valley
+which we shall soon cultivate and bring to prosperity and civilisation,
+is the Valley of the Deer."
+
+"Long live the Valley of the Deer!" cried all.
+
+The squatter then headed the caravan, and led it to the spot he had
+selected for a settlement. It was twelve o'clock. At a little after two
+the ancient trees were falling beneath the axes of the Americans.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+DIANA DICKSON AND HER FOE.
+
+
+The activity of the North Americans is prodigious; they have a peculiar
+way of handling the axe which is marvellous. Their mode of procedure is
+almost incomprehensible, and goes beyond anything the imagination can
+conceive.
+
+Fifty American woodmen will in a month clear the whole of a vast forest
+tract.
+
+They always begin with the idea, a very logical one, though a proud
+one, that the modest plantation they commence may in time become an
+important town, and they act accordingly. The land is divided into
+lots, paths traced by the axe stand for streets, large open spaces
+represent squares, while notched trees indicate where the houses,
+shops, workshops, and other buildings are to be.
+
+As soon as this is all settled they go to work with feverish haste, and
+trees of vast dimensions fall with a rapidity which is simply amazing.
+
+Then they build the stables and sheds, then the blacksmith's forge, the
+carpenter's shop, and the water sawmill, of which the workmen at once
+take possession.
+
+The earth, still encumbered by the roots of trees, is dug up and sown
+at once. Everything goes on at the same time with the utmost regularity
+and industry.
+
+In a few days the landscape is completely changed, and there, where had
+existed a virgin forest, with all its deep and impenetrable mysteries,
+suddenly arises, as if by means of the enchanted wand, the embryo of
+a town, which ten years later will be a rich flourishing emporium of
+commerce, and of which the population, coming from all parts of the
+world, will perhaps be fifty or sixty thousand.
+
+But the squatter, the founder of the new city, will have disappeared,
+without leaving a trace behind. Nobody knows anything about him,
+not even his name. His work done, he will have taken his melancholy
+departure, frightened to see the desert so populated, and that
+civilisation from which he had fled so near; he probably has fled out
+West in search of a new virgin land, which he will transform like the
+first, without deriving any more advantage from it, finally to end his
+days, shot in some miserable Indian ambuscade, or killed by the claws
+of a grizzly, or perhaps dies of misery and hunger in some unknown
+corner of the prairie.
+
+Joshua Dickson did not act differently from his fellows; after dividing
+the valley into two, and handing over half to his brother, he fixed his
+residence near the fork of the two rivers. Samuel Dickson fixed his
+residence at the other end of the valley, near the river called the
+Deer River.
+
+Everybody then set to work, and with such rapidity that before three
+weeks were over the principal buildings were finished. The houses,
+built with trees from the trunks of which the bark had not been
+removed, piled one upon the other, and fastened together by iron clamps
+and long wooden nails, looked comfortable with their glass windows
+furnished inside with strong shutters, and their mud and brick chimneys
+from which the smoke already escaped in a bluish cloud.
+
+All the servants and hired men had erected themselves, not exactly
+houses, but bark huts. They were, however, only temporary residences,
+soon to be replaced by more solid and eligible residences.
+
+The ordinary means of defence so necessary in an Indian country had not
+been neglected; a solid double stockade of young trees surrounded the
+camp; the centre of this rampart was occupied by a ditch ten feet wide
+and fifteen deep.
+
+There were several drawbridges, which were raised every night, by means
+of which only could the settlement be reached; near every one of these
+was a redoubt of stone, surmounted by stakes, behind which, in case
+of attack, the garrison could place themselves. All the houses were
+moreover loopholed.
+
+Every night some twenty formidable dogs of the race formerly used by
+the Spaniards to hunt down the Indians, and until lately kept to track
+Negro slaves by the Americans, that is to say, bloodhounds, were let
+loose.
+
+One morning, shortly after sunrise, Miss Diana, accompanied by her own
+enormous and favourite dog, quitted the Point, her father's habitation,
+for the residence of Samuel Dickson.
+
+Very busy each about their own affairs, the brothers were often two
+days without seeing each other, the more so that their respective
+residences were quite three miles apart.
+
+Joshua Dickson, whose activity was immense, struck with amazement at
+sight of the magnificent waterpower at his door, and which he little
+suspected was the Missouri, had asked himself one day where these
+waters flowed to. He came at last to the conclusion that on its way to
+the sea it must run through some state of the Union.
+
+Then, imbued with that commercial spirit which is innate in the
+Americans, he at once saw the value of the river as available for the
+carriage of his produce, as well as to obtain supplies for the colony.
+He therefore resolved to make a journey down the river, and reach the
+first settlement, and this as soon as the heavier labours were over.
+
+Now with the squatter to resolve was to act, and even before anything
+else was finished he had set to work to construct a canoe sufficiently
+large to carry four persons, with victuals for a long journey, and
+strong enough to bear a voyage of some hundreds of miles.
+
+The boat had been finished the night before, and Joshua Dickson, eager
+to begin his journey, had sent his daughter over to Dickson Point, to
+confer with his brother as to what was to be done in his absence. But
+neither Samuel nor Diana knew anything of Joshua's projects.
+
+Joshua was one of those men who, without being deceitful, was very
+reticent, and never told his thoughts.
+
+Diana, like a true heroine, traversed the faintly traced paths which
+led to her uncle's house, a hunting knife in her belt, and light gun
+in her hand. For further safety she was accompanied by Dardar, a large
+black and white dog, something between a wolf and a Newfoundland,
+terribly ferocious, and of mighty strength, as tall as a good-sized
+donkey, and who would have tackled a bear in defence of his mistress,
+whom he obeyed with the docility of a child.
+
+With such a guardian Diana had nothing to fear from man or beast;
+moreover, the country was too little known to the squatters to allow a
+young girl to go out quite unprotected in the country, however short
+the distance.
+
+Contrary to her usual mood, the young girl was quite joyous; her
+freedom, which allowed her to give free vent to her thoughts, had
+driven away the tinge of sadness which generally clouded her beautiful
+face.
+
+She went along careless and dreaming through the fields, playing with
+Dardar, who, proud of the charge he was set to guard, ran wildly before
+her, dashing into the bushes and thickets with an intelligent glance
+that was almost human.
+
+The young girl soon reached the river, where a kind of ferryboat had
+been provided by means of which to cross the river, here neither broad
+nor deep. In a few minutes Diana was across and within sight of her
+uncle's residence.
+
+Inside the log hut, which was extensive, were seated two men, with a
+bottle of whisky before them. These were Samuel Dickson himself and
+George.
+
+Two horses, still saddled and smoking, were fastened in the court. They
+must have been on a long journey.
+
+"You are a pretty fellow to make me gallop about in this way in search
+of you. I am not very handsome, but I am not ugly enough to frighten
+you."
+
+"I simply did not see you."
+
+"No nonsense. Do you think to keep me in ignorance of your motive in
+coming this way?"
+
+The young man blushed deeply.
+
+"Do you know my brother Joshua?" asked Samuel.
+
+"I met him once or twice in Boston, but I do not think he ever noticed
+me," said George Clinton.
+
+"Shall I introduce you to him?" said Samuel. "He has his faults, but he
+is a very worthy man."
+
+"I don't think it would be wise just now."
+
+"I don't think," continued the American, "that you have waited to be
+introduced to my niece."
+
+"Sir," cried the young man, dropping his glass.
+
+"Ah, ah!" cried the American, laughing, "That is the way you break my
+crockery. These lovers, these lovers. Do you think to cheat an old
+opossum like me? You love my pretty niece, which is very natural; you
+are a good fellow, and together will make an excellent couple."
+
+"I regret to say it cannot be so," sighed George.
+
+"Why so?" cried Samuel.
+
+"I see you are so good, I can no longer refuse to enlighten you."
+
+"That is right. Confess, for I am your true friend."
+
+"What I have to say," began George, "is not much. I met Miss Diana at
+Boston at Mrs. Marshall's, where your niece stayed for some months last
+year. I was on very good terms with your relative."
+
+"Yes, yes; my cousin," said Samuel.
+
+"Need I say that from the first moment I saw her I loved your niece? My
+visits to Mrs. Marshall, once only occasional, became so frequent that
+the lady began to have suspicion of my intentions. She at once called
+me on one side, and while giving me every credit for loyalty and worth,
+she told me not to prosecute my attentions, as Diana's father would
+never consent to our marriage. Despite all my entreaties, however,
+she would give me no reason, until at last, yielding to my earnest
+entreaties, she explained that many years before there had been such a
+quarrel between my father and Joshua Dickson that any alliance between
+our families must ever prove impossible."
+
+Samuel listened with extreme anxiety.
+
+"You see yourself that I am right," said the young man.
+
+"You are mistaken," cried the other; "the matter is rather serious, I
+allow. I really had forgotten that old affair. But don't ask me any
+questions; all I say is, have courage. Circumstances will probably
+alter, and believe me that in Samuel Dickson you will have a sincere
+friend."
+
+"I should be only too glad to help."
+
+"When I am on your side nothing is difficult. Now to breakfast. But how
+did you know of my brother's coming out here?" suddenly cried Samuel.
+
+"Miss Diana told me herself."
+
+"Oh, oh! Then I wonder no longer. To breakfast."
+
+"I hope, Master Samuel, you will excuse me," began the other, taking up
+his hunter's cap.
+
+"Sit down; if my niece were here you would not go."
+
+"Can I come in?" suddenly said a soft voice at the door, a voice that
+made George start.
+
+This sudden coincidence utterly overcame the old man's gravity, and,
+throwing himself back in his chair, he screamed with laughter, while
+Diana stood transfixed in the doorway, and George Clinton simply turned
+his cap round in his hand without being able to articulate a word.
+
+It was Dardar who ended the scene.
+
+The dog had remained outside for a moment or two, and then, seeing the
+door open, had rushed right into the middle of the room; seeing George
+Clinton he rushed at him, wagging his tail first, and then, leaping up,
+his paws on either shoulder, he licked his face with a joyous whine.
+
+"By heavens!" cried the squatter, "The fellow is lucky. Everyone likes
+him, even that precious Dardar, and yet he despairs. Come in, Sly
+Boots, and kiss your uncle."
+
+She did not require twice asking.
+
+"You are welcome, mademoiselle," he said, with mock politeness. "I
+suppose I need not introduce you to yonder tall young fellow?"
+
+"I have known the gentleman some time," replied the young girl, holding
+out her hand, which George took and kissed.
+
+"That's right," cried Samuel, rubbing his hands; "all goes well. And
+now once more I say, to breakfast. I am dying with hunger. We can talk
+while we eat, and you, Diana, can explain your early visit. I suppose
+you have not come three miles in the dew to kiss your old uncle?"
+
+"Why not?" she said, with a smile.
+
+"And you expected to meet nobody," he answered. But seeing that Diana
+blushed, he continued, "But no more delay," and seated himself.
+
+The beginning of the meal was rather constrained, from the peculiar
+position of the young people. But the ice was soon broken; the squatter
+was merry and humorous; he avoided any pointed allusions, and the
+conversation, at first very meagre, soon became very pleasant.
+
+When Samuel heard the object of Diana's visit, he promised to go over
+in the evening, and then questioned George as to his travels.
+
+George at once proceeded to tell his story with so much wit and humour
+as to amuse uncle and niece.
+
+"Now," said Samuel, when breakfast was over, "listen to me. You are two
+charming young people, whom I love, and whose happiness I desire. But
+you must let me act in my own way. I know my brother well, and can do
+as I like with him. Look upon me as an ally, but commit no imprudence.
+Instead now of going with my niece, you must stop here. If you were
+seen together, we cannot say what might happen. At all times my house
+is open to you. Come as often as you like, but remember, courage and
+prudence, Diana, kiss me again, and then farewell."
+
+"My darling uncle," she cried, embracing him.
+
+"Oh, yes, very dear, because I do what you like."
+
+"Au revoir, George," she continued.
+
+"But when shall I see you again? Time appears so long."
+
+"Already he grumbles," cried Samuel.
+
+"Pardon me, but I love her so much."
+
+"And do I not love you?" she said, naively.
+
+"I am mad," he answered, tenderly, kissing her hand a second time as he
+spoke.
+
+Then Diana went out, guarded by Dardar.
+
+"Now," said Samuel, as soon as they were alone, "you must enter into
+fuller explanations, and explain where you have pitched your tent. I
+hope you are in no difficulty."
+
+"Be easy on that point. I have a hut in a charming situation about
+twelve miles off. Will you come and see it?" added George Clinton.
+
+"At once, if you like," cried Samuel.
+
+"At once let it be, I am not alone; I have two faithful servants and a
+Canadian hunter, whom I engaged in Boston. I have books, arms, horses,
+dogs--everything that a man can wish for."
+
+"Delighted to hear it. Let us start."
+
+Five minutes later they were galloping through the forest.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THEY MAKE AN ACQUAINTANCE.
+
+
+That part of the valley towards which they were going had undergone
+no change. The squatters had had no time to visit it, and it retained
+all its original beauty and primitive majesty. George Clinton
+appeared fully to know his way, entering at full gallop on the most
+out-of-the-way and rugged paths, followed by Samuel Dickson, who was in
+a charming humour, and appeared delighted to explore this part of his
+domains, for all on that side of the valley was his present from his
+brother.
+
+"You ride as if you had known the country ten years at least," he said.
+
+"I came here about a month before you, but I have been everywhere with
+Charbonneau."
+
+"Who may Charbonneau be?"
+
+"My hunter, a great big Canadian, as long as a fishing rod, as thin as
+a nail, and as honest as a Newfoundland dog. I got him out of a very
+great scrape, and he has been devoted to me ever since."
+
+"Lucky for you."
+
+"More than you think. This fellow was brought up in an Indian tribe;
+his life has been spent more or less in the desert. He has friends
+everywhere with trappers, with white and half-caste hunters; speaks all
+the most difficult redskin dialects, and despite his youth--he is not
+more than three-and-twenty--enjoys a great reputation on the prairie.
+He is called Keen-hand, because of his prodigious dexterity."
+
+"An excellent servant," said Samuel.
+
+"And a capital companion--always gay and contented; whichever way
+things go, he is always so philosophical I cannot but admire him. He is
+a perfect study. As an instance, he declared some time ago no squatter
+would ever see this place and go further."
+
+"He was not far wrong. He is a sharp youth."
+
+"You are right; but you shall judge for yourself."
+
+"Then he has told you all about this country?" asked Samuel.
+
+"In what way?" said George.
+
+"I suppose he described the situation of the valley--its distance from
+all habitations?"
+
+"Don't you know?" cried George.
+
+"I know nothing. We have been travelling in the dark, and should all be
+glad of information."
+
+"In the first place, two rivers cross the valley; that near you flows
+from the mountains of the Wind; the other, into which it discharges its
+waters, is the Missouri."
+
+"Heavens! The Missouri! Then it runs through part of the United States.
+We are at home."
+
+"Very nearly, though you are surrounded by red men, who, though very
+warlike, are generally friendly to the whites. Still, if you know the
+redskins you will not depend on them."
+
+"Too true; and what nations are they?" he asked.
+
+"Sioux and Dakotas, Piekanns, Crows, Hurons of the great lakes, with
+some Assiniboins and Mandans. A few others of no account are scattered
+about," he answered.
+
+"A pretty lot; and no help near."
+
+"Help is nearer than you think. About fifty miles distant is a fort
+belonging to one of the great fur companies. It has a garrison of fifty
+whites--Americans and Canadians, soldiers and hunters."
+
+"Fifty miles is nothing," said Samuel.
+
+"In a civilised country, yes; but in the desert it is as bad as fifty
+leagues," responded Clinton.
+
+"I did not think of that," granted the squatter; "well, then, on the
+other side, what neighbours have we?"
+
+"Some squatters, like yourselves, who have been two years on the
+Missouri. You are halfway between the two."
+
+"Have these squatters much cultivated land?"
+
+"They have been going ahead lately. It is already almost a village;
+soon it will be a town. But anyway, on one side or the other you are
+separated from men of your own colour by several Indian nations, whose
+villages it would be dangerous to visit, except in large numbers. In
+fact your only open route is the Missouri."
+
+"That is something; but, if easy to go down, it is hard to ascend."
+
+"Besides, both sides swarm with redskins."
+
+"Hum! My dear George, that spoils all. What could put it into the mad
+head of my brother to bring us here? He is a lunatic; for the matter of
+that, so am I."
+
+George could not help laughing.
+
+"Laugh away, you young rascal," said the squatter; "but if we have to
+leave our bones here?"
+
+"I hope it will not be so," replied George.
+
+"Jehoshaphat! So do I. Your information is not pleasant; still I thank
+you. It is best to know the worst."
+
+While speaking they kept on at as rapid a pace as the state of the
+ground allowed. They had left the forest, and had come out upon a green
+prairie, when suddenly they heard a gun fired.
+
+"What is that?" cried the squatter.
+
+"Charbonneau. I know the sound. Wait a minute."
+
+And Clinton fired his rifle in the air.
+
+Next instant there was a rush from out of a thicket, and two
+magnificent dogs of the same breed as Dardar came rushing out of a
+thicket, and, leaping at the young man to beg a caress, continued at
+the same time to growl at the squatter.
+
+"Down, dogs, down!" cried the young man. "Down, I say, Nadeje, miss,
+and you the same, Drack; don't be mischievous. This gentleman, my
+fine fellows, is a friend; go and welcome him, to show what brave and
+intelligent beasts you are."
+
+As if they had understood what their master said, the two dogs ceased
+to growl, and, going straight to Samuel Dickson, leaped up at him in
+the most friendly way. The squatter, a great dog fancier, was very
+much struck by their beauty, and at once caressed them with many a
+word of praise, which pleased both, but especially Miss Nadeje; she
+was a magnificent animal, with an almost pure white skin, spotted only
+here and there with black, and at once took the squatter under her
+guardianship.
+
+Almost at the same moment a man appeared in the full costume of a
+hunter, a man with rather angular but very intelligent features; in his
+hand was the still-smoking gun. He bowed, and called off the dogs.
+
+"Pardieu!" he cried, "That was a lucky shot of mine."
+
+"Were you hunting?" asked the other, shaking hands.
+
+"At this hour it were folly, and I am not yet mad. Sport is only good
+morning and evening, is it not?"
+
+"That is my opinion," replied the squatter.
+
+"Mr. Samuel Dickson, one of my best friends," said George, "and I hope
+soon one of yours."
+
+"I hope so; I like his looks," laughed Charbonneau.
+
+"Thank you," said the squatter.
+
+"It is quite unnecessary, only I don't say the same to everybody. But I
+have known you some time."
+
+"If not hunting, what were you doing?" asked George.
+
+"Something has happened at the wigwam. Three travellers, two white
+hunters and an Indian chief, have reached your house, and demanded
+hospitality," he replied.
+
+"Of course you did not refuse?"
+
+"Of course I did not. Besides, two of the hunters are my friends, and
+the other is likely to become so."
+
+"You know you are welcome to act; still, why look for me?"
+
+"Well, I did not exactly look for you, but I wanted to give you
+warning; of course, I knew where you had gone."
+
+The young man blushed, while the old man laughed.
+
+"Now, then," cried Clinton, "let us go home."
+
+"Wait one moment. About fifty yards in my rear the dogs opened cry. I
+ran and found--"
+
+"A bear?" exclaimed the squatter.
+
+"No, I would not have minded that. It was not a bear, but a man. He
+was lying insensible on the ground, his skull split open from a heavy
+fall, and a shot wound in his left arm. His horse was grazing close by.
+He appeared to be a traveller traitorously shot by an Indian. I thought
+I heard an explosion; at all events, the wretch fled before the dogs,
+just as he was about to rob the unfortunate."
+
+"You assisted him?"
+
+"How could I help it? I could not let him die like a skunk on the road;
+and yet it would have been wiser."
+
+"Charbonneau!" cried the young man, "Is that really you?"
+
+"You know me well, Master George. Well, despite myself, I don't like
+the look of this man, though he is handsome enough. He has a terrible
+expression, and you know it takes something to move me. Still, I feel
+an invincible repugnance for this man, whom I never saw before. The
+dogs were like myself; I had the greatest difficulty to prevent them
+tearing him to pieces. Nadeje was like a mad creature; she wanted to
+strangle him. Do you know, Master George, dogs never make a mistake?"
+
+"A very good thing," said George Clinton; "but the man is wounded,
+likely to die. We are bound to succour him."
+
+"I know it, and have done so. I have seen to him as I would to myself
+or one of my dogs. Still, Master George, mark my words, it is a bitter
+foe you shelter under your roof."
+
+"It may be so, but we must do our duty."
+
+"As you please. Still I shall watch him."
+
+"Where is he?"
+
+"Just under yonder cluster of oaks, which you see from here. It was
+after dressing his wound I fired a shot on chance."
+
+"Did he say nothing?" asked George.
+
+"He is still quite insensible."
+
+"Let us join him, and if the dogs are so ill-disposed towards the
+stranger, watch them carefully."
+
+"All right, Master George. Be quiet, dogs," said the hunter, turning
+back, followed by the two great dogs, the others making up the rear.
+
+The cluster of oaks was soon reached; the wounded man still lay without
+life; the dogs howled, but, at a sign from Keen-hand, they stood back
+silent.
+
+George and Samuel alighted, and examined the man.
+
+He was a tall, well made, even elegant man of about thirty or
+thirty-five; he was deadly pale; his features were well chiselled
+and delicate; his long, jet black hair fell in waving curls on his
+shoulders; a black crisp beard hid the lower part of his face; his
+mouth, large and slightly open, showed magnificent teeth of dazzling
+whiteness; his strong and aquiline nose gave a terribly hard expression
+to his face, while his eyes, far too close together, and which were
+shut, were shaded by long lashes, and crowned by heavy eyebrows that
+almost touched.
+
+The very sight of the man inspired instinctive repulsion, something
+like a chill, that sensation of terror and disgust which one feels at
+the sight of a reptile; still the man was handsome and elegant; he was
+well dressed, and his weapons were superior; his horse was extremely
+valuable.
+
+He was, to all appearance, a prince among adventurers.
+
+"Hum!" muttered Samuel Dickson, who was the first to speak; "I don't
+like his look at all."
+
+"No more do I," said George; "still, we cannot let him die."
+
+"Certainly not, since Providence has sent him here. Are we far from
+your hut?" replied Samuel.
+
+"Not far off, are we, Charbonneau? But, then, how can we carry him?"
+continued George; "I don't see anything except a litter."
+
+"Too long. Leave all to me. I will mount his horse; you can hand him up
+to me; I will then carry him in my arms to the wigwam--what say you?"
+
+"Admirable!" cried George, as Charbonneau mounted and stood still,
+awaiting his burden.
+
+George and Samuel then placed him before the guide. Charbonneau pressed
+his head against his chest, and started.
+
+Going slowly, they were an hour on the journey.
+
+The wigwam, as the hunter called it, was a charming habitation built of
+wood, upon the summit of an eminence, round which ran a silver stream,
+lined with well-constructed palisades.
+
+"Your house is delicious," said Samuel Dickson, examining the
+residence. "You should be very comfortable."
+
+"My good friend, I want for nothing except happiness."
+
+"Are you going to have the blues again?" said Samuel.
+
+"You know I hardly dare hope," replied George.
+
+"You are very foolish. When you are rich, young, and loved, Master
+George, you ought to hope for the best."
+
+"You are very cruel to joke with me."
+
+"I do not joke, I only try to inspire you with courage. But, look, here
+are your guests coming to meet you, while your servants seem to me to
+be rather muddled and mixed," observed Samuel.
+
+"It is the first time they have ever seen strangers."
+
+"Then," said Samuel, laughing, "they will have a change today."
+
+Three persons were advancing in the direction of the advancing troop.
+They were Bright-eye, Numank-Charake, the Huron chief, and Oliver.
+
+They bowed ceremoniously to Clinton, who renewed the invitation given
+by Charbonneau; and then alighting, the wounded man was carried by
+Bright-eye and Oliver to the best bedroom, placed on the master's
+own couch, and at once attended to by one of the domestics, who knew
+something of medicine.
+
+"What a disagreeable face!" murmured Oliver.
+
+"He does not look pleasant," said Bright-eye.
+
+"'Tis the face of a traitor," said the Indian chief, sententiously; "he
+should have been allowed to die."
+
+"Hum!" cried Keen-hand; "There are others of my opinion."
+
+"Let my brother watch carefully," remarked the Indian.
+
+"Be not uneasy," smiled Charbonneau.
+
+"In my opinion," said Bright-eye, "this man is one of the outlaws of
+the desert. I have seen him somewhere before. I must not only think
+over the matter, but put the master of the house on his guard."
+
+Meanwhile the four men rejoined Clinton and Samuel Dickson in the
+drawing room, where copious refreshments awaited them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+WHO THE STRANGER WAS.
+
+
+As soon as the farmer had taken some slight refreshment and assured
+himself as to the comfortable position in which he was placed, he took
+his leave. The day was far advanced, and he had to meet his brother on
+a matter of business.
+
+On leaving George, the squatter bent low on his horse, and after one
+last glance at the hut:
+
+"Beware, my friend," he said, "of the wounded man. I think him an
+unmitigated rascal. Get rid of him."
+
+"I will take your advice. I do not like him myself, and as soon as he
+can travel he shall surely go."
+
+And, after mutual promises to meet again, the two friends parted, and
+Samuel rode off in hot haste. George watched him until he was quite out
+of sight.
+
+He then sighed. The departure of Samuel had broken the last link
+between the charming events of the morning and the more matter-of-fact
+events of the evening. He now gloomily turned on his heel, and found
+himself face to face with the three travellers accompanied by Keen-hand.
+
+"You are not going?" he cried.
+
+"No," answered Bright-eye; "on the contrary, if you will allow us, we
+intend remaining some little time."
+
+"You will give me great satisfaction," continued Clinton, "use my house
+entirely as your own."
+
+The hunters bowed courteously.
+
+"We have come to meet you," said Oliver, "because, having something to
+say, we prefer the open air."
+
+"Yes," continued Bright-eye, "though the wounded man whom you have
+so generously entertained is as yet incapable of listening, your
+servants--"
+
+"Are discreet and devoted," observed Clinton.
+
+"We know that, and have taken no precautions against them."
+
+"You would have been very unwise to do so. Morris and Stephen knew me
+from my birth. They love me as if I were a child of their own. I have
+no secrets from them and should be sorry to wound their feelings."
+
+"I was prepared for that objection," said Keen-hand, "and was therefore
+careful to warn them."
+
+"You have done well, Charbonneau, as I would not for the world offend
+those worthy fellows. And now, gentlemen, follow me, and I will take
+you where you can speak openly without fear of being overheard."
+
+Saying which George moved away from the house and led them to a
+hillock, wholly without trees, overlooking the river, and whence he
+could see a long way.
+
+"This is my observatory," he said, smiling.
+
+"Admirably well chosen," replied Oliver.
+
+On the invitation of Clinton everyone seated himself on the grass,
+and lit his pipe; then Bright-eye, who appeared general spokesman,
+addressed their host.
+
+"We have learned from Keen-hand that you have not long left the cities
+of the United States to visit for a time the prairies of the Far West."
+
+"I have no reason for making any secret of the matter."
+
+"Everyone is master of his own actions," continued Bright-eye, "and we
+have no right to inquire in any way into your affairs. We only desire
+to indicate you as new to prairie customs."
+
+"I am not very learned in the matter, and am therefore wholly guided by
+my hunter, who, despite his youth, is an old runner of the woods. But
+as I see no motive for this conversation, I should be glad if it were
+abridged."
+
+"One question first--Are you prepared as a dweller in the desert to
+submit to its habits and customs?" asked Bright-eye.
+
+"As long as they are just and reasonable," said the other, "I pledge my
+word to be guided by them."
+
+"We find that your friend here described you well."
+
+"Still you must be aware that you are keeping me waiting."
+
+"Two words will explain," said Bright-eye; "we demand the body of the
+wounded man yonder."
+
+"What to do?" cried Clinton.
+
+"To apply Lynch law to him," coldly replied the hunter.
+
+The young man shuddered, a livid pallor spread over his countenance; he
+looked at the hunters, who nodded their heads, with a glance of horror.
+
+"What do you mean, gentlemen?" he cried; "Do you intend to torture this
+man, whose life hangs on a thread?"
+
+"It is our right and our duty, not to torture him, but to try him, and
+execute the sentence, whatever it may be, at once."
+
+"This is terrible!" cried the young man.
+
+"You do not know him. If, for reasons best known to ourselves, we
+feigned not to know him, now that your friend has left we will tell you
+who the wretch is."
+
+"No matter who he is," cried Clinton, fiercely, "all I know is that he
+is wounded and under the protection of my roof."
+
+"Your sentiments of humanity do you honour," said Bright-eye,
+ironically; "they are well suited to civilised society, where the law
+defends you. In the desert they have no meaning. Every moment menaced
+with death, you must cut down your murderous foes without mercy."
+
+"Better be victim than executioner," said George.
+
+"If you like to present your breast to the enemies, that is your
+lookout; we beg to differ from you."
+
+"But, gentlemen--" said Clinton, haughtily.
+
+"You made a promise. Do you or do you not intend to be bound by it?"
+asked Bright-eye.
+
+"This is your return for my hospitality."
+
+"You are unjust, sir; we are but the instruments of public opinion,
+about to accomplish a painful duty, guided by our conscience and our
+sense of right. Do you give this man up to us, yes or no?" he continued.
+
+"Take him, if you insist; but as on your private authority you judge
+this man, I will defend him."
+
+"We are delighted to hear it."
+
+"When do you intend trying this man who is dangerously wounded and
+nearly insensible?"
+
+"He is not so ill as he pretends to be," replied Bright-eye; "and we
+intend trying him at once."
+
+"Come, then, for the matter is getting wearisome," said George.
+
+All returned to the house. Oliver and Numank had not spoken, but their
+firm step, their knitted brows, their flashing eyes, sufficiently
+indicated that they fully agreed with Bright-eye in his intentions.
+
+When they entered the room where the wounded man lay he was quite
+conscious; his face, of an earthy pallor, had two red spots on the
+cheeks; the pearly sweat fell heavily from his brow; his eyes were half
+closed, but he could clearly see through his lashes. His attitude was
+that of a tiger at bay, unaware from what side danger was likely to
+come.
+
+Bright-eye looked at him with such pertinacity that after a time he was
+compelled to open his eyes.
+
+The Canadian smiled, whispered to Keen-hand, who nodded his head, and
+soon left the hut.
+
+"Gentlemen," said Bright-eye in a loud tone, "we will at once proceed
+to instal the head of the court of Judge Lynch."
+
+"You are the chief," said the others.
+
+"I accept. You will be the accusers. I shall at once take my seat, as
+we are here to judge this man."
+
+"You forget I am here to defend him," remarked Clinton.
+
+"You are quite right," replied Bright-eye; "pray therefore attend
+carefully to the accusations I am about to make against him; you can
+then undertake his defence, if, indeed, when you know all, you care to
+do so."
+
+The wounded man had appeared motionless and insensible to all around
+him, but on hearing the generous words of the young man, spoken in a
+gentle voice, he seemed to shiver all over, and, raising himself a
+little, looked keenly at George Clinton, with a glance of gratitude.
+
+Bright-eye meanwhile reflected a moment, folded his arms, and throwing
+back his head spoke:
+
+"Prisoner," he said, "you are before a terrible tribunal. Judge
+Lynch has been appointed to condemn you if guilty, to absolve you if
+innocent. Prepare yourself to hear and answer the charges made against
+you."
+
+"I do not acknowledge the jurisdiction of Judge Lynch," said the man;
+"you are a tribunal of assassins."
+
+"As you please," replied the Canadian; "but your silence will be
+treated as a confession of guilt."
+
+The accused shuddered.
+
+"Why, instead of leaving me to die in the prairie, was I brought here?"
+he asked; "Is hospitality a mere trick?"
+
+"The man is right," cried George; "I cannot suffer such things to pass
+under my roof. I protest, in the name of humanity, against all that is
+being done. You dishonour me by acting in this manner here."
+
+"The jurisdiction of Judge Lynch is universal in the desert," was the
+cold reply; "none can check it. This man is an outlaw of the prairies,
+a man of blood and crime. Louis Querehard, Paul Sambrun, Tom Mitchell,
+and half a dozen aliases--you see we know you well--eleven days ago you
+basely attacked an old man in charge of a young girl; you killed the
+old man from behind at the Elk's Leap. Where is the young girl?"
+
+"Base calumny," cried the wounded man, sitting up suddenly; "I know not
+what you mean. I killed no old man."
+
+"I repeat that you killed the old man and stole away the girl. I have
+the proofs," he answered.
+
+The wounded man sat biting his lips with rage.
+
+"This morning," continued Bright-eye, "you quarrelled with one of your
+accomplices, while crossing this valley, and fell from the treachery of
+your fellow bandit."
+
+"Falsehood!" cried the wounded man.
+
+"We shall soon see," said the Canadian, coldly, and putting his fingers
+to his lips he uttered a shrill whistle.
+
+A noise was heard and several men entered. These were Keen-hand, two
+servants of Clinton, and a prisoner--a man of wretched, mean, and
+ignoble appearance.
+
+"This is your accomplice," said Bright-eye.
+
+"I don't know him," replied the wounded man.
+
+"You don't know me?" cried the other; "Really now, have you already
+forgotten poor Camotte?"
+
+"You declare this man unknown to you?" said the judge. "Well, be it so.
+Now, fellow," to the man Camotte, "will you confess?"
+
+"Caray, yes," said the prisoner, "anything you like."
+
+"Speak then," responded Bright-eye: "we wait."
+
+"Miserable wretch," asked the wounded man, "are you a traitor?"
+
+"My good sir, I object to be hung," he answered.
+
+"It is useless to question that rascal," said the wounded man. "I will
+tell you all you want to know; but before we go any further it must be
+on one condition."
+
+"We decline to accept conditions," was the reply.
+
+"Then beware. I alone know where the young girl is concealed. Refuse my
+conditions and my secret dies with me."
+
+"It is true," said Camotte, in answer to a look from Bright-eye.
+
+"What are your conditions?" resumed the judge.
+
+"My life, liberty, and three hours' start," said the outlaw; "also the
+company of my friend Camotte yonder," he added, with a sneer, as that
+individual shivered; "further, I require my horse, arms, and my valise.
+On these conditions you shall have the young girl: I swear it."
+
+"Anything else?" continued the judge.
+
+"One moment," observed George; "I ask for him eight days to recover
+from his wound, during which time he shall remain here under my
+guardianship and yours."
+
+"We consent," said Bright-eye, gloomily; "now speak."
+
+"The girl is concealed twelve miles away, in the Cavern of the Elk. I
+was going there with food when I was shot. Make haste."
+
+Scarcely had he finished ere Oliver and the chief disappeared.
+
+"Beware of my vengeance," cried Bright-eye, "if you have spoken
+falsely."
+
+"I have spoken the truth," said the wounded man, and fainted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+EXPLANATIONS.
+
+
+We must go back a little in order to explain how the three hunters were
+driven to seek hospitality in the hut of George Clinton, and what were
+the motives of the deadly hatred they had vowed against the wounded,
+almost dying, man.
+
+At the time of which we write nearly the whole American continent,
+north and south, was owned by Spain, which ruled her provinces with a
+yoke of iron, closed to all other nations with as much jealousy as ever
+was shown by China.
+
+The United States alone stood free, independent.
+
+The newly enfranchised people were, however, well aware that as long as
+the rest of the land was not free their work was unfinished.
+
+Besides, it became necessary to give employment to the restless spirits
+let loose by the close of the war.
+
+The Government at once set to work. The territory of the new republic
+was already immense, but thinly peopled, almost unknown, and occupied
+in many instances by wandering Indian tribes. These must first be got
+rid of.
+
+The activity of the Americans is known. They rushed off into the
+desert, they erected forts to awe the redskins; hardy pioneers
+traversed the prairies and established settlements in the very heart of
+the Indian country.
+
+Every encouragement was given to emigrants from Europe, who were
+received most hospitably.
+
+The Government was favoured by circumstances; it was a rising power
+while Spain was falling to pieces.
+
+The American Government at once offered to buy Louisiana of France,
+and meanwhile sent out small companies of free corps to attack the
+frontier of the Spanish colonies. But alongside those recognised by
+the authorities were other bands, men isolated from all civilisation,
+having no control to fear, recruited from the scum which froths up
+during troublous times; these bands made war on their own account,
+pillaged friend and foe, burned haciendas, and allied themselves with
+the redskins, taking their dress in order the more readily to carry out
+their nefarious designs.
+
+Among these bands was one more formidable than all the others of sad
+and monstrous celebrity.
+
+This troop of two hundred desperadoes, called themselves outlaws, and,
+it was believed, though no one exactly knew their headquarters, were
+established on the Missouri, whence they carried their depredations far
+and near.
+
+Powerfully organised, submitting to strict discipline, this band had
+spies in every direction, who kept them well informed, not only as to
+the number and strength of caravans about to cross the desert, with
+their destination, but as to the expeditions sent out by Government
+against themselves. By these means they were always on their guard and
+never taken by surprise.
+
+The chief of this terrible band was said to have only been six years
+in America, and yet he knew all the secrets of the desert; he was as
+clever as the most cunning and astute runner of the woods, quite equal
+to any redskin in deceit. He was supposed to be a Frenchman, though he
+spoke English, Spanish, and many Indian languages equally well. He was
+called Querehard, Sambrun, Magnaud, Tom Mitchell, and various other
+names.
+
+But none knew his real one, though some did whisper that he was the
+chief of a certain fearful band who had played so terrible a part
+during the Reign of Terror.
+
+Many asserted that he was not so bad as he was painted--that, in
+fact, though chief of this fearful crew, he always tried to prevent
+bloodshed, that he never allowed women and children to be ill-treated.
+
+He was said to be very generous, and had as many friends as enemies.
+
+Whatever the truth, Tom Mitchell was a kind of hero; the American and
+Spanish Governments had placed a price upon his head; but no one ever
+ventured to try for the reward of ten thousand dollars.
+
+After the medicine council we have recorded, Numank-Charake and his two
+friends continued their journey.
+
+On the seventh day, an hour before the setting of the sun, they reached
+a village built in the fork of two rivers.
+
+The village was surrounded by lofty palisades, with a ditch full of
+water, and drawbridges.
+
+The travellers came up just as these were being removed.
+
+They were warmly received by an eager crowd.
+
+Since his landing in America this was the first time Oliver had entered
+a real village of redskins.
+
+He was surprised to find it so superior to what he expected. Instead of
+ordinary bison tents, or huts made with hurdles, mud, and thatch, it
+consisted of admirably constructed Canadian cabins.
+
+These cabins stood in rows, with small gardens in front, while here and
+there were some real Indian wigwams.
+
+Those Canadians who had retreated with their families to the tribe
+of Bison Hurons had introduced these habits. Hence the rather hybrid
+character of the village, which was half Canadian and half Indian.
+
+Reaching the centre of the village Numank left his companions, while
+Bright-eye pointed out a most comfortable looking cabin and declared it
+to be his home.
+
+At the entrance stood two men leaning on their rifles. One, nearly a
+centenarian, but still robust and very tall, had a large white beard;
+his eyes still shone brightly, his complexion was the colour of brick,
+while his ropy muscles could be seen through his parchment skin. His
+expression was gentle and full of courage. This was the grandfather of
+the hunter, an old soldier of Montcalm.
+
+The second was Bright-eye's father, whom he resembled in every
+particular except age and height.
+
+"They indeed appear a noble couple," whispered Oliver.
+
+"Come with me," was the laconic reply.
+
+In a few minutes they were at the door of the cabin. Bright-eye
+dismounted and took off his fur cap.
+
+"I am back after a long absence. Give me your blessing."
+
+"Take it with all our hearts," cried the two old men.
+
+They then shook hands cordially, Oliver looking on with a deep sigh of
+envy and regret.
+
+"He at all events has a family," he said.
+
+"Come nearer, my friend," cried Bright-eye; and when Oliver stood
+beside him, he added, "this is Oliver, my friend. Eight days ago we met
+in the savannah, and we have never parted since. He loves me and I love
+him; he is a brave man and a most excellent hunter; our friend, the
+redskin, calls him Bounding Panther."
+
+"He is welcome," said the old man; "all Frenchmen are our brothers;
+as long as he chooses to remain there is a hut to shelter him and a
+quarter of venison for his food."
+
+"Well spoken, father," said his son, shaking hands with the young
+Frenchman; "we are French here. Welcome."
+
+"Messieurs," replied Oliver, with a bow and a smile, "it is not with
+words we answer such words, but by acts."
+
+"We welcome you as a second son; come in."
+
+The horses were now taken away by a young Indian, and the whole party
+entered the house.
+
+The hut, which was built with logs, was whitewashed both in and out,
+and had four windows.
+
+Oliver entered a rather large hall, lit by two of the windows, with a
+plank flooring, and a roof supported by heavy beams; at one end was a
+large chimney, near the kitchen a table, some seats and chairs, two
+oaken dressers covered by utensils in brown earthenware, and a large
+old-fashioned clock composed the furniture.
+
+Two doors led, one into the kitchen, the other into the guests' room,
+which was pointed out to Oliver.
+
+There were three other rooms, one occupied by the two old men, one by
+Bright-eye, and one by his sister when at home.
+
+All were furnished alike; a bed, a little table, several boxes, two or
+three chairs; some hideously coloured prints from Epinal were fixed
+on the walls, also pipes of all sorts and sizes, a French long gun, a
+powder horn, lead pouch, game bag, hatchet, a knife with its deerskin
+belt, that was all.
+
+It was one floor, except a large loft above.
+
+Behind the house there was stabling for six horses, a yard with fowls,
+a rather large garden, well enclosed and full of choice vegetables. It
+was the old man who took care of the garden as child's play.
+
+When, having made some slight change in his toilette, Oliver returned
+to the hall dinner was on the table.
+
+"Have you had good hunting lately?" asked Bright-eye.
+
+"Not very good. Game gets scarce. Still I made three hundred and
+seventy dollars in a fortnight," he replied.
+
+"Pretty fair; and what was your game?"
+
+"The blue fox, near Hudson's Bay," continued the other; "I have been
+home three weeks. But you say nothing of your sister."
+
+"I am not in the habit of questioning you, father."
+
+"The boy is right," said the old man; "it is your place to speak."
+
+"I suppose," cried the hunter, "Angela is in the village."
+
+"No, my son, she is absent," continued the old man, "and I am sorry for
+it, as she was the joy of the house."
+
+"Where is she then, father?" asked Bright-eye.
+
+"About five days' march, with our cousin Lagrenay, the squatter of the
+Wind River. His wife has been ill, he is alone; having no one to take
+care of her, he came here and asked for Angela to stay a few days."
+
+"My dear father, our cousin Lagrenay's settlement is a long way off, in
+the heart of the Indian country."
+
+"You are right," said his father; "I fear I have acted with too great
+haste. I will fetch her home tomorrow."
+
+"I will go with you, father."
+
+"It is unnecessary. Your health, sir," addressing Oliver; "is it long
+since you left France?"
+
+"Many thanks. I have been in America two months."
+
+"Though so far off news is welcome. How is the king?"
+
+"There is no longer any king," said Oliver, gravely; "France is now a
+republic like America."
+
+While the stupefaction which this news caused was still at its height
+Numank-Charake entered.
+
+"Welcome; be seated and eat," said the old man.
+
+"I came neither to eat nor to drink," replied the young Indian, sadly.
+"I came to tell you that your child, Evening Dew, has been carried off
+by Tom Mitchell, the outlaw, and that we must at once save her."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+HOW THE THREE TRAVELLERS WENT TO GEORGE CLINTON'S.
+
+
+This terrible revelation fell like a thunderclap upon the four
+personages who sat at table. There was for some minutes a silence
+caused by perfect stupor.
+
+"You are indeed a sinister messenger, chief," said the old man,
+bitterly; "whence do you get this news?"
+
+"Perhaps you are mistaken," gasped the father.
+
+"Listen," said the chief, sadly, "and you shall hear what has passed in
+a few words."
+
+"First sit down and break bread," cried the old man; "we are friends
+and relatives, and this awful catastrophe affects you as well as us."
+
+"You say truly," responded the young chief, seating himself.
+
+"Eat and drink," said the old man; "then we will talk."
+
+The meal continued, to the great astonishment of Oliver. He could
+not understand the calm and sang-froid of these four men in presence
+of such an awful event. He was half inclined to accuse them even of
+coldness of heart.
+
+He knew nothing of that Indian etiquette, more severe than that of any
+other country, which requires this apparent coldness. He soon, however,
+discovered how much he was mistaken, and how deeply all these brave and
+loyal hearts were wounded by the fatal incident.
+
+The repast was sad and gloomy. Nobody spoke. They ate as if it were a
+duty which must be done.
+
+After the hasty repast was over there was silence.
+
+"You have come, sir," said the old man, addressing Oliver, "at an
+unfortunate moment; pardon us if we seem rude and inhospitable. But
+evil has fallen on us."
+
+"You told me, sir," replied the young man, "that I was to become a
+member of your family. Let me, then, share your sorrows as well as your
+joys. I feel more on the subject than you think, being Bright-eye's
+brother."
+
+"Thank you; you are one of us," said the old man.
+
+"You are my second son," cried the father.
+
+"I thank you, and hope to prove myself deserving."
+
+Everybody now rose from table, filled his pipe and lighted it, and
+then, the repast having in the meantime been cleared away, seated
+themselves by the fire.
+
+"Chief," said the old man, "the time has come. We are ready to listen
+to you with the deepest attention."
+
+Rising and bowing to all, the chief, who affected stoical gravity, but
+who had great difficulty in controlling his voice, spoke--
+
+"Lagrenay's wife was never ill. Evening Dew was carried off by Tom
+Mitchell from the squatters."
+
+"Are you quite positive?" asked the grandfather.
+
+"I am positive. The news was brought to me just now by a courier in
+whom I have every confidence. He saw all that happened without himself
+being seen."
+
+A deep silence prevailed. None interrupted the old man.
+
+"Allow me," he said, "to speak frankly to you, chief. You are my
+relative; I remember your birth, and love you."
+
+"My father is good, and knows I love him," replied the chief.
+
+"I know it; but pardon me if I speak very plainly. There is a
+hesitation in your words which alarms me excessively. I am sure you
+have not told us all you think."
+
+The chief bowed his head.
+
+"I knew I was right," cried the old man; "you know far more than you
+choose to say."
+
+"No skin covers my heart, my blood runs red and clear in my veins; the
+Wacondah sees and judges me. Let my father explain himself frankly.
+I ought only to speak after him. His head is white with the snows of
+wisdom. He is wise."
+
+"Good, Numank-Charake, you are a great brave, despite your youth. Soon
+you will be renowned in council. I know the motives which shut your
+mouth. You love her."
+
+The young man started.
+
+"Do not deny it," said the old man. "I know it, as does my son, and we
+rejoice both of us. She will be happy with one who is both strong and
+brave. Not knowing our sentiments towards you, you have nobly hesitated
+to accuse a near relative. You have acted well. But time presses, and
+not a moment is to be lost. We know our cousin as well, or perhaps
+better, than you do. We know also that falsehood never soiled your
+lips. To keep further silence would be to commit a bad action--to make
+yourself almost the accomplice of the ravishers. Speak out, then, like
+a man."
+
+"I obey," replied the young man, respectfully.
+
+"And hide nothing, I pray," added François Berger.
+
+"I will tell you everything," he said, "as you know my heart is given
+to Evening Dew. I love her; her love is my joy, her voice my happiness.
+On my return to the village, after my unfortunate expedition, Evening
+Dew was no longer in her father's wigwam. I asked news of everybody; I
+even ventured to ask you. Your answer filled me with discouragement.
+I returned to my hut heartbroken with despair. My grandfather had
+pity on me. Kouha-hande loves me, and spoke like a wise man. 'Go,' he
+said, 'find Bright-eye at the spot agreed on; he is the brother of
+Evening Dew; he will grieve with you, and perhaps give you good advice.
+During his absence I will watch. If necessary, I will go to the hut of
+the white man on the Wind River. Adieu, my son, and may the Wacondah
+accompany you,' I obeyed my father. I put on my travelling moccasins,
+took my gun, provisions, all that a hunter requires, and started. But
+my soul was sorrowful; a sad presentiment froze me to the marrow of my
+bones; Wacondah sent it."
+
+"Courage, child," said the old man, kindly. "Wacondah is powerful and
+just; He tries those whom He loves."
+
+"Two hours ago I returned to the village of my nation. I was very
+sad and uneasy. Without a word I left my comrades and friends, and
+rushed to my wigwam. My father's father awaited me. He was gloomy and
+thoughtful, and rose as I entered. I guessed at once what I had to
+expect. This is what I learned. Kouha-hande is a sachem whose words are
+not to be doubted. For two days, hid in the thickets, he watched the
+hut of the squatter of the River of the Wind. The second day, before
+the rising of the moon, there was a sharp whistle near the habitation,
+and a man appeared. He was very pale, wore the costume of the hunter
+of the prairies, and carried a rifle. At the distance the sachem could
+not make out his features. Almost immediately, however, a second person
+appeared on the scene, coming from the inside of the hut, and this was
+the squatter himself."
+
+"Are you sure of what you say?" asked the old man.
+
+"Kouha-hande knew him," replied the chief.
+
+"Go on," gloomily remarked old Berger.
+
+"The two men approached each other, spoke for a long time in a low
+tone, and then separated, after exchanging one phrase, which the
+sachem heard distinctly. This phrase, which seemed to summarise their
+conversation, was--"
+
+"'You swear upon your honour that she will be quite safe and respected
+in every way,' said the squatter."
+
+"'As if she were my own sister or daughter, I swear unto you,' replied
+the hunter."
+
+"The two men then parted. That was all. Two hours passed away. Just
+about the time when the blue jay begins its first song, the sachem, who
+had remained still in his hiding place, his eye and ear on the strain,
+heard a noise approaching rapidly, like that of a number of people
+who, fearing no surprise, thought it useless to take any precautions.
+They soon came in sight. They were no less than thirty palefaces, armed
+with rifles. They surrounded the hut and attacked it on all sides."
+
+"The squatter and his servants defended themselves like people taken by
+surprise--that is, feebly."
+
+"The assailants soon entered the hut. My grandfather now heard a great
+tumult inside. But he was alone, could do no good, and therefore
+remained in his hiding place. At the end of an hour the men came out,
+escorting a fainting female, who was wrapped in a frazada. Satisfied
+with the result of their expedition, they went off without even closing
+the doors behind them. Kouha-hande waited some little time, and then,
+convinced that the assailants had departed, went into the wigwam."
+
+"All was in disorder. The furniture was overthrown and broken; the
+squatter, his wife, and servants, tied and gagged, lay on the floor.
+The sachem hastened to stir up the fire, then he lighted some torches,
+after which he set all the people at liberty. Even then for some time
+they were unable to move or speak."
+
+"The squatter's wife wept, wrung her hands, and bitterly reproached her
+husband with his cowardice, which had been the cause of the abduction
+of her niece."
+
+"And what did he say?" asked Berger.
+
+"Nothing," said the chief; "he was overwhelmed, appeared struck by
+stupor, remaining utterly motionless. Presently he seemed to recover
+his spirits. Kouha-hande then offered to start in pursuit of the
+ravishers, but the squatter refused, alleging that the trail was
+no doubt by this time so cleverly concealed as to render pursuit
+impossible. He left the punishment of the villains in the hands of
+God. The sachem, seeing plainly that he was not wanted, went away. But
+Kouha-hande was determined to reach to the bottom of the dark scheme;
+instead of returning to his village, he followed the abductors."
+
+"These, having apparently no fear of pursuit, had left ample traces
+of their passage in the forest, and took not the slightest precaution
+to conceal their route in a straight line through the forest. It led
+direct to the Missouri. The sachem at once saw through the whole thing.
+These hunters, the sachem declared, could only be the redoubtable
+outlaws commanded by the extraordinary chief before whom all trembled,
+white and red, in the prairie."
+
+"Tom Mitchell," groaned the old man.
+
+"Himself," said the chief. "The sachem, after exploring the two banks
+of the river for many miles, came back to the village of his nation,
+and told me what he had seen. This is my story. Have I well said?"
+
+"You have," cried François Berger; "but let me speak. I am the only
+one person in fault. I should never have separated from my daughter.
+It is my duty to go in search of her. I will find her or perish in the
+attempt."
+
+He attempted to rise, but Oliver checked him.
+
+"Pardon me, sir," he said, gently, "if I interfere in so delicate and
+grave a matter. The friendship I bear your son, the cordial way in
+which you have received me, compel me to feel as if I were personally
+concerned in the matter. May I therefore be allowed to speak a few
+words?"
+
+"Speak," said the old hunter.
+
+"Sir," replied the young man, modestly, "I have listened to every word
+as recorded by the chief, and I believe every word as recorded by him.
+It appears to me, therefore, in examining the facts, that the attack
+of the hunters, arranged with the squatter himself, his repugnance and
+refusal to pursue them, point either to treachery or a strange mystery,
+which it would be wise to clear up."
+
+"Unfortunately," said the old man, "we share your opinion. The
+treachery is too flagrant to be doubted."
+
+"You believe in treachery," urged Oliver.
+
+"Base and cowardly treachery," cried Berger, striking the table.
+
+"Be assured, then," continued Oliver, "and you will be a better judge
+of the correctness of my opinion than I am, your enemies, whoever they
+may be, have spies around you, spies employed to watch your movements,
+and to report them at once. You Will not have been ten minutes on the
+trail of the ravishers ere they would be on your track."
+
+"Quite true," said the old man; "what is to be done?"
+
+"A very simple thing, and one which I am very much surprised you have
+not thought of before. We have only reached the village two hours ago;
+I, as a stranger, am unknown to anybody, nobody troubles himself in any
+way about me. Whither I go matters to no one. With your permission,
+at nightfall I will start in company with Bright-eye. If our early
+departure is noticed, we can easily give some reason. It is you who
+are watched, and no one else. None, knowing the indomitable energy of
+your character, will believe that you have allowed anyone else to go in
+search of your daughter. We shall be three men, two of whom know the
+desert well. The trail of one man is easy to follow, but not of three
+wary hunters ever on their guard, at all events, without the spies be
+discovered and killed. This is my opinion, and, frankly, I think it
+good."
+
+"You have spoken well," repeated the grandfather; "what you say is
+just. We are proud to have you for a friend, and we thank you. It is
+not necessary to reflect long without owning you are right. It would be
+folly to contest the matter, my son, and I, therefore, gladly confide
+to you the task of finding our child. Go, as you propose, this evening
+at the setting of the moon, my grandson, the chief, and yourself."
+
+"And you will succeed," said the father.
+
+"I hope so, sir," responded the Frenchman; "rely upon it, I shall do
+all I can for my new sister."
+
+"My son was fortunate to meet you. God bless you all."
+
+The two young people simply thanked Oliver by looks. It was eleven
+o'clock at night when they started, without being noticed. We already
+know how they met the outlaw.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+TOM MITCHELL.
+
+
+The sun had long since gone down, the night was dark and cloudy, not
+a star shone in the sky. George Clinton, seated on a bench before
+his door, awaited the return of Keen-hand and his two dogs, who had
+accompanied the three travellers a short distance; the two serving men
+had gone to bed.
+
+George Clinton, half an hour before, had satisfied himself that his
+wounded guest slept soundly.
+
+His eyes fixed on vacancy, the young man was dreaming, giving way to
+soft and melancholy reverie; his soul, borne on the wings of fancy, was
+far away; it was wandering in the realms of space after the beloved,
+after the idolised young girl, for whom he had sacrificed and abandoned
+everything, and the mention of whose name made him quiver with delight.
+
+Suddenly he was awakened from his Elysian dream by an almost superhuman
+cry of anguish.
+
+The young man started as if he had received an electric shock; he
+turned pale, clutched the barrel of his rifle, and then listened,
+trying in vain to pierce the intense darkness which wrapped all nature
+as in a winding sheet.
+
+Some minutes passed, during which there was not a breath in the air,
+not the slightest sound. George Clinton breathed more freely, wiping
+the sweat from his brow.
+
+"Heaven be praised," he said, "I was mistaken."
+
+Scarcely had he uttered these words, which he hardly believed, when the
+same frightful cry was repeated.
+
+"It is a terrible warning," he cried; "some fearful crime is being
+accomplished. I cannot hesitate."
+
+And, without another thought, he darted off in the direction whence
+came the lugubrious sound.
+
+Almost ere George had quite disappeared in the darkness a shrill
+whistle, modulated in a certain way, was twice repeated; then a heavy
+black mass appeared crawling on the earth; this dark mass stopped at
+short intervals, and then again advanced. This strange phenomenon was
+soon followed by a second, a third, another, in all ten.
+
+In a few minutes all were round the hut. Then a second whistle was
+heard, a signal of course, as they all rose and revealed ten armed
+men. They were ferocious-looking beings, with sinister features--true
+bandits of the prairies.
+
+"We are the masters," said one; "the serving men sleep, the master is
+away, let us waste no time."
+
+"Do you know where he is?" asked a second.
+
+"I pretty well guess. The place is familiar to me. But let us be
+careful. I don't want to be caught."
+
+"Be satisfied; Versenca and Jonathan never left their post, and Paddy
+is on the watch. All is safe."
+
+"I am not more timid than another, but I like to be sure."
+
+"We are losing time, and should act."
+
+"Quite so, Sleepy; but I want to know why the captain, who must have
+heard our signal, is still quiet?"
+
+"But you know the captain is wounded."
+
+"True, but he is no puling girl to be affected for long by a wound. Let
+us go in and find him."
+
+"'Tis useless, I am here," said a grave voice.
+
+And a man leaning on his rifle and walking with some difficulty
+appeared before them in the doorway.
+
+"The captain!" they all cried.
+
+"Silence, boys," with an imperious gesture; "I am happy to see that you
+have not forgotten me."
+
+"Forgotten you!" cried Versenca, boldly; "Do we not follow wherever you
+go? Are we not devoted to you body and soul?"
+
+"Quite right," said the captain, with a bitter smile; "let us say no
+more about it. I am here, and all is well."
+
+"And now, captain, we await your orders."
+
+"Right! And how many are here?"
+
+"Ten here ready to obey--three on the watch."
+
+"Have you horses?--but of course, I need not ask. Bring them up and let
+us be off."
+
+"With empty pockets?" cried Sleepy.
+
+"What do you want?" asked the captain.
+
+"Want!" exclaimed Sleepy, shrugging his shoulders; "Why, is not this
+wigwam very rich, and the owner absent? There can be no two opinions as
+to what should be done."
+
+"Comrades," said Tom Mitchell, "the owner of this home found me wounded
+in the prairie and took me in."
+
+"We know that--what then?"
+
+"What then! Not only did George Clinton shelter me beneath his roof,
+but saved my life from the lynchers."
+
+"Thank goodness," said Versenca, "that induced him to leave the hut by
+the exercise of cunning."
+
+"Without violence, I hope," said Tom.
+
+"Quite so; sent him on a false trail, that is all."
+
+"Then you are agreed with me--no pillage."
+
+"No pillage!" cried all; "Let us go."
+
+None had entered the house, and now, on the order of the chief, they
+turned to go. George Clinton was before them.
+
+"Gentlemen," he cried, standing resolutely before them, "what is the
+meaning of this visit in my absence?"
+
+"Confound the fools who did not warn us."
+
+"I was never far. I have heard nearly all."
+
+"Much good may it do you; and now let us pass."
+
+"On the contrary; I decline to let you pass," said Clinton.
+
+"Good!" said Sleepy, rubbing his hands together; "After all there will
+be some broken bones here."
+
+"Perhaps," continued Oliver, clutching his rifle.
+
+"Ah! Ah! So the fun is going to begin," said the outlaw.
+
+"Silence," cried the captain, sternly; "silence, and fall back." As
+soon as they had obeyed he advanced to Clinton.
+
+"As you have heard our conversation," he said, "why do you try and
+oppose our free departure?"
+
+"Because, as you know, I am answerable for your person. I promised you
+should not leave my house until you were quite cured of your wounds."
+
+"Your solicitude for my health is charming," said the captain,
+ironically, "and I really know not how to thank you."
+
+"I take little interest in you. My honour is concerned."
+
+"You are not polite, while I try to be courteous. I will therefore
+simply remark that strength is on my side. Still I should be sorry to
+proceed to extremities."
+
+"Menaces are useless. Will you return to the house?"
+
+"The demand is ridiculous," cried the captain.
+
+"How so?" said a voice, and at the same time two magnificent dogs
+bounded to where Clinton stood.
+
+There was a moment of profound stupefaction on the part of the outlaws,
+who saw this succour arrive.
+
+Tom Mitchell, however, stooped towards Sleepy and whispered a few words
+in his ear. The man nodded, turned away and disappeared.
+
+"Beware!" said the captain; "I have hesitated to attack one man. But if
+blood is shed it is your fault."
+
+"We shall see," said Keen-hand, appearing beside his master, "you are
+ten and we are five. What do you think?"
+
+"Nothing," replied the chief, laughing; "but you seem to forget that we
+have the advantage of the situation. If we like we can take possession
+of the hut, whence I fancy my good friend will find it difficult to
+dislodge us."
+
+"Without counting that we are master of the person of the owner of the
+wigwam," cried Versenca, triumphantly.
+
+It was true. Assisted by the sentinels whom the outlaw had brought up
+behind, he had been seized.
+
+He was at once taken inside and then secured with his servants, whom
+the noise had at last aroused.
+
+But even this had not been done without a struggle. The two splendid
+dogs on seeing their master attacked had flown at the throats of the
+bandits, had knocked two down and throttled them in a minute; then,
+obedient to a whistle from Charbonneau, they had darted into a thicket,
+whence came a discharge of firearms. The three young men had returned.
+
+The outlaws retreated into the hut, prepared to defend themselves to
+the last gasp. Battle was imminent.
+
+"Stop," cried the voice of Oliver, "stop, for heaven's sake," and
+rushing forward he added, "Captain Tom Mitchell, I demand safety for
+myself and friends, and a truce until this unfortunate affair can be
+settled amicably. Speak."
+
+"I consent at once," said the captain, frankly; "what has happened was
+not of my doing. Down with your arms. Let all retain their positions.
+As for you, sir, you may advance, you are entirely under the protection
+of my honour."
+
+"I am here," replied Oliver, advancing.
+
+The two men went into the house and seated themselves at a table near
+an open window.
+
+"I am prepared to listen," said the captain; "I suppose you think I
+deceived you, or the young girl was gone."
+
+"It was our opinion, sir."
+
+"Don't be in the least uneasy," said the captain, "I only secured the
+girl as a hostage for my own safety."
+
+"A hostage!" replied Oliver.
+
+"Yes. I have an important question to treat of with her tribe. But let
+us speak of our own affairs."
+
+"I don't understand you."
+
+"I will explain, and you will find that all that has taken place today
+has been caused by yourself."
+
+"Really," cried Oliver, "I understand you less and less."
+
+"I have no doubt you are astonished," said the captain; "but we can
+come to an explanation in a few words, M. Oliver."
+
+"You know my name."
+
+"And a great many other things besides, as you will soon know,"
+continued the other, coldly; "but let me explain. For reasons which it
+is unnecessary to mention, I had deep interest in making acquaintance
+with two new arrivals in this country, you, sir, and Mr. George
+Clinton. My plan of introduction was rough. My wound, which I inflicted
+on myself, and which is only a scratch, deceived you all. I am now
+personally acquainted with you both, and I am delighted. Still, things
+looked ugly for me--but what is the use of a battle in which half of
+us would be massacred? I want nothing of the kind. I have important
+business to transact and must go. In this instance I count wholly on
+you."
+
+"On me, sir! By what title?"
+
+"I cannot explain. I have promised to restore Evening Dew, and I will
+keep my promise. Just now she serves as a hostage. She is treated with
+the utmost deference and respect. Now let me pass at once. Delay is
+useless."
+
+"But, sir--can I--" stammered Oliver.
+
+"Save an outlaw, a man with a price on his head!" said the other,
+bitterly; "But I am not what I seem. One day--"
+
+But Oliver was thinking, and, after some minutes of reflection, said,
+"It shall be as you wish."
+
+"Thank you; and now away to your friends and take George Clinton with
+you," said the captain.
+
+Oliver went out with the young American and soon returned.
+
+"You are free to return with your companions," he said, on re-entering
+the hut; "I give you my word."
+
+"Farewell until we meet again. We part friends."
+
+"I have no hatred against you, but I sincerely hope we shall never meet
+again."
+
+"It shall be as Providence wills," was the reply.
+
+Five minutes later the outlaws were galloping away, and soon
+disappeared in the darkness.
+
+"Who is this man?" murmured Oliver, sadly; "Is he one of those enemies
+who pursue me everywhere?"
+
+At that moment his friends came up and his thoughts went into a
+different channel. Still he did not easily forget his interview with
+that extraordinary man, who seemed to know him, and by whom he was
+really fascinated.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+SAMUEL AND JOSHUA.
+
+
+After leaving George Clinton, Samuel Dickson went at once to the
+residence of his brother Joshua.
+
+The sun was still high in the heavens when he reached the settlement;
+his brother was in sight, galloping towards him.
+
+"Come along," he cried, shaking hands; "I was so impatient to see you,
+I really could not wait any longer."
+
+"I hope there is nothing wrong, brother," said Samuel.
+
+"Nothing at all. Everything is going for the best."
+
+"I am glad to hear it. I was rather uneasy."
+
+"I am sorry to hear that. But why are you so late?"
+
+"I had to go on a small journey. There was no hurry."
+
+"You are wrong, Sam. But here you are, and all is well. But had you
+come sooner it would have been better."
+
+"Well, here I am, so out with the news."
+
+"I have to speak of important things, and I have to ask your advice,
+who are wisdom itself."
+
+"Awfully wise," cried Samuel, laughing, "when in the end I only carry
+out all your insane ideas."
+
+"True! But still you were generally right. The fact is, if you speak
+words of wisdom, and then act a little the other way, it is simply out
+of love for me. I know it, my brother. I am not ungrateful, and love
+you dearly."
+
+"I don't doubt your affection. But you alarm me."
+
+"Why?" said Joshua, laughing.
+
+"Whenever you talk like this, I smell a rat, in the shape of some awful
+scheme, some diabolical plot."
+
+"I see you are not to be easily deceived," said Joshua; "but come in,
+let us eat, and then talk. The matter of which I wish to speak is of
+general interest."
+
+"As you will; but still I am monstrously afraid."
+
+"I know you are a great coward," cried Joshua.
+
+At this moment they reached the house, alighted, and, giving the horses
+to the servants, entered the parlour, escorted by Dardar, who had come
+to meet them.
+
+The two ladies received Samuel cordially.
+
+"Here he is at last, Susan," said her husband.
+
+"He has been anxious about you all day," cried Susan.
+
+"Then he has some mad scheme. But we shall see presently. Good evening,
+Diana, my dear. You look well."
+
+"A truce to compliments," cried Joshua; "to supper."
+
+They now entered the dining room, where the whole household was
+collected, men, women, and children. Of course, enormous quantities of
+meat, bread, and vegetables adorned the board. The repast was truly
+Homeric.
+
+After dinner the servants retired, and the ladies would have done the
+same, but Joshua detained them.
+
+The ladies seated themselves with a rather uneasy glance. He poured out
+a stiff glass for himself and brother and drank his off.
+
+"Thank heaven!" he began, "We are now solidly established in our new
+dwelling, and it is time to speak of business."
+
+"Hilloa! Talk business now? It is late. Why can we not put off our
+business arrangements until tomorrow?"
+
+"You forget, my brother, I sent for you on purpose--"
+
+"I remember--well, go on, I am at your orders."
+
+"Harry, have you obeyed my orders?" asked Joshua.
+
+"Yes, father," replied the young man.
+
+"All right," continued the squatter, refilling his glass. "Your health,
+all of you. In an hour, I'm off."
+
+"Off!" cried the ladies, in great alarm.
+
+"Hem!" said Samuel; "If you are not satisfied here, I am."
+
+"I don't want to drag you into my affairs," replied Joshua, coolly.
+"But I shall not be long away. It is only a journey."
+
+"I thought," exclaimed Samuel, "he was as mad as ever; will you explain
+the object of this journey or exploration?"
+
+"One which you will highly approve, my brother," he went on. "I desire
+to open up commercial relations."
+
+"Very good idea. But what is your precise motive?"
+
+"I have said enough. I think my object serious."
+
+"Well, if you have no more to say, stop at home."
+
+"Will you tell me why?" asked Joshua.
+
+"Because your voyage is utterly useless. All the information you can
+desire to obtain I can give you in ten minutes."
+
+"You!" cried Joshua, wildly.
+
+"Certainly!" said Samuel, modestly; "I can, and will do so, if you will
+be good enough to listen to me."
+
+"I shall only be too happy. Still I don't understand!"
+
+"That is unnecessary. You must know that I have obtained my information
+from hunters and redskins."
+
+"Hunters! Redskins!" cried Joshua.
+
+"Don't you know they swarm about here? I never go out without meeting
+some of them. So I say stop at home."
+
+"Explain yourself, brother," said Joshua, sulkily.
+
+"Well, you think yourself very far from all white folk. You are very
+much mistaken. Learn, then, that though we are in the centre of the
+most warlike tribes of Indians, you have new forts not very far off,
+including a fur station."
+
+"Can it be possible?" exclaimed Joshua.
+
+"And my friend and brother, are you aware what magnificent river runs
+at your own door? The Missouri!"
+
+Joshua bowed his head on his chest and was silent, while Samuel rubbed
+his hands and smiled slyly.
+
+"What do you think of the information?" he said at last.
+
+"If you are certain of what you say, it is excellent."
+
+"Then you give up the idea of your journey?"
+
+"Certainly not. Admitting that all you tell me be true, it is of the
+highest importance for me to visit the fur station and all other
+settlements above and below us on the river, in order to become
+friendly, and prevent rivalry."
+
+"What rivalry?" half screamed Samuel.
+
+"Any that might arise. Of course they will soon know all about me and
+might interrupt my commercial speculations."
+
+"A fool will have his own way," cried his brother.
+
+"Abuse is not argument, my brother," said Joshua.
+
+"I apologise; but you are determined to go. I see you are; then heaven
+protect all in your absence."
+
+"Will you take no advice?" ventured Susan.
+
+"I have made up my mind," he replied; "I never alter."
+
+"But, father," cried Diana, "what are we to do during your absence? You
+leave us wholly undefended."
+
+"Silence, daughter," said the squatter, smiling; "don't be so tragical.
+I do not leave you undefended, as you say. Your uncle will watch over
+you. Your brother Henry commands in my absence. You have a fort. What
+more is wanted?"
+
+"How do you mean to travel?" asked Susan.
+
+"In the boat I launched today, with Sam, Jack, and two servants. I do
+not take away many defenders."
+
+"But you are not here to lead."
+
+"That is enough," he cried; "I have decided. Besides, it would be
+absurd not to visit my new neighbourhood."
+
+No more was said. The squatter was escorted by all to the riverside. He
+bade them all adieu, kissed his wife and daughter, shook hands with his
+brother, gave his son Henry some last directions, entered the boat,
+and was off in a very few minutes, whistling "Yankee Doodle," perhaps
+in reality to hide his strong emotion from his two sons.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+NEW CHARACTERS.
+
+
+We now visit a beautiful gold-sanded strand on the right banks of the
+Missouri, about fifty miles from the new settlement in Moose Deer
+Valley, and about equidistant from the strong fort already established
+by the fur company.
+
+This strand, which was only reached by a narrow defile between two
+perpendicular mountains, was exactly opposite an island of which it
+was impossible to make out the dimensions, which, however, were very
+considerable.
+
+Lights shone like will-o'-the-wisps in a fog; the island, which was
+thickly wooded, communicated with the mainland by means of a dangerous
+ford, full of holes and whirlpools. It was too dangerous to be
+adventured in by any but those who knew it. The island, moreover, was
+guarded by two eminences overlooking the ford, and which commanded the
+approach against any enemy if well defended. On the other side the
+island was inaccessible.
+
+This island was the refuge, the fortress of the terrible outlaws of the
+Missouri, with whom we have made acquaintance.
+
+Originally it had been selected by the Government as an outpost, but
+the partisans had first taken it and made it impregnable.
+
+As the outlaws rarely interfered with citizens of the United States,
+generally very poor in those regions, the Government, well aware of
+its impotence to dislodge the pirates, pretended to look upon them as
+irregular troops doing service.
+
+But the outlaws knew that if the authorities only had the chance they
+would be exterminated.
+
+But that part of America was little peopled, and few except trappers
+and wanderers knew anything of its capacities. The outlaws, therefore,
+to a certain extent, were pretty certain of impunity for all their
+actions for the time.
+
+A hundred horsemen were camped on the strand of which we have spoken;
+their horses were picketed near their fodder, around the campfires
+numerous groups were talking or sleeping, while on every hand walked
+sentinels.
+
+In a hut composed of whittled boughs and mud, a man sat on a buffalo's
+head, consulting papers from a large pocketbook. Another man stood
+respectfully by him, awaiting his orders. The first man was Captain Tom
+Mitchell, the other was Camotte.
+
+A sentinel kept guard in front of the cabin.
+
+It was about four o'clock in the morning. The stars were beginning to
+pale in the sky, the sky was covered by fleecy white clouds. Day was at
+hand; a fog rose from the river, and covered the camp as with a funeral
+pall. It was cold.
+
+"I say," cried Tom, "I am frozen. Are you asleep, Camotte?"
+
+"No, my lord."
+
+"Then shove some wood on the fire, it's nearly out."
+
+Camotte threw on some dry wood, which flared up.
+
+"Something like," said Mitchell; "and now let us talk, Camotte. By the
+way, I may as well ask you, are you very tired?"
+
+"I am never too tired to serve you, Excellency," said the other.
+
+"I knew you would say that," cried Mitchell; "true, I saved your life
+twice, but we have been quits long ago."
+
+"And yet I want to ask a favour."
+
+"Anything, except leave me," replied Tom Mitchell.
+
+"Never; it is something else. It is simply this; don't, your lordship,
+give me such another mission. Whatever you may think, my master," cried
+Camotte, warmly, "it is not pleasant to play the part of a traitor and
+scoundrel."
+
+"I think you did it very cleverly," laughed Tom; "there, you are an old
+fool. Whom else could I trust? Having settled that very important fact,
+any news on the island?"
+
+"Evening Dew frets. You should send her home--all the more that it
+makes some people talk," he added.
+
+"Who has dared?" said Tom Mitchell, frowning.
+
+"Stewart. But don't worry; I settled him by blowing his brains out, and
+no one else has since made an observation."
+
+"All right. What about the river?"
+
+"Five men went down in a canoe yesterday. It was the squatter of the
+valley, his two sons, and black servants."
+
+"Where on earth could he be going to?" mused Tom.
+
+"Well, we can find out by stopping him on his return."
+
+"I'll see about it. Anything else?"
+
+"Hum! You have had Major Ardenwood's letter asking an interview today?
+Oh, yes! There are some Frenchmen at the fort, at all events, one of
+them. Still I am aware that three strangers will accompany the major."
+
+"Whom did you send out to inquire?"
+
+"TĂªte de Plume. I could not send Versenca; in the first place, because
+he was drunk; secondly, because I don't like him."
+
+Then, after a pause, Tom whispered to Camotte, who listened with deep
+and almost religious attention.
+
+"And now," said Tom, "that you understand me, away."
+
+Camotte went out. The worthy Mexican was the devoted friend, the alter
+ego, and moreover the lieutenant of Tom Mitchell, who wholly confided
+in him. Despite of events we have described before, Camotte was worthy
+of his trust.
+
+The chief of the outlaws quietly made some alterations in his toilette,
+which was a little out of order from his long journey. He had just come
+off a distant expedition. The booty had been at once transferred to the
+island.
+
+Having done this he drew the curtain that served as a door.
+
+The camp no longer looked the same. The fire was out. The two eminences
+were guarded by sharpshooters. A detachment of twenty men guarded the
+entrance to the defile. The rest of the troop were ready to mount at a
+sign.
+
+Tom Mitchell looked about him with an air of satisfaction. Camotte had
+executed all his orders faithfully.
+
+At this moment the sun rose. It was like a theatrical scene. Light fell
+suddenly upon everything.
+
+"Oh!" cried the captain as a bugle sounded in the distance from the
+defile, "I was just in time."
+
+He stood erect in front of his hut, leaning on his cavalry sword, and
+waited with sublime tranquillity.
+
+After some few words had passed, four strangers, one in the uniform of
+a major of the American army, came out from the defile, led by Camotte,
+who walked respectfully in front of them, and made their way in the
+direction of the captain.
+
+"Good day, Captain Mitchell," said the major.
+
+"You did me the honour to write," observed Mitchell.
+
+"Well, I have some important business to talk about; but first allow
+me to present to you these two gentlemen. They are French, and
+consequently I cannot pronounce their names. Oh, I assure you they are
+worthy gentlemen."
+
+And the fat major laughed heartily.
+
+The captain bowed to the two Frenchmen without speaking. One was a man
+of about fifty, still young, and with apparently polished manners and
+rather haughty mien; the other, much younger, was bronzed by the sun,
+strong, and rather rough.
+
+"This gentleman," continued the major, "is our own countryman, Mr.
+Stoneweld, of Boston city."
+
+"I think you know me," observed the apoplectic speaker.
+
+"Who does not know Master Stoneweld, of the house of Stoneweld, Errard,
+and Co., the richest shipowner in all Boston?"
+
+The stout man smiled with an air of satisfaction.
+
+"It seems you know one another," cried the major. "I am glad of it,
+because everything will go smoothly."
+
+"How so?" cried Tom Mitchell.
+
+"My dear captain, these gentlemen want you; they came to me for that
+purpose. Certainly their business must indeed be of an important
+character," he added, "to induce them to make such an awful journey,
+lasting over a month."
+
+"It must be serious business," said the captain.
+
+"The two French gentlemen bring letters from the Home Secretary."
+
+"Indeed!"
+
+"And Master Stoneweld one from General Jackson," added the major, "So
+now I expect you will do the best you can."
+
+"Have no fear."
+
+"Of course not, though I know you are rather hot at times. As for
+myself, I am choked with fog and hoarseness," he added.
+
+"I am at the orders of these gentlemen," replied the captain. "I shall
+be happy to do all in my power for them."
+
+"Spoken like a man," said the major in a fidgety way. "But this seems
+hardly the place for a serious conversation."
+
+"I am sorry for it," replied Tom Mitchell coldly. "I was not told until
+the last minute, and you must take me in the rough."
+
+"Why not go over to the island?" suggested the major. "I dare say we
+should be more at our ease--eh, captain?"
+
+"I am sorry, major, but it would take too much time. Besides, I have
+already provided refreshments here, if you will accept."
+
+"With the greatest of pleasure," cried the major, coughing behind his
+hand; "and yet these gentlemen have important matters to discuss, very
+important matters," he added, complacently.
+
+"What matter, major? Breakfast first, business afterwards."
+
+"As you will," said the major, following him into the hut.
+
+By the orders of Camotte, during this conversation a very copious
+breakfast had been prepared. It was almost wholly composed of venison;
+but flanking the solids were a number of long-necked bottles that at
+once showed their Bordeaux and Burgundian origin, to say nothing of
+some brands of Champagne so dear to Americans.
+
+The major was so delighted that he said "Hum!" no less than three
+times, and then spoke to the outlaw chief.
+
+"Let them say what they like," he cried, "you are a man."
+
+"I am proud to hear it," cried Tom. "Let us be seated."
+
+The Frenchmen had hitherto said nothing. The elder now spoke. As the
+captain invited them to commence breakfast, he said:
+
+"Above all, sir, allow me to observe that before commencing business
+you offer us bread and salt."
+
+"You are my guests, gentlemen," said the captain, gravely; "you are
+under the safeguard of my honour, that is enough."
+
+"The major has indicated that we each wish to see you alone."
+
+"Which means?" asked the outlaw.
+
+"That I desire, as these conversations may probably be of very long
+duration, to see you quite alone," he added.
+
+"Sit down and eat," replied the outlaw. "After the repast you and
+your companions will follow me to the island. Once more, are you not
+satisfied?"
+
+"Of course," cried the major; "if not, I go bail for you."
+
+"Thank you, major; and now eat, drink, and be merry."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+TOM MITCHELL AS REDRESSER OF WRONGS.
+
+
+The ice once broken, through the instrumentality of the Burgundy,
+Bordeaux, and Champagne, all went on swimmingly.
+
+Major Ardenwood, who, perhaps, alone of all those present had nothing
+to conceal, and who was naturally a bon vivant, did all in his power to
+make himself the convivial leader of this improvised party, composed
+of so many various elements. He was warmly supported by the captain,
+who showed all the best qualities of a true amphitrion, and treated his
+guests with a generosity and courtesy which quite charmed them.
+
+Of course not a word was said of the object for which they had met. In
+fact, the subject was carefully avoided.
+
+The major was the first to rise.
+
+"The best of friends," he said, "must part. I am wanted at the fort,
+and with your permission will retire."
+
+"I thought," observed the captain of the outlaws, "your intention was
+to wait for these gentlemen here."
+
+"No; on reflection," replied the major, laughing, "I should only be in
+their way. I will wait at the fort."
+
+"I will escort them myself," said Tom Mitchell.
+
+"That will be the better plan," continued the major. "Thanks for your
+hospitality. The wines were excellent."
+
+"I will send you a few baskets, major."
+
+"Many thanks," cried the American, shaking hands, and then departing
+under the guidance of Camotte.
+
+"We can now go to the island," said the captain.
+
+"On foot, on horseback, or do we swim?" said the young Frenchman.
+
+"You will see. Follow me, gentlemen," replied Tom.
+
+They did so, and found a boat ready for their reception. On the
+invitation of the captain they all seated themselves.
+
+"Now, gentlemen," said Tom Mitchell, with a smile, "you must pardon
+me, but I must blindfold you. Fear nothing," he added, as he saw them
+start. "It is the custom. No stranger has ever entered the island in
+any other way. Besides, you are not obliged; only if you refuse you
+must return."
+
+"Do as you like," cried the elder Frenchman.
+
+Some men who held pocket handkerchiefs now approached, and deftly bound
+their eyes. The boat then started. In a few minutes they felt the boat
+strike against another shore, and received a slight shock as it did so.
+
+"Don't touch your bands," cried the captain; "wait a while."
+
+They were then lifted up with every precaution by several men, who soon
+put them down, removing the bandages.
+
+Looking round, they found themselves in a vast chamber, furnished with
+every regard to comfort and elegance.
+
+The captain was alone, the men having left.
+
+"Welcome, gentlemen," he said. "I hope the frank and cordial
+hospitality I shall offer you will make you excuse this precaution."
+
+The strangers merely bowed.
+
+"I need not remind you, gentlemen," continued Tom Mitchell, "that
+you are at home; but, in order not to detain you any longer than is
+absolutely necessary, let us to business. Will you follow me, sir,
+first?"
+
+This was said to the younger Frenchman. As he spoke he opened a door
+and the two passed out together.
+
+The two other strangers remained alone. The Frenchman, with a frown,
+began to walk up and down whistling; the American sat down.
+
+As soon as Tom Mitchell had the other alone, he cried--
+
+"Sir, tell me at once if I am mistaken."
+
+"I see you have a good memory," replied the other, "and yet it is a
+very long time ago since we met."
+
+"Then I am not mistaken?" cried Tom Mitchell.
+
+"Monsieur Maillard, my name is Pierre Durand."
+
+"Who saved the life of myself and father," said Tom, shaking him by the
+hand, "even though you knew--"
+
+"I knew that your father an hour before had sat as president of the
+grim tribunal of the Abbaye," replied the young Frenchman. "I knew the
+intense hatred which was felt towards you; still, I drew you more dead
+than alive from the river."
+
+"You did more--you hid us and helped us to escape."
+
+"It was tit for tat; your father once saved my life."
+
+"But you paid your debt with usury. When I parted from you at New
+York--I was sixteen then--I said, 'Whatever happens, my life, my
+fortune, my honour is at your disposal.' I am ready to fulfil my
+promise, so speak."
+
+"I knew you would do all in your power," said Pierre Durand; "therefore
+I have come. How is your father?"
+
+"He has become an Indian, and wholly broken with everything in the
+shape of civilisation," said Tom.
+
+"Is he happy?" asked Durand.
+
+"Yes. He was a man of conviction. His faults--his crimes if you
+like--during the Reign of Terror were caused by his extreme sincerity.
+In that time of awful and terrible commotion," continued Tom, "he acted
+wholly conscientiously."
+
+"I believe it, and therefore do not presume to be his judge. I am but
+a weak and ordinary man," cried Durand; "when the time comes God will
+judge these Titans of the revolution according to their merits and
+convictions."
+
+"Doubtless. I shall let him know of your coming; but why?"
+
+"A question of life and death in connection with my best friend, a man
+I love as a brother," cried Durand.
+
+"Say no more. An express shall start at once."
+
+"Have you received any letters signed '_An old friend_'?"
+
+"Many! I presume, then, that you are that friend; but why not avow
+yourself?"
+
+"I could not."
+
+"If all you tell me in those letters be true, it is an odious and
+infamous action," cried Tom Mitchell.
+
+"I know it is, and I have counted on you and your father to see that
+justice be done," continued Durand.
+
+"Count on me," said Tom. "I have seen your friend, and though he does
+not like me, he won my heart at once."
+
+"He will change his mind."
+
+"But what can my father do in the matter?"
+
+"Everything. You must now understand, my friend, that if I have
+abandoned my ship in New York to the care of my mate, if I, who hate
+dry land, have started on a journey through the desert, it must be for
+powerful reasons."
+
+"Doubtless. May I ask what they are?"
+
+"Because, my friend, here in there is his most implacable, most
+ruthless foe," cried Durand.
+
+"Here!" exclaimed Tom.
+
+"Yes--here, in this island, in that room," replied Pierre Durand,
+pointing to the one they had left.
+
+"Are you sure of his identity?" asked Mitchell.
+
+"I have watched him for five years, followed in his track, known every
+movement he has made," said Durand.
+
+"And he does not know you?" cried Tom.
+
+"He knows me very well. He came over in my ship; we are the best of
+friends; he tried to buy me over."
+
+"This is incredible," observed the outlaw.
+
+"Yet true. I am his confidante, his devoted servant; I enter into all
+his views, and he counts on me as a slave."
+
+Both young men burst out laughing.
+
+"Then you have come from New York together?"
+
+"Not at all. We met at the fort two days ago, and as I am no longer
+disguised," said Pierre Durand, "despite all his cunning, he knew me
+not."
+
+"Well, the matter is settled," said Tom Mitchell, in a whisper; "we
+have our man here; he shall never leave."
+
+"My friend," said Pierre Durand, gravely, "that is not the game we have
+to play. He is as slippery as an eel."
+
+"I don't think, if I made up my mind," said the outlaw chief, with a
+sinister smile, "he would ever escape me."
+
+"Well, there is a time for everything. In the first place, learn his
+projects, so that we may unmask him. This will be all the more easy,"
+said the sea captain, "in that we know who he is, while he is ignorant
+of our designs."
+
+"There is one thing worth mentioning," said the outlaw; "I, too, know
+him well. He will be rather surprised presently."
+
+"Be careful. One word might put him on his guard."
+
+"Is not my whole life passed," continued the outlaw, sadly, "in
+outdoing others in cunning and diplomacy?"
+
+"True. I leave, then, everything to you."
+
+"And now learn, my friend, that you are free as air, and absolute
+master of my domains," he added, laughing. Then he picked three
+flowers, and placing them in his buttonhole, said, "This will give
+you free passage everywhere you like. Now for your two travelling
+companions. But follow me."
+
+He opened a door opposite that by which they had entered, and, crossing
+several apartments, at last came to a room which overlooked a charming
+and elegant garden.
+
+"Here you are at home," he said; "come, go, do just as you like. At the
+end of the garden you will find a door opening on the woods. We shall
+dine at six. Be back by that time, and you will find the table laid
+here. We can then explain all."
+
+With these words the outlaw left his friend.
+
+As soon as he had returned to his private room, Tom Mitchell, or
+Maillard, son of the terrible judge of the Reign of Terror, sat down
+before a table, wrote a few lines, sealed the letter carefully, and
+then struck a gong.
+
+At once Camotte appeared and took the letter.
+
+"Send this letter to my father by express," he said; "let him kill his
+horse, but let me have the answer."
+
+"He shall be gone in five minutes."
+
+"And now," continued Tom Mitchell, with a sarcastic smile, "send that
+fat American in here."
+
+Camotte bowed and retired. Next moment the great American shipowner
+came in puffing and blowing.
+
+"Sit down, sir," said Tom Mitchell.
+
+The fat man obeyed with a grunt.
+
+"I think it rather hard that a man like me--"
+
+"Pardon me," said the captain, coldly; "allow me to remark, before you
+go any further, that I have no need of you, and did not send for you.
+You it is who, in the company of several other gentlemen, have come
+to me. All of you have, I dare say, serious reasons for taking this
+extraordinary step. I have in no way solicited the honour. All I can do
+is to listen to each in his turn. I have seen one and settled with him;
+if you have anything to say to me, speak."
+
+This speech, pronounced in a clear, bold tone, not unmixed with
+sarcasm, at once, as if by enchantment, calmed the irritation of the
+fat man. At all events, it compelled him to dissimulate it. After,
+therefore, mopping his head and face several times with a pocket
+handkerchief, and coughing once or twice behind his hand, he spoke--
+
+"I was angry, sir," he said, "and own it freely."
+
+"Be pleased, sir, to come at once to business," continued Tom Mitchell;
+"another person waits."
+
+"You are, I believe, well acquainted with me?"
+
+"I have known you a long time," remarked Tom.
+
+"Sir, I have a nephew; he is the son of my wife's brother," began the
+other, "a very near relative."
+
+"Well, sir?"
+
+"This nephew, though a charming youth," cried Stoneweld, "is mad,
+utterly, hopelessly mad, sir."
+
+"Really, sir," said the captain, "and have you come all this way to
+tell me this piece of news?"
+
+"Pardon me, sir. When I say that he is mad, I believe I exaggerate.
+I should rather say that his intense folly has taken the form of
+monomania. This charming young man, as I have the honour to tell you,
+is in love, sir."
+
+"A very natural matter at his age."
+
+"But, sir," cried the shipowner, "he is in love with a young person in
+no way suited to his station."
+
+"Perhaps he does not think so."
+
+"Of course, sir, it is not his opinion. But it is mine. I am a serious
+man; I feel a great interest in him. Now that his father is dead I
+am his legal guardian--though he repudiates me. Now, sir, would you
+believe it," cried the fat man, "I had arranged with his aunt, my wife,
+the most delicious marriage for him with a young girl--I may as well be
+frank, a niece of my own?"
+
+"And he wouldn't have her," said Tom.
+
+"No, sir, he actually would not have her. Do you understand such folly
+on his part?" cried the other.
+
+"Well, it is strange. But what have I to do with it?"
+
+"I will explain if you will allow me."
+
+"I really should feel much obliged," urged Tom.
+
+"After refusing contemptuously this eligible alliance, which united
+every condition of age and fortune and position, what did the fool do?
+Excuse me if in my anger I speak thus of a nephew I love. One fine
+morning, without saying a word to anybody, he left his business to a
+partner, and started off, sir--what for?"
+
+"Well, how can I say?" asked Tom.
+
+"In pursuit of this wretched girl without family or fortune, whose
+parents had emigrated to the Indian frontier."
+
+"Oh, oh!" said the captain, who began to feel interested, and who
+listened with a gloomy frown.
+
+"Yes, sir," said the fat man, too wrapped up in his narrative to notice
+the other's looks, "so that my nephew must be somewhere here about this
+neighbourhood, looking after his beauty, neglecting his affairs and
+fortune Tor a girl he will certainly never marry."
+
+"How do you know, sir?"
+
+"At all events I will do everything in my power to prevent it," cried
+the irate citizen of Boston.
+
+"How will you set about it?"
+
+"Sir, I have been told that you were the only man in these parts
+capable of arresting a fugitive."
+
+"You do me too much honour."
+
+"I have a number of unclosed accounts, needless to explain, with his
+father. Arrest the young man, sir!" cried the Bostonian; "Arrest him
+and place him safely in my hands, and the sum of one thousand guineas
+is yours."
+
+As he spoke, the worthy shipowner pulled out an enormous pocketbook
+from his coat and opened it.
+
+"Excuse me, sir," said the captain, "do not let us be in quite such a
+hurry. You have not quite finished."
+
+"How so?" cried the American.
+
+"You have forgotten," said the captain with simple frankness, "to tell
+me the name of your foolish nephew."
+
+"George Clinton, sir, a very fine lad, though I say it."
+
+"I know him," retorted the captain, coldly.
+
+"You know him!" exclaimed the shipowner, "Then the affair is settled.
+You will have him arrested."
+
+"Perhaps," said Tom Mitchell; "I will reflect on the affair, which is
+not so easy as you may suppose."
+
+"To you, the chief of the outlaws?"
+
+"George Clinton is not alone. He has many and powerful friends on the
+frontier."
+
+"But I have plenty of money."
+
+"I tell you, I will reflect. You will now return to the fort under
+escort. In two days you shall have my answer."
+
+"But allow me to pay you a deposit," cried the other.
+
+"Keep your money for the present," said Tom, and striking a gong,
+Camotte appeared as if by magic.
+
+"But--" blustered the rich merchant.
+
+"Not another word, sir. Wait patiently for my reply. I am your most
+obedient servant."
+
+And led away by Camotte, the rich shipowner of Boston went out
+spluttering and perspiring as before.
+
+"Now," said the captain to himself, with a sarcastic smile, "let us see
+what the other fellow is made of."
+
+He went to the door, and, entering the cavern, bowed to the Frenchman,
+who was still walking up and down.
+
+"Will you be good enough to come this way, Monsieur Hebrard," he said,
+with an engaging smile.
+
+The Frenchman looked at him with astonishment, but on a repetition of
+the invitation went in.
+
+The captain chuckled to himself at this evidence of the other's utter
+surprise and bewilderment.
+
+It was as if he had scored one.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+A DIPLOMATIC CONVERSATION BETWEEN TWO RASCALS.
+
+
+The two men looked at one another for some minutes in silence, just as
+two clever duelists might have done before venturing on the attack. But
+though each tried to read the other, their faces were like marble.
+
+At a mute invitation from the outlaw, the stranger took a seat, and at
+once commenced the conversation.
+
+"Sir," he said, "it is a matter of surprise, that you, a perfect
+stranger, should address me by a name--"
+
+"Which is or has once been yours, monsieur," answered the outlaw chief,
+with freezing politeness.
+
+"That is quite possible. I do not deny it. When one travels in foreign
+parts on important business, incognito--"
+
+"Is adopted, I am aware, which only deceives fools and dupes," said the
+outlaw, speaking slowly.
+
+"What do you mean, sir?" cried the other.
+
+"I recollect a certain Count de Mas d'Azyr, an excellent gentleman of
+Languedoc, who had this mania."
+
+The stranger shivered all over, and a lightning flash darted from
+beneath his dark and heavy eyebrows.
+
+"Well," continued the outlaw, with imperturbable sang-froid, "his noble
+manners so thoroughly denounced him, despite the plebeian names he
+chose to assume, that he was compelled at the end of a few minutes to
+give up this absurd acting."
+
+"Really, sir," cried the stranger, "I do not see the meaning or
+relevance of your allusions."
+
+"I permit myself no allusions," said the outlaw, with the utmost
+suavity. "Very far from it. What matters it to me, I ask, whether you
+call yourself Hebrard, Count de Mas d'Azyr, Philippe de Salnam, Jean
+Lerou, or take any other alias?"
+
+"Sir!" cried the other.
+
+"Allow me, I pray, to conclude. In you I only recognise a person who
+is very warmly recommended to me, who has need of my services, and at
+whose disposition I therefore place myself at once--ready to serve him
+if possible," he continued; "at all events we can talk, and I should be
+glad to know in what way I can be of use."
+
+"Sir," said the stranger, smiling, "you are agreeable and witty. I find
+that people make mistakes in their idea of you."
+
+"I am obliged by your high consideration," continued the outlaw; "still
+this does not explain to me--"
+
+"Who I am," cried the other, with feigned candour; "well, sir,
+considering you have mentioned so many names--"
+
+"You allow, then, that I was right."
+
+"Certainly; you were quite right," answered the other, quickly; "I
+therefore sincerely beg your pardon."
+
+"It is not at all necessary."
+
+"There is, however, one thing that I must confess puzzles me very
+much," continued the envoy.
+
+"May I, without offence, ask what that is?"
+
+"No offence. I should certainly be only too glad to have an explanation
+with you on the subject."
+
+"If it depends upon me," the other said.
+
+"It depends absolutely on you. I always thought I had a good memory. I
+believe myself to be a very good physiognomist, but really I have no
+recollection of you."
+
+The outlaw burst into a roar of laughter.
+
+"Which only proves," he added, when he recovered himself, "that I am
+much more clever at incognito than you."
+
+"Which means--"
+
+"That not only have we met, monsieur, but that we have carried on a
+long connection," said Tom.
+
+"Many years ago?"
+
+"Not at all, sir. I speak of very recent times, though I will allow
+that our acquaintance commenced long ago."
+
+"You astonish me," said the Frenchman.
+
+"The matter is very easily explained. We have found ourselves connected
+at different times, under four different names: I have told you yours,
+I will now tell mine. Do you remember Louis Querehard? Do you recollect
+François Magnaud, Paul Sambrun, and Pedro Lopez?"
+
+"Perfectly," cried the other.
+
+"Well, sir, those four individuals you now see present under the name
+of Tom Mitchell, your very humble servant; though," he added, with
+exquisite politeness, yet with a tint of irony, "I have several others
+available on occasion."
+
+"Well, sir," cried the stranger, "you have indeed taken me in. I was a
+fool not to recognise you."
+
+"Sir!" cried the outlaw.
+
+"Let us call things by their names. It is by far the best plan. I am
+indeed not to be forgiven for being taken in like any novice. I deserve
+to be dismissed from the service of the Government which employs me,
+and which believes me to be worthy of credit, as possessing a certain
+amount of wit and diplomatic ability. Well, it is useless to discuss
+the matter any longer. Give me your hand, sir," he cried; "you are my
+master. We bear no malice."
+
+"I only wanted to prove--" said the outlaw.
+
+"That I was a fool--and I must say you have done so to my entire
+satisfaction," he added, in a tone of complete good humour. "But
+however unpleasant the shock is to my self-love, I am delighted at what
+has happened."
+
+"How so?" asked the outlaw, in the same tone.
+
+"Because the ice is broken between us, and we can come to an
+understanding; the more readily," he added, "that the matters I have
+to speak of are the same as before."
+
+"If that be so," said the outlaw, "we can easily come to terms."
+
+"Is it not so? Now here is the affair in two words. The revolution
+is over in France. Beneath the hand of the mighty man of genius
+whose talent and patriotism have raised him to power, Government has
+recovered its strength, society begins to breathe, the nation is once
+more rising to its proper position amidst the people; New France has
+entire faith in the man whose every step has hitherto been marked by
+victory, which has definitively declared on his side."
+
+"I presume," said the outlaw, quietly, "that you are speaking of the
+General Bonaparte."
+
+"Of no other. This great, this extraordinary man has, with his mighty
+hand, put down the Jacobins and the mob, driving them back to their
+original nothingness. He has chained forever the awful hydra of
+revolution. You have, then, heard of him?"
+
+"Most certainly," said the son of Maillard, coldly.
+
+"I am glad to hear it. This great man, who is as mighty a politician
+as he is a successful general, has followed, while slightly modifying
+it, the line traced by the national convention of execrable memory with
+regard to the Spanish colonies."
+
+"Sir," said the son of the regicide, "you are hard upon fallen men,
+upon vanquished enemies, who, if they were guilty of faults--of crimes
+if you will--did very great and glorious things, giving the first
+signal for social regeneration over the world."
+
+"It is useless, sir," said the envoy, "to discuss that matter. My
+convictions are very strong."
+
+"Well, sir, if that be so," replied the outlaw, "let us return to the
+General Bonaparte, and pray explain to me his new plans with regard to
+the Spanish possessions in America."
+
+"They are no new plans," observed the envoy; "only the old ones
+modified to a certain extent."
+
+"Modified in what way?"
+
+"There are two capital points. In the first place he wishes a cordial
+and frank alliance with the President of the United States, who
+cordially approves the policy of the French Government, which will, in
+the end, be to the advantage of America. Then he has given extensive
+powers to numerous sure and accredited agents, who, though, are not
+openly known because of the temporary Franco-Spanish alliance. Large
+sums of money have been provided by means of which to overthrow that
+species of Chinese wall with which Spain has surrounded its frontiers,
+which none ever cross and return."
+
+"Sir," said the outlaw, with a smile, "I have crossed them many a time
+and oft, and yet here I am."
+
+"It is precisely because of that fact that I am here."
+
+"Ah! Ah!" said the outlaw, with a laugh; "After all, despite your
+denials, you had seen through my incognito."
+
+"Well, it is useless to deny it. I have long known you to be a man of
+heart and action. I also know that by means of your vast connections
+no one can more readily help us to revolutionise the colonies. Besides,
+you are a Frenchman."
+
+"I am of no country," replied the other.
+
+"What, then, do you call yourself?"
+
+"An outlaw," answered the chief, "and king of this island," drily; "an
+outlaw, and nothing more."
+
+"Well, be it so, sir. Still you are exactly the man I want. I
+have need, for the execution of my plans, for the carrying out of
+my projects, of a man who is bound by no locality, by no social
+consideration. In fact, an outlaw."
+
+The other bowed ironically.
+
+"Now are you disposed to be the man?"
+
+"First," said Tom Mitchell, "let me know what you want of me. I will
+then give a decisive answer."
+
+"Well, then," replied the envoy, "let us put diplomacy on one side, and
+speak frankly and openly."
+
+The outlaw leaned back and assumed something like the attitude of a
+tiger about to spring.
+
+"Sir," he said, with a most singular smile, "I was about to make the
+very same proposition."
+
+"Very good," replied Monsieur Hebrard; "that shows that we are
+beginning to understand one another."
+
+The captain bowed, without speaking.
+
+"The Spanish colonies," continued M. Hebrard, "are already beginning
+to feel the germs of revolutionary fermentation. Some devoted and
+enterprising men, yourself among others, have gone into the cities and
+towns of Mexico."
+
+"All this I know; a truce to flattery."
+
+"They have seen the zealous patriots, who are, however, but ill
+prepared as yet for the revolution we ardently desire."
+
+"Ill prepared indeed," cried Tom Mitchell.
+
+"But overtopping all others is a man who has immense influence with the
+Indian races. You know him."
+
+"Ah, ah!" exclaimed Tom; "You mean Dolores, the priest."
+
+"I mean no other. He is the only man upon whom we can count. We must
+enter into serious relations with him."
+
+"For what purpose?" asked the outlaw.
+
+"In order that when the hour comes he may be ready to raise the
+standard of revolt," cried the other, "and ready to draw the population
+after him against Spanish despotism."
+
+"Very good, sir. But it is a long way to Dolores, where lives the curé
+Hidalgo. The road is one of the most dangerous I know. I doubt if any
+agent, however clever, can reach him. Will you allow me to give you
+sincere advice?"
+
+"Speak; I am deeply interested."
+
+"My own opinion is that it would be much better to despatch a light
+vessel, schooner or brig, into the Gulf of Mexico. This vessel
+could cruise along the coast, and, when opportunity offered, land a
+confidential agent."
+
+"You are quite right, sir," said the envoy, "I must say this means has
+been tried with success."
+
+"Well, what then?"
+
+"The secret was betrayed by a traitor; in consequence, the Spanish
+authorities are always on their guard."
+
+"Hence you conclude--"
+
+"That on reflection, and having experience as a guide, the difficult
+road you describe is the best."
+
+"Hum!" said the outlaw, and relapsed into silence.
+
+The real meaning, the interesting point, of this conversation, so long,
+had not been touched upon. The captain knew it well, and kept himself
+in reserve. M. Hebrard was for some time afraid to enter upon a frank
+and true explanation.
+
+There was a deep silence; at last the captain determined to fire the
+train, if he were blown up.
+
+"Then you think I must go by land," he said.
+
+"There is no choice," responded Hebrard.
+
+"The conditions?" remarked Tom.
+
+"One hundred thousand francs, not in notes, but in golden ounces,
+stamped with the effigy of the King of Spain."
+
+"That is tolerable, for a beginning."
+
+"Then there will be as much more for the negotiations, or, as I see you
+hesitate, at first one hundred and fifty thousand."
+
+"Why at first?" asked Tom.
+
+"Because your mission will be divided into two distinct parts," replied
+the envoy, quietly.
+
+"Let us thoroughly understand the first," continued the outlaw; "we
+will talk of the second presently."
+
+"Another hundred thousand on your return with despatches," continued
+the diplomatist, warmly.
+
+"Hum!" said Tom; "That makes--"
+
+"Three hundred and fifty thousand francs (£14,000) for only the first
+part of your mission," said Hebrard.
+
+"It is very liberal. Now for the second mission," said Tom Mitchell,
+watching the diplomatist with his wary eye.
+
+He knew that the real thing was coming now; he was satisfied of this
+from the other's uneasy manner.
+
+"Hum!" said M. Hebrard, as if speaking to himself; "Three hundred and
+fifty thousand francs is a pretty sum."
+
+"Well, for the first part of the mission which you have explained to
+me I don't say no. It is," he added, "a tough job, that I know. Still,
+nothing risk, nothing have. Now for the second part."
+
+The diplomatist assumed an air of genial frankness that made the outlaw
+shudder. He was at once on his guard.
+
+"The Spaniards, as I have said," observed M. Hebrard, jauntily, "are
+forever on the watch. No one, no matter what his position, is safe on
+the frontiers. To go in or out is simply impossible."
+
+"Diable!" cried Tom; "What you say is not calculated to give me much
+confidence or hope."
+
+"Excuse me, monsieur," said Hebrard, "we are playing a frank and open
+game, I do not desire in any way to conceal the dangers that may await
+you. I am only speaking in a general kind of way, certain that whatever
+obstacles occur you will be right."
+
+All this was verbiage; M. Hebrard was evidently only trying some method
+of putting his real thoughts into words.
+
+The outlaw, who expected what was coming, smiled.
+
+"Unfortunately," said the diplomatist, who did not know what to say,
+"the real danger is not on the other side."
+
+The outlaw started up.
+
+"You may well be surprised; the danger is here."
+
+"What do you mean?" cried the outlaw.
+
+"I will explain myself, if you will allow me. Of course," said M.
+Hebrard, "the Spaniards are no more fools than we are."
+
+"I was always of that opinion."
+
+"They have started a countermine!"
+
+"A countermine!" cried Tom. "What do you mean?"
+
+"You will soon see. Knowing something of our designs, they have covered
+the American frontiers with spies."
+
+"It is certainly very clever," said the outlaw.
+
+"Very clever," said the diplomatist, in a husky voice; "but then,
+clever as they are, we know all about it, every detail."
+
+"You do not mean to say so?" cried Tom Mitchell.
+
+"Yes. And more than that, we know the chief of the whole gang of
+spies," added Hebrard. "And much more than that, we know all his
+secrets, cunning as he is."
+
+"That is something," said Tom; "but now what you want is to catch him."
+
+"Yes," said Hebrard, "that is the very thing; you yourself must see the
+necessity of catching him before you start."
+
+"I should think so; it is as plain as running water; but," added Tom
+Mitchell, "it is not very easy to snap up such a rascal in the desert,
+which simply is as full of such rogues and vagabonds as an anthill is
+full of ants."
+
+
+"Don't be uneasy on that point," cried Hebrard; "I shall easily put you
+on his track."
+
+"All right. Then all we have to do is to catch him?"
+
+"Exactly so," said the other, with a sigh.
+
+"And you will pay for this capture?"
+
+"Very heavily, my excellent friend."
+
+"Oh! Oh! Then you are very anxious to secure him?"
+
+"Yes," continued the other, gloomily; "dead or alive; it matters not. I
+should say, for information's sake, dead rather than alive."
+
+"I like plain speaking. He is very much in your way?"
+
+"Very much more than I can explain."
+
+"And how much will you pay for this mission?"
+
+"Alive, twenty-five thousand; dead, fifty thousand francs."
+
+"It appears to me you prefer him dead. But never mind, give me the
+information. His name and address."
+
+"He is a Frenchman, who has taken the name of Oliver. In appearance
+he is a hunter, a trapper, anything that comes uppermost. For greater
+safety he has connected himself with an Indian tribe, and is to be
+found about the Missouri."
+
+"It is a very long way from the Mexican frontiers," observed the
+outlaw, in a coldly sarcastic voice.
+
+"True. But the fellow is cunning; his safety requires him to be
+extremely cautious. Do you accept?"
+
+"I accept on one condition," replied the other. "It is fully understood
+that he is to be dead, mind."
+
+"No matter, so that we have him."
+
+"Well, then, we are agreed on four hundred thousand francs (£16,000)? I
+shall want half down."
+
+"I have the money in gold in my valises. I will pay it to you this
+evening," replied the envoy.
+
+"And now that this is settled, you are in no hurry?"
+
+"None whatever."
+
+"Well, I know pretty well where to find the man you are in search of. I
+must say that, without suspecting the odious part he has been playing,
+I have on the several occasions we have met him felt the greatest
+repulsion."
+
+"This is extraordinary."
+
+"Well, you see, on the desert everybody knows everybody. But as I
+wish to make no mistake, to commit no error in so grave and important
+a matter, I should like you to be present at his arrest. Besides, it
+would be more regular."
+
+"Hum!" cried the other, with a look of considerable annoyance; "The
+idea of further voyage in the desert--"
+
+"Is not pleasant, I know," interrupted Tom; "but that is not necessary.
+You shall remain quietly here."
+
+"Then I consent. When do you expect to catch him?"
+
+"In less than a week, unless I am very unfortunate."
+
+"Then I can wholly depend on you?" cried Hebrard.
+
+"I swear to you on my honour that it will not be my fault if at the end
+of the time you are not face to face."
+
+"I thank you in advance," said the envoy.
+
+"There is nothing to be grateful for," replied the outlaw, with an odd
+expression and smile.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+THE PRISONER.
+
+
+That same day, about nine o'clock in the evening, the outlaw was seated
+face to face with Captain Pierre Durand at a table covered with dishes,
+plates, and empty bottles, which testified to the appetite of the two
+men, and to the rude attack they had made upon everything in order to
+satisfy it.
+
+The two men were now smoking excellent cigars, while sipping, like true
+amateurs, some mocha, served in real Japanese cups. Close at hand, in
+addition, were bottles containing every conceivable kind of liquors and
+spirits.
+
+They had reached that precise period in the repast so prized by
+gourmets, when, the mind elevated and the brain excited by succulent
+food and generous libations, one feels a kind of happy state of being
+that is simply charming.
+
+For one whole quarter of an hour neither of the two men had spoken or
+cared to speak.
+
+It was the outlaw who first broke the charm.
+
+"You are aware, my dear captain," he said, "that in half an hour I must
+leave you and be off."
+
+"Excuse me," cried Pierre Durand, starting, "if I believe a single word
+of such a mad assertion."
+
+"Yes, I am truly sorry to say, it is the exact fact. Doubtless you know
+as well as I do, business before all."
+
+"I have not the remotest idea of interfering with your affairs," cried
+the sea captain, glumly.
+
+"Then what do you mean?"
+
+"That you are not going to leave me in the lurch."
+
+"Still, when I tell you I must go," said the outlaw.
+
+"All I mean is this, that if you go I go," cried Pierre.
+
+"What! A night journey like this?" asked Tom.
+
+"Night journey, day journey, it is all the same to me. I am an old
+sailor," growled Pierre Durand; "and every kind of locomotion is
+equally indifferent to me. Besides, I have known you a very long time,
+haven't I? And I know what sort of trade you carry on," he added.
+
+The outlaw kept his countenance.
+
+"Of course, I shall not be surprised or scandalised at anything I see.
+All I know is that here I should be bored to death, having nothing
+to do. It would be a nice little change to join you in one of your
+filibustering expeditions."
+
+All this was said in a joking kind of way that excluded all idea of
+giving offence.
+
+"Well," said Tom Mitchell, smiling, "any way, you would find yourself
+utterly disappointed."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"I am not going to plunder, but to restore. Of course I don't pretend
+it is my usual custom," said Tom.
+
+"Very well," cried Pierre; "I think that will be much more funny. I
+should like to join in the good work."
+
+"But, my friend--" urged the outlaw.
+
+"There is no but about it. I am a Breton, that is to say, as obstinate
+as several mules," continued Pierre Durand; "and I mean to come,
+unless, indeed, you tell me that my demand is in reality offensive and
+intrusive."
+
+"By no means," cried Tom; "come then. Who can resist anyone so
+obstinate as you are, my friend?"
+
+"You are a delightful fellow. I am ready."
+
+"Not quite; there are conditions; at least, one."
+
+"Pray let me know what it is."
+
+"You must profit by the few minutes that remain to us to disguise
+yourself, so as to be unrecognisable."
+
+"To what purpose, in a country where nobody knows me?" cried Pierre
+Durand; "Will you tell me a reason?"
+
+"That is my secret. Will you consent? That is right. Now go there, and
+you will find all things necessary."
+
+Pierre Durand was about to leave the room, but the outlaw indicated
+where everything was ready.
+
+"There is another favour I must ask of you."
+
+"Go ahead, nothing surprises me," said the captain, who, with
+magnificent sang-froid had commenced his work.
+
+"In case chance should bring us face to face with people we know,"
+he said, earnestly, "you will still keep up your incognito, even if
+you happen to see among these the face of the friend whom you have
+travelled so far to see."
+
+The captain, who was blacking his beard with soot and fat, having
+already darkened his eyebrows, gave a start.
+
+"Will he be there?" he asked.
+
+"I do not say so. It is more than probable that he will not be there.
+Still, I wish to exercise every precaution."
+
+"Hum, still it appears very hard."
+
+"Still, do you consent? Yes or no."
+
+"I repeat what you just said. I suppose I must," said Pierre; "and as I
+see you are in earnest, I promise, on my honour."
+
+"Enough; then make haste."
+
+After rendering his features and countenance utterly unrecognisable,
+the captain threw off his outer clothes, and assumed the costume of a
+planter of the frontier.
+
+"What languages do you speak?" asked Tom.
+
+"Nearly all civilised ones as easily as I do French," replied Durand;
+"but, above all, English and Spanish."
+
+"Very good," continued Tom; "then during our excursion I shall always
+call you Don José Remero."
+
+"Don José Remero be it."
+
+"You must recollect that you are a captain in the Spanish navy, fled
+from home after a fatal duel."
+
+"All right," grinned Pierre.
+
+"Do not forget to take weapons. I can strongly recommend this tison. It
+is a perfect and choice rapier," said Tom; "have this long and pointed
+knife in your right boot. You may want it when you least expect. Do you
+ride?"
+
+"Like a centaur," laughed the Frenchman.
+
+"I am very glad to hear it; and now secure this carbine and this pair
+of pistols," continued Tom.
+
+"Why, I shall look like an arsenal."
+
+"My friend, it is the custom of the country," said Tom; "no one thinks
+of travelling in any other way."
+
+"One does at Rome as Rome does. I'm your man," cried Pierre, laughing;
+"what do you think of me?"
+
+"Unrecognisable. I should not know you anywhere. You are clever; even
+your accent is changed."
+
+"That is always the first thing to be thought of," said Pierre Durand;
+"and now what is the nature of the restitution?"
+
+"We are going," replied the outlaw, with a smile, "to restore a young
+girl to her friends and relatives."
+
+"A young girl?" cried Durand.
+
+"Yes--a most charming and interesting maiden, whom I captured the other
+day. I can no longer resist her tender sorrow."
+
+"Bah!" said the young sailor, with a grin.
+
+"I swear to you, upon my honour," cried the outlaw, warmly, "that she
+has been treated with the most profound respect and even tenderness."
+
+"Spoken like an honest man," said the captain, warmly. "But may I ask
+with what object you took her away?"
+
+"I had a motive, which I fear me exists no longer. I even fear," he
+said, gloomily, "I have entered upon a bad speculation. But it is
+useless to discuss the matter anymore. Soon there shall be no mysteries
+for you. Be seated again."
+
+"Why?" asked the captain, puzzled at all these mysteries.
+
+"She comes, and it is rather important I should say a few words to her
+before we start on our journey."
+
+"I am your humble servant to command."
+
+Tom Mitchell struck a gong, and Camotte appeared.
+
+"Have my orders been executed?" asked the outlaw.
+
+"Yes, captain. The stranger is watched carefully, and yet without
+creating suspicion," replied the lieutenant.
+
+"Where is he now?"
+
+"In his own room."
+
+"If tomorrow he asks after me," said Tom Mitchell, "you will give him
+the answer already agreed on."
+
+"Yes, captain."
+
+"What about the detachments?"
+
+"Those have started within the hour, I shall start with the last as
+soon as the moon rises," replied Camotte.
+
+"Remember," said Tom, thoughtfully, "that tomorrow morning at sunrise,
+if not before, you must be back."
+
+"Be easy as to that, captain," said the other, significantly; "I shall
+not leave the island without a chief just now."
+
+"Humph!" observed the captain, suspiciously, "Is there anything fresh
+in the air?"
+
+"Nothing in appearance, much in reality."
+
+"You can speak out here," said Tom Mitchell; "if you have anything to
+say, say it without hesitation."
+
+"About an hour ago, when I was going my round," said the matter-of-fact
+and faithful Camotte, "I met that fellow Versenca at the water's edge;
+he was wet through, and had evidently been swimming. When he saw me
+he was utterly confounded, and then when I questioned him as to his
+conduct he gave me a lot of silly reasons a child of five would have
+seen through."
+
+The captain reflected with a dark frown.
+
+"Redouble your vigilance, my good Camotte," he said at last. "On the
+first suspicion arrest him until I come back."
+
+"For greater safety, captain," replied Camotte, "I shall take him with
+me tonight, I can watch him."
+
+"Mind he does not give you the slip. A traitor would be dangerous just
+now. He is as cunning as an opossum."
+
+"I know it, but two can play at the same game."
+
+"Good. I leave it to you. Have Black Athol and Goliath saddled for us,
+and Miss Lara for the prisoner, if safe."
+
+"She is quite a lady's horse--an ambler. She will quite suit her
+rider," replied Camotte.
+
+"Mind you," continued Tom, "let the three be harnessed for
+war--victuals, holsters, ammunition, and pistols."
+
+"As a matter of course. When Black Athol and Goliath go out, I know you
+are bent on mischief. What absence?"
+
+"Three days at most," replied the captain; "and during that time never
+leave the island."
+
+"And you go alone?" asked Camotte, anxiously.
+
+"With the gentleman, as I have already said."
+
+"I think you should take TĂªte de Plume," said Camotte.
+
+"Will you tell me why?" asked the captain, smiling.
+
+"No one ever knows on an expedition what may happen," drily replied the
+lieutenant, "and two are better than one."
+
+"But I have told you, we are two already."
+
+"Very good," he continued, "but you would be three."
+
+"I tell you what it is, Camotte," said the captain, laughing, "you do
+just as you like with me. Let him come."
+
+"I thank you heartily," cried the delighted lieutenant.
+
+"Above all, whatever happens, keep my absence a secret," said Tom
+Mitchell; "that is above all essential."
+
+"Your orders shall be obeyed in all things."
+
+"And now bring in the prisoner," continued Tom. "By the way, have you
+said anything to her?"
+
+"Captain, you know I am no babbler," observed Camotte.
+
+"Very true," said Tom, and then turning to Pierre, he added, laughing,
+"that fellow does not put too much confidence in me."
+
+"His manner is strange. Perhaps he distrusts me."
+
+"No; Camotte is a bulldog for fidelity and discretion; but, like
+bulldogs, he is both suspicious and jealous," replied Tom.
+
+"I bear him no malice for his jealousy," said Pierre; "besides, I
+myself always like those kind of men."
+
+"Yes, they are indeed very precious," continued Tom; "unfortunately,
+you have to give way to them a little."
+
+"Well, when it is from pure devotion, nothing can be said."
+
+At this moment the door opened, and a young girl entered the room,
+effectually checking the conversation.
+
+This young girl was Angela, or Evening Dew, whichever it may please the
+reader to call her.
+
+She gave a graceful curtsy, and then remained with downcast eyes before
+the outlaw chief.
+
+The two men rose from their seats and bowed respectfully.
+
+"My sister is welcome," said the outlaw, smiling, and speaking in the
+Indian tongue; "be seated."
+
+"Evening Dew is a slave, and presumes not to sit down in the presence
+of her master," responded the young girl, in a voice as melodious as
+the song of a bird, but the tone of which was firm and distinct. "I
+have said."
+
+Evening Dew was a delicious child of seventeen at most, in whom the two
+races, white and red, of both which she was the issue, seemed to have
+vied which should produce the most wondrous chef d'oeuvre.
+
+Her elegant and slight form, slightly bent forward with that serpentine
+undulation which belongs to American women, her long hair, black as
+the raven's wing, fell almost to her feet, and when loosened, might
+have served her as a cloak. Her complexion had the golden tint of the
+daughters of the sun; her great blue and dreamy eyes were fringed by
+long velvet lashes; her mouth, revealing her vermilion lips, and a row
+of dazzling white teeth, gave to her physiognomy that rare expression
+scarcely ever found except in some virgin of Titian.
+
+The sailor was dazzled at the really marvellous beauty of the young
+girl. He had no idea that the whole continent of America could have
+produced such a fairy.
+
+The captain smiled at her reply.
+
+"Evening Dew has no master here. She is with friends who will protect
+her," he said, heartily.
+
+"Friends!" she cried, clasping her hands together, while the pearly
+tears went down her cheeks; "Is it possible?"
+
+"I swear to you, young girl," he continued, "that what I say is true.
+I have sent for you to apologise for what has happened, to demand
+forgiveness for your cruel abduction."
+
+"Oh, sir," she cried, in excellent French, "oh, sir, can I really
+believe my ears! Is it true?"
+
+"You would insult me by disbelieving," he replied, in the same
+language; "tomorrow you will be with your friends."
+
+"Thank you, sir, from my soul," she sobbed forth.
+
+And before the captain could prevent her--before he suspected her
+intention, the was on her knees kissing his hand.
+
+Tom Mitchell respectfully raised her from the ground and led her to the
+chair she had once refused.
+
+"Then you are very unhappy here?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, yes," she cried, "I have indeed been very unhappy; how, in fact,
+could I be otherwise?"
+
+"And yet," said the captain, with a frown, "I have given the most
+strict orders with regard to your treatment."
+
+"I beg most earnestly to acknowledge, sir, that I have been treated in
+the most honourable fashion, that I have been surrounded by the most
+delicate attentions. But oh, sir, I was a prisoner, alas! Far away
+from those I love, and whom my absence plunges, like myself, in utter
+despair."
+
+"Pardon me, miss," said the chief, "my wrong towards you will soon be
+repaired, I promise you."
+
+"Then you are good indeed!"
+
+"Tomorrow," he added, with considerable emotion, "you shall be restored
+to the bosom of your family."
+
+"Do that, sir," she cried, "and I will love you. Ever after you shall
+be as a brother to me."
+
+"I will endeavour to merit the title, Miss Angela," he said, softly;
+"henceforth you will no longer curse me."
+
+"Curse you who give me back to those I love! No, I will bless you from
+the bottom of my heart," she cried, earnestly, "and, believe me, God
+will amply reward you."
+
+"I have a strong conviction that way myself," he said, smiling; "even
+heaven could scarcely be deaf to your prayer."
+
+The girl coloured deeply at these words, which were uttered with such
+earnest conviction as caused her to bow her head.
+
+The captain simply smiled softly.
+
+"Are you tolerably strong, miss?" he asked.
+
+"Why do you ask me this question?" she said.
+
+"Because," he answered, "we have a very long journey to go before we
+find your friends."
+
+"What matters about fatigue, sir? I am already strong. The very idea
+has restored my vigour."
+
+"We shall have to undertake a long night journey," he continued,
+"through the prairies, by very rough ways."
+
+She clapped her pretty hands together joyously; a charming smile
+lightened up her physiognomy, and then she cried out in a delighted and
+proud accent--
+
+"I have Indian blood in my veins, sir," she cried; "I am the daughter
+of a brave Canadian hunter. Fear nothing for me. I am not a woman of
+the towns, who, I am told, can neither walk nor run."
+
+"They are very much like it," growled Pierre.
+
+"Try me, put me to any proof, and you will see of what I am capable to
+get back to my friends."
+
+"Come, I see, at all events, that you are as brave and noble a woman as
+you are beautiful. Come, it is time."
+
+"Do we go directly?" she cried.
+
+"Yes," was his smiling answer.
+
+"One moment," she said; "give me time to thank God for having touched
+your heart. Let me pray."
+
+"Do as you wish," he replied, respectfully.
+
+The young girl folded her arms across her breast, raised her looks
+heavenward with an inspired air for some minutes. One could see by her
+thoughtful brow, from the compression of her coraline lips, that she
+was praying. Her face was radiant, her eyes were full of tears. She
+seemed transfigurated.
+
+The two men, despite their rude aspect and rough natures, stood
+respectfully beside her, utterly cowed, overcome, crushed under the
+weight of her purity and innocence. They stood before her hat in hand.
+
+When her short and ardent prayer was over, the girl turned to them with
+an ineffable smile.
+
+"Now, gentlemen," she said, bowing to the two men who she saw were
+henceforth her slaves, "I am quite ready."
+
+The outlaw and his companion bowed and followed behind as she led the
+way outside.
+
+Camotte was there, as was also the valorous TĂªte de Plume, holding the
+horses.
+
+Tom Mitchell led Miss Angela to the mare Lara, which he had ordered to
+be saddled, and held the stirrup respectfully.
+
+"Mount," he said, just as if he had been speaking to a princess in her
+own right.
+
+Then, as soon as the outlaw had given some last whispered directions to
+Camotte, they started, Tom Mitchell riding at the head of the little
+band.
+
+By the time the ford was passed over in safety the moon had risen in
+the sky above the trees.
+
+The four travellers were now safe on terra firma.
+
+"Now, Miss Angela," said Tom Mitchell, gallantly, "place yourself
+between this gentleman and myself. Good. And now, TĂªte de Plume, my
+boy, take the rearguard, and, whatever you do, look out."
+
+The four cavaliers dashed off at a hand gallop, and soon disappeared in
+the windings of the defile.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+IN WHICH TOM MITCHELL DISCOVERS THAT HONESTY IS A GOOD SPECULATION.
+
+
+We now direct our steps to one of the most savage and abrupt sites in
+all the desert, before the rising of the sun.
+
+Five men are crossing a narrow gorge in the mountains, the tops of
+which are rocky and bare or covered with snow. Just now they are
+rendered almost invisible by the dense fog which the sun's rays cannot
+dissipate.
+
+These five travellers came from the interior of the mornes, as the
+hilly plains are called, and were bound for the plains, which they
+began to make out a short distance before them, traversed, or rather
+cut in two, by the extensive stream of the Missouri, the sandy waters
+of which were half concealed by high grass, willow, and the cottonwood
+trees that lined its shores.
+
+The five wayfarers of whom we have spoken walked painfully over the
+flints that paved the gorge, the dried-up bed of a torrent, which
+itself had suddenly disappeared during one of the cataclysms so common
+in that region.
+
+Having reached the extremity of the gorge, they stopped, looked around,
+and gave a sigh of satisfaction.
+
+Their task had been a rude one. For far more than three hours they had
+been stumbling in the midst of a whirlpool, nothing else, of flint
+stones, which, at every step they took, slid under their feet like
+mountain shingle.
+
+Four of these men were whites, wearing the costume of hunters of the
+prairies; the fifth was an Indian.
+
+They were George Clinton, Oliver, Bright-eye, Keen-hand, and
+Numank-Charake, the chief.
+
+Now, then, let us ask how it came about that these five men should be
+there at that early hour in a place so far from their home--a hundred
+miles, in fact, from the regions they were in the habit of frequenting,
+and why were George Clinton and Keen-hand members of this singular and
+perhaps fortuitous group.
+
+Of course we shall as soon as possible satisfy the legitimate curiosity
+of our friend the reader.
+
+"Oh!" said Keen-hand, "It is my opinion, friends and companions, that
+the wisest thing to be done is to stop here."
+
+"Why stop here?" cried Bright-eye, in far from a pleasant tone of
+voice; "Explain yourself."
+
+"For a hundred reasons, every one of which is better than the other,"
+resumed Keen-hand.
+
+"I should like to know the first," said the Canadian.
+
+"Well, it is a very excellent one, I think. You and I and the chief are
+used to these diabolical roads, which is far from being the case with
+our companions, which you ought to have observed without telling a very
+long time ago."
+
+Both Oliver and Clinton tried to protest.
+
+"No! No!" cried Bright-eye, in his frankest manner. "I am a brute. So
+say no more about it, as I proclaim it myself. Let us camp at once."
+
+"Here is an excellent place," cried Keen-hand.
+
+The hunters had halted under a grove of gigantic gumtrees. A fire was
+lighted, and each one, resting himself, prepared for the morning meal.
+
+"Well, to tell the truth," said Oliver, gaily, "I will now confess that
+I needed repose; I was simply done up."
+
+"I could scarcely put one foot before the other," observed George
+Clinton, who was stretched out on the grass.
+
+"There!" cried Keen-hand; "Was I not right?"
+
+"Well, considering that I have owned I was a brute," growled
+Bright-eye, "are you not satisfied?"
+
+"Perfectly!" said the guide.
+
+Numank-Charake had in the meantime undertaken the office of cook, an
+office he filled effectively.
+
+A few minutes later all were eagerly devouring slices cut from a
+quarter of venison which had been broiled upon the hot embers.
+
+Then the gourds were opened and passed joyously from hand to hand.
+
+These brave young men had walked all night through impracticable paths
+which only hunters could overcome. They were literally famished.
+
+But now they entered into the spirit of the thing rarely. Soon
+everything had disappeared. All was eaten.
+
+When the last mouthful had been washed down, and the very last drop of
+brandy absorbed, each man in his turn gave a deep sigh of satisfaction.
+
+"Now, then," remarked Bright-eye, looking obliquely at his companions,
+"I think we may talk."
+
+"Well, I am of opinion," said Keen-hand, gaily, "that after a hearty
+meal, two things are agreeable--a pipe and talk."
+
+This declaration, the justice and opportuneness of which everybody at
+once recognised, was like a signal; instantly, pipes in red clay, with
+cherry tree tubes, were drawn from their belts, stuffed, lighted, and
+soon a cloud of blue smoke surrounded the head of every guest like a
+glory.
+
+"Now, then, Bright-eye," said Oliver, gaily, between two puffs, "fire
+away as soon as you like."
+
+"Messieurs, my friends," replied Bright-eye, "my heart is very sad.
+Despite all I can do, I feel a kind of presentiment that this man, in
+whom we have so trusted, is deceiving us."
+
+Numank-Charake lifted up his head.
+
+"I know the paleface chief," he said, in his guttural tones, shaking
+his head in a way to give more emphasis to his words; "he is a man
+whose tongue is not forked. His word is as gold--and my brother,
+Bright-eye, is wrong."
+
+"In the name of heaven, is it you who speak in that way, chief?"
+asked the astonished hunter; "You, of all men in the world, so deeply
+interested."
+
+"Numank-Charake is a chief in his nation," quickly interrupted the
+redskin, his words, which swelled his bosom, coming directly from his
+heart; "the man who despises his enemies is not a brave warrior, but
+exposes himself to the reproach of only vanquishing cowards."
+
+"Well spoken, chief," said Keen-hand.
+
+"The Grey Bear, the paleface chief, is ferocious, cruel, and a thief,
+but he is brave and truthful."
+
+Oliver and Clinton stared.
+
+"What he has said he will do, he will do. What he has offered he will
+give. Did we go openly to him? No! We hunted him like a wild beast
+Wounded, dying, we wished to kill him. He escaped; thanks not to
+cunning, but to audacity. He is a great chief."
+
+The whites exchanged glances.
+
+"Nothing would have been more easy for him than to laugh at our menaces
+and to conceal himself from us. Instead of that, he has sent us a
+collar--letter--in which he invites us to an interview, for the purpose
+of ending the troubles which divide us."
+
+"This may be a trick," said Oliver.
+
+"No! It is neither the act of a false nor of a double-faced man. No! It
+is the act of a brave and loyal warrior. That is my opinion. Whatever
+may happen during the next few hours, I am convinced that if we have
+confidence in him I shall be found right. I have said."
+
+The chief relighted his pipe, which had gone out during his speech,
+and from that moment he appeared to take no further part in the
+conversation. Still he listened to what the others said.
+
+"As far as I am concerned," observed Oliver, "I think the chief has
+spoken well. I agree with him on every point. As far as I can judge,
+this pirate or this outlaw, whichever you choose to call him, is
+not a man like other men. There is something in him which is not at
+all ordinary. In one word, he may, it is true, be a brigand, but,
+certainly, his is a very lofty nature. Until further events, I, for
+one, shall believe in his word."
+
+"All this is very possible," observed Bright-eye, shaking his head
+doubtingly, "but no one can deny that he is the captain of a monstrous
+set of brigands."
+
+"What does that prove?" said Oliver.
+
+"Nothing that I know of. Still I am decidedly of opinion that his word
+is not to be trusted."
+
+"Then allow me to observe," said George Clinton, drily, "why are we
+here?"
+
+"Why, because one always lives in hope, despite our better reason.
+Still we ought to be prudent."
+
+"Though I am not quite of the opinion of Bright-eye," said Charbonneau,
+"I think we should be wise not to rush headlong into a possible trap
+which the bandits may be preparing for us. He is right as to the wisdom
+of prudence."
+
+"I, too, am an advocate for prudence," said George Clinton; "nothing
+can be more wise than to take all proper precautions. That I fully
+agree with. But do not act in such a way as to cause our loyalty to be
+suspected, or our confidence in the man's word."
+
+"That can be easily arranged, my friends," said Charbonneau, with a
+cunning smile "let me alone, and, believe me, all will go well."
+
+"My worthy friend, act just as you think proper. You, perhaps, more
+than anyone, have experience of the desert, and nobody objects to your
+taking every precaution."
+
+"The best precaution," said the Indian chief, again speaking, "when you
+deal with a loyal enemy is to have every faith in his word; to have no
+suspicion of any kind in your mind."
+
+"Very good, chief. It is very likely after all that you are right. I
+will not discuss the matter with you, though I repeat I am very much
+surprised to hear you speak thus. I only ask of you one thing--that is,
+to remain neutral in this affair until the actual moment of action has
+come."
+
+"Numank-Charake loves Bright-eye; he is his brother. He will do
+whatever the hunter wishes; still regretting that he is constrained to
+act against his wishes," he answered.
+
+"I take all the blame on myself," said Bright-eye; "and shall be the
+first to own my error, if indeed I am found to be in error. A man can
+say no more, even if he were speaking to his father."
+
+The Indian said no more, but bowed his head in token of acquiescence.
+But he smiled with such a keen and subtle irony that the hunter was so
+deeply moved as to blush.
+
+"I fear nothing for myself," he cried.
+
+"Eh, what!" exclaimed Charbonneau, stretching out his arm towards the
+river, "What is going on?"
+
+Every eye was fixed upon the spot indicated by the hunter's sudden
+exclamation.
+
+"It is a canoe," said George Clinton.
+
+"Manned by two men," observed Charbonneau.
+
+"And those two men," said the chief, after one glance from his eagle
+eye, "are two palefaces. He knows them well. One is the old hunter
+called Sharpear, the other the son of my nation--Leave-no-trail."
+
+"My father and my grandfather!" cried Bright-eye, in utter surprise.
+"Surely, chief, you must be mistaken. Why should they come here?"
+
+"Very likely," observed Oliver, gently, "the same motive leads them
+here that has led us."
+
+Meanwhile the canoe, impelled by vigorous arms, approached with extreme
+rapidity, and soon was at no very great distance from the camp of the
+hunters. Then it turned rapidly towards the shore, and its bow was soon
+stuck in the sand.
+
+Two men landed.
+
+Numank-Charake had been right. These two men were indeed the father and
+grandfather of the young hunter. They were coming to the encampment.
+
+The five adventurers all leaped up, and eagerly rushed to meet the two
+old men.
+
+After the first compliments had passed and welcomes had been exchanged
+with effusion between the newcomers and their friends, the Canadians
+seated themselves by the fire, and, upon the invitation given, ate some
+mouthfuls of fresh-cooked venison and drank some brandy.
+
+"We have been to see our relative, Lagrenay, the squatter of the Wind
+River," said the old man. "It appears he had received a very pressing
+message from Tom Mitchell, the outlaw."
+
+"Yes," said Bright-eye, "we were there when it was delivered. We know
+all about it. But, as far as I am concerned, I am afraid--"
+
+"Of what are you afraid, my son?" asked François Berger, in a rather
+imperious tone of voice.
+
+"That all this pretended facility and frankness on the part of the
+pirate chief hides a snare."
+
+The two old hunters exchanged a smile.
+
+"Child, you are very much mistaken," said the grandfather. "Tom
+Mitchell means exactly what he says. He has no intention, no motive for
+laying any unworthy trap."
+
+"I am certain of it," added the son.
+
+Bright-eye had nothing to say to so positive an assertion. He silently
+bowed his head.
+
+"We have done all in our power to come here quickly, knowing we should
+meet you," went on François Berger; "we are only too happy to be in
+time."
+
+"In time to do what?" asked Oliver.
+
+"We will explain," said the elder of the two men; "when Tom Mitchell
+comes we shall receive him."
+
+"But that is our business?" cried Bright-eye.
+
+"I know the message was addressed to you," said his father; "I am well
+aware of it that it is our business, and, in fact, it is more proper
+it should be so. At all events we have decided that it is to be so, so
+that you will keep out of sight until the affair is finished."
+
+"But," said Bright-eye, with considerable hesitation, "supposing there
+was treachery?"
+
+"My son," sententiously observed the old man, "prudence is wise, but
+suspicion in certain cases is an insult. Think of that. Believe me when
+I say that your father and I know better what we are about than you do."
+
+"We shall certainly obey you," said Oliver, in the name of all. "We
+shall remain at a distance during the interview, and only interfere
+when called upon."
+
+"I thank you cordially," said the old man; "everything will go rightly,
+I promise you."
+
+And he waved his hand as if to dismiss them.
+
+The five young men rose, bowed respectfully to the two old men, and
+watched them as they walked slowly down to the banks of the river.
+
+About two gunshots distance from the camp, or thereabouts, was a rather
+thick wood, composed of oaks and gumtrees. The hunters entered the
+wood, and soon afterwards disappeared under the forest.
+
+Remaining alone, the old hunters lifted their Indian calumets and began
+to smoke, without exchanging one single word.
+
+This went on for about three-quarters of an hour--incessant smoking.
+Suddenly, François Berger let fall his pipe, fell flat on his face, put
+his ear to the ground, and listened.
+
+"They come," he said, rising.
+
+"I have heard them coming for some time," quietly replied the old
+grandfather. "How many?"
+
+"Not more than four."
+
+"Just as I expected. He has acted in perfect good faith," said the old
+man.
+
+"Then you are quite determined?"
+
+"Yes. The Indians are not in want of it, and I should not like to see
+the Yankees or English profit by it."
+
+"You are the master. You are the one to whom it belongs to a certain
+extent," said the son.
+
+"Yes; it is today my property. Besides, it should be kept up for the
+support of a great cause. Tom Mitchell is a very different man from
+what he appears," added the old man, gravely.
+
+"That, of course, I know."
+
+"Besides, I have another very strong motive for acting as I do, and
+that is the establishment, on the very spot I allude to, of the Yankee
+squatter."
+
+"Yes. And, between you and me, father, these Yankees have very sharp
+noses. They will find it out before long."
+
+"Exactly so, my son. For my part, I prefer that Frenchmen should derive
+the advantage."
+
+At this moment a distant gunshot was heard.
+
+"Here they come," said François Berger.
+
+He then rose, placed his hand over his mouth like a funnel, and twice
+imitated, with marvellous dexterity and perfection, the cry of the
+water hawk.
+
+A similar cry came in response, and almost immediately afterwards four
+cavaliers, well mounted, appeared galloping through the high grass and
+trees, and coming directly towards them.
+
+The Canadians held their rifles in their hands, while the newcomers
+showed no apparent arms. They had left their pistols in the holsters,
+their sabres were in their scabbards, their rifles by their sides.
+
+On coming within a short distance of the two old men the strangers
+exchanged a few words in a low tone of voice, two of them slackened
+their pace, while the others rushed forward with the rapidity of the
+gazelle.
+
+In another instant Angela, for it was herself, was in the arms of the
+friends, answering by cries of joy and tears of happiness the sweet
+caresses of her relatives and friends.
+
+Tom Mitchell and his companions stood apart discreetly, and then,
+when they saw that the first transports were over or becoming calmer,
+approached.
+
+"Welcome," said the old man, "welcome, gentlemen," holding out his two
+hands.
+
+"Have I kept my promise?" asked Tom Mitchell.
+
+"Nobly; I solemnly declare it, and I thank you," cried Berger, with
+deep emotion.
+
+"You have worthily made up for the act you had done. Let us forget the
+past," said the old man; "what can we do for you?"
+
+"Nothing," he said, quietly.
+
+"You exact no ransom whatever?"
+
+"Why should I exaggerate, old hunter? I was drawn into committing a
+bad action by a man whose name I will not mention. Though a pirate, I
+am not so bad as I am painted. I have therefore sought to condone the
+evil."
+
+"Admirably spoken," said François Berger, again embracing his daughter.
+"Go, darling, to your brother yonder."
+
+"Allow me first to thank Captain Mitchell," she said, "for his extreme
+kindness during my captivity."
+
+"You bear me no malice?"
+
+"None whatever," she said, "but eternal gratitude. You deserve it and
+you have it."
+
+Then with a gesture of adieu and a sweet smile on her adorable lips she
+ran off in the direction of the forest.
+
+The men waited until she was out of sight.
+
+"I will now take my leave," said the outlaw.
+
+"One moment," replied the old man; "the recompense which you refuse I
+must force upon you."
+
+He pulled forth a large folded parchment.
+
+"This is the ransom of my daughter," he said: "it is a regular deed of
+gift of the Valley of the Deer."
+
+"What!" cried the outlaw, with singular emotion.
+
+"Yes, and here on the map is a red mark, indicating the spot where what
+you know of is concealed."
+
+"Accept without scruple, captain," said François Berger; "it is ours
+and ours alone to give."
+
+"Since you wish it, gentlemen. I should show but ill grace to refuse,
+the more that I value your gift highly."
+
+"I only ask one thing in return," said the old man.
+
+"I shall be ready to promise anything."
+
+"You will use what I have given you only with an honourable--" he said,
+with some hesitation.
+
+"It shall be so, I promise you."
+
+"And so we part friends; captain, your hand."
+
+"Friends, yes," said the pirate; "and I hope the day may come when you
+may try my friendship."
+
+"Who knows? The day may come sooner than we expect."
+
+"I shall be ready to shed the very last drop of my blood to defend or
+avenge you or yours."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+A STRANGE CHASE.
+
+
+We know that Joshua Dickson had taken his departure from the valley,
+leaving it in charge to Harry.
+
+Harry was a fine young man, strong and intelligent, in whom his father
+had every confidence.
+
+He was the complete juvenile type of the American squatter and pioneer,
+up to Indian devilries, riding like a centaur, and able to put a ball
+in the eye of a panther at a hundred yards. His great passion was life
+in the open air, and the pleasures of the chase in the forest or field.
+
+One fine morning Harry, soon after the rising of the sun, galloped off
+into the forest. He was bent on a journey to see a fine cutting that
+was going to create meadows, and make room for sawmills on the banks of
+the great Missouri.
+
+He had nearly reached the spot, when he was startled by a whistle of a
+peculiar kind, at no great distance.
+
+At the same moment a horseman came in sight--a man of fifty, tall, thin
+and gaunt, with parchment skin.
+
+The horse was as bony as his master.
+
+The man was dressed after the fashion of the ordinary American farmer,
+and apparently carried no arms.
+
+"Eh, eh," cried he, "you are out early. Were you looking for me?"
+
+"No, M. Lagrenay; I was not even thinking of you."
+
+"That is not polite. Why did you stop when I whistled?"
+
+"Because I thought it the whistle of a serpent," he retorted. "But no
+nonsense, I was looking for you."
+
+"I was certain of it."
+
+"Yes, I wanted to see you. I made your acquaintance I know not how. You
+talk to me of things which do not please me, because they suggest evil
+thoughts. I have come to say that henceforth we are strangers. Never
+speak to me again."
+
+"I suppose you will give me a reason for this odd decision."
+
+"Think what you please. I have said my say."
+
+"Then I assume that you reject my offers."
+
+"Think and assume what you like," cried the young man, angrily; "only
+keep out of my path."
+
+"Then you have no passion for gold?" sighed the other.
+
+"You take me for a ninny, old squatter. Gold does not grow in the
+fields like mushrooms. Besides, you would have found it long ago if
+real."
+
+"I tell you the map indicating the exact spot," cried the old man, "was
+stolen from me by the outlaws."
+
+"You want to persuade me that you have known of this vast treasure for
+years, and yet require a stranger to help you."
+
+"I knew nothing of your having camped on the spot, and only offer you a
+share in consequence."
+
+"Go to the devil with your offers."
+
+"Yes, you have my secret, and can use it yourself."
+
+"Old man," cried the young giant, with rage in his eye, "beware how you
+try my patience too much."
+
+"Well, well, let us end this conversation. You will not listen to me.
+Well and good. Only, before we part, remember this, when it is too
+late, my friend," he added, with a sinister laugh, "you will repent.
+That is all I say."
+
+And turning round, he rode off.
+
+"He is a pretty rascal," said the young man, as he rode off; "I believe
+he has some villainy in hand."
+
+At this moment a strong hollow grunting was heard, followed by another
+at no great distance.
+
+"There are jaguars about," said the American, in a low tone, stroking
+his horse's ears to keep him quiet.
+
+At that moment there was a fearful, a horrible cry, that rent the air,
+a desperate shriek for assistance.
+
+"The old squatter, and he is without arms," he cried; "the tigers have
+doubtless attacked him."
+
+And he set spurs to his horse, which, neighing and smarting with pain,
+dashed in the desired direction.
+
+In the centre of a clearing crossed by a narrow stream the squatter
+knelt behind his horse, haggard with terror.
+
+Close to him, on the branch of a gigantic gumtree, was a mighty jaguar,
+licking his tongue before leaping.
+
+"Save me," shrieked the agonised squatter.
+
+"I will try," said Harry, dismounting, letting his horse loose, and
+then going close up to the trembling wretch.
+
+The tiger had not moved. He was watching his victim with a feline
+glance.
+
+"A noble beast," said the young man, with a smile; "I hope not to spoil
+his beautiful skin."
+
+Suddenly a further grunting was heard in the thicket. The jaguar,
+without turning his head, responded in the same tone.
+
+"By heavens! There are two of them. It seems almost a pity to part so
+loving a couple," he said.
+
+At the same moment the tiger leaped. As he did so he turned a
+somersault. He was dead, shot in the eye.
+
+"One," said the young man, drawing out his bowie knife.
+
+At the same moment the second jaguar burst out, and with one bound
+seized on the flanks of the horse.
+
+Harry flew at her, knife in hand. The two rolled for a moment on the
+ground. Then the man stood erect.
+
+"That job's over," said the young man; "what a couple of noble beasts!
+Get up. Heavens! He's fainted."
+
+Then he took him in his arms, and carried him to the stream, where he
+bathed his face until he recovered.
+
+But he was then so ill, and his horse so lean, that it seemed
+impossible he should ever reach home.
+
+In this strait Harry acted with his usual generosity. He took the man
+up behind him, and carried him home.
+
+He then turned to go without a word.
+
+"Young man," cried the squatter, "wait one moment. You have been my
+friend. Now take my advice, keep good watch. I dare say no more, but be
+ever on your guard."
+
+Harry moved pensively away, but soon forgot the hint.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+CAPTAIN TOM MITCHELL, THE AVENGER.
+
+
+The marriage of Evening Dew with Numank-Charake was to be celebrated
+with unusual splendour. Invitations had been sent in all directions,
+and, two days before the ceremony was to take place, numerous
+deputations from all the tribes were collected around, and were
+received with the splendid hospitality essential in such a case.
+
+At least five hundred strange warriors had come.
+
+Some hours later a new troop appeared on the verge of the plain; it was
+very numerous, three hundred men at least, in the picturesque costume
+of Mexican rancheros, all armed to the teeth, and admirably mounted.
+
+Four cavaliers rode in front; these were Tom Mitchell, Pierre Durand
+Camotte, and TĂªte de Plume. It was the full force of the outlaws. On
+nearing the village two other men were seen; these were Clinton and
+Charbonneau.
+
+Nothing was omitted to give _Ă©clat_ to such a reception. The most
+renowned of the sachems, with the three Canadians, Bright-eye, and
+Oliver, advanced to meet them, and give them a most cordial and sincere
+welcome.
+
+Captain Pierre Durand, who had given up his disguise, kept a little in
+the background.
+
+Having exchanged compliments, Tom ordered his men to camp outside, and
+entered the village with the others.
+
+As soon as all were collected in the hut of the Canadians, Tom Mitchell
+closed the door carefully.
+
+"Gentlemen," he said, in a low and solemn tone, "I owe you no
+explanation for coming, but for coming in such force."
+
+"You owe no explanation. You are welcome."
+
+"Listen. Not a moment is to be lost. Spies are on all hands. You are
+surrounded by treachery and traitors. You are all to be made the
+victims of an execrable plot concocted by two wretches, Lagrenay and
+Tubash-Shah."
+
+All were stupefied. While the other spoke, Pierre Durand slipped into
+Bright-eye's own room to rest.
+
+"Yes. Tubash-Shah hates Numank; but that is not all. He loves your
+gentle daughter, Evening Dew."
+
+"Horrible!" cried the old man.
+
+"The capture of Miss Angela was a thing arranged between Lagrenay and
+Tubash-Shah, who thought to get her from me."
+
+"Thanks to you, the plot is exploded."
+
+"He still hopes to kill his rival, steal his wife, become possessor of
+the treasure you know of," cried Tom Mitchell, "and become chief of the
+tribe. With these schemes in their heads, Lagrenay and Tubash-Shah are
+allies."
+
+"It is a horrible plot. How did you discover it?"
+
+"No matter; my spies have served me well. I knew the plan of the
+conspirators, and hence have come in such force. I shall be able to
+thwart them. Do you now attend to the immediate safety of the chiefs of
+this nation and people."
+
+"I will take measures at once."
+
+"Above all, be cautious. You have to deal with desperate and cunning
+rascals," urged Tom Mitchell.
+
+The three Canadians, grandfather, father, and son, went out, leaving
+behind only George Clinton and his friend.
+
+"Now, Mr. Clinton," said the outlaw, "though we met under unpleasant
+circumstances, we are friends."
+
+"I see no reason why we should not be," he replied.
+
+"I am happy to hear it," continued Tom Mitchell; "but before we go any
+farther, allow me to say a word to this young Frenchman. In that room
+you will find a friend."
+
+"A friend!" cried Oliver; "Impossible! You know I have only recently
+reached this country."
+
+"Take my advice," said the outlaw, with a smile.
+
+Oliver shrugged his shoulders, as if yielding to a foolish whim, and
+went in to find himself face to face with Durand.
+
+"Now," said the outlaw, "I have not told all; I have left out certain
+matters which personally concern yourself. One moment, and you shall
+judge for yourself. Excuse me if I have to touch upon a very tender
+topic--that of love."
+
+"Captain!" cried George.
+
+"Pardon me. You love a charming girl, whom you have followed into the
+desert with as much devotion as men show in the search of gold. To this
+I have only to add that the girl is as beautiful and as good as an
+angel."
+
+George bowed his head to hide his confusion.
+
+"Her father is against you, I know. But the important fact is that a
+terrible calamity threatens her and you."
+
+"Pray explain yourself," George cried.
+
+"Do you think the redskins are blind? You forget them in your
+calculation of future happiness."
+
+"Explain yourself," continued the young man.
+
+"I cannot at present. You are young in the desert, but you have clever
+and devoted friends. Above all, you have Bright-eye, honest, devoted,
+intelligent. Tell him all I have said, and to work. You have not a
+moment to lose to save her."
+
+At this moment the three Canadians came in at one door, Oliver and
+Captain Durand at the other. Before anyone else could speak, Oliver
+rushed forward.
+
+"Captain," he said to the outlaw, "I can never thank you enough. I know
+all. Command me in every way."
+
+"I shall remind you of your promise."
+
+"And my wretched persecutor--you will bring him to me?"
+
+"Yes; and place in your hands papers to confound him," cried the
+outlaw; "papers which prove your rank."
+
+The conversation now became general. The two Canadians had been at
+work, and warned all the sachems.
+
+But everything had been done without exciting suspicion. All went on
+just as usual in the village.
+
+The preparations for the marriage continued.
+
+The Canadians entertained their friends at a great banquet that night,
+at which Numank was present, grave and proud, seated beside Angela, who
+was charming, though blushing with downcast eyes, and never speaking a
+word.
+
+The formal ceremony of betrothal had taken place in the morning, so
+that this was rather a friendly meeting than anything else.
+
+There was, however, a magnificent exchange of presents.
+
+Next day, just before the final ceremony, Tom Mitchell went off with a
+hundred of his most resolute men.
+
+Camotte remained in command of the others.
+
+According to invariable Indian custom, the man who takes a wife takes
+her seemingly by force; he snatches her up, puts her behind him, darts
+off, and two days later comes back, slays a mare that has never foaled,
+and all is over.
+
+Numank, of course, would do the same.
+
+At night the hut was surrounded by a party of Indians, and Angela
+carried off, after a feeble resistance.
+
+Then some shots were fired, and away sped Numank with his wife
+surrounded by a powerful Indian escort.
+
+This escort was almost wholly composed of strangers with Tubash.
+
+The abductors had scarcely departed when Bright-eye came out of the hut
+and whistled. He was at once surrounded by warriors.
+
+"On," he said, in a menacing voice; "there is no time to lose."
+
+And they darted away like a whirlwind, riding for some hours in the
+direction taken by the bridal party.
+
+Suddenly they were startled by flashes of light, followed by the report
+of guns. A terrible combat was going on.
+
+With a tremendous war cry the troop led by Bright-eye dashed in the
+direction of the fight. It was time.
+
+Numank-Charake, holding his wife on one arm, was fighting, surrounded
+by the few warriors faithful to him.
+
+Ten only of these could stand, and must have succumbed in five minutes
+but for the unlooked-for succour.
+
+The carnage was fearful. All fought desperately in silence. At last
+every one of the treacherous escort was dead.
+
+Tubash Shah escaped in the confusion.
+
+Numank-Charake was more like a corpse than a live man, and had to be
+carried on a litter.
+
+They reached the village next day, from which all the rival tribes had
+departed, leaving behind a bundle of arrows dipped in blood. It was a
+formal declaration of war.
+
+We turn elsewhere for a time.
+
+It was night at the hut of the squatter Lagrenay. Everybody slept
+except himself. Seated by the dying fire in a cane chair, his head in
+his two hands, his elbows on the table, the squatter appeared at least
+to be reading.
+
+His huge and savage dog lay at his feet, listening for the faintest
+sound from without.
+
+Every now and then the old man looked at a clock, and then appeared to
+read again until a sharp whistle was heard.
+
+The dog and man leaped up, but suddenly Lagrenay bade the animal be
+quiet, and went himself to open the door. He started back as two men
+entered, strangers.
+
+"I am Joshua Dickson," said the first, "and this is my brother Samuel.
+You sent for my son; we have come in his place."
+
+The old man professed to be glad to see his neighbours, and bade them
+be seated. After some time wasted in circumlocution, he began to speak
+of real business.
+
+"You have established yourselves in the Valley of the Moose Deer," he
+said, "a magnificent settlement."
+
+"Well, what then?"
+
+"That valley belongs to one of the most powerful tribes on the whole of
+the Missouri," continued Lagrenay.
+
+"No matter. Virgin soil belongs to the first comer."
+
+"Perhaps. But that is not the question. This tribe have other lands of
+which they take no account," went on the squatter, "and will probably
+never claim, but they have special reasons for keeping the Valley of
+the Deer sacred."
+
+"Explain yourself," cried both.
+
+"In that valley is buried the treasure of the nation."
+
+"What treasure? Old shooter of muskrats!" cried Joshua; "There is no
+treasure like mother earth."
+
+"I mean a real treasure--gold, ingots, diamonds," said the old man, "to
+the extent of many millions."
+
+"So much the better," replied Joshua; "it is mine."
+
+"Take care! The struggle will be terrible. Your adversaries are many
+and brave; they have allied themselves with the outlaws of the desert,
+and, moreover, have taken as their chief a fellow countryman, who
+dearly covets your possessions."
+
+"May I ask the name of my countryman?" inquired Samuel, in a bantering
+tone of voice.
+
+"His name is George Clinton," said Lagrenay.
+
+"George Clinton!" exclaimed Joshua, amazed.
+
+"You lie, miserable wretch!" said Samuel Dickson, rising; "George
+Clinton is an honourable man, not a--"
+
+"I have spoken the truth. Do as you please."
+
+Then the door was burst open, and two men entered pushing forward a
+third with blows of musket butts.
+
+"Miserable wretch!" said one, seizing him by the throat, "I am George
+Clinton, and you lie in your teeth."
+
+Rock attempted to fly at the assailants, but Charbonneau brained him
+with the butt end of his gun.
+
+Lagrenay rose rifle in hand, but the two Americans disarmed him, and
+forced him to reseat himself.
+
+The prisoner brought in was Tubash-Shah. Behind the three men appeared
+the dogs Nadeje and Drack.
+
+"Gentlemen, we arrive in time. Thank heaven, we have brought with us
+this wretch, who now will tell the truth."
+
+And he looked at the Indian with a glance that made him shudder to the
+marrow of his bones.
+
+The two Americans were exceedingly surprised, while Lagrenay thought in
+vain of some new subterfuge.
+
+Roused by the noise made on the entrance of the three men, the wife
+of Lagrenay had risen in haste, and, without waiting to dress, had
+rushed into the room. She entered without being seen, and tremblingly
+ensconced herself behind her husband.
+
+Inside there was silence, but without the sound of many men.
+
+None spoke for some time; everyone's breathing seemed oppressed.
+Lagrenay, his teeth chattering, at last spoke.
+
+"Will you explain this outrage?" he began.
+
+"Silence!" cried George Clinton, in a terrible voice; "Speak only when
+called upon for your defence. All I hope is that when you have heard of
+what you are accused you may be able to give a satisfactory reply to
+the charge."
+
+"Accused--defend myself!" cried the old man.
+
+"Yes, before Judge Lynch, who will decide between us," said Clinton,
+coldly. "Listen, here come your judges."
+
+As he spoke several men entered. Lagrenay felt himself lost. He was in
+the hands of implacable foes.
+
+Tubash-Shah, erect against the wall, appeared utterly indifferent. But
+his every thought was intent on escape.
+
+The sudden appearance of George Clinton had very much surprised Joshua
+Dickson. All his rage was revived, and he was prepared to treat him
+with severity and hatred. The idea of treason still rankled in his mind.
+
+Two men had now seized upon the squatter, and, despite the cries of his
+wife, were trying to carry him out.
+
+At that moment Louis and François Berger entered.
+
+"My cousins!" cried Lagrenay, "They would murder me!"
+
+"Save my old man!" said the wife, pitifully.
+
+"My friends and brothers," said Louis Berger, raising his hand, "this
+man is my relative. Give him to me. Justice shall be done."
+
+The squatter was released, and hid himself behind his two Canadian
+cousins, trembling, nearly dead.
+
+"Sirs," said Louis to the Americans, "you are the new squatters
+established in the Moose Deer Valley?"
+
+"We are," replied Joshua, rather doggedly.
+
+"Then I have business with you. In the first place, by what right have
+you squatted in that place?"
+
+"Really, except that you have force on your side, I should not answer
+so singular a question. Because I found it."
+
+"I beg to inform you that it is private property. You are by no means
+the first occupier."
+
+"And who may he be?" asked Joshua, furiously.
+
+"Myself. It was given me by the chiefs of the Huron tribe. A deed,
+perfectly legal, exists."
+
+"Can a man find no free land on earth?" he cried, "On the face of the
+earth? You claim it, then?"
+
+At this moment, when all were busy, Tubash saw his opportunity, and
+ran. Two or three pursued, but the rest remained.
+
+"Then," said Joshua, presently, "there is some truth in the story of
+the gold treasure in the valley?"
+
+"Yes, and I have recently ceded all my rights to Tom Mitchell, chief of
+the outlaws."
+
+"Then all I have to do is to go?" urged Joshua.
+
+"I think the matter might be arranged," observed Louis. "Here is a
+young man who loves your child. George Clinton, is it not so?"
+
+"It is useless my persuading Joshua Dickson."
+
+"By heavens!" cried Samuel, "But you shall. Here is a noble, young,
+rich, brave--"
+
+"But," cried Joshua, "what has that to do with it?"
+
+"Sole owner of the Valley of the Deer," continued Louis Berger, drily;
+"he bought it this morning."
+
+"But--" still hesitated Joshua.
+
+"To arms!" cried Tom Mitchell, rushing in, "To arms! Pardieu! You have
+fallen into the trap."
+
+"What is the matter?" cried the brothers.
+
+"While you are wasting your time here, your plantation is attacked by
+Indians," he responded, "who are burning and destroying all. Soon there
+will be only ruins and ashes."
+
+This terrible revelation fell like a thunderbolt upon all present in
+that room.
+
+Tom Mitchell--his dress torn, his face covered by powder and blood,
+holding a smoking gun--summoned them.
+
+George Clinton, without waiting a minute, darted away, followed by
+Charbonneau and his dogs.
+
+Above all, he would save her he loved from the fearful peril she was in
+of falling into the hands of redskins.
+
+"What is to be done?" cried Joshua.
+
+"Never despair," said the outlaw. "Your sons and servants are fighting
+like lions. We must join them."
+
+"Come along," cried Samuel.
+
+"Oh! Oh!" said Joshua, brandishing his rifle, "The rascally redskins
+shall pay for this."
+
+"Come, in the name of God!" cried the outlaw; "I have with me a party
+ready for any amount of redskins."
+
+At these words everybody mounted, and dashed through the darkness like
+a legion of phantoms.
+
+Four persons only remained in the silent and deserted hut--the two old
+Canadians, Lagrenay, and his wife.
+
+The old squatter had, during these exciting scenes, recovered his
+equanimity. He believed himself saved.
+
+As soon as they were alone, he and his wife began to place refreshments
+on the table for their guests.
+
+The two Canadians remained standing, leaning on their rifles, and not
+noticing even the preparations.
+
+"My dear relations," said Lagrenay, in an insinuating voice, "will you
+honour me by accepting refreshments?"
+
+"What does the man say?" asked François Berger.
+
+"You have a long journey to go," continued Lagrenay, "you must be
+extremely tired and want rest."
+
+"What matter?" said the old man.
+
+"Will you not empty a cup of whisky?" began the woman.
+
+"Silence!" cried the hunter, striking the butt of his rifle on the
+ground, "And listen."
+
+The old man shuddered.
+
+"Lagrenay," he went on, in a hollow voice, "I dragged you from the
+hands of Judge Lynch, because I did not wish to see my cousin hanged;
+you have dishonoured not only the name you bear, but the family to
+which you belong; that family, poor as it has always been, has known
+how to preserve its honour intact. That honour you have soiled, from
+the base love of gold. Prepare to die."
+
+"To die!" he murmured.
+
+"My cousins, my dear cousins, you will not have the heart to kill my
+poor old man," said his wife, clasping her hands and weeping; "thirty
+years we have lived together. What shall I do when he is gone? Who will
+support my miserable existence? Have mercy, in the name of the Lord. If
+you kill him, I shall die."
+
+"You shall not die," said François Berger; "my cousin will take care of
+you for life."
+
+"I," she said, with a gesture of horror, "accept the protection of the
+murderers of my husband, eat the bread of assassins! I should choke
+myself at the first mouthful. Have mercy, then, and shoot us together."
+
+Louis Berger turned away his head. Even the inflexible old judge of the
+reign of terror was moved.
+
+Then he made a sign to his son, and both cocked their rifles.
+
+"Stop!" said Lagrenay, in a firm and solemn voice; "I know your
+inflexible will too well to ask my life of you. You have decided on
+my death. Good. But I will not die at your hands. You say the honour
+of the family requires that justice should be done. Well, it shall be
+done. Still I could not die like a dog. Give me ten minutes to pray.
+You will not refuse this?"
+
+"Heaven forbid!" said the old man, "And may heaven have mercy on you
+for all your sins."
+
+"Thanks, cousins and friends," cried the squatter, "and now, wife, on
+your knees. Let us beg forgiveness of our sins."
+
+The two old men went out, tears in their eyes, and almost inclined to
+be merciful. Stern will prevailed.
+
+Five minutes later, a double shot was heard. They rushed in. Both lay
+dead upon the floor.
+
+Justice was done.
+
+The two hunters kneeled down beside the bodies, and said a silent
+prayer over them.
+
+Then, in the room itself, they dug a grave, and, after some little
+time, interred the husband and wife.
+
+Then, dragging away by main force the wounded dog, they collected a lot
+of brushwood and other fuel.
+
+This they piled against the house and then fired. In a few minutes the
+whole was in flames.
+
+The dog got away, and plunged into the burning pile.
+
+When all was over and nought remained but cinders and ashes, the two
+men wiped away a tear and retired.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+A DESPERATE STRUGGLE.
+
+
+Tom Mitchell had told the truth. The plantation of Joshua Dickson had
+been attacked by a numerous party.
+
+This is how it had come about.
+
+Tubash-Shah and the squatter, Lagrenay, excited by a common hatred, had
+come to an understanding.
+
+The old wretch, whose whole thoughts were bent on the vast treasure
+concealed in the valley, had promised the Indian, not only his share
+of the gold, but the possession of a beautiful white girl, at least as
+beautiful as Evening Dew.
+
+He further suggested that as Numank-Charake would be sure to join
+Clinton, he could kill him too.
+
+He would then have the two most beautiful wives on the prairie.
+
+The Indian was easily seduced by this radiant project, which the old
+squatter fluttered before his eyes.
+
+An alliance defensive and offensive was struck up.
+
+It was Tubash-Shah who suggested the treacherous visit of the redskins
+on the occasion of the great marriage.
+
+In order to facilitate the attack on the settlement, old Lagrenay sent
+a secret message to the squatters, who fell into the trap prepared for
+them. Tubash-Shah was outside, waiting to take them, when he himself
+was made prisoner.
+
+This nearly spoiled all. But, after only half an hour's detention,
+Tubash escaped.
+
+He joined his expectant companions, and the plantation was at once
+attacked on all sides by Indians.
+
+But the Americans were on the watch, and received the redskins in a way
+that rather surprised them.
+
+Tom Mitchell, warned by his spies, had given them sufficient hints,
+while himself preparing.
+
+One hundred and fifty outlaws, under the orders of TĂªte de Plume, had
+been secretly sent into the fort by George Clinton.
+
+He had then, with Charbonneau, gone and concealed himself near
+Lagrenay's hut.
+
+Camotte had been sent to the village of the Huron Bisons to
+Numank-Charake, and Bright-eye, to ask for the assistance of all the
+warriors of the tribe who could be spared.
+
+On the other hand, Tom Mitchell, at the head of his most daring
+companions, had placed himself in a position to be at hand at anytime.
+But if the defence had been well arranged, the attack was most fierce
+and desperate; the redskins fought like demons; brave, well armed, and
+counting on the vast superiority of their numbers, the Indians rushed
+to the charge against the intrenchments with a ferocity quite unusual.
+
+These intrenchments had been hastily thrown up, and could not long
+resist such an attack.
+
+Tubash-Shah, at the head of a picked band of warriors, did wonders. He
+was a host in himself.
+
+The struggle became at one time so desperate that Tom Mitchell
+himself began to despair; then it was that he dashed off to the hut
+of Lagrenay, and called to arms all who were collected together in
+deliberation.
+
+Then he started again at the head of the reinforcement, like a storm
+cloud on the wing.
+
+Again the combat seemed desperate.
+
+The war cry of the American Indians and the hurrahs of the whites were
+mixed with the fusillade.
+
+Then a rush of horse was heard, an awful war whoop, and three hundred
+warriors, led by Numank-Charake, Bright-eye, and Camotte, appeared on
+the scene.
+
+Tom Mitchell gave a cry of joy.
+
+He divided his terrible cavaliers into three detachments, one commanded
+by Numank and Bright-eye, gave half his outlaws to Oliver, and took the
+rest under his own immediate orders.
+
+Then at a given signal, the three troops rushed, with horrible yells
+and cries, upon the astonished assailants.
+
+Though taken aback, the brave redskins fronted both ways, and made a
+most terrible defence.
+
+Samuel Dickson and his brother meantime contrived to enter the
+settlement, amid joyous acclamations.
+
+It was time; the palisades and intrenchments were giving way, and the
+Indians were rushing in.
+
+The combat became now gigantic in its proportions. The redskins, led by
+Tubash-Shah, fought with desperate valour.
+
+He kept the _Ă©lite_ of his men together, and worked his way towards the
+interior of the settlement.
+
+Presently he drew forth his human thighbone whistle and darted for the
+house. He had seen Diana.
+
+The young girl, seeing the demon covered by blood and powder,
+brandishing his hatchet, and forcing, with a hideous cry, his horse
+towards the women, gave a desperate shriek of agonised terror.
+
+"Ah, ah!" cried Tubash-Shah, in triumph; "The paleface girl. At last
+she is mine."
+
+He urged forward his horse, which reared with abject terror, and threw
+his master heavily.
+
+Dardar, the faithful dog, always in attendance on Diana, had seized the
+warhorse by the nostrils.
+
+He then let him go, and caught the Indian himself by the throat.
+
+"Good dog," shouted George Clinton, as he ran up with Charbonneau,
+Drack, and Nadeje.
+
+The battle was over. The few Indians who were left threw down their
+arms in despair.
+
+"My daughter, oh, my daughter!" cried Joshua, who came rushing from the
+inside of the house.
+
+"She is here, sir," said Clinton.
+
+"And her abductor?" he continued.
+
+"Is dead," he answered, pointing to the corpse, which the dog was
+worrying as he would have done a rat.
+
+"My son, I thank you," said Joshua; "what do I not owe to you? Take
+her."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Two days after M. Hebrard returned to the fort a wiser man. Oliver
+proved his rank, name, and right to fortune, to the satisfaction of
+everybody.
+
+"Tell my relatives," he said, "that as long as they leave me alone, I
+shall be quiet. Go, and let us never meet again."
+
+A week later, after the marriage of George and Diana, Tom Mitchell,
+Bright-eye, Oliver, and Captain Durand, started on the dangerous
+expedition undertaken by the outlaw, and of which, probably, we shall
+give some account at a future time.
+
+[For further adventures of Bright-eye, see the "Prairie Flower," and
+the "Indian Scout," same publishers.]
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44574 ***
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+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44574 ***</div>
+<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Missouri Outlaws, by Gustave Aimard,
+Translated by Percy B. St. John</h1>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
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+      Images of the original pages are available through
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+</table>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="pg" />
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h1>THE MISSOURI OUTLAWS</h1>
+
+<h3>By</h3>
+
+<h2>GUSTAVE AIMARD</h2>
+
+
+<h4>AUTHOR OF "PRAIRIE FLOWER," "INDIAN SCOUT," ETC., ETC.</h4>
+
+
+<h4>TRANSLATED BY PERCY B. ST. JOHN</h4>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h5>LONDON</h5>
+
+<h5>JOHN and ROBERT MAXWELL</h5>
+
+<h5>MILTON HOUSE, SHOE LANE, FLEET STREET</h5>
+
+<h5>AND</h5>
+
+<h5>35, ST. BRIDE STREET, LUDGATE CIRCUS.</h5>
+
+<h5>1877</h5>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<h4>NOTICE.</h4>
+
+<p><span  style="font-size: 0.8em;">GUSTAVE AIMARD</span> was the adopted son of one of the most powerful Indian
+tribes, with whom he lived for more than fifteen years in the heart of
+the prairies, sharing their dangers and their combats, and accompanying
+them everywhere, rifle in one hand and tomahawk in the other. In turn
+squatter, hunter, trapper, warrior, and miner, <span  style="font-size: 0.8em;">GUSTAVE AIMARD</span> has
+traversed America from the highest peaks of the Cordilleras to the
+ocean shores, living from hand to mouth, happy for the day, careless
+of the morrow. Hence it is that <span  style="font-size: 0.8em;">GUSTAVE AIMARD</span> only describes his
+own life. The Indians of whom he speaks he has known&mdash;the manners he
+depicts are his own.</p>
+
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<h4><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE">PREFACE</a></h4>
+
+
+<p>Very few of the soul-stirring narratives written by <span  style="font-size: 0.8em;">GUSTAVE AIMARD</span>
+are equal in freshness and vigour to "The Missouri Outlaws," hitherto
+unpublished in this country. The characters of the Squatter, the real,
+restless, unconquerable American, who is always going ahead, and of
+his wife and daughter, are admirably depicted, while his eccentric
+brother is a perfect gem of description. The great interest, however,
+of the narrative is centred in Tom Mitchell, the mysterious outlaw,
+whose fortunes excite the readers' imagination to the utmost. There
+can be no doubt he is one of the most original characters depicted by
+the versatile pen of the great French novelist. In addition to being
+a story of adventure, "The Missouri Outlaws" is also a love tale, and
+abounds in tender pathos, the interest of which is well sustained in
+"The Prairie Flower" and in its sequel, "The Indian Scout."</p>
+
+<p style="text-align: right; font-size: 0.8em;">PERCY B. ST. JOHN.</p>
+
+<p>London: <i>February, 1877.</i></p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h5>CONTENTS</h5>
+
+<div class="center" style="font-size: 0.8em;">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">I.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">THE GOOD SHIP PATRIOT</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">II.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">SAMUEL DICKSON GIVES ADVICE TO HIS BROTHER</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">III.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">A QUEER CUSTOMER</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">IV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">AN ALLIANCE OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">V.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">A GREAT MEDICINE COUNCIL</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">VI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">SAMUEL DICKSON HUNTS A MOOSE DEER</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">VII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">JOSHUA DICKSON BECOMES MASTER OF THE VALLEY</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">VIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">DIANA DICKSON AND HER FOE</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">IX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">THEY MAKE AN ACQUAINTANCE</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">X.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">WHO THE STRANGER WAS</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">EXPLANATIONS</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">HOW THE THREE TRAVELLERS WENT TO<br /> GEORGE CLINTON'S</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">TOM MITCHELL</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XIV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">SAMUEL AND JOSHUA</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">NEW CHARACTERS</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XVI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">TOM MITCHELL AS REDRESSER OF WRONGS</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XVII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">A DIPLOMATIC CONVERSATION BETWEEN TWO RASCALS</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XVIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">THE PRISONER</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XIX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">IN WHICH TOM MITCHELL DISCOVERS THAT HONESTY<br /> IS A GOOD SPECULATION</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">A STRANGE CHASE</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">CAPTAIN TOM MITCHELL, THE AVENGER</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">A DESPERATE STRUGGLE</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h3>THE MISSOURI OUTLAWS</h3>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>THE GOOD SHIP PATRIOT.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>On the 4th of August, 1801, a little after eight o'clock at night, just
+as the last rays of the setting sun disappeared behind the heights
+of Dorchester, gilding as they did so the summits of certain islands
+scattered at the entrance to Boston Bay, some idlers of both sexes,
+collected on Beacon Hill, at the foot of the lighthouse, saw a large
+vessel making for the harbour.</p>
+
+<p>At first it seemed as if the ship would be compelled to desist from her
+design, as the wind was slightly contrary; but, by a series of skilful
+manoeuvres, it at last passed by the danger which threatened, the sails
+were one by one taken in and furled, and finally the anchor was cast
+beside one of the many vessels in port.</p>
+
+<p>A few minutes later nothing was to be seen on deck save one man walking
+up and down doing duty as watch for the time being.</p>
+
+<p>The vessel had, under cover of a dense fog, escaped from Brest, slipped
+past the English cruisers, and finally, after many dangers, reached its
+destination.</p>
+
+<p>Descending into the cabin, we find two men seated at a table upon which
+were glasses, bottles, pipes, and tobacco, conversing and smoking.</p>
+
+<p>These were Captain Pierre Durand, a young man, with regular but rather
+effeminate features, and yet a look of frank honesty, to which his
+sparkling eyes, his broad forehead, his long waving hair, gave an
+appearance of singular energy. Though every inch a sailor, there was a
+refinement about him not generally found in his class.</p>
+
+<p>His companion was a handsome and haughty young man, of about
+two-and-twenty, of moderate height, but with very broad shoulders; he
+was evidently of powerful make, with nerves of steel. His complexion
+was olive; his hair long wavy black; his eyes were large and bold; the
+expression of his countenance sombre and thoughtful, while at this
+early age many a wrinkle caused by thought or suffering was to be
+observed.</p>
+
+<p>There had evidently been a warm discussion, for the captain was walking
+up and down, a frown upon his brow. Suddenly, however, he reseated
+himself and held out his hand across the table.</p>
+
+<p>"I was wrong. Do not be vexed," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not angry, my good Pierre," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"Then why sulk with your friend?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not sulk, heaven knows; I am simply sad. You have reopened a
+wound I thought forever closed," the other added with a sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then, in heaven's name, if it be so," cried the captain, "let us
+talk about something else&mdash;and above all, let us drink. This old rum is
+a sovereign remedy for the blues. Your health, my friend."</p>
+
+<p>Both drank after touching glasses, and then silence again ensued.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, my dear Oliver," resumed the captain, "at last we are safe in
+Boston. We leave tomorrow. What do you intend to do?"</p>
+
+<p>"You remember our conversation at Brest?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have not forgotten it, but I never seriously entertained the idea.
+We had dined rather copiously."</p>
+
+<p>"We were very sober. There were two bottles on the table, one empty
+and the other nearly full. I then told you that though I had only just
+returned to France after an absence of ten years, I was compelled to
+leave at a moment's notice, and to leave without raising any suspicion.
+I wanted to depart without anyone being able to obtain the slightest
+clue; you remember," he added.</p>
+
+<p>"I do, and I told you that I would run the blockade that very night, if
+the weather turned out as bad as I expected. Did I keep my promise?"</p>
+
+<p>"With all the loyalty of your honest heart. I also told you I intended
+remaining in America."</p>
+
+<p>"It is to that madcap resolution I object," said the captain
+emphatically. "Why not stay with me? You are an excellent sailor&mdash;you
+shall be my chief officer."</p>
+
+<p>"No, my friend. I can accept nothing which can ever tempt me to return
+to France," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"How you suffer!" sighed his friend.</p>
+
+<p>"Horribly. Come, my friend, as we shall part for ever tomorrow, I will
+tell you my history."</p>
+
+<p>"Not if it makes you suffer."</p>
+
+<p>"I will be brief. Sad as my story is, it is not very long."</p>
+
+<p>"Go on," replied Captain Durand, filling up two more glasses of rum,
+and lighting a fresh cigar for himself.</p>
+
+<p>"I will not sermonise, but begin at the beginning. I was born in Paris,
+but might be English, German, or even Russian, for all I know. I am
+simply aware that my birthplace was Paris, in the house of a doctor,
+where my mother took refuge. It was in the Rue St. Honoré I first
+saw the light but, as soon as I could be removed, was sent to the
+Foundling. There I remained four years, until a loving young couple,
+who had lost their only child, adopted me. They were poor, and lived on
+the third floor of a wretched old house, in the Rue Plumet, where, I
+must own, I had enough, but of very coarse, food."</p>
+
+<p>"One day, however, fortune knocked at the door. My adopted mother was,
+and still is, one of the handsomest women in Paris. By accident an old
+friend, a distant relation, a man of high position, found her out. He
+at once procured a lucrative appointment for my supposed parent, and
+we moved to a splendid residence in the Faubourg du Roule. The friend,
+who lived close by, at once began to visit us every evening, and, by a
+curious coincidence, the husband always found business which required
+his absence. He never returned until a quarter of an hour after the
+other had left."</p>
+
+<p>"Accommodating husband," sneered Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"Just so. But, unfortunately for me, I became older, curious, was
+always turning up when not wanted, and saying things which were not
+required. It was decided that I was an incorrigible scamp, and must be
+sent away."</p>
+
+<p>"My adopted mother had relations at Dunkirk, and I was packed off to
+them to be sent to sea as cabin boy. Then only did I discover that
+these people were not my parents. My supposed mother coldly kissed me,
+told me to be a good boy and gave me ten sous; my father, who escorted
+me to the ramshackle vehicle which traded between Paris and Calais,
+told me to remember this, that society never having done anything for
+me, I was to do nothing for society; the only virtues to which men ever
+owed success were, he said, selfishness and ingratitude. He further
+added, 'Good-bye, we shall never meet again.'"</p>
+
+<p>"He turned his back and left me. This was my first young sorrow, and I
+felt it very much."</p>
+
+<p>"I feel for you," said the captain; "your story is very much like my
+own."</p>
+
+<p>"These people, knowing me then to be very delicate, hoped that the
+hardy profession they had selected for me would kill me. They were
+mistaken."</p>
+
+<p>"As I see," answered Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"I was first boy on board a herring boat, where I had to endure the
+brutality and insolence of a low drunkard, who never spoke except with
+an oath from his mouth, accompanying it with a blow from his cane. My
+apprenticeship was one long terror. Sometimes a whaler, sometimes a cod
+fisher, sometimes a slaver. I have been five or six times round the
+world; abandoned on the wildest coast of America, I was a long time
+prisoner; shipwrecked on an island in the Pacific, I wonder I did not
+die of misery and despair."</p>
+
+<p>"Poor Oliver!"</p>
+
+<p>"But bad as was my life, I everywhere in savage lands found some
+friend; but in France, from which I was ignominiously expelled eleven
+years ago, I found on my return two implacable foes&mdash;Calumny and
+Hatred. I was a very sharp boy, and trusted wholly to strangers.
+I could not help hearing many things I should not have heard. I
+discovered the secret of my birth, who were my father and mother,
+their exact names, and their position in society. One day, in a moment
+of frenzy&mdash;and you know I am extremely violent&mdash;I was foolish enough
+to let out the fact that I knew all. From that day a vow was made to
+accomplish my ruin; the most calumnious reports pursued me; I was
+accused behind my back and in the dark of the most horrible crimes. It
+is to me still a wonder how I have escaped all the ambushes laid for
+me. My foes hesitated at nothing. They tried to assassinate me. Is it
+not horrible? Well, having failed in the ordinary way, they bribed the
+captain of a ship I had joined to maroon me on the coast of New Mexico,
+where dwell the most ferocious Indian tribes."</p>
+
+<p>"And the captain did this?"</p>
+
+<p>"Pardieu!" cried Oliver; "He was a poor man, and the father of a
+family. I was cast on shore stupefied by laudanum. When I recovered the
+ship was already out of sight. I expected to be killed by the savages
+or to die of hunger. How neither happened is too long a story to tell
+now. But the end of all is, I have determined on an eternal exile.
+Never again will I place myself in the power of my foes, who live rich,
+happy, and respected in France."</p>
+
+<p>"You will establish yourself in Boston?"</p>
+
+<p>"No! I have done with civilised life; I shall now try that of the
+desert. It is my intention to bury myself in the wilds until I find
+an Indian tribe that will welcome me. I will ask them to receive me
+as a warrior. I thoroughly understand the manners and customs of the
+aborigines, and shall easily make friends."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe," observed the captain, "that you are right in this
+particular. You are young, brave, and intelligent; therefore you will
+succeed even in this mad project. But mark my word, you may live five,
+perhaps ten years with the Indians; but at last you will weary of this
+existence&mdash;what will you do then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Who knows? Experience will have ripened my reason, perhaps killed my
+grief, even deadened the hatred which burns within my heart. I may even
+learn to forgive those who have made me suffer. That in itself is a
+sort of vengeance."</p>
+
+<p>"But you will never come to that," said his friend.</p>
+
+<p>The young man rose without making any reply, and went on deck.</p>
+
+<p>Next day, as soon as the usual formalities had been gone through, the
+captain landed in his boat with his young friend. Both were silent
+before the sailors. Very soon they were threading their way along the
+crowded quays. Boston was by no means the really magnificent town which
+now excite universal admiration, but it was already a very busy and
+important commercial emporium.</p>
+
+<p>The Americans, with their restless activity, had hastened to clear away
+all signs of the War of Independence; the town had grown quite young
+again, and assumed that gay and lively physiognomy which belongs to
+great commercial centres, where almost everybody can find the means of
+living.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as they were alone the captain spoke.</p>
+
+<p>"When, my friend, do you propose to start?" he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Tonight, two hours before the setting of the sun. I burn with a fierce
+desire to breathe the air of the great savannahs, to feel free from the
+trammels of civilisation," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, my friend, I must leave you now, but promise to wait breakfast
+for me, and to do nothing until you have seen me again," insisted the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>"I was about to ask you to join me. Where shall we breakfast?"</p>
+
+<p>The captain indicated a hotel at no great distance, after which he
+hurried away to wait on the consignees.</p>
+
+<p>"What on earth can Pierre mean," muttered Oliver to himself, "by my
+doing nothing until we meet again? Probably he will try once more to
+change my resolution. He ought to know that once I make up my mind I
+never falter. He is a good fellow, the only man who has ever been my
+sincere and devoted friend&mdash;the only being in the world I am sorry to
+part from."</p>
+
+<p>Musing thus Oliver strolled about, looking listlessly at the streets,
+the shops, and particularly selecting those which, by-and-by, he would
+have to visit for the purpose of his outfit, which he would have to
+purchase after breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>An hour later the two men met in front of the hotel. Both were exact to
+a minute. They ordered breakfast in a private room. As soon as they had
+finished the captain opened the ball.</p>
+
+<p>"Now let us chat," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"With the greatest of pleasure," replied Oliver. "Nothing is more
+agreeable after a meal than to enjoy a cigar, a cup of coffee, and a
+friend's company."</p>
+
+<p>"And yet you have determined to deprive yourself of these luxuries
+forever," replied Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"Man is ever insatiable. The unknown always did and always will attract
+him. He will ever quit the substance for the shadow. The fable is
+right. But let us talk of something else. Serious conversation after
+eating is folly," observed Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"You are quite right&mdash;some more rum in your coffee? It is an excellent
+thing. What do you think I have been doing since I saw you?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is impossible for me to guess," cried Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>The captain rose, went to the window, and gave a short whistle. After
+this, he returned to his seat, Oliver staring at him while he sipped
+his coffee.</p>
+
+<p>Five minutes elapsed, and then in came several men, carrying various
+packets, which they placed on a side table, and went out without
+speaking.</p>
+
+<p>"What does it mean?" cried Oliver, in comic astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>"Then something can rouse you?" cried Durand, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"No, only I wondered."</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind. You still intend going off tonight?" asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," said Oliver rising; "that reminds me&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"One moment. We are old friends, and there should be no secrets between
+us," urged Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"There shall be none," answered Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you much money?" asked Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you want to lend me any?" cried Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"No matter if I did. But still I want an answer," urged Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"I have eleven thousand francs in gold sewn in my belt, and in a bag
+fastened round my neck diamonds worth a hundred and twenty thousand
+more. Besides this I have about eighty guineas in English money for
+immediate expenses. Are you satisfied?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perfectly," said the captain laughing, "and now listen to me."</p>
+
+<p>"Then it appears you are not quite satisfied?" cried Oliver, in his
+turn surprised.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be in a hurry. I wish to interest you if I can."</p>
+
+<p>"I will wait your pleasure," observed Oliver, smiling at the other's
+hesitation.</p>
+
+<p>"It is useless," said Durand, "for me to feign a gaiety I do not feel.
+I feel more like weeping than laughing. The mere idea of this long,
+perhaps eternal, separation makes my heart bleed. I think that the hand
+now in mine I shall never shake again."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be downhearted. Perhaps we may meet sooner than either of us
+expect," retorted Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you may be a true prophet. Still I cannot help shuddering at
+the thought of your starting off amidst people whose language you do
+not even know."</p>
+
+<p>"There you are mistaken," responded Oliver; "as well as French, I speak
+English, Spanish, and Dutch, with about five Indian dialects, which I
+picked up at different times."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a wonder," mused the other, "that, placed as you have been, you
+should have had the time."</p>
+
+<p>"Before I became a cabin boy I could read and write a little. After a
+time I spent every moment of leisure in study."</p>
+
+<p>"I remember," sighed Durand, "I never met you without you were reading.
+What will you do for books now?"</p>
+
+<p>"What book is more interesting than that in which God has written on
+the plains, on the mountains, on the minutest blade of grass?" replied
+Oliver with enthusiasm. "Believe me, my friend, the sacred book of
+Nature has pages too interesting to ever weary us; from them you always
+find consolation, hope, encouragement. But," he added with a smile, "I
+have two books with me which, in my opinion, epitomise all great human
+thoughts, make man better, and even restore his courage, when bowed
+down by the heavy weight of misfortune. I have these books by heart,
+and yet I read them over again."</p>
+
+<p>And he laid on the table two books bound in black morocco.</p>
+
+<p>"What!" cried the amazed captain, "'The Imitation of Jesus Christ' and
+'Montaigne'!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. 'The Imitation of Jesus Christ' and 'Montaigne,' the most
+complete and sincere books ever written, for they tell the story of
+doubt and belief. They tell the rival story of all the philosophers
+who have existed since the creation of the world. With these two books
+and the magnificent spectacle of Nature around me have I not a whole
+library?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot make you out. You overwhelm me," said the captain; "but
+I have not the courage to contradict you. You are too much for me.
+Go forth, seek the unknown, for alone that will comprehend you. You
+are one of those whom adversity purifies and renders great; you will
+often feel inclined to fall by the way in the gigantic combat you are
+about to undertake against the world. But fail is not a word in your
+dictionary. Even death, when it comes, will not conquer you."</p>
+
+<p>"All the more that death is but a transformation, a purification of
+brutal matter by Divine agency. But," he remarked with a smile, "I
+think we are talking about very serious matters very foreign to our
+subject. Let us return to business, for the hour of our departure is
+rapidly approaching."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the tramp of horses was heard, and the captain again ran
+to the window.</p>
+
+<p>"Hilloa!" cried the young man; "Another of your mysterious walks! Do
+explain yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"All right," he replied, reseating himself, "there is no reason for
+circumlocution between friends. The truth must be told. I had hoped to
+lend you money, and I know that had you have required it, you would
+have borrowed it."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, without hesitation, my friend."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, as I find you are very much better off than myself, I
+withdraw the proposition; but I had already provided your outfit."</p>
+
+<p>"What can you mean? Provided my outfit!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes! I mean to say that there is not a single thing required for your
+journey that is not ready. Look!"</p>
+
+<p>And both rising, the captain opened the parcels which had been left on
+a side table.</p>
+
+<p>"Look here," said the captain; "this is a real Kentucky rifle, the
+only gun fit for a hunter; I have tried it. This is a ball pouch, with
+mould and everything necessary to make others when needed; this is
+your powder horn, which is full, while here are two small canisters
+to replenish with; this is a 'necessary,' as we sailors call it,
+containing spoon, fork, cup, knife, and other trifles; this is a
+leather belt; this is a game bag, with gaiters, riding boots, a cloak,
+and four rugs."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear friend," said Oliver, deeply moved, "you have been ruining
+yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"Get out of that and wait a little longer. As you seriously wish to
+adopt savage life, at all events you must be rigged out accordingly,"
+he added, laughing. "This is a hunting knife, which you put in your
+belt; these pistols are to be placed in the holsters; that sword is
+perhaps one of the best cavalry swords I have ever seen. What, more!
+Oh, yes. This portmanteau, which is neither too large nor too small,
+in which you will find shirts and other necessaries. Then some pipes,
+tobacco, flint and steel, and a dozen boxes of preserves, in case you
+may someday be short of provisions. I think, on my honour, that is all.
+No, I had forgotten: paper, pens, ink, and pencils. And now my watch as
+a last remembrance."</p>
+
+<p>"This I must refuse. Your watch is too useful to yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"My friend, every time you look at it you will think of me," said the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>And the two Frenchmen embraced.</p>
+
+<p>"I accept," replied Oliver, with deep emotion.</p>
+
+<p>"Now I know," continued the captain, "you are really my friend; and now
+let me see you dressed up as a true traveller, while I put the other
+things back into their parcels."</p>
+
+<p>"But before I don my new prairie costume, I have something else to
+buy," cried Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"What!" cried the captain, "I thought surely I had forgotten nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think, my dear friend, that I am going to carry all this on my
+back. I don't want to look like a comic Robinson Crusoe, and, besides,
+it is more than I could do. I must have a horse."</p>
+
+<p>The captain burst out laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Look out of window, my dear friend," he said, "and then you shall
+decide whether or not I forgot anything."</p>
+
+<p>Oliver approached the window, and saw two magnificent horses admirably
+caparisoned.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you think of those animals?" asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"They are both splendid; above all, the black one&mdash;a true horse of the
+prairies&mdash;a mustang."</p>
+
+<p>"You seem to know all about it."</p>
+
+<p>"I have seen them often enough," replied the young man; "the owner of
+this one should be proud."</p>
+
+<p>"It is yours," said Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"I bought it for you," was the simple reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Pierre! Pierre! I repeat, you are ruined."</p>
+
+<p>"Hush; I may as well add that under the saddles I have placed double
+pockets, which contain many things I have forgotten."</p>
+
+<p>"But there are two horses," he cried.</p>
+
+<p>"One for you and one for myself. At all events, I must see you fairly
+on your way."</p>
+
+<p>Oliver made no reply, but turned away to dress in order to hide his
+emotion. When he was in full costume his friend burst out laughing, and
+told him he looked like a Calabrian bandit.</p>
+
+<p>"And now which way do we go?" asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Straight forward," replied Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," cried the captain, "just so, as you are going round the world."</p>
+
+<p>In two hours, after a hearty and warm shake of the hand, they parted.
+They were too deeply moved to speak.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>SAMUEL DICKSON GIVES ADVICE TO HIS BROTHER.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>On the same day on which the <i>Patriot</i> anchored in the Bay of
+Massachusetts an interesting event took place between seven and eight
+in the morning in a pretty village named Northampton, at no great
+distance from Boston.</p>
+
+<p>Everybody was excited. A crowd of men, women, and children pressed
+around a number of waggons, each drawn by six horses. They stood in
+front of a brick house, the only inn of the village. Four magnificent
+saddle horses, with very handsome harness, were held by a young
+intelligent-looking Negro, who at the same time smoked a short pipe.</p>
+
+<p>The crowd was very excited, but very decorous and quiet&mdash;as a New
+England crowd always is&mdash;waiting simply for an explanation.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the sharp trot of a horse was heard at the entrance of the
+street. This served to create a new sensation in the crowd.</p>
+
+<p>"Samuel Dickson!" cried the people; "At last he has come. Now he will
+make them listen to reason."</p>
+
+<p>The new arrival was a man of middle age, with a pleasant countenance,
+delicate and intelligent features, clothed in the dress of a rich
+farmer, and in those parts was looked up to as a most important
+individual.</p>
+
+<p>He made his way carefully through the crowd, bowing on either hand, and
+rather puzzled at the ovation he was receiving.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Ah! That is you, massa," said a Negro, with a chuckle, as he
+approached the inn door.</p>
+
+<p>"Sandy, is that you? Then I suppose the others are inside," he
+remarked, as he dismounted and handed him the bridle.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Massa Samuel, dem all dere."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad of it," he replied, "for I have come a long way to see them.
+Look after my horse, he is rather fresh."</p>
+
+<p>Then, bowing once more to the crowd, Samuel Dickson entered the inn,
+closing the door behind him.</p>
+
+<p>In a large and comfortable room six persons, two women and four men,
+were seated at one of those copious breakfasts which are never seen
+to such perfection as in America. Upon benches round the room sat
+about twenty persons in a humbler station in life, amongst others two
+coloured young women, who were eating from bowls and plates placed on
+their knees.</p>
+
+<p>Those at the table were the members of the family&mdash;father, mother,
+daughter, and three sons. Those around were the servants.</p>
+
+<p>Joshua Dickson, the head of the family, was in reality a man of
+fifty-five, not, however, looking more than forty. He was a man of
+rude manners, but frank, honest expression. He was six feet high, as
+powerful as Hercules, a true type of those hardy pioneers who opened
+up the forests of the New World, drove back the Indians, and founded
+stations in the desert, which in time became rich and flourishing towns.</p>
+
+<p>His sons were named Harry, Sam, and Jack, aged respectively thirty,
+twenty-eight, and twenty-six. They were all three as tall as their
+father, and about as Herculean&mdash;true Americans, with no thought of the
+past, only looking to the future.</p>
+
+<p>Susan Dickson, the mother of this trio of giants, was a woman of about
+fifty&mdash;small, elegant, but extremely active, with delicate features
+and a pre-possessing physiognomy. She looked much younger than she
+really was&mdash;thanks to her really admirable complexion and the singular
+brightness of her eyes. She must have been rarely beautiful in her
+youth.</p>
+
+<p>Diana, the child of her old age, as she loved to call her, was
+scarcely sixteen, was the idol of the family, the guardian angel of
+the fireside; her father and brothers actually worshipped her. It
+was something wonderful to see their rude natures bending like reeds
+before the slightest wish of this delicate child, and obeying her most
+fantastic orders without a murmur.</p>
+
+<p>Diana was a charming brunette, with blue and dreamy eyes, slight and
+flexible form; she was pale; a look of profound melancholy was to be
+remarked on her countenance, giving to her physiognomy that angelic
+expression rarely found except in the Madonnas of Titien. This sadness,
+which all the family saw with sorrow, had only been in existence a few
+days. When questioned on the subject, even by her mother, she had no
+answer to give.</p>
+
+<p>"It is nothing at all," she said, "only a slight feeling of sickness,
+which will soon pass away."</p>
+
+<p>Hearing this, all had ceased to question her, though all felt uneasy,
+and slightly annoyed at her reticence. Still, as she was the spoiled
+child of the family, no one had the heart to blame her or pester her
+with questions. They had seduced her to govern them unquestioned that
+it appeared hard now to want to curb her will.</p>
+
+<p>The entrance of the stranger into the hall where the emigrants were
+breakfasting like persons who knew the value of time, caused no small
+stir; they ceased eating, and, glancing at one another, whispered
+amongst themselves. The stranger, leaning on his riding whip, looked at
+them with an odd kind of smile.</p>
+
+<p>The chief of the family, though himself somewhat surprised, was the
+first to recover himself. He rose, held out his hand, and spoke in what
+he intended should be a jovial tone. The attempt was a failure.</p>
+
+<p>"My good brother," he said, "this is indeed a surprise. I really did
+not expect to see you; but sit down beside my wife and have some
+breakfast."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you; I am not hungry."</p>
+
+<p>"Then excuse me if I finish my meal," continued the emigrant.</p>
+
+<p>"Brother," presently said Samuel, "for a man of your age you are acting
+in an extraordinary manner."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think so," replied the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me ask you where are you going?"</p>
+
+<p>"Northward, to the great lakes."</p>
+
+<p>"What is the meaning of this?"</p>
+
+<p>"My friend, I am told there is good land to be had but for the taking."</p>
+
+<p>"May I ask who put this silly idea in your head?"</p>
+
+<p>"No one. It is a splendid country, with splendid forests, water in
+abundance, a delicious climate, though rather cold, and land for
+nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you seen this beautiful country?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; but I know all about it."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you?" sneered the other; "Well, beware of the creeks."</p>
+
+<p>"Never you fear. Wherever there is water there are bridges."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course; and now may I ask, what have you done with your magnificent
+southern property?" the other asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I have sold it, slaves and all, keeping only such as were willing to
+follow me. I brought away all that could travel&mdash;my wife, my sons, my
+daughter, my furniture, my horses, all I wanted."</p>
+
+<p>"May I without offence ask you this question: Were you not very well
+where you were? Did you not find the land excellent?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was well off, and the land was excellent."</p>
+
+<p>"Were you unable to sell your produce?"</p>
+
+<p>"I had an admirable market," was the answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Then," cried Samuel, angrily, "what in the devil's name do you mean by
+giving it up and going to a land where you will find nothing but wild
+beasts, brutal savages, and a hard and rigorous climate?"</p>
+
+<p>The bold adventurer, driven into his last intrenchment, made no reply,
+only scratching his head in search of a reply. His wife here interfered.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the use," she said, smiling, "asking for reasons which do
+not exist? Joshua is going for the love of change&mdash;nothing more. All
+our lives, as you well know, we have been roaming hither and thither.
+As soon as we are once comfortably settled anywhere, then we begin to
+think it time to be off."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes! Yes! I know my brother's vagabond habits. But when he is in one
+of his mad fits, why do you not interfere?" he cried, impetuously.</p>
+
+<p>"Brother, you don't know what it is to be married to a wanderer," she
+said.</p>
+
+<p>"Good!" cried Joshua, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"But if you don't find this beautiful country?" asked Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"I will embark on one of the rivers."</p>
+
+<p>"And where will you land?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have not the slightest idea. But there, do not be uneasy, I shall
+find a place."</p>
+
+<p>"Then," said Samuel, gazing at him with perfect amazement in his looks,
+"you are determined?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am determined."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, as we shall never meet again, come and spend a few days at my
+house," urged Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"I am very sorry to decline, but I cannot go back. If I were to waste a
+day, it would be a serious loss of time and money. I must reach my new
+settlement in time for the sowing."</p>
+
+<p>Samuel Dickson, putting his hands behind his back, walked across the
+room with great strides, backwards and forwards, watching his niece
+curiously under his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>He several times struck the ground with his riding whip, muttering to
+himself all the time. Diana sat with her hands crossed on her knees,
+the teardrops falling from her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the farmer appeared to have made up his mind. Turning round,
+he laid his heavy hand on his brother's shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Joshua!" he said, "It is clear to me that you are mad, and that I
+alone in the family possess any common sense; never, God forgive you,
+did more crooked notion enter the head of an honest man. You won't come
+to my house? Very good. I will then ask you one thing, which, if you
+refuse, I shall never forgive you."</p>
+
+<p>"You know how much I love you."</p>
+
+<p>"I know you say so; but this is the favour I ask: don't start until you
+see me again."</p>
+
+<p>"Hem! But&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I must get home on important business at once. My house is but twenty
+miles distant; I shall soon be back."</p>
+
+<p>"But when?" cautiously asked the emigrant.</p>
+
+<p>"Tomorrow, or the next day at the latest."</p>
+
+<p>"That is a long delay," continued Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not deny it. But as your paradise, your El Dorado, your beautiful
+country will not probably run away, you are bound to reach it sooner
+or later. Besides," urged Samuel, "it is important, very important, we
+should meet again."</p>
+
+<p>"As you will, my brother," sighed Joshua; "I give you my word to wait
+until the day after tomorrow at seven o'clock in the morning&mdash;no later."</p>
+
+<p>"That will suit me admirably," cried the farmer; "so good-bye for the
+present."</p>
+
+<p>And with a bow to all, and a smile to Diana, he hurried out of the room.</p>
+
+<p>The crowd still patiently surrounded the inn and received him with a
+loud shout. He, however, took no notice, but rode off.</p>
+
+<p>"We could not very well refuse, Susan," said the farmer to his wife.</p>
+
+<p>"He is your brother," she replied.</p>
+
+<p>"Our only relative," murmured Diana.</p>
+
+<p>"True. Diana is right. Children, unharness the animals: we will stop
+here tonight."</p>
+
+<p>And, to the great surprise of the gaping crowd, who hung about after
+the fashion of idlers, the horses of the emigrants were unyoked and
+taken to a shed, the waggons placed under cover, without the curious
+knowing the reason why.</p>
+
+<p>On the morning of the second day Joshua Dickson, shortly after sunrise,
+was overlooking the horses being fed by his sons and servants, when a
+great noise was heard in the street, as of many waggons, and then there
+was a sharp knocking at the door of the inn.</p>
+
+<p>Joshua hastily left the stables and took his way to the great room of
+the hotel.</p>
+
+<p>He came face to face with Samuel Dickson, who had just been admitted by
+the sleepy innkeeper.</p>
+
+<p>"Hilloa!" cried Joshua, "Is that you, my brother?"</p>
+
+<p>"Who else do you suppose it is?" cried Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, but I did not expect you so early."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Samuel, drily, "I was afraid you might give me the slip,
+so I came early."</p>
+
+<p>"An excellent idea, brother," said Mrs. Dickson, who now entered.</p>
+
+<p>"And knowing how anxious my brother is to reach the promised land, I
+would not keep him waiting."</p>
+
+<p>"Quite right," coolly replied Joshua; "and now about this important
+business?"</p>
+
+<p>"Look out of window," drily answered Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>Joshua obeyed, and saw five heavily-laden waggons, drawn each by
+horses, with about twelve hired men.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," coolly observed Joshua, "what may be the meaning of all this?"</p>
+
+<p>"It means," answered the farmer, "that as you have found yourself such
+a fool, it becomes my duty, as your elder brother, to come and look
+after you. I have sold up everything, and invested part, as you see."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my brother!" cried Joshua, with tears in his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Am I not your only relative? Wherever you go, I shall go&mdash;only there
+will now be two fools, but I am the bigger of the two. I talk like a
+wise man and act like a foolish child."</p>
+
+<p>Uncle Samuel was adored by all the family, everyone was delighted,
+while Diana was radiant.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my good uncle," she said, warmly embracing him, "it is for me you
+do this."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think," he whispered, "I ever meant to desert my niece?"</p>
+
+<p>Two hours later the double caravan started on its way.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>A QUEER CUSTOMER.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>It was the beginning of the month of October, and some sharp frosts
+had rid the land of mosquitoes and gnats, which during the hot season
+abound in myriads near watercourses and beneath the leafy arches of the
+virgin forest, being one of its worst scourges.</p>
+
+<p>A few minutes after the rising of the sun a traveller, mounted on a
+magnificent horse, wearing the costume of a prairie hunter, and whose
+general appearance indicated a white man, emerged at a walking pace
+from a high thicket, and entered upon a vast prairie, at that day
+almost unknown to the trappers themselves, those hardy explorers of
+the desert&mdash;and which was not far from the Rocky Mountains, in the
+centre of the Indian country, and nearly two thousand miles from any
+settlement.</p>
+
+<p>This traveller was Oliver. He had, we see, already travelled a long
+distance.</p>
+
+<p>Two months only had elapsed, during which, going always straight before
+him, he had traversed all the provinces of the young American republic,
+never stopping except to rest himself and horse; then he had passed the
+frontier and entered the desert.</p>
+
+<p>Then he was happy. For the first time in his life he was free and
+unfettered, having cut himself off forever, as he thought, from the
+heavy trammels of civilisation.</p>
+
+<p>Oliver had at once begun his apprenticeship as a hunter, and a rude
+apprenticeship it is, causing many of the boldest and bravest to
+retreat. But Oliver was no ordinary man; he was young, of rare vigour
+and address, and, above all, possessed that iron will which nothing
+stops, and which is the secret of great deeds; that leonine courage
+which laughs at danger, and that indomitable pride which made him,
+he thought, the equal of any living being. He therefore considered
+nothing impossible, that is to say, he felt he could not only do what
+anyone else had ever done, but even more, if he were called upon by
+extraordinary circumstances to try.</p>
+
+<p>During two months he had met with numerous adventures. He had fought
+many a battle, and braved dangers before which the bravest might have
+retreated&mdash;perils of all kinds, from man, beast, and Nature herself.</p>
+
+<p>A victor in every case, his audacity had increased, his energy had
+redoubled. His apprentice days were over, and he now felt himself a
+true runner of the woods, that is to say, a man whom no appalling
+sight, whom no dreadful catastrophe, would terrify&mdash;in fact, one who
+was only to be moved by the majestic aspect of nature.</p>
+
+<p>He had paused as he left the thicket to examine the scene.</p>
+
+<p>Before him was a valley through which flowed two rivers, which after
+some time joined and fell into the Missouri, whose vast lake surface
+appeared like a white vapoury line on the distant horizon. Upon a
+promontory projecting into the first river was a superb bosquet of
+palms and magnolias; the latter, shaped like a perfect cone, stood in
+lustrous verdure against the dazzling whiteness of the flowers, which,
+despite the season, were still blooming. These flowers were so large
+that Oliver could see them a mile off.</p>
+
+<p>The great majority of these magnolias were over a hundred feet high;
+many were very much more.</p>
+
+<p>To the right was a wood of poplars, overrun with vines of enormous
+size, which wholly concealed the trunks. They then ran to the top of
+the tree, then redescending along the branches, passed from one tree
+to another, mixing up with piquot, a kind of creeper which hung in
+garlands and festoons from every bough.</p>
+
+<p>The young man could not take his eyes off the magnificent spectacle.
+Suddenly he started, as he made out a thin column of smoke rising from
+the centre of the magnolia thicket.</p>
+
+<p>Now the presence of smoke denotes fire, and fire indicates human
+beings. In nine cases out of ten, in the desert, such human beings are
+enemies.</p>
+
+<p>It is a harsh word, but it is certain that the most cruel enemy of man
+in the desert, his most terrible adversary, is his fellow man.</p>
+
+<p>The sight of this smoke roused no excited feelings in the bosom of our
+adventurer; he simply saw that his weapons were in order, and rode
+straight for the magnolia valley. As it happened, a narrow path led
+exactly in that direction.</p>
+
+<p>No matter whether he was to meet friends or foes, he was not sorry to
+see a human face; for a week, not a white man, MĂ©tis, or Indian had
+fallen across his path, and, despite himself, this complete silence and
+absolute solitude began to tell upon him, though he would not own it
+even to himself.</p>
+
+<p>He had passed over about one-third of the distance which separated him
+from the thicket, and was only a pistol shot away, when he suddenly
+stopped, under the influence of strange emotion.</p>
+
+<p>A rich and harmonious voice rose from amidst the trees, singing with
+the most perfect accent a song with French words. These words came
+clear and distinct to his ears; the surprise of the young man may be
+conceived when he recognised the "Marseillaise." This magnificent
+work, sung in the desert by an invisible being, amidst that grand
+scenery, and repeated as it were by the echoes of the savannah, assumed
+to him gigantic proportions.</p>
+
+<p>Despite himself, Oliver felt the tears come to his eyes; he pressed
+his hand upon his chest, as if to repress the wild beatings of his
+heart; in a second all his past came rushing tumultuously before him.
+Once more he saw in his mind's eye that France from which he believed
+himself forever separated, and felt how vain must ever be the effort to
+repudiate one's country.</p>
+
+<p>Led on by the irresistible charm, he entered the thicket just as the
+singer gave forth in his rich and stentorian voice the last couplets.</p>
+
+<p>He pushed aside some branches that checked his progress, and found
+himself face to face with a young man, who, seated on the grass by the
+riverside, near a glowing fire, was dipping biscuit in the water with
+one hand, while with the other, in which he held a knife, he dipped
+into a tin containing sardines.</p>
+
+<p>Lifting up his head as the other approached, the unknown nodded his
+head.</p>
+
+<p>"Welcome to my fireside, my friend," he said in French, with a gay
+smile; "if you are hungry, eat; if you are cold, warm yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"I accept your offer," replied Oliver, good-humouredly, as he leaped
+from his horse, and removing the bridle, hoppled him near the unknown.</p>
+
+<p>He then seated himself by the fire, and opening his saddlebags, shared
+his provisions with his new friend, who frankly accepted this very
+welcome addition to his own very modest repast.</p>
+
+<p>The unknown was a tall young fellow about six feet high, well and
+solidly built; his colour, which was very dark, arose from his being of
+a mixed race, called from the colour of their skin Bois brulé, under
+which general appellation we have half-castes of all kinds.</p>
+
+<p>The features of this young man, rather younger if anything than our
+hero, were intelligent and sympathetic with a very open look; his open
+forehead, shaded by curly light chestnut hair, his prominent nose, his
+large mouth, furnished with magnificent teeth, his fair rich beard,
+completed a physiognomy by no means vulgar.</p>
+
+<p>His costume was that of all the trappers and hunters of high northern
+latitudes: mitasses of doeskin, waistcoat of the same, over which was
+thrown a blouse of blue linen, ornamented with white and red threads;
+a cap of beaver fur, and Indian moccasins and leggings reaching to
+the knee; from his belt of rattlesnake skin hung a long knife, called
+langue de boeuf, a hatchet, a bison powder horn, a ball bag, and a pipe
+of red-stone clay with a cherrywood tube; such was the complete costume
+of the person upon whom Oliver had so singularly fallen. Close to his
+hand on the grass was a Kentucky rifle and game bag, which doubtless he
+used to carry his provisions in.</p>
+
+<p>"Faith," cried the adventurer, when his appetite was satisfied, "I have
+to thank fortune for meeting you in this way, my friend."</p>
+
+<p>"Such meetings are rare in the desert. And now allow me to ask you a
+question."</p>
+
+<p>"Ten if you like&mdash;nay, fifty."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then, how was it that the moment you saw me you addressed me in
+French?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"For a very simple reason. In the first place, all the runners of the
+woods, trappers, and prairie hunters, are French, or at all events,
+ninety-five out of every hundred," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"Then of course you are French?"</p>
+
+<p>"And Norman as well. My grandfather was born at Domfront. You know the
+proverb, Domfront, city of evil. You enter it at twelve, and are hung
+before one."</p>
+
+<p>"I am also French," said Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"So I perceive. But to continue. My grandfather was, as I have said,
+from Domfront, but my father was born in Canada, as I was, so that I am
+a Frenchman born in America. Still we have the old country on the other
+side of the water, and all who come from it are received with open arms
+by us poor exiles. There are brave and noble hearts in Canada; if they
+only knew it in France they would not be so ungrateful and disdainful
+towards us, who never did anything to justify their cruel desertion."</p>
+
+<p>"True," said Oliver, "France was very much in the wrong after you had
+shed so much blood for her."</p>
+
+<p>"Which we would do again tomorrow," replied the Canadian. "Is not
+France our mother, and do we not always forgive our mother? The
+English were awfully taken in when the country was handed over to
+them; three-fourths of the population emigrated, those who remained in
+the towns persisted in speaking French, which no Englishman can speak
+without dislocating his jaws, and all would insist upon being governed
+by their old French laws.<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> You see, therefore, that the insulars are
+merely nominally our masters, but that in reality we are still free,
+and French."</p>
+
+<p>"Our country must have been deeply rooted in your hearts to cause you
+to speak thus," said Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"We are a brave people," cried the stranger.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure of it," responded Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you," replied the stranger, "you cause me great pleasure."</p>
+
+<p>"Now that we know one another as countrymen, suppose we make more
+intimate acquaintance?"</p>
+
+<p>"I ask nothing better. If you like, I will tell you my history as
+briefly as possible."</p>
+
+<p>"I am attention," said Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"My father was a baby when Canada was definitively abandoned in 1758
+by the French, an act which was perpetrated without consulting the
+population of New France. Had the mother country have done so, it would
+have been met by a flat refusal. But I will avoid politics, and speak
+only of my family."</p>
+
+<p>"Good. I hate politics."</p>
+
+<p>"So do I. Well, one day my grandfather Berger, after being absent a
+week, came to his home in Québec in company with an Indian in his full
+war paint. The first thing he saw, standing by the side of the cradle
+in which lay my father, was my grandmother, her arms raised in the
+air, with a heavy iron-dog, with which she was menacing an English
+soldier; my grandmother was a brave and courageous woman."</p>
+
+<p>"So it seems."</p>
+
+<p>"A true daughter of Caudebec, handsome, attractive, and good, adored
+by her husband, and respected by all who knew her. It appears that
+the English soldier had seen her through the open door. He at once
+entered with a conquering air, and began to make love to the pretty
+young person he had noticed performing her maternal office. It was
+an unfortunate idea for him. My grandfather lifted him up and threw
+him through the window on to the stones outside. He was dead. My
+grandfather then turned round and spoke of something else."</p>
+
+<p>"A tough old gentleman!"</p>
+
+<p>"Pretty solid. He even had Indian blood&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You spoke of Domfront."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but his father, having come to America with Comtesse de Villiers,
+married in Canada. He shortly after returned to France with his wife.
+There she died, unable to bear the climate!"</p>
+
+<p>"Very natural," said Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"Before dying she made her husband promise to send his son to Canada."</p>
+
+<p>"But," continued Oliver, "the finale of your history."</p>
+
+<p>"As soon as that matter was settled, my grandfather embraced his
+wife, offered the Indian a seat, and began smoking his pipe. He then
+explained that he meant to leave Canada."</p>
+
+<p>"'This,' he said, 'is Kouha-hande, my mother's brother, the first
+sachem of his nation. He has offered me a shelter with his warriors,
+and has come with some of his warriors to escort us. Will you remain
+a Frenchwoman and follow me, or will you stay here and become an
+Englishwoman?'"</p>
+
+<p>"'I am your wife, and shall follow you wherever you go, with my little
+one on my back,' she answered."</p>
+
+<p>"'My sister will be loved and respected in our tribe as she deserves to
+be,' remarked the Indian, who had hitherto smoked his pipe in silence."</p>
+
+<p>"'I know it, my cousin,' she said."</p>
+
+<p>"No further words passed. My grandmother began at once to pack up. Two
+hours later the house was empty; my grandparents had left without even
+shutting the door behind them. Before sunset they were making their way
+up the Lawrence, in the canoes of Kouha-hande."</p>
+
+<p>"The river was crowded with fugitives. After a journey of four days
+my grandfather reached the tribe of the Hurons-Bisons, of which our
+relative Kouha-hande was the first sachem. Many other Canadians sought
+refuge in the same place, and were hospitably received by the Indians.
+I need say nothing more save that we have lived there ever since."</p>
+
+<p>"And your grandfather?"</p>
+
+<p>"Still lives, as does my father, though I have recently lost my mother
+and grandmother. I have a sister much younger than myself. She remains
+in the village to nurse my grandfather. My father is at this moment
+with the Hudson Bay Company."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment there was a peculiar rustling in the bushes at no great
+distance.</p>
+
+<p>"Be quiet," whispered the Canadian in the ear of his new friend, and
+before the other could in any way interfere with him, he seized his gun
+and disappeared in the high grass, crawling on his hands and knees.</p>
+
+<p>Then a shot was heard.</p>
+
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> This is history as told by a Frenchman. As a matter of
+fact, the French Canadians remained where they were, until they became
+the most loyal subjects the British Crown possesses.&mdash;Editor.</p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>AN ALLIANCE OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>Hearing this unexpected shot, Oliver was in the act of rushing to
+assist his friend, whom he supposed attacked by some wild beast, when
+the hearty and joyous voice of the Canadian was heard.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't disturb yourself, my friend," he cried, "I have only been
+providing our dinner."</p>
+
+<p>And next minute he reappeared, carrying on his back a doe, which he
+hung to one of the lower branches of the magnolia, and then began to
+open.</p>
+
+<p>"Handsome beast, is it not?" he said. "I believe the rascal was
+listening. He paid dear for his curiosity."</p>
+
+<p>"A fine beast and cleverly killed," replied Oliver, helping to skin the
+animal.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a pity to spoil a good skin. I am a pretty good shot, but you
+should see my father shoot a tiger in the eye."</p>
+
+<p>"That," cried Oliver, "seems extraordinary."</p>
+
+<p>"I have seen him do it twenty times, and still more difficult things,"
+said the other. "But such deadly certainty is pure habit. We live by
+our guns&mdash;but to finish my story."</p>
+
+<p>"Go on, my friend."</p>
+
+<p>"My father was a child when we left Canada. He is now about
+forty-eight. My grandfather taught him to be a hunter, and to bind
+him to the tribe he married him when very young to a charming young
+Indian, a relative of Kouha-hande, and my mother in consequence. We are
+mere children. I am only twenty, and my sister but fifteen, lovely as
+the breath of dawn, and whose real name is Angela, my father's wish.
+But the Indians call her Evening Dew. That is all. I am a hunter. I
+hate the English and the North Americans, who are worse than John Bull
+himself, and I love the French, whose countryman I am."</p>
+
+<p>"You are quite right. Few native-born Frenchmen are such strong
+patriots as you. But now for your name."</p>
+
+<p>"Have I not told you? My name is Pierre Berger, but the Indians, in
+their mania for such names, call me Bright-eye, I hardly know why."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course because of your admirable power of shooting."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, perhaps you are right. I am a pretty good hand," said the young
+man, modestly. "And now, my friend, I have to add that I reached here
+yester evening at sundown, and that I am waiting for a friend, who will
+be here shortly. It is now your turn to tell me your history, unless,
+indeed, you have any motives for remaining silent, in which case a
+man's secrets are his own."</p>
+
+<p>"I have no secrets, especially from you, my dear Bright-eye, and the
+proof is that if you will listen, I will tell you who I am and why I
+came into this country."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be delighted to hear your story," cried the Canadian, with
+evident delight.</p>
+
+<p>From the very first moment when he saw the hunter and came to speak
+to him, Oliver felt himself attracted towards him by one of those
+movements of attraction or irresistible sympathy which spring from
+intuition of the heart.</p>
+
+<p>He had therefore, during his conversation, determined if possible to
+make him a friend.</p>
+
+<p>He thereupon told him his story in its most minute details, the
+Canadian listening with the most profound and sustained attention,
+without interrupting him by a single remark. He appeared sincerely
+interested in the numerous incidents of a life wretched from its
+commencement, and yet which the young man told frankly and simply,
+without bitterness, but with an impartiality which indicated the
+grandeur and nobility of his nature.</p>
+
+<p>"Sad story, indeed," he cried, when the other had concluded; "how you
+must have suffered from the unjust hatred of these people! Alone in the
+world, without any to interest himself in you; surrounded by hostile or
+indifferent people; compelled to suffer from dark and insidious foes;
+capable of great things&mdash;young, strong, and intelligent, yet reduced to
+fly into the desert, and separate yourself from your fellows. Pardon if
+my cruel curiosity has reopened the wound which long since should have
+been cauterised."</p>
+
+<p>He paused, keenly watching the other's face.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you be my friend?" he suddenly cried. "I already feel for you an
+affection I can scarcely explain."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks," cried Oliver, warmly, "I accept your offer with delight."</p>
+
+<p>"Then it is agreed: from henceforth we are brothers."</p>
+
+<p>"I swear it," resumed Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall henceforth be two to fight the battle of the world."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank heaven we have met."</p>
+
+<p>"Never to part again. You have no family. I will find you one, brother,
+and this family will love you," he added.</p>
+
+<p>"Heartily accept my thanks, Bright-eye," exclaimed Oliver; "life
+already seems changed, and I feel as if happiness were yet possible in
+this world."</p>
+
+<p>"There can be no doubt about it. Believe me, it depends on yourself.
+Look upon the past only as a dream, and think only of the future."</p>
+
+<p>"I will do so," returned Oliver, with a sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"And now to business. Young as I am, you will soon find that I enjoy a
+certain amount of reputation among the Indians and trappers. Very few
+would dare to attack me. I was educated in an Indian village, and, as I
+believe I have already told you, I am here to keep an appointment with
+a young Indian, my friend and relative. This Indian I now expect every
+moment, and I shall introduce you to him. Instead of one friend, you
+will have two devoted brothers. Now then," he added, laughing, "are you
+not fortunate?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am convinced of it," said Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"When we have finished our business in these parts&mdash;and you may help us
+in this business&mdash;we will return to my tribe, of which you shall become
+a member."</p>
+
+<p>"I am wholly in your hands, Bright-eye," he said; "I make no
+resistance. I only thank you."</p>
+
+<p>"No thanks. I am useful to you today; you may be as useful, or more so,
+tomorrow."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well. But what is the affair that detains you here, to which you
+just alluded?" asked Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"I must say that I do not know, though frankly I have my own
+suspicions. My friend has not thought proper to explain as yet, but
+simply gave me a rendezvous here, saying that I might prove useful.
+That was enough for me, and, as you see, I am here. It would be an
+act of indiscretion on my part to tell you anything I had not been
+directly told. Besides, I may be mistaken, and speak to you of a wholly
+different matter from the true one."</p>
+
+<p>"You are quite right."</p>
+
+<p>"To pass the time I will prepare supper."</p>
+
+<p>"And while doing so tell what manner of man your friend is."</p>
+
+<p>"He is a young man like ourselves, grandson of Kouha-hande. He is
+himself a chief, and a noted brave. Though young, his reputation is
+immense. He is tall, athletic, and even elegant of face. His features
+are handsome, even to effeminacy. His glance, gentle in repose as that
+of a dove, is, when his anger is aroused, so terrible that few can face
+it. His physical force is stupendous, his cunning sublime. But you will
+soon judge for yourself. His enemies call him Kristikam-Seksenan, or
+Black Thunder; his friends call him Numank-Charake, the brave man, in
+consequence of his mighty deeds."</p>
+
+<p>"You have simply been describing a hero," said Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"You shall judge for yourself," smiled the other.</p>
+
+<p>"I am extremely anxious to do so."</p>
+
+<p>"You will soon have the opportunity. It is now five o'clock. In a few
+minutes he will be here."</p>
+
+<p>"What, after making an appointment so long ago, you expect him to keep
+it to the minute!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; it is the politeness of the desert, from which nothing absolves
+but death."</p>
+
+<p>"A summary excuse, truly," said Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"Listen," cried Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>Oliver listened, and distinctly heard in the distance the trampling
+of a horse, which suddenly ceased, to be followed by the cry of the
+goshawk.</p>
+
+<p>Bright-eye responded with a similar cry, and with such perfection that
+the Frenchman mechanically raised his head in search of the bird.</p>
+
+<p>Then the sound of a horse galloping recommenced, the bushes parted
+violently, and a horseman bounded into the clearing, checking his steed
+so artistically that next moment he stood like a centaur rooted to the
+ground.</p>
+
+<p>The rider was very much as Bright-eye had described him. There was
+about him, moreover, an air of grandeur, a majesty which inspired
+respect without repelling sympathy. One glance sufficed to fix him as a
+man of superior nature.</p>
+
+<p>It was the first time Oliver, since his journey on the prairies, had
+seen an Indian so near, and under such favourable circumstances. He at
+once formed a friendly opinion of him.</p>
+
+<p>The chief bowed, and then pointed to the sun gilding the summits of the
+trees.</p>
+
+<p>"It is five o'clock. Here is Numank-Charake."</p>
+
+<p>"I say welcome, chief. I know your extreme punctuality. Supper is
+ready."</p>
+
+<p>"Good," said the chief, alighting from his horse with one bound.</p>
+
+<p>Bright-eye then placed his hands on his friend's shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>"Let my brother listen. The hunter is my friend."</p>
+
+<p>"Numank-Charake has read it in the eyes of Bright-eye," replied the
+Indian, turning to Oliver; "I put my hand on my heart, what will my
+brother give me in return?"</p>
+
+<p>"My hand and my heart; that is," he added, with a smile, "all that is
+not Bright-eye's."</p>
+
+<p>"I accept my share; henceforth we are three in one, one in three.
+Numank-Charake was once the Bounding Panther. Let that name be the name
+of my brother."</p>
+
+<p>They shook hands. All was done. According to the customs of the country
+they were brothers, and held everything in common.</p>
+
+<p>Almost on the threshold of his desert life, Oliver found himself
+associated with two men noted as the most honest and doughty champions
+of the prairie.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>A GREAT MEDICINE COUNCIL.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>For some time the three men, of such different birth, race, and
+manners, remained silent. It was a solemn moment. Their meeting
+appeared to them providential.</p>
+
+<p>Above all was the young Frenchman absorbed in his reflections. Alone an
+hour or two ago, he was now one of a formidable trio.</p>
+
+<p>All the time the Canadian went on with his cooking, while the chief
+gave fodder to the horses.</p>
+
+<p>"Supper is ready," suddenly cried Bright-eye, laughing, "let us eat."</p>
+
+<p>And all three seated themselves around a magnificent roast leg of
+venison <i>à la boucanière.</i></p>
+
+<p>We must hasten to remark that nearly all Indian tribes on the borders
+of Canada understand and speak French, at all events, they did at the
+time of which we speak. This was the more fortunate as Oliver did not
+know one word of Huron.</p>
+
+<p>The guests did honour to the feast, that is to say, they left nothing
+but the bones.</p>
+
+<p>The meal, which was washed down by several draughts of French brandy,
+was merry, enlivened by jokes and witticisms. The Indians are always
+thus among themselves. It is only when in the presence of the whites,
+whom they hate, that they are grave, silent, and sullen, never
+unbending except under the influence of drink, when their conduct is
+that of beings under the influence of delirium tremens.</p>
+
+<p>Brandy, or rather spirit in every shape and form, is doing the work of
+extermination for the American.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the repast was finished, they began to smoke, speaking of
+indifferent things. It was the design neither of Bright-eye nor Oliver
+to hurry the young chief. Indian etiquette is excessively severe on
+this point. It is a proof of intense ill breeding to question a chief,
+or even a simple warrior, when he appears anxious for silence.</p>
+
+<p>And yet the sun had disappeared from the horizon; night had spread over
+the desert, blotting out the landscape, and mixing up forms in the most
+fantastic and strange manner. The sky, of a deep blue, was dotted with
+stars. The moon, in its second quarter, began to show itself above the
+trees, floating in ether, and spreading on every side its silvery rays,
+that lit the prairie here and there with fantastic gleams. The night
+wind shivered through the branches of the trees producing plaintive and
+melodious sounds, like those of the Æolian harp.</p>
+
+<p>The sombre dwellers in the desert, roused by the setting of the sun,
+moved slowly about in the darkness, breaking the silence occasionally
+by their wild brays, their sharp barks, and their deep roars. Under
+every blade of grass murmured the never silent world of grasshoppers.</p>
+
+<p>The night was cold. It was the period of the great autumn hunts.
+Several white frosts had already cooled the earth, soon the temperature
+would be below zero. The rivers and streams would be frozen, and snow
+would cover the desert as with a shroud.</p>
+
+<p>The adventurers, after throwing on an armful of dry wood to revive the
+flame, had wrapped themselves in their ponchos, and, sheltered by the
+trees, continued smoking silently.</p>
+
+<p>"This is the hour of the second watch," suddenly observed Numank,
+drawing from his belt the medicine calumet, which is only used by
+chiefs in council; "the blue jay has sung twice, all rests around us.
+Will my pale friends sleep or listen to the voice of a friend?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sleep is for women and children," replied Bright-eye; "men remain
+awake when a friend desires to speak of serious things. Speak."</p>
+
+<p>"We listen," added Oliver, bowing.</p>
+
+<p>"I will speak, since my friends desire it; but as what I have to say is
+grave, it will not be a talk but a medicine council."</p>
+
+<p>"Let it be so," said Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>Numank rose, bowed to the four cardinal points, speaking some
+indistinct words; then he seated himself on his hams again, stuffed
+his calumet with moriche, a kind of sacred tobacco only used in great
+ceremonies. Then having burnt some in the fire as an oblation, he took
+a medicine stick, and with it lifted a burning coal to the bowl of the
+calumet.</p>
+
+<p>The chief then gave several puffs, and then, still holding the bowl in
+his hand, presented the stem to Bright-eye. The hunter gave several
+puffs, as did Oliver in his turn; it then came back to the chief, this
+going on until the last morsel of tobacco was consumed.</p>
+
+<p>Then Numank-Charake rose, bent again to the four cardinal points of the
+heavens, shook the ashes into the fire, and spoke.</p>
+
+<p>"Wacondah, master of life," he said, "you who know all, inspire my
+words."</p>
+
+<p>This formality over he replaced his calumet and sat down.</p>
+
+<p>Some minutes elapsed, during which he remained wrapped in deep thought.
+Then he raised his head, before bowed on his chest, bowed to his
+audience, and began.</p>
+
+<p>"Eight moons ago," he said, "I had just returned from an expedition
+against the Piekanns. After presenting the scalps taken by myself and
+young men to the sachems, and receiving their thanks, I was going to
+my wigwam to visit my father, detained at home by old wounds, when I
+suddenly saw a young girl leaning against the ark of the first man.
+The young girl was about fifteen, tall, elegant, and beautiful. I
+had long loved her without ever revealing the secret of my heart. On
+this occasion she seemed to wait for me, and saw me approach with a
+melancholy glance."</p>
+
+<p>Bright-eye's eyes glistened, despite his self-control.</p>
+
+<p>"When I was near her the young girl spread out her arms towards me,
+and then made a step forward. I paused, and waited. 'Numank is a great
+warrior,' she said, modestly lowering her eyes; 'his hut is lined with
+the scalps of his foes, he has rich skins of every kind of beast, his
+ball never misses; happy will be the woman whom he loves.'"</p>
+
+<p>"On hearing these words, I was deeply moved, and seizing the hand of
+the young girl, 'Onoura&mdash;beautiful child,' I said in her ear, 'I have
+a little bird in my heart which is always singing and repeating your
+name. Does this bird sing in your heart?' She smiled, looked at me from
+under her eyelashes, and murmured, 'Night and day he whispers tender
+words in my ear, and repeats the name of the warrior who loves me. Does
+not Numank-Charake find his hut very solitary during the long winter
+nights, when the wind howls in the forest and the snow covers the
+earth?' 'My heart has long flown out to you,' I cried, warmly, 'from
+the first hour that I saw you amidst your companions. Do you love me?'
+'For life,' she said, blushing deeply. 'Good,' said I, 'then I will
+attempt a new expedition to win the marriage presents, and ask you
+of your father. You will wait for me, Onoura?' 'I will wait for you,
+Numank. Am I not your slave for life?' and she gently pressed my hand.
+I then took a wampum off my neck, and placed it on hers. She kissed
+it, her eyes full of tears, and taking a gold ring from the thumb of
+her left hand, she placed it on one of my fingers. I allowed her to do
+so with a smile. 'You love me,' she said; 'nothing shall ever separate
+us,' and before I could say another word she fled as does the gazelle
+before the hunter. I followed her with my eyes as long as I could, and
+then when she had disappeared round a corner I thoughtfully took my way
+to my father's hut."</p>
+
+<p>The chief paused. After a few minutes the Canadian, finding that the
+other was not disposed to continue, touched him gently on the arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Why did Numank-Charake show such want of confidence in his brother?"
+asked the Canadian, reproachfully.</p>
+
+<p>"What does my brother Bright-eye mean?" asked the chief, with slight
+embarrassment.</p>
+
+<p>"My brother knows what I mean," said the Canadian, with great
+animation. "Born almost the same day, brought up together, having made
+our first trails together on the prairies, as also our first expedition
+against the Sioux and Piekanns, our hearts melted into one, I thought
+we had no secrets. I know who is the woman whom my brother loves, but
+why let me guess all about it, instead of telling me? Have I done
+anything to offend?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Bright-eye, don't think that," cried the young man, eagerly; "but
+love delights in mystery."</p>
+
+<p>"And yet it likes to confide its sorrows and its joys to the heart of
+a friend. On that very same night when she had this interview with the
+chief, Evening Dew&mdash;Nouma Hawa&mdash;on her return to her hut, told her
+brother all. Her heart overflowed with joy, and she could not repress
+her feelings."</p>
+
+<p>"Then Evening Dew owned her love to Bright-eye?"</p>
+
+<p>"Am I not her brother, and your best friend?"</p>
+
+<p>"True. Let my brother forgive me; I was wrong not to place confidence
+in him. Perhaps I was fearful he might disapprove of it."</p>
+
+<p>"On the contrary, it carries out my dearest wishes, and binds us more
+and more to one another."</p>
+
+<p>"My brother is better than I am, his heart is better; he will pardon
+the weakness of a friend."</p>
+
+<p>"On one condition," said the hunter, laughing; "that Numank-Charake has
+no more secrets."</p>
+
+<p>"I promise you," continued the chief, in a low, sad tone; "what I have
+now to say is very terrible. But the friends of Numank-Charake must
+know all. Two moons had elapsed since I and Evening Dew had spoken. I
+had not been able to carry out my projects. One day I again met her
+near the ark of the first man. 'The chief has forgotten his promise,'
+she said. 'No,' I replied; 'tomorrow I will keep it.' I left her with
+only a few more words. Next day I began to carry out my promise. I
+prepared everything, even the usual ceremonies were carried out&mdash;those
+you know so well."</p>
+
+<p>"One moment," interrupted Oliver. "Bright-eye, brought up in your
+villages, knows all about them, but I, as a mere stranger, know not
+what you mean. As I mean to live with you, I should like to know a
+little."</p>
+
+<p>"My brother is right," said the chief; "I will tell him the whole
+expedition. Before starting, the turf was taken off a considerable
+square of earth, the mould being made soft and pliable with the hands.
+It was then surrounded by stakes. When all was ready I went in and sat
+at the end opposed to the direction in which the enemy lived. After
+singing and praying, I put on the edge of the open space two little
+white stones."</p>
+
+<p>"After waiting half an hour in prayer, asking the Wacondah to guide
+me right, the village crier, or hachesto, approached. I gave him my
+orders. He turned and invited all the great warriors to smoke; then in
+their turn the inferior warriors were invited. After all had smoked,
+everyone examined the result of the ko-sau-ban-zich-egass. The white
+stones had fallen in the direction of a well-known path."</p>
+
+<p>"And what was the result?" asked Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>"The Wacondah favoured his children. The path led towards the land of
+our hereditary foes, the Sioux of the West."</p>
+
+<p>"Good," said the hunter.</p>
+
+<p>"Our party consisted of a hundred and fifty warriors, the picked men of
+the nation, armed with guns. Every man carried the offerings to be cast
+away on the field of battle, and hidden, if possible, in the entrails
+of our foes."</p>
+
+<p>"A pious custom," said Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>Oliver looked at the Canadian, wondering whether he spoke seriously or
+not. But there was no doubt of his good faith.</p>
+
+<p>"Two days later we started. A small band of twenty presently joined us,
+commanded by Tubash-Shah, the Cheat. My brother knows this restless and
+ambitious chief. I offered to yield the command to him. My warriors
+would not consent. Misunderstandings soon arose. Crossing some vast
+prairies, we began to feel great thirst, and Tubash at once violated
+the laws of war. I knew that water was not far off. The greater number
+of the elder warriors, who had to walk, were exhausted by heat and
+fatigue. Tubash sent out mounted scouts, and private signals were
+agreed on. Soon a small river was discovered. Those who got first to it
+fired guns, but before the detachments and the laggers had got up to
+the river, the sufferings of most of us were excessive. Some vomited
+blood, others were delirious. The expedition was a failure. Next day
+desertions began among the warriors of Tubash, he setting the first
+example. Soon I had only five-and-twenty men left. They offered to
+follow me to the end of the world. But what could I do? With despair in
+my soul I turned homeward. Halfway our scouts gave the alarm. An hour
+later we were engaged in a hand-to-hand conflict with the Sioux. Their
+party, six times as numerous as ours, was luckily composed chiefly of
+young warriors on their first warpath. Our defence was so desperate,
+that the Sioux yielded and fled. We were masters of the field, but out
+of four-and-twenty only ten were alive, and these were badly wounded."</p>
+
+<p>"It would be too terrible to tell the story of our sufferings on the
+way home. We found that all was known about the expedition. But all
+the sachems acclaimed us, the more that I brought back the scalps of
+eighteen Sioux who had fallen on the field of battle. But if my honour
+was safe, my happiness was lost. Evening Dew was gone."</p>
+
+<p>"My sister abducted?" cried Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>"No," said the other, sadly, "not abducted. She went away of her own
+accord."</p>
+
+<p>"Of her own accord?" repeated the hunter.</p>
+
+<p>"During the absence of Bright-eye and myself, a paleface came to the
+village. This man, it appears, for your father and grandfather refused
+any explanation, is a relative of my brother. After remaining a week he
+went away, accompanied by your father. Evening Dew followed, weeping
+bitterly. Still she offered no resistance to the orders of her father.
+Three days after your father returned to his tribe. He was alone. What
+had become of the lovely young girl none could tell me. I made the most
+minute inquiries without any result. Not knowing what else to do, I
+then sent a warrior to my brother to appoint a meeting. Here I am, my
+friend&mdash;what am I to do?"</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you, chief, that your extraordinary story is inexplicable to
+me. I cannot advise."</p>
+
+<p>"Allow me to speak," said Oliver, "I am wholly disinterested in the
+matter. I can therefore speak with that calmness which suits neither of
+you at this moment."</p>
+
+<p>"Speak!" cried the two young men.</p>
+
+<p>"My advice is, to start at daybreak for the village. The father of
+Bright-eye may have reasons for refusing explanations to the chief.
+Family matters are sacred. But the brother of Evening Dew has a right
+to demand a full explanation. I am certain it will be given to him by
+his father, who can have no reason for being mysterious with him. Let
+us then away to the village. Successful or not, we shall know what to
+do. In every case, my dear friend and brother, count on me."</p>
+
+<p>"What says the chief?" asked Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>"The chief thanks Bounding Panther," replied the young man, warmly;
+"his heart is loyal, and his soul generous. His advice is good and
+should be followed. With two such friends, the redskin warrior is
+certain of success."</p>
+
+<p>The conversation then continued for some time on a subject always
+interesting to a lover and a brother. Then, after throwing a pile
+of dry wood on the fire, the three men rolled themselves in their
+blankets, and lay down on the ground.</p>
+
+<p>The two wood rangers lay face downwards, according to Indian custom.
+As for Oliver, he lay on his side with his feet to the fire. At the
+first hoot of an owl&mdash;the first bird which announces the rising of
+the sun&mdash;the chief wakened his companions, and ten minutes later they
+started on their journey.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>SAMUEL DICKSON HUNTS A MOOSE DEER.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>The traveller who for the first time reaches the Rocky Mountains is
+amazed at the pile of hills above hills, called by the early discoverer
+the Sierra of the River of the Wind, that immense reservoir whence
+flows so many great streams, some flowing into the Atlantic, others
+into the Pacific.</p>
+
+<p>We now transport our readers to a fork formed by a rather extensive
+stream, flowing from the Mountains of the Wind, just before it joins
+the Missouri, in the centre of a vast and delicious valley.</p>
+
+<p>This charming spot, enchanting in its aspect, was covered by scattered
+thickets, young trees, fat pasturages, and watered by many rills, which
+fell in all directions in silver cascades from the mountains, and
+finally lost themselves in the Missouri.</p>
+
+<p>This unknown Eden, buried in the mountains, had been discovered by a
+hardy explorer, and already the hand of man was at work destroying its
+savage grandeur. In a word, the squatters were at work.</p>
+
+<p>Squatters are generally men of restless habits, greedy of exertions, no
+matter what they may be, impatient of control, and sworn enemies of the
+peaceful and regular life of the great centres of population. Gifted
+with the courage of a lion, of a will&mdash;or, rather, obstinacy&mdash;which
+nothing can conquer, these men of indomitable energy, in whose hearts
+ferment the most violent passions, are the true pioneers of the desert
+and the vanguard of civilisation in the New World.</p>
+
+<p>Accustomed to place themselves above the law, as soon as the tide of
+civilisation always rising reaches them, they abandon without regret
+all they possess&mdash;houses and land&mdash;and snatching up their hatchets,
+bury themselves gaily still further in the desert, until they find
+another suitable site, on which they squat.</p>
+
+<p>There is no one to contest their claim. At all events, to do so would
+be a rather imprudent enterprise, for they at once appeal to their
+rifle, and make that the legal arbitrator.</p>
+
+<p>Joshua Dickson was a true specimen of a squatter; his whole life had
+been one long pilgrimage across the States of the Union. Weary of
+rambling within the purlieus of civilisation, where he always felt
+uneasy, one day, as we have already recorded, he came to a final
+resolution, and, abandoning all that he possessed, he started with his
+family and servants in search of a land where none before had ever set
+their foot.</p>
+
+<p>We cannot relate all the incidents of his journey without guide or
+map. They would fill a volume. We come to the point. One night they
+had fixed their camp near a very narrow and wooded gorge. It appearing
+to be rather a difficult spot to travel in the dark, and there being
+no hurry, they had halted by a small stream, in the midst of a green
+prairie, which offered admirable pasturage for their beasts and horses.</p>
+
+<p>Before daybreak, while his companions still slept, Samuel Dickson rose,
+took his rifle, and advanced in the direction of the defile, with the
+double object of examining the locality and of shooting, if possible,
+two or three head of game for the morning repast, provisions being rare
+in camp, so much so that the night before they had gone to bed almost
+without supper.</p>
+
+<p>Harry Dickson, who acted as sentry, alone saw him go out, but as his
+uncle did not speak, he did not venture to make any observation.</p>
+
+<p>Samuel Dickson went away with his rifle on his shoulder, whistling
+"Yankee Doodle," and shortly after disappeared in the tall grass
+without his nephew being able to make out in what direction he had gone.</p>
+
+<p>Seen by the light of morn the defile was not so choked up by trees and
+bushes as it had seemed in the dusk of the evening; the entrance only
+was marked by a curtain of young trees, which would easily succumb to
+a few blows of a hatchet.</p>
+
+<p>The American pushed forward, cutting a passage with his bowie knife,
+resolved to reach the extremity of the defile, in order to examine it
+thoroughly and report to his brother.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a moose deer bounded across his path.</p>
+
+<p>"There is a demon who does not suffer from rheumatism. How he runs! But
+remember, my friend, that's your breakfast."</p>
+
+<p>With which words he took to his heels, and, catching sight of the deer,
+followed him up through the dense undergrowth, without being able to
+get a shot at him. This went on for about twenty minutes, during which,
+his rifle at full cock, he never looked to the right or left. Suddenly
+the moose deer stood still, as if he sniffed another enemy in the
+direction in which he was going.</p>
+
+<p>The American lost no time, but took steady aim for a second or two and
+fired.</p>
+
+<p>The stricken deer bounded into the air, and then once more took to its
+heels.</p>
+
+<p>But the hunter was determined not to lose him. Unhappily, however, in
+his eagerness, he did not look before him, and just as he thought the
+deer began to droop, while he increased his speed his foot slipped and
+he went head over heels, falling a height of about fifteen feet, to
+alight upon a kind of pavement of hard flint stones.</p>
+
+<p>The fall was so heavy that the American not only was bruised all over,
+but fainted.</p>
+
+<p>A feeling of coolness suddenly came over him, and caused him to open
+his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>He looked wildly around him, and saw a young man of about
+seven-and-twenty, in the costume of a trapper, his handsome face bent
+over him with a look of deep solicitude, while he bathed his face with
+a handkerchief soaked with water.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you better, Mr. Samuel?" said the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Hem!" cried the American; "Am I mad?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not in the least, Master Samuel, at least, that I am aware of," was
+the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"But what has happened?" cried the other, with an awful grimace.</p>
+
+<p>"A very simple thing: you shot a deer, and in your eagerness to catch
+him you did not notice that you were on the summit of an eminence, and
+so rolled over, to the detriment of your bones."</p>
+
+<p>"A very simple thing!" groaned the other; "You speak very complacently,
+Master George. Is anything broken?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing. I examined you carefully&mdash;nothing but bruises, of that I am
+sure."</p>
+
+<p>"Cursed deer! If I only had secured it. But the brute escaped me after
+all."</p>
+
+<p>"No, my friend. You are too good a shot to miss your aim. There lies
+your game, quite dead."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank goodness! That is lucky. But oh! Oh! I feel as if I had received
+a severe beating. Help me up."</p>
+
+<p>"But had you not better rest a while?"</p>
+
+<p>"Go to the deuce. I am not a whining sniggler, like my niece," he
+began; "by the way," he added, "that puts me in mind! Young man&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Allow me to help you up&mdash;take my arm. I am strong; so lean as heavily
+as you like. There, you are all right. Your rifle will serve you as a
+staff."</p>
+
+<p>Thanks to the assistance of the young man, the American contrived to
+stand on his legs, making horrible grimaces and groaning all the time.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish my brother had been anywhere, with his mad notion of
+emigration," he said, grumbling; "but that is not the immediate
+question. Will you answer me?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am quite ready. You cannot carry the deer&mdash;shall I hang it up in
+safety until you send for it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Will you answer me?" cried Samuel, ferociously.</p>
+
+<p>"You have not yet asked me any question," said the young man, gently.</p>
+
+<p>The American looked at him with considerable anger in his glance; then
+his muscles relaxing, he burst out laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Forgive me, George," he said, offering his hand. "I am an old fool.
+I am trying to get up a quarrel with you, instead of thanking you for
+your kindness. In truth, I believe you have saved my life."</p>
+
+<p>"You exaggerate, Mr. Samuel," replied the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Between you and me, I don't think so. What would have become of me,
+fainting in the desert?"</p>
+
+<p>"Chance brought me here."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes! Chance has very broad shoulders," answered the American: "I
+suppose it brought you out here."</p>
+
+<p>The young man held down his head and blushed.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well, I won't tease you, George," cried Samuel; "you are a noble
+and generous fellow, and I loved your father."</p>
+
+<p>"As you do his son," responded the other.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose it is so. But this being understood, let us talk like two
+old friends."</p>
+
+<p>"I am at your command."</p>
+
+<p>"Always the same eternal chorus. Now I do not want to dive into your
+secrets, but without going beyond the limits of politeness, allow me to
+ask you one simple question," said Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"Ask; and if it be in my power, I will answer truthfully," replied the
+other.</p>
+
+<p>"Hem! You are confoundedly close. First let us sit down. I am all aches
+and pains."</p>
+
+<p>The young man gently led him to a soft mound of turf, helped him to be
+seated, and followed his example.</p>
+
+<p>"Now I am good for an hour. Let us chat."</p>
+
+<p>"I am your most obedient servant to command."</p>
+
+<p>"How is it, Mr. George Clinton," began the old man, with a sly look,
+"that three months ago I left you at Boston at the head of a large
+house of business, and that I now find you dressed like a runner of the
+woods, hundreds of miles from the nearest settlement, just ready to
+save my life."</p>
+
+<p>"If my journey served me no other purpose, I am thankful&mdash;still I own
+there is another motive."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to hear you say so. May I ask its nature?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Master Samuel," began Clinton, "I am young, vigorous, and
+passionately fond of field sports; I am a good shot, and very much
+inclined for a free and independent life. Many times while at Boston
+chance brought me in contact with persons who have accomplished
+wonderful journeys into the almost unknown interior of our vast
+continent, and who brought back astounding accounts of what they saw;
+my curiosity was aroused, and I felt within myself a strong desire to
+attempt one of these expeditions in search of the unknown."</p>
+
+<p>"Or the ideal," smiled the American.</p>
+
+<p>"If you like it. As long as my father was alive I kept my ideas to
+myself, but as soon as my actions were quite free my old ideas were
+revived. An opportunity presented itself which I eagerly embraced.
+Confiding my house of business to a trustworthy partner, I started."</p>
+
+<p>"You had a definite object, I suppose?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; I went wherever chance or my feelings urged me," the other
+answered.</p>
+
+<p>"My young friend," said Dickson, laughing, "chance plays too great a
+part in all this. You will excuse me if I don't believe a word of your
+story."</p>
+
+<p>"You are not generous, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not generous?"</p>
+
+<p>"You will not believe that a young man could give way to his
+adventurous instincts; and yet you, a wise man, very much older than
+I am, you, whose position was settled, I find you here, without being
+able to give the slightest explanation of your conduct."</p>
+
+<p>"Well answered, George. You hit me hard, but you know I am an old
+fool. I am so, as sure as fate. Yes, my friend, I am mad enough for a
+straitjacket. But at the same time, I can see that you will not make me
+your confidant."</p>
+
+<p>"I assure you&mdash;" began Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the use of holding out any longer? You must rely on me in the
+end; but when you do come to me with the truth, it will be my turn."</p>
+
+<p>"You are not angry with me?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, my boy: keep your secrets; but remember I am your friend. Keep
+your own counsel then, if you will&mdash;it concerns only yourself. But
+remember, whenever you want me, I am ready," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"I know not how to thank you."</p>
+
+<p>"What nonsense! You owe me nothing. It is I who am your debtor. But
+it is getting late, and I must return to the camp, where they must be
+getting anxious. Thanks to my rest I feel not only able to walk, but to
+carry the confounded deer."</p>
+
+<p>"Wait, however, while I clean and skin him. It will then be easier."</p>
+
+<p>"You are quite right. Be quick, as we are short of food."</p>
+
+<p>"But the country is enormously rich in game, and what a beautiful spot!"</p>
+
+<p>"It certainly is," replied Samuel, after which his young friend soon
+prepared the game so as to be easily carried.</p>
+
+<p>"And now take my arm while I lead you through the defile, which is the
+only way out of the valley."</p>
+
+<p>And so they started, Samuel walking much better than he expected,
+though suffering much.</p>
+
+<p>"One favour," said the young man, after a time.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, my friend?" asked Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"Say not one word of our meeting."</p>
+
+<p>"Since you wish it, I will be strictly silent on the subject. Like
+other people I know, I will invent some sort of story&mdash;it is not
+difficult."</p>
+
+<p>The young man smiled, and shook him heartily by the hand. Then Samuel
+Dickson walked away in the direction of the camp, while George busied
+himself in the valley.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>JOSHUA DICKSON BECOMES MASTER OF THE VALLEY.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>After Samuel had walked some distance he found that he had
+miscalculated his strength. He was very weak about the ankle, and the
+way being rude and his load heavy, he could scarcely get along at all.
+Still he would not abandon the deer, knowing as he did how short of
+provisions they were in the camp.</p>
+
+<p>Wiping the cold perspiration off his brow, the brave American resumed
+his journey.</p>
+
+<p>The sufferings he endured it would be impossible to describe; at length
+he became scarcely able to drag one foot before the other; every now
+and then he had to stop, as the blood rushed to his head and myriad
+sparkles flashed before his eyes. He seemed to have the vertigo, his
+mouth was parched, his chest panting, his temples throbbing, and his
+eyes almost starting from his head.</p>
+
+<p>When he had staggered to within five hundred feet of the camp he was
+utterly exhausted, and fell insensible on the grass, where he remained
+inert and motionless for a quarter of an hour. Luckily, as he roused
+himself, he found a small rivulet flowing at his feet. In this he
+bathed his hands and face, and felt better.</p>
+
+<p>But he could walk no farther; that he knew was impossible. He, however,
+suspected they were looking for him, and if they heard him would
+come to his assistance. His voice was powerless to reach them. There
+remained his rifle. Still seated on the ground, he loaded and fired
+three times in succession.</p>
+
+<p>He had not long to wait before he saw his brother and nephews running
+towards him.</p>
+
+<p>He was too weak to enter upon any explanations, but one nephew taking
+up the deer and the other their uncle, they at once made for the camp,
+where Mrs. Dickson and Diana anxiously awaited them.</p>
+
+<p>When they saw the hunter they believed him dead.</p>
+
+<p>Joshua had a great deal of difficulty in persuading them that he had
+only fainted, and was in no danger.</p>
+
+<p>The Americans, especially the hunters and trappers, have great
+experience in wounds and bruises.</p>
+
+<p>The sick man was at once carried to a covered waggon, placed upon a
+mattress, and stripped.</p>
+
+<p>"Heavens!" cried Joshua, as he examined the numerous black bruises,
+"Poor Samuel has indeed had a bad fall. I wonder he was not killed
+outright."</p>
+
+<p>"Fortunate nothing is broken," said the eldest son.</p>
+
+<p>"So it is," replied the father; "and now let us do the best we can for
+him while your mother cooks the deer meat for breakfast. It was for us
+poor Sam risked his life. Get the camphorated brandy and some wool, and
+don't forget to tell your mother to cook the game. She is rather apt to
+burn venison, which does not improve its flavour. While you are about
+it bring the rum bottle&mdash;a little poured down his throat will do him
+good. Above all, be quick."</p>
+
+<p>Having given these orders, Joshua bathed his brother's forehead with
+cold water, passed burnt feathers under his nose, and did everything
+which could be done under the circumstances. Still the sick man never
+moved.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us try the rum," he said, as his son returned.</p>
+
+<p>And as he spoke, he forced open the other's teeth with the blade of his
+knife, and putting the neck of the bottle to his mouth, let the liquor
+slip through.</p>
+
+<p>Samuel smacked his lips and opened his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"That is something like. And now to work."</p>
+
+<p>The two men then, dipping the wool in camphorated brandy, began to rub
+the bruises.</p>
+
+<p>Such a remedy, so roughly employed, was very soon quite efficacious.
+The sick man sat up, howling furiously, and trying to escape from their
+clutches.</p>
+
+<p>But the two men, believing in the remedy, continued, and, despite all
+their victim could say, despite his prayers, howls, and curses, he
+finally had to submit to the treatment for half an hour.</p>
+
+<p>"There you are," cried Joshua; "now try and sleep."</p>
+
+<p>"Go to old Nick!" roared Samuel; "I'm skinned alive."</p>
+
+<p>"You are as fussy as a woman. We scarcely touched you. Tonight we shall
+do it again perfectly, and tomorrow you will be quite well," said
+Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>Samuel shuddered, but said nothing; shortly after he, however,
+slept soundly. At night the two men came again, and, despite his
+lamentations, protestations, and prayers, continued to rub him as
+before, with all the vigour of which their hands and arms were capable.</p>
+
+<p>Then Joshua told his brother to go to sleep, promising if in the
+morning he was not quite well to give him one more dose.</p>
+
+<p>But Samuel was up first, and when they came to find him, he was
+dressed, singing "Yankee Doodle."</p>
+
+<p>His brother was delighted, and while wishing him joy, highly eulogised
+his remedy, the very mention of which caused Samuel to shudder.</p>
+
+<p>He was then questioned as to his adventure, which he related, leaving
+out all mention, however, of George Clinton. They were at breakfast,
+and everyone listened with avidity. The ladies especially, who were
+weary of their journey, heard the description of the beautiful valley
+with extreme delight.</p>
+
+<p>"To conclude, I beg to remark," Samuel wound up by saying, "that I
+never saw a spot better suited for a settlement."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall see," drily remarked Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>Samuel knew his brother well, and was well aware how he should be
+treated.</p>
+
+<p>"As for myself," he added, with indifference, "I don't care where or
+when we stop. As we have gone so far in the desert, what matters fifty
+leagues more or less? Let us then go ahead. Push on by all means, even
+as far as the Bay of Hudson."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want to go as far as that," cried Joshua; "if the valley's
+anything like what you say, perhaps we may stop."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, perhaps it may not suit you. Everybody, you know, to their
+taste," continued Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall judge for myself," replied Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"If we are to stop here all day," Samuel urged, quite satisfied, "I and
+Harry will fetch the deerskin."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not go with me?" said his brother.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be delighted with your company."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, by Jove, we'll all go. It will be a walk. Harry, Sam, Jack, tell
+Sandy to be ready for a start. Let the camp be raised. Tonight we will
+camp in the valley and examine it at our ease."</p>
+
+<p>"You raise the camp for so small a journey?" said Mrs. Dickson.</p>
+
+<p>"Does it displease you, mistress?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. But it is a useless fatigue for horses and men."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall do as I think proper," said the squatter, drily, as he went to
+hurry his men.</p>
+
+<p>Samuel Dickson and the ladies smiled. They knew now they would stop in
+the valley.</p>
+
+<p>An hour later the whole caravan took its way in the direction of the
+defile, preceded by a dozen of the hired men and others with hatchets,
+to act as pioneers.</p>
+
+<p>Though he declared his health was quite restored, Samuel Dickson,
+instead of riding on horseback, clambered into a waggon with his
+sister-in-law and niece, with whom he gaily discoursed.</p>
+
+<p>Every now and then the old farmer looked sideways at the countenance of
+his pale and thoughtful niece, smiled to himself, and rubbed his hands
+with intense satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>Neither mother nor daughter could make out his pantomime, but after a
+few trials they knew it was useless to question him, and so let him
+chuckle to himself.</p>
+
+<p>Joshua Dickson, without allowing it to be seen, had been very much
+struck by what his brother had said. Instead, therefore, of riding
+beside the caravan as usual, he had gone on in front.</p>
+
+<p>Presently, as if no longer able to resist the impulse of curiosity
+which was devouring him, he signed to his three sons to follow, and
+next minute the four men were off at a hard gallop and were soon lost
+in the defile.</p>
+
+<p>"The fish is in the net," said Samuel Dickson, with a hearty laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Is the valley so beautiful as you say?" asked Mrs. Dickson.</p>
+
+<p>"Much more so. It is simply a terrestrial paradise. If you were to
+hunt for months you would never find a more agreeable or advantageous
+position. Everything is to be found in abundance, wood, water, pasture,
+and above all, game."</p>
+
+<p>"If Joshua would only settle."</p>
+
+<p>"A good deal depends on you."</p>
+
+<p>"I have not the influence you suppose over my husband. You know his
+vagabond humour."</p>
+
+<p>"He will remain here if you wish him to."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you are right," replied the wife, with a sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"Chut! Here he comes. Attention, this is the decisive moment,"
+whispered Samuel, as Joshua came up.</p>
+
+<p>"Holloa!" he cried, "I have come from the valley."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you find the deerskin I left behind?"</p>
+
+<p>"Deerskin be&mdash;" was the excited answer; "I had no time to think of it.
+But what a delicious valley! I never saw anything so beautiful in all
+my life."</p>
+
+<p>"It is certainly pretty fair, but not worthy of such frantic eulogy,"
+said Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"What a man you are!" cried Joshua; "You must always disagree with me.
+The moment I like a thing you must depreciate it."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you then mean to make some stay in the valley?" asked Mrs. Dickson,
+innocently enough.</p>
+
+<p>"Some stay, mistress!" cried the husband; "What are you dreaming about?
+I mean to take the whole valley. It belongs to no one now. It shall
+therefore be ours&mdash;that is, mine and my brother's."</p>
+
+<p>"I want very little," said Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"You shall have your right share, no more and no less. Do you think I
+would cheat you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Far from me be such a thought."</p>
+
+<p>"But, my dear," said the wife, "pray think."</p>
+
+<p>"I have thought," he replied, abruptly; "and my resolution is
+irrevocable. So thoroughly have I made up my mind that I have come back
+alone, leaving the children at work."</p>
+
+<p>"At work!" cried Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; they are cutting down trees and clearing the ground. This will be
+so much gained, as the season is far advanced, and we have not a moment
+to lose if we would have our settlement quite ready for the winter."</p>
+
+<p>All this while the caravan was advancing, and by degrees had got
+halfway through the defile.</p>
+
+<p>"This narrow way might easily be stopped," said Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"Very useful idea, as many redskins are about."</p>
+
+<p>"But we are very numerous."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but if we are attacked we have no neighbours to help us, and must
+count only on ourselves alone."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall be sufficient," drily responded Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so, and yet I doubt if the Indians leave us in peaceable
+possession if game is as abundant as I believe."</p>
+
+<p>"Bah! Who cares? If the Indians come we will give them such a reception
+as shall astonish them."</p>
+
+<p>"Who lives longest will see the most. It is best to be prudent,"
+responded Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>The squatter, half angry at his brother's manner, gave up the
+conversation, and, spurring his horse, disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," said Samuel, with a smile, as the other rode off, "you may be
+satisfied. Joshua is sufficiently annoyed at my opposition to become
+seriously obstinate. Nothing will make him change his mind now."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you went a little too far."</p>
+
+<p>"Not a bit, I only stimulated him."</p>
+
+<p>"But what you said about the Indians made me seriously uneasy. Are
+there any about?"</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose so, as we are in the very centre of their territory. They
+may not attack us if let alone."</p>
+
+<p>"But this valley may belong to them."</p>
+
+<p>"Then we shall have to negotiate with the tribe to which the place
+belongs. We shall buy it of the redskins&mdash;a thing done every day."</p>
+
+<p>"You ought to know Joshua better by this time. He will take the land,
+and refuse all compromises."</p>
+
+<p>"I know him; but should the contingency come, we must make him listen
+to reason. But look, we are entering on the confines of this garden of
+Eden, which henceforth will be all our own," cried Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"What a magnificent country!" cried the squatter's wife.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Diana, despite her sadness and habit of concentrated thought,
+could not restrain an exclamation of surprise at the sight of the grand
+spectacle before her.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be too enthusiastic," said Samuel. "Here is Joshua."</p>
+
+<p>A hundred paces off Joshua had halted, his sons beside him on
+horseback, gun in hand. The squatter held the American flag in his
+right hand. As soon as all the waggons were in the valley he signed to
+everybody to advance.</p>
+
+<p>All the serving men and women surrounded the squatter. His wife,
+daughter, and Samuel remained in the waggon.</p>
+
+<p>The squatter, making his horse prance, waved the American flag over his
+head, then he planted the staff in the earth, and cried in a loud firm
+voice:</p>
+
+<p>"I take possession of this wild territory by the right of the first
+occupant I proclaim myself its sole lord and master, and if anyone,
+white or black, dares to claim it, I will defend myself to the last
+gasp."</p>
+
+<p>"Hurrah! Long live America!" cried all.</p>
+
+<p>"My friends," continued the trapper, "we are now at home. This valley
+which we shall soon cultivate and bring to prosperity and civilisation,
+is the Valley of the Deer."</p>
+
+<p>"Long live the Valley of the Deer!" cried all.</p>
+
+<p>The squatter then headed the caravan, and led it to the spot he had
+selected for a settlement. It was twelve o'clock. At a little after two
+the ancient trees were falling beneath the axes of the Americans.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>DIANA DICKSON AND HER FOE.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>The activity of the North Americans is prodigious; they have a peculiar
+way of handling the axe which is marvellous. Their mode of procedure is
+almost incomprehensible, and goes beyond anything the imagination can
+conceive.</p>
+
+<p>Fifty American woodmen will in a month clear the whole of a vast forest
+tract.</p>
+
+<p>They always begin with the idea, a very logical one, though a proud
+one, that the modest plantation they commence may in time become an
+important town, and they act accordingly. The land is divided into
+lots, paths traced by the axe stand for streets, large open spaces
+represent squares, while notched trees indicate where the houses,
+shops, workshops, and other buildings are to be.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as this is all settled they go to work with feverish haste, and
+trees of vast dimensions fall with a rapidity which is simply amazing.</p>
+
+<p>Then they build the stables and sheds, then the blacksmith's forge, the
+carpenter's shop, and the water sawmill, of which the workmen at once
+take possession.</p>
+
+<p>The earth, still encumbered by the roots of trees, is dug up and sown
+at once. Everything goes on at the same time with the utmost regularity
+and industry.</p>
+
+<p>In a few days the landscape is completely changed, and there, where had
+existed a virgin forest, with all its deep and impenetrable mysteries,
+suddenly arises, as if by means of the enchanted wand, the embryo of
+a town, which ten years later will be a rich flourishing emporium of
+commerce, and of which the population, coming from all parts of the
+world, will perhaps be fifty or sixty thousand.</p>
+
+<p>But the squatter, the founder of the new city, will have disappeared,
+without leaving a trace behind. Nobody knows anything about him,
+not even his name. His work done, he will have taken his melancholy
+departure, frightened to see the desert so populated, and that
+civilisation from which he had fled so near; he probably has fled out
+West in search of a new virgin land, which he will transform like the
+first, without deriving any more advantage from it, finally to end his
+days, shot in some miserable Indian ambuscade, or killed by the claws
+of a grizzly, or perhaps dies of misery and hunger in some unknown
+corner of the prairie.</p>
+
+<p>Joshua Dickson did not act differently from his fellows; after dividing
+the valley into two, and handing over half to his brother, he fixed his
+residence near the fork of the two rivers. Samuel Dickson fixed his
+residence at the other end of the valley, near the river called the
+Deer River.</p>
+
+<p>Everybody then set to work, and with such rapidity that before three
+weeks were over the principal buildings were finished. The houses,
+built with trees from the trunks of which the bark had not been
+removed, piled one upon the other, and fastened together by iron clamps
+and long wooden nails, looked comfortable with their glass windows
+furnished inside with strong shutters, and their mud and brick chimneys
+from which the smoke already escaped in a bluish cloud.</p>
+
+<p>All the servants and hired men had erected themselves, not exactly
+houses, but bark huts. They were, however, only temporary residences,
+soon to be replaced by more solid and eligible residences.</p>
+
+<p>The ordinary means of defence so necessary in an Indian country had not
+been neglected; a solid double stockade of young trees surrounded the
+camp; the centre of this rampart was occupied by a ditch ten feet wide
+and fifteen deep.</p>
+
+<p>There were several drawbridges, which were raised every night, by means
+of which only could the settlement be reached; near every one of these
+was a redoubt of stone, surmounted by stakes, behind which, in case
+of attack, the garrison could place themselves. All the houses were
+moreover loopholed.</p>
+
+<p>Every night some twenty formidable dogs of the race formerly used by
+the Spaniards to hunt down the Indians, and until lately kept to track
+Negro slaves by the Americans, that is to say, bloodhounds, were let
+loose.</p>
+
+<p>One morning, shortly after sunrise, Miss Diana, accompanied by her own
+enormous and favourite dog, quitted the Point, her father's habitation,
+for the residence of Samuel Dickson.</p>
+
+<p>Very busy each about their own affairs, the brothers were often two
+days without seeing each other, the more so that their respective
+residences were quite three miles apart.</p>
+
+<p>Joshua Dickson, whose activity was immense, struck with amazement at
+sight of the magnificent waterpower at his door, and which he little
+suspected was the Missouri, had asked himself one day where these
+waters flowed to. He came at last to the conclusion that on its way to
+the sea it must run through some state of the Union.</p>
+
+<p>Then, imbued with that commercial spirit which is innate in the
+Americans, he at once saw the value of the river as available for the
+carriage of his produce, as well as to obtain supplies for the colony.
+He therefore resolved to make a journey down the river, and reach the
+first settlement, and this as soon as the heavier labours were over.</p>
+
+<p>Now with the squatter to resolve was to act, and even before anything
+else was finished he had set to work to construct a canoe sufficiently
+large to carry four persons, with victuals for a long journey, and
+strong enough to bear a voyage of some hundreds of miles.</p>
+
+<p>The boat had been finished the night before, and Joshua Dickson, eager
+to begin his journey, had sent his daughter over to Dickson Point, to
+confer with his brother as to what was to be done in his absence. But
+neither Samuel nor Diana knew anything of Joshua's projects.</p>
+
+<p>Joshua was one of those men who, without being deceitful, was very
+reticent, and never told his thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>Diana, like a true heroine, traversed the faintly traced paths which
+led to her uncle's house, a hunting knife in her belt, and light gun
+in her hand. For further safety she was accompanied by Dardar, a large
+black and white dog, something between a wolf and a Newfoundland,
+terribly ferocious, and of mighty strength, as tall as a good-sized
+donkey, and who would have tackled a bear in defence of his mistress,
+whom he obeyed with the docility of a child.</p>
+
+<p>With such a guardian Diana had nothing to fear from man or beast;
+moreover, the country was too little known to the squatters to allow a
+young girl to go out quite unprotected in the country, however short
+the distance.</p>
+
+<p>Contrary to her usual mood, the young girl was quite joyous; her
+freedom, which allowed her to give free vent to her thoughts, had
+driven away the tinge of sadness which generally clouded her beautiful
+face.</p>
+
+<p>She went along careless and dreaming through the fields, playing with
+Dardar, who, proud of the charge he was set to guard, ran wildly before
+her, dashing into the bushes and thickets with an intelligent glance
+that was almost human.</p>
+
+<p>The young girl soon reached the river, where a kind of ferryboat had
+been provided by means of which to cross the river, here neither broad
+nor deep. In a few minutes Diana was across and within sight of her
+uncle's residence.</p>
+
+<p>Inside the log hut, which was extensive, were seated two men, with a
+bottle of whisky before them. These were Samuel Dickson himself and
+George.</p>
+
+<p>Two horses, still saddled and smoking, were fastened in the court. They
+must have been on a long journey.</p>
+
+<p>"You are a pretty fellow to make me gallop about in this way in search
+of you. I am not very handsome, but I am not ugly enough to frighten
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"I simply did not see you."</p>
+
+<p>"No nonsense. Do you think to keep me in ignorance of your motive in
+coming this way?"</p>
+
+<p>The young man blushed deeply.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know my brother Joshua?" asked Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"I met him once or twice in Boston, but I do not think he ever noticed
+me," said George Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I introduce you to him?" said Samuel. "He has his faults, but he
+is a very worthy man."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think it would be wise just now."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think," continued the American, "that you have waited to be
+introduced to my niece."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir," cried the young man, dropping his glass.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, ah!" cried the American, laughing, "That is the way you break my
+crockery. These lovers, these lovers. Do you think to cheat an old
+opossum like me? You love my pretty niece, which is very natural; you
+are a good fellow, and together will make an excellent couple."</p>
+
+<p>"I regret to say it cannot be so," sighed George.</p>
+
+<p>"Why so?" cried Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"I see you are so good, I can no longer refuse to enlighten you."</p>
+
+<p>"That is right. Confess, for I am your true friend."</p>
+
+<p>"What I have to say," began George, "is not much. I met Miss Diana at
+Boston at Mrs. Marshall's, where your niece stayed for some months last
+year. I was on very good terms with your relative."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes; my cousin," said Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"Need I say that from the first moment I saw her I loved your niece? My
+visits to Mrs. Marshall, once only occasional, became so frequent that
+the lady began to have suspicion of my intentions. She at once called
+me on one side, and while giving me every credit for loyalty and worth,
+she told me not to prosecute my attentions, as Diana's father would
+never consent to our marriage. Despite all my entreaties, however,
+she would give me no reason, until at last, yielding to my earnest
+entreaties, she explained that many years before there had been such a
+quarrel between my father and Joshua Dickson that any alliance between
+our families must ever prove impossible."</p>
+
+<p>Samuel listened with extreme anxiety.</p>
+
+<p>"You see yourself that I am right," said the young man.</p>
+
+<p>"You are mistaken," cried the other; "the matter is rather serious, I
+allow. I really had forgotten that old affair. But don't ask me any
+questions; all I say is, have courage. Circumstances will probably
+alter, and believe me that in Samuel Dickson you will have a sincere
+friend."</p>
+
+<p>"I should be only too glad to help."</p>
+
+<p>"When I am on your side nothing is difficult. Now to breakfast. But how
+did you know of my brother's coming out here?" suddenly cried Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Diana told me herself."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, oh! Then I wonder no longer. To breakfast."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope, Master Samuel, you will excuse me," began the other, taking up
+his hunter's cap.</p>
+
+<p>"Sit down; if my niece were here you would not go."</p>
+
+<p>"Can I come in?" suddenly said a soft voice at the door, a voice that
+made George start.</p>
+
+<p>This sudden coincidence utterly overcame the old man's gravity, and,
+throwing himself back in his chair, he screamed with laughter, while
+Diana stood transfixed in the doorway, and George Clinton simply turned
+his cap round in his hand without being able to articulate a word.</p>
+
+<p>It was Dardar who ended the scene.</p>
+
+<p>The dog had remained outside for a moment or two, and then, seeing the
+door open, had rushed right into the middle of the room; seeing George
+Clinton he rushed at him, wagging his tail first, and then, leaping up,
+his paws on either shoulder, he licked his face with a joyous whine.</p>
+
+<p>"By heavens!" cried the squatter, "The fellow is lucky. Everyone likes
+him, even that precious Dardar, and yet he despairs. Come in, Sly
+Boots, and kiss your uncle."</p>
+
+<p>She did not require twice asking.</p>
+
+<p>"You are welcome, mademoiselle," he said, with mock politeness. "I
+suppose I need not introduce you to yonder tall young fellow?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have known the gentleman some time," replied the young girl, holding
+out her hand, which George took and kissed.</p>
+
+<p>"That's right," cried Samuel, rubbing his hands; "all goes well. And
+now once more I say, to breakfast. I am dying with hunger. We can talk
+while we eat, and you, Diana, can explain your early visit. I suppose
+you have not come three miles in the dew to kiss your old uncle?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?" she said, with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"And you expected to meet nobody," he answered. But seeing that Diana
+blushed, he continued, "But no more delay," and seated himself.</p>
+
+<p>The beginning of the meal was rather constrained, from the peculiar
+position of the young people. But the ice was soon broken; the squatter
+was merry and humorous; he avoided any pointed allusions, and the
+conversation, at first very meagre, soon became very pleasant.</p>
+
+<p>When Samuel heard the object of Diana's visit, he promised to go over
+in the evening, and then questioned George as to his travels.</p>
+
+<p>George at once proceeded to tell his story with so much wit and humour
+as to amuse uncle and niece.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," said Samuel, when breakfast was over, "listen to me. You are two
+charming young people, whom I love, and whose happiness I desire. But
+you must let me act in my own way. I know my brother well, and can do
+as I like with him. Look upon me as an ally, but commit no imprudence.
+Instead now of going with my niece, you must stop here. If you were
+seen together, we cannot say what might happen. At all times my house
+is open to you. Come as often as you like, but remember, courage and
+prudence, Diana, kiss me again, and then farewell."</p>
+
+<p>"My darling uncle," she cried, embracing him.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, very dear, because I do what you like."</p>
+
+<p>"Au revoir, George," she continued.</p>
+
+<p>"But when shall I see you again? Time appears so long."</p>
+
+<p>"Already he grumbles," cried Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, but I love her so much."</p>
+
+<p>"And do I not love you?" she said, naively.</p>
+
+<p>"I am mad," he answered, tenderly, kissing her hand a second time as he
+spoke.</p>
+
+<p>Then Diana went out, guarded by Dardar.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," said Samuel, as soon as they were alone, "you must enter into
+fuller explanations, and explain where you have pitched your tent. I
+hope you are in no difficulty."</p>
+
+<p>"Be easy on that point. I have a hut in a charming situation about
+twelve miles off. Will you come and see it?" added George Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>"At once, if you like," cried Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"At once let it be, I am not alone; I have two faithful servants and a
+Canadian hunter, whom I engaged in Boston. I have books, arms, horses,
+dogs&mdash;everything that a man can wish for."</p>
+
+<p>"Delighted to hear it. Let us start."</p>
+
+<p>Five minutes later they were galloping through the forest.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>THEY MAKE AN ACQUAINTANCE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>That part of the valley towards which they were going had undergone
+no change. The squatters had had no time to visit it, and it retained
+all its original beauty and primitive majesty. George Clinton
+appeared fully to know his way, entering at full gallop on the most
+out-of-the-way and rugged paths, followed by Samuel Dickson, who was in
+a charming humour, and appeared delighted to explore this part of his
+domains, for all on that side of the valley was his present from his
+brother.</p>
+
+<p>"You ride as if you had known the country ten years at least," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"I came here about a month before you, but I have been everywhere with
+Charbonneau."</p>
+
+<p>"Who may Charbonneau be?"</p>
+
+<p>"My hunter, a great big Canadian, as long as a fishing rod, as thin as
+a nail, and as honest as a Newfoundland dog. I got him out of a very
+great scrape, and he has been devoted to me ever since."</p>
+
+<p>"Lucky for you."</p>
+
+<p>"More than you think. This fellow was brought up in an Indian tribe;
+his life has been spent more or less in the desert. He has friends
+everywhere with trappers, with white and half-caste hunters; speaks all
+the most difficult redskin dialects, and despite his youth&mdash;he is not
+more than three-and-twenty&mdash;enjoys a great reputation on the prairie.
+He is called Keen-hand, because of his prodigious dexterity."</p>
+
+<p>"An excellent servant," said Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"And a capital companion&mdash;always gay and contented; whichever way
+things go, he is always so philosophical I cannot but admire him. He is
+a perfect study. As an instance, he declared some time ago no squatter
+would ever see this place and go further."</p>
+
+<p>"He was not far wrong. He is a sharp youth."</p>
+
+<p>"You are right; but you shall judge for yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"Then he has told you all about this country?" asked Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"In what way?" said George.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose he described the situation of the valley&mdash;its distance from
+all habitations?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you know?" cried George.</p>
+
+<p>"I know nothing. We have been travelling in the dark, and should all be
+glad of information."</p>
+
+<p>"In the first place, two rivers cross the valley; that near you flows
+from the mountains of the Wind; the other, into which it discharges its
+waters, is the Missouri."</p>
+
+<p>"Heavens! The Missouri! Then it runs through part of the United States.
+We are at home."</p>
+
+<p>"Very nearly, though you are surrounded by red men, who, though very
+warlike, are generally friendly to the whites. Still, if you know the
+redskins you will not depend on them."</p>
+
+<p>"Too true; and what nations are they?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Sioux and Dakotas, Piekanns, Crows, Hurons of the great lakes, with
+some Assiniboins and Mandans. A few others of no account are scattered
+about," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"A pretty lot; and no help near."</p>
+
+<p>"Help is nearer than you think. About fifty miles distant is a fort
+belonging to one of the great fur companies. It has a garrison of fifty
+whites&mdash;Americans and Canadians, soldiers and hunters."</p>
+
+<p>"Fifty miles is nothing," said Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"In a civilised country, yes; but in the desert it is as bad as fifty
+leagues," responded Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>"I did not think of that," granted the squatter; "well, then, on the
+other side, what neighbours have we?"</p>
+
+<p>"Some squatters, like yourselves, who have been two years on the
+Missouri. You are halfway between the two."</p>
+
+<p>"Have these squatters much cultivated land?"</p>
+
+<p>"They have been going ahead lately. It is already almost a village;
+soon it will be a town. But anyway, on one side or the other you are
+separated from men of your own colour by several Indian nations, whose
+villages it would be dangerous to visit, except in large numbers. In
+fact your only open route is the Missouri."</p>
+
+<p>"That is something; but, if easy to go down, it is hard to ascend."</p>
+
+<p>"Besides, both sides swarm with redskins."</p>
+
+<p>"Hum! My dear George, that spoils all. What could put it into the mad
+head of my brother to bring us here? He is a lunatic; for the matter of
+that, so am I."</p>
+
+<p>George could not help laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Laugh away, you young rascal," said the squatter; "but if we have to
+leave our bones here?"</p>
+
+<p>"I hope it will not be so," replied George.</p>
+
+<p>"Jehoshaphat! So do I. Your information is not pleasant; still I thank
+you. It is best to know the worst."</p>
+
+<p>While speaking they kept on at as rapid a pace as the state of the
+ground allowed. They had left the forest, and had come out upon a green
+prairie, when suddenly they heard a gun fired.</p>
+
+<p>"What is that?" cried the squatter.</p>
+
+<p>"Charbonneau. I know the sound. Wait a minute."</p>
+
+<p>And Clinton fired his rifle in the air.</p>
+
+<p>Next instant there was a rush from out of a thicket, and two
+magnificent dogs of the same breed as Dardar came rushing out of a
+thicket, and, leaping at the young man to beg a caress, continued at
+the same time to growl at the squatter.</p>
+
+<p>"Down, dogs, down!" cried the young man. "Down, I say, Nadeje, miss,
+and you the same, Drack; don't be mischievous. This gentleman, my
+fine fellows, is a friend; go and welcome him, to show what brave and
+intelligent beasts you are."</p>
+
+<p>As if they had understood what their master said, the two dogs ceased
+to growl, and, going straight to Samuel Dickson, leaped up at him in
+the most friendly way. The squatter, a great dog fancier, was very
+much struck by their beauty, and at once caressed them with many a
+word of praise, which pleased both, but especially Miss Nadeje; she
+was a magnificent animal, with an almost pure white skin, spotted only
+here and there with black, and at once took the squatter under her
+guardianship.</p>
+
+<p>Almost at the same moment a man appeared in the full costume of a
+hunter, a man with rather angular but very intelligent features; in his
+hand was the still-smoking gun. He bowed, and called off the dogs.</p>
+
+<p>"Pardieu!" he cried, "That was a lucky shot of mine."</p>
+
+<p>"Were you hunting?" asked the other, shaking hands.</p>
+
+<p>"At this hour it were folly, and I am not yet mad. Sport is only good
+morning and evening, is it not?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is my opinion," replied the squatter.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Samuel Dickson, one of my best friends," said George, "and I hope
+soon one of yours."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so; I like his looks," laughed Charbonneau.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you," said the squatter.</p>
+
+<p>"It is quite unnecessary, only I don't say the same to everybody. But I
+have known you some time."</p>
+
+<p>"If not hunting, what were you doing?" asked George.</p>
+
+<p>"Something has happened at the wigwam. Three travellers, two white
+hunters and an Indian chief, have reached your house, and demanded
+hospitality," he replied.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course you did not refuse?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I did not. Besides, two of the hunters are my friends, and
+the other is likely to become so."</p>
+
+<p>"You know you are welcome to act; still, why look for me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I did not exactly look for you, but I wanted to give you
+warning; of course, I knew where you had gone."</p>
+
+<p>The young man blushed, while the old man laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, then," cried Clinton, "let us go home."</p>
+
+<p>"Wait one moment. About fifty yards in my rear the dogs opened cry. I
+ran and found&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"A bear?" exclaimed the squatter.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I would not have minded that. It was not a bear, but a man. He
+was lying insensible on the ground, his skull split open from a heavy
+fall, and a shot wound in his left arm. His horse was grazing close by.
+He appeared to be a traveller traitorously shot by an Indian. I thought
+I heard an explosion; at all events, the wretch fled before the dogs,
+just as he was about to rob the unfortunate."</p>
+
+<p>"You assisted him?"</p>
+
+<p>"How could I help it? I could not let him die like a skunk on the road;
+and yet it would have been wiser."</p>
+
+<p>"Charbonneau!" cried the young man, "Is that really you?"</p>
+
+<p>"You know me well, Master George. Well, despite myself, I don't like
+the look of this man, though he is handsome enough. He has a terrible
+expression, and you know it takes something to move me. Still, I feel
+an invincible repugnance for this man, whom I never saw before. The
+dogs were like myself; I had the greatest difficulty to prevent them
+tearing him to pieces. Nadeje was like a mad creature; she wanted to
+strangle him. Do you know, Master George, dogs never make a mistake?"</p>
+
+<p>"A very good thing," said George Clinton; "but the man is wounded,
+likely to die. We are bound to succour him."</p>
+
+<p>"I know it, and have done so. I have seen to him as I would to myself
+or one of my dogs. Still, Master George, mark my words, it is a bitter
+foe you shelter under your roof."</p>
+
+<p>"It may be so, but we must do our duty."</p>
+
+<p>"As you please. Still I shall watch him."</p>
+
+<p>"Where is he?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just under yonder cluster of oaks, which you see from here. It was
+after dressing his wound I fired a shot on chance."</p>
+
+<p>"Did he say nothing?" asked George.</p>
+
+<p>"He is still quite insensible."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us join him, and if the dogs are so ill-disposed towards the
+stranger, watch them carefully."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, Master George. Be quiet, dogs," said the hunter, turning
+back, followed by the two great dogs, the others making up the rear.</p>
+
+<p>The cluster of oaks was soon reached; the wounded man still lay without
+life; the dogs howled, but, at a sign from Keen-hand, they stood back
+silent.</p>
+
+<p>George and Samuel alighted, and examined the man.</p>
+
+<p>He was a tall, well made, even elegant man of about thirty or
+thirty-five; he was deadly pale; his features were well chiselled
+and delicate; his long, jet black hair fell in waving curls on his
+shoulders; a black crisp beard hid the lower part of his face; his
+mouth, large and slightly open, showed magnificent teeth of dazzling
+whiteness; his strong and aquiline nose gave a terribly hard expression
+to his face, while his eyes, far too close together, and which were
+shut, were shaded by long lashes, and crowned by heavy eyebrows that
+almost touched.</p>
+
+<p>The very sight of the man inspired instinctive repulsion, something
+like a chill, that sensation of terror and disgust which one feels at
+the sight of a reptile; still the man was handsome and elegant; he was
+well dressed, and his weapons were superior; his horse was extremely
+valuable.</p>
+
+<p>He was, to all appearance, a prince among adventurers.</p>
+
+<p>"Hum!" muttered Samuel Dickson, who was the first to speak; "I don't
+like his look at all."</p>
+
+<p>"No more do I," said George; "still, we cannot let him die."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not, since Providence has sent him here. Are we far from
+your hut?" replied Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"Not far off, are we, Charbonneau? But, then, how can we carry him?"
+continued George; "I don't see anything except a litter."</p>
+
+<p>"Too long. Leave all to me. I will mount his horse; you can hand him up
+to me; I will then carry him in my arms to the wigwam&mdash;what say you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Admirable!" cried George, as Charbonneau mounted and stood still,
+awaiting his burden.</p>
+
+<p>George and Samuel then placed him before the guide. Charbonneau pressed
+his head against his chest, and started.</p>
+
+<p>Going slowly, they were an hour on the journey.</p>
+
+<p>The wigwam, as the hunter called it, was a charming habitation built of
+wood, upon the summit of an eminence, round which ran a silver stream,
+lined with well-constructed palisades.</p>
+
+<p>"Your house is delicious," said Samuel Dickson, examining the
+residence. "You should be very comfortable."</p>
+
+<p>"My good friend, I want for nothing except happiness."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you going to have the blues again?" said Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"You know I hardly dare hope," replied George.</p>
+
+<p>"You are very foolish. When you are rich, young, and loved, Master
+George, you ought to hope for the best."</p>
+
+<p>"You are very cruel to joke with me."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not joke, I only try to inspire you with courage. But, look, here
+are your guests coming to meet you, while your servants seem to me to
+be rather muddled and mixed," observed Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"It is the first time they have ever seen strangers."</p>
+
+<p>"Then," said Samuel, laughing, "they will have a change today."</p>
+
+<p>Three persons were advancing in the direction of the advancing troop.
+They were Bright-eye, Numank-Charake, the Huron chief, and Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>They bowed ceremoniously to Clinton, who renewed the invitation given
+by Charbonneau; and then alighting, the wounded man was carried by
+Bright-eye and Oliver to the best bedroom, placed on the master's
+own couch, and at once attended to by one of the domestics, who knew
+something of medicine.</p>
+
+<p>"What a disagreeable face!" murmured Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"He does not look pleasant," said Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis the face of a traitor," said the Indian chief, sententiously; "he
+should have been allowed to die."</p>
+
+<p>"Hum!" cried Keen-hand; "There are others of my opinion."</p>
+
+<p>"Let my brother watch carefully," remarked the Indian.</p>
+
+<p>"Be not uneasy," smiled Charbonneau.</p>
+
+<p>"In my opinion," said Bright-eye, "this man is one of the outlaws of
+the desert. I have seen him somewhere before. I must not only think
+over the matter, but put the master of the house on his guard."</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the four men rejoined Clinton and Samuel Dickson in the
+drawing room, where copious refreshments awaited them.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>WHO THE STRANGER WAS.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>As soon as the farmer had taken some slight refreshment and assured
+himself as to the comfortable position in which he was placed, he took
+his leave. The day was far advanced, and he had to meet his brother on
+a matter of business.</p>
+
+<p>On leaving George, the squatter bent low on his horse, and after one
+last glance at the hut:</p>
+
+<p>"Beware, my friend," he said, "of the wounded man. I think him an
+unmitigated rascal. Get rid of him."</p>
+
+<p>"I will take your advice. I do not like him myself, and as soon as he
+can travel he shall surely go."</p>
+
+<p>And, after mutual promises to meet again, the two friends parted, and
+Samuel rode off in hot haste. George watched him until he was quite out
+of sight.</p>
+
+<p>He then sighed. The departure of Samuel had broken the last link
+between the charming events of the morning and the more matter-of-fact
+events of the evening. He now gloomily turned on his heel, and found
+himself face to face with the three travellers accompanied by Keen-hand.</p>
+
+<p>"You are not going?" he cried.</p>
+
+<p>"No," answered Bright-eye; "on the contrary, if you will allow us, we
+intend remaining some little time."</p>
+
+<p>"You will give me great satisfaction," continued Clinton, "use my house
+entirely as your own."</p>
+
+<p>The hunters bowed courteously.</p>
+
+<p>"We have come to meet you," said Oliver, "because, having something to
+say, we prefer the open air."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," continued Bright-eye, "though the wounded man whom you have
+so generously entertained is as yet incapable of listening, your
+servants&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Are discreet and devoted," observed Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>"We know that, and have taken no precautions against them."</p>
+
+<p>"You would have been very unwise to do so. Morris and Stephen knew me
+from my birth. They love me as if I were a child of their own. I have
+no secrets from them and should be sorry to wound their feelings."</p>
+
+<p>"I was prepared for that objection," said Keen-hand, "and was therefore
+careful to warn them."</p>
+
+<p>"You have done well, Charbonneau, as I would not for the world offend
+those worthy fellows. And now, gentlemen, follow me, and I will take
+you where you can speak openly without fear of being overheard."</p>
+
+<p>Saying which George moved away from the house and led them to a
+hillock, wholly without trees, overlooking the river, and whence he
+could see a long way.</p>
+
+<p>"This is my observatory," he said, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"Admirably well chosen," replied Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>On the invitation of Clinton everyone seated himself on the grass,
+and lit his pipe; then Bright-eye, who appeared general spokesman,
+addressed their host.</p>
+
+<p>"We have learned from Keen-hand that you have not long left the cities
+of the United States to visit for a time the prairies of the Far West."</p>
+
+<p>"I have no reason for making any secret of the matter."</p>
+
+<p>"Everyone is master of his own actions," continued Bright-eye, "and we
+have no right to inquire in any way into your affairs. We only desire
+to indicate you as new to prairie customs."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not very learned in the matter, and am therefore wholly guided by
+my hunter, who, despite his youth, is an old runner of the woods. But
+as I see no motive for this conversation, I should be glad if it were
+abridged."</p>
+
+<p>"One question first&mdash;Are you prepared as a dweller in the desert to
+submit to its habits and customs?" asked Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>"As long as they are just and reasonable," said the other, "I pledge my
+word to be guided by them."</p>
+
+<p>"We find that your friend here described you well."</p>
+
+<p>"Still you must be aware that you are keeping me waiting."</p>
+
+<p>"Two words will explain," said Bright-eye; "we demand the body of the
+wounded man yonder."</p>
+
+<p>"What to do?" cried Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>"To apply Lynch law to him," coldly replied the hunter.</p>
+
+<p>The young man shuddered, a livid pallor spread over his countenance; he
+looked at the hunters, who nodded their heads, with a glance of horror.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean, gentlemen?" he cried; "Do you intend to torture this
+man, whose life hangs on a thread?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is our right and our duty, not to torture him, but to try him, and
+execute the sentence, whatever it may be, at once."</p>
+
+<p>"This is terrible!" cried the young man.</p>
+
+<p>"You do not know him. If, for reasons best known to ourselves, we
+feigned not to know him, now that your friend has left we will tell you
+who the wretch is."</p>
+
+<p>"No matter who he is," cried Clinton, fiercely, "all I know is that he
+is wounded and under the protection of my roof."</p>
+
+<p>"Your sentiments of humanity do you honour," said Bright-eye,
+ironically; "they are well suited to civilised society, where the law
+defends you. In the desert they have no meaning. Every moment menaced
+with death, you must cut down your murderous foes without mercy."</p>
+
+<p>"Better be victim than executioner," said George.</p>
+
+<p>"If you like to present your breast to the enemies, that is your
+lookout; we beg to differ from you."</p>
+
+<p>"But, gentlemen&mdash;" said Clinton, haughtily.</p>
+
+<p>"You made a promise. Do you or do you not intend to be bound by it?"
+asked Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>"This is your return for my hospitality."</p>
+
+<p>"You are unjust, sir; we are but the instruments of public opinion,
+about to accomplish a painful duty, guided by our conscience and our
+sense of right. Do you give this man up to us, yes or no?" he continued.</p>
+
+<p>"Take him, if you insist; but as on your private authority you judge
+this man, I will defend him."</p>
+
+<p>"We are delighted to hear it."</p>
+
+<p>"When do you intend trying this man who is dangerously wounded and
+nearly insensible?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is not so ill as he pretends to be," replied Bright-eye; "and we
+intend trying him at once."</p>
+
+<p>"Come, then, for the matter is getting wearisome," said George.</p>
+
+<p>All returned to the house. Oliver and Numank had not spoken, but their
+firm step, their knitted brows, their flashing eyes, sufficiently
+indicated that they fully agreed with Bright-eye in his intentions.</p>
+
+<p>When they entered the room where the wounded man lay he was quite
+conscious; his face, of an earthy pallor, had two red spots on the
+cheeks; the pearly sweat fell heavily from his brow; his eyes were half
+closed, but he could clearly see through his lashes. His attitude was
+that of a tiger at bay, unaware from what side danger was likely to
+come.</p>
+
+<p>Bright-eye looked at him with such pertinacity that after a time he was
+compelled to open his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>The Canadian smiled, whispered to Keen-hand, who nodded his head, and
+soon left the hut.</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen," said Bright-eye in a loud tone, "we will at once proceed
+to instal the head of the court of Judge Lynch."</p>
+
+<p>"You are the chief," said the others.</p>
+
+<p>"I accept. You will be the accusers. I shall at once take my seat, as
+we are here to judge this man."</p>
+
+<p>"You forget I am here to defend him," remarked Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>"You are quite right," replied Bright-eye; "pray therefore attend
+carefully to the accusations I am about to make against him; you can
+then undertake his defence, if, indeed, when you know all, you care to
+do so."</p>
+
+<p>The wounded man had appeared motionless and insensible to all around
+him, but on hearing the generous words of the young man, spoken in a
+gentle voice, he seemed to shiver all over, and, raising himself a
+little, looked keenly at George Clinton, with a glance of gratitude.</p>
+
+<p>Bright-eye meanwhile reflected a moment, folded his arms, and throwing
+back his head spoke:</p>
+
+<p>"Prisoner," he said, "you are before a terrible tribunal. Judge
+Lynch has been appointed to condemn you if guilty, to absolve you if
+innocent. Prepare yourself to hear and answer the charges made against
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not acknowledge the jurisdiction of Judge Lynch," said the man;
+"you are a tribunal of assassins."</p>
+
+<p>"As you please," replied the Canadian; "but your silence will be
+treated as a confession of guilt."</p>
+
+<p>The accused shuddered.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, instead of leaving me to die in the prairie, was I brought here?"
+he asked; "Is hospitality a mere trick?"</p>
+
+<p>"The man is right," cried George; "I cannot suffer such things to pass
+under my roof. I protest, in the name of humanity, against all that is
+being done. You dishonour me by acting in this manner here."</p>
+
+<p>"The jurisdiction of Judge Lynch is universal in the desert," was the
+cold reply; "none can check it. This man is an outlaw of the prairies,
+a man of blood and crime. Louis Querehard, Paul Sambrun, Tom Mitchell,
+and half a dozen aliases&mdash;you see we know you well&mdash;eleven days ago you
+basely attacked an old man in charge of a young girl; you killed the
+old man from behind at the Elk's Leap. Where is the young girl?"</p>
+
+<p>"Base calumny," cried the wounded man, sitting up suddenly; "I know not
+what you mean. I killed no old man."</p>
+
+<p>"I repeat that you killed the old man and stole away the girl. I have
+the proofs," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>The wounded man sat biting his lips with rage.</p>
+
+<p>"This morning," continued Bright-eye, "you quarrelled with one of your
+accomplices, while crossing this valley, and fell from the treachery of
+your fellow bandit."</p>
+
+<p>"Falsehood!" cried the wounded man.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall soon see," said the Canadian, coldly, and putting his fingers
+to his lips he uttered a shrill whistle.</p>
+
+<p>A noise was heard and several men entered. These were Keen-hand, two
+servants of Clinton, and a prisoner&mdash;a man of wretched, mean, and
+ignoble appearance.</p>
+
+<p>"This is your accomplice," said Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know him," replied the wounded man.</p>
+
+<p>"You don't know me?" cried the other; "Really now, have you already
+forgotten poor Camotte?"</p>
+
+<p>"You declare this man unknown to you?" said the judge. "Well, be it so.
+Now, fellow," to the man Camotte, "will you confess?"</p>
+
+<p>"Caray, yes," said the prisoner, "anything you like."</p>
+
+<p>"Speak then," responded Bright-eye: "we wait."</p>
+
+<p>"Miserable wretch," asked the wounded man, "are you a traitor?"</p>
+
+<p>"My good sir, I object to be hung," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"It is useless to question that rascal," said the wounded man. "I will
+tell you all you want to know; but before we go any further it must be
+on one condition."</p>
+
+<p>"We decline to accept conditions," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Then beware. I alone know where the young girl is concealed. Refuse my
+conditions and my secret dies with me."</p>
+
+<p>"It is true," said Camotte, in answer to a look from Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>"What are your conditions?" resumed the judge.</p>
+
+<p>"My life, liberty, and three hours' start," said the outlaw; "also the
+company of my friend Camotte yonder," he added, with a sneer, as that
+individual shivered; "further, I require my horse, arms, and my valise.
+On these conditions you shall have the young girl: I swear it."</p>
+
+<p>"Anything else?" continued the judge.</p>
+
+<p>"One moment," observed George; "I ask for him eight days to recover
+from his wound, during which time he shall remain here under my
+guardianship and yours."</p>
+
+<p>"We consent," said Bright-eye, gloomily; "now speak."</p>
+
+<p>"The girl is concealed twelve miles away, in the Cavern of the Elk. I
+was going there with food when I was shot. Make haste."</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had he finished ere Oliver and the chief disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>"Beware of my vengeance," cried Bright-eye, "if you have spoken
+falsely."</p>
+
+<p>"I have spoken the truth," said the wounded man, and fainted.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>EXPLANATIONS.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>We must go back a little in order to explain how the three hunters were
+driven to seek hospitality in the hut of George Clinton, and what were
+the motives of the deadly hatred they had vowed against the wounded,
+almost dying, man.</p>
+
+<p>At the time of which we write nearly the whole American continent,
+north and south, was owned by Spain, which ruled her provinces with a
+yoke of iron, closed to all other nations with as much jealousy as ever
+was shown by China.</p>
+
+<p>The United States alone stood free, independent.</p>
+
+<p>The newly enfranchised people were, however, well aware that as long as
+the rest of the land was not free their work was unfinished.</p>
+
+<p>Besides, it became necessary to give employment to the restless spirits
+let loose by the close of the war.</p>
+
+<p>The Government at once set to work. The territory of the new republic
+was already immense, but thinly peopled, almost unknown, and occupied
+in many instances by wandering Indian tribes. These must first be got
+rid of.</p>
+
+<p>The activity of the Americans is known. They rushed off into the
+desert, they erected forts to awe the redskins; hardy pioneers
+traversed the prairies and established settlements in the very heart of
+the Indian country.</p>
+
+<p>Every encouragement was given to emigrants from Europe, who were
+received most hospitably.</p>
+
+<p>The Government was favoured by circumstances; it was a rising power
+while Spain was falling to pieces.</p>
+
+<p>The American Government at once offered to buy Louisiana of France,
+and meanwhile sent out small companies of free corps to attack the
+frontier of the Spanish colonies. But alongside those recognised by
+the authorities were other bands, men isolated from all civilisation,
+having no control to fear, recruited from the scum which froths up
+during troublous times; these bands made war on their own account,
+pillaged friend and foe, burned haciendas, and allied themselves with
+the redskins, taking their dress in order the more readily to carry out
+their nefarious designs.</p>
+
+<p>Among these bands was one more formidable than all the others of sad
+and monstrous celebrity.</p>
+
+<p>This troop of two hundred desperadoes, called themselves outlaws, and,
+it was believed, though no one exactly knew their headquarters, were
+established on the Missouri, whence they carried their depredations far
+and near.</p>
+
+<p>Powerfully organised, submitting to strict discipline, this band had
+spies in every direction, who kept them well informed, not only as to
+the number and strength of caravans about to cross the desert, with
+their destination, but as to the expeditions sent out by Government
+against themselves. By these means they were always on their guard and
+never taken by surprise.</p>
+
+<p>The chief of this terrible band was said to have only been six years
+in America, and yet he knew all the secrets of the desert; he was as
+clever as the most cunning and astute runner of the woods, quite equal
+to any redskin in deceit. He was supposed to be a Frenchman, though he
+spoke English, Spanish, and many Indian languages equally well. He was
+called Querehard, Sambrun, Magnaud, Tom Mitchell, and various other
+names.</p>
+
+<p>But none knew his real one, though some did whisper that he was the
+chief of a certain fearful band who had played so terrible a part
+during the Reign of Terror.</p>
+
+<p>Many asserted that he was not so bad as he was painted&mdash;that, in
+fact, though chief of this fearful crew, he always tried to prevent
+bloodshed, that he never allowed women and children to be ill-treated.</p>
+
+<p>He was said to be very generous, and had as many friends as enemies.</p>
+
+<p>Whatever the truth, Tom Mitchell was a kind of hero; the American and
+Spanish Governments had placed a price upon his head; but no one ever
+ventured to try for the reward of ten thousand dollars.</p>
+
+<p>After the medicine council we have recorded, Numank-Charake and his two
+friends continued their journey.</p>
+
+<p>On the seventh day, an hour before the setting of the sun, they reached
+a village built in the fork of two rivers.</p>
+
+<p>The village was surrounded by lofty palisades, with a ditch full of
+water, and drawbridges.</p>
+
+<p>The travellers came up just as these were being removed.</p>
+
+<p>They were warmly received by an eager crowd.</p>
+
+<p>Since his landing in America this was the first time Oliver had entered
+a real village of redskins.</p>
+
+<p>He was surprised to find it so superior to what he expected. Instead of
+ordinary bison tents, or huts made with hurdles, mud, and thatch, it
+consisted of admirably constructed Canadian cabins.</p>
+
+<p>These cabins stood in rows, with small gardens in front, while here and
+there were some real Indian wigwams.</p>
+
+<p>Those Canadians who had retreated with their families to the tribe
+of Bison Hurons had introduced these habits. Hence the rather hybrid
+character of the village, which was half Canadian and half Indian.</p>
+
+<p>Reaching the centre of the village Numank left his companions, while
+Bright-eye pointed out a most comfortable looking cabin and declared it
+to be his home.</p>
+
+<p>At the entrance stood two men leaning on their rifles. One, nearly a
+centenarian, but still robust and very tall, had a large white beard;
+his eyes still shone brightly, his complexion was the colour of brick,
+while his ropy muscles could be seen through his parchment skin. His
+expression was gentle and full of courage. This was the grandfather of
+the hunter, an old soldier of Montcalm.</p>
+
+<p>The second was Bright-eye's father, whom he resembled in every
+particular except age and height.</p>
+
+<p>"They indeed appear a noble couple," whispered Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"Come with me," was the laconic reply.</p>
+
+<p>In a few minutes they were at the door of the cabin. Bright-eye
+dismounted and took off his fur cap.</p>
+
+<p>"I am back after a long absence. Give me your blessing."</p>
+
+<p>"Take it with all our hearts," cried the two old men.</p>
+
+<p>They then shook hands cordially, Oliver looking on with a deep sigh of
+envy and regret.</p>
+
+<p>"He at all events has a family," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Come nearer, my friend," cried Bright-eye; and when Oliver stood
+beside him, he added, "this is Oliver, my friend. Eight days ago we met
+in the savannah, and we have never parted since. He loves me and I love
+him; he is a brave man and a most excellent hunter; our friend, the
+redskin, calls him Bounding Panther."</p>
+
+<p>"He is welcome," said the old man; "all Frenchmen are our brothers;
+as long as he chooses to remain there is a hut to shelter him and a
+quarter of venison for his food."</p>
+
+<p>"Well spoken, father," said his son, shaking hands with the young
+Frenchman; "we are French here. Welcome."</p>
+
+<p>"Messieurs," replied Oliver, with a bow and a smile, "it is not with
+words we answer such words, but by acts."</p>
+
+<p>"We welcome you as a second son; come in."</p>
+
+<p>The horses were now taken away by a young Indian, and the whole party
+entered the house.</p>
+
+<p>The hut, which was built with logs, was whitewashed both in and out,
+and had four windows.</p>
+
+<p>Oliver entered a rather large hall, lit by two of the windows, with a
+plank flooring, and a roof supported by heavy beams; at one end was a
+large chimney, near the kitchen a table, some seats and chairs, two
+oaken dressers covered by utensils in brown earthenware, and a large
+old-fashioned clock composed the furniture.</p>
+
+<p>Two doors led, one into the kitchen, the other into the guests' room,
+which was pointed out to Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>There were three other rooms, one occupied by the two old men, one by
+Bright-eye, and one by his sister when at home.</p>
+
+<p>All were furnished alike; a bed, a little table, several boxes, two or
+three chairs; some hideously coloured prints from Epinal were fixed
+on the walls, also pipes of all sorts and sizes, a French long gun, a
+powder horn, lead pouch, game bag, hatchet, a knife with its deerskin
+belt, that was all.</p>
+
+<p>It was one floor, except a large loft above.</p>
+
+<p>Behind the house there was stabling for six horses, a yard with fowls,
+a rather large garden, well enclosed and full of choice vegetables. It
+was the old man who took care of the garden as child's play.</p>
+
+<p>When, having made some slight change in his toilette, Oliver returned
+to the hall dinner was on the table.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you had good hunting lately?" asked Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>"Not very good. Game gets scarce. Still I made three hundred and
+seventy dollars in a fortnight," he replied.</p>
+
+<p>"Pretty fair; and what was your game?"</p>
+
+<p>"The blue fox, near Hudson's Bay," continued the other; "I have been
+home three weeks. But you say nothing of your sister."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not in the habit of questioning you, father."</p>
+
+<p>"The boy is right," said the old man; "it is your place to speak."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose," cried the hunter, "Angela is in the village."</p>
+
+<p>"No, my son, she is absent," continued the old man, "and I am sorry for
+it, as she was the joy of the house."</p>
+
+<p>"Where is she then, father?" asked Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>"About five days' march, with our cousin Lagrenay, the squatter of the
+Wind River. His wife has been ill, he is alone; having no one to take
+care of her, he came here and asked for Angela to stay a few days."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear father, our cousin Lagrenay's settlement is a long way off, in
+the heart of the Indian country."</p>
+
+<p>"You are right," said his father; "I fear I have acted with too great
+haste. I will fetch her home tomorrow."</p>
+
+<p>"I will go with you, father."</p>
+
+<p>"It is unnecessary. Your health, sir," addressing Oliver; "is it long
+since you left France?"</p>
+
+<p>"Many thanks. I have been in America two months."</p>
+
+<p>"Though so far off news is welcome. How is the king?"</p>
+
+<p>"There is no longer any king," said Oliver, gravely; "France is now a
+republic like America."</p>
+
+<p>While the stupefaction which this news caused was still at its height
+Numank-Charake entered.</p>
+
+<p>"Welcome; be seated and eat," said the old man.</p>
+
+<p>"I came neither to eat nor to drink," replied the young Indian, sadly.
+"I came to tell you that your child, Evening Dew, has been carried off
+by Tom Mitchell, the outlaw, and that we must at once save her."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>HOW THE THREE TRAVELLERS WENT TO GEORGE CLINTON'S.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>This terrible revelation fell like a thunderclap upon the four
+personages who sat at table. There was for some minutes a silence
+caused by perfect stupor.</p>
+
+<p>"You are indeed a sinister messenger, chief," said the old man,
+bitterly; "whence do you get this news?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you are mistaken," gasped the father.</p>
+
+<p>"Listen," said the chief, sadly, "and you shall hear what has passed in
+a few words."</p>
+
+<p>"First sit down and break bread," cried the old man; "we are friends
+and relatives, and this awful catastrophe affects you as well as us."</p>
+
+<p>"You say truly," responded the young chief, seating himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Eat and drink," said the old man; "then we will talk."</p>
+
+<p>The meal continued, to the great astonishment of Oliver. He could
+not understand the calm and sang-froid of these four men in presence
+of such an awful event. He was half inclined to accuse them even of
+coldness of heart.</p>
+
+<p>He knew nothing of that Indian etiquette, more severe than that of any
+other country, which requires this apparent coldness. He soon, however,
+discovered how much he was mistaken, and how deeply all these brave and
+loyal hearts were wounded by the fatal incident.</p>
+
+<p>The repast was sad and gloomy. Nobody spoke. They ate as if it were a
+duty which must be done.</p>
+
+<p>After the hasty repast was over there was silence.</p>
+
+<p>"You have come, sir," said the old man, addressing Oliver, "at an
+unfortunate moment; pardon us if we seem rude and inhospitable. But
+evil has fallen on us."</p>
+
+<p>"You told me, sir," replied the young man, "that I was to become a
+member of your family. Let me, then, share your sorrows as well as your
+joys. I feel more on the subject than you think, being Bright-eye's
+brother."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you; you are one of us," said the old man.</p>
+
+<p>"You are my second son," cried the father.</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, and hope to prove myself deserving."</p>
+
+<p>Everybody now rose from table, filled his pipe and lighted it, and
+then, the repast having in the meantime been cleared away, seated
+themselves by the fire.</p>
+
+<p>"Chief," said the old man, "the time has come. We are ready to listen
+to you with the deepest attention."</p>
+
+<p>Rising and bowing to all, the chief, who affected stoical gravity, but
+who had great difficulty in controlling his voice, spoke&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Lagrenay's wife was never ill. Evening Dew was carried off by Tom
+Mitchell from the squatters."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you quite positive?" asked the grandfather.</p>
+
+<p>"I am positive. The news was brought to me just now by a courier in
+whom I have every confidence. He saw all that happened without himself
+being seen."</p>
+
+<p>A deep silence prevailed. None interrupted the old man.</p>
+
+<p>"Allow me," he said, "to speak frankly to you, chief. You are my
+relative; I remember your birth, and love you."</p>
+
+<p>"My father is good, and knows I love him," replied the chief.</p>
+
+<p>"I know it; but pardon me if I speak very plainly. There is a
+hesitation in your words which alarms me excessively. I am sure you
+have not told us all you think."</p>
+
+<p>The chief bowed his head.</p>
+
+<p>"I knew I was right," cried the old man; "you know far more than you
+choose to say."</p>
+
+<p>"No skin covers my heart, my blood runs red and clear in my veins; the
+Wacondah sees and judges me. Let my father explain himself frankly.
+I ought only to speak after him. His head is white with the snows of
+wisdom. He is wise."</p>
+
+<p>"Good, Numank-Charake, you are a great brave, despite your youth. Soon
+you will be renowned in council. I know the motives which shut your
+mouth. You love her."</p>
+
+<p>The young man started.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not deny it," said the old man. "I know it, as does my son, and we
+rejoice both of us. She will be happy with one who is both strong and
+brave. Not knowing our sentiments towards you, you have nobly hesitated
+to accuse a near relative. You have acted well. But time presses, and
+not a moment is to be lost. We know our cousin as well, or perhaps
+better, than you do. We know also that falsehood never soiled your
+lips. To keep further silence would be to commit a bad action&mdash;to make
+yourself almost the accomplice of the ravishers. Speak out, then, like
+a man."</p>
+
+<p>"I obey," replied the young man, respectfully.</p>
+
+<p>"And hide nothing, I pray," added François Berger.</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you everything," he said, "as you know my heart is given
+to Evening Dew. I love her; her love is my joy, her voice my happiness.
+On my return to the village, after my unfortunate expedition, Evening
+Dew was no longer in her father's wigwam. I asked news of everybody; I
+even ventured to ask you. Your answer filled me with discouragement.
+I returned to my hut heartbroken with despair. My grandfather had
+pity on me. Kouha-hande loves me, and spoke like a wise man. 'Go,' he
+said, 'find Bright-eye at the spot agreed on; he is the brother of
+Evening Dew; he will grieve with you, and perhaps give you good advice.
+During his absence I will watch. If necessary, I will go to the hut of
+the white man on the Wind River. Adieu, my son, and may the Wacondah
+accompany you,' I obeyed my father. I put on my travelling moccasins,
+took my gun, provisions, all that a hunter requires, and started. But
+my soul was sorrowful; a sad presentiment froze me to the marrow of my
+bones; Wacondah sent it."</p>
+
+<p>"Courage, child," said the old man, kindly. "Wacondah is powerful and
+just; He tries those whom He loves."</p>
+
+<p>"Two hours ago I returned to the village of my nation. I was very
+sad and uneasy. Without a word I left my comrades and friends, and
+rushed to my wigwam. My father's father awaited me. He was gloomy and
+thoughtful, and rose as I entered. I guessed at once what I had to
+expect. This is what I learned. Kouha-hande is a sachem whose words are
+not to be doubted. For two days, hid in the thickets, he watched the
+hut of the squatter of the River of the Wind. The second day, before
+the rising of the moon, there was a sharp whistle near the habitation,
+and a man appeared. He was very pale, wore the costume of the hunter
+of the prairies, and carried a rifle. At the distance the sachem could
+not make out his features. Almost immediately, however, a second person
+appeared on the scene, coming from the inside of the hut, and this was
+the squatter himself."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you sure of what you say?" asked the old man.</p>
+
+<p>"Kouha-hande knew him," replied the chief.</p>
+
+<p>"Go on," gloomily remarked old Berger.</p>
+
+<p>"The two men approached each other, spoke for a long time in a low
+tone, and then separated, after exchanging one phrase, which the
+sachem heard distinctly. This phrase, which seemed to summarise their
+conversation, was&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"'You swear upon your honour that she will be quite safe and respected
+in every way,' said the squatter."</p>
+
+<p>"'As if she were my own sister or daughter, I swear unto you,' replied
+the hunter."</p>
+
+<p>"The two men then parted. That was all. Two hours passed away. Just
+about the time when the blue jay begins its first song, the sachem, who
+had remained still in his hiding place, his eye and ear on the strain,
+heard a noise approaching rapidly, like that of a number of people
+who, fearing no surprise, thought it useless to take any precautions.
+They soon came in sight. They were no less than thirty palefaces, armed
+with rifles. They surrounded the hut and attacked it on all sides."</p>
+
+<p>"The squatter and his servants defended themselves like people taken by
+surprise&mdash;that is, feebly."</p>
+
+<p>"The assailants soon entered the hut. My grandfather now heard a great
+tumult inside. But he was alone, could do no good, and therefore
+remained in his hiding place. At the end of an hour the men came out,
+escorting a fainting female, who was wrapped in a frazada. Satisfied
+with the result of their expedition, they went off without even closing
+the doors behind them. Kouha-hande waited some little time, and then,
+convinced that the assailants had departed, went into the wigwam."</p>
+
+<p>"All was in disorder. The furniture was overthrown and broken; the
+squatter, his wife, and servants, tied and gagged, lay on the floor.
+The sachem hastened to stir up the fire, then he lighted some torches,
+after which he set all the people at liberty. Even then for some time
+they were unable to move or speak."</p>
+
+<p>"The squatter's wife wept, wrung her hands, and bitterly reproached her
+husband with his cowardice, which had been the cause of the abduction
+of her niece."</p>
+
+<p>"And what did he say?" asked Berger.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing," said the chief; "he was overwhelmed, appeared struck by
+stupor, remaining utterly motionless. Presently he seemed to recover
+his spirits. Kouha-hande then offered to start in pursuit of the
+ravishers, but the squatter refused, alleging that the trail was
+no doubt by this time so cleverly concealed as to render pursuit
+impossible. He left the punishment of the villains in the hands of
+God. The sachem, seeing plainly that he was not wanted, went away. But
+Kouha-hande was determined to reach to the bottom of the dark scheme;
+instead of returning to his village, he followed the abductors."</p>
+
+<p>"These, having apparently no fear of pursuit, had left ample traces
+of their passage in the forest, and took not the slightest precaution
+to conceal their route in a straight line through the forest. It led
+direct to the Missouri. The sachem at once saw through the whole thing.
+These hunters, the sachem declared, could only be the redoubtable
+outlaws commanded by the extraordinary chief before whom all trembled,
+white and red, in the prairie."</p>
+
+<p>"Tom Mitchell," groaned the old man.</p>
+
+<p>"Himself," said the chief. "The sachem, after exploring the two banks
+of the river for many miles, came back to the village of his nation,
+and told me what he had seen. This is my story. Have I well said?"</p>
+
+<p>"You have," cried François Berger; "but let me speak. I am the only
+one person in fault. I should never have separated from my daughter.
+It is my duty to go in search of her. I will find her or perish in the
+attempt."</p>
+
+<p>He attempted to rise, but Oliver checked him.</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, sir," he said, gently, "if I interfere in so delicate and
+grave a matter. The friendship I bear your son, the cordial way in
+which you have received me, compel me to feel as if I were personally
+concerned in the matter. May I therefore be allowed to speak a few
+words?"</p>
+
+<p>"Speak," said the old hunter.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir," replied the young man, modestly, "I have listened to every word
+as recorded by the chief, and I believe every word as recorded by him.
+It appears to me, therefore, in examining the facts, that the attack
+of the hunters, arranged with the squatter himself, his repugnance and
+refusal to pursue them, point either to treachery or a strange mystery,
+which it would be wise to clear up."</p>
+
+<p>"Unfortunately," said the old man, "we share your opinion. The
+treachery is too flagrant to be doubted."</p>
+
+<p>"You believe in treachery," urged Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"Base and cowardly treachery," cried Berger, striking the table.</p>
+
+<p>"Be assured, then," continued Oliver, "and you will be a better judge
+of the correctness of my opinion than I am, your enemies, whoever they
+may be, have spies around you, spies employed to watch your movements,
+and to report them at once. You Will not have been ten minutes on the
+trail of the ravishers ere they would be on your track."</p>
+
+<p>"Quite true," said the old man; "what is to be done?"</p>
+
+<p>"A very simple thing, and one which I am very much surprised you have
+not thought of before. We have only reached the village two hours ago;
+I, as a stranger, am unknown to anybody, nobody troubles himself in any
+way about me. Whither I go matters to no one. With your permission,
+at nightfall I will start in company with Bright-eye. If our early
+departure is noticed, we can easily give some reason. It is you who
+are watched, and no one else. None, knowing the indomitable energy of
+your character, will believe that you have allowed anyone else to go in
+search of your daughter. We shall be three men, two of whom know the
+desert well. The trail of one man is easy to follow, but not of three
+wary hunters ever on their guard, at all events, without the spies be
+discovered and killed. This is my opinion, and, frankly, I think it
+good."</p>
+
+<p>"You have spoken well," repeated the grandfather; "what you say is
+just. We are proud to have you for a friend, and we thank you. It is
+not necessary to reflect long without owning you are right. It would be
+folly to contest the matter, my son, and I, therefore, gladly confide
+to you the task of finding our child. Go, as you propose, this evening
+at the setting of the moon, my grandson, the chief, and yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"And you will succeed," said the father.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so, sir," responded the Frenchman; "rely upon it, I shall do
+all I can for my new sister."</p>
+
+<p>"My son was fortunate to meet you. God bless you all."</p>
+
+<p>The two young people simply thanked Oliver by looks. It was eleven
+o'clock at night when they started, without being noticed. We already
+know how they met the outlaw.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>TOM MITCHELL.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>The sun had long since gone down, the night was dark and cloudy, not
+a star shone in the sky. George Clinton, seated on a bench before
+his door, awaited the return of Keen-hand and his two dogs, who had
+accompanied the three travellers a short distance; the two serving men
+had gone to bed.</p>
+
+<p>George Clinton, half an hour before, had satisfied himself that his
+wounded guest slept soundly.</p>
+
+<p>His eyes fixed on vacancy, the young man was dreaming, giving way to
+soft and melancholy reverie; his soul, borne on the wings of fancy, was
+far away; it was wandering in the realms of space after the beloved,
+after the idolised young girl, for whom he had sacrificed and abandoned
+everything, and the mention of whose name made him quiver with delight.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly he was awakened from his Elysian dream by an almost superhuman
+cry of anguish.</p>
+
+<p>The young man started as if he had received an electric shock; he
+turned pale, clutched the barrel of his rifle, and then listened,
+trying in vain to pierce the intense darkness which wrapped all nature
+as in a winding sheet.</p>
+
+<p>Some minutes passed, during which there was not a breath in the air,
+not the slightest sound. George Clinton breathed more freely, wiping
+the sweat from his brow.</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven be praised," he said, "I was mistaken."</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had he uttered these words, which he hardly believed, when the
+same frightful cry was repeated.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a terrible warning," he cried; "some fearful crime is being
+accomplished. I cannot hesitate."</p>
+
+<p>And, without another thought, he darted off in the direction whence
+came the lugubrious sound.</p>
+
+<p>Almost ere George had quite disappeared in the darkness a shrill
+whistle, modulated in a certain way, was twice repeated; then a heavy
+black mass appeared crawling on the earth; this dark mass stopped at
+short intervals, and then again advanced. This strange phenomenon was
+soon followed by a second, a third, another, in all ten.</p>
+
+<p>In a few minutes all were round the hut. Then a second whistle was
+heard, a signal of course, as they all rose and revealed ten armed
+men. They were ferocious-looking beings, with sinister features&mdash;true
+bandits of the prairies.</p>
+
+<p>"We are the masters," said one; "the serving men sleep, the master is
+away, let us waste no time."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know where he is?" asked a second.</p>
+
+<p>"I pretty well guess. The place is familiar to me. But let us be
+careful. I don't want to be caught."</p>
+
+<p>"Be satisfied; Versenca and Jonathan never left their post, and Paddy
+is on the watch. All is safe."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not more timid than another, but I like to be sure."</p>
+
+<p>"We are losing time, and should act."</p>
+
+<p>"Quite so, Sleepy; but I want to know why the captain, who must have
+heard our signal, is still quiet?"</p>
+
+<p>"But you know the captain is wounded."</p>
+
+<p>"True, but he is no puling girl to be affected for long by a wound. Let
+us go in and find him."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis useless, I am here," said a grave voice.</p>
+
+<p>And a man leaning on his rifle and walking with some difficulty
+appeared before them in the doorway.</p>
+
+<p>"The captain!" they all cried.</p>
+
+<p>"Silence, boys," with an imperious gesture; "I am happy to see that you
+have not forgotten me."</p>
+
+<p>"Forgotten you!" cried Versenca, boldly; "Do we not follow wherever you
+go? Are we not devoted to you body and soul?"</p>
+
+<p>"Quite right," said the captain, with a bitter smile; "let us say no
+more about it. I am here, and all is well."</p>
+
+<p>"And now, captain, we await your orders."</p>
+
+<p>"Right! And how many are here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ten here ready to obey&mdash;three on the watch."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you horses?&mdash;but of course, I need not ask. Bring them up and let
+us be off."</p>
+
+<p>"With empty pockets?" cried Sleepy.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want?" asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Want!" exclaimed Sleepy, shrugging his shoulders; "Why, is not this
+wigwam very rich, and the owner absent? There can be no two opinions as
+to what should be done."</p>
+
+<p>"Comrades," said Tom Mitchell, "the owner of this home found me wounded
+in the prairie and took me in."</p>
+
+<p>"We know that&mdash;what then?"</p>
+
+<p>"What then! Not only did George Clinton shelter me beneath his roof,
+but saved my life from the lynchers."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank goodness," said Versenca, "that induced him to leave the hut by
+the exercise of cunning."</p>
+
+<p>"Without violence, I hope," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Quite so; sent him on a false trail, that is all."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you are agreed with me&mdash;no pillage."</p>
+
+<p>"No pillage!" cried all; "Let us go."</p>
+
+<p>None had entered the house, and now, on the order of the chief, they
+turned to go. George Clinton was before them.</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen," he cried, standing resolutely before them, "what is the
+meaning of this visit in my absence?"</p>
+
+<p>"Confound the fools who did not warn us."</p>
+
+<p>"I was never far. I have heard nearly all."</p>
+
+<p>"Much good may it do you; and now let us pass."</p>
+
+<p>"On the contrary; I decline to let you pass," said Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>"Good!" said Sleepy, rubbing his hands together; "After all there will
+be some broken bones here."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps," continued Oliver, clutching his rifle.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Ah! So the fun is going to begin," said the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"Silence," cried the captain, sternly; "silence, and fall back." As
+soon as they had obeyed he advanced to Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>"As you have heard our conversation," he said, "why do you try and
+oppose our free departure?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because, as you know, I am answerable for your person. I promised you
+should not leave my house until you were quite cured of your wounds."</p>
+
+<p>"Your solicitude for my health is charming," said the captain,
+ironically, "and I really know not how to thank you."</p>
+
+<p>"I take little interest in you. My honour is concerned."</p>
+
+<p>"You are not polite, while I try to be courteous. I will therefore
+simply remark that strength is on my side. Still I should be sorry to
+proceed to extremities."</p>
+
+<p>"Menaces are useless. Will you return to the house?"</p>
+
+<p>"The demand is ridiculous," cried the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"How so?" said a voice, and at the same time two magnificent dogs
+bounded to where Clinton stood.</p>
+
+<p>There was a moment of profound stupefaction on the part of the outlaws,
+who saw this succour arrive.</p>
+
+<p>Tom Mitchell, however, stooped towards Sleepy and whispered a few words
+in his ear. The man nodded, turned away and disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>"Beware!" said the captain; "I have hesitated to attack one man. But if
+blood is shed it is your fault."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall see," said Keen-hand, appearing beside his master, "you are
+ten and we are five. What do you think?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing," replied the chief, laughing; "but you seem to forget that we
+have the advantage of the situation. If we like we can take possession
+of the hut, whence I fancy my good friend will find it difficult to
+dislodge us."</p>
+
+<p>"Without counting that we are master of the person of the owner of the
+wigwam," cried Versenca, triumphantly.</p>
+
+<p>It was true. Assisted by the sentinels whom the outlaw had brought up
+behind, he had been seized.</p>
+
+<p>He was at once taken inside and then secured with his servants, whom
+the noise had at last aroused.</p>
+
+<p>But even this had not been done without a struggle. The two splendid
+dogs on seeing their master attacked had flown at the throats of the
+bandits, had knocked two down and throttled them in a minute; then,
+obedient to a whistle from Charbonneau, they had darted into a thicket,
+whence came a discharge of firearms. The three young men had returned.</p>
+
+<p>The outlaws retreated into the hut, prepared to defend themselves to
+the last gasp. Battle was imminent.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop," cried the voice of Oliver, "stop, for heaven's sake," and
+rushing forward he added, "Captain Tom Mitchell, I demand safety for
+myself and friends, and a truce until this unfortunate affair can be
+settled amicably. Speak."</p>
+
+<p>"I consent at once," said the captain, frankly; "what has happened was
+not of my doing. Down with your arms. Let all retain their positions.
+As for you, sir, you may advance, you are entirely under the protection
+of my honour."</p>
+
+<p>"I am here," replied Oliver, advancing.</p>
+
+<p>The two men went into the house and seated themselves at a table near
+an open window.</p>
+
+<p>"I am prepared to listen," said the captain; "I suppose you think I
+deceived you, or the young girl was gone."</p>
+
+<p>"It was our opinion, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be in the least uneasy," said the captain, "I only secured the
+girl as a hostage for my own safety."</p>
+
+<p>"A hostage!" replied Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. I have an important question to treat of with her tribe. But let
+us speak of our own affairs."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't understand you."</p>
+
+<p>"I will explain, and you will find that all that has taken place today
+has been caused by yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"Really," cried Oliver, "I understand you less and less."</p>
+
+<p>"I have no doubt you are astonished," said the captain; "but we can
+come to an explanation in a few words, M. Oliver."</p>
+
+<p>"You know my name."</p>
+
+<p>"And a great many other things besides, as you will soon know,"
+continued the other, coldly; "but let me explain. For reasons which it
+is unnecessary to mention, I had deep interest in making acquaintance
+with two new arrivals in this country, you, sir, and Mr. George
+Clinton. My plan of introduction was rough. My wound, which I inflicted
+on myself, and which is only a scratch, deceived you all. I am now
+personally acquainted with you both, and I am delighted. Still, things
+looked ugly for me&mdash;but what is the use of a battle in which half of
+us would be massacred? I want nothing of the kind. I have important
+business to transact and must go. In this instance I count wholly on
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"On me, sir! By what title?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot explain. I have promised to restore Evening Dew, and I will
+keep my promise. Just now she serves as a hostage. She is treated with
+the utmost deference and respect. Now let me pass at once. Delay is
+useless."</p>
+
+<p>"But, sir&mdash;can I&mdash;" stammered Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"Save an outlaw, a man with a price on his head!" said the other,
+bitterly; "But I am not what I seem. One day&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>But Oliver was thinking, and, after some minutes of reflection, said,
+"It shall be as you wish."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you; and now away to your friends and take George Clinton with
+you," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>Oliver went out with the young American and soon returned.</p>
+
+<p>"You are free to return with your companions," he said, on re-entering
+the hut; "I give you my word."</p>
+
+<p>"Farewell until we meet again. We part friends."</p>
+
+<p>"I have no hatred against you, but I sincerely hope we shall never meet
+again."</p>
+
+<p>"It shall be as Providence wills," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>Five minutes later the outlaws were galloping away, and soon
+disappeared in the darkness.</p>
+
+<p>"Who is this man?" murmured Oliver, sadly; "Is he one of those enemies
+who pursue me everywhere?"</p>
+
+<p>At that moment his friends came up and his thoughts went into a
+different channel. Still he did not easily forget his interview with
+that extraordinary man, who seemed to know him, and by whom he was
+really fascinated.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>SAMUEL AND JOSHUA.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>After leaving George Clinton, Samuel Dickson went at once to the
+residence of his brother Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was still high in the heavens when he reached the settlement;
+his brother was in sight, galloping towards him.</p>
+
+<p>"Come along," he cried, shaking hands; "I was so impatient to see you,
+I really could not wait any longer."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope there is nothing wrong, brother," said Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing at all. Everything is going for the best."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to hear it. I was rather uneasy."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry to hear that. But why are you so late?"</p>
+
+<p>"I had to go on a small journey. There was no hurry."</p>
+
+<p>"You are wrong, Sam. But here you are, and all is well. But had you
+come sooner it would have been better."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, here I am, so out with the news."</p>
+
+<p>"I have to speak of important things, and I have to ask your advice,
+who are wisdom itself."</p>
+
+<p>"Awfully wise," cried Samuel, laughing, "when in the end I only carry
+out all your insane ideas."</p>
+
+<p>"True! But still you were generally right. The fact is, if you speak
+words of wisdom, and then act a little the other way, it is simply out
+of love for me. I know it, my brother. I am not ungrateful, and love
+you dearly."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't doubt your affection. But you alarm me."</p>
+
+<p>"Why?" said Joshua, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Whenever you talk like this, I smell a rat, in the shape of some awful
+scheme, some diabolical plot."</p>
+
+<p>"I see you are not to be easily deceived," said Joshua; "but come in,
+let us eat, and then talk. The matter of which I wish to speak is of
+general interest."</p>
+
+<p>"As you will; but still I am monstrously afraid."</p>
+
+<p>"I know you are a great coward," cried Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment they reached the house, alighted, and, giving the horses
+to the servants, entered the parlour, escorted by Dardar, who had come
+to meet them.</p>
+
+<p>The two ladies received Samuel cordially.</p>
+
+<p>"Here he is at last, Susan," said her husband.</p>
+
+<p>"He has been anxious about you all day," cried Susan.</p>
+
+<p>"Then he has some mad scheme. But we shall see presently. Good evening,
+Diana, my dear. You look well."</p>
+
+<p>"A truce to compliments," cried Joshua; "to supper."</p>
+
+<p>They now entered the dining room, where the whole household was
+collected, men, women, and children. Of course, enormous quantities of
+meat, bread, and vegetables adorned the board. The repast was truly
+Homeric.</p>
+
+<p>After dinner the servants retired, and the ladies would have done the
+same, but Joshua detained them.</p>
+
+<p>The ladies seated themselves with a rather uneasy glance. He poured out
+a stiff glass for himself and brother and drank his off.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank heaven!" he began, "We are now solidly established in our new
+dwelling, and it is time to speak of business."</p>
+
+<p>"Hilloa! Talk business now? It is late. Why can we not put off our
+business arrangements until tomorrow?"</p>
+
+<p>"You forget, my brother, I sent for you on purpose&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I remember&mdash;well, go on, I am at your orders."</p>
+
+<p>"Harry, have you obeyed my orders?" asked Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, father," replied the young man.</p>
+
+<p>"All right," continued the squatter, refilling his glass. "Your health,
+all of you. In an hour, I'm off."</p>
+
+<p>"Off!" cried the ladies, in great alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"Hem!" said Samuel; "If you are not satisfied here, I am."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want to drag you into my affairs," replied Joshua, coolly.
+"But I shall not be long away. It is only a journey."</p>
+
+<p>"I thought," exclaimed Samuel, "he was as mad as ever; will you explain
+the object of this journey or exploration?"</p>
+
+<p>"One which you will highly approve, my brother," he went on. "I desire
+to open up commercial relations."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good idea. But what is your precise motive?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have said enough. I think my object serious."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, if you have no more to say, stop at home."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you tell me why?" asked Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"Because your voyage is utterly useless. All the information you can
+desire to obtain I can give you in ten minutes."</p>
+
+<p>"You!" cried Joshua, wildly.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly!" said Samuel, modestly; "I can, and will do so, if you will
+be good enough to listen to me."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall only be too happy. Still I don't understand!"</p>
+
+<p>"That is unnecessary. You must know that I have obtained my information
+from hunters and redskins."</p>
+
+<p>"Hunters! Redskins!" cried Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you know they swarm about here? I never go out without meeting
+some of them. So I say stop at home."</p>
+
+<p>"Explain yourself, brother," said Joshua, sulkily.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you think yourself very far from all white folk. You are very
+much mistaken. Learn, then, that though we are in the centre of the
+most warlike tribes of Indians, you have new forts not very far off,
+including a fur station."</p>
+
+<p>"Can it be possible?" exclaimed Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"And my friend and brother, are you aware what magnificent river runs
+at your own door? The Missouri!"</p>
+
+<p>Joshua bowed his head on his chest and was silent, while Samuel rubbed
+his hands and smiled slyly.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you think of the information?" he said at last.</p>
+
+<p>"If you are certain of what you say, it is excellent."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you give up the idea of your journey?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not. Admitting that all you tell me be true, it is of the
+highest importance for me to visit the fur station and all other
+settlements above and below us on the river, in order to become
+friendly, and prevent rivalry."</p>
+
+<p>"What rivalry?" half screamed Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"Any that might arise. Of course they will soon know all about me and
+might interrupt my commercial speculations."</p>
+
+<p>"A fool will have his own way," cried his brother.</p>
+
+<p>"Abuse is not argument, my brother," said Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"I apologise; but you are determined to go. I see you are; then heaven
+protect all in your absence."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you take no advice?" ventured Susan.</p>
+
+<p>"I have made up my mind," he replied; "I never alter."</p>
+
+<p>"But, father," cried Diana, "what are we to do during your absence? You
+leave us wholly undefended."</p>
+
+<p>"Silence, daughter," said the squatter, smiling; "don't be so tragical.
+I do not leave you undefended, as you say. Your uncle will watch over
+you. Your brother Henry commands in my absence. You have a fort. What
+more is wanted?"</p>
+
+<p>"How do you mean to travel?" asked Susan.</p>
+
+<p>"In the boat I launched today, with Sam, Jack, and two servants. I do
+not take away many defenders."</p>
+
+<p>"But you are not here to lead."</p>
+
+<p>"That is enough," he cried; "I have decided. Besides, it would be
+absurd not to visit my new neighbourhood."</p>
+
+<p>No more was said. The squatter was escorted by all to the riverside. He
+bade them all adieu, kissed his wife and daughter, shook hands with his
+brother, gave his son Henry some last directions, entered the boat,
+and was off in a very few minutes, whistling "Yankee Doodle," perhaps
+in reality to hide his strong emotion from his two sons.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>NEW CHARACTERS.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>We now visit a beautiful gold-sanded strand on the right banks of the
+Missouri, about fifty miles from the new settlement in Moose Deer
+Valley, and about equidistant from the strong fort already established
+by the fur company.</p>
+
+<p>This strand, which was only reached by a narrow defile between two
+perpendicular mountains, was exactly opposite an island of which it
+was impossible to make out the dimensions, which, however, were very
+considerable.</p>
+
+<p>Lights shone like will-o'-the-wisps in a fog; the island, which was
+thickly wooded, communicated with the mainland by means of a dangerous
+ford, full of holes and whirlpools. It was too dangerous to be
+adventured in by any but those who knew it. The island, moreover, was
+guarded by two eminences overlooking the ford, and which commanded the
+approach against any enemy if well defended. On the other side the
+island was inaccessible.</p>
+
+<p>This island was the refuge, the fortress of the terrible outlaws of the
+Missouri, with whom we have made acquaintance.</p>
+
+<p>Originally it had been selected by the Government as an outpost, but
+the partisans had first taken it and made it impregnable.</p>
+
+<p>As the outlaws rarely interfered with citizens of the United States,
+generally very poor in those regions, the Government, well aware of
+its impotence to dislodge the pirates, pretended to look upon them as
+irregular troops doing service.</p>
+
+<p>But the outlaws knew that if the authorities only had the chance they
+would be exterminated.</p>
+
+<p>But that part of America was little peopled, and few except trappers
+and wanderers knew anything of its capacities. The outlaws, therefore,
+to a certain extent, were pretty certain of impunity for all their
+actions for the time.</p>
+
+<p>A hundred horsemen were camped on the strand of which we have spoken;
+their horses were picketed near their fodder, around the campfires
+numerous groups were talking or sleeping, while on every hand walked
+sentinels.</p>
+
+<p>In a hut composed of whittled boughs and mud, a man sat on a buffalo's
+head, consulting papers from a large pocketbook. Another man stood
+respectfully by him, awaiting his orders. The first man was Captain Tom
+Mitchell, the other was Camotte.</p>
+
+<p>A sentinel kept guard in front of the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>It was about four o'clock in the morning. The stars were beginning to
+pale in the sky, the sky was covered by fleecy white clouds. Day was at
+hand; a fog rose from the river, and covered the camp as with a funeral
+pall. It was cold.</p>
+
+<p>"I say," cried Tom, "I am frozen. Are you asleep, Camotte?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, my lord."</p>
+
+<p>"Then shove some wood on the fire, it's nearly out."</p>
+
+<p>Camotte threw on some dry wood, which flared up.</p>
+
+<p>"Something like," said Mitchell; "and now let us talk, Camotte. By the
+way, I may as well ask you, are you very tired?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am never too tired to serve you, Excellency," said the other.</p>
+
+<p>"I knew you would say that," cried Mitchell; "true, I saved your life
+twice, but we have been quits long ago."</p>
+
+<p>"And yet I want to ask a favour."</p>
+
+<p>"Anything, except leave me," replied Tom Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>"Never; it is something else. It is simply this; don't, your lordship,
+give me such another mission. Whatever you may think, my master," cried
+Camotte, warmly, "it is not pleasant to play the part of a traitor and
+scoundrel."</p>
+
+<p>"I think you did it very cleverly," laughed Tom; "there, you are an old
+fool. Whom else could I trust? Having settled that very important fact,
+any news on the island?"</p>
+
+<p>"Evening Dew frets. You should send her home&mdash;all the more that it
+makes some people talk," he added.</p>
+
+<p>"Who has dared?" said Tom Mitchell, frowning.</p>
+
+<p>"Stewart. But don't worry; I settled him by blowing his brains out, and
+no one else has since made an observation."</p>
+
+<p>"All right. What about the river?"</p>
+
+<p>"Five men went down in a canoe yesterday. It was the squatter of the
+valley, his two sons, and black servants."</p>
+
+<p>"Where on earth could he be going to?" mused Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we can find out by stopping him on his return."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll see about it. Anything else?"</p>
+
+<p>"Hum! You have had Major Ardenwood's letter asking an interview today?
+Oh, yes! There are some Frenchmen at the fort, at all events, one of
+them. Still I am aware that three strangers will accompany the major."</p>
+
+<p>"Whom did you send out to inquire?"</p>
+
+<p>"TĂªte de Plume. I could not send Versenca; in the first place, because
+he was drunk; secondly, because I don't like him."</p>
+
+<p>Then, after a pause, Tom whispered to Camotte, who listened with deep
+and almost religious attention.</p>
+
+<p>"And now," said Tom, "that you understand me, away."</p>
+
+<p>Camotte went out. The worthy Mexican was the devoted friend, the alter
+ego, and moreover the lieutenant of Tom Mitchell, who wholly confided
+in him. Despite of events we have described before, Camotte was worthy
+of his trust.</p>
+
+<p>The chief of the outlaws quietly made some alterations in his toilette,
+which was a little out of order from his long journey. He had just come
+off a distant expedition. The booty had been at once transferred to the
+island.</p>
+
+<p>Having done this he drew the curtain that served as a door.</p>
+
+<p>The camp no longer looked the same. The fire was out. The two eminences
+were guarded by sharpshooters. A detachment of twenty men guarded the
+entrance to the defile. The rest of the troop were ready to mount at a
+sign.</p>
+
+<p>Tom Mitchell looked about him with an air of satisfaction. Camotte had
+executed all his orders faithfully.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the sun rose. It was like a theatrical scene. Light fell
+suddenly upon everything.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" cried the captain as a bugle sounded in the distance from the
+defile, "I was just in time."</p>
+
+<p>He stood erect in front of his hut, leaning on his cavalry sword, and
+waited with sublime tranquillity.</p>
+
+<p>After some few words had passed, four strangers, one in the uniform of
+a major of the American army, came out from the defile, led by Camotte,
+who walked respectfully in front of them, and made their way in the
+direction of the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Good day, Captain Mitchell," said the major.</p>
+
+<p>"You did me the honour to write," observed Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I have some important business to talk about; but first allow
+me to present to you these two gentlemen. They are French, and
+consequently I cannot pronounce their names. Oh, I assure you they are
+worthy gentlemen."</p>
+
+<p>And the fat major laughed heartily.</p>
+
+<p>The captain bowed to the two Frenchmen without speaking. One was a man
+of about fifty, still young, and with apparently polished manners and
+rather haughty mien; the other, much younger, was bronzed by the sun,
+strong, and rather rough.</p>
+
+<p>"This gentleman," continued the major, "is our own countryman, Mr.
+Stoneweld, of Boston city."</p>
+
+<p>"I think you know me," observed the apoplectic speaker.</p>
+
+<p>"Who does not know Master Stoneweld, of the house of Stoneweld, Errard,
+and Co., the richest shipowner in all Boston?"</p>
+
+<p>The stout man smiled with an air of satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>"It seems you know one another," cried the major. "I am glad of it,
+because everything will go smoothly."</p>
+
+<p>"How so?" cried Tom Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear captain, these gentlemen want you; they came to me for that
+purpose. Certainly their business must indeed be of an important
+character," he added, "to induce them to make such an awful journey,
+lasting over a month."</p>
+
+<p>"It must be serious business," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"The two French gentlemen bring letters from the Home Secretary."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed!"</p>
+
+<p>"And Master Stoneweld one from General Jackson," added the major, "So
+now I expect you will do the best you can."</p>
+
+<p>"Have no fear."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course not, though I know you are rather hot at times. As for
+myself, I am choked with fog and hoarseness," he added.</p>
+
+<p>"I am at the orders of these gentlemen," replied the captain. "I shall
+be happy to do all in my power for them."</p>
+
+<p>"Spoken like a man," said the major in a fidgety way. "But this seems
+hardly the place for a serious conversation."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry for it," replied Tom Mitchell coldly. "I was not told until
+the last minute, and you must take me in the rough."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not go over to the island?" suggested the major. "I dare say we
+should be more at our ease&mdash;eh, captain?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry, major, but it would take too much time. Besides, I have
+already provided refreshments here, if you will accept."</p>
+
+<p>"With the greatest of pleasure," cried the major, coughing behind his
+hand; "and yet these gentlemen have important matters to discuss, very
+important matters," he added, complacently.</p>
+
+<p>"What matter, major? Breakfast first, business afterwards."</p>
+
+<p>"As you will," said the major, following him into the hut.</p>
+
+<p>By the orders of Camotte, during this conversation a very copious
+breakfast had been prepared. It was almost wholly composed of venison;
+but flanking the solids were a number of long-necked bottles that at
+once showed their Bordeaux and Burgundian origin, to say nothing of
+some brands of Champagne so dear to Americans.</p>
+
+<p>The major was so delighted that he said "Hum!" no less than three
+times, and then spoke to the outlaw chief.</p>
+
+<p>"Let them say what they like," he cried, "you are a man."</p>
+
+<p>"I am proud to hear it," cried Tom. "Let us be seated."</p>
+
+<p>The Frenchmen had hitherto said nothing. The elder now spoke. As the
+captain invited them to commence breakfast, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Above all, sir, allow me to observe that before commencing business
+you offer us bread and salt."</p>
+
+<p>"You are my guests, gentlemen," said the captain, gravely; "you are
+under the safeguard of my honour, that is enough."</p>
+
+<p>"The major has indicated that we each wish to see you alone."</p>
+
+<p>"Which means?" asked the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"That I desire, as these conversations may probably be of very long
+duration, to see you quite alone," he added.</p>
+
+<p>"Sit down and eat," replied the outlaw. "After the repast you and
+your companions will follow me to the island. Once more, are you not
+satisfied?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course," cried the major; "if not, I go bail for you."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, major; and now eat, drink, and be merry."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>TOM MITCHELL AS REDRESSER OF WRONGS.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>The ice once broken, through the instrumentality of the Burgundy,
+Bordeaux, and Champagne, all went on swimmingly.</p>
+
+<p>Major Ardenwood, who, perhaps, alone of all those present had nothing
+to conceal, and who was naturally a bon vivant, did all in his power to
+make himself the convivial leader of this improvised party, composed
+of so many various elements. He was warmly supported by the captain,
+who showed all the best qualities of a true amphitrion, and treated his
+guests with a generosity and courtesy which quite charmed them.</p>
+
+<p>Of course not a word was said of the object for which they had met. In
+fact, the subject was carefully avoided.</p>
+
+<p>The major was the first to rise.</p>
+
+<p>"The best of friends," he said, "must part. I am wanted at the fort,
+and with your permission will retire."</p>
+
+<p>"I thought," observed the captain of the outlaws, "your intention was
+to wait for these gentlemen here."</p>
+
+<p>"No; on reflection," replied the major, laughing, "I should only be in
+their way. I will wait at the fort."</p>
+
+<p>"I will escort them myself," said Tom Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>"That will be the better plan," continued the major. "Thanks for your
+hospitality. The wines were excellent."</p>
+
+<p>"I will send you a few baskets, major."</p>
+
+<p>"Many thanks," cried the American, shaking hands, and then departing
+under the guidance of Camotte.</p>
+
+<p>"We can now go to the island," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"On foot, on horseback, or do we swim?" said the young Frenchman.</p>
+
+<p>"You will see. Follow me, gentlemen," replied Tom.</p>
+
+<p>They did so, and found a boat ready for their reception. On the
+invitation of the captain they all seated themselves.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, gentlemen," said Tom Mitchell, with a smile, "you must pardon
+me, but I must blindfold you. Fear nothing," he added, as he saw them
+start. "It is the custom. No stranger has ever entered the island in
+any other way. Besides, you are not obliged; only if you refuse you
+must return."</p>
+
+<p>"Do as you like," cried the elder Frenchman.</p>
+
+<p>Some men who held pocket handkerchiefs now approached, and deftly bound
+their eyes. The boat then started. In a few minutes they felt the boat
+strike against another shore, and received a slight shock as it did so.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't touch your bands," cried the captain; "wait a while."</p>
+
+<p>They were then lifted up with every precaution by several men, who soon
+put them down, removing the bandages.</p>
+
+<p>Looking round, they found themselves in a vast chamber, furnished with
+every regard to comfort and elegance.</p>
+
+<p>The captain was alone, the men having left.</p>
+
+<p>"Welcome, gentlemen," he said. "I hope the frank and cordial
+hospitality I shall offer you will make you excuse this precaution."</p>
+
+<p>The strangers merely bowed.</p>
+
+<p>"I need not remind you, gentlemen," continued Tom Mitchell, "that
+you are at home; but, in order not to detain you any longer than is
+absolutely necessary, let us to business. Will you follow me, sir,
+first?"</p>
+
+<p>This was said to the younger Frenchman. As he spoke he opened a door
+and the two passed out together.</p>
+
+<p>The two other strangers remained alone. The Frenchman, with a frown,
+began to walk up and down whistling; the American sat down.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as Tom Mitchell had the other alone, he cried&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Sir, tell me at once if I am mistaken."</p>
+
+<p>"I see you have a good memory," replied the other, "and yet it is a
+very long time ago since we met."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I am not mistaken?" cried Tom Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur Maillard, my name is Pierre Durand."</p>
+
+<p>"Who saved the life of myself and father," said Tom, shaking him by the
+hand, "even though you knew&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I knew that your father an hour before had sat as president of the
+grim tribunal of the Abbaye," replied the young Frenchman. "I knew the
+intense hatred which was felt towards you; still, I drew you more dead
+than alive from the river."</p>
+
+<p>"You did more&mdash;you hid us and helped us to escape."</p>
+
+<p>"It was tit for tat; your father once saved my life."</p>
+
+<p>"But you paid your debt with usury. When I parted from you at New
+York&mdash;I was sixteen then&mdash;I said, 'Whatever happens, my life, my
+fortune, my honour is at your disposal.' I am ready to fulfil my
+promise, so speak."</p>
+
+<p>"I knew you would do all in your power," said Pierre Durand; "therefore
+I have come. How is your father?"</p>
+
+<p>"He has become an Indian, and wholly broken with everything in the
+shape of civilisation," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Is he happy?" asked Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. He was a man of conviction. His faults&mdash;his crimes if you
+like&mdash;during the Reign of Terror were caused by his extreme sincerity.
+In that time of awful and terrible commotion," continued Tom, "he acted
+wholly conscientiously."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe it, and therefore do not presume to be his judge. I am but
+a weak and ordinary man," cried Durand; "when the time comes God will
+judge these Titans of the revolution according to their merits and
+convictions."</p>
+
+<p>"Doubtless. I shall let him know of your coming; but why?"</p>
+
+<p>"A question of life and death in connection with my best friend, a man
+I love as a brother," cried Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"Say no more. An express shall start at once."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you received any letters signed '<i>An old friend</i>'?"</p>
+
+<p>"Many! I presume, then, that you are that friend; but why not avow
+yourself?"</p>
+
+<p>"I could not."</p>
+
+<p>"If all you tell me in those letters be true, it is an odious and
+infamous action," cried Tom Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>"I know it is, and I have counted on you and your father to see that
+justice be done," continued Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"Count on me," said Tom. "I have seen your friend, and though he does
+not like me, he won my heart at once."</p>
+
+<p>"He will change his mind."</p>
+
+<p>"But what can my father do in the matter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Everything. You must now understand, my friend, that if I have
+abandoned my ship in New York to the care of my mate, if I, who hate
+dry land, have started on a journey through the desert, it must be for
+powerful reasons."</p>
+
+<p>"Doubtless. May I ask what they are?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because, my friend, here in there is his most implacable, most
+ruthless foe," cried Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"Here!" exclaimed Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;here, in this island, in that room," replied Pierre Durand,
+pointing to the one they had left.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you sure of his identity?" asked Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>"I have watched him for five years, followed in his track, known every
+movement he has made," said Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"And he does not know you?" cried Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"He knows me very well. He came over in my ship; we are the best of
+friends; he tried to buy me over."</p>
+
+<p>"This is incredible," observed the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"Yet true. I am his confidante, his devoted servant; I enter into all
+his views, and he counts on me as a slave."</p>
+
+<p>Both young men burst out laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you have come from New York together?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all. We met at the fort two days ago, and as I am no longer
+disguised," said Pierre Durand, "despite all his cunning, he knew me
+not."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, the matter is settled," said Tom Mitchell, in a whisper; "we
+have our man here; he shall never leave."</p>
+
+<p>"My friend," said Pierre Durand, gravely, "that is not the game we have
+to play. He is as slippery as an eel."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think, if I made up my mind," said the outlaw chief, with a
+sinister smile, "he would ever escape me."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, there is a time for everything. In the first place, learn his
+projects, so that we may unmask him. This will be all the more easy,"
+said the sea captain, "in that we know who he is, while he is ignorant
+of our designs."</p>
+
+<p>"There is one thing worth mentioning," said the outlaw; "I, too, know
+him well. He will be rather surprised presently."</p>
+
+<p>"Be careful. One word might put him on his guard."</p>
+
+<p>"Is not my whole life passed," continued the outlaw, sadly, "in
+outdoing others in cunning and diplomacy?"</p>
+
+<p>"True. I leave, then, everything to you."</p>
+
+<p>"And now learn, my friend, that you are free as air, and absolute
+master of my domains," he added, laughing. Then he picked three
+flowers, and placing them in his buttonhole, said, "This will give
+you free passage everywhere you like. Now for your two travelling
+companions. But follow me."</p>
+
+<p>He opened a door opposite that by which they had entered, and, crossing
+several apartments, at last came to a room which overlooked a charming
+and elegant garden.</p>
+
+<p>"Here you are at home," he said; "come, go, do just as you like. At the
+end of the garden you will find a door opening on the woods. We shall
+dine at six. Be back by that time, and you will find the table laid
+here. We can then explain all."</p>
+
+<p>With these words the outlaw left his friend.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as he had returned to his private room, Tom Mitchell, or
+Maillard, son of the terrible judge of the Reign of Terror, sat down
+before a table, wrote a few lines, sealed the letter carefully, and
+then struck a gong.</p>
+
+<p>At once Camotte appeared and took the letter.</p>
+
+<p>"Send this letter to my father by express," he said; "let him kill his
+horse, but let me have the answer."</p>
+
+<p>"He shall be gone in five minutes."</p>
+
+<p>"And now," continued Tom Mitchell, with a sarcastic smile, "send that
+fat American in here."</p>
+
+<p>Camotte bowed and retired. Next moment the great American shipowner
+came in puffing and blowing.</p>
+
+<p>"Sit down, sir," said Tom Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>The fat man obeyed with a grunt.</p>
+
+<p>"I think it rather hard that a man like me&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me," said the captain, coldly; "allow me to remark, before you
+go any further, that I have no need of you, and did not send for you.
+You it is who, in the company of several other gentlemen, have come
+to me. All of you have, I dare say, serious reasons for taking this
+extraordinary step. I have in no way solicited the honour. All I can do
+is to listen to each in his turn. I have seen one and settled with him;
+if you have anything to say to me, speak."</p>
+
+<p>This speech, pronounced in a clear, bold tone, not unmixed with
+sarcasm, at once, as if by enchantment, calmed the irritation of the
+fat man. At all events, it compelled him to dissimulate it. After,
+therefore, mopping his head and face several times with a pocket
+handkerchief, and coughing once or twice behind his hand, he spoke&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I was angry, sir," he said, "and own it freely."</p>
+
+<p>"Be pleased, sir, to come at once to business," continued Tom Mitchell;
+"another person waits."</p>
+
+<p>"You are, I believe, well acquainted with me?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have known you a long time," remarked Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir, I have a nephew; he is the son of my wife's brother," began the
+other, "a very near relative."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"This nephew, though a charming youth," cried Stoneweld, "is mad,
+utterly, hopelessly mad, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Really, sir," said the captain, "and have you come all this way to
+tell me this piece of news?"</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, sir. When I say that he is mad, I believe I exaggerate.
+I should rather say that his intense folly has taken the form of
+monomania. This charming young man, as I have the honour to tell you,
+is in love, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"A very natural matter at his age."</p>
+
+<p>"But, sir," cried the shipowner, "he is in love with a young person in
+no way suited to his station."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps he does not think so."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, sir, it is not his opinion. But it is mine. I am a serious
+man; I feel a great interest in him. Now that his father is dead I
+am his legal guardian&mdash;though he repudiates me. Now, sir, would you
+believe it," cried the fat man, "I had arranged with his aunt, my wife,
+the most delicious marriage for him with a young girl&mdash;I may as well be
+frank, a niece of my own?"</p>
+
+<p>"And he wouldn't have her," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir, he actually would not have her. Do you understand such folly
+on his part?" cried the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, it is strange. But what have I to do with it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will explain if you will allow me."</p>
+
+<p>"I really should feel much obliged," urged Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"After refusing contemptuously this eligible alliance, which united
+every condition of age and fortune and position, what did the fool do?
+Excuse me if in my anger I speak thus of a nephew I love. One fine
+morning, without saying a word to anybody, he left his business to a
+partner, and started off, sir&mdash;what for?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, how can I say?" asked Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"In pursuit of this wretched girl without family or fortune, whose
+parents had emigrated to the Indian frontier."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, oh!" said the captain, who began to feel interested, and who
+listened with a gloomy frown.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir," said the fat man, too wrapped up in his narrative to notice
+the other's looks, "so that my nephew must be somewhere here about this
+neighbourhood, looking after his beauty, neglecting his affairs and
+fortune Tor a girl he will certainly never marry."</p>
+
+<p>"How do you know, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"At all events I will do everything in my power to prevent it," cried
+the irate citizen of Boston.</p>
+
+<p>"How will you set about it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sir, I have been told that you were the only man in these parts
+capable of arresting a fugitive."</p>
+
+<p>"You do me too much honour."</p>
+
+<p>"I have a number of unclosed accounts, needless to explain, with his
+father. Arrest the young man, sir!" cried the Bostonian; "Arrest him
+and place him safely in my hands, and the sum of one thousand guineas
+is yours."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, the worthy shipowner pulled out an enormous pocketbook
+from his coat and opened it.</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me, sir," said the captain, "do not let us be in quite such a
+hurry. You have not quite finished."</p>
+
+<p>"How so?" cried the American.</p>
+
+<p>"You have forgotten," said the captain with simple frankness, "to tell
+me the name of your foolish nephew."</p>
+
+<p>"George Clinton, sir, a very fine lad, though I say it."</p>
+
+<p>"I know him," retorted the captain, coldly.</p>
+
+<p>"You know him!" exclaimed the shipowner, "Then the affair is settled.
+You will have him arrested."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps," said Tom Mitchell; "I will reflect on the affair, which is
+not so easy as you may suppose."</p>
+
+<p>"To you, the chief of the outlaws?"</p>
+
+<p>"George Clinton is not alone. He has many and powerful friends on the
+frontier."</p>
+
+<p>"But I have plenty of money."</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you, I will reflect. You will now return to the fort under
+escort. In two days you shall have my answer."</p>
+
+<p>"But allow me to pay you a deposit," cried the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Keep your money for the present," said Tom, and striking a gong,
+Camotte appeared as if by magic.</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;" blustered the rich merchant.</p>
+
+<p>"Not another word, sir. Wait patiently for my reply. I am your most
+obedient servant."</p>
+
+<p>And led away by Camotte, the rich shipowner of Boston went out
+spluttering and perspiring as before.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," said the captain to himself, with a sarcastic smile, "let us see
+what the other fellow is made of."</p>
+
+<p>He went to the door, and, entering the cavern, bowed to the Frenchman,
+who was still walking up and down.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you be good enough to come this way, Monsieur Hebrard," he said,
+with an engaging smile.</p>
+
+<p>The Frenchman looked at him with astonishment, but on a repetition of
+the invitation went in.</p>
+
+<p>The captain chuckled to himself at this evidence of the other's utter
+surprise and bewilderment.</p>
+
+<p>It was as if he had scored one.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>A DIPLOMATIC CONVERSATION BETWEEN TWO RASCALS.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>The two men looked at one another for some minutes in silence, just as
+two clever duelists might have done before venturing on the attack. But
+though each tried to read the other, their faces were like marble.</p>
+
+<p>At a mute invitation from the outlaw, the stranger took a seat, and at
+once commenced the conversation.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir," he said, "it is a matter of surprise, that you, a perfect
+stranger, should address me by a name&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Which is or has once been yours, monsieur," answered the outlaw chief,
+with freezing politeness.</p>
+
+<p>"That is quite possible. I do not deny it. When one travels in foreign
+parts on important business, incognito&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Is adopted, I am aware, which only deceives fools and dupes," said the
+outlaw, speaking slowly.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean, sir?" cried the other.</p>
+
+<p>"I recollect a certain Count de Mas d'Azyr, an excellent gentleman of
+Languedoc, who had this mania."</p>
+
+<p>The stranger shivered all over, and a lightning flash darted from
+beneath his dark and heavy eyebrows.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," continued the outlaw, with imperturbable sang-froid, "his noble
+manners so thoroughly denounced him, despite the plebeian names he
+chose to assume, that he was compelled at the end of a few minutes to
+give up this absurd acting."</p>
+
+<p>"Really, sir," cried the stranger, "I do not see the meaning or
+relevance of your allusions."</p>
+
+<p>"I permit myself no allusions," said the outlaw, with the utmost
+suavity. "Very far from it. What matters it to me, I ask, whether you
+call yourself Hebrard, Count de Mas d'Azyr, Philippe de Salnam, Jean
+Lerou, or take any other alias?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sir!" cried the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Allow me, I pray, to conclude. In you I only recognise a person who
+is very warmly recommended to me, who has need of my services, and at
+whose disposition I therefore place myself at once&mdash;ready to serve him
+if possible," he continued; "at all events we can talk, and I should be
+glad to know in what way I can be of use."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir," said the stranger, smiling, "you are agreeable and witty. I find
+that people make mistakes in their idea of you."</p>
+
+<p>"I am obliged by your high consideration," continued the outlaw; "still
+this does not explain to me&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Who I am," cried the other, with feigned candour; "well, sir,
+considering you have mentioned so many names&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You allow, then, that I was right."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly; you were quite right," answered the other, quickly; "I
+therefore sincerely beg your pardon."</p>
+
+<p>"It is not at all necessary."</p>
+
+<p>"There is, however, one thing that I must confess puzzles me very
+much," continued the envoy.</p>
+
+<p>"May I, without offence, ask what that is?"</p>
+
+<p>"No offence. I should certainly be only too glad to have an explanation
+with you on the subject."</p>
+
+<p>"If it depends upon me," the other said.</p>
+
+<p>"It depends absolutely on you. I always thought I had a good memory. I
+believe myself to be a very good physiognomist, but really I have no
+recollection of you."</p>
+
+<p>The outlaw burst into a roar of laughter.</p>
+
+<p>"Which only proves," he added, when he recovered himself, "that I am
+much more clever at incognito than you."</p>
+
+<p>"Which means&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That not only have we met, monsieur, but that we have carried on a
+long connection," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Many years ago?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all, sir. I speak of very recent times, though I will allow
+that our acquaintance commenced long ago."</p>
+
+<p>"You astonish me," said the Frenchman.</p>
+
+<p>"The matter is very easily explained. We have found ourselves connected
+at different times, under four different names: I have told you yours,
+I will now tell mine. Do you remember Louis Querehard? Do you recollect
+François Magnaud, Paul Sambrun, and Pedro Lopez?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perfectly," cried the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir, those four individuals you now see present under the name
+of Tom Mitchell, your very humble servant; though," he added, with
+exquisite politeness, yet with a tint of irony, "I have several others
+available on occasion."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir," cried the stranger, "you have indeed taken me in. I was a
+fool not to recognise you."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir!" cried the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us call things by their names. It is by far the best plan. I am
+indeed not to be forgiven for being taken in like any novice. I deserve
+to be dismissed from the service of the Government which employs me,
+and which believes me to be worthy of credit, as possessing a certain
+amount of wit and diplomatic ability. Well, it is useless to discuss
+the matter any longer. Give me your hand, sir," he cried; "you are my
+master. We bear no malice."</p>
+
+<p>"I only wanted to prove&mdash;" said the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"That I was a fool&mdash;and I must say you have done so to my entire
+satisfaction," he added, in a tone of complete good humour. "But
+however unpleasant the shock is to my self-love, I am delighted at what
+has happened."</p>
+
+<p>"How so?" asked the outlaw, in the same tone.</p>
+
+<p>"Because the ice is broken between us, and we can come to an
+understanding; the more readily," he added, "that the matters I have
+to speak of are the same as before."</p>
+
+<p>"If that be so," said the outlaw, "we can easily come to terms."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it not so? Now here is the affair in two words. The revolution
+is over in France. Beneath the hand of the mighty man of genius
+whose talent and patriotism have raised him to power, Government has
+recovered its strength, society begins to breathe, the nation is once
+more rising to its proper position amidst the people; New France has
+entire faith in the man whose every step has hitherto been marked by
+victory, which has definitively declared on his side."</p>
+
+<p>"I presume," said the outlaw, quietly, "that you are speaking of the
+General Bonaparte."</p>
+
+<p>"Of no other. This great, this extraordinary man has, with his mighty
+hand, put down the Jacobins and the mob, driving them back to their
+original nothingness. He has chained forever the awful hydra of
+revolution. You have, then, heard of him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Most certainly," said the son of Maillard, coldly.</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to hear it. This great man, who is as mighty a politician
+as he is a successful general, has followed, while slightly modifying
+it, the line traced by the national convention of execrable memory with
+regard to the Spanish colonies."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir," said the son of the regicide, "you are hard upon fallen men,
+upon vanquished enemies, who, if they were guilty of faults&mdash;of crimes
+if you will&mdash;did very great and glorious things, giving the first
+signal for social regeneration over the world."</p>
+
+<p>"It is useless, sir," said the envoy, "to discuss that matter. My
+convictions are very strong."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir, if that be so," replied the outlaw, "let us return to the
+General Bonaparte, and pray explain to me his new plans with regard to
+the Spanish possessions in America."</p>
+
+<p>"They are no new plans," observed the envoy; "only the old ones
+modified to a certain extent."</p>
+
+<p>"Modified in what way?"</p>
+
+<p>"There are two capital points. In the first place he wishes a cordial
+and frank alliance with the President of the United States, who
+cordially approves the policy of the French Government, which will, in
+the end, be to the advantage of America. Then he has given extensive
+powers to numerous sure and accredited agents, who, though, are not
+openly known because of the temporary Franco-Spanish alliance. Large
+sums of money have been provided by means of which to overthrow that
+species of Chinese wall with which Spain has surrounded its frontiers,
+which none ever cross and return."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir," said the outlaw, with a smile, "I have crossed them many a time
+and oft, and yet here I am."</p>
+
+<p>"It is precisely because of that fact that I am here."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Ah!" said the outlaw, with a laugh; "After all, despite your
+denials, you had seen through my incognito."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, it is useless to deny it. I have long known you to be a man of
+heart and action. I also know that by means of your vast connections
+no one can more readily help us to revolutionise the colonies. Besides,
+you are a Frenchman."</p>
+
+<p>"I am of no country," replied the other.</p>
+
+<p>"What, then, do you call yourself?"</p>
+
+<p>"An outlaw," answered the chief, "and king of this island," drily; "an
+outlaw, and nothing more."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, be it so, sir. Still you are exactly the man I want. I
+have need, for the execution of my plans, for the carrying out of
+my projects, of a man who is bound by no locality, by no social
+consideration. In fact, an outlaw."</p>
+
+<p>The other bowed ironically.</p>
+
+<p>"Now are you disposed to be the man?"</p>
+
+<p>"First," said Tom Mitchell, "let me know what you want of me. I will
+then give a decisive answer."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then," replied the envoy, "let us put diplomacy on one side, and
+speak frankly and openly."</p>
+
+<p>The outlaw leaned back and assumed something like the attitude of a
+tiger about to spring.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir," he said, with a most singular smile, "I was about to make the
+very same proposition."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good," replied Monsieur Hebrard; "that shows that we are
+beginning to understand one another."</p>
+
+<p>The captain bowed, without speaking.</p>
+
+<p>"The Spanish colonies," continued M. Hebrard, "are already beginning
+to feel the germs of revolutionary fermentation. Some devoted and
+enterprising men, yourself among others, have gone into the cities and
+towns of Mexico."</p>
+
+<p>"All this I know; a truce to flattery."</p>
+
+<p>"They have seen the zealous patriots, who are, however, but ill
+prepared as yet for the revolution we ardently desire."</p>
+
+<p>"Ill prepared indeed," cried Tom Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>"But overtopping all others is a man who has immense influence with the
+Indian races. You know him."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, ah!" exclaimed Tom; "You mean Dolores, the priest."</p>
+
+<p>"I mean no other. He is the only man upon whom we can count. We must
+enter into serious relations with him."</p>
+
+<p>"For what purpose?" asked the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"In order that when the hour comes he may be ready to raise the
+standard of revolt," cried the other, "and ready to draw the population
+after him against Spanish despotism."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good, sir. But it is a long way to Dolores, where lives the curé
+Hidalgo. The road is one of the most dangerous I know. I doubt if any
+agent, however clever, can reach him. Will you allow me to give you
+sincere advice?"</p>
+
+<p>"Speak; I am deeply interested."</p>
+
+<p>"My own opinion is that it would be much better to despatch a light
+vessel, schooner or brig, into the Gulf of Mexico. This vessel
+could cruise along the coast, and, when opportunity offered, land a
+confidential agent."</p>
+
+<p>"You are quite right, sir," said the envoy, "I must say this means has
+been tried with success."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what then?"</p>
+
+<p>"The secret was betrayed by a traitor; in consequence, the Spanish
+authorities are always on their guard."</p>
+
+<p>"Hence you conclude&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That on reflection, and having experience as a guide, the difficult
+road you describe is the best."</p>
+
+<p>"Hum!" said the outlaw, and relapsed into silence.</p>
+
+<p>The real meaning, the interesting point, of this conversation, so long,
+had not been touched upon. The captain knew it well, and kept himself
+in reserve. M. Hebrard was for some time afraid to enter upon a frank
+and true explanation.</p>
+
+<p>There was a deep silence; at last the captain determined to fire the
+train, if he were blown up.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you think I must go by land," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no choice," responded Hebrard.</p>
+
+<p>"The conditions?" remarked Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"One hundred thousand francs, not in notes, but in golden ounces,
+stamped with the effigy of the King of Spain."</p>
+
+<p>"That is tolerable, for a beginning."</p>
+
+<p>"Then there will be as much more for the negotiations, or, as I see you
+hesitate, at first one hundred and fifty thousand."</p>
+
+<p>"Why at first?" asked Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Because your mission will be divided into two distinct parts," replied
+the envoy, quietly.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us thoroughly understand the first," continued the outlaw; "we
+will talk of the second presently."</p>
+
+<p>"Another hundred thousand on your return with despatches," continued
+the diplomatist, warmly.</p>
+
+<p>"Hum!" said Tom; "That makes&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Three hundred and fifty thousand francs (£14,000) for only the first
+part of your mission," said Hebrard.</p>
+
+<p>"It is very liberal. Now for the second mission," said Tom Mitchell,
+watching the diplomatist with his wary eye.</p>
+
+<p>He knew that the real thing was coming now; he was satisfied of this
+from the other's uneasy manner.</p>
+
+<p>"Hum!" said M. Hebrard, as if speaking to himself; "Three hundred and
+fifty thousand francs is a pretty sum."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, for the first part of the mission which you have explained to
+me I don't say no. It is," he added, "a tough job, that I know. Still,
+nothing risk, nothing have. Now for the second part."</p>
+
+<p>The diplomatist assumed an air of genial frankness that made the outlaw
+shudder. He was at once on his guard.</p>
+
+<p>"The Spaniards, as I have said," observed M. Hebrard, jauntily, "are
+forever on the watch. No one, no matter what his position, is safe on
+the frontiers. To go in or out is simply impossible."</p>
+
+<p>"Diable!" cried Tom; "What you say is not calculated to give me much
+confidence or hope."</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me, monsieur," said Hebrard, "we are playing a frank and open
+game, I do not desire in any way to conceal the dangers that may await
+you. I am only speaking in a general kind of way, certain that whatever
+obstacles occur you will be right."</p>
+
+<p>All this was verbiage; M. Hebrard was evidently only trying some method
+of putting his real thoughts into words.</p>
+
+<p>The outlaw, who expected what was coming, smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"Unfortunately," said the diplomatist, who did not know what to say,
+"the real danger is not on the other side."</p>
+
+<p>The outlaw started up.</p>
+
+<p>"You may well be surprised; the danger is here."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?" cried the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"I will explain myself, if you will allow me. Of course," said M.
+Hebrard, "the Spaniards are no more fools than we are."</p>
+
+<p>"I was always of that opinion."</p>
+
+<p>"They have started a countermine!"</p>
+
+<p>"A countermine!" cried Tom. "What do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"You will soon see. Knowing something of our designs, they have covered
+the American frontiers with spies."</p>
+
+<p>"It is certainly very clever," said the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"Very clever," said the diplomatist, in a husky voice; "but then,
+clever as they are, we know all about it, every detail."</p>
+
+<p>"You do not mean to say so?" cried Tom Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. And more than that, we know the chief of the whole gang of
+spies," added Hebrard. "And much more than that, we know all his
+secrets, cunning as he is."</p>
+
+<p>"That is something," said Tom; "but now what you want is to catch him."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said Hebrard, "that is the very thing; you yourself must see the
+necessity of catching him before you start."</p>
+
+<p>"I should think so; it is as plain as running water; but," added Tom
+Mitchell, "it is not very easy to snap up such a rascal in the desert,
+which simply is as full of such rogues and vagabonds as an anthill is
+full of ants."</p>
+
+
+<p>"Don't be uneasy on that point," cried Hebrard; "I shall easily put you
+on his track."</p>
+
+<p>"All right. Then all we have to do is to catch him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly so," said the other, with a sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"And you will pay for this capture?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very heavily, my excellent friend."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! Oh! Then you are very anxious to secure him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," continued the other, gloomily; "dead or alive; it matters not. I
+should say, for information's sake, dead rather than alive."</p>
+
+<p>"I like plain speaking. He is very much in your way?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very much more than I can explain."</p>
+
+<p>"And how much will you pay for this mission?"</p>
+
+<p>"Alive, twenty-five thousand; dead, fifty thousand francs."</p>
+
+<p>"It appears to me you prefer him dead. But never mind, give me the
+information. His name and address."</p>
+
+<p>"He is a Frenchman, who has taken the name of Oliver. In appearance
+he is a hunter, a trapper, anything that comes uppermost. For greater
+safety he has connected himself with an Indian tribe, and is to be
+found about the Missouri."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a very long way from the Mexican frontiers," observed the
+outlaw, in a coldly sarcastic voice.</p>
+
+<p>"True. But the fellow is cunning; his safety requires him to be
+extremely cautious. Do you accept?"</p>
+
+<p>"I accept on one condition," replied the other. "It is fully understood
+that he is to be dead, mind."</p>
+
+<p>"No matter, so that we have him."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then, we are agreed on four hundred thousand francs (£16,000)? I
+shall want half down."</p>
+
+<p>"I have the money in gold in my valises. I will pay it to you this
+evening," replied the envoy.</p>
+
+<p>"And now that this is settled, you are in no hurry?"</p>
+
+<p>"None whatever."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I know pretty well where to find the man you are in search of. I
+must say that, without suspecting the odious part he has been playing,
+I have on the several occasions we have met him felt the greatest
+repulsion."</p>
+
+<p>"This is extraordinary."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you see, on the desert everybody knows everybody. But as I
+wish to make no mistake, to commit no error in so grave and important
+a matter, I should like you to be present at his arrest. Besides, it
+would be more regular."</p>
+
+<p>"Hum!" cried the other, with a look of considerable annoyance; "The
+idea of further voyage in the desert&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Is not pleasant, I know," interrupted Tom; "but that is not necessary.
+You shall remain quietly here."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I consent. When do you expect to catch him?"</p>
+
+<p>"In less than a week, unless I am very unfortunate."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I can wholly depend on you?" cried Hebrard.</p>
+
+<p>"I swear to you on my honour that it will not be my fault if at the end
+of the time you are not face to face."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you in advance," said the envoy.</p>
+
+<p>"There is nothing to be grateful for," replied the outlaw, with an odd
+expression and smile.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>THE PRISONER.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>That same day, about nine o'clock in the evening, the outlaw was seated
+face to face with Captain Pierre Durand at a table covered with dishes,
+plates, and empty bottles, which testified to the appetite of the two
+men, and to the rude attack they had made upon everything in order to
+satisfy it.</p>
+
+<p>The two men were now smoking excellent cigars, while sipping, like true
+amateurs, some mocha, served in real Japanese cups. Close at hand, in
+addition, were bottles containing every conceivable kind of liquors and
+spirits.</p>
+
+<p>They had reached that precise period in the repast so prized by
+gourmets, when, the mind elevated and the brain excited by succulent
+food and generous libations, one feels a kind of happy state of being
+that is simply charming.</p>
+
+<p>For one whole quarter of an hour neither of the two men had spoken or
+cared to speak.</p>
+
+<p>It was the outlaw who first broke the charm.</p>
+
+<p>"You are aware, my dear captain," he said, "that in half an hour I must
+leave you and be off."</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me," cried Pierre Durand, starting, "if I believe a single word
+of such a mad assertion."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I am truly sorry to say, it is the exact fact. Doubtless you know
+as well as I do, business before all."</p>
+
+<p>"I have not the remotest idea of interfering with your affairs," cried
+the sea captain, glumly.</p>
+
+<p>"Then what do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"That you are not going to leave me in the lurch."</p>
+
+<p>"Still, when I tell you I must go," said the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"All I mean is this, that if you go I go," cried Pierre.</p>
+
+<p>"What! A night journey like this?" asked Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Night journey, day journey, it is all the same to me. I am an old
+sailor," growled Pierre Durand; "and every kind of locomotion is
+equally indifferent to me. Besides, I have known you a very long time,
+haven't I? And I know what sort of trade you carry on," he added.</p>
+
+<p>The outlaw kept his countenance.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, I shall not be surprised or scandalised at anything I see.
+All I know is that here I should be bored to death, having nothing
+to do. It would be a nice little change to join you in one of your
+filibustering expeditions."</p>
+
+<p>All this was said in a joking kind of way that excluded all idea of
+giving offence.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Tom Mitchell, smiling, "any way, you would find yourself
+utterly disappointed."</p>
+
+<p>"How is that?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not going to plunder, but to restore. Of course I don't pretend
+it is my usual custom," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well," cried Pierre; "I think that will be much more funny. I
+should like to join in the good work."</p>
+
+<p>"But, my friend&mdash;" urged the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no but about it. I am a Breton, that is to say, as obstinate
+as several mules," continued Pierre Durand; "and I mean to come,
+unless, indeed, you tell me that my demand is in reality offensive and
+intrusive."</p>
+
+<p>"By no means," cried Tom; "come then. Who can resist anyone so
+obstinate as you are, my friend?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are a delightful fellow. I am ready."</p>
+
+<p>"Not quite; there are conditions; at least, one."</p>
+
+<p>"Pray let me know what it is."</p>
+
+<p>"You must profit by the few minutes that remain to us to disguise
+yourself, so as to be unrecognisable."</p>
+
+<p>"To what purpose, in a country where nobody knows me?" cried Pierre
+Durand; "Will you tell me a reason?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is my secret. Will you consent? That is right. Now go there, and
+you will find all things necessary."</p>
+
+<p>Pierre Durand was about to leave the room, but the outlaw indicated
+where everything was ready.</p>
+
+<p>"There is another favour I must ask of you."</p>
+
+<p>"Go ahead, nothing surprises me," said the captain, who, with
+magnificent sang-froid had commenced his work.</p>
+
+<p>"In case chance should bring us face to face with people we know,"
+he said, earnestly, "you will still keep up your incognito, even if
+you happen to see among these the face of the friend whom you have
+travelled so far to see."</p>
+
+<p>The captain, who was blacking his beard with soot and fat, having
+already darkened his eyebrows, gave a start.</p>
+
+<p>"Will he be there?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not say so. It is more than probable that he will not be there.
+Still, I wish to exercise every precaution."</p>
+
+<p>"Hum, still it appears very hard."</p>
+
+<p>"Still, do you consent? Yes or no."</p>
+
+<p>"I repeat what you just said. I suppose I must," said Pierre; "and as I
+see you are in earnest, I promise, on my honour."</p>
+
+<p>"Enough; then make haste."</p>
+
+<p>After rendering his features and countenance utterly unrecognisable,
+the captain threw off his outer clothes, and assumed the costume of a
+planter of the frontier.</p>
+
+<p>"What languages do you speak?" asked Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Nearly all civilised ones as easily as I do French," replied Durand;
+"but, above all, English and Spanish."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good," continued Tom; "then during our excursion I shall always
+call you Don José Remero."</p>
+
+<p>"Don José Remero be it."</p>
+
+<p>"You must recollect that you are a captain in the Spanish navy, fled
+from home after a fatal duel."</p>
+
+<p>"All right," grinned Pierre.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not forget to take weapons. I can strongly recommend this tison. It
+is a perfect and choice rapier," said Tom; "have this long and pointed
+knife in your right boot. You may want it when you least expect. Do you
+ride?"</p>
+
+<p>"Like a centaur," laughed the Frenchman.</p>
+
+<p>"I am very glad to hear it; and now secure this carbine and this pair
+of pistols," continued Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I shall look like an arsenal."</p>
+
+<p>"My friend, it is the custom of the country," said Tom; "no one thinks
+of travelling in any other way."</p>
+
+<p>"One does at Rome as Rome does. I'm your man," cried Pierre, laughing;
+"what do you think of me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Unrecognisable. I should not know you anywhere. You are clever; even
+your accent is changed."</p>
+
+<p>"That is always the first thing to be thought of," said Pierre Durand;
+"and now what is the nature of the restitution?"</p>
+
+<p>"We are going," replied the outlaw, with a smile, "to restore a young
+girl to her friends and relatives."</p>
+
+<p>"A young girl?" cried Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;a most charming and interesting maiden, whom I captured the other
+day. I can no longer resist her tender sorrow."</p>
+
+<p>"Bah!" said the young sailor, with a grin.</p>
+
+<p>"I swear to you, upon my honour," cried the outlaw, warmly, "that she
+has been treated with the most profound respect and even tenderness."</p>
+
+<p>"Spoken like an honest man," said the captain, warmly. "But may I ask
+with what object you took her away?"</p>
+
+<p>"I had a motive, which I fear me exists no longer. I even fear," he
+said, gloomily, "I have entered upon a bad speculation. But it is
+useless to discuss the matter anymore. Soon there shall be no mysteries
+for you. Be seated again."</p>
+
+<p>"Why?" asked the captain, puzzled at all these mysteries.</p>
+
+<p>"She comes, and it is rather important I should say a few words to her
+before we start on our journey."</p>
+
+<p>"I am your humble servant to command."</p>
+
+<p>Tom Mitchell struck a gong, and Camotte appeared.</p>
+
+<p>"Have my orders been executed?" asked the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, captain. The stranger is watched carefully, and yet without
+creating suspicion," replied the lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is he now?"</p>
+
+<p>"In his own room."</p>
+
+<p>"If tomorrow he asks after me," said Tom Mitchell, "you will give him
+the answer already agreed on."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, captain."</p>
+
+<p>"What about the detachments?"</p>
+
+<p>"Those have started within the hour, I shall start with the last as
+soon as the moon rises," replied Camotte.</p>
+
+<p>"Remember," said Tom, thoughtfully, "that tomorrow morning at sunrise,
+if not before, you must be back."</p>
+
+<p>"Be easy as to that, captain," said the other, significantly; "I shall
+not leave the island without a chief just now."</p>
+
+<p>"Humph!" observed the captain, suspiciously, "Is there anything fresh
+in the air?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing in appearance, much in reality."</p>
+
+<p>"You can speak out here," said Tom Mitchell; "if you have anything to
+say, say it without hesitation."</p>
+
+<p>"About an hour ago, when I was going my round," said the matter-of-fact
+and faithful Camotte, "I met that fellow Versenca at the water's edge;
+he was wet through, and had evidently been swimming. When he saw me
+he was utterly confounded, and then when I questioned him as to his
+conduct he gave me a lot of silly reasons a child of five would have
+seen through."</p>
+
+<p>The captain reflected with a dark frown.</p>
+
+<p>"Redouble your vigilance, my good Camotte," he said at last. "On the
+first suspicion arrest him until I come back."</p>
+
+<p>"For greater safety, captain," replied Camotte, "I shall take him with
+me tonight, I can watch him."</p>
+
+<p>"Mind he does not give you the slip. A traitor would be dangerous just
+now. He is as cunning as an opossum."</p>
+
+<p>"I know it, but two can play at the same game."</p>
+
+<p>"Good. I leave it to you. Have Black Athol and Goliath saddled for us,
+and Miss Lara for the prisoner, if safe."</p>
+
+<p>"She is quite a lady's horse&mdash;an ambler. She will quite suit her
+rider," replied Camotte.</p>
+
+<p>"Mind you," continued Tom, "let the three be harnessed for
+war&mdash;victuals, holsters, ammunition, and pistols."</p>
+
+<p>"As a matter of course. When Black Athol and Goliath go out, I know you
+are bent on mischief. What absence?"</p>
+
+<p>"Three days at most," replied the captain; "and during that time never
+leave the island."</p>
+
+<p>"And you go alone?" asked Camotte, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"With the gentleman, as I have already said."</p>
+
+<p>"I think you should take TĂªte de Plume," said Camotte.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you tell me why?" asked the captain, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"No one ever knows on an expedition what may happen," drily replied the
+lieutenant, "and two are better than one."</p>
+
+<p>"But I have told you, we are two already."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good," he continued, "but you would be three."</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you what it is, Camotte," said the captain, laughing, "you do
+just as you like with me. Let him come."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you heartily," cried the delighted lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p>"Above all, whatever happens, keep my absence a secret," said Tom
+Mitchell; "that is above all essential."</p>
+
+<p>"Your orders shall be obeyed in all things."</p>
+
+<p>"And now bring in the prisoner," continued Tom. "By the way, have you
+said anything to her?"</p>
+
+<p>"Captain, you know I am no babbler," observed Camotte.</p>
+
+<p>"Very true," said Tom, and then turning to Pierre, he added, laughing,
+"that fellow does not put too much confidence in me."</p>
+
+<p>"His manner is strange. Perhaps he distrusts me."</p>
+
+<p>"No; Camotte is a bulldog for fidelity and discretion; but, like
+bulldogs, he is both suspicious and jealous," replied Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"I bear him no malice for his jealousy," said Pierre; "besides, I
+myself always like those kind of men."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, they are indeed very precious," continued Tom; "unfortunately,
+you have to give way to them a little."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, when it is from pure devotion, nothing can be said."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the door opened, and a young girl entered the room,
+effectually checking the conversation.</p>
+
+<p>This young girl was Angela, or Evening Dew, whichever it may please the
+reader to call her.</p>
+
+<p>She gave a graceful curtsy, and then remained with downcast eyes before
+the outlaw chief.</p>
+
+<p>The two men rose from their seats and bowed respectfully.</p>
+
+<p>"My sister is welcome," said the outlaw, smiling, and speaking in the
+Indian tongue; "be seated."</p>
+
+<p>"Evening Dew is a slave, and presumes not to sit down in the presence
+of her master," responded the young girl, in a voice as melodious as
+the song of a bird, but the tone of which was firm and distinct. "I
+have said."</p>
+
+<p>Evening Dew was a delicious child of seventeen at most, in whom the two
+races, white and red, of both which she was the issue, seemed to have
+vied which should produce the most wondrous chef d'oeuvre.</p>
+
+<p>Her elegant and slight form, slightly bent forward with that serpentine
+undulation which belongs to American women, her long hair, black as
+the raven's wing, fell almost to her feet, and when loosened, might
+have served her as a cloak. Her complexion had the golden tint of the
+daughters of the sun; her great blue and dreamy eyes were fringed by
+long velvet lashes; her mouth, revealing her vermilion lips, and a row
+of dazzling white teeth, gave to her physiognomy that rare expression
+scarcely ever found except in some virgin of Titian.</p>
+
+<p>The sailor was dazzled at the really marvellous beauty of the young
+girl. He had no idea that the whole continent of America could have
+produced such a fairy.</p>
+
+<p>The captain smiled at her reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Evening Dew has no master here. She is with friends who will protect
+her," he said, heartily.</p>
+
+<p>"Friends!" she cried, clasping her hands together, while the pearly
+tears went down her cheeks; "Is it possible?"</p>
+
+<p>"I swear to you, young girl," he continued, "that what I say is true.
+I have sent for you to apologise for what has happened, to demand
+forgiveness for your cruel abduction."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, sir," she cried, in excellent French, "oh, sir, can I really
+believe my ears! Is it true?"</p>
+
+<p>"You would insult me by disbelieving," he replied, in the same
+language; "tomorrow you will be with your friends."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, sir, from my soul," she sobbed forth.</p>
+
+<p>And before the captain could prevent her&mdash;before he suspected her
+intention, the was on her knees kissing his hand.</p>
+
+<p>Tom Mitchell respectfully raised her from the ground and led her to the
+chair she had once refused.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you are very unhappy here?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes," she cried, "I have indeed been very unhappy; how, in fact,
+could I be otherwise?"</p>
+
+<p>"And yet," said the captain, with a frown, "I have given the most
+strict orders with regard to your treatment."</p>
+
+<p>"I beg most earnestly to acknowledge, sir, that I have been treated in
+the most honourable fashion, that I have been surrounded by the most
+delicate attentions. But oh, sir, I was a prisoner, alas! Far away
+from those I love, and whom my absence plunges, like myself, in utter
+despair."</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, miss," said the chief, "my wrong towards you will soon be
+repaired, I promise you."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you are good indeed!"</p>
+
+<p>"Tomorrow," he added, with considerable emotion, "you shall be restored
+to the bosom of your family."</p>
+
+<p>"Do that, sir," she cried, "and I will love you. Ever after you shall
+be as a brother to me."</p>
+
+<p>"I will endeavour to merit the title, Miss Angela," he said, softly;
+"henceforth you will no longer curse me."</p>
+
+<p>"Curse you who give me back to those I love! No, I will bless you from
+the bottom of my heart," she cried, earnestly, "and, believe me, God
+will amply reward you."</p>
+
+<p>"I have a strong conviction that way myself," he said, smiling; "even
+heaven could scarcely be deaf to your prayer."</p>
+
+<p>The girl coloured deeply at these words, which were uttered with such
+earnest conviction as caused her to bow her head.</p>
+
+<p>The captain simply smiled softly.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you tolerably strong, miss?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you ask me this question?" she said.</p>
+
+<p>"Because," he answered, "we have a very long journey to go before we
+find your friends."</p>
+
+<p>"What matters about fatigue, sir? I am already strong. The very idea
+has restored my vigour."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall have to undertake a long night journey," he continued,
+"through the prairies, by very rough ways."</p>
+
+<p>She clapped her pretty hands together joyously; a charming smile
+lightened up her physiognomy, and then she cried out in a delighted and
+proud accent&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I have Indian blood in my veins, sir," she cried; "I am the daughter
+of a brave Canadian hunter. Fear nothing for me. I am not a woman of
+the towns, who, I am told, can neither walk nor run."</p>
+
+<p>"They are very much like it," growled Pierre.</p>
+
+<p>"Try me, put me to any proof, and you will see of what I am capable to
+get back to my friends."</p>
+
+<p>"Come, I see, at all events, that you are as brave and noble a woman as
+you are beautiful. Come, it is time."</p>
+
+<p>"Do we go directly?" she cried.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," was his smiling answer.</p>
+
+<p>"One moment," she said; "give me time to thank God for having touched
+your heart. Let me pray."</p>
+
+<p>"Do as you wish," he replied, respectfully.</p>
+
+<p>The young girl folded her arms across her breast, raised her looks
+heavenward with an inspired air for some minutes. One could see by her
+thoughtful brow, from the compression of her coraline lips, that she
+was praying. Her face was radiant, her eyes were full of tears. She
+seemed transfigurated.</p>
+
+<p>The two men, despite their rude aspect and rough natures, stood
+respectfully beside her, utterly cowed, overcome, crushed under the
+weight of her purity and innocence. They stood before her hat in hand.</p>
+
+<p>When her short and ardent prayer was over, the girl turned to them with
+an ineffable smile.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, gentlemen," she said, bowing to the two men who she saw were
+henceforth her slaves, "I am quite ready."</p>
+
+<p>The outlaw and his companion bowed and followed behind as she led the
+way outside.</p>
+
+<p>Camotte was there, as was also the valorous TĂªte de Plume, holding the
+horses.</p>
+
+<p>Tom Mitchell led Miss Angela to the mare Lara, which he had ordered to
+be saddled, and held the stirrup respectfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Mount," he said, just as if he had been speaking to a princess in her
+own right.</p>
+
+<p>Then, as soon as the outlaw had given some last whispered directions to
+Camotte, they started, Tom Mitchell riding at the head of the little
+band.</p>
+
+<p>By the time the ford was passed over in safety the moon had risen in
+the sky above the trees.</p>
+
+<p>The four travellers were now safe on terra firma.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Miss Angela," said Tom Mitchell, gallantly, "place yourself
+between this gentleman and myself. Good. And now, TĂªte de Plume, my
+boy, take the rearguard, and, whatever you do, look out."</p>
+
+<p>The four cavaliers dashed off at a hand gallop, and soon disappeared in
+the windings of the defile.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH TOM MITCHELL DISCOVERS THAT HONESTY IS A GOOD SPECULATION.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>We now direct our steps to one of the most savage and abrupt sites in
+all the desert, before the rising of the sun.</p>
+
+<p>Five men are crossing a narrow gorge in the mountains, the tops of
+which are rocky and bare or covered with snow. Just now they are
+rendered almost invisible by the dense fog which the sun's rays cannot
+dissipate.</p>
+
+<p>These five travellers came from the interior of the mornes, as the
+hilly plains are called, and were bound for the plains, which they
+began to make out a short distance before them, traversed, or rather
+cut in two, by the extensive stream of the Missouri, the sandy waters
+of which were half concealed by high grass, willow, and the cottonwood
+trees that lined its shores.</p>
+
+<p>The five wayfarers of whom we have spoken walked painfully over the
+flints that paved the gorge, the dried-up bed of a torrent, which
+itself had suddenly disappeared during one of the cataclysms so common
+in that region.</p>
+
+<p>Having reached the extremity of the gorge, they stopped, looked around,
+and gave a sigh of satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>Their task had been a rude one. For far more than three hours they had
+been stumbling in the midst of a whirlpool, nothing else, of flint
+stones, which, at every step they took, slid under their feet like
+mountain shingle.</p>
+
+<p>Four of these men were whites, wearing the costume of hunters of the
+prairies; the fifth was an Indian.</p>
+
+<p>They were George Clinton, Oliver, Bright-eye, Keen-hand, and
+Numank-Charake, the chief.</p>
+
+<p>Now, then, let us ask how it came about that these five men should be
+there at that early hour in a place so far from their home&mdash;a hundred
+miles, in fact, from the regions they were in the habit of frequenting,
+and why were George Clinton and Keen-hand members of this singular and
+perhaps fortuitous group.</p>
+
+<p>Of course we shall as soon as possible satisfy the legitimate curiosity
+of our friend the reader.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" said Keen-hand, "It is my opinion, friends and companions, that
+the wisest thing to be done is to stop here."</p>
+
+<p>"Why stop here?" cried Bright-eye, in far from a pleasant tone of
+voice; "Explain yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"For a hundred reasons, every one of which is better than the other,"
+resumed Keen-hand.</p>
+
+<p>"I should like to know the first," said the Canadian.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, it is a very excellent one, I think. You and I and the chief are
+used to these diabolical roads, which is far from being the case with
+our companions, which you ought to have observed without telling a very
+long time ago."</p>
+
+<p>Both Oliver and Clinton tried to protest.</p>
+
+<p>"No! No!" cried Bright-eye, in his frankest manner. "I am a brute. So
+say no more about it, as I proclaim it myself. Let us camp at once."</p>
+
+<p>"Here is an excellent place," cried Keen-hand.</p>
+
+<p>The hunters had halted under a grove of gigantic gumtrees. A fire was
+lighted, and each one, resting himself, prepared for the morning meal.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, to tell the truth," said Oliver, gaily, "I will now confess that
+I needed repose; I was simply done up."</p>
+
+<p>"I could scarcely put one foot before the other," observed George
+Clinton, who was stretched out on the grass.</p>
+
+<p>"There!" cried Keen-hand; "Was I not right?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, considering that I have owned I was a brute," growled
+Bright-eye, "are you not satisfied?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perfectly!" said the guide.</p>
+
+<p>Numank-Charake had in the meantime undertaken the office of cook, an
+office he filled effectively.</p>
+
+<p>A few minutes later all were eagerly devouring slices cut from a
+quarter of venison which had been broiled upon the hot embers.</p>
+
+<p>Then the gourds were opened and passed joyously from hand to hand.</p>
+
+<p>These brave young men had walked all night through impracticable paths
+which only hunters could overcome. They were literally famished.</p>
+
+<p>But now they entered into the spirit of the thing rarely. Soon
+everything had disappeared. All was eaten.</p>
+
+<p>When the last mouthful had been washed down, and the very last drop of
+brandy absorbed, each man in his turn gave a deep sigh of satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, then," remarked Bright-eye, looking obliquely at his companions,
+"I think we may talk."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I am of opinion," said Keen-hand, gaily, "that after a hearty
+meal, two things are agreeable&mdash;a pipe and talk."</p>
+
+<p>This declaration, the justice and opportuneness of which everybody at
+once recognised, was like a signal; instantly, pipes in red clay, with
+cherry tree tubes, were drawn from their belts, stuffed, lighted, and
+soon a cloud of blue smoke surrounded the head of every guest like a
+glory.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, then, Bright-eye," said Oliver, gaily, between two puffs, "fire
+away as soon as you like."</p>
+
+<p>"Messieurs, my friends," replied Bright-eye, "my heart is very sad.
+Despite all I can do, I feel a kind of presentiment that this man, in
+whom we have so trusted, is deceiving us."</p>
+
+<p>Numank-Charake lifted up his head.</p>
+
+<p>"I know the paleface chief," he said, in his guttural tones, shaking
+his head in a way to give more emphasis to his words; "he is a man
+whose tongue is not forked. His word is as gold&mdash;and my brother,
+Bright-eye, is wrong."</p>
+
+<p>"In the name of heaven, is it you who speak in that way, chief?"
+asked the astonished hunter; "You, of all men in the world, so deeply
+interested."</p>
+
+<p>"Numank-Charake is a chief in his nation," quickly interrupted the
+redskin, his words, which swelled his bosom, coming directly from his
+heart; "the man who despises his enemies is not a brave warrior, but
+exposes himself to the reproach of only vanquishing cowards."</p>
+
+<p>"Well spoken, chief," said Keen-hand.</p>
+
+<p>"The Grey Bear, the paleface chief, is ferocious, cruel, and a thief,
+but he is brave and truthful."</p>
+
+<p>Oliver and Clinton stared.</p>
+
+<p>"What he has said he will do, he will do. What he has offered he will
+give. Did we go openly to him? No! We hunted him like a wild beast
+Wounded, dying, we wished to kill him. He escaped; thanks not to
+cunning, but to audacity. He is a great chief."</p>
+
+<p>The whites exchanged glances.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing would have been more easy for him than to laugh at our menaces
+and to conceal himself from us. Instead of that, he has sent us a
+collar&mdash;letter&mdash;in which he invites us to an interview, for the purpose
+of ending the troubles which divide us."</p>
+
+<p>"This may be a trick," said Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"No! It is neither the act of a false nor of a double-faced man. No! It
+is the act of a brave and loyal warrior. That is my opinion. Whatever
+may happen during the next few hours, I am convinced that if we have
+confidence in him I shall be found right. I have said."</p>
+
+<p>The chief relighted his pipe, which had gone out during his speech,
+and from that moment he appeared to take no further part in the
+conversation. Still he listened to what the others said.</p>
+
+<p>"As far as I am concerned," observed Oliver, "I think the chief has
+spoken well. I agree with him on every point. As far as I can judge,
+this pirate or this outlaw, whichever you choose to call him, is
+not a man like other men. There is something in him which is not at
+all ordinary. In one word, he may, it is true, be a brigand, but,
+certainly, his is a very lofty nature. Until further events, I, for
+one, shall believe in his word."</p>
+
+<p>"All this is very possible," observed Bright-eye, shaking his head
+doubtingly, "but no one can deny that he is the captain of a monstrous
+set of brigands."</p>
+
+<p>"What does that prove?" said Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing that I know of. Still I am decidedly of opinion that his word
+is not to be trusted."</p>
+
+<p>"Then allow me to observe," said George Clinton, drily, "why are we
+here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, because one always lives in hope, despite our better reason.
+Still we ought to be prudent."</p>
+
+<p>"Though I am not quite of the opinion of Bright-eye," said Charbonneau,
+"I think we should be wise not to rush headlong into a possible trap
+which the bandits may be preparing for us. He is right as to the wisdom
+of prudence."</p>
+
+<p>"I, too, am an advocate for prudence," said George Clinton; "nothing
+can be more wise than to take all proper precautions. That I fully
+agree with. But do not act in such a way as to cause our loyalty to be
+suspected, or our confidence in the man's word."</p>
+
+<p>"That can be easily arranged, my friends," said Charbonneau, with a
+cunning smile "let me alone, and, believe me, all will go well."</p>
+
+<p>"My worthy friend, act just as you think proper. You, perhaps, more
+than anyone, have experience of the desert, and nobody objects to your
+taking every precaution."</p>
+
+<p>"The best precaution," said the Indian chief, again speaking, "when you
+deal with a loyal enemy is to have every faith in his word; to have no
+suspicion of any kind in your mind."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good, chief. It is very likely after all that you are right. I
+will not discuss the matter with you, though I repeat I am very much
+surprised to hear you speak thus. I only ask of you one thing&mdash;that is,
+to remain neutral in this affair until the actual moment of action has
+come."</p>
+
+<p>"Numank-Charake loves Bright-eye; he is his brother. He will do
+whatever the hunter wishes; still regretting that he is constrained to
+act against his wishes," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"I take all the blame on myself," said Bright-eye; "and shall be the
+first to own my error, if indeed I am found to be in error. A man can
+say no more, even if he were speaking to his father."</p>
+
+<p>The Indian said no more, but bowed his head in token of acquiescence.
+But he smiled with such a keen and subtle irony that the hunter was so
+deeply moved as to blush.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear nothing for myself," he cried.</p>
+
+<p>"Eh, what!" exclaimed Charbonneau, stretching out his arm towards the
+river, "What is going on?"</p>
+
+<p>Every eye was fixed upon the spot indicated by the hunter's sudden
+exclamation.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a canoe," said George Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>"Manned by two men," observed Charbonneau.</p>
+
+<p>"And those two men," said the chief, after one glance from his eagle
+eye, "are two palefaces. He knows them well. One is the old hunter
+called Sharpear, the other the son of my nation&mdash;Leave-no-trail."</p>
+
+<p>"My father and my grandfather!" cried Bright-eye, in utter surprise.
+"Surely, chief, you must be mistaken. Why should they come here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very likely," observed Oliver, gently, "the same motive leads them
+here that has led us."</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the canoe, impelled by vigorous arms, approached with extreme
+rapidity, and soon was at no very great distance from the camp of the
+hunters. Then it turned rapidly towards the shore, and its bow was soon
+stuck in the sand.</p>
+
+<p>Two men landed.</p>
+
+<p>Numank-Charake had been right. These two men were indeed the father and
+grandfather of the young hunter. They were coming to the encampment.</p>
+
+<p>The five adventurers all leaped up, and eagerly rushed to meet the two
+old men.</p>
+
+<p>After the first compliments had passed and welcomes had been exchanged
+with effusion between the newcomers and their friends, the Canadians
+seated themselves by the fire, and, upon the invitation given, ate some
+mouthfuls of fresh-cooked venison and drank some brandy.</p>
+
+<p>"We have been to see our relative, Lagrenay, the squatter of the Wind
+River," said the old man. "It appears he had received a very pressing
+message from Tom Mitchell, the outlaw."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said Bright-eye, "we were there when it was delivered. We know
+all about it. But, as far as I am concerned, I am afraid&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Of what are you afraid, my son?" asked François Berger, in a rather
+imperious tone of voice.</p>
+
+<p>"That all this pretended facility and frankness on the part of the
+pirate chief hides a snare."</p>
+
+<p>The two old hunters exchanged a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"Child, you are very much mistaken," said the grandfather. "Tom
+Mitchell means exactly what he says. He has no intention, no motive for
+laying any unworthy trap."</p>
+
+<p>"I am certain of it," added the son.</p>
+
+<p>Bright-eye had nothing to say to so positive an assertion. He silently
+bowed his head.</p>
+
+<p>"We have done all in our power to come here quickly, knowing we should
+meet you," went on François Berger; "we are only too happy to be in
+time."</p>
+
+<p>"In time to do what?" asked Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"We will explain," said the elder of the two men; "when Tom Mitchell
+comes we shall receive him."</p>
+
+<p>"But that is our business?" cried Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>"I know the message was addressed to you," said his father; "I am well
+aware of it that it is our business, and, in fact, it is more proper
+it should be so. At all events we have decided that it is to be so, so
+that you will keep out of sight until the affair is finished."</p>
+
+<p>"But," said Bright-eye, with considerable hesitation, "supposing there
+was treachery?"</p>
+
+<p>"My son," sententiously observed the old man, "prudence is wise, but
+suspicion in certain cases is an insult. Think of that. Believe me when
+I say that your father and I know better what we are about than you do."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall certainly obey you," said Oliver, in the name of all. "We
+shall remain at a distance during the interview, and only interfere
+when called upon."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you cordially," said the old man; "everything will go rightly,
+I promise you."</p>
+
+<p>And he waved his hand as if to dismiss them.</p>
+
+<p>The five young men rose, bowed respectfully to the two old men, and
+watched them as they walked slowly down to the banks of the river.</p>
+
+<p>About two gunshots distance from the camp, or thereabouts, was a rather
+thick wood, composed of oaks and gumtrees. The hunters entered the
+wood, and soon afterwards disappeared under the forest.</p>
+
+<p>Remaining alone, the old hunters lifted their Indian calumets and began
+to smoke, without exchanging one single word.</p>
+
+<p>This went on for about three-quarters of an hour&mdash;incessant smoking.
+Suddenly, François Berger let fall his pipe, fell flat on his face, put
+his ear to the ground, and listened.</p>
+
+<p>"They come," he said, rising.</p>
+
+<p>"I have heard them coming for some time," quietly replied the old
+grandfather. "How many?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not more than four."</p>
+
+<p>"Just as I expected. He has acted in perfect good faith," said the old
+man.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you are quite determined?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. The Indians are not in want of it, and I should not like to see
+the Yankees or English profit by it."</p>
+
+<p>"You are the master. You are the one to whom it belongs to a certain
+extent," said the son.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; it is today my property. Besides, it should be kept up for the
+support of a great cause. Tom Mitchell is a very different man from
+what he appears," added the old man, gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"That, of course, I know."</p>
+
+<p>"Besides, I have another very strong motive for acting as I do, and
+that is the establishment, on the very spot I allude to, of the Yankee
+squatter."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. And, between you and me, father, these Yankees have very sharp
+noses. They will find it out before long."</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly so, my son. For my part, I prefer that Frenchmen should derive
+the advantage."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment a distant gunshot was heard.</p>
+
+<p>"Here they come," said François Berger.</p>
+
+<p>He then rose, placed his hand over his mouth like a funnel, and twice
+imitated, with marvellous dexterity and perfection, the cry of the
+water hawk.</p>
+
+<p>A similar cry came in response, and almost immediately afterwards four
+cavaliers, well mounted, appeared galloping through the high grass and
+trees, and coming directly towards them.</p>
+
+<p>The Canadians held their rifles in their hands, while the newcomers
+showed no apparent arms. They had left their pistols in the holsters,
+their sabres were in their scabbards, their rifles by their sides.</p>
+
+<p>On coming within a short distance of the two old men the strangers
+exchanged a few words in a low tone of voice, two of them slackened
+their pace, while the others rushed forward with the rapidity of the
+gazelle.</p>
+
+<p>In another instant Angela, for it was herself, was in the arms of the
+friends, answering by cries of joy and tears of happiness the sweet
+caresses of her relatives and friends.</p>
+
+<p>Tom Mitchell and his companions stood apart discreetly, and then,
+when they saw that the first transports were over or becoming calmer,
+approached.</p>
+
+<p>"Welcome," said the old man, "welcome, gentlemen," holding out his two
+hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Have I kept my promise?" asked Tom Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>"Nobly; I solemnly declare it, and I thank you," cried Berger, with
+deep emotion.</p>
+
+<p>"You have worthily made up for the act you had done. Let us forget the
+past," said the old man; "what can we do for you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing," he said, quietly.</p>
+
+<p>"You exact no ransom whatever?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why should I exaggerate, old hunter? I was drawn into committing a
+bad action by a man whose name I will not mention. Though a pirate, I
+am not so bad as I am painted. I have therefore sought to condone the
+evil."</p>
+
+<p>"Admirably spoken," said François Berger, again embracing his daughter.
+"Go, darling, to your brother yonder."</p>
+
+<p>"Allow me first to thank Captain Mitchell," she said, "for his extreme
+kindness during my captivity."</p>
+
+<p>"You bear me no malice?"</p>
+
+<p>"None whatever," she said, "but eternal gratitude. You deserve it and
+you have it."</p>
+
+<p>Then with a gesture of adieu and a sweet smile on her adorable lips she
+ran off in the direction of the forest.</p>
+
+<p>The men waited until she was out of sight.</p>
+
+<p>"I will now take my leave," said the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"One moment," replied the old man; "the recompense which you refuse I
+must force upon you."</p>
+
+<p>He pulled forth a large folded parchment.</p>
+
+<p>"This is the ransom of my daughter," he said: "it is a regular deed of
+gift of the Valley of the Deer."</p>
+
+<p>"What!" cried the outlaw, with singular emotion.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and here on the map is a red mark, indicating the spot where what
+you know of is concealed."</p>
+
+<p>"Accept without scruple, captain," said François Berger; "it is ours
+and ours alone to give."</p>
+
+<p>"Since you wish it, gentlemen. I should show but ill grace to refuse,
+the more that I value your gift highly."</p>
+
+<p>"I only ask one thing in return," said the old man.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be ready to promise anything."</p>
+
+<p>"You will use what I have given you only with an honourable&mdash;" he said,
+with some hesitation.</p>
+
+<p>"It shall be so, I promise you."</p>
+
+<p>"And so we part friends; captain, your hand."</p>
+
+<p>"Friends, yes," said the pirate; "and I hope the day may come when you
+may try my friendship."</p>
+
+<p>"Who knows? The day may come sooner than we expect."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be ready to shed the very last drop of my blood to defend or
+avenge you or yours."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>A STRANGE CHASE.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>We know that Joshua Dickson had taken his departure from the valley,
+leaving it in charge to Harry.</p>
+
+<p>Harry was a fine young man, strong and intelligent, in whom his father
+had every confidence.</p>
+
+<p>He was the complete juvenile type of the American squatter and pioneer,
+up to Indian devilries, riding like a centaur, and able to put a ball
+in the eye of a panther at a hundred yards. His great passion was life
+in the open air, and the pleasures of the chase in the forest or field.</p>
+
+<p>One fine morning Harry, soon after the rising of the sun, galloped off
+into the forest. He was bent on a journey to see a fine cutting that
+was going to create meadows, and make room for sawmills on the banks of
+the great Missouri.</p>
+
+<p>He had nearly reached the spot, when he was startled by a whistle of a
+peculiar kind, at no great distance.</p>
+
+<p>At the same moment a horseman came in sight&mdash;a man of fifty, tall, thin
+and gaunt, with parchment skin.</p>
+
+<p>The horse was as bony as his master.</p>
+
+<p>The man was dressed after the fashion of the ordinary American farmer,
+and apparently carried no arms.</p>
+
+<p>"Eh, eh," cried he, "you are out early. Were you looking for me?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, M. Lagrenay; I was not even thinking of you."</p>
+
+<p>"That is not polite. Why did you stop when I whistled?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I thought it the whistle of a serpent," he retorted. "But no
+nonsense, I was looking for you."</p>
+
+<p>"I was certain of it."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I wanted to see you. I made your acquaintance I know not how. You
+talk to me of things which do not please me, because they suggest evil
+thoughts. I have come to say that henceforth we are strangers. Never
+speak to me again."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you will give me a reason for this odd decision."</p>
+
+<p>"Think what you please. I have said my say."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I assume that you reject my offers."</p>
+
+<p>"Think and assume what you like," cried the young man, angrily; "only
+keep out of my path."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you have no passion for gold?" sighed the other.</p>
+
+<p>"You take me for a ninny, old squatter. Gold does not grow in the
+fields like mushrooms. Besides, you would have found it long ago if
+real."</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you the map indicating the exact spot," cried the old man, "was
+stolen from me by the outlaws."</p>
+
+<p>"You want to persuade me that you have known of this vast treasure for
+years, and yet require a stranger to help you."</p>
+
+<p>"I knew nothing of your having camped on the spot, and only offer you a
+share in consequence."</p>
+
+<p>"Go to the devil with your offers."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you have my secret, and can use it yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"Old man," cried the young giant, with rage in his eye, "beware how you
+try my patience too much."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well, let us end this conversation. You will not listen to me.
+Well and good. Only, before we part, remember this, when it is too
+late, my friend," he added, with a sinister laugh, "you will repent.
+That is all I say."</p>
+
+<p>And turning round, he rode off.</p>
+
+<p>"He is a pretty rascal," said the young man, as he rode off; "I believe
+he has some villainy in hand."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment a strong hollow grunting was heard, followed by another
+at no great distance.</p>
+
+<p>"There are jaguars about," said the American, in a low tone, stroking
+his horse's ears to keep him quiet.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment there was a fearful, a horrible cry, that rent the air,
+a desperate shriek for assistance.</p>
+
+<p>"The old squatter, and he is without arms," he cried; "the tigers have
+doubtless attacked him."</p>
+
+<p>And he set spurs to his horse, which, neighing and smarting with pain,
+dashed in the desired direction.</p>
+
+<p>In the centre of a clearing crossed by a narrow stream the squatter
+knelt behind his horse, haggard with terror.</p>
+
+<p>Close to him, on the branch of a gigantic gumtree, was a mighty jaguar,
+licking his tongue before leaping.</p>
+
+<p>"Save me," shrieked the agonised squatter.</p>
+
+<p>"I will try," said Harry, dismounting, letting his horse loose, and
+then going close up to the trembling wretch.</p>
+
+<p>The tiger had not moved. He was watching his victim with a feline
+glance.</p>
+
+<p>"A noble beast," said the young man, with a smile; "I hope not to spoil
+his beautiful skin."</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a further grunting was heard in the thicket. The jaguar,
+without turning his head, responded in the same tone.</p>
+
+<p>"By heavens! There are two of them. It seems almost a pity to part so
+loving a couple," he said.</p>
+
+<p>At the same moment the tiger leaped. As he did so he turned a
+somersault. He was dead, shot in the eye.</p>
+
+<p>"One," said the young man, drawing out his bowie knife.</p>
+
+<p>At the same moment the second jaguar burst out, and with one bound
+seized on the flanks of the horse.</p>
+
+<p>Harry flew at her, knife in hand. The two rolled for a moment on the
+ground. Then the man stood erect.</p>
+
+<p>"That job's over," said the young man; "what a couple of noble beasts!
+Get up. Heavens! He's fainted."</p>
+
+<p>Then he took him in his arms, and carried him to the stream, where he
+bathed his face until he recovered.</p>
+
+<p>But he was then so ill, and his horse so lean, that it seemed
+impossible he should ever reach home.</p>
+
+<p>In this strait Harry acted with his usual generosity. He took the man
+up behind him, and carried him home.</p>
+
+<p>He then turned to go without a word.</p>
+
+<p>"Young man," cried the squatter, "wait one moment. You have been my
+friend. Now take my advice, keep good watch. I dare say no more, but be
+ever on your guard."</p>
+
+<p>Harry moved pensively away, but soon forgot the hint.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>CAPTAIN TOM MITCHELL, THE AVENGER.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>The marriage of Evening Dew with Numank-Charake was to be celebrated
+with unusual splendour. Invitations had been sent in all directions,
+and, two days before the ceremony was to take place, numerous
+deputations from all the tribes were collected around, and were
+received with the splendid hospitality essential in such a case.</p>
+
+<p>At least five hundred strange warriors had come.</p>
+
+<p>Some hours later a new troop appeared on the verge of the plain; it was
+very numerous, three hundred men at least, in the picturesque costume
+of Mexican rancheros, all armed to the teeth, and admirably mounted.</p>
+
+<p>Four cavaliers rode in front; these were Tom Mitchell, Pierre Durand
+Camotte, and TĂªte de Plume. It was the full force of the outlaws. On
+nearing the village two other men were seen; these were Clinton and
+Charbonneau.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing was omitted to give <i>Ă©clat</i> to such a reception. The most
+renowned of the sachems, with the three Canadians, Bright-eye, and
+Oliver, advanced to meet them, and give them a most cordial and sincere
+welcome.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Pierre Durand, who had given up his disguise, kept a little in
+the background.</p>
+
+<p>Having exchanged compliments, Tom ordered his men to camp outside, and
+entered the village with the others.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as all were collected in the hut of the Canadians, Tom Mitchell
+closed the door carefully.</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen," he said, in a low and solemn tone, "I owe you no
+explanation for coming, but for coming in such force."</p>
+
+<p>"You owe no explanation. You are welcome."</p>
+
+<p>"Listen. Not a moment is to be lost. Spies are on all hands. You are
+surrounded by treachery and traitors. You are all to be made the
+victims of an execrable plot concocted by two wretches, Lagrenay and
+Tubash-Shah."</p>
+
+<p>All were stupefied. While the other spoke, Pierre Durand slipped into
+Bright-eye's own room to rest.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Tubash-Shah hates Numank; but that is not all. He loves your
+gentle daughter, Evening Dew."</p>
+
+<p>"Horrible!" cried the old man.</p>
+
+<p>"The capture of Miss Angela was a thing arranged between Lagrenay and
+Tubash-Shah, who thought to get her from me."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks to you, the plot is exploded."</p>
+
+<p>"He still hopes to kill his rival, steal his wife, become possessor of
+the treasure you know of," cried Tom Mitchell, "and become chief of the
+tribe. With these schemes in their heads, Lagrenay and Tubash-Shah are
+allies."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a horrible plot. How did you discover it?"</p>
+
+<p>"No matter; my spies have served me well. I knew the plan of the
+conspirators, and hence have come in such force. I shall be able to
+thwart them. Do you now attend to the immediate safety of the chiefs of
+this nation and people."</p>
+
+<p>"I will take measures at once."</p>
+
+<p>"Above all, be cautious. You have to deal with desperate and cunning
+rascals," urged Tom Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>The three Canadians, grandfather, father, and son, went out, leaving
+behind only George Clinton and his friend.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Mr. Clinton," said the outlaw, "though we met under unpleasant
+circumstances, we are friends."</p>
+
+<p>"I see no reason why we should not be," he replied.</p>
+
+<p>"I am happy to hear it," continued Tom Mitchell; "but before we go any
+farther, allow me to say a word to this young Frenchman. In that room
+you will find a friend."</p>
+
+<p>"A friend!" cried Oliver; "Impossible! You know I have only recently
+reached this country."</p>
+
+<p>"Take my advice," said the outlaw, with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>Oliver shrugged his shoulders, as if yielding to a foolish whim, and
+went in to find himself face to face with Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," said the outlaw, "I have not told all; I have left out certain
+matters which personally concern yourself. One moment, and you shall
+judge for yourself. Excuse me if I have to touch upon a very tender
+topic&mdash;that of love."</p>
+
+<p>"Captain!" cried George.</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me. You love a charming girl, whom you have followed into the
+desert with as much devotion as men show in the search of gold. To this
+I have only to add that the girl is as beautiful and as good as an
+angel."</p>
+
+<p>George bowed his head to hide his confusion.</p>
+
+<p>"Her father is against you, I know. But the important fact is that a
+terrible calamity threatens her and you."</p>
+
+<p>"Pray explain yourself," George cried.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think the redskins are blind? You forget them in your
+calculation of future happiness."</p>
+
+<p>"Explain yourself," continued the young man.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot at present. You are young in the desert, but you have clever
+and devoted friends. Above all, you have Bright-eye, honest, devoted,
+intelligent. Tell him all I have said, and to work. You have not a
+moment to lose to save her."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the three Canadians came in at one door, Oliver and
+Captain Durand at the other. Before anyone else could speak, Oliver
+rushed forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Captain," he said to the outlaw, "I can never thank you enough. I know
+all. Command me in every way."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall remind you of your promise."</p>
+
+<p>"And my wretched persecutor&mdash;you will bring him to me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; and place in your hands papers to confound him," cried the
+outlaw; "papers which prove your rank."</p>
+
+<p>The conversation now became general. The two Canadians had been at
+work, and warned all the sachems.</p>
+
+<p>But everything had been done without exciting suspicion. All went on
+just as usual in the village.</p>
+
+<p>The preparations for the marriage continued.</p>
+
+<p>The Canadians entertained their friends at a great banquet that night,
+at which Numank was present, grave and proud, seated beside Angela, who
+was charming, though blushing with downcast eyes, and never speaking a
+word.</p>
+
+<p>The formal ceremony of betrothal had taken place in the morning, so
+that this was rather a friendly meeting than anything else.</p>
+
+<p>There was, however, a magnificent exchange of presents.</p>
+
+<p>Next day, just before the final ceremony, Tom Mitchell went off with a
+hundred of his most resolute men.</p>
+
+<p>Camotte remained in command of the others.</p>
+
+<p>According to invariable Indian custom, the man who takes a wife takes
+her seemingly by force; he snatches her up, puts her behind him, darts
+off, and two days later comes back, slays a mare that has never foaled,
+and all is over.</p>
+
+<p>Numank, of course, would do the same.</p>
+
+<p>At night the hut was surrounded by a party of Indians, and Angela
+carried off, after a feeble resistance.</p>
+
+<p>Then some shots were fired, and away sped Numank with his wife
+surrounded by a powerful Indian escort.</p>
+
+<p>This escort was almost wholly composed of strangers with Tubash.</p>
+
+<p>The abductors had scarcely departed when Bright-eye came out of the hut
+and whistled. He was at once surrounded by warriors.</p>
+
+<p>"On," he said, in a menacing voice; "there is no time to lose."</p>
+
+<p>And they darted away like a whirlwind, riding for some hours in the
+direction taken by the bridal party.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly they were startled by flashes of light, followed by the report
+of guns. A terrible combat was going on.</p>
+
+<p>With a tremendous war cry the troop led by Bright-eye dashed in the
+direction of the fight. It was time.</p>
+
+<p>Numank-Charake, holding his wife on one arm, was fighting, surrounded
+by the few warriors faithful to him.</p>
+
+<p>Ten only of these could stand, and must have succumbed in five minutes
+but for the unlooked-for succour.</p>
+
+<p>The carnage was fearful. All fought desperately in silence. At last
+every one of the treacherous escort was dead.</p>
+
+<p>Tubash Shah escaped in the confusion.</p>
+
+<p>Numank-Charake was more like a corpse than a live man, and had to be
+carried on a litter.</p>
+
+<p>They reached the village next day, from which all the rival tribes had
+departed, leaving behind a bundle of arrows dipped in blood. It was a
+formal declaration of war.</p>
+
+<p>We turn elsewhere for a time.</p>
+
+<p>It was night at the hut of the squatter Lagrenay. Everybody slept
+except himself. Seated by the dying fire in a cane chair, his head in
+his two hands, his elbows on the table, the squatter appeared at least
+to be reading.</p>
+
+<p>His huge and savage dog lay at his feet, listening for the faintest
+sound from without.</p>
+
+<p>Every now and then the old man looked at a clock, and then appeared to
+read again until a sharp whistle was heard.</p>
+
+<p>The dog and man leaped up, but suddenly Lagrenay bade the animal be
+quiet, and went himself to open the door. He started back as two men
+entered, strangers.</p>
+
+<p>"I am Joshua Dickson," said the first, "and this is my brother Samuel.
+You sent for my son; we have come in his place."</p>
+
+<p>The old man professed to be glad to see his neighbours, and bade them
+be seated. After some time wasted in circumlocution, he began to speak
+of real business.</p>
+
+<p>"You have established yourselves in the Valley of the Moose Deer," he
+said, "a magnificent settlement."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what then?"</p>
+
+<p>"That valley belongs to one of the most powerful tribes on the whole of
+the Missouri," continued Lagrenay.</p>
+
+<p>"No matter. Virgin soil belongs to the first comer."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps. But that is not the question. This tribe have other lands of
+which they take no account," went on the squatter, "and will probably
+never claim, but they have special reasons for keeping the Valley of
+the Deer sacred."</p>
+
+<p>"Explain yourself," cried both.</p>
+
+<p>"In that valley is buried the treasure of the nation."</p>
+
+<p>"What treasure? Old shooter of muskrats!" cried Joshua; "There is no
+treasure like mother earth."</p>
+
+<p>"I mean a real treasure&mdash;gold, ingots, diamonds," said the old man, "to
+the extent of many millions."</p>
+
+<p>"So much the better," replied Joshua; "it is mine."</p>
+
+<p>"Take care! The struggle will be terrible. Your adversaries are many
+and brave; they have allied themselves with the outlaws of the desert,
+and, moreover, have taken as their chief a fellow countryman, who
+dearly covets your possessions."</p>
+
+<p>"May I ask the name of my countryman?" inquired Samuel, in a bantering
+tone of voice.</p>
+
+<p>"His name is George Clinton," said Lagrenay.</p>
+
+<p>"George Clinton!" exclaimed Joshua, amazed.</p>
+
+<p>"You lie, miserable wretch!" said Samuel Dickson, rising; "George
+Clinton is an honourable man, not a&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I have spoken the truth. Do as you please."</p>
+
+<p>Then the door was burst open, and two men entered pushing forward a
+third with blows of musket butts.</p>
+
+<p>"Miserable wretch!" said one, seizing him by the throat, "I am George
+Clinton, and you lie in your teeth."</p>
+
+<p>Rock attempted to fly at the assailants, but Charbonneau brained him
+with the butt end of his gun.</p>
+
+<p>Lagrenay rose rifle in hand, but the two Americans disarmed him, and
+forced him to reseat himself.</p>
+
+<p>The prisoner brought in was Tubash-Shah. Behind the three men appeared
+the dogs Nadeje and Drack.</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen, we arrive in time. Thank heaven, we have brought with us
+this wretch, who now will tell the truth."</p>
+
+<p>And he looked at the Indian with a glance that made him shudder to the
+marrow of his bones.</p>
+
+<p>The two Americans were exceedingly surprised, while Lagrenay thought in
+vain of some new subterfuge.</p>
+
+<p>Roused by the noise made on the entrance of the three men, the wife
+of Lagrenay had risen in haste, and, without waiting to dress, had
+rushed into the room. She entered without being seen, and tremblingly
+ensconced herself behind her husband.</p>
+
+<p>Inside there was silence, but without the sound of many men.</p>
+
+<p>None spoke for some time; everyone's breathing seemed oppressed.
+Lagrenay, his teeth chattering, at last spoke.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you explain this outrage?" he began.</p>
+
+<p>"Silence!" cried George Clinton, in a terrible voice; "Speak only when
+called upon for your defence. All I hope is that when you have heard of
+what you are accused you may be able to give a satisfactory reply to
+the charge."</p>
+
+<p>"Accused&mdash;defend myself!" cried the old man.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, before Judge Lynch, who will decide between us," said Clinton,
+coldly. "Listen, here come your judges."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke several men entered. Lagrenay felt himself lost. He was in
+the hands of implacable foes.</p>
+
+<p>Tubash-Shah, erect against the wall, appeared utterly indifferent. But
+his every thought was intent on escape.</p>
+
+<p>The sudden appearance of George Clinton had very much surprised Joshua
+Dickson. All his rage was revived, and he was prepared to treat him
+with severity and hatred. The idea of treason still rankled in his mind.</p>
+
+<p>Two men had now seized upon the squatter, and, despite the cries of his
+wife, were trying to carry him out.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment Louis and François Berger entered.</p>
+
+<p>"My cousins!" cried Lagrenay, "They would murder me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Save my old man!" said the wife, pitifully.</p>
+
+<p>"My friends and brothers," said Louis Berger, raising his hand, "this
+man is my relative. Give him to me. Justice shall be done."</p>
+
+<p>The squatter was released, and hid himself behind his two Canadian
+cousins, trembling, nearly dead.</p>
+
+<p>"Sirs," said Louis to the Americans, "you are the new squatters
+established in the Moose Deer Valley?"</p>
+
+<p>"We are," replied Joshua, rather doggedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I have business with you. In the first place, by what right have
+you squatted in that place?"</p>
+
+<p>"Really, except that you have force on your side, I should not answer
+so singular a question. Because I found it."</p>
+
+<p>"I beg to inform you that it is private property. You are by no means
+the first occupier."</p>
+
+<p>"And who may he be?" asked Joshua, furiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Myself. It was given me by the chiefs of the Huron tribe. A deed,
+perfectly legal, exists."</p>
+
+<p>"Can a man find no free land on earth?" he cried, "On the face of the
+earth? You claim it, then?"</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, when all were busy, Tubash saw his opportunity, and
+ran. Two or three pursued, but the rest remained.</p>
+
+<p>"Then," said Joshua, presently, "there is some truth in the story of
+the gold treasure in the valley?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and I have recently ceded all my rights to Tom Mitchell, chief of
+the outlaws."</p>
+
+<p>"Then all I have to do is to go?" urged Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"I think the matter might be arranged," observed Louis. "Here is a
+young man who loves your child. George Clinton, is it not so?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is useless my persuading Joshua Dickson."</p>
+
+<p>"By heavens!" cried Samuel, "But you shall. Here is a noble, young,
+rich, brave&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But," cried Joshua, "what has that to do with it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sole owner of the Valley of the Deer," continued Louis Berger, drily;
+"he bought it this morning."</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;" still hesitated Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"To arms!" cried Tom Mitchell, rushing in, "To arms! Pardieu! You have
+fallen into the trap."</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter?" cried the brothers.</p>
+
+<p>"While you are wasting your time here, your plantation is attacked by
+Indians," he responded, "who are burning and destroying all. Soon there
+will be only ruins and ashes."</p>
+
+<p>This terrible revelation fell like a thunderbolt upon all present in
+that room.</p>
+
+<p>Tom Mitchell&mdash;his dress torn, his face covered by powder and blood,
+holding a smoking gun&mdash;summoned them.</p>
+
+<p>George Clinton, without waiting a minute, darted away, followed by
+Charbonneau and his dogs.</p>
+
+<p>Above all, he would save her he loved from the fearful peril she was in
+of falling into the hands of redskins.</p>
+
+<p>"What is to be done?" cried Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"Never despair," said the outlaw. "Your sons and servants are fighting
+like lions. We must join them."</p>
+
+<p>"Come along," cried Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! Oh!" said Joshua, brandishing his rifle, "The rascally redskins
+shall pay for this."</p>
+
+<p>"Come, in the name of God!" cried the outlaw; "I have with me a party
+ready for any amount of redskins."</p>
+
+<p>At these words everybody mounted, and dashed through the darkness like
+a legion of phantoms.</p>
+
+<p>Four persons only remained in the silent and deserted hut&mdash;the two old
+Canadians, Lagrenay, and his wife.</p>
+
+<p>The old squatter had, during these exciting scenes, recovered his
+equanimity. He believed himself saved.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as they were alone, he and his wife began to place refreshments
+on the table for their guests.</p>
+
+<p>The two Canadians remained standing, leaning on their rifles, and not
+noticing even the preparations.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear relations," said Lagrenay, in an insinuating voice, "will you
+honour me by accepting refreshments?"</p>
+
+<p>"What does the man say?" asked François Berger.</p>
+
+<p>"You have a long journey to go," continued Lagrenay, "you must be
+extremely tired and want rest."</p>
+
+<p>"What matter?" said the old man.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you not empty a cup of whisky?" began the woman.</p>
+
+<p>"Silence!" cried the hunter, striking the butt of his rifle on the
+ground, "And listen."</p>
+
+<p>The old man shuddered.</p>
+
+<p>"Lagrenay," he went on, in a hollow voice, "I dragged you from the
+hands of Judge Lynch, because I did not wish to see my cousin hanged;
+you have dishonoured not only the name you bear, but the family to
+which you belong; that family, poor as it has always been, has known
+how to preserve its honour intact. That honour you have soiled, from
+the base love of gold. Prepare to die."</p>
+
+<p>"To die!" he murmured.</p>
+
+<p>"My cousins, my dear cousins, you will not have the heart to kill my
+poor old man," said his wife, clasping her hands and weeping; "thirty
+years we have lived together. What shall I do when he is gone? Who will
+support my miserable existence? Have mercy, in the name of the Lord. If
+you kill him, I shall die."</p>
+
+<p>"You shall not die," said François Berger; "my cousin will take care of
+you for life."</p>
+
+<p>"I," she said, with a gesture of horror, "accept the protection of the
+murderers of my husband, eat the bread of assassins! I should choke
+myself at the first mouthful. Have mercy, then, and shoot us together."</p>
+
+<p>Louis Berger turned away his head. Even the inflexible old judge of the
+reign of terror was moved.</p>
+
+<p>Then he made a sign to his son, and both cocked their rifles.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop!" said Lagrenay, in a firm and solemn voice; "I know your
+inflexible will too well to ask my life of you. You have decided on
+my death. Good. But I will not die at your hands. You say the honour
+of the family requires that justice should be done. Well, it shall be
+done. Still I could not die like a dog. Give me ten minutes to pray.
+You will not refuse this?"</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven forbid!" said the old man, "And may heaven have mercy on you
+for all your sins."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, cousins and friends," cried the squatter, "and now, wife, on
+your knees. Let us beg forgiveness of our sins."</p>
+
+<p>The two old men went out, tears in their eyes, and almost inclined to
+be merciful. Stern will prevailed.</p>
+
+<p>Five minutes later, a double shot was heard. They rushed in. Both lay
+dead upon the floor.</p>
+
+<p>Justice was done.</p>
+
+<p>The two hunters kneeled down beside the bodies, and said a silent
+prayer over them.</p>
+
+<p>Then, in the room itself, they dug a grave, and, after some little
+time, interred the husband and wife.</p>
+
+<p>Then, dragging away by main force the wounded dog, they collected a lot
+of brushwood and other fuel.</p>
+
+<p>This they piled against the house and then fired. In a few minutes the
+whole was in flames.</p>
+
+<p>The dog got away, and plunged into the burning pile.</p>
+
+<p>When all was over and nought remained but cinders and ashes, the two
+men wiped away a tear and retired.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>A DESPERATE STRUGGLE.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>Tom Mitchell had told the truth. The plantation of Joshua Dickson had
+been attacked by a numerous party.</p>
+
+<p>This is how it had come about.</p>
+
+<p>Tubash-Shah and the squatter, Lagrenay, excited by a common hatred, had
+come to an understanding.</p>
+
+<p>The old wretch, whose whole thoughts were bent on the vast treasure
+concealed in the valley, had promised the Indian, not only his share
+of the gold, but the possession of a beautiful white girl, at least as
+beautiful as Evening Dew.</p>
+
+<p>He further suggested that as Numank-Charake would be sure to join
+Clinton, he could kill him too.</p>
+
+<p>He would then have the two most beautiful wives on the prairie.</p>
+
+<p>The Indian was easily seduced by this radiant project, which the old
+squatter fluttered before his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>An alliance defensive and offensive was struck up.</p>
+
+<p>It was Tubash-Shah who suggested the treacherous visit of the redskins
+on the occasion of the great marriage.</p>
+
+<p>In order to facilitate the attack on the settlement, old Lagrenay sent
+a secret message to the squatters, who fell into the trap prepared for
+them. Tubash-Shah was outside, waiting to take them, when he himself
+was made prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>This nearly spoiled all. But, after only half an hour's detention,
+Tubash escaped.</p>
+
+<p>He joined his expectant companions, and the plantation was at once
+attacked on all sides by Indians.</p>
+
+<p>But the Americans were on the watch, and received the redskins in a way
+that rather surprised them.</p>
+
+<p>Tom Mitchell, warned by his spies, had given them sufficient hints,
+while himself preparing.</p>
+
+<p>One hundred and fifty outlaws, under the orders of TĂªte de Plume, had
+been secretly sent into the fort by George Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>He had then, with Charbonneau, gone and concealed himself near
+Lagrenay's hut.</p>
+
+<p>Camotte had been sent to the village of the Huron Bisons to
+Numank-Charake, and Bright-eye, to ask for the assistance of all the
+warriors of the tribe who could be spared.</p>
+
+<p>On the other hand, Tom Mitchell, at the head of his most daring
+companions, had placed himself in a position to be at hand at anytime.
+But if the defence had been well arranged, the attack was most fierce
+and desperate; the redskins fought like demons; brave, well armed, and
+counting on the vast superiority of their numbers, the Indians rushed
+to the charge against the intrenchments with a ferocity quite unusual.</p>
+
+<p>These intrenchments had been hastily thrown up, and could not long
+resist such an attack.</p>
+
+<p>Tubash-Shah, at the head of a picked band of warriors, did wonders. He
+was a host in himself.</p>
+
+<p>The struggle became at one time so desperate that Tom Mitchell
+himself began to despair; then it was that he dashed off to the hut
+of Lagrenay, and called to arms all who were collected together in
+deliberation.</p>
+
+<p>Then he started again at the head of the reinforcement, like a storm
+cloud on the wing.</p>
+
+<p>Again the combat seemed desperate.</p>
+
+<p>The war cry of the American Indians and the hurrahs of the whites were
+mixed with the fusillade.</p>
+
+<p>Then a rush of horse was heard, an awful war whoop, and three hundred
+warriors, led by Numank-Charake, Bright-eye, and Camotte, appeared on
+the scene.</p>
+
+<p>Tom Mitchell gave a cry of joy.</p>
+
+<p>He divided his terrible cavaliers into three detachments, one commanded
+by Numank and Bright-eye, gave half his outlaws to Oliver, and took the
+rest under his own immediate orders.</p>
+
+<p>Then at a given signal, the three troops rushed, with horrible yells
+and cries, upon the astonished assailants.</p>
+
+<p>Though taken aback, the brave redskins fronted both ways, and made a
+most terrible defence.</p>
+
+<p>Samuel Dickson and his brother meantime contrived to enter the
+settlement, amid joyous acclamations.</p>
+
+<p>It was time; the palisades and intrenchments were giving way, and the
+Indians were rushing in.</p>
+
+<p>The combat became now gigantic in its proportions. The redskins, led by
+Tubash-Shah, fought with desperate valour.</p>
+
+<p>He kept the <i>Ă©lite</i> of his men together, and worked his way towards the
+interior of the settlement.</p>
+
+<p>Presently he drew forth his human thighbone whistle and darted for the
+house. He had seen Diana.</p>
+
+<p>The young girl, seeing the demon covered by blood and powder,
+brandishing his hatchet, and forcing, with a hideous cry, his horse
+towards the women, gave a desperate shriek of agonised terror.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, ah!" cried Tubash-Shah, in triumph; "The paleface girl. At last
+she is mine."</p>
+
+<p>He urged forward his horse, which reared with abject terror, and threw
+his master heavily.</p>
+
+<p>Dardar, the faithful dog, always in attendance on Diana, had seized the
+warhorse by the nostrils.</p>
+
+<p>He then let him go, and caught the Indian himself by the throat.</p>
+
+<p>"Good dog," shouted George Clinton, as he ran up with Charbonneau,
+Drack, and Nadeje.</p>
+
+<p>The battle was over. The few Indians who were left threw down their
+arms in despair.</p>
+
+<p>"My daughter, oh, my daughter!" cried Joshua, who came rushing from the
+inside of the house.</p>
+
+<p>"She is here, sir," said Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>"And her abductor?" he continued.</p>
+
+<p>"Is dead," he answered, pointing to the corpse, which the dog was
+worrying as he would have done a rat.</p>
+
+<p>"My son, I thank you," said Joshua; "what do I not owe to you? Take
+her."</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>Two days after M. Hebrard returned to the fort a wiser man. Oliver
+proved his rank, name, and right to fortune, to the satisfaction of
+everybody.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell my relatives," he said, "that as long as they leave me alone, I
+shall be quiet. Go, and let us never meet again."</p>
+
+<p>A week later, after the marriage of George and Diana, Tom Mitchell,
+Bright-eye, Oliver, and Captain Durand, started on the dangerous
+expedition undertaken by the outlaw, and of which, probably, we shall
+give some account at a future time.</p>
+
+<p>[For further adventures of Bright-eye, see the "Prairie Flower," and
+the "Indian Scout," same publishers.]</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44574 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
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+
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+
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #44574 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/44574)
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Missouri Outlaws, by Gustave Aimard,
+Translated by Percy B. St. John
+
+
+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 Missouri Outlaws
+
+
+Author: Gustave Aimard
+
+
+
+Release Date: January 3, 2014  [eBook #44574]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MISSOURI OUTLAWS***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Camille Bernard and Marc D'Hooghe
+(http://www.freeliterature.org) from page images generously made available
+by HathiTrust Digital Library (http://www.hathitrust.org/digital_library)
+
+
+
+Note: Images of the original pages are available through
+      HathiTrust Digital Library. See
+      http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3750786;view=1up;seq=495
+
+
+
+
+
+THE MISSOURI OUTLAWS
+
+by
+
+GUSTAVE AIMARD
+
+Author of "Prairie Flower," "Indian Scout," etc., etc.
+
+Translated by Percy B. St. John
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+London
+John And Robert Maxwell
+Milton House, Shoe Lane, Fleet Street
+and
+35, St. Bride Street, Ludgate Circus.
+1877
+
+
+
+
+NOTICE.
+
+Gustave Aimard was the adopted son of one of the most powerful Indian
+tribes, with whom he lived for more than fifteen years in the heart of
+the prairies, sharing their dangers and their combats, and accompanying
+them everywhere, rifle in one hand and tomahawk in the other. In turn
+squatter, hunter, trapper, warrior, and miner, Gustave Aimard has
+traversed America from the highest peaks of the Cordilleras to the
+ocean shores, living from hand to mouth, happy for the day, careless
+of the morrow. Hence it is that Gustave Aimard only describes his
+own life. The Indians of whom he speaks he has known--the manners he
+depicts are his own.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+Very few of the soul-stirring narratives written by GUSTAVE AIMARD
+are equal in freshness and vigour to "The Missouri Outlaws," hitherto
+unpublished in this country. The characters of the Squatter, the real,
+restless, unconquerable American, who is always going ahead, and of
+his wife and daughter, are admirably depicted, while his eccentric
+brother is a perfect gem of description. The great interest, however,
+of the narrative is centred in Tom Mitchell, the mysterious outlaw,
+whose fortunes excite the readers' imagination to the utmost. There
+can be no doubt he is one of the most original characters depicted by
+the versatile pen of the great French novelist. In addition to being
+a story of adventure, "The Missouri Outlaws" is also a love tale, and
+abounds in tender pathos, the interest of which is well sustained in
+"The Prairie Flower" and in its sequel, "The Indian Scout."
+
+PERCY B. ST. JOHN.
+
+London: _February, 1877._
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+       I. THE GOOD SHIP PATRIOT
+      II. SAMUEL DICKSON GIVES ADVICE TO HIS BROTHER
+     III. A QUEER CUSTOMER
+      IV. AN ALLIANCE OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE
+       V. A GREAT MEDICINE COUNCIL
+      VI. SAMUEL DICKSON HUNTS A MOOSE DEER
+     VII. JOSHUA DICKSON BECOMES MASTER OF THE VALLEY
+    VIII. DIANA DICKSON AND HER FOE
+      IX. THEY MAKE AN ACQUAINTANCE
+       X. WHO THE STRANGER WAS
+      XI. EXPLANATIONS
+     XII. HOW THE THREE TRAVELLERS WENT TO GEORGE CLINTON'S
+    XIII. TOM MITCHELL
+     XIV. SAMUEL AND JOSHUA
+      XV. NEW CHARACTERS
+     XVI. TOM MITCHELL AS REDRESSER OF WRONGS
+    XVII. A DIPLOMATIC CONVERSATION BETWEEN TWO RASCALS
+   XVIII. THE PRISONER
+     XIX. IN WHICH TOM MITCHELL DISCOVERS THAT HONESTY
+          IS A GOOD SPECULATION
+      XX. A STRANGE CHASE
+     XXI. CAPTAIN TOM MITCHELL, THE AVENGER
+    XXII. A DESPERATE STRUGGLE
+
+
+
+THE MISSOURI OUTLAWS
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE GOOD SHIP PATRIOT.
+
+
+On the 4th of August, 1801, a little after eight o'clock at night, just
+as the last rays of the setting sun disappeared behind the heights
+of Dorchester, gilding as they did so the summits of certain islands
+scattered at the entrance to Boston Bay, some idlers of both sexes,
+collected on Beacon Hill, at the foot of the lighthouse, saw a large
+vessel making for the harbour.
+
+At first it seemed as if the ship would be compelled to desist from her
+design, as the wind was slightly contrary; but, by a series of skilful
+manoeuvres, it at last passed by the danger which threatened, the sails
+were one by one taken in and furled, and finally the anchor was cast
+beside one of the many vessels in port.
+
+A few minutes later nothing was to be seen on deck save one man walking
+up and down doing duty as watch for the time being.
+
+The vessel had, under cover of a dense fog, escaped from Brest, slipped
+past the English cruisers, and finally, after many dangers, reached its
+destination.
+
+Descending into the cabin, we find two men seated at a table upon which
+were glasses, bottles, pipes, and tobacco, conversing and smoking.
+
+These were Captain Pierre Durand, a young man, with regular but rather
+effeminate features, and yet a look of frank honesty, to which his
+sparkling eyes, his broad forehead, his long waving hair, gave an
+appearance of singular energy. Though every inch a sailor, there was a
+refinement about him not generally found in his class.
+
+His companion was a handsome and haughty young man, of about
+two-and-twenty, of moderate height, but with very broad shoulders; he
+was evidently of powerful make, with nerves of steel. His complexion
+was olive; his hair long wavy black; his eyes were large and bold; the
+expression of his countenance sombre and thoughtful, while at this
+early age many a wrinkle caused by thought or suffering was to be
+observed.
+
+There had evidently been a warm discussion, for the captain was walking
+up and down, a frown upon his brow. Suddenly, however, he reseated
+himself and held out his hand across the table.
+
+"I was wrong. Do not be vexed," he said.
+
+"I am not angry, my good Pierre," he answered.
+
+"Then why sulk with your friend?"
+
+"I do not sulk, heaven knows; I am simply sad. You have reopened a
+wound I thought forever closed," the other added with a sigh.
+
+"Well, then, in heaven's name, if it be so," cried the captain, "let us
+talk about something else--and above all, let us drink. This old rum is
+a sovereign remedy for the blues. Your health, my friend."
+
+Both drank after touching glasses, and then silence again ensued.
+
+"Now, my dear Oliver," resumed the captain, "at last we are safe in
+Boston. We leave tomorrow. What do you intend to do?"
+
+"You remember our conversation at Brest?"
+
+"I have not forgotten it, but I never seriously entertained the idea.
+We had dined rather copiously."
+
+"We were very sober. There were two bottles on the table, one empty
+and the other nearly full. I then told you that though I had only just
+returned to France after an absence of ten years, I was compelled to
+leave at a moment's notice, and to leave without raising any suspicion.
+I wanted to depart without anyone being able to obtain the slightest
+clue; you remember," he added.
+
+"I do, and I told you that I would run the blockade that very night, if
+the weather turned out as bad as I expected. Did I keep my promise?"
+
+"With all the loyalty of your honest heart. I also told you I intended
+remaining in America."
+
+"It is to that madcap resolution I object," said the captain
+emphatically. "Why not stay with me? You are an excellent sailor--you
+shall be my chief officer."
+
+"No, my friend. I can accept nothing which can ever tempt me to return
+to France," he answered.
+
+"How you suffer!" sighed his friend.
+
+"Horribly. Come, my friend, as we shall part for ever tomorrow, I will
+tell you my history."
+
+"Not if it makes you suffer."
+
+"I will be brief. Sad as my story is, it is not very long."
+
+"Go on," replied Captain Durand, filling up two more glasses of rum,
+and lighting a fresh cigar for himself.
+
+"I will not sermonise, but begin at the beginning. I was born in Paris,
+but might be English, German, or even Russian, for all I know. I am
+simply aware that my birthplace was Paris, in the house of a doctor,
+where my mother took refuge. It was in the Rue St. Honoré I first
+saw the light but, as soon as I could be removed, was sent to the
+Foundling. There I remained four years, until a loving young couple,
+who had lost their only child, adopted me. They were poor, and lived on
+the third floor of a wretched old house, in the Rue Plumet, where, I
+must own, I had enough, but of very coarse, food."
+
+"One day, however, fortune knocked at the door. My adopted mother was,
+and still is, one of the handsomest women in Paris. By accident an old
+friend, a distant relation, a man of high position, found her out. He
+at once procured a lucrative appointment for my supposed parent, and
+we moved to a splendid residence in the Faubourg du Roule. The friend,
+who lived close by, at once began to visit us every evening, and, by a
+curious coincidence, the husband always found business which required
+his absence. He never returned until a quarter of an hour after the
+other had left."
+
+"Accommodating husband," sneered Durand.
+
+"Just so. But, unfortunately for me, I became older, curious, was
+always turning up when not wanted, and saying things which were not
+required. It was decided that I was an incorrigible scamp, and must be
+sent away."
+
+"My adopted mother had relations at Dunkirk, and I was packed off to
+them to be sent to sea as cabin boy. Then only did I discover that
+these people were not my parents. My supposed mother coldly kissed me,
+told me to be a good boy and gave me ten sous; my father, who escorted
+me to the ramshackle vehicle which traded between Paris and Calais,
+told me to remember this, that society never having done anything for
+me, I was to do nothing for society; the only virtues to which men ever
+owed success were, he said, selfishness and ingratitude. He further
+added, 'Good-bye, we shall never meet again.'"
+
+"He turned his back and left me. This was my first young sorrow, and I
+felt it very much."
+
+"I feel for you," said the captain; "your story is very much like my
+own."
+
+"These people, knowing me then to be very delicate, hoped that the
+hardy profession they had selected for me would kill me. They were
+mistaken."
+
+"As I see," answered Durand.
+
+"I was first boy on board a herring boat, where I had to endure the
+brutality and insolence of a low drunkard, who never spoke except with
+an oath from his mouth, accompanying it with a blow from his cane. My
+apprenticeship was one long terror. Sometimes a whaler, sometimes a cod
+fisher, sometimes a slaver. I have been five or six times round the
+world; abandoned on the wildest coast of America, I was a long time
+prisoner; shipwrecked on an island in the Pacific, I wonder I did not
+die of misery and despair."
+
+"Poor Oliver!"
+
+"But bad as was my life, I everywhere in savage lands found some
+friend; but in France, from which I was ignominiously expelled eleven
+years ago, I found on my return two implacable foes--Calumny and
+Hatred. I was a very sharp boy, and trusted wholly to strangers.
+I could not help hearing many things I should not have heard. I
+discovered the secret of my birth, who were my father and mother,
+their exact names, and their position in society. One day, in a moment
+of frenzy--and you know I am extremely violent--I was foolish enough
+to let out the fact that I knew all. From that day a vow was made to
+accomplish my ruin; the most calumnious reports pursued me; I was
+accused behind my back and in the dark of the most horrible crimes. It
+is to me still a wonder how I have escaped all the ambushes laid for
+me. My foes hesitated at nothing. They tried to assassinate me. Is it
+not horrible? Well, having failed in the ordinary way, they bribed the
+captain of a ship I had joined to maroon me on the coast of New Mexico,
+where dwell the most ferocious Indian tribes."
+
+"And the captain did this?"
+
+"Pardieu!" cried Oliver; "He was a poor man, and the father of a
+family. I was cast on shore stupefied by laudanum. When I recovered the
+ship was already out of sight. I expected to be killed by the savages
+or to die of hunger. How neither happened is too long a story to tell
+now. But the end of all is, I have determined on an eternal exile.
+Never again will I place myself in the power of my foes, who live rich,
+happy, and respected in France."
+
+"You will establish yourself in Boston?"
+
+"No! I have done with civilised life; I shall now try that of the
+desert. It is my intention to bury myself in the wilds until I find
+an Indian tribe that will welcome me. I will ask them to receive me
+as a warrior. I thoroughly understand the manners and customs of the
+aborigines, and shall easily make friends."
+
+"I believe," observed the captain, "that you are right in this
+particular. You are young, brave, and intelligent; therefore you will
+succeed even in this mad project. But mark my word, you may live five,
+perhaps ten years with the Indians; but at last you will weary of this
+existence--what will you do then?"
+
+"Who knows? Experience will have ripened my reason, perhaps killed my
+grief, even deadened the hatred which burns within my heart. I may even
+learn to forgive those who have made me suffer. That in itself is a
+sort of vengeance."
+
+"But you will never come to that," said his friend.
+
+The young man rose without making any reply, and went on deck.
+
+Next day, as soon as the usual formalities had been gone through, the
+captain landed in his boat with his young friend. Both were silent
+before the sailors. Very soon they were threading their way along the
+crowded quays. Boston was by no means the really magnificent town which
+now excite universal admiration, but it was already a very busy and
+important commercial emporium.
+
+The Americans, with their restless activity, had hastened to clear away
+all signs of the War of Independence; the town had grown quite young
+again, and assumed that gay and lively physiognomy which belongs to
+great commercial centres, where almost everybody can find the means of
+living.
+
+As soon as they were alone the captain spoke.
+
+"When, my friend, do you propose to start?" he said.
+
+"Tonight, two hours before the setting of the sun. I burn with a fierce
+desire to breathe the air of the great savannahs, to feel free from the
+trammels of civilisation," he answered.
+
+"Well, my friend, I must leave you now, but promise to wait breakfast
+for me, and to do nothing until you have seen me again," insisted the
+captain.
+
+"I was about to ask you to join me. Where shall we breakfast?"
+
+The captain indicated a hotel at no great distance, after which he
+hurried away to wait on the consignees.
+
+"What on earth can Pierre mean," muttered Oliver to himself, "by my
+doing nothing until we meet again? Probably he will try once more to
+change my resolution. He ought to know that once I make up my mind I
+never falter. He is a good fellow, the only man who has ever been my
+sincere and devoted friend--the only being in the world I am sorry to
+part from."
+
+Musing thus Oliver strolled about, looking listlessly at the streets,
+the shops, and particularly selecting those which, by-and-by, he would
+have to visit for the purpose of his outfit, which he would have to
+purchase after breakfast.
+
+An hour later the two men met in front of the hotel. Both were exact to
+a minute. They ordered breakfast in a private room. As soon as they had
+finished the captain opened the ball.
+
+"Now let us chat," he said.
+
+"With the greatest of pleasure," replied Oliver. "Nothing is more
+agreeable after a meal than to enjoy a cigar, a cup of coffee, and a
+friend's company."
+
+"And yet you have determined to deprive yourself of these luxuries
+forever," replied Durand.
+
+"Man is ever insatiable. The unknown always did and always will attract
+him. He will ever quit the substance for the shadow. The fable is
+right. But let us talk of something else. Serious conversation after
+eating is folly," observed Oliver.
+
+"You are quite right--some more rum in your coffee? It is an excellent
+thing. What do you think I have been doing since I saw you?"
+
+"It is impossible for me to guess," cried Oliver.
+
+The captain rose, went to the window, and gave a short whistle. After
+this, he returned to his seat, Oliver staring at him while he sipped
+his coffee.
+
+Five minutes elapsed, and then in came several men, carrying various
+packets, which they placed on a side table, and went out without
+speaking.
+
+"What does it mean?" cried Oliver, in comic astonishment.
+
+"Then something can rouse you?" cried Durand, smiling.
+
+"No, only I wondered."
+
+"Never mind. You still intend going off tonight?" asked the captain.
+
+"Certainly," said Oliver rising; "that reminds me--"
+
+"One moment. We are old friends, and there should be no secrets between
+us," urged Durand.
+
+"There shall be none," answered Oliver.
+
+"Have you much money?" asked Durand.
+
+"Do you want to lend me any?" cried Oliver.
+
+"No matter if I did. But still I want an answer," urged Durand.
+
+"I have eleven thousand francs in gold sewn in my belt, and in a bag
+fastened round my neck diamonds worth a hundred and twenty thousand
+more. Besides this I have about eighty guineas in English money for
+immediate expenses. Are you satisfied?"
+
+"Perfectly," said the captain laughing, "and now listen to me."
+
+"Then it appears you are not quite satisfied?" cried Oliver, in his
+turn surprised.
+
+"Don't be in a hurry. I wish to interest you if I can."
+
+"I will wait your pleasure," observed Oliver, smiling at the other's
+hesitation.
+
+"It is useless," said Durand, "for me to feign a gaiety I do not feel.
+I feel more like weeping than laughing. The mere idea of this long,
+perhaps eternal, separation makes my heart bleed. I think that the hand
+now in mine I shall never shake again."
+
+"Don't be downhearted. Perhaps we may meet sooner than either of us
+expect," retorted Oliver.
+
+"I hope you may be a true prophet. Still I cannot help shuddering at
+the thought of your starting off amidst people whose language you do
+not even know."
+
+"There you are mistaken," responded Oliver; "as well as French, I speak
+English, Spanish, and Dutch, with about five Indian dialects, which I
+picked up at different times."
+
+"It is a wonder," mused the other, "that, placed as you have been, you
+should have had the time."
+
+"Before I became a cabin boy I could read and write a little. After a
+time I spent every moment of leisure in study."
+
+"I remember," sighed Durand, "I never met you without you were reading.
+What will you do for books now?"
+
+"What book is more interesting than that in which God has written on
+the plains, on the mountains, on the minutest blade of grass?" replied
+Oliver with enthusiasm. "Believe me, my friend, the sacred book of
+Nature has pages too interesting to ever weary us; from them you always
+find consolation, hope, encouragement. But," he added with a smile, "I
+have two books with me which, in my opinion, epitomise all great human
+thoughts, make man better, and even restore his courage, when bowed
+down by the heavy weight of misfortune. I have these books by heart,
+and yet I read them over again."
+
+And he laid on the table two books bound in black morocco.
+
+"What!" cried the amazed captain, "'The Imitation of Jesus Christ' and
+'Montaigne'!"
+
+"Yes. 'The Imitation of Jesus Christ' and 'Montaigne,' the most
+complete and sincere books ever written, for they tell the story of
+doubt and belief. They tell the rival story of all the philosophers
+who have existed since the creation of the world. With these two books
+and the magnificent spectacle of Nature around me have I not a whole
+library?"
+
+"I cannot make you out. You overwhelm me," said the captain; "but
+I have not the courage to contradict you. You are too much for me.
+Go forth, seek the unknown, for alone that will comprehend you. You
+are one of those whom adversity purifies and renders great; you will
+often feel inclined to fall by the way in the gigantic combat you are
+about to undertake against the world. But fail is not a word in your
+dictionary. Even death, when it comes, will not conquer you."
+
+"All the more that death is but a transformation, a purification of
+brutal matter by Divine agency. But," he remarked with a smile, "I
+think we are talking about very serious matters very foreign to our
+subject. Let us return to business, for the hour of our departure is
+rapidly approaching."
+
+At this moment the tramp of horses was heard, and the captain again ran
+to the window.
+
+"Hilloa!" cried the young man; "Another of your mysterious walks! Do
+explain yourself."
+
+"All right," he replied, reseating himself, "there is no reason for
+circumlocution between friends. The truth must be told. I had hoped to
+lend you money, and I know that had you have required it, you would
+have borrowed it."
+
+"Certainly, without hesitation, my friend."
+
+"Of course, as I find you are very much better off than myself, I
+withdraw the proposition; but I had already provided your outfit."
+
+"What can you mean? Provided my outfit!"
+
+"Yes! I mean to say that there is not a single thing required for your
+journey that is not ready. Look!"
+
+And both rising, the captain opened the parcels which had been left on
+a side table.
+
+"Look here," said the captain; "this is a real Kentucky rifle, the
+only gun fit for a hunter; I have tried it. This is a ball pouch, with
+mould and everything necessary to make others when needed; this is
+your powder horn, which is full, while here are two small canisters
+to replenish with; this is a 'necessary,' as we sailors call it,
+containing spoon, fork, cup, knife, and other trifles; this is a
+leather belt; this is a game bag, with gaiters, riding boots, a cloak,
+and four rugs."
+
+"My dear friend," said Oliver, deeply moved, "you have been ruining
+yourself."
+
+"Get out of that and wait a little longer. As you seriously wish to
+adopt savage life, at all events you must be rigged out accordingly,"
+he added, laughing. "This is a hunting knife, which you put in your
+belt; these pistols are to be placed in the holsters; that sword is
+perhaps one of the best cavalry swords I have ever seen. What, more!
+Oh, yes. This portmanteau, which is neither too large nor too small,
+in which you will find shirts and other necessaries. Then some pipes,
+tobacco, flint and steel, and a dozen boxes of preserves, in case you
+may someday be short of provisions. I think, on my honour, that is all.
+No, I had forgotten: paper, pens, ink, and pencils. And now my watch as
+a last remembrance."
+
+"This I must refuse. Your watch is too useful to yourself."
+
+"My friend, every time you look at it you will think of me," said the
+captain.
+
+And the two Frenchmen embraced.
+
+"I accept," replied Oliver, with deep emotion.
+
+"Now I know," continued the captain, "you are really my friend; and now
+let me see you dressed up as a true traveller, while I put the other
+things back into their parcels."
+
+"But before I don my new prairie costume, I have something else to
+buy," cried Oliver.
+
+"What!" cried the captain, "I thought surely I had forgotten nothing."
+
+"Do you think, my dear friend, that I am going to carry all this on my
+back. I don't want to look like a comic Robinson Crusoe, and, besides,
+it is more than I could do. I must have a horse."
+
+The captain burst out laughing.
+
+"Look out of window, my dear friend," he said, "and then you shall
+decide whether or not I forgot anything."
+
+Oliver approached the window, and saw two magnificent horses admirably
+caparisoned.
+
+"What do you think of those animals?" asked the captain.
+
+"They are both splendid; above all, the black one--a true horse of the
+prairies--a mustang."
+
+"You seem to know all about it."
+
+"I have seen them often enough," replied the young man; "the owner of
+this one should be proud."
+
+"It is yours," said Durand.
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"I bought it for you," was the simple reply.
+
+"Pierre! Pierre! I repeat, you are ruined."
+
+"Hush; I may as well add that under the saddles I have placed double
+pockets, which contain many things I have forgotten."
+
+"But there are two horses," he cried.
+
+"One for you and one for myself. At all events, I must see you fairly
+on your way."
+
+Oliver made no reply, but turned away to dress in order to hide his
+emotion. When he was in full costume his friend burst out laughing, and
+told him he looked like a Calabrian bandit.
+
+"And now which way do we go?" asked the captain.
+
+"Straight forward," replied Oliver.
+
+"Yes," cried the captain, "just so, as you are going round the world."
+
+In two hours, after a hearty and warm shake of the hand, they parted.
+They were too deeply moved to speak.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+SAMUEL DICKSON GIVES ADVICE TO HIS BROTHER.
+
+
+On the same day on which the _Patriot_ anchored in the Bay of
+Massachusetts an interesting event took place between seven and eight
+in the morning in a pretty village named Northampton, at no great
+distance from Boston.
+
+Everybody was excited. A crowd of men, women, and children pressed
+around a number of waggons, each drawn by six horses. They stood in
+front of a brick house, the only inn of the village. Four magnificent
+saddle horses, with very handsome harness, were held by a young
+intelligent-looking Negro, who at the same time smoked a short pipe.
+
+The crowd was very excited, but very decorous and quiet--as a New
+England crowd always is--waiting simply for an explanation.
+
+Suddenly the sharp trot of a horse was heard at the entrance of the
+street. This served to create a new sensation in the crowd.
+
+"Samuel Dickson!" cried the people; "At last he has come. Now he will
+make them listen to reason."
+
+The new arrival was a man of middle age, with a pleasant countenance,
+delicate and intelligent features, clothed in the dress of a rich
+farmer, and in those parts was looked up to as a most important
+individual.
+
+He made his way carefully through the crowd, bowing on either hand, and
+rather puzzled at the ovation he was receiving.
+
+"Ah! Ah! That is you, massa," said a Negro, with a chuckle, as he
+approached the inn door.
+
+"Sandy, is that you? Then I suppose the others are inside," he
+remarked, as he dismounted and handed him the bridle.
+
+"Yes, Massa Samuel, dem all dere."
+
+"I am glad of it," he replied, "for I have come a long way to see them.
+Look after my horse, he is rather fresh."
+
+Then, bowing once more to the crowd, Samuel Dickson entered the inn,
+closing the door behind him.
+
+In a large and comfortable room six persons, two women and four men,
+were seated at one of those copious breakfasts which are never seen
+to such perfection as in America. Upon benches round the room sat
+about twenty persons in a humbler station in life, amongst others two
+coloured young women, who were eating from bowls and plates placed on
+their knees.
+
+Those at the table were the members of the family--father, mother,
+daughter, and three sons. Those around were the servants.
+
+Joshua Dickson, the head of the family, was in reality a man of
+fifty-five, not, however, looking more than forty. He was a man of
+rude manners, but frank, honest expression. He was six feet high, as
+powerful as Hercules, a true type of those hardy pioneers who opened
+up the forests of the New World, drove back the Indians, and founded
+stations in the desert, which in time became rich and flourishing towns.
+
+His sons were named Harry, Sam, and Jack, aged respectively thirty,
+twenty-eight, and twenty-six. They were all three as tall as their
+father, and about as Herculean--true Americans, with no thought of the
+past, only looking to the future.
+
+Susan Dickson, the mother of this trio of giants, was a woman of about
+fifty--small, elegant, but extremely active, with delicate features
+and a pre-possessing physiognomy. She looked much younger than she
+really was--thanks to her really admirable complexion and the singular
+brightness of her eyes. She must have been rarely beautiful in her
+youth.
+
+Diana, the child of her old age, as she loved to call her, was
+scarcely sixteen, was the idol of the family, the guardian angel of
+the fireside; her father and brothers actually worshipped her. It
+was something wonderful to see their rude natures bending like reeds
+before the slightest wish of this delicate child, and obeying her most
+fantastic orders without a murmur.
+
+Diana was a charming brunette, with blue and dreamy eyes, slight and
+flexible form; she was pale; a look of profound melancholy was to be
+remarked on her countenance, giving to her physiognomy that angelic
+expression rarely found except in the Madonnas of Titien. This sadness,
+which all the family saw with sorrow, had only been in existence a few
+days. When questioned on the subject, even by her mother, she had no
+answer to give.
+
+"It is nothing at all," she said, "only a slight feeling of sickness,
+which will soon pass away."
+
+Hearing this, all had ceased to question her, though all felt uneasy,
+and slightly annoyed at her reticence. Still, as she was the spoiled
+child of the family, no one had the heart to blame her or pester her
+with questions. They had seduced her to govern them unquestioned that
+it appeared hard now to want to curb her will.
+
+The entrance of the stranger into the hall where the emigrants were
+breakfasting like persons who knew the value of time, caused no small
+stir; they ceased eating, and, glancing at one another, whispered
+amongst themselves. The stranger, leaning on his riding whip, looked at
+them with an odd kind of smile.
+
+The chief of the family, though himself somewhat surprised, was the
+first to recover himself. He rose, held out his hand, and spoke in what
+he intended should be a jovial tone. The attempt was a failure.
+
+"My good brother," he said, "this is indeed a surprise. I really did
+not expect to see you; but sit down beside my wife and have some
+breakfast."
+
+"Thank you; I am not hungry."
+
+"Then excuse me if I finish my meal," continued the emigrant.
+
+"Brother," presently said Samuel, "for a man of your age you are acting
+in an extraordinary manner."
+
+"I don't think so," replied the other.
+
+"Let me ask you where are you going?"
+
+"Northward, to the great lakes."
+
+"What is the meaning of this?"
+
+"My friend, I am told there is good land to be had but for the taking."
+
+"May I ask who put this silly idea in your head?"
+
+"No one. It is a splendid country, with splendid forests, water in
+abundance, a delicious climate, though rather cold, and land for
+nothing."
+
+"Have you seen this beautiful country?"
+
+"No; but I know all about it."
+
+"Do you?" sneered the other; "Well, beware of the creeks."
+
+"Never you fear. Wherever there is water there are bridges."
+
+"Of course; and now may I ask, what have you done with your magnificent
+southern property?" the other asked.
+
+"I have sold it, slaves and all, keeping only such as were willing to
+follow me. I brought away all that could travel--my wife, my sons, my
+daughter, my furniture, my horses, all I wanted."
+
+"May I without offence ask you this question: Were you not very well
+where you were? Did you not find the land excellent?"
+
+"I was well off, and the land was excellent."
+
+"Were you unable to sell your produce?"
+
+"I had an admirable market," was the answer.
+
+"Then," cried Samuel, angrily, "what in the devil's name do you mean by
+giving it up and going to a land where you will find nothing but wild
+beasts, brutal savages, and a hard and rigorous climate?"
+
+The bold adventurer, driven into his last intrenchment, made no reply,
+only scratching his head in search of a reply. His wife here interfered.
+
+"What is the use," she said, smiling, "asking for reasons which do
+not exist? Joshua is going for the love of change--nothing more. All
+our lives, as you well know, we have been roaming hither and thither.
+As soon as we are once comfortably settled anywhere, then we begin to
+think it time to be off."
+
+"Yes! Yes! I know my brother's vagabond habits. But when he is in one
+of his mad fits, why do you not interfere?" he cried, impetuously.
+
+"Brother, you don't know what it is to be married to a wanderer," she
+said.
+
+"Good!" cried Joshua, laughing.
+
+"But if you don't find this beautiful country?" asked Samuel.
+
+"I will embark on one of the rivers."
+
+"And where will you land?"
+
+"I have not the slightest idea. But there, do not be uneasy, I shall
+find a place."
+
+"Then," said Samuel, gazing at him with perfect amazement in his looks,
+"you are determined?"
+
+"I am determined."
+
+"Then, as we shall never meet again, come and spend a few days at my
+house," urged Samuel.
+
+"I am very sorry to decline, but I cannot go back. If I were to waste a
+day, it would be a serious loss of time and money. I must reach my new
+settlement in time for the sowing."
+
+Samuel Dickson, putting his hands behind his back, walked across the
+room with great strides, backwards and forwards, watching his niece
+curiously under his eyes.
+
+He several times struck the ground with his riding whip, muttering to
+himself all the time. Diana sat with her hands crossed on her knees,
+the teardrops falling from her eyes.
+
+Suddenly the farmer appeared to have made up his mind. Turning round,
+he laid his heavy hand on his brother's shoulder.
+
+"Joshua!" he said, "It is clear to me that you are mad, and that I
+alone in the family possess any common sense; never, God forgive you,
+did more crooked notion enter the head of an honest man. You won't come
+to my house? Very good. I will then ask you one thing, which, if you
+refuse, I shall never forgive you."
+
+"You know how much I love you."
+
+"I know you say so; but this is the favour I ask: don't start until you
+see me again."
+
+"Hem! But--"
+
+"I must get home on important business at once. My house is but twenty
+miles distant; I shall soon be back."
+
+"But when?" cautiously asked the emigrant.
+
+"Tomorrow, or the next day at the latest."
+
+"That is a long delay," continued Joshua.
+
+"I do not deny it. But as your paradise, your El Dorado, your beautiful
+country will not probably run away, you are bound to reach it sooner
+or later. Besides," urged Samuel, "it is important, very important, we
+should meet again."
+
+"As you will, my brother," sighed Joshua; "I give you my word to wait
+until the day after tomorrow at seven o'clock in the morning--no later."
+
+"That will suit me admirably," cried the farmer; "so good-bye for the
+present."
+
+And with a bow to all, and a smile to Diana, he hurried out of the room.
+
+The crowd still patiently surrounded the inn and received him with a
+loud shout. He, however, took no notice, but rode off.
+
+"We could not very well refuse, Susan," said the farmer to his wife.
+
+"He is your brother," she replied.
+
+"Our only relative," murmured Diana.
+
+"True. Diana is right. Children, unharness the animals: we will stop
+here tonight."
+
+And, to the great surprise of the gaping crowd, who hung about after
+the fashion of idlers, the horses of the emigrants were unyoked and
+taken to a shed, the waggons placed under cover, without the curious
+knowing the reason why.
+
+On the morning of the second day Joshua Dickson, shortly after sunrise,
+was overlooking the horses being fed by his sons and servants, when a
+great noise was heard in the street, as of many waggons, and then there
+was a sharp knocking at the door of the inn.
+
+Joshua hastily left the stables and took his way to the great room of
+the hotel.
+
+He came face to face with Samuel Dickson, who had just been admitted by
+the sleepy innkeeper.
+
+"Hilloa!" cried Joshua, "Is that you, my brother?"
+
+"Who else do you suppose it is?" cried Samuel.
+
+"Well, but I did not expect you so early."
+
+"Well," said Samuel, drily, "I was afraid you might give me the slip,
+so I came early."
+
+"An excellent idea, brother," said Mrs. Dickson, who now entered.
+
+"And knowing how anxious my brother is to reach the promised land, I
+would not keep him waiting."
+
+"Quite right," coolly replied Joshua; "and now about this important
+business?"
+
+"Look out of window," drily answered Samuel.
+
+Joshua obeyed, and saw five heavily-laden waggons, drawn each by
+horses, with about twelve hired men.
+
+"Well," coolly observed Joshua, "what may be the meaning of all this?"
+
+"It means," answered the farmer, "that as you have found yourself such
+a fool, it becomes my duty, as your elder brother, to come and look
+after you. I have sold up everything, and invested part, as you see."
+
+"Oh, my brother!" cried Joshua, with tears in his eyes.
+
+"Am I not your only relative? Wherever you go, I shall go--only there
+will now be two fools, but I am the bigger of the two. I talk like a
+wise man and act like a foolish child."
+
+Uncle Samuel was adored by all the family, everyone was delighted,
+while Diana was radiant.
+
+"Oh, my good uncle," she said, warmly embracing him, "it is for me you
+do this."
+
+"Do you think," he whispered, "I ever meant to desert my niece?"
+
+Two hours later the double caravan started on its way.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+A QUEER CUSTOMER.
+
+
+It was the beginning of the month of October, and some sharp frosts
+had rid the land of mosquitoes and gnats, which during the hot season
+abound in myriads near watercourses and beneath the leafy arches of the
+virgin forest, being one of its worst scourges.
+
+A few minutes after the rising of the sun a traveller, mounted on a
+magnificent horse, wearing the costume of a prairie hunter, and whose
+general appearance indicated a white man, emerged at a walking pace
+from a high thicket, and entered upon a vast prairie, at that day
+almost unknown to the trappers themselves, those hardy explorers of
+the desert--and which was not far from the Rocky Mountains, in the
+centre of the Indian country, and nearly two thousand miles from any
+settlement.
+
+This traveller was Oliver. He had, we see, already travelled a long
+distance.
+
+Two months only had elapsed, during which, going always straight before
+him, he had traversed all the provinces of the young American republic,
+never stopping except to rest himself and horse; then he had passed the
+frontier and entered the desert.
+
+Then he was happy. For the first time in his life he was free and
+unfettered, having cut himself off forever, as he thought, from the
+heavy trammels of civilisation.
+
+Oliver had at once begun his apprenticeship as a hunter, and a rude
+apprenticeship it is, causing many of the boldest and bravest to
+retreat. But Oliver was no ordinary man; he was young, of rare vigour
+and address, and, above all, possessed that iron will which nothing
+stops, and which is the secret of great deeds; that leonine courage
+which laughs at danger, and that indomitable pride which made him,
+he thought, the equal of any living being. He therefore considered
+nothing impossible, that is to say, he felt he could not only do what
+anyone else had ever done, but even more, if he were called upon by
+extraordinary circumstances to try.
+
+During two months he had met with numerous adventures. He had fought
+many a battle, and braved dangers before which the bravest might have
+retreated--perils of all kinds, from man, beast, and Nature herself.
+
+A victor in every case, his audacity had increased, his energy had
+redoubled. His apprentice days were over, and he now felt himself a
+true runner of the woods, that is to say, a man whom no appalling
+sight, whom no dreadful catastrophe, would terrify--in fact, one who
+was only to be moved by the majestic aspect of nature.
+
+He had paused as he left the thicket to examine the scene.
+
+Before him was a valley through which flowed two rivers, which after
+some time joined and fell into the Missouri, whose vast lake surface
+appeared like a white vapoury line on the distant horizon. Upon a
+promontory projecting into the first river was a superb bosquet of
+palms and magnolias; the latter, shaped like a perfect cone, stood in
+lustrous verdure against the dazzling whiteness of the flowers, which,
+despite the season, were still blooming. These flowers were so large
+that Oliver could see them a mile off.
+
+The great majority of these magnolias were over a hundred feet high;
+many were very much more.
+
+To the right was a wood of poplars, overrun with vines of enormous
+size, which wholly concealed the trunks. They then ran to the top of
+the tree, then redescending along the branches, passed from one tree
+to another, mixing up with piquot, a kind of creeper which hung in
+garlands and festoons from every bough.
+
+The young man could not take his eyes off the magnificent spectacle.
+Suddenly he started, as he made out a thin column of smoke rising from
+the centre of the magnolia thicket.
+
+Now the presence of smoke denotes fire, and fire indicates human
+beings. In nine cases out of ten, in the desert, such human beings are
+enemies.
+
+It is a harsh word, but it is certain that the most cruel enemy of man
+in the desert, his most terrible adversary, is his fellow man.
+
+The sight of this smoke roused no excited feelings in the bosom of our
+adventurer; he simply saw that his weapons were in order, and rode
+straight for the magnolia valley. As it happened, a narrow path led
+exactly in that direction.
+
+No matter whether he was to meet friends or foes, he was not sorry to
+see a human face; for a week, not a white man, Métis, or Indian had
+fallen across his path, and, despite himself, this complete silence and
+absolute solitude began to tell upon him, though he would not own it
+even to himself.
+
+He had passed over about one-third of the distance which separated him
+from the thicket, and was only a pistol shot away, when he suddenly
+stopped, under the influence of strange emotion.
+
+A rich and harmonious voice rose from amidst the trees, singing with
+the most perfect accent a song with French words. These words came
+clear and distinct to his ears; the surprise of the young man may be
+conceived when he recognised the "Marseillaise." This magnificent
+work, sung in the desert by an invisible being, amidst that grand
+scenery, and repeated as it were by the echoes of the savannah, assumed
+to him gigantic proportions.
+
+Despite himself, Oliver felt the tears come to his eyes; he pressed
+his hand upon his chest, as if to repress the wild beatings of his
+heart; in a second all his past came rushing tumultuously before him.
+Once more he saw in his mind's eye that France from which he believed
+himself forever separated, and felt how vain must ever be the effort to
+repudiate one's country.
+
+Led on by the irresistible charm, he entered the thicket just as the
+singer gave forth in his rich and stentorian voice the last couplets.
+
+He pushed aside some branches that checked his progress, and found
+himself face to face with a young man, who, seated on the grass by the
+riverside, near a glowing fire, was dipping biscuit in the water with
+one hand, while with the other, in which he held a knife, he dipped
+into a tin containing sardines.
+
+Lifting up his head as the other approached, the unknown nodded his
+head.
+
+"Welcome to my fireside, my friend," he said in French, with a gay
+smile; "if you are hungry, eat; if you are cold, warm yourself."
+
+"I accept your offer," replied Oliver, good-humouredly, as he leaped
+from his horse, and removing the bridle, hoppled him near the unknown.
+
+He then seated himself by the fire, and opening his saddlebags, shared
+his provisions with his new friend, who frankly accepted this very
+welcome addition to his own very modest repast.
+
+The unknown was a tall young fellow about six feet high, well and
+solidly built; his colour, which was very dark, arose from his being of
+a mixed race, called from the colour of their skin Bois brulé, under
+which general appellation we have half-castes of all kinds.
+
+The features of this young man, rather younger if anything than our
+hero, were intelligent and sympathetic with a very open look; his open
+forehead, shaded by curly light chestnut hair, his prominent nose, his
+large mouth, furnished with magnificent teeth, his fair rich beard,
+completed a physiognomy by no means vulgar.
+
+His costume was that of all the trappers and hunters of high northern
+latitudes: mitasses of doeskin, waistcoat of the same, over which was
+thrown a blouse of blue linen, ornamented with white and red threads;
+a cap of beaver fur, and Indian moccasins and leggings reaching to
+the knee; from his belt of rattlesnake skin hung a long knife, called
+langue de boeuf, a hatchet, a bison powder horn, a ball bag, and a pipe
+of red-stone clay with a cherrywood tube; such was the complete costume
+of the person upon whom Oliver had so singularly fallen. Close to his
+hand on the grass was a Kentucky rifle and game bag, which doubtless he
+used to carry his provisions in.
+
+"Faith," cried the adventurer, when his appetite was satisfied, "I have
+to thank fortune for meeting you in this way, my friend."
+
+"Such meetings are rare in the desert. And now allow me to ask you a
+question."
+
+"Ten if you like--nay, fifty."
+
+"Well, then, how was it that the moment you saw me you addressed me in
+French?" he asked.
+
+"For a very simple reason. In the first place, all the runners of the
+woods, trappers, and prairie hunters, are French, or at all events,
+ninety-five out of every hundred," he answered.
+
+"Then of course you are French?"
+
+"And Norman as well. My grandfather was born at Domfront. You know the
+proverb, Domfront, city of evil. You enter it at twelve, and are hung
+before one."
+
+"I am also French," said Oliver.
+
+"So I perceive. But to continue. My grandfather was, as I have said,
+from Domfront, but my father was born in Canada, as I was, so that I am
+a Frenchman born in America. Still we have the old country on the other
+side of the water, and all who come from it are received with open arms
+by us poor exiles. There are brave and noble hearts in Canada; if they
+only knew it in France they would not be so ungrateful and disdainful
+towards us, who never did anything to justify their cruel desertion."
+
+"True," said Oliver, "France was very much in the wrong after you had
+shed so much blood for her."
+
+"Which we would do again tomorrow," replied the Canadian. "Is not
+France our mother, and do we not always forgive our mother? The
+English were awfully taken in when the country was handed over to
+them; three-fourths of the population emigrated, those who remained in
+the towns persisted in speaking French, which no Englishman can speak
+without dislocating his jaws, and all would insist upon being governed
+by their old French laws.[1] You see, therefore, that the insulars are
+merely nominally our masters, but that in reality we are still free,
+and French."
+
+"Our country must have been deeply rooted in your hearts to cause you
+to speak thus," said Oliver.
+
+"We are a brave people," cried the stranger.
+
+"I am sure of it," responded Oliver.
+
+"Thank you," replied the stranger, "you cause me great pleasure."
+
+"Now that we know one another as countrymen, suppose we make more
+intimate acquaintance?"
+
+"I ask nothing better. If you like, I will tell you my history as
+briefly as possible."
+
+"I am attention," said Oliver.
+
+"My father was a baby when Canada was definitively abandoned in 1758
+by the French, an act which was perpetrated without consulting the
+population of New France. Had the mother country have done so, it would
+have been met by a flat refusal. But I will avoid politics, and speak
+only of my family."
+
+"Good. I hate politics."
+
+"So do I. Well, one day my grandfather Berger, after being absent a
+week, came to his home in Québec in company with an Indian in his full
+war paint. The first thing he saw, standing by the side of the cradle
+in which lay my father, was my grandmother, her arms raised in the
+air, with a heavy iron-dog, with which she was menacing an English
+soldier; my grandmother was a brave and courageous woman."
+
+"So it seems."
+
+"A true daughter of Caudebec, handsome, attractive, and good, adored
+by her husband, and respected by all who knew her. It appears that
+the English soldier had seen her through the open door. He at once
+entered with a conquering air, and began to make love to the pretty
+young person he had noticed performing her maternal office. It was
+an unfortunate idea for him. My grandfather lifted him up and threw
+him through the window on to the stones outside. He was dead. My
+grandfather then turned round and spoke of something else."
+
+"A tough old gentleman!"
+
+"Pretty solid. He even had Indian blood--"
+
+"You spoke of Domfront."
+
+"Yes; but his father, having come to America with Comtesse de Villiers,
+married in Canada. He shortly after returned to France with his wife.
+There she died, unable to bear the climate!"
+
+"Very natural," said Oliver.
+
+"Before dying she made her husband promise to send his son to Canada."
+
+"But," continued Oliver, "the finale of your history."
+
+"As soon as that matter was settled, my grandfather embraced his
+wife, offered the Indian a seat, and began smoking his pipe. He then
+explained that he meant to leave Canada."
+
+"'This,' he said, 'is Kouha-hande, my mother's brother, the first
+sachem of his nation. He has offered me a shelter with his warriors,
+and has come with some of his warriors to escort us. Will you remain
+a Frenchwoman and follow me, or will you stay here and become an
+Englishwoman?'"
+
+"'I am your wife, and shall follow you wherever you go, with my little
+one on my back,' she answered."
+
+"'My sister will be loved and respected in our tribe as she deserves to
+be,' remarked the Indian, who had hitherto smoked his pipe in silence."
+
+"'I know it, my cousin,' she said."
+
+"No further words passed. My grandmother began at once to pack up. Two
+hours later the house was empty; my grandparents had left without even
+shutting the door behind them. Before sunset they were making their way
+up the Lawrence, in the canoes of Kouha-hande."
+
+"The river was crowded with fugitives. After a journey of four days
+my grandfather reached the tribe of the Hurons-Bisons, of which our
+relative Kouha-hande was the first sachem. Many other Canadians sought
+refuge in the same place, and were hospitably received by the Indians.
+I need say nothing more save that we have lived there ever since."
+
+"And your grandfather?"
+
+"Still lives, as does my father, though I have recently lost my mother
+and grandmother. I have a sister much younger than myself. She remains
+in the village to nurse my grandfather. My father is at this moment
+with the Hudson Bay Company."
+
+At this moment there was a peculiar rustling in the bushes at no great
+distance.
+
+"Be quiet," whispered the Canadian in the ear of his new friend, and
+before the other could in any way interfere with him, he seized his gun
+and disappeared in the high grass, crawling on his hands and knees.
+
+Then a shot was heard.
+
+
+[1] This is history as told by a Frenchman. As a matter of fact, the
+French Canadians remained where they were, until they became the most
+loyal subjects the British Crown possesses.--Editor.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+AN ALLIANCE OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE.
+
+
+Hearing this unexpected shot, Oliver was in the act of rushing to
+assist his friend, whom he supposed attacked by some wild beast, when
+the hearty and joyous voice of the Canadian was heard.
+
+"Don't disturb yourself, my friend," he cried, "I have only been
+providing our dinner."
+
+And next minute he reappeared, carrying on his back a doe, which he
+hung to one of the lower branches of the magnolia, and then began to
+open.
+
+"Handsome beast, is it not?" he said. "I believe the rascal was
+listening. He paid dear for his curiosity."
+
+"A fine beast and cleverly killed," replied Oliver, helping to skin the
+animal.
+
+"It is a pity to spoil a good skin. I am a pretty good shot, but you
+should see my father shoot a tiger in the eye."
+
+"That," cried Oliver, "seems extraordinary."
+
+"I have seen him do it twenty times, and still more difficult things,"
+said the other. "But such deadly certainty is pure habit. We live by
+our guns--but to finish my story."
+
+"Go on, my friend."
+
+"My father was a child when we left Canada. He is now about
+forty-eight. My grandfather taught him to be a hunter, and to bind
+him to the tribe he married him when very young to a charming young
+Indian, a relative of Kouha-hande, and my mother in consequence. We are
+mere children. I am only twenty, and my sister but fifteen, lovely as
+the breath of dawn, and whose real name is Angela, my father's wish.
+But the Indians call her Evening Dew. That is all. I am a hunter. I
+hate the English and the North Americans, who are worse than John Bull
+himself, and I love the French, whose countryman I am."
+
+"You are quite right. Few native-born Frenchmen are such strong
+patriots as you. But now for your name."
+
+"Have I not told you? My name is Pierre Berger, but the Indians, in
+their mania for such names, call me Bright-eye, I hardly know why."
+
+"Of course because of your admirable power of shooting."
+
+"Well, perhaps you are right. I am a pretty good hand," said the young
+man, modestly. "And now, my friend, I have to add that I reached here
+yester evening at sundown, and that I am waiting for a friend, who will
+be here shortly. It is now your turn to tell me your history, unless,
+indeed, you have any motives for remaining silent, in which case a
+man's secrets are his own."
+
+"I have no secrets, especially from you, my dear Bright-eye, and the
+proof is that if you will listen, I will tell you who I am and why I
+came into this country."
+
+"I shall be delighted to hear your story," cried the Canadian, with
+evident delight.
+
+From the very first moment when he saw the hunter and came to speak
+to him, Oliver felt himself attracted towards him by one of those
+movements of attraction or irresistible sympathy which spring from
+intuition of the heart.
+
+He had therefore, during his conversation, determined if possible to
+make him a friend.
+
+He thereupon told him his story in its most minute details, the
+Canadian listening with the most profound and sustained attention,
+without interrupting him by a single remark. He appeared sincerely
+interested in the numerous incidents of a life wretched from its
+commencement, and yet which the young man told frankly and simply,
+without bitterness, but with an impartiality which indicated the
+grandeur and nobility of his nature.
+
+"Sad story, indeed," he cried, when the other had concluded; "how you
+must have suffered from the unjust hatred of these people! Alone in the
+world, without any to interest himself in you; surrounded by hostile or
+indifferent people; compelled to suffer from dark and insidious foes;
+capable of great things--young, strong, and intelligent, yet reduced to
+fly into the desert, and separate yourself from your fellows. Pardon if
+my cruel curiosity has reopened the wound which long since should have
+been cauterised."
+
+He paused, keenly watching the other's face.
+
+"Will you be my friend?" he suddenly cried. "I already feel for you an
+affection I can scarcely explain."
+
+"Thanks," cried Oliver, warmly, "I accept your offer with delight."
+
+"Then it is agreed: from henceforth we are brothers."
+
+"I swear it," resumed Oliver.
+
+"We shall henceforth be two to fight the battle of the world."
+
+"I thank heaven we have met."
+
+"Never to part again. You have no family. I will find you one, brother,
+and this family will love you," he added.
+
+"Heartily accept my thanks, Bright-eye," exclaimed Oliver; "life
+already seems changed, and I feel as if happiness were yet possible in
+this world."
+
+"There can be no doubt about it. Believe me, it depends on yourself.
+Look upon the past only as a dream, and think only of the future."
+
+"I will do so," returned Oliver, with a sigh.
+
+"And now to business. Young as I am, you will soon find that I enjoy a
+certain amount of reputation among the Indians and trappers. Very few
+would dare to attack me. I was educated in an Indian village, and, as I
+believe I have already told you, I am here to keep an appointment with
+a young Indian, my friend and relative. This Indian I now expect every
+moment, and I shall introduce you to him. Instead of one friend, you
+will have two devoted brothers. Now then," he added, laughing, "are you
+not fortunate?"
+
+"I am convinced of it," said Oliver.
+
+"When we have finished our business in these parts--and you may help us
+in this business--we will return to my tribe, of which you shall become
+a member."
+
+"I am wholly in your hands, Bright-eye," he said; "I make no
+resistance. I only thank you."
+
+"No thanks. I am useful to you today; you may be as useful, or more so,
+tomorrow."
+
+"Very well. But what is the affair that detains you here, to which you
+just alluded?" asked Oliver.
+
+"I must say that I do not know, though frankly I have my own
+suspicions. My friend has not thought proper to explain as yet, but
+simply gave me a rendezvous here, saying that I might prove useful.
+That was enough for me, and, as you see, I am here. It would be an
+act of indiscretion on my part to tell you anything I had not been
+directly told. Besides, I may be mistaken, and speak to you of a wholly
+different matter from the true one."
+
+"You are quite right."
+
+"To pass the time I will prepare supper."
+
+"And while doing so tell what manner of man your friend is."
+
+"He is a young man like ourselves, grandson of Kouha-hande. He is
+himself a chief, and a noted brave. Though young, his reputation is
+immense. He is tall, athletic, and even elegant of face. His features
+are handsome, even to effeminacy. His glance, gentle in repose as that
+of a dove, is, when his anger is aroused, so terrible that few can face
+it. His physical force is stupendous, his cunning sublime. But you will
+soon judge for yourself. His enemies call him Kristikam-Seksenan, or
+Black Thunder; his friends call him Numank-Charake, the brave man, in
+consequence of his mighty deeds."
+
+"You have simply been describing a hero," said Oliver.
+
+"You shall judge for yourself," smiled the other.
+
+"I am extremely anxious to do so."
+
+"You will soon have the opportunity. It is now five o'clock. In a few
+minutes he will be here."
+
+"What, after making an appointment so long ago, you expect him to keep
+it to the minute!"
+
+"Yes; it is the politeness of the desert, from which nothing absolves
+but death."
+
+"A summary excuse, truly," said Oliver.
+
+"Listen," cried Bright-eye.
+
+Oliver listened, and distinctly heard in the distance the trampling
+of a horse, which suddenly ceased, to be followed by the cry of the
+goshawk.
+
+Bright-eye responded with a similar cry, and with such perfection that
+the Frenchman mechanically raised his head in search of the bird.
+
+Then the sound of a horse galloping recommenced, the bushes parted
+violently, and a horseman bounded into the clearing, checking his steed
+so artistically that next moment he stood like a centaur rooted to the
+ground.
+
+The rider was very much as Bright-eye had described him. There was
+about him, moreover, an air of grandeur, a majesty which inspired
+respect without repelling sympathy. One glance sufficed to fix him as a
+man of superior nature.
+
+It was the first time Oliver, since his journey on the prairies, had
+seen an Indian so near, and under such favourable circumstances. He at
+once formed a friendly opinion of him.
+
+The chief bowed, and then pointed to the sun gilding the summits of the
+trees.
+
+"It is five o'clock. Here is Numank-Charake."
+
+"I say welcome, chief. I know your extreme punctuality. Supper is
+ready."
+
+"Good," said the chief, alighting from his horse with one bound.
+
+Bright-eye then placed his hands on his friend's shoulders.
+
+"Let my brother listen. The hunter is my friend."
+
+"Numank-Charake has read it in the eyes of Bright-eye," replied the
+Indian, turning to Oliver; "I put my hand on my heart, what will my
+brother give me in return?"
+
+"My hand and my heart; that is," he added, with a smile, "all that is
+not Bright-eye's."
+
+"I accept my share; henceforth we are three in one, one in three.
+Numank-Charake was once the Bounding Panther. Let that name be the name
+of my brother."
+
+They shook hands. All was done. According to the customs of the country
+they were brothers, and held everything in common.
+
+Almost on the threshold of his desert life, Oliver found himself
+associated with two men noted as the most honest and doughty champions
+of the prairie.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+A GREAT MEDICINE COUNCIL.
+
+
+For some time the three men, of such different birth, race, and
+manners, remained silent. It was a solemn moment. Their meeting
+appeared to them providential.
+
+Above all was the young Frenchman absorbed in his reflections. Alone an
+hour or two ago, he was now one of a formidable trio.
+
+All the time the Canadian went on with his cooking, while the chief
+gave fodder to the horses.
+
+"Supper is ready," suddenly cried Bright-eye, laughing, "let us eat."
+
+And all three seated themselves around a magnificent roast leg of
+venison _à la boucanière._
+
+We must hasten to remark that nearly all Indian tribes on the borders
+of Canada understand and speak French, at all events, they did at the
+time of which we speak. This was the more fortunate as Oliver did not
+know one word of Huron.
+
+The guests did honour to the feast, that is to say, they left nothing
+but the bones.
+
+The meal, which was washed down by several draughts of French brandy,
+was merry, enlivened by jokes and witticisms. The Indians are always
+thus among themselves. It is only when in the presence of the whites,
+whom they hate, that they are grave, silent, and sullen, never
+unbending except under the influence of drink, when their conduct is
+that of beings under the influence of delirium tremens.
+
+Brandy, or rather spirit in every shape and form, is doing the work of
+extermination for the American.
+
+As soon as the repast was finished, they began to smoke, speaking of
+indifferent things. It was the design neither of Bright-eye nor Oliver
+to hurry the young chief. Indian etiquette is excessively severe on
+this point. It is a proof of intense ill breeding to question a chief,
+or even a simple warrior, when he appears anxious for silence.
+
+And yet the sun had disappeared from the horizon; night had spread over
+the desert, blotting out the landscape, and mixing up forms in the most
+fantastic and strange manner. The sky, of a deep blue, was dotted with
+stars. The moon, in its second quarter, began to show itself above the
+trees, floating in ether, and spreading on every side its silvery rays,
+that lit the prairie here and there with fantastic gleams. The night
+wind shivered through the branches of the trees producing plaintive and
+melodious sounds, like those of the Æolian harp.
+
+The sombre dwellers in the desert, roused by the setting of the sun,
+moved slowly about in the darkness, breaking the silence occasionally
+by their wild brays, their sharp barks, and their deep roars. Under
+every blade of grass murmured the never silent world of grasshoppers.
+
+The night was cold. It was the period of the great autumn hunts.
+Several white frosts had already cooled the earth, soon the temperature
+would be below zero. The rivers and streams would be frozen, and snow
+would cover the desert as with a shroud.
+
+The adventurers, after throwing on an armful of dry wood to revive the
+flame, had wrapped themselves in their ponchos, and, sheltered by the
+trees, continued smoking silently.
+
+"This is the hour of the second watch," suddenly observed Numank,
+drawing from his belt the medicine calumet, which is only used by
+chiefs in council; "the blue jay has sung twice, all rests around us.
+Will my pale friends sleep or listen to the voice of a friend?"
+
+"Sleep is for women and children," replied Bright-eye; "men remain
+awake when a friend desires to speak of serious things. Speak."
+
+"We listen," added Oliver, bowing.
+
+"I will speak, since my friends desire it; but as what I have to say is
+grave, it will not be a talk but a medicine council."
+
+"Let it be so," said Bright-eye.
+
+Numank rose, bowed to the four cardinal points, speaking some
+indistinct words; then he seated himself on his hams again, stuffed
+his calumet with moriche, a kind of sacred tobacco only used in great
+ceremonies. Then having burnt some in the fire as an oblation, he took
+a medicine stick, and with it lifted a burning coal to the bowl of the
+calumet.
+
+The chief then gave several puffs, and then, still holding the bowl in
+his hand, presented the stem to Bright-eye. The hunter gave several
+puffs, as did Oliver in his turn; it then came back to the chief, this
+going on until the last morsel of tobacco was consumed.
+
+Then Numank-Charake rose, bent again to the four cardinal points of the
+heavens, shook the ashes into the fire, and spoke.
+
+"Wacondah, master of life," he said, "you who know all, inspire my
+words."
+
+This formality over he replaced his calumet and sat down.
+
+Some minutes elapsed, during which he remained wrapped in deep thought.
+Then he raised his head, before bowed on his chest, bowed to his
+audience, and began.
+
+"Eight moons ago," he said, "I had just returned from an expedition
+against the Piekanns. After presenting the scalps taken by myself and
+young men to the sachems, and receiving their thanks, I was going to
+my wigwam to visit my father, detained at home by old wounds, when I
+suddenly saw a young girl leaning against the ark of the first man.
+The young girl was about fifteen, tall, elegant, and beautiful. I
+had long loved her without ever revealing the secret of my heart. On
+this occasion she seemed to wait for me, and saw me approach with a
+melancholy glance."
+
+Bright-eye's eyes glistened, despite his self-control.
+
+"When I was near her the young girl spread out her arms towards me,
+and then made a step forward. I paused, and waited. 'Numank is a great
+warrior,' she said, modestly lowering her eyes; 'his hut is lined with
+the scalps of his foes, he has rich skins of every kind of beast, his
+ball never misses; happy will be the woman whom he loves.'"
+
+"On hearing these words, I was deeply moved, and seizing the hand of
+the young girl, 'Onoura--beautiful child,' I said in her ear, 'I have
+a little bird in my heart which is always singing and repeating your
+name. Does this bird sing in your heart?' She smiled, looked at me from
+under her eyelashes, and murmured, 'Night and day he whispers tender
+words in my ear, and repeats the name of the warrior who loves me. Does
+not Numank-Charake find his hut very solitary during the long winter
+nights, when the wind howls in the forest and the snow covers the
+earth?' 'My heart has long flown out to you,' I cried, warmly, 'from
+the first hour that I saw you amidst your companions. Do you love me?'
+'For life,' she said, blushing deeply. 'Good,' said I, 'then I will
+attempt a new expedition to win the marriage presents, and ask you
+of your father. You will wait for me, Onoura?' 'I will wait for you,
+Numank. Am I not your slave for life?' and she gently pressed my hand.
+I then took a wampum off my neck, and placed it on hers. She kissed
+it, her eyes full of tears, and taking a gold ring from the thumb of
+her left hand, she placed it on one of my fingers. I allowed her to do
+so with a smile. 'You love me,' she said; 'nothing shall ever separate
+us,' and before I could say another word she fled as does the gazelle
+before the hunter. I followed her with my eyes as long as I could, and
+then when she had disappeared round a corner I thoughtfully took my way
+to my father's hut."
+
+The chief paused. After a few minutes the Canadian, finding that the
+other was not disposed to continue, touched him gently on the arm.
+
+"Why did Numank-Charake show such want of confidence in his brother?"
+asked the Canadian, reproachfully.
+
+"What does my brother Bright-eye mean?" asked the chief, with slight
+embarrassment.
+
+"My brother knows what I mean," said the Canadian, with great
+animation. "Born almost the same day, brought up together, having made
+our first trails together on the prairies, as also our first expedition
+against the Sioux and Piekanns, our hearts melted into one, I thought
+we had no secrets. I know who is the woman whom my brother loves, but
+why let me guess all about it, instead of telling me? Have I done
+anything to offend?"
+
+"Oh, Bright-eye, don't think that," cried the young man, eagerly; "but
+love delights in mystery."
+
+"And yet it likes to confide its sorrows and its joys to the heart of
+a friend. On that very same night when she had this interview with the
+chief, Evening Dew--Nouma Hawa--on her return to her hut, told her
+brother all. Her heart overflowed with joy, and she could not repress
+her feelings."
+
+"Then Evening Dew owned her love to Bright-eye?"
+
+"Am I not her brother, and your best friend?"
+
+"True. Let my brother forgive me; I was wrong not to place confidence
+in him. Perhaps I was fearful he might disapprove of it."
+
+"On the contrary, it carries out my dearest wishes, and binds us more
+and more to one another."
+
+"My brother is better than I am, his heart is better; he will pardon
+the weakness of a friend."
+
+"On one condition," said the hunter, laughing; "that Numank-Charake has
+no more secrets."
+
+"I promise you," continued the chief, in a low, sad tone; "what I have
+now to say is very terrible. But the friends of Numank-Charake must
+know all. Two moons had elapsed since I and Evening Dew had spoken. I
+had not been able to carry out my projects. One day I again met her
+near the ark of the first man. 'The chief has forgotten his promise,'
+she said. 'No,' I replied; 'tomorrow I will keep it.' I left her with
+only a few more words. Next day I began to carry out my promise. I
+prepared everything, even the usual ceremonies were carried out--those
+you know so well."
+
+"One moment," interrupted Oliver. "Bright-eye, brought up in your
+villages, knows all about them, but I, as a mere stranger, know not
+what you mean. As I mean to live with you, I should like to know a
+little."
+
+"My brother is right," said the chief; "I will tell him the whole
+expedition. Before starting, the turf was taken off a considerable
+square of earth, the mould being made soft and pliable with the hands.
+It was then surrounded by stakes. When all was ready I went in and sat
+at the end opposed to the direction in which the enemy lived. After
+singing and praying, I put on the edge of the open space two little
+white stones."
+
+"After waiting half an hour in prayer, asking the Wacondah to guide
+me right, the village crier, or hachesto, approached. I gave him my
+orders. He turned and invited all the great warriors to smoke; then in
+their turn the inferior warriors were invited. After all had smoked,
+everyone examined the result of the ko-sau-ban-zich-egass. The white
+stones had fallen in the direction of a well-known path."
+
+"And what was the result?" asked Bright-eye.
+
+"The Wacondah favoured his children. The path led towards the land of
+our hereditary foes, the Sioux of the West."
+
+"Good," said the hunter.
+
+"Our party consisted of a hundred and fifty warriors, the picked men of
+the nation, armed with guns. Every man carried the offerings to be cast
+away on the field of battle, and hidden, if possible, in the entrails
+of our foes."
+
+"A pious custom," said Bright-eye.
+
+Oliver looked at the Canadian, wondering whether he spoke seriously or
+not. But there was no doubt of his good faith.
+
+"Two days later we started. A small band of twenty presently joined us,
+commanded by Tubash-Shah, the Cheat. My brother knows this restless and
+ambitious chief. I offered to yield the command to him. My warriors
+would not consent. Misunderstandings soon arose. Crossing some vast
+prairies, we began to feel great thirst, and Tubash at once violated
+the laws of war. I knew that water was not far off. The greater number
+of the elder warriors, who had to walk, were exhausted by heat and
+fatigue. Tubash sent out mounted scouts, and private signals were
+agreed on. Soon a small river was discovered. Those who got first to it
+fired guns, but before the detachments and the laggers had got up to
+the river, the sufferings of most of us were excessive. Some vomited
+blood, others were delirious. The expedition was a failure. Next day
+desertions began among the warriors of Tubash, he setting the first
+example. Soon I had only five-and-twenty men left. They offered to
+follow me to the end of the world. But what could I do? With despair in
+my soul I turned homeward. Halfway our scouts gave the alarm. An hour
+later we were engaged in a hand-to-hand conflict with the Sioux. Their
+party, six times as numerous as ours, was luckily composed chiefly of
+young warriors on their first warpath. Our defence was so desperate,
+that the Sioux yielded and fled. We were masters of the field, but out
+of four-and-twenty only ten were alive, and these were badly wounded."
+
+"It would be too terrible to tell the story of our sufferings on the
+way home. We found that all was known about the expedition. But all
+the sachems acclaimed us, the more that I brought back the scalps of
+eighteen Sioux who had fallen on the field of battle. But if my honour
+was safe, my happiness was lost. Evening Dew was gone."
+
+"My sister abducted?" cried Bright-eye.
+
+"No," said the other, sadly, "not abducted. She went away of her own
+accord."
+
+"Of her own accord?" repeated the hunter.
+
+"During the absence of Bright-eye and myself, a paleface came to the
+village. This man, it appears, for your father and grandfather refused
+any explanation, is a relative of my brother. After remaining a week he
+went away, accompanied by your father. Evening Dew followed, weeping
+bitterly. Still she offered no resistance to the orders of her father.
+Three days after your father returned to his tribe. He was alone. What
+had become of the lovely young girl none could tell me. I made the most
+minute inquiries without any result. Not knowing what else to do, I
+then sent a warrior to my brother to appoint a meeting. Here I am, my
+friend--what am I to do?"
+
+"I tell you, chief, that your extraordinary story is inexplicable to
+me. I cannot advise."
+
+"Allow me to speak," said Oliver, "I am wholly disinterested in the
+matter. I can therefore speak with that calmness which suits neither of
+you at this moment."
+
+"Speak!" cried the two young men.
+
+"My advice is, to start at daybreak for the village. The father of
+Bright-eye may have reasons for refusing explanations to the chief.
+Family matters are sacred. But the brother of Evening Dew has a right
+to demand a full explanation. I am certain it will be given to him by
+his father, who can have no reason for being mysterious with him. Let
+us then away to the village. Successful or not, we shall know what to
+do. In every case, my dear friend and brother, count on me."
+
+"What says the chief?" asked Bright-eye.
+
+"The chief thanks Bounding Panther," replied the young man, warmly;
+"his heart is loyal, and his soul generous. His advice is good and
+should be followed. With two such friends, the redskin warrior is
+certain of success."
+
+The conversation then continued for some time on a subject always
+interesting to a lover and a brother. Then, after throwing a pile
+of dry wood on the fire, the three men rolled themselves in their
+blankets, and lay down on the ground.
+
+The two wood rangers lay face downwards, according to Indian custom.
+As for Oliver, he lay on his side with his feet to the fire. At the
+first hoot of an owl--the first bird which announces the rising of
+the sun--the chief wakened his companions, and ten minutes later they
+started on their journey.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+SAMUEL DICKSON HUNTS A MOOSE DEER.
+
+
+The traveller who for the first time reaches the Rocky Mountains is
+amazed at the pile of hills above hills, called by the early discoverer
+the Sierra of the River of the Wind, that immense reservoir whence
+flows so many great streams, some flowing into the Atlantic, others
+into the Pacific.
+
+We now transport our readers to a fork formed by a rather extensive
+stream, flowing from the Mountains of the Wind, just before it joins
+the Missouri, in the centre of a vast and delicious valley.
+
+This charming spot, enchanting in its aspect, was covered by scattered
+thickets, young trees, fat pasturages, and watered by many rills, which
+fell in all directions in silver cascades from the mountains, and
+finally lost themselves in the Missouri.
+
+This unknown Eden, buried in the mountains, had been discovered by a
+hardy explorer, and already the hand of man was at work destroying its
+savage grandeur. In a word, the squatters were at work.
+
+Squatters are generally men of restless habits, greedy of exertions, no
+matter what they may be, impatient of control, and sworn enemies of the
+peaceful and regular life of the great centres of population. Gifted
+with the courage of a lion, of a will--or, rather, obstinacy--which
+nothing can conquer, these men of indomitable energy, in whose hearts
+ferment the most violent passions, are the true pioneers of the desert
+and the vanguard of civilisation in the New World.
+
+Accustomed to place themselves above the law, as soon as the tide of
+civilisation always rising reaches them, they abandon without regret
+all they possess--houses and land--and snatching up their hatchets,
+bury themselves gaily still further in the desert, until they find
+another suitable site, on which they squat.
+
+There is no one to contest their claim. At all events, to do so would
+be a rather imprudent enterprise, for they at once appeal to their
+rifle, and make that the legal arbitrator.
+
+Joshua Dickson was a true specimen of a squatter; his whole life had
+been one long pilgrimage across the States of the Union. Weary of
+rambling within the purlieus of civilisation, where he always felt
+uneasy, one day, as we have already recorded, he came to a final
+resolution, and, abandoning all that he possessed, he started with his
+family and servants in search of a land where none before had ever set
+their foot.
+
+We cannot relate all the incidents of his journey without guide or
+map. They would fill a volume. We come to the point. One night they
+had fixed their camp near a very narrow and wooded gorge. It appearing
+to be rather a difficult spot to travel in the dark, and there being
+no hurry, they had halted by a small stream, in the midst of a green
+prairie, which offered admirable pasturage for their beasts and horses.
+
+Before daybreak, while his companions still slept, Samuel Dickson rose,
+took his rifle, and advanced in the direction of the defile, with the
+double object of examining the locality and of shooting, if possible,
+two or three head of game for the morning repast, provisions being rare
+in camp, so much so that the night before they had gone to bed almost
+without supper.
+
+Harry Dickson, who acted as sentry, alone saw him go out, but as his
+uncle did not speak, he did not venture to make any observation.
+
+Samuel Dickson went away with his rifle on his shoulder, whistling
+"Yankee Doodle," and shortly after disappeared in the tall grass
+without his nephew being able to make out in what direction he had gone.
+
+Seen by the light of morn the defile was not so choked up by trees and
+bushes as it had seemed in the dusk of the evening; the entrance only
+was marked by a curtain of young trees, which would easily succumb to
+a few blows of a hatchet.
+
+The American pushed forward, cutting a passage with his bowie knife,
+resolved to reach the extremity of the defile, in order to examine it
+thoroughly and report to his brother.
+
+Suddenly a moose deer bounded across his path.
+
+"There is a demon who does not suffer from rheumatism. How he runs! But
+remember, my friend, that's your breakfast."
+
+With which words he took to his heels, and, catching sight of the deer,
+followed him up through the dense undergrowth, without being able to
+get a shot at him. This went on for about twenty minutes, during which,
+his rifle at full cock, he never looked to the right or left. Suddenly
+the moose deer stood still, as if he sniffed another enemy in the
+direction in which he was going.
+
+The American lost no time, but took steady aim for a second or two and
+fired.
+
+The stricken deer bounded into the air, and then once more took to its
+heels.
+
+But the hunter was determined not to lose him. Unhappily, however, in
+his eagerness, he did not look before him, and just as he thought the
+deer began to droop, while he increased his speed his foot slipped and
+he went head over heels, falling a height of about fifteen feet, to
+alight upon a kind of pavement of hard flint stones.
+
+The fall was so heavy that the American not only was bruised all over,
+but fainted.
+
+A feeling of coolness suddenly came over him, and caused him to open
+his eyes.
+
+He looked wildly around him, and saw a young man of about
+seven-and-twenty, in the costume of a trapper, his handsome face bent
+over him with a look of deep solicitude, while he bathed his face with
+a handkerchief soaked with water.
+
+"Are you better, Mr. Samuel?" said the other.
+
+"Hem!" cried the American; "Am I mad?"
+
+"Not in the least, Master Samuel, at least, that I am aware of," was
+the reply.
+
+"But what has happened?" cried the other, with an awful grimace.
+
+"A very simple thing: you shot a deer, and in your eagerness to catch
+him you did not notice that you were on the summit of an eminence, and
+so rolled over, to the detriment of your bones."
+
+"A very simple thing!" groaned the other; "You speak very complacently,
+Master George. Is anything broken?"
+
+"Nothing. I examined you carefully--nothing but bruises, of that I am
+sure."
+
+"Cursed deer! If I only had secured it. But the brute escaped me after
+all."
+
+"No, my friend. You are too good a shot to miss your aim. There lies
+your game, quite dead."
+
+"Thank goodness! That is lucky. But oh! Oh! I feel as if I had received
+a severe beating. Help me up."
+
+"But had you not better rest a while?"
+
+"Go to the deuce. I am not a whining sniggler, like my niece," he
+began; "by the way," he added, "that puts me in mind! Young man--"
+
+"Allow me to help you up--take my arm. I am strong; so lean as heavily
+as you like. There, you are all right. Your rifle will serve you as a
+staff."
+
+Thanks to the assistance of the young man, the American contrived to
+stand on his legs, making horrible grimaces and groaning all the time.
+
+"I wish my brother had been anywhere, with his mad notion of
+emigration," he said, grumbling; "but that is not the immediate
+question. Will you answer me?"
+
+"I am quite ready. You cannot carry the deer--shall I hang it up in
+safety until you send for it?"
+
+"Will you answer me?" cried Samuel, ferociously.
+
+"You have not yet asked me any question," said the young man, gently.
+
+The American looked at him with considerable anger in his glance; then
+his muscles relaxing, he burst out laughing.
+
+"Forgive me, George," he said, offering his hand. "I am an old fool.
+I am trying to get up a quarrel with you, instead of thanking you for
+your kindness. In truth, I believe you have saved my life."
+
+"You exaggerate, Mr. Samuel," replied the other.
+
+"Between you and me, I don't think so. What would have become of me,
+fainting in the desert?"
+
+"Chance brought me here."
+
+"Oh, yes! Chance has very broad shoulders," answered the American: "I
+suppose it brought you out here."
+
+The young man held down his head and blushed.
+
+"Well, well, I won't tease you, George," cried Samuel; "you are a noble
+and generous fellow, and I loved your father."
+
+"As you do his son," responded the other.
+
+"I suppose it is so. But this being understood, let us talk like two
+old friends."
+
+"I am at your command."
+
+"Always the same eternal chorus. Now I do not want to dive into your
+secrets, but without going beyond the limits of politeness, allow me to
+ask you one simple question," said Samuel.
+
+"Ask; and if it be in my power, I will answer truthfully," replied the
+other.
+
+"Hem! You are confoundedly close. First let us sit down. I am all aches
+and pains."
+
+The young man gently led him to a soft mound of turf, helped him to be
+seated, and followed his example.
+
+"Now I am good for an hour. Let us chat."
+
+"I am your most obedient servant to command."
+
+"How is it, Mr. George Clinton," began the old man, with a sly look,
+"that three months ago I left you at Boston at the head of a large
+house of business, and that I now find you dressed like a runner of the
+woods, hundreds of miles from the nearest settlement, just ready to
+save my life."
+
+"If my journey served me no other purpose, I am thankful--still I own
+there is another motive."
+
+"I am glad to hear you say so. May I ask its nature?"
+
+"Well, Master Samuel," began Clinton, "I am young, vigorous, and
+passionately fond of field sports; I am a good shot, and very much
+inclined for a free and independent life. Many times while at Boston
+chance brought me in contact with persons who have accomplished
+wonderful journeys into the almost unknown interior of our vast
+continent, and who brought back astounding accounts of what they saw;
+my curiosity was aroused, and I felt within myself a strong desire to
+attempt one of these expeditions in search of the unknown."
+
+"Or the ideal," smiled the American.
+
+"If you like it. As long as my father was alive I kept my ideas to
+myself, but as soon as my actions were quite free my old ideas were
+revived. An opportunity presented itself which I eagerly embraced.
+Confiding my house of business to a trustworthy partner, I started."
+
+"You had a definite object, I suppose?"
+
+"No; I went wherever chance or my feelings urged me," the other
+answered.
+
+"My young friend," said Dickson, laughing, "chance plays too great a
+part in all this. You will excuse me if I don't believe a word of your
+story."
+
+"You are not generous, sir."
+
+"I am not generous?"
+
+"You will not believe that a young man could give way to his
+adventurous instincts; and yet you, a wise man, very much older than
+I am, you, whose position was settled, I find you here, without being
+able to give the slightest explanation of your conduct."
+
+"Well answered, George. You hit me hard, but you know I am an old
+fool. I am so, as sure as fate. Yes, my friend, I am mad enough for a
+straitjacket. But at the same time, I can see that you will not make me
+your confidant."
+
+"I assure you--" began Clinton.
+
+"What is the use of holding out any longer? You must rely on me in the
+end; but when you do come to me with the truth, it will be my turn."
+
+"You are not angry with me?"
+
+"No, my boy: keep your secrets; but remember I am your friend. Keep
+your own counsel then, if you will--it concerns only yourself. But
+remember, whenever you want me, I am ready," he answered.
+
+"I know not how to thank you."
+
+"What nonsense! You owe me nothing. It is I who am your debtor. But
+it is getting late, and I must return to the camp, where they must be
+getting anxious. Thanks to my rest I feel not only able to walk, but to
+carry the confounded deer."
+
+"Wait, however, while I clean and skin him. It will then be easier."
+
+"You are quite right. Be quick, as we are short of food."
+
+"But the country is enormously rich in game, and what a beautiful spot!"
+
+"It certainly is," replied Samuel, after which his young friend soon
+prepared the game so as to be easily carried.
+
+"And now take my arm while I lead you through the defile, which is the
+only way out of the valley."
+
+And so they started, Samuel walking much better than he expected,
+though suffering much.
+
+"One favour," said the young man, after a time.
+
+"What is it, my friend?" asked Samuel.
+
+"Say not one word of our meeting."
+
+"Since you wish it, I will be strictly silent on the subject. Like
+other people I know, I will invent some sort of story--it is not
+difficult."
+
+The young man smiled, and shook him heartily by the hand. Then Samuel
+Dickson walked away in the direction of the camp, while George busied
+himself in the valley.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+JOSHUA DICKSON BECOMES MASTER OF THE VALLEY.
+
+
+After Samuel had walked some distance he found that he had
+miscalculated his strength. He was very weak about the ankle, and the
+way being rude and his load heavy, he could scarcely get along at all.
+Still he would not abandon the deer, knowing as he did how short of
+provisions they were in the camp.
+
+Wiping the cold perspiration off his brow, the brave American resumed
+his journey.
+
+The sufferings he endured it would be impossible to describe; at length
+he became scarcely able to drag one foot before the other; every now
+and then he had to stop, as the blood rushed to his head and myriad
+sparkles flashed before his eyes. He seemed to have the vertigo, his
+mouth was parched, his chest panting, his temples throbbing, and his
+eyes almost starting from his head.
+
+When he had staggered to within five hundred feet of the camp he was
+utterly exhausted, and fell insensible on the grass, where he remained
+inert and motionless for a quarter of an hour. Luckily, as he roused
+himself, he found a small rivulet flowing at his feet. In this he
+bathed his hands and face, and felt better.
+
+But he could walk no farther; that he knew was impossible. He, however,
+suspected they were looking for him, and if they heard him would
+come to his assistance. His voice was powerless to reach them. There
+remained his rifle. Still seated on the ground, he loaded and fired
+three times in succession.
+
+He had not long to wait before he saw his brother and nephews running
+towards him.
+
+He was too weak to enter upon any explanations, but one nephew taking
+up the deer and the other their uncle, they at once made for the camp,
+where Mrs. Dickson and Diana anxiously awaited them.
+
+When they saw the hunter they believed him dead.
+
+Joshua had a great deal of difficulty in persuading them that he had
+only fainted, and was in no danger.
+
+The Americans, especially the hunters and trappers, have great
+experience in wounds and bruises.
+
+The sick man was at once carried to a covered waggon, placed upon a
+mattress, and stripped.
+
+"Heavens!" cried Joshua, as he examined the numerous black bruises,
+"Poor Samuel has indeed had a bad fall. I wonder he was not killed
+outright."
+
+"Fortunate nothing is broken," said the eldest son.
+
+"So it is," replied the father; "and now let us do the best we can for
+him while your mother cooks the deer meat for breakfast. It was for us
+poor Sam risked his life. Get the camphorated brandy and some wool, and
+don't forget to tell your mother to cook the game. She is rather apt to
+burn venison, which does not improve its flavour. While you are about
+it bring the rum bottle--a little poured down his throat will do him
+good. Above all, be quick."
+
+Having given these orders, Joshua bathed his brother's forehead with
+cold water, passed burnt feathers under his nose, and did everything
+which could be done under the circumstances. Still the sick man never
+moved.
+
+"Let us try the rum," he said, as his son returned.
+
+And as he spoke, he forced open the other's teeth with the blade of his
+knife, and putting the neck of the bottle to his mouth, let the liquor
+slip through.
+
+Samuel smacked his lips and opened his eyes.
+
+"That is something like. And now to work."
+
+The two men then, dipping the wool in camphorated brandy, began to rub
+the bruises.
+
+Such a remedy, so roughly employed, was very soon quite efficacious.
+The sick man sat up, howling furiously, and trying to escape from their
+clutches.
+
+But the two men, believing in the remedy, continued, and, despite all
+their victim could say, despite his prayers, howls, and curses, he
+finally had to submit to the treatment for half an hour.
+
+"There you are," cried Joshua; "now try and sleep."
+
+"Go to old Nick!" roared Samuel; "I'm skinned alive."
+
+"You are as fussy as a woman. We scarcely touched you. Tonight we shall
+do it again perfectly, and tomorrow you will be quite well," said
+Joshua.
+
+Samuel shuddered, but said nothing; shortly after he, however,
+slept soundly. At night the two men came again, and, despite his
+lamentations, protestations, and prayers, continued to rub him as
+before, with all the vigour of which their hands and arms were capable.
+
+Then Joshua told his brother to go to sleep, promising if in the
+morning he was not quite well to give him one more dose.
+
+But Samuel was up first, and when they came to find him, he was
+dressed, singing "Yankee Doodle."
+
+His brother was delighted, and while wishing him joy, highly eulogised
+his remedy, the very mention of which caused Samuel to shudder.
+
+He was then questioned as to his adventure, which he related, leaving
+out all mention, however, of George Clinton. They were at breakfast,
+and everyone listened with avidity. The ladies especially, who were
+weary of their journey, heard the description of the beautiful valley
+with extreme delight.
+
+"To conclude, I beg to remark," Samuel wound up by saying, "that I
+never saw a spot better suited for a settlement."
+
+"We shall see," drily remarked Joshua.
+
+Samuel knew his brother well, and was well aware how he should be
+treated.
+
+"As for myself," he added, with indifference, "I don't care where or
+when we stop. As we have gone so far in the desert, what matters fifty
+leagues more or less? Let us then go ahead. Push on by all means, even
+as far as the Bay of Hudson."
+
+"I don't want to go as far as that," cried Joshua; "if the valley's
+anything like what you say, perhaps we may stop."
+
+"Well, perhaps it may not suit you. Everybody, you know, to their
+taste," continued Samuel.
+
+"I shall judge for myself," replied Joshua.
+
+"If we are to stop here all day," Samuel urged, quite satisfied, "I and
+Harry will fetch the deerskin."
+
+"Why not go with me?" said his brother.
+
+"I shall be delighted with your company."
+
+"Then, by Jove, we'll all go. It will be a walk. Harry, Sam, Jack, tell
+Sandy to be ready for a start. Let the camp be raised. Tonight we will
+camp in the valley and examine it at our ease."
+
+"You raise the camp for so small a journey?" said Mrs. Dickson.
+
+"Does it displease you, mistress?"
+
+"No. But it is a useless fatigue for horses and men."
+
+"I shall do as I think proper," said the squatter, drily, as he went to
+hurry his men.
+
+Samuel Dickson and the ladies smiled. They knew now they would stop in
+the valley.
+
+An hour later the whole caravan took its way in the direction of the
+defile, preceded by a dozen of the hired men and others with hatchets,
+to act as pioneers.
+
+Though he declared his health was quite restored, Samuel Dickson,
+instead of riding on horseback, clambered into a waggon with his
+sister-in-law and niece, with whom he gaily discoursed.
+
+Every now and then the old farmer looked sideways at the countenance of
+his pale and thoughtful niece, smiled to himself, and rubbed his hands
+with intense satisfaction.
+
+Neither mother nor daughter could make out his pantomime, but after a
+few trials they knew it was useless to question him, and so let him
+chuckle to himself.
+
+Joshua Dickson, without allowing it to be seen, had been very much
+struck by what his brother had said. Instead, therefore, of riding
+beside the caravan as usual, he had gone on in front.
+
+Presently, as if no longer able to resist the impulse of curiosity
+which was devouring him, he signed to his three sons to follow, and
+next minute the four men were off at a hard gallop and were soon lost
+in the defile.
+
+"The fish is in the net," said Samuel Dickson, with a hearty laugh.
+
+"Is the valley so beautiful as you say?" asked Mrs. Dickson.
+
+"Much more so. It is simply a terrestrial paradise. If you were to
+hunt for months you would never find a more agreeable or advantageous
+position. Everything is to be found in abundance, wood, water, pasture,
+and above all, game."
+
+"If Joshua would only settle."
+
+"A good deal depends on you."
+
+"I have not the influence you suppose over my husband. You know his
+vagabond humour."
+
+"He will remain here if you wish him to."
+
+"I hope you are right," replied the wife, with a sigh.
+
+"Chut! Here he comes. Attention, this is the decisive moment,"
+whispered Samuel, as Joshua came up.
+
+"Holloa!" he cried, "I have come from the valley."
+
+"Did you find the deerskin I left behind?"
+
+"Deerskin be--" was the excited answer; "I had no time to think of it.
+But what a delicious valley! I never saw anything so beautiful in all
+my life."
+
+"It is certainly pretty fair, but not worthy of such frantic eulogy,"
+said Samuel.
+
+"What a man you are!" cried Joshua; "You must always disagree with me.
+The moment I like a thing you must depreciate it."
+
+"Do you then mean to make some stay in the valley?" asked Mrs. Dickson,
+innocently enough.
+
+"Some stay, mistress!" cried the husband; "What are you dreaming about?
+I mean to take the whole valley. It belongs to no one now. It shall
+therefore be ours--that is, mine and my brother's."
+
+"I want very little," said Samuel.
+
+"You shall have your right share, no more and no less. Do you think I
+would cheat you?"
+
+"Far from me be such a thought."
+
+"But, my dear," said the wife, "pray think."
+
+"I have thought," he replied, abruptly; "and my resolution is
+irrevocable. So thoroughly have I made up my mind that I have come back
+alone, leaving the children at work."
+
+"At work!" cried Samuel.
+
+"Yes; they are cutting down trees and clearing the ground. This will be
+so much gained, as the season is far advanced, and we have not a moment
+to lose if we would have our settlement quite ready for the winter."
+
+All this while the caravan was advancing, and by degrees had got
+halfway through the defile.
+
+"This narrow way might easily be stopped," said Joshua.
+
+"Very useful idea, as many redskins are about."
+
+"But we are very numerous."
+
+"Yes; but if we are attacked we have no neighbours to help us, and must
+count only on ourselves alone."
+
+"We shall be sufficient," drily responded Joshua.
+
+"I hope so, and yet I doubt if the Indians leave us in peaceable
+possession if game is as abundant as I believe."
+
+"Bah! Who cares? If the Indians come we will give them such a reception
+as shall astonish them."
+
+"Who lives longest will see the most. It is best to be prudent,"
+responded Samuel.
+
+The squatter, half angry at his brother's manner, gave up the
+conversation, and, spurring his horse, disappeared.
+
+"Now," said Samuel, with a smile, as the other rode off, "you may be
+satisfied. Joshua is sufficiently annoyed at my opposition to become
+seriously obstinate. Nothing will make him change his mind now."
+
+"Perhaps you went a little too far."
+
+"Not a bit, I only stimulated him."
+
+"But what you said about the Indians made me seriously uneasy. Are
+there any about?"
+
+"I suppose so, as we are in the very centre of their territory. They
+may not attack us if let alone."
+
+"But this valley may belong to them."
+
+"Then we shall have to negotiate with the tribe to which the place
+belongs. We shall buy it of the redskins--a thing done every day."
+
+"You ought to know Joshua better by this time. He will take the land,
+and refuse all compromises."
+
+"I know him; but should the contingency come, we must make him listen
+to reason. But look, we are entering on the confines of this garden of
+Eden, which henceforth will be all our own," cried Samuel.
+
+"What a magnificent country!" cried the squatter's wife.
+
+Miss Diana, despite her sadness and habit of concentrated thought,
+could not restrain an exclamation of surprise at the sight of the grand
+spectacle before her.
+
+"Don't be too enthusiastic," said Samuel. "Here is Joshua."
+
+A hundred paces off Joshua had halted, his sons beside him on
+horseback, gun in hand. The squatter held the American flag in his
+right hand. As soon as all the waggons were in the valley he signed to
+everybody to advance.
+
+All the serving men and women surrounded the squatter. His wife,
+daughter, and Samuel remained in the waggon.
+
+The squatter, making his horse prance, waved the American flag over his
+head, then he planted the staff in the earth, and cried in a loud firm
+voice:
+
+"I take possession of this wild territory by the right of the first
+occupant I proclaim myself its sole lord and master, and if anyone,
+white or black, dares to claim it, I will defend myself to the last
+gasp."
+
+"Hurrah! Long live America!" cried all.
+
+"My friends," continued the trapper, "we are now at home. This valley
+which we shall soon cultivate and bring to prosperity and civilisation,
+is the Valley of the Deer."
+
+"Long live the Valley of the Deer!" cried all.
+
+The squatter then headed the caravan, and led it to the spot he had
+selected for a settlement. It was twelve o'clock. At a little after two
+the ancient trees were falling beneath the axes of the Americans.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+DIANA DICKSON AND HER FOE.
+
+
+The activity of the North Americans is prodigious; they have a peculiar
+way of handling the axe which is marvellous. Their mode of procedure is
+almost incomprehensible, and goes beyond anything the imagination can
+conceive.
+
+Fifty American woodmen will in a month clear the whole of a vast forest
+tract.
+
+They always begin with the idea, a very logical one, though a proud
+one, that the modest plantation they commence may in time become an
+important town, and they act accordingly. The land is divided into
+lots, paths traced by the axe stand for streets, large open spaces
+represent squares, while notched trees indicate where the houses,
+shops, workshops, and other buildings are to be.
+
+As soon as this is all settled they go to work with feverish haste, and
+trees of vast dimensions fall with a rapidity which is simply amazing.
+
+Then they build the stables and sheds, then the blacksmith's forge, the
+carpenter's shop, and the water sawmill, of which the workmen at once
+take possession.
+
+The earth, still encumbered by the roots of trees, is dug up and sown
+at once. Everything goes on at the same time with the utmost regularity
+and industry.
+
+In a few days the landscape is completely changed, and there, where had
+existed a virgin forest, with all its deep and impenetrable mysteries,
+suddenly arises, as if by means of the enchanted wand, the embryo of
+a town, which ten years later will be a rich flourishing emporium of
+commerce, and of which the population, coming from all parts of the
+world, will perhaps be fifty or sixty thousand.
+
+But the squatter, the founder of the new city, will have disappeared,
+without leaving a trace behind. Nobody knows anything about him,
+not even his name. His work done, he will have taken his melancholy
+departure, frightened to see the desert so populated, and that
+civilisation from which he had fled so near; he probably has fled out
+West in search of a new virgin land, which he will transform like the
+first, without deriving any more advantage from it, finally to end his
+days, shot in some miserable Indian ambuscade, or killed by the claws
+of a grizzly, or perhaps dies of misery and hunger in some unknown
+corner of the prairie.
+
+Joshua Dickson did not act differently from his fellows; after dividing
+the valley into two, and handing over half to his brother, he fixed his
+residence near the fork of the two rivers. Samuel Dickson fixed his
+residence at the other end of the valley, near the river called the
+Deer River.
+
+Everybody then set to work, and with such rapidity that before three
+weeks were over the principal buildings were finished. The houses,
+built with trees from the trunks of which the bark had not been
+removed, piled one upon the other, and fastened together by iron clamps
+and long wooden nails, looked comfortable with their glass windows
+furnished inside with strong shutters, and their mud and brick chimneys
+from which the smoke already escaped in a bluish cloud.
+
+All the servants and hired men had erected themselves, not exactly
+houses, but bark huts. They were, however, only temporary residences,
+soon to be replaced by more solid and eligible residences.
+
+The ordinary means of defence so necessary in an Indian country had not
+been neglected; a solid double stockade of young trees surrounded the
+camp; the centre of this rampart was occupied by a ditch ten feet wide
+and fifteen deep.
+
+There were several drawbridges, which were raised every night, by means
+of which only could the settlement be reached; near every one of these
+was a redoubt of stone, surmounted by stakes, behind which, in case
+of attack, the garrison could place themselves. All the houses were
+moreover loopholed.
+
+Every night some twenty formidable dogs of the race formerly used by
+the Spaniards to hunt down the Indians, and until lately kept to track
+Negro slaves by the Americans, that is to say, bloodhounds, were let
+loose.
+
+One morning, shortly after sunrise, Miss Diana, accompanied by her own
+enormous and favourite dog, quitted the Point, her father's habitation,
+for the residence of Samuel Dickson.
+
+Very busy each about their own affairs, the brothers were often two
+days without seeing each other, the more so that their respective
+residences were quite three miles apart.
+
+Joshua Dickson, whose activity was immense, struck with amazement at
+sight of the magnificent waterpower at his door, and which he little
+suspected was the Missouri, had asked himself one day where these
+waters flowed to. He came at last to the conclusion that on its way to
+the sea it must run through some state of the Union.
+
+Then, imbued with that commercial spirit which is innate in the
+Americans, he at once saw the value of the river as available for the
+carriage of his produce, as well as to obtain supplies for the colony.
+He therefore resolved to make a journey down the river, and reach the
+first settlement, and this as soon as the heavier labours were over.
+
+Now with the squatter to resolve was to act, and even before anything
+else was finished he had set to work to construct a canoe sufficiently
+large to carry four persons, with victuals for a long journey, and
+strong enough to bear a voyage of some hundreds of miles.
+
+The boat had been finished the night before, and Joshua Dickson, eager
+to begin his journey, had sent his daughter over to Dickson Point, to
+confer with his brother as to what was to be done in his absence. But
+neither Samuel nor Diana knew anything of Joshua's projects.
+
+Joshua was one of those men who, without being deceitful, was very
+reticent, and never told his thoughts.
+
+Diana, like a true heroine, traversed the faintly traced paths which
+led to her uncle's house, a hunting knife in her belt, and light gun
+in her hand. For further safety she was accompanied by Dardar, a large
+black and white dog, something between a wolf and a Newfoundland,
+terribly ferocious, and of mighty strength, as tall as a good-sized
+donkey, and who would have tackled a bear in defence of his mistress,
+whom he obeyed with the docility of a child.
+
+With such a guardian Diana had nothing to fear from man or beast;
+moreover, the country was too little known to the squatters to allow a
+young girl to go out quite unprotected in the country, however short
+the distance.
+
+Contrary to her usual mood, the young girl was quite joyous; her
+freedom, which allowed her to give free vent to her thoughts, had
+driven away the tinge of sadness which generally clouded her beautiful
+face.
+
+She went along careless and dreaming through the fields, playing with
+Dardar, who, proud of the charge he was set to guard, ran wildly before
+her, dashing into the bushes and thickets with an intelligent glance
+that was almost human.
+
+The young girl soon reached the river, where a kind of ferryboat had
+been provided by means of which to cross the river, here neither broad
+nor deep. In a few minutes Diana was across and within sight of her
+uncle's residence.
+
+Inside the log hut, which was extensive, were seated two men, with a
+bottle of whisky before them. These were Samuel Dickson himself and
+George.
+
+Two horses, still saddled and smoking, were fastened in the court. They
+must have been on a long journey.
+
+"You are a pretty fellow to make me gallop about in this way in search
+of you. I am not very handsome, but I am not ugly enough to frighten
+you."
+
+"I simply did not see you."
+
+"No nonsense. Do you think to keep me in ignorance of your motive in
+coming this way?"
+
+The young man blushed deeply.
+
+"Do you know my brother Joshua?" asked Samuel.
+
+"I met him once or twice in Boston, but I do not think he ever noticed
+me," said George Clinton.
+
+"Shall I introduce you to him?" said Samuel. "He has his faults, but he
+is a very worthy man."
+
+"I don't think it would be wise just now."
+
+"I don't think," continued the American, "that you have waited to be
+introduced to my niece."
+
+"Sir," cried the young man, dropping his glass.
+
+"Ah, ah!" cried the American, laughing, "That is the way you break my
+crockery. These lovers, these lovers. Do you think to cheat an old
+opossum like me? You love my pretty niece, which is very natural; you
+are a good fellow, and together will make an excellent couple."
+
+"I regret to say it cannot be so," sighed George.
+
+"Why so?" cried Samuel.
+
+"I see you are so good, I can no longer refuse to enlighten you."
+
+"That is right. Confess, for I am your true friend."
+
+"What I have to say," began George, "is not much. I met Miss Diana at
+Boston at Mrs. Marshall's, where your niece stayed for some months last
+year. I was on very good terms with your relative."
+
+"Yes, yes; my cousin," said Samuel.
+
+"Need I say that from the first moment I saw her I loved your niece? My
+visits to Mrs. Marshall, once only occasional, became so frequent that
+the lady began to have suspicion of my intentions. She at once called
+me on one side, and while giving me every credit for loyalty and worth,
+she told me not to prosecute my attentions, as Diana's father would
+never consent to our marriage. Despite all my entreaties, however,
+she would give me no reason, until at last, yielding to my earnest
+entreaties, she explained that many years before there had been such a
+quarrel between my father and Joshua Dickson that any alliance between
+our families must ever prove impossible."
+
+Samuel listened with extreme anxiety.
+
+"You see yourself that I am right," said the young man.
+
+"You are mistaken," cried the other; "the matter is rather serious, I
+allow. I really had forgotten that old affair. But don't ask me any
+questions; all I say is, have courage. Circumstances will probably
+alter, and believe me that in Samuel Dickson you will have a sincere
+friend."
+
+"I should be only too glad to help."
+
+"When I am on your side nothing is difficult. Now to breakfast. But how
+did you know of my brother's coming out here?" suddenly cried Samuel.
+
+"Miss Diana told me herself."
+
+"Oh, oh! Then I wonder no longer. To breakfast."
+
+"I hope, Master Samuel, you will excuse me," began the other, taking up
+his hunter's cap.
+
+"Sit down; if my niece were here you would not go."
+
+"Can I come in?" suddenly said a soft voice at the door, a voice that
+made George start.
+
+This sudden coincidence utterly overcame the old man's gravity, and,
+throwing himself back in his chair, he screamed with laughter, while
+Diana stood transfixed in the doorway, and George Clinton simply turned
+his cap round in his hand without being able to articulate a word.
+
+It was Dardar who ended the scene.
+
+The dog had remained outside for a moment or two, and then, seeing the
+door open, had rushed right into the middle of the room; seeing George
+Clinton he rushed at him, wagging his tail first, and then, leaping up,
+his paws on either shoulder, he licked his face with a joyous whine.
+
+"By heavens!" cried the squatter, "The fellow is lucky. Everyone likes
+him, even that precious Dardar, and yet he despairs. Come in, Sly
+Boots, and kiss your uncle."
+
+She did not require twice asking.
+
+"You are welcome, mademoiselle," he said, with mock politeness. "I
+suppose I need not introduce you to yonder tall young fellow?"
+
+"I have known the gentleman some time," replied the young girl, holding
+out her hand, which George took and kissed.
+
+"That's right," cried Samuel, rubbing his hands; "all goes well. And
+now once more I say, to breakfast. I am dying with hunger. We can talk
+while we eat, and you, Diana, can explain your early visit. I suppose
+you have not come three miles in the dew to kiss your old uncle?"
+
+"Why not?" she said, with a smile.
+
+"And you expected to meet nobody," he answered. But seeing that Diana
+blushed, he continued, "But no more delay," and seated himself.
+
+The beginning of the meal was rather constrained, from the peculiar
+position of the young people. But the ice was soon broken; the squatter
+was merry and humorous; he avoided any pointed allusions, and the
+conversation, at first very meagre, soon became very pleasant.
+
+When Samuel heard the object of Diana's visit, he promised to go over
+in the evening, and then questioned George as to his travels.
+
+George at once proceeded to tell his story with so much wit and humour
+as to amuse uncle and niece.
+
+"Now," said Samuel, when breakfast was over, "listen to me. You are two
+charming young people, whom I love, and whose happiness I desire. But
+you must let me act in my own way. I know my brother well, and can do
+as I like with him. Look upon me as an ally, but commit no imprudence.
+Instead now of going with my niece, you must stop here. If you were
+seen together, we cannot say what might happen. At all times my house
+is open to you. Come as often as you like, but remember, courage and
+prudence, Diana, kiss me again, and then farewell."
+
+"My darling uncle," she cried, embracing him.
+
+"Oh, yes, very dear, because I do what you like."
+
+"Au revoir, George," she continued.
+
+"But when shall I see you again? Time appears so long."
+
+"Already he grumbles," cried Samuel.
+
+"Pardon me, but I love her so much."
+
+"And do I not love you?" she said, naively.
+
+"I am mad," he answered, tenderly, kissing her hand a second time as he
+spoke.
+
+Then Diana went out, guarded by Dardar.
+
+"Now," said Samuel, as soon as they were alone, "you must enter into
+fuller explanations, and explain where you have pitched your tent. I
+hope you are in no difficulty."
+
+"Be easy on that point. I have a hut in a charming situation about
+twelve miles off. Will you come and see it?" added George Clinton.
+
+"At once, if you like," cried Samuel.
+
+"At once let it be, I am not alone; I have two faithful servants and a
+Canadian hunter, whom I engaged in Boston. I have books, arms, horses,
+dogs--everything that a man can wish for."
+
+"Delighted to hear it. Let us start."
+
+Five minutes later they were galloping through the forest.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THEY MAKE AN ACQUAINTANCE.
+
+
+That part of the valley towards which they were going had undergone
+no change. The squatters had had no time to visit it, and it retained
+all its original beauty and primitive majesty. George Clinton
+appeared fully to know his way, entering at full gallop on the most
+out-of-the-way and rugged paths, followed by Samuel Dickson, who was in
+a charming humour, and appeared delighted to explore this part of his
+domains, for all on that side of the valley was his present from his
+brother.
+
+"You ride as if you had known the country ten years at least," he said.
+
+"I came here about a month before you, but I have been everywhere with
+Charbonneau."
+
+"Who may Charbonneau be?"
+
+"My hunter, a great big Canadian, as long as a fishing rod, as thin as
+a nail, and as honest as a Newfoundland dog. I got him out of a very
+great scrape, and he has been devoted to me ever since."
+
+"Lucky for you."
+
+"More than you think. This fellow was brought up in an Indian tribe;
+his life has been spent more or less in the desert. He has friends
+everywhere with trappers, with white and half-caste hunters; speaks all
+the most difficult redskin dialects, and despite his youth--he is not
+more than three-and-twenty--enjoys a great reputation on the prairie.
+He is called Keen-hand, because of his prodigious dexterity."
+
+"An excellent servant," said Samuel.
+
+"And a capital companion--always gay and contented; whichever way
+things go, he is always so philosophical I cannot but admire him. He is
+a perfect study. As an instance, he declared some time ago no squatter
+would ever see this place and go further."
+
+"He was not far wrong. He is a sharp youth."
+
+"You are right; but you shall judge for yourself."
+
+"Then he has told you all about this country?" asked Samuel.
+
+"In what way?" said George.
+
+"I suppose he described the situation of the valley--its distance from
+all habitations?"
+
+"Don't you know?" cried George.
+
+"I know nothing. We have been travelling in the dark, and should all be
+glad of information."
+
+"In the first place, two rivers cross the valley; that near you flows
+from the mountains of the Wind; the other, into which it discharges its
+waters, is the Missouri."
+
+"Heavens! The Missouri! Then it runs through part of the United States.
+We are at home."
+
+"Very nearly, though you are surrounded by red men, who, though very
+warlike, are generally friendly to the whites. Still, if you know the
+redskins you will not depend on them."
+
+"Too true; and what nations are they?" he asked.
+
+"Sioux and Dakotas, Piekanns, Crows, Hurons of the great lakes, with
+some Assiniboins and Mandans. A few others of no account are scattered
+about," he answered.
+
+"A pretty lot; and no help near."
+
+"Help is nearer than you think. About fifty miles distant is a fort
+belonging to one of the great fur companies. It has a garrison of fifty
+whites--Americans and Canadians, soldiers and hunters."
+
+"Fifty miles is nothing," said Samuel.
+
+"In a civilised country, yes; but in the desert it is as bad as fifty
+leagues," responded Clinton.
+
+"I did not think of that," granted the squatter; "well, then, on the
+other side, what neighbours have we?"
+
+"Some squatters, like yourselves, who have been two years on the
+Missouri. You are halfway between the two."
+
+"Have these squatters much cultivated land?"
+
+"They have been going ahead lately. It is already almost a village;
+soon it will be a town. But anyway, on one side or the other you are
+separated from men of your own colour by several Indian nations, whose
+villages it would be dangerous to visit, except in large numbers. In
+fact your only open route is the Missouri."
+
+"That is something; but, if easy to go down, it is hard to ascend."
+
+"Besides, both sides swarm with redskins."
+
+"Hum! My dear George, that spoils all. What could put it into the mad
+head of my brother to bring us here? He is a lunatic; for the matter of
+that, so am I."
+
+George could not help laughing.
+
+"Laugh away, you young rascal," said the squatter; "but if we have to
+leave our bones here?"
+
+"I hope it will not be so," replied George.
+
+"Jehoshaphat! So do I. Your information is not pleasant; still I thank
+you. It is best to know the worst."
+
+While speaking they kept on at as rapid a pace as the state of the
+ground allowed. They had left the forest, and had come out upon a green
+prairie, when suddenly they heard a gun fired.
+
+"What is that?" cried the squatter.
+
+"Charbonneau. I know the sound. Wait a minute."
+
+And Clinton fired his rifle in the air.
+
+Next instant there was a rush from out of a thicket, and two
+magnificent dogs of the same breed as Dardar came rushing out of a
+thicket, and, leaping at the young man to beg a caress, continued at
+the same time to growl at the squatter.
+
+"Down, dogs, down!" cried the young man. "Down, I say, Nadeje, miss,
+and you the same, Drack; don't be mischievous. This gentleman, my
+fine fellows, is a friend; go and welcome him, to show what brave and
+intelligent beasts you are."
+
+As if they had understood what their master said, the two dogs ceased
+to growl, and, going straight to Samuel Dickson, leaped up at him in
+the most friendly way. The squatter, a great dog fancier, was very
+much struck by their beauty, and at once caressed them with many a
+word of praise, which pleased both, but especially Miss Nadeje; she
+was a magnificent animal, with an almost pure white skin, spotted only
+here and there with black, and at once took the squatter under her
+guardianship.
+
+Almost at the same moment a man appeared in the full costume of a
+hunter, a man with rather angular but very intelligent features; in his
+hand was the still-smoking gun. He bowed, and called off the dogs.
+
+"Pardieu!" he cried, "That was a lucky shot of mine."
+
+"Were you hunting?" asked the other, shaking hands.
+
+"At this hour it were folly, and I am not yet mad. Sport is only good
+morning and evening, is it not?"
+
+"That is my opinion," replied the squatter.
+
+"Mr. Samuel Dickson, one of my best friends," said George, "and I hope
+soon one of yours."
+
+"I hope so; I like his looks," laughed Charbonneau.
+
+"Thank you," said the squatter.
+
+"It is quite unnecessary, only I don't say the same to everybody. But I
+have known you some time."
+
+"If not hunting, what were you doing?" asked George.
+
+"Something has happened at the wigwam. Three travellers, two white
+hunters and an Indian chief, have reached your house, and demanded
+hospitality," he replied.
+
+"Of course you did not refuse?"
+
+"Of course I did not. Besides, two of the hunters are my friends, and
+the other is likely to become so."
+
+"You know you are welcome to act; still, why look for me?"
+
+"Well, I did not exactly look for you, but I wanted to give you
+warning; of course, I knew where you had gone."
+
+The young man blushed, while the old man laughed.
+
+"Now, then," cried Clinton, "let us go home."
+
+"Wait one moment. About fifty yards in my rear the dogs opened cry. I
+ran and found--"
+
+"A bear?" exclaimed the squatter.
+
+"No, I would not have minded that. It was not a bear, but a man. He
+was lying insensible on the ground, his skull split open from a heavy
+fall, and a shot wound in his left arm. His horse was grazing close by.
+He appeared to be a traveller traitorously shot by an Indian. I thought
+I heard an explosion; at all events, the wretch fled before the dogs,
+just as he was about to rob the unfortunate."
+
+"You assisted him?"
+
+"How could I help it? I could not let him die like a skunk on the road;
+and yet it would have been wiser."
+
+"Charbonneau!" cried the young man, "Is that really you?"
+
+"You know me well, Master George. Well, despite myself, I don't like
+the look of this man, though he is handsome enough. He has a terrible
+expression, and you know it takes something to move me. Still, I feel
+an invincible repugnance for this man, whom I never saw before. The
+dogs were like myself; I had the greatest difficulty to prevent them
+tearing him to pieces. Nadeje was like a mad creature; she wanted to
+strangle him. Do you know, Master George, dogs never make a mistake?"
+
+"A very good thing," said George Clinton; "but the man is wounded,
+likely to die. We are bound to succour him."
+
+"I know it, and have done so. I have seen to him as I would to myself
+or one of my dogs. Still, Master George, mark my words, it is a bitter
+foe you shelter under your roof."
+
+"It may be so, but we must do our duty."
+
+"As you please. Still I shall watch him."
+
+"Where is he?"
+
+"Just under yonder cluster of oaks, which you see from here. It was
+after dressing his wound I fired a shot on chance."
+
+"Did he say nothing?" asked George.
+
+"He is still quite insensible."
+
+"Let us join him, and if the dogs are so ill-disposed towards the
+stranger, watch them carefully."
+
+"All right, Master George. Be quiet, dogs," said the hunter, turning
+back, followed by the two great dogs, the others making up the rear.
+
+The cluster of oaks was soon reached; the wounded man still lay without
+life; the dogs howled, but, at a sign from Keen-hand, they stood back
+silent.
+
+George and Samuel alighted, and examined the man.
+
+He was a tall, well made, even elegant man of about thirty or
+thirty-five; he was deadly pale; his features were well chiselled
+and delicate; his long, jet black hair fell in waving curls on his
+shoulders; a black crisp beard hid the lower part of his face; his
+mouth, large and slightly open, showed magnificent teeth of dazzling
+whiteness; his strong and aquiline nose gave a terribly hard expression
+to his face, while his eyes, far too close together, and which were
+shut, were shaded by long lashes, and crowned by heavy eyebrows that
+almost touched.
+
+The very sight of the man inspired instinctive repulsion, something
+like a chill, that sensation of terror and disgust which one feels at
+the sight of a reptile; still the man was handsome and elegant; he was
+well dressed, and his weapons were superior; his horse was extremely
+valuable.
+
+He was, to all appearance, a prince among adventurers.
+
+"Hum!" muttered Samuel Dickson, who was the first to speak; "I don't
+like his look at all."
+
+"No more do I," said George; "still, we cannot let him die."
+
+"Certainly not, since Providence has sent him here. Are we far from
+your hut?" replied Samuel.
+
+"Not far off, are we, Charbonneau? But, then, how can we carry him?"
+continued George; "I don't see anything except a litter."
+
+"Too long. Leave all to me. I will mount his horse; you can hand him up
+to me; I will then carry him in my arms to the wigwam--what say you?"
+
+"Admirable!" cried George, as Charbonneau mounted and stood still,
+awaiting his burden.
+
+George and Samuel then placed him before the guide. Charbonneau pressed
+his head against his chest, and started.
+
+Going slowly, they were an hour on the journey.
+
+The wigwam, as the hunter called it, was a charming habitation built of
+wood, upon the summit of an eminence, round which ran a silver stream,
+lined with well-constructed palisades.
+
+"Your house is delicious," said Samuel Dickson, examining the
+residence. "You should be very comfortable."
+
+"My good friend, I want for nothing except happiness."
+
+"Are you going to have the blues again?" said Samuel.
+
+"You know I hardly dare hope," replied George.
+
+"You are very foolish. When you are rich, young, and loved, Master
+George, you ought to hope for the best."
+
+"You are very cruel to joke with me."
+
+"I do not joke, I only try to inspire you with courage. But, look, here
+are your guests coming to meet you, while your servants seem to me to
+be rather muddled and mixed," observed Samuel.
+
+"It is the first time they have ever seen strangers."
+
+"Then," said Samuel, laughing, "they will have a change today."
+
+Three persons were advancing in the direction of the advancing troop.
+They were Bright-eye, Numank-Charake, the Huron chief, and Oliver.
+
+They bowed ceremoniously to Clinton, who renewed the invitation given
+by Charbonneau; and then alighting, the wounded man was carried by
+Bright-eye and Oliver to the best bedroom, placed on the master's
+own couch, and at once attended to by one of the domestics, who knew
+something of medicine.
+
+"What a disagreeable face!" murmured Oliver.
+
+"He does not look pleasant," said Bright-eye.
+
+"'Tis the face of a traitor," said the Indian chief, sententiously; "he
+should have been allowed to die."
+
+"Hum!" cried Keen-hand; "There are others of my opinion."
+
+"Let my brother watch carefully," remarked the Indian.
+
+"Be not uneasy," smiled Charbonneau.
+
+"In my opinion," said Bright-eye, "this man is one of the outlaws of
+the desert. I have seen him somewhere before. I must not only think
+over the matter, but put the master of the house on his guard."
+
+Meanwhile the four men rejoined Clinton and Samuel Dickson in the
+drawing room, where copious refreshments awaited them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+WHO THE STRANGER WAS.
+
+
+As soon as the farmer had taken some slight refreshment and assured
+himself as to the comfortable position in which he was placed, he took
+his leave. The day was far advanced, and he had to meet his brother on
+a matter of business.
+
+On leaving George, the squatter bent low on his horse, and after one
+last glance at the hut:
+
+"Beware, my friend," he said, "of the wounded man. I think him an
+unmitigated rascal. Get rid of him."
+
+"I will take your advice. I do not like him myself, and as soon as he
+can travel he shall surely go."
+
+And, after mutual promises to meet again, the two friends parted, and
+Samuel rode off in hot haste. George watched him until he was quite out
+of sight.
+
+He then sighed. The departure of Samuel had broken the last link
+between the charming events of the morning and the more matter-of-fact
+events of the evening. He now gloomily turned on his heel, and found
+himself face to face with the three travellers accompanied by Keen-hand.
+
+"You are not going?" he cried.
+
+"No," answered Bright-eye; "on the contrary, if you will allow us, we
+intend remaining some little time."
+
+"You will give me great satisfaction," continued Clinton, "use my house
+entirely as your own."
+
+The hunters bowed courteously.
+
+"We have come to meet you," said Oliver, "because, having something to
+say, we prefer the open air."
+
+"Yes," continued Bright-eye, "though the wounded man whom you have
+so generously entertained is as yet incapable of listening, your
+servants--"
+
+"Are discreet and devoted," observed Clinton.
+
+"We know that, and have taken no precautions against them."
+
+"You would have been very unwise to do so. Morris and Stephen knew me
+from my birth. They love me as if I were a child of their own. I have
+no secrets from them and should be sorry to wound their feelings."
+
+"I was prepared for that objection," said Keen-hand, "and was therefore
+careful to warn them."
+
+"You have done well, Charbonneau, as I would not for the world offend
+those worthy fellows. And now, gentlemen, follow me, and I will take
+you where you can speak openly without fear of being overheard."
+
+Saying which George moved away from the house and led them to a
+hillock, wholly without trees, overlooking the river, and whence he
+could see a long way.
+
+"This is my observatory," he said, smiling.
+
+"Admirably well chosen," replied Oliver.
+
+On the invitation of Clinton everyone seated himself on the grass,
+and lit his pipe; then Bright-eye, who appeared general spokesman,
+addressed their host.
+
+"We have learned from Keen-hand that you have not long left the cities
+of the United States to visit for a time the prairies of the Far West."
+
+"I have no reason for making any secret of the matter."
+
+"Everyone is master of his own actions," continued Bright-eye, "and we
+have no right to inquire in any way into your affairs. We only desire
+to indicate you as new to prairie customs."
+
+"I am not very learned in the matter, and am therefore wholly guided by
+my hunter, who, despite his youth, is an old runner of the woods. But
+as I see no motive for this conversation, I should be glad if it were
+abridged."
+
+"One question first--Are you prepared as a dweller in the desert to
+submit to its habits and customs?" asked Bright-eye.
+
+"As long as they are just and reasonable," said the other, "I pledge my
+word to be guided by them."
+
+"We find that your friend here described you well."
+
+"Still you must be aware that you are keeping me waiting."
+
+"Two words will explain," said Bright-eye; "we demand the body of the
+wounded man yonder."
+
+"What to do?" cried Clinton.
+
+"To apply Lynch law to him," coldly replied the hunter.
+
+The young man shuddered, a livid pallor spread over his countenance; he
+looked at the hunters, who nodded their heads, with a glance of horror.
+
+"What do you mean, gentlemen?" he cried; "Do you intend to torture this
+man, whose life hangs on a thread?"
+
+"It is our right and our duty, not to torture him, but to try him, and
+execute the sentence, whatever it may be, at once."
+
+"This is terrible!" cried the young man.
+
+"You do not know him. If, for reasons best known to ourselves, we
+feigned not to know him, now that your friend has left we will tell you
+who the wretch is."
+
+"No matter who he is," cried Clinton, fiercely, "all I know is that he
+is wounded and under the protection of my roof."
+
+"Your sentiments of humanity do you honour," said Bright-eye,
+ironically; "they are well suited to civilised society, where the law
+defends you. In the desert they have no meaning. Every moment menaced
+with death, you must cut down your murderous foes without mercy."
+
+"Better be victim than executioner," said George.
+
+"If you like to present your breast to the enemies, that is your
+lookout; we beg to differ from you."
+
+"But, gentlemen--" said Clinton, haughtily.
+
+"You made a promise. Do you or do you not intend to be bound by it?"
+asked Bright-eye.
+
+"This is your return for my hospitality."
+
+"You are unjust, sir; we are but the instruments of public opinion,
+about to accomplish a painful duty, guided by our conscience and our
+sense of right. Do you give this man up to us, yes or no?" he continued.
+
+"Take him, if you insist; but as on your private authority you judge
+this man, I will defend him."
+
+"We are delighted to hear it."
+
+"When do you intend trying this man who is dangerously wounded and
+nearly insensible?"
+
+"He is not so ill as he pretends to be," replied Bright-eye; "and we
+intend trying him at once."
+
+"Come, then, for the matter is getting wearisome," said George.
+
+All returned to the house. Oliver and Numank had not spoken, but their
+firm step, their knitted brows, their flashing eyes, sufficiently
+indicated that they fully agreed with Bright-eye in his intentions.
+
+When they entered the room where the wounded man lay he was quite
+conscious; his face, of an earthy pallor, had two red spots on the
+cheeks; the pearly sweat fell heavily from his brow; his eyes were half
+closed, but he could clearly see through his lashes. His attitude was
+that of a tiger at bay, unaware from what side danger was likely to
+come.
+
+Bright-eye looked at him with such pertinacity that after a time he was
+compelled to open his eyes.
+
+The Canadian smiled, whispered to Keen-hand, who nodded his head, and
+soon left the hut.
+
+"Gentlemen," said Bright-eye in a loud tone, "we will at once proceed
+to instal the head of the court of Judge Lynch."
+
+"You are the chief," said the others.
+
+"I accept. You will be the accusers. I shall at once take my seat, as
+we are here to judge this man."
+
+"You forget I am here to defend him," remarked Clinton.
+
+"You are quite right," replied Bright-eye; "pray therefore attend
+carefully to the accusations I am about to make against him; you can
+then undertake his defence, if, indeed, when you know all, you care to
+do so."
+
+The wounded man had appeared motionless and insensible to all around
+him, but on hearing the generous words of the young man, spoken in a
+gentle voice, he seemed to shiver all over, and, raising himself a
+little, looked keenly at George Clinton, with a glance of gratitude.
+
+Bright-eye meanwhile reflected a moment, folded his arms, and throwing
+back his head spoke:
+
+"Prisoner," he said, "you are before a terrible tribunal. Judge
+Lynch has been appointed to condemn you if guilty, to absolve you if
+innocent. Prepare yourself to hear and answer the charges made against
+you."
+
+"I do not acknowledge the jurisdiction of Judge Lynch," said the man;
+"you are a tribunal of assassins."
+
+"As you please," replied the Canadian; "but your silence will be
+treated as a confession of guilt."
+
+The accused shuddered.
+
+"Why, instead of leaving me to die in the prairie, was I brought here?"
+he asked; "Is hospitality a mere trick?"
+
+"The man is right," cried George; "I cannot suffer such things to pass
+under my roof. I protest, in the name of humanity, against all that is
+being done. You dishonour me by acting in this manner here."
+
+"The jurisdiction of Judge Lynch is universal in the desert," was the
+cold reply; "none can check it. This man is an outlaw of the prairies,
+a man of blood and crime. Louis Querehard, Paul Sambrun, Tom Mitchell,
+and half a dozen aliases--you see we know you well--eleven days ago you
+basely attacked an old man in charge of a young girl; you killed the
+old man from behind at the Elk's Leap. Where is the young girl?"
+
+"Base calumny," cried the wounded man, sitting up suddenly; "I know not
+what you mean. I killed no old man."
+
+"I repeat that you killed the old man and stole away the girl. I have
+the proofs," he answered.
+
+The wounded man sat biting his lips with rage.
+
+"This morning," continued Bright-eye, "you quarrelled with one of your
+accomplices, while crossing this valley, and fell from the treachery of
+your fellow bandit."
+
+"Falsehood!" cried the wounded man.
+
+"We shall soon see," said the Canadian, coldly, and putting his fingers
+to his lips he uttered a shrill whistle.
+
+A noise was heard and several men entered. These were Keen-hand, two
+servants of Clinton, and a prisoner--a man of wretched, mean, and
+ignoble appearance.
+
+"This is your accomplice," said Bright-eye.
+
+"I don't know him," replied the wounded man.
+
+"You don't know me?" cried the other; "Really now, have you already
+forgotten poor Camotte?"
+
+"You declare this man unknown to you?" said the judge. "Well, be it so.
+Now, fellow," to the man Camotte, "will you confess?"
+
+"Caray, yes," said the prisoner, "anything you like."
+
+"Speak then," responded Bright-eye: "we wait."
+
+"Miserable wretch," asked the wounded man, "are you a traitor?"
+
+"My good sir, I object to be hung," he answered.
+
+"It is useless to question that rascal," said the wounded man. "I will
+tell you all you want to know; but before we go any further it must be
+on one condition."
+
+"We decline to accept conditions," was the reply.
+
+"Then beware. I alone know where the young girl is concealed. Refuse my
+conditions and my secret dies with me."
+
+"It is true," said Camotte, in answer to a look from Bright-eye.
+
+"What are your conditions?" resumed the judge.
+
+"My life, liberty, and three hours' start," said the outlaw; "also the
+company of my friend Camotte yonder," he added, with a sneer, as that
+individual shivered; "further, I require my horse, arms, and my valise.
+On these conditions you shall have the young girl: I swear it."
+
+"Anything else?" continued the judge.
+
+"One moment," observed George; "I ask for him eight days to recover
+from his wound, during which time he shall remain here under my
+guardianship and yours."
+
+"We consent," said Bright-eye, gloomily; "now speak."
+
+"The girl is concealed twelve miles away, in the Cavern of the Elk. I
+was going there with food when I was shot. Make haste."
+
+Scarcely had he finished ere Oliver and the chief disappeared.
+
+"Beware of my vengeance," cried Bright-eye, "if you have spoken
+falsely."
+
+"I have spoken the truth," said the wounded man, and fainted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+EXPLANATIONS.
+
+
+We must go back a little in order to explain how the three hunters were
+driven to seek hospitality in the hut of George Clinton, and what were
+the motives of the deadly hatred they had vowed against the wounded,
+almost dying, man.
+
+At the time of which we write nearly the whole American continent,
+north and south, was owned by Spain, which ruled her provinces with a
+yoke of iron, closed to all other nations with as much jealousy as ever
+was shown by China.
+
+The United States alone stood free, independent.
+
+The newly enfranchised people were, however, well aware that as long as
+the rest of the land was not free their work was unfinished.
+
+Besides, it became necessary to give employment to the restless spirits
+let loose by the close of the war.
+
+The Government at once set to work. The territory of the new republic
+was already immense, but thinly peopled, almost unknown, and occupied
+in many instances by wandering Indian tribes. These must first be got
+rid of.
+
+The activity of the Americans is known. They rushed off into the
+desert, they erected forts to awe the redskins; hardy pioneers
+traversed the prairies and established settlements in the very heart of
+the Indian country.
+
+Every encouragement was given to emigrants from Europe, who were
+received most hospitably.
+
+The Government was favoured by circumstances; it was a rising power
+while Spain was falling to pieces.
+
+The American Government at once offered to buy Louisiana of France,
+and meanwhile sent out small companies of free corps to attack the
+frontier of the Spanish colonies. But alongside those recognised by
+the authorities were other bands, men isolated from all civilisation,
+having no control to fear, recruited from the scum which froths up
+during troublous times; these bands made war on their own account,
+pillaged friend and foe, burned haciendas, and allied themselves with
+the redskins, taking their dress in order the more readily to carry out
+their nefarious designs.
+
+Among these bands was one more formidable than all the others of sad
+and monstrous celebrity.
+
+This troop of two hundred desperadoes, called themselves outlaws, and,
+it was believed, though no one exactly knew their headquarters, were
+established on the Missouri, whence they carried their depredations far
+and near.
+
+Powerfully organised, submitting to strict discipline, this band had
+spies in every direction, who kept them well informed, not only as to
+the number and strength of caravans about to cross the desert, with
+their destination, but as to the expeditions sent out by Government
+against themselves. By these means they were always on their guard and
+never taken by surprise.
+
+The chief of this terrible band was said to have only been six years
+in America, and yet he knew all the secrets of the desert; he was as
+clever as the most cunning and astute runner of the woods, quite equal
+to any redskin in deceit. He was supposed to be a Frenchman, though he
+spoke English, Spanish, and many Indian languages equally well. He was
+called Querehard, Sambrun, Magnaud, Tom Mitchell, and various other
+names.
+
+But none knew his real one, though some did whisper that he was the
+chief of a certain fearful band who had played so terrible a part
+during the Reign of Terror.
+
+Many asserted that he was not so bad as he was painted--that, in
+fact, though chief of this fearful crew, he always tried to prevent
+bloodshed, that he never allowed women and children to be ill-treated.
+
+He was said to be very generous, and had as many friends as enemies.
+
+Whatever the truth, Tom Mitchell was a kind of hero; the American and
+Spanish Governments had placed a price upon his head; but no one ever
+ventured to try for the reward of ten thousand dollars.
+
+After the medicine council we have recorded, Numank-Charake and his two
+friends continued their journey.
+
+On the seventh day, an hour before the setting of the sun, they reached
+a village built in the fork of two rivers.
+
+The village was surrounded by lofty palisades, with a ditch full of
+water, and drawbridges.
+
+The travellers came up just as these were being removed.
+
+They were warmly received by an eager crowd.
+
+Since his landing in America this was the first time Oliver had entered
+a real village of redskins.
+
+He was surprised to find it so superior to what he expected. Instead of
+ordinary bison tents, or huts made with hurdles, mud, and thatch, it
+consisted of admirably constructed Canadian cabins.
+
+These cabins stood in rows, with small gardens in front, while here and
+there were some real Indian wigwams.
+
+Those Canadians who had retreated with their families to the tribe
+of Bison Hurons had introduced these habits. Hence the rather hybrid
+character of the village, which was half Canadian and half Indian.
+
+Reaching the centre of the village Numank left his companions, while
+Bright-eye pointed out a most comfortable looking cabin and declared it
+to be his home.
+
+At the entrance stood two men leaning on their rifles. One, nearly a
+centenarian, but still robust and very tall, had a large white beard;
+his eyes still shone brightly, his complexion was the colour of brick,
+while his ropy muscles could be seen through his parchment skin. His
+expression was gentle and full of courage. This was the grandfather of
+the hunter, an old soldier of Montcalm.
+
+The second was Bright-eye's father, whom he resembled in every
+particular except age and height.
+
+"They indeed appear a noble couple," whispered Oliver.
+
+"Come with me," was the laconic reply.
+
+In a few minutes they were at the door of the cabin. Bright-eye
+dismounted and took off his fur cap.
+
+"I am back after a long absence. Give me your blessing."
+
+"Take it with all our hearts," cried the two old men.
+
+They then shook hands cordially, Oliver looking on with a deep sigh of
+envy and regret.
+
+"He at all events has a family," he said.
+
+"Come nearer, my friend," cried Bright-eye; and when Oliver stood
+beside him, he added, "this is Oliver, my friend. Eight days ago we met
+in the savannah, and we have never parted since. He loves me and I love
+him; he is a brave man and a most excellent hunter; our friend, the
+redskin, calls him Bounding Panther."
+
+"He is welcome," said the old man; "all Frenchmen are our brothers;
+as long as he chooses to remain there is a hut to shelter him and a
+quarter of venison for his food."
+
+"Well spoken, father," said his son, shaking hands with the young
+Frenchman; "we are French here. Welcome."
+
+"Messieurs," replied Oliver, with a bow and a smile, "it is not with
+words we answer such words, but by acts."
+
+"We welcome you as a second son; come in."
+
+The horses were now taken away by a young Indian, and the whole party
+entered the house.
+
+The hut, which was built with logs, was whitewashed both in and out,
+and had four windows.
+
+Oliver entered a rather large hall, lit by two of the windows, with a
+plank flooring, and a roof supported by heavy beams; at one end was a
+large chimney, near the kitchen a table, some seats and chairs, two
+oaken dressers covered by utensils in brown earthenware, and a large
+old-fashioned clock composed the furniture.
+
+Two doors led, one into the kitchen, the other into the guests' room,
+which was pointed out to Oliver.
+
+There were three other rooms, one occupied by the two old men, one by
+Bright-eye, and one by his sister when at home.
+
+All were furnished alike; a bed, a little table, several boxes, two or
+three chairs; some hideously coloured prints from Epinal were fixed
+on the walls, also pipes of all sorts and sizes, a French long gun, a
+powder horn, lead pouch, game bag, hatchet, a knife with its deerskin
+belt, that was all.
+
+It was one floor, except a large loft above.
+
+Behind the house there was stabling for six horses, a yard with fowls,
+a rather large garden, well enclosed and full of choice vegetables. It
+was the old man who took care of the garden as child's play.
+
+When, having made some slight change in his toilette, Oliver returned
+to the hall dinner was on the table.
+
+"Have you had good hunting lately?" asked Bright-eye.
+
+"Not very good. Game gets scarce. Still I made three hundred and
+seventy dollars in a fortnight," he replied.
+
+"Pretty fair; and what was your game?"
+
+"The blue fox, near Hudson's Bay," continued the other; "I have been
+home three weeks. But you say nothing of your sister."
+
+"I am not in the habit of questioning you, father."
+
+"The boy is right," said the old man; "it is your place to speak."
+
+"I suppose," cried the hunter, "Angela is in the village."
+
+"No, my son, she is absent," continued the old man, "and I am sorry for
+it, as she was the joy of the house."
+
+"Where is she then, father?" asked Bright-eye.
+
+"About five days' march, with our cousin Lagrenay, the squatter of the
+Wind River. His wife has been ill, he is alone; having no one to take
+care of her, he came here and asked for Angela to stay a few days."
+
+"My dear father, our cousin Lagrenay's settlement is a long way off, in
+the heart of the Indian country."
+
+"You are right," said his father; "I fear I have acted with too great
+haste. I will fetch her home tomorrow."
+
+"I will go with you, father."
+
+"It is unnecessary. Your health, sir," addressing Oliver; "is it long
+since you left France?"
+
+"Many thanks. I have been in America two months."
+
+"Though so far off news is welcome. How is the king?"
+
+"There is no longer any king," said Oliver, gravely; "France is now a
+republic like America."
+
+While the stupefaction which this news caused was still at its height
+Numank-Charake entered.
+
+"Welcome; be seated and eat," said the old man.
+
+"I came neither to eat nor to drink," replied the young Indian, sadly.
+"I came to tell you that your child, Evening Dew, has been carried off
+by Tom Mitchell, the outlaw, and that we must at once save her."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+HOW THE THREE TRAVELLERS WENT TO GEORGE CLINTON'S.
+
+
+This terrible revelation fell like a thunderclap upon the four
+personages who sat at table. There was for some minutes a silence
+caused by perfect stupor.
+
+"You are indeed a sinister messenger, chief," said the old man,
+bitterly; "whence do you get this news?"
+
+"Perhaps you are mistaken," gasped the father.
+
+"Listen," said the chief, sadly, "and you shall hear what has passed in
+a few words."
+
+"First sit down and break bread," cried the old man; "we are friends
+and relatives, and this awful catastrophe affects you as well as us."
+
+"You say truly," responded the young chief, seating himself.
+
+"Eat and drink," said the old man; "then we will talk."
+
+The meal continued, to the great astonishment of Oliver. He could
+not understand the calm and sang-froid of these four men in presence
+of such an awful event. He was half inclined to accuse them even of
+coldness of heart.
+
+He knew nothing of that Indian etiquette, more severe than that of any
+other country, which requires this apparent coldness. He soon, however,
+discovered how much he was mistaken, and how deeply all these brave and
+loyal hearts were wounded by the fatal incident.
+
+The repast was sad and gloomy. Nobody spoke. They ate as if it were a
+duty which must be done.
+
+After the hasty repast was over there was silence.
+
+"You have come, sir," said the old man, addressing Oliver, "at an
+unfortunate moment; pardon us if we seem rude and inhospitable. But
+evil has fallen on us."
+
+"You told me, sir," replied the young man, "that I was to become a
+member of your family. Let me, then, share your sorrows as well as your
+joys. I feel more on the subject than you think, being Bright-eye's
+brother."
+
+"Thank you; you are one of us," said the old man.
+
+"You are my second son," cried the father.
+
+"I thank you, and hope to prove myself deserving."
+
+Everybody now rose from table, filled his pipe and lighted it, and
+then, the repast having in the meantime been cleared away, seated
+themselves by the fire.
+
+"Chief," said the old man, "the time has come. We are ready to listen
+to you with the deepest attention."
+
+Rising and bowing to all, the chief, who affected stoical gravity, but
+who had great difficulty in controlling his voice, spoke--
+
+"Lagrenay's wife was never ill. Evening Dew was carried off by Tom
+Mitchell from the squatters."
+
+"Are you quite positive?" asked the grandfather.
+
+"I am positive. The news was brought to me just now by a courier in
+whom I have every confidence. He saw all that happened without himself
+being seen."
+
+A deep silence prevailed. None interrupted the old man.
+
+"Allow me," he said, "to speak frankly to you, chief. You are my
+relative; I remember your birth, and love you."
+
+"My father is good, and knows I love him," replied the chief.
+
+"I know it; but pardon me if I speak very plainly. There is a
+hesitation in your words which alarms me excessively. I am sure you
+have not told us all you think."
+
+The chief bowed his head.
+
+"I knew I was right," cried the old man; "you know far more than you
+choose to say."
+
+"No skin covers my heart, my blood runs red and clear in my veins; the
+Wacondah sees and judges me. Let my father explain himself frankly.
+I ought only to speak after him. His head is white with the snows of
+wisdom. He is wise."
+
+"Good, Numank-Charake, you are a great brave, despite your youth. Soon
+you will be renowned in council. I know the motives which shut your
+mouth. You love her."
+
+The young man started.
+
+"Do not deny it," said the old man. "I know it, as does my son, and we
+rejoice both of us. She will be happy with one who is both strong and
+brave. Not knowing our sentiments towards you, you have nobly hesitated
+to accuse a near relative. You have acted well. But time presses, and
+not a moment is to be lost. We know our cousin as well, or perhaps
+better, than you do. We know also that falsehood never soiled your
+lips. To keep further silence would be to commit a bad action--to make
+yourself almost the accomplice of the ravishers. Speak out, then, like
+a man."
+
+"I obey," replied the young man, respectfully.
+
+"And hide nothing, I pray," added François Berger.
+
+"I will tell you everything," he said, "as you know my heart is given
+to Evening Dew. I love her; her love is my joy, her voice my happiness.
+On my return to the village, after my unfortunate expedition, Evening
+Dew was no longer in her father's wigwam. I asked news of everybody; I
+even ventured to ask you. Your answer filled me with discouragement.
+I returned to my hut heartbroken with despair. My grandfather had
+pity on me. Kouha-hande loves me, and spoke like a wise man. 'Go,' he
+said, 'find Bright-eye at the spot agreed on; he is the brother of
+Evening Dew; he will grieve with you, and perhaps give you good advice.
+During his absence I will watch. If necessary, I will go to the hut of
+the white man on the Wind River. Adieu, my son, and may the Wacondah
+accompany you,' I obeyed my father. I put on my travelling moccasins,
+took my gun, provisions, all that a hunter requires, and started. But
+my soul was sorrowful; a sad presentiment froze me to the marrow of my
+bones; Wacondah sent it."
+
+"Courage, child," said the old man, kindly. "Wacondah is powerful and
+just; He tries those whom He loves."
+
+"Two hours ago I returned to the village of my nation. I was very
+sad and uneasy. Without a word I left my comrades and friends, and
+rushed to my wigwam. My father's father awaited me. He was gloomy and
+thoughtful, and rose as I entered. I guessed at once what I had to
+expect. This is what I learned. Kouha-hande is a sachem whose words are
+not to be doubted. For two days, hid in the thickets, he watched the
+hut of the squatter of the River of the Wind. The second day, before
+the rising of the moon, there was a sharp whistle near the habitation,
+and a man appeared. He was very pale, wore the costume of the hunter
+of the prairies, and carried a rifle. At the distance the sachem could
+not make out his features. Almost immediately, however, a second person
+appeared on the scene, coming from the inside of the hut, and this was
+the squatter himself."
+
+"Are you sure of what you say?" asked the old man.
+
+"Kouha-hande knew him," replied the chief.
+
+"Go on," gloomily remarked old Berger.
+
+"The two men approached each other, spoke for a long time in a low
+tone, and then separated, after exchanging one phrase, which the
+sachem heard distinctly. This phrase, which seemed to summarise their
+conversation, was--"
+
+"'You swear upon your honour that she will be quite safe and respected
+in every way,' said the squatter."
+
+"'As if she were my own sister or daughter, I swear unto you,' replied
+the hunter."
+
+"The two men then parted. That was all. Two hours passed away. Just
+about the time when the blue jay begins its first song, the sachem, who
+had remained still in his hiding place, his eye and ear on the strain,
+heard a noise approaching rapidly, like that of a number of people
+who, fearing no surprise, thought it useless to take any precautions.
+They soon came in sight. They were no less than thirty palefaces, armed
+with rifles. They surrounded the hut and attacked it on all sides."
+
+"The squatter and his servants defended themselves like people taken by
+surprise--that is, feebly."
+
+"The assailants soon entered the hut. My grandfather now heard a great
+tumult inside. But he was alone, could do no good, and therefore
+remained in his hiding place. At the end of an hour the men came out,
+escorting a fainting female, who was wrapped in a frazada. Satisfied
+with the result of their expedition, they went off without even closing
+the doors behind them. Kouha-hande waited some little time, and then,
+convinced that the assailants had departed, went into the wigwam."
+
+"All was in disorder. The furniture was overthrown and broken; the
+squatter, his wife, and servants, tied and gagged, lay on the floor.
+The sachem hastened to stir up the fire, then he lighted some torches,
+after which he set all the people at liberty. Even then for some time
+they were unable to move or speak."
+
+"The squatter's wife wept, wrung her hands, and bitterly reproached her
+husband with his cowardice, which had been the cause of the abduction
+of her niece."
+
+"And what did he say?" asked Berger.
+
+"Nothing," said the chief; "he was overwhelmed, appeared struck by
+stupor, remaining utterly motionless. Presently he seemed to recover
+his spirits. Kouha-hande then offered to start in pursuit of the
+ravishers, but the squatter refused, alleging that the trail was
+no doubt by this time so cleverly concealed as to render pursuit
+impossible. He left the punishment of the villains in the hands of
+God. The sachem, seeing plainly that he was not wanted, went away. But
+Kouha-hande was determined to reach to the bottom of the dark scheme;
+instead of returning to his village, he followed the abductors."
+
+"These, having apparently no fear of pursuit, had left ample traces
+of their passage in the forest, and took not the slightest precaution
+to conceal their route in a straight line through the forest. It led
+direct to the Missouri. The sachem at once saw through the whole thing.
+These hunters, the sachem declared, could only be the redoubtable
+outlaws commanded by the extraordinary chief before whom all trembled,
+white and red, in the prairie."
+
+"Tom Mitchell," groaned the old man.
+
+"Himself," said the chief. "The sachem, after exploring the two banks
+of the river for many miles, came back to the village of his nation,
+and told me what he had seen. This is my story. Have I well said?"
+
+"You have," cried François Berger; "but let me speak. I am the only
+one person in fault. I should never have separated from my daughter.
+It is my duty to go in search of her. I will find her or perish in the
+attempt."
+
+He attempted to rise, but Oliver checked him.
+
+"Pardon me, sir," he said, gently, "if I interfere in so delicate and
+grave a matter. The friendship I bear your son, the cordial way in
+which you have received me, compel me to feel as if I were personally
+concerned in the matter. May I therefore be allowed to speak a few
+words?"
+
+"Speak," said the old hunter.
+
+"Sir," replied the young man, modestly, "I have listened to every word
+as recorded by the chief, and I believe every word as recorded by him.
+It appears to me, therefore, in examining the facts, that the attack
+of the hunters, arranged with the squatter himself, his repugnance and
+refusal to pursue them, point either to treachery or a strange mystery,
+which it would be wise to clear up."
+
+"Unfortunately," said the old man, "we share your opinion. The
+treachery is too flagrant to be doubted."
+
+"You believe in treachery," urged Oliver.
+
+"Base and cowardly treachery," cried Berger, striking the table.
+
+"Be assured, then," continued Oliver, "and you will be a better judge
+of the correctness of my opinion than I am, your enemies, whoever they
+may be, have spies around you, spies employed to watch your movements,
+and to report them at once. You Will not have been ten minutes on the
+trail of the ravishers ere they would be on your track."
+
+"Quite true," said the old man; "what is to be done?"
+
+"A very simple thing, and one which I am very much surprised you have
+not thought of before. We have only reached the village two hours ago;
+I, as a stranger, am unknown to anybody, nobody troubles himself in any
+way about me. Whither I go matters to no one. With your permission,
+at nightfall I will start in company with Bright-eye. If our early
+departure is noticed, we can easily give some reason. It is you who
+are watched, and no one else. None, knowing the indomitable energy of
+your character, will believe that you have allowed anyone else to go in
+search of your daughter. We shall be three men, two of whom know the
+desert well. The trail of one man is easy to follow, but not of three
+wary hunters ever on their guard, at all events, without the spies be
+discovered and killed. This is my opinion, and, frankly, I think it
+good."
+
+"You have spoken well," repeated the grandfather; "what you say is
+just. We are proud to have you for a friend, and we thank you. It is
+not necessary to reflect long without owning you are right. It would be
+folly to contest the matter, my son, and I, therefore, gladly confide
+to you the task of finding our child. Go, as you propose, this evening
+at the setting of the moon, my grandson, the chief, and yourself."
+
+"And you will succeed," said the father.
+
+"I hope so, sir," responded the Frenchman; "rely upon it, I shall do
+all I can for my new sister."
+
+"My son was fortunate to meet you. God bless you all."
+
+The two young people simply thanked Oliver by looks. It was eleven
+o'clock at night when they started, without being noticed. We already
+know how they met the outlaw.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+TOM MITCHELL.
+
+
+The sun had long since gone down, the night was dark and cloudy, not
+a star shone in the sky. George Clinton, seated on a bench before
+his door, awaited the return of Keen-hand and his two dogs, who had
+accompanied the three travellers a short distance; the two serving men
+had gone to bed.
+
+George Clinton, half an hour before, had satisfied himself that his
+wounded guest slept soundly.
+
+His eyes fixed on vacancy, the young man was dreaming, giving way to
+soft and melancholy reverie; his soul, borne on the wings of fancy, was
+far away; it was wandering in the realms of space after the beloved,
+after the idolised young girl, for whom he had sacrificed and abandoned
+everything, and the mention of whose name made him quiver with delight.
+
+Suddenly he was awakened from his Elysian dream by an almost superhuman
+cry of anguish.
+
+The young man started as if he had received an electric shock; he
+turned pale, clutched the barrel of his rifle, and then listened,
+trying in vain to pierce the intense darkness which wrapped all nature
+as in a winding sheet.
+
+Some minutes passed, during which there was not a breath in the air,
+not the slightest sound. George Clinton breathed more freely, wiping
+the sweat from his brow.
+
+"Heaven be praised," he said, "I was mistaken."
+
+Scarcely had he uttered these words, which he hardly believed, when the
+same frightful cry was repeated.
+
+"It is a terrible warning," he cried; "some fearful crime is being
+accomplished. I cannot hesitate."
+
+And, without another thought, he darted off in the direction whence
+came the lugubrious sound.
+
+Almost ere George had quite disappeared in the darkness a shrill
+whistle, modulated in a certain way, was twice repeated; then a heavy
+black mass appeared crawling on the earth; this dark mass stopped at
+short intervals, and then again advanced. This strange phenomenon was
+soon followed by a second, a third, another, in all ten.
+
+In a few minutes all were round the hut. Then a second whistle was
+heard, a signal of course, as they all rose and revealed ten armed
+men. They were ferocious-looking beings, with sinister features--true
+bandits of the prairies.
+
+"We are the masters," said one; "the serving men sleep, the master is
+away, let us waste no time."
+
+"Do you know where he is?" asked a second.
+
+"I pretty well guess. The place is familiar to me. But let us be
+careful. I don't want to be caught."
+
+"Be satisfied; Versenca and Jonathan never left their post, and Paddy
+is on the watch. All is safe."
+
+"I am not more timid than another, but I like to be sure."
+
+"We are losing time, and should act."
+
+"Quite so, Sleepy; but I want to know why the captain, who must have
+heard our signal, is still quiet?"
+
+"But you know the captain is wounded."
+
+"True, but he is no puling girl to be affected for long by a wound. Let
+us go in and find him."
+
+"'Tis useless, I am here," said a grave voice.
+
+And a man leaning on his rifle and walking with some difficulty
+appeared before them in the doorway.
+
+"The captain!" they all cried.
+
+"Silence, boys," with an imperious gesture; "I am happy to see that you
+have not forgotten me."
+
+"Forgotten you!" cried Versenca, boldly; "Do we not follow wherever you
+go? Are we not devoted to you body and soul?"
+
+"Quite right," said the captain, with a bitter smile; "let us say no
+more about it. I am here, and all is well."
+
+"And now, captain, we await your orders."
+
+"Right! And how many are here?"
+
+"Ten here ready to obey--three on the watch."
+
+"Have you horses?--but of course, I need not ask. Bring them up and let
+us be off."
+
+"With empty pockets?" cried Sleepy.
+
+"What do you want?" asked the captain.
+
+"Want!" exclaimed Sleepy, shrugging his shoulders; "Why, is not this
+wigwam very rich, and the owner absent? There can be no two opinions as
+to what should be done."
+
+"Comrades," said Tom Mitchell, "the owner of this home found me wounded
+in the prairie and took me in."
+
+"We know that--what then?"
+
+"What then! Not only did George Clinton shelter me beneath his roof,
+but saved my life from the lynchers."
+
+"Thank goodness," said Versenca, "that induced him to leave the hut by
+the exercise of cunning."
+
+"Without violence, I hope," said Tom.
+
+"Quite so; sent him on a false trail, that is all."
+
+"Then you are agreed with me--no pillage."
+
+"No pillage!" cried all; "Let us go."
+
+None had entered the house, and now, on the order of the chief, they
+turned to go. George Clinton was before them.
+
+"Gentlemen," he cried, standing resolutely before them, "what is the
+meaning of this visit in my absence?"
+
+"Confound the fools who did not warn us."
+
+"I was never far. I have heard nearly all."
+
+"Much good may it do you; and now let us pass."
+
+"On the contrary; I decline to let you pass," said Clinton.
+
+"Good!" said Sleepy, rubbing his hands together; "After all there will
+be some broken bones here."
+
+"Perhaps," continued Oliver, clutching his rifle.
+
+"Ah! Ah! So the fun is going to begin," said the outlaw.
+
+"Silence," cried the captain, sternly; "silence, and fall back." As
+soon as they had obeyed he advanced to Clinton.
+
+"As you have heard our conversation," he said, "why do you try and
+oppose our free departure?"
+
+"Because, as you know, I am answerable for your person. I promised you
+should not leave my house until you were quite cured of your wounds."
+
+"Your solicitude for my health is charming," said the captain,
+ironically, "and I really know not how to thank you."
+
+"I take little interest in you. My honour is concerned."
+
+"You are not polite, while I try to be courteous. I will therefore
+simply remark that strength is on my side. Still I should be sorry to
+proceed to extremities."
+
+"Menaces are useless. Will you return to the house?"
+
+"The demand is ridiculous," cried the captain.
+
+"How so?" said a voice, and at the same time two magnificent dogs
+bounded to where Clinton stood.
+
+There was a moment of profound stupefaction on the part of the outlaws,
+who saw this succour arrive.
+
+Tom Mitchell, however, stooped towards Sleepy and whispered a few words
+in his ear. The man nodded, turned away and disappeared.
+
+"Beware!" said the captain; "I have hesitated to attack one man. But if
+blood is shed it is your fault."
+
+"We shall see," said Keen-hand, appearing beside his master, "you are
+ten and we are five. What do you think?"
+
+"Nothing," replied the chief, laughing; "but you seem to forget that we
+have the advantage of the situation. If we like we can take possession
+of the hut, whence I fancy my good friend will find it difficult to
+dislodge us."
+
+"Without counting that we are master of the person of the owner of the
+wigwam," cried Versenca, triumphantly.
+
+It was true. Assisted by the sentinels whom the outlaw had brought up
+behind, he had been seized.
+
+He was at once taken inside and then secured with his servants, whom
+the noise had at last aroused.
+
+But even this had not been done without a struggle. The two splendid
+dogs on seeing their master attacked had flown at the throats of the
+bandits, had knocked two down and throttled them in a minute; then,
+obedient to a whistle from Charbonneau, they had darted into a thicket,
+whence came a discharge of firearms. The three young men had returned.
+
+The outlaws retreated into the hut, prepared to defend themselves to
+the last gasp. Battle was imminent.
+
+"Stop," cried the voice of Oliver, "stop, for heaven's sake," and
+rushing forward he added, "Captain Tom Mitchell, I demand safety for
+myself and friends, and a truce until this unfortunate affair can be
+settled amicably. Speak."
+
+"I consent at once," said the captain, frankly; "what has happened was
+not of my doing. Down with your arms. Let all retain their positions.
+As for you, sir, you may advance, you are entirely under the protection
+of my honour."
+
+"I am here," replied Oliver, advancing.
+
+The two men went into the house and seated themselves at a table near
+an open window.
+
+"I am prepared to listen," said the captain; "I suppose you think I
+deceived you, or the young girl was gone."
+
+"It was our opinion, sir."
+
+"Don't be in the least uneasy," said the captain, "I only secured the
+girl as a hostage for my own safety."
+
+"A hostage!" replied Oliver.
+
+"Yes. I have an important question to treat of with her tribe. But let
+us speak of our own affairs."
+
+"I don't understand you."
+
+"I will explain, and you will find that all that has taken place today
+has been caused by yourself."
+
+"Really," cried Oliver, "I understand you less and less."
+
+"I have no doubt you are astonished," said the captain; "but we can
+come to an explanation in a few words, M. Oliver."
+
+"You know my name."
+
+"And a great many other things besides, as you will soon know,"
+continued the other, coldly; "but let me explain. For reasons which it
+is unnecessary to mention, I had deep interest in making acquaintance
+with two new arrivals in this country, you, sir, and Mr. George
+Clinton. My plan of introduction was rough. My wound, which I inflicted
+on myself, and which is only a scratch, deceived you all. I am now
+personally acquainted with you both, and I am delighted. Still, things
+looked ugly for me--but what is the use of a battle in which half of
+us would be massacred? I want nothing of the kind. I have important
+business to transact and must go. In this instance I count wholly on
+you."
+
+"On me, sir! By what title?"
+
+"I cannot explain. I have promised to restore Evening Dew, and I will
+keep my promise. Just now she serves as a hostage. She is treated with
+the utmost deference and respect. Now let me pass at once. Delay is
+useless."
+
+"But, sir--can I--" stammered Oliver.
+
+"Save an outlaw, a man with a price on his head!" said the other,
+bitterly; "But I am not what I seem. One day--"
+
+But Oliver was thinking, and, after some minutes of reflection, said,
+"It shall be as you wish."
+
+"Thank you; and now away to your friends and take George Clinton with
+you," said the captain.
+
+Oliver went out with the young American and soon returned.
+
+"You are free to return with your companions," he said, on re-entering
+the hut; "I give you my word."
+
+"Farewell until we meet again. We part friends."
+
+"I have no hatred against you, but I sincerely hope we shall never meet
+again."
+
+"It shall be as Providence wills," was the reply.
+
+Five minutes later the outlaws were galloping away, and soon
+disappeared in the darkness.
+
+"Who is this man?" murmured Oliver, sadly; "Is he one of those enemies
+who pursue me everywhere?"
+
+At that moment his friends came up and his thoughts went into a
+different channel. Still he did not easily forget his interview with
+that extraordinary man, who seemed to know him, and by whom he was
+really fascinated.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+SAMUEL AND JOSHUA.
+
+
+After leaving George Clinton, Samuel Dickson went at once to the
+residence of his brother Joshua.
+
+The sun was still high in the heavens when he reached the settlement;
+his brother was in sight, galloping towards him.
+
+"Come along," he cried, shaking hands; "I was so impatient to see you,
+I really could not wait any longer."
+
+"I hope there is nothing wrong, brother," said Samuel.
+
+"Nothing at all. Everything is going for the best."
+
+"I am glad to hear it. I was rather uneasy."
+
+"I am sorry to hear that. But why are you so late?"
+
+"I had to go on a small journey. There was no hurry."
+
+"You are wrong, Sam. But here you are, and all is well. But had you
+come sooner it would have been better."
+
+"Well, here I am, so out with the news."
+
+"I have to speak of important things, and I have to ask your advice,
+who are wisdom itself."
+
+"Awfully wise," cried Samuel, laughing, "when in the end I only carry
+out all your insane ideas."
+
+"True! But still you were generally right. The fact is, if you speak
+words of wisdom, and then act a little the other way, it is simply out
+of love for me. I know it, my brother. I am not ungrateful, and love
+you dearly."
+
+"I don't doubt your affection. But you alarm me."
+
+"Why?" said Joshua, laughing.
+
+"Whenever you talk like this, I smell a rat, in the shape of some awful
+scheme, some diabolical plot."
+
+"I see you are not to be easily deceived," said Joshua; "but come in,
+let us eat, and then talk. The matter of which I wish to speak is of
+general interest."
+
+"As you will; but still I am monstrously afraid."
+
+"I know you are a great coward," cried Joshua.
+
+At this moment they reached the house, alighted, and, giving the horses
+to the servants, entered the parlour, escorted by Dardar, who had come
+to meet them.
+
+The two ladies received Samuel cordially.
+
+"Here he is at last, Susan," said her husband.
+
+"He has been anxious about you all day," cried Susan.
+
+"Then he has some mad scheme. But we shall see presently. Good evening,
+Diana, my dear. You look well."
+
+"A truce to compliments," cried Joshua; "to supper."
+
+They now entered the dining room, where the whole household was
+collected, men, women, and children. Of course, enormous quantities of
+meat, bread, and vegetables adorned the board. The repast was truly
+Homeric.
+
+After dinner the servants retired, and the ladies would have done the
+same, but Joshua detained them.
+
+The ladies seated themselves with a rather uneasy glance. He poured out
+a stiff glass for himself and brother and drank his off.
+
+"Thank heaven!" he began, "We are now solidly established in our new
+dwelling, and it is time to speak of business."
+
+"Hilloa! Talk business now? It is late. Why can we not put off our
+business arrangements until tomorrow?"
+
+"You forget, my brother, I sent for you on purpose--"
+
+"I remember--well, go on, I am at your orders."
+
+"Harry, have you obeyed my orders?" asked Joshua.
+
+"Yes, father," replied the young man.
+
+"All right," continued the squatter, refilling his glass. "Your health,
+all of you. In an hour, I'm off."
+
+"Off!" cried the ladies, in great alarm.
+
+"Hem!" said Samuel; "If you are not satisfied here, I am."
+
+"I don't want to drag you into my affairs," replied Joshua, coolly.
+"But I shall not be long away. It is only a journey."
+
+"I thought," exclaimed Samuel, "he was as mad as ever; will you explain
+the object of this journey or exploration?"
+
+"One which you will highly approve, my brother," he went on. "I desire
+to open up commercial relations."
+
+"Very good idea. But what is your precise motive?"
+
+"I have said enough. I think my object serious."
+
+"Well, if you have no more to say, stop at home."
+
+"Will you tell me why?" asked Joshua.
+
+"Because your voyage is utterly useless. All the information you can
+desire to obtain I can give you in ten minutes."
+
+"You!" cried Joshua, wildly.
+
+"Certainly!" said Samuel, modestly; "I can, and will do so, if you will
+be good enough to listen to me."
+
+"I shall only be too happy. Still I don't understand!"
+
+"That is unnecessary. You must know that I have obtained my information
+from hunters and redskins."
+
+"Hunters! Redskins!" cried Joshua.
+
+"Don't you know they swarm about here? I never go out without meeting
+some of them. So I say stop at home."
+
+"Explain yourself, brother," said Joshua, sulkily.
+
+"Well, you think yourself very far from all white folk. You are very
+much mistaken. Learn, then, that though we are in the centre of the
+most warlike tribes of Indians, you have new forts not very far off,
+including a fur station."
+
+"Can it be possible?" exclaimed Joshua.
+
+"And my friend and brother, are you aware what magnificent river runs
+at your own door? The Missouri!"
+
+Joshua bowed his head on his chest and was silent, while Samuel rubbed
+his hands and smiled slyly.
+
+"What do you think of the information?" he said at last.
+
+"If you are certain of what you say, it is excellent."
+
+"Then you give up the idea of your journey?"
+
+"Certainly not. Admitting that all you tell me be true, it is of the
+highest importance for me to visit the fur station and all other
+settlements above and below us on the river, in order to become
+friendly, and prevent rivalry."
+
+"What rivalry?" half screamed Samuel.
+
+"Any that might arise. Of course they will soon know all about me and
+might interrupt my commercial speculations."
+
+"A fool will have his own way," cried his brother.
+
+"Abuse is not argument, my brother," said Joshua.
+
+"I apologise; but you are determined to go. I see you are; then heaven
+protect all in your absence."
+
+"Will you take no advice?" ventured Susan.
+
+"I have made up my mind," he replied; "I never alter."
+
+"But, father," cried Diana, "what are we to do during your absence? You
+leave us wholly undefended."
+
+"Silence, daughter," said the squatter, smiling; "don't be so tragical.
+I do not leave you undefended, as you say. Your uncle will watch over
+you. Your brother Henry commands in my absence. You have a fort. What
+more is wanted?"
+
+"How do you mean to travel?" asked Susan.
+
+"In the boat I launched today, with Sam, Jack, and two servants. I do
+not take away many defenders."
+
+"But you are not here to lead."
+
+"That is enough," he cried; "I have decided. Besides, it would be
+absurd not to visit my new neighbourhood."
+
+No more was said. The squatter was escorted by all to the riverside. He
+bade them all adieu, kissed his wife and daughter, shook hands with his
+brother, gave his son Henry some last directions, entered the boat,
+and was off in a very few minutes, whistling "Yankee Doodle," perhaps
+in reality to hide his strong emotion from his two sons.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+NEW CHARACTERS.
+
+
+We now visit a beautiful gold-sanded strand on the right banks of the
+Missouri, about fifty miles from the new settlement in Moose Deer
+Valley, and about equidistant from the strong fort already established
+by the fur company.
+
+This strand, which was only reached by a narrow defile between two
+perpendicular mountains, was exactly opposite an island of which it
+was impossible to make out the dimensions, which, however, were very
+considerable.
+
+Lights shone like will-o'-the-wisps in a fog; the island, which was
+thickly wooded, communicated with the mainland by means of a dangerous
+ford, full of holes and whirlpools. It was too dangerous to be
+adventured in by any but those who knew it. The island, moreover, was
+guarded by two eminences overlooking the ford, and which commanded the
+approach against any enemy if well defended. On the other side the
+island was inaccessible.
+
+This island was the refuge, the fortress of the terrible outlaws of the
+Missouri, with whom we have made acquaintance.
+
+Originally it had been selected by the Government as an outpost, but
+the partisans had first taken it and made it impregnable.
+
+As the outlaws rarely interfered with citizens of the United States,
+generally very poor in those regions, the Government, well aware of
+its impotence to dislodge the pirates, pretended to look upon them as
+irregular troops doing service.
+
+But the outlaws knew that if the authorities only had the chance they
+would be exterminated.
+
+But that part of America was little peopled, and few except trappers
+and wanderers knew anything of its capacities. The outlaws, therefore,
+to a certain extent, were pretty certain of impunity for all their
+actions for the time.
+
+A hundred horsemen were camped on the strand of which we have spoken;
+their horses were picketed near their fodder, around the campfires
+numerous groups were talking or sleeping, while on every hand walked
+sentinels.
+
+In a hut composed of whittled boughs and mud, a man sat on a buffalo's
+head, consulting papers from a large pocketbook. Another man stood
+respectfully by him, awaiting his orders. The first man was Captain Tom
+Mitchell, the other was Camotte.
+
+A sentinel kept guard in front of the cabin.
+
+It was about four o'clock in the morning. The stars were beginning to
+pale in the sky, the sky was covered by fleecy white clouds. Day was at
+hand; a fog rose from the river, and covered the camp as with a funeral
+pall. It was cold.
+
+"I say," cried Tom, "I am frozen. Are you asleep, Camotte?"
+
+"No, my lord."
+
+"Then shove some wood on the fire, it's nearly out."
+
+Camotte threw on some dry wood, which flared up.
+
+"Something like," said Mitchell; "and now let us talk, Camotte. By the
+way, I may as well ask you, are you very tired?"
+
+"I am never too tired to serve you, Excellency," said the other.
+
+"I knew you would say that," cried Mitchell; "true, I saved your life
+twice, but we have been quits long ago."
+
+"And yet I want to ask a favour."
+
+"Anything, except leave me," replied Tom Mitchell.
+
+"Never; it is something else. It is simply this; don't, your lordship,
+give me such another mission. Whatever you may think, my master," cried
+Camotte, warmly, "it is not pleasant to play the part of a traitor and
+scoundrel."
+
+"I think you did it very cleverly," laughed Tom; "there, you are an old
+fool. Whom else could I trust? Having settled that very important fact,
+any news on the island?"
+
+"Evening Dew frets. You should send her home--all the more that it
+makes some people talk," he added.
+
+"Who has dared?" said Tom Mitchell, frowning.
+
+"Stewart. But don't worry; I settled him by blowing his brains out, and
+no one else has since made an observation."
+
+"All right. What about the river?"
+
+"Five men went down in a canoe yesterday. It was the squatter of the
+valley, his two sons, and black servants."
+
+"Where on earth could he be going to?" mused Tom.
+
+"Well, we can find out by stopping him on his return."
+
+"I'll see about it. Anything else?"
+
+"Hum! You have had Major Ardenwood's letter asking an interview today?
+Oh, yes! There are some Frenchmen at the fort, at all events, one of
+them. Still I am aware that three strangers will accompany the major."
+
+"Whom did you send out to inquire?"
+
+"Tête de Plume. I could not send Versenca; in the first place, because
+he was drunk; secondly, because I don't like him."
+
+Then, after a pause, Tom whispered to Camotte, who listened with deep
+and almost religious attention.
+
+"And now," said Tom, "that you understand me, away."
+
+Camotte went out. The worthy Mexican was the devoted friend, the alter
+ego, and moreover the lieutenant of Tom Mitchell, who wholly confided
+in him. Despite of events we have described before, Camotte was worthy
+of his trust.
+
+The chief of the outlaws quietly made some alterations in his toilette,
+which was a little out of order from his long journey. He had just come
+off a distant expedition. The booty had been at once transferred to the
+island.
+
+Having done this he drew the curtain that served as a door.
+
+The camp no longer looked the same. The fire was out. The two eminences
+were guarded by sharpshooters. A detachment of twenty men guarded the
+entrance to the defile. The rest of the troop were ready to mount at a
+sign.
+
+Tom Mitchell looked about him with an air of satisfaction. Camotte had
+executed all his orders faithfully.
+
+At this moment the sun rose. It was like a theatrical scene. Light fell
+suddenly upon everything.
+
+"Oh!" cried the captain as a bugle sounded in the distance from the
+defile, "I was just in time."
+
+He stood erect in front of his hut, leaning on his cavalry sword, and
+waited with sublime tranquillity.
+
+After some few words had passed, four strangers, one in the uniform of
+a major of the American army, came out from the defile, led by Camotte,
+who walked respectfully in front of them, and made their way in the
+direction of the captain.
+
+"Good day, Captain Mitchell," said the major.
+
+"You did me the honour to write," observed Mitchell.
+
+"Well, I have some important business to talk about; but first allow
+me to present to you these two gentlemen. They are French, and
+consequently I cannot pronounce their names. Oh, I assure you they are
+worthy gentlemen."
+
+And the fat major laughed heartily.
+
+The captain bowed to the two Frenchmen without speaking. One was a man
+of about fifty, still young, and with apparently polished manners and
+rather haughty mien; the other, much younger, was bronzed by the sun,
+strong, and rather rough.
+
+"This gentleman," continued the major, "is our own countryman, Mr.
+Stoneweld, of Boston city."
+
+"I think you know me," observed the apoplectic speaker.
+
+"Who does not know Master Stoneweld, of the house of Stoneweld, Errard,
+and Co., the richest shipowner in all Boston?"
+
+The stout man smiled with an air of satisfaction.
+
+"It seems you know one another," cried the major. "I am glad of it,
+because everything will go smoothly."
+
+"How so?" cried Tom Mitchell.
+
+"My dear captain, these gentlemen want you; they came to me for that
+purpose. Certainly their business must indeed be of an important
+character," he added, "to induce them to make such an awful journey,
+lasting over a month."
+
+"It must be serious business," said the captain.
+
+"The two French gentlemen bring letters from the Home Secretary."
+
+"Indeed!"
+
+"And Master Stoneweld one from General Jackson," added the major, "So
+now I expect you will do the best you can."
+
+"Have no fear."
+
+"Of course not, though I know you are rather hot at times. As for
+myself, I am choked with fog and hoarseness," he added.
+
+"I am at the orders of these gentlemen," replied the captain. "I shall
+be happy to do all in my power for them."
+
+"Spoken like a man," said the major in a fidgety way. "But this seems
+hardly the place for a serious conversation."
+
+"I am sorry for it," replied Tom Mitchell coldly. "I was not told until
+the last minute, and you must take me in the rough."
+
+"Why not go over to the island?" suggested the major. "I dare say we
+should be more at our ease--eh, captain?"
+
+"I am sorry, major, but it would take too much time. Besides, I have
+already provided refreshments here, if you will accept."
+
+"With the greatest of pleasure," cried the major, coughing behind his
+hand; "and yet these gentlemen have important matters to discuss, very
+important matters," he added, complacently.
+
+"What matter, major? Breakfast first, business afterwards."
+
+"As you will," said the major, following him into the hut.
+
+By the orders of Camotte, during this conversation a very copious
+breakfast had been prepared. It was almost wholly composed of venison;
+but flanking the solids were a number of long-necked bottles that at
+once showed their Bordeaux and Burgundian origin, to say nothing of
+some brands of Champagne so dear to Americans.
+
+The major was so delighted that he said "Hum!" no less than three
+times, and then spoke to the outlaw chief.
+
+"Let them say what they like," he cried, "you are a man."
+
+"I am proud to hear it," cried Tom. "Let us be seated."
+
+The Frenchmen had hitherto said nothing. The elder now spoke. As the
+captain invited them to commence breakfast, he said:
+
+"Above all, sir, allow me to observe that before commencing business
+you offer us bread and salt."
+
+"You are my guests, gentlemen," said the captain, gravely; "you are
+under the safeguard of my honour, that is enough."
+
+"The major has indicated that we each wish to see you alone."
+
+"Which means?" asked the outlaw.
+
+"That I desire, as these conversations may probably be of very long
+duration, to see you quite alone," he added.
+
+"Sit down and eat," replied the outlaw. "After the repast you and
+your companions will follow me to the island. Once more, are you not
+satisfied?"
+
+"Of course," cried the major; "if not, I go bail for you."
+
+"Thank you, major; and now eat, drink, and be merry."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+TOM MITCHELL AS REDRESSER OF WRONGS.
+
+
+The ice once broken, through the instrumentality of the Burgundy,
+Bordeaux, and Champagne, all went on swimmingly.
+
+Major Ardenwood, who, perhaps, alone of all those present had nothing
+to conceal, and who was naturally a bon vivant, did all in his power to
+make himself the convivial leader of this improvised party, composed
+of so many various elements. He was warmly supported by the captain,
+who showed all the best qualities of a true amphitrion, and treated his
+guests with a generosity and courtesy which quite charmed them.
+
+Of course not a word was said of the object for which they had met. In
+fact, the subject was carefully avoided.
+
+The major was the first to rise.
+
+"The best of friends," he said, "must part. I am wanted at the fort,
+and with your permission will retire."
+
+"I thought," observed the captain of the outlaws, "your intention was
+to wait for these gentlemen here."
+
+"No; on reflection," replied the major, laughing, "I should only be in
+their way. I will wait at the fort."
+
+"I will escort them myself," said Tom Mitchell.
+
+"That will be the better plan," continued the major. "Thanks for your
+hospitality. The wines were excellent."
+
+"I will send you a few baskets, major."
+
+"Many thanks," cried the American, shaking hands, and then departing
+under the guidance of Camotte.
+
+"We can now go to the island," said the captain.
+
+"On foot, on horseback, or do we swim?" said the young Frenchman.
+
+"You will see. Follow me, gentlemen," replied Tom.
+
+They did so, and found a boat ready for their reception. On the
+invitation of the captain they all seated themselves.
+
+"Now, gentlemen," said Tom Mitchell, with a smile, "you must pardon
+me, but I must blindfold you. Fear nothing," he added, as he saw them
+start. "It is the custom. No stranger has ever entered the island in
+any other way. Besides, you are not obliged; only if you refuse you
+must return."
+
+"Do as you like," cried the elder Frenchman.
+
+Some men who held pocket handkerchiefs now approached, and deftly bound
+their eyes. The boat then started. In a few minutes they felt the boat
+strike against another shore, and received a slight shock as it did so.
+
+"Don't touch your bands," cried the captain; "wait a while."
+
+They were then lifted up with every precaution by several men, who soon
+put them down, removing the bandages.
+
+Looking round, they found themselves in a vast chamber, furnished with
+every regard to comfort and elegance.
+
+The captain was alone, the men having left.
+
+"Welcome, gentlemen," he said. "I hope the frank and cordial
+hospitality I shall offer you will make you excuse this precaution."
+
+The strangers merely bowed.
+
+"I need not remind you, gentlemen," continued Tom Mitchell, "that
+you are at home; but, in order not to detain you any longer than is
+absolutely necessary, let us to business. Will you follow me, sir,
+first?"
+
+This was said to the younger Frenchman. As he spoke he opened a door
+and the two passed out together.
+
+The two other strangers remained alone. The Frenchman, with a frown,
+began to walk up and down whistling; the American sat down.
+
+As soon as Tom Mitchell had the other alone, he cried--
+
+"Sir, tell me at once if I am mistaken."
+
+"I see you have a good memory," replied the other, "and yet it is a
+very long time ago since we met."
+
+"Then I am not mistaken?" cried Tom Mitchell.
+
+"Monsieur Maillard, my name is Pierre Durand."
+
+"Who saved the life of myself and father," said Tom, shaking him by the
+hand, "even though you knew--"
+
+"I knew that your father an hour before had sat as president of the
+grim tribunal of the Abbaye," replied the young Frenchman. "I knew the
+intense hatred which was felt towards you; still, I drew you more dead
+than alive from the river."
+
+"You did more--you hid us and helped us to escape."
+
+"It was tit for tat; your father once saved my life."
+
+"But you paid your debt with usury. When I parted from you at New
+York--I was sixteen then--I said, 'Whatever happens, my life, my
+fortune, my honour is at your disposal.' I am ready to fulfil my
+promise, so speak."
+
+"I knew you would do all in your power," said Pierre Durand; "therefore
+I have come. How is your father?"
+
+"He has become an Indian, and wholly broken with everything in the
+shape of civilisation," said Tom.
+
+"Is he happy?" asked Durand.
+
+"Yes. He was a man of conviction. His faults--his crimes if you
+like--during the Reign of Terror were caused by his extreme sincerity.
+In that time of awful and terrible commotion," continued Tom, "he acted
+wholly conscientiously."
+
+"I believe it, and therefore do not presume to be his judge. I am but
+a weak and ordinary man," cried Durand; "when the time comes God will
+judge these Titans of the revolution according to their merits and
+convictions."
+
+"Doubtless. I shall let him know of your coming; but why?"
+
+"A question of life and death in connection with my best friend, a man
+I love as a brother," cried Durand.
+
+"Say no more. An express shall start at once."
+
+"Have you received any letters signed '_An old friend_'?"
+
+"Many! I presume, then, that you are that friend; but why not avow
+yourself?"
+
+"I could not."
+
+"If all you tell me in those letters be true, it is an odious and
+infamous action," cried Tom Mitchell.
+
+"I know it is, and I have counted on you and your father to see that
+justice be done," continued Durand.
+
+"Count on me," said Tom. "I have seen your friend, and though he does
+not like me, he won my heart at once."
+
+"He will change his mind."
+
+"But what can my father do in the matter?"
+
+"Everything. You must now understand, my friend, that if I have
+abandoned my ship in New York to the care of my mate, if I, who hate
+dry land, have started on a journey through the desert, it must be for
+powerful reasons."
+
+"Doubtless. May I ask what they are?"
+
+"Because, my friend, here in there is his most implacable, most
+ruthless foe," cried Durand.
+
+"Here!" exclaimed Tom.
+
+"Yes--here, in this island, in that room," replied Pierre Durand,
+pointing to the one they had left.
+
+"Are you sure of his identity?" asked Mitchell.
+
+"I have watched him for five years, followed in his track, known every
+movement he has made," said Durand.
+
+"And he does not know you?" cried Tom.
+
+"He knows me very well. He came over in my ship; we are the best of
+friends; he tried to buy me over."
+
+"This is incredible," observed the outlaw.
+
+"Yet true. I am his confidante, his devoted servant; I enter into all
+his views, and he counts on me as a slave."
+
+Both young men burst out laughing.
+
+"Then you have come from New York together?"
+
+"Not at all. We met at the fort two days ago, and as I am no longer
+disguised," said Pierre Durand, "despite all his cunning, he knew me
+not."
+
+"Well, the matter is settled," said Tom Mitchell, in a whisper; "we
+have our man here; he shall never leave."
+
+"My friend," said Pierre Durand, gravely, "that is not the game we have
+to play. He is as slippery as an eel."
+
+"I don't think, if I made up my mind," said the outlaw chief, with a
+sinister smile, "he would ever escape me."
+
+"Well, there is a time for everything. In the first place, learn his
+projects, so that we may unmask him. This will be all the more easy,"
+said the sea captain, "in that we know who he is, while he is ignorant
+of our designs."
+
+"There is one thing worth mentioning," said the outlaw; "I, too, know
+him well. He will be rather surprised presently."
+
+"Be careful. One word might put him on his guard."
+
+"Is not my whole life passed," continued the outlaw, sadly, "in
+outdoing others in cunning and diplomacy?"
+
+"True. I leave, then, everything to you."
+
+"And now learn, my friend, that you are free as air, and absolute
+master of my domains," he added, laughing. Then he picked three
+flowers, and placing them in his buttonhole, said, "This will give
+you free passage everywhere you like. Now for your two travelling
+companions. But follow me."
+
+He opened a door opposite that by which they had entered, and, crossing
+several apartments, at last came to a room which overlooked a charming
+and elegant garden.
+
+"Here you are at home," he said; "come, go, do just as you like. At the
+end of the garden you will find a door opening on the woods. We shall
+dine at six. Be back by that time, and you will find the table laid
+here. We can then explain all."
+
+With these words the outlaw left his friend.
+
+As soon as he had returned to his private room, Tom Mitchell, or
+Maillard, son of the terrible judge of the Reign of Terror, sat down
+before a table, wrote a few lines, sealed the letter carefully, and
+then struck a gong.
+
+At once Camotte appeared and took the letter.
+
+"Send this letter to my father by express," he said; "let him kill his
+horse, but let me have the answer."
+
+"He shall be gone in five minutes."
+
+"And now," continued Tom Mitchell, with a sarcastic smile, "send that
+fat American in here."
+
+Camotte bowed and retired. Next moment the great American shipowner
+came in puffing and blowing.
+
+"Sit down, sir," said Tom Mitchell.
+
+The fat man obeyed with a grunt.
+
+"I think it rather hard that a man like me--"
+
+"Pardon me," said the captain, coldly; "allow me to remark, before you
+go any further, that I have no need of you, and did not send for you.
+You it is who, in the company of several other gentlemen, have come
+to me. All of you have, I dare say, serious reasons for taking this
+extraordinary step. I have in no way solicited the honour. All I can do
+is to listen to each in his turn. I have seen one and settled with him;
+if you have anything to say to me, speak."
+
+This speech, pronounced in a clear, bold tone, not unmixed with
+sarcasm, at once, as if by enchantment, calmed the irritation of the
+fat man. At all events, it compelled him to dissimulate it. After,
+therefore, mopping his head and face several times with a pocket
+handkerchief, and coughing once or twice behind his hand, he spoke--
+
+"I was angry, sir," he said, "and own it freely."
+
+"Be pleased, sir, to come at once to business," continued Tom Mitchell;
+"another person waits."
+
+"You are, I believe, well acquainted with me?"
+
+"I have known you a long time," remarked Tom.
+
+"Sir, I have a nephew; he is the son of my wife's brother," began the
+other, "a very near relative."
+
+"Well, sir?"
+
+"This nephew, though a charming youth," cried Stoneweld, "is mad,
+utterly, hopelessly mad, sir."
+
+"Really, sir," said the captain, "and have you come all this way to
+tell me this piece of news?"
+
+"Pardon me, sir. When I say that he is mad, I believe I exaggerate.
+I should rather say that his intense folly has taken the form of
+monomania. This charming young man, as I have the honour to tell you,
+is in love, sir."
+
+"A very natural matter at his age."
+
+"But, sir," cried the shipowner, "he is in love with a young person in
+no way suited to his station."
+
+"Perhaps he does not think so."
+
+"Of course, sir, it is not his opinion. But it is mine. I am a serious
+man; I feel a great interest in him. Now that his father is dead I
+am his legal guardian--though he repudiates me. Now, sir, would you
+believe it," cried the fat man, "I had arranged with his aunt, my wife,
+the most delicious marriage for him with a young girl--I may as well be
+frank, a niece of my own?"
+
+"And he wouldn't have her," said Tom.
+
+"No, sir, he actually would not have her. Do you understand such folly
+on his part?" cried the other.
+
+"Well, it is strange. But what have I to do with it?"
+
+"I will explain if you will allow me."
+
+"I really should feel much obliged," urged Tom.
+
+"After refusing contemptuously this eligible alliance, which united
+every condition of age and fortune and position, what did the fool do?
+Excuse me if in my anger I speak thus of a nephew I love. One fine
+morning, without saying a word to anybody, he left his business to a
+partner, and started off, sir--what for?"
+
+"Well, how can I say?" asked Tom.
+
+"In pursuit of this wretched girl without family or fortune, whose
+parents had emigrated to the Indian frontier."
+
+"Oh, oh!" said the captain, who began to feel interested, and who
+listened with a gloomy frown.
+
+"Yes, sir," said the fat man, too wrapped up in his narrative to notice
+the other's looks, "so that my nephew must be somewhere here about this
+neighbourhood, looking after his beauty, neglecting his affairs and
+fortune Tor a girl he will certainly never marry."
+
+"How do you know, sir?"
+
+"At all events I will do everything in my power to prevent it," cried
+the irate citizen of Boston.
+
+"How will you set about it?"
+
+"Sir, I have been told that you were the only man in these parts
+capable of arresting a fugitive."
+
+"You do me too much honour."
+
+"I have a number of unclosed accounts, needless to explain, with his
+father. Arrest the young man, sir!" cried the Bostonian; "Arrest him
+and place him safely in my hands, and the sum of one thousand guineas
+is yours."
+
+As he spoke, the worthy shipowner pulled out an enormous pocketbook
+from his coat and opened it.
+
+"Excuse me, sir," said the captain, "do not let us be in quite such a
+hurry. You have not quite finished."
+
+"How so?" cried the American.
+
+"You have forgotten," said the captain with simple frankness, "to tell
+me the name of your foolish nephew."
+
+"George Clinton, sir, a very fine lad, though I say it."
+
+"I know him," retorted the captain, coldly.
+
+"You know him!" exclaimed the shipowner, "Then the affair is settled.
+You will have him arrested."
+
+"Perhaps," said Tom Mitchell; "I will reflect on the affair, which is
+not so easy as you may suppose."
+
+"To you, the chief of the outlaws?"
+
+"George Clinton is not alone. He has many and powerful friends on the
+frontier."
+
+"But I have plenty of money."
+
+"I tell you, I will reflect. You will now return to the fort under
+escort. In two days you shall have my answer."
+
+"But allow me to pay you a deposit," cried the other.
+
+"Keep your money for the present," said Tom, and striking a gong,
+Camotte appeared as if by magic.
+
+"But--" blustered the rich merchant.
+
+"Not another word, sir. Wait patiently for my reply. I am your most
+obedient servant."
+
+And led away by Camotte, the rich shipowner of Boston went out
+spluttering and perspiring as before.
+
+"Now," said the captain to himself, with a sarcastic smile, "let us see
+what the other fellow is made of."
+
+He went to the door, and, entering the cavern, bowed to the Frenchman,
+who was still walking up and down.
+
+"Will you be good enough to come this way, Monsieur Hebrard," he said,
+with an engaging smile.
+
+The Frenchman looked at him with astonishment, but on a repetition of
+the invitation went in.
+
+The captain chuckled to himself at this evidence of the other's utter
+surprise and bewilderment.
+
+It was as if he had scored one.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+A DIPLOMATIC CONVERSATION BETWEEN TWO RASCALS.
+
+
+The two men looked at one another for some minutes in silence, just as
+two clever duelists might have done before venturing on the attack. But
+though each tried to read the other, their faces were like marble.
+
+At a mute invitation from the outlaw, the stranger took a seat, and at
+once commenced the conversation.
+
+"Sir," he said, "it is a matter of surprise, that you, a perfect
+stranger, should address me by a name--"
+
+"Which is or has once been yours, monsieur," answered the outlaw chief,
+with freezing politeness.
+
+"That is quite possible. I do not deny it. When one travels in foreign
+parts on important business, incognito--"
+
+"Is adopted, I am aware, which only deceives fools and dupes," said the
+outlaw, speaking slowly.
+
+"What do you mean, sir?" cried the other.
+
+"I recollect a certain Count de Mas d'Azyr, an excellent gentleman of
+Languedoc, who had this mania."
+
+The stranger shivered all over, and a lightning flash darted from
+beneath his dark and heavy eyebrows.
+
+"Well," continued the outlaw, with imperturbable sang-froid, "his noble
+manners so thoroughly denounced him, despite the plebeian names he
+chose to assume, that he was compelled at the end of a few minutes to
+give up this absurd acting."
+
+"Really, sir," cried the stranger, "I do not see the meaning or
+relevance of your allusions."
+
+"I permit myself no allusions," said the outlaw, with the utmost
+suavity. "Very far from it. What matters it to me, I ask, whether you
+call yourself Hebrard, Count de Mas d'Azyr, Philippe de Salnam, Jean
+Lerou, or take any other alias?"
+
+"Sir!" cried the other.
+
+"Allow me, I pray, to conclude. In you I only recognise a person who
+is very warmly recommended to me, who has need of my services, and at
+whose disposition I therefore place myself at once--ready to serve him
+if possible," he continued; "at all events we can talk, and I should be
+glad to know in what way I can be of use."
+
+"Sir," said the stranger, smiling, "you are agreeable and witty. I find
+that people make mistakes in their idea of you."
+
+"I am obliged by your high consideration," continued the outlaw; "still
+this does not explain to me--"
+
+"Who I am," cried the other, with feigned candour; "well, sir,
+considering you have mentioned so many names--"
+
+"You allow, then, that I was right."
+
+"Certainly; you were quite right," answered the other, quickly; "I
+therefore sincerely beg your pardon."
+
+"It is not at all necessary."
+
+"There is, however, one thing that I must confess puzzles me very
+much," continued the envoy.
+
+"May I, without offence, ask what that is?"
+
+"No offence. I should certainly be only too glad to have an explanation
+with you on the subject."
+
+"If it depends upon me," the other said.
+
+"It depends absolutely on you. I always thought I had a good memory. I
+believe myself to be a very good physiognomist, but really I have no
+recollection of you."
+
+The outlaw burst into a roar of laughter.
+
+"Which only proves," he added, when he recovered himself, "that I am
+much more clever at incognito than you."
+
+"Which means--"
+
+"That not only have we met, monsieur, but that we have carried on a
+long connection," said Tom.
+
+"Many years ago?"
+
+"Not at all, sir. I speak of very recent times, though I will allow
+that our acquaintance commenced long ago."
+
+"You astonish me," said the Frenchman.
+
+"The matter is very easily explained. We have found ourselves connected
+at different times, under four different names: I have told you yours,
+I will now tell mine. Do you remember Louis Querehard? Do you recollect
+François Magnaud, Paul Sambrun, and Pedro Lopez?"
+
+"Perfectly," cried the other.
+
+"Well, sir, those four individuals you now see present under the name
+of Tom Mitchell, your very humble servant; though," he added, with
+exquisite politeness, yet with a tint of irony, "I have several others
+available on occasion."
+
+"Well, sir," cried the stranger, "you have indeed taken me in. I was a
+fool not to recognise you."
+
+"Sir!" cried the outlaw.
+
+"Let us call things by their names. It is by far the best plan. I am
+indeed not to be forgiven for being taken in like any novice. I deserve
+to be dismissed from the service of the Government which employs me,
+and which believes me to be worthy of credit, as possessing a certain
+amount of wit and diplomatic ability. Well, it is useless to discuss
+the matter any longer. Give me your hand, sir," he cried; "you are my
+master. We bear no malice."
+
+"I only wanted to prove--" said the outlaw.
+
+"That I was a fool--and I must say you have done so to my entire
+satisfaction," he added, in a tone of complete good humour. "But
+however unpleasant the shock is to my self-love, I am delighted at what
+has happened."
+
+"How so?" asked the outlaw, in the same tone.
+
+"Because the ice is broken between us, and we can come to an
+understanding; the more readily," he added, "that the matters I have
+to speak of are the same as before."
+
+"If that be so," said the outlaw, "we can easily come to terms."
+
+"Is it not so? Now here is the affair in two words. The revolution
+is over in France. Beneath the hand of the mighty man of genius
+whose talent and patriotism have raised him to power, Government has
+recovered its strength, society begins to breathe, the nation is once
+more rising to its proper position amidst the people; New France has
+entire faith in the man whose every step has hitherto been marked by
+victory, which has definitively declared on his side."
+
+"I presume," said the outlaw, quietly, "that you are speaking of the
+General Bonaparte."
+
+"Of no other. This great, this extraordinary man has, with his mighty
+hand, put down the Jacobins and the mob, driving them back to their
+original nothingness. He has chained forever the awful hydra of
+revolution. You have, then, heard of him?"
+
+"Most certainly," said the son of Maillard, coldly.
+
+"I am glad to hear it. This great man, who is as mighty a politician
+as he is a successful general, has followed, while slightly modifying
+it, the line traced by the national convention of execrable memory with
+regard to the Spanish colonies."
+
+"Sir," said the son of the regicide, "you are hard upon fallen men,
+upon vanquished enemies, who, if they were guilty of faults--of crimes
+if you will--did very great and glorious things, giving the first
+signal for social regeneration over the world."
+
+"It is useless, sir," said the envoy, "to discuss that matter. My
+convictions are very strong."
+
+"Well, sir, if that be so," replied the outlaw, "let us return to the
+General Bonaparte, and pray explain to me his new plans with regard to
+the Spanish possessions in America."
+
+"They are no new plans," observed the envoy; "only the old ones
+modified to a certain extent."
+
+"Modified in what way?"
+
+"There are two capital points. In the first place he wishes a cordial
+and frank alliance with the President of the United States, who
+cordially approves the policy of the French Government, which will, in
+the end, be to the advantage of America. Then he has given extensive
+powers to numerous sure and accredited agents, who, though, are not
+openly known because of the temporary Franco-Spanish alliance. Large
+sums of money have been provided by means of which to overthrow that
+species of Chinese wall with which Spain has surrounded its frontiers,
+which none ever cross and return."
+
+"Sir," said the outlaw, with a smile, "I have crossed them many a time
+and oft, and yet here I am."
+
+"It is precisely because of that fact that I am here."
+
+"Ah! Ah!" said the outlaw, with a laugh; "After all, despite your
+denials, you had seen through my incognito."
+
+"Well, it is useless to deny it. I have long known you to be a man of
+heart and action. I also know that by means of your vast connections
+no one can more readily help us to revolutionise the colonies. Besides,
+you are a Frenchman."
+
+"I am of no country," replied the other.
+
+"What, then, do you call yourself?"
+
+"An outlaw," answered the chief, "and king of this island," drily; "an
+outlaw, and nothing more."
+
+"Well, be it so, sir. Still you are exactly the man I want. I
+have need, for the execution of my plans, for the carrying out of
+my projects, of a man who is bound by no locality, by no social
+consideration. In fact, an outlaw."
+
+The other bowed ironically.
+
+"Now are you disposed to be the man?"
+
+"First," said Tom Mitchell, "let me know what you want of me. I will
+then give a decisive answer."
+
+"Well, then," replied the envoy, "let us put diplomacy on one side, and
+speak frankly and openly."
+
+The outlaw leaned back and assumed something like the attitude of a
+tiger about to spring.
+
+"Sir," he said, with a most singular smile, "I was about to make the
+very same proposition."
+
+"Very good," replied Monsieur Hebrard; "that shows that we are
+beginning to understand one another."
+
+The captain bowed, without speaking.
+
+"The Spanish colonies," continued M. Hebrard, "are already beginning
+to feel the germs of revolutionary fermentation. Some devoted and
+enterprising men, yourself among others, have gone into the cities and
+towns of Mexico."
+
+"All this I know; a truce to flattery."
+
+"They have seen the zealous patriots, who are, however, but ill
+prepared as yet for the revolution we ardently desire."
+
+"Ill prepared indeed," cried Tom Mitchell.
+
+"But overtopping all others is a man who has immense influence with the
+Indian races. You know him."
+
+"Ah, ah!" exclaimed Tom; "You mean Dolores, the priest."
+
+"I mean no other. He is the only man upon whom we can count. We must
+enter into serious relations with him."
+
+"For what purpose?" asked the outlaw.
+
+"In order that when the hour comes he may be ready to raise the
+standard of revolt," cried the other, "and ready to draw the population
+after him against Spanish despotism."
+
+"Very good, sir. But it is a long way to Dolores, where lives the curé
+Hidalgo. The road is one of the most dangerous I know. I doubt if any
+agent, however clever, can reach him. Will you allow me to give you
+sincere advice?"
+
+"Speak; I am deeply interested."
+
+"My own opinion is that it would be much better to despatch a light
+vessel, schooner or brig, into the Gulf of Mexico. This vessel
+could cruise along the coast, and, when opportunity offered, land a
+confidential agent."
+
+"You are quite right, sir," said the envoy, "I must say this means has
+been tried with success."
+
+"Well, what then?"
+
+"The secret was betrayed by a traitor; in consequence, the Spanish
+authorities are always on their guard."
+
+"Hence you conclude--"
+
+"That on reflection, and having experience as a guide, the difficult
+road you describe is the best."
+
+"Hum!" said the outlaw, and relapsed into silence.
+
+The real meaning, the interesting point, of this conversation, so long,
+had not been touched upon. The captain knew it well, and kept himself
+in reserve. M. Hebrard was for some time afraid to enter upon a frank
+and true explanation.
+
+There was a deep silence; at last the captain determined to fire the
+train, if he were blown up.
+
+"Then you think I must go by land," he said.
+
+"There is no choice," responded Hebrard.
+
+"The conditions?" remarked Tom.
+
+"One hundred thousand francs, not in notes, but in golden ounces,
+stamped with the effigy of the King of Spain."
+
+"That is tolerable, for a beginning."
+
+"Then there will be as much more for the negotiations, or, as I see you
+hesitate, at first one hundred and fifty thousand."
+
+"Why at first?" asked Tom.
+
+"Because your mission will be divided into two distinct parts," replied
+the envoy, quietly.
+
+"Let us thoroughly understand the first," continued the outlaw; "we
+will talk of the second presently."
+
+"Another hundred thousand on your return with despatches," continued
+the diplomatist, warmly.
+
+"Hum!" said Tom; "That makes--"
+
+"Three hundred and fifty thousand francs (£14,000) for only the first
+part of your mission," said Hebrard.
+
+"It is very liberal. Now for the second mission," said Tom Mitchell,
+watching the diplomatist with his wary eye.
+
+He knew that the real thing was coming now; he was satisfied of this
+from the other's uneasy manner.
+
+"Hum!" said M. Hebrard, as if speaking to himself; "Three hundred and
+fifty thousand francs is a pretty sum."
+
+"Well, for the first part of the mission which you have explained to
+me I don't say no. It is," he added, "a tough job, that I know. Still,
+nothing risk, nothing have. Now for the second part."
+
+The diplomatist assumed an air of genial frankness that made the outlaw
+shudder. He was at once on his guard.
+
+"The Spaniards, as I have said," observed M. Hebrard, jauntily, "are
+forever on the watch. No one, no matter what his position, is safe on
+the frontiers. To go in or out is simply impossible."
+
+"Diable!" cried Tom; "What you say is not calculated to give me much
+confidence or hope."
+
+"Excuse me, monsieur," said Hebrard, "we are playing a frank and open
+game, I do not desire in any way to conceal the dangers that may await
+you. I am only speaking in a general kind of way, certain that whatever
+obstacles occur you will be right."
+
+All this was verbiage; M. Hebrard was evidently only trying some method
+of putting his real thoughts into words.
+
+The outlaw, who expected what was coming, smiled.
+
+"Unfortunately," said the diplomatist, who did not know what to say,
+"the real danger is not on the other side."
+
+The outlaw started up.
+
+"You may well be surprised; the danger is here."
+
+"What do you mean?" cried the outlaw.
+
+"I will explain myself, if you will allow me. Of course," said M.
+Hebrard, "the Spaniards are no more fools than we are."
+
+"I was always of that opinion."
+
+"They have started a countermine!"
+
+"A countermine!" cried Tom. "What do you mean?"
+
+"You will soon see. Knowing something of our designs, they have covered
+the American frontiers with spies."
+
+"It is certainly very clever," said the outlaw.
+
+"Very clever," said the diplomatist, in a husky voice; "but then,
+clever as they are, we know all about it, every detail."
+
+"You do not mean to say so?" cried Tom Mitchell.
+
+"Yes. And more than that, we know the chief of the whole gang of
+spies," added Hebrard. "And much more than that, we know all his
+secrets, cunning as he is."
+
+"That is something," said Tom; "but now what you want is to catch him."
+
+"Yes," said Hebrard, "that is the very thing; you yourself must see the
+necessity of catching him before you start."
+
+"I should think so; it is as plain as running water; but," added Tom
+Mitchell, "it is not very easy to snap up such a rascal in the desert,
+which simply is as full of such rogues and vagabonds as an anthill is
+full of ants."
+
+
+"Don't be uneasy on that point," cried Hebrard; "I shall easily put you
+on his track."
+
+"All right. Then all we have to do is to catch him?"
+
+"Exactly so," said the other, with a sigh.
+
+"And you will pay for this capture?"
+
+"Very heavily, my excellent friend."
+
+"Oh! Oh! Then you are very anxious to secure him?"
+
+"Yes," continued the other, gloomily; "dead or alive; it matters not. I
+should say, for information's sake, dead rather than alive."
+
+"I like plain speaking. He is very much in your way?"
+
+"Very much more than I can explain."
+
+"And how much will you pay for this mission?"
+
+"Alive, twenty-five thousand; dead, fifty thousand francs."
+
+"It appears to me you prefer him dead. But never mind, give me the
+information. His name and address."
+
+"He is a Frenchman, who has taken the name of Oliver. In appearance
+he is a hunter, a trapper, anything that comes uppermost. For greater
+safety he has connected himself with an Indian tribe, and is to be
+found about the Missouri."
+
+"It is a very long way from the Mexican frontiers," observed the
+outlaw, in a coldly sarcastic voice.
+
+"True. But the fellow is cunning; his safety requires him to be
+extremely cautious. Do you accept?"
+
+"I accept on one condition," replied the other. "It is fully understood
+that he is to be dead, mind."
+
+"No matter, so that we have him."
+
+"Well, then, we are agreed on four hundred thousand francs (£16,000)? I
+shall want half down."
+
+"I have the money in gold in my valises. I will pay it to you this
+evening," replied the envoy.
+
+"And now that this is settled, you are in no hurry?"
+
+"None whatever."
+
+"Well, I know pretty well where to find the man you are in search of. I
+must say that, without suspecting the odious part he has been playing,
+I have on the several occasions we have met him felt the greatest
+repulsion."
+
+"This is extraordinary."
+
+"Well, you see, on the desert everybody knows everybody. But as I
+wish to make no mistake, to commit no error in so grave and important
+a matter, I should like you to be present at his arrest. Besides, it
+would be more regular."
+
+"Hum!" cried the other, with a look of considerable annoyance; "The
+idea of further voyage in the desert--"
+
+"Is not pleasant, I know," interrupted Tom; "but that is not necessary.
+You shall remain quietly here."
+
+"Then I consent. When do you expect to catch him?"
+
+"In less than a week, unless I am very unfortunate."
+
+"Then I can wholly depend on you?" cried Hebrard.
+
+"I swear to you on my honour that it will not be my fault if at the end
+of the time you are not face to face."
+
+"I thank you in advance," said the envoy.
+
+"There is nothing to be grateful for," replied the outlaw, with an odd
+expression and smile.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+THE PRISONER.
+
+
+That same day, about nine o'clock in the evening, the outlaw was seated
+face to face with Captain Pierre Durand at a table covered with dishes,
+plates, and empty bottles, which testified to the appetite of the two
+men, and to the rude attack they had made upon everything in order to
+satisfy it.
+
+The two men were now smoking excellent cigars, while sipping, like true
+amateurs, some mocha, served in real Japanese cups. Close at hand, in
+addition, were bottles containing every conceivable kind of liquors and
+spirits.
+
+They had reached that precise period in the repast so prized by
+gourmets, when, the mind elevated and the brain excited by succulent
+food and generous libations, one feels a kind of happy state of being
+that is simply charming.
+
+For one whole quarter of an hour neither of the two men had spoken or
+cared to speak.
+
+It was the outlaw who first broke the charm.
+
+"You are aware, my dear captain," he said, "that in half an hour I must
+leave you and be off."
+
+"Excuse me," cried Pierre Durand, starting, "if I believe a single word
+of such a mad assertion."
+
+"Yes, I am truly sorry to say, it is the exact fact. Doubtless you know
+as well as I do, business before all."
+
+"I have not the remotest idea of interfering with your affairs," cried
+the sea captain, glumly.
+
+"Then what do you mean?"
+
+"That you are not going to leave me in the lurch."
+
+"Still, when I tell you I must go," said the outlaw.
+
+"All I mean is this, that if you go I go," cried Pierre.
+
+"What! A night journey like this?" asked Tom.
+
+"Night journey, day journey, it is all the same to me. I am an old
+sailor," growled Pierre Durand; "and every kind of locomotion is
+equally indifferent to me. Besides, I have known you a very long time,
+haven't I? And I know what sort of trade you carry on," he added.
+
+The outlaw kept his countenance.
+
+"Of course, I shall not be surprised or scandalised at anything I see.
+All I know is that here I should be bored to death, having nothing
+to do. It would be a nice little change to join you in one of your
+filibustering expeditions."
+
+All this was said in a joking kind of way that excluded all idea of
+giving offence.
+
+"Well," said Tom Mitchell, smiling, "any way, you would find yourself
+utterly disappointed."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"I am not going to plunder, but to restore. Of course I don't pretend
+it is my usual custom," said Tom.
+
+"Very well," cried Pierre; "I think that will be much more funny. I
+should like to join in the good work."
+
+"But, my friend--" urged the outlaw.
+
+"There is no but about it. I am a Breton, that is to say, as obstinate
+as several mules," continued Pierre Durand; "and I mean to come,
+unless, indeed, you tell me that my demand is in reality offensive and
+intrusive."
+
+"By no means," cried Tom; "come then. Who can resist anyone so
+obstinate as you are, my friend?"
+
+"You are a delightful fellow. I am ready."
+
+"Not quite; there are conditions; at least, one."
+
+"Pray let me know what it is."
+
+"You must profit by the few minutes that remain to us to disguise
+yourself, so as to be unrecognisable."
+
+"To what purpose, in a country where nobody knows me?" cried Pierre
+Durand; "Will you tell me a reason?"
+
+"That is my secret. Will you consent? That is right. Now go there, and
+you will find all things necessary."
+
+Pierre Durand was about to leave the room, but the outlaw indicated
+where everything was ready.
+
+"There is another favour I must ask of you."
+
+"Go ahead, nothing surprises me," said the captain, who, with
+magnificent sang-froid had commenced his work.
+
+"In case chance should bring us face to face with people we know,"
+he said, earnestly, "you will still keep up your incognito, even if
+you happen to see among these the face of the friend whom you have
+travelled so far to see."
+
+The captain, who was blacking his beard with soot and fat, having
+already darkened his eyebrows, gave a start.
+
+"Will he be there?" he asked.
+
+"I do not say so. It is more than probable that he will not be there.
+Still, I wish to exercise every precaution."
+
+"Hum, still it appears very hard."
+
+"Still, do you consent? Yes or no."
+
+"I repeat what you just said. I suppose I must," said Pierre; "and as I
+see you are in earnest, I promise, on my honour."
+
+"Enough; then make haste."
+
+After rendering his features and countenance utterly unrecognisable,
+the captain threw off his outer clothes, and assumed the costume of a
+planter of the frontier.
+
+"What languages do you speak?" asked Tom.
+
+"Nearly all civilised ones as easily as I do French," replied Durand;
+"but, above all, English and Spanish."
+
+"Very good," continued Tom; "then during our excursion I shall always
+call you Don José Remero."
+
+"Don José Remero be it."
+
+"You must recollect that you are a captain in the Spanish navy, fled
+from home after a fatal duel."
+
+"All right," grinned Pierre.
+
+"Do not forget to take weapons. I can strongly recommend this tison. It
+is a perfect and choice rapier," said Tom; "have this long and pointed
+knife in your right boot. You may want it when you least expect. Do you
+ride?"
+
+"Like a centaur," laughed the Frenchman.
+
+"I am very glad to hear it; and now secure this carbine and this pair
+of pistols," continued Tom.
+
+"Why, I shall look like an arsenal."
+
+"My friend, it is the custom of the country," said Tom; "no one thinks
+of travelling in any other way."
+
+"One does at Rome as Rome does. I'm your man," cried Pierre, laughing;
+"what do you think of me?"
+
+"Unrecognisable. I should not know you anywhere. You are clever; even
+your accent is changed."
+
+"That is always the first thing to be thought of," said Pierre Durand;
+"and now what is the nature of the restitution?"
+
+"We are going," replied the outlaw, with a smile, "to restore a young
+girl to her friends and relatives."
+
+"A young girl?" cried Durand.
+
+"Yes--a most charming and interesting maiden, whom I captured the other
+day. I can no longer resist her tender sorrow."
+
+"Bah!" said the young sailor, with a grin.
+
+"I swear to you, upon my honour," cried the outlaw, warmly, "that she
+has been treated with the most profound respect and even tenderness."
+
+"Spoken like an honest man," said the captain, warmly. "But may I ask
+with what object you took her away?"
+
+"I had a motive, which I fear me exists no longer. I even fear," he
+said, gloomily, "I have entered upon a bad speculation. But it is
+useless to discuss the matter anymore. Soon there shall be no mysteries
+for you. Be seated again."
+
+"Why?" asked the captain, puzzled at all these mysteries.
+
+"She comes, and it is rather important I should say a few words to her
+before we start on our journey."
+
+"I am your humble servant to command."
+
+Tom Mitchell struck a gong, and Camotte appeared.
+
+"Have my orders been executed?" asked the outlaw.
+
+"Yes, captain. The stranger is watched carefully, and yet without
+creating suspicion," replied the lieutenant.
+
+"Where is he now?"
+
+"In his own room."
+
+"If tomorrow he asks after me," said Tom Mitchell, "you will give him
+the answer already agreed on."
+
+"Yes, captain."
+
+"What about the detachments?"
+
+"Those have started within the hour, I shall start with the last as
+soon as the moon rises," replied Camotte.
+
+"Remember," said Tom, thoughtfully, "that tomorrow morning at sunrise,
+if not before, you must be back."
+
+"Be easy as to that, captain," said the other, significantly; "I shall
+not leave the island without a chief just now."
+
+"Humph!" observed the captain, suspiciously, "Is there anything fresh
+in the air?"
+
+"Nothing in appearance, much in reality."
+
+"You can speak out here," said Tom Mitchell; "if you have anything to
+say, say it without hesitation."
+
+"About an hour ago, when I was going my round," said the matter-of-fact
+and faithful Camotte, "I met that fellow Versenca at the water's edge;
+he was wet through, and had evidently been swimming. When he saw me
+he was utterly confounded, and then when I questioned him as to his
+conduct he gave me a lot of silly reasons a child of five would have
+seen through."
+
+The captain reflected with a dark frown.
+
+"Redouble your vigilance, my good Camotte," he said at last. "On the
+first suspicion arrest him until I come back."
+
+"For greater safety, captain," replied Camotte, "I shall take him with
+me tonight, I can watch him."
+
+"Mind he does not give you the slip. A traitor would be dangerous just
+now. He is as cunning as an opossum."
+
+"I know it, but two can play at the same game."
+
+"Good. I leave it to you. Have Black Athol and Goliath saddled for us,
+and Miss Lara for the prisoner, if safe."
+
+"She is quite a lady's horse--an ambler. She will quite suit her
+rider," replied Camotte.
+
+"Mind you," continued Tom, "let the three be harnessed for
+war--victuals, holsters, ammunition, and pistols."
+
+"As a matter of course. When Black Athol and Goliath go out, I know you
+are bent on mischief. What absence?"
+
+"Three days at most," replied the captain; "and during that time never
+leave the island."
+
+"And you go alone?" asked Camotte, anxiously.
+
+"With the gentleman, as I have already said."
+
+"I think you should take Tête de Plume," said Camotte.
+
+"Will you tell me why?" asked the captain, smiling.
+
+"No one ever knows on an expedition what may happen," drily replied the
+lieutenant, "and two are better than one."
+
+"But I have told you, we are two already."
+
+"Very good," he continued, "but you would be three."
+
+"I tell you what it is, Camotte," said the captain, laughing, "you do
+just as you like with me. Let him come."
+
+"I thank you heartily," cried the delighted lieutenant.
+
+"Above all, whatever happens, keep my absence a secret," said Tom
+Mitchell; "that is above all essential."
+
+"Your orders shall be obeyed in all things."
+
+"And now bring in the prisoner," continued Tom. "By the way, have you
+said anything to her?"
+
+"Captain, you know I am no babbler," observed Camotte.
+
+"Very true," said Tom, and then turning to Pierre, he added, laughing,
+"that fellow does not put too much confidence in me."
+
+"His manner is strange. Perhaps he distrusts me."
+
+"No; Camotte is a bulldog for fidelity and discretion; but, like
+bulldogs, he is both suspicious and jealous," replied Tom.
+
+"I bear him no malice for his jealousy," said Pierre; "besides, I
+myself always like those kind of men."
+
+"Yes, they are indeed very precious," continued Tom; "unfortunately,
+you have to give way to them a little."
+
+"Well, when it is from pure devotion, nothing can be said."
+
+At this moment the door opened, and a young girl entered the room,
+effectually checking the conversation.
+
+This young girl was Angela, or Evening Dew, whichever it may please the
+reader to call her.
+
+She gave a graceful curtsy, and then remained with downcast eyes before
+the outlaw chief.
+
+The two men rose from their seats and bowed respectfully.
+
+"My sister is welcome," said the outlaw, smiling, and speaking in the
+Indian tongue; "be seated."
+
+"Evening Dew is a slave, and presumes not to sit down in the presence
+of her master," responded the young girl, in a voice as melodious as
+the song of a bird, but the tone of which was firm and distinct. "I
+have said."
+
+Evening Dew was a delicious child of seventeen at most, in whom the two
+races, white and red, of both which she was the issue, seemed to have
+vied which should produce the most wondrous chef d'oeuvre.
+
+Her elegant and slight form, slightly bent forward with that serpentine
+undulation which belongs to American women, her long hair, black as
+the raven's wing, fell almost to her feet, and when loosened, might
+have served her as a cloak. Her complexion had the golden tint of the
+daughters of the sun; her great blue and dreamy eyes were fringed by
+long velvet lashes; her mouth, revealing her vermilion lips, and a row
+of dazzling white teeth, gave to her physiognomy that rare expression
+scarcely ever found except in some virgin of Titian.
+
+The sailor was dazzled at the really marvellous beauty of the young
+girl. He had no idea that the whole continent of America could have
+produced such a fairy.
+
+The captain smiled at her reply.
+
+"Evening Dew has no master here. She is with friends who will protect
+her," he said, heartily.
+
+"Friends!" she cried, clasping her hands together, while the pearly
+tears went down her cheeks; "Is it possible?"
+
+"I swear to you, young girl," he continued, "that what I say is true.
+I have sent for you to apologise for what has happened, to demand
+forgiveness for your cruel abduction."
+
+"Oh, sir," she cried, in excellent French, "oh, sir, can I really
+believe my ears! Is it true?"
+
+"You would insult me by disbelieving," he replied, in the same
+language; "tomorrow you will be with your friends."
+
+"Thank you, sir, from my soul," she sobbed forth.
+
+And before the captain could prevent her--before he suspected her
+intention, the was on her knees kissing his hand.
+
+Tom Mitchell respectfully raised her from the ground and led her to the
+chair she had once refused.
+
+"Then you are very unhappy here?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, yes," she cried, "I have indeed been very unhappy; how, in fact,
+could I be otherwise?"
+
+"And yet," said the captain, with a frown, "I have given the most
+strict orders with regard to your treatment."
+
+"I beg most earnestly to acknowledge, sir, that I have been treated in
+the most honourable fashion, that I have been surrounded by the most
+delicate attentions. But oh, sir, I was a prisoner, alas! Far away
+from those I love, and whom my absence plunges, like myself, in utter
+despair."
+
+"Pardon me, miss," said the chief, "my wrong towards you will soon be
+repaired, I promise you."
+
+"Then you are good indeed!"
+
+"Tomorrow," he added, with considerable emotion, "you shall be restored
+to the bosom of your family."
+
+"Do that, sir," she cried, "and I will love you. Ever after you shall
+be as a brother to me."
+
+"I will endeavour to merit the title, Miss Angela," he said, softly;
+"henceforth you will no longer curse me."
+
+"Curse you who give me back to those I love! No, I will bless you from
+the bottom of my heart," she cried, earnestly, "and, believe me, God
+will amply reward you."
+
+"I have a strong conviction that way myself," he said, smiling; "even
+heaven could scarcely be deaf to your prayer."
+
+The girl coloured deeply at these words, which were uttered with such
+earnest conviction as caused her to bow her head.
+
+The captain simply smiled softly.
+
+"Are you tolerably strong, miss?" he asked.
+
+"Why do you ask me this question?" she said.
+
+"Because," he answered, "we have a very long journey to go before we
+find your friends."
+
+"What matters about fatigue, sir? I am already strong. The very idea
+has restored my vigour."
+
+"We shall have to undertake a long night journey," he continued,
+"through the prairies, by very rough ways."
+
+She clapped her pretty hands together joyously; a charming smile
+lightened up her physiognomy, and then she cried out in a delighted and
+proud accent--
+
+"I have Indian blood in my veins, sir," she cried; "I am the daughter
+of a brave Canadian hunter. Fear nothing for me. I am not a woman of
+the towns, who, I am told, can neither walk nor run."
+
+"They are very much like it," growled Pierre.
+
+"Try me, put me to any proof, and you will see of what I am capable to
+get back to my friends."
+
+"Come, I see, at all events, that you are as brave and noble a woman as
+you are beautiful. Come, it is time."
+
+"Do we go directly?" she cried.
+
+"Yes," was his smiling answer.
+
+"One moment," she said; "give me time to thank God for having touched
+your heart. Let me pray."
+
+"Do as you wish," he replied, respectfully.
+
+The young girl folded her arms across her breast, raised her looks
+heavenward with an inspired air for some minutes. One could see by her
+thoughtful brow, from the compression of her coraline lips, that she
+was praying. Her face was radiant, her eyes were full of tears. She
+seemed transfigurated.
+
+The two men, despite their rude aspect and rough natures, stood
+respectfully beside her, utterly cowed, overcome, crushed under the
+weight of her purity and innocence. They stood before her hat in hand.
+
+When her short and ardent prayer was over, the girl turned to them with
+an ineffable smile.
+
+"Now, gentlemen," she said, bowing to the two men who she saw were
+henceforth her slaves, "I am quite ready."
+
+The outlaw and his companion bowed and followed behind as she led the
+way outside.
+
+Camotte was there, as was also the valorous Tête de Plume, holding the
+horses.
+
+Tom Mitchell led Miss Angela to the mare Lara, which he had ordered to
+be saddled, and held the stirrup respectfully.
+
+"Mount," he said, just as if he had been speaking to a princess in her
+own right.
+
+Then, as soon as the outlaw had given some last whispered directions to
+Camotte, they started, Tom Mitchell riding at the head of the little
+band.
+
+By the time the ford was passed over in safety the moon had risen in
+the sky above the trees.
+
+The four travellers were now safe on terra firma.
+
+"Now, Miss Angela," said Tom Mitchell, gallantly, "place yourself
+between this gentleman and myself. Good. And now, Tête de Plume, my
+boy, take the rearguard, and, whatever you do, look out."
+
+The four cavaliers dashed off at a hand gallop, and soon disappeared in
+the windings of the defile.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+IN WHICH TOM MITCHELL DISCOVERS THAT HONESTY IS A GOOD SPECULATION.
+
+
+We now direct our steps to one of the most savage and abrupt sites in
+all the desert, before the rising of the sun.
+
+Five men are crossing a narrow gorge in the mountains, the tops of
+which are rocky and bare or covered with snow. Just now they are
+rendered almost invisible by the dense fog which the sun's rays cannot
+dissipate.
+
+These five travellers came from the interior of the mornes, as the
+hilly plains are called, and were bound for the plains, which they
+began to make out a short distance before them, traversed, or rather
+cut in two, by the extensive stream of the Missouri, the sandy waters
+of which were half concealed by high grass, willow, and the cottonwood
+trees that lined its shores.
+
+The five wayfarers of whom we have spoken walked painfully over the
+flints that paved the gorge, the dried-up bed of a torrent, which
+itself had suddenly disappeared during one of the cataclysms so common
+in that region.
+
+Having reached the extremity of the gorge, they stopped, looked around,
+and gave a sigh of satisfaction.
+
+Their task had been a rude one. For far more than three hours they had
+been stumbling in the midst of a whirlpool, nothing else, of flint
+stones, which, at every step they took, slid under their feet like
+mountain shingle.
+
+Four of these men were whites, wearing the costume of hunters of the
+prairies; the fifth was an Indian.
+
+They were George Clinton, Oliver, Bright-eye, Keen-hand, and
+Numank-Charake, the chief.
+
+Now, then, let us ask how it came about that these five men should be
+there at that early hour in a place so far from their home--a hundred
+miles, in fact, from the regions they were in the habit of frequenting,
+and why were George Clinton and Keen-hand members of this singular and
+perhaps fortuitous group.
+
+Of course we shall as soon as possible satisfy the legitimate curiosity
+of our friend the reader.
+
+"Oh!" said Keen-hand, "It is my opinion, friends and companions, that
+the wisest thing to be done is to stop here."
+
+"Why stop here?" cried Bright-eye, in far from a pleasant tone of
+voice; "Explain yourself."
+
+"For a hundred reasons, every one of which is better than the other,"
+resumed Keen-hand.
+
+"I should like to know the first," said the Canadian.
+
+"Well, it is a very excellent one, I think. You and I and the chief are
+used to these diabolical roads, which is far from being the case with
+our companions, which you ought to have observed without telling a very
+long time ago."
+
+Both Oliver and Clinton tried to protest.
+
+"No! No!" cried Bright-eye, in his frankest manner. "I am a brute. So
+say no more about it, as I proclaim it myself. Let us camp at once."
+
+"Here is an excellent place," cried Keen-hand.
+
+The hunters had halted under a grove of gigantic gumtrees. A fire was
+lighted, and each one, resting himself, prepared for the morning meal.
+
+"Well, to tell the truth," said Oliver, gaily, "I will now confess that
+I needed repose; I was simply done up."
+
+"I could scarcely put one foot before the other," observed George
+Clinton, who was stretched out on the grass.
+
+"There!" cried Keen-hand; "Was I not right?"
+
+"Well, considering that I have owned I was a brute," growled
+Bright-eye, "are you not satisfied?"
+
+"Perfectly!" said the guide.
+
+Numank-Charake had in the meantime undertaken the office of cook, an
+office he filled effectively.
+
+A few minutes later all were eagerly devouring slices cut from a
+quarter of venison which had been broiled upon the hot embers.
+
+Then the gourds were opened and passed joyously from hand to hand.
+
+These brave young men had walked all night through impracticable paths
+which only hunters could overcome. They were literally famished.
+
+But now they entered into the spirit of the thing rarely. Soon
+everything had disappeared. All was eaten.
+
+When the last mouthful had been washed down, and the very last drop of
+brandy absorbed, each man in his turn gave a deep sigh of satisfaction.
+
+"Now, then," remarked Bright-eye, looking obliquely at his companions,
+"I think we may talk."
+
+"Well, I am of opinion," said Keen-hand, gaily, "that after a hearty
+meal, two things are agreeable--a pipe and talk."
+
+This declaration, the justice and opportuneness of which everybody at
+once recognised, was like a signal; instantly, pipes in red clay, with
+cherry tree tubes, were drawn from their belts, stuffed, lighted, and
+soon a cloud of blue smoke surrounded the head of every guest like a
+glory.
+
+"Now, then, Bright-eye," said Oliver, gaily, between two puffs, "fire
+away as soon as you like."
+
+"Messieurs, my friends," replied Bright-eye, "my heart is very sad.
+Despite all I can do, I feel a kind of presentiment that this man, in
+whom we have so trusted, is deceiving us."
+
+Numank-Charake lifted up his head.
+
+"I know the paleface chief," he said, in his guttural tones, shaking
+his head in a way to give more emphasis to his words; "he is a man
+whose tongue is not forked. His word is as gold--and my brother,
+Bright-eye, is wrong."
+
+"In the name of heaven, is it you who speak in that way, chief?"
+asked the astonished hunter; "You, of all men in the world, so deeply
+interested."
+
+"Numank-Charake is a chief in his nation," quickly interrupted the
+redskin, his words, which swelled his bosom, coming directly from his
+heart; "the man who despises his enemies is not a brave warrior, but
+exposes himself to the reproach of only vanquishing cowards."
+
+"Well spoken, chief," said Keen-hand.
+
+"The Grey Bear, the paleface chief, is ferocious, cruel, and a thief,
+but he is brave and truthful."
+
+Oliver and Clinton stared.
+
+"What he has said he will do, he will do. What he has offered he will
+give. Did we go openly to him? No! We hunted him like a wild beast
+Wounded, dying, we wished to kill him. He escaped; thanks not to
+cunning, but to audacity. He is a great chief."
+
+The whites exchanged glances.
+
+"Nothing would have been more easy for him than to laugh at our menaces
+and to conceal himself from us. Instead of that, he has sent us a
+collar--letter--in which he invites us to an interview, for the purpose
+of ending the troubles which divide us."
+
+"This may be a trick," said Oliver.
+
+"No! It is neither the act of a false nor of a double-faced man. No! It
+is the act of a brave and loyal warrior. That is my opinion. Whatever
+may happen during the next few hours, I am convinced that if we have
+confidence in him I shall be found right. I have said."
+
+The chief relighted his pipe, which had gone out during his speech,
+and from that moment he appeared to take no further part in the
+conversation. Still he listened to what the others said.
+
+"As far as I am concerned," observed Oliver, "I think the chief has
+spoken well. I agree with him on every point. As far as I can judge,
+this pirate or this outlaw, whichever you choose to call him, is
+not a man like other men. There is something in him which is not at
+all ordinary. In one word, he may, it is true, be a brigand, but,
+certainly, his is a very lofty nature. Until further events, I, for
+one, shall believe in his word."
+
+"All this is very possible," observed Bright-eye, shaking his head
+doubtingly, "but no one can deny that he is the captain of a monstrous
+set of brigands."
+
+"What does that prove?" said Oliver.
+
+"Nothing that I know of. Still I am decidedly of opinion that his word
+is not to be trusted."
+
+"Then allow me to observe," said George Clinton, drily, "why are we
+here?"
+
+"Why, because one always lives in hope, despite our better reason.
+Still we ought to be prudent."
+
+"Though I am not quite of the opinion of Bright-eye," said Charbonneau,
+"I think we should be wise not to rush headlong into a possible trap
+which the bandits may be preparing for us. He is right as to the wisdom
+of prudence."
+
+"I, too, am an advocate for prudence," said George Clinton; "nothing
+can be more wise than to take all proper precautions. That I fully
+agree with. But do not act in such a way as to cause our loyalty to be
+suspected, or our confidence in the man's word."
+
+"That can be easily arranged, my friends," said Charbonneau, with a
+cunning smile "let me alone, and, believe me, all will go well."
+
+"My worthy friend, act just as you think proper. You, perhaps, more
+than anyone, have experience of the desert, and nobody objects to your
+taking every precaution."
+
+"The best precaution," said the Indian chief, again speaking, "when you
+deal with a loyal enemy is to have every faith in his word; to have no
+suspicion of any kind in your mind."
+
+"Very good, chief. It is very likely after all that you are right. I
+will not discuss the matter with you, though I repeat I am very much
+surprised to hear you speak thus. I only ask of you one thing--that is,
+to remain neutral in this affair until the actual moment of action has
+come."
+
+"Numank-Charake loves Bright-eye; he is his brother. He will do
+whatever the hunter wishes; still regretting that he is constrained to
+act against his wishes," he answered.
+
+"I take all the blame on myself," said Bright-eye; "and shall be the
+first to own my error, if indeed I am found to be in error. A man can
+say no more, even if he were speaking to his father."
+
+The Indian said no more, but bowed his head in token of acquiescence.
+But he smiled with such a keen and subtle irony that the hunter was so
+deeply moved as to blush.
+
+"I fear nothing for myself," he cried.
+
+"Eh, what!" exclaimed Charbonneau, stretching out his arm towards the
+river, "What is going on?"
+
+Every eye was fixed upon the spot indicated by the hunter's sudden
+exclamation.
+
+"It is a canoe," said George Clinton.
+
+"Manned by two men," observed Charbonneau.
+
+"And those two men," said the chief, after one glance from his eagle
+eye, "are two palefaces. He knows them well. One is the old hunter
+called Sharpear, the other the son of my nation--Leave-no-trail."
+
+"My father and my grandfather!" cried Bright-eye, in utter surprise.
+"Surely, chief, you must be mistaken. Why should they come here?"
+
+"Very likely," observed Oliver, gently, "the same motive leads them
+here that has led us."
+
+Meanwhile the canoe, impelled by vigorous arms, approached with extreme
+rapidity, and soon was at no very great distance from the camp of the
+hunters. Then it turned rapidly towards the shore, and its bow was soon
+stuck in the sand.
+
+Two men landed.
+
+Numank-Charake had been right. These two men were indeed the father and
+grandfather of the young hunter. They were coming to the encampment.
+
+The five adventurers all leaped up, and eagerly rushed to meet the two
+old men.
+
+After the first compliments had passed and welcomes had been exchanged
+with effusion between the newcomers and their friends, the Canadians
+seated themselves by the fire, and, upon the invitation given, ate some
+mouthfuls of fresh-cooked venison and drank some brandy.
+
+"We have been to see our relative, Lagrenay, the squatter of the Wind
+River," said the old man. "It appears he had received a very pressing
+message from Tom Mitchell, the outlaw."
+
+"Yes," said Bright-eye, "we were there when it was delivered. We know
+all about it. But, as far as I am concerned, I am afraid--"
+
+"Of what are you afraid, my son?" asked François Berger, in a rather
+imperious tone of voice.
+
+"That all this pretended facility and frankness on the part of the
+pirate chief hides a snare."
+
+The two old hunters exchanged a smile.
+
+"Child, you are very much mistaken," said the grandfather. "Tom
+Mitchell means exactly what he says. He has no intention, no motive for
+laying any unworthy trap."
+
+"I am certain of it," added the son.
+
+Bright-eye had nothing to say to so positive an assertion. He silently
+bowed his head.
+
+"We have done all in our power to come here quickly, knowing we should
+meet you," went on François Berger; "we are only too happy to be in
+time."
+
+"In time to do what?" asked Oliver.
+
+"We will explain," said the elder of the two men; "when Tom Mitchell
+comes we shall receive him."
+
+"But that is our business?" cried Bright-eye.
+
+"I know the message was addressed to you," said his father; "I am well
+aware of it that it is our business, and, in fact, it is more proper
+it should be so. At all events we have decided that it is to be so, so
+that you will keep out of sight until the affair is finished."
+
+"But," said Bright-eye, with considerable hesitation, "supposing there
+was treachery?"
+
+"My son," sententiously observed the old man, "prudence is wise, but
+suspicion in certain cases is an insult. Think of that. Believe me when
+I say that your father and I know better what we are about than you do."
+
+"We shall certainly obey you," said Oliver, in the name of all. "We
+shall remain at a distance during the interview, and only interfere
+when called upon."
+
+"I thank you cordially," said the old man; "everything will go rightly,
+I promise you."
+
+And he waved his hand as if to dismiss them.
+
+The five young men rose, bowed respectfully to the two old men, and
+watched them as they walked slowly down to the banks of the river.
+
+About two gunshots distance from the camp, or thereabouts, was a rather
+thick wood, composed of oaks and gumtrees. The hunters entered the
+wood, and soon afterwards disappeared under the forest.
+
+Remaining alone, the old hunters lifted their Indian calumets and began
+to smoke, without exchanging one single word.
+
+This went on for about three-quarters of an hour--incessant smoking.
+Suddenly, François Berger let fall his pipe, fell flat on his face, put
+his ear to the ground, and listened.
+
+"They come," he said, rising.
+
+"I have heard them coming for some time," quietly replied the old
+grandfather. "How many?"
+
+"Not more than four."
+
+"Just as I expected. He has acted in perfect good faith," said the old
+man.
+
+"Then you are quite determined?"
+
+"Yes. The Indians are not in want of it, and I should not like to see
+the Yankees or English profit by it."
+
+"You are the master. You are the one to whom it belongs to a certain
+extent," said the son.
+
+"Yes; it is today my property. Besides, it should be kept up for the
+support of a great cause. Tom Mitchell is a very different man from
+what he appears," added the old man, gravely.
+
+"That, of course, I know."
+
+"Besides, I have another very strong motive for acting as I do, and
+that is the establishment, on the very spot I allude to, of the Yankee
+squatter."
+
+"Yes. And, between you and me, father, these Yankees have very sharp
+noses. They will find it out before long."
+
+"Exactly so, my son. For my part, I prefer that Frenchmen should derive
+the advantage."
+
+At this moment a distant gunshot was heard.
+
+"Here they come," said François Berger.
+
+He then rose, placed his hand over his mouth like a funnel, and twice
+imitated, with marvellous dexterity and perfection, the cry of the
+water hawk.
+
+A similar cry came in response, and almost immediately afterwards four
+cavaliers, well mounted, appeared galloping through the high grass and
+trees, and coming directly towards them.
+
+The Canadians held their rifles in their hands, while the newcomers
+showed no apparent arms. They had left their pistols in the holsters,
+their sabres were in their scabbards, their rifles by their sides.
+
+On coming within a short distance of the two old men the strangers
+exchanged a few words in a low tone of voice, two of them slackened
+their pace, while the others rushed forward with the rapidity of the
+gazelle.
+
+In another instant Angela, for it was herself, was in the arms of the
+friends, answering by cries of joy and tears of happiness the sweet
+caresses of her relatives and friends.
+
+Tom Mitchell and his companions stood apart discreetly, and then,
+when they saw that the first transports were over or becoming calmer,
+approached.
+
+"Welcome," said the old man, "welcome, gentlemen," holding out his two
+hands.
+
+"Have I kept my promise?" asked Tom Mitchell.
+
+"Nobly; I solemnly declare it, and I thank you," cried Berger, with
+deep emotion.
+
+"You have worthily made up for the act you had done. Let us forget the
+past," said the old man; "what can we do for you?"
+
+"Nothing," he said, quietly.
+
+"You exact no ransom whatever?"
+
+"Why should I exaggerate, old hunter? I was drawn into committing a
+bad action by a man whose name I will not mention. Though a pirate, I
+am not so bad as I am painted. I have therefore sought to condone the
+evil."
+
+"Admirably spoken," said François Berger, again embracing his daughter.
+"Go, darling, to your brother yonder."
+
+"Allow me first to thank Captain Mitchell," she said, "for his extreme
+kindness during my captivity."
+
+"You bear me no malice?"
+
+"None whatever," she said, "but eternal gratitude. You deserve it and
+you have it."
+
+Then with a gesture of adieu and a sweet smile on her adorable lips she
+ran off in the direction of the forest.
+
+The men waited until she was out of sight.
+
+"I will now take my leave," said the outlaw.
+
+"One moment," replied the old man; "the recompense which you refuse I
+must force upon you."
+
+He pulled forth a large folded parchment.
+
+"This is the ransom of my daughter," he said: "it is a regular deed of
+gift of the Valley of the Deer."
+
+"What!" cried the outlaw, with singular emotion.
+
+"Yes, and here on the map is a red mark, indicating the spot where what
+you know of is concealed."
+
+"Accept without scruple, captain," said François Berger; "it is ours
+and ours alone to give."
+
+"Since you wish it, gentlemen. I should show but ill grace to refuse,
+the more that I value your gift highly."
+
+"I only ask one thing in return," said the old man.
+
+"I shall be ready to promise anything."
+
+"You will use what I have given you only with an honourable--" he said,
+with some hesitation.
+
+"It shall be so, I promise you."
+
+"And so we part friends; captain, your hand."
+
+"Friends, yes," said the pirate; "and I hope the day may come when you
+may try my friendship."
+
+"Who knows? The day may come sooner than we expect."
+
+"I shall be ready to shed the very last drop of my blood to defend or
+avenge you or yours."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+A STRANGE CHASE.
+
+
+We know that Joshua Dickson had taken his departure from the valley,
+leaving it in charge to Harry.
+
+Harry was a fine young man, strong and intelligent, in whom his father
+had every confidence.
+
+He was the complete juvenile type of the American squatter and pioneer,
+up to Indian devilries, riding like a centaur, and able to put a ball
+in the eye of a panther at a hundred yards. His great passion was life
+in the open air, and the pleasures of the chase in the forest or field.
+
+One fine morning Harry, soon after the rising of the sun, galloped off
+into the forest. He was bent on a journey to see a fine cutting that
+was going to create meadows, and make room for sawmills on the banks of
+the great Missouri.
+
+He had nearly reached the spot, when he was startled by a whistle of a
+peculiar kind, at no great distance.
+
+At the same moment a horseman came in sight--a man of fifty, tall, thin
+and gaunt, with parchment skin.
+
+The horse was as bony as his master.
+
+The man was dressed after the fashion of the ordinary American farmer,
+and apparently carried no arms.
+
+"Eh, eh," cried he, "you are out early. Were you looking for me?"
+
+"No, M. Lagrenay; I was not even thinking of you."
+
+"That is not polite. Why did you stop when I whistled?"
+
+"Because I thought it the whistle of a serpent," he retorted. "But no
+nonsense, I was looking for you."
+
+"I was certain of it."
+
+"Yes, I wanted to see you. I made your acquaintance I know not how. You
+talk to me of things which do not please me, because they suggest evil
+thoughts. I have come to say that henceforth we are strangers. Never
+speak to me again."
+
+"I suppose you will give me a reason for this odd decision."
+
+"Think what you please. I have said my say."
+
+"Then I assume that you reject my offers."
+
+"Think and assume what you like," cried the young man, angrily; "only
+keep out of my path."
+
+"Then you have no passion for gold?" sighed the other.
+
+"You take me for a ninny, old squatter. Gold does not grow in the
+fields like mushrooms. Besides, you would have found it long ago if
+real."
+
+"I tell you the map indicating the exact spot," cried the old man, "was
+stolen from me by the outlaws."
+
+"You want to persuade me that you have known of this vast treasure for
+years, and yet require a stranger to help you."
+
+"I knew nothing of your having camped on the spot, and only offer you a
+share in consequence."
+
+"Go to the devil with your offers."
+
+"Yes, you have my secret, and can use it yourself."
+
+"Old man," cried the young giant, with rage in his eye, "beware how you
+try my patience too much."
+
+"Well, well, let us end this conversation. You will not listen to me.
+Well and good. Only, before we part, remember this, when it is too
+late, my friend," he added, with a sinister laugh, "you will repent.
+That is all I say."
+
+And turning round, he rode off.
+
+"He is a pretty rascal," said the young man, as he rode off; "I believe
+he has some villainy in hand."
+
+At this moment a strong hollow grunting was heard, followed by another
+at no great distance.
+
+"There are jaguars about," said the American, in a low tone, stroking
+his horse's ears to keep him quiet.
+
+At that moment there was a fearful, a horrible cry, that rent the air,
+a desperate shriek for assistance.
+
+"The old squatter, and he is without arms," he cried; "the tigers have
+doubtless attacked him."
+
+And he set spurs to his horse, which, neighing and smarting with pain,
+dashed in the desired direction.
+
+In the centre of a clearing crossed by a narrow stream the squatter
+knelt behind his horse, haggard with terror.
+
+Close to him, on the branch of a gigantic gumtree, was a mighty jaguar,
+licking his tongue before leaping.
+
+"Save me," shrieked the agonised squatter.
+
+"I will try," said Harry, dismounting, letting his horse loose, and
+then going close up to the trembling wretch.
+
+The tiger had not moved. He was watching his victim with a feline
+glance.
+
+"A noble beast," said the young man, with a smile; "I hope not to spoil
+his beautiful skin."
+
+Suddenly a further grunting was heard in the thicket. The jaguar,
+without turning his head, responded in the same tone.
+
+"By heavens! There are two of them. It seems almost a pity to part so
+loving a couple," he said.
+
+At the same moment the tiger leaped. As he did so he turned a
+somersault. He was dead, shot in the eye.
+
+"One," said the young man, drawing out his bowie knife.
+
+At the same moment the second jaguar burst out, and with one bound
+seized on the flanks of the horse.
+
+Harry flew at her, knife in hand. The two rolled for a moment on the
+ground. Then the man stood erect.
+
+"That job's over," said the young man; "what a couple of noble beasts!
+Get up. Heavens! He's fainted."
+
+Then he took him in his arms, and carried him to the stream, where he
+bathed his face until he recovered.
+
+But he was then so ill, and his horse so lean, that it seemed
+impossible he should ever reach home.
+
+In this strait Harry acted with his usual generosity. He took the man
+up behind him, and carried him home.
+
+He then turned to go without a word.
+
+"Young man," cried the squatter, "wait one moment. You have been my
+friend. Now take my advice, keep good watch. I dare say no more, but be
+ever on your guard."
+
+Harry moved pensively away, but soon forgot the hint.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+CAPTAIN TOM MITCHELL, THE AVENGER.
+
+
+The marriage of Evening Dew with Numank-Charake was to be celebrated
+with unusual splendour. Invitations had been sent in all directions,
+and, two days before the ceremony was to take place, numerous
+deputations from all the tribes were collected around, and were
+received with the splendid hospitality essential in such a case.
+
+At least five hundred strange warriors had come.
+
+Some hours later a new troop appeared on the verge of the plain; it was
+very numerous, three hundred men at least, in the picturesque costume
+of Mexican rancheros, all armed to the teeth, and admirably mounted.
+
+Four cavaliers rode in front; these were Tom Mitchell, Pierre Durand
+Camotte, and Tête de Plume. It was the full force of the outlaws. On
+nearing the village two other men were seen; these were Clinton and
+Charbonneau.
+
+Nothing was omitted to give _éclat_ to such a reception. The most
+renowned of the sachems, with the three Canadians, Bright-eye, and
+Oliver, advanced to meet them, and give them a most cordial and sincere
+welcome.
+
+Captain Pierre Durand, who had given up his disguise, kept a little in
+the background.
+
+Having exchanged compliments, Tom ordered his men to camp outside, and
+entered the village with the others.
+
+As soon as all were collected in the hut of the Canadians, Tom Mitchell
+closed the door carefully.
+
+"Gentlemen," he said, in a low and solemn tone, "I owe you no
+explanation for coming, but for coming in such force."
+
+"You owe no explanation. You are welcome."
+
+"Listen. Not a moment is to be lost. Spies are on all hands. You are
+surrounded by treachery and traitors. You are all to be made the
+victims of an execrable plot concocted by two wretches, Lagrenay and
+Tubash-Shah."
+
+All were stupefied. While the other spoke, Pierre Durand slipped into
+Bright-eye's own room to rest.
+
+"Yes. Tubash-Shah hates Numank; but that is not all. He loves your
+gentle daughter, Evening Dew."
+
+"Horrible!" cried the old man.
+
+"The capture of Miss Angela was a thing arranged between Lagrenay and
+Tubash-Shah, who thought to get her from me."
+
+"Thanks to you, the plot is exploded."
+
+"He still hopes to kill his rival, steal his wife, become possessor of
+the treasure you know of," cried Tom Mitchell, "and become chief of the
+tribe. With these schemes in their heads, Lagrenay and Tubash-Shah are
+allies."
+
+"It is a horrible plot. How did you discover it?"
+
+"No matter; my spies have served me well. I knew the plan of the
+conspirators, and hence have come in such force. I shall be able to
+thwart them. Do you now attend to the immediate safety of the chiefs of
+this nation and people."
+
+"I will take measures at once."
+
+"Above all, be cautious. You have to deal with desperate and cunning
+rascals," urged Tom Mitchell.
+
+The three Canadians, grandfather, father, and son, went out, leaving
+behind only George Clinton and his friend.
+
+"Now, Mr. Clinton," said the outlaw, "though we met under unpleasant
+circumstances, we are friends."
+
+"I see no reason why we should not be," he replied.
+
+"I am happy to hear it," continued Tom Mitchell; "but before we go any
+farther, allow me to say a word to this young Frenchman. In that room
+you will find a friend."
+
+"A friend!" cried Oliver; "Impossible! You know I have only recently
+reached this country."
+
+"Take my advice," said the outlaw, with a smile.
+
+Oliver shrugged his shoulders, as if yielding to a foolish whim, and
+went in to find himself face to face with Durand.
+
+"Now," said the outlaw, "I have not told all; I have left out certain
+matters which personally concern yourself. One moment, and you shall
+judge for yourself. Excuse me if I have to touch upon a very tender
+topic--that of love."
+
+"Captain!" cried George.
+
+"Pardon me. You love a charming girl, whom you have followed into the
+desert with as much devotion as men show in the search of gold. To this
+I have only to add that the girl is as beautiful and as good as an
+angel."
+
+George bowed his head to hide his confusion.
+
+"Her father is against you, I know. But the important fact is that a
+terrible calamity threatens her and you."
+
+"Pray explain yourself," George cried.
+
+"Do you think the redskins are blind? You forget them in your
+calculation of future happiness."
+
+"Explain yourself," continued the young man.
+
+"I cannot at present. You are young in the desert, but you have clever
+and devoted friends. Above all, you have Bright-eye, honest, devoted,
+intelligent. Tell him all I have said, and to work. You have not a
+moment to lose to save her."
+
+At this moment the three Canadians came in at one door, Oliver and
+Captain Durand at the other. Before anyone else could speak, Oliver
+rushed forward.
+
+"Captain," he said to the outlaw, "I can never thank you enough. I know
+all. Command me in every way."
+
+"I shall remind you of your promise."
+
+"And my wretched persecutor--you will bring him to me?"
+
+"Yes; and place in your hands papers to confound him," cried the
+outlaw; "papers which prove your rank."
+
+The conversation now became general. The two Canadians had been at
+work, and warned all the sachems.
+
+But everything had been done without exciting suspicion. All went on
+just as usual in the village.
+
+The preparations for the marriage continued.
+
+The Canadians entertained their friends at a great banquet that night,
+at which Numank was present, grave and proud, seated beside Angela, who
+was charming, though blushing with downcast eyes, and never speaking a
+word.
+
+The formal ceremony of betrothal had taken place in the morning, so
+that this was rather a friendly meeting than anything else.
+
+There was, however, a magnificent exchange of presents.
+
+Next day, just before the final ceremony, Tom Mitchell went off with a
+hundred of his most resolute men.
+
+Camotte remained in command of the others.
+
+According to invariable Indian custom, the man who takes a wife takes
+her seemingly by force; he snatches her up, puts her behind him, darts
+off, and two days later comes back, slays a mare that has never foaled,
+and all is over.
+
+Numank, of course, would do the same.
+
+At night the hut was surrounded by a party of Indians, and Angela
+carried off, after a feeble resistance.
+
+Then some shots were fired, and away sped Numank with his wife
+surrounded by a powerful Indian escort.
+
+This escort was almost wholly composed of strangers with Tubash.
+
+The abductors had scarcely departed when Bright-eye came out of the hut
+and whistled. He was at once surrounded by warriors.
+
+"On," he said, in a menacing voice; "there is no time to lose."
+
+And they darted away like a whirlwind, riding for some hours in the
+direction taken by the bridal party.
+
+Suddenly they were startled by flashes of light, followed by the report
+of guns. A terrible combat was going on.
+
+With a tremendous war cry the troop led by Bright-eye dashed in the
+direction of the fight. It was time.
+
+Numank-Charake, holding his wife on one arm, was fighting, surrounded
+by the few warriors faithful to him.
+
+Ten only of these could stand, and must have succumbed in five minutes
+but for the unlooked-for succour.
+
+The carnage was fearful. All fought desperately in silence. At last
+every one of the treacherous escort was dead.
+
+Tubash Shah escaped in the confusion.
+
+Numank-Charake was more like a corpse than a live man, and had to be
+carried on a litter.
+
+They reached the village next day, from which all the rival tribes had
+departed, leaving behind a bundle of arrows dipped in blood. It was a
+formal declaration of war.
+
+We turn elsewhere for a time.
+
+It was night at the hut of the squatter Lagrenay. Everybody slept
+except himself. Seated by the dying fire in a cane chair, his head in
+his two hands, his elbows on the table, the squatter appeared at least
+to be reading.
+
+His huge and savage dog lay at his feet, listening for the faintest
+sound from without.
+
+Every now and then the old man looked at a clock, and then appeared to
+read again until a sharp whistle was heard.
+
+The dog and man leaped up, but suddenly Lagrenay bade the animal be
+quiet, and went himself to open the door. He started back as two men
+entered, strangers.
+
+"I am Joshua Dickson," said the first, "and this is my brother Samuel.
+You sent for my son; we have come in his place."
+
+The old man professed to be glad to see his neighbours, and bade them
+be seated. After some time wasted in circumlocution, he began to speak
+of real business.
+
+"You have established yourselves in the Valley of the Moose Deer," he
+said, "a magnificent settlement."
+
+"Well, what then?"
+
+"That valley belongs to one of the most powerful tribes on the whole of
+the Missouri," continued Lagrenay.
+
+"No matter. Virgin soil belongs to the first comer."
+
+"Perhaps. But that is not the question. This tribe have other lands of
+which they take no account," went on the squatter, "and will probably
+never claim, but they have special reasons for keeping the Valley of
+the Deer sacred."
+
+"Explain yourself," cried both.
+
+"In that valley is buried the treasure of the nation."
+
+"What treasure? Old shooter of muskrats!" cried Joshua; "There is no
+treasure like mother earth."
+
+"I mean a real treasure--gold, ingots, diamonds," said the old man, "to
+the extent of many millions."
+
+"So much the better," replied Joshua; "it is mine."
+
+"Take care! The struggle will be terrible. Your adversaries are many
+and brave; they have allied themselves with the outlaws of the desert,
+and, moreover, have taken as their chief a fellow countryman, who
+dearly covets your possessions."
+
+"May I ask the name of my countryman?" inquired Samuel, in a bantering
+tone of voice.
+
+"His name is George Clinton," said Lagrenay.
+
+"George Clinton!" exclaimed Joshua, amazed.
+
+"You lie, miserable wretch!" said Samuel Dickson, rising; "George
+Clinton is an honourable man, not a--"
+
+"I have spoken the truth. Do as you please."
+
+Then the door was burst open, and two men entered pushing forward a
+third with blows of musket butts.
+
+"Miserable wretch!" said one, seizing him by the throat, "I am George
+Clinton, and you lie in your teeth."
+
+Rock attempted to fly at the assailants, but Charbonneau brained him
+with the butt end of his gun.
+
+Lagrenay rose rifle in hand, but the two Americans disarmed him, and
+forced him to reseat himself.
+
+The prisoner brought in was Tubash-Shah. Behind the three men appeared
+the dogs Nadeje and Drack.
+
+"Gentlemen, we arrive in time. Thank heaven, we have brought with us
+this wretch, who now will tell the truth."
+
+And he looked at the Indian with a glance that made him shudder to the
+marrow of his bones.
+
+The two Americans were exceedingly surprised, while Lagrenay thought in
+vain of some new subterfuge.
+
+Roused by the noise made on the entrance of the three men, the wife
+of Lagrenay had risen in haste, and, without waiting to dress, had
+rushed into the room. She entered without being seen, and tremblingly
+ensconced herself behind her husband.
+
+Inside there was silence, but without the sound of many men.
+
+None spoke for some time; everyone's breathing seemed oppressed.
+Lagrenay, his teeth chattering, at last spoke.
+
+"Will you explain this outrage?" he began.
+
+"Silence!" cried George Clinton, in a terrible voice; "Speak only when
+called upon for your defence. All I hope is that when you have heard of
+what you are accused you may be able to give a satisfactory reply to
+the charge."
+
+"Accused--defend myself!" cried the old man.
+
+"Yes, before Judge Lynch, who will decide between us," said Clinton,
+coldly. "Listen, here come your judges."
+
+As he spoke several men entered. Lagrenay felt himself lost. He was in
+the hands of implacable foes.
+
+Tubash-Shah, erect against the wall, appeared utterly indifferent. But
+his every thought was intent on escape.
+
+The sudden appearance of George Clinton had very much surprised Joshua
+Dickson. All his rage was revived, and he was prepared to treat him
+with severity and hatred. The idea of treason still rankled in his mind.
+
+Two men had now seized upon the squatter, and, despite the cries of his
+wife, were trying to carry him out.
+
+At that moment Louis and François Berger entered.
+
+"My cousins!" cried Lagrenay, "They would murder me!"
+
+"Save my old man!" said the wife, pitifully.
+
+"My friends and brothers," said Louis Berger, raising his hand, "this
+man is my relative. Give him to me. Justice shall be done."
+
+The squatter was released, and hid himself behind his two Canadian
+cousins, trembling, nearly dead.
+
+"Sirs," said Louis to the Americans, "you are the new squatters
+established in the Moose Deer Valley?"
+
+"We are," replied Joshua, rather doggedly.
+
+"Then I have business with you. In the first place, by what right have
+you squatted in that place?"
+
+"Really, except that you have force on your side, I should not answer
+so singular a question. Because I found it."
+
+"I beg to inform you that it is private property. You are by no means
+the first occupier."
+
+"And who may he be?" asked Joshua, furiously.
+
+"Myself. It was given me by the chiefs of the Huron tribe. A deed,
+perfectly legal, exists."
+
+"Can a man find no free land on earth?" he cried, "On the face of the
+earth? You claim it, then?"
+
+At this moment, when all were busy, Tubash saw his opportunity, and
+ran. Two or three pursued, but the rest remained.
+
+"Then," said Joshua, presently, "there is some truth in the story of
+the gold treasure in the valley?"
+
+"Yes, and I have recently ceded all my rights to Tom Mitchell, chief of
+the outlaws."
+
+"Then all I have to do is to go?" urged Joshua.
+
+"I think the matter might be arranged," observed Louis. "Here is a
+young man who loves your child. George Clinton, is it not so?"
+
+"It is useless my persuading Joshua Dickson."
+
+"By heavens!" cried Samuel, "But you shall. Here is a noble, young,
+rich, brave--"
+
+"But," cried Joshua, "what has that to do with it?"
+
+"Sole owner of the Valley of the Deer," continued Louis Berger, drily;
+"he bought it this morning."
+
+"But--" still hesitated Joshua.
+
+"To arms!" cried Tom Mitchell, rushing in, "To arms! Pardieu! You have
+fallen into the trap."
+
+"What is the matter?" cried the brothers.
+
+"While you are wasting your time here, your plantation is attacked by
+Indians," he responded, "who are burning and destroying all. Soon there
+will be only ruins and ashes."
+
+This terrible revelation fell like a thunderbolt upon all present in
+that room.
+
+Tom Mitchell--his dress torn, his face covered by powder and blood,
+holding a smoking gun--summoned them.
+
+George Clinton, without waiting a minute, darted away, followed by
+Charbonneau and his dogs.
+
+Above all, he would save her he loved from the fearful peril she was in
+of falling into the hands of redskins.
+
+"What is to be done?" cried Joshua.
+
+"Never despair," said the outlaw. "Your sons and servants are fighting
+like lions. We must join them."
+
+"Come along," cried Samuel.
+
+"Oh! Oh!" said Joshua, brandishing his rifle, "The rascally redskins
+shall pay for this."
+
+"Come, in the name of God!" cried the outlaw; "I have with me a party
+ready for any amount of redskins."
+
+At these words everybody mounted, and dashed through the darkness like
+a legion of phantoms.
+
+Four persons only remained in the silent and deserted hut--the two old
+Canadians, Lagrenay, and his wife.
+
+The old squatter had, during these exciting scenes, recovered his
+equanimity. He believed himself saved.
+
+As soon as they were alone, he and his wife began to place refreshments
+on the table for their guests.
+
+The two Canadians remained standing, leaning on their rifles, and not
+noticing even the preparations.
+
+"My dear relations," said Lagrenay, in an insinuating voice, "will you
+honour me by accepting refreshments?"
+
+"What does the man say?" asked François Berger.
+
+"You have a long journey to go," continued Lagrenay, "you must be
+extremely tired and want rest."
+
+"What matter?" said the old man.
+
+"Will you not empty a cup of whisky?" began the woman.
+
+"Silence!" cried the hunter, striking the butt of his rifle on the
+ground, "And listen."
+
+The old man shuddered.
+
+"Lagrenay," he went on, in a hollow voice, "I dragged you from the
+hands of Judge Lynch, because I did not wish to see my cousin hanged;
+you have dishonoured not only the name you bear, but the family to
+which you belong; that family, poor as it has always been, has known
+how to preserve its honour intact. That honour you have soiled, from
+the base love of gold. Prepare to die."
+
+"To die!" he murmured.
+
+"My cousins, my dear cousins, you will not have the heart to kill my
+poor old man," said his wife, clasping her hands and weeping; "thirty
+years we have lived together. What shall I do when he is gone? Who will
+support my miserable existence? Have mercy, in the name of the Lord. If
+you kill him, I shall die."
+
+"You shall not die," said François Berger; "my cousin will take care of
+you for life."
+
+"I," she said, with a gesture of horror, "accept the protection of the
+murderers of my husband, eat the bread of assassins! I should choke
+myself at the first mouthful. Have mercy, then, and shoot us together."
+
+Louis Berger turned away his head. Even the inflexible old judge of the
+reign of terror was moved.
+
+Then he made a sign to his son, and both cocked their rifles.
+
+"Stop!" said Lagrenay, in a firm and solemn voice; "I know your
+inflexible will too well to ask my life of you. You have decided on
+my death. Good. But I will not die at your hands. You say the honour
+of the family requires that justice should be done. Well, it shall be
+done. Still I could not die like a dog. Give me ten minutes to pray.
+You will not refuse this?"
+
+"Heaven forbid!" said the old man, "And may heaven have mercy on you
+for all your sins."
+
+"Thanks, cousins and friends," cried the squatter, "and now, wife, on
+your knees. Let us beg forgiveness of our sins."
+
+The two old men went out, tears in their eyes, and almost inclined to
+be merciful. Stern will prevailed.
+
+Five minutes later, a double shot was heard. They rushed in. Both lay
+dead upon the floor.
+
+Justice was done.
+
+The two hunters kneeled down beside the bodies, and said a silent
+prayer over them.
+
+Then, in the room itself, they dug a grave, and, after some little
+time, interred the husband and wife.
+
+Then, dragging away by main force the wounded dog, they collected a lot
+of brushwood and other fuel.
+
+This they piled against the house and then fired. In a few minutes the
+whole was in flames.
+
+The dog got away, and plunged into the burning pile.
+
+When all was over and nought remained but cinders and ashes, the two
+men wiped away a tear and retired.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+A DESPERATE STRUGGLE.
+
+
+Tom Mitchell had told the truth. The plantation of Joshua Dickson had
+been attacked by a numerous party.
+
+This is how it had come about.
+
+Tubash-Shah and the squatter, Lagrenay, excited by a common hatred, had
+come to an understanding.
+
+The old wretch, whose whole thoughts were bent on the vast treasure
+concealed in the valley, had promised the Indian, not only his share
+of the gold, but the possession of a beautiful white girl, at least as
+beautiful as Evening Dew.
+
+He further suggested that as Numank-Charake would be sure to join
+Clinton, he could kill him too.
+
+He would then have the two most beautiful wives on the prairie.
+
+The Indian was easily seduced by this radiant project, which the old
+squatter fluttered before his eyes.
+
+An alliance defensive and offensive was struck up.
+
+It was Tubash-Shah who suggested the treacherous visit of the redskins
+on the occasion of the great marriage.
+
+In order to facilitate the attack on the settlement, old Lagrenay sent
+a secret message to the squatters, who fell into the trap prepared for
+them. Tubash-Shah was outside, waiting to take them, when he himself
+was made prisoner.
+
+This nearly spoiled all. But, after only half an hour's detention,
+Tubash escaped.
+
+He joined his expectant companions, and the plantation was at once
+attacked on all sides by Indians.
+
+But the Americans were on the watch, and received the redskins in a way
+that rather surprised them.
+
+Tom Mitchell, warned by his spies, had given them sufficient hints,
+while himself preparing.
+
+One hundred and fifty outlaws, under the orders of Tête de Plume, had
+been secretly sent into the fort by George Clinton.
+
+He had then, with Charbonneau, gone and concealed himself near
+Lagrenay's hut.
+
+Camotte had been sent to the village of the Huron Bisons to
+Numank-Charake, and Bright-eye, to ask for the assistance of all the
+warriors of the tribe who could be spared.
+
+On the other hand, Tom Mitchell, at the head of his most daring
+companions, had placed himself in a position to be at hand at anytime.
+But if the defence had been well arranged, the attack was most fierce
+and desperate; the redskins fought like demons; brave, well armed, and
+counting on the vast superiority of their numbers, the Indians rushed
+to the charge against the intrenchments with a ferocity quite unusual.
+
+These intrenchments had been hastily thrown up, and could not long
+resist such an attack.
+
+Tubash-Shah, at the head of a picked band of warriors, did wonders. He
+was a host in himself.
+
+The struggle became at one time so desperate that Tom Mitchell
+himself began to despair; then it was that he dashed off to the hut
+of Lagrenay, and called to arms all who were collected together in
+deliberation.
+
+Then he started again at the head of the reinforcement, like a storm
+cloud on the wing.
+
+Again the combat seemed desperate.
+
+The war cry of the American Indians and the hurrahs of the whites were
+mixed with the fusillade.
+
+Then a rush of horse was heard, an awful war whoop, and three hundred
+warriors, led by Numank-Charake, Bright-eye, and Camotte, appeared on
+the scene.
+
+Tom Mitchell gave a cry of joy.
+
+He divided his terrible cavaliers into three detachments, one commanded
+by Numank and Bright-eye, gave half his outlaws to Oliver, and took the
+rest under his own immediate orders.
+
+Then at a given signal, the three troops rushed, with horrible yells
+and cries, upon the astonished assailants.
+
+Though taken aback, the brave redskins fronted both ways, and made a
+most terrible defence.
+
+Samuel Dickson and his brother meantime contrived to enter the
+settlement, amid joyous acclamations.
+
+It was time; the palisades and intrenchments were giving way, and the
+Indians were rushing in.
+
+The combat became now gigantic in its proportions. The redskins, led by
+Tubash-Shah, fought with desperate valour.
+
+He kept the _élite_ of his men together, and worked his way towards the
+interior of the settlement.
+
+Presently he drew forth his human thighbone whistle and darted for the
+house. He had seen Diana.
+
+The young girl, seeing the demon covered by blood and powder,
+brandishing his hatchet, and forcing, with a hideous cry, his horse
+towards the women, gave a desperate shriek of agonised terror.
+
+"Ah, ah!" cried Tubash-Shah, in triumph; "The paleface girl. At last
+she is mine."
+
+He urged forward his horse, which reared with abject terror, and threw
+his master heavily.
+
+Dardar, the faithful dog, always in attendance on Diana, had seized the
+warhorse by the nostrils.
+
+He then let him go, and caught the Indian himself by the throat.
+
+"Good dog," shouted George Clinton, as he ran up with Charbonneau,
+Drack, and Nadeje.
+
+The battle was over. The few Indians who were left threw down their
+arms in despair.
+
+"My daughter, oh, my daughter!" cried Joshua, who came rushing from the
+inside of the house.
+
+"She is here, sir," said Clinton.
+
+"And her abductor?" he continued.
+
+"Is dead," he answered, pointing to the corpse, which the dog was
+worrying as he would have done a rat.
+
+"My son, I thank you," said Joshua; "what do I not owe to you? Take
+her."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Two days after M. Hebrard returned to the fort a wiser man. Oliver
+proved his rank, name, and right to fortune, to the satisfaction of
+everybody.
+
+"Tell my relatives," he said, "that as long as they leave me alone, I
+shall be quiet. Go, and let us never meet again."
+
+A week later, after the marriage of George and Diana, Tom Mitchell,
+Bright-eye, Oliver, and Captain Durand, started on the dangerous
+expedition undertaken by the outlaw, and of which, probably, we shall
+give some account at a future time.
+
+[For further adventures of Bright-eye, see the "Prairie Flower," and
+the "Indian Scout," same publishers.]
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MISSOURI OUTLAWS***
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+<body>
+<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Missouri Outlaws, by Gustave Aimard,
+Translated by Percy B. St. John</h1>
+<p>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 <a
+href="http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></p>
+<p>Title: The Missouri Outlaws</p>
+<p>Author: Gustave Aimard</p>
+<p>Release Date: January 3, 2014  [eBook #44574]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MISSOURI OUTLAWS***</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h4>E-text prepared by Camille Bernard and Marc D'Hooghe<br />
+    (<a href="http://www.freeliterature.org">http://www.freeliterature.org</a>)<br />
+    from page images generously made available by<br />
+    HathiTrust Digital Library<br />
+    (<a href="http://www.hathitrust.org/digital_library">http://www.hathitrust.org/digital_library</a>)</h4>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;margin: 0 auto;" cellpadding="10">
+  <tr>
+    <td valign="top">
+      Note:
+    </td>
+    <td>
+      Images of the original pages are available through
+      HathiTrust Digital Library. See
+      <a href="http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3750786;view=1up;seq=495">
+      http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3750786;view=1up;seq=495</a>
+    </td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="pg" />
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h1>THE MISSOURI OUTLAWS</h1>
+
+<h3>By</h3>
+
+<h2>GUSTAVE AIMARD</h2>
+
+
+<h4>AUTHOR OF "PRAIRIE FLOWER," "INDIAN SCOUT," ETC., ETC.</h4>
+
+
+<h4>TRANSLATED BY PERCY B. ST. JOHN</h4>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h5>LONDON</h5>
+
+<h5>JOHN and ROBERT MAXWELL</h5>
+
+<h5>MILTON HOUSE, SHOE LANE, FLEET STREET</h5>
+
+<h5>AND</h5>
+
+<h5>35, ST. BRIDE STREET, LUDGATE CIRCUS.</h5>
+
+<h5>1877</h5>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<h4>NOTICE.</h4>
+
+<p><span  style="font-size: 0.8em;">GUSTAVE AIMARD</span> was the adopted son of one of the most powerful Indian
+tribes, with whom he lived for more than fifteen years in the heart of
+the prairies, sharing their dangers and their combats, and accompanying
+them everywhere, rifle in one hand and tomahawk in the other. In turn
+squatter, hunter, trapper, warrior, and miner, <span  style="font-size: 0.8em;">GUSTAVE AIMARD</span> has
+traversed America from the highest peaks of the Cordilleras to the
+ocean shores, living from hand to mouth, happy for the day, careless
+of the morrow. Hence it is that <span  style="font-size: 0.8em;">GUSTAVE AIMARD</span> only describes his
+own life. The Indians of whom he speaks he has known&mdash;the manners he
+depicts are his own.</p>
+
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<h4><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE">PREFACE</a></h4>
+
+
+<p>Very few of the soul-stirring narratives written by <span  style="font-size: 0.8em;">GUSTAVE AIMARD</span>
+are equal in freshness and vigour to "The Missouri Outlaws," hitherto
+unpublished in this country. The characters of the Squatter, the real,
+restless, unconquerable American, who is always going ahead, and of
+his wife and daughter, are admirably depicted, while his eccentric
+brother is a perfect gem of description. The great interest, however,
+of the narrative is centred in Tom Mitchell, the mysterious outlaw,
+whose fortunes excite the readers' imagination to the utmost. There
+can be no doubt he is one of the most original characters depicted by
+the versatile pen of the great French novelist. In addition to being
+a story of adventure, "The Missouri Outlaws" is also a love tale, and
+abounds in tender pathos, the interest of which is well sustained in
+"The Prairie Flower" and in its sequel, "The Indian Scout."</p>
+
+<p style="text-align: right; font-size: 0.8em;">PERCY B. ST. JOHN.</p>
+
+<p>London: <i>February, 1877.</i></p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h5>CONTENTS</h5>
+
+<div class="center" style="font-size: 0.8em;">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">I.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">THE GOOD SHIP PATRIOT</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">II.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">SAMUEL DICKSON GIVES ADVICE TO HIS BROTHER</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">III.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">A QUEER CUSTOMER</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">IV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">AN ALLIANCE OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">V.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">A GREAT MEDICINE COUNCIL</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">VI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">SAMUEL DICKSON HUNTS A MOOSE DEER</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">VII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">JOSHUA DICKSON BECOMES MASTER OF THE VALLEY</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">VIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">DIANA DICKSON AND HER FOE</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">IX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">THEY MAKE AN ACQUAINTANCE</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">X.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">WHO THE STRANGER WAS</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">EXPLANATIONS</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">HOW THE THREE TRAVELLERS WENT TO<br /> GEORGE CLINTON'S</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">TOM MITCHELL</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XIV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">SAMUEL AND JOSHUA</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XV.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">NEW CHARACTERS</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XVI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">TOM MITCHELL AS REDRESSER OF WRONGS</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XVII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">A DIPLOMATIC CONVERSATION BETWEEN TWO RASCALS</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XVIII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">THE PRISONER</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XIX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">IN WHICH TOM MITCHELL DISCOVERS THAT HONESTY<br /> IS A GOOD SPECULATION</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XX.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">A STRANGE CHASE</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXI.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">CAPTAIN TOM MITCHELL, THE AVENGER</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="right">XXII.</td><td align="left"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">A DESPERATE STRUGGLE</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h3>THE MISSOURI OUTLAWS</h3>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>THE GOOD SHIP PATRIOT.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>On the 4th of August, 1801, a little after eight o'clock at night, just
+as the last rays of the setting sun disappeared behind the heights
+of Dorchester, gilding as they did so the summits of certain islands
+scattered at the entrance to Boston Bay, some idlers of both sexes,
+collected on Beacon Hill, at the foot of the lighthouse, saw a large
+vessel making for the harbour.</p>
+
+<p>At first it seemed as if the ship would be compelled to desist from her
+design, as the wind was slightly contrary; but, by a series of skilful
+manoeuvres, it at last passed by the danger which threatened, the sails
+were one by one taken in and furled, and finally the anchor was cast
+beside one of the many vessels in port.</p>
+
+<p>A few minutes later nothing was to be seen on deck save one man walking
+up and down doing duty as watch for the time being.</p>
+
+<p>The vessel had, under cover of a dense fog, escaped from Brest, slipped
+past the English cruisers, and finally, after many dangers, reached its
+destination.</p>
+
+<p>Descending into the cabin, we find two men seated at a table upon which
+were glasses, bottles, pipes, and tobacco, conversing and smoking.</p>
+
+<p>These were Captain Pierre Durand, a young man, with regular but rather
+effeminate features, and yet a look of frank honesty, to which his
+sparkling eyes, his broad forehead, his long waving hair, gave an
+appearance of singular energy. Though every inch a sailor, there was a
+refinement about him not generally found in his class.</p>
+
+<p>His companion was a handsome and haughty young man, of about
+two-and-twenty, of moderate height, but with very broad shoulders; he
+was evidently of powerful make, with nerves of steel. His complexion
+was olive; his hair long wavy black; his eyes were large and bold; the
+expression of his countenance sombre and thoughtful, while at this
+early age many a wrinkle caused by thought or suffering was to be
+observed.</p>
+
+<p>There had evidently been a warm discussion, for the captain was walking
+up and down, a frown upon his brow. Suddenly, however, he reseated
+himself and held out his hand across the table.</p>
+
+<p>"I was wrong. Do not be vexed," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not angry, my good Pierre," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"Then why sulk with your friend?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not sulk, heaven knows; I am simply sad. You have reopened a
+wound I thought forever closed," the other added with a sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then, in heaven's name, if it be so," cried the captain, "let us
+talk about something else&mdash;and above all, let us drink. This old rum is
+a sovereign remedy for the blues. Your health, my friend."</p>
+
+<p>Both drank after touching glasses, and then silence again ensued.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, my dear Oliver," resumed the captain, "at last we are safe in
+Boston. We leave tomorrow. What do you intend to do?"</p>
+
+<p>"You remember our conversation at Brest?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have not forgotten it, but I never seriously entertained the idea.
+We had dined rather copiously."</p>
+
+<p>"We were very sober. There were two bottles on the table, one empty
+and the other nearly full. I then told you that though I had only just
+returned to France after an absence of ten years, I was compelled to
+leave at a moment's notice, and to leave without raising any suspicion.
+I wanted to depart without anyone being able to obtain the slightest
+clue; you remember," he added.</p>
+
+<p>"I do, and I told you that I would run the blockade that very night, if
+the weather turned out as bad as I expected. Did I keep my promise?"</p>
+
+<p>"With all the loyalty of your honest heart. I also told you I intended
+remaining in America."</p>
+
+<p>"It is to that madcap resolution I object," said the captain
+emphatically. "Why not stay with me? You are an excellent sailor&mdash;you
+shall be my chief officer."</p>
+
+<p>"No, my friend. I can accept nothing which can ever tempt me to return
+to France," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"How you suffer!" sighed his friend.</p>
+
+<p>"Horribly. Come, my friend, as we shall part for ever tomorrow, I will
+tell you my history."</p>
+
+<p>"Not if it makes you suffer."</p>
+
+<p>"I will be brief. Sad as my story is, it is not very long."</p>
+
+<p>"Go on," replied Captain Durand, filling up two more glasses of rum,
+and lighting a fresh cigar for himself.</p>
+
+<p>"I will not sermonise, but begin at the beginning. I was born in Paris,
+but might be English, German, or even Russian, for all I know. I am
+simply aware that my birthplace was Paris, in the house of a doctor,
+where my mother took refuge. It was in the Rue St. Honoré I first
+saw the light but, as soon as I could be removed, was sent to the
+Foundling. There I remained four years, until a loving young couple,
+who had lost their only child, adopted me. They were poor, and lived on
+the third floor of a wretched old house, in the Rue Plumet, where, I
+must own, I had enough, but of very coarse, food."</p>
+
+<p>"One day, however, fortune knocked at the door. My adopted mother was,
+and still is, one of the handsomest women in Paris. By accident an old
+friend, a distant relation, a man of high position, found her out. He
+at once procured a lucrative appointment for my supposed parent, and
+we moved to a splendid residence in the Faubourg du Roule. The friend,
+who lived close by, at once began to visit us every evening, and, by a
+curious coincidence, the husband always found business which required
+his absence. He never returned until a quarter of an hour after the
+other had left."</p>
+
+<p>"Accommodating husband," sneered Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"Just so. But, unfortunately for me, I became older, curious, was
+always turning up when not wanted, and saying things which were not
+required. It was decided that I was an incorrigible scamp, and must be
+sent away."</p>
+
+<p>"My adopted mother had relations at Dunkirk, and I was packed off to
+them to be sent to sea as cabin boy. Then only did I discover that
+these people were not my parents. My supposed mother coldly kissed me,
+told me to be a good boy and gave me ten sous; my father, who escorted
+me to the ramshackle vehicle which traded between Paris and Calais,
+told me to remember this, that society never having done anything for
+me, I was to do nothing for society; the only virtues to which men ever
+owed success were, he said, selfishness and ingratitude. He further
+added, 'Good-bye, we shall never meet again.'"</p>
+
+<p>"He turned his back and left me. This was my first young sorrow, and I
+felt it very much."</p>
+
+<p>"I feel for you," said the captain; "your story is very much like my
+own."</p>
+
+<p>"These people, knowing me then to be very delicate, hoped that the
+hardy profession they had selected for me would kill me. They were
+mistaken."</p>
+
+<p>"As I see," answered Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"I was first boy on board a herring boat, where I had to endure the
+brutality and insolence of a low drunkard, who never spoke except with
+an oath from his mouth, accompanying it with a blow from his cane. My
+apprenticeship was one long terror. Sometimes a whaler, sometimes a cod
+fisher, sometimes a slaver. I have been five or six times round the
+world; abandoned on the wildest coast of America, I was a long time
+prisoner; shipwrecked on an island in the Pacific, I wonder I did not
+die of misery and despair."</p>
+
+<p>"Poor Oliver!"</p>
+
+<p>"But bad as was my life, I everywhere in savage lands found some
+friend; but in France, from which I was ignominiously expelled eleven
+years ago, I found on my return two implacable foes&mdash;Calumny and
+Hatred. I was a very sharp boy, and trusted wholly to strangers.
+I could not help hearing many things I should not have heard. I
+discovered the secret of my birth, who were my father and mother,
+their exact names, and their position in society. One day, in a moment
+of frenzy&mdash;and you know I am extremely violent&mdash;I was foolish enough
+to let out the fact that I knew all. From that day a vow was made to
+accomplish my ruin; the most calumnious reports pursued me; I was
+accused behind my back and in the dark of the most horrible crimes. It
+is to me still a wonder how I have escaped all the ambushes laid for
+me. My foes hesitated at nothing. They tried to assassinate me. Is it
+not horrible? Well, having failed in the ordinary way, they bribed the
+captain of a ship I had joined to maroon me on the coast of New Mexico,
+where dwell the most ferocious Indian tribes."</p>
+
+<p>"And the captain did this?"</p>
+
+<p>"Pardieu!" cried Oliver; "He was a poor man, and the father of a
+family. I was cast on shore stupefied by laudanum. When I recovered the
+ship was already out of sight. I expected to be killed by the savages
+or to die of hunger. How neither happened is too long a story to tell
+now. But the end of all is, I have determined on an eternal exile.
+Never again will I place myself in the power of my foes, who live rich,
+happy, and respected in France."</p>
+
+<p>"You will establish yourself in Boston?"</p>
+
+<p>"No! I have done with civilised life; I shall now try that of the
+desert. It is my intention to bury myself in the wilds until I find
+an Indian tribe that will welcome me. I will ask them to receive me
+as a warrior. I thoroughly understand the manners and customs of the
+aborigines, and shall easily make friends."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe," observed the captain, "that you are right in this
+particular. You are young, brave, and intelligent; therefore you will
+succeed even in this mad project. But mark my word, you may live five,
+perhaps ten years with the Indians; but at last you will weary of this
+existence&mdash;what will you do then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Who knows? Experience will have ripened my reason, perhaps killed my
+grief, even deadened the hatred which burns within my heart. I may even
+learn to forgive those who have made me suffer. That in itself is a
+sort of vengeance."</p>
+
+<p>"But you will never come to that," said his friend.</p>
+
+<p>The young man rose without making any reply, and went on deck.</p>
+
+<p>Next day, as soon as the usual formalities had been gone through, the
+captain landed in his boat with his young friend. Both were silent
+before the sailors. Very soon they were threading their way along the
+crowded quays. Boston was by no means the really magnificent town which
+now excite universal admiration, but it was already a very busy and
+important commercial emporium.</p>
+
+<p>The Americans, with their restless activity, had hastened to clear away
+all signs of the War of Independence; the town had grown quite young
+again, and assumed that gay and lively physiognomy which belongs to
+great commercial centres, where almost everybody can find the means of
+living.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as they were alone the captain spoke.</p>
+
+<p>"When, my friend, do you propose to start?" he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Tonight, two hours before the setting of the sun. I burn with a fierce
+desire to breathe the air of the great savannahs, to feel free from the
+trammels of civilisation," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, my friend, I must leave you now, but promise to wait breakfast
+for me, and to do nothing until you have seen me again," insisted the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>"I was about to ask you to join me. Where shall we breakfast?"</p>
+
+<p>The captain indicated a hotel at no great distance, after which he
+hurried away to wait on the consignees.</p>
+
+<p>"What on earth can Pierre mean," muttered Oliver to himself, "by my
+doing nothing until we meet again? Probably he will try once more to
+change my resolution. He ought to know that once I make up my mind I
+never falter. He is a good fellow, the only man who has ever been my
+sincere and devoted friend&mdash;the only being in the world I am sorry to
+part from."</p>
+
+<p>Musing thus Oliver strolled about, looking listlessly at the streets,
+the shops, and particularly selecting those which, by-and-by, he would
+have to visit for the purpose of his outfit, which he would have to
+purchase after breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>An hour later the two men met in front of the hotel. Both were exact to
+a minute. They ordered breakfast in a private room. As soon as they had
+finished the captain opened the ball.</p>
+
+<p>"Now let us chat," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"With the greatest of pleasure," replied Oliver. "Nothing is more
+agreeable after a meal than to enjoy a cigar, a cup of coffee, and a
+friend's company."</p>
+
+<p>"And yet you have determined to deprive yourself of these luxuries
+forever," replied Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"Man is ever insatiable. The unknown always did and always will attract
+him. He will ever quit the substance for the shadow. The fable is
+right. But let us talk of something else. Serious conversation after
+eating is folly," observed Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"You are quite right&mdash;some more rum in your coffee? It is an excellent
+thing. What do you think I have been doing since I saw you?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is impossible for me to guess," cried Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>The captain rose, went to the window, and gave a short whistle. After
+this, he returned to his seat, Oliver staring at him while he sipped
+his coffee.</p>
+
+<p>Five minutes elapsed, and then in came several men, carrying various
+packets, which they placed on a side table, and went out without
+speaking.</p>
+
+<p>"What does it mean?" cried Oliver, in comic astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>"Then something can rouse you?" cried Durand, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"No, only I wondered."</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind. You still intend going off tonight?" asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," said Oliver rising; "that reminds me&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"One moment. We are old friends, and there should be no secrets between
+us," urged Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"There shall be none," answered Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you much money?" asked Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you want to lend me any?" cried Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"No matter if I did. But still I want an answer," urged Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"I have eleven thousand francs in gold sewn in my belt, and in a bag
+fastened round my neck diamonds worth a hundred and twenty thousand
+more. Besides this I have about eighty guineas in English money for
+immediate expenses. Are you satisfied?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perfectly," said the captain laughing, "and now listen to me."</p>
+
+<p>"Then it appears you are not quite satisfied?" cried Oliver, in his
+turn surprised.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be in a hurry. I wish to interest you if I can."</p>
+
+<p>"I will wait your pleasure," observed Oliver, smiling at the other's
+hesitation.</p>
+
+<p>"It is useless," said Durand, "for me to feign a gaiety I do not feel.
+I feel more like weeping than laughing. The mere idea of this long,
+perhaps eternal, separation makes my heart bleed. I think that the hand
+now in mine I shall never shake again."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be downhearted. Perhaps we may meet sooner than either of us
+expect," retorted Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you may be a true prophet. Still I cannot help shuddering at
+the thought of your starting off amidst people whose language you do
+not even know."</p>
+
+<p>"There you are mistaken," responded Oliver; "as well as French, I speak
+English, Spanish, and Dutch, with about five Indian dialects, which I
+picked up at different times."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a wonder," mused the other, "that, placed as you have been, you
+should have had the time."</p>
+
+<p>"Before I became a cabin boy I could read and write a little. After a
+time I spent every moment of leisure in study."</p>
+
+<p>"I remember," sighed Durand, "I never met you without you were reading.
+What will you do for books now?"</p>
+
+<p>"What book is more interesting than that in which God has written on
+the plains, on the mountains, on the minutest blade of grass?" replied
+Oliver with enthusiasm. "Believe me, my friend, the sacred book of
+Nature has pages too interesting to ever weary us; from them you always
+find consolation, hope, encouragement. But," he added with a smile, "I
+have two books with me which, in my opinion, epitomise all great human
+thoughts, make man better, and even restore his courage, when bowed
+down by the heavy weight of misfortune. I have these books by heart,
+and yet I read them over again."</p>
+
+<p>And he laid on the table two books bound in black morocco.</p>
+
+<p>"What!" cried the amazed captain, "'The Imitation of Jesus Christ' and
+'Montaigne'!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. 'The Imitation of Jesus Christ' and 'Montaigne,' the most
+complete and sincere books ever written, for they tell the story of
+doubt and belief. They tell the rival story of all the philosophers
+who have existed since the creation of the world. With these two books
+and the magnificent spectacle of Nature around me have I not a whole
+library?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot make you out. You overwhelm me," said the captain; "but
+I have not the courage to contradict you. You are too much for me.
+Go forth, seek the unknown, for alone that will comprehend you. You
+are one of those whom adversity purifies and renders great; you will
+often feel inclined to fall by the way in the gigantic combat you are
+about to undertake against the world. But fail is not a word in your
+dictionary. Even death, when it comes, will not conquer you."</p>
+
+<p>"All the more that death is but a transformation, a purification of
+brutal matter by Divine agency. But," he remarked with a smile, "I
+think we are talking about very serious matters very foreign to our
+subject. Let us return to business, for the hour of our departure is
+rapidly approaching."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the tramp of horses was heard, and the captain again ran
+to the window.</p>
+
+<p>"Hilloa!" cried the young man; "Another of your mysterious walks! Do
+explain yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"All right," he replied, reseating himself, "there is no reason for
+circumlocution between friends. The truth must be told. I had hoped to
+lend you money, and I know that had you have required it, you would
+have borrowed it."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, without hesitation, my friend."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, as I find you are very much better off than myself, I
+withdraw the proposition; but I had already provided your outfit."</p>
+
+<p>"What can you mean? Provided my outfit!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes! I mean to say that there is not a single thing required for your
+journey that is not ready. Look!"</p>
+
+<p>And both rising, the captain opened the parcels which had been left on
+a side table.</p>
+
+<p>"Look here," said the captain; "this is a real Kentucky rifle, the
+only gun fit for a hunter; I have tried it. This is a ball pouch, with
+mould and everything necessary to make others when needed; this is
+your powder horn, which is full, while here are two small canisters
+to replenish with; this is a 'necessary,' as we sailors call it,
+containing spoon, fork, cup, knife, and other trifles; this is a
+leather belt; this is a game bag, with gaiters, riding boots, a cloak,
+and four rugs."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear friend," said Oliver, deeply moved, "you have been ruining
+yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"Get out of that and wait a little longer. As you seriously wish to
+adopt savage life, at all events you must be rigged out accordingly,"
+he added, laughing. "This is a hunting knife, which you put in your
+belt; these pistols are to be placed in the holsters; that sword is
+perhaps one of the best cavalry swords I have ever seen. What, more!
+Oh, yes. This portmanteau, which is neither too large nor too small,
+in which you will find shirts and other necessaries. Then some pipes,
+tobacco, flint and steel, and a dozen boxes of preserves, in case you
+may someday be short of provisions. I think, on my honour, that is all.
+No, I had forgotten: paper, pens, ink, and pencils. And now my watch as
+a last remembrance."</p>
+
+<p>"This I must refuse. Your watch is too useful to yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"My friend, every time you look at it you will think of me," said the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>And the two Frenchmen embraced.</p>
+
+<p>"I accept," replied Oliver, with deep emotion.</p>
+
+<p>"Now I know," continued the captain, "you are really my friend; and now
+let me see you dressed up as a true traveller, while I put the other
+things back into their parcels."</p>
+
+<p>"But before I don my new prairie costume, I have something else to
+buy," cried Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"What!" cried the captain, "I thought surely I had forgotten nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think, my dear friend, that I am going to carry all this on my
+back. I don't want to look like a comic Robinson Crusoe, and, besides,
+it is more than I could do. I must have a horse."</p>
+
+<p>The captain burst out laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Look out of window, my dear friend," he said, "and then you shall
+decide whether or not I forgot anything."</p>
+
+<p>Oliver approached the window, and saw two magnificent horses admirably
+caparisoned.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you think of those animals?" asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"They are both splendid; above all, the black one&mdash;a true horse of the
+prairies&mdash;a mustang."</p>
+
+<p>"You seem to know all about it."</p>
+
+<p>"I have seen them often enough," replied the young man; "the owner of
+this one should be proud."</p>
+
+<p>"It is yours," said Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"I bought it for you," was the simple reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Pierre! Pierre! I repeat, you are ruined."</p>
+
+<p>"Hush; I may as well add that under the saddles I have placed double
+pockets, which contain many things I have forgotten."</p>
+
+<p>"But there are two horses," he cried.</p>
+
+<p>"One for you and one for myself. At all events, I must see you fairly
+on your way."</p>
+
+<p>Oliver made no reply, but turned away to dress in order to hide his
+emotion. When he was in full costume his friend burst out laughing, and
+told him he looked like a Calabrian bandit.</p>
+
+<p>"And now which way do we go?" asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Straight forward," replied Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," cried the captain, "just so, as you are going round the world."</p>
+
+<p>In two hours, after a hearty and warm shake of the hand, they parted.
+They were too deeply moved to speak.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>SAMUEL DICKSON GIVES ADVICE TO HIS BROTHER.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>On the same day on which the <i>Patriot</i> anchored in the Bay of
+Massachusetts an interesting event took place between seven and eight
+in the morning in a pretty village named Northampton, at no great
+distance from Boston.</p>
+
+<p>Everybody was excited. A crowd of men, women, and children pressed
+around a number of waggons, each drawn by six horses. They stood in
+front of a brick house, the only inn of the village. Four magnificent
+saddle horses, with very handsome harness, were held by a young
+intelligent-looking Negro, who at the same time smoked a short pipe.</p>
+
+<p>The crowd was very excited, but very decorous and quiet&mdash;as a New
+England crowd always is&mdash;waiting simply for an explanation.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the sharp trot of a horse was heard at the entrance of the
+street. This served to create a new sensation in the crowd.</p>
+
+<p>"Samuel Dickson!" cried the people; "At last he has come. Now he will
+make them listen to reason."</p>
+
+<p>The new arrival was a man of middle age, with a pleasant countenance,
+delicate and intelligent features, clothed in the dress of a rich
+farmer, and in those parts was looked up to as a most important
+individual.</p>
+
+<p>He made his way carefully through the crowd, bowing on either hand, and
+rather puzzled at the ovation he was receiving.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Ah! That is you, massa," said a Negro, with a chuckle, as he
+approached the inn door.</p>
+
+<p>"Sandy, is that you? Then I suppose the others are inside," he
+remarked, as he dismounted and handed him the bridle.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Massa Samuel, dem all dere."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad of it," he replied, "for I have come a long way to see them.
+Look after my horse, he is rather fresh."</p>
+
+<p>Then, bowing once more to the crowd, Samuel Dickson entered the inn,
+closing the door behind him.</p>
+
+<p>In a large and comfortable room six persons, two women and four men,
+were seated at one of those copious breakfasts which are never seen
+to such perfection as in America. Upon benches round the room sat
+about twenty persons in a humbler station in life, amongst others two
+coloured young women, who were eating from bowls and plates placed on
+their knees.</p>
+
+<p>Those at the table were the members of the family&mdash;father, mother,
+daughter, and three sons. Those around were the servants.</p>
+
+<p>Joshua Dickson, the head of the family, was in reality a man of
+fifty-five, not, however, looking more than forty. He was a man of
+rude manners, but frank, honest expression. He was six feet high, as
+powerful as Hercules, a true type of those hardy pioneers who opened
+up the forests of the New World, drove back the Indians, and founded
+stations in the desert, which in time became rich and flourishing towns.</p>
+
+<p>His sons were named Harry, Sam, and Jack, aged respectively thirty,
+twenty-eight, and twenty-six. They were all three as tall as their
+father, and about as Herculean&mdash;true Americans, with no thought of the
+past, only looking to the future.</p>
+
+<p>Susan Dickson, the mother of this trio of giants, was a woman of about
+fifty&mdash;small, elegant, but extremely active, with delicate features
+and a pre-possessing physiognomy. She looked much younger than she
+really was&mdash;thanks to her really admirable complexion and the singular
+brightness of her eyes. She must have been rarely beautiful in her
+youth.</p>
+
+<p>Diana, the child of her old age, as she loved to call her, was
+scarcely sixteen, was the idol of the family, the guardian angel of
+the fireside; her father and brothers actually worshipped her. It
+was something wonderful to see their rude natures bending like reeds
+before the slightest wish of this delicate child, and obeying her most
+fantastic orders without a murmur.</p>
+
+<p>Diana was a charming brunette, with blue and dreamy eyes, slight and
+flexible form; she was pale; a look of profound melancholy was to be
+remarked on her countenance, giving to her physiognomy that angelic
+expression rarely found except in the Madonnas of Titien. This sadness,
+which all the family saw with sorrow, had only been in existence a few
+days. When questioned on the subject, even by her mother, she had no
+answer to give.</p>
+
+<p>"It is nothing at all," she said, "only a slight feeling of sickness,
+which will soon pass away."</p>
+
+<p>Hearing this, all had ceased to question her, though all felt uneasy,
+and slightly annoyed at her reticence. Still, as she was the spoiled
+child of the family, no one had the heart to blame her or pester her
+with questions. They had seduced her to govern them unquestioned that
+it appeared hard now to want to curb her will.</p>
+
+<p>The entrance of the stranger into the hall where the emigrants were
+breakfasting like persons who knew the value of time, caused no small
+stir; they ceased eating, and, glancing at one another, whispered
+amongst themselves. The stranger, leaning on his riding whip, looked at
+them with an odd kind of smile.</p>
+
+<p>The chief of the family, though himself somewhat surprised, was the
+first to recover himself. He rose, held out his hand, and spoke in what
+he intended should be a jovial tone. The attempt was a failure.</p>
+
+<p>"My good brother," he said, "this is indeed a surprise. I really did
+not expect to see you; but sit down beside my wife and have some
+breakfast."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you; I am not hungry."</p>
+
+<p>"Then excuse me if I finish my meal," continued the emigrant.</p>
+
+<p>"Brother," presently said Samuel, "for a man of your age you are acting
+in an extraordinary manner."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think so," replied the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me ask you where are you going?"</p>
+
+<p>"Northward, to the great lakes."</p>
+
+<p>"What is the meaning of this?"</p>
+
+<p>"My friend, I am told there is good land to be had but for the taking."</p>
+
+<p>"May I ask who put this silly idea in your head?"</p>
+
+<p>"No one. It is a splendid country, with splendid forests, water in
+abundance, a delicious climate, though rather cold, and land for
+nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you seen this beautiful country?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; but I know all about it."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you?" sneered the other; "Well, beware of the creeks."</p>
+
+<p>"Never you fear. Wherever there is water there are bridges."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course; and now may I ask, what have you done with your magnificent
+southern property?" the other asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I have sold it, slaves and all, keeping only such as were willing to
+follow me. I brought away all that could travel&mdash;my wife, my sons, my
+daughter, my furniture, my horses, all I wanted."</p>
+
+<p>"May I without offence ask you this question: Were you not very well
+where you were? Did you not find the land excellent?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was well off, and the land was excellent."</p>
+
+<p>"Were you unable to sell your produce?"</p>
+
+<p>"I had an admirable market," was the answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Then," cried Samuel, angrily, "what in the devil's name do you mean by
+giving it up and going to a land where you will find nothing but wild
+beasts, brutal savages, and a hard and rigorous climate?"</p>
+
+<p>The bold adventurer, driven into his last intrenchment, made no reply,
+only scratching his head in search of a reply. His wife here interfered.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the use," she said, smiling, "asking for reasons which do
+not exist? Joshua is going for the love of change&mdash;nothing more. All
+our lives, as you well know, we have been roaming hither and thither.
+As soon as we are once comfortably settled anywhere, then we begin to
+think it time to be off."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes! Yes! I know my brother's vagabond habits. But when he is in one
+of his mad fits, why do you not interfere?" he cried, impetuously.</p>
+
+<p>"Brother, you don't know what it is to be married to a wanderer," she
+said.</p>
+
+<p>"Good!" cried Joshua, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"But if you don't find this beautiful country?" asked Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"I will embark on one of the rivers."</p>
+
+<p>"And where will you land?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have not the slightest idea. But there, do not be uneasy, I shall
+find a place."</p>
+
+<p>"Then," said Samuel, gazing at him with perfect amazement in his looks,
+"you are determined?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am determined."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, as we shall never meet again, come and spend a few days at my
+house," urged Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"I am very sorry to decline, but I cannot go back. If I were to waste a
+day, it would be a serious loss of time and money. I must reach my new
+settlement in time for the sowing."</p>
+
+<p>Samuel Dickson, putting his hands behind his back, walked across the
+room with great strides, backwards and forwards, watching his niece
+curiously under his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>He several times struck the ground with his riding whip, muttering to
+himself all the time. Diana sat with her hands crossed on her knees,
+the teardrops falling from her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the farmer appeared to have made up his mind. Turning round,
+he laid his heavy hand on his brother's shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Joshua!" he said, "It is clear to me that you are mad, and that I
+alone in the family possess any common sense; never, God forgive you,
+did more crooked notion enter the head of an honest man. You won't come
+to my house? Very good. I will then ask you one thing, which, if you
+refuse, I shall never forgive you."</p>
+
+<p>"You know how much I love you."</p>
+
+<p>"I know you say so; but this is the favour I ask: don't start until you
+see me again."</p>
+
+<p>"Hem! But&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I must get home on important business at once. My house is but twenty
+miles distant; I shall soon be back."</p>
+
+<p>"But when?" cautiously asked the emigrant.</p>
+
+<p>"Tomorrow, or the next day at the latest."</p>
+
+<p>"That is a long delay," continued Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not deny it. But as your paradise, your El Dorado, your beautiful
+country will not probably run away, you are bound to reach it sooner
+or later. Besides," urged Samuel, "it is important, very important, we
+should meet again."</p>
+
+<p>"As you will, my brother," sighed Joshua; "I give you my word to wait
+until the day after tomorrow at seven o'clock in the morning&mdash;no later."</p>
+
+<p>"That will suit me admirably," cried the farmer; "so good-bye for the
+present."</p>
+
+<p>And with a bow to all, and a smile to Diana, he hurried out of the room.</p>
+
+<p>The crowd still patiently surrounded the inn and received him with a
+loud shout. He, however, took no notice, but rode off.</p>
+
+<p>"We could not very well refuse, Susan," said the farmer to his wife.</p>
+
+<p>"He is your brother," she replied.</p>
+
+<p>"Our only relative," murmured Diana.</p>
+
+<p>"True. Diana is right. Children, unharness the animals: we will stop
+here tonight."</p>
+
+<p>And, to the great surprise of the gaping crowd, who hung about after
+the fashion of idlers, the horses of the emigrants were unyoked and
+taken to a shed, the waggons placed under cover, without the curious
+knowing the reason why.</p>
+
+<p>On the morning of the second day Joshua Dickson, shortly after sunrise,
+was overlooking the horses being fed by his sons and servants, when a
+great noise was heard in the street, as of many waggons, and then there
+was a sharp knocking at the door of the inn.</p>
+
+<p>Joshua hastily left the stables and took his way to the great room of
+the hotel.</p>
+
+<p>He came face to face with Samuel Dickson, who had just been admitted by
+the sleepy innkeeper.</p>
+
+<p>"Hilloa!" cried Joshua, "Is that you, my brother?"</p>
+
+<p>"Who else do you suppose it is?" cried Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, but I did not expect you so early."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Samuel, drily, "I was afraid you might give me the slip,
+so I came early."</p>
+
+<p>"An excellent idea, brother," said Mrs. Dickson, who now entered.</p>
+
+<p>"And knowing how anxious my brother is to reach the promised land, I
+would not keep him waiting."</p>
+
+<p>"Quite right," coolly replied Joshua; "and now about this important
+business?"</p>
+
+<p>"Look out of window," drily answered Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>Joshua obeyed, and saw five heavily-laden waggons, drawn each by
+horses, with about twelve hired men.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," coolly observed Joshua, "what may be the meaning of all this?"</p>
+
+<p>"It means," answered the farmer, "that as you have found yourself such
+a fool, it becomes my duty, as your elder brother, to come and look
+after you. I have sold up everything, and invested part, as you see."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my brother!" cried Joshua, with tears in his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Am I not your only relative? Wherever you go, I shall go&mdash;only there
+will now be two fools, but I am the bigger of the two. I talk like a
+wise man and act like a foolish child."</p>
+
+<p>Uncle Samuel was adored by all the family, everyone was delighted,
+while Diana was radiant.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my good uncle," she said, warmly embracing him, "it is for me you
+do this."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think," he whispered, "I ever meant to desert my niece?"</p>
+
+<p>Two hours later the double caravan started on its way.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>A QUEER CUSTOMER.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>It was the beginning of the month of October, and some sharp frosts
+had rid the land of mosquitoes and gnats, which during the hot season
+abound in myriads near watercourses and beneath the leafy arches of the
+virgin forest, being one of its worst scourges.</p>
+
+<p>A few minutes after the rising of the sun a traveller, mounted on a
+magnificent horse, wearing the costume of a prairie hunter, and whose
+general appearance indicated a white man, emerged at a walking pace
+from a high thicket, and entered upon a vast prairie, at that day
+almost unknown to the trappers themselves, those hardy explorers of
+the desert&mdash;and which was not far from the Rocky Mountains, in the
+centre of the Indian country, and nearly two thousand miles from any
+settlement.</p>
+
+<p>This traveller was Oliver. He had, we see, already travelled a long
+distance.</p>
+
+<p>Two months only had elapsed, during which, going always straight before
+him, he had traversed all the provinces of the young American republic,
+never stopping except to rest himself and horse; then he had passed the
+frontier and entered the desert.</p>
+
+<p>Then he was happy. For the first time in his life he was free and
+unfettered, having cut himself off forever, as he thought, from the
+heavy trammels of civilisation.</p>
+
+<p>Oliver had at once begun his apprenticeship as a hunter, and a rude
+apprenticeship it is, causing many of the boldest and bravest to
+retreat. But Oliver was no ordinary man; he was young, of rare vigour
+and address, and, above all, possessed that iron will which nothing
+stops, and which is the secret of great deeds; that leonine courage
+which laughs at danger, and that indomitable pride which made him,
+he thought, the equal of any living being. He therefore considered
+nothing impossible, that is to say, he felt he could not only do what
+anyone else had ever done, but even more, if he were called upon by
+extraordinary circumstances to try.</p>
+
+<p>During two months he had met with numerous adventures. He had fought
+many a battle, and braved dangers before which the bravest might have
+retreated&mdash;perils of all kinds, from man, beast, and Nature herself.</p>
+
+<p>A victor in every case, his audacity had increased, his energy had
+redoubled. His apprentice days were over, and he now felt himself a
+true runner of the woods, that is to say, a man whom no appalling
+sight, whom no dreadful catastrophe, would terrify&mdash;in fact, one who
+was only to be moved by the majestic aspect of nature.</p>
+
+<p>He had paused as he left the thicket to examine the scene.</p>
+
+<p>Before him was a valley through which flowed two rivers, which after
+some time joined and fell into the Missouri, whose vast lake surface
+appeared like a white vapoury line on the distant horizon. Upon a
+promontory projecting into the first river was a superb bosquet of
+palms and magnolias; the latter, shaped like a perfect cone, stood in
+lustrous verdure against the dazzling whiteness of the flowers, which,
+despite the season, were still blooming. These flowers were so large
+that Oliver could see them a mile off.</p>
+
+<p>The great majority of these magnolias were over a hundred feet high;
+many were very much more.</p>
+
+<p>To the right was a wood of poplars, overrun with vines of enormous
+size, which wholly concealed the trunks. They then ran to the top of
+the tree, then redescending along the branches, passed from one tree
+to another, mixing up with piquot, a kind of creeper which hung in
+garlands and festoons from every bough.</p>
+
+<p>The young man could not take his eyes off the magnificent spectacle.
+Suddenly he started, as he made out a thin column of smoke rising from
+the centre of the magnolia thicket.</p>
+
+<p>Now the presence of smoke denotes fire, and fire indicates human
+beings. In nine cases out of ten, in the desert, such human beings are
+enemies.</p>
+
+<p>It is a harsh word, but it is certain that the most cruel enemy of man
+in the desert, his most terrible adversary, is his fellow man.</p>
+
+<p>The sight of this smoke roused no excited feelings in the bosom of our
+adventurer; he simply saw that his weapons were in order, and rode
+straight for the magnolia valley. As it happened, a narrow path led
+exactly in that direction.</p>
+
+<p>No matter whether he was to meet friends or foes, he was not sorry to
+see a human face; for a week, not a white man, Métis, or Indian had
+fallen across his path, and, despite himself, this complete silence and
+absolute solitude began to tell upon him, though he would not own it
+even to himself.</p>
+
+<p>He had passed over about one-third of the distance which separated him
+from the thicket, and was only a pistol shot away, when he suddenly
+stopped, under the influence of strange emotion.</p>
+
+<p>A rich and harmonious voice rose from amidst the trees, singing with
+the most perfect accent a song with French words. These words came
+clear and distinct to his ears; the surprise of the young man may be
+conceived when he recognised the "Marseillaise." This magnificent
+work, sung in the desert by an invisible being, amidst that grand
+scenery, and repeated as it were by the echoes of the savannah, assumed
+to him gigantic proportions.</p>
+
+<p>Despite himself, Oliver felt the tears come to his eyes; he pressed
+his hand upon his chest, as if to repress the wild beatings of his
+heart; in a second all his past came rushing tumultuously before him.
+Once more he saw in his mind's eye that France from which he believed
+himself forever separated, and felt how vain must ever be the effort to
+repudiate one's country.</p>
+
+<p>Led on by the irresistible charm, he entered the thicket just as the
+singer gave forth in his rich and stentorian voice the last couplets.</p>
+
+<p>He pushed aside some branches that checked his progress, and found
+himself face to face with a young man, who, seated on the grass by the
+riverside, near a glowing fire, was dipping biscuit in the water with
+one hand, while with the other, in which he held a knife, he dipped
+into a tin containing sardines.</p>
+
+<p>Lifting up his head as the other approached, the unknown nodded his
+head.</p>
+
+<p>"Welcome to my fireside, my friend," he said in French, with a gay
+smile; "if you are hungry, eat; if you are cold, warm yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"I accept your offer," replied Oliver, good-humouredly, as he leaped
+from his horse, and removing the bridle, hoppled him near the unknown.</p>
+
+<p>He then seated himself by the fire, and opening his saddlebags, shared
+his provisions with his new friend, who frankly accepted this very
+welcome addition to his own very modest repast.</p>
+
+<p>The unknown was a tall young fellow about six feet high, well and
+solidly built; his colour, which was very dark, arose from his being of
+a mixed race, called from the colour of their skin Bois brulé, under
+which general appellation we have half-castes of all kinds.</p>
+
+<p>The features of this young man, rather younger if anything than our
+hero, were intelligent and sympathetic with a very open look; his open
+forehead, shaded by curly light chestnut hair, his prominent nose, his
+large mouth, furnished with magnificent teeth, his fair rich beard,
+completed a physiognomy by no means vulgar.</p>
+
+<p>His costume was that of all the trappers and hunters of high northern
+latitudes: mitasses of doeskin, waistcoat of the same, over which was
+thrown a blouse of blue linen, ornamented with white and red threads;
+a cap of beaver fur, and Indian moccasins and leggings reaching to
+the knee; from his belt of rattlesnake skin hung a long knife, called
+langue de boeuf, a hatchet, a bison powder horn, a ball bag, and a pipe
+of red-stone clay with a cherrywood tube; such was the complete costume
+of the person upon whom Oliver had so singularly fallen. Close to his
+hand on the grass was a Kentucky rifle and game bag, which doubtless he
+used to carry his provisions in.</p>
+
+<p>"Faith," cried the adventurer, when his appetite was satisfied, "I have
+to thank fortune for meeting you in this way, my friend."</p>
+
+<p>"Such meetings are rare in the desert. And now allow me to ask you a
+question."</p>
+
+<p>"Ten if you like&mdash;nay, fifty."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then, how was it that the moment you saw me you addressed me in
+French?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"For a very simple reason. In the first place, all the runners of the
+woods, trappers, and prairie hunters, are French, or at all events,
+ninety-five out of every hundred," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"Then of course you are French?"</p>
+
+<p>"And Norman as well. My grandfather was born at Domfront. You know the
+proverb, Domfront, city of evil. You enter it at twelve, and are hung
+before one."</p>
+
+<p>"I am also French," said Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"So I perceive. But to continue. My grandfather was, as I have said,
+from Domfront, but my father was born in Canada, as I was, so that I am
+a Frenchman born in America. Still we have the old country on the other
+side of the water, and all who come from it are received with open arms
+by us poor exiles. There are brave and noble hearts in Canada; if they
+only knew it in France they would not be so ungrateful and disdainful
+towards us, who never did anything to justify their cruel desertion."</p>
+
+<p>"True," said Oliver, "France was very much in the wrong after you had
+shed so much blood for her."</p>
+
+<p>"Which we would do again tomorrow," replied the Canadian. "Is not
+France our mother, and do we not always forgive our mother? The
+English were awfully taken in when the country was handed over to
+them; three-fourths of the population emigrated, those who remained in
+the towns persisted in speaking French, which no Englishman can speak
+without dislocating his jaws, and all would insist upon being governed
+by their old French laws.<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> You see, therefore, that the insulars are
+merely nominally our masters, but that in reality we are still free,
+and French."</p>
+
+<p>"Our country must have been deeply rooted in your hearts to cause you
+to speak thus," said Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"We are a brave people," cried the stranger.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure of it," responded Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you," replied the stranger, "you cause me great pleasure."</p>
+
+<p>"Now that we know one another as countrymen, suppose we make more
+intimate acquaintance?"</p>
+
+<p>"I ask nothing better. If you like, I will tell you my history as
+briefly as possible."</p>
+
+<p>"I am attention," said Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"My father was a baby when Canada was definitively abandoned in 1758
+by the French, an act which was perpetrated without consulting the
+population of New France. Had the mother country have done so, it would
+have been met by a flat refusal. But I will avoid politics, and speak
+only of my family."</p>
+
+<p>"Good. I hate politics."</p>
+
+<p>"So do I. Well, one day my grandfather Berger, after being absent a
+week, came to his home in Québec in company with an Indian in his full
+war paint. The first thing he saw, standing by the side of the cradle
+in which lay my father, was my grandmother, her arms raised in the
+air, with a heavy iron-dog, with which she was menacing an English
+soldier; my grandmother was a brave and courageous woman."</p>
+
+<p>"So it seems."</p>
+
+<p>"A true daughter of Caudebec, handsome, attractive, and good, adored
+by her husband, and respected by all who knew her. It appears that
+the English soldier had seen her through the open door. He at once
+entered with a conquering air, and began to make love to the pretty
+young person he had noticed performing her maternal office. It was
+an unfortunate idea for him. My grandfather lifted him up and threw
+him through the window on to the stones outside. He was dead. My
+grandfather then turned round and spoke of something else."</p>
+
+<p>"A tough old gentleman!"</p>
+
+<p>"Pretty solid. He even had Indian blood&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You spoke of Domfront."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but his father, having come to America with Comtesse de Villiers,
+married in Canada. He shortly after returned to France with his wife.
+There she died, unable to bear the climate!"</p>
+
+<p>"Very natural," said Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"Before dying she made her husband promise to send his son to Canada."</p>
+
+<p>"But," continued Oliver, "the finale of your history."</p>
+
+<p>"As soon as that matter was settled, my grandfather embraced his
+wife, offered the Indian a seat, and began smoking his pipe. He then
+explained that he meant to leave Canada."</p>
+
+<p>"'This,' he said, 'is Kouha-hande, my mother's brother, the first
+sachem of his nation. He has offered me a shelter with his warriors,
+and has come with some of his warriors to escort us. Will you remain
+a Frenchwoman and follow me, or will you stay here and become an
+Englishwoman?'"</p>
+
+<p>"'I am your wife, and shall follow you wherever you go, with my little
+one on my back,' she answered."</p>
+
+<p>"'My sister will be loved and respected in our tribe as she deserves to
+be,' remarked the Indian, who had hitherto smoked his pipe in silence."</p>
+
+<p>"'I know it, my cousin,' she said."</p>
+
+<p>"No further words passed. My grandmother began at once to pack up. Two
+hours later the house was empty; my grandparents had left without even
+shutting the door behind them. Before sunset they were making their way
+up the Lawrence, in the canoes of Kouha-hande."</p>
+
+<p>"The river was crowded with fugitives. After a journey of four days
+my grandfather reached the tribe of the Hurons-Bisons, of which our
+relative Kouha-hande was the first sachem. Many other Canadians sought
+refuge in the same place, and were hospitably received by the Indians.
+I need say nothing more save that we have lived there ever since."</p>
+
+<p>"And your grandfather?"</p>
+
+<p>"Still lives, as does my father, though I have recently lost my mother
+and grandmother. I have a sister much younger than myself. She remains
+in the village to nurse my grandfather. My father is at this moment
+with the Hudson Bay Company."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment there was a peculiar rustling in the bushes at no great
+distance.</p>
+
+<p>"Be quiet," whispered the Canadian in the ear of his new friend, and
+before the other could in any way interfere with him, he seized his gun
+and disappeared in the high grass, crawling on his hands and knees.</p>
+
+<p>Then a shot was heard.</p>
+
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> This is history as told by a Frenchman. As a matter of
+fact, the French Canadians remained where they were, until they became
+the most loyal subjects the British Crown possesses.&mdash;Editor.</p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>AN ALLIANCE OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>Hearing this unexpected shot, Oliver was in the act of rushing to
+assist his friend, whom he supposed attacked by some wild beast, when
+the hearty and joyous voice of the Canadian was heard.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't disturb yourself, my friend," he cried, "I have only been
+providing our dinner."</p>
+
+<p>And next minute he reappeared, carrying on his back a doe, which he
+hung to one of the lower branches of the magnolia, and then began to
+open.</p>
+
+<p>"Handsome beast, is it not?" he said. "I believe the rascal was
+listening. He paid dear for his curiosity."</p>
+
+<p>"A fine beast and cleverly killed," replied Oliver, helping to skin the
+animal.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a pity to spoil a good skin. I am a pretty good shot, but you
+should see my father shoot a tiger in the eye."</p>
+
+<p>"That," cried Oliver, "seems extraordinary."</p>
+
+<p>"I have seen him do it twenty times, and still more difficult things,"
+said the other. "But such deadly certainty is pure habit. We live by
+our guns&mdash;but to finish my story."</p>
+
+<p>"Go on, my friend."</p>
+
+<p>"My father was a child when we left Canada. He is now about
+forty-eight. My grandfather taught him to be a hunter, and to bind
+him to the tribe he married him when very young to a charming young
+Indian, a relative of Kouha-hande, and my mother in consequence. We are
+mere children. I am only twenty, and my sister but fifteen, lovely as
+the breath of dawn, and whose real name is Angela, my father's wish.
+But the Indians call her Evening Dew. That is all. I am a hunter. I
+hate the English and the North Americans, who are worse than John Bull
+himself, and I love the French, whose countryman I am."</p>
+
+<p>"You are quite right. Few native-born Frenchmen are such strong
+patriots as you. But now for your name."</p>
+
+<p>"Have I not told you? My name is Pierre Berger, but the Indians, in
+their mania for such names, call me Bright-eye, I hardly know why."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course because of your admirable power of shooting."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, perhaps you are right. I am a pretty good hand," said the young
+man, modestly. "And now, my friend, I have to add that I reached here
+yester evening at sundown, and that I am waiting for a friend, who will
+be here shortly. It is now your turn to tell me your history, unless,
+indeed, you have any motives for remaining silent, in which case a
+man's secrets are his own."</p>
+
+<p>"I have no secrets, especially from you, my dear Bright-eye, and the
+proof is that if you will listen, I will tell you who I am and why I
+came into this country."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be delighted to hear your story," cried the Canadian, with
+evident delight.</p>
+
+<p>From the very first moment when he saw the hunter and came to speak
+to him, Oliver felt himself attracted towards him by one of those
+movements of attraction or irresistible sympathy which spring from
+intuition of the heart.</p>
+
+<p>He had therefore, during his conversation, determined if possible to
+make him a friend.</p>
+
+<p>He thereupon told him his story in its most minute details, the
+Canadian listening with the most profound and sustained attention,
+without interrupting him by a single remark. He appeared sincerely
+interested in the numerous incidents of a life wretched from its
+commencement, and yet which the young man told frankly and simply,
+without bitterness, but with an impartiality which indicated the
+grandeur and nobility of his nature.</p>
+
+<p>"Sad story, indeed," he cried, when the other had concluded; "how you
+must have suffered from the unjust hatred of these people! Alone in the
+world, without any to interest himself in you; surrounded by hostile or
+indifferent people; compelled to suffer from dark and insidious foes;
+capable of great things&mdash;young, strong, and intelligent, yet reduced to
+fly into the desert, and separate yourself from your fellows. Pardon if
+my cruel curiosity has reopened the wound which long since should have
+been cauterised."</p>
+
+<p>He paused, keenly watching the other's face.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you be my friend?" he suddenly cried. "I already feel for you an
+affection I can scarcely explain."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks," cried Oliver, warmly, "I accept your offer with delight."</p>
+
+<p>"Then it is agreed: from henceforth we are brothers."</p>
+
+<p>"I swear it," resumed Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall henceforth be two to fight the battle of the world."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank heaven we have met."</p>
+
+<p>"Never to part again. You have no family. I will find you one, brother,
+and this family will love you," he added.</p>
+
+<p>"Heartily accept my thanks, Bright-eye," exclaimed Oliver; "life
+already seems changed, and I feel as if happiness were yet possible in
+this world."</p>
+
+<p>"There can be no doubt about it. Believe me, it depends on yourself.
+Look upon the past only as a dream, and think only of the future."</p>
+
+<p>"I will do so," returned Oliver, with a sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"And now to business. Young as I am, you will soon find that I enjoy a
+certain amount of reputation among the Indians and trappers. Very few
+would dare to attack me. I was educated in an Indian village, and, as I
+believe I have already told you, I am here to keep an appointment with
+a young Indian, my friend and relative. This Indian I now expect every
+moment, and I shall introduce you to him. Instead of one friend, you
+will have two devoted brothers. Now then," he added, laughing, "are you
+not fortunate?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am convinced of it," said Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"When we have finished our business in these parts&mdash;and you may help us
+in this business&mdash;we will return to my tribe, of which you shall become
+a member."</p>
+
+<p>"I am wholly in your hands, Bright-eye," he said; "I make no
+resistance. I only thank you."</p>
+
+<p>"No thanks. I am useful to you today; you may be as useful, or more so,
+tomorrow."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well. But what is the affair that detains you here, to which you
+just alluded?" asked Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"I must say that I do not know, though frankly I have my own
+suspicions. My friend has not thought proper to explain as yet, but
+simply gave me a rendezvous here, saying that I might prove useful.
+That was enough for me, and, as you see, I am here. It would be an
+act of indiscretion on my part to tell you anything I had not been
+directly told. Besides, I may be mistaken, and speak to you of a wholly
+different matter from the true one."</p>
+
+<p>"You are quite right."</p>
+
+<p>"To pass the time I will prepare supper."</p>
+
+<p>"And while doing so tell what manner of man your friend is."</p>
+
+<p>"He is a young man like ourselves, grandson of Kouha-hande. He is
+himself a chief, and a noted brave. Though young, his reputation is
+immense. He is tall, athletic, and even elegant of face. His features
+are handsome, even to effeminacy. His glance, gentle in repose as that
+of a dove, is, when his anger is aroused, so terrible that few can face
+it. His physical force is stupendous, his cunning sublime. But you will
+soon judge for yourself. His enemies call him Kristikam-Seksenan, or
+Black Thunder; his friends call him Numank-Charake, the brave man, in
+consequence of his mighty deeds."</p>
+
+<p>"You have simply been describing a hero," said Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"You shall judge for yourself," smiled the other.</p>
+
+<p>"I am extremely anxious to do so."</p>
+
+<p>"You will soon have the opportunity. It is now five o'clock. In a few
+minutes he will be here."</p>
+
+<p>"What, after making an appointment so long ago, you expect him to keep
+it to the minute!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; it is the politeness of the desert, from which nothing absolves
+but death."</p>
+
+<p>"A summary excuse, truly," said Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"Listen," cried Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>Oliver listened, and distinctly heard in the distance the trampling
+of a horse, which suddenly ceased, to be followed by the cry of the
+goshawk.</p>
+
+<p>Bright-eye responded with a similar cry, and with such perfection that
+the Frenchman mechanically raised his head in search of the bird.</p>
+
+<p>Then the sound of a horse galloping recommenced, the bushes parted
+violently, and a horseman bounded into the clearing, checking his steed
+so artistically that next moment he stood like a centaur rooted to the
+ground.</p>
+
+<p>The rider was very much as Bright-eye had described him. There was
+about him, moreover, an air of grandeur, a majesty which inspired
+respect without repelling sympathy. One glance sufficed to fix him as a
+man of superior nature.</p>
+
+<p>It was the first time Oliver, since his journey on the prairies, had
+seen an Indian so near, and under such favourable circumstances. He at
+once formed a friendly opinion of him.</p>
+
+<p>The chief bowed, and then pointed to the sun gilding the summits of the
+trees.</p>
+
+<p>"It is five o'clock. Here is Numank-Charake."</p>
+
+<p>"I say welcome, chief. I know your extreme punctuality. Supper is
+ready."</p>
+
+<p>"Good," said the chief, alighting from his horse with one bound.</p>
+
+<p>Bright-eye then placed his hands on his friend's shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>"Let my brother listen. The hunter is my friend."</p>
+
+<p>"Numank-Charake has read it in the eyes of Bright-eye," replied the
+Indian, turning to Oliver; "I put my hand on my heart, what will my
+brother give me in return?"</p>
+
+<p>"My hand and my heart; that is," he added, with a smile, "all that is
+not Bright-eye's."</p>
+
+<p>"I accept my share; henceforth we are three in one, one in three.
+Numank-Charake was once the Bounding Panther. Let that name be the name
+of my brother."</p>
+
+<p>They shook hands. All was done. According to the customs of the country
+they were brothers, and held everything in common.</p>
+
+<p>Almost on the threshold of his desert life, Oliver found himself
+associated with two men noted as the most honest and doughty champions
+of the prairie.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>A GREAT MEDICINE COUNCIL.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>For some time the three men, of such different birth, race, and
+manners, remained silent. It was a solemn moment. Their meeting
+appeared to them providential.</p>
+
+<p>Above all was the young Frenchman absorbed in his reflections. Alone an
+hour or two ago, he was now one of a formidable trio.</p>
+
+<p>All the time the Canadian went on with his cooking, while the chief
+gave fodder to the horses.</p>
+
+<p>"Supper is ready," suddenly cried Bright-eye, laughing, "let us eat."</p>
+
+<p>And all three seated themselves around a magnificent roast leg of
+venison <i>à la boucanière.</i></p>
+
+<p>We must hasten to remark that nearly all Indian tribes on the borders
+of Canada understand and speak French, at all events, they did at the
+time of which we speak. This was the more fortunate as Oliver did not
+know one word of Huron.</p>
+
+<p>The guests did honour to the feast, that is to say, they left nothing
+but the bones.</p>
+
+<p>The meal, which was washed down by several draughts of French brandy,
+was merry, enlivened by jokes and witticisms. The Indians are always
+thus among themselves. It is only when in the presence of the whites,
+whom they hate, that they are grave, silent, and sullen, never
+unbending except under the influence of drink, when their conduct is
+that of beings under the influence of delirium tremens.</p>
+
+<p>Brandy, or rather spirit in every shape and form, is doing the work of
+extermination for the American.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the repast was finished, they began to smoke, speaking of
+indifferent things. It was the design neither of Bright-eye nor Oliver
+to hurry the young chief. Indian etiquette is excessively severe on
+this point. It is a proof of intense ill breeding to question a chief,
+or even a simple warrior, when he appears anxious for silence.</p>
+
+<p>And yet the sun had disappeared from the horizon; night had spread over
+the desert, blotting out the landscape, and mixing up forms in the most
+fantastic and strange manner. The sky, of a deep blue, was dotted with
+stars. The moon, in its second quarter, began to show itself above the
+trees, floating in ether, and spreading on every side its silvery rays,
+that lit the prairie here and there with fantastic gleams. The night
+wind shivered through the branches of the trees producing plaintive and
+melodious sounds, like those of the Æolian harp.</p>
+
+<p>The sombre dwellers in the desert, roused by the setting of the sun,
+moved slowly about in the darkness, breaking the silence occasionally
+by their wild brays, their sharp barks, and their deep roars. Under
+every blade of grass murmured the never silent world of grasshoppers.</p>
+
+<p>The night was cold. It was the period of the great autumn hunts.
+Several white frosts had already cooled the earth, soon the temperature
+would be below zero. The rivers and streams would be frozen, and snow
+would cover the desert as with a shroud.</p>
+
+<p>The adventurers, after throwing on an armful of dry wood to revive the
+flame, had wrapped themselves in their ponchos, and, sheltered by the
+trees, continued smoking silently.</p>
+
+<p>"This is the hour of the second watch," suddenly observed Numank,
+drawing from his belt the medicine calumet, which is only used by
+chiefs in council; "the blue jay has sung twice, all rests around us.
+Will my pale friends sleep or listen to the voice of a friend?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sleep is for women and children," replied Bright-eye; "men remain
+awake when a friend desires to speak of serious things. Speak."</p>
+
+<p>"We listen," added Oliver, bowing.</p>
+
+<p>"I will speak, since my friends desire it; but as what I have to say is
+grave, it will not be a talk but a medicine council."</p>
+
+<p>"Let it be so," said Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>Numank rose, bowed to the four cardinal points, speaking some
+indistinct words; then he seated himself on his hams again, stuffed
+his calumet with moriche, a kind of sacred tobacco only used in great
+ceremonies. Then having burnt some in the fire as an oblation, he took
+a medicine stick, and with it lifted a burning coal to the bowl of the
+calumet.</p>
+
+<p>The chief then gave several puffs, and then, still holding the bowl in
+his hand, presented the stem to Bright-eye. The hunter gave several
+puffs, as did Oliver in his turn; it then came back to the chief, this
+going on until the last morsel of tobacco was consumed.</p>
+
+<p>Then Numank-Charake rose, bent again to the four cardinal points of the
+heavens, shook the ashes into the fire, and spoke.</p>
+
+<p>"Wacondah, master of life," he said, "you who know all, inspire my
+words."</p>
+
+<p>This formality over he replaced his calumet and sat down.</p>
+
+<p>Some minutes elapsed, during which he remained wrapped in deep thought.
+Then he raised his head, before bowed on his chest, bowed to his
+audience, and began.</p>
+
+<p>"Eight moons ago," he said, "I had just returned from an expedition
+against the Piekanns. After presenting the scalps taken by myself and
+young men to the sachems, and receiving their thanks, I was going to
+my wigwam to visit my father, detained at home by old wounds, when I
+suddenly saw a young girl leaning against the ark of the first man.
+The young girl was about fifteen, tall, elegant, and beautiful. I
+had long loved her without ever revealing the secret of my heart. On
+this occasion she seemed to wait for me, and saw me approach with a
+melancholy glance."</p>
+
+<p>Bright-eye's eyes glistened, despite his self-control.</p>
+
+<p>"When I was near her the young girl spread out her arms towards me,
+and then made a step forward. I paused, and waited. 'Numank is a great
+warrior,' she said, modestly lowering her eyes; 'his hut is lined with
+the scalps of his foes, he has rich skins of every kind of beast, his
+ball never misses; happy will be the woman whom he loves.'"</p>
+
+<p>"On hearing these words, I was deeply moved, and seizing the hand of
+the young girl, 'Onoura&mdash;beautiful child,' I said in her ear, 'I have
+a little bird in my heart which is always singing and repeating your
+name. Does this bird sing in your heart?' She smiled, looked at me from
+under her eyelashes, and murmured, 'Night and day he whispers tender
+words in my ear, and repeats the name of the warrior who loves me. Does
+not Numank-Charake find his hut very solitary during the long winter
+nights, when the wind howls in the forest and the snow covers the
+earth?' 'My heart has long flown out to you,' I cried, warmly, 'from
+the first hour that I saw you amidst your companions. Do you love me?'
+'For life,' she said, blushing deeply. 'Good,' said I, 'then I will
+attempt a new expedition to win the marriage presents, and ask you
+of your father. You will wait for me, Onoura?' 'I will wait for you,
+Numank. Am I not your slave for life?' and she gently pressed my hand.
+I then took a wampum off my neck, and placed it on hers. She kissed
+it, her eyes full of tears, and taking a gold ring from the thumb of
+her left hand, she placed it on one of my fingers. I allowed her to do
+so with a smile. 'You love me,' she said; 'nothing shall ever separate
+us,' and before I could say another word she fled as does the gazelle
+before the hunter. I followed her with my eyes as long as I could, and
+then when she had disappeared round a corner I thoughtfully took my way
+to my father's hut."</p>
+
+<p>The chief paused. After a few minutes the Canadian, finding that the
+other was not disposed to continue, touched him gently on the arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Why did Numank-Charake show such want of confidence in his brother?"
+asked the Canadian, reproachfully.</p>
+
+<p>"What does my brother Bright-eye mean?" asked the chief, with slight
+embarrassment.</p>
+
+<p>"My brother knows what I mean," said the Canadian, with great
+animation. "Born almost the same day, brought up together, having made
+our first trails together on the prairies, as also our first expedition
+against the Sioux and Piekanns, our hearts melted into one, I thought
+we had no secrets. I know who is the woman whom my brother loves, but
+why let me guess all about it, instead of telling me? Have I done
+anything to offend?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Bright-eye, don't think that," cried the young man, eagerly; "but
+love delights in mystery."</p>
+
+<p>"And yet it likes to confide its sorrows and its joys to the heart of
+a friend. On that very same night when she had this interview with the
+chief, Evening Dew&mdash;Nouma Hawa&mdash;on her return to her hut, told her
+brother all. Her heart overflowed with joy, and she could not repress
+her feelings."</p>
+
+<p>"Then Evening Dew owned her love to Bright-eye?"</p>
+
+<p>"Am I not her brother, and your best friend?"</p>
+
+<p>"True. Let my brother forgive me; I was wrong not to place confidence
+in him. Perhaps I was fearful he might disapprove of it."</p>
+
+<p>"On the contrary, it carries out my dearest wishes, and binds us more
+and more to one another."</p>
+
+<p>"My brother is better than I am, his heart is better; he will pardon
+the weakness of a friend."</p>
+
+<p>"On one condition," said the hunter, laughing; "that Numank-Charake has
+no more secrets."</p>
+
+<p>"I promise you," continued the chief, in a low, sad tone; "what I have
+now to say is very terrible. But the friends of Numank-Charake must
+know all. Two moons had elapsed since I and Evening Dew had spoken. I
+had not been able to carry out my projects. One day I again met her
+near the ark of the first man. 'The chief has forgotten his promise,'
+she said. 'No,' I replied; 'tomorrow I will keep it.' I left her with
+only a few more words. Next day I began to carry out my promise. I
+prepared everything, even the usual ceremonies were carried out&mdash;those
+you know so well."</p>
+
+<p>"One moment," interrupted Oliver. "Bright-eye, brought up in your
+villages, knows all about them, but I, as a mere stranger, know not
+what you mean. As I mean to live with you, I should like to know a
+little."</p>
+
+<p>"My brother is right," said the chief; "I will tell him the whole
+expedition. Before starting, the turf was taken off a considerable
+square of earth, the mould being made soft and pliable with the hands.
+It was then surrounded by stakes. When all was ready I went in and sat
+at the end opposed to the direction in which the enemy lived. After
+singing and praying, I put on the edge of the open space two little
+white stones."</p>
+
+<p>"After waiting half an hour in prayer, asking the Wacondah to guide
+me right, the village crier, or hachesto, approached. I gave him my
+orders. He turned and invited all the great warriors to smoke; then in
+their turn the inferior warriors were invited. After all had smoked,
+everyone examined the result of the ko-sau-ban-zich-egass. The white
+stones had fallen in the direction of a well-known path."</p>
+
+<p>"And what was the result?" asked Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>"The Wacondah favoured his children. The path led towards the land of
+our hereditary foes, the Sioux of the West."</p>
+
+<p>"Good," said the hunter.</p>
+
+<p>"Our party consisted of a hundred and fifty warriors, the picked men of
+the nation, armed with guns. Every man carried the offerings to be cast
+away on the field of battle, and hidden, if possible, in the entrails
+of our foes."</p>
+
+<p>"A pious custom," said Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>Oliver looked at the Canadian, wondering whether he spoke seriously or
+not. But there was no doubt of his good faith.</p>
+
+<p>"Two days later we started. A small band of twenty presently joined us,
+commanded by Tubash-Shah, the Cheat. My brother knows this restless and
+ambitious chief. I offered to yield the command to him. My warriors
+would not consent. Misunderstandings soon arose. Crossing some vast
+prairies, we began to feel great thirst, and Tubash at once violated
+the laws of war. I knew that water was not far off. The greater number
+of the elder warriors, who had to walk, were exhausted by heat and
+fatigue. Tubash sent out mounted scouts, and private signals were
+agreed on. Soon a small river was discovered. Those who got first to it
+fired guns, but before the detachments and the laggers had got up to
+the river, the sufferings of most of us were excessive. Some vomited
+blood, others were delirious. The expedition was a failure. Next day
+desertions began among the warriors of Tubash, he setting the first
+example. Soon I had only five-and-twenty men left. They offered to
+follow me to the end of the world. But what could I do? With despair in
+my soul I turned homeward. Halfway our scouts gave the alarm. An hour
+later we were engaged in a hand-to-hand conflict with the Sioux. Their
+party, six times as numerous as ours, was luckily composed chiefly of
+young warriors on their first warpath. Our defence was so desperate,
+that the Sioux yielded and fled. We were masters of the field, but out
+of four-and-twenty only ten were alive, and these were badly wounded."</p>
+
+<p>"It would be too terrible to tell the story of our sufferings on the
+way home. We found that all was known about the expedition. But all
+the sachems acclaimed us, the more that I brought back the scalps of
+eighteen Sioux who had fallen on the field of battle. But if my honour
+was safe, my happiness was lost. Evening Dew was gone."</p>
+
+<p>"My sister abducted?" cried Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>"No," said the other, sadly, "not abducted. She went away of her own
+accord."</p>
+
+<p>"Of her own accord?" repeated the hunter.</p>
+
+<p>"During the absence of Bright-eye and myself, a paleface came to the
+village. This man, it appears, for your father and grandfather refused
+any explanation, is a relative of my brother. After remaining a week he
+went away, accompanied by your father. Evening Dew followed, weeping
+bitterly. Still she offered no resistance to the orders of her father.
+Three days after your father returned to his tribe. He was alone. What
+had become of the lovely young girl none could tell me. I made the most
+minute inquiries without any result. Not knowing what else to do, I
+then sent a warrior to my brother to appoint a meeting. Here I am, my
+friend&mdash;what am I to do?"</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you, chief, that your extraordinary story is inexplicable to
+me. I cannot advise."</p>
+
+<p>"Allow me to speak," said Oliver, "I am wholly disinterested in the
+matter. I can therefore speak with that calmness which suits neither of
+you at this moment."</p>
+
+<p>"Speak!" cried the two young men.</p>
+
+<p>"My advice is, to start at daybreak for the village. The father of
+Bright-eye may have reasons for refusing explanations to the chief.
+Family matters are sacred. But the brother of Evening Dew has a right
+to demand a full explanation. I am certain it will be given to him by
+his father, who can have no reason for being mysterious with him. Let
+us then away to the village. Successful or not, we shall know what to
+do. In every case, my dear friend and brother, count on me."</p>
+
+<p>"What says the chief?" asked Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>"The chief thanks Bounding Panther," replied the young man, warmly;
+"his heart is loyal, and his soul generous. His advice is good and
+should be followed. With two such friends, the redskin warrior is
+certain of success."</p>
+
+<p>The conversation then continued for some time on a subject always
+interesting to a lover and a brother. Then, after throwing a pile
+of dry wood on the fire, the three men rolled themselves in their
+blankets, and lay down on the ground.</p>
+
+<p>The two wood rangers lay face downwards, according to Indian custom.
+As for Oliver, he lay on his side with his feet to the fire. At the
+first hoot of an owl&mdash;the first bird which announces the rising of
+the sun&mdash;the chief wakened his companions, and ten minutes later they
+started on their journey.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>SAMUEL DICKSON HUNTS A MOOSE DEER.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>The traveller who for the first time reaches the Rocky Mountains is
+amazed at the pile of hills above hills, called by the early discoverer
+the Sierra of the River of the Wind, that immense reservoir whence
+flows so many great streams, some flowing into the Atlantic, others
+into the Pacific.</p>
+
+<p>We now transport our readers to a fork formed by a rather extensive
+stream, flowing from the Mountains of the Wind, just before it joins
+the Missouri, in the centre of a vast and delicious valley.</p>
+
+<p>This charming spot, enchanting in its aspect, was covered by scattered
+thickets, young trees, fat pasturages, and watered by many rills, which
+fell in all directions in silver cascades from the mountains, and
+finally lost themselves in the Missouri.</p>
+
+<p>This unknown Eden, buried in the mountains, had been discovered by a
+hardy explorer, and already the hand of man was at work destroying its
+savage grandeur. In a word, the squatters were at work.</p>
+
+<p>Squatters are generally men of restless habits, greedy of exertions, no
+matter what they may be, impatient of control, and sworn enemies of the
+peaceful and regular life of the great centres of population. Gifted
+with the courage of a lion, of a will&mdash;or, rather, obstinacy&mdash;which
+nothing can conquer, these men of indomitable energy, in whose hearts
+ferment the most violent passions, are the true pioneers of the desert
+and the vanguard of civilisation in the New World.</p>
+
+<p>Accustomed to place themselves above the law, as soon as the tide of
+civilisation always rising reaches them, they abandon without regret
+all they possess&mdash;houses and land&mdash;and snatching up their hatchets,
+bury themselves gaily still further in the desert, until they find
+another suitable site, on which they squat.</p>
+
+<p>There is no one to contest their claim. At all events, to do so would
+be a rather imprudent enterprise, for they at once appeal to their
+rifle, and make that the legal arbitrator.</p>
+
+<p>Joshua Dickson was a true specimen of a squatter; his whole life had
+been one long pilgrimage across the States of the Union. Weary of
+rambling within the purlieus of civilisation, where he always felt
+uneasy, one day, as we have already recorded, he came to a final
+resolution, and, abandoning all that he possessed, he started with his
+family and servants in search of a land where none before had ever set
+their foot.</p>
+
+<p>We cannot relate all the incidents of his journey without guide or
+map. They would fill a volume. We come to the point. One night they
+had fixed their camp near a very narrow and wooded gorge. It appearing
+to be rather a difficult spot to travel in the dark, and there being
+no hurry, they had halted by a small stream, in the midst of a green
+prairie, which offered admirable pasturage for their beasts and horses.</p>
+
+<p>Before daybreak, while his companions still slept, Samuel Dickson rose,
+took his rifle, and advanced in the direction of the defile, with the
+double object of examining the locality and of shooting, if possible,
+two or three head of game for the morning repast, provisions being rare
+in camp, so much so that the night before they had gone to bed almost
+without supper.</p>
+
+<p>Harry Dickson, who acted as sentry, alone saw him go out, but as his
+uncle did not speak, he did not venture to make any observation.</p>
+
+<p>Samuel Dickson went away with his rifle on his shoulder, whistling
+"Yankee Doodle," and shortly after disappeared in the tall grass
+without his nephew being able to make out in what direction he had gone.</p>
+
+<p>Seen by the light of morn the defile was not so choked up by trees and
+bushes as it had seemed in the dusk of the evening; the entrance only
+was marked by a curtain of young trees, which would easily succumb to
+a few blows of a hatchet.</p>
+
+<p>The American pushed forward, cutting a passage with his bowie knife,
+resolved to reach the extremity of the defile, in order to examine it
+thoroughly and report to his brother.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a moose deer bounded across his path.</p>
+
+<p>"There is a demon who does not suffer from rheumatism. How he runs! But
+remember, my friend, that's your breakfast."</p>
+
+<p>With which words he took to his heels, and, catching sight of the deer,
+followed him up through the dense undergrowth, without being able to
+get a shot at him. This went on for about twenty minutes, during which,
+his rifle at full cock, he never looked to the right or left. Suddenly
+the moose deer stood still, as if he sniffed another enemy in the
+direction in which he was going.</p>
+
+<p>The American lost no time, but took steady aim for a second or two and
+fired.</p>
+
+<p>The stricken deer bounded into the air, and then once more took to its
+heels.</p>
+
+<p>But the hunter was determined not to lose him. Unhappily, however, in
+his eagerness, he did not look before him, and just as he thought the
+deer began to droop, while he increased his speed his foot slipped and
+he went head over heels, falling a height of about fifteen feet, to
+alight upon a kind of pavement of hard flint stones.</p>
+
+<p>The fall was so heavy that the American not only was bruised all over,
+but fainted.</p>
+
+<p>A feeling of coolness suddenly came over him, and caused him to open
+his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>He looked wildly around him, and saw a young man of about
+seven-and-twenty, in the costume of a trapper, his handsome face bent
+over him with a look of deep solicitude, while he bathed his face with
+a handkerchief soaked with water.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you better, Mr. Samuel?" said the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Hem!" cried the American; "Am I mad?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not in the least, Master Samuel, at least, that I am aware of," was
+the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"But what has happened?" cried the other, with an awful grimace.</p>
+
+<p>"A very simple thing: you shot a deer, and in your eagerness to catch
+him you did not notice that you were on the summit of an eminence, and
+so rolled over, to the detriment of your bones."</p>
+
+<p>"A very simple thing!" groaned the other; "You speak very complacently,
+Master George. Is anything broken?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing. I examined you carefully&mdash;nothing but bruises, of that I am
+sure."</p>
+
+<p>"Cursed deer! If I only had secured it. But the brute escaped me after
+all."</p>
+
+<p>"No, my friend. You are too good a shot to miss your aim. There lies
+your game, quite dead."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank goodness! That is lucky. But oh! Oh! I feel as if I had received
+a severe beating. Help me up."</p>
+
+<p>"But had you not better rest a while?"</p>
+
+<p>"Go to the deuce. I am not a whining sniggler, like my niece," he
+began; "by the way," he added, "that puts me in mind! Young man&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Allow me to help you up&mdash;take my arm. I am strong; so lean as heavily
+as you like. There, you are all right. Your rifle will serve you as a
+staff."</p>
+
+<p>Thanks to the assistance of the young man, the American contrived to
+stand on his legs, making horrible grimaces and groaning all the time.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish my brother had been anywhere, with his mad notion of
+emigration," he said, grumbling; "but that is not the immediate
+question. Will you answer me?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am quite ready. You cannot carry the deer&mdash;shall I hang it up in
+safety until you send for it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Will you answer me?" cried Samuel, ferociously.</p>
+
+<p>"You have not yet asked me any question," said the young man, gently.</p>
+
+<p>The American looked at him with considerable anger in his glance; then
+his muscles relaxing, he burst out laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Forgive me, George," he said, offering his hand. "I am an old fool.
+I am trying to get up a quarrel with you, instead of thanking you for
+your kindness. In truth, I believe you have saved my life."</p>
+
+<p>"You exaggerate, Mr. Samuel," replied the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Between you and me, I don't think so. What would have become of me,
+fainting in the desert?"</p>
+
+<p>"Chance brought me here."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes! Chance has very broad shoulders," answered the American: "I
+suppose it brought you out here."</p>
+
+<p>The young man held down his head and blushed.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well, I won't tease you, George," cried Samuel; "you are a noble
+and generous fellow, and I loved your father."</p>
+
+<p>"As you do his son," responded the other.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose it is so. But this being understood, let us talk like two
+old friends."</p>
+
+<p>"I am at your command."</p>
+
+<p>"Always the same eternal chorus. Now I do not want to dive into your
+secrets, but without going beyond the limits of politeness, allow me to
+ask you one simple question," said Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"Ask; and if it be in my power, I will answer truthfully," replied the
+other.</p>
+
+<p>"Hem! You are confoundedly close. First let us sit down. I am all aches
+and pains."</p>
+
+<p>The young man gently led him to a soft mound of turf, helped him to be
+seated, and followed his example.</p>
+
+<p>"Now I am good for an hour. Let us chat."</p>
+
+<p>"I am your most obedient servant to command."</p>
+
+<p>"How is it, Mr. George Clinton," began the old man, with a sly look,
+"that three months ago I left you at Boston at the head of a large
+house of business, and that I now find you dressed like a runner of the
+woods, hundreds of miles from the nearest settlement, just ready to
+save my life."</p>
+
+<p>"If my journey served me no other purpose, I am thankful&mdash;still I own
+there is another motive."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to hear you say so. May I ask its nature?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Master Samuel," began Clinton, "I am young, vigorous, and
+passionately fond of field sports; I am a good shot, and very much
+inclined for a free and independent life. Many times while at Boston
+chance brought me in contact with persons who have accomplished
+wonderful journeys into the almost unknown interior of our vast
+continent, and who brought back astounding accounts of what they saw;
+my curiosity was aroused, and I felt within myself a strong desire to
+attempt one of these expeditions in search of the unknown."</p>
+
+<p>"Or the ideal," smiled the American.</p>
+
+<p>"If you like it. As long as my father was alive I kept my ideas to
+myself, but as soon as my actions were quite free my old ideas were
+revived. An opportunity presented itself which I eagerly embraced.
+Confiding my house of business to a trustworthy partner, I started."</p>
+
+<p>"You had a definite object, I suppose?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; I went wherever chance or my feelings urged me," the other
+answered.</p>
+
+<p>"My young friend," said Dickson, laughing, "chance plays too great a
+part in all this. You will excuse me if I don't believe a word of your
+story."</p>
+
+<p>"You are not generous, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not generous?"</p>
+
+<p>"You will not believe that a young man could give way to his
+adventurous instincts; and yet you, a wise man, very much older than
+I am, you, whose position was settled, I find you here, without being
+able to give the slightest explanation of your conduct."</p>
+
+<p>"Well answered, George. You hit me hard, but you know I am an old
+fool. I am so, as sure as fate. Yes, my friend, I am mad enough for a
+straitjacket. But at the same time, I can see that you will not make me
+your confidant."</p>
+
+<p>"I assure you&mdash;" began Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the use of holding out any longer? You must rely on me in the
+end; but when you do come to me with the truth, it will be my turn."</p>
+
+<p>"You are not angry with me?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, my boy: keep your secrets; but remember I am your friend. Keep
+your own counsel then, if you will&mdash;it concerns only yourself. But
+remember, whenever you want me, I am ready," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"I know not how to thank you."</p>
+
+<p>"What nonsense! You owe me nothing. It is I who am your debtor. But
+it is getting late, and I must return to the camp, where they must be
+getting anxious. Thanks to my rest I feel not only able to walk, but to
+carry the confounded deer."</p>
+
+<p>"Wait, however, while I clean and skin him. It will then be easier."</p>
+
+<p>"You are quite right. Be quick, as we are short of food."</p>
+
+<p>"But the country is enormously rich in game, and what a beautiful spot!"</p>
+
+<p>"It certainly is," replied Samuel, after which his young friend soon
+prepared the game so as to be easily carried.</p>
+
+<p>"And now take my arm while I lead you through the defile, which is the
+only way out of the valley."</p>
+
+<p>And so they started, Samuel walking much better than he expected,
+though suffering much.</p>
+
+<p>"One favour," said the young man, after a time.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, my friend?" asked Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"Say not one word of our meeting."</p>
+
+<p>"Since you wish it, I will be strictly silent on the subject. Like
+other people I know, I will invent some sort of story&mdash;it is not
+difficult."</p>
+
+<p>The young man smiled, and shook him heartily by the hand. Then Samuel
+Dickson walked away in the direction of the camp, while George busied
+himself in the valley.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>JOSHUA DICKSON BECOMES MASTER OF THE VALLEY.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>After Samuel had walked some distance he found that he had
+miscalculated his strength. He was very weak about the ankle, and the
+way being rude and his load heavy, he could scarcely get along at all.
+Still he would not abandon the deer, knowing as he did how short of
+provisions they were in the camp.</p>
+
+<p>Wiping the cold perspiration off his brow, the brave American resumed
+his journey.</p>
+
+<p>The sufferings he endured it would be impossible to describe; at length
+he became scarcely able to drag one foot before the other; every now
+and then he had to stop, as the blood rushed to his head and myriad
+sparkles flashed before his eyes. He seemed to have the vertigo, his
+mouth was parched, his chest panting, his temples throbbing, and his
+eyes almost starting from his head.</p>
+
+<p>When he had staggered to within five hundred feet of the camp he was
+utterly exhausted, and fell insensible on the grass, where he remained
+inert and motionless for a quarter of an hour. Luckily, as he roused
+himself, he found a small rivulet flowing at his feet. In this he
+bathed his hands and face, and felt better.</p>
+
+<p>But he could walk no farther; that he knew was impossible. He, however,
+suspected they were looking for him, and if they heard him would
+come to his assistance. His voice was powerless to reach them. There
+remained his rifle. Still seated on the ground, he loaded and fired
+three times in succession.</p>
+
+<p>He had not long to wait before he saw his brother and nephews running
+towards him.</p>
+
+<p>He was too weak to enter upon any explanations, but one nephew taking
+up the deer and the other their uncle, they at once made for the camp,
+where Mrs. Dickson and Diana anxiously awaited them.</p>
+
+<p>When they saw the hunter they believed him dead.</p>
+
+<p>Joshua had a great deal of difficulty in persuading them that he had
+only fainted, and was in no danger.</p>
+
+<p>The Americans, especially the hunters and trappers, have great
+experience in wounds and bruises.</p>
+
+<p>The sick man was at once carried to a covered waggon, placed upon a
+mattress, and stripped.</p>
+
+<p>"Heavens!" cried Joshua, as he examined the numerous black bruises,
+"Poor Samuel has indeed had a bad fall. I wonder he was not killed
+outright."</p>
+
+<p>"Fortunate nothing is broken," said the eldest son.</p>
+
+<p>"So it is," replied the father; "and now let us do the best we can for
+him while your mother cooks the deer meat for breakfast. It was for us
+poor Sam risked his life. Get the camphorated brandy and some wool, and
+don't forget to tell your mother to cook the game. She is rather apt to
+burn venison, which does not improve its flavour. While you are about
+it bring the rum bottle&mdash;a little poured down his throat will do him
+good. Above all, be quick."</p>
+
+<p>Having given these orders, Joshua bathed his brother's forehead with
+cold water, passed burnt feathers under his nose, and did everything
+which could be done under the circumstances. Still the sick man never
+moved.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us try the rum," he said, as his son returned.</p>
+
+<p>And as he spoke, he forced open the other's teeth with the blade of his
+knife, and putting the neck of the bottle to his mouth, let the liquor
+slip through.</p>
+
+<p>Samuel smacked his lips and opened his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"That is something like. And now to work."</p>
+
+<p>The two men then, dipping the wool in camphorated brandy, began to rub
+the bruises.</p>
+
+<p>Such a remedy, so roughly employed, was very soon quite efficacious.
+The sick man sat up, howling furiously, and trying to escape from their
+clutches.</p>
+
+<p>But the two men, believing in the remedy, continued, and, despite all
+their victim could say, despite his prayers, howls, and curses, he
+finally had to submit to the treatment for half an hour.</p>
+
+<p>"There you are," cried Joshua; "now try and sleep."</p>
+
+<p>"Go to old Nick!" roared Samuel; "I'm skinned alive."</p>
+
+<p>"You are as fussy as a woman. We scarcely touched you. Tonight we shall
+do it again perfectly, and tomorrow you will be quite well," said
+Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>Samuel shuddered, but said nothing; shortly after he, however,
+slept soundly. At night the two men came again, and, despite his
+lamentations, protestations, and prayers, continued to rub him as
+before, with all the vigour of which their hands and arms were capable.</p>
+
+<p>Then Joshua told his brother to go to sleep, promising if in the
+morning he was not quite well to give him one more dose.</p>
+
+<p>But Samuel was up first, and when they came to find him, he was
+dressed, singing "Yankee Doodle."</p>
+
+<p>His brother was delighted, and while wishing him joy, highly eulogised
+his remedy, the very mention of which caused Samuel to shudder.</p>
+
+<p>He was then questioned as to his adventure, which he related, leaving
+out all mention, however, of George Clinton. They were at breakfast,
+and everyone listened with avidity. The ladies especially, who were
+weary of their journey, heard the description of the beautiful valley
+with extreme delight.</p>
+
+<p>"To conclude, I beg to remark," Samuel wound up by saying, "that I
+never saw a spot better suited for a settlement."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall see," drily remarked Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>Samuel knew his brother well, and was well aware how he should be
+treated.</p>
+
+<p>"As for myself," he added, with indifference, "I don't care where or
+when we stop. As we have gone so far in the desert, what matters fifty
+leagues more or less? Let us then go ahead. Push on by all means, even
+as far as the Bay of Hudson."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want to go as far as that," cried Joshua; "if the valley's
+anything like what you say, perhaps we may stop."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, perhaps it may not suit you. Everybody, you know, to their
+taste," continued Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall judge for myself," replied Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"If we are to stop here all day," Samuel urged, quite satisfied, "I and
+Harry will fetch the deerskin."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not go with me?" said his brother.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be delighted with your company."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, by Jove, we'll all go. It will be a walk. Harry, Sam, Jack, tell
+Sandy to be ready for a start. Let the camp be raised. Tonight we will
+camp in the valley and examine it at our ease."</p>
+
+<p>"You raise the camp for so small a journey?" said Mrs. Dickson.</p>
+
+<p>"Does it displease you, mistress?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. But it is a useless fatigue for horses and men."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall do as I think proper," said the squatter, drily, as he went to
+hurry his men.</p>
+
+<p>Samuel Dickson and the ladies smiled. They knew now they would stop in
+the valley.</p>
+
+<p>An hour later the whole caravan took its way in the direction of the
+defile, preceded by a dozen of the hired men and others with hatchets,
+to act as pioneers.</p>
+
+<p>Though he declared his health was quite restored, Samuel Dickson,
+instead of riding on horseback, clambered into a waggon with his
+sister-in-law and niece, with whom he gaily discoursed.</p>
+
+<p>Every now and then the old farmer looked sideways at the countenance of
+his pale and thoughtful niece, smiled to himself, and rubbed his hands
+with intense satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>Neither mother nor daughter could make out his pantomime, but after a
+few trials they knew it was useless to question him, and so let him
+chuckle to himself.</p>
+
+<p>Joshua Dickson, without allowing it to be seen, had been very much
+struck by what his brother had said. Instead, therefore, of riding
+beside the caravan as usual, he had gone on in front.</p>
+
+<p>Presently, as if no longer able to resist the impulse of curiosity
+which was devouring him, he signed to his three sons to follow, and
+next minute the four men were off at a hard gallop and were soon lost
+in the defile.</p>
+
+<p>"The fish is in the net," said Samuel Dickson, with a hearty laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Is the valley so beautiful as you say?" asked Mrs. Dickson.</p>
+
+<p>"Much more so. It is simply a terrestrial paradise. If you were to
+hunt for months you would never find a more agreeable or advantageous
+position. Everything is to be found in abundance, wood, water, pasture,
+and above all, game."</p>
+
+<p>"If Joshua would only settle."</p>
+
+<p>"A good deal depends on you."</p>
+
+<p>"I have not the influence you suppose over my husband. You know his
+vagabond humour."</p>
+
+<p>"He will remain here if you wish him to."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you are right," replied the wife, with a sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"Chut! Here he comes. Attention, this is the decisive moment,"
+whispered Samuel, as Joshua came up.</p>
+
+<p>"Holloa!" he cried, "I have come from the valley."</p>
+
+<p>"Did you find the deerskin I left behind?"</p>
+
+<p>"Deerskin be&mdash;" was the excited answer; "I had no time to think of it.
+But what a delicious valley! I never saw anything so beautiful in all
+my life."</p>
+
+<p>"It is certainly pretty fair, but not worthy of such frantic eulogy,"
+said Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"What a man you are!" cried Joshua; "You must always disagree with me.
+The moment I like a thing you must depreciate it."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you then mean to make some stay in the valley?" asked Mrs. Dickson,
+innocently enough.</p>
+
+<p>"Some stay, mistress!" cried the husband; "What are you dreaming about?
+I mean to take the whole valley. It belongs to no one now. It shall
+therefore be ours&mdash;that is, mine and my brother's."</p>
+
+<p>"I want very little," said Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"You shall have your right share, no more and no less. Do you think I
+would cheat you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Far from me be such a thought."</p>
+
+<p>"But, my dear," said the wife, "pray think."</p>
+
+<p>"I have thought," he replied, abruptly; "and my resolution is
+irrevocable. So thoroughly have I made up my mind that I have come back
+alone, leaving the children at work."</p>
+
+<p>"At work!" cried Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; they are cutting down trees and clearing the ground. This will be
+so much gained, as the season is far advanced, and we have not a moment
+to lose if we would have our settlement quite ready for the winter."</p>
+
+<p>All this while the caravan was advancing, and by degrees had got
+halfway through the defile.</p>
+
+<p>"This narrow way might easily be stopped," said Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"Very useful idea, as many redskins are about."</p>
+
+<p>"But we are very numerous."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but if we are attacked we have no neighbours to help us, and must
+count only on ourselves alone."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall be sufficient," drily responded Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so, and yet I doubt if the Indians leave us in peaceable
+possession if game is as abundant as I believe."</p>
+
+<p>"Bah! Who cares? If the Indians come we will give them such a reception
+as shall astonish them."</p>
+
+<p>"Who lives longest will see the most. It is best to be prudent,"
+responded Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>The squatter, half angry at his brother's manner, gave up the
+conversation, and, spurring his horse, disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," said Samuel, with a smile, as the other rode off, "you may be
+satisfied. Joshua is sufficiently annoyed at my opposition to become
+seriously obstinate. Nothing will make him change his mind now."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you went a little too far."</p>
+
+<p>"Not a bit, I only stimulated him."</p>
+
+<p>"But what you said about the Indians made me seriously uneasy. Are
+there any about?"</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose so, as we are in the very centre of their territory. They
+may not attack us if let alone."</p>
+
+<p>"But this valley may belong to them."</p>
+
+<p>"Then we shall have to negotiate with the tribe to which the place
+belongs. We shall buy it of the redskins&mdash;a thing done every day."</p>
+
+<p>"You ought to know Joshua better by this time. He will take the land,
+and refuse all compromises."</p>
+
+<p>"I know him; but should the contingency come, we must make him listen
+to reason. But look, we are entering on the confines of this garden of
+Eden, which henceforth will be all our own," cried Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"What a magnificent country!" cried the squatter's wife.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Diana, despite her sadness and habit of concentrated thought,
+could not restrain an exclamation of surprise at the sight of the grand
+spectacle before her.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be too enthusiastic," said Samuel. "Here is Joshua."</p>
+
+<p>A hundred paces off Joshua had halted, his sons beside him on
+horseback, gun in hand. The squatter held the American flag in his
+right hand. As soon as all the waggons were in the valley he signed to
+everybody to advance.</p>
+
+<p>All the serving men and women surrounded the squatter. His wife,
+daughter, and Samuel remained in the waggon.</p>
+
+<p>The squatter, making his horse prance, waved the American flag over his
+head, then he planted the staff in the earth, and cried in a loud firm
+voice:</p>
+
+<p>"I take possession of this wild territory by the right of the first
+occupant I proclaim myself its sole lord and master, and if anyone,
+white or black, dares to claim it, I will defend myself to the last
+gasp."</p>
+
+<p>"Hurrah! Long live America!" cried all.</p>
+
+<p>"My friends," continued the trapper, "we are now at home. This valley
+which we shall soon cultivate and bring to prosperity and civilisation,
+is the Valley of the Deer."</p>
+
+<p>"Long live the Valley of the Deer!" cried all.</p>
+
+<p>The squatter then headed the caravan, and led it to the spot he had
+selected for a settlement. It was twelve o'clock. At a little after two
+the ancient trees were falling beneath the axes of the Americans.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>DIANA DICKSON AND HER FOE.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>The activity of the North Americans is prodigious; they have a peculiar
+way of handling the axe which is marvellous. Their mode of procedure is
+almost incomprehensible, and goes beyond anything the imagination can
+conceive.</p>
+
+<p>Fifty American woodmen will in a month clear the whole of a vast forest
+tract.</p>
+
+<p>They always begin with the idea, a very logical one, though a proud
+one, that the modest plantation they commence may in time become an
+important town, and they act accordingly. The land is divided into
+lots, paths traced by the axe stand for streets, large open spaces
+represent squares, while notched trees indicate where the houses,
+shops, workshops, and other buildings are to be.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as this is all settled they go to work with feverish haste, and
+trees of vast dimensions fall with a rapidity which is simply amazing.</p>
+
+<p>Then they build the stables and sheds, then the blacksmith's forge, the
+carpenter's shop, and the water sawmill, of which the workmen at once
+take possession.</p>
+
+<p>The earth, still encumbered by the roots of trees, is dug up and sown
+at once. Everything goes on at the same time with the utmost regularity
+and industry.</p>
+
+<p>In a few days the landscape is completely changed, and there, where had
+existed a virgin forest, with all its deep and impenetrable mysteries,
+suddenly arises, as if by means of the enchanted wand, the embryo of
+a town, which ten years later will be a rich flourishing emporium of
+commerce, and of which the population, coming from all parts of the
+world, will perhaps be fifty or sixty thousand.</p>
+
+<p>But the squatter, the founder of the new city, will have disappeared,
+without leaving a trace behind. Nobody knows anything about him,
+not even his name. His work done, he will have taken his melancholy
+departure, frightened to see the desert so populated, and that
+civilisation from which he had fled so near; he probably has fled out
+West in search of a new virgin land, which he will transform like the
+first, without deriving any more advantage from it, finally to end his
+days, shot in some miserable Indian ambuscade, or killed by the claws
+of a grizzly, or perhaps dies of misery and hunger in some unknown
+corner of the prairie.</p>
+
+<p>Joshua Dickson did not act differently from his fellows; after dividing
+the valley into two, and handing over half to his brother, he fixed his
+residence near the fork of the two rivers. Samuel Dickson fixed his
+residence at the other end of the valley, near the river called the
+Deer River.</p>
+
+<p>Everybody then set to work, and with such rapidity that before three
+weeks were over the principal buildings were finished. The houses,
+built with trees from the trunks of which the bark had not been
+removed, piled one upon the other, and fastened together by iron clamps
+and long wooden nails, looked comfortable with their glass windows
+furnished inside with strong shutters, and their mud and brick chimneys
+from which the smoke already escaped in a bluish cloud.</p>
+
+<p>All the servants and hired men had erected themselves, not exactly
+houses, but bark huts. They were, however, only temporary residences,
+soon to be replaced by more solid and eligible residences.</p>
+
+<p>The ordinary means of defence so necessary in an Indian country had not
+been neglected; a solid double stockade of young trees surrounded the
+camp; the centre of this rampart was occupied by a ditch ten feet wide
+and fifteen deep.</p>
+
+<p>There were several drawbridges, which were raised every night, by means
+of which only could the settlement be reached; near every one of these
+was a redoubt of stone, surmounted by stakes, behind which, in case
+of attack, the garrison could place themselves. All the houses were
+moreover loopholed.</p>
+
+<p>Every night some twenty formidable dogs of the race formerly used by
+the Spaniards to hunt down the Indians, and until lately kept to track
+Negro slaves by the Americans, that is to say, bloodhounds, were let
+loose.</p>
+
+<p>One morning, shortly after sunrise, Miss Diana, accompanied by her own
+enormous and favourite dog, quitted the Point, her father's habitation,
+for the residence of Samuel Dickson.</p>
+
+<p>Very busy each about their own affairs, the brothers were often two
+days without seeing each other, the more so that their respective
+residences were quite three miles apart.</p>
+
+<p>Joshua Dickson, whose activity was immense, struck with amazement at
+sight of the magnificent waterpower at his door, and which he little
+suspected was the Missouri, had asked himself one day where these
+waters flowed to. He came at last to the conclusion that on its way to
+the sea it must run through some state of the Union.</p>
+
+<p>Then, imbued with that commercial spirit which is innate in the
+Americans, he at once saw the value of the river as available for the
+carriage of his produce, as well as to obtain supplies for the colony.
+He therefore resolved to make a journey down the river, and reach the
+first settlement, and this as soon as the heavier labours were over.</p>
+
+<p>Now with the squatter to resolve was to act, and even before anything
+else was finished he had set to work to construct a canoe sufficiently
+large to carry four persons, with victuals for a long journey, and
+strong enough to bear a voyage of some hundreds of miles.</p>
+
+<p>The boat had been finished the night before, and Joshua Dickson, eager
+to begin his journey, had sent his daughter over to Dickson Point, to
+confer with his brother as to what was to be done in his absence. But
+neither Samuel nor Diana knew anything of Joshua's projects.</p>
+
+<p>Joshua was one of those men who, without being deceitful, was very
+reticent, and never told his thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>Diana, like a true heroine, traversed the faintly traced paths which
+led to her uncle's house, a hunting knife in her belt, and light gun
+in her hand. For further safety she was accompanied by Dardar, a large
+black and white dog, something between a wolf and a Newfoundland,
+terribly ferocious, and of mighty strength, as tall as a good-sized
+donkey, and who would have tackled a bear in defence of his mistress,
+whom he obeyed with the docility of a child.</p>
+
+<p>With such a guardian Diana had nothing to fear from man or beast;
+moreover, the country was too little known to the squatters to allow a
+young girl to go out quite unprotected in the country, however short
+the distance.</p>
+
+<p>Contrary to her usual mood, the young girl was quite joyous; her
+freedom, which allowed her to give free vent to her thoughts, had
+driven away the tinge of sadness which generally clouded her beautiful
+face.</p>
+
+<p>She went along careless and dreaming through the fields, playing with
+Dardar, who, proud of the charge he was set to guard, ran wildly before
+her, dashing into the bushes and thickets with an intelligent glance
+that was almost human.</p>
+
+<p>The young girl soon reached the river, where a kind of ferryboat had
+been provided by means of which to cross the river, here neither broad
+nor deep. In a few minutes Diana was across and within sight of her
+uncle's residence.</p>
+
+<p>Inside the log hut, which was extensive, were seated two men, with a
+bottle of whisky before them. These were Samuel Dickson himself and
+George.</p>
+
+<p>Two horses, still saddled and smoking, were fastened in the court. They
+must have been on a long journey.</p>
+
+<p>"You are a pretty fellow to make me gallop about in this way in search
+of you. I am not very handsome, but I am not ugly enough to frighten
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"I simply did not see you."</p>
+
+<p>"No nonsense. Do you think to keep me in ignorance of your motive in
+coming this way?"</p>
+
+<p>The young man blushed deeply.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know my brother Joshua?" asked Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"I met him once or twice in Boston, but I do not think he ever noticed
+me," said George Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I introduce you to him?" said Samuel. "He has his faults, but he
+is a very worthy man."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think it would be wise just now."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think," continued the American, "that you have waited to be
+introduced to my niece."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir," cried the young man, dropping his glass.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, ah!" cried the American, laughing, "That is the way you break my
+crockery. These lovers, these lovers. Do you think to cheat an old
+opossum like me? You love my pretty niece, which is very natural; you
+are a good fellow, and together will make an excellent couple."</p>
+
+<p>"I regret to say it cannot be so," sighed George.</p>
+
+<p>"Why so?" cried Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"I see you are so good, I can no longer refuse to enlighten you."</p>
+
+<p>"That is right. Confess, for I am your true friend."</p>
+
+<p>"What I have to say," began George, "is not much. I met Miss Diana at
+Boston at Mrs. Marshall's, where your niece stayed for some months last
+year. I was on very good terms with your relative."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes; my cousin," said Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"Need I say that from the first moment I saw her I loved your niece? My
+visits to Mrs. Marshall, once only occasional, became so frequent that
+the lady began to have suspicion of my intentions. She at once called
+me on one side, and while giving me every credit for loyalty and worth,
+she told me not to prosecute my attentions, as Diana's father would
+never consent to our marriage. Despite all my entreaties, however,
+she would give me no reason, until at last, yielding to my earnest
+entreaties, she explained that many years before there had been such a
+quarrel between my father and Joshua Dickson that any alliance between
+our families must ever prove impossible."</p>
+
+<p>Samuel listened with extreme anxiety.</p>
+
+<p>"You see yourself that I am right," said the young man.</p>
+
+<p>"You are mistaken," cried the other; "the matter is rather serious, I
+allow. I really had forgotten that old affair. But don't ask me any
+questions; all I say is, have courage. Circumstances will probably
+alter, and believe me that in Samuel Dickson you will have a sincere
+friend."</p>
+
+<p>"I should be only too glad to help."</p>
+
+<p>"When I am on your side nothing is difficult. Now to breakfast. But how
+did you know of my brother's coming out here?" suddenly cried Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"Miss Diana told me herself."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, oh! Then I wonder no longer. To breakfast."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope, Master Samuel, you will excuse me," began the other, taking up
+his hunter's cap.</p>
+
+<p>"Sit down; if my niece were here you would not go."</p>
+
+<p>"Can I come in?" suddenly said a soft voice at the door, a voice that
+made George start.</p>
+
+<p>This sudden coincidence utterly overcame the old man's gravity, and,
+throwing himself back in his chair, he screamed with laughter, while
+Diana stood transfixed in the doorway, and George Clinton simply turned
+his cap round in his hand without being able to articulate a word.</p>
+
+<p>It was Dardar who ended the scene.</p>
+
+<p>The dog had remained outside for a moment or two, and then, seeing the
+door open, had rushed right into the middle of the room; seeing George
+Clinton he rushed at him, wagging his tail first, and then, leaping up,
+his paws on either shoulder, he licked his face with a joyous whine.</p>
+
+<p>"By heavens!" cried the squatter, "The fellow is lucky. Everyone likes
+him, even that precious Dardar, and yet he despairs. Come in, Sly
+Boots, and kiss your uncle."</p>
+
+<p>She did not require twice asking.</p>
+
+<p>"You are welcome, mademoiselle," he said, with mock politeness. "I
+suppose I need not introduce you to yonder tall young fellow?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have known the gentleman some time," replied the young girl, holding
+out her hand, which George took and kissed.</p>
+
+<p>"That's right," cried Samuel, rubbing his hands; "all goes well. And
+now once more I say, to breakfast. I am dying with hunger. We can talk
+while we eat, and you, Diana, can explain your early visit. I suppose
+you have not come three miles in the dew to kiss your old uncle?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?" she said, with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"And you expected to meet nobody," he answered. But seeing that Diana
+blushed, he continued, "But no more delay," and seated himself.</p>
+
+<p>The beginning of the meal was rather constrained, from the peculiar
+position of the young people. But the ice was soon broken; the squatter
+was merry and humorous; he avoided any pointed allusions, and the
+conversation, at first very meagre, soon became very pleasant.</p>
+
+<p>When Samuel heard the object of Diana's visit, he promised to go over
+in the evening, and then questioned George as to his travels.</p>
+
+<p>George at once proceeded to tell his story with so much wit and humour
+as to amuse uncle and niece.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," said Samuel, when breakfast was over, "listen to me. You are two
+charming young people, whom I love, and whose happiness I desire. But
+you must let me act in my own way. I know my brother well, and can do
+as I like with him. Look upon me as an ally, but commit no imprudence.
+Instead now of going with my niece, you must stop here. If you were
+seen together, we cannot say what might happen. At all times my house
+is open to you. Come as often as you like, but remember, courage and
+prudence, Diana, kiss me again, and then farewell."</p>
+
+<p>"My darling uncle," she cried, embracing him.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, very dear, because I do what you like."</p>
+
+<p>"Au revoir, George," she continued.</p>
+
+<p>"But when shall I see you again? Time appears so long."</p>
+
+<p>"Already he grumbles," cried Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, but I love her so much."</p>
+
+<p>"And do I not love you?" she said, naively.</p>
+
+<p>"I am mad," he answered, tenderly, kissing her hand a second time as he
+spoke.</p>
+
+<p>Then Diana went out, guarded by Dardar.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," said Samuel, as soon as they were alone, "you must enter into
+fuller explanations, and explain where you have pitched your tent. I
+hope you are in no difficulty."</p>
+
+<p>"Be easy on that point. I have a hut in a charming situation about
+twelve miles off. Will you come and see it?" added George Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>"At once, if you like," cried Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"At once let it be, I am not alone; I have two faithful servants and a
+Canadian hunter, whom I engaged in Boston. I have books, arms, horses,
+dogs&mdash;everything that a man can wish for."</p>
+
+<p>"Delighted to hear it. Let us start."</p>
+
+<p>Five minutes later they were galloping through the forest.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>THEY MAKE AN ACQUAINTANCE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>That part of the valley towards which they were going had undergone
+no change. The squatters had had no time to visit it, and it retained
+all its original beauty and primitive majesty. George Clinton
+appeared fully to know his way, entering at full gallop on the most
+out-of-the-way and rugged paths, followed by Samuel Dickson, who was in
+a charming humour, and appeared delighted to explore this part of his
+domains, for all on that side of the valley was his present from his
+brother.</p>
+
+<p>"You ride as if you had known the country ten years at least," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"I came here about a month before you, but I have been everywhere with
+Charbonneau."</p>
+
+<p>"Who may Charbonneau be?"</p>
+
+<p>"My hunter, a great big Canadian, as long as a fishing rod, as thin as
+a nail, and as honest as a Newfoundland dog. I got him out of a very
+great scrape, and he has been devoted to me ever since."</p>
+
+<p>"Lucky for you."</p>
+
+<p>"More than you think. This fellow was brought up in an Indian tribe;
+his life has been spent more or less in the desert. He has friends
+everywhere with trappers, with white and half-caste hunters; speaks all
+the most difficult redskin dialects, and despite his youth&mdash;he is not
+more than three-and-twenty&mdash;enjoys a great reputation on the prairie.
+He is called Keen-hand, because of his prodigious dexterity."</p>
+
+<p>"An excellent servant," said Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"And a capital companion&mdash;always gay and contented; whichever way
+things go, he is always so philosophical I cannot but admire him. He is
+a perfect study. As an instance, he declared some time ago no squatter
+would ever see this place and go further."</p>
+
+<p>"He was not far wrong. He is a sharp youth."</p>
+
+<p>"You are right; but you shall judge for yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"Then he has told you all about this country?" asked Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"In what way?" said George.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose he described the situation of the valley&mdash;its distance from
+all habitations?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you know?" cried George.</p>
+
+<p>"I know nothing. We have been travelling in the dark, and should all be
+glad of information."</p>
+
+<p>"In the first place, two rivers cross the valley; that near you flows
+from the mountains of the Wind; the other, into which it discharges its
+waters, is the Missouri."</p>
+
+<p>"Heavens! The Missouri! Then it runs through part of the United States.
+We are at home."</p>
+
+<p>"Very nearly, though you are surrounded by red men, who, though very
+warlike, are generally friendly to the whites. Still, if you know the
+redskins you will not depend on them."</p>
+
+<p>"Too true; and what nations are they?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Sioux and Dakotas, Piekanns, Crows, Hurons of the great lakes, with
+some Assiniboins and Mandans. A few others of no account are scattered
+about," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"A pretty lot; and no help near."</p>
+
+<p>"Help is nearer than you think. About fifty miles distant is a fort
+belonging to one of the great fur companies. It has a garrison of fifty
+whites&mdash;Americans and Canadians, soldiers and hunters."</p>
+
+<p>"Fifty miles is nothing," said Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"In a civilised country, yes; but in the desert it is as bad as fifty
+leagues," responded Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>"I did not think of that," granted the squatter; "well, then, on the
+other side, what neighbours have we?"</p>
+
+<p>"Some squatters, like yourselves, who have been two years on the
+Missouri. You are halfway between the two."</p>
+
+<p>"Have these squatters much cultivated land?"</p>
+
+<p>"They have been going ahead lately. It is already almost a village;
+soon it will be a town. But anyway, on one side or the other you are
+separated from men of your own colour by several Indian nations, whose
+villages it would be dangerous to visit, except in large numbers. In
+fact your only open route is the Missouri."</p>
+
+<p>"That is something; but, if easy to go down, it is hard to ascend."</p>
+
+<p>"Besides, both sides swarm with redskins."</p>
+
+<p>"Hum! My dear George, that spoils all. What could put it into the mad
+head of my brother to bring us here? He is a lunatic; for the matter of
+that, so am I."</p>
+
+<p>George could not help laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Laugh away, you young rascal," said the squatter; "but if we have to
+leave our bones here?"</p>
+
+<p>"I hope it will not be so," replied George.</p>
+
+<p>"Jehoshaphat! So do I. Your information is not pleasant; still I thank
+you. It is best to know the worst."</p>
+
+<p>While speaking they kept on at as rapid a pace as the state of the
+ground allowed. They had left the forest, and had come out upon a green
+prairie, when suddenly they heard a gun fired.</p>
+
+<p>"What is that?" cried the squatter.</p>
+
+<p>"Charbonneau. I know the sound. Wait a minute."</p>
+
+<p>And Clinton fired his rifle in the air.</p>
+
+<p>Next instant there was a rush from out of a thicket, and two
+magnificent dogs of the same breed as Dardar came rushing out of a
+thicket, and, leaping at the young man to beg a caress, continued at
+the same time to growl at the squatter.</p>
+
+<p>"Down, dogs, down!" cried the young man. "Down, I say, Nadeje, miss,
+and you the same, Drack; don't be mischievous. This gentleman, my
+fine fellows, is a friend; go and welcome him, to show what brave and
+intelligent beasts you are."</p>
+
+<p>As if they had understood what their master said, the two dogs ceased
+to growl, and, going straight to Samuel Dickson, leaped up at him in
+the most friendly way. The squatter, a great dog fancier, was very
+much struck by their beauty, and at once caressed them with many a
+word of praise, which pleased both, but especially Miss Nadeje; she
+was a magnificent animal, with an almost pure white skin, spotted only
+here and there with black, and at once took the squatter under her
+guardianship.</p>
+
+<p>Almost at the same moment a man appeared in the full costume of a
+hunter, a man with rather angular but very intelligent features; in his
+hand was the still-smoking gun. He bowed, and called off the dogs.</p>
+
+<p>"Pardieu!" he cried, "That was a lucky shot of mine."</p>
+
+<p>"Were you hunting?" asked the other, shaking hands.</p>
+
+<p>"At this hour it were folly, and I am not yet mad. Sport is only good
+morning and evening, is it not?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is my opinion," replied the squatter.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Samuel Dickson, one of my best friends," said George, "and I hope
+soon one of yours."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so; I like his looks," laughed Charbonneau.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you," said the squatter.</p>
+
+<p>"It is quite unnecessary, only I don't say the same to everybody. But I
+have known you some time."</p>
+
+<p>"If not hunting, what were you doing?" asked George.</p>
+
+<p>"Something has happened at the wigwam. Three travellers, two white
+hunters and an Indian chief, have reached your house, and demanded
+hospitality," he replied.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course you did not refuse?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I did not. Besides, two of the hunters are my friends, and
+the other is likely to become so."</p>
+
+<p>"You know you are welcome to act; still, why look for me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I did not exactly look for you, but I wanted to give you
+warning; of course, I knew where you had gone."</p>
+
+<p>The young man blushed, while the old man laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, then," cried Clinton, "let us go home."</p>
+
+<p>"Wait one moment. About fifty yards in my rear the dogs opened cry. I
+ran and found&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"A bear?" exclaimed the squatter.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I would not have minded that. It was not a bear, but a man. He
+was lying insensible on the ground, his skull split open from a heavy
+fall, and a shot wound in his left arm. His horse was grazing close by.
+He appeared to be a traveller traitorously shot by an Indian. I thought
+I heard an explosion; at all events, the wretch fled before the dogs,
+just as he was about to rob the unfortunate."</p>
+
+<p>"You assisted him?"</p>
+
+<p>"How could I help it? I could not let him die like a skunk on the road;
+and yet it would have been wiser."</p>
+
+<p>"Charbonneau!" cried the young man, "Is that really you?"</p>
+
+<p>"You know me well, Master George. Well, despite myself, I don't like
+the look of this man, though he is handsome enough. He has a terrible
+expression, and you know it takes something to move me. Still, I feel
+an invincible repugnance for this man, whom I never saw before. The
+dogs were like myself; I had the greatest difficulty to prevent them
+tearing him to pieces. Nadeje was like a mad creature; she wanted to
+strangle him. Do you know, Master George, dogs never make a mistake?"</p>
+
+<p>"A very good thing," said George Clinton; "but the man is wounded,
+likely to die. We are bound to succour him."</p>
+
+<p>"I know it, and have done so. I have seen to him as I would to myself
+or one of my dogs. Still, Master George, mark my words, it is a bitter
+foe you shelter under your roof."</p>
+
+<p>"It may be so, but we must do our duty."</p>
+
+<p>"As you please. Still I shall watch him."</p>
+
+<p>"Where is he?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just under yonder cluster of oaks, which you see from here. It was
+after dressing his wound I fired a shot on chance."</p>
+
+<p>"Did he say nothing?" asked George.</p>
+
+<p>"He is still quite insensible."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us join him, and if the dogs are so ill-disposed towards the
+stranger, watch them carefully."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, Master George. Be quiet, dogs," said the hunter, turning
+back, followed by the two great dogs, the others making up the rear.</p>
+
+<p>The cluster of oaks was soon reached; the wounded man still lay without
+life; the dogs howled, but, at a sign from Keen-hand, they stood back
+silent.</p>
+
+<p>George and Samuel alighted, and examined the man.</p>
+
+<p>He was a tall, well made, even elegant man of about thirty or
+thirty-five; he was deadly pale; his features were well chiselled
+and delicate; his long, jet black hair fell in waving curls on his
+shoulders; a black crisp beard hid the lower part of his face; his
+mouth, large and slightly open, showed magnificent teeth of dazzling
+whiteness; his strong and aquiline nose gave a terribly hard expression
+to his face, while his eyes, far too close together, and which were
+shut, were shaded by long lashes, and crowned by heavy eyebrows that
+almost touched.</p>
+
+<p>The very sight of the man inspired instinctive repulsion, something
+like a chill, that sensation of terror and disgust which one feels at
+the sight of a reptile; still the man was handsome and elegant; he was
+well dressed, and his weapons were superior; his horse was extremely
+valuable.</p>
+
+<p>He was, to all appearance, a prince among adventurers.</p>
+
+<p>"Hum!" muttered Samuel Dickson, who was the first to speak; "I don't
+like his look at all."</p>
+
+<p>"No more do I," said George; "still, we cannot let him die."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not, since Providence has sent him here. Are we far from
+your hut?" replied Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"Not far off, are we, Charbonneau? But, then, how can we carry him?"
+continued George; "I don't see anything except a litter."</p>
+
+<p>"Too long. Leave all to me. I will mount his horse; you can hand him up
+to me; I will then carry him in my arms to the wigwam&mdash;what say you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Admirable!" cried George, as Charbonneau mounted and stood still,
+awaiting his burden.</p>
+
+<p>George and Samuel then placed him before the guide. Charbonneau pressed
+his head against his chest, and started.</p>
+
+<p>Going slowly, they were an hour on the journey.</p>
+
+<p>The wigwam, as the hunter called it, was a charming habitation built of
+wood, upon the summit of an eminence, round which ran a silver stream,
+lined with well-constructed palisades.</p>
+
+<p>"Your house is delicious," said Samuel Dickson, examining the
+residence. "You should be very comfortable."</p>
+
+<p>"My good friend, I want for nothing except happiness."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you going to have the blues again?" said Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"You know I hardly dare hope," replied George.</p>
+
+<p>"You are very foolish. When you are rich, young, and loved, Master
+George, you ought to hope for the best."</p>
+
+<p>"You are very cruel to joke with me."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not joke, I only try to inspire you with courage. But, look, here
+are your guests coming to meet you, while your servants seem to me to
+be rather muddled and mixed," observed Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"It is the first time they have ever seen strangers."</p>
+
+<p>"Then," said Samuel, laughing, "they will have a change today."</p>
+
+<p>Three persons were advancing in the direction of the advancing troop.
+They were Bright-eye, Numank-Charake, the Huron chief, and Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>They bowed ceremoniously to Clinton, who renewed the invitation given
+by Charbonneau; and then alighting, the wounded man was carried by
+Bright-eye and Oliver to the best bedroom, placed on the master's
+own couch, and at once attended to by one of the domestics, who knew
+something of medicine.</p>
+
+<p>"What a disagreeable face!" murmured Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"He does not look pleasant," said Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis the face of a traitor," said the Indian chief, sententiously; "he
+should have been allowed to die."</p>
+
+<p>"Hum!" cried Keen-hand; "There are others of my opinion."</p>
+
+<p>"Let my brother watch carefully," remarked the Indian.</p>
+
+<p>"Be not uneasy," smiled Charbonneau.</p>
+
+<p>"In my opinion," said Bright-eye, "this man is one of the outlaws of
+the desert. I have seen him somewhere before. I must not only think
+over the matter, but put the master of the house on his guard."</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the four men rejoined Clinton and Samuel Dickson in the
+drawing room, where copious refreshments awaited them.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>WHO THE STRANGER WAS.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>As soon as the farmer had taken some slight refreshment and assured
+himself as to the comfortable position in which he was placed, he took
+his leave. The day was far advanced, and he had to meet his brother on
+a matter of business.</p>
+
+<p>On leaving George, the squatter bent low on his horse, and after one
+last glance at the hut:</p>
+
+<p>"Beware, my friend," he said, "of the wounded man. I think him an
+unmitigated rascal. Get rid of him."</p>
+
+<p>"I will take your advice. I do not like him myself, and as soon as he
+can travel he shall surely go."</p>
+
+<p>And, after mutual promises to meet again, the two friends parted, and
+Samuel rode off in hot haste. George watched him until he was quite out
+of sight.</p>
+
+<p>He then sighed. The departure of Samuel had broken the last link
+between the charming events of the morning and the more matter-of-fact
+events of the evening. He now gloomily turned on his heel, and found
+himself face to face with the three travellers accompanied by Keen-hand.</p>
+
+<p>"You are not going?" he cried.</p>
+
+<p>"No," answered Bright-eye; "on the contrary, if you will allow us, we
+intend remaining some little time."</p>
+
+<p>"You will give me great satisfaction," continued Clinton, "use my house
+entirely as your own."</p>
+
+<p>The hunters bowed courteously.</p>
+
+<p>"We have come to meet you," said Oliver, "because, having something to
+say, we prefer the open air."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," continued Bright-eye, "though the wounded man whom you have
+so generously entertained is as yet incapable of listening, your
+servants&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Are discreet and devoted," observed Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>"We know that, and have taken no precautions against them."</p>
+
+<p>"You would have been very unwise to do so. Morris and Stephen knew me
+from my birth. They love me as if I were a child of their own. I have
+no secrets from them and should be sorry to wound their feelings."</p>
+
+<p>"I was prepared for that objection," said Keen-hand, "and was therefore
+careful to warn them."</p>
+
+<p>"You have done well, Charbonneau, as I would not for the world offend
+those worthy fellows. And now, gentlemen, follow me, and I will take
+you where you can speak openly without fear of being overheard."</p>
+
+<p>Saying which George moved away from the house and led them to a
+hillock, wholly without trees, overlooking the river, and whence he
+could see a long way.</p>
+
+<p>"This is my observatory," he said, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"Admirably well chosen," replied Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>On the invitation of Clinton everyone seated himself on the grass,
+and lit his pipe; then Bright-eye, who appeared general spokesman,
+addressed their host.</p>
+
+<p>"We have learned from Keen-hand that you have not long left the cities
+of the United States to visit for a time the prairies of the Far West."</p>
+
+<p>"I have no reason for making any secret of the matter."</p>
+
+<p>"Everyone is master of his own actions," continued Bright-eye, "and we
+have no right to inquire in any way into your affairs. We only desire
+to indicate you as new to prairie customs."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not very learned in the matter, and am therefore wholly guided by
+my hunter, who, despite his youth, is an old runner of the woods. But
+as I see no motive for this conversation, I should be glad if it were
+abridged."</p>
+
+<p>"One question first&mdash;Are you prepared as a dweller in the desert to
+submit to its habits and customs?" asked Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>"As long as they are just and reasonable," said the other, "I pledge my
+word to be guided by them."</p>
+
+<p>"We find that your friend here described you well."</p>
+
+<p>"Still you must be aware that you are keeping me waiting."</p>
+
+<p>"Two words will explain," said Bright-eye; "we demand the body of the
+wounded man yonder."</p>
+
+<p>"What to do?" cried Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>"To apply Lynch law to him," coldly replied the hunter.</p>
+
+<p>The young man shuddered, a livid pallor spread over his countenance; he
+looked at the hunters, who nodded their heads, with a glance of horror.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean, gentlemen?" he cried; "Do you intend to torture this
+man, whose life hangs on a thread?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is our right and our duty, not to torture him, but to try him, and
+execute the sentence, whatever it may be, at once."</p>
+
+<p>"This is terrible!" cried the young man.</p>
+
+<p>"You do not know him. If, for reasons best known to ourselves, we
+feigned not to know him, now that your friend has left we will tell you
+who the wretch is."</p>
+
+<p>"No matter who he is," cried Clinton, fiercely, "all I know is that he
+is wounded and under the protection of my roof."</p>
+
+<p>"Your sentiments of humanity do you honour," said Bright-eye,
+ironically; "they are well suited to civilised society, where the law
+defends you. In the desert they have no meaning. Every moment menaced
+with death, you must cut down your murderous foes without mercy."</p>
+
+<p>"Better be victim than executioner," said George.</p>
+
+<p>"If you like to present your breast to the enemies, that is your
+lookout; we beg to differ from you."</p>
+
+<p>"But, gentlemen&mdash;" said Clinton, haughtily.</p>
+
+<p>"You made a promise. Do you or do you not intend to be bound by it?"
+asked Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>"This is your return for my hospitality."</p>
+
+<p>"You are unjust, sir; we are but the instruments of public opinion,
+about to accomplish a painful duty, guided by our conscience and our
+sense of right. Do you give this man up to us, yes or no?" he continued.</p>
+
+<p>"Take him, if you insist; but as on your private authority you judge
+this man, I will defend him."</p>
+
+<p>"We are delighted to hear it."</p>
+
+<p>"When do you intend trying this man who is dangerously wounded and
+nearly insensible?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is not so ill as he pretends to be," replied Bright-eye; "and we
+intend trying him at once."</p>
+
+<p>"Come, then, for the matter is getting wearisome," said George.</p>
+
+<p>All returned to the house. Oliver and Numank had not spoken, but their
+firm step, their knitted brows, their flashing eyes, sufficiently
+indicated that they fully agreed with Bright-eye in his intentions.</p>
+
+<p>When they entered the room where the wounded man lay he was quite
+conscious; his face, of an earthy pallor, had two red spots on the
+cheeks; the pearly sweat fell heavily from his brow; his eyes were half
+closed, but he could clearly see through his lashes. His attitude was
+that of a tiger at bay, unaware from what side danger was likely to
+come.</p>
+
+<p>Bright-eye looked at him with such pertinacity that after a time he was
+compelled to open his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>The Canadian smiled, whispered to Keen-hand, who nodded his head, and
+soon left the hut.</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen," said Bright-eye in a loud tone, "we will at once proceed
+to instal the head of the court of Judge Lynch."</p>
+
+<p>"You are the chief," said the others.</p>
+
+<p>"I accept. You will be the accusers. I shall at once take my seat, as
+we are here to judge this man."</p>
+
+<p>"You forget I am here to defend him," remarked Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>"You are quite right," replied Bright-eye; "pray therefore attend
+carefully to the accusations I am about to make against him; you can
+then undertake his defence, if, indeed, when you know all, you care to
+do so."</p>
+
+<p>The wounded man had appeared motionless and insensible to all around
+him, but on hearing the generous words of the young man, spoken in a
+gentle voice, he seemed to shiver all over, and, raising himself a
+little, looked keenly at George Clinton, with a glance of gratitude.</p>
+
+<p>Bright-eye meanwhile reflected a moment, folded his arms, and throwing
+back his head spoke:</p>
+
+<p>"Prisoner," he said, "you are before a terrible tribunal. Judge
+Lynch has been appointed to condemn you if guilty, to absolve you if
+innocent. Prepare yourself to hear and answer the charges made against
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not acknowledge the jurisdiction of Judge Lynch," said the man;
+"you are a tribunal of assassins."</p>
+
+<p>"As you please," replied the Canadian; "but your silence will be
+treated as a confession of guilt."</p>
+
+<p>The accused shuddered.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, instead of leaving me to die in the prairie, was I brought here?"
+he asked; "Is hospitality a mere trick?"</p>
+
+<p>"The man is right," cried George; "I cannot suffer such things to pass
+under my roof. I protest, in the name of humanity, against all that is
+being done. You dishonour me by acting in this manner here."</p>
+
+<p>"The jurisdiction of Judge Lynch is universal in the desert," was the
+cold reply; "none can check it. This man is an outlaw of the prairies,
+a man of blood and crime. Louis Querehard, Paul Sambrun, Tom Mitchell,
+and half a dozen aliases&mdash;you see we know you well&mdash;eleven days ago you
+basely attacked an old man in charge of a young girl; you killed the
+old man from behind at the Elk's Leap. Where is the young girl?"</p>
+
+<p>"Base calumny," cried the wounded man, sitting up suddenly; "I know not
+what you mean. I killed no old man."</p>
+
+<p>"I repeat that you killed the old man and stole away the girl. I have
+the proofs," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>The wounded man sat biting his lips with rage.</p>
+
+<p>"This morning," continued Bright-eye, "you quarrelled with one of your
+accomplices, while crossing this valley, and fell from the treachery of
+your fellow bandit."</p>
+
+<p>"Falsehood!" cried the wounded man.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall soon see," said the Canadian, coldly, and putting his fingers
+to his lips he uttered a shrill whistle.</p>
+
+<p>A noise was heard and several men entered. These were Keen-hand, two
+servants of Clinton, and a prisoner&mdash;a man of wretched, mean, and
+ignoble appearance.</p>
+
+<p>"This is your accomplice," said Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know him," replied the wounded man.</p>
+
+<p>"You don't know me?" cried the other; "Really now, have you already
+forgotten poor Camotte?"</p>
+
+<p>"You declare this man unknown to you?" said the judge. "Well, be it so.
+Now, fellow," to the man Camotte, "will you confess?"</p>
+
+<p>"Caray, yes," said the prisoner, "anything you like."</p>
+
+<p>"Speak then," responded Bright-eye: "we wait."</p>
+
+<p>"Miserable wretch," asked the wounded man, "are you a traitor?"</p>
+
+<p>"My good sir, I object to be hung," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"It is useless to question that rascal," said the wounded man. "I will
+tell you all you want to know; but before we go any further it must be
+on one condition."</p>
+
+<p>"We decline to accept conditions," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Then beware. I alone know where the young girl is concealed. Refuse my
+conditions and my secret dies with me."</p>
+
+<p>"It is true," said Camotte, in answer to a look from Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>"What are your conditions?" resumed the judge.</p>
+
+<p>"My life, liberty, and three hours' start," said the outlaw; "also the
+company of my friend Camotte yonder," he added, with a sneer, as that
+individual shivered; "further, I require my horse, arms, and my valise.
+On these conditions you shall have the young girl: I swear it."</p>
+
+<p>"Anything else?" continued the judge.</p>
+
+<p>"One moment," observed George; "I ask for him eight days to recover
+from his wound, during which time he shall remain here under my
+guardianship and yours."</p>
+
+<p>"We consent," said Bright-eye, gloomily; "now speak."</p>
+
+<p>"The girl is concealed twelve miles away, in the Cavern of the Elk. I
+was going there with food when I was shot. Make haste."</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had he finished ere Oliver and the chief disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>"Beware of my vengeance," cried Bright-eye, "if you have spoken
+falsely."</p>
+
+<p>"I have spoken the truth," said the wounded man, and fainted.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>EXPLANATIONS.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>We must go back a little in order to explain how the three hunters were
+driven to seek hospitality in the hut of George Clinton, and what were
+the motives of the deadly hatred they had vowed against the wounded,
+almost dying, man.</p>
+
+<p>At the time of which we write nearly the whole American continent,
+north and south, was owned by Spain, which ruled her provinces with a
+yoke of iron, closed to all other nations with as much jealousy as ever
+was shown by China.</p>
+
+<p>The United States alone stood free, independent.</p>
+
+<p>The newly enfranchised people were, however, well aware that as long as
+the rest of the land was not free their work was unfinished.</p>
+
+<p>Besides, it became necessary to give employment to the restless spirits
+let loose by the close of the war.</p>
+
+<p>The Government at once set to work. The territory of the new republic
+was already immense, but thinly peopled, almost unknown, and occupied
+in many instances by wandering Indian tribes. These must first be got
+rid of.</p>
+
+<p>The activity of the Americans is known. They rushed off into the
+desert, they erected forts to awe the redskins; hardy pioneers
+traversed the prairies and established settlements in the very heart of
+the Indian country.</p>
+
+<p>Every encouragement was given to emigrants from Europe, who were
+received most hospitably.</p>
+
+<p>The Government was favoured by circumstances; it was a rising power
+while Spain was falling to pieces.</p>
+
+<p>The American Government at once offered to buy Louisiana of France,
+and meanwhile sent out small companies of free corps to attack the
+frontier of the Spanish colonies. But alongside those recognised by
+the authorities were other bands, men isolated from all civilisation,
+having no control to fear, recruited from the scum which froths up
+during troublous times; these bands made war on their own account,
+pillaged friend and foe, burned haciendas, and allied themselves with
+the redskins, taking their dress in order the more readily to carry out
+their nefarious designs.</p>
+
+<p>Among these bands was one more formidable than all the others of sad
+and monstrous celebrity.</p>
+
+<p>This troop of two hundred desperadoes, called themselves outlaws, and,
+it was believed, though no one exactly knew their headquarters, were
+established on the Missouri, whence they carried their depredations far
+and near.</p>
+
+<p>Powerfully organised, submitting to strict discipline, this band had
+spies in every direction, who kept them well informed, not only as to
+the number and strength of caravans about to cross the desert, with
+their destination, but as to the expeditions sent out by Government
+against themselves. By these means they were always on their guard and
+never taken by surprise.</p>
+
+<p>The chief of this terrible band was said to have only been six years
+in America, and yet he knew all the secrets of the desert; he was as
+clever as the most cunning and astute runner of the woods, quite equal
+to any redskin in deceit. He was supposed to be a Frenchman, though he
+spoke English, Spanish, and many Indian languages equally well. He was
+called Querehard, Sambrun, Magnaud, Tom Mitchell, and various other
+names.</p>
+
+<p>But none knew his real one, though some did whisper that he was the
+chief of a certain fearful band who had played so terrible a part
+during the Reign of Terror.</p>
+
+<p>Many asserted that he was not so bad as he was painted&mdash;that, in
+fact, though chief of this fearful crew, he always tried to prevent
+bloodshed, that he never allowed women and children to be ill-treated.</p>
+
+<p>He was said to be very generous, and had as many friends as enemies.</p>
+
+<p>Whatever the truth, Tom Mitchell was a kind of hero; the American and
+Spanish Governments had placed a price upon his head; but no one ever
+ventured to try for the reward of ten thousand dollars.</p>
+
+<p>After the medicine council we have recorded, Numank-Charake and his two
+friends continued their journey.</p>
+
+<p>On the seventh day, an hour before the setting of the sun, they reached
+a village built in the fork of two rivers.</p>
+
+<p>The village was surrounded by lofty palisades, with a ditch full of
+water, and drawbridges.</p>
+
+<p>The travellers came up just as these were being removed.</p>
+
+<p>They were warmly received by an eager crowd.</p>
+
+<p>Since his landing in America this was the first time Oliver had entered
+a real village of redskins.</p>
+
+<p>He was surprised to find it so superior to what he expected. Instead of
+ordinary bison tents, or huts made with hurdles, mud, and thatch, it
+consisted of admirably constructed Canadian cabins.</p>
+
+<p>These cabins stood in rows, with small gardens in front, while here and
+there were some real Indian wigwams.</p>
+
+<p>Those Canadians who had retreated with their families to the tribe
+of Bison Hurons had introduced these habits. Hence the rather hybrid
+character of the village, which was half Canadian and half Indian.</p>
+
+<p>Reaching the centre of the village Numank left his companions, while
+Bright-eye pointed out a most comfortable looking cabin and declared it
+to be his home.</p>
+
+<p>At the entrance stood two men leaning on their rifles. One, nearly a
+centenarian, but still robust and very tall, had a large white beard;
+his eyes still shone brightly, his complexion was the colour of brick,
+while his ropy muscles could be seen through his parchment skin. His
+expression was gentle and full of courage. This was the grandfather of
+the hunter, an old soldier of Montcalm.</p>
+
+<p>The second was Bright-eye's father, whom he resembled in every
+particular except age and height.</p>
+
+<p>"They indeed appear a noble couple," whispered Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"Come with me," was the laconic reply.</p>
+
+<p>In a few minutes they were at the door of the cabin. Bright-eye
+dismounted and took off his fur cap.</p>
+
+<p>"I am back after a long absence. Give me your blessing."</p>
+
+<p>"Take it with all our hearts," cried the two old men.</p>
+
+<p>They then shook hands cordially, Oliver looking on with a deep sigh of
+envy and regret.</p>
+
+<p>"He at all events has a family," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"Come nearer, my friend," cried Bright-eye; and when Oliver stood
+beside him, he added, "this is Oliver, my friend. Eight days ago we met
+in the savannah, and we have never parted since. He loves me and I love
+him; he is a brave man and a most excellent hunter; our friend, the
+redskin, calls him Bounding Panther."</p>
+
+<p>"He is welcome," said the old man; "all Frenchmen are our brothers;
+as long as he chooses to remain there is a hut to shelter him and a
+quarter of venison for his food."</p>
+
+<p>"Well spoken, father," said his son, shaking hands with the young
+Frenchman; "we are French here. Welcome."</p>
+
+<p>"Messieurs," replied Oliver, with a bow and a smile, "it is not with
+words we answer such words, but by acts."</p>
+
+<p>"We welcome you as a second son; come in."</p>
+
+<p>The horses were now taken away by a young Indian, and the whole party
+entered the house.</p>
+
+<p>The hut, which was built with logs, was whitewashed both in and out,
+and had four windows.</p>
+
+<p>Oliver entered a rather large hall, lit by two of the windows, with a
+plank flooring, and a roof supported by heavy beams; at one end was a
+large chimney, near the kitchen a table, some seats and chairs, two
+oaken dressers covered by utensils in brown earthenware, and a large
+old-fashioned clock composed the furniture.</p>
+
+<p>Two doors led, one into the kitchen, the other into the guests' room,
+which was pointed out to Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>There were three other rooms, one occupied by the two old men, one by
+Bright-eye, and one by his sister when at home.</p>
+
+<p>All were furnished alike; a bed, a little table, several boxes, two or
+three chairs; some hideously coloured prints from Epinal were fixed
+on the walls, also pipes of all sorts and sizes, a French long gun, a
+powder horn, lead pouch, game bag, hatchet, a knife with its deerskin
+belt, that was all.</p>
+
+<p>It was one floor, except a large loft above.</p>
+
+<p>Behind the house there was stabling for six horses, a yard with fowls,
+a rather large garden, well enclosed and full of choice vegetables. It
+was the old man who took care of the garden as child's play.</p>
+
+<p>When, having made some slight change in his toilette, Oliver returned
+to the hall dinner was on the table.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you had good hunting lately?" asked Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>"Not very good. Game gets scarce. Still I made three hundred and
+seventy dollars in a fortnight," he replied.</p>
+
+<p>"Pretty fair; and what was your game?"</p>
+
+<p>"The blue fox, near Hudson's Bay," continued the other; "I have been
+home three weeks. But you say nothing of your sister."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not in the habit of questioning you, father."</p>
+
+<p>"The boy is right," said the old man; "it is your place to speak."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose," cried the hunter, "Angela is in the village."</p>
+
+<p>"No, my son, she is absent," continued the old man, "and I am sorry for
+it, as she was the joy of the house."</p>
+
+<p>"Where is she then, father?" asked Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>"About five days' march, with our cousin Lagrenay, the squatter of the
+Wind River. His wife has been ill, he is alone; having no one to take
+care of her, he came here and asked for Angela to stay a few days."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear father, our cousin Lagrenay's settlement is a long way off, in
+the heart of the Indian country."</p>
+
+<p>"You are right," said his father; "I fear I have acted with too great
+haste. I will fetch her home tomorrow."</p>
+
+<p>"I will go with you, father."</p>
+
+<p>"It is unnecessary. Your health, sir," addressing Oliver; "is it long
+since you left France?"</p>
+
+<p>"Many thanks. I have been in America two months."</p>
+
+<p>"Though so far off news is welcome. How is the king?"</p>
+
+<p>"There is no longer any king," said Oliver, gravely; "France is now a
+republic like America."</p>
+
+<p>While the stupefaction which this news caused was still at its height
+Numank-Charake entered.</p>
+
+<p>"Welcome; be seated and eat," said the old man.</p>
+
+<p>"I came neither to eat nor to drink," replied the young Indian, sadly.
+"I came to tell you that your child, Evening Dew, has been carried off
+by Tom Mitchell, the outlaw, and that we must at once save her."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>HOW THE THREE TRAVELLERS WENT TO GEORGE CLINTON'S.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>This terrible revelation fell like a thunderclap upon the four
+personages who sat at table. There was for some minutes a silence
+caused by perfect stupor.</p>
+
+<p>"You are indeed a sinister messenger, chief," said the old man,
+bitterly; "whence do you get this news?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you are mistaken," gasped the father.</p>
+
+<p>"Listen," said the chief, sadly, "and you shall hear what has passed in
+a few words."</p>
+
+<p>"First sit down and break bread," cried the old man; "we are friends
+and relatives, and this awful catastrophe affects you as well as us."</p>
+
+<p>"You say truly," responded the young chief, seating himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Eat and drink," said the old man; "then we will talk."</p>
+
+<p>The meal continued, to the great astonishment of Oliver. He could
+not understand the calm and sang-froid of these four men in presence
+of such an awful event. He was half inclined to accuse them even of
+coldness of heart.</p>
+
+<p>He knew nothing of that Indian etiquette, more severe than that of any
+other country, which requires this apparent coldness. He soon, however,
+discovered how much he was mistaken, and how deeply all these brave and
+loyal hearts were wounded by the fatal incident.</p>
+
+<p>The repast was sad and gloomy. Nobody spoke. They ate as if it were a
+duty which must be done.</p>
+
+<p>After the hasty repast was over there was silence.</p>
+
+<p>"You have come, sir," said the old man, addressing Oliver, "at an
+unfortunate moment; pardon us if we seem rude and inhospitable. But
+evil has fallen on us."</p>
+
+<p>"You told me, sir," replied the young man, "that I was to become a
+member of your family. Let me, then, share your sorrows as well as your
+joys. I feel more on the subject than you think, being Bright-eye's
+brother."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you; you are one of us," said the old man.</p>
+
+<p>"You are my second son," cried the father.</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, and hope to prove myself deserving."</p>
+
+<p>Everybody now rose from table, filled his pipe and lighted it, and
+then, the repast having in the meantime been cleared away, seated
+themselves by the fire.</p>
+
+<p>"Chief," said the old man, "the time has come. We are ready to listen
+to you with the deepest attention."</p>
+
+<p>Rising and bowing to all, the chief, who affected stoical gravity, but
+who had great difficulty in controlling his voice, spoke&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Lagrenay's wife was never ill. Evening Dew was carried off by Tom
+Mitchell from the squatters."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you quite positive?" asked the grandfather.</p>
+
+<p>"I am positive. The news was brought to me just now by a courier in
+whom I have every confidence. He saw all that happened without himself
+being seen."</p>
+
+<p>A deep silence prevailed. None interrupted the old man.</p>
+
+<p>"Allow me," he said, "to speak frankly to you, chief. You are my
+relative; I remember your birth, and love you."</p>
+
+<p>"My father is good, and knows I love him," replied the chief.</p>
+
+<p>"I know it; but pardon me if I speak very plainly. There is a
+hesitation in your words which alarms me excessively. I am sure you
+have not told us all you think."</p>
+
+<p>The chief bowed his head.</p>
+
+<p>"I knew I was right," cried the old man; "you know far more than you
+choose to say."</p>
+
+<p>"No skin covers my heart, my blood runs red and clear in my veins; the
+Wacondah sees and judges me. Let my father explain himself frankly.
+I ought only to speak after him. His head is white with the snows of
+wisdom. He is wise."</p>
+
+<p>"Good, Numank-Charake, you are a great brave, despite your youth. Soon
+you will be renowned in council. I know the motives which shut your
+mouth. You love her."</p>
+
+<p>The young man started.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not deny it," said the old man. "I know it, as does my son, and we
+rejoice both of us. She will be happy with one who is both strong and
+brave. Not knowing our sentiments towards you, you have nobly hesitated
+to accuse a near relative. You have acted well. But time presses, and
+not a moment is to be lost. We know our cousin as well, or perhaps
+better, than you do. We know also that falsehood never soiled your
+lips. To keep further silence would be to commit a bad action&mdash;to make
+yourself almost the accomplice of the ravishers. Speak out, then, like
+a man."</p>
+
+<p>"I obey," replied the young man, respectfully.</p>
+
+<p>"And hide nothing, I pray," added François Berger.</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you everything," he said, "as you know my heart is given
+to Evening Dew. I love her; her love is my joy, her voice my happiness.
+On my return to the village, after my unfortunate expedition, Evening
+Dew was no longer in her father's wigwam. I asked news of everybody; I
+even ventured to ask you. Your answer filled me with discouragement.
+I returned to my hut heartbroken with despair. My grandfather had
+pity on me. Kouha-hande loves me, and spoke like a wise man. 'Go,' he
+said, 'find Bright-eye at the spot agreed on; he is the brother of
+Evening Dew; he will grieve with you, and perhaps give you good advice.
+During his absence I will watch. If necessary, I will go to the hut of
+the white man on the Wind River. Adieu, my son, and may the Wacondah
+accompany you,' I obeyed my father. I put on my travelling moccasins,
+took my gun, provisions, all that a hunter requires, and started. But
+my soul was sorrowful; a sad presentiment froze me to the marrow of my
+bones; Wacondah sent it."</p>
+
+<p>"Courage, child," said the old man, kindly. "Wacondah is powerful and
+just; He tries those whom He loves."</p>
+
+<p>"Two hours ago I returned to the village of my nation. I was very
+sad and uneasy. Without a word I left my comrades and friends, and
+rushed to my wigwam. My father's father awaited me. He was gloomy and
+thoughtful, and rose as I entered. I guessed at once what I had to
+expect. This is what I learned. Kouha-hande is a sachem whose words are
+not to be doubted. For two days, hid in the thickets, he watched the
+hut of the squatter of the River of the Wind. The second day, before
+the rising of the moon, there was a sharp whistle near the habitation,
+and a man appeared. He was very pale, wore the costume of the hunter
+of the prairies, and carried a rifle. At the distance the sachem could
+not make out his features. Almost immediately, however, a second person
+appeared on the scene, coming from the inside of the hut, and this was
+the squatter himself."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you sure of what you say?" asked the old man.</p>
+
+<p>"Kouha-hande knew him," replied the chief.</p>
+
+<p>"Go on," gloomily remarked old Berger.</p>
+
+<p>"The two men approached each other, spoke for a long time in a low
+tone, and then separated, after exchanging one phrase, which the
+sachem heard distinctly. This phrase, which seemed to summarise their
+conversation, was&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"'You swear upon your honour that she will be quite safe and respected
+in every way,' said the squatter."</p>
+
+<p>"'As if she were my own sister or daughter, I swear unto you,' replied
+the hunter."</p>
+
+<p>"The two men then parted. That was all. Two hours passed away. Just
+about the time when the blue jay begins its first song, the sachem, who
+had remained still in his hiding place, his eye and ear on the strain,
+heard a noise approaching rapidly, like that of a number of people
+who, fearing no surprise, thought it useless to take any precautions.
+They soon came in sight. They were no less than thirty palefaces, armed
+with rifles. They surrounded the hut and attacked it on all sides."</p>
+
+<p>"The squatter and his servants defended themselves like people taken by
+surprise&mdash;that is, feebly."</p>
+
+<p>"The assailants soon entered the hut. My grandfather now heard a great
+tumult inside. But he was alone, could do no good, and therefore
+remained in his hiding place. At the end of an hour the men came out,
+escorting a fainting female, who was wrapped in a frazada. Satisfied
+with the result of their expedition, they went off without even closing
+the doors behind them. Kouha-hande waited some little time, and then,
+convinced that the assailants had departed, went into the wigwam."</p>
+
+<p>"All was in disorder. The furniture was overthrown and broken; the
+squatter, his wife, and servants, tied and gagged, lay on the floor.
+The sachem hastened to stir up the fire, then he lighted some torches,
+after which he set all the people at liberty. Even then for some time
+they were unable to move or speak."</p>
+
+<p>"The squatter's wife wept, wrung her hands, and bitterly reproached her
+husband with his cowardice, which had been the cause of the abduction
+of her niece."</p>
+
+<p>"And what did he say?" asked Berger.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing," said the chief; "he was overwhelmed, appeared struck by
+stupor, remaining utterly motionless. Presently he seemed to recover
+his spirits. Kouha-hande then offered to start in pursuit of the
+ravishers, but the squatter refused, alleging that the trail was
+no doubt by this time so cleverly concealed as to render pursuit
+impossible. He left the punishment of the villains in the hands of
+God. The sachem, seeing plainly that he was not wanted, went away. But
+Kouha-hande was determined to reach to the bottom of the dark scheme;
+instead of returning to his village, he followed the abductors."</p>
+
+<p>"These, having apparently no fear of pursuit, had left ample traces
+of their passage in the forest, and took not the slightest precaution
+to conceal their route in a straight line through the forest. It led
+direct to the Missouri. The sachem at once saw through the whole thing.
+These hunters, the sachem declared, could only be the redoubtable
+outlaws commanded by the extraordinary chief before whom all trembled,
+white and red, in the prairie."</p>
+
+<p>"Tom Mitchell," groaned the old man.</p>
+
+<p>"Himself," said the chief. "The sachem, after exploring the two banks
+of the river for many miles, came back to the village of his nation,
+and told me what he had seen. This is my story. Have I well said?"</p>
+
+<p>"You have," cried François Berger; "but let me speak. I am the only
+one person in fault. I should never have separated from my daughter.
+It is my duty to go in search of her. I will find her or perish in the
+attempt."</p>
+
+<p>He attempted to rise, but Oliver checked him.</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, sir," he said, gently, "if I interfere in so delicate and
+grave a matter. The friendship I bear your son, the cordial way in
+which you have received me, compel me to feel as if I were personally
+concerned in the matter. May I therefore be allowed to speak a few
+words?"</p>
+
+<p>"Speak," said the old hunter.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir," replied the young man, modestly, "I have listened to every word
+as recorded by the chief, and I believe every word as recorded by him.
+It appears to me, therefore, in examining the facts, that the attack
+of the hunters, arranged with the squatter himself, his repugnance and
+refusal to pursue them, point either to treachery or a strange mystery,
+which it would be wise to clear up."</p>
+
+<p>"Unfortunately," said the old man, "we share your opinion. The
+treachery is too flagrant to be doubted."</p>
+
+<p>"You believe in treachery," urged Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"Base and cowardly treachery," cried Berger, striking the table.</p>
+
+<p>"Be assured, then," continued Oliver, "and you will be a better judge
+of the correctness of my opinion than I am, your enemies, whoever they
+may be, have spies around you, spies employed to watch your movements,
+and to report them at once. You Will not have been ten minutes on the
+trail of the ravishers ere they would be on your track."</p>
+
+<p>"Quite true," said the old man; "what is to be done?"</p>
+
+<p>"A very simple thing, and one which I am very much surprised you have
+not thought of before. We have only reached the village two hours ago;
+I, as a stranger, am unknown to anybody, nobody troubles himself in any
+way about me. Whither I go matters to no one. With your permission,
+at nightfall I will start in company with Bright-eye. If our early
+departure is noticed, we can easily give some reason. It is you who
+are watched, and no one else. None, knowing the indomitable energy of
+your character, will believe that you have allowed anyone else to go in
+search of your daughter. We shall be three men, two of whom know the
+desert well. The trail of one man is easy to follow, but not of three
+wary hunters ever on their guard, at all events, without the spies be
+discovered and killed. This is my opinion, and, frankly, I think it
+good."</p>
+
+<p>"You have spoken well," repeated the grandfather; "what you say is
+just. We are proud to have you for a friend, and we thank you. It is
+not necessary to reflect long without owning you are right. It would be
+folly to contest the matter, my son, and I, therefore, gladly confide
+to you the task of finding our child. Go, as you propose, this evening
+at the setting of the moon, my grandson, the chief, and yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"And you will succeed," said the father.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so, sir," responded the Frenchman; "rely upon it, I shall do
+all I can for my new sister."</p>
+
+<p>"My son was fortunate to meet you. God bless you all."</p>
+
+<p>The two young people simply thanked Oliver by looks. It was eleven
+o'clock at night when they started, without being noticed. We already
+know how they met the outlaw.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>TOM MITCHELL.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>The sun had long since gone down, the night was dark and cloudy, not
+a star shone in the sky. George Clinton, seated on a bench before
+his door, awaited the return of Keen-hand and his two dogs, who had
+accompanied the three travellers a short distance; the two serving men
+had gone to bed.</p>
+
+<p>George Clinton, half an hour before, had satisfied himself that his
+wounded guest slept soundly.</p>
+
+<p>His eyes fixed on vacancy, the young man was dreaming, giving way to
+soft and melancholy reverie; his soul, borne on the wings of fancy, was
+far away; it was wandering in the realms of space after the beloved,
+after the idolised young girl, for whom he had sacrificed and abandoned
+everything, and the mention of whose name made him quiver with delight.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly he was awakened from his Elysian dream by an almost superhuman
+cry of anguish.</p>
+
+<p>The young man started as if he had received an electric shock; he
+turned pale, clutched the barrel of his rifle, and then listened,
+trying in vain to pierce the intense darkness which wrapped all nature
+as in a winding sheet.</p>
+
+<p>Some minutes passed, during which there was not a breath in the air,
+not the slightest sound. George Clinton breathed more freely, wiping
+the sweat from his brow.</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven be praised," he said, "I was mistaken."</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had he uttered these words, which he hardly believed, when the
+same frightful cry was repeated.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a terrible warning," he cried; "some fearful crime is being
+accomplished. I cannot hesitate."</p>
+
+<p>And, without another thought, he darted off in the direction whence
+came the lugubrious sound.</p>
+
+<p>Almost ere George had quite disappeared in the darkness a shrill
+whistle, modulated in a certain way, was twice repeated; then a heavy
+black mass appeared crawling on the earth; this dark mass stopped at
+short intervals, and then again advanced. This strange phenomenon was
+soon followed by a second, a third, another, in all ten.</p>
+
+<p>In a few minutes all were round the hut. Then a second whistle was
+heard, a signal of course, as they all rose and revealed ten armed
+men. They were ferocious-looking beings, with sinister features&mdash;true
+bandits of the prairies.</p>
+
+<p>"We are the masters," said one; "the serving men sleep, the master is
+away, let us waste no time."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know where he is?" asked a second.</p>
+
+<p>"I pretty well guess. The place is familiar to me. But let us be
+careful. I don't want to be caught."</p>
+
+<p>"Be satisfied; Versenca and Jonathan never left their post, and Paddy
+is on the watch. All is safe."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not more timid than another, but I like to be sure."</p>
+
+<p>"We are losing time, and should act."</p>
+
+<p>"Quite so, Sleepy; but I want to know why the captain, who must have
+heard our signal, is still quiet?"</p>
+
+<p>"But you know the captain is wounded."</p>
+
+<p>"True, but he is no puling girl to be affected for long by a wound. Let
+us go in and find him."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis useless, I am here," said a grave voice.</p>
+
+<p>And a man leaning on his rifle and walking with some difficulty
+appeared before them in the doorway.</p>
+
+<p>"The captain!" they all cried.</p>
+
+<p>"Silence, boys," with an imperious gesture; "I am happy to see that you
+have not forgotten me."</p>
+
+<p>"Forgotten you!" cried Versenca, boldly; "Do we not follow wherever you
+go? Are we not devoted to you body and soul?"</p>
+
+<p>"Quite right," said the captain, with a bitter smile; "let us say no
+more about it. I am here, and all is well."</p>
+
+<p>"And now, captain, we await your orders."</p>
+
+<p>"Right! And how many are here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ten here ready to obey&mdash;three on the watch."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you horses?&mdash;but of course, I need not ask. Bring them up and let
+us be off."</p>
+
+<p>"With empty pockets?" cried Sleepy.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want?" asked the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Want!" exclaimed Sleepy, shrugging his shoulders; "Why, is not this
+wigwam very rich, and the owner absent? There can be no two opinions as
+to what should be done."</p>
+
+<p>"Comrades," said Tom Mitchell, "the owner of this home found me wounded
+in the prairie and took me in."</p>
+
+<p>"We know that&mdash;what then?"</p>
+
+<p>"What then! Not only did George Clinton shelter me beneath his roof,
+but saved my life from the lynchers."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank goodness," said Versenca, "that induced him to leave the hut by
+the exercise of cunning."</p>
+
+<p>"Without violence, I hope," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Quite so; sent him on a false trail, that is all."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you are agreed with me&mdash;no pillage."</p>
+
+<p>"No pillage!" cried all; "Let us go."</p>
+
+<p>None had entered the house, and now, on the order of the chief, they
+turned to go. George Clinton was before them.</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen," he cried, standing resolutely before them, "what is the
+meaning of this visit in my absence?"</p>
+
+<p>"Confound the fools who did not warn us."</p>
+
+<p>"I was never far. I have heard nearly all."</p>
+
+<p>"Much good may it do you; and now let us pass."</p>
+
+<p>"On the contrary; I decline to let you pass," said Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>"Good!" said Sleepy, rubbing his hands together; "After all there will
+be some broken bones here."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps," continued Oliver, clutching his rifle.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Ah! So the fun is going to begin," said the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"Silence," cried the captain, sternly; "silence, and fall back." As
+soon as they had obeyed he advanced to Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>"As you have heard our conversation," he said, "why do you try and
+oppose our free departure?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because, as you know, I am answerable for your person. I promised you
+should not leave my house until you were quite cured of your wounds."</p>
+
+<p>"Your solicitude for my health is charming," said the captain,
+ironically, "and I really know not how to thank you."</p>
+
+<p>"I take little interest in you. My honour is concerned."</p>
+
+<p>"You are not polite, while I try to be courteous. I will therefore
+simply remark that strength is on my side. Still I should be sorry to
+proceed to extremities."</p>
+
+<p>"Menaces are useless. Will you return to the house?"</p>
+
+<p>"The demand is ridiculous," cried the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"How so?" said a voice, and at the same time two magnificent dogs
+bounded to where Clinton stood.</p>
+
+<p>There was a moment of profound stupefaction on the part of the outlaws,
+who saw this succour arrive.</p>
+
+<p>Tom Mitchell, however, stooped towards Sleepy and whispered a few words
+in his ear. The man nodded, turned away and disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>"Beware!" said the captain; "I have hesitated to attack one man. But if
+blood is shed it is your fault."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall see," said Keen-hand, appearing beside his master, "you are
+ten and we are five. What do you think?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing," replied the chief, laughing; "but you seem to forget that we
+have the advantage of the situation. If we like we can take possession
+of the hut, whence I fancy my good friend will find it difficult to
+dislodge us."</p>
+
+<p>"Without counting that we are master of the person of the owner of the
+wigwam," cried Versenca, triumphantly.</p>
+
+<p>It was true. Assisted by the sentinels whom the outlaw had brought up
+behind, he had been seized.</p>
+
+<p>He was at once taken inside and then secured with his servants, whom
+the noise had at last aroused.</p>
+
+<p>But even this had not been done without a struggle. The two splendid
+dogs on seeing their master attacked had flown at the throats of the
+bandits, had knocked two down and throttled them in a minute; then,
+obedient to a whistle from Charbonneau, they had darted into a thicket,
+whence came a discharge of firearms. The three young men had returned.</p>
+
+<p>The outlaws retreated into the hut, prepared to defend themselves to
+the last gasp. Battle was imminent.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop," cried the voice of Oliver, "stop, for heaven's sake," and
+rushing forward he added, "Captain Tom Mitchell, I demand safety for
+myself and friends, and a truce until this unfortunate affair can be
+settled amicably. Speak."</p>
+
+<p>"I consent at once," said the captain, frankly; "what has happened was
+not of my doing. Down with your arms. Let all retain their positions.
+As for you, sir, you may advance, you are entirely under the protection
+of my honour."</p>
+
+<p>"I am here," replied Oliver, advancing.</p>
+
+<p>The two men went into the house and seated themselves at a table near
+an open window.</p>
+
+<p>"I am prepared to listen," said the captain; "I suppose you think I
+deceived you, or the young girl was gone."</p>
+
+<p>"It was our opinion, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be in the least uneasy," said the captain, "I only secured the
+girl as a hostage for my own safety."</p>
+
+<p>"A hostage!" replied Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. I have an important question to treat of with her tribe. But let
+us speak of our own affairs."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't understand you."</p>
+
+<p>"I will explain, and you will find that all that has taken place today
+has been caused by yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"Really," cried Oliver, "I understand you less and less."</p>
+
+<p>"I have no doubt you are astonished," said the captain; "but we can
+come to an explanation in a few words, M. Oliver."</p>
+
+<p>"You know my name."</p>
+
+<p>"And a great many other things besides, as you will soon know,"
+continued the other, coldly; "but let me explain. For reasons which it
+is unnecessary to mention, I had deep interest in making acquaintance
+with two new arrivals in this country, you, sir, and Mr. George
+Clinton. My plan of introduction was rough. My wound, which I inflicted
+on myself, and which is only a scratch, deceived you all. I am now
+personally acquainted with you both, and I am delighted. Still, things
+looked ugly for me&mdash;but what is the use of a battle in which half of
+us would be massacred? I want nothing of the kind. I have important
+business to transact and must go. In this instance I count wholly on
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"On me, sir! By what title?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot explain. I have promised to restore Evening Dew, and I will
+keep my promise. Just now she serves as a hostage. She is treated with
+the utmost deference and respect. Now let me pass at once. Delay is
+useless."</p>
+
+<p>"But, sir&mdash;can I&mdash;" stammered Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"Save an outlaw, a man with a price on his head!" said the other,
+bitterly; "But I am not what I seem. One day&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>But Oliver was thinking, and, after some minutes of reflection, said,
+"It shall be as you wish."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you; and now away to your friends and take George Clinton with
+you," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>Oliver went out with the young American and soon returned.</p>
+
+<p>"You are free to return with your companions," he said, on re-entering
+the hut; "I give you my word."</p>
+
+<p>"Farewell until we meet again. We part friends."</p>
+
+<p>"I have no hatred against you, but I sincerely hope we shall never meet
+again."</p>
+
+<p>"It shall be as Providence wills," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>Five minutes later the outlaws were galloping away, and soon
+disappeared in the darkness.</p>
+
+<p>"Who is this man?" murmured Oliver, sadly; "Is he one of those enemies
+who pursue me everywhere?"</p>
+
+<p>At that moment his friends came up and his thoughts went into a
+different channel. Still he did not easily forget his interview with
+that extraordinary man, who seemed to know him, and by whom he was
+really fascinated.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>SAMUEL AND JOSHUA.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>After leaving George Clinton, Samuel Dickson went at once to the
+residence of his brother Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was still high in the heavens when he reached the settlement;
+his brother was in sight, galloping towards him.</p>
+
+<p>"Come along," he cried, shaking hands; "I was so impatient to see you,
+I really could not wait any longer."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope there is nothing wrong, brother," said Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing at all. Everything is going for the best."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to hear it. I was rather uneasy."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry to hear that. But why are you so late?"</p>
+
+<p>"I had to go on a small journey. There was no hurry."</p>
+
+<p>"You are wrong, Sam. But here you are, and all is well. But had you
+come sooner it would have been better."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, here I am, so out with the news."</p>
+
+<p>"I have to speak of important things, and I have to ask your advice,
+who are wisdom itself."</p>
+
+<p>"Awfully wise," cried Samuel, laughing, "when in the end I only carry
+out all your insane ideas."</p>
+
+<p>"True! But still you were generally right. The fact is, if you speak
+words of wisdom, and then act a little the other way, it is simply out
+of love for me. I know it, my brother. I am not ungrateful, and love
+you dearly."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't doubt your affection. But you alarm me."</p>
+
+<p>"Why?" said Joshua, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Whenever you talk like this, I smell a rat, in the shape of some awful
+scheme, some diabolical plot."</p>
+
+<p>"I see you are not to be easily deceived," said Joshua; "but come in,
+let us eat, and then talk. The matter of which I wish to speak is of
+general interest."</p>
+
+<p>"As you will; but still I am monstrously afraid."</p>
+
+<p>"I know you are a great coward," cried Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment they reached the house, alighted, and, giving the horses
+to the servants, entered the parlour, escorted by Dardar, who had come
+to meet them.</p>
+
+<p>The two ladies received Samuel cordially.</p>
+
+<p>"Here he is at last, Susan," said her husband.</p>
+
+<p>"He has been anxious about you all day," cried Susan.</p>
+
+<p>"Then he has some mad scheme. But we shall see presently. Good evening,
+Diana, my dear. You look well."</p>
+
+<p>"A truce to compliments," cried Joshua; "to supper."</p>
+
+<p>They now entered the dining room, where the whole household was
+collected, men, women, and children. Of course, enormous quantities of
+meat, bread, and vegetables adorned the board. The repast was truly
+Homeric.</p>
+
+<p>After dinner the servants retired, and the ladies would have done the
+same, but Joshua detained them.</p>
+
+<p>The ladies seated themselves with a rather uneasy glance. He poured out
+a stiff glass for himself and brother and drank his off.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank heaven!" he began, "We are now solidly established in our new
+dwelling, and it is time to speak of business."</p>
+
+<p>"Hilloa! Talk business now? It is late. Why can we not put off our
+business arrangements until tomorrow?"</p>
+
+<p>"You forget, my brother, I sent for you on purpose&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I remember&mdash;well, go on, I am at your orders."</p>
+
+<p>"Harry, have you obeyed my orders?" asked Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, father," replied the young man.</p>
+
+<p>"All right," continued the squatter, refilling his glass. "Your health,
+all of you. In an hour, I'm off."</p>
+
+<p>"Off!" cried the ladies, in great alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"Hem!" said Samuel; "If you are not satisfied here, I am."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want to drag you into my affairs," replied Joshua, coolly.
+"But I shall not be long away. It is only a journey."</p>
+
+<p>"I thought," exclaimed Samuel, "he was as mad as ever; will you explain
+the object of this journey or exploration?"</p>
+
+<p>"One which you will highly approve, my brother," he went on. "I desire
+to open up commercial relations."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good idea. But what is your precise motive?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have said enough. I think my object serious."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, if you have no more to say, stop at home."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you tell me why?" asked Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"Because your voyage is utterly useless. All the information you can
+desire to obtain I can give you in ten minutes."</p>
+
+<p>"You!" cried Joshua, wildly.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly!" said Samuel, modestly; "I can, and will do so, if you will
+be good enough to listen to me."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall only be too happy. Still I don't understand!"</p>
+
+<p>"That is unnecessary. You must know that I have obtained my information
+from hunters and redskins."</p>
+
+<p>"Hunters! Redskins!" cried Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you know they swarm about here? I never go out without meeting
+some of them. So I say stop at home."</p>
+
+<p>"Explain yourself, brother," said Joshua, sulkily.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you think yourself very far from all white folk. You are very
+much mistaken. Learn, then, that though we are in the centre of the
+most warlike tribes of Indians, you have new forts not very far off,
+including a fur station."</p>
+
+<p>"Can it be possible?" exclaimed Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"And my friend and brother, are you aware what magnificent river runs
+at your own door? The Missouri!"</p>
+
+<p>Joshua bowed his head on his chest and was silent, while Samuel rubbed
+his hands and smiled slyly.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you think of the information?" he said at last.</p>
+
+<p>"If you are certain of what you say, it is excellent."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you give up the idea of your journey?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not. Admitting that all you tell me be true, it is of the
+highest importance for me to visit the fur station and all other
+settlements above and below us on the river, in order to become
+friendly, and prevent rivalry."</p>
+
+<p>"What rivalry?" half screamed Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"Any that might arise. Of course they will soon know all about me and
+might interrupt my commercial speculations."</p>
+
+<p>"A fool will have his own way," cried his brother.</p>
+
+<p>"Abuse is not argument, my brother," said Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"I apologise; but you are determined to go. I see you are; then heaven
+protect all in your absence."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you take no advice?" ventured Susan.</p>
+
+<p>"I have made up my mind," he replied; "I never alter."</p>
+
+<p>"But, father," cried Diana, "what are we to do during your absence? You
+leave us wholly undefended."</p>
+
+<p>"Silence, daughter," said the squatter, smiling; "don't be so tragical.
+I do not leave you undefended, as you say. Your uncle will watch over
+you. Your brother Henry commands in my absence. You have a fort. What
+more is wanted?"</p>
+
+<p>"How do you mean to travel?" asked Susan.</p>
+
+<p>"In the boat I launched today, with Sam, Jack, and two servants. I do
+not take away many defenders."</p>
+
+<p>"But you are not here to lead."</p>
+
+<p>"That is enough," he cried; "I have decided. Besides, it would be
+absurd not to visit my new neighbourhood."</p>
+
+<p>No more was said. The squatter was escorted by all to the riverside. He
+bade them all adieu, kissed his wife and daughter, shook hands with his
+brother, gave his son Henry some last directions, entered the boat,
+and was off in a very few minutes, whistling "Yankee Doodle," perhaps
+in reality to hide his strong emotion from his two sons.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>NEW CHARACTERS.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>We now visit a beautiful gold-sanded strand on the right banks of the
+Missouri, about fifty miles from the new settlement in Moose Deer
+Valley, and about equidistant from the strong fort already established
+by the fur company.</p>
+
+<p>This strand, which was only reached by a narrow defile between two
+perpendicular mountains, was exactly opposite an island of which it
+was impossible to make out the dimensions, which, however, were very
+considerable.</p>
+
+<p>Lights shone like will-o'-the-wisps in a fog; the island, which was
+thickly wooded, communicated with the mainland by means of a dangerous
+ford, full of holes and whirlpools. It was too dangerous to be
+adventured in by any but those who knew it. The island, moreover, was
+guarded by two eminences overlooking the ford, and which commanded the
+approach against any enemy if well defended. On the other side the
+island was inaccessible.</p>
+
+<p>This island was the refuge, the fortress of the terrible outlaws of the
+Missouri, with whom we have made acquaintance.</p>
+
+<p>Originally it had been selected by the Government as an outpost, but
+the partisans had first taken it and made it impregnable.</p>
+
+<p>As the outlaws rarely interfered with citizens of the United States,
+generally very poor in those regions, the Government, well aware of
+its impotence to dislodge the pirates, pretended to look upon them as
+irregular troops doing service.</p>
+
+<p>But the outlaws knew that if the authorities only had the chance they
+would be exterminated.</p>
+
+<p>But that part of America was little peopled, and few except trappers
+and wanderers knew anything of its capacities. The outlaws, therefore,
+to a certain extent, were pretty certain of impunity for all their
+actions for the time.</p>
+
+<p>A hundred horsemen were camped on the strand of which we have spoken;
+their horses were picketed near their fodder, around the campfires
+numerous groups were talking or sleeping, while on every hand walked
+sentinels.</p>
+
+<p>In a hut composed of whittled boughs and mud, a man sat on a buffalo's
+head, consulting papers from a large pocketbook. Another man stood
+respectfully by him, awaiting his orders. The first man was Captain Tom
+Mitchell, the other was Camotte.</p>
+
+<p>A sentinel kept guard in front of the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>It was about four o'clock in the morning. The stars were beginning to
+pale in the sky, the sky was covered by fleecy white clouds. Day was at
+hand; a fog rose from the river, and covered the camp as with a funeral
+pall. It was cold.</p>
+
+<p>"I say," cried Tom, "I am frozen. Are you asleep, Camotte?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, my lord."</p>
+
+<p>"Then shove some wood on the fire, it's nearly out."</p>
+
+<p>Camotte threw on some dry wood, which flared up.</p>
+
+<p>"Something like," said Mitchell; "and now let us talk, Camotte. By the
+way, I may as well ask you, are you very tired?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am never too tired to serve you, Excellency," said the other.</p>
+
+<p>"I knew you would say that," cried Mitchell; "true, I saved your life
+twice, but we have been quits long ago."</p>
+
+<p>"And yet I want to ask a favour."</p>
+
+<p>"Anything, except leave me," replied Tom Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>"Never; it is something else. It is simply this; don't, your lordship,
+give me such another mission. Whatever you may think, my master," cried
+Camotte, warmly, "it is not pleasant to play the part of a traitor and
+scoundrel."</p>
+
+<p>"I think you did it very cleverly," laughed Tom; "there, you are an old
+fool. Whom else could I trust? Having settled that very important fact,
+any news on the island?"</p>
+
+<p>"Evening Dew frets. You should send her home&mdash;all the more that it
+makes some people talk," he added.</p>
+
+<p>"Who has dared?" said Tom Mitchell, frowning.</p>
+
+<p>"Stewart. But don't worry; I settled him by blowing his brains out, and
+no one else has since made an observation."</p>
+
+<p>"All right. What about the river?"</p>
+
+<p>"Five men went down in a canoe yesterday. It was the squatter of the
+valley, his two sons, and black servants."</p>
+
+<p>"Where on earth could he be going to?" mused Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we can find out by stopping him on his return."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll see about it. Anything else?"</p>
+
+<p>"Hum! You have had Major Ardenwood's letter asking an interview today?
+Oh, yes! There are some Frenchmen at the fort, at all events, one of
+them. Still I am aware that three strangers will accompany the major."</p>
+
+<p>"Whom did you send out to inquire?"</p>
+
+<p>"Tête de Plume. I could not send Versenca; in the first place, because
+he was drunk; secondly, because I don't like him."</p>
+
+<p>Then, after a pause, Tom whispered to Camotte, who listened with deep
+and almost religious attention.</p>
+
+<p>"And now," said Tom, "that you understand me, away."</p>
+
+<p>Camotte went out. The worthy Mexican was the devoted friend, the alter
+ego, and moreover the lieutenant of Tom Mitchell, who wholly confided
+in him. Despite of events we have described before, Camotte was worthy
+of his trust.</p>
+
+<p>The chief of the outlaws quietly made some alterations in his toilette,
+which was a little out of order from his long journey. He had just come
+off a distant expedition. The booty had been at once transferred to the
+island.</p>
+
+<p>Having done this he drew the curtain that served as a door.</p>
+
+<p>The camp no longer looked the same. The fire was out. The two eminences
+were guarded by sharpshooters. A detachment of twenty men guarded the
+entrance to the defile. The rest of the troop were ready to mount at a
+sign.</p>
+
+<p>Tom Mitchell looked about him with an air of satisfaction. Camotte had
+executed all his orders faithfully.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the sun rose. It was like a theatrical scene. Light fell
+suddenly upon everything.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" cried the captain as a bugle sounded in the distance from the
+defile, "I was just in time."</p>
+
+<p>He stood erect in front of his hut, leaning on his cavalry sword, and
+waited with sublime tranquillity.</p>
+
+<p>After some few words had passed, four strangers, one in the uniform of
+a major of the American army, came out from the defile, led by Camotte,
+who walked respectfully in front of them, and made their way in the
+direction of the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"Good day, Captain Mitchell," said the major.</p>
+
+<p>"You did me the honour to write," observed Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I have some important business to talk about; but first allow
+me to present to you these two gentlemen. They are French, and
+consequently I cannot pronounce their names. Oh, I assure you they are
+worthy gentlemen."</p>
+
+<p>And the fat major laughed heartily.</p>
+
+<p>The captain bowed to the two Frenchmen without speaking. One was a man
+of about fifty, still young, and with apparently polished manners and
+rather haughty mien; the other, much younger, was bronzed by the sun,
+strong, and rather rough.</p>
+
+<p>"This gentleman," continued the major, "is our own countryman, Mr.
+Stoneweld, of Boston city."</p>
+
+<p>"I think you know me," observed the apoplectic speaker.</p>
+
+<p>"Who does not know Master Stoneweld, of the house of Stoneweld, Errard,
+and Co., the richest shipowner in all Boston?"</p>
+
+<p>The stout man smiled with an air of satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>"It seems you know one another," cried the major. "I am glad of it,
+because everything will go smoothly."</p>
+
+<p>"How so?" cried Tom Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear captain, these gentlemen want you; they came to me for that
+purpose. Certainly their business must indeed be of an important
+character," he added, "to induce them to make such an awful journey,
+lasting over a month."</p>
+
+<p>"It must be serious business," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"The two French gentlemen bring letters from the Home Secretary."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed!"</p>
+
+<p>"And Master Stoneweld one from General Jackson," added the major, "So
+now I expect you will do the best you can."</p>
+
+<p>"Have no fear."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course not, though I know you are rather hot at times. As for
+myself, I am choked with fog and hoarseness," he added.</p>
+
+<p>"I am at the orders of these gentlemen," replied the captain. "I shall
+be happy to do all in my power for them."</p>
+
+<p>"Spoken like a man," said the major in a fidgety way. "But this seems
+hardly the place for a serious conversation."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry for it," replied Tom Mitchell coldly. "I was not told until
+the last minute, and you must take me in the rough."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not go over to the island?" suggested the major. "I dare say we
+should be more at our ease&mdash;eh, captain?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am sorry, major, but it would take too much time. Besides, I have
+already provided refreshments here, if you will accept."</p>
+
+<p>"With the greatest of pleasure," cried the major, coughing behind his
+hand; "and yet these gentlemen have important matters to discuss, very
+important matters," he added, complacently.</p>
+
+<p>"What matter, major? Breakfast first, business afterwards."</p>
+
+<p>"As you will," said the major, following him into the hut.</p>
+
+<p>By the orders of Camotte, during this conversation a very copious
+breakfast had been prepared. It was almost wholly composed of venison;
+but flanking the solids were a number of long-necked bottles that at
+once showed their Bordeaux and Burgundian origin, to say nothing of
+some brands of Champagne so dear to Americans.</p>
+
+<p>The major was so delighted that he said "Hum!" no less than three
+times, and then spoke to the outlaw chief.</p>
+
+<p>"Let them say what they like," he cried, "you are a man."</p>
+
+<p>"I am proud to hear it," cried Tom. "Let us be seated."</p>
+
+<p>The Frenchmen had hitherto said nothing. The elder now spoke. As the
+captain invited them to commence breakfast, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Above all, sir, allow me to observe that before commencing business
+you offer us bread and salt."</p>
+
+<p>"You are my guests, gentlemen," said the captain, gravely; "you are
+under the safeguard of my honour, that is enough."</p>
+
+<p>"The major has indicated that we each wish to see you alone."</p>
+
+<p>"Which means?" asked the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"That I desire, as these conversations may probably be of very long
+duration, to see you quite alone," he added.</p>
+
+<p>"Sit down and eat," replied the outlaw. "After the repast you and
+your companions will follow me to the island. Once more, are you not
+satisfied?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course," cried the major; "if not, I go bail for you."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, major; and now eat, drink, and be merry."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>TOM MITCHELL AS REDRESSER OF WRONGS.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>The ice once broken, through the instrumentality of the Burgundy,
+Bordeaux, and Champagne, all went on swimmingly.</p>
+
+<p>Major Ardenwood, who, perhaps, alone of all those present had nothing
+to conceal, and who was naturally a bon vivant, did all in his power to
+make himself the convivial leader of this improvised party, composed
+of so many various elements. He was warmly supported by the captain,
+who showed all the best qualities of a true amphitrion, and treated his
+guests with a generosity and courtesy which quite charmed them.</p>
+
+<p>Of course not a word was said of the object for which they had met. In
+fact, the subject was carefully avoided.</p>
+
+<p>The major was the first to rise.</p>
+
+<p>"The best of friends," he said, "must part. I am wanted at the fort,
+and with your permission will retire."</p>
+
+<p>"I thought," observed the captain of the outlaws, "your intention was
+to wait for these gentlemen here."</p>
+
+<p>"No; on reflection," replied the major, laughing, "I should only be in
+their way. I will wait at the fort."</p>
+
+<p>"I will escort them myself," said Tom Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>"That will be the better plan," continued the major. "Thanks for your
+hospitality. The wines were excellent."</p>
+
+<p>"I will send you a few baskets, major."</p>
+
+<p>"Many thanks," cried the American, shaking hands, and then departing
+under the guidance of Camotte.</p>
+
+<p>"We can now go to the island," said the captain.</p>
+
+<p>"On foot, on horseback, or do we swim?" said the young Frenchman.</p>
+
+<p>"You will see. Follow me, gentlemen," replied Tom.</p>
+
+<p>They did so, and found a boat ready for their reception. On the
+invitation of the captain they all seated themselves.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, gentlemen," said Tom Mitchell, with a smile, "you must pardon
+me, but I must blindfold you. Fear nothing," he added, as he saw them
+start. "It is the custom. No stranger has ever entered the island in
+any other way. Besides, you are not obliged; only if you refuse you
+must return."</p>
+
+<p>"Do as you like," cried the elder Frenchman.</p>
+
+<p>Some men who held pocket handkerchiefs now approached, and deftly bound
+their eyes. The boat then started. In a few minutes they felt the boat
+strike against another shore, and received a slight shock as it did so.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't touch your bands," cried the captain; "wait a while."</p>
+
+<p>They were then lifted up with every precaution by several men, who soon
+put them down, removing the bandages.</p>
+
+<p>Looking round, they found themselves in a vast chamber, furnished with
+every regard to comfort and elegance.</p>
+
+<p>The captain was alone, the men having left.</p>
+
+<p>"Welcome, gentlemen," he said. "I hope the frank and cordial
+hospitality I shall offer you will make you excuse this precaution."</p>
+
+<p>The strangers merely bowed.</p>
+
+<p>"I need not remind you, gentlemen," continued Tom Mitchell, "that
+you are at home; but, in order not to detain you any longer than is
+absolutely necessary, let us to business. Will you follow me, sir,
+first?"</p>
+
+<p>This was said to the younger Frenchman. As he spoke he opened a door
+and the two passed out together.</p>
+
+<p>The two other strangers remained alone. The Frenchman, with a frown,
+began to walk up and down whistling; the American sat down.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as Tom Mitchell had the other alone, he cried&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Sir, tell me at once if I am mistaken."</p>
+
+<p>"I see you have a good memory," replied the other, "and yet it is a
+very long time ago since we met."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I am not mistaken?" cried Tom Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur Maillard, my name is Pierre Durand."</p>
+
+<p>"Who saved the life of myself and father," said Tom, shaking him by the
+hand, "even though you knew&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I knew that your father an hour before had sat as president of the
+grim tribunal of the Abbaye," replied the young Frenchman. "I knew the
+intense hatred which was felt towards you; still, I drew you more dead
+than alive from the river."</p>
+
+<p>"You did more&mdash;you hid us and helped us to escape."</p>
+
+<p>"It was tit for tat; your father once saved my life."</p>
+
+<p>"But you paid your debt with usury. When I parted from you at New
+York&mdash;I was sixteen then&mdash;I said, 'Whatever happens, my life, my
+fortune, my honour is at your disposal.' I am ready to fulfil my
+promise, so speak."</p>
+
+<p>"I knew you would do all in your power," said Pierre Durand; "therefore
+I have come. How is your father?"</p>
+
+<p>"He has become an Indian, and wholly broken with everything in the
+shape of civilisation," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Is he happy?" asked Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. He was a man of conviction. His faults&mdash;his crimes if you
+like&mdash;during the Reign of Terror were caused by his extreme sincerity.
+In that time of awful and terrible commotion," continued Tom, "he acted
+wholly conscientiously."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe it, and therefore do not presume to be his judge. I am but
+a weak and ordinary man," cried Durand; "when the time comes God will
+judge these Titans of the revolution according to their merits and
+convictions."</p>
+
+<p>"Doubtless. I shall let him know of your coming; but why?"</p>
+
+<p>"A question of life and death in connection with my best friend, a man
+I love as a brother," cried Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"Say no more. An express shall start at once."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you received any letters signed '<i>An old friend</i>'?"</p>
+
+<p>"Many! I presume, then, that you are that friend; but why not avow
+yourself?"</p>
+
+<p>"I could not."</p>
+
+<p>"If all you tell me in those letters be true, it is an odious and
+infamous action," cried Tom Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>"I know it is, and I have counted on you and your father to see that
+justice be done," continued Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"Count on me," said Tom. "I have seen your friend, and though he does
+not like me, he won my heart at once."</p>
+
+<p>"He will change his mind."</p>
+
+<p>"But what can my father do in the matter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Everything. You must now understand, my friend, that if I have
+abandoned my ship in New York to the care of my mate, if I, who hate
+dry land, have started on a journey through the desert, it must be for
+powerful reasons."</p>
+
+<p>"Doubtless. May I ask what they are?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because, my friend, here in there is his most implacable, most
+ruthless foe," cried Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"Here!" exclaimed Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;here, in this island, in that room," replied Pierre Durand,
+pointing to the one they had left.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you sure of his identity?" asked Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>"I have watched him for five years, followed in his track, known every
+movement he has made," said Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"And he does not know you?" cried Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"He knows me very well. He came over in my ship; we are the best of
+friends; he tried to buy me over."</p>
+
+<p>"This is incredible," observed the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"Yet true. I am his confidante, his devoted servant; I enter into all
+his views, and he counts on me as a slave."</p>
+
+<p>Both young men burst out laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you have come from New York together?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all. We met at the fort two days ago, and as I am no longer
+disguised," said Pierre Durand, "despite all his cunning, he knew me
+not."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, the matter is settled," said Tom Mitchell, in a whisper; "we
+have our man here; he shall never leave."</p>
+
+<p>"My friend," said Pierre Durand, gravely, "that is not the game we have
+to play. He is as slippery as an eel."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think, if I made up my mind," said the outlaw chief, with a
+sinister smile, "he would ever escape me."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, there is a time for everything. In the first place, learn his
+projects, so that we may unmask him. This will be all the more easy,"
+said the sea captain, "in that we know who he is, while he is ignorant
+of our designs."</p>
+
+<p>"There is one thing worth mentioning," said the outlaw; "I, too, know
+him well. He will be rather surprised presently."</p>
+
+<p>"Be careful. One word might put him on his guard."</p>
+
+<p>"Is not my whole life passed," continued the outlaw, sadly, "in
+outdoing others in cunning and diplomacy?"</p>
+
+<p>"True. I leave, then, everything to you."</p>
+
+<p>"And now learn, my friend, that you are free as air, and absolute
+master of my domains," he added, laughing. Then he picked three
+flowers, and placing them in his buttonhole, said, "This will give
+you free passage everywhere you like. Now for your two travelling
+companions. But follow me."</p>
+
+<p>He opened a door opposite that by which they had entered, and, crossing
+several apartments, at last came to a room which overlooked a charming
+and elegant garden.</p>
+
+<p>"Here you are at home," he said; "come, go, do just as you like. At the
+end of the garden you will find a door opening on the woods. We shall
+dine at six. Be back by that time, and you will find the table laid
+here. We can then explain all."</p>
+
+<p>With these words the outlaw left his friend.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as he had returned to his private room, Tom Mitchell, or
+Maillard, son of the terrible judge of the Reign of Terror, sat down
+before a table, wrote a few lines, sealed the letter carefully, and
+then struck a gong.</p>
+
+<p>At once Camotte appeared and took the letter.</p>
+
+<p>"Send this letter to my father by express," he said; "let him kill his
+horse, but let me have the answer."</p>
+
+<p>"He shall be gone in five minutes."</p>
+
+<p>"And now," continued Tom Mitchell, with a sarcastic smile, "send that
+fat American in here."</p>
+
+<p>Camotte bowed and retired. Next moment the great American shipowner
+came in puffing and blowing.</p>
+
+<p>"Sit down, sir," said Tom Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>The fat man obeyed with a grunt.</p>
+
+<p>"I think it rather hard that a man like me&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me," said the captain, coldly; "allow me to remark, before you
+go any further, that I have no need of you, and did not send for you.
+You it is who, in the company of several other gentlemen, have come
+to me. All of you have, I dare say, serious reasons for taking this
+extraordinary step. I have in no way solicited the honour. All I can do
+is to listen to each in his turn. I have seen one and settled with him;
+if you have anything to say to me, speak."</p>
+
+<p>This speech, pronounced in a clear, bold tone, not unmixed with
+sarcasm, at once, as if by enchantment, calmed the irritation of the
+fat man. At all events, it compelled him to dissimulate it. After,
+therefore, mopping his head and face several times with a pocket
+handkerchief, and coughing once or twice behind his hand, he spoke&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I was angry, sir," he said, "and own it freely."</p>
+
+<p>"Be pleased, sir, to come at once to business," continued Tom Mitchell;
+"another person waits."</p>
+
+<p>"You are, I believe, well acquainted with me?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have known you a long time," remarked Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir, I have a nephew; he is the son of my wife's brother," began the
+other, "a very near relative."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"This nephew, though a charming youth," cried Stoneweld, "is mad,
+utterly, hopelessly mad, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Really, sir," said the captain, "and have you come all this way to
+tell me this piece of news?"</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, sir. When I say that he is mad, I believe I exaggerate.
+I should rather say that his intense folly has taken the form of
+monomania. This charming young man, as I have the honour to tell you,
+is in love, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"A very natural matter at his age."</p>
+
+<p>"But, sir," cried the shipowner, "he is in love with a young person in
+no way suited to his station."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps he does not think so."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, sir, it is not his opinion. But it is mine. I am a serious
+man; I feel a great interest in him. Now that his father is dead I
+am his legal guardian&mdash;though he repudiates me. Now, sir, would you
+believe it," cried the fat man, "I had arranged with his aunt, my wife,
+the most delicious marriage for him with a young girl&mdash;I may as well be
+frank, a niece of my own?"</p>
+
+<p>"And he wouldn't have her," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir, he actually would not have her. Do you understand such folly
+on his part?" cried the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, it is strange. But what have I to do with it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will explain if you will allow me."</p>
+
+<p>"I really should feel much obliged," urged Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"After refusing contemptuously this eligible alliance, which united
+every condition of age and fortune and position, what did the fool do?
+Excuse me if in my anger I speak thus of a nephew I love. One fine
+morning, without saying a word to anybody, he left his business to a
+partner, and started off, sir&mdash;what for?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, how can I say?" asked Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"In pursuit of this wretched girl without family or fortune, whose
+parents had emigrated to the Indian frontier."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, oh!" said the captain, who began to feel interested, and who
+listened with a gloomy frown.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir," said the fat man, too wrapped up in his narrative to notice
+the other's looks, "so that my nephew must be somewhere here about this
+neighbourhood, looking after his beauty, neglecting his affairs and
+fortune Tor a girl he will certainly never marry."</p>
+
+<p>"How do you know, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"At all events I will do everything in my power to prevent it," cried
+the irate citizen of Boston.</p>
+
+<p>"How will you set about it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sir, I have been told that you were the only man in these parts
+capable of arresting a fugitive."</p>
+
+<p>"You do me too much honour."</p>
+
+<p>"I have a number of unclosed accounts, needless to explain, with his
+father. Arrest the young man, sir!" cried the Bostonian; "Arrest him
+and place him safely in my hands, and the sum of one thousand guineas
+is yours."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, the worthy shipowner pulled out an enormous pocketbook
+from his coat and opened it.</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me, sir," said the captain, "do not let us be in quite such a
+hurry. You have not quite finished."</p>
+
+<p>"How so?" cried the American.</p>
+
+<p>"You have forgotten," said the captain with simple frankness, "to tell
+me the name of your foolish nephew."</p>
+
+<p>"George Clinton, sir, a very fine lad, though I say it."</p>
+
+<p>"I know him," retorted the captain, coldly.</p>
+
+<p>"You know him!" exclaimed the shipowner, "Then the affair is settled.
+You will have him arrested."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps," said Tom Mitchell; "I will reflect on the affair, which is
+not so easy as you may suppose."</p>
+
+<p>"To you, the chief of the outlaws?"</p>
+
+<p>"George Clinton is not alone. He has many and powerful friends on the
+frontier."</p>
+
+<p>"But I have plenty of money."</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you, I will reflect. You will now return to the fort under
+escort. In two days you shall have my answer."</p>
+
+<p>"But allow me to pay you a deposit," cried the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Keep your money for the present," said Tom, and striking a gong,
+Camotte appeared as if by magic.</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;" blustered the rich merchant.</p>
+
+<p>"Not another word, sir. Wait patiently for my reply. I am your most
+obedient servant."</p>
+
+<p>And led away by Camotte, the rich shipowner of Boston went out
+spluttering and perspiring as before.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," said the captain to himself, with a sarcastic smile, "let us see
+what the other fellow is made of."</p>
+
+<p>He went to the door, and, entering the cavern, bowed to the Frenchman,
+who was still walking up and down.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you be good enough to come this way, Monsieur Hebrard," he said,
+with an engaging smile.</p>
+
+<p>The Frenchman looked at him with astonishment, but on a repetition of
+the invitation went in.</p>
+
+<p>The captain chuckled to himself at this evidence of the other's utter
+surprise and bewilderment.</p>
+
+<p>It was as if he had scored one.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>A DIPLOMATIC CONVERSATION BETWEEN TWO RASCALS.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>The two men looked at one another for some minutes in silence, just as
+two clever duelists might have done before venturing on the attack. But
+though each tried to read the other, their faces were like marble.</p>
+
+<p>At a mute invitation from the outlaw, the stranger took a seat, and at
+once commenced the conversation.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir," he said, "it is a matter of surprise, that you, a perfect
+stranger, should address me by a name&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Which is or has once been yours, monsieur," answered the outlaw chief,
+with freezing politeness.</p>
+
+<p>"That is quite possible. I do not deny it. When one travels in foreign
+parts on important business, incognito&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Is adopted, I am aware, which only deceives fools and dupes," said the
+outlaw, speaking slowly.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean, sir?" cried the other.</p>
+
+<p>"I recollect a certain Count de Mas d'Azyr, an excellent gentleman of
+Languedoc, who had this mania."</p>
+
+<p>The stranger shivered all over, and a lightning flash darted from
+beneath his dark and heavy eyebrows.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," continued the outlaw, with imperturbable sang-froid, "his noble
+manners so thoroughly denounced him, despite the plebeian names he
+chose to assume, that he was compelled at the end of a few minutes to
+give up this absurd acting."</p>
+
+<p>"Really, sir," cried the stranger, "I do not see the meaning or
+relevance of your allusions."</p>
+
+<p>"I permit myself no allusions," said the outlaw, with the utmost
+suavity. "Very far from it. What matters it to me, I ask, whether you
+call yourself Hebrard, Count de Mas d'Azyr, Philippe de Salnam, Jean
+Lerou, or take any other alias?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sir!" cried the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Allow me, I pray, to conclude. In you I only recognise a person who
+is very warmly recommended to me, who has need of my services, and at
+whose disposition I therefore place myself at once&mdash;ready to serve him
+if possible," he continued; "at all events we can talk, and I should be
+glad to know in what way I can be of use."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir," said the stranger, smiling, "you are agreeable and witty. I find
+that people make mistakes in their idea of you."</p>
+
+<p>"I am obliged by your high consideration," continued the outlaw; "still
+this does not explain to me&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Who I am," cried the other, with feigned candour; "well, sir,
+considering you have mentioned so many names&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You allow, then, that I was right."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly; you were quite right," answered the other, quickly; "I
+therefore sincerely beg your pardon."</p>
+
+<p>"It is not at all necessary."</p>
+
+<p>"There is, however, one thing that I must confess puzzles me very
+much," continued the envoy.</p>
+
+<p>"May I, without offence, ask what that is?"</p>
+
+<p>"No offence. I should certainly be only too glad to have an explanation
+with you on the subject."</p>
+
+<p>"If it depends upon me," the other said.</p>
+
+<p>"It depends absolutely on you. I always thought I had a good memory. I
+believe myself to be a very good physiognomist, but really I have no
+recollection of you."</p>
+
+<p>The outlaw burst into a roar of laughter.</p>
+
+<p>"Which only proves," he added, when he recovered himself, "that I am
+much more clever at incognito than you."</p>
+
+<p>"Which means&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That not only have we met, monsieur, but that we have carried on a
+long connection," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Many years ago?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all, sir. I speak of very recent times, though I will allow
+that our acquaintance commenced long ago."</p>
+
+<p>"You astonish me," said the Frenchman.</p>
+
+<p>"The matter is very easily explained. We have found ourselves connected
+at different times, under four different names: I have told you yours,
+I will now tell mine. Do you remember Louis Querehard? Do you recollect
+François Magnaud, Paul Sambrun, and Pedro Lopez?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perfectly," cried the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir, those four individuals you now see present under the name
+of Tom Mitchell, your very humble servant; though," he added, with
+exquisite politeness, yet with a tint of irony, "I have several others
+available on occasion."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir," cried the stranger, "you have indeed taken me in. I was a
+fool not to recognise you."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir!" cried the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us call things by their names. It is by far the best plan. I am
+indeed not to be forgiven for being taken in like any novice. I deserve
+to be dismissed from the service of the Government which employs me,
+and which believes me to be worthy of credit, as possessing a certain
+amount of wit and diplomatic ability. Well, it is useless to discuss
+the matter any longer. Give me your hand, sir," he cried; "you are my
+master. We bear no malice."</p>
+
+<p>"I only wanted to prove&mdash;" said the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"That I was a fool&mdash;and I must say you have done so to my entire
+satisfaction," he added, in a tone of complete good humour. "But
+however unpleasant the shock is to my self-love, I am delighted at what
+has happened."</p>
+
+<p>"How so?" asked the outlaw, in the same tone.</p>
+
+<p>"Because the ice is broken between us, and we can come to an
+understanding; the more readily," he added, "that the matters I have
+to speak of are the same as before."</p>
+
+<p>"If that be so," said the outlaw, "we can easily come to terms."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it not so? Now here is the affair in two words. The revolution
+is over in France. Beneath the hand of the mighty man of genius
+whose talent and patriotism have raised him to power, Government has
+recovered its strength, society begins to breathe, the nation is once
+more rising to its proper position amidst the people; New France has
+entire faith in the man whose every step has hitherto been marked by
+victory, which has definitively declared on his side."</p>
+
+<p>"I presume," said the outlaw, quietly, "that you are speaking of the
+General Bonaparte."</p>
+
+<p>"Of no other. This great, this extraordinary man has, with his mighty
+hand, put down the Jacobins and the mob, driving them back to their
+original nothingness. He has chained forever the awful hydra of
+revolution. You have, then, heard of him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Most certainly," said the son of Maillard, coldly.</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad to hear it. This great man, who is as mighty a politician
+as he is a successful general, has followed, while slightly modifying
+it, the line traced by the national convention of execrable memory with
+regard to the Spanish colonies."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir," said the son of the regicide, "you are hard upon fallen men,
+upon vanquished enemies, who, if they were guilty of faults&mdash;of crimes
+if you will&mdash;did very great and glorious things, giving the first
+signal for social regeneration over the world."</p>
+
+<p>"It is useless, sir," said the envoy, "to discuss that matter. My
+convictions are very strong."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir, if that be so," replied the outlaw, "let us return to the
+General Bonaparte, and pray explain to me his new plans with regard to
+the Spanish possessions in America."</p>
+
+<p>"They are no new plans," observed the envoy; "only the old ones
+modified to a certain extent."</p>
+
+<p>"Modified in what way?"</p>
+
+<p>"There are two capital points. In the first place he wishes a cordial
+and frank alliance with the President of the United States, who
+cordially approves the policy of the French Government, which will, in
+the end, be to the advantage of America. Then he has given extensive
+powers to numerous sure and accredited agents, who, though, are not
+openly known because of the temporary Franco-Spanish alliance. Large
+sums of money have been provided by means of which to overthrow that
+species of Chinese wall with which Spain has surrounded its frontiers,
+which none ever cross and return."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir," said the outlaw, with a smile, "I have crossed them many a time
+and oft, and yet here I am."</p>
+
+<p>"It is precisely because of that fact that I am here."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Ah!" said the outlaw, with a laugh; "After all, despite your
+denials, you had seen through my incognito."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, it is useless to deny it. I have long known you to be a man of
+heart and action. I also know that by means of your vast connections
+no one can more readily help us to revolutionise the colonies. Besides,
+you are a Frenchman."</p>
+
+<p>"I am of no country," replied the other.</p>
+
+<p>"What, then, do you call yourself?"</p>
+
+<p>"An outlaw," answered the chief, "and king of this island," drily; "an
+outlaw, and nothing more."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, be it so, sir. Still you are exactly the man I want. I
+have need, for the execution of my plans, for the carrying out of
+my projects, of a man who is bound by no locality, by no social
+consideration. In fact, an outlaw."</p>
+
+<p>The other bowed ironically.</p>
+
+<p>"Now are you disposed to be the man?"</p>
+
+<p>"First," said Tom Mitchell, "let me know what you want of me. I will
+then give a decisive answer."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then," replied the envoy, "let us put diplomacy on one side, and
+speak frankly and openly."</p>
+
+<p>The outlaw leaned back and assumed something like the attitude of a
+tiger about to spring.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir," he said, with a most singular smile, "I was about to make the
+very same proposition."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good," replied Monsieur Hebrard; "that shows that we are
+beginning to understand one another."</p>
+
+<p>The captain bowed, without speaking.</p>
+
+<p>"The Spanish colonies," continued M. Hebrard, "are already beginning
+to feel the germs of revolutionary fermentation. Some devoted and
+enterprising men, yourself among others, have gone into the cities and
+towns of Mexico."</p>
+
+<p>"All this I know; a truce to flattery."</p>
+
+<p>"They have seen the zealous patriots, who are, however, but ill
+prepared as yet for the revolution we ardently desire."</p>
+
+<p>"Ill prepared indeed," cried Tom Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>"But overtopping all others is a man who has immense influence with the
+Indian races. You know him."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, ah!" exclaimed Tom; "You mean Dolores, the priest."</p>
+
+<p>"I mean no other. He is the only man upon whom we can count. We must
+enter into serious relations with him."</p>
+
+<p>"For what purpose?" asked the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"In order that when the hour comes he may be ready to raise the
+standard of revolt," cried the other, "and ready to draw the population
+after him against Spanish despotism."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good, sir. But it is a long way to Dolores, where lives the curé
+Hidalgo. The road is one of the most dangerous I know. I doubt if any
+agent, however clever, can reach him. Will you allow me to give you
+sincere advice?"</p>
+
+<p>"Speak; I am deeply interested."</p>
+
+<p>"My own opinion is that it would be much better to despatch a light
+vessel, schooner or brig, into the Gulf of Mexico. This vessel
+could cruise along the coast, and, when opportunity offered, land a
+confidential agent."</p>
+
+<p>"You are quite right, sir," said the envoy, "I must say this means has
+been tried with success."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what then?"</p>
+
+<p>"The secret was betrayed by a traitor; in consequence, the Spanish
+authorities are always on their guard."</p>
+
+<p>"Hence you conclude&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That on reflection, and having experience as a guide, the difficult
+road you describe is the best."</p>
+
+<p>"Hum!" said the outlaw, and relapsed into silence.</p>
+
+<p>The real meaning, the interesting point, of this conversation, so long,
+had not been touched upon. The captain knew it well, and kept himself
+in reserve. M. Hebrard was for some time afraid to enter upon a frank
+and true explanation.</p>
+
+<p>There was a deep silence; at last the captain determined to fire the
+train, if he were blown up.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you think I must go by land," he said.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no choice," responded Hebrard.</p>
+
+<p>"The conditions?" remarked Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"One hundred thousand francs, not in notes, but in golden ounces,
+stamped with the effigy of the King of Spain."</p>
+
+<p>"That is tolerable, for a beginning."</p>
+
+<p>"Then there will be as much more for the negotiations, or, as I see you
+hesitate, at first one hundred and fifty thousand."</p>
+
+<p>"Why at first?" asked Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Because your mission will be divided into two distinct parts," replied
+the envoy, quietly.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us thoroughly understand the first," continued the outlaw; "we
+will talk of the second presently."</p>
+
+<p>"Another hundred thousand on your return with despatches," continued
+the diplomatist, warmly.</p>
+
+<p>"Hum!" said Tom; "That makes&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Three hundred and fifty thousand francs (£14,000) for only the first
+part of your mission," said Hebrard.</p>
+
+<p>"It is very liberal. Now for the second mission," said Tom Mitchell,
+watching the diplomatist with his wary eye.</p>
+
+<p>He knew that the real thing was coming now; he was satisfied of this
+from the other's uneasy manner.</p>
+
+<p>"Hum!" said M. Hebrard, as if speaking to himself; "Three hundred and
+fifty thousand francs is a pretty sum."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, for the first part of the mission which you have explained to
+me I don't say no. It is," he added, "a tough job, that I know. Still,
+nothing risk, nothing have. Now for the second part."</p>
+
+<p>The diplomatist assumed an air of genial frankness that made the outlaw
+shudder. He was at once on his guard.</p>
+
+<p>"The Spaniards, as I have said," observed M. Hebrard, jauntily, "are
+forever on the watch. No one, no matter what his position, is safe on
+the frontiers. To go in or out is simply impossible."</p>
+
+<p>"Diable!" cried Tom; "What you say is not calculated to give me much
+confidence or hope."</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me, monsieur," said Hebrard, "we are playing a frank and open
+game, I do not desire in any way to conceal the dangers that may await
+you. I am only speaking in a general kind of way, certain that whatever
+obstacles occur you will be right."</p>
+
+<p>All this was verbiage; M. Hebrard was evidently only trying some method
+of putting his real thoughts into words.</p>
+
+<p>The outlaw, who expected what was coming, smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"Unfortunately," said the diplomatist, who did not know what to say,
+"the real danger is not on the other side."</p>
+
+<p>The outlaw started up.</p>
+
+<p>"You may well be surprised; the danger is here."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?" cried the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"I will explain myself, if you will allow me. Of course," said M.
+Hebrard, "the Spaniards are no more fools than we are."</p>
+
+<p>"I was always of that opinion."</p>
+
+<p>"They have started a countermine!"</p>
+
+<p>"A countermine!" cried Tom. "What do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"You will soon see. Knowing something of our designs, they have covered
+the American frontiers with spies."</p>
+
+<p>"It is certainly very clever," said the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"Very clever," said the diplomatist, in a husky voice; "but then,
+clever as they are, we know all about it, every detail."</p>
+
+<p>"You do not mean to say so?" cried Tom Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. And more than that, we know the chief of the whole gang of
+spies," added Hebrard. "And much more than that, we know all his
+secrets, cunning as he is."</p>
+
+<p>"That is something," said Tom; "but now what you want is to catch him."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said Hebrard, "that is the very thing; you yourself must see the
+necessity of catching him before you start."</p>
+
+<p>"I should think so; it is as plain as running water; but," added Tom
+Mitchell, "it is not very easy to snap up such a rascal in the desert,
+which simply is as full of such rogues and vagabonds as an anthill is
+full of ants."</p>
+
+
+<p>"Don't be uneasy on that point," cried Hebrard; "I shall easily put you
+on his track."</p>
+
+<p>"All right. Then all we have to do is to catch him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly so," said the other, with a sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"And you will pay for this capture?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very heavily, my excellent friend."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! Oh! Then you are very anxious to secure him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," continued the other, gloomily; "dead or alive; it matters not. I
+should say, for information's sake, dead rather than alive."</p>
+
+<p>"I like plain speaking. He is very much in your way?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very much more than I can explain."</p>
+
+<p>"And how much will you pay for this mission?"</p>
+
+<p>"Alive, twenty-five thousand; dead, fifty thousand francs."</p>
+
+<p>"It appears to me you prefer him dead. But never mind, give me the
+information. His name and address."</p>
+
+<p>"He is a Frenchman, who has taken the name of Oliver. In appearance
+he is a hunter, a trapper, anything that comes uppermost. For greater
+safety he has connected himself with an Indian tribe, and is to be
+found about the Missouri."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a very long way from the Mexican frontiers," observed the
+outlaw, in a coldly sarcastic voice.</p>
+
+<p>"True. But the fellow is cunning; his safety requires him to be
+extremely cautious. Do you accept?"</p>
+
+<p>"I accept on one condition," replied the other. "It is fully understood
+that he is to be dead, mind."</p>
+
+<p>"No matter, so that we have him."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then, we are agreed on four hundred thousand francs (£16,000)? I
+shall want half down."</p>
+
+<p>"I have the money in gold in my valises. I will pay it to you this
+evening," replied the envoy.</p>
+
+<p>"And now that this is settled, you are in no hurry?"</p>
+
+<p>"None whatever."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I know pretty well where to find the man you are in search of. I
+must say that, without suspecting the odious part he has been playing,
+I have on the several occasions we have met him felt the greatest
+repulsion."</p>
+
+<p>"This is extraordinary."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you see, on the desert everybody knows everybody. But as I
+wish to make no mistake, to commit no error in so grave and important
+a matter, I should like you to be present at his arrest. Besides, it
+would be more regular."</p>
+
+<p>"Hum!" cried the other, with a look of considerable annoyance; "The
+idea of further voyage in the desert&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Is not pleasant, I know," interrupted Tom; "but that is not necessary.
+You shall remain quietly here."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I consent. When do you expect to catch him?"</p>
+
+<p>"In less than a week, unless I am very unfortunate."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I can wholly depend on you?" cried Hebrard.</p>
+
+<p>"I swear to you on my honour that it will not be my fault if at the end
+of the time you are not face to face."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you in advance," said the envoy.</p>
+
+<p>"There is nothing to be grateful for," replied the outlaw, with an odd
+expression and smile.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>THE PRISONER.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>That same day, about nine o'clock in the evening, the outlaw was seated
+face to face with Captain Pierre Durand at a table covered with dishes,
+plates, and empty bottles, which testified to the appetite of the two
+men, and to the rude attack they had made upon everything in order to
+satisfy it.</p>
+
+<p>The two men were now smoking excellent cigars, while sipping, like true
+amateurs, some mocha, served in real Japanese cups. Close at hand, in
+addition, were bottles containing every conceivable kind of liquors and
+spirits.</p>
+
+<p>They had reached that precise period in the repast so prized by
+gourmets, when, the mind elevated and the brain excited by succulent
+food and generous libations, one feels a kind of happy state of being
+that is simply charming.</p>
+
+<p>For one whole quarter of an hour neither of the two men had spoken or
+cared to speak.</p>
+
+<p>It was the outlaw who first broke the charm.</p>
+
+<p>"You are aware, my dear captain," he said, "that in half an hour I must
+leave you and be off."</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me," cried Pierre Durand, starting, "if I believe a single word
+of such a mad assertion."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I am truly sorry to say, it is the exact fact. Doubtless you know
+as well as I do, business before all."</p>
+
+<p>"I have not the remotest idea of interfering with your affairs," cried
+the sea captain, glumly.</p>
+
+<p>"Then what do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"That you are not going to leave me in the lurch."</p>
+
+<p>"Still, when I tell you I must go," said the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"All I mean is this, that if you go I go," cried Pierre.</p>
+
+<p>"What! A night journey like this?" asked Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Night journey, day journey, it is all the same to me. I am an old
+sailor," growled Pierre Durand; "and every kind of locomotion is
+equally indifferent to me. Besides, I have known you a very long time,
+haven't I? And I know what sort of trade you carry on," he added.</p>
+
+<p>The outlaw kept his countenance.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, I shall not be surprised or scandalised at anything I see.
+All I know is that here I should be bored to death, having nothing
+to do. It would be a nice little change to join you in one of your
+filibustering expeditions."</p>
+
+<p>All this was said in a joking kind of way that excluded all idea of
+giving offence.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Tom Mitchell, smiling, "any way, you would find yourself
+utterly disappointed."</p>
+
+<p>"How is that?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not going to plunder, but to restore. Of course I don't pretend
+it is my usual custom," said Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well," cried Pierre; "I think that will be much more funny. I
+should like to join in the good work."</p>
+
+<p>"But, my friend&mdash;" urged the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no but about it. I am a Breton, that is to say, as obstinate
+as several mules," continued Pierre Durand; "and I mean to come,
+unless, indeed, you tell me that my demand is in reality offensive and
+intrusive."</p>
+
+<p>"By no means," cried Tom; "come then. Who can resist anyone so
+obstinate as you are, my friend?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are a delightful fellow. I am ready."</p>
+
+<p>"Not quite; there are conditions; at least, one."</p>
+
+<p>"Pray let me know what it is."</p>
+
+<p>"You must profit by the few minutes that remain to us to disguise
+yourself, so as to be unrecognisable."</p>
+
+<p>"To what purpose, in a country where nobody knows me?" cried Pierre
+Durand; "Will you tell me a reason?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is my secret. Will you consent? That is right. Now go there, and
+you will find all things necessary."</p>
+
+<p>Pierre Durand was about to leave the room, but the outlaw indicated
+where everything was ready.</p>
+
+<p>"There is another favour I must ask of you."</p>
+
+<p>"Go ahead, nothing surprises me," said the captain, who, with
+magnificent sang-froid had commenced his work.</p>
+
+<p>"In case chance should bring us face to face with people we know,"
+he said, earnestly, "you will still keep up your incognito, even if
+you happen to see among these the face of the friend whom you have
+travelled so far to see."</p>
+
+<p>The captain, who was blacking his beard with soot and fat, having
+already darkened his eyebrows, gave a start.</p>
+
+<p>"Will he be there?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not say so. It is more than probable that he will not be there.
+Still, I wish to exercise every precaution."</p>
+
+<p>"Hum, still it appears very hard."</p>
+
+<p>"Still, do you consent? Yes or no."</p>
+
+<p>"I repeat what you just said. I suppose I must," said Pierre; "and as I
+see you are in earnest, I promise, on my honour."</p>
+
+<p>"Enough; then make haste."</p>
+
+<p>After rendering his features and countenance utterly unrecognisable,
+the captain threw off his outer clothes, and assumed the costume of a
+planter of the frontier.</p>
+
+<p>"What languages do you speak?" asked Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Nearly all civilised ones as easily as I do French," replied Durand;
+"but, above all, English and Spanish."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good," continued Tom; "then during our excursion I shall always
+call you Don José Remero."</p>
+
+<p>"Don José Remero be it."</p>
+
+<p>"You must recollect that you are a captain in the Spanish navy, fled
+from home after a fatal duel."</p>
+
+<p>"All right," grinned Pierre.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not forget to take weapons. I can strongly recommend this tison. It
+is a perfect and choice rapier," said Tom; "have this long and pointed
+knife in your right boot. You may want it when you least expect. Do you
+ride?"</p>
+
+<p>"Like a centaur," laughed the Frenchman.</p>
+
+<p>"I am very glad to hear it; and now secure this carbine and this pair
+of pistols," continued Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I shall look like an arsenal."</p>
+
+<p>"My friend, it is the custom of the country," said Tom; "no one thinks
+of travelling in any other way."</p>
+
+<p>"One does at Rome as Rome does. I'm your man," cried Pierre, laughing;
+"what do you think of me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Unrecognisable. I should not know you anywhere. You are clever; even
+your accent is changed."</p>
+
+<p>"That is always the first thing to be thought of," said Pierre Durand;
+"and now what is the nature of the restitution?"</p>
+
+<p>"We are going," replied the outlaw, with a smile, "to restore a young
+girl to her friends and relatives."</p>
+
+<p>"A young girl?" cried Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;a most charming and interesting maiden, whom I captured the other
+day. I can no longer resist her tender sorrow."</p>
+
+<p>"Bah!" said the young sailor, with a grin.</p>
+
+<p>"I swear to you, upon my honour," cried the outlaw, warmly, "that she
+has been treated with the most profound respect and even tenderness."</p>
+
+<p>"Spoken like an honest man," said the captain, warmly. "But may I ask
+with what object you took her away?"</p>
+
+<p>"I had a motive, which I fear me exists no longer. I even fear," he
+said, gloomily, "I have entered upon a bad speculation. But it is
+useless to discuss the matter anymore. Soon there shall be no mysteries
+for you. Be seated again."</p>
+
+<p>"Why?" asked the captain, puzzled at all these mysteries.</p>
+
+<p>"She comes, and it is rather important I should say a few words to her
+before we start on our journey."</p>
+
+<p>"I am your humble servant to command."</p>
+
+<p>Tom Mitchell struck a gong, and Camotte appeared.</p>
+
+<p>"Have my orders been executed?" asked the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, captain. The stranger is watched carefully, and yet without
+creating suspicion," replied the lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is he now?"</p>
+
+<p>"In his own room."</p>
+
+<p>"If tomorrow he asks after me," said Tom Mitchell, "you will give him
+the answer already agreed on."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, captain."</p>
+
+<p>"What about the detachments?"</p>
+
+<p>"Those have started within the hour, I shall start with the last as
+soon as the moon rises," replied Camotte.</p>
+
+<p>"Remember," said Tom, thoughtfully, "that tomorrow morning at sunrise,
+if not before, you must be back."</p>
+
+<p>"Be easy as to that, captain," said the other, significantly; "I shall
+not leave the island without a chief just now."</p>
+
+<p>"Humph!" observed the captain, suspiciously, "Is there anything fresh
+in the air?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing in appearance, much in reality."</p>
+
+<p>"You can speak out here," said Tom Mitchell; "if you have anything to
+say, say it without hesitation."</p>
+
+<p>"About an hour ago, when I was going my round," said the matter-of-fact
+and faithful Camotte, "I met that fellow Versenca at the water's edge;
+he was wet through, and had evidently been swimming. When he saw me
+he was utterly confounded, and then when I questioned him as to his
+conduct he gave me a lot of silly reasons a child of five would have
+seen through."</p>
+
+<p>The captain reflected with a dark frown.</p>
+
+<p>"Redouble your vigilance, my good Camotte," he said at last. "On the
+first suspicion arrest him until I come back."</p>
+
+<p>"For greater safety, captain," replied Camotte, "I shall take him with
+me tonight, I can watch him."</p>
+
+<p>"Mind he does not give you the slip. A traitor would be dangerous just
+now. He is as cunning as an opossum."</p>
+
+<p>"I know it, but two can play at the same game."</p>
+
+<p>"Good. I leave it to you. Have Black Athol and Goliath saddled for us,
+and Miss Lara for the prisoner, if safe."</p>
+
+<p>"She is quite a lady's horse&mdash;an ambler. She will quite suit her
+rider," replied Camotte.</p>
+
+<p>"Mind you," continued Tom, "let the three be harnessed for
+war&mdash;victuals, holsters, ammunition, and pistols."</p>
+
+<p>"As a matter of course. When Black Athol and Goliath go out, I know you
+are bent on mischief. What absence?"</p>
+
+<p>"Three days at most," replied the captain; "and during that time never
+leave the island."</p>
+
+<p>"And you go alone?" asked Camotte, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>"With the gentleman, as I have already said."</p>
+
+<p>"I think you should take Tête de Plume," said Camotte.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you tell me why?" asked the captain, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"No one ever knows on an expedition what may happen," drily replied the
+lieutenant, "and two are better than one."</p>
+
+<p>"But I have told you, we are two already."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good," he continued, "but you would be three."</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you what it is, Camotte," said the captain, laughing, "you do
+just as you like with me. Let him come."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you heartily," cried the delighted lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p>"Above all, whatever happens, keep my absence a secret," said Tom
+Mitchell; "that is above all essential."</p>
+
+<p>"Your orders shall be obeyed in all things."</p>
+
+<p>"And now bring in the prisoner," continued Tom. "By the way, have you
+said anything to her?"</p>
+
+<p>"Captain, you know I am no babbler," observed Camotte.</p>
+
+<p>"Very true," said Tom, and then turning to Pierre, he added, laughing,
+"that fellow does not put too much confidence in me."</p>
+
+<p>"His manner is strange. Perhaps he distrusts me."</p>
+
+<p>"No; Camotte is a bulldog for fidelity and discretion; but, like
+bulldogs, he is both suspicious and jealous," replied Tom.</p>
+
+<p>"I bear him no malice for his jealousy," said Pierre; "besides, I
+myself always like those kind of men."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, they are indeed very precious," continued Tom; "unfortunately,
+you have to give way to them a little."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, when it is from pure devotion, nothing can be said."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the door opened, and a young girl entered the room,
+effectually checking the conversation.</p>
+
+<p>This young girl was Angela, or Evening Dew, whichever it may please the
+reader to call her.</p>
+
+<p>She gave a graceful curtsy, and then remained with downcast eyes before
+the outlaw chief.</p>
+
+<p>The two men rose from their seats and bowed respectfully.</p>
+
+<p>"My sister is welcome," said the outlaw, smiling, and speaking in the
+Indian tongue; "be seated."</p>
+
+<p>"Evening Dew is a slave, and presumes not to sit down in the presence
+of her master," responded the young girl, in a voice as melodious as
+the song of a bird, but the tone of which was firm and distinct. "I
+have said."</p>
+
+<p>Evening Dew was a delicious child of seventeen at most, in whom the two
+races, white and red, of both which she was the issue, seemed to have
+vied which should produce the most wondrous chef d'oeuvre.</p>
+
+<p>Her elegant and slight form, slightly bent forward with that serpentine
+undulation which belongs to American women, her long hair, black as
+the raven's wing, fell almost to her feet, and when loosened, might
+have served her as a cloak. Her complexion had the golden tint of the
+daughters of the sun; her great blue and dreamy eyes were fringed by
+long velvet lashes; her mouth, revealing her vermilion lips, and a row
+of dazzling white teeth, gave to her physiognomy that rare expression
+scarcely ever found except in some virgin of Titian.</p>
+
+<p>The sailor was dazzled at the really marvellous beauty of the young
+girl. He had no idea that the whole continent of America could have
+produced such a fairy.</p>
+
+<p>The captain smiled at her reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Evening Dew has no master here. She is with friends who will protect
+her," he said, heartily.</p>
+
+<p>"Friends!" she cried, clasping her hands together, while the pearly
+tears went down her cheeks; "Is it possible?"</p>
+
+<p>"I swear to you, young girl," he continued, "that what I say is true.
+I have sent for you to apologise for what has happened, to demand
+forgiveness for your cruel abduction."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, sir," she cried, in excellent French, "oh, sir, can I really
+believe my ears! Is it true?"</p>
+
+<p>"You would insult me by disbelieving," he replied, in the same
+language; "tomorrow you will be with your friends."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, sir, from my soul," she sobbed forth.</p>
+
+<p>And before the captain could prevent her&mdash;before he suspected her
+intention, the was on her knees kissing his hand.</p>
+
+<p>Tom Mitchell respectfully raised her from the ground and led her to the
+chair she had once refused.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you are very unhappy here?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes," she cried, "I have indeed been very unhappy; how, in fact,
+could I be otherwise?"</p>
+
+<p>"And yet," said the captain, with a frown, "I have given the most
+strict orders with regard to your treatment."</p>
+
+<p>"I beg most earnestly to acknowledge, sir, that I have been treated in
+the most honourable fashion, that I have been surrounded by the most
+delicate attentions. But oh, sir, I was a prisoner, alas! Far away
+from those I love, and whom my absence plunges, like myself, in utter
+despair."</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, miss," said the chief, "my wrong towards you will soon be
+repaired, I promise you."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you are good indeed!"</p>
+
+<p>"Tomorrow," he added, with considerable emotion, "you shall be restored
+to the bosom of your family."</p>
+
+<p>"Do that, sir," she cried, "and I will love you. Ever after you shall
+be as a brother to me."</p>
+
+<p>"I will endeavour to merit the title, Miss Angela," he said, softly;
+"henceforth you will no longer curse me."</p>
+
+<p>"Curse you who give me back to those I love! No, I will bless you from
+the bottom of my heart," she cried, earnestly, "and, believe me, God
+will amply reward you."</p>
+
+<p>"I have a strong conviction that way myself," he said, smiling; "even
+heaven could scarcely be deaf to your prayer."</p>
+
+<p>The girl coloured deeply at these words, which were uttered with such
+earnest conviction as caused her to bow her head.</p>
+
+<p>The captain simply smiled softly.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you tolerably strong, miss?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you ask me this question?" she said.</p>
+
+<p>"Because," he answered, "we have a very long journey to go before we
+find your friends."</p>
+
+<p>"What matters about fatigue, sir? I am already strong. The very idea
+has restored my vigour."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall have to undertake a long night journey," he continued,
+"through the prairies, by very rough ways."</p>
+
+<p>She clapped her pretty hands together joyously; a charming smile
+lightened up her physiognomy, and then she cried out in a delighted and
+proud accent&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I have Indian blood in my veins, sir," she cried; "I am the daughter
+of a brave Canadian hunter. Fear nothing for me. I am not a woman of
+the towns, who, I am told, can neither walk nor run."</p>
+
+<p>"They are very much like it," growled Pierre.</p>
+
+<p>"Try me, put me to any proof, and you will see of what I am capable to
+get back to my friends."</p>
+
+<p>"Come, I see, at all events, that you are as brave and noble a woman as
+you are beautiful. Come, it is time."</p>
+
+<p>"Do we go directly?" she cried.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," was his smiling answer.</p>
+
+<p>"One moment," she said; "give me time to thank God for having touched
+your heart. Let me pray."</p>
+
+<p>"Do as you wish," he replied, respectfully.</p>
+
+<p>The young girl folded her arms across her breast, raised her looks
+heavenward with an inspired air for some minutes. One could see by her
+thoughtful brow, from the compression of her coraline lips, that she
+was praying. Her face was radiant, her eyes were full of tears. She
+seemed transfigurated.</p>
+
+<p>The two men, despite their rude aspect and rough natures, stood
+respectfully beside her, utterly cowed, overcome, crushed under the
+weight of her purity and innocence. They stood before her hat in hand.</p>
+
+<p>When her short and ardent prayer was over, the girl turned to them with
+an ineffable smile.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, gentlemen," she said, bowing to the two men who she saw were
+henceforth her slaves, "I am quite ready."</p>
+
+<p>The outlaw and his companion bowed and followed behind as she led the
+way outside.</p>
+
+<p>Camotte was there, as was also the valorous Tête de Plume, holding the
+horses.</p>
+
+<p>Tom Mitchell led Miss Angela to the mare Lara, which he had ordered to
+be saddled, and held the stirrup respectfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Mount," he said, just as if he had been speaking to a princess in her
+own right.</p>
+
+<p>Then, as soon as the outlaw had given some last whispered directions to
+Camotte, they started, Tom Mitchell riding at the head of the little
+band.</p>
+
+<p>By the time the ford was passed over in safety the moon had risen in
+the sky above the trees.</p>
+
+<p>The four travellers were now safe on terra firma.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Miss Angela," said Tom Mitchell, gallantly, "place yourself
+between this gentleman and myself. Good. And now, Tête de Plume, my
+boy, take the rearguard, and, whatever you do, look out."</p>
+
+<p>The four cavaliers dashed off at a hand gallop, and soon disappeared in
+the windings of the defile.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>IN WHICH TOM MITCHELL DISCOVERS THAT HONESTY IS A GOOD SPECULATION.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>We now direct our steps to one of the most savage and abrupt sites in
+all the desert, before the rising of the sun.</p>
+
+<p>Five men are crossing a narrow gorge in the mountains, the tops of
+which are rocky and bare or covered with snow. Just now they are
+rendered almost invisible by the dense fog which the sun's rays cannot
+dissipate.</p>
+
+<p>These five travellers came from the interior of the mornes, as the
+hilly plains are called, and were bound for the plains, which they
+began to make out a short distance before them, traversed, or rather
+cut in two, by the extensive stream of the Missouri, the sandy waters
+of which were half concealed by high grass, willow, and the cottonwood
+trees that lined its shores.</p>
+
+<p>The five wayfarers of whom we have spoken walked painfully over the
+flints that paved the gorge, the dried-up bed of a torrent, which
+itself had suddenly disappeared during one of the cataclysms so common
+in that region.</p>
+
+<p>Having reached the extremity of the gorge, they stopped, looked around,
+and gave a sigh of satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>Their task had been a rude one. For far more than three hours they had
+been stumbling in the midst of a whirlpool, nothing else, of flint
+stones, which, at every step they took, slid under their feet like
+mountain shingle.</p>
+
+<p>Four of these men were whites, wearing the costume of hunters of the
+prairies; the fifth was an Indian.</p>
+
+<p>They were George Clinton, Oliver, Bright-eye, Keen-hand, and
+Numank-Charake, the chief.</p>
+
+<p>Now, then, let us ask how it came about that these five men should be
+there at that early hour in a place so far from their home&mdash;a hundred
+miles, in fact, from the regions they were in the habit of frequenting,
+and why were George Clinton and Keen-hand members of this singular and
+perhaps fortuitous group.</p>
+
+<p>Of course we shall as soon as possible satisfy the legitimate curiosity
+of our friend the reader.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" said Keen-hand, "It is my opinion, friends and companions, that
+the wisest thing to be done is to stop here."</p>
+
+<p>"Why stop here?" cried Bright-eye, in far from a pleasant tone of
+voice; "Explain yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"For a hundred reasons, every one of which is better than the other,"
+resumed Keen-hand.</p>
+
+<p>"I should like to know the first," said the Canadian.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, it is a very excellent one, I think. You and I and the chief are
+used to these diabolical roads, which is far from being the case with
+our companions, which you ought to have observed without telling a very
+long time ago."</p>
+
+<p>Both Oliver and Clinton tried to protest.</p>
+
+<p>"No! No!" cried Bright-eye, in his frankest manner. "I am a brute. So
+say no more about it, as I proclaim it myself. Let us camp at once."</p>
+
+<p>"Here is an excellent place," cried Keen-hand.</p>
+
+<p>The hunters had halted under a grove of gigantic gumtrees. A fire was
+lighted, and each one, resting himself, prepared for the morning meal.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, to tell the truth," said Oliver, gaily, "I will now confess that
+I needed repose; I was simply done up."</p>
+
+<p>"I could scarcely put one foot before the other," observed George
+Clinton, who was stretched out on the grass.</p>
+
+<p>"There!" cried Keen-hand; "Was I not right?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, considering that I have owned I was a brute," growled
+Bright-eye, "are you not satisfied?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perfectly!" said the guide.</p>
+
+<p>Numank-Charake had in the meantime undertaken the office of cook, an
+office he filled effectively.</p>
+
+<p>A few minutes later all were eagerly devouring slices cut from a
+quarter of venison which had been broiled upon the hot embers.</p>
+
+<p>Then the gourds were opened and passed joyously from hand to hand.</p>
+
+<p>These brave young men had walked all night through impracticable paths
+which only hunters could overcome. They were literally famished.</p>
+
+<p>But now they entered into the spirit of the thing rarely. Soon
+everything had disappeared. All was eaten.</p>
+
+<p>When the last mouthful had been washed down, and the very last drop of
+brandy absorbed, each man in his turn gave a deep sigh of satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, then," remarked Bright-eye, looking obliquely at his companions,
+"I think we may talk."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I am of opinion," said Keen-hand, gaily, "that after a hearty
+meal, two things are agreeable&mdash;a pipe and talk."</p>
+
+<p>This declaration, the justice and opportuneness of which everybody at
+once recognised, was like a signal; instantly, pipes in red clay, with
+cherry tree tubes, were drawn from their belts, stuffed, lighted, and
+soon a cloud of blue smoke surrounded the head of every guest like a
+glory.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, then, Bright-eye," said Oliver, gaily, between two puffs, "fire
+away as soon as you like."</p>
+
+<p>"Messieurs, my friends," replied Bright-eye, "my heart is very sad.
+Despite all I can do, I feel a kind of presentiment that this man, in
+whom we have so trusted, is deceiving us."</p>
+
+<p>Numank-Charake lifted up his head.</p>
+
+<p>"I know the paleface chief," he said, in his guttural tones, shaking
+his head in a way to give more emphasis to his words; "he is a man
+whose tongue is not forked. His word is as gold&mdash;and my brother,
+Bright-eye, is wrong."</p>
+
+<p>"In the name of heaven, is it you who speak in that way, chief?"
+asked the astonished hunter; "You, of all men in the world, so deeply
+interested."</p>
+
+<p>"Numank-Charake is a chief in his nation," quickly interrupted the
+redskin, his words, which swelled his bosom, coming directly from his
+heart; "the man who despises his enemies is not a brave warrior, but
+exposes himself to the reproach of only vanquishing cowards."</p>
+
+<p>"Well spoken, chief," said Keen-hand.</p>
+
+<p>"The Grey Bear, the paleface chief, is ferocious, cruel, and a thief,
+but he is brave and truthful."</p>
+
+<p>Oliver and Clinton stared.</p>
+
+<p>"What he has said he will do, he will do. What he has offered he will
+give. Did we go openly to him? No! We hunted him like a wild beast
+Wounded, dying, we wished to kill him. He escaped; thanks not to
+cunning, but to audacity. He is a great chief."</p>
+
+<p>The whites exchanged glances.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing would have been more easy for him than to laugh at our menaces
+and to conceal himself from us. Instead of that, he has sent us a
+collar&mdash;letter&mdash;in which he invites us to an interview, for the purpose
+of ending the troubles which divide us."</p>
+
+<p>"This may be a trick," said Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"No! It is neither the act of a false nor of a double-faced man. No! It
+is the act of a brave and loyal warrior. That is my opinion. Whatever
+may happen during the next few hours, I am convinced that if we have
+confidence in him I shall be found right. I have said."</p>
+
+<p>The chief relighted his pipe, which had gone out during his speech,
+and from that moment he appeared to take no further part in the
+conversation. Still he listened to what the others said.</p>
+
+<p>"As far as I am concerned," observed Oliver, "I think the chief has
+spoken well. I agree with him on every point. As far as I can judge,
+this pirate or this outlaw, whichever you choose to call him, is
+not a man like other men. There is something in him which is not at
+all ordinary. In one word, he may, it is true, be a brigand, but,
+certainly, his is a very lofty nature. Until further events, I, for
+one, shall believe in his word."</p>
+
+<p>"All this is very possible," observed Bright-eye, shaking his head
+doubtingly, "but no one can deny that he is the captain of a monstrous
+set of brigands."</p>
+
+<p>"What does that prove?" said Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing that I know of. Still I am decidedly of opinion that his word
+is not to be trusted."</p>
+
+<p>"Then allow me to observe," said George Clinton, drily, "why are we
+here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, because one always lives in hope, despite our better reason.
+Still we ought to be prudent."</p>
+
+<p>"Though I am not quite of the opinion of Bright-eye," said Charbonneau,
+"I think we should be wise not to rush headlong into a possible trap
+which the bandits may be preparing for us. He is right as to the wisdom
+of prudence."</p>
+
+<p>"I, too, am an advocate for prudence," said George Clinton; "nothing
+can be more wise than to take all proper precautions. That I fully
+agree with. But do not act in such a way as to cause our loyalty to be
+suspected, or our confidence in the man's word."</p>
+
+<p>"That can be easily arranged, my friends," said Charbonneau, with a
+cunning smile "let me alone, and, believe me, all will go well."</p>
+
+<p>"My worthy friend, act just as you think proper. You, perhaps, more
+than anyone, have experience of the desert, and nobody objects to your
+taking every precaution."</p>
+
+<p>"The best precaution," said the Indian chief, again speaking, "when you
+deal with a loyal enemy is to have every faith in his word; to have no
+suspicion of any kind in your mind."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good, chief. It is very likely after all that you are right. I
+will not discuss the matter with you, though I repeat I am very much
+surprised to hear you speak thus. I only ask of you one thing&mdash;that is,
+to remain neutral in this affair until the actual moment of action has
+come."</p>
+
+<p>"Numank-Charake loves Bright-eye; he is his brother. He will do
+whatever the hunter wishes; still regretting that he is constrained to
+act against his wishes," he answered.</p>
+
+<p>"I take all the blame on myself," said Bright-eye; "and shall be the
+first to own my error, if indeed I am found to be in error. A man can
+say no more, even if he were speaking to his father."</p>
+
+<p>The Indian said no more, but bowed his head in token of acquiescence.
+But he smiled with such a keen and subtle irony that the hunter was so
+deeply moved as to blush.</p>
+
+<p>"I fear nothing for myself," he cried.</p>
+
+<p>"Eh, what!" exclaimed Charbonneau, stretching out his arm towards the
+river, "What is going on?"</p>
+
+<p>Every eye was fixed upon the spot indicated by the hunter's sudden
+exclamation.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a canoe," said George Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>"Manned by two men," observed Charbonneau.</p>
+
+<p>"And those two men," said the chief, after one glance from his eagle
+eye, "are two palefaces. He knows them well. One is the old hunter
+called Sharpear, the other the son of my nation&mdash;Leave-no-trail."</p>
+
+<p>"My father and my grandfather!" cried Bright-eye, in utter surprise.
+"Surely, chief, you must be mistaken. Why should they come here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very likely," observed Oliver, gently, "the same motive leads them
+here that has led us."</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the canoe, impelled by vigorous arms, approached with extreme
+rapidity, and soon was at no very great distance from the camp of the
+hunters. Then it turned rapidly towards the shore, and its bow was soon
+stuck in the sand.</p>
+
+<p>Two men landed.</p>
+
+<p>Numank-Charake had been right. These two men were indeed the father and
+grandfather of the young hunter. They were coming to the encampment.</p>
+
+<p>The five adventurers all leaped up, and eagerly rushed to meet the two
+old men.</p>
+
+<p>After the first compliments had passed and welcomes had been exchanged
+with effusion between the newcomers and their friends, the Canadians
+seated themselves by the fire, and, upon the invitation given, ate some
+mouthfuls of fresh-cooked venison and drank some brandy.</p>
+
+<p>"We have been to see our relative, Lagrenay, the squatter of the Wind
+River," said the old man. "It appears he had received a very pressing
+message from Tom Mitchell, the outlaw."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said Bright-eye, "we were there when it was delivered. We know
+all about it. But, as far as I am concerned, I am afraid&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Of what are you afraid, my son?" asked François Berger, in a rather
+imperious tone of voice.</p>
+
+<p>"That all this pretended facility and frankness on the part of the
+pirate chief hides a snare."</p>
+
+<p>The two old hunters exchanged a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"Child, you are very much mistaken," said the grandfather. "Tom
+Mitchell means exactly what he says. He has no intention, no motive for
+laying any unworthy trap."</p>
+
+<p>"I am certain of it," added the son.</p>
+
+<p>Bright-eye had nothing to say to so positive an assertion. He silently
+bowed his head.</p>
+
+<p>"We have done all in our power to come here quickly, knowing we should
+meet you," went on François Berger; "we are only too happy to be in
+time."</p>
+
+<p>"In time to do what?" asked Oliver.</p>
+
+<p>"We will explain," said the elder of the two men; "when Tom Mitchell
+comes we shall receive him."</p>
+
+<p>"But that is our business?" cried Bright-eye.</p>
+
+<p>"I know the message was addressed to you," said his father; "I am well
+aware of it that it is our business, and, in fact, it is more proper
+it should be so. At all events we have decided that it is to be so, so
+that you will keep out of sight until the affair is finished."</p>
+
+<p>"But," said Bright-eye, with considerable hesitation, "supposing there
+was treachery?"</p>
+
+<p>"My son," sententiously observed the old man, "prudence is wise, but
+suspicion in certain cases is an insult. Think of that. Believe me when
+I say that your father and I know better what we are about than you do."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall certainly obey you," said Oliver, in the name of all. "We
+shall remain at a distance during the interview, and only interfere
+when called upon."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you cordially," said the old man; "everything will go rightly,
+I promise you."</p>
+
+<p>And he waved his hand as if to dismiss them.</p>
+
+<p>The five young men rose, bowed respectfully to the two old men, and
+watched them as they walked slowly down to the banks of the river.</p>
+
+<p>About two gunshots distance from the camp, or thereabouts, was a rather
+thick wood, composed of oaks and gumtrees. The hunters entered the
+wood, and soon afterwards disappeared under the forest.</p>
+
+<p>Remaining alone, the old hunters lifted their Indian calumets and began
+to smoke, without exchanging one single word.</p>
+
+<p>This went on for about three-quarters of an hour&mdash;incessant smoking.
+Suddenly, François Berger let fall his pipe, fell flat on his face, put
+his ear to the ground, and listened.</p>
+
+<p>"They come," he said, rising.</p>
+
+<p>"I have heard them coming for some time," quietly replied the old
+grandfather. "How many?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not more than four."</p>
+
+<p>"Just as I expected. He has acted in perfect good faith," said the old
+man.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you are quite determined?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. The Indians are not in want of it, and I should not like to see
+the Yankees or English profit by it."</p>
+
+<p>"You are the master. You are the one to whom it belongs to a certain
+extent," said the son.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; it is today my property. Besides, it should be kept up for the
+support of a great cause. Tom Mitchell is a very different man from
+what he appears," added the old man, gravely.</p>
+
+<p>"That, of course, I know."</p>
+
+<p>"Besides, I have another very strong motive for acting as I do, and
+that is the establishment, on the very spot I allude to, of the Yankee
+squatter."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. And, between you and me, father, these Yankees have very sharp
+noses. They will find it out before long."</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly so, my son. For my part, I prefer that Frenchmen should derive
+the advantage."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment a distant gunshot was heard.</p>
+
+<p>"Here they come," said François Berger.</p>
+
+<p>He then rose, placed his hand over his mouth like a funnel, and twice
+imitated, with marvellous dexterity and perfection, the cry of the
+water hawk.</p>
+
+<p>A similar cry came in response, and almost immediately afterwards four
+cavaliers, well mounted, appeared galloping through the high grass and
+trees, and coming directly towards them.</p>
+
+<p>The Canadians held their rifles in their hands, while the newcomers
+showed no apparent arms. They had left their pistols in the holsters,
+their sabres were in their scabbards, their rifles by their sides.</p>
+
+<p>On coming within a short distance of the two old men the strangers
+exchanged a few words in a low tone of voice, two of them slackened
+their pace, while the others rushed forward with the rapidity of the
+gazelle.</p>
+
+<p>In another instant Angela, for it was herself, was in the arms of the
+friends, answering by cries of joy and tears of happiness the sweet
+caresses of her relatives and friends.</p>
+
+<p>Tom Mitchell and his companions stood apart discreetly, and then,
+when they saw that the first transports were over or becoming calmer,
+approached.</p>
+
+<p>"Welcome," said the old man, "welcome, gentlemen," holding out his two
+hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Have I kept my promise?" asked Tom Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>"Nobly; I solemnly declare it, and I thank you," cried Berger, with
+deep emotion.</p>
+
+<p>"You have worthily made up for the act you had done. Let us forget the
+past," said the old man; "what can we do for you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing," he said, quietly.</p>
+
+<p>"You exact no ransom whatever?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why should I exaggerate, old hunter? I was drawn into committing a
+bad action by a man whose name I will not mention. Though a pirate, I
+am not so bad as I am painted. I have therefore sought to condone the
+evil."</p>
+
+<p>"Admirably spoken," said François Berger, again embracing his daughter.
+"Go, darling, to your brother yonder."</p>
+
+<p>"Allow me first to thank Captain Mitchell," she said, "for his extreme
+kindness during my captivity."</p>
+
+<p>"You bear me no malice?"</p>
+
+<p>"None whatever," she said, "but eternal gratitude. You deserve it and
+you have it."</p>
+
+<p>Then with a gesture of adieu and a sweet smile on her adorable lips she
+ran off in the direction of the forest.</p>
+
+<p>The men waited until she was out of sight.</p>
+
+<p>"I will now take my leave," said the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>"One moment," replied the old man; "the recompense which you refuse I
+must force upon you."</p>
+
+<p>He pulled forth a large folded parchment.</p>
+
+<p>"This is the ransom of my daughter," he said: "it is a regular deed of
+gift of the Valley of the Deer."</p>
+
+<p>"What!" cried the outlaw, with singular emotion.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and here on the map is a red mark, indicating the spot where what
+you know of is concealed."</p>
+
+<p>"Accept without scruple, captain," said François Berger; "it is ours
+and ours alone to give."</p>
+
+<p>"Since you wish it, gentlemen. I should show but ill grace to refuse,
+the more that I value your gift highly."</p>
+
+<p>"I only ask one thing in return," said the old man.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be ready to promise anything."</p>
+
+<p>"You will use what I have given you only with an honourable&mdash;" he said,
+with some hesitation.</p>
+
+<p>"It shall be so, I promise you."</p>
+
+<p>"And so we part friends; captain, your hand."</p>
+
+<p>"Friends, yes," said the pirate; "and I hope the day may come when you
+may try my friendship."</p>
+
+<p>"Who knows? The day may come sooner than we expect."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be ready to shed the very last drop of my blood to defend or
+avenge you or yours."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>A STRANGE CHASE.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>We know that Joshua Dickson had taken his departure from the valley,
+leaving it in charge to Harry.</p>
+
+<p>Harry was a fine young man, strong and intelligent, in whom his father
+had every confidence.</p>
+
+<p>He was the complete juvenile type of the American squatter and pioneer,
+up to Indian devilries, riding like a centaur, and able to put a ball
+in the eye of a panther at a hundred yards. His great passion was life
+in the open air, and the pleasures of the chase in the forest or field.</p>
+
+<p>One fine morning Harry, soon after the rising of the sun, galloped off
+into the forest. He was bent on a journey to see a fine cutting that
+was going to create meadows, and make room for sawmills on the banks of
+the great Missouri.</p>
+
+<p>He had nearly reached the spot, when he was startled by a whistle of a
+peculiar kind, at no great distance.</p>
+
+<p>At the same moment a horseman came in sight&mdash;a man of fifty, tall, thin
+and gaunt, with parchment skin.</p>
+
+<p>The horse was as bony as his master.</p>
+
+<p>The man was dressed after the fashion of the ordinary American farmer,
+and apparently carried no arms.</p>
+
+<p>"Eh, eh," cried he, "you are out early. Were you looking for me?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, M. Lagrenay; I was not even thinking of you."</p>
+
+<p>"That is not polite. Why did you stop when I whistled?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I thought it the whistle of a serpent," he retorted. "But no
+nonsense, I was looking for you."</p>
+
+<p>"I was certain of it."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I wanted to see you. I made your acquaintance I know not how. You
+talk to me of things which do not please me, because they suggest evil
+thoughts. I have come to say that henceforth we are strangers. Never
+speak to me again."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you will give me a reason for this odd decision."</p>
+
+<p>"Think what you please. I have said my say."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I assume that you reject my offers."</p>
+
+<p>"Think and assume what you like," cried the young man, angrily; "only
+keep out of my path."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you have no passion for gold?" sighed the other.</p>
+
+<p>"You take me for a ninny, old squatter. Gold does not grow in the
+fields like mushrooms. Besides, you would have found it long ago if
+real."</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you the map indicating the exact spot," cried the old man, "was
+stolen from me by the outlaws."</p>
+
+<p>"You want to persuade me that you have known of this vast treasure for
+years, and yet require a stranger to help you."</p>
+
+<p>"I knew nothing of your having camped on the spot, and only offer you a
+share in consequence."</p>
+
+<p>"Go to the devil with your offers."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you have my secret, and can use it yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"Old man," cried the young giant, with rage in his eye, "beware how you
+try my patience too much."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well, let us end this conversation. You will not listen to me.
+Well and good. Only, before we part, remember this, when it is too
+late, my friend," he added, with a sinister laugh, "you will repent.
+That is all I say."</p>
+
+<p>And turning round, he rode off.</p>
+
+<p>"He is a pretty rascal," said the young man, as he rode off; "I believe
+he has some villainy in hand."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment a strong hollow grunting was heard, followed by another
+at no great distance.</p>
+
+<p>"There are jaguars about," said the American, in a low tone, stroking
+his horse's ears to keep him quiet.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment there was a fearful, a horrible cry, that rent the air,
+a desperate shriek for assistance.</p>
+
+<p>"The old squatter, and he is without arms," he cried; "the tigers have
+doubtless attacked him."</p>
+
+<p>And he set spurs to his horse, which, neighing and smarting with pain,
+dashed in the desired direction.</p>
+
+<p>In the centre of a clearing crossed by a narrow stream the squatter
+knelt behind his horse, haggard with terror.</p>
+
+<p>Close to him, on the branch of a gigantic gumtree, was a mighty jaguar,
+licking his tongue before leaping.</p>
+
+<p>"Save me," shrieked the agonised squatter.</p>
+
+<p>"I will try," said Harry, dismounting, letting his horse loose, and
+then going close up to the trembling wretch.</p>
+
+<p>The tiger had not moved. He was watching his victim with a feline
+glance.</p>
+
+<p>"A noble beast," said the young man, with a smile; "I hope not to spoil
+his beautiful skin."</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a further grunting was heard in the thicket. The jaguar,
+without turning his head, responded in the same tone.</p>
+
+<p>"By heavens! There are two of them. It seems almost a pity to part so
+loving a couple," he said.</p>
+
+<p>At the same moment the tiger leaped. As he did so he turned a
+somersault. He was dead, shot in the eye.</p>
+
+<p>"One," said the young man, drawing out his bowie knife.</p>
+
+<p>At the same moment the second jaguar burst out, and with one bound
+seized on the flanks of the horse.</p>
+
+<p>Harry flew at her, knife in hand. The two rolled for a moment on the
+ground. Then the man stood erect.</p>
+
+<p>"That job's over," said the young man; "what a couple of noble beasts!
+Get up. Heavens! He's fainted."</p>
+
+<p>Then he took him in his arms, and carried him to the stream, where he
+bathed his face until he recovered.</p>
+
+<p>But he was then so ill, and his horse so lean, that it seemed
+impossible he should ever reach home.</p>
+
+<p>In this strait Harry acted with his usual generosity. He took the man
+up behind him, and carried him home.</p>
+
+<p>He then turned to go without a word.</p>
+
+<p>"Young man," cried the squatter, "wait one moment. You have been my
+friend. Now take my advice, keep good watch. I dare say no more, but be
+ever on your guard."</p>
+
+<p>Harry moved pensively away, but soon forgot the hint.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>CAPTAIN TOM MITCHELL, THE AVENGER.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>The marriage of Evening Dew with Numank-Charake was to be celebrated
+with unusual splendour. Invitations had been sent in all directions,
+and, two days before the ceremony was to take place, numerous
+deputations from all the tribes were collected around, and were
+received with the splendid hospitality essential in such a case.</p>
+
+<p>At least five hundred strange warriors had come.</p>
+
+<p>Some hours later a new troop appeared on the verge of the plain; it was
+very numerous, three hundred men at least, in the picturesque costume
+of Mexican rancheros, all armed to the teeth, and admirably mounted.</p>
+
+<p>Four cavaliers rode in front; these were Tom Mitchell, Pierre Durand
+Camotte, and Tête de Plume. It was the full force of the outlaws. On
+nearing the village two other men were seen; these were Clinton and
+Charbonneau.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing was omitted to give <i>éclat</i> to such a reception. The most
+renowned of the sachems, with the three Canadians, Bright-eye, and
+Oliver, advanced to meet them, and give them a most cordial and sincere
+welcome.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Pierre Durand, who had given up his disguise, kept a little in
+the background.</p>
+
+<p>Having exchanged compliments, Tom ordered his men to camp outside, and
+entered the village with the others.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as all were collected in the hut of the Canadians, Tom Mitchell
+closed the door carefully.</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen," he said, in a low and solemn tone, "I owe you no
+explanation for coming, but for coming in such force."</p>
+
+<p>"You owe no explanation. You are welcome."</p>
+
+<p>"Listen. Not a moment is to be lost. Spies are on all hands. You are
+surrounded by treachery and traitors. You are all to be made the
+victims of an execrable plot concocted by two wretches, Lagrenay and
+Tubash-Shah."</p>
+
+<p>All were stupefied. While the other spoke, Pierre Durand slipped into
+Bright-eye's own room to rest.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Tubash-Shah hates Numank; but that is not all. He loves your
+gentle daughter, Evening Dew."</p>
+
+<p>"Horrible!" cried the old man.</p>
+
+<p>"The capture of Miss Angela was a thing arranged between Lagrenay and
+Tubash-Shah, who thought to get her from me."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks to you, the plot is exploded."</p>
+
+<p>"He still hopes to kill his rival, steal his wife, become possessor of
+the treasure you know of," cried Tom Mitchell, "and become chief of the
+tribe. With these schemes in their heads, Lagrenay and Tubash-Shah are
+allies."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a horrible plot. How did you discover it?"</p>
+
+<p>"No matter; my spies have served me well. I knew the plan of the
+conspirators, and hence have come in such force. I shall be able to
+thwart them. Do you now attend to the immediate safety of the chiefs of
+this nation and people."</p>
+
+<p>"I will take measures at once."</p>
+
+<p>"Above all, be cautious. You have to deal with desperate and cunning
+rascals," urged Tom Mitchell.</p>
+
+<p>The three Canadians, grandfather, father, and son, went out, leaving
+behind only George Clinton and his friend.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Mr. Clinton," said the outlaw, "though we met under unpleasant
+circumstances, we are friends."</p>
+
+<p>"I see no reason why we should not be," he replied.</p>
+
+<p>"I am happy to hear it," continued Tom Mitchell; "but before we go any
+farther, allow me to say a word to this young Frenchman. In that room
+you will find a friend."</p>
+
+<p>"A friend!" cried Oliver; "Impossible! You know I have only recently
+reached this country."</p>
+
+<p>"Take my advice," said the outlaw, with a smile.</p>
+
+<p>Oliver shrugged his shoulders, as if yielding to a foolish whim, and
+went in to find himself face to face with Durand.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," said the outlaw, "I have not told all; I have left out certain
+matters which personally concern yourself. One moment, and you shall
+judge for yourself. Excuse me if I have to touch upon a very tender
+topic&mdash;that of love."</p>
+
+<p>"Captain!" cried George.</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me. You love a charming girl, whom you have followed into the
+desert with as much devotion as men show in the search of gold. To this
+I have only to add that the girl is as beautiful and as good as an
+angel."</p>
+
+<p>George bowed his head to hide his confusion.</p>
+
+<p>"Her father is against you, I know. But the important fact is that a
+terrible calamity threatens her and you."</p>
+
+<p>"Pray explain yourself," George cried.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think the redskins are blind? You forget them in your
+calculation of future happiness."</p>
+
+<p>"Explain yourself," continued the young man.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot at present. You are young in the desert, but you have clever
+and devoted friends. Above all, you have Bright-eye, honest, devoted,
+intelligent. Tell him all I have said, and to work. You have not a
+moment to lose to save her."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the three Canadians came in at one door, Oliver and
+Captain Durand at the other. Before anyone else could speak, Oliver
+rushed forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Captain," he said to the outlaw, "I can never thank you enough. I know
+all. Command me in every way."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall remind you of your promise."</p>
+
+<p>"And my wretched persecutor&mdash;you will bring him to me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; and place in your hands papers to confound him," cried the
+outlaw; "papers which prove your rank."</p>
+
+<p>The conversation now became general. The two Canadians had been at
+work, and warned all the sachems.</p>
+
+<p>But everything had been done without exciting suspicion. All went on
+just as usual in the village.</p>
+
+<p>The preparations for the marriage continued.</p>
+
+<p>The Canadians entertained their friends at a great banquet that night,
+at which Numank was present, grave and proud, seated beside Angela, who
+was charming, though blushing with downcast eyes, and never speaking a
+word.</p>
+
+<p>The formal ceremony of betrothal had taken place in the morning, so
+that this was rather a friendly meeting than anything else.</p>
+
+<p>There was, however, a magnificent exchange of presents.</p>
+
+<p>Next day, just before the final ceremony, Tom Mitchell went off with a
+hundred of his most resolute men.</p>
+
+<p>Camotte remained in command of the others.</p>
+
+<p>According to invariable Indian custom, the man who takes a wife takes
+her seemingly by force; he snatches her up, puts her behind him, darts
+off, and two days later comes back, slays a mare that has never foaled,
+and all is over.</p>
+
+<p>Numank, of course, would do the same.</p>
+
+<p>At night the hut was surrounded by a party of Indians, and Angela
+carried off, after a feeble resistance.</p>
+
+<p>Then some shots were fired, and away sped Numank with his wife
+surrounded by a powerful Indian escort.</p>
+
+<p>This escort was almost wholly composed of strangers with Tubash.</p>
+
+<p>The abductors had scarcely departed when Bright-eye came out of the hut
+and whistled. He was at once surrounded by warriors.</p>
+
+<p>"On," he said, in a menacing voice; "there is no time to lose."</p>
+
+<p>And they darted away like a whirlwind, riding for some hours in the
+direction taken by the bridal party.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly they were startled by flashes of light, followed by the report
+of guns. A terrible combat was going on.</p>
+
+<p>With a tremendous war cry the troop led by Bright-eye dashed in the
+direction of the fight. It was time.</p>
+
+<p>Numank-Charake, holding his wife on one arm, was fighting, surrounded
+by the few warriors faithful to him.</p>
+
+<p>Ten only of these could stand, and must have succumbed in five minutes
+but for the unlooked-for succour.</p>
+
+<p>The carnage was fearful. All fought desperately in silence. At last
+every one of the treacherous escort was dead.</p>
+
+<p>Tubash Shah escaped in the confusion.</p>
+
+<p>Numank-Charake was more like a corpse than a live man, and had to be
+carried on a litter.</p>
+
+<p>They reached the village next day, from which all the rival tribes had
+departed, leaving behind a bundle of arrows dipped in blood. It was a
+formal declaration of war.</p>
+
+<p>We turn elsewhere for a time.</p>
+
+<p>It was night at the hut of the squatter Lagrenay. Everybody slept
+except himself. Seated by the dying fire in a cane chair, his head in
+his two hands, his elbows on the table, the squatter appeared at least
+to be reading.</p>
+
+<p>His huge and savage dog lay at his feet, listening for the faintest
+sound from without.</p>
+
+<p>Every now and then the old man looked at a clock, and then appeared to
+read again until a sharp whistle was heard.</p>
+
+<p>The dog and man leaped up, but suddenly Lagrenay bade the animal be
+quiet, and went himself to open the door. He started back as two men
+entered, strangers.</p>
+
+<p>"I am Joshua Dickson," said the first, "and this is my brother Samuel.
+You sent for my son; we have come in his place."</p>
+
+<p>The old man professed to be glad to see his neighbours, and bade them
+be seated. After some time wasted in circumlocution, he began to speak
+of real business.</p>
+
+<p>"You have established yourselves in the Valley of the Moose Deer," he
+said, "a magnificent settlement."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what then?"</p>
+
+<p>"That valley belongs to one of the most powerful tribes on the whole of
+the Missouri," continued Lagrenay.</p>
+
+<p>"No matter. Virgin soil belongs to the first comer."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps. But that is not the question. This tribe have other lands of
+which they take no account," went on the squatter, "and will probably
+never claim, but they have special reasons for keeping the Valley of
+the Deer sacred."</p>
+
+<p>"Explain yourself," cried both.</p>
+
+<p>"In that valley is buried the treasure of the nation."</p>
+
+<p>"What treasure? Old shooter of muskrats!" cried Joshua; "There is no
+treasure like mother earth."</p>
+
+<p>"I mean a real treasure&mdash;gold, ingots, diamonds," said the old man, "to
+the extent of many millions."</p>
+
+<p>"So much the better," replied Joshua; "it is mine."</p>
+
+<p>"Take care! The struggle will be terrible. Your adversaries are many
+and brave; they have allied themselves with the outlaws of the desert,
+and, moreover, have taken as their chief a fellow countryman, who
+dearly covets your possessions."</p>
+
+<p>"May I ask the name of my countryman?" inquired Samuel, in a bantering
+tone of voice.</p>
+
+<p>"His name is George Clinton," said Lagrenay.</p>
+
+<p>"George Clinton!" exclaimed Joshua, amazed.</p>
+
+<p>"You lie, miserable wretch!" said Samuel Dickson, rising; "George
+Clinton is an honourable man, not a&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I have spoken the truth. Do as you please."</p>
+
+<p>Then the door was burst open, and two men entered pushing forward a
+third with blows of musket butts.</p>
+
+<p>"Miserable wretch!" said one, seizing him by the throat, "I am George
+Clinton, and you lie in your teeth."</p>
+
+<p>Rock attempted to fly at the assailants, but Charbonneau brained him
+with the butt end of his gun.</p>
+
+<p>Lagrenay rose rifle in hand, but the two Americans disarmed him, and
+forced him to reseat himself.</p>
+
+<p>The prisoner brought in was Tubash-Shah. Behind the three men appeared
+the dogs Nadeje and Drack.</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen, we arrive in time. Thank heaven, we have brought with us
+this wretch, who now will tell the truth."</p>
+
+<p>And he looked at the Indian with a glance that made him shudder to the
+marrow of his bones.</p>
+
+<p>The two Americans were exceedingly surprised, while Lagrenay thought in
+vain of some new subterfuge.</p>
+
+<p>Roused by the noise made on the entrance of the three men, the wife
+of Lagrenay had risen in haste, and, without waiting to dress, had
+rushed into the room. She entered without being seen, and tremblingly
+ensconced herself behind her husband.</p>
+
+<p>Inside there was silence, but without the sound of many men.</p>
+
+<p>None spoke for some time; everyone's breathing seemed oppressed.
+Lagrenay, his teeth chattering, at last spoke.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you explain this outrage?" he began.</p>
+
+<p>"Silence!" cried George Clinton, in a terrible voice; "Speak only when
+called upon for your defence. All I hope is that when you have heard of
+what you are accused you may be able to give a satisfactory reply to
+the charge."</p>
+
+<p>"Accused&mdash;defend myself!" cried the old man.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, before Judge Lynch, who will decide between us," said Clinton,
+coldly. "Listen, here come your judges."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke several men entered. Lagrenay felt himself lost. He was in
+the hands of implacable foes.</p>
+
+<p>Tubash-Shah, erect against the wall, appeared utterly indifferent. But
+his every thought was intent on escape.</p>
+
+<p>The sudden appearance of George Clinton had very much surprised Joshua
+Dickson. All his rage was revived, and he was prepared to treat him
+with severity and hatred. The idea of treason still rankled in his mind.</p>
+
+<p>Two men had now seized upon the squatter, and, despite the cries of his
+wife, were trying to carry him out.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment Louis and François Berger entered.</p>
+
+<p>"My cousins!" cried Lagrenay, "They would murder me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Save my old man!" said the wife, pitifully.</p>
+
+<p>"My friends and brothers," said Louis Berger, raising his hand, "this
+man is my relative. Give him to me. Justice shall be done."</p>
+
+<p>The squatter was released, and hid himself behind his two Canadian
+cousins, trembling, nearly dead.</p>
+
+<p>"Sirs," said Louis to the Americans, "you are the new squatters
+established in the Moose Deer Valley?"</p>
+
+<p>"We are," replied Joshua, rather doggedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I have business with you. In the first place, by what right have
+you squatted in that place?"</p>
+
+<p>"Really, except that you have force on your side, I should not answer
+so singular a question. Because I found it."</p>
+
+<p>"I beg to inform you that it is private property. You are by no means
+the first occupier."</p>
+
+<p>"And who may he be?" asked Joshua, furiously.</p>
+
+<p>"Myself. It was given me by the chiefs of the Huron tribe. A deed,
+perfectly legal, exists."</p>
+
+<p>"Can a man find no free land on earth?" he cried, "On the face of the
+earth? You claim it, then?"</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, when all were busy, Tubash saw his opportunity, and
+ran. Two or three pursued, but the rest remained.</p>
+
+<p>"Then," said Joshua, presently, "there is some truth in the story of
+the gold treasure in the valley?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and I have recently ceded all my rights to Tom Mitchell, chief of
+the outlaws."</p>
+
+<p>"Then all I have to do is to go?" urged Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"I think the matter might be arranged," observed Louis. "Here is a
+young man who loves your child. George Clinton, is it not so?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is useless my persuading Joshua Dickson."</p>
+
+<p>"By heavens!" cried Samuel, "But you shall. Here is a noble, young,
+rich, brave&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But," cried Joshua, "what has that to do with it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sole owner of the Valley of the Deer," continued Louis Berger, drily;
+"he bought it this morning."</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;" still hesitated Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"To arms!" cried Tom Mitchell, rushing in, "To arms! Pardieu! You have
+fallen into the trap."</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter?" cried the brothers.</p>
+
+<p>"While you are wasting your time here, your plantation is attacked by
+Indians," he responded, "who are burning and destroying all. Soon there
+will be only ruins and ashes."</p>
+
+<p>This terrible revelation fell like a thunderbolt upon all present in
+that room.</p>
+
+<p>Tom Mitchell&mdash;his dress torn, his face covered by powder and blood,
+holding a smoking gun&mdash;summoned them.</p>
+
+<p>George Clinton, without waiting a minute, darted away, followed by
+Charbonneau and his dogs.</p>
+
+<p>Above all, he would save her he loved from the fearful peril she was in
+of falling into the hands of redskins.</p>
+
+<p>"What is to be done?" cried Joshua.</p>
+
+<p>"Never despair," said the outlaw. "Your sons and servants are fighting
+like lions. We must join them."</p>
+
+<p>"Come along," cried Samuel.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! Oh!" said Joshua, brandishing his rifle, "The rascally redskins
+shall pay for this."</p>
+
+<p>"Come, in the name of God!" cried the outlaw; "I have with me a party
+ready for any amount of redskins."</p>
+
+<p>At these words everybody mounted, and dashed through the darkness like
+a legion of phantoms.</p>
+
+<p>Four persons only remained in the silent and deserted hut&mdash;the two old
+Canadians, Lagrenay, and his wife.</p>
+
+<p>The old squatter had, during these exciting scenes, recovered his
+equanimity. He believed himself saved.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as they were alone, he and his wife began to place refreshments
+on the table for their guests.</p>
+
+<p>The two Canadians remained standing, leaning on their rifles, and not
+noticing even the preparations.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear relations," said Lagrenay, in an insinuating voice, "will you
+honour me by accepting refreshments?"</p>
+
+<p>"What does the man say?" asked François Berger.</p>
+
+<p>"You have a long journey to go," continued Lagrenay, "you must be
+extremely tired and want rest."</p>
+
+<p>"What matter?" said the old man.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you not empty a cup of whisky?" began the woman.</p>
+
+<p>"Silence!" cried the hunter, striking the butt of his rifle on the
+ground, "And listen."</p>
+
+<p>The old man shuddered.</p>
+
+<p>"Lagrenay," he went on, in a hollow voice, "I dragged you from the
+hands of Judge Lynch, because I did not wish to see my cousin hanged;
+you have dishonoured not only the name you bear, but the family to
+which you belong; that family, poor as it has always been, has known
+how to preserve its honour intact. That honour you have soiled, from
+the base love of gold. Prepare to die."</p>
+
+<p>"To die!" he murmured.</p>
+
+<p>"My cousins, my dear cousins, you will not have the heart to kill my
+poor old man," said his wife, clasping her hands and weeping; "thirty
+years we have lived together. What shall I do when he is gone? Who will
+support my miserable existence? Have mercy, in the name of the Lord. If
+you kill him, I shall die."</p>
+
+<p>"You shall not die," said François Berger; "my cousin will take care of
+you for life."</p>
+
+<p>"I," she said, with a gesture of horror, "accept the protection of the
+murderers of my husband, eat the bread of assassins! I should choke
+myself at the first mouthful. Have mercy, then, and shoot us together."</p>
+
+<p>Louis Berger turned away his head. Even the inflexible old judge of the
+reign of terror was moved.</p>
+
+<p>Then he made a sign to his son, and both cocked their rifles.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop!" said Lagrenay, in a firm and solemn voice; "I know your
+inflexible will too well to ask my life of you. You have decided on
+my death. Good. But I will not die at your hands. You say the honour
+of the family requires that justice should be done. Well, it shall be
+done. Still I could not die like a dog. Give me ten minutes to pray.
+You will not refuse this?"</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven forbid!" said the old man, "And may heaven have mercy on you
+for all your sins."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, cousins and friends," cried the squatter, "and now, wife, on
+your knees. Let us beg forgiveness of our sins."</p>
+
+<p>The two old men went out, tears in their eyes, and almost inclined to
+be merciful. Stern will prevailed.</p>
+
+<p>Five minutes later, a double shot was heard. They rushed in. Both lay
+dead upon the floor.</p>
+
+<p>Justice was done.</p>
+
+<p>The two hunters kneeled down beside the bodies, and said a silent
+prayer over them.</p>
+
+<p>Then, in the room itself, they dug a grave, and, after some little
+time, interred the husband and wife.</p>
+
+<p>Then, dragging away by main force the wounded dog, they collected a lot
+of brushwood and other fuel.</p>
+
+<p>This they piled against the house and then fired. In a few minutes the
+whole was in flames.</p>
+
+<p>The dog got away, and plunged into the burning pile.</p>
+
+<p>When all was over and nought remained but cinders and ashes, the two
+men wiped away a tear and retired.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII.</a></h4>
+
+<h3>A DESPERATE STRUGGLE.</h3>
+<hr class="r5" />
+
+<p>Tom Mitchell had told the truth. The plantation of Joshua Dickson had
+been attacked by a numerous party.</p>
+
+<p>This is how it had come about.</p>
+
+<p>Tubash-Shah and the squatter, Lagrenay, excited by a common hatred, had
+come to an understanding.</p>
+
+<p>The old wretch, whose whole thoughts were bent on the vast treasure
+concealed in the valley, had promised the Indian, not only his share
+of the gold, but the possession of a beautiful white girl, at least as
+beautiful as Evening Dew.</p>
+
+<p>He further suggested that as Numank-Charake would be sure to join
+Clinton, he could kill him too.</p>
+
+<p>He would then have the two most beautiful wives on the prairie.</p>
+
+<p>The Indian was easily seduced by this radiant project, which the old
+squatter fluttered before his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>An alliance defensive and offensive was struck up.</p>
+
+<p>It was Tubash-Shah who suggested the treacherous visit of the redskins
+on the occasion of the great marriage.</p>
+
+<p>In order to facilitate the attack on the settlement, old Lagrenay sent
+a secret message to the squatters, who fell into the trap prepared for
+them. Tubash-Shah was outside, waiting to take them, when he himself
+was made prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>This nearly spoiled all. But, after only half an hour's detention,
+Tubash escaped.</p>
+
+<p>He joined his expectant companions, and the plantation was at once
+attacked on all sides by Indians.</p>
+
+<p>But the Americans were on the watch, and received the redskins in a way
+that rather surprised them.</p>
+
+<p>Tom Mitchell, warned by his spies, had given them sufficient hints,
+while himself preparing.</p>
+
+<p>One hundred and fifty outlaws, under the orders of Tête de Plume, had
+been secretly sent into the fort by George Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>He had then, with Charbonneau, gone and concealed himself near
+Lagrenay's hut.</p>
+
+<p>Camotte had been sent to the village of the Huron Bisons to
+Numank-Charake, and Bright-eye, to ask for the assistance of all the
+warriors of the tribe who could be spared.</p>
+
+<p>On the other hand, Tom Mitchell, at the head of his most daring
+companions, had placed himself in a position to be at hand at anytime.
+But if the defence had been well arranged, the attack was most fierce
+and desperate; the redskins fought like demons; brave, well armed, and
+counting on the vast superiority of their numbers, the Indians rushed
+to the charge against the intrenchments with a ferocity quite unusual.</p>
+
+<p>These intrenchments had been hastily thrown up, and could not long
+resist such an attack.</p>
+
+<p>Tubash-Shah, at the head of a picked band of warriors, did wonders. He
+was a host in himself.</p>
+
+<p>The struggle became at one time so desperate that Tom Mitchell
+himself began to despair; then it was that he dashed off to the hut
+of Lagrenay, and called to arms all who were collected together in
+deliberation.</p>
+
+<p>Then he started again at the head of the reinforcement, like a storm
+cloud on the wing.</p>
+
+<p>Again the combat seemed desperate.</p>
+
+<p>The war cry of the American Indians and the hurrahs of the whites were
+mixed with the fusillade.</p>
+
+<p>Then a rush of horse was heard, an awful war whoop, and three hundred
+warriors, led by Numank-Charake, Bright-eye, and Camotte, appeared on
+the scene.</p>
+
+<p>Tom Mitchell gave a cry of joy.</p>
+
+<p>He divided his terrible cavaliers into three detachments, one commanded
+by Numank and Bright-eye, gave half his outlaws to Oliver, and took the
+rest under his own immediate orders.</p>
+
+<p>Then at a given signal, the three troops rushed, with horrible yells
+and cries, upon the astonished assailants.</p>
+
+<p>Though taken aback, the brave redskins fronted both ways, and made a
+most terrible defence.</p>
+
+<p>Samuel Dickson and his brother meantime contrived to enter the
+settlement, amid joyous acclamations.</p>
+
+<p>It was time; the palisades and intrenchments were giving way, and the
+Indians were rushing in.</p>
+
+<p>The combat became now gigantic in its proportions. The redskins, led by
+Tubash-Shah, fought with desperate valour.</p>
+
+<p>He kept the <i>élite</i> of his men together, and worked his way towards the
+interior of the settlement.</p>
+
+<p>Presently he drew forth his human thighbone whistle and darted for the
+house. He had seen Diana.</p>
+
+<p>The young girl, seeing the demon covered by blood and powder,
+brandishing his hatchet, and forcing, with a hideous cry, his horse
+towards the women, gave a desperate shriek of agonised terror.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, ah!" cried Tubash-Shah, in triumph; "The paleface girl. At last
+she is mine."</p>
+
+<p>He urged forward his horse, which reared with abject terror, and threw
+his master heavily.</p>
+
+<p>Dardar, the faithful dog, always in attendance on Diana, had seized the
+warhorse by the nostrils.</p>
+
+<p>He then let him go, and caught the Indian himself by the throat.</p>
+
+<p>"Good dog," shouted George Clinton, as he ran up with Charbonneau,
+Drack, and Nadeje.</p>
+
+<p>The battle was over. The few Indians who were left threw down their
+arms in despair.</p>
+
+<p>"My daughter, oh, my daughter!" cried Joshua, who came rushing from the
+inside of the house.</p>
+
+<p>"She is here, sir," said Clinton.</p>
+
+<p>"And her abductor?" he continued.</p>
+
+<p>"Is dead," he answered, pointing to the corpse, which the dog was
+worrying as he would have done a rat.</p>
+
+<p>"My son, I thank you," said Joshua; "what do I not owe to you? Take
+her."</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>Two days after M. Hebrard returned to the fort a wiser man. Oliver
+proved his rank, name, and right to fortune, to the satisfaction of
+everybody.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell my relatives," he said, "that as long as they leave me alone, I
+shall be quiet. Go, and let us never meet again."</p>
+
+<p>A week later, after the marriage of George and Diana, Tom Mitchell,
+Bright-eye, Oliver, and Captain Durand, started on the dangerous
+expedition undertaken by the outlaw, and of which, probably, we shall
+give some account at a future time.</p>
+
+<p>[For further adventures of Bright-eye, see the "Prairie Flower," and
+the "Indian Scout," same publishers.]</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="pg" />
+<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MISSOURI OUTLAWS***</p>
+<p>******* This file should be named 44574-h.txt or 44574-h.zip *******</p>
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diff --git a/old/44574.txt b/old/44574.txt
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+++ b/old/44574.txt
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Missouri Outlaws, by Gustave Aimard,
+Translated by Percy B. St. John
+
+
+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 Missouri Outlaws
+
+
+Author: Gustave Aimard
+
+
+
+Release Date: January 3, 2014  [eBook #44574]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MISSOURI OUTLAWS***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Camille Bernard and Marc D'Hooghe
+(http://www.freeliterature.org) from page images generously made available
+by HathiTrust Digital Library (http://www.hathitrust.org/digital_library)
+
+
+
+Note: Images of the original pages are available through
+      HathiTrust Digital Library. See
+      http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.b3750786;view=1up;seq=495
+
+
+
+
+
+THE MISSOURI OUTLAWS
+
+by
+
+GUSTAVE AIMARD
+
+Author of "Prairie Flower," "Indian Scout," etc., etc.
+
+Translated by Percy B. St. John
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+London
+John And Robert Maxwell
+Milton House, Shoe Lane, Fleet Street
+and
+35, St. Bride Street, Ludgate Circus.
+1877
+
+
+
+
+NOTICE.
+
+Gustave Aimard was the adopted son of one of the most powerful Indian
+tribes, with whom he lived for more than fifteen years in the heart of
+the prairies, sharing their dangers and their combats, and accompanying
+them everywhere, rifle in one hand and tomahawk in the other. In turn
+squatter, hunter, trapper, warrior, and miner, Gustave Aimard has
+traversed America from the highest peaks of the Cordilleras to the
+ocean shores, living from hand to mouth, happy for the day, careless
+of the morrow. Hence it is that Gustave Aimard only describes his
+own life. The Indians of whom he speaks he has known--the manners he
+depicts are his own.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+Very few of the soul-stirring narratives written by GUSTAVE AIMARD
+are equal in freshness and vigour to "The Missouri Outlaws," hitherto
+unpublished in this country. The characters of the Squatter, the real,
+restless, unconquerable American, who is always going ahead, and of
+his wife and daughter, are admirably depicted, while his eccentric
+brother is a perfect gem of description. The great interest, however,
+of the narrative is centred in Tom Mitchell, the mysterious outlaw,
+whose fortunes excite the readers' imagination to the utmost. There
+can be no doubt he is one of the most original characters depicted by
+the versatile pen of the great French novelist. In addition to being
+a story of adventure, "The Missouri Outlaws" is also a love tale, and
+abounds in tender pathos, the interest of which is well sustained in
+"The Prairie Flower" and in its sequel, "The Indian Scout."
+
+PERCY B. ST. JOHN.
+
+London: _February, 1877._
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+       I. THE GOOD SHIP PATRIOT
+      II. SAMUEL DICKSON GIVES ADVICE TO HIS BROTHER
+     III. A QUEER CUSTOMER
+      IV. AN ALLIANCE OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE
+       V. A GREAT MEDICINE COUNCIL
+      VI. SAMUEL DICKSON HUNTS A MOOSE DEER
+     VII. JOSHUA DICKSON BECOMES MASTER OF THE VALLEY
+    VIII. DIANA DICKSON AND HER FOE
+      IX. THEY MAKE AN ACQUAINTANCE
+       X. WHO THE STRANGER WAS
+      XI. EXPLANATIONS
+     XII. HOW THE THREE TRAVELLERS WENT TO GEORGE CLINTON'S
+    XIII. TOM MITCHELL
+     XIV. SAMUEL AND JOSHUA
+      XV. NEW CHARACTERS
+     XVI. TOM MITCHELL AS REDRESSER OF WRONGS
+    XVII. A DIPLOMATIC CONVERSATION BETWEEN TWO RASCALS
+   XVIII. THE PRISONER
+     XIX. IN WHICH TOM MITCHELL DISCOVERS THAT HONESTY
+          IS A GOOD SPECULATION
+      XX. A STRANGE CHASE
+     XXI. CAPTAIN TOM MITCHELL, THE AVENGER
+    XXII. A DESPERATE STRUGGLE
+
+
+
+THE MISSOURI OUTLAWS
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE GOOD SHIP PATRIOT.
+
+
+On the 4th of August, 1801, a little after eight o'clock at night, just
+as the last rays of the setting sun disappeared behind the heights
+of Dorchester, gilding as they did so the summits of certain islands
+scattered at the entrance to Boston Bay, some idlers of both sexes,
+collected on Beacon Hill, at the foot of the lighthouse, saw a large
+vessel making for the harbour.
+
+At first it seemed as if the ship would be compelled to desist from her
+design, as the wind was slightly contrary; but, by a series of skilful
+manoeuvres, it at last passed by the danger which threatened, the sails
+were one by one taken in and furled, and finally the anchor was cast
+beside one of the many vessels in port.
+
+A few minutes later nothing was to be seen on deck save one man walking
+up and down doing duty as watch for the time being.
+
+The vessel had, under cover of a dense fog, escaped from Brest, slipped
+past the English cruisers, and finally, after many dangers, reached its
+destination.
+
+Descending into the cabin, we find two men seated at a table upon which
+were glasses, bottles, pipes, and tobacco, conversing and smoking.
+
+These were Captain Pierre Durand, a young man, with regular but rather
+effeminate features, and yet a look of frank honesty, to which his
+sparkling eyes, his broad forehead, his long waving hair, gave an
+appearance of singular energy. Though every inch a sailor, there was a
+refinement about him not generally found in his class.
+
+His companion was a handsome and haughty young man, of about
+two-and-twenty, of moderate height, but with very broad shoulders; he
+was evidently of powerful make, with nerves of steel. His complexion
+was olive; his hair long wavy black; his eyes were large and bold; the
+expression of his countenance sombre and thoughtful, while at this
+early age many a wrinkle caused by thought or suffering was to be
+observed.
+
+There had evidently been a warm discussion, for the captain was walking
+up and down, a frown upon his brow. Suddenly, however, he reseated
+himself and held out his hand across the table.
+
+"I was wrong. Do not be vexed," he said.
+
+"I am not angry, my good Pierre," he answered.
+
+"Then why sulk with your friend?"
+
+"I do not sulk, heaven knows; I am simply sad. You have reopened a
+wound I thought forever closed," the other added with a sigh.
+
+"Well, then, in heaven's name, if it be so," cried the captain, "let us
+talk about something else--and above all, let us drink. This old rum is
+a sovereign remedy for the blues. Your health, my friend."
+
+Both drank after touching glasses, and then silence again ensued.
+
+"Now, my dear Oliver," resumed the captain, "at last we are safe in
+Boston. We leave tomorrow. What do you intend to do?"
+
+"You remember our conversation at Brest?"
+
+"I have not forgotten it, but I never seriously entertained the idea.
+We had dined rather copiously."
+
+"We were very sober. There were two bottles on the table, one empty
+and the other nearly full. I then told you that though I had only just
+returned to France after an absence of ten years, I was compelled to
+leave at a moment's notice, and to leave without raising any suspicion.
+I wanted to depart without anyone being able to obtain the slightest
+clue; you remember," he added.
+
+"I do, and I told you that I would run the blockade that very night, if
+the weather turned out as bad as I expected. Did I keep my promise?"
+
+"With all the loyalty of your honest heart. I also told you I intended
+remaining in America."
+
+"It is to that madcap resolution I object," said the captain
+emphatically. "Why not stay with me? You are an excellent sailor--you
+shall be my chief officer."
+
+"No, my friend. I can accept nothing which can ever tempt me to return
+to France," he answered.
+
+"How you suffer!" sighed his friend.
+
+"Horribly. Come, my friend, as we shall part for ever tomorrow, I will
+tell you my history."
+
+"Not if it makes you suffer."
+
+"I will be brief. Sad as my story is, it is not very long."
+
+"Go on," replied Captain Durand, filling up two more glasses of rum,
+and lighting a fresh cigar for himself.
+
+"I will not sermonise, but begin at the beginning. I was born in Paris,
+but might be English, German, or even Russian, for all I know. I am
+simply aware that my birthplace was Paris, in the house of a doctor,
+where my mother took refuge. It was in the Rue St. Honore I first
+saw the light but, as soon as I could be removed, was sent to the
+Foundling. There I remained four years, until a loving young couple,
+who had lost their only child, adopted me. They were poor, and lived on
+the third floor of a wretched old house, in the Rue Plumet, where, I
+must own, I had enough, but of very coarse, food."
+
+"One day, however, fortune knocked at the door. My adopted mother was,
+and still is, one of the handsomest women in Paris. By accident an old
+friend, a distant relation, a man of high position, found her out. He
+at once procured a lucrative appointment for my supposed parent, and
+we moved to a splendid residence in the Faubourg du Roule. The friend,
+who lived close by, at once began to visit us every evening, and, by a
+curious coincidence, the husband always found business which required
+his absence. He never returned until a quarter of an hour after the
+other had left."
+
+"Accommodating husband," sneered Durand.
+
+"Just so. But, unfortunately for me, I became older, curious, was
+always turning up when not wanted, and saying things which were not
+required. It was decided that I was an incorrigible scamp, and must be
+sent away."
+
+"My adopted mother had relations at Dunkirk, and I was packed off to
+them to be sent to sea as cabin boy. Then only did I discover that
+these people were not my parents. My supposed mother coldly kissed me,
+told me to be a good boy and gave me ten sous; my father, who escorted
+me to the ramshackle vehicle which traded between Paris and Calais,
+told me to remember this, that society never having done anything for
+me, I was to do nothing for society; the only virtues to which men ever
+owed success were, he said, selfishness and ingratitude. He further
+added, 'Good-bye, we shall never meet again.'"
+
+"He turned his back and left me. This was my first young sorrow, and I
+felt it very much."
+
+"I feel for you," said the captain; "your story is very much like my
+own."
+
+"These people, knowing me then to be very delicate, hoped that the
+hardy profession they had selected for me would kill me. They were
+mistaken."
+
+"As I see," answered Durand.
+
+"I was first boy on board a herring boat, where I had to endure the
+brutality and insolence of a low drunkard, who never spoke except with
+an oath from his mouth, accompanying it with a blow from his cane. My
+apprenticeship was one long terror. Sometimes a whaler, sometimes a cod
+fisher, sometimes a slaver. I have been five or six times round the
+world; abandoned on the wildest coast of America, I was a long time
+prisoner; shipwrecked on an island in the Pacific, I wonder I did not
+die of misery and despair."
+
+"Poor Oliver!"
+
+"But bad as was my life, I everywhere in savage lands found some
+friend; but in France, from which I was ignominiously expelled eleven
+years ago, I found on my return two implacable foes--Calumny and
+Hatred. I was a very sharp boy, and trusted wholly to strangers.
+I could not help hearing many things I should not have heard. I
+discovered the secret of my birth, who were my father and mother,
+their exact names, and their position in society. One day, in a moment
+of frenzy--and you know I am extremely violent--I was foolish enough
+to let out the fact that I knew all. From that day a vow was made to
+accomplish my ruin; the most calumnious reports pursued me; I was
+accused behind my back and in the dark of the most horrible crimes. It
+is to me still a wonder how I have escaped all the ambushes laid for
+me. My foes hesitated at nothing. They tried to assassinate me. Is it
+not horrible? Well, having failed in the ordinary way, they bribed the
+captain of a ship I had joined to maroon me on the coast of New Mexico,
+where dwell the most ferocious Indian tribes."
+
+"And the captain did this?"
+
+"Pardieu!" cried Oliver; "He was a poor man, and the father of a
+family. I was cast on shore stupefied by laudanum. When I recovered the
+ship was already out of sight. I expected to be killed by the savages
+or to die of hunger. How neither happened is too long a story to tell
+now. But the end of all is, I have determined on an eternal exile.
+Never again will I place myself in the power of my foes, who live rich,
+happy, and respected in France."
+
+"You will establish yourself in Boston?"
+
+"No! I have done with civilised life; I shall now try that of the
+desert. It is my intention to bury myself in the wilds until I find
+an Indian tribe that will welcome me. I will ask them to receive me
+as a warrior. I thoroughly understand the manners and customs of the
+aborigines, and shall easily make friends."
+
+"I believe," observed the captain, "that you are right in this
+particular. You are young, brave, and intelligent; therefore you will
+succeed even in this mad project. But mark my word, you may live five,
+perhaps ten years with the Indians; but at last you will weary of this
+existence--what will you do then?"
+
+"Who knows? Experience will have ripened my reason, perhaps killed my
+grief, even deadened the hatred which burns within my heart. I may even
+learn to forgive those who have made me suffer. That in itself is a
+sort of vengeance."
+
+"But you will never come to that," said his friend.
+
+The young man rose without making any reply, and went on deck.
+
+Next day, as soon as the usual formalities had been gone through, the
+captain landed in his boat with his young friend. Both were silent
+before the sailors. Very soon they were threading their way along the
+crowded quays. Boston was by no means the really magnificent town which
+now excite universal admiration, but it was already a very busy and
+important commercial emporium.
+
+The Americans, with their restless activity, had hastened to clear away
+all signs of the War of Independence; the town had grown quite young
+again, and assumed that gay and lively physiognomy which belongs to
+great commercial centres, where almost everybody can find the means of
+living.
+
+As soon as they were alone the captain spoke.
+
+"When, my friend, do you propose to start?" he said.
+
+"Tonight, two hours before the setting of the sun. I burn with a fierce
+desire to breathe the air of the great savannahs, to feel free from the
+trammels of civilisation," he answered.
+
+"Well, my friend, I must leave you now, but promise to wait breakfast
+for me, and to do nothing until you have seen me again," insisted the
+captain.
+
+"I was about to ask you to join me. Where shall we breakfast?"
+
+The captain indicated a hotel at no great distance, after which he
+hurried away to wait on the consignees.
+
+"What on earth can Pierre mean," muttered Oliver to himself, "by my
+doing nothing until we meet again? Probably he will try once more to
+change my resolution. He ought to know that once I make up my mind I
+never falter. He is a good fellow, the only man who has ever been my
+sincere and devoted friend--the only being in the world I am sorry to
+part from."
+
+Musing thus Oliver strolled about, looking listlessly at the streets,
+the shops, and particularly selecting those which, by-and-by, he would
+have to visit for the purpose of his outfit, which he would have to
+purchase after breakfast.
+
+An hour later the two men met in front of the hotel. Both were exact to
+a minute. They ordered breakfast in a private room. As soon as they had
+finished the captain opened the ball.
+
+"Now let us chat," he said.
+
+"With the greatest of pleasure," replied Oliver. "Nothing is more
+agreeable after a meal than to enjoy a cigar, a cup of coffee, and a
+friend's company."
+
+"And yet you have determined to deprive yourself of these luxuries
+forever," replied Durand.
+
+"Man is ever insatiable. The unknown always did and always will attract
+him. He will ever quit the substance for the shadow. The fable is
+right. But let us talk of something else. Serious conversation after
+eating is folly," observed Oliver.
+
+"You are quite right--some more rum in your coffee? It is an excellent
+thing. What do you think I have been doing since I saw you?"
+
+"It is impossible for me to guess," cried Oliver.
+
+The captain rose, went to the window, and gave a short whistle. After
+this, he returned to his seat, Oliver staring at him while he sipped
+his coffee.
+
+Five minutes elapsed, and then in came several men, carrying various
+packets, which they placed on a side table, and went out without
+speaking.
+
+"What does it mean?" cried Oliver, in comic astonishment.
+
+"Then something can rouse you?" cried Durand, smiling.
+
+"No, only I wondered."
+
+"Never mind. You still intend going off tonight?" asked the captain.
+
+"Certainly," said Oliver rising; "that reminds me--"
+
+"One moment. We are old friends, and there should be no secrets between
+us," urged Durand.
+
+"There shall be none," answered Oliver.
+
+"Have you much money?" asked Durand.
+
+"Do you want to lend me any?" cried Oliver.
+
+"No matter if I did. But still I want an answer," urged Durand.
+
+"I have eleven thousand francs in gold sewn in my belt, and in a bag
+fastened round my neck diamonds worth a hundred and twenty thousand
+more. Besides this I have about eighty guineas in English money for
+immediate expenses. Are you satisfied?"
+
+"Perfectly," said the captain laughing, "and now listen to me."
+
+"Then it appears you are not quite satisfied?" cried Oliver, in his
+turn surprised.
+
+"Don't be in a hurry. I wish to interest you if I can."
+
+"I will wait your pleasure," observed Oliver, smiling at the other's
+hesitation.
+
+"It is useless," said Durand, "for me to feign a gaiety I do not feel.
+I feel more like weeping than laughing. The mere idea of this long,
+perhaps eternal, separation makes my heart bleed. I think that the hand
+now in mine I shall never shake again."
+
+"Don't be downhearted. Perhaps we may meet sooner than either of us
+expect," retorted Oliver.
+
+"I hope you may be a true prophet. Still I cannot help shuddering at
+the thought of your starting off amidst people whose language you do
+not even know."
+
+"There you are mistaken," responded Oliver; "as well as French, I speak
+English, Spanish, and Dutch, with about five Indian dialects, which I
+picked up at different times."
+
+"It is a wonder," mused the other, "that, placed as you have been, you
+should have had the time."
+
+"Before I became a cabin boy I could read and write a little. After a
+time I spent every moment of leisure in study."
+
+"I remember," sighed Durand, "I never met you without you were reading.
+What will you do for books now?"
+
+"What book is more interesting than that in which God has written on
+the plains, on the mountains, on the minutest blade of grass?" replied
+Oliver with enthusiasm. "Believe me, my friend, the sacred book of
+Nature has pages too interesting to ever weary us; from them you always
+find consolation, hope, encouragement. But," he added with a smile, "I
+have two books with me which, in my opinion, epitomise all great human
+thoughts, make man better, and even restore his courage, when bowed
+down by the heavy weight of misfortune. I have these books by heart,
+and yet I read them over again."
+
+And he laid on the table two books bound in black morocco.
+
+"What!" cried the amazed captain, "'The Imitation of Jesus Christ' and
+'Montaigne'!"
+
+"Yes. 'The Imitation of Jesus Christ' and 'Montaigne,' the most
+complete and sincere books ever written, for they tell the story of
+doubt and belief. They tell the rival story of all the philosophers
+who have existed since the creation of the world. With these two books
+and the magnificent spectacle of Nature around me have I not a whole
+library?"
+
+"I cannot make you out. You overwhelm me," said the captain; "but
+I have not the courage to contradict you. You are too much for me.
+Go forth, seek the unknown, for alone that will comprehend you. You
+are one of those whom adversity purifies and renders great; you will
+often feel inclined to fall by the way in the gigantic combat you are
+about to undertake against the world. But fail is not a word in your
+dictionary. Even death, when it comes, will not conquer you."
+
+"All the more that death is but a transformation, a purification of
+brutal matter by Divine agency. But," he remarked with a smile, "I
+think we are talking about very serious matters very foreign to our
+subject. Let us return to business, for the hour of our departure is
+rapidly approaching."
+
+At this moment the tramp of horses was heard, and the captain again ran
+to the window.
+
+"Hilloa!" cried the young man; "Another of your mysterious walks! Do
+explain yourself."
+
+"All right," he replied, reseating himself, "there is no reason for
+circumlocution between friends. The truth must be told. I had hoped to
+lend you money, and I know that had you have required it, you would
+have borrowed it."
+
+"Certainly, without hesitation, my friend."
+
+"Of course, as I find you are very much better off than myself, I
+withdraw the proposition; but I had already provided your outfit."
+
+"What can you mean? Provided my outfit!"
+
+"Yes! I mean to say that there is not a single thing required for your
+journey that is not ready. Look!"
+
+And both rising, the captain opened the parcels which had been left on
+a side table.
+
+"Look here," said the captain; "this is a real Kentucky rifle, the
+only gun fit for a hunter; I have tried it. This is a ball pouch, with
+mould and everything necessary to make others when needed; this is
+your powder horn, which is full, while here are two small canisters
+to replenish with; this is a 'necessary,' as we sailors call it,
+containing spoon, fork, cup, knife, and other trifles; this is a
+leather belt; this is a game bag, with gaiters, riding boots, a cloak,
+and four rugs."
+
+"My dear friend," said Oliver, deeply moved, "you have been ruining
+yourself."
+
+"Get out of that and wait a little longer. As you seriously wish to
+adopt savage life, at all events you must be rigged out accordingly,"
+he added, laughing. "This is a hunting knife, which you put in your
+belt; these pistols are to be placed in the holsters; that sword is
+perhaps one of the best cavalry swords I have ever seen. What, more!
+Oh, yes. This portmanteau, which is neither too large nor too small,
+in which you will find shirts and other necessaries. Then some pipes,
+tobacco, flint and steel, and a dozen boxes of preserves, in case you
+may someday be short of provisions. I think, on my honour, that is all.
+No, I had forgotten: paper, pens, ink, and pencils. And now my watch as
+a last remembrance."
+
+"This I must refuse. Your watch is too useful to yourself."
+
+"My friend, every time you look at it you will think of me," said the
+captain.
+
+And the two Frenchmen embraced.
+
+"I accept," replied Oliver, with deep emotion.
+
+"Now I know," continued the captain, "you are really my friend; and now
+let me see you dressed up as a true traveller, while I put the other
+things back into their parcels."
+
+"But before I don my new prairie costume, I have something else to
+buy," cried Oliver.
+
+"What!" cried the captain, "I thought surely I had forgotten nothing."
+
+"Do you think, my dear friend, that I am going to carry all this on my
+back. I don't want to look like a comic Robinson Crusoe, and, besides,
+it is more than I could do. I must have a horse."
+
+The captain burst out laughing.
+
+"Look out of window, my dear friend," he said, "and then you shall
+decide whether or not I forgot anything."
+
+Oliver approached the window, and saw two magnificent horses admirably
+caparisoned.
+
+"What do you think of those animals?" asked the captain.
+
+"They are both splendid; above all, the black one--a true horse of the
+prairies--a mustang."
+
+"You seem to know all about it."
+
+"I have seen them often enough," replied the young man; "the owner of
+this one should be proud."
+
+"It is yours," said Durand.
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"I bought it for you," was the simple reply.
+
+"Pierre! Pierre! I repeat, you are ruined."
+
+"Hush; I may as well add that under the saddles I have placed double
+pockets, which contain many things I have forgotten."
+
+"But there are two horses," he cried.
+
+"One for you and one for myself. At all events, I must see you fairly
+on your way."
+
+Oliver made no reply, but turned away to dress in order to hide his
+emotion. When he was in full costume his friend burst out laughing, and
+told him he looked like a Calabrian bandit.
+
+"And now which way do we go?" asked the captain.
+
+"Straight forward," replied Oliver.
+
+"Yes," cried the captain, "just so, as you are going round the world."
+
+In two hours, after a hearty and warm shake of the hand, they parted.
+They were too deeply moved to speak.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+SAMUEL DICKSON GIVES ADVICE TO HIS BROTHER.
+
+
+On the same day on which the _Patriot_ anchored in the Bay of
+Massachusetts an interesting event took place between seven and eight
+in the morning in a pretty village named Northampton, at no great
+distance from Boston.
+
+Everybody was excited. A crowd of men, women, and children pressed
+around a number of waggons, each drawn by six horses. They stood in
+front of a brick house, the only inn of the village. Four magnificent
+saddle horses, with very handsome harness, were held by a young
+intelligent-looking Negro, who at the same time smoked a short pipe.
+
+The crowd was very excited, but very decorous and quiet--as a New
+England crowd always is--waiting simply for an explanation.
+
+Suddenly the sharp trot of a horse was heard at the entrance of the
+street. This served to create a new sensation in the crowd.
+
+"Samuel Dickson!" cried the people; "At last he has come. Now he will
+make them listen to reason."
+
+The new arrival was a man of middle age, with a pleasant countenance,
+delicate and intelligent features, clothed in the dress of a rich
+farmer, and in those parts was looked up to as a most important
+individual.
+
+He made his way carefully through the crowd, bowing on either hand, and
+rather puzzled at the ovation he was receiving.
+
+"Ah! Ah! That is you, massa," said a Negro, with a chuckle, as he
+approached the inn door.
+
+"Sandy, is that you? Then I suppose the others are inside," he
+remarked, as he dismounted and handed him the bridle.
+
+"Yes, Massa Samuel, dem all dere."
+
+"I am glad of it," he replied, "for I have come a long way to see them.
+Look after my horse, he is rather fresh."
+
+Then, bowing once more to the crowd, Samuel Dickson entered the inn,
+closing the door behind him.
+
+In a large and comfortable room six persons, two women and four men,
+were seated at one of those copious breakfasts which are never seen
+to such perfection as in America. Upon benches round the room sat
+about twenty persons in a humbler station in life, amongst others two
+coloured young women, who were eating from bowls and plates placed on
+their knees.
+
+Those at the table were the members of the family--father, mother,
+daughter, and three sons. Those around were the servants.
+
+Joshua Dickson, the head of the family, was in reality a man of
+fifty-five, not, however, looking more than forty. He was a man of
+rude manners, but frank, honest expression. He was six feet high, as
+powerful as Hercules, a true type of those hardy pioneers who opened
+up the forests of the New World, drove back the Indians, and founded
+stations in the desert, which in time became rich and flourishing towns.
+
+His sons were named Harry, Sam, and Jack, aged respectively thirty,
+twenty-eight, and twenty-six. They were all three as tall as their
+father, and about as Herculean--true Americans, with no thought of the
+past, only looking to the future.
+
+Susan Dickson, the mother of this trio of giants, was a woman of about
+fifty--small, elegant, but extremely active, with delicate features
+and a pre-possessing physiognomy. She looked much younger than she
+really was--thanks to her really admirable complexion and the singular
+brightness of her eyes. She must have been rarely beautiful in her
+youth.
+
+Diana, the child of her old age, as she loved to call her, was
+scarcely sixteen, was the idol of the family, the guardian angel of
+the fireside; her father and brothers actually worshipped her. It
+was something wonderful to see their rude natures bending like reeds
+before the slightest wish of this delicate child, and obeying her most
+fantastic orders without a murmur.
+
+Diana was a charming brunette, with blue and dreamy eyes, slight and
+flexible form; she was pale; a look of profound melancholy was to be
+remarked on her countenance, giving to her physiognomy that angelic
+expression rarely found except in the Madonnas of Titien. This sadness,
+which all the family saw with sorrow, had only been in existence a few
+days. When questioned on the subject, even by her mother, she had no
+answer to give.
+
+"It is nothing at all," she said, "only a slight feeling of sickness,
+which will soon pass away."
+
+Hearing this, all had ceased to question her, though all felt uneasy,
+and slightly annoyed at her reticence. Still, as she was the spoiled
+child of the family, no one had the heart to blame her or pester her
+with questions. They had seduced her to govern them unquestioned that
+it appeared hard now to want to curb her will.
+
+The entrance of the stranger into the hall where the emigrants were
+breakfasting like persons who knew the value of time, caused no small
+stir; they ceased eating, and, glancing at one another, whispered
+amongst themselves. The stranger, leaning on his riding whip, looked at
+them with an odd kind of smile.
+
+The chief of the family, though himself somewhat surprised, was the
+first to recover himself. He rose, held out his hand, and spoke in what
+he intended should be a jovial tone. The attempt was a failure.
+
+"My good brother," he said, "this is indeed a surprise. I really did
+not expect to see you; but sit down beside my wife and have some
+breakfast."
+
+"Thank you; I am not hungry."
+
+"Then excuse me if I finish my meal," continued the emigrant.
+
+"Brother," presently said Samuel, "for a man of your age you are acting
+in an extraordinary manner."
+
+"I don't think so," replied the other.
+
+"Let me ask you where are you going?"
+
+"Northward, to the great lakes."
+
+"What is the meaning of this?"
+
+"My friend, I am told there is good land to be had but for the taking."
+
+"May I ask who put this silly idea in your head?"
+
+"No one. It is a splendid country, with splendid forests, water in
+abundance, a delicious climate, though rather cold, and land for
+nothing."
+
+"Have you seen this beautiful country?"
+
+"No; but I know all about it."
+
+"Do you?" sneered the other; "Well, beware of the creeks."
+
+"Never you fear. Wherever there is water there are bridges."
+
+"Of course; and now may I ask, what have you done with your magnificent
+southern property?" the other asked.
+
+"I have sold it, slaves and all, keeping only such as were willing to
+follow me. I brought away all that could travel--my wife, my sons, my
+daughter, my furniture, my horses, all I wanted."
+
+"May I without offence ask you this question: Were you not very well
+where you were? Did you not find the land excellent?"
+
+"I was well off, and the land was excellent."
+
+"Were you unable to sell your produce?"
+
+"I had an admirable market," was the answer.
+
+"Then," cried Samuel, angrily, "what in the devil's name do you mean by
+giving it up and going to a land where you will find nothing but wild
+beasts, brutal savages, and a hard and rigorous climate?"
+
+The bold adventurer, driven into his last intrenchment, made no reply,
+only scratching his head in search of a reply. His wife here interfered.
+
+"What is the use," she said, smiling, "asking for reasons which do
+not exist? Joshua is going for the love of change--nothing more. All
+our lives, as you well know, we have been roaming hither and thither.
+As soon as we are once comfortably settled anywhere, then we begin to
+think it time to be off."
+
+"Yes! Yes! I know my brother's vagabond habits. But when he is in one
+of his mad fits, why do you not interfere?" he cried, impetuously.
+
+"Brother, you don't know what it is to be married to a wanderer," she
+said.
+
+"Good!" cried Joshua, laughing.
+
+"But if you don't find this beautiful country?" asked Samuel.
+
+"I will embark on one of the rivers."
+
+"And where will you land?"
+
+"I have not the slightest idea. But there, do not be uneasy, I shall
+find a place."
+
+"Then," said Samuel, gazing at him with perfect amazement in his looks,
+"you are determined?"
+
+"I am determined."
+
+"Then, as we shall never meet again, come and spend a few days at my
+house," urged Samuel.
+
+"I am very sorry to decline, but I cannot go back. If I were to waste a
+day, it would be a serious loss of time and money. I must reach my new
+settlement in time for the sowing."
+
+Samuel Dickson, putting his hands behind his back, walked across the
+room with great strides, backwards and forwards, watching his niece
+curiously under his eyes.
+
+He several times struck the ground with his riding whip, muttering to
+himself all the time. Diana sat with her hands crossed on her knees,
+the teardrops falling from her eyes.
+
+Suddenly the farmer appeared to have made up his mind. Turning round,
+he laid his heavy hand on his brother's shoulder.
+
+"Joshua!" he said, "It is clear to me that you are mad, and that I
+alone in the family possess any common sense; never, God forgive you,
+did more crooked notion enter the head of an honest man. You won't come
+to my house? Very good. I will then ask you one thing, which, if you
+refuse, I shall never forgive you."
+
+"You know how much I love you."
+
+"I know you say so; but this is the favour I ask: don't start until you
+see me again."
+
+"Hem! But--"
+
+"I must get home on important business at once. My house is but twenty
+miles distant; I shall soon be back."
+
+"But when?" cautiously asked the emigrant.
+
+"Tomorrow, or the next day at the latest."
+
+"That is a long delay," continued Joshua.
+
+"I do not deny it. But as your paradise, your El Dorado, your beautiful
+country will not probably run away, you are bound to reach it sooner
+or later. Besides," urged Samuel, "it is important, very important, we
+should meet again."
+
+"As you will, my brother," sighed Joshua; "I give you my word to wait
+until the day after tomorrow at seven o'clock in the morning--no later."
+
+"That will suit me admirably," cried the farmer; "so good-bye for the
+present."
+
+And with a bow to all, and a smile to Diana, he hurried out of the room.
+
+The crowd still patiently surrounded the inn and received him with a
+loud shout. He, however, took no notice, but rode off.
+
+"We could not very well refuse, Susan," said the farmer to his wife.
+
+"He is your brother," she replied.
+
+"Our only relative," murmured Diana.
+
+"True. Diana is right. Children, unharness the animals: we will stop
+here tonight."
+
+And, to the great surprise of the gaping crowd, who hung about after
+the fashion of idlers, the horses of the emigrants were unyoked and
+taken to a shed, the waggons placed under cover, without the curious
+knowing the reason why.
+
+On the morning of the second day Joshua Dickson, shortly after sunrise,
+was overlooking the horses being fed by his sons and servants, when a
+great noise was heard in the street, as of many waggons, and then there
+was a sharp knocking at the door of the inn.
+
+Joshua hastily left the stables and took his way to the great room of
+the hotel.
+
+He came face to face with Samuel Dickson, who had just been admitted by
+the sleepy innkeeper.
+
+"Hilloa!" cried Joshua, "Is that you, my brother?"
+
+"Who else do you suppose it is?" cried Samuel.
+
+"Well, but I did not expect you so early."
+
+"Well," said Samuel, drily, "I was afraid you might give me the slip,
+so I came early."
+
+"An excellent idea, brother," said Mrs. Dickson, who now entered.
+
+"And knowing how anxious my brother is to reach the promised land, I
+would not keep him waiting."
+
+"Quite right," coolly replied Joshua; "and now about this important
+business?"
+
+"Look out of window," drily answered Samuel.
+
+Joshua obeyed, and saw five heavily-laden waggons, drawn each by
+horses, with about twelve hired men.
+
+"Well," coolly observed Joshua, "what may be the meaning of all this?"
+
+"It means," answered the farmer, "that as you have found yourself such
+a fool, it becomes my duty, as your elder brother, to come and look
+after you. I have sold up everything, and invested part, as you see."
+
+"Oh, my brother!" cried Joshua, with tears in his eyes.
+
+"Am I not your only relative? Wherever you go, I shall go--only there
+will now be two fools, but I am the bigger of the two. I talk like a
+wise man and act like a foolish child."
+
+Uncle Samuel was adored by all the family, everyone was delighted,
+while Diana was radiant.
+
+"Oh, my good uncle," she said, warmly embracing him, "it is for me you
+do this."
+
+"Do you think," he whispered, "I ever meant to desert my niece?"
+
+Two hours later the double caravan started on its way.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+A QUEER CUSTOMER.
+
+
+It was the beginning of the month of October, and some sharp frosts
+had rid the land of mosquitoes and gnats, which during the hot season
+abound in myriads near watercourses and beneath the leafy arches of the
+virgin forest, being one of its worst scourges.
+
+A few minutes after the rising of the sun a traveller, mounted on a
+magnificent horse, wearing the costume of a prairie hunter, and whose
+general appearance indicated a white man, emerged at a walking pace
+from a high thicket, and entered upon a vast prairie, at that day
+almost unknown to the trappers themselves, those hardy explorers of
+the desert--and which was not far from the Rocky Mountains, in the
+centre of the Indian country, and nearly two thousand miles from any
+settlement.
+
+This traveller was Oliver. He had, we see, already travelled a long
+distance.
+
+Two months only had elapsed, during which, going always straight before
+him, he had traversed all the provinces of the young American republic,
+never stopping except to rest himself and horse; then he had passed the
+frontier and entered the desert.
+
+Then he was happy. For the first time in his life he was free and
+unfettered, having cut himself off forever, as he thought, from the
+heavy trammels of civilisation.
+
+Oliver had at once begun his apprenticeship as a hunter, and a rude
+apprenticeship it is, causing many of the boldest and bravest to
+retreat. But Oliver was no ordinary man; he was young, of rare vigour
+and address, and, above all, possessed that iron will which nothing
+stops, and which is the secret of great deeds; that leonine courage
+which laughs at danger, and that indomitable pride which made him,
+he thought, the equal of any living being. He therefore considered
+nothing impossible, that is to say, he felt he could not only do what
+anyone else had ever done, but even more, if he were called upon by
+extraordinary circumstances to try.
+
+During two months he had met with numerous adventures. He had fought
+many a battle, and braved dangers before which the bravest might have
+retreated--perils of all kinds, from man, beast, and Nature herself.
+
+A victor in every case, his audacity had increased, his energy had
+redoubled. His apprentice days were over, and he now felt himself a
+true runner of the woods, that is to say, a man whom no appalling
+sight, whom no dreadful catastrophe, would terrify--in fact, one who
+was only to be moved by the majestic aspect of nature.
+
+He had paused as he left the thicket to examine the scene.
+
+Before him was a valley through which flowed two rivers, which after
+some time joined and fell into the Missouri, whose vast lake surface
+appeared like a white vapoury line on the distant horizon. Upon a
+promontory projecting into the first river was a superb bosquet of
+palms and magnolias; the latter, shaped like a perfect cone, stood in
+lustrous verdure against the dazzling whiteness of the flowers, which,
+despite the season, were still blooming. These flowers were so large
+that Oliver could see them a mile off.
+
+The great majority of these magnolias were over a hundred feet high;
+many were very much more.
+
+To the right was a wood of poplars, overrun with vines of enormous
+size, which wholly concealed the trunks. They then ran to the top of
+the tree, then redescending along the branches, passed from one tree
+to another, mixing up with piquot, a kind of creeper which hung in
+garlands and festoons from every bough.
+
+The young man could not take his eyes off the magnificent spectacle.
+Suddenly he started, as he made out a thin column of smoke rising from
+the centre of the magnolia thicket.
+
+Now the presence of smoke denotes fire, and fire indicates human
+beings. In nine cases out of ten, in the desert, such human beings are
+enemies.
+
+It is a harsh word, but it is certain that the most cruel enemy of man
+in the desert, his most terrible adversary, is his fellow man.
+
+The sight of this smoke roused no excited feelings in the bosom of our
+adventurer; he simply saw that his weapons were in order, and rode
+straight for the magnolia valley. As it happened, a narrow path led
+exactly in that direction.
+
+No matter whether he was to meet friends or foes, he was not sorry to
+see a human face; for a week, not a white man, Metis, or Indian had
+fallen across his path, and, despite himself, this complete silence and
+absolute solitude began to tell upon him, though he would not own it
+even to himself.
+
+He had passed over about one-third of the distance which separated him
+from the thicket, and was only a pistol shot away, when he suddenly
+stopped, under the influence of strange emotion.
+
+A rich and harmonious voice rose from amidst the trees, singing with
+the most perfect accent a song with French words. These words came
+clear and distinct to his ears; the surprise of the young man may be
+conceived when he recognised the "Marseillaise." This magnificent
+work, sung in the desert by an invisible being, amidst that grand
+scenery, and repeated as it were by the echoes of the savannah, assumed
+to him gigantic proportions.
+
+Despite himself, Oliver felt the tears come to his eyes; he pressed
+his hand upon his chest, as if to repress the wild beatings of his
+heart; in a second all his past came rushing tumultuously before him.
+Once more he saw in his mind's eye that France from which he believed
+himself forever separated, and felt how vain must ever be the effort to
+repudiate one's country.
+
+Led on by the irresistible charm, he entered the thicket just as the
+singer gave forth in his rich and stentorian voice the last couplets.
+
+He pushed aside some branches that checked his progress, and found
+himself face to face with a young man, who, seated on the grass by the
+riverside, near a glowing fire, was dipping biscuit in the water with
+one hand, while with the other, in which he held a knife, he dipped
+into a tin containing sardines.
+
+Lifting up his head as the other approached, the unknown nodded his
+head.
+
+"Welcome to my fireside, my friend," he said in French, with a gay
+smile; "if you are hungry, eat; if you are cold, warm yourself."
+
+"I accept your offer," replied Oliver, good-humouredly, as he leaped
+from his horse, and removing the bridle, hoppled him near the unknown.
+
+He then seated himself by the fire, and opening his saddlebags, shared
+his provisions with his new friend, who frankly accepted this very
+welcome addition to his own very modest repast.
+
+The unknown was a tall young fellow about six feet high, well and
+solidly built; his colour, which was very dark, arose from his being of
+a mixed race, called from the colour of their skin Bois brule, under
+which general appellation we have half-castes of all kinds.
+
+The features of this young man, rather younger if anything than our
+hero, were intelligent and sympathetic with a very open look; his open
+forehead, shaded by curly light chestnut hair, his prominent nose, his
+large mouth, furnished with magnificent teeth, his fair rich beard,
+completed a physiognomy by no means vulgar.
+
+His costume was that of all the trappers and hunters of high northern
+latitudes: mitasses of doeskin, waistcoat of the same, over which was
+thrown a blouse of blue linen, ornamented with white and red threads;
+a cap of beaver fur, and Indian moccasins and leggings reaching to
+the knee; from his belt of rattlesnake skin hung a long knife, called
+langue de boeuf, a hatchet, a bison powder horn, a ball bag, and a pipe
+of red-stone clay with a cherrywood tube; such was the complete costume
+of the person upon whom Oliver had so singularly fallen. Close to his
+hand on the grass was a Kentucky rifle and game bag, which doubtless he
+used to carry his provisions in.
+
+"Faith," cried the adventurer, when his appetite was satisfied, "I have
+to thank fortune for meeting you in this way, my friend."
+
+"Such meetings are rare in the desert. And now allow me to ask you a
+question."
+
+"Ten if you like--nay, fifty."
+
+"Well, then, how was it that the moment you saw me you addressed me in
+French?" he asked.
+
+"For a very simple reason. In the first place, all the runners of the
+woods, trappers, and prairie hunters, are French, or at all events,
+ninety-five out of every hundred," he answered.
+
+"Then of course you are French?"
+
+"And Norman as well. My grandfather was born at Domfront. You know the
+proverb, Domfront, city of evil. You enter it at twelve, and are hung
+before one."
+
+"I am also French," said Oliver.
+
+"So I perceive. But to continue. My grandfather was, as I have said,
+from Domfront, but my father was born in Canada, as I was, so that I am
+a Frenchman born in America. Still we have the old country on the other
+side of the water, and all who come from it are received with open arms
+by us poor exiles. There are brave and noble hearts in Canada; if they
+only knew it in France they would not be so ungrateful and disdainful
+towards us, who never did anything to justify their cruel desertion."
+
+"True," said Oliver, "France was very much in the wrong after you had
+shed so much blood for her."
+
+"Which we would do again tomorrow," replied the Canadian. "Is not
+France our mother, and do we not always forgive our mother? The
+English were awfully taken in when the country was handed over to
+them; three-fourths of the population emigrated, those who remained in
+the towns persisted in speaking French, which no Englishman can speak
+without dislocating his jaws, and all would insist upon being governed
+by their old French laws.[1] You see, therefore, that the insulars are
+merely nominally our masters, but that in reality we are still free,
+and French."
+
+"Our country must have been deeply rooted in your hearts to cause you
+to speak thus," said Oliver.
+
+"We are a brave people," cried the stranger.
+
+"I am sure of it," responded Oliver.
+
+"Thank you," replied the stranger, "you cause me great pleasure."
+
+"Now that we know one another as countrymen, suppose we make more
+intimate acquaintance?"
+
+"I ask nothing better. If you like, I will tell you my history as
+briefly as possible."
+
+"I am attention," said Oliver.
+
+"My father was a baby when Canada was definitively abandoned in 1758
+by the French, an act which was perpetrated without consulting the
+population of New France. Had the mother country have done so, it would
+have been met by a flat refusal. But I will avoid politics, and speak
+only of my family."
+
+"Good. I hate politics."
+
+"So do I. Well, one day my grandfather Berger, after being absent a
+week, came to his home in Quebec in company with an Indian in his full
+war paint. The first thing he saw, standing by the side of the cradle
+in which lay my father, was my grandmother, her arms raised in the
+air, with a heavy iron-dog, with which she was menacing an English
+soldier; my grandmother was a brave and courageous woman."
+
+"So it seems."
+
+"A true daughter of Caudebec, handsome, attractive, and good, adored
+by her husband, and respected by all who knew her. It appears that
+the English soldier had seen her through the open door. He at once
+entered with a conquering air, and began to make love to the pretty
+young person he had noticed performing her maternal office. It was
+an unfortunate idea for him. My grandfather lifted him up and threw
+him through the window on to the stones outside. He was dead. My
+grandfather then turned round and spoke of something else."
+
+"A tough old gentleman!"
+
+"Pretty solid. He even had Indian blood--"
+
+"You spoke of Domfront."
+
+"Yes; but his father, having come to America with Comtesse de Villiers,
+married in Canada. He shortly after returned to France with his wife.
+There she died, unable to bear the climate!"
+
+"Very natural," said Oliver.
+
+"Before dying she made her husband promise to send his son to Canada."
+
+"But," continued Oliver, "the finale of your history."
+
+"As soon as that matter was settled, my grandfather embraced his
+wife, offered the Indian a seat, and began smoking his pipe. He then
+explained that he meant to leave Canada."
+
+"'This,' he said, 'is Kouha-hande, my mother's brother, the first
+sachem of his nation. He has offered me a shelter with his warriors,
+and has come with some of his warriors to escort us. Will you remain
+a Frenchwoman and follow me, or will you stay here and become an
+Englishwoman?'"
+
+"'I am your wife, and shall follow you wherever you go, with my little
+one on my back,' she answered."
+
+"'My sister will be loved and respected in our tribe as she deserves to
+be,' remarked the Indian, who had hitherto smoked his pipe in silence."
+
+"'I know it, my cousin,' she said."
+
+"No further words passed. My grandmother began at once to pack up. Two
+hours later the house was empty; my grandparents had left without even
+shutting the door behind them. Before sunset they were making their way
+up the Lawrence, in the canoes of Kouha-hande."
+
+"The river was crowded with fugitives. After a journey of four days
+my grandfather reached the tribe of the Hurons-Bisons, of which our
+relative Kouha-hande was the first sachem. Many other Canadians sought
+refuge in the same place, and were hospitably received by the Indians.
+I need say nothing more save that we have lived there ever since."
+
+"And your grandfather?"
+
+"Still lives, as does my father, though I have recently lost my mother
+and grandmother. I have a sister much younger than myself. She remains
+in the village to nurse my grandfather. My father is at this moment
+with the Hudson Bay Company."
+
+At this moment there was a peculiar rustling in the bushes at no great
+distance.
+
+"Be quiet," whispered the Canadian in the ear of his new friend, and
+before the other could in any way interfere with him, he seized his gun
+and disappeared in the high grass, crawling on his hands and knees.
+
+Then a shot was heard.
+
+
+[1] This is history as told by a Frenchman. As a matter of fact, the
+French Canadians remained where they were, until they became the most
+loyal subjects the British Crown possesses.--Editor.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+AN ALLIANCE OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE.
+
+
+Hearing this unexpected shot, Oliver was in the act of rushing to
+assist his friend, whom he supposed attacked by some wild beast, when
+the hearty and joyous voice of the Canadian was heard.
+
+"Don't disturb yourself, my friend," he cried, "I have only been
+providing our dinner."
+
+And next minute he reappeared, carrying on his back a doe, which he
+hung to one of the lower branches of the magnolia, and then began to
+open.
+
+"Handsome beast, is it not?" he said. "I believe the rascal was
+listening. He paid dear for his curiosity."
+
+"A fine beast and cleverly killed," replied Oliver, helping to skin the
+animal.
+
+"It is a pity to spoil a good skin. I am a pretty good shot, but you
+should see my father shoot a tiger in the eye."
+
+"That," cried Oliver, "seems extraordinary."
+
+"I have seen him do it twenty times, and still more difficult things,"
+said the other. "But such deadly certainty is pure habit. We live by
+our guns--but to finish my story."
+
+"Go on, my friend."
+
+"My father was a child when we left Canada. He is now about
+forty-eight. My grandfather taught him to be a hunter, and to bind
+him to the tribe he married him when very young to a charming young
+Indian, a relative of Kouha-hande, and my mother in consequence. We are
+mere children. I am only twenty, and my sister but fifteen, lovely as
+the breath of dawn, and whose real name is Angela, my father's wish.
+But the Indians call her Evening Dew. That is all. I am a hunter. I
+hate the English and the North Americans, who are worse than John Bull
+himself, and I love the French, whose countryman I am."
+
+"You are quite right. Few native-born Frenchmen are such strong
+patriots as you. But now for your name."
+
+"Have I not told you? My name is Pierre Berger, but the Indians, in
+their mania for such names, call me Bright-eye, I hardly know why."
+
+"Of course because of your admirable power of shooting."
+
+"Well, perhaps you are right. I am a pretty good hand," said the young
+man, modestly. "And now, my friend, I have to add that I reached here
+yester evening at sundown, and that I am waiting for a friend, who will
+be here shortly. It is now your turn to tell me your history, unless,
+indeed, you have any motives for remaining silent, in which case a
+man's secrets are his own."
+
+"I have no secrets, especially from you, my dear Bright-eye, and the
+proof is that if you will listen, I will tell you who I am and why I
+came into this country."
+
+"I shall be delighted to hear your story," cried the Canadian, with
+evident delight.
+
+From the very first moment when he saw the hunter and came to speak
+to him, Oliver felt himself attracted towards him by one of those
+movements of attraction or irresistible sympathy which spring from
+intuition of the heart.
+
+He had therefore, during his conversation, determined if possible to
+make him a friend.
+
+He thereupon told him his story in its most minute details, the
+Canadian listening with the most profound and sustained attention,
+without interrupting him by a single remark. He appeared sincerely
+interested in the numerous incidents of a life wretched from its
+commencement, and yet which the young man told frankly and simply,
+without bitterness, but with an impartiality which indicated the
+grandeur and nobility of his nature.
+
+"Sad story, indeed," he cried, when the other had concluded; "how you
+must have suffered from the unjust hatred of these people! Alone in the
+world, without any to interest himself in you; surrounded by hostile or
+indifferent people; compelled to suffer from dark and insidious foes;
+capable of great things--young, strong, and intelligent, yet reduced to
+fly into the desert, and separate yourself from your fellows. Pardon if
+my cruel curiosity has reopened the wound which long since should have
+been cauterised."
+
+He paused, keenly watching the other's face.
+
+"Will you be my friend?" he suddenly cried. "I already feel for you an
+affection I can scarcely explain."
+
+"Thanks," cried Oliver, warmly, "I accept your offer with delight."
+
+"Then it is agreed: from henceforth we are brothers."
+
+"I swear it," resumed Oliver.
+
+"We shall henceforth be two to fight the battle of the world."
+
+"I thank heaven we have met."
+
+"Never to part again. You have no family. I will find you one, brother,
+and this family will love you," he added.
+
+"Heartily accept my thanks, Bright-eye," exclaimed Oliver; "life
+already seems changed, and I feel as if happiness were yet possible in
+this world."
+
+"There can be no doubt about it. Believe me, it depends on yourself.
+Look upon the past only as a dream, and think only of the future."
+
+"I will do so," returned Oliver, with a sigh.
+
+"And now to business. Young as I am, you will soon find that I enjoy a
+certain amount of reputation among the Indians and trappers. Very few
+would dare to attack me. I was educated in an Indian village, and, as I
+believe I have already told you, I am here to keep an appointment with
+a young Indian, my friend and relative. This Indian I now expect every
+moment, and I shall introduce you to him. Instead of one friend, you
+will have two devoted brothers. Now then," he added, laughing, "are you
+not fortunate?"
+
+"I am convinced of it," said Oliver.
+
+"When we have finished our business in these parts--and you may help us
+in this business--we will return to my tribe, of which you shall become
+a member."
+
+"I am wholly in your hands, Bright-eye," he said; "I make no
+resistance. I only thank you."
+
+"No thanks. I am useful to you today; you may be as useful, or more so,
+tomorrow."
+
+"Very well. But what is the affair that detains you here, to which you
+just alluded?" asked Oliver.
+
+"I must say that I do not know, though frankly I have my own
+suspicions. My friend has not thought proper to explain as yet, but
+simply gave me a rendezvous here, saying that I might prove useful.
+That was enough for me, and, as you see, I am here. It would be an
+act of indiscretion on my part to tell you anything I had not been
+directly told. Besides, I may be mistaken, and speak to you of a wholly
+different matter from the true one."
+
+"You are quite right."
+
+"To pass the time I will prepare supper."
+
+"And while doing so tell what manner of man your friend is."
+
+"He is a young man like ourselves, grandson of Kouha-hande. He is
+himself a chief, and a noted brave. Though young, his reputation is
+immense. He is tall, athletic, and even elegant of face. His features
+are handsome, even to effeminacy. His glance, gentle in repose as that
+of a dove, is, when his anger is aroused, so terrible that few can face
+it. His physical force is stupendous, his cunning sublime. But you will
+soon judge for yourself. His enemies call him Kristikam-Seksenan, or
+Black Thunder; his friends call him Numank-Charake, the brave man, in
+consequence of his mighty deeds."
+
+"You have simply been describing a hero," said Oliver.
+
+"You shall judge for yourself," smiled the other.
+
+"I am extremely anxious to do so."
+
+"You will soon have the opportunity. It is now five o'clock. In a few
+minutes he will be here."
+
+"What, after making an appointment so long ago, you expect him to keep
+it to the minute!"
+
+"Yes; it is the politeness of the desert, from which nothing absolves
+but death."
+
+"A summary excuse, truly," said Oliver.
+
+"Listen," cried Bright-eye.
+
+Oliver listened, and distinctly heard in the distance the trampling
+of a horse, which suddenly ceased, to be followed by the cry of the
+goshawk.
+
+Bright-eye responded with a similar cry, and with such perfection that
+the Frenchman mechanically raised his head in search of the bird.
+
+Then the sound of a horse galloping recommenced, the bushes parted
+violently, and a horseman bounded into the clearing, checking his steed
+so artistically that next moment he stood like a centaur rooted to the
+ground.
+
+The rider was very much as Bright-eye had described him. There was
+about him, moreover, an air of grandeur, a majesty which inspired
+respect without repelling sympathy. One glance sufficed to fix him as a
+man of superior nature.
+
+It was the first time Oliver, since his journey on the prairies, had
+seen an Indian so near, and under such favourable circumstances. He at
+once formed a friendly opinion of him.
+
+The chief bowed, and then pointed to the sun gilding the summits of the
+trees.
+
+"It is five o'clock. Here is Numank-Charake."
+
+"I say welcome, chief. I know your extreme punctuality. Supper is
+ready."
+
+"Good," said the chief, alighting from his horse with one bound.
+
+Bright-eye then placed his hands on his friend's shoulders.
+
+"Let my brother listen. The hunter is my friend."
+
+"Numank-Charake has read it in the eyes of Bright-eye," replied the
+Indian, turning to Oliver; "I put my hand on my heart, what will my
+brother give me in return?"
+
+"My hand and my heart; that is," he added, with a smile, "all that is
+not Bright-eye's."
+
+"I accept my share; henceforth we are three in one, one in three.
+Numank-Charake was once the Bounding Panther. Let that name be the name
+of my brother."
+
+They shook hands. All was done. According to the customs of the country
+they were brothers, and held everything in common.
+
+Almost on the threshold of his desert life, Oliver found himself
+associated with two men noted as the most honest and doughty champions
+of the prairie.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+A GREAT MEDICINE COUNCIL.
+
+
+For some time the three men, of such different birth, race, and
+manners, remained silent. It was a solemn moment. Their meeting
+appeared to them providential.
+
+Above all was the young Frenchman absorbed in his reflections. Alone an
+hour or two ago, he was now one of a formidable trio.
+
+All the time the Canadian went on with his cooking, while the chief
+gave fodder to the horses.
+
+"Supper is ready," suddenly cried Bright-eye, laughing, "let us eat."
+
+And all three seated themselves around a magnificent roast leg of
+venison _a la boucaniere._
+
+We must hasten to remark that nearly all Indian tribes on the borders
+of Canada understand and speak French, at all events, they did at the
+time of which we speak. This was the more fortunate as Oliver did not
+know one word of Huron.
+
+The guests did honour to the feast, that is to say, they left nothing
+but the bones.
+
+The meal, which was washed down by several draughts of French brandy,
+was merry, enlivened by jokes and witticisms. The Indians are always
+thus among themselves. It is only when in the presence of the whites,
+whom they hate, that they are grave, silent, and sullen, never
+unbending except under the influence of drink, when their conduct is
+that of beings under the influence of delirium tremens.
+
+Brandy, or rather spirit in every shape and form, is doing the work of
+extermination for the American.
+
+As soon as the repast was finished, they began to smoke, speaking of
+indifferent things. It was the design neither of Bright-eye nor Oliver
+to hurry the young chief. Indian etiquette is excessively severe on
+this point. It is a proof of intense ill breeding to question a chief,
+or even a simple warrior, when he appears anxious for silence.
+
+And yet the sun had disappeared from the horizon; night had spread over
+the desert, blotting out the landscape, and mixing up forms in the most
+fantastic and strange manner. The sky, of a deep blue, was dotted with
+stars. The moon, in its second quarter, began to show itself above the
+trees, floating in ether, and spreading on every side its silvery rays,
+that lit the prairie here and there with fantastic gleams. The night
+wind shivered through the branches of the trees producing plaintive and
+melodious sounds, like those of the Aeolian harp.
+
+The sombre dwellers in the desert, roused by the setting of the sun,
+moved slowly about in the darkness, breaking the silence occasionally
+by their wild brays, their sharp barks, and their deep roars. Under
+every blade of grass murmured the never silent world of grasshoppers.
+
+The night was cold. It was the period of the great autumn hunts.
+Several white frosts had already cooled the earth, soon the temperature
+would be below zero. The rivers and streams would be frozen, and snow
+would cover the desert as with a shroud.
+
+The adventurers, after throwing on an armful of dry wood to revive the
+flame, had wrapped themselves in their ponchos, and, sheltered by the
+trees, continued smoking silently.
+
+"This is the hour of the second watch," suddenly observed Numank,
+drawing from his belt the medicine calumet, which is only used by
+chiefs in council; "the blue jay has sung twice, all rests around us.
+Will my pale friends sleep or listen to the voice of a friend?"
+
+"Sleep is for women and children," replied Bright-eye; "men remain
+awake when a friend desires to speak of serious things. Speak."
+
+"We listen," added Oliver, bowing.
+
+"I will speak, since my friends desire it; but as what I have to say is
+grave, it will not be a talk but a medicine council."
+
+"Let it be so," said Bright-eye.
+
+Numank rose, bowed to the four cardinal points, speaking some
+indistinct words; then he seated himself on his hams again, stuffed
+his calumet with moriche, a kind of sacred tobacco only used in great
+ceremonies. Then having burnt some in the fire as an oblation, he took
+a medicine stick, and with it lifted a burning coal to the bowl of the
+calumet.
+
+The chief then gave several puffs, and then, still holding the bowl in
+his hand, presented the stem to Bright-eye. The hunter gave several
+puffs, as did Oliver in his turn; it then came back to the chief, this
+going on until the last morsel of tobacco was consumed.
+
+Then Numank-Charake rose, bent again to the four cardinal points of the
+heavens, shook the ashes into the fire, and spoke.
+
+"Wacondah, master of life," he said, "you who know all, inspire my
+words."
+
+This formality over he replaced his calumet and sat down.
+
+Some minutes elapsed, during which he remained wrapped in deep thought.
+Then he raised his head, before bowed on his chest, bowed to his
+audience, and began.
+
+"Eight moons ago," he said, "I had just returned from an expedition
+against the Piekanns. After presenting the scalps taken by myself and
+young men to the sachems, and receiving their thanks, I was going to
+my wigwam to visit my father, detained at home by old wounds, when I
+suddenly saw a young girl leaning against the ark of the first man.
+The young girl was about fifteen, tall, elegant, and beautiful. I
+had long loved her without ever revealing the secret of my heart. On
+this occasion she seemed to wait for me, and saw me approach with a
+melancholy glance."
+
+Bright-eye's eyes glistened, despite his self-control.
+
+"When I was near her the young girl spread out her arms towards me,
+and then made a step forward. I paused, and waited. 'Numank is a great
+warrior,' she said, modestly lowering her eyes; 'his hut is lined with
+the scalps of his foes, he has rich skins of every kind of beast, his
+ball never misses; happy will be the woman whom he loves.'"
+
+"On hearing these words, I was deeply moved, and seizing the hand of
+the young girl, 'Onoura--beautiful child,' I said in her ear, 'I have
+a little bird in my heart which is always singing and repeating your
+name. Does this bird sing in your heart?' She smiled, looked at me from
+under her eyelashes, and murmured, 'Night and day he whispers tender
+words in my ear, and repeats the name of the warrior who loves me. Does
+not Numank-Charake find his hut very solitary during the long winter
+nights, when the wind howls in the forest and the snow covers the
+earth?' 'My heart has long flown out to you,' I cried, warmly, 'from
+the first hour that I saw you amidst your companions. Do you love me?'
+'For life,' she said, blushing deeply. 'Good,' said I, 'then I will
+attempt a new expedition to win the marriage presents, and ask you
+of your father. You will wait for me, Onoura?' 'I will wait for you,
+Numank. Am I not your slave for life?' and she gently pressed my hand.
+I then took a wampum off my neck, and placed it on hers. She kissed
+it, her eyes full of tears, and taking a gold ring from the thumb of
+her left hand, she placed it on one of my fingers. I allowed her to do
+so with a smile. 'You love me,' she said; 'nothing shall ever separate
+us,' and before I could say another word she fled as does the gazelle
+before the hunter. I followed her with my eyes as long as I could, and
+then when she had disappeared round a corner I thoughtfully took my way
+to my father's hut."
+
+The chief paused. After a few minutes the Canadian, finding that the
+other was not disposed to continue, touched him gently on the arm.
+
+"Why did Numank-Charake show such want of confidence in his brother?"
+asked the Canadian, reproachfully.
+
+"What does my brother Bright-eye mean?" asked the chief, with slight
+embarrassment.
+
+"My brother knows what I mean," said the Canadian, with great
+animation. "Born almost the same day, brought up together, having made
+our first trails together on the prairies, as also our first expedition
+against the Sioux and Piekanns, our hearts melted into one, I thought
+we had no secrets. I know who is the woman whom my brother loves, but
+why let me guess all about it, instead of telling me? Have I done
+anything to offend?"
+
+"Oh, Bright-eye, don't think that," cried the young man, eagerly; "but
+love delights in mystery."
+
+"And yet it likes to confide its sorrows and its joys to the heart of
+a friend. On that very same night when she had this interview with the
+chief, Evening Dew--Nouma Hawa--on her return to her hut, told her
+brother all. Her heart overflowed with joy, and she could not repress
+her feelings."
+
+"Then Evening Dew owned her love to Bright-eye?"
+
+"Am I not her brother, and your best friend?"
+
+"True. Let my brother forgive me; I was wrong not to place confidence
+in him. Perhaps I was fearful he might disapprove of it."
+
+"On the contrary, it carries out my dearest wishes, and binds us more
+and more to one another."
+
+"My brother is better than I am, his heart is better; he will pardon
+the weakness of a friend."
+
+"On one condition," said the hunter, laughing; "that Numank-Charake has
+no more secrets."
+
+"I promise you," continued the chief, in a low, sad tone; "what I have
+now to say is very terrible. But the friends of Numank-Charake must
+know all. Two moons had elapsed since I and Evening Dew had spoken. I
+had not been able to carry out my projects. One day I again met her
+near the ark of the first man. 'The chief has forgotten his promise,'
+she said. 'No,' I replied; 'tomorrow I will keep it.' I left her with
+only a few more words. Next day I began to carry out my promise. I
+prepared everything, even the usual ceremonies were carried out--those
+you know so well."
+
+"One moment," interrupted Oliver. "Bright-eye, brought up in your
+villages, knows all about them, but I, as a mere stranger, know not
+what you mean. As I mean to live with you, I should like to know a
+little."
+
+"My brother is right," said the chief; "I will tell him the whole
+expedition. Before starting, the turf was taken off a considerable
+square of earth, the mould being made soft and pliable with the hands.
+It was then surrounded by stakes. When all was ready I went in and sat
+at the end opposed to the direction in which the enemy lived. After
+singing and praying, I put on the edge of the open space two little
+white stones."
+
+"After waiting half an hour in prayer, asking the Wacondah to guide
+me right, the village crier, or hachesto, approached. I gave him my
+orders. He turned and invited all the great warriors to smoke; then in
+their turn the inferior warriors were invited. After all had smoked,
+everyone examined the result of the ko-sau-ban-zich-egass. The white
+stones had fallen in the direction of a well-known path."
+
+"And what was the result?" asked Bright-eye.
+
+"The Wacondah favoured his children. The path led towards the land of
+our hereditary foes, the Sioux of the West."
+
+"Good," said the hunter.
+
+"Our party consisted of a hundred and fifty warriors, the picked men of
+the nation, armed with guns. Every man carried the offerings to be cast
+away on the field of battle, and hidden, if possible, in the entrails
+of our foes."
+
+"A pious custom," said Bright-eye.
+
+Oliver looked at the Canadian, wondering whether he spoke seriously or
+not. But there was no doubt of his good faith.
+
+"Two days later we started. A small band of twenty presently joined us,
+commanded by Tubash-Shah, the Cheat. My brother knows this restless and
+ambitious chief. I offered to yield the command to him. My warriors
+would not consent. Misunderstandings soon arose. Crossing some vast
+prairies, we began to feel great thirst, and Tubash at once violated
+the laws of war. I knew that water was not far off. The greater number
+of the elder warriors, who had to walk, were exhausted by heat and
+fatigue. Tubash sent out mounted scouts, and private signals were
+agreed on. Soon a small river was discovered. Those who got first to it
+fired guns, but before the detachments and the laggers had got up to
+the river, the sufferings of most of us were excessive. Some vomited
+blood, others were delirious. The expedition was a failure. Next day
+desertions began among the warriors of Tubash, he setting the first
+example. Soon I had only five-and-twenty men left. They offered to
+follow me to the end of the world. But what could I do? With despair in
+my soul I turned homeward. Halfway our scouts gave the alarm. An hour
+later we were engaged in a hand-to-hand conflict with the Sioux. Their
+party, six times as numerous as ours, was luckily composed chiefly of
+young warriors on their first warpath. Our defence was so desperate,
+that the Sioux yielded and fled. We were masters of the field, but out
+of four-and-twenty only ten were alive, and these were badly wounded."
+
+"It would be too terrible to tell the story of our sufferings on the
+way home. We found that all was known about the expedition. But all
+the sachems acclaimed us, the more that I brought back the scalps of
+eighteen Sioux who had fallen on the field of battle. But if my honour
+was safe, my happiness was lost. Evening Dew was gone."
+
+"My sister abducted?" cried Bright-eye.
+
+"No," said the other, sadly, "not abducted. She went away of her own
+accord."
+
+"Of her own accord?" repeated the hunter.
+
+"During the absence of Bright-eye and myself, a paleface came to the
+village. This man, it appears, for your father and grandfather refused
+any explanation, is a relative of my brother. After remaining a week he
+went away, accompanied by your father. Evening Dew followed, weeping
+bitterly. Still she offered no resistance to the orders of her father.
+Three days after your father returned to his tribe. He was alone. What
+had become of the lovely young girl none could tell me. I made the most
+minute inquiries without any result. Not knowing what else to do, I
+then sent a warrior to my brother to appoint a meeting. Here I am, my
+friend--what am I to do?"
+
+"I tell you, chief, that your extraordinary story is inexplicable to
+me. I cannot advise."
+
+"Allow me to speak," said Oliver, "I am wholly disinterested in the
+matter. I can therefore speak with that calmness which suits neither of
+you at this moment."
+
+"Speak!" cried the two young men.
+
+"My advice is, to start at daybreak for the village. The father of
+Bright-eye may have reasons for refusing explanations to the chief.
+Family matters are sacred. But the brother of Evening Dew has a right
+to demand a full explanation. I am certain it will be given to him by
+his father, who can have no reason for being mysterious with him. Let
+us then away to the village. Successful or not, we shall know what to
+do. In every case, my dear friend and brother, count on me."
+
+"What says the chief?" asked Bright-eye.
+
+"The chief thanks Bounding Panther," replied the young man, warmly;
+"his heart is loyal, and his soul generous. His advice is good and
+should be followed. With two such friends, the redskin warrior is
+certain of success."
+
+The conversation then continued for some time on a subject always
+interesting to a lover and a brother. Then, after throwing a pile
+of dry wood on the fire, the three men rolled themselves in their
+blankets, and lay down on the ground.
+
+The two wood rangers lay face downwards, according to Indian custom.
+As for Oliver, he lay on his side with his feet to the fire. At the
+first hoot of an owl--the first bird which announces the rising of
+the sun--the chief wakened his companions, and ten minutes later they
+started on their journey.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+SAMUEL DICKSON HUNTS A MOOSE DEER.
+
+
+The traveller who for the first time reaches the Rocky Mountains is
+amazed at the pile of hills above hills, called by the early discoverer
+the Sierra of the River of the Wind, that immense reservoir whence
+flows so many great streams, some flowing into the Atlantic, others
+into the Pacific.
+
+We now transport our readers to a fork formed by a rather extensive
+stream, flowing from the Mountains of the Wind, just before it joins
+the Missouri, in the centre of a vast and delicious valley.
+
+This charming spot, enchanting in its aspect, was covered by scattered
+thickets, young trees, fat pasturages, and watered by many rills, which
+fell in all directions in silver cascades from the mountains, and
+finally lost themselves in the Missouri.
+
+This unknown Eden, buried in the mountains, had been discovered by a
+hardy explorer, and already the hand of man was at work destroying its
+savage grandeur. In a word, the squatters were at work.
+
+Squatters are generally men of restless habits, greedy of exertions, no
+matter what they may be, impatient of control, and sworn enemies of the
+peaceful and regular life of the great centres of population. Gifted
+with the courage of a lion, of a will--or, rather, obstinacy--which
+nothing can conquer, these men of indomitable energy, in whose hearts
+ferment the most violent passions, are the true pioneers of the desert
+and the vanguard of civilisation in the New World.
+
+Accustomed to place themselves above the law, as soon as the tide of
+civilisation always rising reaches them, they abandon without regret
+all they possess--houses and land--and snatching up their hatchets,
+bury themselves gaily still further in the desert, until they find
+another suitable site, on which they squat.
+
+There is no one to contest their claim. At all events, to do so would
+be a rather imprudent enterprise, for they at once appeal to their
+rifle, and make that the legal arbitrator.
+
+Joshua Dickson was a true specimen of a squatter; his whole life had
+been one long pilgrimage across the States of the Union. Weary of
+rambling within the purlieus of civilisation, where he always felt
+uneasy, one day, as we have already recorded, he came to a final
+resolution, and, abandoning all that he possessed, he started with his
+family and servants in search of a land where none before had ever set
+their foot.
+
+We cannot relate all the incidents of his journey without guide or
+map. They would fill a volume. We come to the point. One night they
+had fixed their camp near a very narrow and wooded gorge. It appearing
+to be rather a difficult spot to travel in the dark, and there being
+no hurry, they had halted by a small stream, in the midst of a green
+prairie, which offered admirable pasturage for their beasts and horses.
+
+Before daybreak, while his companions still slept, Samuel Dickson rose,
+took his rifle, and advanced in the direction of the defile, with the
+double object of examining the locality and of shooting, if possible,
+two or three head of game for the morning repast, provisions being rare
+in camp, so much so that the night before they had gone to bed almost
+without supper.
+
+Harry Dickson, who acted as sentry, alone saw him go out, but as his
+uncle did not speak, he did not venture to make any observation.
+
+Samuel Dickson went away with his rifle on his shoulder, whistling
+"Yankee Doodle," and shortly after disappeared in the tall grass
+without his nephew being able to make out in what direction he had gone.
+
+Seen by the light of morn the defile was not so choked up by trees and
+bushes as it had seemed in the dusk of the evening; the entrance only
+was marked by a curtain of young trees, which would easily succumb to
+a few blows of a hatchet.
+
+The American pushed forward, cutting a passage with his bowie knife,
+resolved to reach the extremity of the defile, in order to examine it
+thoroughly and report to his brother.
+
+Suddenly a moose deer bounded across his path.
+
+"There is a demon who does not suffer from rheumatism. How he runs! But
+remember, my friend, that's your breakfast."
+
+With which words he took to his heels, and, catching sight of the deer,
+followed him up through the dense undergrowth, without being able to
+get a shot at him. This went on for about twenty minutes, during which,
+his rifle at full cock, he never looked to the right or left. Suddenly
+the moose deer stood still, as if he sniffed another enemy in the
+direction in which he was going.
+
+The American lost no time, but took steady aim for a second or two and
+fired.
+
+The stricken deer bounded into the air, and then once more took to its
+heels.
+
+But the hunter was determined not to lose him. Unhappily, however, in
+his eagerness, he did not look before him, and just as he thought the
+deer began to droop, while he increased his speed his foot slipped and
+he went head over heels, falling a height of about fifteen feet, to
+alight upon a kind of pavement of hard flint stones.
+
+The fall was so heavy that the American not only was bruised all over,
+but fainted.
+
+A feeling of coolness suddenly came over him, and caused him to open
+his eyes.
+
+He looked wildly around him, and saw a young man of about
+seven-and-twenty, in the costume of a trapper, his handsome face bent
+over him with a look of deep solicitude, while he bathed his face with
+a handkerchief soaked with water.
+
+"Are you better, Mr. Samuel?" said the other.
+
+"Hem!" cried the American; "Am I mad?"
+
+"Not in the least, Master Samuel, at least, that I am aware of," was
+the reply.
+
+"But what has happened?" cried the other, with an awful grimace.
+
+"A very simple thing: you shot a deer, and in your eagerness to catch
+him you did not notice that you were on the summit of an eminence, and
+so rolled over, to the detriment of your bones."
+
+"A very simple thing!" groaned the other; "You speak very complacently,
+Master George. Is anything broken?"
+
+"Nothing. I examined you carefully--nothing but bruises, of that I am
+sure."
+
+"Cursed deer! If I only had secured it. But the brute escaped me after
+all."
+
+"No, my friend. You are too good a shot to miss your aim. There lies
+your game, quite dead."
+
+"Thank goodness! That is lucky. But oh! Oh! I feel as if I had received
+a severe beating. Help me up."
+
+"But had you not better rest a while?"
+
+"Go to the deuce. I am not a whining sniggler, like my niece," he
+began; "by the way," he added, "that puts me in mind! Young man--"
+
+"Allow me to help you up--take my arm. I am strong; so lean as heavily
+as you like. There, you are all right. Your rifle will serve you as a
+staff."
+
+Thanks to the assistance of the young man, the American contrived to
+stand on his legs, making horrible grimaces and groaning all the time.
+
+"I wish my brother had been anywhere, with his mad notion of
+emigration," he said, grumbling; "but that is not the immediate
+question. Will you answer me?"
+
+"I am quite ready. You cannot carry the deer--shall I hang it up in
+safety until you send for it?"
+
+"Will you answer me?" cried Samuel, ferociously.
+
+"You have not yet asked me any question," said the young man, gently.
+
+The American looked at him with considerable anger in his glance; then
+his muscles relaxing, he burst out laughing.
+
+"Forgive me, George," he said, offering his hand. "I am an old fool.
+I am trying to get up a quarrel with you, instead of thanking you for
+your kindness. In truth, I believe you have saved my life."
+
+"You exaggerate, Mr. Samuel," replied the other.
+
+"Between you and me, I don't think so. What would have become of me,
+fainting in the desert?"
+
+"Chance brought me here."
+
+"Oh, yes! Chance has very broad shoulders," answered the American: "I
+suppose it brought you out here."
+
+The young man held down his head and blushed.
+
+"Well, well, I won't tease you, George," cried Samuel; "you are a noble
+and generous fellow, and I loved your father."
+
+"As you do his son," responded the other.
+
+"I suppose it is so. But this being understood, let us talk like two
+old friends."
+
+"I am at your command."
+
+"Always the same eternal chorus. Now I do not want to dive into your
+secrets, but without going beyond the limits of politeness, allow me to
+ask you one simple question," said Samuel.
+
+"Ask; and if it be in my power, I will answer truthfully," replied the
+other.
+
+"Hem! You are confoundedly close. First let us sit down. I am all aches
+and pains."
+
+The young man gently led him to a soft mound of turf, helped him to be
+seated, and followed his example.
+
+"Now I am good for an hour. Let us chat."
+
+"I am your most obedient servant to command."
+
+"How is it, Mr. George Clinton," began the old man, with a sly look,
+"that three months ago I left you at Boston at the head of a large
+house of business, and that I now find you dressed like a runner of the
+woods, hundreds of miles from the nearest settlement, just ready to
+save my life."
+
+"If my journey served me no other purpose, I am thankful--still I own
+there is another motive."
+
+"I am glad to hear you say so. May I ask its nature?"
+
+"Well, Master Samuel," began Clinton, "I am young, vigorous, and
+passionately fond of field sports; I am a good shot, and very much
+inclined for a free and independent life. Many times while at Boston
+chance brought me in contact with persons who have accomplished
+wonderful journeys into the almost unknown interior of our vast
+continent, and who brought back astounding accounts of what they saw;
+my curiosity was aroused, and I felt within myself a strong desire to
+attempt one of these expeditions in search of the unknown."
+
+"Or the ideal," smiled the American.
+
+"If you like it. As long as my father was alive I kept my ideas to
+myself, but as soon as my actions were quite free my old ideas were
+revived. An opportunity presented itself which I eagerly embraced.
+Confiding my house of business to a trustworthy partner, I started."
+
+"You had a definite object, I suppose?"
+
+"No; I went wherever chance or my feelings urged me," the other
+answered.
+
+"My young friend," said Dickson, laughing, "chance plays too great a
+part in all this. You will excuse me if I don't believe a word of your
+story."
+
+"You are not generous, sir."
+
+"I am not generous?"
+
+"You will not believe that a young man could give way to his
+adventurous instincts; and yet you, a wise man, very much older than
+I am, you, whose position was settled, I find you here, without being
+able to give the slightest explanation of your conduct."
+
+"Well answered, George. You hit me hard, but you know I am an old
+fool. I am so, as sure as fate. Yes, my friend, I am mad enough for a
+straitjacket. But at the same time, I can see that you will not make me
+your confidant."
+
+"I assure you--" began Clinton.
+
+"What is the use of holding out any longer? You must rely on me in the
+end; but when you do come to me with the truth, it will be my turn."
+
+"You are not angry with me?"
+
+"No, my boy: keep your secrets; but remember I am your friend. Keep
+your own counsel then, if you will--it concerns only yourself. But
+remember, whenever you want me, I am ready," he answered.
+
+"I know not how to thank you."
+
+"What nonsense! You owe me nothing. It is I who am your debtor. But
+it is getting late, and I must return to the camp, where they must be
+getting anxious. Thanks to my rest I feel not only able to walk, but to
+carry the confounded deer."
+
+"Wait, however, while I clean and skin him. It will then be easier."
+
+"You are quite right. Be quick, as we are short of food."
+
+"But the country is enormously rich in game, and what a beautiful spot!"
+
+"It certainly is," replied Samuel, after which his young friend soon
+prepared the game so as to be easily carried.
+
+"And now take my arm while I lead you through the defile, which is the
+only way out of the valley."
+
+And so they started, Samuel walking much better than he expected,
+though suffering much.
+
+"One favour," said the young man, after a time.
+
+"What is it, my friend?" asked Samuel.
+
+"Say not one word of our meeting."
+
+"Since you wish it, I will be strictly silent on the subject. Like
+other people I know, I will invent some sort of story--it is not
+difficult."
+
+The young man smiled, and shook him heartily by the hand. Then Samuel
+Dickson walked away in the direction of the camp, while George busied
+himself in the valley.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+JOSHUA DICKSON BECOMES MASTER OF THE VALLEY.
+
+
+After Samuel had walked some distance he found that he had
+miscalculated his strength. He was very weak about the ankle, and the
+way being rude and his load heavy, he could scarcely get along at all.
+Still he would not abandon the deer, knowing as he did how short of
+provisions they were in the camp.
+
+Wiping the cold perspiration off his brow, the brave American resumed
+his journey.
+
+The sufferings he endured it would be impossible to describe; at length
+he became scarcely able to drag one foot before the other; every now
+and then he had to stop, as the blood rushed to his head and myriad
+sparkles flashed before his eyes. He seemed to have the vertigo, his
+mouth was parched, his chest panting, his temples throbbing, and his
+eyes almost starting from his head.
+
+When he had staggered to within five hundred feet of the camp he was
+utterly exhausted, and fell insensible on the grass, where he remained
+inert and motionless for a quarter of an hour. Luckily, as he roused
+himself, he found a small rivulet flowing at his feet. In this he
+bathed his hands and face, and felt better.
+
+But he could walk no farther; that he knew was impossible. He, however,
+suspected they were looking for him, and if they heard him would
+come to his assistance. His voice was powerless to reach them. There
+remained his rifle. Still seated on the ground, he loaded and fired
+three times in succession.
+
+He had not long to wait before he saw his brother and nephews running
+towards him.
+
+He was too weak to enter upon any explanations, but one nephew taking
+up the deer and the other their uncle, they at once made for the camp,
+where Mrs. Dickson and Diana anxiously awaited them.
+
+When they saw the hunter they believed him dead.
+
+Joshua had a great deal of difficulty in persuading them that he had
+only fainted, and was in no danger.
+
+The Americans, especially the hunters and trappers, have great
+experience in wounds and bruises.
+
+The sick man was at once carried to a covered waggon, placed upon a
+mattress, and stripped.
+
+"Heavens!" cried Joshua, as he examined the numerous black bruises,
+"Poor Samuel has indeed had a bad fall. I wonder he was not killed
+outright."
+
+"Fortunate nothing is broken," said the eldest son.
+
+"So it is," replied the father; "and now let us do the best we can for
+him while your mother cooks the deer meat for breakfast. It was for us
+poor Sam risked his life. Get the camphorated brandy and some wool, and
+don't forget to tell your mother to cook the game. She is rather apt to
+burn venison, which does not improve its flavour. While you are about
+it bring the rum bottle--a little poured down his throat will do him
+good. Above all, be quick."
+
+Having given these orders, Joshua bathed his brother's forehead with
+cold water, passed burnt feathers under his nose, and did everything
+which could be done under the circumstances. Still the sick man never
+moved.
+
+"Let us try the rum," he said, as his son returned.
+
+And as he spoke, he forced open the other's teeth with the blade of his
+knife, and putting the neck of the bottle to his mouth, let the liquor
+slip through.
+
+Samuel smacked his lips and opened his eyes.
+
+"That is something like. And now to work."
+
+The two men then, dipping the wool in camphorated brandy, began to rub
+the bruises.
+
+Such a remedy, so roughly employed, was very soon quite efficacious.
+The sick man sat up, howling furiously, and trying to escape from their
+clutches.
+
+But the two men, believing in the remedy, continued, and, despite all
+their victim could say, despite his prayers, howls, and curses, he
+finally had to submit to the treatment for half an hour.
+
+"There you are," cried Joshua; "now try and sleep."
+
+"Go to old Nick!" roared Samuel; "I'm skinned alive."
+
+"You are as fussy as a woman. We scarcely touched you. Tonight we shall
+do it again perfectly, and tomorrow you will be quite well," said
+Joshua.
+
+Samuel shuddered, but said nothing; shortly after he, however,
+slept soundly. At night the two men came again, and, despite his
+lamentations, protestations, and prayers, continued to rub him as
+before, with all the vigour of which their hands and arms were capable.
+
+Then Joshua told his brother to go to sleep, promising if in the
+morning he was not quite well to give him one more dose.
+
+But Samuel was up first, and when they came to find him, he was
+dressed, singing "Yankee Doodle."
+
+His brother was delighted, and while wishing him joy, highly eulogised
+his remedy, the very mention of which caused Samuel to shudder.
+
+He was then questioned as to his adventure, which he related, leaving
+out all mention, however, of George Clinton. They were at breakfast,
+and everyone listened with avidity. The ladies especially, who were
+weary of their journey, heard the description of the beautiful valley
+with extreme delight.
+
+"To conclude, I beg to remark," Samuel wound up by saying, "that I
+never saw a spot better suited for a settlement."
+
+"We shall see," drily remarked Joshua.
+
+Samuel knew his brother well, and was well aware how he should be
+treated.
+
+"As for myself," he added, with indifference, "I don't care where or
+when we stop. As we have gone so far in the desert, what matters fifty
+leagues more or less? Let us then go ahead. Push on by all means, even
+as far as the Bay of Hudson."
+
+"I don't want to go as far as that," cried Joshua; "if the valley's
+anything like what you say, perhaps we may stop."
+
+"Well, perhaps it may not suit you. Everybody, you know, to their
+taste," continued Samuel.
+
+"I shall judge for myself," replied Joshua.
+
+"If we are to stop here all day," Samuel urged, quite satisfied, "I and
+Harry will fetch the deerskin."
+
+"Why not go with me?" said his brother.
+
+"I shall be delighted with your company."
+
+"Then, by Jove, we'll all go. It will be a walk. Harry, Sam, Jack, tell
+Sandy to be ready for a start. Let the camp be raised. Tonight we will
+camp in the valley and examine it at our ease."
+
+"You raise the camp for so small a journey?" said Mrs. Dickson.
+
+"Does it displease you, mistress?"
+
+"No. But it is a useless fatigue for horses and men."
+
+"I shall do as I think proper," said the squatter, drily, as he went to
+hurry his men.
+
+Samuel Dickson and the ladies smiled. They knew now they would stop in
+the valley.
+
+An hour later the whole caravan took its way in the direction of the
+defile, preceded by a dozen of the hired men and others with hatchets,
+to act as pioneers.
+
+Though he declared his health was quite restored, Samuel Dickson,
+instead of riding on horseback, clambered into a waggon with his
+sister-in-law and niece, with whom he gaily discoursed.
+
+Every now and then the old farmer looked sideways at the countenance of
+his pale and thoughtful niece, smiled to himself, and rubbed his hands
+with intense satisfaction.
+
+Neither mother nor daughter could make out his pantomime, but after a
+few trials they knew it was useless to question him, and so let him
+chuckle to himself.
+
+Joshua Dickson, without allowing it to be seen, had been very much
+struck by what his brother had said. Instead, therefore, of riding
+beside the caravan as usual, he had gone on in front.
+
+Presently, as if no longer able to resist the impulse of curiosity
+which was devouring him, he signed to his three sons to follow, and
+next minute the four men were off at a hard gallop and were soon lost
+in the defile.
+
+"The fish is in the net," said Samuel Dickson, with a hearty laugh.
+
+"Is the valley so beautiful as you say?" asked Mrs. Dickson.
+
+"Much more so. It is simply a terrestrial paradise. If you were to
+hunt for months you would never find a more agreeable or advantageous
+position. Everything is to be found in abundance, wood, water, pasture,
+and above all, game."
+
+"If Joshua would only settle."
+
+"A good deal depends on you."
+
+"I have not the influence you suppose over my husband. You know his
+vagabond humour."
+
+"He will remain here if you wish him to."
+
+"I hope you are right," replied the wife, with a sigh.
+
+"Chut! Here he comes. Attention, this is the decisive moment,"
+whispered Samuel, as Joshua came up.
+
+"Holloa!" he cried, "I have come from the valley."
+
+"Did you find the deerskin I left behind?"
+
+"Deerskin be--" was the excited answer; "I had no time to think of it.
+But what a delicious valley! I never saw anything so beautiful in all
+my life."
+
+"It is certainly pretty fair, but not worthy of such frantic eulogy,"
+said Samuel.
+
+"What a man you are!" cried Joshua; "You must always disagree with me.
+The moment I like a thing you must depreciate it."
+
+"Do you then mean to make some stay in the valley?" asked Mrs. Dickson,
+innocently enough.
+
+"Some stay, mistress!" cried the husband; "What are you dreaming about?
+I mean to take the whole valley. It belongs to no one now. It shall
+therefore be ours--that is, mine and my brother's."
+
+"I want very little," said Samuel.
+
+"You shall have your right share, no more and no less. Do you think I
+would cheat you?"
+
+"Far from me be such a thought."
+
+"But, my dear," said the wife, "pray think."
+
+"I have thought," he replied, abruptly; "and my resolution is
+irrevocable. So thoroughly have I made up my mind that I have come back
+alone, leaving the children at work."
+
+"At work!" cried Samuel.
+
+"Yes; they are cutting down trees and clearing the ground. This will be
+so much gained, as the season is far advanced, and we have not a moment
+to lose if we would have our settlement quite ready for the winter."
+
+All this while the caravan was advancing, and by degrees had got
+halfway through the defile.
+
+"This narrow way might easily be stopped," said Joshua.
+
+"Very useful idea, as many redskins are about."
+
+"But we are very numerous."
+
+"Yes; but if we are attacked we have no neighbours to help us, and must
+count only on ourselves alone."
+
+"We shall be sufficient," drily responded Joshua.
+
+"I hope so, and yet I doubt if the Indians leave us in peaceable
+possession if game is as abundant as I believe."
+
+"Bah! Who cares? If the Indians come we will give them such a reception
+as shall astonish them."
+
+"Who lives longest will see the most. It is best to be prudent,"
+responded Samuel.
+
+The squatter, half angry at his brother's manner, gave up the
+conversation, and, spurring his horse, disappeared.
+
+"Now," said Samuel, with a smile, as the other rode off, "you may be
+satisfied. Joshua is sufficiently annoyed at my opposition to become
+seriously obstinate. Nothing will make him change his mind now."
+
+"Perhaps you went a little too far."
+
+"Not a bit, I only stimulated him."
+
+"But what you said about the Indians made me seriously uneasy. Are
+there any about?"
+
+"I suppose so, as we are in the very centre of their territory. They
+may not attack us if let alone."
+
+"But this valley may belong to them."
+
+"Then we shall have to negotiate with the tribe to which the place
+belongs. We shall buy it of the redskins--a thing done every day."
+
+"You ought to know Joshua better by this time. He will take the land,
+and refuse all compromises."
+
+"I know him; but should the contingency come, we must make him listen
+to reason. But look, we are entering on the confines of this garden of
+Eden, which henceforth will be all our own," cried Samuel.
+
+"What a magnificent country!" cried the squatter's wife.
+
+Miss Diana, despite her sadness and habit of concentrated thought,
+could not restrain an exclamation of surprise at the sight of the grand
+spectacle before her.
+
+"Don't be too enthusiastic," said Samuel. "Here is Joshua."
+
+A hundred paces off Joshua had halted, his sons beside him on
+horseback, gun in hand. The squatter held the American flag in his
+right hand. As soon as all the waggons were in the valley he signed to
+everybody to advance.
+
+All the serving men and women surrounded the squatter. His wife,
+daughter, and Samuel remained in the waggon.
+
+The squatter, making his horse prance, waved the American flag over his
+head, then he planted the staff in the earth, and cried in a loud firm
+voice:
+
+"I take possession of this wild territory by the right of the first
+occupant I proclaim myself its sole lord and master, and if anyone,
+white or black, dares to claim it, I will defend myself to the last
+gasp."
+
+"Hurrah! Long live America!" cried all.
+
+"My friends," continued the trapper, "we are now at home. This valley
+which we shall soon cultivate and bring to prosperity and civilisation,
+is the Valley of the Deer."
+
+"Long live the Valley of the Deer!" cried all.
+
+The squatter then headed the caravan, and led it to the spot he had
+selected for a settlement. It was twelve o'clock. At a little after two
+the ancient trees were falling beneath the axes of the Americans.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+DIANA DICKSON AND HER FOE.
+
+
+The activity of the North Americans is prodigious; they have a peculiar
+way of handling the axe which is marvellous. Their mode of procedure is
+almost incomprehensible, and goes beyond anything the imagination can
+conceive.
+
+Fifty American woodmen will in a month clear the whole of a vast forest
+tract.
+
+They always begin with the idea, a very logical one, though a proud
+one, that the modest plantation they commence may in time become an
+important town, and they act accordingly. The land is divided into
+lots, paths traced by the axe stand for streets, large open spaces
+represent squares, while notched trees indicate where the houses,
+shops, workshops, and other buildings are to be.
+
+As soon as this is all settled they go to work with feverish haste, and
+trees of vast dimensions fall with a rapidity which is simply amazing.
+
+Then they build the stables and sheds, then the blacksmith's forge, the
+carpenter's shop, and the water sawmill, of which the workmen at once
+take possession.
+
+The earth, still encumbered by the roots of trees, is dug up and sown
+at once. Everything goes on at the same time with the utmost regularity
+and industry.
+
+In a few days the landscape is completely changed, and there, where had
+existed a virgin forest, with all its deep and impenetrable mysteries,
+suddenly arises, as if by means of the enchanted wand, the embryo of
+a town, which ten years later will be a rich flourishing emporium of
+commerce, and of which the population, coming from all parts of the
+world, will perhaps be fifty or sixty thousand.
+
+But the squatter, the founder of the new city, will have disappeared,
+without leaving a trace behind. Nobody knows anything about him,
+not even his name. His work done, he will have taken his melancholy
+departure, frightened to see the desert so populated, and that
+civilisation from which he had fled so near; he probably has fled out
+West in search of a new virgin land, which he will transform like the
+first, without deriving any more advantage from it, finally to end his
+days, shot in some miserable Indian ambuscade, or killed by the claws
+of a grizzly, or perhaps dies of misery and hunger in some unknown
+corner of the prairie.
+
+Joshua Dickson did not act differently from his fellows; after dividing
+the valley into two, and handing over half to his brother, he fixed his
+residence near the fork of the two rivers. Samuel Dickson fixed his
+residence at the other end of the valley, near the river called the
+Deer River.
+
+Everybody then set to work, and with such rapidity that before three
+weeks were over the principal buildings were finished. The houses,
+built with trees from the trunks of which the bark had not been
+removed, piled one upon the other, and fastened together by iron clamps
+and long wooden nails, looked comfortable with their glass windows
+furnished inside with strong shutters, and their mud and brick chimneys
+from which the smoke already escaped in a bluish cloud.
+
+All the servants and hired men had erected themselves, not exactly
+houses, but bark huts. They were, however, only temporary residences,
+soon to be replaced by more solid and eligible residences.
+
+The ordinary means of defence so necessary in an Indian country had not
+been neglected; a solid double stockade of young trees surrounded the
+camp; the centre of this rampart was occupied by a ditch ten feet wide
+and fifteen deep.
+
+There were several drawbridges, which were raised every night, by means
+of which only could the settlement be reached; near every one of these
+was a redoubt of stone, surmounted by stakes, behind which, in case
+of attack, the garrison could place themselves. All the houses were
+moreover loopholed.
+
+Every night some twenty formidable dogs of the race formerly used by
+the Spaniards to hunt down the Indians, and until lately kept to track
+Negro slaves by the Americans, that is to say, bloodhounds, were let
+loose.
+
+One morning, shortly after sunrise, Miss Diana, accompanied by her own
+enormous and favourite dog, quitted the Point, her father's habitation,
+for the residence of Samuel Dickson.
+
+Very busy each about their own affairs, the brothers were often two
+days without seeing each other, the more so that their respective
+residences were quite three miles apart.
+
+Joshua Dickson, whose activity was immense, struck with amazement at
+sight of the magnificent waterpower at his door, and which he little
+suspected was the Missouri, had asked himself one day where these
+waters flowed to. He came at last to the conclusion that on its way to
+the sea it must run through some state of the Union.
+
+Then, imbued with that commercial spirit which is innate in the
+Americans, he at once saw the value of the river as available for the
+carriage of his produce, as well as to obtain supplies for the colony.
+He therefore resolved to make a journey down the river, and reach the
+first settlement, and this as soon as the heavier labours were over.
+
+Now with the squatter to resolve was to act, and even before anything
+else was finished he had set to work to construct a canoe sufficiently
+large to carry four persons, with victuals for a long journey, and
+strong enough to bear a voyage of some hundreds of miles.
+
+The boat had been finished the night before, and Joshua Dickson, eager
+to begin his journey, had sent his daughter over to Dickson Point, to
+confer with his brother as to what was to be done in his absence. But
+neither Samuel nor Diana knew anything of Joshua's projects.
+
+Joshua was one of those men who, without being deceitful, was very
+reticent, and never told his thoughts.
+
+Diana, like a true heroine, traversed the faintly traced paths which
+led to her uncle's house, a hunting knife in her belt, and light gun
+in her hand. For further safety she was accompanied by Dardar, a large
+black and white dog, something between a wolf and a Newfoundland,
+terribly ferocious, and of mighty strength, as tall as a good-sized
+donkey, and who would have tackled a bear in defence of his mistress,
+whom he obeyed with the docility of a child.
+
+With such a guardian Diana had nothing to fear from man or beast;
+moreover, the country was too little known to the squatters to allow a
+young girl to go out quite unprotected in the country, however short
+the distance.
+
+Contrary to her usual mood, the young girl was quite joyous; her
+freedom, which allowed her to give free vent to her thoughts, had
+driven away the tinge of sadness which generally clouded her beautiful
+face.
+
+She went along careless and dreaming through the fields, playing with
+Dardar, who, proud of the charge he was set to guard, ran wildly before
+her, dashing into the bushes and thickets with an intelligent glance
+that was almost human.
+
+The young girl soon reached the river, where a kind of ferryboat had
+been provided by means of which to cross the river, here neither broad
+nor deep. In a few minutes Diana was across and within sight of her
+uncle's residence.
+
+Inside the log hut, which was extensive, were seated two men, with a
+bottle of whisky before them. These were Samuel Dickson himself and
+George.
+
+Two horses, still saddled and smoking, were fastened in the court. They
+must have been on a long journey.
+
+"You are a pretty fellow to make me gallop about in this way in search
+of you. I am not very handsome, but I am not ugly enough to frighten
+you."
+
+"I simply did not see you."
+
+"No nonsense. Do you think to keep me in ignorance of your motive in
+coming this way?"
+
+The young man blushed deeply.
+
+"Do you know my brother Joshua?" asked Samuel.
+
+"I met him once or twice in Boston, but I do not think he ever noticed
+me," said George Clinton.
+
+"Shall I introduce you to him?" said Samuel. "He has his faults, but he
+is a very worthy man."
+
+"I don't think it would be wise just now."
+
+"I don't think," continued the American, "that you have waited to be
+introduced to my niece."
+
+"Sir," cried the young man, dropping his glass.
+
+"Ah, ah!" cried the American, laughing, "That is the way you break my
+crockery. These lovers, these lovers. Do you think to cheat an old
+opossum like me? You love my pretty niece, which is very natural; you
+are a good fellow, and together will make an excellent couple."
+
+"I regret to say it cannot be so," sighed George.
+
+"Why so?" cried Samuel.
+
+"I see you are so good, I can no longer refuse to enlighten you."
+
+"That is right. Confess, for I am your true friend."
+
+"What I have to say," began George, "is not much. I met Miss Diana at
+Boston at Mrs. Marshall's, where your niece stayed for some months last
+year. I was on very good terms with your relative."
+
+"Yes, yes; my cousin," said Samuel.
+
+"Need I say that from the first moment I saw her I loved your niece? My
+visits to Mrs. Marshall, once only occasional, became so frequent that
+the lady began to have suspicion of my intentions. She at once called
+me on one side, and while giving me every credit for loyalty and worth,
+she told me not to prosecute my attentions, as Diana's father would
+never consent to our marriage. Despite all my entreaties, however,
+she would give me no reason, until at last, yielding to my earnest
+entreaties, she explained that many years before there had been such a
+quarrel between my father and Joshua Dickson that any alliance between
+our families must ever prove impossible."
+
+Samuel listened with extreme anxiety.
+
+"You see yourself that I am right," said the young man.
+
+"You are mistaken," cried the other; "the matter is rather serious, I
+allow. I really had forgotten that old affair. But don't ask me any
+questions; all I say is, have courage. Circumstances will probably
+alter, and believe me that in Samuel Dickson you will have a sincere
+friend."
+
+"I should be only too glad to help."
+
+"When I am on your side nothing is difficult. Now to breakfast. But how
+did you know of my brother's coming out here?" suddenly cried Samuel.
+
+"Miss Diana told me herself."
+
+"Oh, oh! Then I wonder no longer. To breakfast."
+
+"I hope, Master Samuel, you will excuse me," began the other, taking up
+his hunter's cap.
+
+"Sit down; if my niece were here you would not go."
+
+"Can I come in?" suddenly said a soft voice at the door, a voice that
+made George start.
+
+This sudden coincidence utterly overcame the old man's gravity, and,
+throwing himself back in his chair, he screamed with laughter, while
+Diana stood transfixed in the doorway, and George Clinton simply turned
+his cap round in his hand without being able to articulate a word.
+
+It was Dardar who ended the scene.
+
+The dog had remained outside for a moment or two, and then, seeing the
+door open, had rushed right into the middle of the room; seeing George
+Clinton he rushed at him, wagging his tail first, and then, leaping up,
+his paws on either shoulder, he licked his face with a joyous whine.
+
+"By heavens!" cried the squatter, "The fellow is lucky. Everyone likes
+him, even that precious Dardar, and yet he despairs. Come in, Sly
+Boots, and kiss your uncle."
+
+She did not require twice asking.
+
+"You are welcome, mademoiselle," he said, with mock politeness. "I
+suppose I need not introduce you to yonder tall young fellow?"
+
+"I have known the gentleman some time," replied the young girl, holding
+out her hand, which George took and kissed.
+
+"That's right," cried Samuel, rubbing his hands; "all goes well. And
+now once more I say, to breakfast. I am dying with hunger. We can talk
+while we eat, and you, Diana, can explain your early visit. I suppose
+you have not come three miles in the dew to kiss your old uncle?"
+
+"Why not?" she said, with a smile.
+
+"And you expected to meet nobody," he answered. But seeing that Diana
+blushed, he continued, "But no more delay," and seated himself.
+
+The beginning of the meal was rather constrained, from the peculiar
+position of the young people. But the ice was soon broken; the squatter
+was merry and humorous; he avoided any pointed allusions, and the
+conversation, at first very meagre, soon became very pleasant.
+
+When Samuel heard the object of Diana's visit, he promised to go over
+in the evening, and then questioned George as to his travels.
+
+George at once proceeded to tell his story with so much wit and humour
+as to amuse uncle and niece.
+
+"Now," said Samuel, when breakfast was over, "listen to me. You are two
+charming young people, whom I love, and whose happiness I desire. But
+you must let me act in my own way. I know my brother well, and can do
+as I like with him. Look upon me as an ally, but commit no imprudence.
+Instead now of going with my niece, you must stop here. If you were
+seen together, we cannot say what might happen. At all times my house
+is open to you. Come as often as you like, but remember, courage and
+prudence, Diana, kiss me again, and then farewell."
+
+"My darling uncle," she cried, embracing him.
+
+"Oh, yes, very dear, because I do what you like."
+
+"Au revoir, George," she continued.
+
+"But when shall I see you again? Time appears so long."
+
+"Already he grumbles," cried Samuel.
+
+"Pardon me, but I love her so much."
+
+"And do I not love you?" she said, naively.
+
+"I am mad," he answered, tenderly, kissing her hand a second time as he
+spoke.
+
+Then Diana went out, guarded by Dardar.
+
+"Now," said Samuel, as soon as they were alone, "you must enter into
+fuller explanations, and explain where you have pitched your tent. I
+hope you are in no difficulty."
+
+"Be easy on that point. I have a hut in a charming situation about
+twelve miles off. Will you come and see it?" added George Clinton.
+
+"At once, if you like," cried Samuel.
+
+"At once let it be, I am not alone; I have two faithful servants and a
+Canadian hunter, whom I engaged in Boston. I have books, arms, horses,
+dogs--everything that a man can wish for."
+
+"Delighted to hear it. Let us start."
+
+Five minutes later they were galloping through the forest.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THEY MAKE AN ACQUAINTANCE.
+
+
+That part of the valley towards which they were going had undergone
+no change. The squatters had had no time to visit it, and it retained
+all its original beauty and primitive majesty. George Clinton
+appeared fully to know his way, entering at full gallop on the most
+out-of-the-way and rugged paths, followed by Samuel Dickson, who was in
+a charming humour, and appeared delighted to explore this part of his
+domains, for all on that side of the valley was his present from his
+brother.
+
+"You ride as if you had known the country ten years at least," he said.
+
+"I came here about a month before you, but I have been everywhere with
+Charbonneau."
+
+"Who may Charbonneau be?"
+
+"My hunter, a great big Canadian, as long as a fishing rod, as thin as
+a nail, and as honest as a Newfoundland dog. I got him out of a very
+great scrape, and he has been devoted to me ever since."
+
+"Lucky for you."
+
+"More than you think. This fellow was brought up in an Indian tribe;
+his life has been spent more or less in the desert. He has friends
+everywhere with trappers, with white and half-caste hunters; speaks all
+the most difficult redskin dialects, and despite his youth--he is not
+more than three-and-twenty--enjoys a great reputation on the prairie.
+He is called Keen-hand, because of his prodigious dexterity."
+
+"An excellent servant," said Samuel.
+
+"And a capital companion--always gay and contented; whichever way
+things go, he is always so philosophical I cannot but admire him. He is
+a perfect study. As an instance, he declared some time ago no squatter
+would ever see this place and go further."
+
+"He was not far wrong. He is a sharp youth."
+
+"You are right; but you shall judge for yourself."
+
+"Then he has told you all about this country?" asked Samuel.
+
+"In what way?" said George.
+
+"I suppose he described the situation of the valley--its distance from
+all habitations?"
+
+"Don't you know?" cried George.
+
+"I know nothing. We have been travelling in the dark, and should all be
+glad of information."
+
+"In the first place, two rivers cross the valley; that near you flows
+from the mountains of the Wind; the other, into which it discharges its
+waters, is the Missouri."
+
+"Heavens! The Missouri! Then it runs through part of the United States.
+We are at home."
+
+"Very nearly, though you are surrounded by red men, who, though very
+warlike, are generally friendly to the whites. Still, if you know the
+redskins you will not depend on them."
+
+"Too true; and what nations are they?" he asked.
+
+"Sioux and Dakotas, Piekanns, Crows, Hurons of the great lakes, with
+some Assiniboins and Mandans. A few others of no account are scattered
+about," he answered.
+
+"A pretty lot; and no help near."
+
+"Help is nearer than you think. About fifty miles distant is a fort
+belonging to one of the great fur companies. It has a garrison of fifty
+whites--Americans and Canadians, soldiers and hunters."
+
+"Fifty miles is nothing," said Samuel.
+
+"In a civilised country, yes; but in the desert it is as bad as fifty
+leagues," responded Clinton.
+
+"I did not think of that," granted the squatter; "well, then, on the
+other side, what neighbours have we?"
+
+"Some squatters, like yourselves, who have been two years on the
+Missouri. You are halfway between the two."
+
+"Have these squatters much cultivated land?"
+
+"They have been going ahead lately. It is already almost a village;
+soon it will be a town. But anyway, on one side or the other you are
+separated from men of your own colour by several Indian nations, whose
+villages it would be dangerous to visit, except in large numbers. In
+fact your only open route is the Missouri."
+
+"That is something; but, if easy to go down, it is hard to ascend."
+
+"Besides, both sides swarm with redskins."
+
+"Hum! My dear George, that spoils all. What could put it into the mad
+head of my brother to bring us here? He is a lunatic; for the matter of
+that, so am I."
+
+George could not help laughing.
+
+"Laugh away, you young rascal," said the squatter; "but if we have to
+leave our bones here?"
+
+"I hope it will not be so," replied George.
+
+"Jehoshaphat! So do I. Your information is not pleasant; still I thank
+you. It is best to know the worst."
+
+While speaking they kept on at as rapid a pace as the state of the
+ground allowed. They had left the forest, and had come out upon a green
+prairie, when suddenly they heard a gun fired.
+
+"What is that?" cried the squatter.
+
+"Charbonneau. I know the sound. Wait a minute."
+
+And Clinton fired his rifle in the air.
+
+Next instant there was a rush from out of a thicket, and two
+magnificent dogs of the same breed as Dardar came rushing out of a
+thicket, and, leaping at the young man to beg a caress, continued at
+the same time to growl at the squatter.
+
+"Down, dogs, down!" cried the young man. "Down, I say, Nadeje, miss,
+and you the same, Drack; don't be mischievous. This gentleman, my
+fine fellows, is a friend; go and welcome him, to show what brave and
+intelligent beasts you are."
+
+As if they had understood what their master said, the two dogs ceased
+to growl, and, going straight to Samuel Dickson, leaped up at him in
+the most friendly way. The squatter, a great dog fancier, was very
+much struck by their beauty, and at once caressed them with many a
+word of praise, which pleased both, but especially Miss Nadeje; she
+was a magnificent animal, with an almost pure white skin, spotted only
+here and there with black, and at once took the squatter under her
+guardianship.
+
+Almost at the same moment a man appeared in the full costume of a
+hunter, a man with rather angular but very intelligent features; in his
+hand was the still-smoking gun. He bowed, and called off the dogs.
+
+"Pardieu!" he cried, "That was a lucky shot of mine."
+
+"Were you hunting?" asked the other, shaking hands.
+
+"At this hour it were folly, and I am not yet mad. Sport is only good
+morning and evening, is it not?"
+
+"That is my opinion," replied the squatter.
+
+"Mr. Samuel Dickson, one of my best friends," said George, "and I hope
+soon one of yours."
+
+"I hope so; I like his looks," laughed Charbonneau.
+
+"Thank you," said the squatter.
+
+"It is quite unnecessary, only I don't say the same to everybody. But I
+have known you some time."
+
+"If not hunting, what were you doing?" asked George.
+
+"Something has happened at the wigwam. Three travellers, two white
+hunters and an Indian chief, have reached your house, and demanded
+hospitality," he replied.
+
+"Of course you did not refuse?"
+
+"Of course I did not. Besides, two of the hunters are my friends, and
+the other is likely to become so."
+
+"You know you are welcome to act; still, why look for me?"
+
+"Well, I did not exactly look for you, but I wanted to give you
+warning; of course, I knew where you had gone."
+
+The young man blushed, while the old man laughed.
+
+"Now, then," cried Clinton, "let us go home."
+
+"Wait one moment. About fifty yards in my rear the dogs opened cry. I
+ran and found--"
+
+"A bear?" exclaimed the squatter.
+
+"No, I would not have minded that. It was not a bear, but a man. He
+was lying insensible on the ground, his skull split open from a heavy
+fall, and a shot wound in his left arm. His horse was grazing close by.
+He appeared to be a traveller traitorously shot by an Indian. I thought
+I heard an explosion; at all events, the wretch fled before the dogs,
+just as he was about to rob the unfortunate."
+
+"You assisted him?"
+
+"How could I help it? I could not let him die like a skunk on the road;
+and yet it would have been wiser."
+
+"Charbonneau!" cried the young man, "Is that really you?"
+
+"You know me well, Master George. Well, despite myself, I don't like
+the look of this man, though he is handsome enough. He has a terrible
+expression, and you know it takes something to move me. Still, I feel
+an invincible repugnance for this man, whom I never saw before. The
+dogs were like myself; I had the greatest difficulty to prevent them
+tearing him to pieces. Nadeje was like a mad creature; she wanted to
+strangle him. Do you know, Master George, dogs never make a mistake?"
+
+"A very good thing," said George Clinton; "but the man is wounded,
+likely to die. We are bound to succour him."
+
+"I know it, and have done so. I have seen to him as I would to myself
+or one of my dogs. Still, Master George, mark my words, it is a bitter
+foe you shelter under your roof."
+
+"It may be so, but we must do our duty."
+
+"As you please. Still I shall watch him."
+
+"Where is he?"
+
+"Just under yonder cluster of oaks, which you see from here. It was
+after dressing his wound I fired a shot on chance."
+
+"Did he say nothing?" asked George.
+
+"He is still quite insensible."
+
+"Let us join him, and if the dogs are so ill-disposed towards the
+stranger, watch them carefully."
+
+"All right, Master George. Be quiet, dogs," said the hunter, turning
+back, followed by the two great dogs, the others making up the rear.
+
+The cluster of oaks was soon reached; the wounded man still lay without
+life; the dogs howled, but, at a sign from Keen-hand, they stood back
+silent.
+
+George and Samuel alighted, and examined the man.
+
+He was a tall, well made, even elegant man of about thirty or
+thirty-five; he was deadly pale; his features were well chiselled
+and delicate; his long, jet black hair fell in waving curls on his
+shoulders; a black crisp beard hid the lower part of his face; his
+mouth, large and slightly open, showed magnificent teeth of dazzling
+whiteness; his strong and aquiline nose gave a terribly hard expression
+to his face, while his eyes, far too close together, and which were
+shut, were shaded by long lashes, and crowned by heavy eyebrows that
+almost touched.
+
+The very sight of the man inspired instinctive repulsion, something
+like a chill, that sensation of terror and disgust which one feels at
+the sight of a reptile; still the man was handsome and elegant; he was
+well dressed, and his weapons were superior; his horse was extremely
+valuable.
+
+He was, to all appearance, a prince among adventurers.
+
+"Hum!" muttered Samuel Dickson, who was the first to speak; "I don't
+like his look at all."
+
+"No more do I," said George; "still, we cannot let him die."
+
+"Certainly not, since Providence has sent him here. Are we far from
+your hut?" replied Samuel.
+
+"Not far off, are we, Charbonneau? But, then, how can we carry him?"
+continued George; "I don't see anything except a litter."
+
+"Too long. Leave all to me. I will mount his horse; you can hand him up
+to me; I will then carry him in my arms to the wigwam--what say you?"
+
+"Admirable!" cried George, as Charbonneau mounted and stood still,
+awaiting his burden.
+
+George and Samuel then placed him before the guide. Charbonneau pressed
+his head against his chest, and started.
+
+Going slowly, they were an hour on the journey.
+
+The wigwam, as the hunter called it, was a charming habitation built of
+wood, upon the summit of an eminence, round which ran a silver stream,
+lined with well-constructed palisades.
+
+"Your house is delicious," said Samuel Dickson, examining the
+residence. "You should be very comfortable."
+
+"My good friend, I want for nothing except happiness."
+
+"Are you going to have the blues again?" said Samuel.
+
+"You know I hardly dare hope," replied George.
+
+"You are very foolish. When you are rich, young, and loved, Master
+George, you ought to hope for the best."
+
+"You are very cruel to joke with me."
+
+"I do not joke, I only try to inspire you with courage. But, look, here
+are your guests coming to meet you, while your servants seem to me to
+be rather muddled and mixed," observed Samuel.
+
+"It is the first time they have ever seen strangers."
+
+"Then," said Samuel, laughing, "they will have a change today."
+
+Three persons were advancing in the direction of the advancing troop.
+They were Bright-eye, Numank-Charake, the Huron chief, and Oliver.
+
+They bowed ceremoniously to Clinton, who renewed the invitation given
+by Charbonneau; and then alighting, the wounded man was carried by
+Bright-eye and Oliver to the best bedroom, placed on the master's
+own couch, and at once attended to by one of the domestics, who knew
+something of medicine.
+
+"What a disagreeable face!" murmured Oliver.
+
+"He does not look pleasant," said Bright-eye.
+
+"'Tis the face of a traitor," said the Indian chief, sententiously; "he
+should have been allowed to die."
+
+"Hum!" cried Keen-hand; "There are others of my opinion."
+
+"Let my brother watch carefully," remarked the Indian.
+
+"Be not uneasy," smiled Charbonneau.
+
+"In my opinion," said Bright-eye, "this man is one of the outlaws of
+the desert. I have seen him somewhere before. I must not only think
+over the matter, but put the master of the house on his guard."
+
+Meanwhile the four men rejoined Clinton and Samuel Dickson in the
+drawing room, where copious refreshments awaited them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+WHO THE STRANGER WAS.
+
+
+As soon as the farmer had taken some slight refreshment and assured
+himself as to the comfortable position in which he was placed, he took
+his leave. The day was far advanced, and he had to meet his brother on
+a matter of business.
+
+On leaving George, the squatter bent low on his horse, and after one
+last glance at the hut:
+
+"Beware, my friend," he said, "of the wounded man. I think him an
+unmitigated rascal. Get rid of him."
+
+"I will take your advice. I do not like him myself, and as soon as he
+can travel he shall surely go."
+
+And, after mutual promises to meet again, the two friends parted, and
+Samuel rode off in hot haste. George watched him until he was quite out
+of sight.
+
+He then sighed. The departure of Samuel had broken the last link
+between the charming events of the morning and the more matter-of-fact
+events of the evening. He now gloomily turned on his heel, and found
+himself face to face with the three travellers accompanied by Keen-hand.
+
+"You are not going?" he cried.
+
+"No," answered Bright-eye; "on the contrary, if you will allow us, we
+intend remaining some little time."
+
+"You will give me great satisfaction," continued Clinton, "use my house
+entirely as your own."
+
+The hunters bowed courteously.
+
+"We have come to meet you," said Oliver, "because, having something to
+say, we prefer the open air."
+
+"Yes," continued Bright-eye, "though the wounded man whom you have
+so generously entertained is as yet incapable of listening, your
+servants--"
+
+"Are discreet and devoted," observed Clinton.
+
+"We know that, and have taken no precautions against them."
+
+"You would have been very unwise to do so. Morris and Stephen knew me
+from my birth. They love me as if I were a child of their own. I have
+no secrets from them and should be sorry to wound their feelings."
+
+"I was prepared for that objection," said Keen-hand, "and was therefore
+careful to warn them."
+
+"You have done well, Charbonneau, as I would not for the world offend
+those worthy fellows. And now, gentlemen, follow me, and I will take
+you where you can speak openly without fear of being overheard."
+
+Saying which George moved away from the house and led them to a
+hillock, wholly without trees, overlooking the river, and whence he
+could see a long way.
+
+"This is my observatory," he said, smiling.
+
+"Admirably well chosen," replied Oliver.
+
+On the invitation of Clinton everyone seated himself on the grass,
+and lit his pipe; then Bright-eye, who appeared general spokesman,
+addressed their host.
+
+"We have learned from Keen-hand that you have not long left the cities
+of the United States to visit for a time the prairies of the Far West."
+
+"I have no reason for making any secret of the matter."
+
+"Everyone is master of his own actions," continued Bright-eye, "and we
+have no right to inquire in any way into your affairs. We only desire
+to indicate you as new to prairie customs."
+
+"I am not very learned in the matter, and am therefore wholly guided by
+my hunter, who, despite his youth, is an old runner of the woods. But
+as I see no motive for this conversation, I should be glad if it were
+abridged."
+
+"One question first--Are you prepared as a dweller in the desert to
+submit to its habits and customs?" asked Bright-eye.
+
+"As long as they are just and reasonable," said the other, "I pledge my
+word to be guided by them."
+
+"We find that your friend here described you well."
+
+"Still you must be aware that you are keeping me waiting."
+
+"Two words will explain," said Bright-eye; "we demand the body of the
+wounded man yonder."
+
+"What to do?" cried Clinton.
+
+"To apply Lynch law to him," coldly replied the hunter.
+
+The young man shuddered, a livid pallor spread over his countenance; he
+looked at the hunters, who nodded their heads, with a glance of horror.
+
+"What do you mean, gentlemen?" he cried; "Do you intend to torture this
+man, whose life hangs on a thread?"
+
+"It is our right and our duty, not to torture him, but to try him, and
+execute the sentence, whatever it may be, at once."
+
+"This is terrible!" cried the young man.
+
+"You do not know him. If, for reasons best known to ourselves, we
+feigned not to know him, now that your friend has left we will tell you
+who the wretch is."
+
+"No matter who he is," cried Clinton, fiercely, "all I know is that he
+is wounded and under the protection of my roof."
+
+"Your sentiments of humanity do you honour," said Bright-eye,
+ironically; "they are well suited to civilised society, where the law
+defends you. In the desert they have no meaning. Every moment menaced
+with death, you must cut down your murderous foes without mercy."
+
+"Better be victim than executioner," said George.
+
+"If you like to present your breast to the enemies, that is your
+lookout; we beg to differ from you."
+
+"But, gentlemen--" said Clinton, haughtily.
+
+"You made a promise. Do you or do you not intend to be bound by it?"
+asked Bright-eye.
+
+"This is your return for my hospitality."
+
+"You are unjust, sir; we are but the instruments of public opinion,
+about to accomplish a painful duty, guided by our conscience and our
+sense of right. Do you give this man up to us, yes or no?" he continued.
+
+"Take him, if you insist; but as on your private authority you judge
+this man, I will defend him."
+
+"We are delighted to hear it."
+
+"When do you intend trying this man who is dangerously wounded and
+nearly insensible?"
+
+"He is not so ill as he pretends to be," replied Bright-eye; "and we
+intend trying him at once."
+
+"Come, then, for the matter is getting wearisome," said George.
+
+All returned to the house. Oliver and Numank had not spoken, but their
+firm step, their knitted brows, their flashing eyes, sufficiently
+indicated that they fully agreed with Bright-eye in his intentions.
+
+When they entered the room where the wounded man lay he was quite
+conscious; his face, of an earthy pallor, had two red spots on the
+cheeks; the pearly sweat fell heavily from his brow; his eyes were half
+closed, but he could clearly see through his lashes. His attitude was
+that of a tiger at bay, unaware from what side danger was likely to
+come.
+
+Bright-eye looked at him with such pertinacity that after a time he was
+compelled to open his eyes.
+
+The Canadian smiled, whispered to Keen-hand, who nodded his head, and
+soon left the hut.
+
+"Gentlemen," said Bright-eye in a loud tone, "we will at once proceed
+to instal the head of the court of Judge Lynch."
+
+"You are the chief," said the others.
+
+"I accept. You will be the accusers. I shall at once take my seat, as
+we are here to judge this man."
+
+"You forget I am here to defend him," remarked Clinton.
+
+"You are quite right," replied Bright-eye; "pray therefore attend
+carefully to the accusations I am about to make against him; you can
+then undertake his defence, if, indeed, when you know all, you care to
+do so."
+
+The wounded man had appeared motionless and insensible to all around
+him, but on hearing the generous words of the young man, spoken in a
+gentle voice, he seemed to shiver all over, and, raising himself a
+little, looked keenly at George Clinton, with a glance of gratitude.
+
+Bright-eye meanwhile reflected a moment, folded his arms, and throwing
+back his head spoke:
+
+"Prisoner," he said, "you are before a terrible tribunal. Judge
+Lynch has been appointed to condemn you if guilty, to absolve you if
+innocent. Prepare yourself to hear and answer the charges made against
+you."
+
+"I do not acknowledge the jurisdiction of Judge Lynch," said the man;
+"you are a tribunal of assassins."
+
+"As you please," replied the Canadian; "but your silence will be
+treated as a confession of guilt."
+
+The accused shuddered.
+
+"Why, instead of leaving me to die in the prairie, was I brought here?"
+he asked; "Is hospitality a mere trick?"
+
+"The man is right," cried George; "I cannot suffer such things to pass
+under my roof. I protest, in the name of humanity, against all that is
+being done. You dishonour me by acting in this manner here."
+
+"The jurisdiction of Judge Lynch is universal in the desert," was the
+cold reply; "none can check it. This man is an outlaw of the prairies,
+a man of blood and crime. Louis Querehard, Paul Sambrun, Tom Mitchell,
+and half a dozen aliases--you see we know you well--eleven days ago you
+basely attacked an old man in charge of a young girl; you killed the
+old man from behind at the Elk's Leap. Where is the young girl?"
+
+"Base calumny," cried the wounded man, sitting up suddenly; "I know not
+what you mean. I killed no old man."
+
+"I repeat that you killed the old man and stole away the girl. I have
+the proofs," he answered.
+
+The wounded man sat biting his lips with rage.
+
+"This morning," continued Bright-eye, "you quarrelled with one of your
+accomplices, while crossing this valley, and fell from the treachery of
+your fellow bandit."
+
+"Falsehood!" cried the wounded man.
+
+"We shall soon see," said the Canadian, coldly, and putting his fingers
+to his lips he uttered a shrill whistle.
+
+A noise was heard and several men entered. These were Keen-hand, two
+servants of Clinton, and a prisoner--a man of wretched, mean, and
+ignoble appearance.
+
+"This is your accomplice," said Bright-eye.
+
+"I don't know him," replied the wounded man.
+
+"You don't know me?" cried the other; "Really now, have you already
+forgotten poor Camotte?"
+
+"You declare this man unknown to you?" said the judge. "Well, be it so.
+Now, fellow," to the man Camotte, "will you confess?"
+
+"Caray, yes," said the prisoner, "anything you like."
+
+"Speak then," responded Bright-eye: "we wait."
+
+"Miserable wretch," asked the wounded man, "are you a traitor?"
+
+"My good sir, I object to be hung," he answered.
+
+"It is useless to question that rascal," said the wounded man. "I will
+tell you all you want to know; but before we go any further it must be
+on one condition."
+
+"We decline to accept conditions," was the reply.
+
+"Then beware. I alone know where the young girl is concealed. Refuse my
+conditions and my secret dies with me."
+
+"It is true," said Camotte, in answer to a look from Bright-eye.
+
+"What are your conditions?" resumed the judge.
+
+"My life, liberty, and three hours' start," said the outlaw; "also the
+company of my friend Camotte yonder," he added, with a sneer, as that
+individual shivered; "further, I require my horse, arms, and my valise.
+On these conditions you shall have the young girl: I swear it."
+
+"Anything else?" continued the judge.
+
+"One moment," observed George; "I ask for him eight days to recover
+from his wound, during which time he shall remain here under my
+guardianship and yours."
+
+"We consent," said Bright-eye, gloomily; "now speak."
+
+"The girl is concealed twelve miles away, in the Cavern of the Elk. I
+was going there with food when I was shot. Make haste."
+
+Scarcely had he finished ere Oliver and the chief disappeared.
+
+"Beware of my vengeance," cried Bright-eye, "if you have spoken
+falsely."
+
+"I have spoken the truth," said the wounded man, and fainted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+EXPLANATIONS.
+
+
+We must go back a little in order to explain how the three hunters were
+driven to seek hospitality in the hut of George Clinton, and what were
+the motives of the deadly hatred they had vowed against the wounded,
+almost dying, man.
+
+At the time of which we write nearly the whole American continent,
+north and south, was owned by Spain, which ruled her provinces with a
+yoke of iron, closed to all other nations with as much jealousy as ever
+was shown by China.
+
+The United States alone stood free, independent.
+
+The newly enfranchised people were, however, well aware that as long as
+the rest of the land was not free their work was unfinished.
+
+Besides, it became necessary to give employment to the restless spirits
+let loose by the close of the war.
+
+The Government at once set to work. The territory of the new republic
+was already immense, but thinly peopled, almost unknown, and occupied
+in many instances by wandering Indian tribes. These must first be got
+rid of.
+
+The activity of the Americans is known. They rushed off into the
+desert, they erected forts to awe the redskins; hardy pioneers
+traversed the prairies and established settlements in the very heart of
+the Indian country.
+
+Every encouragement was given to emigrants from Europe, who were
+received most hospitably.
+
+The Government was favoured by circumstances; it was a rising power
+while Spain was falling to pieces.
+
+The American Government at once offered to buy Louisiana of France,
+and meanwhile sent out small companies of free corps to attack the
+frontier of the Spanish colonies. But alongside those recognised by
+the authorities were other bands, men isolated from all civilisation,
+having no control to fear, recruited from the scum which froths up
+during troublous times; these bands made war on their own account,
+pillaged friend and foe, burned haciendas, and allied themselves with
+the redskins, taking their dress in order the more readily to carry out
+their nefarious designs.
+
+Among these bands was one more formidable than all the others of sad
+and monstrous celebrity.
+
+This troop of two hundred desperadoes, called themselves outlaws, and,
+it was believed, though no one exactly knew their headquarters, were
+established on the Missouri, whence they carried their depredations far
+and near.
+
+Powerfully organised, submitting to strict discipline, this band had
+spies in every direction, who kept them well informed, not only as to
+the number and strength of caravans about to cross the desert, with
+their destination, but as to the expeditions sent out by Government
+against themselves. By these means they were always on their guard and
+never taken by surprise.
+
+The chief of this terrible band was said to have only been six years
+in America, and yet he knew all the secrets of the desert; he was as
+clever as the most cunning and astute runner of the woods, quite equal
+to any redskin in deceit. He was supposed to be a Frenchman, though he
+spoke English, Spanish, and many Indian languages equally well. He was
+called Querehard, Sambrun, Magnaud, Tom Mitchell, and various other
+names.
+
+But none knew his real one, though some did whisper that he was the
+chief of a certain fearful band who had played so terrible a part
+during the Reign of Terror.
+
+Many asserted that he was not so bad as he was painted--that, in
+fact, though chief of this fearful crew, he always tried to prevent
+bloodshed, that he never allowed women and children to be ill-treated.
+
+He was said to be very generous, and had as many friends as enemies.
+
+Whatever the truth, Tom Mitchell was a kind of hero; the American and
+Spanish Governments had placed a price upon his head; but no one ever
+ventured to try for the reward of ten thousand dollars.
+
+After the medicine council we have recorded, Numank-Charake and his two
+friends continued their journey.
+
+On the seventh day, an hour before the setting of the sun, they reached
+a village built in the fork of two rivers.
+
+The village was surrounded by lofty palisades, with a ditch full of
+water, and drawbridges.
+
+The travellers came up just as these were being removed.
+
+They were warmly received by an eager crowd.
+
+Since his landing in America this was the first time Oliver had entered
+a real village of redskins.
+
+He was surprised to find it so superior to what he expected. Instead of
+ordinary bison tents, or huts made with hurdles, mud, and thatch, it
+consisted of admirably constructed Canadian cabins.
+
+These cabins stood in rows, with small gardens in front, while here and
+there were some real Indian wigwams.
+
+Those Canadians who had retreated with their families to the tribe
+of Bison Hurons had introduced these habits. Hence the rather hybrid
+character of the village, which was half Canadian and half Indian.
+
+Reaching the centre of the village Numank left his companions, while
+Bright-eye pointed out a most comfortable looking cabin and declared it
+to be his home.
+
+At the entrance stood two men leaning on their rifles. One, nearly a
+centenarian, but still robust and very tall, had a large white beard;
+his eyes still shone brightly, his complexion was the colour of brick,
+while his ropy muscles could be seen through his parchment skin. His
+expression was gentle and full of courage. This was the grandfather of
+the hunter, an old soldier of Montcalm.
+
+The second was Bright-eye's father, whom he resembled in every
+particular except age and height.
+
+"They indeed appear a noble couple," whispered Oliver.
+
+"Come with me," was the laconic reply.
+
+In a few minutes they were at the door of the cabin. Bright-eye
+dismounted and took off his fur cap.
+
+"I am back after a long absence. Give me your blessing."
+
+"Take it with all our hearts," cried the two old men.
+
+They then shook hands cordially, Oliver looking on with a deep sigh of
+envy and regret.
+
+"He at all events has a family," he said.
+
+"Come nearer, my friend," cried Bright-eye; and when Oliver stood
+beside him, he added, "this is Oliver, my friend. Eight days ago we met
+in the savannah, and we have never parted since. He loves me and I love
+him; he is a brave man and a most excellent hunter; our friend, the
+redskin, calls him Bounding Panther."
+
+"He is welcome," said the old man; "all Frenchmen are our brothers;
+as long as he chooses to remain there is a hut to shelter him and a
+quarter of venison for his food."
+
+"Well spoken, father," said his son, shaking hands with the young
+Frenchman; "we are French here. Welcome."
+
+"Messieurs," replied Oliver, with a bow and a smile, "it is not with
+words we answer such words, but by acts."
+
+"We welcome you as a second son; come in."
+
+The horses were now taken away by a young Indian, and the whole party
+entered the house.
+
+The hut, which was built with logs, was whitewashed both in and out,
+and had four windows.
+
+Oliver entered a rather large hall, lit by two of the windows, with a
+plank flooring, and a roof supported by heavy beams; at one end was a
+large chimney, near the kitchen a table, some seats and chairs, two
+oaken dressers covered by utensils in brown earthenware, and a large
+old-fashioned clock composed the furniture.
+
+Two doors led, one into the kitchen, the other into the guests' room,
+which was pointed out to Oliver.
+
+There were three other rooms, one occupied by the two old men, one by
+Bright-eye, and one by his sister when at home.
+
+All were furnished alike; a bed, a little table, several boxes, two or
+three chairs; some hideously coloured prints from Epinal were fixed
+on the walls, also pipes of all sorts and sizes, a French long gun, a
+powder horn, lead pouch, game bag, hatchet, a knife with its deerskin
+belt, that was all.
+
+It was one floor, except a large loft above.
+
+Behind the house there was stabling for six horses, a yard with fowls,
+a rather large garden, well enclosed and full of choice vegetables. It
+was the old man who took care of the garden as child's play.
+
+When, having made some slight change in his toilette, Oliver returned
+to the hall dinner was on the table.
+
+"Have you had good hunting lately?" asked Bright-eye.
+
+"Not very good. Game gets scarce. Still I made three hundred and
+seventy dollars in a fortnight," he replied.
+
+"Pretty fair; and what was your game?"
+
+"The blue fox, near Hudson's Bay," continued the other; "I have been
+home three weeks. But you say nothing of your sister."
+
+"I am not in the habit of questioning you, father."
+
+"The boy is right," said the old man; "it is your place to speak."
+
+"I suppose," cried the hunter, "Angela is in the village."
+
+"No, my son, she is absent," continued the old man, "and I am sorry for
+it, as she was the joy of the house."
+
+"Where is she then, father?" asked Bright-eye.
+
+"About five days' march, with our cousin Lagrenay, the squatter of the
+Wind River. His wife has been ill, he is alone; having no one to take
+care of her, he came here and asked for Angela to stay a few days."
+
+"My dear father, our cousin Lagrenay's settlement is a long way off, in
+the heart of the Indian country."
+
+"You are right," said his father; "I fear I have acted with too great
+haste. I will fetch her home tomorrow."
+
+"I will go with you, father."
+
+"It is unnecessary. Your health, sir," addressing Oliver; "is it long
+since you left France?"
+
+"Many thanks. I have been in America two months."
+
+"Though so far off news is welcome. How is the king?"
+
+"There is no longer any king," said Oliver, gravely; "France is now a
+republic like America."
+
+While the stupefaction which this news caused was still at its height
+Numank-Charake entered.
+
+"Welcome; be seated and eat," said the old man.
+
+"I came neither to eat nor to drink," replied the young Indian, sadly.
+"I came to tell you that your child, Evening Dew, has been carried off
+by Tom Mitchell, the outlaw, and that we must at once save her."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+HOW THE THREE TRAVELLERS WENT TO GEORGE CLINTON'S.
+
+
+This terrible revelation fell like a thunderclap upon the four
+personages who sat at table. There was for some minutes a silence
+caused by perfect stupor.
+
+"You are indeed a sinister messenger, chief," said the old man,
+bitterly; "whence do you get this news?"
+
+"Perhaps you are mistaken," gasped the father.
+
+"Listen," said the chief, sadly, "and you shall hear what has passed in
+a few words."
+
+"First sit down and break bread," cried the old man; "we are friends
+and relatives, and this awful catastrophe affects you as well as us."
+
+"You say truly," responded the young chief, seating himself.
+
+"Eat and drink," said the old man; "then we will talk."
+
+The meal continued, to the great astonishment of Oliver. He could
+not understand the calm and sang-froid of these four men in presence
+of such an awful event. He was half inclined to accuse them even of
+coldness of heart.
+
+He knew nothing of that Indian etiquette, more severe than that of any
+other country, which requires this apparent coldness. He soon, however,
+discovered how much he was mistaken, and how deeply all these brave and
+loyal hearts were wounded by the fatal incident.
+
+The repast was sad and gloomy. Nobody spoke. They ate as if it were a
+duty which must be done.
+
+After the hasty repast was over there was silence.
+
+"You have come, sir," said the old man, addressing Oliver, "at an
+unfortunate moment; pardon us if we seem rude and inhospitable. But
+evil has fallen on us."
+
+"You told me, sir," replied the young man, "that I was to become a
+member of your family. Let me, then, share your sorrows as well as your
+joys. I feel more on the subject than you think, being Bright-eye's
+brother."
+
+"Thank you; you are one of us," said the old man.
+
+"You are my second son," cried the father.
+
+"I thank you, and hope to prove myself deserving."
+
+Everybody now rose from table, filled his pipe and lighted it, and
+then, the repast having in the meantime been cleared away, seated
+themselves by the fire.
+
+"Chief," said the old man, "the time has come. We are ready to listen
+to you with the deepest attention."
+
+Rising and bowing to all, the chief, who affected stoical gravity, but
+who had great difficulty in controlling his voice, spoke--
+
+"Lagrenay's wife was never ill. Evening Dew was carried off by Tom
+Mitchell from the squatters."
+
+"Are you quite positive?" asked the grandfather.
+
+"I am positive. The news was brought to me just now by a courier in
+whom I have every confidence. He saw all that happened without himself
+being seen."
+
+A deep silence prevailed. None interrupted the old man.
+
+"Allow me," he said, "to speak frankly to you, chief. You are my
+relative; I remember your birth, and love you."
+
+"My father is good, and knows I love him," replied the chief.
+
+"I know it; but pardon me if I speak very plainly. There is a
+hesitation in your words which alarms me excessively. I am sure you
+have not told us all you think."
+
+The chief bowed his head.
+
+"I knew I was right," cried the old man; "you know far more than you
+choose to say."
+
+"No skin covers my heart, my blood runs red and clear in my veins; the
+Wacondah sees and judges me. Let my father explain himself frankly.
+I ought only to speak after him. His head is white with the snows of
+wisdom. He is wise."
+
+"Good, Numank-Charake, you are a great brave, despite your youth. Soon
+you will be renowned in council. I know the motives which shut your
+mouth. You love her."
+
+The young man started.
+
+"Do not deny it," said the old man. "I know it, as does my son, and we
+rejoice both of us. She will be happy with one who is both strong and
+brave. Not knowing our sentiments towards you, you have nobly hesitated
+to accuse a near relative. You have acted well. But time presses, and
+not a moment is to be lost. We know our cousin as well, or perhaps
+better, than you do. We know also that falsehood never soiled your
+lips. To keep further silence would be to commit a bad action--to make
+yourself almost the accomplice of the ravishers. Speak out, then, like
+a man."
+
+"I obey," replied the young man, respectfully.
+
+"And hide nothing, I pray," added Francois Berger.
+
+"I will tell you everything," he said, "as you know my heart is given
+to Evening Dew. I love her; her love is my joy, her voice my happiness.
+On my return to the village, after my unfortunate expedition, Evening
+Dew was no longer in her father's wigwam. I asked news of everybody; I
+even ventured to ask you. Your answer filled me with discouragement.
+I returned to my hut heartbroken with despair. My grandfather had
+pity on me. Kouha-hande loves me, and spoke like a wise man. 'Go,' he
+said, 'find Bright-eye at the spot agreed on; he is the brother of
+Evening Dew; he will grieve with you, and perhaps give you good advice.
+During his absence I will watch. If necessary, I will go to the hut of
+the white man on the Wind River. Adieu, my son, and may the Wacondah
+accompany you,' I obeyed my father. I put on my travelling moccasins,
+took my gun, provisions, all that a hunter requires, and started. But
+my soul was sorrowful; a sad presentiment froze me to the marrow of my
+bones; Wacondah sent it."
+
+"Courage, child," said the old man, kindly. "Wacondah is powerful and
+just; He tries those whom He loves."
+
+"Two hours ago I returned to the village of my nation. I was very
+sad and uneasy. Without a word I left my comrades and friends, and
+rushed to my wigwam. My father's father awaited me. He was gloomy and
+thoughtful, and rose as I entered. I guessed at once what I had to
+expect. This is what I learned. Kouha-hande is a sachem whose words are
+not to be doubted. For two days, hid in the thickets, he watched the
+hut of the squatter of the River of the Wind. The second day, before
+the rising of the moon, there was a sharp whistle near the habitation,
+and a man appeared. He was very pale, wore the costume of the hunter
+of the prairies, and carried a rifle. At the distance the sachem could
+not make out his features. Almost immediately, however, a second person
+appeared on the scene, coming from the inside of the hut, and this was
+the squatter himself."
+
+"Are you sure of what you say?" asked the old man.
+
+"Kouha-hande knew him," replied the chief.
+
+"Go on," gloomily remarked old Berger.
+
+"The two men approached each other, spoke for a long time in a low
+tone, and then separated, after exchanging one phrase, which the
+sachem heard distinctly. This phrase, which seemed to summarise their
+conversation, was--"
+
+"'You swear upon your honour that she will be quite safe and respected
+in every way,' said the squatter."
+
+"'As if she were my own sister or daughter, I swear unto you,' replied
+the hunter."
+
+"The two men then parted. That was all. Two hours passed away. Just
+about the time when the blue jay begins its first song, the sachem, who
+had remained still in his hiding place, his eye and ear on the strain,
+heard a noise approaching rapidly, like that of a number of people
+who, fearing no surprise, thought it useless to take any precautions.
+They soon came in sight. They were no less than thirty palefaces, armed
+with rifles. They surrounded the hut and attacked it on all sides."
+
+"The squatter and his servants defended themselves like people taken by
+surprise--that is, feebly."
+
+"The assailants soon entered the hut. My grandfather now heard a great
+tumult inside. But he was alone, could do no good, and therefore
+remained in his hiding place. At the end of an hour the men came out,
+escorting a fainting female, who was wrapped in a frazada. Satisfied
+with the result of their expedition, they went off without even closing
+the doors behind them. Kouha-hande waited some little time, and then,
+convinced that the assailants had departed, went into the wigwam."
+
+"All was in disorder. The furniture was overthrown and broken; the
+squatter, his wife, and servants, tied and gagged, lay on the floor.
+The sachem hastened to stir up the fire, then he lighted some torches,
+after which he set all the people at liberty. Even then for some time
+they were unable to move or speak."
+
+"The squatter's wife wept, wrung her hands, and bitterly reproached her
+husband with his cowardice, which had been the cause of the abduction
+of her niece."
+
+"And what did he say?" asked Berger.
+
+"Nothing," said the chief; "he was overwhelmed, appeared struck by
+stupor, remaining utterly motionless. Presently he seemed to recover
+his spirits. Kouha-hande then offered to start in pursuit of the
+ravishers, but the squatter refused, alleging that the trail was
+no doubt by this time so cleverly concealed as to render pursuit
+impossible. He left the punishment of the villains in the hands of
+God. The sachem, seeing plainly that he was not wanted, went away. But
+Kouha-hande was determined to reach to the bottom of the dark scheme;
+instead of returning to his village, he followed the abductors."
+
+"These, having apparently no fear of pursuit, had left ample traces
+of their passage in the forest, and took not the slightest precaution
+to conceal their route in a straight line through the forest. It led
+direct to the Missouri. The sachem at once saw through the whole thing.
+These hunters, the sachem declared, could only be the redoubtable
+outlaws commanded by the extraordinary chief before whom all trembled,
+white and red, in the prairie."
+
+"Tom Mitchell," groaned the old man.
+
+"Himself," said the chief. "The sachem, after exploring the two banks
+of the river for many miles, came back to the village of his nation,
+and told me what he had seen. This is my story. Have I well said?"
+
+"You have," cried Francois Berger; "but let me speak. I am the only
+one person in fault. I should never have separated from my daughter.
+It is my duty to go in search of her. I will find her or perish in the
+attempt."
+
+He attempted to rise, but Oliver checked him.
+
+"Pardon me, sir," he said, gently, "if I interfere in so delicate and
+grave a matter. The friendship I bear your son, the cordial way in
+which you have received me, compel me to feel as if I were personally
+concerned in the matter. May I therefore be allowed to speak a few
+words?"
+
+"Speak," said the old hunter.
+
+"Sir," replied the young man, modestly, "I have listened to every word
+as recorded by the chief, and I believe every word as recorded by him.
+It appears to me, therefore, in examining the facts, that the attack
+of the hunters, arranged with the squatter himself, his repugnance and
+refusal to pursue them, point either to treachery or a strange mystery,
+which it would be wise to clear up."
+
+"Unfortunately," said the old man, "we share your opinion. The
+treachery is too flagrant to be doubted."
+
+"You believe in treachery," urged Oliver.
+
+"Base and cowardly treachery," cried Berger, striking the table.
+
+"Be assured, then," continued Oliver, "and you will be a better judge
+of the correctness of my opinion than I am, your enemies, whoever they
+may be, have spies around you, spies employed to watch your movements,
+and to report them at once. You Will not have been ten minutes on the
+trail of the ravishers ere they would be on your track."
+
+"Quite true," said the old man; "what is to be done?"
+
+"A very simple thing, and one which I am very much surprised you have
+not thought of before. We have only reached the village two hours ago;
+I, as a stranger, am unknown to anybody, nobody troubles himself in any
+way about me. Whither I go matters to no one. With your permission,
+at nightfall I will start in company with Bright-eye. If our early
+departure is noticed, we can easily give some reason. It is you who
+are watched, and no one else. None, knowing the indomitable energy of
+your character, will believe that you have allowed anyone else to go in
+search of your daughter. We shall be three men, two of whom know the
+desert well. The trail of one man is easy to follow, but not of three
+wary hunters ever on their guard, at all events, without the spies be
+discovered and killed. This is my opinion, and, frankly, I think it
+good."
+
+"You have spoken well," repeated the grandfather; "what you say is
+just. We are proud to have you for a friend, and we thank you. It is
+not necessary to reflect long without owning you are right. It would be
+folly to contest the matter, my son, and I, therefore, gladly confide
+to you the task of finding our child. Go, as you propose, this evening
+at the setting of the moon, my grandson, the chief, and yourself."
+
+"And you will succeed," said the father.
+
+"I hope so, sir," responded the Frenchman; "rely upon it, I shall do
+all I can for my new sister."
+
+"My son was fortunate to meet you. God bless you all."
+
+The two young people simply thanked Oliver by looks. It was eleven
+o'clock at night when they started, without being noticed. We already
+know how they met the outlaw.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+TOM MITCHELL.
+
+
+The sun had long since gone down, the night was dark and cloudy, not
+a star shone in the sky. George Clinton, seated on a bench before
+his door, awaited the return of Keen-hand and his two dogs, who had
+accompanied the three travellers a short distance; the two serving men
+had gone to bed.
+
+George Clinton, half an hour before, had satisfied himself that his
+wounded guest slept soundly.
+
+His eyes fixed on vacancy, the young man was dreaming, giving way to
+soft and melancholy reverie; his soul, borne on the wings of fancy, was
+far away; it was wandering in the realms of space after the beloved,
+after the idolised young girl, for whom he had sacrificed and abandoned
+everything, and the mention of whose name made him quiver with delight.
+
+Suddenly he was awakened from his Elysian dream by an almost superhuman
+cry of anguish.
+
+The young man started as if he had received an electric shock; he
+turned pale, clutched the barrel of his rifle, and then listened,
+trying in vain to pierce the intense darkness which wrapped all nature
+as in a winding sheet.
+
+Some minutes passed, during which there was not a breath in the air,
+not the slightest sound. George Clinton breathed more freely, wiping
+the sweat from his brow.
+
+"Heaven be praised," he said, "I was mistaken."
+
+Scarcely had he uttered these words, which he hardly believed, when the
+same frightful cry was repeated.
+
+"It is a terrible warning," he cried; "some fearful crime is being
+accomplished. I cannot hesitate."
+
+And, without another thought, he darted off in the direction whence
+came the lugubrious sound.
+
+Almost ere George had quite disappeared in the darkness a shrill
+whistle, modulated in a certain way, was twice repeated; then a heavy
+black mass appeared crawling on the earth; this dark mass stopped at
+short intervals, and then again advanced. This strange phenomenon was
+soon followed by a second, a third, another, in all ten.
+
+In a few minutes all were round the hut. Then a second whistle was
+heard, a signal of course, as they all rose and revealed ten armed
+men. They were ferocious-looking beings, with sinister features--true
+bandits of the prairies.
+
+"We are the masters," said one; "the serving men sleep, the master is
+away, let us waste no time."
+
+"Do you know where he is?" asked a second.
+
+"I pretty well guess. The place is familiar to me. But let us be
+careful. I don't want to be caught."
+
+"Be satisfied; Versenca and Jonathan never left their post, and Paddy
+is on the watch. All is safe."
+
+"I am not more timid than another, but I like to be sure."
+
+"We are losing time, and should act."
+
+"Quite so, Sleepy; but I want to know why the captain, who must have
+heard our signal, is still quiet?"
+
+"But you know the captain is wounded."
+
+"True, but he is no puling girl to be affected for long by a wound. Let
+us go in and find him."
+
+"'Tis useless, I am here," said a grave voice.
+
+And a man leaning on his rifle and walking with some difficulty
+appeared before them in the doorway.
+
+"The captain!" they all cried.
+
+"Silence, boys," with an imperious gesture; "I am happy to see that you
+have not forgotten me."
+
+"Forgotten you!" cried Versenca, boldly; "Do we not follow wherever you
+go? Are we not devoted to you body and soul?"
+
+"Quite right," said the captain, with a bitter smile; "let us say no
+more about it. I am here, and all is well."
+
+"And now, captain, we await your orders."
+
+"Right! And how many are here?"
+
+"Ten here ready to obey--three on the watch."
+
+"Have you horses?--but of course, I need not ask. Bring them up and let
+us be off."
+
+"With empty pockets?" cried Sleepy.
+
+"What do you want?" asked the captain.
+
+"Want!" exclaimed Sleepy, shrugging his shoulders; "Why, is not this
+wigwam very rich, and the owner absent? There can be no two opinions as
+to what should be done."
+
+"Comrades," said Tom Mitchell, "the owner of this home found me wounded
+in the prairie and took me in."
+
+"We know that--what then?"
+
+"What then! Not only did George Clinton shelter me beneath his roof,
+but saved my life from the lynchers."
+
+"Thank goodness," said Versenca, "that induced him to leave the hut by
+the exercise of cunning."
+
+"Without violence, I hope," said Tom.
+
+"Quite so; sent him on a false trail, that is all."
+
+"Then you are agreed with me--no pillage."
+
+"No pillage!" cried all; "Let us go."
+
+None had entered the house, and now, on the order of the chief, they
+turned to go. George Clinton was before them.
+
+"Gentlemen," he cried, standing resolutely before them, "what is the
+meaning of this visit in my absence?"
+
+"Confound the fools who did not warn us."
+
+"I was never far. I have heard nearly all."
+
+"Much good may it do you; and now let us pass."
+
+"On the contrary; I decline to let you pass," said Clinton.
+
+"Good!" said Sleepy, rubbing his hands together; "After all there will
+be some broken bones here."
+
+"Perhaps," continued Oliver, clutching his rifle.
+
+"Ah! Ah! So the fun is going to begin," said the outlaw.
+
+"Silence," cried the captain, sternly; "silence, and fall back." As
+soon as they had obeyed he advanced to Clinton.
+
+"As you have heard our conversation," he said, "why do you try and
+oppose our free departure?"
+
+"Because, as you know, I am answerable for your person. I promised you
+should not leave my house until you were quite cured of your wounds."
+
+"Your solicitude for my health is charming," said the captain,
+ironically, "and I really know not how to thank you."
+
+"I take little interest in you. My honour is concerned."
+
+"You are not polite, while I try to be courteous. I will therefore
+simply remark that strength is on my side. Still I should be sorry to
+proceed to extremities."
+
+"Menaces are useless. Will you return to the house?"
+
+"The demand is ridiculous," cried the captain.
+
+"How so?" said a voice, and at the same time two magnificent dogs
+bounded to where Clinton stood.
+
+There was a moment of profound stupefaction on the part of the outlaws,
+who saw this succour arrive.
+
+Tom Mitchell, however, stooped towards Sleepy and whispered a few words
+in his ear. The man nodded, turned away and disappeared.
+
+"Beware!" said the captain; "I have hesitated to attack one man. But if
+blood is shed it is your fault."
+
+"We shall see," said Keen-hand, appearing beside his master, "you are
+ten and we are five. What do you think?"
+
+"Nothing," replied the chief, laughing; "but you seem to forget that we
+have the advantage of the situation. If we like we can take possession
+of the hut, whence I fancy my good friend will find it difficult to
+dislodge us."
+
+"Without counting that we are master of the person of the owner of the
+wigwam," cried Versenca, triumphantly.
+
+It was true. Assisted by the sentinels whom the outlaw had brought up
+behind, he had been seized.
+
+He was at once taken inside and then secured with his servants, whom
+the noise had at last aroused.
+
+But even this had not been done without a struggle. The two splendid
+dogs on seeing their master attacked had flown at the throats of the
+bandits, had knocked two down and throttled them in a minute; then,
+obedient to a whistle from Charbonneau, they had darted into a thicket,
+whence came a discharge of firearms. The three young men had returned.
+
+The outlaws retreated into the hut, prepared to defend themselves to
+the last gasp. Battle was imminent.
+
+"Stop," cried the voice of Oliver, "stop, for heaven's sake," and
+rushing forward he added, "Captain Tom Mitchell, I demand safety for
+myself and friends, and a truce until this unfortunate affair can be
+settled amicably. Speak."
+
+"I consent at once," said the captain, frankly; "what has happened was
+not of my doing. Down with your arms. Let all retain their positions.
+As for you, sir, you may advance, you are entirely under the protection
+of my honour."
+
+"I am here," replied Oliver, advancing.
+
+The two men went into the house and seated themselves at a table near
+an open window.
+
+"I am prepared to listen," said the captain; "I suppose you think I
+deceived you, or the young girl was gone."
+
+"It was our opinion, sir."
+
+"Don't be in the least uneasy," said the captain, "I only secured the
+girl as a hostage for my own safety."
+
+"A hostage!" replied Oliver.
+
+"Yes. I have an important question to treat of with her tribe. But let
+us speak of our own affairs."
+
+"I don't understand you."
+
+"I will explain, and you will find that all that has taken place today
+has been caused by yourself."
+
+"Really," cried Oliver, "I understand you less and less."
+
+"I have no doubt you are astonished," said the captain; "but we can
+come to an explanation in a few words, M. Oliver."
+
+"You know my name."
+
+"And a great many other things besides, as you will soon know,"
+continued the other, coldly; "but let me explain. For reasons which it
+is unnecessary to mention, I had deep interest in making acquaintance
+with two new arrivals in this country, you, sir, and Mr. George
+Clinton. My plan of introduction was rough. My wound, which I inflicted
+on myself, and which is only a scratch, deceived you all. I am now
+personally acquainted with you both, and I am delighted. Still, things
+looked ugly for me--but what is the use of a battle in which half of
+us would be massacred? I want nothing of the kind. I have important
+business to transact and must go. In this instance I count wholly on
+you."
+
+"On me, sir! By what title?"
+
+"I cannot explain. I have promised to restore Evening Dew, and I will
+keep my promise. Just now she serves as a hostage. She is treated with
+the utmost deference and respect. Now let me pass at once. Delay is
+useless."
+
+"But, sir--can I--" stammered Oliver.
+
+"Save an outlaw, a man with a price on his head!" said the other,
+bitterly; "But I am not what I seem. One day--"
+
+But Oliver was thinking, and, after some minutes of reflection, said,
+"It shall be as you wish."
+
+"Thank you; and now away to your friends and take George Clinton with
+you," said the captain.
+
+Oliver went out with the young American and soon returned.
+
+"You are free to return with your companions," he said, on re-entering
+the hut; "I give you my word."
+
+"Farewell until we meet again. We part friends."
+
+"I have no hatred against you, but I sincerely hope we shall never meet
+again."
+
+"It shall be as Providence wills," was the reply.
+
+Five minutes later the outlaws were galloping away, and soon
+disappeared in the darkness.
+
+"Who is this man?" murmured Oliver, sadly; "Is he one of those enemies
+who pursue me everywhere?"
+
+At that moment his friends came up and his thoughts went into a
+different channel. Still he did not easily forget his interview with
+that extraordinary man, who seemed to know him, and by whom he was
+really fascinated.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+SAMUEL AND JOSHUA.
+
+
+After leaving George Clinton, Samuel Dickson went at once to the
+residence of his brother Joshua.
+
+The sun was still high in the heavens when he reached the settlement;
+his brother was in sight, galloping towards him.
+
+"Come along," he cried, shaking hands; "I was so impatient to see you,
+I really could not wait any longer."
+
+"I hope there is nothing wrong, brother," said Samuel.
+
+"Nothing at all. Everything is going for the best."
+
+"I am glad to hear it. I was rather uneasy."
+
+"I am sorry to hear that. But why are you so late?"
+
+"I had to go on a small journey. There was no hurry."
+
+"You are wrong, Sam. But here you are, and all is well. But had you
+come sooner it would have been better."
+
+"Well, here I am, so out with the news."
+
+"I have to speak of important things, and I have to ask your advice,
+who are wisdom itself."
+
+"Awfully wise," cried Samuel, laughing, "when in the end I only carry
+out all your insane ideas."
+
+"True! But still you were generally right. The fact is, if you speak
+words of wisdom, and then act a little the other way, it is simply out
+of love for me. I know it, my brother. I am not ungrateful, and love
+you dearly."
+
+"I don't doubt your affection. But you alarm me."
+
+"Why?" said Joshua, laughing.
+
+"Whenever you talk like this, I smell a rat, in the shape of some awful
+scheme, some diabolical plot."
+
+"I see you are not to be easily deceived," said Joshua; "but come in,
+let us eat, and then talk. The matter of which I wish to speak is of
+general interest."
+
+"As you will; but still I am monstrously afraid."
+
+"I know you are a great coward," cried Joshua.
+
+At this moment they reached the house, alighted, and, giving the horses
+to the servants, entered the parlour, escorted by Dardar, who had come
+to meet them.
+
+The two ladies received Samuel cordially.
+
+"Here he is at last, Susan," said her husband.
+
+"He has been anxious about you all day," cried Susan.
+
+"Then he has some mad scheme. But we shall see presently. Good evening,
+Diana, my dear. You look well."
+
+"A truce to compliments," cried Joshua; "to supper."
+
+They now entered the dining room, where the whole household was
+collected, men, women, and children. Of course, enormous quantities of
+meat, bread, and vegetables adorned the board. The repast was truly
+Homeric.
+
+After dinner the servants retired, and the ladies would have done the
+same, but Joshua detained them.
+
+The ladies seated themselves with a rather uneasy glance. He poured out
+a stiff glass for himself and brother and drank his off.
+
+"Thank heaven!" he began, "We are now solidly established in our new
+dwelling, and it is time to speak of business."
+
+"Hilloa! Talk business now? It is late. Why can we not put off our
+business arrangements until tomorrow?"
+
+"You forget, my brother, I sent for you on purpose--"
+
+"I remember--well, go on, I am at your orders."
+
+"Harry, have you obeyed my orders?" asked Joshua.
+
+"Yes, father," replied the young man.
+
+"All right," continued the squatter, refilling his glass. "Your health,
+all of you. In an hour, I'm off."
+
+"Off!" cried the ladies, in great alarm.
+
+"Hem!" said Samuel; "If you are not satisfied here, I am."
+
+"I don't want to drag you into my affairs," replied Joshua, coolly.
+"But I shall not be long away. It is only a journey."
+
+"I thought," exclaimed Samuel, "he was as mad as ever; will you explain
+the object of this journey or exploration?"
+
+"One which you will highly approve, my brother," he went on. "I desire
+to open up commercial relations."
+
+"Very good idea. But what is your precise motive?"
+
+"I have said enough. I think my object serious."
+
+"Well, if you have no more to say, stop at home."
+
+"Will you tell me why?" asked Joshua.
+
+"Because your voyage is utterly useless. All the information you can
+desire to obtain I can give you in ten minutes."
+
+"You!" cried Joshua, wildly.
+
+"Certainly!" said Samuel, modestly; "I can, and will do so, if you will
+be good enough to listen to me."
+
+"I shall only be too happy. Still I don't understand!"
+
+"That is unnecessary. You must know that I have obtained my information
+from hunters and redskins."
+
+"Hunters! Redskins!" cried Joshua.
+
+"Don't you know they swarm about here? I never go out without meeting
+some of them. So I say stop at home."
+
+"Explain yourself, brother," said Joshua, sulkily.
+
+"Well, you think yourself very far from all white folk. You are very
+much mistaken. Learn, then, that though we are in the centre of the
+most warlike tribes of Indians, you have new forts not very far off,
+including a fur station."
+
+"Can it be possible?" exclaimed Joshua.
+
+"And my friend and brother, are you aware what magnificent river runs
+at your own door? The Missouri!"
+
+Joshua bowed his head on his chest and was silent, while Samuel rubbed
+his hands and smiled slyly.
+
+"What do you think of the information?" he said at last.
+
+"If you are certain of what you say, it is excellent."
+
+"Then you give up the idea of your journey?"
+
+"Certainly not. Admitting that all you tell me be true, it is of the
+highest importance for me to visit the fur station and all other
+settlements above and below us on the river, in order to become
+friendly, and prevent rivalry."
+
+"What rivalry?" half screamed Samuel.
+
+"Any that might arise. Of course they will soon know all about me and
+might interrupt my commercial speculations."
+
+"A fool will have his own way," cried his brother.
+
+"Abuse is not argument, my brother," said Joshua.
+
+"I apologise; but you are determined to go. I see you are; then heaven
+protect all in your absence."
+
+"Will you take no advice?" ventured Susan.
+
+"I have made up my mind," he replied; "I never alter."
+
+"But, father," cried Diana, "what are we to do during your absence? You
+leave us wholly undefended."
+
+"Silence, daughter," said the squatter, smiling; "don't be so tragical.
+I do not leave you undefended, as you say. Your uncle will watch over
+you. Your brother Henry commands in my absence. You have a fort. What
+more is wanted?"
+
+"How do you mean to travel?" asked Susan.
+
+"In the boat I launched today, with Sam, Jack, and two servants. I do
+not take away many defenders."
+
+"But you are not here to lead."
+
+"That is enough," he cried; "I have decided. Besides, it would be
+absurd not to visit my new neighbourhood."
+
+No more was said. The squatter was escorted by all to the riverside. He
+bade them all adieu, kissed his wife and daughter, shook hands with his
+brother, gave his son Henry some last directions, entered the boat,
+and was off in a very few minutes, whistling "Yankee Doodle," perhaps
+in reality to hide his strong emotion from his two sons.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+NEW CHARACTERS.
+
+
+We now visit a beautiful gold-sanded strand on the right banks of the
+Missouri, about fifty miles from the new settlement in Moose Deer
+Valley, and about equidistant from the strong fort already established
+by the fur company.
+
+This strand, which was only reached by a narrow defile between two
+perpendicular mountains, was exactly opposite an island of which it
+was impossible to make out the dimensions, which, however, were very
+considerable.
+
+Lights shone like will-o'-the-wisps in a fog; the island, which was
+thickly wooded, communicated with the mainland by means of a dangerous
+ford, full of holes and whirlpools. It was too dangerous to be
+adventured in by any but those who knew it. The island, moreover, was
+guarded by two eminences overlooking the ford, and which commanded the
+approach against any enemy if well defended. On the other side the
+island was inaccessible.
+
+This island was the refuge, the fortress of the terrible outlaws of the
+Missouri, with whom we have made acquaintance.
+
+Originally it had been selected by the Government as an outpost, but
+the partisans had first taken it and made it impregnable.
+
+As the outlaws rarely interfered with citizens of the United States,
+generally very poor in those regions, the Government, well aware of
+its impotence to dislodge the pirates, pretended to look upon them as
+irregular troops doing service.
+
+But the outlaws knew that if the authorities only had the chance they
+would be exterminated.
+
+But that part of America was little peopled, and few except trappers
+and wanderers knew anything of its capacities. The outlaws, therefore,
+to a certain extent, were pretty certain of impunity for all their
+actions for the time.
+
+A hundred horsemen were camped on the strand of which we have spoken;
+their horses were picketed near their fodder, around the campfires
+numerous groups were talking or sleeping, while on every hand walked
+sentinels.
+
+In a hut composed of whittled boughs and mud, a man sat on a buffalo's
+head, consulting papers from a large pocketbook. Another man stood
+respectfully by him, awaiting his orders. The first man was Captain Tom
+Mitchell, the other was Camotte.
+
+A sentinel kept guard in front of the cabin.
+
+It was about four o'clock in the morning. The stars were beginning to
+pale in the sky, the sky was covered by fleecy white clouds. Day was at
+hand; a fog rose from the river, and covered the camp as with a funeral
+pall. It was cold.
+
+"I say," cried Tom, "I am frozen. Are you asleep, Camotte?"
+
+"No, my lord."
+
+"Then shove some wood on the fire, it's nearly out."
+
+Camotte threw on some dry wood, which flared up.
+
+"Something like," said Mitchell; "and now let us talk, Camotte. By the
+way, I may as well ask you, are you very tired?"
+
+"I am never too tired to serve you, Excellency," said the other.
+
+"I knew you would say that," cried Mitchell; "true, I saved your life
+twice, but we have been quits long ago."
+
+"And yet I want to ask a favour."
+
+"Anything, except leave me," replied Tom Mitchell.
+
+"Never; it is something else. It is simply this; don't, your lordship,
+give me such another mission. Whatever you may think, my master," cried
+Camotte, warmly, "it is not pleasant to play the part of a traitor and
+scoundrel."
+
+"I think you did it very cleverly," laughed Tom; "there, you are an old
+fool. Whom else could I trust? Having settled that very important fact,
+any news on the island?"
+
+"Evening Dew frets. You should send her home--all the more that it
+makes some people talk," he added.
+
+"Who has dared?" said Tom Mitchell, frowning.
+
+"Stewart. But don't worry; I settled him by blowing his brains out, and
+no one else has since made an observation."
+
+"All right. What about the river?"
+
+"Five men went down in a canoe yesterday. It was the squatter of the
+valley, his two sons, and black servants."
+
+"Where on earth could he be going to?" mused Tom.
+
+"Well, we can find out by stopping him on his return."
+
+"I'll see about it. Anything else?"
+
+"Hum! You have had Major Ardenwood's letter asking an interview today?
+Oh, yes! There are some Frenchmen at the fort, at all events, one of
+them. Still I am aware that three strangers will accompany the major."
+
+"Whom did you send out to inquire?"
+
+"Tete de Plume. I could not send Versenca; in the first place, because
+he was drunk; secondly, because I don't like him."
+
+Then, after a pause, Tom whispered to Camotte, who listened with deep
+and almost religious attention.
+
+"And now," said Tom, "that you understand me, away."
+
+Camotte went out. The worthy Mexican was the devoted friend, the alter
+ego, and moreover the lieutenant of Tom Mitchell, who wholly confided
+in him. Despite of events we have described before, Camotte was worthy
+of his trust.
+
+The chief of the outlaws quietly made some alterations in his toilette,
+which was a little out of order from his long journey. He had just come
+off a distant expedition. The booty had been at once transferred to the
+island.
+
+Having done this he drew the curtain that served as a door.
+
+The camp no longer looked the same. The fire was out. The two eminences
+were guarded by sharpshooters. A detachment of twenty men guarded the
+entrance to the defile. The rest of the troop were ready to mount at a
+sign.
+
+Tom Mitchell looked about him with an air of satisfaction. Camotte had
+executed all his orders faithfully.
+
+At this moment the sun rose. It was like a theatrical scene. Light fell
+suddenly upon everything.
+
+"Oh!" cried the captain as a bugle sounded in the distance from the
+defile, "I was just in time."
+
+He stood erect in front of his hut, leaning on his cavalry sword, and
+waited with sublime tranquillity.
+
+After some few words had passed, four strangers, one in the uniform of
+a major of the American army, came out from the defile, led by Camotte,
+who walked respectfully in front of them, and made their way in the
+direction of the captain.
+
+"Good day, Captain Mitchell," said the major.
+
+"You did me the honour to write," observed Mitchell.
+
+"Well, I have some important business to talk about; but first allow
+me to present to you these two gentlemen. They are French, and
+consequently I cannot pronounce their names. Oh, I assure you they are
+worthy gentlemen."
+
+And the fat major laughed heartily.
+
+The captain bowed to the two Frenchmen without speaking. One was a man
+of about fifty, still young, and with apparently polished manners and
+rather haughty mien; the other, much younger, was bronzed by the sun,
+strong, and rather rough.
+
+"This gentleman," continued the major, "is our own countryman, Mr.
+Stoneweld, of Boston city."
+
+"I think you know me," observed the apoplectic speaker.
+
+"Who does not know Master Stoneweld, of the house of Stoneweld, Errard,
+and Co., the richest shipowner in all Boston?"
+
+The stout man smiled with an air of satisfaction.
+
+"It seems you know one another," cried the major. "I am glad of it,
+because everything will go smoothly."
+
+"How so?" cried Tom Mitchell.
+
+"My dear captain, these gentlemen want you; they came to me for that
+purpose. Certainly their business must indeed be of an important
+character," he added, "to induce them to make such an awful journey,
+lasting over a month."
+
+"It must be serious business," said the captain.
+
+"The two French gentlemen bring letters from the Home Secretary."
+
+"Indeed!"
+
+"And Master Stoneweld one from General Jackson," added the major, "So
+now I expect you will do the best you can."
+
+"Have no fear."
+
+"Of course not, though I know you are rather hot at times. As for
+myself, I am choked with fog and hoarseness," he added.
+
+"I am at the orders of these gentlemen," replied the captain. "I shall
+be happy to do all in my power for them."
+
+"Spoken like a man," said the major in a fidgety way. "But this seems
+hardly the place for a serious conversation."
+
+"I am sorry for it," replied Tom Mitchell coldly. "I was not told until
+the last minute, and you must take me in the rough."
+
+"Why not go over to the island?" suggested the major. "I dare say we
+should be more at our ease--eh, captain?"
+
+"I am sorry, major, but it would take too much time. Besides, I have
+already provided refreshments here, if you will accept."
+
+"With the greatest of pleasure," cried the major, coughing behind his
+hand; "and yet these gentlemen have important matters to discuss, very
+important matters," he added, complacently.
+
+"What matter, major? Breakfast first, business afterwards."
+
+"As you will," said the major, following him into the hut.
+
+By the orders of Camotte, during this conversation a very copious
+breakfast had been prepared. It was almost wholly composed of venison;
+but flanking the solids were a number of long-necked bottles that at
+once showed their Bordeaux and Burgundian origin, to say nothing of
+some brands of Champagne so dear to Americans.
+
+The major was so delighted that he said "Hum!" no less than three
+times, and then spoke to the outlaw chief.
+
+"Let them say what they like," he cried, "you are a man."
+
+"I am proud to hear it," cried Tom. "Let us be seated."
+
+The Frenchmen had hitherto said nothing. The elder now spoke. As the
+captain invited them to commence breakfast, he said:
+
+"Above all, sir, allow me to observe that before commencing business
+you offer us bread and salt."
+
+"You are my guests, gentlemen," said the captain, gravely; "you are
+under the safeguard of my honour, that is enough."
+
+"The major has indicated that we each wish to see you alone."
+
+"Which means?" asked the outlaw.
+
+"That I desire, as these conversations may probably be of very long
+duration, to see you quite alone," he added.
+
+"Sit down and eat," replied the outlaw. "After the repast you and
+your companions will follow me to the island. Once more, are you not
+satisfied?"
+
+"Of course," cried the major; "if not, I go bail for you."
+
+"Thank you, major; and now eat, drink, and be merry."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+TOM MITCHELL AS REDRESSER OF WRONGS.
+
+
+The ice once broken, through the instrumentality of the Burgundy,
+Bordeaux, and Champagne, all went on swimmingly.
+
+Major Ardenwood, who, perhaps, alone of all those present had nothing
+to conceal, and who was naturally a bon vivant, did all in his power to
+make himself the convivial leader of this improvised party, composed
+of so many various elements. He was warmly supported by the captain,
+who showed all the best qualities of a true amphitrion, and treated his
+guests with a generosity and courtesy which quite charmed them.
+
+Of course not a word was said of the object for which they had met. In
+fact, the subject was carefully avoided.
+
+The major was the first to rise.
+
+"The best of friends," he said, "must part. I am wanted at the fort,
+and with your permission will retire."
+
+"I thought," observed the captain of the outlaws, "your intention was
+to wait for these gentlemen here."
+
+"No; on reflection," replied the major, laughing, "I should only be in
+their way. I will wait at the fort."
+
+"I will escort them myself," said Tom Mitchell.
+
+"That will be the better plan," continued the major. "Thanks for your
+hospitality. The wines were excellent."
+
+"I will send you a few baskets, major."
+
+"Many thanks," cried the American, shaking hands, and then departing
+under the guidance of Camotte.
+
+"We can now go to the island," said the captain.
+
+"On foot, on horseback, or do we swim?" said the young Frenchman.
+
+"You will see. Follow me, gentlemen," replied Tom.
+
+They did so, and found a boat ready for their reception. On the
+invitation of the captain they all seated themselves.
+
+"Now, gentlemen," said Tom Mitchell, with a smile, "you must pardon
+me, but I must blindfold you. Fear nothing," he added, as he saw them
+start. "It is the custom. No stranger has ever entered the island in
+any other way. Besides, you are not obliged; only if you refuse you
+must return."
+
+"Do as you like," cried the elder Frenchman.
+
+Some men who held pocket handkerchiefs now approached, and deftly bound
+their eyes. The boat then started. In a few minutes they felt the boat
+strike against another shore, and received a slight shock as it did so.
+
+"Don't touch your bands," cried the captain; "wait a while."
+
+They were then lifted up with every precaution by several men, who soon
+put them down, removing the bandages.
+
+Looking round, they found themselves in a vast chamber, furnished with
+every regard to comfort and elegance.
+
+The captain was alone, the men having left.
+
+"Welcome, gentlemen," he said. "I hope the frank and cordial
+hospitality I shall offer you will make you excuse this precaution."
+
+The strangers merely bowed.
+
+"I need not remind you, gentlemen," continued Tom Mitchell, "that
+you are at home; but, in order not to detain you any longer than is
+absolutely necessary, let us to business. Will you follow me, sir,
+first?"
+
+This was said to the younger Frenchman. As he spoke he opened a door
+and the two passed out together.
+
+The two other strangers remained alone. The Frenchman, with a frown,
+began to walk up and down whistling; the American sat down.
+
+As soon as Tom Mitchell had the other alone, he cried--
+
+"Sir, tell me at once if I am mistaken."
+
+"I see you have a good memory," replied the other, "and yet it is a
+very long time ago since we met."
+
+"Then I am not mistaken?" cried Tom Mitchell.
+
+"Monsieur Maillard, my name is Pierre Durand."
+
+"Who saved the life of myself and father," said Tom, shaking him by the
+hand, "even though you knew--"
+
+"I knew that your father an hour before had sat as president of the
+grim tribunal of the Abbaye," replied the young Frenchman. "I knew the
+intense hatred which was felt towards you; still, I drew you more dead
+than alive from the river."
+
+"You did more--you hid us and helped us to escape."
+
+"It was tit for tat; your father once saved my life."
+
+"But you paid your debt with usury. When I parted from you at New
+York--I was sixteen then--I said, 'Whatever happens, my life, my
+fortune, my honour is at your disposal.' I am ready to fulfil my
+promise, so speak."
+
+"I knew you would do all in your power," said Pierre Durand; "therefore
+I have come. How is your father?"
+
+"He has become an Indian, and wholly broken with everything in the
+shape of civilisation," said Tom.
+
+"Is he happy?" asked Durand.
+
+"Yes. He was a man of conviction. His faults--his crimes if you
+like--during the Reign of Terror were caused by his extreme sincerity.
+In that time of awful and terrible commotion," continued Tom, "he acted
+wholly conscientiously."
+
+"I believe it, and therefore do not presume to be his judge. I am but
+a weak and ordinary man," cried Durand; "when the time comes God will
+judge these Titans of the revolution according to their merits and
+convictions."
+
+"Doubtless. I shall let him know of your coming; but why?"
+
+"A question of life and death in connection with my best friend, a man
+I love as a brother," cried Durand.
+
+"Say no more. An express shall start at once."
+
+"Have you received any letters signed '_An old friend_'?"
+
+"Many! I presume, then, that you are that friend; but why not avow
+yourself?"
+
+"I could not."
+
+"If all you tell me in those letters be true, it is an odious and
+infamous action," cried Tom Mitchell.
+
+"I know it is, and I have counted on you and your father to see that
+justice be done," continued Durand.
+
+"Count on me," said Tom. "I have seen your friend, and though he does
+not like me, he won my heart at once."
+
+"He will change his mind."
+
+"But what can my father do in the matter?"
+
+"Everything. You must now understand, my friend, that if I have
+abandoned my ship in New York to the care of my mate, if I, who hate
+dry land, have started on a journey through the desert, it must be for
+powerful reasons."
+
+"Doubtless. May I ask what they are?"
+
+"Because, my friend, here in there is his most implacable, most
+ruthless foe," cried Durand.
+
+"Here!" exclaimed Tom.
+
+"Yes--here, in this island, in that room," replied Pierre Durand,
+pointing to the one they had left.
+
+"Are you sure of his identity?" asked Mitchell.
+
+"I have watched him for five years, followed in his track, known every
+movement he has made," said Durand.
+
+"And he does not know you?" cried Tom.
+
+"He knows me very well. He came over in my ship; we are the best of
+friends; he tried to buy me over."
+
+"This is incredible," observed the outlaw.
+
+"Yet true. I am his confidante, his devoted servant; I enter into all
+his views, and he counts on me as a slave."
+
+Both young men burst out laughing.
+
+"Then you have come from New York together?"
+
+"Not at all. We met at the fort two days ago, and as I am no longer
+disguised," said Pierre Durand, "despite all his cunning, he knew me
+not."
+
+"Well, the matter is settled," said Tom Mitchell, in a whisper; "we
+have our man here; he shall never leave."
+
+"My friend," said Pierre Durand, gravely, "that is not the game we have
+to play. He is as slippery as an eel."
+
+"I don't think, if I made up my mind," said the outlaw chief, with a
+sinister smile, "he would ever escape me."
+
+"Well, there is a time for everything. In the first place, learn his
+projects, so that we may unmask him. This will be all the more easy,"
+said the sea captain, "in that we know who he is, while he is ignorant
+of our designs."
+
+"There is one thing worth mentioning," said the outlaw; "I, too, know
+him well. He will be rather surprised presently."
+
+"Be careful. One word might put him on his guard."
+
+"Is not my whole life passed," continued the outlaw, sadly, "in
+outdoing others in cunning and diplomacy?"
+
+"True. I leave, then, everything to you."
+
+"And now learn, my friend, that you are free as air, and absolute
+master of my domains," he added, laughing. Then he picked three
+flowers, and placing them in his buttonhole, said, "This will give
+you free passage everywhere you like. Now for your two travelling
+companions. But follow me."
+
+He opened a door opposite that by which they had entered, and, crossing
+several apartments, at last came to a room which overlooked a charming
+and elegant garden.
+
+"Here you are at home," he said; "come, go, do just as you like. At the
+end of the garden you will find a door opening on the woods. We shall
+dine at six. Be back by that time, and you will find the table laid
+here. We can then explain all."
+
+With these words the outlaw left his friend.
+
+As soon as he had returned to his private room, Tom Mitchell, or
+Maillard, son of the terrible judge of the Reign of Terror, sat down
+before a table, wrote a few lines, sealed the letter carefully, and
+then struck a gong.
+
+At once Camotte appeared and took the letter.
+
+"Send this letter to my father by express," he said; "let him kill his
+horse, but let me have the answer."
+
+"He shall be gone in five minutes."
+
+"And now," continued Tom Mitchell, with a sarcastic smile, "send that
+fat American in here."
+
+Camotte bowed and retired. Next moment the great American shipowner
+came in puffing and blowing.
+
+"Sit down, sir," said Tom Mitchell.
+
+The fat man obeyed with a grunt.
+
+"I think it rather hard that a man like me--"
+
+"Pardon me," said the captain, coldly; "allow me to remark, before you
+go any further, that I have no need of you, and did not send for you.
+You it is who, in the company of several other gentlemen, have come
+to me. All of you have, I dare say, serious reasons for taking this
+extraordinary step. I have in no way solicited the honour. All I can do
+is to listen to each in his turn. I have seen one and settled with him;
+if you have anything to say to me, speak."
+
+This speech, pronounced in a clear, bold tone, not unmixed with
+sarcasm, at once, as if by enchantment, calmed the irritation of the
+fat man. At all events, it compelled him to dissimulate it. After,
+therefore, mopping his head and face several times with a pocket
+handkerchief, and coughing once or twice behind his hand, he spoke--
+
+"I was angry, sir," he said, "and own it freely."
+
+"Be pleased, sir, to come at once to business," continued Tom Mitchell;
+"another person waits."
+
+"You are, I believe, well acquainted with me?"
+
+"I have known you a long time," remarked Tom.
+
+"Sir, I have a nephew; he is the son of my wife's brother," began the
+other, "a very near relative."
+
+"Well, sir?"
+
+"This nephew, though a charming youth," cried Stoneweld, "is mad,
+utterly, hopelessly mad, sir."
+
+"Really, sir," said the captain, "and have you come all this way to
+tell me this piece of news?"
+
+"Pardon me, sir. When I say that he is mad, I believe I exaggerate.
+I should rather say that his intense folly has taken the form of
+monomania. This charming young man, as I have the honour to tell you,
+is in love, sir."
+
+"A very natural matter at his age."
+
+"But, sir," cried the shipowner, "he is in love with a young person in
+no way suited to his station."
+
+"Perhaps he does not think so."
+
+"Of course, sir, it is not his opinion. But it is mine. I am a serious
+man; I feel a great interest in him. Now that his father is dead I
+am his legal guardian--though he repudiates me. Now, sir, would you
+believe it," cried the fat man, "I had arranged with his aunt, my wife,
+the most delicious marriage for him with a young girl--I may as well be
+frank, a niece of my own?"
+
+"And he wouldn't have her," said Tom.
+
+"No, sir, he actually would not have her. Do you understand such folly
+on his part?" cried the other.
+
+"Well, it is strange. But what have I to do with it?"
+
+"I will explain if you will allow me."
+
+"I really should feel much obliged," urged Tom.
+
+"After refusing contemptuously this eligible alliance, which united
+every condition of age and fortune and position, what did the fool do?
+Excuse me if in my anger I speak thus of a nephew I love. One fine
+morning, without saying a word to anybody, he left his business to a
+partner, and started off, sir--what for?"
+
+"Well, how can I say?" asked Tom.
+
+"In pursuit of this wretched girl without family or fortune, whose
+parents had emigrated to the Indian frontier."
+
+"Oh, oh!" said the captain, who began to feel interested, and who
+listened with a gloomy frown.
+
+"Yes, sir," said the fat man, too wrapped up in his narrative to notice
+the other's looks, "so that my nephew must be somewhere here about this
+neighbourhood, looking after his beauty, neglecting his affairs and
+fortune Tor a girl he will certainly never marry."
+
+"How do you know, sir?"
+
+"At all events I will do everything in my power to prevent it," cried
+the irate citizen of Boston.
+
+"How will you set about it?"
+
+"Sir, I have been told that you were the only man in these parts
+capable of arresting a fugitive."
+
+"You do me too much honour."
+
+"I have a number of unclosed accounts, needless to explain, with his
+father. Arrest the young man, sir!" cried the Bostonian; "Arrest him
+and place him safely in my hands, and the sum of one thousand guineas
+is yours."
+
+As he spoke, the worthy shipowner pulled out an enormous pocketbook
+from his coat and opened it.
+
+"Excuse me, sir," said the captain, "do not let us be in quite such a
+hurry. You have not quite finished."
+
+"How so?" cried the American.
+
+"You have forgotten," said the captain with simple frankness, "to tell
+me the name of your foolish nephew."
+
+"George Clinton, sir, a very fine lad, though I say it."
+
+"I know him," retorted the captain, coldly.
+
+"You know him!" exclaimed the shipowner, "Then the affair is settled.
+You will have him arrested."
+
+"Perhaps," said Tom Mitchell; "I will reflect on the affair, which is
+not so easy as you may suppose."
+
+"To you, the chief of the outlaws?"
+
+"George Clinton is not alone. He has many and powerful friends on the
+frontier."
+
+"But I have plenty of money."
+
+"I tell you, I will reflect. You will now return to the fort under
+escort. In two days you shall have my answer."
+
+"But allow me to pay you a deposit," cried the other.
+
+"Keep your money for the present," said Tom, and striking a gong,
+Camotte appeared as if by magic.
+
+"But--" blustered the rich merchant.
+
+"Not another word, sir. Wait patiently for my reply. I am your most
+obedient servant."
+
+And led away by Camotte, the rich shipowner of Boston went out
+spluttering and perspiring as before.
+
+"Now," said the captain to himself, with a sarcastic smile, "let us see
+what the other fellow is made of."
+
+He went to the door, and, entering the cavern, bowed to the Frenchman,
+who was still walking up and down.
+
+"Will you be good enough to come this way, Monsieur Hebrard," he said,
+with an engaging smile.
+
+The Frenchman looked at him with astonishment, but on a repetition of
+the invitation went in.
+
+The captain chuckled to himself at this evidence of the other's utter
+surprise and bewilderment.
+
+It was as if he had scored one.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+A DIPLOMATIC CONVERSATION BETWEEN TWO RASCALS.
+
+
+The two men looked at one another for some minutes in silence, just as
+two clever duelists might have done before venturing on the attack. But
+though each tried to read the other, their faces were like marble.
+
+At a mute invitation from the outlaw, the stranger took a seat, and at
+once commenced the conversation.
+
+"Sir," he said, "it is a matter of surprise, that you, a perfect
+stranger, should address me by a name--"
+
+"Which is or has once been yours, monsieur," answered the outlaw chief,
+with freezing politeness.
+
+"That is quite possible. I do not deny it. When one travels in foreign
+parts on important business, incognito--"
+
+"Is adopted, I am aware, which only deceives fools and dupes," said the
+outlaw, speaking slowly.
+
+"What do you mean, sir?" cried the other.
+
+"I recollect a certain Count de Mas d'Azyr, an excellent gentleman of
+Languedoc, who had this mania."
+
+The stranger shivered all over, and a lightning flash darted from
+beneath his dark and heavy eyebrows.
+
+"Well," continued the outlaw, with imperturbable sang-froid, "his noble
+manners so thoroughly denounced him, despite the plebeian names he
+chose to assume, that he was compelled at the end of a few minutes to
+give up this absurd acting."
+
+"Really, sir," cried the stranger, "I do not see the meaning or
+relevance of your allusions."
+
+"I permit myself no allusions," said the outlaw, with the utmost
+suavity. "Very far from it. What matters it to me, I ask, whether you
+call yourself Hebrard, Count de Mas d'Azyr, Philippe de Salnam, Jean
+Lerou, or take any other alias?"
+
+"Sir!" cried the other.
+
+"Allow me, I pray, to conclude. In you I only recognise a person who
+is very warmly recommended to me, who has need of my services, and at
+whose disposition I therefore place myself at once--ready to serve him
+if possible," he continued; "at all events we can talk, and I should be
+glad to know in what way I can be of use."
+
+"Sir," said the stranger, smiling, "you are agreeable and witty. I find
+that people make mistakes in their idea of you."
+
+"I am obliged by your high consideration," continued the outlaw; "still
+this does not explain to me--"
+
+"Who I am," cried the other, with feigned candour; "well, sir,
+considering you have mentioned so many names--"
+
+"You allow, then, that I was right."
+
+"Certainly; you were quite right," answered the other, quickly; "I
+therefore sincerely beg your pardon."
+
+"It is not at all necessary."
+
+"There is, however, one thing that I must confess puzzles me very
+much," continued the envoy.
+
+"May I, without offence, ask what that is?"
+
+"No offence. I should certainly be only too glad to have an explanation
+with you on the subject."
+
+"If it depends upon me," the other said.
+
+"It depends absolutely on you. I always thought I had a good memory. I
+believe myself to be a very good physiognomist, but really I have no
+recollection of you."
+
+The outlaw burst into a roar of laughter.
+
+"Which only proves," he added, when he recovered himself, "that I am
+much more clever at incognito than you."
+
+"Which means--"
+
+"That not only have we met, monsieur, but that we have carried on a
+long connection," said Tom.
+
+"Many years ago?"
+
+"Not at all, sir. I speak of very recent times, though I will allow
+that our acquaintance commenced long ago."
+
+"You astonish me," said the Frenchman.
+
+"The matter is very easily explained. We have found ourselves connected
+at different times, under four different names: I have told you yours,
+I will now tell mine. Do you remember Louis Querehard? Do you recollect
+Francois Magnaud, Paul Sambrun, and Pedro Lopez?"
+
+"Perfectly," cried the other.
+
+"Well, sir, those four individuals you now see present under the name
+of Tom Mitchell, your very humble servant; though," he added, with
+exquisite politeness, yet with a tint of irony, "I have several others
+available on occasion."
+
+"Well, sir," cried the stranger, "you have indeed taken me in. I was a
+fool not to recognise you."
+
+"Sir!" cried the outlaw.
+
+"Let us call things by their names. It is by far the best plan. I am
+indeed not to be forgiven for being taken in like any novice. I deserve
+to be dismissed from the service of the Government which employs me,
+and which believes me to be worthy of credit, as possessing a certain
+amount of wit and diplomatic ability. Well, it is useless to discuss
+the matter any longer. Give me your hand, sir," he cried; "you are my
+master. We bear no malice."
+
+"I only wanted to prove--" said the outlaw.
+
+"That I was a fool--and I must say you have done so to my entire
+satisfaction," he added, in a tone of complete good humour. "But
+however unpleasant the shock is to my self-love, I am delighted at what
+has happened."
+
+"How so?" asked the outlaw, in the same tone.
+
+"Because the ice is broken between us, and we can come to an
+understanding; the more readily," he added, "that the matters I have
+to speak of are the same as before."
+
+"If that be so," said the outlaw, "we can easily come to terms."
+
+"Is it not so? Now here is the affair in two words. The revolution
+is over in France. Beneath the hand of the mighty man of genius
+whose talent and patriotism have raised him to power, Government has
+recovered its strength, society begins to breathe, the nation is once
+more rising to its proper position amidst the people; New France has
+entire faith in the man whose every step has hitherto been marked by
+victory, which has definitively declared on his side."
+
+"I presume," said the outlaw, quietly, "that you are speaking of the
+General Bonaparte."
+
+"Of no other. This great, this extraordinary man has, with his mighty
+hand, put down the Jacobins and the mob, driving them back to their
+original nothingness. He has chained forever the awful hydra of
+revolution. You have, then, heard of him?"
+
+"Most certainly," said the son of Maillard, coldly.
+
+"I am glad to hear it. This great man, who is as mighty a politician
+as he is a successful general, has followed, while slightly modifying
+it, the line traced by the national convention of execrable memory with
+regard to the Spanish colonies."
+
+"Sir," said the son of the regicide, "you are hard upon fallen men,
+upon vanquished enemies, who, if they were guilty of faults--of crimes
+if you will--did very great and glorious things, giving the first
+signal for social regeneration over the world."
+
+"It is useless, sir," said the envoy, "to discuss that matter. My
+convictions are very strong."
+
+"Well, sir, if that be so," replied the outlaw, "let us return to the
+General Bonaparte, and pray explain to me his new plans with regard to
+the Spanish possessions in America."
+
+"They are no new plans," observed the envoy; "only the old ones
+modified to a certain extent."
+
+"Modified in what way?"
+
+"There are two capital points. In the first place he wishes a cordial
+and frank alliance with the President of the United States, who
+cordially approves the policy of the French Government, which will, in
+the end, be to the advantage of America. Then he has given extensive
+powers to numerous sure and accredited agents, who, though, are not
+openly known because of the temporary Franco-Spanish alliance. Large
+sums of money have been provided by means of which to overthrow that
+species of Chinese wall with which Spain has surrounded its frontiers,
+which none ever cross and return."
+
+"Sir," said the outlaw, with a smile, "I have crossed them many a time
+and oft, and yet here I am."
+
+"It is precisely because of that fact that I am here."
+
+"Ah! Ah!" said the outlaw, with a laugh; "After all, despite your
+denials, you had seen through my incognito."
+
+"Well, it is useless to deny it. I have long known you to be a man of
+heart and action. I also know that by means of your vast connections
+no one can more readily help us to revolutionise the colonies. Besides,
+you are a Frenchman."
+
+"I am of no country," replied the other.
+
+"What, then, do you call yourself?"
+
+"An outlaw," answered the chief, "and king of this island," drily; "an
+outlaw, and nothing more."
+
+"Well, be it so, sir. Still you are exactly the man I want. I
+have need, for the execution of my plans, for the carrying out of
+my projects, of a man who is bound by no locality, by no social
+consideration. In fact, an outlaw."
+
+The other bowed ironically.
+
+"Now are you disposed to be the man?"
+
+"First," said Tom Mitchell, "let me know what you want of me. I will
+then give a decisive answer."
+
+"Well, then," replied the envoy, "let us put diplomacy on one side, and
+speak frankly and openly."
+
+The outlaw leaned back and assumed something like the attitude of a
+tiger about to spring.
+
+"Sir," he said, with a most singular smile, "I was about to make the
+very same proposition."
+
+"Very good," replied Monsieur Hebrard; "that shows that we are
+beginning to understand one another."
+
+The captain bowed, without speaking.
+
+"The Spanish colonies," continued M. Hebrard, "are already beginning
+to feel the germs of revolutionary fermentation. Some devoted and
+enterprising men, yourself among others, have gone into the cities and
+towns of Mexico."
+
+"All this I know; a truce to flattery."
+
+"They have seen the zealous patriots, who are, however, but ill
+prepared as yet for the revolution we ardently desire."
+
+"Ill prepared indeed," cried Tom Mitchell.
+
+"But overtopping all others is a man who has immense influence with the
+Indian races. You know him."
+
+"Ah, ah!" exclaimed Tom; "You mean Dolores, the priest."
+
+"I mean no other. He is the only man upon whom we can count. We must
+enter into serious relations with him."
+
+"For what purpose?" asked the outlaw.
+
+"In order that when the hour comes he may be ready to raise the
+standard of revolt," cried the other, "and ready to draw the population
+after him against Spanish despotism."
+
+"Very good, sir. But it is a long way to Dolores, where lives the cure
+Hidalgo. The road is one of the most dangerous I know. I doubt if any
+agent, however clever, can reach him. Will you allow me to give you
+sincere advice?"
+
+"Speak; I am deeply interested."
+
+"My own opinion is that it would be much better to despatch a light
+vessel, schooner or brig, into the Gulf of Mexico. This vessel
+could cruise along the coast, and, when opportunity offered, land a
+confidential agent."
+
+"You are quite right, sir," said the envoy, "I must say this means has
+been tried with success."
+
+"Well, what then?"
+
+"The secret was betrayed by a traitor; in consequence, the Spanish
+authorities are always on their guard."
+
+"Hence you conclude--"
+
+"That on reflection, and having experience as a guide, the difficult
+road you describe is the best."
+
+"Hum!" said the outlaw, and relapsed into silence.
+
+The real meaning, the interesting point, of this conversation, so long,
+had not been touched upon. The captain knew it well, and kept himself
+in reserve. M. Hebrard was for some time afraid to enter upon a frank
+and true explanation.
+
+There was a deep silence; at last the captain determined to fire the
+train, if he were blown up.
+
+"Then you think I must go by land," he said.
+
+"There is no choice," responded Hebrard.
+
+"The conditions?" remarked Tom.
+
+"One hundred thousand francs, not in notes, but in golden ounces,
+stamped with the effigy of the King of Spain."
+
+"That is tolerable, for a beginning."
+
+"Then there will be as much more for the negotiations, or, as I see you
+hesitate, at first one hundred and fifty thousand."
+
+"Why at first?" asked Tom.
+
+"Because your mission will be divided into two distinct parts," replied
+the envoy, quietly.
+
+"Let us thoroughly understand the first," continued the outlaw; "we
+will talk of the second presently."
+
+"Another hundred thousand on your return with despatches," continued
+the diplomatist, warmly.
+
+"Hum!" said Tom; "That makes--"
+
+"Three hundred and fifty thousand francs (L14,000) for only the first
+part of your mission," said Hebrard.
+
+"It is very liberal. Now for the second mission," said Tom Mitchell,
+watching the diplomatist with his wary eye.
+
+He knew that the real thing was coming now; he was satisfied of this
+from the other's uneasy manner.
+
+"Hum!" said M. Hebrard, as if speaking to himself; "Three hundred and
+fifty thousand francs is a pretty sum."
+
+"Well, for the first part of the mission which you have explained to
+me I don't say no. It is," he added, "a tough job, that I know. Still,
+nothing risk, nothing have. Now for the second part."
+
+The diplomatist assumed an air of genial frankness that made the outlaw
+shudder. He was at once on his guard.
+
+"The Spaniards, as I have said," observed M. Hebrard, jauntily, "are
+forever on the watch. No one, no matter what his position, is safe on
+the frontiers. To go in or out is simply impossible."
+
+"Diable!" cried Tom; "What you say is not calculated to give me much
+confidence or hope."
+
+"Excuse me, monsieur," said Hebrard, "we are playing a frank and open
+game, I do not desire in any way to conceal the dangers that may await
+you. I am only speaking in a general kind of way, certain that whatever
+obstacles occur you will be right."
+
+All this was verbiage; M. Hebrard was evidently only trying some method
+of putting his real thoughts into words.
+
+The outlaw, who expected what was coming, smiled.
+
+"Unfortunately," said the diplomatist, who did not know what to say,
+"the real danger is not on the other side."
+
+The outlaw started up.
+
+"You may well be surprised; the danger is here."
+
+"What do you mean?" cried the outlaw.
+
+"I will explain myself, if you will allow me. Of course," said M.
+Hebrard, "the Spaniards are no more fools than we are."
+
+"I was always of that opinion."
+
+"They have started a countermine!"
+
+"A countermine!" cried Tom. "What do you mean?"
+
+"You will soon see. Knowing something of our designs, they have covered
+the American frontiers with spies."
+
+"It is certainly very clever," said the outlaw.
+
+"Very clever," said the diplomatist, in a husky voice; "but then,
+clever as they are, we know all about it, every detail."
+
+"You do not mean to say so?" cried Tom Mitchell.
+
+"Yes. And more than that, we know the chief of the whole gang of
+spies," added Hebrard. "And much more than that, we know all his
+secrets, cunning as he is."
+
+"That is something," said Tom; "but now what you want is to catch him."
+
+"Yes," said Hebrard, "that is the very thing; you yourself must see the
+necessity of catching him before you start."
+
+"I should think so; it is as plain as running water; but," added Tom
+Mitchell, "it is not very easy to snap up such a rascal in the desert,
+which simply is as full of such rogues and vagabonds as an anthill is
+full of ants."
+
+
+"Don't be uneasy on that point," cried Hebrard; "I shall easily put you
+on his track."
+
+"All right. Then all we have to do is to catch him?"
+
+"Exactly so," said the other, with a sigh.
+
+"And you will pay for this capture?"
+
+"Very heavily, my excellent friend."
+
+"Oh! Oh! Then you are very anxious to secure him?"
+
+"Yes," continued the other, gloomily; "dead or alive; it matters not. I
+should say, for information's sake, dead rather than alive."
+
+"I like plain speaking. He is very much in your way?"
+
+"Very much more than I can explain."
+
+"And how much will you pay for this mission?"
+
+"Alive, twenty-five thousand; dead, fifty thousand francs."
+
+"It appears to me you prefer him dead. But never mind, give me the
+information. His name and address."
+
+"He is a Frenchman, who has taken the name of Oliver. In appearance
+he is a hunter, a trapper, anything that comes uppermost. For greater
+safety he has connected himself with an Indian tribe, and is to be
+found about the Missouri."
+
+"It is a very long way from the Mexican frontiers," observed the
+outlaw, in a coldly sarcastic voice.
+
+"True. But the fellow is cunning; his safety requires him to be
+extremely cautious. Do you accept?"
+
+"I accept on one condition," replied the other. "It is fully understood
+that he is to be dead, mind."
+
+"No matter, so that we have him."
+
+"Well, then, we are agreed on four hundred thousand francs (L16,000)? I
+shall want half down."
+
+"I have the money in gold in my valises. I will pay it to you this
+evening," replied the envoy.
+
+"And now that this is settled, you are in no hurry?"
+
+"None whatever."
+
+"Well, I know pretty well where to find the man you are in search of. I
+must say that, without suspecting the odious part he has been playing,
+I have on the several occasions we have met him felt the greatest
+repulsion."
+
+"This is extraordinary."
+
+"Well, you see, on the desert everybody knows everybody. But as I
+wish to make no mistake, to commit no error in so grave and important
+a matter, I should like you to be present at his arrest. Besides, it
+would be more regular."
+
+"Hum!" cried the other, with a look of considerable annoyance; "The
+idea of further voyage in the desert--"
+
+"Is not pleasant, I know," interrupted Tom; "but that is not necessary.
+You shall remain quietly here."
+
+"Then I consent. When do you expect to catch him?"
+
+"In less than a week, unless I am very unfortunate."
+
+"Then I can wholly depend on you?" cried Hebrard.
+
+"I swear to you on my honour that it will not be my fault if at the end
+of the time you are not face to face."
+
+"I thank you in advance," said the envoy.
+
+"There is nothing to be grateful for," replied the outlaw, with an odd
+expression and smile.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+THE PRISONER.
+
+
+That same day, about nine o'clock in the evening, the outlaw was seated
+face to face with Captain Pierre Durand at a table covered with dishes,
+plates, and empty bottles, which testified to the appetite of the two
+men, and to the rude attack they had made upon everything in order to
+satisfy it.
+
+The two men were now smoking excellent cigars, while sipping, like true
+amateurs, some mocha, served in real Japanese cups. Close at hand, in
+addition, were bottles containing every conceivable kind of liquors and
+spirits.
+
+They had reached that precise period in the repast so prized by
+gourmets, when, the mind elevated and the brain excited by succulent
+food and generous libations, one feels a kind of happy state of being
+that is simply charming.
+
+For one whole quarter of an hour neither of the two men had spoken or
+cared to speak.
+
+It was the outlaw who first broke the charm.
+
+"You are aware, my dear captain," he said, "that in half an hour I must
+leave you and be off."
+
+"Excuse me," cried Pierre Durand, starting, "if I believe a single word
+of such a mad assertion."
+
+"Yes, I am truly sorry to say, it is the exact fact. Doubtless you know
+as well as I do, business before all."
+
+"I have not the remotest idea of interfering with your affairs," cried
+the sea captain, glumly.
+
+"Then what do you mean?"
+
+"That you are not going to leave me in the lurch."
+
+"Still, when I tell you I must go," said the outlaw.
+
+"All I mean is this, that if you go I go," cried Pierre.
+
+"What! A night journey like this?" asked Tom.
+
+"Night journey, day journey, it is all the same to me. I am an old
+sailor," growled Pierre Durand; "and every kind of locomotion is
+equally indifferent to me. Besides, I have known you a very long time,
+haven't I? And I know what sort of trade you carry on," he added.
+
+The outlaw kept his countenance.
+
+"Of course, I shall not be surprised or scandalised at anything I see.
+All I know is that here I should be bored to death, having nothing
+to do. It would be a nice little change to join you in one of your
+filibustering expeditions."
+
+All this was said in a joking kind of way that excluded all idea of
+giving offence.
+
+"Well," said Tom Mitchell, smiling, "any way, you would find yourself
+utterly disappointed."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"I am not going to plunder, but to restore. Of course I don't pretend
+it is my usual custom," said Tom.
+
+"Very well," cried Pierre; "I think that will be much more funny. I
+should like to join in the good work."
+
+"But, my friend--" urged the outlaw.
+
+"There is no but about it. I am a Breton, that is to say, as obstinate
+as several mules," continued Pierre Durand; "and I mean to come,
+unless, indeed, you tell me that my demand is in reality offensive and
+intrusive."
+
+"By no means," cried Tom; "come then. Who can resist anyone so
+obstinate as you are, my friend?"
+
+"You are a delightful fellow. I am ready."
+
+"Not quite; there are conditions; at least, one."
+
+"Pray let me know what it is."
+
+"You must profit by the few minutes that remain to us to disguise
+yourself, so as to be unrecognisable."
+
+"To what purpose, in a country where nobody knows me?" cried Pierre
+Durand; "Will you tell me a reason?"
+
+"That is my secret. Will you consent? That is right. Now go there, and
+you will find all things necessary."
+
+Pierre Durand was about to leave the room, but the outlaw indicated
+where everything was ready.
+
+"There is another favour I must ask of you."
+
+"Go ahead, nothing surprises me," said the captain, who, with
+magnificent sang-froid had commenced his work.
+
+"In case chance should bring us face to face with people we know,"
+he said, earnestly, "you will still keep up your incognito, even if
+you happen to see among these the face of the friend whom you have
+travelled so far to see."
+
+The captain, who was blacking his beard with soot and fat, having
+already darkened his eyebrows, gave a start.
+
+"Will he be there?" he asked.
+
+"I do not say so. It is more than probable that he will not be there.
+Still, I wish to exercise every precaution."
+
+"Hum, still it appears very hard."
+
+"Still, do you consent? Yes or no."
+
+"I repeat what you just said. I suppose I must," said Pierre; "and as I
+see you are in earnest, I promise, on my honour."
+
+"Enough; then make haste."
+
+After rendering his features and countenance utterly unrecognisable,
+the captain threw off his outer clothes, and assumed the costume of a
+planter of the frontier.
+
+"What languages do you speak?" asked Tom.
+
+"Nearly all civilised ones as easily as I do French," replied Durand;
+"but, above all, English and Spanish."
+
+"Very good," continued Tom; "then during our excursion I shall always
+call you Don Jose Remero."
+
+"Don Jose Remero be it."
+
+"You must recollect that you are a captain in the Spanish navy, fled
+from home after a fatal duel."
+
+"All right," grinned Pierre.
+
+"Do not forget to take weapons. I can strongly recommend this tison. It
+is a perfect and choice rapier," said Tom; "have this long and pointed
+knife in your right boot. You may want it when you least expect. Do you
+ride?"
+
+"Like a centaur," laughed the Frenchman.
+
+"I am very glad to hear it; and now secure this carbine and this pair
+of pistols," continued Tom.
+
+"Why, I shall look like an arsenal."
+
+"My friend, it is the custom of the country," said Tom; "no one thinks
+of travelling in any other way."
+
+"One does at Rome as Rome does. I'm your man," cried Pierre, laughing;
+"what do you think of me?"
+
+"Unrecognisable. I should not know you anywhere. You are clever; even
+your accent is changed."
+
+"That is always the first thing to be thought of," said Pierre Durand;
+"and now what is the nature of the restitution?"
+
+"We are going," replied the outlaw, with a smile, "to restore a young
+girl to her friends and relatives."
+
+"A young girl?" cried Durand.
+
+"Yes--a most charming and interesting maiden, whom I captured the other
+day. I can no longer resist her tender sorrow."
+
+"Bah!" said the young sailor, with a grin.
+
+"I swear to you, upon my honour," cried the outlaw, warmly, "that she
+has been treated with the most profound respect and even tenderness."
+
+"Spoken like an honest man," said the captain, warmly. "But may I ask
+with what object you took her away?"
+
+"I had a motive, which I fear me exists no longer. I even fear," he
+said, gloomily, "I have entered upon a bad speculation. But it is
+useless to discuss the matter anymore. Soon there shall be no mysteries
+for you. Be seated again."
+
+"Why?" asked the captain, puzzled at all these mysteries.
+
+"She comes, and it is rather important I should say a few words to her
+before we start on our journey."
+
+"I am your humble servant to command."
+
+Tom Mitchell struck a gong, and Camotte appeared.
+
+"Have my orders been executed?" asked the outlaw.
+
+"Yes, captain. The stranger is watched carefully, and yet without
+creating suspicion," replied the lieutenant.
+
+"Where is he now?"
+
+"In his own room."
+
+"If tomorrow he asks after me," said Tom Mitchell, "you will give him
+the answer already agreed on."
+
+"Yes, captain."
+
+"What about the detachments?"
+
+"Those have started within the hour, I shall start with the last as
+soon as the moon rises," replied Camotte.
+
+"Remember," said Tom, thoughtfully, "that tomorrow morning at sunrise,
+if not before, you must be back."
+
+"Be easy as to that, captain," said the other, significantly; "I shall
+not leave the island without a chief just now."
+
+"Humph!" observed the captain, suspiciously, "Is there anything fresh
+in the air?"
+
+"Nothing in appearance, much in reality."
+
+"You can speak out here," said Tom Mitchell; "if you have anything to
+say, say it without hesitation."
+
+"About an hour ago, when I was going my round," said the matter-of-fact
+and faithful Camotte, "I met that fellow Versenca at the water's edge;
+he was wet through, and had evidently been swimming. When he saw me
+he was utterly confounded, and then when I questioned him as to his
+conduct he gave me a lot of silly reasons a child of five would have
+seen through."
+
+The captain reflected with a dark frown.
+
+"Redouble your vigilance, my good Camotte," he said at last. "On the
+first suspicion arrest him until I come back."
+
+"For greater safety, captain," replied Camotte, "I shall take him with
+me tonight, I can watch him."
+
+"Mind he does not give you the slip. A traitor would be dangerous just
+now. He is as cunning as an opossum."
+
+"I know it, but two can play at the same game."
+
+"Good. I leave it to you. Have Black Athol and Goliath saddled for us,
+and Miss Lara for the prisoner, if safe."
+
+"She is quite a lady's horse--an ambler. She will quite suit her
+rider," replied Camotte.
+
+"Mind you," continued Tom, "let the three be harnessed for
+war--victuals, holsters, ammunition, and pistols."
+
+"As a matter of course. When Black Athol and Goliath go out, I know you
+are bent on mischief. What absence?"
+
+"Three days at most," replied the captain; "and during that time never
+leave the island."
+
+"And you go alone?" asked Camotte, anxiously.
+
+"With the gentleman, as I have already said."
+
+"I think you should take Tete de Plume," said Camotte.
+
+"Will you tell me why?" asked the captain, smiling.
+
+"No one ever knows on an expedition what may happen," drily replied the
+lieutenant, "and two are better than one."
+
+"But I have told you, we are two already."
+
+"Very good," he continued, "but you would be three."
+
+"I tell you what it is, Camotte," said the captain, laughing, "you do
+just as you like with me. Let him come."
+
+"I thank you heartily," cried the delighted lieutenant.
+
+"Above all, whatever happens, keep my absence a secret," said Tom
+Mitchell; "that is above all essential."
+
+"Your orders shall be obeyed in all things."
+
+"And now bring in the prisoner," continued Tom. "By the way, have you
+said anything to her?"
+
+"Captain, you know I am no babbler," observed Camotte.
+
+"Very true," said Tom, and then turning to Pierre, he added, laughing,
+"that fellow does not put too much confidence in me."
+
+"His manner is strange. Perhaps he distrusts me."
+
+"No; Camotte is a bulldog for fidelity and discretion; but, like
+bulldogs, he is both suspicious and jealous," replied Tom.
+
+"I bear him no malice for his jealousy," said Pierre; "besides, I
+myself always like those kind of men."
+
+"Yes, they are indeed very precious," continued Tom; "unfortunately,
+you have to give way to them a little."
+
+"Well, when it is from pure devotion, nothing can be said."
+
+At this moment the door opened, and a young girl entered the room,
+effectually checking the conversation.
+
+This young girl was Angela, or Evening Dew, whichever it may please the
+reader to call her.
+
+She gave a graceful curtsy, and then remained with downcast eyes before
+the outlaw chief.
+
+The two men rose from their seats and bowed respectfully.
+
+"My sister is welcome," said the outlaw, smiling, and speaking in the
+Indian tongue; "be seated."
+
+"Evening Dew is a slave, and presumes not to sit down in the presence
+of her master," responded the young girl, in a voice as melodious as
+the song of a bird, but the tone of which was firm and distinct. "I
+have said."
+
+Evening Dew was a delicious child of seventeen at most, in whom the two
+races, white and red, of both which she was the issue, seemed to have
+vied which should produce the most wondrous chef d'oeuvre.
+
+Her elegant and slight form, slightly bent forward with that serpentine
+undulation which belongs to American women, her long hair, black as
+the raven's wing, fell almost to her feet, and when loosened, might
+have served her as a cloak. Her complexion had the golden tint of the
+daughters of the sun; her great blue and dreamy eyes were fringed by
+long velvet lashes; her mouth, revealing her vermilion lips, and a row
+of dazzling white teeth, gave to her physiognomy that rare expression
+scarcely ever found except in some virgin of Titian.
+
+The sailor was dazzled at the really marvellous beauty of the young
+girl. He had no idea that the whole continent of America could have
+produced such a fairy.
+
+The captain smiled at her reply.
+
+"Evening Dew has no master here. She is with friends who will protect
+her," he said, heartily.
+
+"Friends!" she cried, clasping her hands together, while the pearly
+tears went down her cheeks; "Is it possible?"
+
+"I swear to you, young girl," he continued, "that what I say is true.
+I have sent for you to apologise for what has happened, to demand
+forgiveness for your cruel abduction."
+
+"Oh, sir," she cried, in excellent French, "oh, sir, can I really
+believe my ears! Is it true?"
+
+"You would insult me by disbelieving," he replied, in the same
+language; "tomorrow you will be with your friends."
+
+"Thank you, sir, from my soul," she sobbed forth.
+
+And before the captain could prevent her--before he suspected her
+intention, the was on her knees kissing his hand.
+
+Tom Mitchell respectfully raised her from the ground and led her to the
+chair she had once refused.
+
+"Then you are very unhappy here?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, yes," she cried, "I have indeed been very unhappy; how, in fact,
+could I be otherwise?"
+
+"And yet," said the captain, with a frown, "I have given the most
+strict orders with regard to your treatment."
+
+"I beg most earnestly to acknowledge, sir, that I have been treated in
+the most honourable fashion, that I have been surrounded by the most
+delicate attentions. But oh, sir, I was a prisoner, alas! Far away
+from those I love, and whom my absence plunges, like myself, in utter
+despair."
+
+"Pardon me, miss," said the chief, "my wrong towards you will soon be
+repaired, I promise you."
+
+"Then you are good indeed!"
+
+"Tomorrow," he added, with considerable emotion, "you shall be restored
+to the bosom of your family."
+
+"Do that, sir," she cried, "and I will love you. Ever after you shall
+be as a brother to me."
+
+"I will endeavour to merit the title, Miss Angela," he said, softly;
+"henceforth you will no longer curse me."
+
+"Curse you who give me back to those I love! No, I will bless you from
+the bottom of my heart," she cried, earnestly, "and, believe me, God
+will amply reward you."
+
+"I have a strong conviction that way myself," he said, smiling; "even
+heaven could scarcely be deaf to your prayer."
+
+The girl coloured deeply at these words, which were uttered with such
+earnest conviction as caused her to bow her head.
+
+The captain simply smiled softly.
+
+"Are you tolerably strong, miss?" he asked.
+
+"Why do you ask me this question?" she said.
+
+"Because," he answered, "we have a very long journey to go before we
+find your friends."
+
+"What matters about fatigue, sir? I am already strong. The very idea
+has restored my vigour."
+
+"We shall have to undertake a long night journey," he continued,
+"through the prairies, by very rough ways."
+
+She clapped her pretty hands together joyously; a charming smile
+lightened up her physiognomy, and then she cried out in a delighted and
+proud accent--
+
+"I have Indian blood in my veins, sir," she cried; "I am the daughter
+of a brave Canadian hunter. Fear nothing for me. I am not a woman of
+the towns, who, I am told, can neither walk nor run."
+
+"They are very much like it," growled Pierre.
+
+"Try me, put me to any proof, and you will see of what I am capable to
+get back to my friends."
+
+"Come, I see, at all events, that you are as brave and noble a woman as
+you are beautiful. Come, it is time."
+
+"Do we go directly?" she cried.
+
+"Yes," was his smiling answer.
+
+"One moment," she said; "give me time to thank God for having touched
+your heart. Let me pray."
+
+"Do as you wish," he replied, respectfully.
+
+The young girl folded her arms across her breast, raised her looks
+heavenward with an inspired air for some minutes. One could see by her
+thoughtful brow, from the compression of her coraline lips, that she
+was praying. Her face was radiant, her eyes were full of tears. She
+seemed transfigurated.
+
+The two men, despite their rude aspect and rough natures, stood
+respectfully beside her, utterly cowed, overcome, crushed under the
+weight of her purity and innocence. They stood before her hat in hand.
+
+When her short and ardent prayer was over, the girl turned to them with
+an ineffable smile.
+
+"Now, gentlemen," she said, bowing to the two men who she saw were
+henceforth her slaves, "I am quite ready."
+
+The outlaw and his companion bowed and followed behind as she led the
+way outside.
+
+Camotte was there, as was also the valorous Tete de Plume, holding the
+horses.
+
+Tom Mitchell led Miss Angela to the mare Lara, which he had ordered to
+be saddled, and held the stirrup respectfully.
+
+"Mount," he said, just as if he had been speaking to a princess in her
+own right.
+
+Then, as soon as the outlaw had given some last whispered directions to
+Camotte, they started, Tom Mitchell riding at the head of the little
+band.
+
+By the time the ford was passed over in safety the moon had risen in
+the sky above the trees.
+
+The four travellers were now safe on terra firma.
+
+"Now, Miss Angela," said Tom Mitchell, gallantly, "place yourself
+between this gentleman and myself. Good. And now, Tete de Plume, my
+boy, take the rearguard, and, whatever you do, look out."
+
+The four cavaliers dashed off at a hand gallop, and soon disappeared in
+the windings of the defile.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+IN WHICH TOM MITCHELL DISCOVERS THAT HONESTY IS A GOOD SPECULATION.
+
+
+We now direct our steps to one of the most savage and abrupt sites in
+all the desert, before the rising of the sun.
+
+Five men are crossing a narrow gorge in the mountains, the tops of
+which are rocky and bare or covered with snow. Just now they are
+rendered almost invisible by the dense fog which the sun's rays cannot
+dissipate.
+
+These five travellers came from the interior of the mornes, as the
+hilly plains are called, and were bound for the plains, which they
+began to make out a short distance before them, traversed, or rather
+cut in two, by the extensive stream of the Missouri, the sandy waters
+of which were half concealed by high grass, willow, and the cottonwood
+trees that lined its shores.
+
+The five wayfarers of whom we have spoken walked painfully over the
+flints that paved the gorge, the dried-up bed of a torrent, which
+itself had suddenly disappeared during one of the cataclysms so common
+in that region.
+
+Having reached the extremity of the gorge, they stopped, looked around,
+and gave a sigh of satisfaction.
+
+Their task had been a rude one. For far more than three hours they had
+been stumbling in the midst of a whirlpool, nothing else, of flint
+stones, which, at every step they took, slid under their feet like
+mountain shingle.
+
+Four of these men were whites, wearing the costume of hunters of the
+prairies; the fifth was an Indian.
+
+They were George Clinton, Oliver, Bright-eye, Keen-hand, and
+Numank-Charake, the chief.
+
+Now, then, let us ask how it came about that these five men should be
+there at that early hour in a place so far from their home--a hundred
+miles, in fact, from the regions they were in the habit of frequenting,
+and why were George Clinton and Keen-hand members of this singular and
+perhaps fortuitous group.
+
+Of course we shall as soon as possible satisfy the legitimate curiosity
+of our friend the reader.
+
+"Oh!" said Keen-hand, "It is my opinion, friends and companions, that
+the wisest thing to be done is to stop here."
+
+"Why stop here?" cried Bright-eye, in far from a pleasant tone of
+voice; "Explain yourself."
+
+"For a hundred reasons, every one of which is better than the other,"
+resumed Keen-hand.
+
+"I should like to know the first," said the Canadian.
+
+"Well, it is a very excellent one, I think. You and I and the chief are
+used to these diabolical roads, which is far from being the case with
+our companions, which you ought to have observed without telling a very
+long time ago."
+
+Both Oliver and Clinton tried to protest.
+
+"No! No!" cried Bright-eye, in his frankest manner. "I am a brute. So
+say no more about it, as I proclaim it myself. Let us camp at once."
+
+"Here is an excellent place," cried Keen-hand.
+
+The hunters had halted under a grove of gigantic gumtrees. A fire was
+lighted, and each one, resting himself, prepared for the morning meal.
+
+"Well, to tell the truth," said Oliver, gaily, "I will now confess that
+I needed repose; I was simply done up."
+
+"I could scarcely put one foot before the other," observed George
+Clinton, who was stretched out on the grass.
+
+"There!" cried Keen-hand; "Was I not right?"
+
+"Well, considering that I have owned I was a brute," growled
+Bright-eye, "are you not satisfied?"
+
+"Perfectly!" said the guide.
+
+Numank-Charake had in the meantime undertaken the office of cook, an
+office he filled effectively.
+
+A few minutes later all were eagerly devouring slices cut from a
+quarter of venison which had been broiled upon the hot embers.
+
+Then the gourds were opened and passed joyously from hand to hand.
+
+These brave young men had walked all night through impracticable paths
+which only hunters could overcome. They were literally famished.
+
+But now they entered into the spirit of the thing rarely. Soon
+everything had disappeared. All was eaten.
+
+When the last mouthful had been washed down, and the very last drop of
+brandy absorbed, each man in his turn gave a deep sigh of satisfaction.
+
+"Now, then," remarked Bright-eye, looking obliquely at his companions,
+"I think we may talk."
+
+"Well, I am of opinion," said Keen-hand, gaily, "that after a hearty
+meal, two things are agreeable--a pipe and talk."
+
+This declaration, the justice and opportuneness of which everybody at
+once recognised, was like a signal; instantly, pipes in red clay, with
+cherry tree tubes, were drawn from their belts, stuffed, lighted, and
+soon a cloud of blue smoke surrounded the head of every guest like a
+glory.
+
+"Now, then, Bright-eye," said Oliver, gaily, between two puffs, "fire
+away as soon as you like."
+
+"Messieurs, my friends," replied Bright-eye, "my heart is very sad.
+Despite all I can do, I feel a kind of presentiment that this man, in
+whom we have so trusted, is deceiving us."
+
+Numank-Charake lifted up his head.
+
+"I know the paleface chief," he said, in his guttural tones, shaking
+his head in a way to give more emphasis to his words; "he is a man
+whose tongue is not forked. His word is as gold--and my brother,
+Bright-eye, is wrong."
+
+"In the name of heaven, is it you who speak in that way, chief?"
+asked the astonished hunter; "You, of all men in the world, so deeply
+interested."
+
+"Numank-Charake is a chief in his nation," quickly interrupted the
+redskin, his words, which swelled his bosom, coming directly from his
+heart; "the man who despises his enemies is not a brave warrior, but
+exposes himself to the reproach of only vanquishing cowards."
+
+"Well spoken, chief," said Keen-hand.
+
+"The Grey Bear, the paleface chief, is ferocious, cruel, and a thief,
+but he is brave and truthful."
+
+Oliver and Clinton stared.
+
+"What he has said he will do, he will do. What he has offered he will
+give. Did we go openly to him? No! We hunted him like a wild beast
+Wounded, dying, we wished to kill him. He escaped; thanks not to
+cunning, but to audacity. He is a great chief."
+
+The whites exchanged glances.
+
+"Nothing would have been more easy for him than to laugh at our menaces
+and to conceal himself from us. Instead of that, he has sent us a
+collar--letter--in which he invites us to an interview, for the purpose
+of ending the troubles which divide us."
+
+"This may be a trick," said Oliver.
+
+"No! It is neither the act of a false nor of a double-faced man. No! It
+is the act of a brave and loyal warrior. That is my opinion. Whatever
+may happen during the next few hours, I am convinced that if we have
+confidence in him I shall be found right. I have said."
+
+The chief relighted his pipe, which had gone out during his speech,
+and from that moment he appeared to take no further part in the
+conversation. Still he listened to what the others said.
+
+"As far as I am concerned," observed Oliver, "I think the chief has
+spoken well. I agree with him on every point. As far as I can judge,
+this pirate or this outlaw, whichever you choose to call him, is
+not a man like other men. There is something in him which is not at
+all ordinary. In one word, he may, it is true, be a brigand, but,
+certainly, his is a very lofty nature. Until further events, I, for
+one, shall believe in his word."
+
+"All this is very possible," observed Bright-eye, shaking his head
+doubtingly, "but no one can deny that he is the captain of a monstrous
+set of brigands."
+
+"What does that prove?" said Oliver.
+
+"Nothing that I know of. Still I am decidedly of opinion that his word
+is not to be trusted."
+
+"Then allow me to observe," said George Clinton, drily, "why are we
+here?"
+
+"Why, because one always lives in hope, despite our better reason.
+Still we ought to be prudent."
+
+"Though I am not quite of the opinion of Bright-eye," said Charbonneau,
+"I think we should be wise not to rush headlong into a possible trap
+which the bandits may be preparing for us. He is right as to the wisdom
+of prudence."
+
+"I, too, am an advocate for prudence," said George Clinton; "nothing
+can be more wise than to take all proper precautions. That I fully
+agree with. But do not act in such a way as to cause our loyalty to be
+suspected, or our confidence in the man's word."
+
+"That can be easily arranged, my friends," said Charbonneau, with a
+cunning smile "let me alone, and, believe me, all will go well."
+
+"My worthy friend, act just as you think proper. You, perhaps, more
+than anyone, have experience of the desert, and nobody objects to your
+taking every precaution."
+
+"The best precaution," said the Indian chief, again speaking, "when you
+deal with a loyal enemy is to have every faith in his word; to have no
+suspicion of any kind in your mind."
+
+"Very good, chief. It is very likely after all that you are right. I
+will not discuss the matter with you, though I repeat I am very much
+surprised to hear you speak thus. I only ask of you one thing--that is,
+to remain neutral in this affair until the actual moment of action has
+come."
+
+"Numank-Charake loves Bright-eye; he is his brother. He will do
+whatever the hunter wishes; still regretting that he is constrained to
+act against his wishes," he answered.
+
+"I take all the blame on myself," said Bright-eye; "and shall be the
+first to own my error, if indeed I am found to be in error. A man can
+say no more, even if he were speaking to his father."
+
+The Indian said no more, but bowed his head in token of acquiescence.
+But he smiled with such a keen and subtle irony that the hunter was so
+deeply moved as to blush.
+
+"I fear nothing for myself," he cried.
+
+"Eh, what!" exclaimed Charbonneau, stretching out his arm towards the
+river, "What is going on?"
+
+Every eye was fixed upon the spot indicated by the hunter's sudden
+exclamation.
+
+"It is a canoe," said George Clinton.
+
+"Manned by two men," observed Charbonneau.
+
+"And those two men," said the chief, after one glance from his eagle
+eye, "are two palefaces. He knows them well. One is the old hunter
+called Sharpear, the other the son of my nation--Leave-no-trail."
+
+"My father and my grandfather!" cried Bright-eye, in utter surprise.
+"Surely, chief, you must be mistaken. Why should they come here?"
+
+"Very likely," observed Oliver, gently, "the same motive leads them
+here that has led us."
+
+Meanwhile the canoe, impelled by vigorous arms, approached with extreme
+rapidity, and soon was at no very great distance from the camp of the
+hunters. Then it turned rapidly towards the shore, and its bow was soon
+stuck in the sand.
+
+Two men landed.
+
+Numank-Charake had been right. These two men were indeed the father and
+grandfather of the young hunter. They were coming to the encampment.
+
+The five adventurers all leaped up, and eagerly rushed to meet the two
+old men.
+
+After the first compliments had passed and welcomes had been exchanged
+with effusion between the newcomers and their friends, the Canadians
+seated themselves by the fire, and, upon the invitation given, ate some
+mouthfuls of fresh-cooked venison and drank some brandy.
+
+"We have been to see our relative, Lagrenay, the squatter of the Wind
+River," said the old man. "It appears he had received a very pressing
+message from Tom Mitchell, the outlaw."
+
+"Yes," said Bright-eye, "we were there when it was delivered. We know
+all about it. But, as far as I am concerned, I am afraid--"
+
+"Of what are you afraid, my son?" asked Francois Berger, in a rather
+imperious tone of voice.
+
+"That all this pretended facility and frankness on the part of the
+pirate chief hides a snare."
+
+The two old hunters exchanged a smile.
+
+"Child, you are very much mistaken," said the grandfather. "Tom
+Mitchell means exactly what he says. He has no intention, no motive for
+laying any unworthy trap."
+
+"I am certain of it," added the son.
+
+Bright-eye had nothing to say to so positive an assertion. He silently
+bowed his head.
+
+"We have done all in our power to come here quickly, knowing we should
+meet you," went on Francois Berger; "we are only too happy to be in
+time."
+
+"In time to do what?" asked Oliver.
+
+"We will explain," said the elder of the two men; "when Tom Mitchell
+comes we shall receive him."
+
+"But that is our business?" cried Bright-eye.
+
+"I know the message was addressed to you," said his father; "I am well
+aware of it that it is our business, and, in fact, it is more proper
+it should be so. At all events we have decided that it is to be so, so
+that you will keep out of sight until the affair is finished."
+
+"But," said Bright-eye, with considerable hesitation, "supposing there
+was treachery?"
+
+"My son," sententiously observed the old man, "prudence is wise, but
+suspicion in certain cases is an insult. Think of that. Believe me when
+I say that your father and I know better what we are about than you do."
+
+"We shall certainly obey you," said Oliver, in the name of all. "We
+shall remain at a distance during the interview, and only interfere
+when called upon."
+
+"I thank you cordially," said the old man; "everything will go rightly,
+I promise you."
+
+And he waved his hand as if to dismiss them.
+
+The five young men rose, bowed respectfully to the two old men, and
+watched them as they walked slowly down to the banks of the river.
+
+About two gunshots distance from the camp, or thereabouts, was a rather
+thick wood, composed of oaks and gumtrees. The hunters entered the
+wood, and soon afterwards disappeared under the forest.
+
+Remaining alone, the old hunters lifted their Indian calumets and began
+to smoke, without exchanging one single word.
+
+This went on for about three-quarters of an hour--incessant smoking.
+Suddenly, Francois Berger let fall his pipe, fell flat on his face, put
+his ear to the ground, and listened.
+
+"They come," he said, rising.
+
+"I have heard them coming for some time," quietly replied the old
+grandfather. "How many?"
+
+"Not more than four."
+
+"Just as I expected. He has acted in perfect good faith," said the old
+man.
+
+"Then you are quite determined?"
+
+"Yes. The Indians are not in want of it, and I should not like to see
+the Yankees or English profit by it."
+
+"You are the master. You are the one to whom it belongs to a certain
+extent," said the son.
+
+"Yes; it is today my property. Besides, it should be kept up for the
+support of a great cause. Tom Mitchell is a very different man from
+what he appears," added the old man, gravely.
+
+"That, of course, I know."
+
+"Besides, I have another very strong motive for acting as I do, and
+that is the establishment, on the very spot I allude to, of the Yankee
+squatter."
+
+"Yes. And, between you and me, father, these Yankees have very sharp
+noses. They will find it out before long."
+
+"Exactly so, my son. For my part, I prefer that Frenchmen should derive
+the advantage."
+
+At this moment a distant gunshot was heard.
+
+"Here they come," said Francois Berger.
+
+He then rose, placed his hand over his mouth like a funnel, and twice
+imitated, with marvellous dexterity and perfection, the cry of the
+water hawk.
+
+A similar cry came in response, and almost immediately afterwards four
+cavaliers, well mounted, appeared galloping through the high grass and
+trees, and coming directly towards them.
+
+The Canadians held their rifles in their hands, while the newcomers
+showed no apparent arms. They had left their pistols in the holsters,
+their sabres were in their scabbards, their rifles by their sides.
+
+On coming within a short distance of the two old men the strangers
+exchanged a few words in a low tone of voice, two of them slackened
+their pace, while the others rushed forward with the rapidity of the
+gazelle.
+
+In another instant Angela, for it was herself, was in the arms of the
+friends, answering by cries of joy and tears of happiness the sweet
+caresses of her relatives and friends.
+
+Tom Mitchell and his companions stood apart discreetly, and then,
+when they saw that the first transports were over or becoming calmer,
+approached.
+
+"Welcome," said the old man, "welcome, gentlemen," holding out his two
+hands.
+
+"Have I kept my promise?" asked Tom Mitchell.
+
+"Nobly; I solemnly declare it, and I thank you," cried Berger, with
+deep emotion.
+
+"You have worthily made up for the act you had done. Let us forget the
+past," said the old man; "what can we do for you?"
+
+"Nothing," he said, quietly.
+
+"You exact no ransom whatever?"
+
+"Why should I exaggerate, old hunter? I was drawn into committing a
+bad action by a man whose name I will not mention. Though a pirate, I
+am not so bad as I am painted. I have therefore sought to condone the
+evil."
+
+"Admirably spoken," said Francois Berger, again embracing his daughter.
+"Go, darling, to your brother yonder."
+
+"Allow me first to thank Captain Mitchell," she said, "for his extreme
+kindness during my captivity."
+
+"You bear me no malice?"
+
+"None whatever," she said, "but eternal gratitude. You deserve it and
+you have it."
+
+Then with a gesture of adieu and a sweet smile on her adorable lips she
+ran off in the direction of the forest.
+
+The men waited until she was out of sight.
+
+"I will now take my leave," said the outlaw.
+
+"One moment," replied the old man; "the recompense which you refuse I
+must force upon you."
+
+He pulled forth a large folded parchment.
+
+"This is the ransom of my daughter," he said: "it is a regular deed of
+gift of the Valley of the Deer."
+
+"What!" cried the outlaw, with singular emotion.
+
+"Yes, and here on the map is a red mark, indicating the spot where what
+you know of is concealed."
+
+"Accept without scruple, captain," said Francois Berger; "it is ours
+and ours alone to give."
+
+"Since you wish it, gentlemen. I should show but ill grace to refuse,
+the more that I value your gift highly."
+
+"I only ask one thing in return," said the old man.
+
+"I shall be ready to promise anything."
+
+"You will use what I have given you only with an honourable--" he said,
+with some hesitation.
+
+"It shall be so, I promise you."
+
+"And so we part friends; captain, your hand."
+
+"Friends, yes," said the pirate; "and I hope the day may come when you
+may try my friendship."
+
+"Who knows? The day may come sooner than we expect."
+
+"I shall be ready to shed the very last drop of my blood to defend or
+avenge you or yours."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+A STRANGE CHASE.
+
+
+We know that Joshua Dickson had taken his departure from the valley,
+leaving it in charge to Harry.
+
+Harry was a fine young man, strong and intelligent, in whom his father
+had every confidence.
+
+He was the complete juvenile type of the American squatter and pioneer,
+up to Indian devilries, riding like a centaur, and able to put a ball
+in the eye of a panther at a hundred yards. His great passion was life
+in the open air, and the pleasures of the chase in the forest or field.
+
+One fine morning Harry, soon after the rising of the sun, galloped off
+into the forest. He was bent on a journey to see a fine cutting that
+was going to create meadows, and make room for sawmills on the banks of
+the great Missouri.
+
+He had nearly reached the spot, when he was startled by a whistle of a
+peculiar kind, at no great distance.
+
+At the same moment a horseman came in sight--a man of fifty, tall, thin
+and gaunt, with parchment skin.
+
+The horse was as bony as his master.
+
+The man was dressed after the fashion of the ordinary American farmer,
+and apparently carried no arms.
+
+"Eh, eh," cried he, "you are out early. Were you looking for me?"
+
+"No, M. Lagrenay; I was not even thinking of you."
+
+"That is not polite. Why did you stop when I whistled?"
+
+"Because I thought it the whistle of a serpent," he retorted. "But no
+nonsense, I was looking for you."
+
+"I was certain of it."
+
+"Yes, I wanted to see you. I made your acquaintance I know not how. You
+talk to me of things which do not please me, because they suggest evil
+thoughts. I have come to say that henceforth we are strangers. Never
+speak to me again."
+
+"I suppose you will give me a reason for this odd decision."
+
+"Think what you please. I have said my say."
+
+"Then I assume that you reject my offers."
+
+"Think and assume what you like," cried the young man, angrily; "only
+keep out of my path."
+
+"Then you have no passion for gold?" sighed the other.
+
+"You take me for a ninny, old squatter. Gold does not grow in the
+fields like mushrooms. Besides, you would have found it long ago if
+real."
+
+"I tell you the map indicating the exact spot," cried the old man, "was
+stolen from me by the outlaws."
+
+"You want to persuade me that you have known of this vast treasure for
+years, and yet require a stranger to help you."
+
+"I knew nothing of your having camped on the spot, and only offer you a
+share in consequence."
+
+"Go to the devil with your offers."
+
+"Yes, you have my secret, and can use it yourself."
+
+"Old man," cried the young giant, with rage in his eye, "beware how you
+try my patience too much."
+
+"Well, well, let us end this conversation. You will not listen to me.
+Well and good. Only, before we part, remember this, when it is too
+late, my friend," he added, with a sinister laugh, "you will repent.
+That is all I say."
+
+And turning round, he rode off.
+
+"He is a pretty rascal," said the young man, as he rode off; "I believe
+he has some villainy in hand."
+
+At this moment a strong hollow grunting was heard, followed by another
+at no great distance.
+
+"There are jaguars about," said the American, in a low tone, stroking
+his horse's ears to keep him quiet.
+
+At that moment there was a fearful, a horrible cry, that rent the air,
+a desperate shriek for assistance.
+
+"The old squatter, and he is without arms," he cried; "the tigers have
+doubtless attacked him."
+
+And he set spurs to his horse, which, neighing and smarting with pain,
+dashed in the desired direction.
+
+In the centre of a clearing crossed by a narrow stream the squatter
+knelt behind his horse, haggard with terror.
+
+Close to him, on the branch of a gigantic gumtree, was a mighty jaguar,
+licking his tongue before leaping.
+
+"Save me," shrieked the agonised squatter.
+
+"I will try," said Harry, dismounting, letting his horse loose, and
+then going close up to the trembling wretch.
+
+The tiger had not moved. He was watching his victim with a feline
+glance.
+
+"A noble beast," said the young man, with a smile; "I hope not to spoil
+his beautiful skin."
+
+Suddenly a further grunting was heard in the thicket. The jaguar,
+without turning his head, responded in the same tone.
+
+"By heavens! There are two of them. It seems almost a pity to part so
+loving a couple," he said.
+
+At the same moment the tiger leaped. As he did so he turned a
+somersault. He was dead, shot in the eye.
+
+"One," said the young man, drawing out his bowie knife.
+
+At the same moment the second jaguar burst out, and with one bound
+seized on the flanks of the horse.
+
+Harry flew at her, knife in hand. The two rolled for a moment on the
+ground. Then the man stood erect.
+
+"That job's over," said the young man; "what a couple of noble beasts!
+Get up. Heavens! He's fainted."
+
+Then he took him in his arms, and carried him to the stream, where he
+bathed his face until he recovered.
+
+But he was then so ill, and his horse so lean, that it seemed
+impossible he should ever reach home.
+
+In this strait Harry acted with his usual generosity. He took the man
+up behind him, and carried him home.
+
+He then turned to go without a word.
+
+"Young man," cried the squatter, "wait one moment. You have been my
+friend. Now take my advice, keep good watch. I dare say no more, but be
+ever on your guard."
+
+Harry moved pensively away, but soon forgot the hint.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+CAPTAIN TOM MITCHELL, THE AVENGER.
+
+
+The marriage of Evening Dew with Numank-Charake was to be celebrated
+with unusual splendour. Invitations had been sent in all directions,
+and, two days before the ceremony was to take place, numerous
+deputations from all the tribes were collected around, and were
+received with the splendid hospitality essential in such a case.
+
+At least five hundred strange warriors had come.
+
+Some hours later a new troop appeared on the verge of the plain; it was
+very numerous, three hundred men at least, in the picturesque costume
+of Mexican rancheros, all armed to the teeth, and admirably mounted.
+
+Four cavaliers rode in front; these were Tom Mitchell, Pierre Durand
+Camotte, and Tete de Plume. It was the full force of the outlaws. On
+nearing the village two other men were seen; these were Clinton and
+Charbonneau.
+
+Nothing was omitted to give _eclat_ to such a reception. The most
+renowned of the sachems, with the three Canadians, Bright-eye, and
+Oliver, advanced to meet them, and give them a most cordial and sincere
+welcome.
+
+Captain Pierre Durand, who had given up his disguise, kept a little in
+the background.
+
+Having exchanged compliments, Tom ordered his men to camp outside, and
+entered the village with the others.
+
+As soon as all were collected in the hut of the Canadians, Tom Mitchell
+closed the door carefully.
+
+"Gentlemen," he said, in a low and solemn tone, "I owe you no
+explanation for coming, but for coming in such force."
+
+"You owe no explanation. You are welcome."
+
+"Listen. Not a moment is to be lost. Spies are on all hands. You are
+surrounded by treachery and traitors. You are all to be made the
+victims of an execrable plot concocted by two wretches, Lagrenay and
+Tubash-Shah."
+
+All were stupefied. While the other spoke, Pierre Durand slipped into
+Bright-eye's own room to rest.
+
+"Yes. Tubash-Shah hates Numank; but that is not all. He loves your
+gentle daughter, Evening Dew."
+
+"Horrible!" cried the old man.
+
+"The capture of Miss Angela was a thing arranged between Lagrenay and
+Tubash-Shah, who thought to get her from me."
+
+"Thanks to you, the plot is exploded."
+
+"He still hopes to kill his rival, steal his wife, become possessor of
+the treasure you know of," cried Tom Mitchell, "and become chief of the
+tribe. With these schemes in their heads, Lagrenay and Tubash-Shah are
+allies."
+
+"It is a horrible plot. How did you discover it?"
+
+"No matter; my spies have served me well. I knew the plan of the
+conspirators, and hence have come in such force. I shall be able to
+thwart them. Do you now attend to the immediate safety of the chiefs of
+this nation and people."
+
+"I will take measures at once."
+
+"Above all, be cautious. You have to deal with desperate and cunning
+rascals," urged Tom Mitchell.
+
+The three Canadians, grandfather, father, and son, went out, leaving
+behind only George Clinton and his friend.
+
+"Now, Mr. Clinton," said the outlaw, "though we met under unpleasant
+circumstances, we are friends."
+
+"I see no reason why we should not be," he replied.
+
+"I am happy to hear it," continued Tom Mitchell; "but before we go any
+farther, allow me to say a word to this young Frenchman. In that room
+you will find a friend."
+
+"A friend!" cried Oliver; "Impossible! You know I have only recently
+reached this country."
+
+"Take my advice," said the outlaw, with a smile.
+
+Oliver shrugged his shoulders, as if yielding to a foolish whim, and
+went in to find himself face to face with Durand.
+
+"Now," said the outlaw, "I have not told all; I have left out certain
+matters which personally concern yourself. One moment, and you shall
+judge for yourself. Excuse me if I have to touch upon a very tender
+topic--that of love."
+
+"Captain!" cried George.
+
+"Pardon me. You love a charming girl, whom you have followed into the
+desert with as much devotion as men show in the search of gold. To this
+I have only to add that the girl is as beautiful and as good as an
+angel."
+
+George bowed his head to hide his confusion.
+
+"Her father is against you, I know. But the important fact is that a
+terrible calamity threatens her and you."
+
+"Pray explain yourself," George cried.
+
+"Do you think the redskins are blind? You forget them in your
+calculation of future happiness."
+
+"Explain yourself," continued the young man.
+
+"I cannot at present. You are young in the desert, but you have clever
+and devoted friends. Above all, you have Bright-eye, honest, devoted,
+intelligent. Tell him all I have said, and to work. You have not a
+moment to lose to save her."
+
+At this moment the three Canadians came in at one door, Oliver and
+Captain Durand at the other. Before anyone else could speak, Oliver
+rushed forward.
+
+"Captain," he said to the outlaw, "I can never thank you enough. I know
+all. Command me in every way."
+
+"I shall remind you of your promise."
+
+"And my wretched persecutor--you will bring him to me?"
+
+"Yes; and place in your hands papers to confound him," cried the
+outlaw; "papers which prove your rank."
+
+The conversation now became general. The two Canadians had been at
+work, and warned all the sachems.
+
+But everything had been done without exciting suspicion. All went on
+just as usual in the village.
+
+The preparations for the marriage continued.
+
+The Canadians entertained their friends at a great banquet that night,
+at which Numank was present, grave and proud, seated beside Angela, who
+was charming, though blushing with downcast eyes, and never speaking a
+word.
+
+The formal ceremony of betrothal had taken place in the morning, so
+that this was rather a friendly meeting than anything else.
+
+There was, however, a magnificent exchange of presents.
+
+Next day, just before the final ceremony, Tom Mitchell went off with a
+hundred of his most resolute men.
+
+Camotte remained in command of the others.
+
+According to invariable Indian custom, the man who takes a wife takes
+her seemingly by force; he snatches her up, puts her behind him, darts
+off, and two days later comes back, slays a mare that has never foaled,
+and all is over.
+
+Numank, of course, would do the same.
+
+At night the hut was surrounded by a party of Indians, and Angela
+carried off, after a feeble resistance.
+
+Then some shots were fired, and away sped Numank with his wife
+surrounded by a powerful Indian escort.
+
+This escort was almost wholly composed of strangers with Tubash.
+
+The abductors had scarcely departed when Bright-eye came out of the hut
+and whistled. He was at once surrounded by warriors.
+
+"On," he said, in a menacing voice; "there is no time to lose."
+
+And they darted away like a whirlwind, riding for some hours in the
+direction taken by the bridal party.
+
+Suddenly they were startled by flashes of light, followed by the report
+of guns. A terrible combat was going on.
+
+With a tremendous war cry the troop led by Bright-eye dashed in the
+direction of the fight. It was time.
+
+Numank-Charake, holding his wife on one arm, was fighting, surrounded
+by the few warriors faithful to him.
+
+Ten only of these could stand, and must have succumbed in five minutes
+but for the unlooked-for succour.
+
+The carnage was fearful. All fought desperately in silence. At last
+every one of the treacherous escort was dead.
+
+Tubash Shah escaped in the confusion.
+
+Numank-Charake was more like a corpse than a live man, and had to be
+carried on a litter.
+
+They reached the village next day, from which all the rival tribes had
+departed, leaving behind a bundle of arrows dipped in blood. It was a
+formal declaration of war.
+
+We turn elsewhere for a time.
+
+It was night at the hut of the squatter Lagrenay. Everybody slept
+except himself. Seated by the dying fire in a cane chair, his head in
+his two hands, his elbows on the table, the squatter appeared at least
+to be reading.
+
+His huge and savage dog lay at his feet, listening for the faintest
+sound from without.
+
+Every now and then the old man looked at a clock, and then appeared to
+read again until a sharp whistle was heard.
+
+The dog and man leaped up, but suddenly Lagrenay bade the animal be
+quiet, and went himself to open the door. He started back as two men
+entered, strangers.
+
+"I am Joshua Dickson," said the first, "and this is my brother Samuel.
+You sent for my son; we have come in his place."
+
+The old man professed to be glad to see his neighbours, and bade them
+be seated. After some time wasted in circumlocution, he began to speak
+of real business.
+
+"You have established yourselves in the Valley of the Moose Deer," he
+said, "a magnificent settlement."
+
+"Well, what then?"
+
+"That valley belongs to one of the most powerful tribes on the whole of
+the Missouri," continued Lagrenay.
+
+"No matter. Virgin soil belongs to the first comer."
+
+"Perhaps. But that is not the question. This tribe have other lands of
+which they take no account," went on the squatter, "and will probably
+never claim, but they have special reasons for keeping the Valley of
+the Deer sacred."
+
+"Explain yourself," cried both.
+
+"In that valley is buried the treasure of the nation."
+
+"What treasure? Old shooter of muskrats!" cried Joshua; "There is no
+treasure like mother earth."
+
+"I mean a real treasure--gold, ingots, diamonds," said the old man, "to
+the extent of many millions."
+
+"So much the better," replied Joshua; "it is mine."
+
+"Take care! The struggle will be terrible. Your adversaries are many
+and brave; they have allied themselves with the outlaws of the desert,
+and, moreover, have taken as their chief a fellow countryman, who
+dearly covets your possessions."
+
+"May I ask the name of my countryman?" inquired Samuel, in a bantering
+tone of voice.
+
+"His name is George Clinton," said Lagrenay.
+
+"George Clinton!" exclaimed Joshua, amazed.
+
+"You lie, miserable wretch!" said Samuel Dickson, rising; "George
+Clinton is an honourable man, not a--"
+
+"I have spoken the truth. Do as you please."
+
+Then the door was burst open, and two men entered pushing forward a
+third with blows of musket butts.
+
+"Miserable wretch!" said one, seizing him by the throat, "I am George
+Clinton, and you lie in your teeth."
+
+Rock attempted to fly at the assailants, but Charbonneau brained him
+with the butt end of his gun.
+
+Lagrenay rose rifle in hand, but the two Americans disarmed him, and
+forced him to reseat himself.
+
+The prisoner brought in was Tubash-Shah. Behind the three men appeared
+the dogs Nadeje and Drack.
+
+"Gentlemen, we arrive in time. Thank heaven, we have brought with us
+this wretch, who now will tell the truth."
+
+And he looked at the Indian with a glance that made him shudder to the
+marrow of his bones.
+
+The two Americans were exceedingly surprised, while Lagrenay thought in
+vain of some new subterfuge.
+
+Roused by the noise made on the entrance of the three men, the wife
+of Lagrenay had risen in haste, and, without waiting to dress, had
+rushed into the room. She entered without being seen, and tremblingly
+ensconced herself behind her husband.
+
+Inside there was silence, but without the sound of many men.
+
+None spoke for some time; everyone's breathing seemed oppressed.
+Lagrenay, his teeth chattering, at last spoke.
+
+"Will you explain this outrage?" he began.
+
+"Silence!" cried George Clinton, in a terrible voice; "Speak only when
+called upon for your defence. All I hope is that when you have heard of
+what you are accused you may be able to give a satisfactory reply to
+the charge."
+
+"Accused--defend myself!" cried the old man.
+
+"Yes, before Judge Lynch, who will decide between us," said Clinton,
+coldly. "Listen, here come your judges."
+
+As he spoke several men entered. Lagrenay felt himself lost. He was in
+the hands of implacable foes.
+
+Tubash-Shah, erect against the wall, appeared utterly indifferent. But
+his every thought was intent on escape.
+
+The sudden appearance of George Clinton had very much surprised Joshua
+Dickson. All his rage was revived, and he was prepared to treat him
+with severity and hatred. The idea of treason still rankled in his mind.
+
+Two men had now seized upon the squatter, and, despite the cries of his
+wife, were trying to carry him out.
+
+At that moment Louis and Francois Berger entered.
+
+"My cousins!" cried Lagrenay, "They would murder me!"
+
+"Save my old man!" said the wife, pitifully.
+
+"My friends and brothers," said Louis Berger, raising his hand, "this
+man is my relative. Give him to me. Justice shall be done."
+
+The squatter was released, and hid himself behind his two Canadian
+cousins, trembling, nearly dead.
+
+"Sirs," said Louis to the Americans, "you are the new squatters
+established in the Moose Deer Valley?"
+
+"We are," replied Joshua, rather doggedly.
+
+"Then I have business with you. In the first place, by what right have
+you squatted in that place?"
+
+"Really, except that you have force on your side, I should not answer
+so singular a question. Because I found it."
+
+"I beg to inform you that it is private property. You are by no means
+the first occupier."
+
+"And who may he be?" asked Joshua, furiously.
+
+"Myself. It was given me by the chiefs of the Huron tribe. A deed,
+perfectly legal, exists."
+
+"Can a man find no free land on earth?" he cried, "On the face of the
+earth? You claim it, then?"
+
+At this moment, when all were busy, Tubash saw his opportunity, and
+ran. Two or three pursued, but the rest remained.
+
+"Then," said Joshua, presently, "there is some truth in the story of
+the gold treasure in the valley?"
+
+"Yes, and I have recently ceded all my rights to Tom Mitchell, chief of
+the outlaws."
+
+"Then all I have to do is to go?" urged Joshua.
+
+"I think the matter might be arranged," observed Louis. "Here is a
+young man who loves your child. George Clinton, is it not so?"
+
+"It is useless my persuading Joshua Dickson."
+
+"By heavens!" cried Samuel, "But you shall. Here is a noble, young,
+rich, brave--"
+
+"But," cried Joshua, "what has that to do with it?"
+
+"Sole owner of the Valley of the Deer," continued Louis Berger, drily;
+"he bought it this morning."
+
+"But--" still hesitated Joshua.
+
+"To arms!" cried Tom Mitchell, rushing in, "To arms! Pardieu! You have
+fallen into the trap."
+
+"What is the matter?" cried the brothers.
+
+"While you are wasting your time here, your plantation is attacked by
+Indians," he responded, "who are burning and destroying all. Soon there
+will be only ruins and ashes."
+
+This terrible revelation fell like a thunderbolt upon all present in
+that room.
+
+Tom Mitchell--his dress torn, his face covered by powder and blood,
+holding a smoking gun--summoned them.
+
+George Clinton, without waiting a minute, darted away, followed by
+Charbonneau and his dogs.
+
+Above all, he would save her he loved from the fearful peril she was in
+of falling into the hands of redskins.
+
+"What is to be done?" cried Joshua.
+
+"Never despair," said the outlaw. "Your sons and servants are fighting
+like lions. We must join them."
+
+"Come along," cried Samuel.
+
+"Oh! Oh!" said Joshua, brandishing his rifle, "The rascally redskins
+shall pay for this."
+
+"Come, in the name of God!" cried the outlaw; "I have with me a party
+ready for any amount of redskins."
+
+At these words everybody mounted, and dashed through the darkness like
+a legion of phantoms.
+
+Four persons only remained in the silent and deserted hut--the two old
+Canadians, Lagrenay, and his wife.
+
+The old squatter had, during these exciting scenes, recovered his
+equanimity. He believed himself saved.
+
+As soon as they were alone, he and his wife began to place refreshments
+on the table for their guests.
+
+The two Canadians remained standing, leaning on their rifles, and not
+noticing even the preparations.
+
+"My dear relations," said Lagrenay, in an insinuating voice, "will you
+honour me by accepting refreshments?"
+
+"What does the man say?" asked Francois Berger.
+
+"You have a long journey to go," continued Lagrenay, "you must be
+extremely tired and want rest."
+
+"What matter?" said the old man.
+
+"Will you not empty a cup of whisky?" began the woman.
+
+"Silence!" cried the hunter, striking the butt of his rifle on the
+ground, "And listen."
+
+The old man shuddered.
+
+"Lagrenay," he went on, in a hollow voice, "I dragged you from the
+hands of Judge Lynch, because I did not wish to see my cousin hanged;
+you have dishonoured not only the name you bear, but the family to
+which you belong; that family, poor as it has always been, has known
+how to preserve its honour intact. That honour you have soiled, from
+the base love of gold. Prepare to die."
+
+"To die!" he murmured.
+
+"My cousins, my dear cousins, you will not have the heart to kill my
+poor old man," said his wife, clasping her hands and weeping; "thirty
+years we have lived together. What shall I do when he is gone? Who will
+support my miserable existence? Have mercy, in the name of the Lord. If
+you kill him, I shall die."
+
+"You shall not die," said Francois Berger; "my cousin will take care of
+you for life."
+
+"I," she said, with a gesture of horror, "accept the protection of the
+murderers of my husband, eat the bread of assassins! I should choke
+myself at the first mouthful. Have mercy, then, and shoot us together."
+
+Louis Berger turned away his head. Even the inflexible old judge of the
+reign of terror was moved.
+
+Then he made a sign to his son, and both cocked their rifles.
+
+"Stop!" said Lagrenay, in a firm and solemn voice; "I know your
+inflexible will too well to ask my life of you. You have decided on
+my death. Good. But I will not die at your hands. You say the honour
+of the family requires that justice should be done. Well, it shall be
+done. Still I could not die like a dog. Give me ten minutes to pray.
+You will not refuse this?"
+
+"Heaven forbid!" said the old man, "And may heaven have mercy on you
+for all your sins."
+
+"Thanks, cousins and friends," cried the squatter, "and now, wife, on
+your knees. Let us beg forgiveness of our sins."
+
+The two old men went out, tears in their eyes, and almost inclined to
+be merciful. Stern will prevailed.
+
+Five minutes later, a double shot was heard. They rushed in. Both lay
+dead upon the floor.
+
+Justice was done.
+
+The two hunters kneeled down beside the bodies, and said a silent
+prayer over them.
+
+Then, in the room itself, they dug a grave, and, after some little
+time, interred the husband and wife.
+
+Then, dragging away by main force the wounded dog, they collected a lot
+of brushwood and other fuel.
+
+This they piled against the house and then fired. In a few minutes the
+whole was in flames.
+
+The dog got away, and plunged into the burning pile.
+
+When all was over and nought remained but cinders and ashes, the two
+men wiped away a tear and retired.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+A DESPERATE STRUGGLE.
+
+
+Tom Mitchell had told the truth. The plantation of Joshua Dickson had
+been attacked by a numerous party.
+
+This is how it had come about.
+
+Tubash-Shah and the squatter, Lagrenay, excited by a common hatred, had
+come to an understanding.
+
+The old wretch, whose whole thoughts were bent on the vast treasure
+concealed in the valley, had promised the Indian, not only his share
+of the gold, but the possession of a beautiful white girl, at least as
+beautiful as Evening Dew.
+
+He further suggested that as Numank-Charake would be sure to join
+Clinton, he could kill him too.
+
+He would then have the two most beautiful wives on the prairie.
+
+The Indian was easily seduced by this radiant project, which the old
+squatter fluttered before his eyes.
+
+An alliance defensive and offensive was struck up.
+
+It was Tubash-Shah who suggested the treacherous visit of the redskins
+on the occasion of the great marriage.
+
+In order to facilitate the attack on the settlement, old Lagrenay sent
+a secret message to the squatters, who fell into the trap prepared for
+them. Tubash-Shah was outside, waiting to take them, when he himself
+was made prisoner.
+
+This nearly spoiled all. But, after only half an hour's detention,
+Tubash escaped.
+
+He joined his expectant companions, and the plantation was at once
+attacked on all sides by Indians.
+
+But the Americans were on the watch, and received the redskins in a way
+that rather surprised them.
+
+Tom Mitchell, warned by his spies, had given them sufficient hints,
+while himself preparing.
+
+One hundred and fifty outlaws, under the orders of Tete de Plume, had
+been secretly sent into the fort by George Clinton.
+
+He had then, with Charbonneau, gone and concealed himself near
+Lagrenay's hut.
+
+Camotte had been sent to the village of the Huron Bisons to
+Numank-Charake, and Bright-eye, to ask for the assistance of all the
+warriors of the tribe who could be spared.
+
+On the other hand, Tom Mitchell, at the head of his most daring
+companions, had placed himself in a position to be at hand at anytime.
+But if the defence had been well arranged, the attack was most fierce
+and desperate; the redskins fought like demons; brave, well armed, and
+counting on the vast superiority of their numbers, the Indians rushed
+to the charge against the intrenchments with a ferocity quite unusual.
+
+These intrenchments had been hastily thrown up, and could not long
+resist such an attack.
+
+Tubash-Shah, at the head of a picked band of warriors, did wonders. He
+was a host in himself.
+
+The struggle became at one time so desperate that Tom Mitchell
+himself began to despair; then it was that he dashed off to the hut
+of Lagrenay, and called to arms all who were collected together in
+deliberation.
+
+Then he started again at the head of the reinforcement, like a storm
+cloud on the wing.
+
+Again the combat seemed desperate.
+
+The war cry of the American Indians and the hurrahs of the whites were
+mixed with the fusillade.
+
+Then a rush of horse was heard, an awful war whoop, and three hundred
+warriors, led by Numank-Charake, Bright-eye, and Camotte, appeared on
+the scene.
+
+Tom Mitchell gave a cry of joy.
+
+He divided his terrible cavaliers into three detachments, one commanded
+by Numank and Bright-eye, gave half his outlaws to Oliver, and took the
+rest under his own immediate orders.
+
+Then at a given signal, the three troops rushed, with horrible yells
+and cries, upon the astonished assailants.
+
+Though taken aback, the brave redskins fronted both ways, and made a
+most terrible defence.
+
+Samuel Dickson and his brother meantime contrived to enter the
+settlement, amid joyous acclamations.
+
+It was time; the palisades and intrenchments were giving way, and the
+Indians were rushing in.
+
+The combat became now gigantic in its proportions. The redskins, led by
+Tubash-Shah, fought with desperate valour.
+
+He kept the _elite_ of his men together, and worked his way towards the
+interior of the settlement.
+
+Presently he drew forth his human thighbone whistle and darted for the
+house. He had seen Diana.
+
+The young girl, seeing the demon covered by blood and powder,
+brandishing his hatchet, and forcing, with a hideous cry, his horse
+towards the women, gave a desperate shriek of agonised terror.
+
+"Ah, ah!" cried Tubash-Shah, in triumph; "The paleface girl. At last
+she is mine."
+
+He urged forward his horse, which reared with abject terror, and threw
+his master heavily.
+
+Dardar, the faithful dog, always in attendance on Diana, had seized the
+warhorse by the nostrils.
+
+He then let him go, and caught the Indian himself by the throat.
+
+"Good dog," shouted George Clinton, as he ran up with Charbonneau,
+Drack, and Nadeje.
+
+The battle was over. The few Indians who were left threw down their
+arms in despair.
+
+"My daughter, oh, my daughter!" cried Joshua, who came rushing from the
+inside of the house.
+
+"She is here, sir," said Clinton.
+
+"And her abductor?" he continued.
+
+"Is dead," he answered, pointing to the corpse, which the dog was
+worrying as he would have done a rat.
+
+"My son, I thank you," said Joshua; "what do I not owe to you? Take
+her."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Two days after M. Hebrard returned to the fort a wiser man. Oliver
+proved his rank, name, and right to fortune, to the satisfaction of
+everybody.
+
+"Tell my relatives," he said, "that as long as they leave me alone, I
+shall be quiet. Go, and let us never meet again."
+
+A week later, after the marriage of George and Diana, Tom Mitchell,
+Bright-eye, Oliver, and Captain Durand, started on the dangerous
+expedition undertaken by the outlaw, and of which, probably, we shall
+give some account at a future time.
+
+[For further adventures of Bright-eye, see the "Prairie Flower," and
+the "Indian Scout," same publishers.]
+
+
+
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