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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9412d57 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #56175 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/56175) diff --git a/old/56175-0.txt b/old/56175-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 648c3ce..0000000 --- a/old/56175-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4759 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Gray Scalp, by Edward Willett - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: The Gray Scalp - Or, The Blackfoot Brave - -Author: Edward Willett - -Release Date: December 13, 2017 [EBook #56175] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GRAY SCALP *** - - - - -Produced by Craig Kirkwood, Demian Katz and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(Northern Illinois University Digital Library at -http://digital.lib.niu.edu/) - - - - - - -Transcriber’s Notes: - -Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). - -Additional Transcriber’s Notes are at the end. - - * * * * * - -Semi-Monthly Novels Series. - -No. 205. - -BEADLE’S DIME NOVELS - -[Illustration] - -THE GRAY SCALP. - -BEADLE AND COMPANY, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. - -Am. News Co., 119 & 121 Nassau St., N. Y. - - * * * * * - -A FOREST HEROINE! - -Beadle’s Dime Novels, No. 206, - -TO ISSUE TUESDAY, JUNE 21st, - -Will present a richly racy romance of the woods, viz: - -BUCKSKIN BILL; OR, The White Demon of the Woods. - -A ROMANCE OF THE BLACKFOOT COUNTRY. - -BY GUY GREENWOOD, AUTHOR OF “THE PHANTOM FOE; OR, THE MAID OF -MONTMORENCI,” ETC. - -Buckskin Bill is a character. The Far West produces many odd specimens -of men, but none whose claim to oddity is stronger than Bill’s. Rough -as a bear, he is gentle as a fawn. Brave as a lion, he is afraid of a -young girl’s frown. Untutored as a savage, he is yet as wise and shrewd -as a minister of war. - -In his daughter we have his perfect contrast. The beautiful child-woman -is not only grace itself, but is bravery itself; and though apparently -as wild as the mustang which she rides, is as true to a pure woman’s -instincts as if raised as a petted child of the parlor. - -The secondary persons of the stirring story are the captain of the -expedition of observation; the dreaded Demon Slayer, whose track seemed -marked with the blood of the Blackfeet, and the Indian chief, whose -cunning and thirst for scalps gives the leading incidents to the drama. - -The novel is alive with action, rapid in its incident-movement, -exciting and strange. - -☞ For sale by all Newsdealers and Booksellers; or sent, post-paid, to -any address, on receipt of price--Ten Cents. - -BEADLE AND COMPANY, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration] - - * * * * * - - - - -THE GRAY SCALP; OR, THE BLACKFOOT BRAVE. - - - BY EDWARD WILLETT, - - _Author of the following Dime Novels_: - - 10. _THE HIDDEN HOME._ - 111. _NED STARLING._ - 119. _THE FIVE CHAMPIONS._ - 125. _THE HUNTED LIFE._ - 132. _OLD HONESTY._ - 139. _THE BORDER FOES._ - 145. _THE MOUNTAINEER._ - 149. _THE HUNTER’S PLEDGE._ - 159. _SNOW-BIRD._ - 170. _BORDER AVENGERS._ - 187. _THE OUTLAWS’ PLOT._ - - NEW YORK: - BEADLE AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS, - 98 WILLIAM STREET. - - * * * * * - -Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870, by - -BEADLE AND COMPANY, - -In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for -the Southern District of New York. - -(No. 205.) - - * * * * * - -THE GRAY SCALP. - - - - -CHAPTER I. A MIDNIGHT ATTACK. - - -“Hurrah for Oregon! says I. That’s the place for Denny, and mesilf is -the boy who is bound to have a good shlice av the fine lands, and who -has a better right?” - -“What’s the fool talkin’ about? Thar’s no sech place as Oregon, greeny. -That kentry thar is called Oregon, and it’s an Injun name, I reckon.” - -“An Injun name! The ignorance av yez! It was named for Michael O’Regan, -who first diskivered it, as ye might read in the histories, if ye could -read at all. He was an Irishman, from the county Donegal, and was me -grandfather’s first cousin on the mother’s side. We dhropped the O’ -whin we kim across the say; but that don’t hindher me from claimin’ a -shlice av the fine lands that once belonged to me grandfather’s cousin.” - -“I don’t believe a word of it, Denny Regan. Of all the liars that were -ever turned loose in this yere kentry, I reckon you are about the -infarnalest.” - -“Is it a liar ye are callin’ me, Misther Pap Byers? Ye’ve got it to -take back, or feel the edge av me knife.” - -“You had better shut up, both of you. Captain Benning gave orders that -there should be no talkin’ around the camp to-night, and he’ll give -you a proper good blowin’ up if he ketches you at it. Here he is, by -thunder!” - -The first speaker was Dennis Regan, a young Irishman, who, although -he had turned trapper, had not discarded his brogue with his brogans, -or his natural character with his corduroys. The second was John -Byers, commonly called Pap Byers, a middle-aged free trapper, of long -experience on the plains and in the mountains. In person he was tall, -gaunt, sinewy and solemn, while the Irishman was short and stout, -with fat cheeks and a merry face. The third speaker was Sam Glass, a -hired trapper, in the employ of Mr. Robinette, the fur-trader to whose -company all were attached. - -Captain Benning, who came up just as Sam Glass mentioned his name, -was a tall young man, well built and fine looking, with an appearance -of activity, nerve and daring. He was one of the leaders of the party -under Mr. Robinette, and was regarded as an excellent “partisan.” - -“What is the meaning of this noise?” asked the captain, frowning upon -the group. “Don’t you know that orders were given to keep the camp -quiet to-night?” - -“It was Denny Regan here,” replied Pap Byers. “The durned fool was -tryin’ to make us believe that Oregon was diskivered by an Irishman, -and named arter him.” - -“And this ould sinner called me a liar, capt’in dear, and that’s what -ye wouldn’t like to be called yersilf.” - -“No matter who began it, or what it was about; it must be stopped. -There are Indians all around us, and they may be down upon us at any -moment. I have been obliged to leave my patrol to come and put a -stop to your noise, and there is no telling what may happen during -my absence. Hark! I believe something is already the matter with the -horses.” - -In an instant the attitude and air of the four men were changed. With -countenances expressive of anxiety, they leaned forward, listening -intently to catch the slightest sound that might indicate an alarm. - -“You’re right thar, cap’n!” exclaimed Byers, seizing his rifle and -jumping up; “the red-skins are among the hosses.” - -All rushed toward the camp, to give the alarm, and to search for the -wily enemy; but they were too late. - -The horses were already stampeded, and came bursting through the camp -like an avalanche, overthrowing every thing before them. After them, -with terrific yells and whoops, poured a crowd of half-naked savages, -splendidly mounted, galloping like mad after the frightened herd. - -Captain Benning and his companions fired at the Indians, and a few -straggling shots from the camp showed that some attempt at defense was -made there; but the furious rush of the animals prevented any thing -like an organized resistance. It is probable that the assailants had -not intended, at first, any thing more than a stampede; but the route -taken by the horses had thrown the camp into such confusion, that the -massacre and plunder of the party of white men seemed to follow as a -matter of course. - -The voices of the leaders were heard, far above the din, directing the -movements of their followers. A few of the warriors rode on after the -herd, to keep the animals together and guide their course; while the -others turned and dashed upon the scattered and bewildered whites, -hoping to slay them before they could recover from their confusion. - -But a party of more than thirty mountain men was not to be so easily -discomfited. The hardy trappers and hunters, accustomed to savage -combats, availing themselves of the shelter of the wagons and packs, -stood gallantly on the defensive, loading and firing their rifles with -a rapidity and precision that soon checked the fury of the onset. The -savages, who fought at a disadvantage on horseback, were in their turn -thrown into confusion and forced back. - -Again the voices of the leaders rung out, and a portion of the warriors -dismounted, to renew the combat on foot, while others circled around -the wagons, for the purpose of driving the trappers from their defenses. - -The white men were quickly outflanked, and were gradually forced back, -until they were compelled to take refuge in a thicket, leaving the camp -in the possession of their assailants. - -Having accomplished this much, the savages, as has sometimes happened -to more civilized warriors, made a poor use of their victory. Instead -of pursuing their advantage, part of them fell to plundering the camp -and securing the scalps of the slain. - -It was at this juncture that Benning and his companions, who had been -compelled to make a circuit in order to find their friends, reached -the camp, and poured in a volley upon the flank of the savages. The -trappers in the thicket, profiting by this diversion in their favor, -rushed out, and charged boldly upon the enemy. A few volleys from their -terrible rifles changed the face of affairs, and the savages were soon -flying from the camp as swiftly as they had entered it. Being unable to -pursue them, from lack of horses, the trappers collected in the midst -of the ruins, vowing vengeance against the midnight marauders. - -Out of thirty-five men, six had been killed outright, including Mr. -Robinette, the head of the expedition. It was impossible to say how -many lives had been lost on the side of the Indians, as they had -carried off all their dead and wounded, besides a large amount of -plunder. A few of the remaining white men were wounded, but none -severely. - -After a hurried survey of the field, the question arose by what means -the savages had been enabled to creep upon the camp without being -observed. Angry recriminations ensued, and hard words seemed likely to -lead to hard blows. - -“Perhaps you can tell us who was at fault, Captain Benning?” said Mr. -Laurie, the principal agent of Mr. Robinette. “You should know, if any -man knows.” - -“What good will it do to argue that matter now?” tartly replied -Benning. “Somebody was careless, of course, and perhaps I might put my -finger on the man; but of what use would that be now? The mischief has -been done, and no one knows the extent of it yet. Has anybody seen Miss -Flora?” - -The faces of all changed, and greater consternation than they had yet -shown was now visible among the rough trappers. - -Flora Robinette was the only child of her father, a beautiful -dark-haired and dark-eyed girl of nineteen. Since the death of her -mother, the trader had been so strongly attached to her, that it had -seemed almost impossible for him to separate himself from her. As it -was part of the object of this expedition to establish a post west of -the Rocky Mountains, at which he expected to spend the greater part of -his time, he had at last yielded to her entreaties, and permitted her -to accompany him and share his home in the wilds. He believed that his -party was strong enough to furnish a safe escort, and that she could be -in no danger when the post was established. Her only hardships, as he -supposed, would be such as would result from traveling over the plains, -and from deprivation of the comforts and luxuries of civilization; but -these she had professed herself able and willing to endure. - -She had endured them, so far, without grumbling, and with all apparent -cheerfulness. She had manifested, also, a spirit of daring and love of -adventure, together with a real delight in the fresh air and free life -of the plains, that had charmed the rough men into whose company she -was thrown, and rendered her the idol of them all. It was no wonder -that their cheeks blanched when they were asked if they had seen her. - -No one _had_ seen Flora Robinette since the commencement of the fray. -At the usual hour she had retired to the wagon in which she slept, and -was supposed to have been there when the horses were stampeded and -broke through the camp; but an examination showed that the wagon was -empty. - -On the ground, near the wagon, lay the body of her father, his head, -from which the gray hair on the top had been stripped, surrounded by a -pool of his own blood; but no trace of Flora could be found. A careful -search was made by the disheartened trappers; but it disclosed nothing. -They could only suppose that she had been awakened by the tumult, had -looked out of the wagon, and had thus been espied by the Indians, who -would lose no time in taking possession of such a prize. It was certain -that she had disappeared, leaving no trace. - -When the fruitless search was ended, a great change had come over -George Benning. He stood like a statue, silent and motionless, and one -would have thought, from the expression of his countenance, that every -thing that was worth living for in the world had been taken from him. -His demeanor was so strange, that Martin Laurie, the agent, took him -aside and spoke with him. - -Laurie was a Scotchman, whose age might have been anywhere between -forty and forty-five. He had the sandy hair, red eyes and watery -complexion peculiar to many of his race; but was not really -ill-looking. He was sedate and precise, a shrewd and methodical man of -business, and as such had been highly esteemed by Mr. Robinette. - -“What is the matter with you, Benning?” he asked. “You act very -strangely, and you look as if you had lost all the friends you had in -the world. Can it be possible that the death of Mr. Robinette affects -you so strongly?” - -“No. He was a good man, and I respected him highly; but I have no -special reason to grieve for him.” - -“It must be, then, that it is the loss of Miss Flora that troubles you.” - -“I confess it. If she had been killed, it would have been relief to -know it; but she has been carried away, we know not where, and it is -terrible to think of the fate that may be reserved for her.” - -“You seem to take it harder than any of the rest of us, although you -are in no way related to her. I have noticed, during this journey, that -you were much interested in Miss Flora, and I intended to tell you, as -I now must, that it was her father’s wish that she should become my -wife.” - -“Indeed! Was she aware of it?” - -“I don’t know that she was. She was an only child, as you know, and Mr. -Robinette was possessed of considerable property. It was his desire -that she should marry a careful and prudent man of business, such as -he considered me to be, who would take care that her means were not -wasted.” - -“Be that as it may, Mr. Laurie--and I do not mean to dispute your -word--it is useless to say any more about it now. She is gone, and it -is doubtful if either of us will be permitted to see her again in this -world. There is a chance, however, that she may still be living. I mean -to search for her, and shall never abandon the search while life is -left to me. I will not hinder you, of course, from devoting yourself to -the same object, if you wish to do so.” - -“Now that Mr. Robinette is dead, it is my duty, under his instructions, -to take this party on to the rendezvous west of the mountains, and -follow the plan that he had formed for this season’s work. If I can do -any thing to help you, I will gladly do it.” - -“I only ask for three men.” - -“You may take any three who are willing to follow you. If you succeed, -I suppose you will join us at the rendezvous.” - -“I hardly dare to hope for success. I can only say that I will do my -best.” - -When Laurie and Benning returned to the trappers, they found them -inquiring what Indians they were that had made the attack. - -“They were Blackfeet, I suppose,” said Benning. “How can there be any -doubt about it?” - -“Easy enough, cap’n,” replied Byers. “Do Blackfeet wear Crow blankets -and moccasins?” - -“No.” - -“We have found a Crow blanket and a Crow moccasin on this yere ground, -and that settles the p’int, I reckon.” - -“But the Crows are the friends of the white men, and never attack them.” - -“Wal--I ain’t so sartin of that as you seem to be. I know that they -steal white men’s hosses, and thar’s no end to an Injun’s devilment, -nohow.” - -Some of the party were of the opinion that the assailants had been -Blackfeet; but the majority sided with Byers, convinced by the Crow -blanket and moccasin. - -The next morning, after the bodies of the dead had been buried, Laurie -and his party pushed on with the train toward the west, and Benning set -off on the trail of the midnight assailants, accompanied by Pap Byers, -Sam Glass and Dennis Regan. They were on foot, as no horses had been -left except such as were absolutely necessary for the train; but they -hoped soon to be able to secure a remount. - - - - -CHAPTER II. A PRAIRIE ENCOUNTER. - - -The prairie was limitless. As far as the eye could see, and as much -further as fancy cared to picture, it spread out like an ocean, endless -and eternal. In wave upon wave of many-colored luxuriance, it rolled -onward, until all color melted into the purplish hue of the horizon. -There was, it is true, a thin line of low cottonwoods, marking the -course of some little creek; but that might have been a mere coral -reef in the ocean, or a swath of drifting seaweed. There were, also, -two small islands of trees in the distance; but islands are necessary -to prove the existence of ocean. Far away to the westward could be -dimly descried the shadowy outlines of lofty mountains; but their snowy -peaks, resting among the clouds, could not be distinguished from the -clouds, and fancy could easily suppose that the prairie rolled under -and beyond them, instead of bathing their rough feet in its flowery -waves. As well as vision could decide, the prairie was a limitless -ocean. - -Only a speck in this vast ocean was the figure of a man on horseback, -riding toward the west. He rode slowly, almost listlessly, seeming -absorbed in the beauty of the variegated landscape, given up to the -sweet influences of the exhilarating and odorous atmosphere. - -A fine specimen of a man was this rider, whose age might have been -a few years on the sunny side of thirty. He was fully six feet in -hight, well formed and athletic, with features that a woman would -call handsome, in spite of his bronzed skin. His gray eyes were keen -and restless; his chestnut hair, worn long, after the fashion of the -Indians and trappers, flowed down upon his shoulders in wavy masses; -his mouth was well cut, shaded by a silky mustache; and his beard, -long and full, had the same rich color as his hair. His hunting-shirt -and leggings were of the finest dressed deer-skin, and were richly and -tastefully ornamented. His moccasins, also, showed the patient labor -of some Indian woman, and must have cost the wearer a good quantity -of trinkets or of scarlet cloth, if, indeed, they had not been a -love-gift. His pipe-holder must surely have been a _gage d’amour_; -for it was a triumph of Indian workmanship, such as the squaws of the -plains were not in the habit of selling. A double-barreled rifle, -short, heavy, and richly finished, was his principal weapon, and -rested across his right leg and the pommel of his saddle. A bright and -keen-edged hatchet, or small ax, was stuck in his belt, flanked by a -hunting-knife in an embroidered sheath. From his appearance, he might -have been an independent trapper; but he carried no traps or sack of -“possibles,” and had no animal except the fine jet-black horse which he -bestrode. - -“Nearly noon,” he soliloquized, looking up at the sun. “If I do not -strike the trail of old Robinette’s party before long, I shall conclude -that they are behind me, and it will be necessary to wait for them. I -had better join them, I suppose, as I want an outfit for the coming -season, and I am curious to see whether his daughter is as beautiful as -she has been represented to be. As if that was a matter that concerned -me at all! It is possible that I might find some woman who could -persuade me to quit this wild life; but it lacks a great deal of being -probable. It is possible, though, that I may have strayed from my -course, and I must consult my little true-pointer.” - -Stopping his horse, he drew from the bosom of his hunting-shirt a small -pocket-compass, rested it in the palm of his hand, and watched its -indications. - -“No; I’m on the right track--no mistake about that. I must cross the -trail soon, if they have got this far. Ha! what is coming yonder? A -red-skin, I suppose, and one who wants my scalp. Now, Samson, who knows -but we may have a little brush to stir our blood?” - -The horse pricked up his ears, whinnied, and seemed to anticipate a -combat as eagerly as his master. - -It was a mere speck that attracted the attention of the rider; but it -was a moving speck, and he could easily guess what it meant. When he -caught sight of it, he might have mistaken it for a solitary buffalo; -but a brief inspection showed him that its movements were not those of -the buffalo. Soon something white came into view, and the rays of the -sun, shining upon it, made the speck look like a moving star. - -Within a short time the speck was no longer a speck, but had assumed -the form and proportions of an Indian on horseback. The white man -reined in his horse, took his rifle in his right hand, and awaited the -approach of the stranger. - -When the Indian had come within rifle-shot, the white man judged it -best to signal him and ascertain his intentions. Accordingly, he raised -his right hand, with the palm in front, and pushed it back and forth a -few times. This was a signal to halt; but the savage, after shaking his -head furiously, paid no further attention to it, but put his horse to -full speed, and commenced to circle around his foe. - -Mounted on a jet-black horse, the exact image of that which carried the -white man, he presented a fine appearance as he galloped swiftly over -the plain. He was nearly naked, his blanket being under him, and his -skin shone as if it had been freshly oiled. With fine features, eyes as -fierce and keen as lightning, and supple and sinewy limbs, every motion -showing the play of his muscles, he presented an excellent object for -the study of the painter or the sculptor. His scalp-lock, adorned with -feathers, showed that he held a high rank as a brave. In his right -hand he carried a gun, a bow and a quiver of arrows were slung at his -back, and an Indian battle-ax hung at his left side. On his left arm he -carried a shield, round and white, which was dazzling to the beholder -when the rays of the sun were reflected from it. - -“That red-skin don’t want to talk,” muttered the white man. “He is keen -for fight, and won’t be satisfied until he gets his fill. Well, I think -I can accommodate him.” - -As the Indian circled over the prairie, the white man, with his -rifle at his shoulder, kept turning, so as continually to face his -antagonist. His horse, obedient to the slightest pressure of his knee, -turned where he stood, as if he comprehended, as well as his master, -the best position for defense. - -It was the object of the Indian to draw the fire of the white man; but -he soon perceived that his foe was too wary for him, and he changed -his tactics. Slinging his gun, he took his bow and some arrows from -his shoulder. He then fastened one foot in his wooden stirrup, threw -his body over on the right side of the horse, and again commenced to -ride around the white man, drawing nearer at every circle, until he -was within easy bow-shot, when he began to discharge his arrows at his -antagonist. - -This position of affairs soon became unpleasant to the white man, as -the arrows flew uncomfortably near him, and he was obliged to change -his position. He dismounted, and stood at the side of his horse, -turning as the Indian wheeled, so as to make a breastwork of the -animal. Still the Indian sent his arrows flying, and one of them struck -the horse in the shoulder. - -Smarting with pain, the wounded animal went off at a gallop. As the -Indian raised himself to his seat with a cry of triumph, the indignant -white man discharged one of the barrels of his rifle at him; but the -wily savage had dropped down by the side of his horse. - -Supposing that he had drawn the fire of his enemy, the exultant Indian -again raised himself to his seat, and fired quickly. The white man’s -rifle cracked again at the same instant, and the Indian’s horse fell -upon him. Seeing his enemy entangled by his horse, the white man rushed -upon him with his tomahawk; but, before he could reach him, the Indian -was up, with his battle-ax in his hand. - -The contest was now one of skill and strength; but both parties, having -tried each other’s mettle, fought slowly and warily, husbanding their -wind for an effective stroke. The blows of each were so well parried, -that the combatants became wearied in the encounter before either had -sustained any serious injury, and they drew back, as if by mutual -consent, to recover breath. - -At this juncture a sudden thought seemed to strike the Indian, who -raised both of his hands above his head, with the forefingers locked. -This, in the pantomimic language of the plains, understood by all the -prairie Indians, was a sign of friendship. He then threw his battle-ax -behind him, and stepped forward three paces, extending his right arm -with the hand open. - -The white man hesitated a moment, and then, as if ashamed of himself -for mistrusting his late adversary, dropped his tomahawk, and advanced -in his turn with extended hand. - -“If you really are a friend, red-skin,” he said, in the Dacotah -dialect, “you have a strange way of showing it; but I am willing to -forget and forgive.” - -“My white friend is a warrior,” replied the Indian. “He is a great -brave, and I am glad that I have met him. Let him come with me, and he -shall share my lodge, and shall be my brother.” - -“Perhaps we had better wait a little before going so far. I am not -quite so ready to join hands with a man who has just sought my life. -You are a Blackfoot, I should say, judging from your paint. What name -do you go by?” - -“My brother has guessed well. I am a Blackfoot, and am a great brave -among my people, who have named me White Shield. What is my brother -called?” - -“My name is Fred Wilder, and the red-skins call me Silverspur, because, -I suppose, I have always worn one of those articles among them.” - -The young man reached out his foot, showing a large silver spur, with a -steel rowel, strapped upon his moccasin. - -“I have heard of Silverspur from the Grovans and the Kickarees, as -well as from the Sioux. He is a great warrior, and I am proud to know -him. Let him share my lodge and be my brother. My people will be glad -to see him.” - -“But the Blackfeet are enemies of the whites. How do I know but they -may take my scalp.” - -“White Shield is a great brave, and the Blackfeet will do what he tells -them to do. They will never harm his brother, but will love and honor -him.” - -“But I am a trapper, and must hunt beaver and otter. I am looking for -the party of Mr. Robinette, which is on its way to the mountains. I -must get traps and an outfit from them. Has White Shield seen them or -heard of them?” - -“I have heard of them; but they have not yet come into this country. My -brother need give himself no trouble about them. Let him come with me, -and he will find traps, and I will show him better beaver-streams than -he has ever seen. He can live among the Blackfeet and trade with them, -and can get more skins than any other trader.” - -It may have been the love of adventure that moved Fred Wilder, or it -may have been the desire of gain, stimulated by the prospect that the -Blackfoot held out to him. Impulsively he grasped the hand of White -Shield, and the two pledged eternal friendship and brotherhood after -the Indian fashion. - -“My brother was fighting me a few moments ago,” said Wilder. “Why was -he so anxious to kill me? It is seldom that you red-skins dare to -attack a white man singly, unless you have an advantage over him.” - -“White Shield is no coward,” replied the Blackfoot. “It is long since I -have taken a scalp, and my people have lately suffered many reverses. -I wished to carry home a scalp, so that the Blackfeet in my village -might wash the mourning paint from their faces. I did not know that my -brother had the advantage of me, in owning a rifle that would shoot -twice. I never saw such a rifle.” - -“I had the advantage of you in another point, after your horse was -killed. You were afoot, while I might have mounted at any moment.” - -Wilder whistled, and his horse, which was grazing at a little distance, -came running to him. He examined the wound, which was a slight one, -and transferred to the back of the horse the Indian’s saddle and -blankets and bridle. The two then set out toward the north-west, White -Shield leading the way on foot. - - - - -CHAPTER III. A SERIOUS REVERSE. - - -When George Benning and his three companions set out on the trail of -the marauders who had attacked their camp, they were all afoot; but -they hoped soon to be able to get a remount, at the expense of some -Indian horse-owners. The Indians always did their horse-stealing on -foot, and there was no good reason why white men should not imitate -their example. - -“That sounds very well, cap’n,” said Sam Glass, when Benning had -presented this view of the subject, “and it will be easy enough to do, -no doubt, purvided that we ken find the Injuns; but we may hev to tramp -many a mile, afore we came up on a village.” - -“No trouble about that, boy,” replied Pap Byers. “We’ll find Injuns -enough, I warrant ye. The only p’int is, that we must be cautions and -quiet, and I’d like to know how this yere Irishman’s tongue is to be -kep’ still.” - -“Is it me tongue that you’re spa’kin’ of?” snapped Dennis Regan. “Sure, -me tongue is as ready as your hand, any day.” - -“That’s the trouble, Denny. It is a heap too ready, and is sartin to -shoot off when it ain’t wanted to.” - -“It hits the cinter ivery time, and that’s more’n can be said av your -rifle.” - -“We won’t quarrel about it,” interposed Captain Benning. “It is certain -that Denny must learn to keep quiet, or he may bring us all into -another scrape. Tramp is the word, boys.” - -It was not until the evening of the second day after they had started -on the trail, that the party perceived indications which led them to -believe that they were in the vicinity of an Indian village. Proceeding -a little further, they heard the sound of bells, which the Indians -sometimes attach to their horses, proceeding from a ravine a short -distance to the left of the trail. - -By a careful reconnoissance it was discovered that there was a large -drove of horses in the ravine, feeding loose, on both sides of a little -stream. The party withdrew to lay their plans, and it was arranged -that they should enter the ravine, where each should select two horses -from the drove, and should bring them to the head of the ravine, where -all were to rendezvous. Benning was especially careful to warn his -companions to be cautious and quiet, and to take no more horses than -were necessary. - -The four men entered the ravine at different points, and proceeded -to select and secure their horses. This was accomplished without any -misadventure, and Benning was the first to reach the head of the -ravine, where he was soon joined by Pap Byers and Sam Glass, each -mounted and leading a horse. - -“We have succeeded very well so far,” said the captain. “With these -horses under us, and fresh ones to rest them, we ought to have the -heels of any red-skins. Where is Dennis?” - -“He’ll be along directly, I reckon,” replied Byers. “Thar he comes, on -a run! What in thunder has the durned fool been doin’?” - -The Irishman came up the ravine at a gallop, mounted on a fine mare, -and leading two horses. The mare had a bell fastened to her neck, -which clattered furiously as he rode up to his companions. Benning’s -face turned pale with anger, but he controlled himself and spoke quite -composedly. - -“Why have you brought three horses when I told you to take but two? And -why did you choose that bell mare? Don’t you know that the noise will -bring the Indians down upon us?” - -“The mare was the finest av the lot, capt’in dear. She’s betther than -both the others, if I’m a jidge av horseflesh.” - -“That bell will be the ruin of us. It is a wonder that the whole drove -has not stampeded after her.” - -“I was m’anin’ to take it aff, sir, as soon as I could git the cratur’ -quiet,” replied Dennis, as he dismounted. - -The head of the ravine, where the four men were collected with their -horses, was quite narrow, with steep sides, which were covered pretty -thickly with trees and undergrowth. Darkness was rapidly succeeding to -dusk, and all were impatient to be off. - -As Dennis dismounted, one of his led horses slipped its thong, and -started off. When he turned hastily to catch it, he loosed the mare, -which galloped away at full speed, her bell clattering noisily as she -went. Directly there was a great commotion among the herd of horses -down in the ravine, and it was evident that they were stampeding. - -“Tare an’ ouns!” exclaimed the indignant Irishman. “The bloody divil -has got away, afther all me throuble. May ivery hair on her tail turn -to a hickory sthick, to bate her as long as she can dhraw a breath.” - -“Hold your clattering tongue!” exclaimed Benning. “You make more noise -than the infernal bell. The Indians will be down on us in no time, and -we may thank our stars if we get out of this scrape. Mount the horse -you are holding, and ride as if fire were behind you.” - -Dennis was about to mount, when he was suddenly seized from behind, and -dragged into the bushes. The next instant the ravine was vocal with -savage yells, and the white men found themselves surrounded with savage -Indians. - -Escape seemed impossible; but Benning was not a man to lose his life -without an effort to preserve it. Loosing his led animal, he discharged -his rifle at the group of Indians before him, and then, putting his -horse to the top of his speed, dashed down the ravine, overturning and -scattering his antagonists as he went. - -Bullets and arrows flew after him; but he sped on unhurt, until he -had gone about a quarter of a mile, when his horse suddenly stopped, -in front of a perpendicular wall of rock, that seemed to close up the -ravine. - -Bewildered at meeting this unexpected obstacle, he was about to turn -and endeavor to cut his way back in the opposite direction, when he -reflected that he had been following the bed of a stream, which must -surely cañon at the wall of rock. - -Straining his sight through the growing darkness he saw what seemed -to be an opening, and pushed his horse for it, bending down upon the -horse’s neck, to save his head from contact with the rocky roof. The -horse went forward, slowly but surely, and Benning thought that he was -about to emerge from the cañon, when, to his great dismay, he found -himself wedged fast in the opening. With words and kicks he tried to -force his steed forward, but it would not budge. He had given himself -up for lost; but an arrow from behind struck his horse in the rear, -and, with a violent effort, it squeezed through the aperture. - -Hardly had Benning issued from the cañon, when another peril confronted -him. The horse stopped at the brink of a precipice. The rider could see -that a prairie stretched out below him; but he could not guess how far -down it might be, or what might await him at the foot of the rock. - -There was no time for consideration. His pursuers were close -behind him. He had to choose between certain death at the hands of -the savages, and a fearful leap in the dark. He chose the latter -alternative; but his horse refused to take the leap, backing away from -the abyss, and snorting and trembling with terror. Drawing his knife, -he struck it into the haunch of the animal. Maddened by the pain, the -horse sprung forward into the gloom, and alighted, unhurt, upon the -soft turf below. - -Benning rode away, slowly, thankful that his life had been preserved, -and reflecting sadly upon the fate of his companions. - -Of these, Dennis Regan had been pinioned as soon as he was seized, Sam -Glass had been shot dead while attempting resistance, and Pap Byers had -been soon overpowered and bound. - -After relieving Glass of his scalp, the Indians took their two captives -to the village, which was situated a short distance from the ravine in -which their horses were kept. - -In order to confine the captives, they were laid on their backs in the -middle of the village, with their arms and legs stretched out, and -tied by the hands and feet to stakes driven in the ground. In this -uncomfortable position they were obliged to pass the night, while the -savages made merry over their victory. - -“See what a fix you have brought us into, you crazy little red-headed -wretch!” exclaimed Pap Byers, after he had chafed and cursed himself -into a perspiration. - -“It’s none of my bringin’, you spider-shanked, pickle-faced ould -drumhead!” replied Dennis. “It was jist that murtherin’ divil av a -sorrel mare that up-ended us and stretched us out here; but, fur all -that, who knows but I’m the boy who will bring us safe out av this?” - -“Talk’s cheap, boy. Ken ye bring Sam Glass back to life? Thar’s Cap’n -Benning too; it’s likely that he’s got his pill afore this. Ken ye do -any thin’ fur him?” - -“The mithers av ’em can’t be more sorry fur the boys than is Denny -Regan; but it’s the divil’s own tongue that says I fotched ’em into -the scrape. If I was on me feet, I’d make yez swaller that same, you -dried-up old wolf-skin.” - -“Quarrelin’ won’t mend the matter; but you know as well as I do, Denny, -that it was your loose tongue and your crazy ways that made all the -trouble.” - -“I know it jist as well as you do, and that’s not at all. Tell me, now, -Pap Byers, what Injuns is these that’s got us?” - -“Blackfeet--the bloodiest, meanest and most savagerous of all the -red-skins in these parts.” - -“And what will they do wid us?” - -“Kill us--tortur’ us--burn us, most likely.” - -“Is it burnin’ ye say? Och, be the powers! it makes me flesh crawl to -think av it. The bloody haythins! Is it sure enough burnin’ that they -do, or do they jist bother a man and let him go?” - -“It’s burnin’, I tell ye--burnin’ by a slow fire--roastin’, fryin’, -br’llin’. Thar ain’t any let go about it; it holds on fur hours, and -you suffer death a dozen times afore you die onst.” - -“Howly mither of Moses! That bates purgatory, intirely. To think that -one av the ould shtock av the O’Regans should be roasted alive! I -vow to the blissed Vargin, if I can only git clare of this shcrape, -I’ll not shpake a mortal word to any livin’ man--or woman, fur that -matter--fur a long six months, and I’ll begin at onst to kape me vow.” - -The Irishman was silent. Byers spoke to him after a while; but Dennis -did not reply. Again Byers spoke to him; but a snore was the only -answer he received. - -“I do believe,” said he, “that the durned fool has gone to sleep. I -wouldn’t hev thought that burnin’ would set so easy onto his stummick.” - - - - -CHAPTER IV. ASTONISHING THE BLACKFEET. - - -Fred Wilder accompanied his new friend without any doubt or hesitation. -He knew that the word of an Indian was sacred, when pledged to his -adopted brother, and he felt no uneasiness as to the treatment he would -receive among the Blackfeet. - -In the course of three days they arrived safely at the Blackfeet -village, where White Shield introduced his brother, Silverspur, as a -great warrior, a man wonderful for strength of arms, keenness of eye, -activity of limb, and bigness of heart. He related the particulars of -the encounter in which he had formed the acquaintance of the white man, -and gave him credit for extraordinary bravery and skill. He concluded -by declaring that Silverspur was his sworn brother, and must be treated -as such; that he must have full liberty to live among the Blackfeet, to -hunt, fish and trade as he pleased, and to go and come as might suit -his pleasure. - -Instead of being displeased at the arrival of the white man, the -Blackfeet appeared to be very well satisfied, and passed many encomiums -upon White Shield for having brought such a valuable accession to their -tribe. Some of them had heard of Silverspur, and could echo the praise -that White Shield bestowed upon him. His rifle had sent death to more -than one Blackfoot warrior, and they knew it; but that only added to -his glory as a warrior, and they were proud to claim him as one of -themselves. Good Ax, the head chief, granted him unlimited trading -privileges, and invited him to “marry and settle”--in other words, to -select a wife, or as many wives as he wanted. - -Silverspur, whose heart had not been enamored by the fair-skinned -beauties of his own race, and who was not likely to yield to -the fascinations of any dusky damsel, evaded the matrimonial -responsibility, saying that he thought it best to wait until he became -better known, and that, in the mean time, he would share the lodge of -White Shield, who happened to be a bachelor. - -A few days after his introduction to the Blackfeet, on his return from -a hunting-excursion, he found that a war-party, which had been absent -for some time, had arrived at the village. They had been victorious -over their adversaries, but had lost a few of their number, for which -reason they were debarred from dancing, or rejoicing over their -victory. On the contrary, the village was filled with mourning, and the -wailing of the mourners, together with the horrible manner in which -they mangled themselves, so disgusted the young man that he did not -care to inquire further concerning the affair. - -Soon after this, there was an alarm at the village, occasioned by the -attempt of some marauders to steal horses. Most of the warriors went -out to meet the enemy; but Fred Wilder, who did not care to expose his -life in the quarrels of the red-men, remained in his lodge, smoking -his pipe, and mentally abusing himself for the roving disposition that -brought him into “the tents of Ishmael.” - -The affair was soon quieted, and the warriors returned in high glee. -They had captured two prisoners, as White Shield informed his friend, -and had taken a scalp. The mourning in the village, therefore, was -at an end. All washed their faces, and prepared for a dance and a -jollification. - -As sleep was out of the question, in the midst of such an uproar, -Wilder sallied out and joined the dancers. The scalp which was the -occasion of the revelry, together with one which had been brought in -by the war-party, was suspended upon a pole, and Wilder inspected -them with the others. The hair of one of the scalps was short, black -and curly. That of the other was short, thin and silver gray. It was -evident to the young trapper that neither was the scalp of an Indian, -and he called White Shield aside to speak to him concerning them. - -“That black scalp yonder,” said he, “is not the scalp of an Indian.” - -“No; it is the scalp of a white man.” - -“They were white men, then, who came to steal horses?” - -“Yes; and the two prisoners are white men.” - -“Is the gray scalp the scalp of a white man, too?” - -“Yes. We would have had a big dance over that scalp, if we had not lost -two warriors in the fight. It is the scalp of the white-haired chief.” - -“And who was he?” - -“I thought you knew him. You call him Robinette, the trader.” - -“Whew! The old fellow is dead, then,” said Wilder, musingly. “He was a -strange man, shrewd, daring, but rather unscrupulous, as I have heard. -Did your braves capture his train?” - -“No. They came across his party, and stampeded the horses. As they had -surprised the camp, they thought they might do more; but the white men -beat them off at last. The men who came to-night were his men. They -wanted to get back some of their horses, or to look for the white girl.” - -“What white girl?” - -“The daughter of the white-haired chief.” - -“Is she here?” - -“She is in the village. Has not my brother seen her?” - -“No. I know nothing of her.” - -“You will not be likely to see her for a while, as Good Ax, the head -chief, means to take her into his lodge, and she has been shut up from -the village.” - -Wilder mused a little, and his musings were in this wise: - -Why had Paul Robinette brought his daughter into that wilderness? Why -had he, Fred Wilder, given himself up to an aimless and roving life? -It was very foolish in both of them; but fate had led them to it. It -was the fate of Mr. Robinette to be killed and scalped, and it might be -the fate of him, Fred Wilder, to have come among the Blackfeet to be of -service to the daughter of the murdered man. At all events, she was a -woman, and it was his duty to befriend her. It was his duty, also, to -befriend the two white captives, and their turn might come first. It -would be well for him to see how far he might go with the Blackfeet. - -Turning to White Shield, he said: - -“What will be done with the white prisoners?” - -“They will be burned.” - -“Do you think so?” - -“I am sure of it. They are to be burned early to-morrow morning.” - -“I will bet you, White Shield, ten packs of beaver-skins, that they -will not be burned while Silverspur lives.” - -“What does my brother mean?” - -“I mean that I will not allow them to be burned.” - -“What will you do?” - -“Perhaps I will do nothing; but they shall not be burned.” - -“Has my brother lost his senses? He surely does not mean what he says.” - -“You will see that I mean it. I am going to the lodge, White Shield. I -am tired of this deviltry.” - -Wilder turned his back upon the crowd of dancing and yelling Indians, -and retired to his lodge, where he pondered his own situation and that -of Flora Robinette, until he fell asleep. - -In the morning there was a great commotion in the village. Preparations -were made for the torture of the two white captives, and all the -Blackfeet were early astir. Two stout stakes were set in the ground, -near the middle of the village, and the victims were brought to them, -surrounded and followed by a motley throng of Indians, of all ages and -both sexes. - -Dennis Regan, who had not spoken a word since his vow of the previous -night, was bound to one post, and Pap Byers to the other, and what may -be called the small torturing commenced. Women and children assailed -the white men with all sorts of opprobrious epithets, beat them with -sticks, kicked them, pinched them, pulled their hair, and provoked them -by every means in their power. - -Byers hurled back their taunts indignantly, and abused the Blackfeet -to the best of his ability. He knew what sort of a death they intended -for him, and he hoped to arouse them to such fury that, in a moment of -anger, they might kill him at once. He boasted of the number of their -braves that he had slain, and accused them of cowardice, taunting them -with not daring to take the life of a white man, even when he was bound -before them. They could not hurt him, he said, and he dared them to -do their worst, as a white warrior could teach them how to die. The -Irishman remained silent. When he was spoken to, he pointed to his -tongue, and shook his head; but not a word escaped his lips. - -The warriors soon put a stop to this play. Scattering the women and -children, they brought poles and twigs, which they piled in a circle, -nearly waist high, around the victims. Then, amid diabolical yells and -screeches, fire was put to the piles, and the torture commenced. - -It was not to last long. Hardly had the flames begun to crackle among -the twigs, when Fred Wilder, fully armed, strode into the throng, -kicked away the burning poles, stamped out the fire, and took his stand -near the prisoners, gazing defiantly at the crowd of savages. - -The Blackfeet were astonished at his audacity. Some of them laid their -hands upon their weapons; but all drew back, as if bewildered, and -wondering what might happen next. After a few moments, Good Ax, the -head chief, stepped forward and addressed the intruder. - -“Why does Silverspur seek to interfere with his brothers? Has he -forgotten that when he became a Blackfoot, he ceased to be a white man?” - -“My heart is white, and always will be,” fiercely replied Wilder. “I -can not stand by and see men of my own race murdered. What have these -white men done to you, that you wish to burn them?” - -“We caught them stealing our horses.” - -“They had a right to try to recover the property which you had taken -from them.” - -“But the white men are the enemies of the Blackfeet.” - -“Say, rather, that, the Blackfeet are the enemies of the white men, -who have never mistreated you, and have never fought you except when -you have compelled them to do so. Look at these men! One of them, as -you can see, is not able to speak. Would you slay a man who has been -stricken by the Great Spirit? I say that they shall not be burned while -I live, and I know well that more than one of you will fall before I -die.” - -It is said that a wild beast will shrink from the steady glance -of a brave man. So did the savages quail before the fearless eye -and undaunted demeanor of Fred Wilder. His audacity seemed almost -supernatural, and made them fear that he might have something to back -him which they could not even guess at. - -In a few minutes, however, this feeling passed away. They saw that he -was but a man, as they were, and they began to think of punishing him -for his bold attempt to spoil their sport. Their threatening looks and -hostile attitudes caused him to raise his rifle and level it at the -most demonstrative. In another moment there might have been bloodshed; -but White Shield suddenly changed the face of affairs. Bursting through -the throng, he took his stand by the side of his friend. - -“White Shield is a warrior!” he exclaimed. “He is a great brave, and he -never feared the face of an enemy. There is none who can lay cowardice -or crime to the charge of White Shield. Shall he hang back, like a dog, -when his brother is in danger? Silverspur is his sworn brother, and -he is ready to die for his brother, whether he is right or wrong. He -is not wrong. These white men are his friends, and the Blackfoot who -would not try to save the life of his friend would be called a coward. -Come, my brothers! Who will go to the spirit-land with White Shield and -Silverspur?” - -A number of the relatives of White Shield, both old and young, came -forward, with their weapons in their hands, and ranged themselves by -his side. As the hostile parties confronted each other, the affair -seemed about to assume a serious aspect, when the head chief stepped -forward and spoke. - -“This is a small matter to us,” he said, “and we would do wrong to kill -each other about it. One of these prisoners, as Silverspur has said, -has been stricken by the Great Spirit, and we can easily give the life -of the other to our white brother. Loose them from the stakes, but let -them be securely guarded. They shall live, but they must not leave us -until we move the village. Is Silverspur satisfied?” - -Wilder expressed his satisfaction, and pressed the hand of the chief. -When the prisoners had been led away, and the crowd had dispersed, he -returned to his lodge with White Shield. - - - - -CHAPTER V. THE TEST OF FRIENDSHIP. - - -When Wilder and his Blackfoot friend entered their lodge, the former -sat down without speaking. White Shield gazed at him for some time, -with a sort of admiring awe. - -“My brother is very brave,” said the Indian. “He is almost too brave. -He has done a great thing to-day; but he came near losing his life. He -had better be careful what he does now; for Good Ax looked at him very -strangely, and the hearts of the warriors were hot.” - -“White Shield is a true brother,” replied Wilder, as he grasped the -hand of his friend. “Silverspur will never forget how his brother stood -by him in danger. You tell me that I must be careful what I do; but -there is one thing that I must do. I must see the girl, the daughter of -the white-haired chief.” - -The Indian shook his head, and was silent. - -“I must see the girl,” repeated Wilder. “If you will help me, there -will be no trouble about it. When I say that I will do a thing, I mean -to do it.” - -“I have told you that Good Ax means that she shall be his wife, and no -one can oppose the head chief. My brother had better be careful what he -does.” - -“I tell you that I must see her, and I will see her. I only ask to see -her and speak with her. If my brother will not help me, I will help -myself.” - -The Blackfoot sat in silence a few moments, looking strangely at his -friend. - -“Wait for me,” he said, as he arose and left the lodge. - -After the lapse of an hour, White Shield returned, and beckoned to -Wilder, who arose and followed him. They passed out of the village, -and came to a small stream, on each side of which was a fine growth of -timber. Entering the grove, White Shield pointed ahead of him. - -“She is there,” he said. “I will wait for you, but will not hear you.” - -As Wilder looked in the direction that was pointed out, he caught -sight of a woman’s dress, near the trunk of a large tree. He hastened -forward, and in a few moments was in the presence of Flora Robinette. - -The young lady did not appear to be eager for the meeting. She did not -move from where she stood, and looked at him with wonder and something -of suspicion as he advanced and held out his hand. - -“Who are you?” she asked. - -“A friend.” - -“I wish I could believe it. I was told by the Indian who brought me -here that, if I would wait, I would soon see one of my own race; but -he said that you were no longer a white man; that you had joined the -Blackfeet. What is your name?” - -“I am called Fred Wilder; but it matters not what my name is. I am a -white man and a friend. The Indian hardly told you the truth. He has -taken a fancy to me, has adopted me as his brother, and has introduced -me to his people; but I am far from considering myself one of them. -This morning I saved two white men from death by fire, and I hope to be -able to save you. It is certain that I shall use my best endeavors to -do so. Before this I would have seen you; but I did not know that you -were a captive, until I saw the Indians dancing around the scalps of -your father and another man.” - -“My father’s scalp! Good God! this is horrible. Did they tell you whose -it was?” - -“They told me that it was his, and then I learned the particulars of -the attack upon his train.” - -“There was another scalp, you say--what did it look like?” asked Flora, -with an accent and an air of painful interest. - -“It was the scalp of a white man, and the hair was black, short and -curling.” - -“It was not his,” muttered Flora, with a sigh of relief. - -“Of whom are you speaking?” - -“Of no one in particular--one of our party. I thought that some of my -friends might have followed the trail of the Indians. Do you know who -those two white men were whom you saved from burning?” - -“I do not know their names. One was an Irishman, with red hair, and he -seemed to be dumb.” - -“That might have been Dennis Regan; but he was any thing but dumb.” - -“The other was a tall and lean man, with keen eyes, a crooked nose, and -a very solemn face.” - -“That was surely the man whom my father called Pap Byers. How did they -happen to be captured?” - -“They were trying to take horses from the Blackfeet, and were -surprised. One was killed, and two were made prisoners.” - -“Was there no other? Did you hear nothing more?” - -“One man escaped, and he had a wonderful escape, if I understood the -account of the Indians.” - -“Who was he?” - -“Really, Miss Robinette, you question me very closely concerning a -person whom I have not seen. From what I have heard of him, it is my -opinion that he was George Benning, one of Mr. Robinette’s partisans.” - -“Thank God!” exclaimed Flora, as her emotions found vent in a flood of -tears. - -“It is plain enough that this young lady loves George Benning,” thought -Wilder. “He is a fine fellow, and I can’t blame her. Here is no chance -for me to fall in love, if I wished to do so, and I don’t. She is very -pretty; in fact, she is beautiful; but it is evident that I must go -further before I find my fate.” - -Flora advanced, and held out her hand. - -“I hope you will pardon me,” she said, “if I have shown distrust of -you. My father always spoke so harshly of men who had joined the -Indians, that I have thought they must be very wicked men. I must trust -you. I have no one else to look to, and God knows that I am grateful -for your offers of assistance. Heaven has raised up a friend to me in -my time of trouble, and I am indeed thankful. Do you think that you can -deliver me from the hands of these savages?” - -“I can try, and I hope you will not accuse me of boasting, when I say -that I generally succeed in what I undertake.” - -“Would they kill me if I should fail to escape?” - -“I think not; but they might do worse. I am told that the head chief -designs taking you into his family.” - -“I have heard that white persons have sometimes been adopted by -Indians.” - -“To speak plainly, he intends to adopt you as his wife.” - -“May God preserve me from such a fate! What shall I do, Mr. Wilder? -Save me, and I will pray for you as long as I live! Tell me what can be -done.” - -“You can do nothing, at present, but return to the village. You must -leave the rest to me, and I do not know what I shall do; but you may be -certain that I will do all that a man can do. Here comes the Indian to -take you back.” - -White Shield approached, and signified to Flora that the interview -had lasted long enough, and that she must return to the village. She -accompanied him, and Wilder, by the direction of his friend, went to -his lodge, where he passed a sleepless night in trying to devise a plan -to release her from her captivity. - -When the day broke, he had hit upon nothing that seemed to promise -success, and he walked out, in the hope that the morning air would give -him inspiration. In the course of his walk, he came to the conclusion -that, if he was to accomplish any thing, it must be with the assistance -of White Shield, and he resolved to throw himself upon the mercy of the -Indian. - -When White Shield entered the lodge that morning, he found Wilder -seated on the ground, with his head buried in his hands, his attitude -and countenance denoting the deepest dejection. - -“I am in great trouble,” he said, in answer to a question from the -Indian. “My heart is very sore.” - -“Let my brother tell me his trouble. Perhaps I can help him.” - -“No one can help me but you. If you do not help me, I can live no -longer. My brother, the daughter of the white-haired chief must not go -into the lodge of Good Ax. I must take her away from him. I must take -her away from the Blackfeet, and restore her to her people.” - -“The Great Spirit has surely deprived my brother of his senses. He -speaks of something that can not be done.” - -“It can be done, and it must be done. It can easily be done with your -help. Will you not help me?” - -White Shield shook his head mournfully. - -“Then I must die. I have pledged my word to the white maiden. I have -never yet broken my word, and, if I fail to keep it now, I can live no -longer.” - -“Let my brother follow me,” said White Shield, as he arose, with -troubled looks, and walked out of the lodge. - -Wilder followed him through the village, and out into the hills that -lay to the westward. The young warrior went on swiftly and in silence, -until he came to the brink of a precipice, that reached down, full -three hundred feet in a perpendicular line, to the plain below. Here he -stopped, and turned to his companion, with outstretched hand pointing -downward. - -“Let my brother ask me to throw myself from this rock,” said he, “and I -will do it. I am ready to die for my brother, when he bids me go to the -spirit-land; but he asks more than death. If I should do what he asks -me to do, I must betray my people, and must leave them forever; for I -should be cast out from among them, and even my father and my brothers -would seek to kill me.” - -Wilder exhausted his arguments upon his friend, telling him that, -if such a step were necessary, he would be no loser by severing his -connection with the tribe, as he would be taken to the village of the -white men, where he would be shown wonders without end, such as he -could never have believed to be possible. The warrior sadly shook his -head, and begged his brother to order him to throw himself from the -cliff. - -“It is enough,” said Wilder, at last. “I can say no more. Here, White -Shield, is my rifle that shoots twice. I give it to you, and I know -that you will use it well. The pipe-holder, too, is yours. None like it -was ever seen among the Blackfeet. Take my powder-horn also, and keep -them all in remembrance of your brother.” - -“What does my brother mean? Why has he given me these things?” - -“I have no more use for them. I am going to the spirit-land. Keep them, -to remind you of Silverspur, whom you forced to die. I must break my -word, and I can live no longer. Farewell!” - -Wilder stepped forward to the edge of the cliff, and threw up his hands. - -With a sharp cry the Indian darted toward him, threw his arms around -him, lifted him up bodily, and carried him back to a distance from the -dangerous spot, where he laid him on the ground. - -“Let my brother live!” said the warrior, as he kneeled by the side of -the white man. “I will do what he asks me to do, though he asks more -than my life. I will leave my people forever, and will follow him where -he chooses to lead me. Is my brother satisfied?” - -Wilder could not help pitying the Indian, whose genuine emotion had -nearly overcome him; but he had gained his point, and he was satisfied. -The two returned to the village, where they shut themselves up in their -lodge, and made their arrangements for carrying away Flora Robinette. - -During the day they selected five fleet horses--two for each of -themselves, and one for the young lady, and concealed them in the grove -where Wilder had his interview with Flora. They also secured sufficient -ammunition, and a good supply of provisions, which they concealed in -the same place. - -After nightfall, when the village was quiet, White Shield set out -alone, directing his friend to go to the grove and wait for him. - -As Wilder passed through the village, he saw a pole in front of the -medicine-lodge, from which were hanging the dried scalps of Mr. -Robinette and Sam Glass. Some strange impulse caused him to take the -gray scalp from the pole, and to thrust it into the bosom of his -hunting-shirt, the general receptacle of trappers for all odds and -ends. He then went to where the horses were concealed and waited for -the companions of his journey. - -In a few moments they appeared, and Flora held out her hand to Wilder, -expressing regret for having distrusted him. He told her that they had -no time for words, that it was useless for her to thank him before he -had accomplished any thing, and that their present duty was to get away -from the Blackfeet as fast as possible. - -They mounted, therefore, and rode swiftly toward the southwest until -they struck the main stream of the Missouri, which they followed in the -direction of the mountains. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. A CROW VICTORY. - - -After the failure of his horse-capturing expedition, the reflections of -George Benning were far from pleasant. He had not only met with poor -success is getting horses, but had lost his three companions. His own -escape had been wonderful, his life having been in the greatest peril, -and he was sure that a horrible death would be the fate of those who -had been taken. His only consolation was in the thought that he had -done all in his power to render the expedition a success, and that it -had not failed through any fault of his own. If he could blame himself -for any thing, it was only for having taken Dennis Regan as one of his -party. - -He found himself alone, and further than ever from the object which -he had undertaken, the rescue of Flora Robinette. He still had his -strength and his weapons, and had a good horse under him; but what -could one man do against a tribe of Indians? He had no thought, -however, of giving up the search; but was determined to persevere, if -it should take a lifetime, until he could recover the lady of his love, -or learn her fate. - -He rode on until he was satisfied that the Indians did not intend to -pursue him any further, when he halted by the side of a wooded stream. -Here he kindled a little fire, cooked and ate his supper, and, after -tethering his horse, wrapped himself in his blanket, and lay down to -sleep. - -It was long before sleep visited his eyelids; but when it did come it -seemed that it would never leave him. He was awoke, at last, by some -strange sounds, which had formed part of his dreams. Starting up, he -perceived that it was broad daylight, and that he was surrounded by a -group of Indians. Many others could be seen in the timber and on the -plain, and a number of horses were feeding along the stream. - -There was no chance to escape, if he had thought it advisable to make -the attempt. A brief glance showed him, however, that these Indians -were Crows, who were generally considered friendly to the white men, -although Pap Byers had been certain that they were Crows who had made -the attack upon Mr. Robinette’s encampment. - -If he had any doubts, they were soon dispelled by one of the chiefs, -who approached him, and greeted him kindly, asking how he happened to -be there alone. - -As it was possible that the opinion of Byers might have been correct, -Wilder thought it best to say nothing concerning the disaster to Mr. -Robinette’s expedition. He stated that he, with three companions, had -been endeavoring to recover some horses that had been taken from them -by the Blackfeet; that they were caught in the attempt, and his friends -had been killed or captured, while he had made a narrow escape from his -pursuers. - -The chief informed him, in return, that they were a war-party, who had -set out for the purpose of taking some horses or scalps, and asked how -far it was to the Blackfoot village. - -Wilder replied that it was distant not more than two hours’ ride, and -pointed out the direction in which he supposed it to lie. At the same -time he proffered his services to the Crows, if they should attack the -Blackfeet, hoping that his friends had been captured, and that he might -be able to rescue them. - -Spies were sent to reconnoiter the village, and the Crows staid where -they were during the remainder of the day. Toward evening the spies -came in, and reported that the village consisted of about two hundred -lodges, but there did not seem to be many warriors in it. - -The Crow chief waited for another band, that was expected the next -day. On their arrival, he divided his warriors into two parties, one -of which was to attack the village from the west, and the other from -the east. Shortly after dark they had reached their stations; but their -approach had been discovered, and the surprise was not as perfect as -they hoped to make it. They charged in, however, and, after a brief -struggle, drove their adversaries from the village. - -Those of the Blackfeet warriors who survived this contest, together -with their women and children, took refuge in a dense thicket, where -they fortified themselves as well as they could, and defended the -position with the obstinacy of despair. - -While the efforts of the Crows were devoted to dislodging their enemies -from this refuge, George Benning hastened through the village in search -of his late companions. - -He soon found Pap Byers and Dennis Regan. They had been left in an open -lodge, guarded by two Indians. When their guards had been killed or -driven away, they came out, and found themselves at liberty. - -Byers was very thankful for his deliverance and expressed gratitude -quite warmly; but the Irishman remained silent. Instead of replying to -the questions that Benning addressed to him, he only shook his head, -and pointed to his tongue. - -“What is the matter with Denny?” asked the partisan, in surprise. - -“The critter has gone dumb,” replied Byers. “When I told him that the -red-skins allowed to burn us, he swore that he wouldn’t speak a word -for six months, if he could git out of the scrape. I thought the durned -fool was jokin’; but it seems he was in ‘arnest, as he has helt out so -fur without speakin’.” - -“If he had made that resolution earlier, it would have been better for -all of us. How did it happen that you were not burned?” - -“The red-skins took us out to roast us. They tied us to stakes and -built a fire around us. It was all up with this child, I allowed, and -the fire was jest beginnin’ to scorch, when a white man stepped in and -scattered the fire, and swore that they shouldn’t burn us while he -lived.” - -“I should think he would not have been likely to live long, after that.” - -“I tell ye, cap’n, he skeered ’em. Some of them red-skins nearly turned -white. Thar was some talk, and then a lot of red-skins j’ined the white -man, and thar was a right smart chance fur a big row; but it quieted -down arter a bit, and then they turned us loose.” - -“It is very strange. It is seldom that a white man gains such -influence among the Blackfeet. Do you know who he was?” - -“They called him Silverspur. He was young, but a right smart chance of -a man.” - -“Silverspur? I have heard of him; in fact, I have seen him. His name is -Wilder, if I remember rightly. He is a brave man, and fine-looking, but -of an unsettled disposition. It would not surprise me if he had joined -the Blackfeet. If he has, they will not keep him long. What has become -of Sam Glass?” - -“He was killed in the scrimmage. The red-skins danced over his scalp -and Mr. Robinette’s the night they took us.” - -“Mr. Robinette’s?” - -“Yes, sir. I was mistooken about its bein’ the Crows who raised the old -man’s ha’r. They were Blackfeet who pounced onto us.” - -“Did they carry away Miss Flora, or was she killed? Have you heard any -thing about her?” - -“She was here; but she’s gone now; and that’s why you had sech an easy -time whippin’ this village of Blackfeet. Ef it hadn’t been fur her, the -job would hev been a leetle tougher, I reckon.” - -“How so? What do you mean?” - -“I heerd the red-skins torkin’ about it. That white man, Silverspur, -kerried her off last night, and one of the red-skins went with him. -Leastways, she was missin’, and so war those two men. Thar was a big -hullabaloo raised this mornin’, as the head chief had sot his eye on -her fur a wife, and they war mad, too, about the red-skin goin’ off -with Silverspur. A right smart chance of warriors mounted and rode off -arter ’em, and that’s how thar warn’t many in the village when you -came.” - -“Was she willing to go with that--with Silverspur?” - -“How do I know? I reckon she was, as she mought easy enough hev staid -here, whar a thousand red-skins wanted to keep her.” - -“Of course. I ought not to have asked such a question. When did the -warriors start?” - -“The sun was nigh an hour high when they got off.” - -“Shouldn’t wonder if the cap’n has gone crazy,” muttered Byers, as -George Benning hastened away, in search of the chief who commanded the -war-party of the Crows. - -He had met him returning from the thicket in which the remaining -Blackfeet had taken refuge. In their efforts to dislodge their enemies -from that position, the Crows had sustained serious loss, and had -concluded that the game was not worth the candle. They had abandoned -the siege, therefore, and were about to collect the horses of the -Blackfeet, preparatory to returning home. - -It was Benning’s belief that the Blackfeet warriors who had gone in -pursuit of Silverspur and his companions would be likely to overtake -the fugitives, in which event they would at once return to their -village. He hoped to be able to induce the Crows to follow their trail, -and meet them as they came back. They would thus easily gain another -victory, which ought to be, as he supposed, a sufficient inducement for -them to do as he wished them to. - -But the Crow, when Benning presented this view of the case to him, -steadily refused to do any thing of the kind. His party had come but -for a special purpose, he said. That purpose had been accomplished, and -it was their duty to return. Besides, several warriors had been lost in -the attack upon the Blackfeet in the thicket, and it was their custom, -when such a misfortune had befallen a war-party, to return immediately -to their village, and to mourn for the fallen before attempting any -other achievement. - -All the arguments that Benning could use were ineffectual to change the -determination of the chief, and he declared his intention of following -the trail alone, in the hope that chance might in some way give him an -opportunity of aiding Flora Robinette. - -From this he was dissuaded by Pap Byers and the chief. The former -represented to him that he would be unable to do any thing alone, and -the latter advised him to accompany the warriors to the Crow village. -He might there represent the case, the chief said, to Bad Eye, the -chief of the village, who would be sure to sympathize with him, and -would probably place a body of warriors under his control, for an -expedition against the Blackfeet. - -These arguments were so strongly advanced, and appeared so reasonable, -that Benning reluctantly consented to accompany the Crow warriors, and -set out with a heavy heart. - -It must be said, although George Benning would not have liked to make -the admission, that he felt very ill at ease concerning the company in -which Flora Robinette had left the Blackfeet. He had hoped to rescue -her himself; but another had been before him, and that other was a -handsome, brave, and impulsive fellow, who might be as energetic and -victorious in love as Benning knew him to be in war. What could be more -likely than that he should fall in love with fair Flora Robinette, and -what better opportunity could a man have for pressing his suit, than -just when he had rescued the lady of his love from captivity among -savages? - -The more Benning thought of this, the more it troubled him. From what -he had seen and heard of Fred Wilder, he had formed a high opinion of -him; but he now began to torture himself with doubts and suspicions, -which were not flattering to the character of Silverspur. If that -person should succeed in getting Flora safely out of the clutches of -the Blackfeet, there was no knowing what mean advantage he might take -of her position and his achievement. Benning had never declared his -love to Flora. He had thought that she had perceived it, and he had -seen indications that led him to hope that his love was returned; but -that was all. It would be only natural, if Wilder should address her, -that she should feel herself bound in honor to listen favorably to -the man who had saved her from a fate that might have been worse than -death. It was highly probable, indeed, that she would consent to marry -him, if she found that no objection could be urged against him. - -These thoughts troubled the young partisan so much, that he had little -rest during his journey with the Crows, and he was glad indeed when -they reached their village. - -When the ceremony of reception was over, and while the whole village -was lamenting for the fallen braves, he sought the head chief, Bad Eye, -to whom he told his story, declaring that he believed Flora Robinette -to be still in the possession of the Blackfeet, and beseeching aid to -deliver her from their hands. - -Bad Eye was a fine-looking Indian, considerably past middle age, -differing somewhat in features from the rest of the Crows, if not -in color. His left eye was sightless, from which peculiarity he had -received his cognomen; but the remaining eye was unusually bright and -keen. - -He listened to Benning’s tale very attentively, and the partisan, -knowing the usually stolid nature of the Indian character, was -surprised at the emotion which he manifested. - -“The white-haired chief, then, is dead,” he said. “Some worse men -have died, and many better men. He was hard in his dealings with the -red-men, but did not treat them as badly as some traders have done. -The Blackfeet must not keep his scalp, to dry in their lodges, if -Bad Eye can take it from them. But his daughter is safe, I think. I -know something of Silverspur, and I know that he always does what he -undertakes to do. I must think of this matter. I can do nothing without -consulting the counselors. When I know what to do, I will tell you.” - -Benning was obliged to be satisfied with this answer, and he waited -impatiently to learn the intentions of the chief. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. THE PASS. - - -Flora Robinette, with her white and red companions, rode rapidly away -from the Blackfeet. It was her wish, as Wilder had ascertained, that -she might be taken direct to her father’s usual trapping rendezvous, -on the head-waters of Green River. In accordance with this wish, they -soon crossed the Missouri, and shaped their course toward the south, -intending to keep near the hills, in order to avoid wandering parties -of Crows or other Indians. - -White Shield, with a gloomy countenance, led the way, seldom speaking -unless he was spoken to. Wilder and Flora followed, with little to say -to each other. - -The Blackfoot came to the conclusion, in the course of the night, that -it would be better to cross the mountains at a pass near the waters -of the Missouri than to remain on the eastern side of the range. The -route, therefore, was again changed toward the west. - -When morning came, they halted to prepare some food. Flora was so -exhausted by loss of sleep, and by the long and rapid ride of the -night, that she needed rest; but she was so fearful and excited that -she was unable to snatch a few moments’ sleep. She sat by the fire, and -conversed with Wilder, while White Shield, moody and meditative, sat -apart, and smoked in silence. - -“I hope you have forgiven me,” she said, “for distrusting you when -you first offered me your assistance. I heard that you had joined the -Blackfeet, and I was afraid of you.” - -“Perhaps you were afraid that I would fall in love with you, and that -I would try to push George Benning from the throne. You need not have -entertained such a fear, as it is not at all likely that I will fall in -love with you.” - -“That is consoling, if not complimentary.” - -“You are beautiful enough, no doubt; but I believe I am proof against -beauty. If you happened to have a sister, and if she happened to be -as beautiful as yourself, and a little older, and not quite so highly -civilized, I might fancy her; but you are not wild enough, Miss -Robinette, for Fred Wilder.” - -“Unfortunately, I have no sister. I hardly know for which I ought to -be the most grateful, for my deliverance from the Indians, or for your -kindness in not falling in love with me.” - -“It must be a satisfaction to know that you have not jumped out of the -frying-pan into the fire. But this is too serious a subject to joke -about, Miss Robinette. You are not safe yet. It is a long journey to -the rendezvous, and God only knows what enemies we may meet before we -reach it. The Blackfeet, too, will be likely to follow us; but I hope -we have too good a start to let them overtake us.” - -“We ought to make sure that we escape, at least. Ought we not to -continue our journey?” - -“I suppose we must, if you really can not rest. My Blackfoot brother -seems to be getting uneasy.” - -In fact, White Shield came up at that moment, and told them that they -must delay no longer, that Good Ax and his warriors would be on their -trail, and that it was necessary to cross the mountains before they -should be overtaken. They mounted, accordingly, and set forward at a -smart pace. - -A few hours’ ride found them fairly within the hills, and they halted -on the summit of the highest they had reached, for a brief rest. - -Their rest was very brief. The Blackfoot, looking back on their trail, -pointed out to Wilder some dark objects that were speeding across -the plain in the distance. It was soon evident that the dark objects -were men on horseback, and that they were following the trail of the -fugitives. - -The white and red friends looked at each other. They knew that those -Indians were Blackfeet who were bent upon their capture, and their -looks denoted a determination to die rather than be taken. - -“What shall we do, White Shield?” asked Wilder. “For my part, the -Blackfeet shall not take me alive. I will fight them to the last.” - -“White Shield will fight with his brother. He can do nothing else. The -Blackfeet hate me worse than they hate you. If we were only men, we -might escape; but we have a woman with us, and she is now very tired.” - -Flora Robinette, who had listened to the conversation, and who had seen -the approaching enemies, begged her friends to make haste to escape -while there was time to do so. She was not tired, she said. She could -ride as fast as they wished to ride, and they need not be afraid that -she would hinder them. - -“There is but one thing to do,” said the Blackfoot. “The pass is a -difficult one, and there is a place at which one man can defend it -against a hundred. We will stop there, my brother, and will fight.” - -“Let us make haste, then, and reach it.” - -The lapse of an hour found them in a narrow defile in the heart of the -mountains. With difficulty they forced their horses up a steep incline, -to the summit of the declivity, beyond which the trail was broad and -easy. The Indian stopped and looked back, pointing down the defile. - -“There are not enough warriors with Good Ax,” said he, “to take this -pass, while it is defended by one brave man.” - -“But they might surround us,” replied Wilder, “or they might starve us -out in time.” - -“I shall not stay here long enough to get hungry; but we will gain -time. I will defend the pass, while my white brother and sister ride on -and get far from their enemies.” - -“You will do no such thing, White Shield. We can not allow you to -sacrifice yourself for us, or to fight the Blackfeet, who are your -brothers.” - -“I am no longer their brother.” - -“But you must not fight them. I will defend the pass, while you ride -forward with Miss Robinette. You need not object, for I am determined -that it shall be so. Is there any way by which the Blackfeet can get -behind me?” - -“There is a way; but it would take them several hours to get behind -you.” - -“Ride on, then, and I will keep them off as long as I can. Don’t be -afraid, Miss Flora. You may safely trust yourself with my brother.” - -The Indian reluctantly consented to this arrangement, and pointed to a -white-topped peak, far to the westward. - -“The trail is plain enough,” said he, “and it leads to that peak. If -you do not find us there, you will find an arrow, to show you which way -we have gone.” - -Flora rode away with the Indian, after a few words of encouragement -from Wilder, who then set himself at work to strengthen his position. - -His first care was to collect a number of bowlders, as large as he -could lift or roll. These he placed at the head of the declivity, -blocking up the defile, until the pile was breast high. - -This done, and the condition of his rifle and ammunition carefully -examined, he sat down to fortify his inner man, while he calmly awaited -the approach of the Blackfeet. - -It was about noon when he heard them coming, and soon he saw them, and -was able to count them, as they entered the defile. They were twenty -in number, including the chief, who was conspicuous in the advance. -All had led horses, so that they could change when the animals they -rode became weary, which accounted for the rapidity with which they had -followed in pursuit. - -On they came, urged forward by the chief, uttering guttural -exclamations as they forced their animals up the incline. - -It must be said, to the credit of Fred Wilder, that he was unwilling to -cause the death of any of the red-men whose hospitality he had lately -shared, unless self-defense should compel him to do so. He hailed them, -therefore, and ordered them to halt. - -A parley ensued between him and Good Ax, by whom he was at once -recognized. The chief demanded that Flora Robinette and White Shield -should be given up, promising the white man that he would be allowed to -go his way. Wilder declared that nothing of the kind should be done, -adding that his red brother and the lady were far beyond pursuit. If -the Blackfeet attempted to force the pass, he said, they would do it at -the peril of their lives. As he did not wish to hurt them, he advised -them to go home. - -Good Ax was so enraged that he ordered an immediate attack. The -Blackfeet led their horses down the slope, to be out of the way, and -rushed up to the assault; but Wilder was ready for them. - -Having arranged his bowlders for immediate use, he sent one of them -whirling down the declivity, and followed it with another. The Indians, -unable to escape the ponderous missiles that came bounding and -thundering among them, screamed and yelled like demons, and all who -were able to do so made a precipitate retreat. - -Wilder took advantage of the pause that ensued, to again advise them -to go home, assuring them that it went quite against his grain to harm -his good friends, the Blackfeet. A volley of execrations was the only -answer he received, and the Indians, unwilling to face the rolling -stones, sought such cover as they could find, hoping to pick him off -with their guns. - -Safe behind his barricade, Wilder watched their proceedings very -composedly, not deigning to reply to their fire unless they showed a -disposition to approach him, when a well-directed shot from his rifle -warned them to keep their distance. - -Affairs continued in this condition for upward of half an hour, and the -young man was beginning to wonder when there would be a change, when he -was startled by a slight noise above him, and a piece of stone fell at -his feet. Knowing that there must be some cause for such an effect, -he looked up, and saw an Indian clinging to the side of the rock, and -another making his way in the same direction. They had gone thus far -unobserved; but the foremost had stepped on a narrow ledge, which had -shaken under his weight, causing him to utter a slight exclamation. - -Seeing the looseness of the ledge, Wilder pried it out from the main -rock with his tomahawk, and it fell with a crash, dropping the Indian -at his feet. It took Wilder but an instant to dispatch this foe with -his tomahawk, and then, seizing his rifle, he shot down the other, who -was still clinging helplessly to the face of the cliff. - -The Blackfeet, who had counted on the attempt of their two braves to -divert the attention of Wilder from their main attack, rushed fiercely -up the defile, but soon found that he was not to be taken unawares. -Rolling over two of his bowlders, he sent them crashing down among his -assailants, sweeping them away at a serious loss of life and limb. - -Then came another season of comparative quiet, which lasted until -Wilder began to suspect that the Indians, or a portion of them, had -gone around by the route which White Shield had spoken of, with the -intention of getting in his rear. Reconnoitering as well as he could, -he came to the conclusion that his suspicions were correct, and that it -would be best for him to make his exit as speedily as possible. - -Collecting more bowlders, he piled them up in front of him, jamming -them in for the purpose of blocking up the defile as well as he could, -and of concealing his movements from the enemy. As he would have -several hours’ start of the Blackfeet who had gone around, he had -nothing to fear but from those who might have been left in front to -watch him. It would probably be some time, he calculated, before the -latter would discover that he had evacuated the position. Then it would -take them half an hour to get up the slope with their horses, and about -as much longer to demolish his barricade. This would give him plenty of -time to get out of the way. - -He quietly led his horses down to the plain and broad trail, where -he mounted and rode off at a gallop. He did not slacken his speed, -except when he stopped to change from one horse to the other, as he was -anxious to reach before night the peak which White Shield had pointed -out to him. It was further off than he had supposed it to be, and it -was dusk when he found himself at its base. - -He was soon convinced that White Shield and Flora were not in the -vicinity, and he found, after a little search, a split stick with an -arrow stuck in it, pointing toward the south. They could not have got -very far ahead of him, he thought, and he hoped that he might be able -to overtake them where they had stopped to rest for the night. - -He rode on; but he soon learned that following their trail was slow -work to a man in the saddle, although the moon was shining. He then -took his course by the stars, and rode south at a gallop, believing -that he could not go far out of the way, and every minute expecting to -overtake his friends. - -He rode until the night was half gone, and the moon was down, without -seeing a sign of a human being. Sure that he must have overtaken them -if he was on the right track, and being greatly fatigued, he deemed it -best to camp where he was for the night, and to hunt for the trail in -the morning. - -He tethered his horses, wrapped himself in his blanket, and laid down -to sleep. Thoughts of his missing friends troubled him for a while; but -they were soon swallowed up in a deep and dreamless slumber. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. MARTIN LAURIE’S LITTLE SCHEME. - - -In the morning Fred Wilder set out to seek for the trail of his -companions; but, after a long and careful search, he was unable to find -it, and he abandoned the quest in despair. As he had seen or heard -nothing of the Blackfeet, he concluded that they had given up the -pursuit, and had returned to their village. - -The disappearance of the Blackfoot and Flora Robinette was not -incomprehensible to him, for it was very likely that he had lost the -trail; but he could not help fearing that it was to be attributed to -some other cause. It was possible that White Shield had been troubled -in conscience concerning the manner in which he had left his tribe, and -that he might have gone back to meet the pursuers, hoping to make peace -with them by delivering Flora to Good Ax. It was possible, also, that -he might have taken a fancy to the fair prize, and that he might have -determined to secure her for himself, thus cheating his white brother, -as well as his tribe. - -Fred Wilder’s manly heart made him reject these unworthy suspicions as -fast as they arose in his mind. He could not believe that the Indian, -who had sworn brotherhood to him, and who had so thoroughly proved -his friendship, would so easily turn traitor. In fact, he felt sure -that he could trust him, whatever appearances might be against him. -The probability was, Wilder thought, that he had lost their trail, -which must lead direct to Mr. Robinette’s rendezvous. Still, it seemed -strange that they had not waited for him, or tried to find him, as he -supposed they might easily have done. - -Stifling his fears as well as he could, he rode toward the south, -shaping his course for the rendezvous, where he hoped to find his -missing companions. - -It was a long journey, and there was not a little peril connected with -it; but, by the use of vigilance and caution, he contrived to keep -clear of any predatory bands of Indians, and the end of two weeks found -him on a stream which he believed to be one of the head branches of -Green River. - -The sun was nearly on the meridian when he was riding along the -pleasant stream, in the shade of the cottonwoods and willows, -meditating on his vagrant life, and wondering whether he would ever -settle down and become a quiet and steady citizen. Thoughts of dinner -were also in his mind, and were further provoked by the sight of a thin -column of blue smoke, curling up above the tree-tops before him. He -stopped at once, with a true woodman’s caution, and speculated upon the -smoke and its cause. - -He thought that he could not be far from the rendezvous, and it was not -likely that there would be any hostile Indians so near a large assembly -of white men. It was more probable that some hunters had chosen the -spot for the purpose of enjoying their noon meal. Wilder was willing -enough to join them; but he thought it best to use caution, as he could -not be certain whether he was to meet friends or enemies. - -He dismounted, tethered his horses, and quietly picked his way through -the undergrowth toward the smoke. He was soon near enough to perceive -two white men seated by the remains of a fire. Near them was the -carcass of an antelope, from which they had made their meal. Both men -were smoking, and a flask that lay between them denoted that they were -not destitute of another creature comfort much prized in the wilderness. - -Wilder was about to step forward and join them, when he was stopped by -an exclamation that one of them made. He heard Flora Robinette’s name, -used in a manner that strongly attracted his attention, and made him -anxious to hear more of the conversation. - -Crawling up closer, and concealing himself behind the trunk of a large -cottonwood, he looked and listened. He knew both of the men, one of -whom was Martin Laurie, Mr. Robinette’s agent, and the other was Jacob -Farnsworth, also one of the trader’s employés. - -“You think, then, that you can find the girl?” asked Farnsworth. - -“I am pretty certain of that,” replied the Scotchman. - -“What will you do with her when you get her?” - -“It seems to me, my friend, that you are becoming inquisitive.” - -“I suppose I am; but it is a matter that concerns me a little.” - -“How so?” - -“Look here, Martin Laurie. You might as well be open and -straight-forward; for I know you as well as you know yourself. You -expect to rescue the girl, and to have the fingering of old Robinette’s -money.” - -“You may think what you please about it. Suppose that what you say were -true, how would it affect you?” - -“More than you may think. I might hinder or help you as I chose. You -don’t want to tell me your plans; but you will have to do it. The -Scotch are very keen; but they are no sharper than the Yankees. I can -tell you that you will never touch the old man’s money-bags, unless -you change your plans.” - -“You are only trying to pump me, Jake Farnsworth.” - -“I am not. I am speaking for your own interest. I know what I am -saying; for I have the will.” - -“The will! What will?” - -“Paul Robinette’s will.” - -“The deuce! I didn’t know that he left a will.” - -“I have one copy, and the other copy is in St. Louis.” - -“What does it say?” - -“Don’t you wish you knew? I will tell you, on condition that you will -give me a third of what you make by the operation. Your plans will -amount to nothing, unless you know what is in the will. You might go to -St. Louis, and examine the other copy; but your chances would be all -gone before you could get back. If you will come to terms I will tell -you what I know, and will help you with your plans. If you won’t, you -may as well load up your traps and quit the ground.” - -“I will agree to what you say, if your information really causes me to -change my plans.” - -“That is fair enough. I will guarantee that it will surprise you.” - -“Very well. Out with it.” - -“The will is a strange one, and perhaps there is a touch of hypo in it; -but I have no doubt that it would stand in the courts. In fact, it was -drawn by a lawyer, who ought to have known his business. It seems that -the old man was quite a monomaniac on the subject of being killed by -Indians. He had a presentiment that he would be scalped by them some -day, and the fear that his scalp would remain in their possession, and -be smoke-dried in their lodges, always preyed upon his mind.” - -“It may have been second-sight, for he was killed and scalped after -escaping for so many years.” - -“I know that; but listen to the arrangement he made by his will. He -divided his property into two equal portions, one of which is to be -given to the man who recovers his scalp from the Indians. The other -half is to be his daughter’s, on condition she marries the man who -recovers his scalp.” - -Fred Wilder uttered an involuntary exclamation, and felt in the -breast-pocket of his hunting-shirt, to see whether the gray scalp was -secure. - -“I thought I heard something,” said Farnsworth, looking around. “It -must have been one of our horses. If she refuses to marry that man, she -will get but the income of her share during life, and at her death it -will go to a charity in St. Louis.” - -“Suppose the scalp should not be recovered.” - -“Then that share is to go to the same charity. You can judge, now, -whether the will changes your plans.” - -“I must confess that it will change them considerably. It will be of -more importance to me to secure the scalp than the girl. It is a queer -will. The old man must have been crazy.” - -“His head was clear enough, as you well know, and we need make no -question about the will. If you can recover the scalp, the girl will be -obliged to marry you, or she will get nothing from the property worth -speaking of. The two halves, put together, would make a right handsome -pile.” - -“They would, indeed, and I could afford to give you a share. I must -secure both the scalp and the girl. I see no objection that Miss Flora -could have to marrying me. I have always been considered a proper man.” - -“Proper enough, no doubt; but young ladies have strange fancies -sometimes. Where do you expect to find her?” - -“Among the Crows.” - -“That is strange.” - -“Rather strange, I admit, but none the less true. Pap Byers, who was -one of the party when we were attacked, picked up a Crow blanket and a -Crow moccasin after the fight, and he was sure that they were Crows who -stampeded us.” - -“But the Crows never molest white people.” - -“Very seldom, it is true; but this may have been a party of young -braves who were returning from an expedition which had not resulted -to suit them, and they may have wanted to carry home a few horses or -scalps, thinking that they would not be found out. War-parties dislike -to return empty-handed.” - -“That is true, and you are probably right in supposing that the -assailants were Crows. If so, they have the scalp and Miss Flora. But -how will you get them?” - -“George Benning wanted to go in search of the young lady, and I let him -take Pap Byers and Sam Glass and a green young Irishman. If they found -her, they were to bring her to the rendezvous; but I have neither seen -nor heard any thing of them.” - -“Perhaps they have been rubbed out.” - -“It is very likely. They were afoot, and their first movement would -have been to steal some horses from the Indians. That might have -brought them into trouble.” - -“If Benning is out of the way, it will be all the better for you, as I -have heard that he was getting fond of Miss Flora, and he is, or was, a -likely young fellow.” - -“It would pain me greatly to hear of his death.” - -“None of your hypocrisy, Martin Laurie. We know each other too well for -that. What do you mean to do now?” - -“I can do nothing until after the next rendezvous, in August. Then I -shall go up among the Crows, and have no doubt that I shall be able -to trade with them for both the girl and the scalp, giving them to -understand that they shall not be troubled about that little affair.” - -“Very well. I will keep your counsel, and will help you all I can. We -had better be getting back to camp, before they send out a party to -search for us. Shall we take the rest of this antelope?” - -“It is not worth while. We will leave that much for the wolves.” - -The two men mounted their horses, and rode down the stream. Fred Wilder -waited until they were out of sight, when he also mounted, and followed -them slowly, reflecting on what he had heard. - -He soon reached the camp, where he saw both Laurie and Farnsworth, -together with a number of trappers and friendly Indians; but he kept -his own counsel, saying nothing of his late adventures, or of Flora -Robinette or the gray scalp. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. A DOG IN THE WAY. - - -It was evident to Wilder, from the first of the conversation that he -listened to, between Laurie and Farnsworth, that White Shield had not -brought Flora Robinette to the rendezvous. He was not really surprised -at this; but his fears were awakened and strengthened, and he could -not avoid an oppressive feeling of anxiety. He made no inquiries about -them, but remained a week at the encampment, hoping that they might -come in. - -At the end of that time, as he had heard nothing of them, he was forced -to the conclusion that his suspicions had been too well founded, and -that White Shield had betrayed him. It was possible that they might -have been captured by some roving band of Indians; but it was not at -all probable that so brave and wily a warrior as the Blackfoot would -have suffered himself to be taken by any enemy. Wilder could only -believe that he had gone back to the Blackfeet, or that he had taken -possession of Flora for purposes of his own. - -Quite despondent, the young man sallied out one morning on a -hunting-excursion. He went alone, hoping to meet with some excitement -that would prevent his mind from brooding over his half-accomplished -achievement. He was by no means prepared to abandon the object with -which he had left the Blackfeet. On the contrary, he was determined -that he would not be so easily outdone, and it was his intention to -seek for the missing companions of his flight, to rescue Flora from the -Indians, and to punish White Shield for his treachery. - -He had poor luck with his hunting that morning, the reason being, -probably, that his mind was too much occupied with other matters. -Somewhat discouraged, he ascended a hill, from which he could have a -good view of the surrounding country, and looked to see whether any -game was visible. - -In the distance he descried a dark object, slowly moving over the -plain. He was sure that it was no four-legged animal, and was soon -convinced that it was a man on foot; but he could not tell whether it -was an Indian or a white man. - -Curious to know who the solitary traveler could be, he descended the -hill, and rode toward the object. The man discovered him, and seemed to -wish to avoid him; but there was no way of escaping on the prairie, and -at last he stopped, waiting the approach of the horseman. - -As he drew near to the stranger, Wilder perceived that he was an -Indian. Nearer yet, he thought that he discovered a resemblance in his -features to those of White Shield. Yes; it must be his red brother; -for the Indian recognizes him, and runs eagerly forward to meet him. -Wilder is surprised; he can not believe that this is the athletic -and fine-looking warrior from whom he lately separated; for the form -of White Shield is fearfully emaciated, his eyes are hollow, he is -entirely without arms, and the few garments that remain to him hang -about him in tatters. - -Instead of advancing to meet him, Wilder reined in his horse, and -leveled his rifle at the Indian. - -“Shall I shoot you now?” he said; “or shall I wait until I hear what -you have to say?” - -The Blackfoot, who did not attempt to conceal his surprise, advanced no -further, but looked steadily at the leveled rifle. - -“If my brother wishes to kill me,” he replied, “let him shoot. White -Shield is ready to go to the spirit-land.” - -“Are you sure that you are ready? Is there nothing you have done that -frightens you?” - -“White Shield is not afraid. His heart is clean, and his tongue is -straight. The path is broad before him. Let my brother shoot.” - -“Why have you betrayed me?” - -“White Shield betrayed his own people, to please his brother. Is it for -that reason that he is called a traitor? Let Silverspur shoot.” - -Wilder could not contain himself any longer. The truth and affection -of the Indian were so manifest, that he felt that he could not blame -himself sufficiently for his suspicions. He leaped from his horse, -threw his rifle upon the ground, ran to the Indian, and fairly hugged -him. - -“The heart of Silverspur was hot,” he said. “A little bird whispered -to me, and told me lies. I have done wrong; but my brother will forgive -me.” - -“The heart of White Shield is warm. What did the little bird say to my -brother?” - -“Where is the white maiden?” - -“With the Indians of the south--with the Arapahoes.” - -“Why is she there?” - -The Indian proceeded to relate his adventures since he had parted from -his friend. - -He had gone to the peak which he had pointed out, and had waited -there a while. Fearing that Silverspur had been killed, and that -the Blackfeet might follow on the trail, he had judged it best--for -the safety of Flora Robinette, which he supposed to be the chief -consideration with his friend--to continue his flight toward the south, -and he left an arrow to indicate that he had gone in that direction. - -When night came on, he encamped, and waited for his friend. There could -be no doubt that Wilder had wandered widely from the trail, as White -Shield, when he considered himself out of danger from the pursuing -Blackfeet, had searched for him in vain. Concluding that Silverspur had -lost his life in the defense of the pass, the Indian had no alternative -but to push on toward the rendezvous, to which his friend had promised -to take the young lady. Flora was greatly grieved at the loss of -her friend and deliverer, but made no other complaints, and went on -bravely, trusting implicitly in her Blackfoot guide. - -It was a long journey, the Indian said, and the young lady could not -travel very rapidly. He guarded her as well as he was able to; but it -was impossible to ride all day and watch all night. One night, when -he had fallen asleep, he awoke to find himself surrounded by Indians. -He discovered them before he was seen by them; but they were in such -numbers that escape was impossible, and he and his charge were captured -by them. - -The captors were Arapahoes, who were on their way home, whither they -carried their prisoners. White Shield was recognized as a Blackfoot -brave who was responsible for the death of many of their warriors, and -he was reserved for the torture. He succeeded in escaping, and set out, -without food or weapons, toward Robinette’s rendezvous, where he hoped -to find Silverspur. He had experienced great sufferings and privations, -and had eaten nothing but roots for three days previous to meeting his -friend. - -Wilder could not control his emotion at this recital. - -“Is it possible,” he exclaimed, “that I was on the point of shooting -you, after you had endured so much for me? You must be starving, and -I have been with you nearly an hour, without offering you a morsel to -eat!” - -He opened his haversack, and spread its contents before his -half-famished friend, who devoured them greedily. He gave the Indian -his pipe to smoke while he rested, and then forced him to mount his -horse, and walked by his side to the rendezvous. - -Wilder persuaded White Shield to remain at the rendezvous until his -strength was recruited, and furnished him, in the mean time, with a -full outfit of clothing, weapons, ammunition and horses. The Indian -appeared to be even more anxious than Wilder to recover Flora Robinette -from the Arapahoes, and they soon set out in search of her, without -informing any one of their purpose. - -The young lady was still among the Arapahoes, and that was all that -White Shield could say upon the subject with certainty. He had not seen -her while he was among them, but did not doubt that she was safe, nor -did he believe that she had suffered any harm. - -Wilder and his friend crossed the mountains at the South Pass, and -struck out in a southerly direction. After passing the Republican -Fork of the Platte, they found themselves in the heart of the country -claimed by the Arapahoes. - -White Shield took his companion in a direct course to the village to -which he had been carried as a prisoner, but discovered, upon his -arrival at the place where it had stood, that it had recently been -removed. Following the lodge-pole trail, which was plain enough, they -found the village in its new location, near the base of the mountains. - -At nightfall the two friends prepared to reconnoiter, for the purpose -of discovering the whereabouts of Flora Robinette. It was arranged that -White Shield should disguise himself and enter the village, where he -should saunter about and mix with the Arapahoes as much as possible, -while Silverspur remained and awaited his return, at the place where -their horses were concealed. - -The Indian threw his blanket over his head, and walked boldly toward -the village, leaving Wilder to wait and watch. The night was dark, -quite favorable to the purposes of the spy, and Wilder had no doubt -that he would soon see him returning in safety, whether he made any -discovery or not. But hours passed away; the night grew darker, -until it was so black that the outlines of the neighboring trees -could scarcely be discerned, and the young man became anxious and -impatient. Notwithstanding White Shield’s experience and reputation -as a woodman and warrior, it was possible that he might have lost his -way in endeavoring to return to his friend, or that he might have been -discovered and captured by the Arapahoes. - -At last Wilder heard a rustling in the timber. He bent forward and -listened, striving to look through the darkness, but not doubting that -it was his friend who was approaching. - -The noise ceased, and again it commenced; but it did not seem to draw -any nearer. It might be some animal scratching among the leaves, or it -might be White Shield feeling his way in the darkness. Wilder thought -it best to try to find out what it really was. - -“Is that you, White Shield?” he asked, in a whisper. - -In reply, he was startled by the growling of an Indian dog, and -the next instant the animal came running up to him, barking most -vociferously. - -“Confound this noisy little pest!” he exclaimed. “I must put a stop to -his racket, or he will bring the red-skins on me.” - -He aimed a blow at the brute with the butt of his rifle, but missed -it, and the dog ran toward the village, and then ran back, barking as -spitefully and as loud as it could. - -Wilder knew well that he would be compelled to change his location; but -he greatly disliked to do so before the return of White Shield, as they -would then be separated, and might not be able to come together again. -He had no doubt that the noise would be heard at the village, and that -the Indians, knowing from the dog’s manner of barking that it had not -started any game, would sally out to see what was the matter. In that -event he would be compelled to fly; but he hoped that White Shield -might arrive before that step should become necessary. - -Soon he heard steps approaching, and an Indian speaking to the dog. - -“It is only one,” thought Wilder, and he decided that he could easily -put that one out of the way, and might then wait a little longer for -his friend. He concealed himself, therefore, behind the trunk of a -large tree, confident that the dog would bring the Indian to him. - -So it happened. The Indian followed the dog to the tree, which he -approached, cautiously at first, and then boldly, having convinced -himself that the dog had only discovered some animal, which had taken -refuge there. As soon as he was near enough, Wilder stepped out, and -struck at him with his knife. - -In the darkness the blow was badly aimed. It made a mortal wound; -but the Arapaho had strength enough before he fell to clinch his -adversary, and to utter a piercing yell. Wilder hastened to give him -his death-blow; but the mischief was done, and the dog ran toward the -village, barking more violently than ever. - -It was time to be gone. With a muttered imprecation on his bad luck -and on the miserable dog, Wilder hastened to his horse, cast loose the -hopple, and sprung upon his back. He was none too soon. Already the -air resounded with the shouts of the Arapahoes, and he could hear them -hastening through the forest toward the point from which the yells had -proceeded. He spurred his horse and rode rapidly away from the voices, -with the villainous dog close at his heels. - -The timber was so close, the darkness was so dense, and the overhanging -boughs were so troublesome, that Wilder did not make such progress as -he wished to make, and he knew that his pursuers were gaining on him. -The dog would keep them on the trail, in spite of the darkness, and it -was evident that they must overtake him, unless fortune should favor -him in some way. - -It was with great joy, therefore, that he emerged from the forest, and -found himself on a level plain, unbroken by tree or shrub. The dog -was still barking at his heels; but he felt that he could now easily -distance his pursuers, and with a shout of triumph, he gave his horse -the spur, and galloped furiously away. - -He had kept up this headlong pace but a few minutes, when his horse -suddenly stopped, with his fore feet planted on the verge of a -precipice, and stood still as a stone, trembling all over with fear. - -Wilder, carried on by the momentum which he had acquired from the rapid -motion of his horse, did not participate in this sudden stoppage, but -was thrown violently forward over the head of the animal. He felt -himself falling swiftly through the air; then his breath left him, and -he knew no more. - - - - -CHAPTER X. CROSS-PURPOSES. - - -George Benning thought himself compelled to remain with the Crows until -he could learn the intentions of Bad Eye, their chief. He was confident -that the Blackfeet warriors would return from their pursuit with Flora -Robinette, if not with Silverspur and his red companion. He must look -for Flora among them, and, as he could not expect to effect any thing -alone, he was obliged to seek the aid of the Crows. - -Bad Eye expressed, and appeared to feel, a great interest in Benning’s -enterprise, but was in no haste to afford him such aid as he desired. -He frequently declared his belief that Silverspur (whose name had -become really hateful to George Benning) would not fail to accomplish -any thing that he undertook, and that the girl was probably safe, -if she had not been carried to her friends. But the scalp of the -white-haired chief, he said, should not dry in the lodges of the -Blackfeet, and sooner or later he would wrest that trophy from them. - -Although this promise had been often made, the chief seemed to be in -no hurry to keep it, and Benning, discouraged and out of patience, -had resolved to leave the village, when Bad Eye at last yielded to his -importunities. A war-party was dispatched to the Blackfoot village, -with orders to attack if a fair opportunity should present itself. One -of the first of the Crow warriors headed the expedition, and Benning -accompanied it as a volunteer. - -The Blackfoot village was found to be deserted, its occupants having -removed further to the north. The Crows followed the trail, and -discovered that the village had been united with another, and that the -combined force was too formidable to justify an attack. After hovering -a few days in the vicinity, during which time they captured some -Blackfeet women, and ran off some horses, the Crows returned to their -own village, to avoid reprisals from their enemies. - -The chief and George Benning questioned the prisoners, and learned from -them that the former had been correct in his surmises concerning the -escape of Silverspur and the safety of Flora Robinette. Their warriors -had returned from the pursuit, the women said, after suffering great -losses. They had followed the fugitives into the mountains, and had -nearly overtaken them, when they were stopped at a narrow pass, which -was obstinately defended by Silverspur. They were at last obliged to -send a party around to turn his position, when he had decamped. They -then followed the trail a considerable distance, but at last gave up -the pursuit in despair, and returned to mourn their losses. As for the -scalp of the white-haired chief, they had danced over it; but it was -not drying in any Blackfoot lodge. It had disappeared; no one knew what -had become of it, and the heart of Good Ax was very hot. - -Thoroughly convinced that Silverspur had accomplished the object upon -which his own heart had been set, and grieved that he had uselessly -spent so much time among the Crows, Benning decided to set out at once -to join Flora. Whatever his feelings toward Wilder might be, he could -not doubt that Flora had requested him to convey her to the place which -her father had appointed as a rendezvous, and that he would faithfully -obey her request. Benning had no fear that his supposed rival would -act toward Flora otherwise than as a gentleman and a true friend; but -therein lay the peril of his own hopes. Wilder was so evidently a -gentleman, and had had such a splendid opportunity to prove himself -a friend! Flora could not fail to be touched by his chivalry and -devotion, and, if he should press his suit, it was not to be supposed -that she could have the heart to refuse him, especially as Benning had -never declared his love. - -In this mood the young partisan had bid farewell to Bad Eye, and was -about to leave the country of the Crows, when there was an arrival -at the village, the new-comers being Mr. Martin Laurie and a band of -trappers. - -Benning was greatly surprised to see the agent at that time and place, -and Laurie was no less surprised at meeting the partisan. - -“I was afraid you were dead,” said the Scotchman. “I heard nothing -of you, and all of us supposed that you had been rubbed out by the -red-skins.” - -“Not yet,” coolly replied Benning, who was suspicious of the Scotchman, -and felt unwilling to give him any information until he could learn -what his intentions were. - -“Have you been able to do any thing for Miss Flora?” - -“Nothing at all.” - -Laurie, to whom Flora had now become a secondary object to the -possession of her father’s scalp, here dropped the subject, which he -found Benning quite willing to avoid. He was shrewd enough to guess -that the young partisan would not be so cool and unexcited about the -matter, unless he knew that Flora was safe. If she was safe, and -Benning was remaining quietly among the Crows, it was reasonable to -suppose that the young lady was not far off. Laurie had as yet heard -nothing to move him from the belief that a party of Crows had made the -night-attack upon Mr Robinette’s encampment, and he was still convinced -that Flora was to be found among them. Benning doubtless knew where she -was; but he was not rich enough to buy her from them, or influential -enough to insure them immunity for the outrage. If the Crows had -Flora, it was probable that they also had the scalp of Paul Robinette. -The way seemed clear to Martin Laurie, who soon left the young man, -and hastened to the lodge of the chief, for the purpose of opening -negotiations. - -George Benning had been led to quite different conclusions, which were -as groundless as those of Laurie. When we reason upon false premises, -the reasoning can not fail to deceive. Convinced that Silverspur -had taken Flora to the rendezvous, he saw, from the light and easy -manner in which Laurie mentioned her, that he knew of her safety and -had seen her. It was evident to him that the shrewd Scotchman wished -him to remain ignorant of her rescue, in order that he might be kept -away from her as long as possible. He could not help smiling at the -shortsightedness of Laurie, in expecting to conceal the truth from him, -when he could so easily learn it from the trappers whom he had brought -from the rendezvous. - -He went among them to satisfy himself, but was doomed to -disappointment. None of the men who came with Laurie had been at the -rendezvous while Silverspur was there, and they knew nothing about him. -Consequently they were unable to understand the hints which Benning -(not wishing to ask openly about Flora) threw out concerning that -person. - -At last he was compelled to ask them openly whether Flora had reached -the rendezvous, and the answers that he received were decidedly in the -negative. None had seen her, none knew any thing about her, and all -were sure that Laurie was as ignorant as themselves. - -Benning could not help believing the statements of the trappers, -except so far as they related to Laurie’s ignorance, on which point he -reserved a doubt. Whatever he might think of Silverspur, he was sure -that he was not a man whom Martin Laurie could buy. It was possible, -however, that the Scotchman might have convinced him of the justness of -his claim upon Flora, and that Silverspur had given her up, in which -case Laurie had concealed her for purposes of his own. Filled with this -thought, the young man hastened to seek Laurie, and met him as he was -coming out of the chief’s lodge, looking crestfallen and indignant. - -As both were angry, they gave utterance to their thoughts with less -coolness than had marked their first interview. - -“I think we had better have an understanding, Mr. Benning,” said Laurie. - -“I have come here for the purpose of having an understanding with you. -I want to know what crooked purpose has brought you to this place.” - -“Don’t be angry, my young friend. It will be to your interest to keep -on the right side of me, and I am sure that you will gain nothing by -flying into a passion. I don’t know why you should impute crooked -purposes to me.” - -“I supposed, from the way you spoke about Miss Robinette, that she was -safe at the rendezvous.” - -“I don’t know how she should have got there. I supposed, from your -manner of speaking, that she was safe here, among the Crows; but the -old chief tells me that she has not been here. He says that none of his -people have ever attacked any party of white men, and that no white -scalps have been brought into the village.” - -“Did he tell you nothing more?” asked Benning, as the Scotchman paused. - -“He said that he had learned that they were Blackfeet who made the -attack upon our camp, and that he had no doubt that Miss Flora had been -carried off by them.” - -“Was that all?” - -“That was all. I am afraid that the old rascal has been lying to me. -Can you tell me whether he spoke the truth?” - -“I suppose he did,” replied Benning, wondering at the reticence of Bad -Eye. “He ought to know whether his own people are clear.” - -“He may know, but may be unwilling to speak the truth. Come, Benning; I -am convinced that you know more about this matter than you are ready to -tell. We are in the same boat, and you will lose nothing by rowing with -me. Do you know any thing about Miss Flora?” - -“First answer me a question or two, and then I will tell you what I -know.” - -“Shoot them out.” - -“Will you promise to answer them truly?” - -“I will, so help me God!” - -“Do you know a man named Fred Wilder, whom the Indians call Silverspur?” - -“Yes.” - -“Has he been at the rendezvous lately?” - -“Yes.” - -“Did he not bring Miss Flora with him?” - -“Miss Flora? No, indeed. Why do you ask such a question?” - -“Did he say nothing about her?” - -“Nothing at all. He remained with us a few days, and then went away -with a stray Indian.” - -“Of what tribe was the Indian?” - -“I think he was a Blackfoot.” - -“It is plain enough now. I feared as much. We have both been cheated, -and Silverspur has carried off the prize.” - -Benning then related his own adventures, and what he knew of those of -Flora, winding up his account by declaring that he had had no doubt -that the young lady had arrived safely at the rendezvous, until Laurie -had convinced him to the contrary. Both agreed in thinking it very -strange that Wilder had not spoken of Flora at the rendezvous, and -could only attribute his silence to the intention of foul play. - -“The old chief told me the truth; then,” remarked Laurie, “and the -Blackfeet were the rascals who stampeded our camp. Do you think it -likely that that young chap, when he stole Miss Flora away from them, -would also have carried off the old man’s scalp?” - -“Of course not. That is a strange question to ask.” - -“To tell you the truth, Benning, I am interested in obtaining that -scalp. If you can manage to get it for me, by trading or in any other -way, I will resign my claim to Flora in your favor.” - -“Of what use can the scalp be to you?” asked Benning, thinking that the -agent had suddenly become very generous. - -“If you had known Paul Robinette as well as I knew him, you would have -known that he had some very queer points. One of his queer points was -the fear that he would be scalped. He could not bear to think that -his scalp should dry in an Indian lodge. He made me promise him most -solemnly that if he should be killed, I would recover his scalp, and he -gave me three thousand dollars as a fund to be applied to that purpose. -I have no need of the money, but I am a man of my word, George Benning, -and I will gladly transfer the amount to you if you will carry out the -wish of my old friend, and will deliver the scalp to me. As for Flora, -I don’t suppose that I am giving you much in that quarter. The desire -of her father would weigh with her, no doubt, and I have told you what -that was; but the young are not likely to mate with the old.” - -“Nor the eagle with the buzzard,” thought Benning; but he did not put -his thought into words. It seemed to him that the Scotchman was rather -too generous, and he was silent, wondering what motive had urged this -strange proposition. - -As he stood there, looking at Laurie, he felt a hand laid on his -shoulder. He turned, and was confronted by the Crow chief. - -“I have heard the talk of my white friends,” he said. “They seem to -think that Silverspur is a bad man; but I know him. The sun may rise -in the west some day. When it does so, I may believe that the ways of -Silverspur are crooked; but not until then. In what direction did he go -after leaving the rendezvous?” - -“I heard that he recrossed the mountains by way of the South Pass,” -replied Laurie. “He was seen traveling toward the south.” - -“To the country of the Cheyennes, or the Arapahoes, or perhaps further. -Wherever he is, he can be found. Bad Eye has said that the scalp of the -white-haired chief shall not remain in a Blackfoot lodge, and the words -of Bad Eye are not wind. Let my young friend stay with me. As for you, -Red Hair, your tongue is not straight, and your talk does not please -me.” - -Martin Laurie, rebuffed by the Crow chief, left the village in high -dudgeon, and George Benning remained, waiting impatiently for the -development of Bad Eye’s intentions. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. DOVE-EYE. - - -Fred Wilder, after his involuntary leap, remained a long time -insensible. When he awoke, he thought that he might as well have -remained insensible. It was so dark that he could not see what sort of -a place he was in. If he had seen, he could have not explored it, as he -soon discovered that he was unable to move. He knew that his left leg -was broken, and he feared that his left arm was as badly injured. He -felt bruised and sore all over; but that was nothing; the wonder was -that he was alive. - -As he could not get away, he tried to resign himself to his situation; -but the more he reflected upon it, the less resigned he became. The -Indians, believing that he had been killed by the fall, would surely -come to seek him as soon as it was light, and it would be impossible -for him to escape. All his peril and suffering would be for nothing, as -he would at last fall into their hands an unresisting victim. - -Hours of darkness must have an end. Light will come, though suffering -does not cease. Daylight came to Fred Wilder; but he could not feel -that he ought to be thankful for it, as it would bring his enemies in -search of him. It enabled him to see the location into which his lot -and his body had fallen. - -On one side was a precipice, so lofty that he shuddered as he thought -of his fearful fall from its brink. Just around him was a green and -grassy spot, upon the soft turf of which he had fallen. The grass -stretched toward the east, until it melted into the prairie. In all -other directions were ragged and rocky hills, beyond which towered -grand mountain ranges. - -It was near the head of a ravine that the young man had fallen. A -crystal spring bubbled up near him, and its plentiful waters formed a -little stream, that ran laughing down the ravine. By the side of the -stream, a few steps from the wounded man, lay the body of the Indian -dog that had been the cause of his trouble. Wilder smiled grimly as he -looked at the dead animal. - -“You are dead, then, you miserable little wretch,” he said. “There must -be what my old tutor used to call a providential dispensation in this. -I, who was the heaviest, have fallen upon a soft spot, and am alive. -You, who were the lightest, and the most likely to survive the fall, -struck your head upon a stone, and dashed out your wretched brains. -It follows, that you were in the wrong, and I was in the right. Your -death is a judgment upon you for having given me an overdose of bark. -Ah, well! I ought not to exult over you, as my fix will be worse than -yours.” - -Having seen all that was within the range of his vision, Wilder had -nothing to do but to make himself as easy as possible, and to wait for -the coming of the Indians. This was unpleasant occupation, and he soon -fretted himself into such a weak and feverish state, that he fainted. - -When he again opened his eyes, a rare vision greeted them. By his side -stood an Indian girl, who seemed to him, at that moment, the most -beautiful creature he had ever seen. - -Her features were perfect, and her complexion was a delicate brunette, -very different from that of any forest maiden he had yet seen. She -had not the high cheek-bones peculiar to the aboriginal race, and her -nose was decidedly of the Grecian order. Her hair, too, though black -as the raven’s wing, was wavy, with a strong inclination to curl. Her -lips were rosy and rich, and there was an evident dimple on her chin; -but her large brown eyes, as they were opened to their widest, with -an expression of amazement and compassion, were to Wilder her most -wonderful feature. - -He ran over these particulars with an artistic eye; but he had only an -instant to observe them, as the girl uttered a little startled scream -when he looked up at her, and turned to fly. - -He called to her, in the Dahcotah dialect, as loudly as his weak state -would permit him to call; but his voice was very feeble. She stopped, -and after a little hesitation, came to him. - -“I am wounded,” he said. “I fell from the top of that cliff last night, -and am badly hurt. I can not move.” - -This appeal was sufficient to excite the sympathy of the girl. Telling -Wilder that she would soon return, she hastened away. - -Within half an hour--though it seemed much longer to Wilder, who was -anxious to see her again, and who feared that the Indians might arrive -before she returned--she came back, accompanied by two men. One of -these was a negro, and the other was an old Indian, whose hair was as -white as snow, and whose face and hands and garments were painted with -strange devices. - -They brought with them a sort of litter, upon which the wounded man was -laid very carefully and tenderly. The negro carrying one end of the -litter, and the old man and the girl the other, they ascended a steep -hill, and, after winding in and out among the rocks, came to a lodge, -made of skins stretched upon poles, at the foot of the cliff. They -entered the lodge, and Wilder saw nothing more. His rough journey had -exhausted him, and he fainted. - -When he again awoke, he found himself in a dark apartment, lying upon a -couch of furs. From what the darkness permitted him to see, he judged -that the apartment was a cavern, or a portion of a cavern; but he was -not able to form any opinion of its shape or size. - -He heard voices near him, which he believed to be those of the old -Indian and the girl; but he could see no one, and he concluded that -they were in another room. They were talking in the Indian tongue, of -which he understood enough to enable him to follow their conversation. - -“It shall be as you say, my child,” said the old man; “but if I do this -thing, you must promise me that you will not leave me while I live.” - -“You know that I have no wish to leave you, my father; but I will -promise; only save the life of this white man. It must be him whom the -warriors were chasing last night, when there was such a noise in the -direction of the village. He was nearly killed by the fall from that -cliff.” - -“I will dress his wounds, and we will take care of him.” - -“But the warriors will seek for him this morning. They will go to the -spot where we found him, to see his body and to take his scalp. Not -finding him there, they will follow our trail, and will come here.” - -“It is true. He must be hid.” - -“But where can he be hid? He is too weak to be moved.” - -“He shall remain where he is, in the sacred room, which the warriors -never enter. I will tell them that the white man was killed by his -fall, and that I buried him. I found a scalp upon him, which I will -give to the warriors, and I will tell them that it is his scalp.” - -The old man drew from the breast of his robe the scalp of Paul -Robinette, and showed it to the girl, who shuddered as she looked at it. - -“But that is a gray scalp,” she said, “and this is a young man.” - -“The warriors had not seen him, José tells me, and they do not know -whether he is young or old.” - -“But this is not a fresh scalp. It is old, and the warriors will know -that they are imposed upon.” - -“I will tell them that I have dried it, and they will believe me.” - -“They always believe you. I now believe that the young man will be -safe. Do you think that he took that scalp--that he killed the man to -whom it belonged?” - -“Why not?” - -“He looks too good to take scalps.” - -“I am afraid that it is because of his looks that Dove-eye wishes to -save his life.” - -“Listen, my father! The warriors are coming!” - -When the question of the gray scalp was brought up, Wilder felt a very -lively interest in the conversation. The possession of that article -seemed to him, at the moment, of more importance than the preservation -of his life. He was about to speak to his red friends and to demand the -restoration of the trophy, when the announcement that the warriors were -coming compelled him to hold his peace. - -The announcement was immediately followed by the arrival of a large -party of Indians, whom he could easily hear as they entered the lodge, -talking volubly in their own tongue. A curtain of skins was let fall -over the opening of the apartment in which he lay, and he was left in -total darkness. - -Darkness was favorable to meditation, and he soon convinced himself -that it was for the best to let the scalp go. If the hair of Paul -Robinette could save his own, that was probably the best use it could -be put to. Besides, if the Indians should discover him, they would -take his own scalp and that of the old trader, and he would be none the -better off for having kept it. - -A great jabbering was kept up in the outer room for a while; but the -warriors seemed to be satisfied, as they soon left, and the man and the -girl came to his couch. - -After a little conversation, in which Wilder informed his friends that -he had overheard their plan for saving his life, and thanked them for -their successful efforts, the old Indian sent away the girl, and called -in the negro. An examination of Wilder’s wounds was then made, and the -old man, to his great astonishment, set the broken limb in very good -style. His leg was properly bandaged, his bruises were attended to, and -he soon felt quite comfortable. His situation was so much better than -it had been at night, when he was lying on the ground alone, in pain, -and in expectation of death at the hands of merciless savages, that -he felt that he could desire nothing more, except the company of the -beautiful Indian girl. - -She soon came, and another came with her. The room was so dark that -Wilder could not see her face or that of her companion; but he was sure -that the latter was a woman. - -“Perhaps he is sleeping, and we had better not disturb him,” said -Dove-eye, as she came in. - -“Oh no! I must see him and speak to him.” - -Surely Wilder knew that voice. There was no mistaking its low, but -clear and melodious tones. - -“Flora! Miss Robinette!” he exclaimed. “Can it be you?” - -“And who are you, sir? Is it Mr. Wilder?” - -“It is what is left of him.” - -“You are badly wounded. Perhaps it was in trying to assist me that you -were injured. Let me have some light, Dove-eye. I must see him.” - -“My sister knows him,” said the Indian girl. “Perhaps she loves him.” - -“He has been very good to me, Dove-eye; but he is no lover of mine.” - -The curtain was removed from the opening, and Wilder was able to -distinguish the faces of his friends, who seated themselves at his -side. Flora Robinette expressed the deepest sympathy when he related -the manner in which he had been injured, and was hardly less anxious -concerning White Shield. In response to his questions, she gave an -account of her adventures since she had parted from him the mountains. -The Arapahoes had brought her to their village, where she had been seen -by Dove-eye, who had taken such a fancy to her, that she had begged the -old medicine-man to bring her to his lodge. As he was easily persuaded -by her, and as his influence was great in the tribe, the request was -granted, and Flora had since been the constant companion of Dove-eye. -A warm affection had sprung up between the two, and Flora, although a -captive, had become somewhat reconciled to her captivity, as she was -happy in the friendship of the Indian girl. - -Wilder, whose thoughts and eyes had been wandering to Dove-eye while -Flora was speaking, thanked her for her kindness, and could not avoid -calling to Flora’s remembrance an expression which he had used in -conversation with her. - -“Do you remember that I said to you, that if you happened to have a -sister, and she happened to be as beautiful as yourself, and a little -older, and not quite so highly civilized, I might fancy her? If -Dove-eye was your sister, my words would now be verified.” - -“But we are sisters; are we not, Dove-eye?” said Flora, taking the hand -of her companion. - -“We are sisters,” replied the Indian girl, looking down and blushing. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. A BLIND TRAIL. - - -White Shield joined the Arapahoes in the chase of Silverspur. - -With the Blackfoot paint washed from his face, and with his blanket -over his head, he had entered the village, and had had no difficulty -in going where he pleased, and making such examinations as he wished -to make. He mingled with the Arapahoes on the street of the village, -entered some of their lodges, and even conversed with them. But he did -not find Flora Robinette, nor did he see or hear any thing to lead him -to suppose that she was still among the Arapahoes. - -Desiring to make his search as thorough as possible, he remained longer -than he had expected to when he parted from Silverspur. The barking of -the dog made him anxious concerning his friend, and presented him at -the same time, as he thought, a good opportunity to get clear of the -village. - -“That is my dog,” he said, as some of the warriors began to show signs -of uneasiness at the continued barking of the animal. “I will go and -see what is the matter with him.” - -This expression, by which the Blackfoot hoped to cover his friend, -nearly brought him into trouble. It so happened that there was only -one dog in the village, and that its owner was standing by when White -Shield spoke. This Indian turned upon him angrily, and he could only -avoid the consequences of his damaging remark by passing it off as -a joke. The owner of the dog went to look for the animal, and White -Shield sidled away from the group of Indians who had begun to suspect -him. - -Shortly there came from the forest a yell, piercing and full of -anguish, that was at once recognized as the death-cry of the man who -had gone to the dog. - -The savages bounded away to avenge the death of their comrade, and -White Shield joined them, hoping to get clear himself, if he could do -nothing to aid his friend. Although several of the warriors were ahead -of him, he soon perceived that Silverspur had mounted his horse, and -was rapidly flying from his pursuers. - -Believing that his friend on horseback could easily distance the -Indians on foot, he thought it best to look to his own safety. - -In their eager pursuit the Arapahoes had passed the place from which -Silverspur had started, and where the horse of the Blackfoot was still -concealed. Profiting by their negligence, White Shield lingered behind -until all had passed him. He then untethered his horse, and quietly led -him away until he was out of hearing of the Arapahoes, when he mounted, -and rode off into the prairie, where he hoped to find his friend. - -When he believed himself to be at a safe distance, he halted and -listened anxiously; but he heard nothing of the wild triumphant yell -that would have announced the death or capture of the fugitive. -Concluding, therefore, that Silverspur had escaped, he rode about -until daylight, expecting to meet him. In this he was disappointed, -as he could not find even a trail. He at last perceived that it would -be necessary to commence the search at the beginning--to start at the -place from which Silverspur had started. - -He concealed his horse, and went to the spot where he had left -Silverspur the night before. It was easy to track the fugitive by the -footprints of his horse, and White Shield followed them through the -forest and over a piece of level ground beyond, until they abruptly -terminated at the edge of a precipice. - -The Blackfoot looked over the precipice, and saw that it was a fearful -leap to the bottom. It was not to be supposed that a man could take -such a leap and live. He was forced to the conclusion that Silverspur -had taken this leap in the dark, and had been killed. - -By a circuitous route White Shield reached the ravine at the foot of -the bluff, and there saw abundant evidence of the truth of his surmise. -There were spots of blood upon the stones, and an indentation of the -turf showed that a heavy body had fallen upon it. There were many -footprints in the vicinity, and a trail led up one of the hills that -surrounded the ravine. The Arapahoes had carried away the body, no -doubt, and their silence the previous night was occasioned by the fact -that they had not then descended into the ravine to search for their -victim. - -White Shield did not follow the trail that led up the hill, as he -supposed that it only went around to the village. It was possible -that his friend might still be living, though terribly mangled. If he -was dead, it would be some satisfaction to recover his scalp from his -enemies. To this purpose White Shield now devoted himself. - -After dark he went to the Arapaho village, and prowled about their -lodges, confident that there would be some sort of a celebration over -their victory, if the death of Silverspur could be so regarded. He was -not mistaken. Bonfires were blazing, and preparations were being made -for a grand jubilee, which soon commenced. - -Near the largest bonfire was a pole, from which a single scalp was -hanging. Around this men and women, mingled together, danced and sung, -and every now and then, at the tap of a drum, one of the warriors would -step forward and recount his exploits. - -White Shield did not long witness this scene from concealment. He felt -sure that Silverspur was dead, and that the Arapahoes were rejoicing -over his scalp. This awakened in him a desire to snatch the trophy -from their possession, and to take vengeance upon them for the death -of his friend. He was just in the mood for such an achievement. He had -deserted his tribe, Silverspur was gone, and there would be no one to -mourn for him if he should fall. In fact, he was desperate, ready at -any moment to sing his death-song and pass to the spirit-land. - -He threw his blanket over his head, and mingled with the Indians of the -village. He was not foolhardy enough to join the dance; but he forced -his way into the circle, and walked up to the pole from which the scalp -was hanging. - -To his great surprise he perceived that the scalp was dry, as if it had -long hung in the smoke of a lodge. The hair, moreover, was thin and -gray, almost white. White Shield had never heard any of those tales of -civilized men whose hair has suddenly turned gray from the effect of -terrible fright or severe suffering. If he had read them, he would not -for a moment have believed that any thing could change the long and -waving masses of Silverspur’s brown hair to those thin gray threads. - -It was not Silverspur’s scalp. His friend was living; or, if he was -dead, the Arapahoes had not been able to outrage his remains. White -Shield was no longer desperate. He had an object to live for, and his -caution returned to him. His entrance into the circle, his examination -of the gray scalp, and the train of thought which followed from that -examination, had occupied only a few moments of time; but he felt that -he was in a dangerous position, from which he would find it difficult -to extricate himself. - -The warriors were already scrutinizing him, with glances full of -suspicion. If he should step out as he had come in, he would be -followed and questioned, and it would soon be discovered that he was a -stranger and an enemy. He might run for his life; but his chances of -escape would be very poor, and, if he should succeed, the Arapahoes -would be put on their guard against his subsequent movements. - -His resolution was as audacious as it was sudden. At the tap of the -drum he threw off his blanket, and stepped forward. - -“Arapahoes!” he exclaimed, “do you remember that, at the last season -of the falling leaf, you lost a tall warrior at the Black Fork of the -Platte? He was very strong, and a great brave. I killed him.” - -“We remember,” responded some of the Arapahoes, looking up at the -speaker in surprise. - -White Shield proceeded to mention other Arapahoes who had fallen by -his hand, and the same response followed each narration. At the fifth, -which filled the number allowed to each relator, a warrior started up. - -“Are you speaking the truth?” he said. “It was White Shield, a great -brave of the Blackfeet, who killed Red Bear.” - -“I am White Shield,” replied the Blackfoot. “I am a warrior, as you -know, and a great brave. I have left the Blackfeet, and they would kill -me if they should see me. I have come to the Arapahoes, who are great -warriors, to make them my brothers, and to fight for them. Do you want -me, Arapahoes? If you do, I will stay with you. If not, I am ready to -sing my death-song and go to the spirit-land.” - -The audacious warrior had not to wait a moment for a response. The -Arapahoes thronged about him tumultuously, embracing him, and covering -him with presents. - -His initiation into the tribe was completed; but it must be confessed -that he did not intend to remain an Arapaho. He had joined them for the -purpose of saving his own scalp and rendering assistance to his friend. -Further than this he did not then look. - -He soon made inquiries concerning the scalp which had been the occasion -of the dance, and was told the story of the chase of an unknown white -man who had been discovered by a dog, and who had been killed by a fall -from a cliff. - -White Shield was puzzled. The Arapahoes described the pursuit of -Silverspur; but the scalp was not his. Who had the old medicine-man -buried, and whose scalp had he given to the warriors? Surely it could -not be Silverspur. White Shield said nothing more concerning the scalp, -but determined to investigate the matter quietly. - -As soon as it was dusk he left the village, and went to the place where -he had concealed his horse. The animal was safe; but the keen eye of -the Blackfoot quickly detected signs of some presence besides his own. -Somebody had been there during his absence, and, unless his penetration -was greatly at fault, somebody was still concealed in the vicinity. - -White Shield applied himself to find out who this somebody was. While -he affected to busy himself about his horse, his bright eyes searched -the forest, and took note of every tree, twig, leaf and blade of -grass within the range of his vision. In the course of this searching -investigation he saw another pair of eyes, twinkling from behind a -leafy hedge of bushes. He was sure that those eyes belonged to a -white man, and the white man could not be Silverspur, who would have -recognized him and spoken to him. Any other white man was his enemy, -and this one had been lying in wait for him. - -The Blackfoot left the horse, and walked toward the thicket in which -he had seen the eyes glisten. He walked slowly, looking about him upon -the ground, as if searching for something he had lost. He passed the -thicket, and then, with the quickness of lightning, turned and threw -himself upon his concealed foe. - -A brief struggle followed, in which both of the combatants came -crashing out of the bushes, and fell upon the ground. But the red-man -had the advantage of surprise--of the first attack--and he kept it. -In a few seconds his enemy was under his knee, and his right hand was -raised, ready to strike with his glittering knife. The white man closed -his eyes, and muttered one word: - -“Flora!” - -The Indian started. His knife was lowered harmlessly, and the grasp -of his left hand was relaxed. “Flora!”--he had heard the name used by -Silverspur, and perhaps this white man might be a friend of her whom -Silverspur called Flora. - -“Who are you?” he asked in plain English. “Who is Flora?” - -A thought occurred to the white man. A hope dawned upon him, and his -eyes brightened as they opened. This red-skin knew the name of Flora; -he was a Blackfoot, as was evident from his paint and his garb; he was -among the Arapahoes. - -“Who are you?” asked the white man. “Are you the Blackfoot who went off -with Silverspur?” - -“I am. Are you a friend to Silverspur?” - -“I am not his enemy. I am George Benning,” replied the white man, who -was not sure in what position he stood toward Silverspur. - -“Let my brother rise. Silverspur is my brother, and his friends are my -friends.” - -The two men, forgetting their late conflict, seated themselves amicably -upon the ground, and conversed about the matters in which both were -deeply interested. White Shield related all he knew of Flora and -Silverspur, and enlightened the mind of Benning on some points that had -been dark to him; but there was nothing to show him that Silverspur had -or had not gained the love of Flora, and on this subject his anxiety -was still intense. - -The question was, what had become of Flora and Silverspur? Believing -that two heads are better than one, and that his own was better than -the Blackfoot’s, Benning proposed to accompany White Shield to the -place at which Fred Wilder was supposed to have been killed by falling -from the cliff. - -They went there, and made a careful examination of the locality; but -Benning was obliged to admit that he was as much in the dark as the -Indian was. It was unreasonable to suppose that a man could have fallen -from such a hight without being killed, and it was equally unreasonable -to suppose that the gray scalp that had been exhibited among the -Arapahoes had belonged to Silverspur. Both agreed that the only chance -of solving the mystery lay in following the trail that led up the hill; -but both agreed that it was useless to undertake the enterprise that -night. - -Benning then informed the Blackfoot that he had come with a band of -Crow warriors, under the leadership of Bad Eye, their chief, who were -ready to aid him in any enterprise against the Arapahoes. They were -encamped at a little distance to the northward, and he had come on in -advance, to spy about the village of the Arapahoes. - -White Shield was not entirely pleased with this communication, although -he showed no signs of displeasure. The Crows were the enemies of his -tribe, and the Arapahoes were now his friends. He was ready to shake -off his allegiance to them if he might thus benefit Silverspur; but -he was not willing to betray them to the Crows. He made no reply -to Benning, except to protest against any hostile act before the -whereabouts of Silverspur could be discovered. - -On this point Benning was uncertain, as he feared that his own plans -and those of the Blackfoot might run counter to each other. He said -that the discovery must soon be made, if at all, as it would be -impossible for the Crows to remain long in the vicinity without a -conflict. - -It was settled that they should commence the search together in the -morning, and White Shield returned to the village, as he could not be -absent from the Arapahoes the first night after his admission to the -tribe. Benning concluded to remain where he was, as he could hide there -as well as elsewhere, and would be at hand to take up the trail in the -morning. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. LIGHT AHEAD. - - -Fred Wilder bore his captivity patiently; but this does not prove that -he possessed the gift of patience in a very remarkable degree. Dove-eye -was with him daily and hourly, and his admiration for the forest maiden -had strengthened into a passion. His heart was enthralled in such a -sweet captivity, that he took no thought of the captivity of his body. - -He had not yet had time or occasion to think how this was to end. He -had given himself no uneasiness concerning the fate of White Shield; -he had not attempted to form a plan for the release of Flora Robinette -and her return to her friends; nor had he even guessed how he should -take Dove-eye away from the Arapahoes, if she should be willing to -leave them. Love, if not really a selfish feeling, is apt to crowd out -other thoughts and feelings. - -It is probable that he would not have related to Flora his adventures -since she left him at the pass in the mountains, if she had not -questioned him upon the subject. When he recounted the conversation -which he had overheard between Martin Laurie and Jake Farnsworth, so -many emotions were excited in Flora’s bosom, that she at last burst -into tears. - -“Why need you be so greatly troubled about it?” asked Wilder, when she -had wiped away her tears. “Those fellows can’t hurt you.” - -“My father’s scalp! To think that it should be made the price of my -hand!” - -“But you are not obliged to give your hand to the man who happens to -recover the scalp.” - -“To think that he should be scalped, after having dreaded it all his -life, and that his scalp should now be drying in some Blackfoot lodge. -It is too horrible!” - -“You are mistaken there. The scalp is not among the Blackfeet. I -brought it with me when we left their village.” - -“_You_ did?” exclaimed Flora, opening her eyes very wide. - -“I did; but it does not follow that I am to marry you,” replied Wilder, -with a smile at Dove-eye. - -“No; for the medicine-man took it from you, and gave it to the Arapaho -warriors.” - -“You guessed right that time. I suppose you had rather George Benning -had taken it from the Blackfeet; but he did not happen to be there, as -I was. Your father’s scalp has saved my scalp, and I am well rewarded -for the freak of stealing the trophy from the Blackfeet--for it was -nothing but a freak, you perceive, as I then knew nothing of the -conditions of your father’s will. As the matter now stands, you have a -much better chance to recover the scalp than either George Benning or -I.” - -“How so? What can I do?” - -“I am disabled, as you see, and it may be many weeks before I am able -to walk. George Benning is searching for you, no doubt, if he is the -man I take him to be; but we don’t know where he is, and it is very -doubtful whether he is on the right trail. You alone are at liberty and -able to act.” - -“What shall I do?” - -“Persuade Dove-eye to get the scalp from the Arapahoes. The warriors -have had their dance over it, no doubt, and it is a small matter to -them now. She might ask for it as a curiosity. If they should not -be willing to give it to her, she could soon find it hanging about -somewhere, unnoticed, and there would be no excitement about it if it -should be missed. I think she would gladly consent to get it for you, -and then the trophy will be with you, to whom it rightfully belongs. -When it is in your possession, I see nothing to hinder you from -bestowing it, and the legacy that accompanies it, where you bestow your -hand.” - -Dove-eye, who had understood a portion of the conversation, answered -the appealing look of her friend with a smile. When Flora had fully -explained the case to her, and had implored her aid in recovering the -scalp, she at once consented, glad of an opportunity to serve her white -sister. - -“But I can do nothing for two or three suns,” she said. “I can not go -to the village now.” - -“Why not?” asked Flora, to whom the scalp had become precious, not only -because it was her father’s, but because her own fate was so nearly -affected by it. - -“Because I have so much to do here, that I can not get away. I must -conceal both of you in some other place, as my father is going to the -spirit-land, and this lodge will be full of warriors.” - -“What do you mean?” asked Wilder. “Is the old medicine-man so near -dead? I had not known that he was sick.” - -“He is not sick. He goes to the spirit-land when he wishes to go, and -the warriors come and look at him while he is dead, and go away. Then -he comes back from the spirit-land, and they visit him again, when he -tells them what he has seen and what will happen to them.” - -“What an imposture! Do you believe that he dies, Dove-eye?” - -“He goes to the spirit-land. The warriors pinch him, and prick him, and -are sure that he is dead.” - -“Very well done for a red-skin! When will he take leave of us?” - -“To-morrow night he will go to the spirit-land, and the next morning -the warriors will come to look at him. After that day I will do what my -sister has asked me to do.” - -“And then, Miss Robinette,” said Wilder, “you will be obliged to marry -yourself, or give up half your fortune.” - -“I wish you would not speak of the matter so lightly,” replied Flora. -“Of what use will it be to me, if I am always to remain here? How can I -ever escape?” - -“That is a question for the future. For my part, I can do nothing until -I am able to walk. I hope that a way will open for all of us.” - -Wilder looked meaningly at the Indian girl, who held down her head, and -turned away. - -The old medicine-man and the negro came in, at the request of Dove-eye, -to remove Wilder to another place of concealment. There was another -small cave, a short distance from that in front of which the lodge was -built, to which the wounded man was carried, with the assistance of the -girls. Dove-eye and Flora arranged a comfortable couch for him, and -the medicine-man hung up before the entrance a dressed buffalo-skin, -painted with strange devices, indicating that the place was sacred. -Flora was told that she also must enter that cave when the warriors -came from the village, and must remain there until the ceremonies were -completed, but would be free, until that time, to go about as she had -usually done. - -The next morning Flora went early to the spring for water. The promise -of Dove-eye, and the confident tone in which Fred Wilder spoke of the -future, had given her hope, and her heart was light and cheerful for -the first time in many weeks. She was singing as she descended the -hill, so gayly that she did not hear her name pronounced in a low -voice, and she started when the voice assumed a louder tone. - -“Who is it?” she asked, as she stopped and looked around, not knowing -whom to expect, unless it might be White Shield. - -“A friend,” was the answer, and a young man in hunter’s costume stepped -out into the path before her. - -Joy and surprise were mingled in the exclamation which she uttered as -she recognized George Benning. Fearing that she was about to faint, the -young partisan stretched out his arms to keep her from falling; but she -quickly recovered herself, and gave him her hand. - -“Where did you come from, Captain Benning?” she asked. “How did you get -here? Is any one with you?” - -“You ask more questions than I can answer at a breath. I have been -searching for you ever since you were lost.” - -“I did not know who it could be, when you spoke, unless it might be -White Shield.” - -“Who is White Shield?” - -“An Indian who helped me to escape from the Blackfoot village.” - -“I have seen him. He will be here presently. I was waiting for him when -you came singing down the hill. Here he is.” - -White Shield rose up, as if from the earth, and presented himself -before the young lady, who welcomed him like an old friend. The -Blackfoot caused his friends to step aside into a sheltered nook, where -mutual explanations were given, Flora declaring that she could only -remain there a few moments, as search would be made for her if she -should not soon return to the lodge. - -“Why should you return?” asked Benning. “I have come to save you, to -take you away. There is a large band of friendly Indians with me, and -you have only to mount my horse and ride a short distance, when you -will be in the camp, safe from the Arapahoes.” - -“Can you also save Mr. Wilder, and take him with you?” - -“You are first to be considered. I can place you in safety, and will -then see what I can do for your _friend_.” - -Benning laid such an emphasis on the word “friend,” that Flora noticed -it. - -“Mr. Wilder saved me from the Blackfeet,” she said. “He came here to -save me from the Arapahoes, and was badly wounded in the attempt, so -that he is unable to move. Do you think I could desert him? There is -another matter to be considered. My father’s scalp is in the Arapaho -village, and it is of the greatest importance to me that it be -recovered from them. If you wish really to serve me, can you not get -possession of that relic?” - -“God knows that I wish to serve you! The Crows are eager to fight, and -will be glad of the opportunity; but there will be a battle, and I -feared that you might be carried away during the struggle.” - -“There need be little or no danger. I have a plan, of which I think -both you and White Shield will approve.” - -Flora then told her companions of the scene that was to be acted next -morning, at the lodge on the cliff. She accurately described the -situation and surroundings of the lodge, showing that there would be -an excellent opportunity to lay an ambuscade, by which the Arapaho -warriors could be attacked and routed as they left the lodge of the -medicine-man. The victory would be an easy one, she thought, as the -Arapahoes, being surprised and mostly unarmed, would be readily -dispersed. Benning and his friends once in possession of the village, -they might recover the gray scalp, and might at their leisure remove -Wilder and herself, with Dove-eye, if she would accompany them. - -Benning had listened with surprise when Flora spoke of her father’s -scalp, and remembered the anxiety which Martin Laurie expressed to -obtain possession of that trophy. He fell in with her views the more -readily, as she had given him some clue to the strange conduct of the -Scotchman. He highly approved of her plan, and thought that there could -be no possible difficulty in carrying it out. - -White Shield also pricked up his ears when the gray scalp was -mentioned. He was rejoiced to hear that Silverspur, although badly -wounded, was alive and likely to live; but he was still puzzled -concerning the scalp. - -“The Arapahoes told me,” said he, “that they were dancing over the -scalp of Silverspur; but I knew they did not speak the truth.” - -Flora was obliged to tell him how her father’s scalp had been brought -from the Blackfoot village, and how it had saved the life of his -friend. White Shield expressed his approval gutturally. If he had been -a Yankee, he would have whistled; as he was an Indian, he grunted most -emphatically. - -It was necessary for Flora to hasten back to the lodge, lest she -should be missed. Assuring her friends that she would pray for their -success, she ran away to tell the news to Fred Wilder. - -White Shield wished to remain in the vicinity of the village, so that -he could be near Silverspur; but Benning persuaded him to accompany him -to the camp of the Crows, so that he might take part in the expected -attack. It was for the benefit of Silverspur, Benning argued, and White -Shield need trouble himself no further about the Arapahoes. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. THE AMBUSCADE. - - -Flora was careful not to go near Dove-eye when she returned to the -lodge on the cliff. She was so much excited at meeting Benning, that -she knew her friend would notice her state of mind and inquire the -cause, and she was by no means sure that it would be good policy to -inform the Indian girl of the plot that had been laid to destroy her -tribe. - -She went, therefore, as quickly as possible, to the cave in which Fred -Wilder was concealed, and astonished that young man by bursting in upon -him suddenly. - -“What is the matter, Miss Robinette?” he asked. “You look as if you had -seen a ghost; but it must have been a pleasant one, to judge from your -countenance.” - -She astonished him again, by running to the entrance, and peering -out carefully, to see if any one was in sight or hearing, before she -composed herself sufficiently to take a seat by his side and answer his -question. - -“I have not seen a ghost,” she replied; “but I have seen a man. White -Shield is alive and safe.” - -“That is nothing very wonderful. I was not afraid that the Arapahoes -would rub out that red-skin, and I expected to hear from him before -long. Is that all?” - -“George Benning is here. I saw him this morning.” - -“Ah! That accounts for the milk in the cocoanut. No wonder you are -excited. What has he been doing this long time? Is he alone?” - -“He has been searching for me, and he has a band of Crow warriors to -back him, and we are all going to be released and carried home, and I -have told him what to do.” - -“You would not be so confident of release, I suppose, unless you had -told him what to do. Pray tell me what instructions you gave him.” - -Flora detailed the plan of the proposed ambuscade and attack upon the -Arapahoes as they returned from their visit to the medicine-lodge. -Wilder listened with a pleased countenance, but became grave at last. - -“Very well planned!” he said. “No one could have hit upon a better -idea. There is only one difficulty.” - -“What is that?” - -“Dove-eye.” - -“I have not told her.” - -“No; and you must not. Of course it would not do to trust her with the -plan of a campaign against her own people. My only fear is that she -will be killed in the melée, or will fly with the rest.” - -Flora’s countenance fell. She had not thought of this. - -“Could I not watch her?” she suggested. - -“No. You must stay here with me; because such are your orders, and -because you must keep out of danger. You would only run the risk of -another captivity. It is very selfish in me, Miss Robinette; but I -almost feel like wishing that this help had not come, and that we were -not to be released. As it is, I am helpless, and must take my chances.” - -“Could I not give her a hint that you wished her to remain?” - -“It would be impossible to do so without disclosing your design, and -you must be very careful of your looks as well as your words, or she -will guess it. Don’t let my selfishness trouble you. You must know that -I did not speak in earnest.” - -Flora left the little cave with a heavy heart. It went hard with her to -give pain to the man who had rescued her from the Blackfeet, and who -had always shown himself so kind and considerate. She had not thought -of the possibility of being separated from Dove-eye, when she and -Wilder should be released, and the thought troubled her when it was -forced upon her. Dove-eye would not then have guessed, from her joyful -and excited manner, that she had received some very good tidings; on -the contrary, she would have been likely to ask what had happened -to make her so sad and woebegone. But the Indian girl was too much -occupied in preparations for the morrow to notice the changes in the -demeanor of her friend. - -The day passed off pretty much as usual, and at night the old -medicine-man went into a trance. That is, he stretched himself out in -state in the principal room of the lodge, and Dove-eye declared that he -had gone to the spirit-land. José was sent to the village to inform the -warriors that they might come and visit him, and Flora, after a tender -leave-taking with Dove-eye, repaired to Wilder’s cave. - -She seated herself by the side of the invalid, and waited anxiously -and impatiently for the issue of her plans. Wilder told her that a -yell would be the signal of the onset, and both listened, eagerly and -painfully, for the savage slogan. - -Wilder said nothing more of his fears concerning the probable loss of -Dove-eye, and Flora did not mention the subject. Both were too much -absorbed in listening for the yell, which she longed but almost dreaded -to hear. When it came, at last, their nerves had been so strained by -their long suspense, that it fell upon them like a thunderbolt. - -The Arapaho warriors had come from the village, in a long and solemn -procession, to look upon their great medicine-man, who, as they firmly -believed, had the power of going to the spirit-land and returning -whenever he chose to do so--in others words, of dying and coming to -life. George Benning and White Shield had stationed the band of Crows -in a ravine near which the procession must pass, and the warriors from -the north gazed from their hiding-place at their enemies, gloating over -the rich prospect of scalps. - -The Arapahoes entered the lodge on the cliff, and looked at the old -medicine-man as he lay stretched out on his couch, with his eyes closed -and his face of a ghastly color, to all appearances dead. As they -defiled past him, they pulled his hair, they pinched him, they pricked -him with their knives; but the figure lay cold and motionless, without -sign of life, and they were satisfied that he was dead. - -When all had seen him, they set out to return to the village, in slow -and solemn procession as they had come, leaving Dove-eye alone with the -old man. As he usually lay in the trance until noon, and there was time -enough, the girl thought that she might as well pay a visit to Flora -and Wilder. - -She took a parting look at the old man, and was about to leave the -lodge when she was startled by a shot from the valley below, followed -by a series of wild and unearthly yells. Then came a volley of musket -and rifle-shots, with screams of pain and rage; and shouts of triumph -and vengeance. - -She knew well what it meant. She knew that the Arapahoes had been -attacked by a hostile tribe, and she stood irresolute, when the -medicine-man, to her great surprise, leaped from his couch, and ran out -at the door to see what was the matter. - -Dove-eye followed him, and as they looked down into the valley, they -stood aghast at the scene which presented itself to their astonished -eyes. The Arapahoes, taken at a disadvantage, and mostly unarmed, had -been seized with a panic that could not be checked. But few remained -to fight, and these were rapidly falling under the weapons of their -adversaries. The rest were flying, helter-skelter, in every direction, -some up into the hills, some toward the village, and some into the -recesses of the ravines, followed by the victorious Crows. - -Among those who scampered up the hills was a tall and stalwart warrior, -with blood streaming from his head and breast. As he came in sight of -the old man and the girl, he warned them to fly, as his pursuers were -close behind, and they turned and ran into the lodge. - -The warrior did not follow them, but ran on until he came to the cave -in which Flora Robinette and Fred Wilder were concealed. He must have -known the place, for he went direct to the entrance, although it was -hidden by bushes. The painted skin made him hesitate a moment; but he -tore it aside and entered the cave. - -Flora and Wilder were not a little startled at the sudden entrance of -this bleeding and panting savage. The girl screamed, and stepped closer -to the invalid, forgetting that he was even more helpless than herself. -The Arapaho was also astonished; but the light of vengeance began to -gleam in his wild eyes; he could at least have the satisfaction of -slaying a pale-face before he died. - -Wilder, who divined his intention, put out his unbandaged arm, as if he -would shield Flora from violence. At the same time he was cool enough -to notice a gray scalp that hung from the Indian’s waist-belt, and he -was sure that he knew that scalp. How he longed, in that brief moment, -to be free and strong again, instead of lying there, unable to move, -compelled to submit to whatever fate the infuriated savage should -choose to visit upon him and the almost equally helpless being at his -side! - -He had little time for reflection. The Arapaho sprung forward and -seized the young lady, whom he dragged from the couch. Pulling back -her head by the hair, he raised his knife, with threatening look and -gesture. Flora sent forth scream upon scream, and Wilder, nearly beside -himself with rage, shouted for help at the top of his voice. - -The Indian’s blow was never struck. A form came bounding into the -little cave; a tomahawk sunk, with a harsh, dull sound, into the skull -of the Arapaho; and Flora was lifted in the arms of George Benning. -Behind the partisan came White Shield, who coolly proceeded to relieve -the fallen warrior of his scalp. - -Flora had fainted, and Benning’s attention could not be withdrawn -from her until she recovered her consciousness. Then he turned to the -invalid, who had spoken to him. - -“You were just in time, Benning,” said Wilder. “I was helpless here, -and the red-skin had it all his own way. You have not only saved the -life of Miss Robinette, but have gained something else. Do you see a -gray scalp in that fellow’s belt? Take it out and keep it as you would -your life, for much depends upon it.” - -Benning obeyed, and looked at Flora as he did so. - -“Is this the scalp you spoke to me about?” he asked. - -“I suppose so,” she replied. “Mr. Wilder knows.” - -“Do you wish me to keep it?” - -“Yes, indeed--that is, it will be safer with you, I think.” - -“Why must it be kept?” - -“My father wished--indeed, I don’t really know, but it must not be -lost.” - -“I will take care of it. And now we must leave this place. The -Arapahoes have been badly whipped, and are scattered over the country; -but they will get together again, and they may give us trouble. You -can’t move, I see, Wilder, but you can be carried, no doubt.” - -Wilder looked at Flora, and muttered the name of Dove-eye. - -“What does he mean?” asked Benning. - -Flora told him, in a few words, about the Indian girl, and explained -the reason of Wilder’s anxiety concerning her. - -“We will go and look for her,” said Benning. “She can’t be far away. -You will be safe with me now, and White Shield can stay and take care -of Silverspur.” - - - - -CHAPTER XV. CONCLUSION. - - -George Benning searched faithfully for Dove-eye. He was so glad to -learn that he had not to fear Wilder as a rival, that he thought he -could not do too much to help that young gentleman to the dusky maiden -upon whom he had really set his heart. - -But all their search was in vain. With Flora to guide him, he ransacked -the empty lodge, and hunted in every nook and crevice among the rocks. -Flora made the hills echo with the name of her friend, and Benning -pressed into the search all the Crows he met, but no trace could be -found of Dove-eye or the old medicine-man. - -Wilder knew, as soon as they entered the cave, that the Indian girl had -not been found. The sorrowful countenance of Flora told him this, and -he felt as one who has sustained a great loss. - -“You need tell me nothing about it,” he said. “I felt sure that it -would be so. She is lost, and here I am, on my back, more helpless than -a child.” - -“You are not helpless while we are here to help you,” replied Benning. -“White Shield and I will do all that any man can do; but we can stay -here no longer. The Crows are anxious to leave, and we will only have -time to make a litter to carry you in.” - -“Never mind me. Leave me here. I am of no use to myself or any one -else, and I may as well die here as elsewhere.” - -“You must go with us,” protested Flora. “Do you suppose I could think -of leaving you here to die--you, who saved me from the Blackfeet, and -who have been so kind to me? You will soon get well if you go with us, -and you would be sure to perish here.” - -“I have no wish to go. I had rather be left here. Dove-eye will return -when you are gone, and I will see her.” - -Flora looked appealingly at White Shield. - -“Silverspur must go,” said the Blackfoot. “The Great Spirit has taken -away his mind. We will carry him.” - -White Shield and Benning went out, and soon constructed a horse-litter, -making a bed by stretching a blanket across the poles and piling furs -upon it. They then procured the assistance of some Crows to help them -lift the invalid. - -Wilder protested against the removal; but he was carried out, in spite -of his protests, and placed in the litter, to which horses were hitched -in front and rear, and the party set out to join the Crows, who were -collecting together on the prairie beyond the mountain. - -Flora wished to be taken to her father’s old rendezvous on Green River, -and Bad Eye was willing that the Crows should escort her to that place -and encamp a while at the rendezvous. Wilder, as he had been brought -against his will, had no choice but to accompany the rest. George -Benning was bound to go where Flora went, and White Shield wished to be -with Silverspur. - -The Crows set off that evening in high glee. They had taken many -scalps, and had captured numbers of horses, and were sure to meet with -a grand reception at home. They were in strong force, too, and had no -reason to fear any reverse on the way. Straggling parties of Arapahoes -hung around them during the first four days, hoping to recover some of -the horses that had been taken from them, but the Crows kept such a -good guard, that they abandoned the attempt. - -The journey was very pleasant to most of the travelers, and quite -safe to all. George Benning had liberty and time enough to make Flora -acquainted with the state of his feelings toward her, and he soon -learned that she was not indifferent to him. In fact, before they had -traveled many days together, he had asked her to allow him to be her -protector through life, and she had granted the request. - -Their happiness did not prevent the lovers from paying proper attention -to Fred Wilder. His wounds were carefully dressed by Benning and the -Crow chief, and Flora neglected no opportunity of providing for his -comfort. White Shield was continually at the side of Silverspur, -and Bad Eye was so evidently absorbed in Flora, that George Benning -declared that he was almost inclined to be jealous of the old chief. - -In due course of time they reached the rendezvous. The Crows encamped -in the valley, and Bad Eye, with the Blackfoot and his white friends, -entered the inclosure that surrounded the post which had been erected -at that place. - -Martin Laurie was greatly surprised at the arrival of Flora, in such -company, and with such an escort; but he was very glad to see her, -or pretended to be, and treated her with the greatest deference. -In accordance with her wishes, he fitted up a room in the fort for -Silverspur, and the wounded man was made as comfortable as possible. -The Scotchman remained very obedient to Flora--servilely so, -indeed--until he perceived her intimacy with Benning, and was informed -of the relations that had been established between them. Then he -thought it was time for him to drop the mask, and his demeanor became -unbearably insolent, as if he desired a rupture with the daughter of -his late employer. Benning wished to chastise him; but was withheld by -Flora, who remembered her father’s respect for the man. - -The rupture soon came, nevertheless. He entered Silverspur’s room, -where the young lady was seated, with Benning and White Shield and the -Crow chief. His behavior was so overbearing, that she was forced to -tell him that she had borne his insolence as long as she could, and -must give him notice that he was no longer wanted there. - -“I don’t know that you have to say any thing about it, Miss,” replied -Laurie. - -“Am I not my father’s daughter?” - -“I suppose you are; but that don’t give you any say-so about his -property. I am in trust here under the directions of Mr. Robinette, -and I may have to continue in trust under the law. It is certain that -you will have no right to the property until you marry, and it is very -doubtful whether you will have any right to interfere with it then.” - -“I propose to marry.” - -“That fellow there? Very well. Under your father’s will, half of his -property will go to the man who recovers his scalp from the Indians, -and you will have to marry that man, whoever he may be, or you will get -nothing but the income of the other half. I am of the opinion that I -will have to remain in charge here, under the law, until we hear from -Paul Robinette’s scalp.” - -“Here it is,” said George Benning, unwrapping a cloth that he had taken -from his breast, and showing the gray scalp. - -Laurie started back in astonishment. He recognized the thin white -hair of his late employer; but by what fatality had it come into the -possession of George Benning? - -“It is an imposition!” he exclaimed. “I don’t believe it. How can you -prove that that thing is genuine?” - -“I can prove it,” said Fred Wilder. - -“I may as well tell you, Mr. Laurie,” said Flora, “that your -conversation with Farnsworth, when he told you the provisions of my -father’s will, was overheard. The revelations that were then made have -placed us in the position we now occupy. I suppose you will no longer -object to my having a voice in the management of my father’s property.” - -“If there should be any objection, I can quiet it,” said Bad Eye, -speaking in very good English. “As the nearest living relative of this -young lady, I am her natural guardian.” - -All looked at the Crow chief in surprise, and Flora begged him to -explain. - -“It would be a long story, if I should tell it all, and I will be -content with a few words. I am William Robinette. I was in business -with my brother, in my younger days; but he always hated me and -persecuted me. After he married, he drove me away, appropriating my -share of the business. I determined to be revenged upon him. When I -left the country, I took with me his first-born child, a daughter, who, -if she were alive, would be nearly two years older than Flora.” - -“Is she dead?” asked Flora. - -“I do not know. I took up my abode among the Indians, and cared for her -tenderly, until she was five years old, when she disappeared, and I was -never able to find the least trace of her. My love for her had become -so strong, that my vengeance was turned against myself. I have risen to -be a chief of the Crows, and am thoroughly an Indian. If Martin Laurie -is inclined to dispute my identity, there are old trappers in the -mountains who can prove that I am William Robinette.” - -The Scotchman, relying on the assistance of the employés of the post, -would have resisted the authority of Flora and her uncle; but Bad Eye -was backed by a strong force of warriors, and he submitted with as good -a grace as he could assume. His submission did not come soon enough to -save his position. Flora Robinette turned over the management of her -business to George Benning, and Laurie and Farnsworth soon left for the -East. - -It was not long before Benning and Flora followed them, with a -sufficient escort of mountain-men, Fred Wilder having become so far -convalescent as to be able to take charge of the business at the -rendezvous. Bad Eye accompanied them some distance on their journey; -but they in vain endeavored to persuade him to return to civilized life. - -“I am no longer a white man,” he said. “I love the Crows, and the -remainder of my life shall be spent among them.” - -At St. Louis the young couple were married, the provisions of Paul -Robinette’s will were fairly complied with, and his gray scalp, -after being subjected to such severe vicissitudes, found a quiet -resting-place in consecrated ground. - -White Shield remained with Silverspur at the rendezvous, feeling that -he had nowhere else to go. - -“I have left the Blackfeet,” he said, “I have betrayed the Arapahoes, -and I have no people.” - -“Am I not your people, my brother?” asked Silverspur. - -The Blackfoot was content to stay with his friend, although he was not -satisfied at the rendezvous. 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Y. - - * * * * * - -Transcriber’s Notes: - -Punctuation has been made consistent. - -Variations in spelling and hyphenation were retained as they appear in -the original publication, except that obvious typographical errors have -been corrected. - -A sequel to this story appears in Edward Willett, _Silverspur; or, the -Mountain Heroine_, Beadle’s Dime Novels, No. 212, Beadle and Company, -New York, 1870. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Gray Scalp, by Edward Willett - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GRAY SCALP *** - -***** This file should be named 56175-0.txt or 56175-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/6/1/7/56175/ - -Produced by Craig Kirkwood, Demian Katz and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(Northern Illinois University Digital Library at -http://digital.lib.niu.edu/) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: The Gray Scalp - Or, The Blackfoot Brave - -Author: Edward Willett - -Release Date: December 13, 2017 [EBook #56175] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GRAY SCALP *** - - - - -Produced by Craig Kirkwood, Demian Katz and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(Northern Illinois University Digital Library at -http://digital.lib.niu.edu/) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 512px;"> -<img id="coverpage" src="images/i_001.jpg" width="512" height="800" alt="Cover." /> -</div> - -<div style="padding-top:4em"> -<div class="transnote"> -<h2 style="margin-top: 0em">Transcriber’s Notes:</h2> - -<p>The Table of Contents was created by the transcriber and placed -in the public domain.</p> - -<p><a href="#TN_end">Additional Transcriber’s Notes</a> are at the -end.</p> -</div></div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<div class="boxcontents"> -<p class="xlargefont center boldfont">CONTENTS</p> -<p> -<a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I. A MIDNIGHT ATTACK.</a><br /> -<a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II. A PRAIRIE ENCOUNTER.</a><br /> -<a href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III. A SERIOUS REVERSE.</a><br /> -<a href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV. ASTONISHING THE BLACKFEET.</a><br /> -<a href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V. THE TEST OF FRIENDSHIP.</a><br /> -<a href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI. A CROW VICTORY.</a><br /> -<a href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII. THE PASS.</a><br /> -<a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII. MARTIN LAURIE’S LITTLE SCHEME.</a><br /> -<a href="#CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX. A DOG IN THE WAY.</a><br /> -<a href="#CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X. CROSS-PURPOSES.</a><br /> -<a href="#CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI. DOVE-EYE.</a><br /> -<a href="#CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII. A BLIND TRAIL.</a><br /> -<a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII. LIGHT AHEAD.</a><br /> -<a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV. THE AMBUSCADE.</a><br /> -<a href="#CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV. CONCLUSION.</a><br /> -</p> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p class="center">Semi-Monthly Novels Series.</p> - -<p class="center boldfont">No. 205.</p> - -<p class="center boldfont"><span class="xlargefont">BEADLE’S</span><br /> -<span class="smcap xxlargefont">Dime Novels</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 591px;"> -<img src="images/i_001a.jpg" width="591" height="650" alt="Cover illustration." /> -</div> - -<p class="center xxlargefont boldfont">THE GRAY SCALP.</p> - -<p class="center largefont">BEADLE AND COMPANY, 98 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK.</p> - -<p class="center xlargefont p-1">Am. News Co., 119 & 121 Nassau St., N. Y.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p class="center boldfont largefont">A FOREST HEROINE!</p> - -<p class="center xlargefont">Beadle’s Dime Novels, No. 206,</p> - -<p class="center boldfont">TO ISSUE TUESDAY, JUNE 21st,</p> - -<p class="center" style="padding-right:10em">Will present a richly racy romance of the woods, viz:</p> - -<p class="center boldfont"><span class="xxlargefont">BUCKSKIN BILL;</span><br /> -<span class="mediumfont">OR,</span><br /> -<span class="xlargefont">The White Demon of the Woods.</span></p> - -<p class="center boldfont p1">A ROMANCE OF THE BLACKFOOT COUNTRY.</p> - -<p class="center p1">BY GUY GREENWOOD,<br /> -<span class="smcap">Author of “The Phantom Foe; or, the Maid of Montmorenci,” etc.</span></p> - -<p class="p1">Buckskin Bill is a character. The Far West produces many odd specimens -of men, but none whose claim to oddity is stronger than Bill’s. -Rough as a bear, he is gentle as a fawn. Brave as a lion, he is afraid of a -young girl’s frown. Untutored as a savage, he is yet as wise and shrewd -as a minister of war.</p> - -<p>In his daughter we have his perfect contrast. The beautiful child-woman -is not only grace itself, but is bravery itself; and though apparently -as wild as the mustang which she rides, is as true to a pure woman’s instincts -as if raised as a petted child of the parlor.</p> - -<p>The secondary persons of the stirring story are the captain of the expedition -of observation; the dreaded Demon Slayer, whose track seemed -marked with the blood of the Blackfeet, and the Indian chief, whose cunning -and thirst for scalps gives the leading incidents to the drama.</p> - -<p>The novel is alive with action, rapid in its incident-movement, exciting -and strange.</p> - -<p>☞ For sale by all Newsdealers and Booksellers; or sent, post-paid, to -any address, on receipt of price—Ten Cents.</p> - -<p class="alignright boldfont"><span class="largefont">BEADLE AND COMPANY, Publishers,</span><br /> -98 William Street, New York.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> -<img src="images/i_004.jpg" width="600" height="648" alt="Frontispiece." /> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 390px;"> -<img src="images/i_005.jpg" width="390" height="650" alt="Title page." /> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - - - - -<h1>THE GRAY SCALP;<br /> -<span class="mediumfont">OR,</span><br /> -<span class="largefont">THE BLACKFOOT BRAVE.</span></h1> - - -<p class="center largefont">BY EDWARD WILLETT,</p> - -<p class="center"><em>Author of the following Dime Novels</em>:</p> - -<div class="boxbooks"> -<p><span style="padding-left:0.45em">10.</span> <cite>THE HIDDEN HOME.</cite><br /> -111. <cite>NED STARLING.</cite><br /> -119. <cite>THE FIVE CHAMPIONS.</cite><br /> -125. <cite>THE HUNTED LIFE.</cite><br /> -132. <cite>OLD HONESTY.</cite><br /> -139. <cite>THE BORDER FOES.</cite><br /> -145. <cite>THE MOUNTAINEER.</cite><br /> -149. <cite>THE HUNTER’S PLEDGE.</cite><br /> -159. <cite>SNOW-BIRD.</cite><br /> -170. <cite>BORDER AVENGERS.</cite><br /> -187. <cite>THE OUTLAWS’ PLOT.</cite></p> -</div> - -<p class="center">NEW YORK:<br /> -<span class="largefont">BEADLE AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS,</span><br /> -98 WILLIAM STREET.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p class="center">Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870, by</p> - -<p class="center">BEADLE AND COMPANY,</p> - -<p class="center">In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for the -Southern District of New York.</p> - -<p class="center">(No. 205.)</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p class="center xxlargefont" style="margin-bottom:1em">THE GRAY SCALP.</p> - - - -<h2 class="no-break"><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A MIDNIGHT ATTACK.</span></h2> - - -<p>“Hurrah for Oregon! says I. That’s the place for Denny, -and mesilf is the boy who is bound to have a good shlice av -the fine lands, and who has a better right?”</p> - -<p>“What’s the fool talkin’ about? Thar’s no sech place as -Oregon, greeny. That kentry thar is called Oregon, and it’s -an Injun name, I reckon.”</p> - -<p>“An Injun name! The ignorance av yez! It was named -for Michael O’Regan, who first diskivered it, as ye might read -in the histories, if ye could read at all. He was an Irishman, -from the county Donegal, and was me grandfather’s first cousin -on the mother’s side. We dhropped the O’ whin we kim -across the say; but that don’t hindher me from claimin’ a -shlice av the fine lands that once belonged to me grandfather’s -cousin.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t believe a word of it, Denny Regan. Of all the -liars that were ever turned loose in this yere kentry, I reckon -you are about the infarnalest.”</p> - -<p>“Is it a liar ye are callin’ me, Misther Pap Byers? Ye’ve -got it to take back, or feel the edge av me knife.”</p> - -<p>“You had better shut up, both of you. Captain Benning -gave orders that there should be no talkin’ around the camp -to-night, and he’ll give you a proper good blowin’ up if he -ketches you at it. Here he is, by thunder!”</p> - -<p>The first speaker was Dennis Regan, a young Irishman, who, -although he had turned trapper, had not discarded his brogue -with his brogans, or his natural character with his corduroys. -The second was John Byers, commonly called Pap Byers, a -middle-aged free trapper, of long experience on the plains and -in the mountains. In person he was tall, gaunt, sinewy and -solemn, while the Irishman was short and stout, with fat -cheeks and a merry face. The third speaker was Sam Glass,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span> -a hired trapper, in the employ of Mr. Robinette, the fur-trader -to whose company all were attached.</p> - -<p>Captain Benning, who came up just as Sam Glass mentioned -his name, was a tall young man, well built and fine looking, -with an appearance of activity, nerve and daring. He was -one of the leaders of the party under Mr. Robinette, and was -regarded as an excellent “partisan.”</p> - -<p>“What is the meaning of this noise?” asked the captain, -frowning upon the group. “Don’t you know that orders -were given to keep the camp quiet to-night?”</p> - -<p>“It was Denny Regan here,” replied Pap Byers. “The -durned fool was tryin’ to make us believe that Oregon was -diskivered by an Irishman, and named arter him.”</p> - -<p>“And this ould sinner called me a liar, capt’in dear, and -that’s what ye wouldn’t like to be called yersilf.”</p> - -<p>“No matter who began it, or what it was about; it must -be stopped. There are Indians all around us, and they may -be down upon us at any moment. I have been obliged to -leave my patrol to come and put a stop to your noise, and -there is no telling what may happen during my absence. -Hark! I believe something is already the matter with the -horses.”</p> - -<p>In an instant the attitude and air of the four men were -changed. With countenances expressive of anxiety, they -leaned forward, listening intently to catch the slightest sound -that might indicate an alarm.</p> - -<p>“You’re right thar, cap’n!” exclaimed Byers, seizing his -rifle and jumping up; “the red-skins are among the hosses.”</p> - -<p>All rushed toward the camp, to give the alarm, and to search -for the wily enemy; but they were too late.</p> - -<p>The horses were already stampeded, and came bursting -through the camp like an avalanche, overthrowing every thing -before them. After them, with terrific yells and whoops, -poured a crowd of half-naked savages, splendidly mounted, -galloping like mad after the frightened herd.</p> - -<p>Captain Benning and his companions fired at the Indians, -and a few straggling shots from the camp showed that some -attempt at defense was made there; but the furious rush of -the animals prevented any thing like an organized resistance. -It is probable that the assailants had not intended, at first, any<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span> -thing more than a stampede; but the route taken by the -horses had thrown the camp into such confusion, that the -massacre and plunder of the party of white men seemed to -follow as a matter of course.</p> - -<p>The voices of the leaders were heard, far above the din, -directing the movements of their followers. A few of the -warriors rode on after the herd, to keep the animals together -and guide their course; while the others turned and dashed -upon the scattered and bewildered whites, hoping to slay them -before they could recover from their confusion.</p> - -<p>But a party of more than thirty mountain men was not to -be so easily discomfited. The hardy trappers and hunters, -accustomed to savage combats, availing themselves of the -shelter of the wagons and packs, stood gallantly on the defensive, -loading and firing their rifles with a rapidity and precision -that soon checked the fury of the onset. The savages, -who fought at a disadvantage on horseback, were in their turn -thrown into confusion and forced back.</p> - -<p>Again the voices of the leaders rung out, and a portion of -the warriors dismounted, to renew the combat on foot, while -others circled around the wagons, for the purpose of driving -the trappers from their defenses.</p> - -<p>The white men were quickly outflanked, and were gradually -forced back, until they were compelled to take refuge in -a thicket, leaving the camp in the possession of their assailants.</p> - -<p>Having accomplished this much, the savages, as has sometimes -happened to more civilized warriors, made a poor use -of their victory. Instead of pursuing their advantage, part -of them fell to plundering the camp and securing the scalps -of the slain.</p> - -<p>It was at this juncture that Benning and his companions, -who had been compelled to make a circuit in order to find -their friends, reached the camp, and poured in a volley upon -the flank of the savages. The trappers in the thicket, profiting -by this diversion in their favor, rushed out, and charged -boldly upon the enemy. A few volleys from their terrible -rifles changed the face of affairs, and the savages were soon -flying from the camp as swiftly as they had entered it. Being -unable to pursue them, from lack of horses, the trappers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span> -collected in the midst of the ruins, vowing vengeance against -the midnight marauders.</p> - -<p>Out of thirty-five men, six had been killed outright, including -Mr. Robinette, the head of the expedition. It was impossible -to say how many lives had been lost on the side of -the Indians, as they had carried off all their dead and wounded, -besides a large amount of plunder. A few of the remaining -white men were wounded, but none severely.</p> - -<p>After a hurried survey of the field, the question arose by -what means the savages had been enabled to creep upon the -camp without being observed. Angry recriminations ensued, -and hard words seemed likely to lead to hard blows.</p> - -<p>“Perhaps you can tell us who was at fault, Captain Benning?” -said Mr. Laurie, the principal agent of Mr. Robinette. -“You should know, if any man knows.”</p> - -<p>“What good will it do to argue that matter now?” tartly -replied Benning. “Somebody was careless, of course, and -perhaps I might put my finger on the man; but of what use -would that be now? The mischief has been done, and no -one knows the extent of it yet. Has anybody seen Miss -Flora?”</p> - -<p>The faces of all changed, and greater consternation than -they had yet shown was now visible among the rough trappers.</p> - -<p>Flora Robinette was the only child of her father, a beautiful -dark-haired and dark-eyed girl of nineteen. Since the death -of her mother, the trader had been so strongly attached to -her, that it had seemed almost impossible for him to separate -himself from her. As it was part of the object of this expedition -to establish a post west of the Rocky Mountains, at -which he expected to spend the greater part of his time, he -had at last yielded to her entreaties, and permitted her to -accompany him and share his home in the wilds. He believed -that his party was strong enough to furnish a safe escort, and -that she could be in no danger when the post was established. -Her only hardships, as he supposed, would be such as would -result from traveling over the plains, and from deprivation -of the comforts and luxuries of civilization; but these she -had professed herself able and willing to endure.</p> - -<p>She had endured them, so far, without grumbling, and with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> -all apparent cheerfulness. She had manifested, also, a spirit -of daring and love of adventure, together with a real delight in -the fresh air and free life of the plains, that had charmed the -rough men into whose company she was thrown, and rendered -her the idol of them all. It was no wonder that their cheeks -blanched when they were asked if they had seen her.</p> - -<p>No one <em>had</em> seen Flora Robinette since the commencement -of the fray. At the usual hour she had retired to the wagon -in which she slept, and was supposed to have been there -when the horses were stampeded and broke through the camp; -but an examination showed that the wagon was empty.</p> - -<p>On the ground, near the wagon, lay the body of her father, -his head, from which the gray hair on the top had been -stripped, surrounded by a pool of his own blood; but no -trace of Flora could be found. A careful search was made -by the disheartened trappers; but it disclosed nothing. They -could only suppose that she had been awakened by the -tumult, had looked out of the wagon, and had thus been -espied by the Indians, who would lose no time in taking -possession of such a prize. It was certain that she had disappeared, -leaving no trace.</p> - -<p>When the fruitless search was ended, a great change had -come over George Benning. He stood like a statue, silent -and motionless, and one would have thought, from the expression -of his countenance, that every thing that was worth -living for in the world had been taken from him. His demeanor -was so strange, that Martin Laurie, the agent, took -him aside and spoke with him.</p> - -<p>Laurie was a Scotchman, whose age might have been anywhere -between forty and forty-five. He had the sandy hair, -red eyes and watery complexion peculiar to many of his -race; but was not really ill-looking. He was sedate and -precise, a shrewd and methodical man of business, and as -such had been highly esteemed by Mr. Robinette.</p> - -<p>“What is the matter with you, Benning?” he asked. “You -act very strangely, and you look as if you had lost all the -friends you had in the world. Can it be possible that the -death of Mr. Robinette affects you so strongly?”</p> - -<p>“No. He was a good man, and I respected him highly; but -I have no special reason to grieve for him.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span></p> - -<p>“It must be, then, that it is the loss of Miss Flora that -troubles you.”</p> - -<p>“I confess it. If she had been killed, it would have been -relief to know it; but she has been carried away, we know -not where, and it is terrible to think of the fate that may be -reserved for her.”</p> - -<p>“You seem to take it harder than any of the rest of us, although -you are in no way related to her. I have noticed, during -this journey, that you were much interested in Miss Flora, -and I intended to tell you, as I now must, that it was her -father’s wish that she should become my wife.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed! Was she aware of it?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know that she was. She was an only child, as -you know, and Mr. Robinette was possessed of considerable -property. It was his desire that she should marry a careful -and prudent man of business, such as he considered me to be, -who would take care that her means were not wasted.”</p> - -<p>“Be that as it may, Mr. Laurie—and I do not mean to dispute -your word—it is useless to say any more about it now. -She is gone, and it is doubtful if either of us will be permitted -to see her again in this world. There is a chance, however, -that she may still be living. I mean to search for her, and -shall never abandon the search while life is left to me. I will -not hinder you, of course, from devoting yourself to the same -object, if you wish to do so.”</p> - -<p>“Now that Mr. Robinette is dead, it is my duty, under his -instructions, to take this party on to the rendezvous west of -the mountains, and follow the plan that he had formed for -this season’s work. If I can do any thing to help you, I will -gladly do it.”</p> - -<p>“I only ask for three men.”</p> - -<p>“You may take any three who are willing to follow you. -If you succeed, I suppose you will join us at the rendezvous.”</p> - -<p>“I hardly dare to hope for success. I can only say that I -will do my best.”</p> - -<p>When Laurie and Benning returned to the trappers, they -found them inquiring what Indians they were that had made -the attack.</p> - -<p>“They were Blackfeet, I suppose,” said Benning. “How -can there be any doubt about it?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Easy enough, cap’n,” replied Byers. “Do Blackfeet wear -Crow blankets and moccasins?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“We have found a Crow blanket and a Crow moccasin on -this yere ground, and that settles the p’int, I reckon.”</p> - -<p>“But the Crows are the friends of the white men, and never -attack them.”</p> - -<p>“Wal—I ain’t so sartin of that as you seem to be. I know -that they steal white men’s hosses, and thar’s no end to an Injun’s -devilment, nohow.”</p> - -<p>Some of the party were of the opinion that the assailants -had been Blackfeet; but the majority sided with Byers, convinced -by the Crow blanket and moccasin.</p> - -<p>The next morning, after the bodies of the dead had been -buried, Laurie and his party pushed on with the train toward -the west, and Benning set off on the trail of the midnight assailants, -accompanied by Pap Byers, Sam Glass and Dennis Regan. -They were on foot, as no horses had been left except -such as were absolutely necessary for the train; but they hoped -soon to be able to secure a remount.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A PRAIRIE ENCOUNTER.</span></h2> - - -<p>The prairie was limitless. As far as the eye could see, and -as much further as fancy cared to picture, it spread out like an -ocean, endless and eternal. In wave upon wave of many-colored -luxuriance, it rolled onward, until all color melted into -the purplish hue of the horizon. There was, it is true, a thin -line of low cottonwoods, marking the course of some little -creek; but that might have been a mere coral reef in the ocean, -or a swath of drifting seaweed. There were, also, two small -islands of trees in the distance; but islands are necessary to -prove the existence of ocean. Far away to the westward -could be dimly descried the shadowy outlines of lofty mountains; -but their snowy peaks, resting among the clouds, could<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span> -not be distinguished from the clouds, and fancy could easily -suppose that the prairie rolled under and beyond them, instead -of bathing their rough feet in its flowery waves. As well as -vision could decide, the prairie was a limitless ocean.</p> - -<p>Only a speck in this vast ocean was the figure of a man on -horseback, riding toward the west. He rode slowly, almost -listlessly, seeming absorbed in the beauty of the variegated -landscape, given up to the sweet influences of the exhilarating -and odorous atmosphere.</p> - -<p>A fine specimen of a man was this rider, whose age might -have been a few years on the sunny side of thirty. He was -fully six feet in hight, well formed and athletic, with features -that a woman would call handsome, in spite of his bronzed skin. -His gray eyes were keen and restless; his chestnut hair, worn -long, after the fashion of the Indians and trappers, flowed -down upon his shoulders in wavy masses; his mouth was well -cut, shaded by a silky mustache; and his beard, long and full, -had the same rich color as his hair. His hunting-shirt and -leggings were of the finest dressed deer-skin, and were richly -and tastefully ornamented. His moccasins, also, showed the -patient labor of some Indian woman, and must have cost the -wearer a good quantity of trinkets or of scarlet cloth, if, indeed, -they had not been a love-gift. His pipe-holder must -surely have been a <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">gage d’amour</i>; for it was a triumph of Indian -workmanship, such as the squaws of the plains were not -in the habit of selling. A double-barreled rifle, short, heavy, -and richly finished, was his principal weapon, and rested across -his right leg and the pommel of his saddle. A bright and -keen-edged hatchet, or small ax, was stuck in his belt, flanked -by a hunting-knife in an embroidered sheath. From his appearance, -he might have been an independent trapper; but he -carried no traps or sack of “possibles,” and had no animal -except the fine jet-black horse which he bestrode.</p> - -<p>“Nearly noon,” he soliloquized, looking up at the sun. -“If I do not strike the trail of old Robinette’s party before -long, I shall conclude that they are behind me, and it will be -necessary to wait for them. I had better join them, I suppose, -as I want an outfit for the coming season, and I am curious to -see whether his daughter is as beautiful as she has been represented -to be. As if that was a matter that concerned me at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> -all! It is possible that I might find some woman who could -persuade me to quit this wild life; but it lacks a great deal of -being probable. It is possible, though, that I may have strayed -from my course, and I must consult my little true-pointer.”</p> - -<p>Stopping his horse, he drew from the bosom of his hunting-shirt -a small pocket-compass, rested it in the palm of his hand, -and watched its indications.</p> - -<p>“No; I’m on the right track—no mistake about that. I -must cross the trail soon, if they have got this far. Ha! what -is coming yonder? A red-skin, I suppose, and one who wants -my scalp. Now, Samson, who knows but we may have a -little brush to stir our blood?”</p> - -<p>The horse pricked up his ears, whinnied, and seemed to anticipate -a combat as eagerly as his master.</p> - -<p>It was a mere speck that attracted the attention of the rider; -but it was a moving speck, and he could easily guess what it -meant. When he caught sight of it, he might have mistaken -it for a solitary buffalo; but a brief inspection showed him that -its movements were not those of the buffalo. Soon something -white came into view, and the rays of the sun, shining upon -it, made the speck look like a moving star.</p> - -<p>Within a short time the speck was no longer a speck, but -had assumed the form and proportions of an Indian on horseback. -The white man reined in his horse, took his rifle in his -right hand, and awaited the approach of the stranger.</p> - -<p>When the Indian had come within rifle-shot, the white man -judged it best to signal him and ascertain his intentions. Accordingly, -he raised his right hand, with the palm in front, -and pushed it back and forth a few times. This was a signal -to halt; but the savage, after shaking his head furiously, paid -no further attention to it, but put his horse to full speed, and -commenced to circle around his foe.</p> - -<p>Mounted on a jet-black horse, the exact image of that -which carried the white man, he presented a fine appearance -as he galloped swiftly over the plain. He was nearly naked, -his blanket being under him, and his skin shone as if it had -been freshly oiled. With fine features, eyes as fierce and keen -as lightning, and supple and sinewy limbs, every motion showing -the play of his muscles, he presented an excellent object -for the study of the painter or the sculptor. His scalp-lock,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span> -adorned with feathers, showed that he held a high rank as a -brave. In his right hand he carried a gun, a bow and a -quiver of arrows were slung at his back, and an Indian battle-ax -hung at his left side. On his left arm he carried a shield, -round and white, which was dazzling to the beholder when -the rays of the sun were reflected from it.</p> - -<p>“That red-skin don’t want to talk,” muttered the white -man. “He is keen for fight, and won’t be satisfied until he -gets his fill. Well, I think I can accommodate him.”</p> - -<p>As the Indian circled over the prairie, the white man, with -his rifle at his shoulder, kept turning, so as continually to face -his antagonist. His horse, obedient to the slightest pressure -of his knee, turned where he stood, as if he comprehended, -as well as his master, the best position for defense.</p> - -<p>It was the object of the Indian to draw the fire of the -white man; but he soon perceived that his foe was too wary -for him, and he changed his tactics. Slinging his gun, he took -his bow and some arrows from his shoulder. He then fastened -one foot in his wooden stirrup, threw his body over on the -right side of the horse, and again commenced to ride around -the white man, drawing nearer at every circle, until he was -within easy bow-shot, when he began to discharge his arrows -at his antagonist.</p> - -<p>This position of affairs soon became unpleasant to the white -man, as the arrows flew uncomfortably near him, and he was -obliged to change his position. He dismounted, and stood at -the side of his horse, turning as the Indian wheeled, so as to -make a breastwork of the animal. Still the Indian sent his -arrows flying, and one of them struck the horse in the -shoulder.</p> - -<p>Smarting with pain, the wounded animal went off at a gallop. -As the Indian raised himself to his seat with a cry of -triumph, the indignant white man discharged one of the barrels -of his rifle at him; but the wily savage had dropped -down by the side of his horse.</p> - -<p>Supposing that he had drawn the fire of his enemy, the -exultant Indian again raised himself to his seat, and fired -quickly. The white man’s rifle cracked again at the same instant, -and the Indian’s horse fell upon him. Seeing his enemy -entangled by his horse, the white man rushed upon him with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> -his tomahawk; but, before he could reach him, the Indian -was up, with his battle-ax in his hand.</p> - -<p>The contest was now one of skill and strength; but both -parties, having tried each other’s mettle, fought slowly and -warily, husbanding their wind for an effective stroke. The -blows of each were so well parried, that the combatants became -wearied in the encounter before either had sustained any -serious injury, and they drew back, as if by mutual consent, -to recover breath.</p> - -<p>At this juncture a sudden thought seemed to strike the Indian, -who raised both of his hands above his head, with the -forefingers locked. This, in the pantomimic language of the -plains, understood by all the prairie Indians, was a sign of -friendship. He then threw his battle-ax behind him, and -stepped forward three paces, extending his right arm with the -hand open.</p> - -<p>The white man hesitated a moment, and then, as if -ashamed of himself for mistrusting his late adversary, dropped -his tomahawk, and advanced in his turn with extended -hand.</p> - -<p>“If you really are a friend, red-skin,” he said, in the Dacotah -dialect, “you have a strange way of showing it; but I -am willing to forget and forgive.”</p> - -<p>“My white friend is a warrior,” replied the Indian. “He -is a great brave, and I am glad that I have met him. Let -him come with me, and he shall share my lodge, and shall be -my brother.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps we had better wait a little before going so far. -I am not quite so ready to join hands with a man who has -just sought my life. You are a Blackfoot, I should say, judging -from your paint. What name do you go by?”</p> - -<p>“My brother has guessed well. I am a Blackfoot, and am -a great brave among my people, who have named me White -Shield. What is my brother called?”</p> - -<p>“My name is Fred Wilder, and the red-skins call me Silverspur, -because, I suppose, I have always worn one of those -articles among them.”</p> - -<p>The young man reached out his foot, showing a large silver -spur, with a steel rowel, strapped upon his moccasin.</p> - -<p>“I have heard of Silverspur from the Grovans and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> -Kickarees, as well as from the Sioux. He is a great warrior, -and I am proud to know him. Let him share my lodge -and be my brother. My people will be glad to see him.”</p> - -<p>“But the Blackfeet are enemies of the whites. How do I -know but they may take my scalp.”</p> - -<p>“White Shield is a great brave, and the Blackfeet will do -what he tells them to do. They will never harm his brother, -but will love and honor him.”</p> - -<p>“But I am a trapper, and must hunt beaver and otter. I -am looking for the party of Mr. Robinette, which is on its -way to the mountains. I must get traps and an outfit from -them. Has White Shield seen them or heard of them?”</p> - -<p>“I have heard of them; but they have not yet come into -this country. My brother need give himself no trouble about -them. Let him come with me, and he will find traps, and I -will show him better beaver-streams than he has ever seen. -He can live among the Blackfeet and trade with them, and -can get more skins than any other trader.”</p> - -<p>It may have been the love of adventure that moved Fred -Wilder, or it may have been the desire of gain, stimulated -by the prospect that the Blackfoot held out to him. Impulsively -he grasped the hand of White Shield, and the two -pledged eternal friendship and brotherhood after the Indian -fashion.</p> - -<p>“My brother was fighting me a few moments ago,” said -Wilder. “Why was he so anxious to kill me? It is seldom -that you red-skins dare to attack a white man singly, unless -you have an advantage over him.”</p> - -<p>“White Shield is no coward,” replied the Blackfoot. “It -is long since I have taken a scalp, and my people have lately -suffered many reverses. I wished to carry home a scalp, so -that the Blackfeet in my village might wash the mourning -paint from their faces. I did not know that my brother had -the advantage of me, in owning a rifle that would shoot -twice. I never saw such a rifle.”</p> - -<p>“I had the advantage of you in another point, after your -horse was killed. You were afoot, while I might have mounted -at any moment.”</p> - -<p>Wilder whistled, and his horse, which was grazing at a -little distance, came running to him. He examined the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span> -wound, which was a slight one, and transferred to the back -of the horse the Indian’s saddle and blankets and bridle. The -two then set out toward the north-west, White Shield leading -the way on foot.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A SERIOUS REVERSE.</span></h2> - - -<p>When George Benning and his three companions set out -on the trail of the marauders who had attacked their camp, -they were all afoot; but they hoped soon to be able to get a remount, -at the expense of some Indian horse-owners. The Indians -always did their horse-stealing on foot, and there was no -good reason why white men should not imitate their example.</p> - -<p>“That sounds very well, cap’n,” said Sam Glass, when -Benning had presented this view of the subject, “and it will -be easy enough to do, no doubt, purvided that we ken find -the Injuns; but we may hev to tramp many a mile, afore we -came up on a village.”</p> - -<p>“No trouble about that, boy,” replied Pap Byers. “We’ll -find Injuns enough, I warrant ye. The only p’int is, that we -must be cautions and quiet, and I’d like to know how this -yere Irishman’s tongue is to be kep’ still.”</p> - -<p>“Is it me tongue that you’re spa’kin’ of?” snapped Dennis -Regan. “Sure, me tongue is as ready as your hand, any day.”</p> - -<p>“That’s the trouble, Denny. It is a heap too ready, and -is sartin to shoot off when it ain’t wanted to.”</p> - -<p>“It hits the cinter ivery time, and that’s more’n can be said -av your rifle.”</p> - -<p>“We won’t quarrel about it,” interposed Captain Benning. -“It is certain that Denny must learn to keep quiet, or he may -bring us all into another scrape. Tramp is the word, boys.”</p> - -<p>It was not until the evening of the second day after they -had started on the trail, that the party perceived indications -which led them to believe that they were in the vicinity of an -Indian village. Proceeding a little further, they heard the -sound of bells, which the Indians sometimes attach to their -horses, proceeding from a ravine a short distance to the left -of the trail.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span></p> - -<p>By a careful reconnoissance it was discovered that there -was a large drove of horses in the ravine, feeding loose, on -both sides of a little stream. The party withdrew to lay their -plans, and it was arranged that they should enter the ravine, -where each should select two horses from the drove, and -should bring them to the head of the ravine, where all were -to rendezvous. Benning was especially careful to warn his -companions to be cautious and quiet, and to take no more -horses than were necessary.</p> - -<p>The four men entered the ravine at different points, and -proceeded to select and secure their horses. This was accomplished -without any misadventure, and Benning was the first -to reach the head of the ravine, where he was soon joined by -Pap Byers and Sam Glass, each mounted and leading a -horse.</p> - -<p>“We have succeeded very well so far,” said the captain. -“With these horses under us, and fresh ones to rest them, we -ought to have the heels of any red-skins. Where is Dennis?”</p> - -<p>“He’ll be along directly, I reckon,” replied Byers. “Thar -he comes, on a run! What in thunder has the durned fool -been doin’?”</p> - -<p>The Irishman came up the ravine at a gallop, mounted on -a fine mare, and leading two horses. The mare had a bell -fastened to her neck, which clattered furiously as he rode up -to his companions. Benning’s face turned pale with anger, -but he controlled himself and spoke quite composedly.</p> - -<p>“Why have you brought three horses when I told you to -take but two? And why did you choose that bell mare? -Don’t you know that the noise will bring the Indians down -upon us?”</p> - -<p>“The mare was the finest av the lot, capt’in dear. She’s -betther than both the others, if I’m a jidge av horseflesh.”</p> - -<p>“That bell will be the ruin of us. It is a wonder that the -whole drove has not stampeded after her.”</p> - -<p>“I was m’anin’ to take it aff, sir, as soon as I could git the -cratur’ quiet,” replied Dennis, as he dismounted.</p> - -<p>The head of the ravine, where the four men were collected -with their horses, was quite narrow, with steep sides, which -were covered pretty thickly with trees and undergrowth.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span> -Darkness was rapidly succeeding to dusk, and all were impatient -to be off.</p> - -<p>As Dennis dismounted, one of his led horses slipped its -thong, and started off. When he turned hastily to catch it, -he loosed the mare, which galloped away at full speed, her -bell clattering noisily as she went. Directly there was a great -commotion among the herd of horses down in the ravine, and -it was evident that they were stampeding.</p> - -<p>“Tare an’ ouns!” exclaimed the indignant Irishman. “The -bloody divil has got away, afther all me throuble. May ivery -hair on her tail turn to a hickory sthick, to bate her as long -as she can dhraw a breath.”</p> - -<p>“Hold your clattering tongue!” exclaimed Benning. “You -make more noise than the infernal bell. The Indians will -be down on us in no time, and we may thank our stars if we -get out of this scrape. Mount the horse you are holding, and -ride as if fire were behind you.”</p> - -<p>Dennis was about to mount, when he was suddenly seized -from behind, and dragged into the bushes. The next instant -the ravine was vocal with savage yells, and the white men -found themselves surrounded with savage Indians.</p> - -<p>Escape seemed impossible; but Benning was not a man to -lose his life without an effort to preserve it. Loosing his led -animal, he discharged his rifle at the group of Indians before -him, and then, putting his horse to the top of his speed, dashed -down the ravine, overturning and scattering his antagonists as -he went.</p> - -<p>Bullets and arrows flew after him; but he sped on unhurt, -until he had gone about a quarter of a mile, when his horse -suddenly stopped, in front of a perpendicular wall of rock, -that seemed to close up the ravine.</p> - -<p>Bewildered at meeting this unexpected obstacle, he was -about to turn and endeavor to cut his way back in the opposite -direction, when he reflected that he had been following the -bed of a stream, which must surely cañon at the wall of -rock.</p> - -<p>Straining his sight through the growing darkness he saw -what seemed to be an opening, and pushed his horse for it, -bending down upon the horse’s neck, to save his head from -contact with the rocky roof. The horse went forward, slowly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span> -but surely, and Benning thought that he was about to emerge -from the cañon, when, to his great dismay, he found himself -wedged fast in the opening. With words and kicks he tried -to force his steed forward, but it would not budge. He had -given himself up for lost; but an arrow from behind struck -his horse in the rear, and, with a violent effort, it squeezed -through the aperture.</p> - -<p>Hardly had Benning issued from the cañon, when another -peril confronted him. The horse stopped at the brink of a -precipice. The rider could see that a prairie stretched out -below him; but he could not guess how far down it might -be, or what might await him at the foot of the rock.</p> - -<p>There was no time for consideration. His pursuers were -close behind him. He had to choose between certain death -at the hands of the savages, and a fearful leap in the dark. -He chose the latter alternative; but his horse refused to take -the leap, backing away from the abyss, and snorting and trembling -with terror. Drawing his knife, he struck it into the -haunch of the animal. Maddened by the pain, the horse -sprung forward into the gloom, and alighted, unhurt, upon the -soft turf below.</p> - -<p>Benning rode away, slowly, thankful that his life had been -preserved, and reflecting sadly upon the fate of his companions.</p> - -<p>Of these, Dennis Regan had been pinioned as soon as he -was seized, Sam Glass had been shot dead while attempting -resistance, and Pap Byers had been soon overpowered and -bound.</p> - -<p>After relieving Glass of his scalp, the Indians took their -two captives to the village, which was situated a short distance -from the ravine in which their horses were kept.</p> - -<p>In order to confine the captives, they were laid on their -backs in the middle of the village, with their arms and legs -stretched out, and tied by the hands and feet to stakes driven -in the ground. In this uncomfortable position they were -obliged to pass the night, while the savages made merry over -their victory.</p> - -<p>“See what a fix you have brought us into, you crazy little -red-headed wretch!” exclaimed Pap Byers, after he had chafed -and cursed himself into a perspiration.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span></p> - -<p>“It’s none of my bringin’, you spider-shanked, pickle-faced -ould drumhead!” replied Dennis. “It was jist that murtherin’ -divil av a sorrel mare that up-ended us and stretched us out -here; but, fur all that, who knows but I’m the boy who will -bring us safe out av this?”</p> - -<p>“Talk’s cheap, boy. Ken ye bring Sam Glass back to life? -Thar’s Cap’n Benning too; it’s likely that he’s got his pill -afore this. Ken ye do any thin’ fur him?”</p> - -<p>“The mithers av ’em can’t be more sorry fur the boys than -is Denny Regan; but it’s the divil’s own tongue that says I -fotched ’em into the scrape. If I was on me feet, I’d make -yez swaller that same, you dried-up old wolf-skin.”</p> - -<p>“Quarrelin’ won’t mend the matter; but you know as well -as I do, Denny, that it was your loose tongue and your crazy -ways that made all the trouble.”</p> - -<p>“I know it jist as well as you do, and that’s not at all. -Tell me, now, Pap Byers, what Injuns is these that’s got us?”</p> - -<p>“Blackfeet—the bloodiest, meanest and most savagerous of -all the red-skins in these parts.”</p> - -<p>“And what will they do wid us?”</p> - -<p>“Kill us—tortur’ us—burn us, most likely.”</p> - -<p>“Is it burnin’ ye say? Och, be the powers! it makes me -flesh crawl to think av it. The bloody haythins! Is it sure -enough burnin’ that they do, or do they jist bother a man and -let him go?”</p> - -<p>“It’s burnin’, I tell ye—burnin’ by a slow fire—roastin’, -fryin’, br’llin’. Thar ain’t any let go about it; it holds on fur -hours, and you suffer death a dozen times afore you die onst.”</p> - -<p>“Howly mither of Moses! That bates purgatory, intirely. -To think that one av the ould shtock av the O’Regans should -be roasted alive! I vow to the blissed Vargin, if I can only -git clare of this shcrape, I’ll not shpake a mortal word to any -livin’ man—or woman, fur that matter—fur a long six months, -and I’ll begin at onst to kape me vow.”</p> - -<p>The Irishman was silent. Byers spoke to him after a while; -but Dennis did not reply. Again Byers spoke to him; but a -snore was the only answer he received.</p> - -<p>“I do believe,” said he, “that the durned fool has gone to -sleep. I wouldn’t hev thought that burnin’ would set so easy -onto his stummick.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">ASTONISHING THE BLACKFEET.</span></h2> - - -<p>Fred Wilder accompanied his new friend without any -doubt or hesitation. He knew that the word of an Indian -was sacred, when pledged to his adopted brother, and he felt -no uneasiness as to the treatment he would receive among the -Blackfeet.</p> - -<p>In the course of three days they arrived safely at the Blackfeet -village, where White Shield introduced his brother, Silverspur, -as a great warrior, a man wonderful for strength of arms, -keenness of eye, activity of limb, and bigness of heart. He -related the particulars of the encounter in which he had formed -the acquaintance of the white man, and gave him credit for -extraordinary bravery and skill. He concluded by declaring -that Silverspur was his sworn brother, and must be treated as -such; that he must have full liberty to live among the Blackfeet, -to hunt, fish and trade as he pleased, and to go and come -as might suit his pleasure.</p> - -<p>Instead of being displeased at the arrival of the white man, -the Blackfeet appeared to be very well satisfied, and passed -many encomiums upon White Shield for having brought such a -valuable accession to their tribe. Some of them had heard of -Silverspur, and could echo the praise that White Shield bestowed -upon him. His rifle had sent death to more than one -Blackfoot warrior, and they knew it; but that only added to -his glory as a warrior, and they were proud to claim him as -one of themselves. Good Ax, the head chief, granted him -unlimited trading privileges, and invited him to “marry and -settle”—in other words, to select a wife, or as many wives as -he wanted.</p> - -<p>Silverspur, whose heart had not been enamored by the fair-skinned -beauties of his own race, and who was not likely to -yield to the fascinations of any dusky damsel, evaded the matrimonial -responsibility, saying that he thought it best to wait -until he became better known, and that, in the mean time,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span> -he would share the lodge of White Shield, who happened to -be a bachelor.</p> - -<p>A few days after his introduction to the Blackfeet, on his -return from a hunting-excursion, he found that a war-party, -which had been absent for some time, had arrived at the -village. They had been victorious over their adversaries, but -had lost a few of their number, for which reason they were -debarred from dancing, or rejoicing over their victory. On -the contrary, the village was filled with mourning, and the -wailing of the mourners, together with the horrible manner -in which they mangled themselves, so disgusted the young -man that he did not care to inquire further concerning the -affair.</p> - -<p>Soon after this, there was an alarm at the village, occasioned -by the attempt of some marauders to steal horses. Most of -the warriors went out to meet the enemy; but Fred Wilder, -who did not care to expose his life in the quarrels of the red-men, -remained in his lodge, smoking his pipe, and mentally -abusing himself for the roving disposition that brought him -into “the tents of Ishmael.”</p> - -<p>The affair was soon quieted, and the warriors returned in -high glee. They had captured two prisoners, as White Shield -informed his friend, and had taken a scalp. The mourning in -the village, therefore, was at an end. All washed their faces, -and prepared for a dance and a jollification.</p> - -<p>As sleep was out of the question, in the midst of such an -uproar, Wilder sallied out and joined the dancers. The scalp -which was the occasion of the revelry, together with one -which had been brought in by the war-party, was suspended -upon a pole, and Wilder inspected them with the others. The -hair of one of the scalps was short, black and curly. That -of the other was short, thin and silver gray. It was evident -to the young trapper that neither was the scalp of an Indian, -and he called White Shield aside to speak to him concerning -them.</p> - -<p>“That black scalp yonder,” said he, “is not the scalp of an -Indian.”</p> - -<p>“No; it is the scalp of a white man.”</p> - -<p>“They were white men, then, who came to steal horses?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; and the two prisoners are white men.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Is the gray scalp the scalp of a white man, too?”</p> - -<p>“Yes. We would have had a big dance over that scalp, -if we had not lost two warriors in the fight. It is the scalp -of the white-haired chief.”</p> - -<p>“And who was he?”</p> - -<p>“I thought you knew him. You call him Robinette, the -trader.”</p> - -<p>“Whew! The old fellow is dead, then,” said Wilder, -musingly. “He was a strange man, shrewd, daring, but -rather unscrupulous, as I have heard. Did your braves capture -his train?”</p> - -<p>“No. They came across his party, and stampeded the -horses. As they had surprised the camp, they thought they -might do more; but the white men beat them off at last. -The men who came to-night were his men. They wanted to -get back some of their horses, or to look for the white girl.”</p> - -<p>“What white girl?”</p> - -<p>“The daughter of the white-haired chief.”</p> - -<p>“Is she here?”</p> - -<p>“She is in the village. Has not my brother seen her?”</p> - -<p>“No. I know nothing of her.”</p> - -<p>“You will not be likely to see her for a while, as Good Ax, -the head chief, means to take her into his lodge, and she has -been shut up from the village.”</p> - -<p>Wilder mused a little, and his musings were in this wise:</p> - -<p>Why had Paul Robinette brought his daughter into that -wilderness? Why had he, Fred Wilder, given himself up to -an aimless and roving life? It was very foolish in both of -them; but fate had led them to it. It was the fate of Mr. -Robinette to be killed and scalped, and it might be the fate of -him, Fred Wilder, to have come among the Blackfeet to be of -service to the daughter of the murdered man. At all events, -she was a woman, and it was his duty to befriend her. It was -his duty, also, to befriend the two white captives, and their -turn might come first. It would be well for him to see how -far he might go with the Blackfeet.</p> - -<p>Turning to White Shield, he said:</p> - -<p>“What will be done with the white prisoners?”</p> - -<p>“They will be burned.”</p> - -<p>“Do you think so?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span></p> - -<p>“I am sure of it. They are to be burned early to-morrow -morning.”</p> - -<p>“I will bet you, White Shield, ten packs of beaver-skins, -that they will not be burned while Silverspur lives.”</p> - -<p>“What does my brother mean?”</p> - -<p>“I mean that I will not allow them to be burned.”</p> - -<p>“What will you do?”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps I will do nothing; but they shall not be burned.”</p> - -<p>“Has my brother lost his senses? He surely does not mean -what he says.”</p> - -<p>“You will see that I mean it. I am going to the lodge, -White Shield. I am tired of this deviltry.”</p> - -<p>Wilder turned his back upon the crowd of dancing and -yelling Indians, and retired to his lodge, where he pondered his -own situation and that of Flora Robinette, until he fell asleep.</p> - -<p>In the morning there was a great commotion in the village. -Preparations were made for the torture of the two white captives, -and all the Blackfeet were early astir. Two stout stakes -were set in the ground, near the middle of the village, and the -victims were brought to them, surrounded and followed by a -motley throng of Indians, of all ages and both sexes.</p> - -<p>Dennis Regan, who had not spoken a word since his vow -of the previous night, was bound to one post, and Pap Byers -to the other, and what may be called the small torturing commenced. -Women and children assailed the white men with -all sorts of opprobrious epithets, beat them with sticks, kicked -them, pinched them, pulled their hair, and provoked them by -every means in their power.</p> - -<p>Byers hurled back their taunts indignantly, and abused the -Blackfeet to the best of his ability. He knew what sort of a -death they intended for him, and he hoped to arouse them to -such fury that, in a moment of anger, they might kill him at -once. He boasted of the number of their braves that he had -slain, and accused them of cowardice, taunting them with not -daring to take the life of a white man, even when he was -bound before them. They could not hurt him, he said, and -he dared them to do their worst, as a white warrior could teach -them how to die. The Irishman remained silent. When he -was spoken to, he pointed to his tongue, and shook his head; -but not a word escaped his lips.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span></p> - -<p>The warriors soon put a stop to this play. Scattering the -women and children, they brought poles and twigs, which they -piled in a circle, nearly waist high, around the victims. Then, -amid diabolical yells and screeches, fire was put to the piles, -and the torture commenced.</p> - -<p>It was not to last long. Hardly had the flames begun to -crackle among the twigs, when Fred Wilder, fully armed, strode -into the throng, kicked away the burning poles, stamped out the -fire, and took his stand near the prisoners, gazing defiantly at -the crowd of savages.</p> - -<p>The Blackfeet were astonished at his audacity. Some of -them laid their hands upon their weapons; but all drew back, -as if bewildered, and wondering what might happen next. -After a few moments, Good Ax, the head chief, stepped forward -and addressed the intruder.</p> - -<p>“Why does Silverspur seek to interfere with his brothers? -Has he forgotten that when he became a Blackfoot, he ceased -to be a white man?”</p> - -<p>“My heart is white, and always will be,” fiercely replied -Wilder. “I can not stand by and see men of my own race -murdered. What have these white men done to you, that you -wish to burn them?”</p> - -<p>“We caught them stealing our horses.”</p> - -<p>“They had a right to try to recover the property which you -had taken from them.”</p> - -<p>“But the white men are the enemies of the Blackfeet.”</p> - -<p>“Say, rather, that, the Blackfeet are the enemies of the white -men, who have never mistreated you, and have never fought -you except when you have compelled them to do so. Look -at these men! One of them, as you can see, is not able to -speak. Would you slay a man who has been stricken by the -Great Spirit? I say that they shall not be burned while I -live, and I know well that more than one of you will fall before -I die.”</p> - -<p>It is said that a wild beast will shrink from the steady -glance of a brave man. So did the savages quail before the -fearless eye and undaunted demeanor of Fred Wilder. His -audacity seemed almost supernatural, and made them fear that -he might have something to back him which they could not -even guess at.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span></p> - -<p>In a few minutes, however, this feeling passed away. They -saw that he was but a man, as they were, and they began to -think of punishing him for his bold attempt to spoil their sport. -Their threatening looks and hostile attitudes caused him to -raise his rifle and level it at the most demonstrative. In another -moment there might have been bloodshed; but White -Shield suddenly changed the face of affairs. Bursting -through the throng, he took his stand by the side of his -friend.</p> - -<p>“White Shield is a warrior!” he exclaimed. “He is a great -brave, and he never feared the face of an enemy. There is -none who can lay cowardice or crime to the charge of White -Shield. Shall he hang back, like a dog, when his brother is in -danger? Silverspur is his sworn brother, and he is ready -to die for his brother, whether he is right or wrong. He is -not wrong. These white men are his friends, and the Blackfoot -who would not try to save the life of his friend would be -called a coward. Come, my brothers! Who will go to the -spirit-land with White Shield and Silverspur?”</p> - -<p>A number of the relatives of White Shield, both old and -young, came forward, with their weapons in their hands, and -ranged themselves by his side. As the hostile parties confronted -each other, the affair seemed about to assume a serious aspect, -when the head chief stepped forward and spoke.</p> - -<p>“This is a small matter to us,” he said, “and we would do -wrong to kill each other about it. One of these prisoners, -as Silverspur has said, has been stricken by the Great Spirit, -and we can easily give the life of the other to our white brother. -Loose them from the stakes, but let them be securely -guarded. They shall live, but they must not leave us until -we move the village. Is Silverspur satisfied?”</p> - -<p>Wilder expressed his satisfaction, and pressed the hand of -the chief. When the prisoners had been led away, and the -crowd had dispersed, he returned to his lodge with White -Shield.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE TEST OF FRIENDSHIP.</span></h2> - - -<p>When Wilder and his Blackfoot friend entered their lodge, -the former sat down without speaking. White Shield gazed -at him for some time, with a sort of admiring awe.</p> - -<p>“My brother is very brave,” said the Indian. “He is almost -too brave. He has done a great thing to-day; but he -came near losing his life. He had better be careful what he -does now; for Good Ax looked at him very strangely, and -the hearts of the warriors were hot.”</p> - -<p>“White Shield is a true brother,” replied Wilder, as he -grasped the hand of his friend. “Silverspur will never forget -how his brother stood by him in danger. You tell me -that I must be careful what I do; but there is one thing that -I must do. I must see the girl, the daughter of the white-haired -chief.”</p> - -<p>The Indian shook his head, and was silent.</p> - -<p>“I must see the girl,” repeated Wilder. “If you will help -me, there will be no trouble about it. When I say that I -will do a thing, I mean to do it.”</p> - -<p>“I have told you that Good Ax means that she shall be -his wife, and no one can oppose the head chief. My brother -had better be careful what he does.”</p> - -<p>“I tell you that I must see her, and I will see her. I only -ask to see her and speak with her. If my brother will not -help me, I will help myself.”</p> - -<p>The Blackfoot sat in silence a few moments, looking -strangely at his friend.</p> - -<p>“Wait for me,” he said, as he arose and left the lodge.</p> - -<p>After the lapse of an hour, White Shield returned, and -beckoned to Wilder, who arose and followed him. They -passed out of the village, and came to a small stream, on each -side of which was a fine growth of timber. Entering the -grove, White Shield pointed ahead of him.</p> - -<p>“She is there,” he said. “I will wait for you, but will not -hear you.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p> - -<p>As Wilder looked in the direction that was pointed out, -he caught sight of a woman’s dress, near the trunk of a large -tree. He hastened forward, and in a few moments was in -the presence of Flora Robinette.</p> - -<p>The young lady did not appear to be eager for the meeting. -She did not move from where she stood, and looked at him -with wonder and something of suspicion as he advanced and -held out his hand.</p> - -<p>“Who are you?” she asked.</p> - -<p>“A friend.”</p> - -<p>“I wish I could believe it. I was told by the Indian who -brought me here that, if I would wait, I would soon see one -of my own race; but he said that you were no longer a white -man; that you had joined the Blackfeet. What is your name?”</p> - -<p>“I am called Fred Wilder; but it matters not what my -name is. I am a white man and a friend. The Indian -hardly told you the truth. He has taken a fancy to me, has -adopted me as his brother, and has introduced me to his -people; but I am far from considering myself one of them. -This morning I saved two white men from death by fire, and -I hope to be able to save you. It is certain that I shall use -my best endeavors to do so. Before this I would have seen -you; but I did not know that you were a captive, until I saw -the Indians dancing around the scalps of your father and another -man.”</p> - -<p>“My father’s scalp! Good God! this is horrible. Did -they tell you whose it was?”</p> - -<p>“They told me that it was his, and then I learned the particulars -of the attack upon his train.”</p> - -<p>“There was another scalp, you say—what did it look -like?” asked Flora, with an accent and an air of painful interest.</p> - -<p>“It was the scalp of a white man, and the hair was black, -short and curling.”</p> - -<p>“It was not his,” muttered Flora, with a sigh of relief.</p> - -<p>“Of whom are you speaking?”</p> - -<p>“Of no one in particular—one of our party. I thought -that some of my friends might have followed the trail of the -Indians. Do you know who those two white men were whom -you saved from burning?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span></p> - -<p>“I do not know their names. One was an Irishman, with -red hair, and he seemed to be dumb.”</p> - -<p>“That might have been Dennis Regan; but he was any -thing but dumb.”</p> - -<p>“The other was a tall and lean man, with keen eyes, a -crooked nose, and a very solemn face.”</p> - -<p>“That was surely the man whom my father called Pap -Byers. How did they happen to be captured?”</p> - -<p>“They were trying to take horses from the Blackfeet, and -were surprised. One was killed, and two were made prisoners.”</p> - -<p>“Was there no other? Did you hear nothing more?”</p> - -<p>“One man escaped, and he had a wonderful escape, if I -understood the account of the Indians.”</p> - -<p>“Who was he?”</p> - -<p>“Really, Miss Robinette, you question me very closely concerning -a person whom I have not seen. From what I have -heard of him, it is my opinion that he was George Benning, -one of Mr. Robinette’s partisans.”</p> - -<p>“Thank God!” exclaimed Flora, as her emotions found vent -in a flood of tears.</p> - -<p>“It is plain enough that this young lady loves George Benning,” -thought Wilder. “He is a fine fellow, and I can’t -blame her. Here is no chance for me to fall in love, if I -wished to do so, and I don’t. She is very pretty; in fact, she -is beautiful; but it is evident that I must go further before I -find my fate.”</p> - -<p>Flora advanced, and held out her hand.</p> - -<p>“I hope you will pardon me,” she said, “if I have shown -distrust of you. My father always spoke so harshly of men -who had joined the Indians, that I have thought they must -be very wicked men. I must trust you. I have no one else -to look to, and God knows that I am grateful for your offers -of assistance. Heaven has raised up a friend to me in my -time of trouble, and I am indeed thankful. Do you think -that you can deliver me from the hands of these savages?”</p> - -<p>“I can try, and I hope you will not accuse me of boasting, -when I say that I generally succeed in what I undertake.”</p> - -<p>“Would they kill me if I should fail to escape?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span></p> - -<p>“I think not; but they might do worse. I am told that -the head chief designs taking you into his family.”</p> - -<p>“I have heard that white persons have sometimes been -adopted by Indians.”</p> - -<p>“To speak plainly, he intends to adopt you as his wife.”</p> - -<p>“May God preserve me from such a fate! What shall I -do, Mr. Wilder? Save me, and I will pray for you as long -as I live! Tell me what can be done.”</p> - -<p>“You can do nothing, at present, but return to the village. -You must leave the rest to me, and I do not know what I -shall do; but you may be certain that I will do all that a man -can do. Here comes the Indian to take you back.”</p> - -<p>White Shield approached, and signified to Flora that the -interview had lasted long enough, and that she must return to -the village. She accompanied him, and Wilder, by the direction -of his friend, went to his lodge, where he passed a -sleepless night in trying to devise a plan to release her from -her captivity.</p> - -<p>When the day broke, he had hit upon nothing that seemed -to promise success, and he walked out, in the hope that the -morning air would give him inspiration. In the course of -his walk, he came to the conclusion that, if he was to accomplish -any thing, it must be with the assistance of White -Shield, and he resolved to throw himself upon the mercy of -the Indian.</p> - -<p>When White Shield entered the lodge that morning, he -found Wilder seated on the ground, with his head buried in -his hands, his attitude and countenance denoting the deepest -dejection.</p> - -<p>“I am in great trouble,” he said, in answer to a question -from the Indian. “My heart is very sore.”</p> - -<p>“Let my brother tell me his trouble. Perhaps I can help -him.”</p> - -<p>“No one can help me but you. If you do not help me, I -can live no longer. My brother, the daughter of the white-haired -chief must not go into the lodge of Good Ax. I must -take her away from him. I must take her away from the -Blackfeet, and restore her to her people.”</p> - -<p>“The Great Spirit has surely deprived my brother of his -senses. He speaks of something that can not be done.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span></p> - -<p>“It can be done, and it must be done. It can easily be -done with your help. Will you not help me?”</p> - -<p>White Shield shook his head mournfully.</p> - -<p>“Then I must die. I have pledged my word to the white -maiden. I have never yet broken my word, and, if I fail to -keep it now, I can live no longer.”</p> - -<p>“Let my brother follow me,” said White Shield, as he arose, -with troubled looks, and walked out of the lodge.</p> - -<p>Wilder followed him through the village, and out into the -hills that lay to the westward. The young warrior went on -swiftly and in silence, until he came to the brink of a precipice, -that reached down, full three hundred feet in a perpendicular -line, to the plain below. Here he stopped, and -turned to his companion, with outstretched hand pointing -downward.</p> - -<p>“Let my brother ask me to throw myself from this rock,” -said he, “and I will do it. I am ready to die for my brother, -when he bids me go to the spirit-land; but he asks more than -death. If I should do what he asks me to do, I must betray -my people, and must leave them forever; for I should be -cast out from among them, and even my father and my brothers -would seek to kill me.”</p> - -<p>Wilder exhausted his arguments upon his friend, telling -him that, if such a step were necessary, he would be no loser -by severing his connection with the tribe, as he would be taken -to the village of the white men, where he would be shown -wonders without end, such as he could never have believed -to be possible. The warrior sadly shook his head, and -begged his brother to order him to throw himself from the -cliff.</p> - -<p>“It is enough,” said Wilder, at last. “I can say no more. -Here, White Shield, is my rifle that shoots twice. I give it to -you, and I know that you will use it well. The pipe-holder, -too, is yours. None like it was ever seen among the Blackfeet. -Take my powder-horn also, and keep them all in remembrance -of your brother.”</p> - -<p>“What does my brother mean? Why has he given me -these things?”</p> - -<p>“I have no more use for them. I am going to the spirit-land. -Keep them, to remind you of Silverspur, whom you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> -forced to die. I must break my word, and I can live no -longer. Farewell!”</p> - -<p>Wilder stepped forward to the edge of the cliff, and threw -up his hands.</p> - -<p>With a sharp cry the Indian darted toward him, threw his -arms around him, lifted him up bodily, and carried him back -to a distance from the dangerous spot, where he laid him on -the ground.</p> - -<p>“Let my brother live!” said the warrior, as he kneeled by -the side of the white man. “I will do what he asks me to -do, though he asks more than my life. I will leave my people -forever, and will follow him where he chooses to lead me. Is -my brother satisfied?”</p> - -<p>Wilder could not help pitying the Indian, whose genuine -emotion had nearly overcome him; but he had gained his -point, and he was satisfied. The two returned to the village, -where they shut themselves up in their lodge, and made their -arrangements for carrying away Flora Robinette.</p> - -<p>During the day they selected five fleet horses—two for each -of themselves, and one for the young lady, and concealed them -in the grove where Wilder had his interview with Flora. They -also secured sufficient ammunition, and a good supply of provisions, -which they concealed in the same place.</p> - -<p>After nightfall, when the village was quiet, White Shield set -out alone, directing his friend to go to the grove and wait for -him.</p> - -<p>As Wilder passed through the village, he saw a pole in -front of the medicine-lodge, from which were hanging the -dried scalps of Mr. Robinette and Sam Glass. Some strange -impulse caused him to take the gray scalp from the pole, and -to thrust it into the bosom of his hunting-shirt, the general receptacle -of trappers for all odds and ends. He then went to -where the horses were concealed and waited for the companions -of his journey.</p> - -<p>In a few moments they appeared, and Flora held out her hand -to Wilder, expressing regret for having distrusted him. He -told her that they had no time for words, that it was useless -for her to thank him before he had accomplished any thing, -and that their present duty was to get away from the Blackfeet -as fast as possible.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span></p> - -<p>They mounted, therefore, and rode swiftly toward the southwest -until they struck the main stream of the Missouri, which -they followed in the direction of the mountains.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A CROW VICTORY.</span></h2> - - -<p>After the failure of his horse-capturing expedition, the reflections -of George Benning were far from pleasant. He had -not only met with poor success is getting horses, but had lost -his three companions. His own escape had been wonderful, -his life having been in the greatest peril, and he was sure that -a horrible death would be the fate of those who had been taken. -His only consolation was in the thought that he had done all -in his power to render the expedition a success, and that it -had not failed through any fault of his own. If he could -blame himself for any thing, it was only for having taken -Dennis Regan as one of his party.</p> - -<p>He found himself alone, and further than ever from the object -which he had undertaken, the rescue of Flora Robinette. -He still had his strength and his weapons, and had a good -horse under him; but what could one man do against a tribe -of Indians? He had no thought, however, of giving up the -search; but was determined to persevere, if it should take a -lifetime, until he could recover the lady of his love, or learn -her fate.</p> - -<p>He rode on until he was satisfied that the Indians did not -intend to pursue him any further, when he halted by the side -of a wooded stream. Here he kindled a little fire, cooked -and ate his supper, and, after tethering his horse, wrapped -himself in his blanket, and lay down to sleep.</p> - -<p>It was long before sleep visited his eyelids; but when it did -come it seemed that it would never leave him. He was awoke, -at last, by some strange sounds, which had formed part of his -dreams. Starting up, he perceived that it was broad daylight, -and that he was surrounded by a group of Indians. Many<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span> -others could be seen in the timber and on the plain, and a -number of horses were feeding along the stream.</p> - -<p>There was no chance to escape, if he had thought it advisable -to make the attempt. A brief glance showed him, however, -that these Indians were Crows, who were generally considered -friendly to the white men, although Pap Byers had been certain -that they were Crows who had made the attack upon -Mr. Robinette’s encampment.</p> - -<p>If he had any doubts, they were soon dispelled by one of -the chiefs, who approached him, and greeted him kindly, asking -how he happened to be there alone.</p> - -<p>As it was possible that the opinion of Byers might have been -correct, Wilder thought it best to say nothing concerning -the disaster to Mr. Robinette’s expedition. He stated that he, -with three companions, had been endeavoring to recover some -horses that had been taken from them by the Blackfeet; that -they were caught in the attempt, and his friends had been -killed or captured, while he had made a narrow escape from -his pursuers.</p> - -<p>The chief informed him, in return, that they were a war-party, -who had set out for the purpose of taking some horses -or scalps, and asked how far it was to the Blackfoot village.</p> - -<p>Wilder replied that it was distant not more than two hours’ -ride, and pointed out the direction in which he supposed it to -lie. At the same time he proffered his services to the Crows, -if they should attack the Blackfeet, hoping that his friends -had been captured, and that he might be able to rescue them.</p> - -<p>Spies were sent to reconnoiter the village, and the Crows staid -where they were during the remainder of the day. Toward -evening the spies came in, and reported that the village consisted -of about two hundred lodges, but there did not seem to -be many warriors in it.</p> - -<p>The Crow chief waited for another band, that was expected -the next day. On their arrival, he divided his warriors into -two parties, one of which was to attack the village from the -west, and the other from the east. Shortly after dark they -had reached their stations; but their approach had been discovered, -and the surprise was not as perfect as they hoped to -make it. They charged in, however, and, after a brief struggle, -drove their adversaries from the village.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span></p> - -<p>Those of the Blackfeet warriors who survived this contest, -together with their women and children, took refuge in a -dense thicket, where they fortified themselves as well as they -could, and defended the position with the obstinacy of despair.</p> - -<p>While the efforts of the Crows were devoted to dislodging -their enemies from this refuge, George Benning hastened -through the village in search of his late companions.</p> - -<p>He soon found Pap Byers and Dennis Regan. They had -been left in an open lodge, guarded by two Indians. When -their guards had been killed or driven away, they came out, -and found themselves at liberty.</p> - -<p>Byers was very thankful for his deliverance and expressed -gratitude quite warmly; but the Irishman remained silent. -Instead of replying to the questions that Benning addressed to -him, he only shook his head, and pointed to his tongue.</p> - -<p>“What is the matter with Denny?” asked the partisan, in -surprise.</p> - -<p>“The critter has gone dumb,” replied Byers. “When I -told him that the red-skins allowed to burn us, he swore that -he wouldn’t speak a word for six months, if he could git out -of the scrape. I thought the durned fool was jokin’; but it -seems he was in ‘arnest, as he has helt out so fur without -speakin’.”</p> - -<p>“If he had made that resolution earlier, it would have -been better for all of us. How did it happen that you were -not burned?”</p> - -<p>“The red-skins took us out to roast us. They tied us to -stakes and built a fire around us. It was all up with this -child, I allowed, and the fire was jest beginnin’ to scorch, -when a white man stepped in and scattered the fire, and swore -that they shouldn’t burn us while he lived.”</p> - -<p>“I should think he would not have been likely to live long, -after that.”</p> - -<p>“I tell ye, cap’n, he skeered ’em. Some of them red-skins -nearly turned white. Thar was some talk, and then a lot of -red-skins j’ined the white man, and thar was a right smart -chance fur a big row; but it quieted down arter a bit, and -then they turned us loose.”</p> - -<p>“It is very strange. It is seldom that a white man gains<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> -such influence among the Blackfeet. Do you know who he -was?”</p> - -<p>“They called him Silverspur. He was young, but a right -smart chance of a man.”</p> - -<p>“Silverspur? I have heard of him; in fact, I have seen -him. His name is Wilder, if I remember rightly. He is a -brave man, and fine-looking, but of an unsettled disposition. -It would not surprise me if he had joined the Blackfeet. If -he has, they will not keep him long. What has become of -Sam Glass?”</p> - -<p>“He was killed in the scrimmage. The red-skins danced -over his scalp and Mr. Robinette’s the night they took us.”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Robinette’s?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir. I was mistooken about its bein’ the Crows who -raised the old man’s ha’r. They were Blackfeet who pounced -onto us.”</p> - -<p>“Did they carry away Miss Flora, or was she killed? Have -you heard any thing about her?”</p> - -<p>“She was here; but she’s gone now; and that’s why you -had sech an easy time whippin’ this village of Blackfeet. Ef -it hadn’t been fur her, the job would hev been a leetle tougher, -I reckon.”</p> - -<p>“How so? What do you mean?”</p> - -<p>“I heerd the red-skins torkin’ about it. That white man, -Silverspur, kerried her off last night, and one of the red-skins -went with him. Leastways, she was missin’, and so war those -two men. Thar was a big hullabaloo raised this mornin’, as -the head chief had sot his eye on her fur a wife, and they war -mad, too, about the red-skin goin’ off with Silverspur. A right -smart chance of warriors mounted and rode off arter ’em, -and that’s how thar warn’t many in the village when you -came.”</p> - -<p>“Was she willing to go with that—with Silverspur?”</p> - -<p>“How do I know? I reckon she was, as she mought easy -enough hev staid here, whar a thousand red-skins wanted to -keep her.”</p> - -<p>“Of course. I ought not to have asked such a question. -When did the warriors start?”</p> - -<p>“The sun was nigh an hour high when they got off.”</p> - -<p>“Shouldn’t wonder if the cap’n has gone crazy,” muttered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span> -Byers, as George Benning hastened away, in search of the -chief who commanded the war-party of the Crows.</p> - -<p>He had met him returning from the thicket in which the -remaining Blackfeet had taken refuge. In their efforts to dislodge -their enemies from that position, the Crows had sustained -serious loss, and had concluded that the game was not worth -the candle. They had abandoned the siege, therefore, and -were about to collect the horses of the Blackfeet, preparatory -to returning home.</p> - -<p>It was Benning’s belief that the Blackfeet warriors who had -gone in pursuit of Silverspur and his companions would be -likely to overtake the fugitives, in which event they would at -once return to their village. He hoped to be able to induce -the Crows to follow their trail, and meet them as they came -back. They would thus easily gain another victory, which -ought to be, as he supposed, a sufficient inducement for them -to do as he wished them to.</p> - -<p>But the Crow, when Benning presented this view of the -case to him, steadily refused to do any thing of the kind. His -party had come but for a special purpose, he said. That purpose -had been accomplished, and it was their duty to return. -Besides, several warriors had been lost in the attack upon the -Blackfeet in the thicket, and it was their custom, when such -a misfortune had befallen a war-party, to return immediately -to their village, and to mourn for the fallen before attempting -any other achievement.</p> - -<p>All the arguments that Benning could use were ineffectual -to change the determination of the chief, and he declared his -intention of following the trail alone, in the hope that chance -might in some way give him an opportunity of aiding Flora -Robinette.</p> - -<p>From this he was dissuaded by Pap Byers and the chief. -The former represented to him that he would be unable to do -any thing alone, and the latter advised him to accompany the -warriors to the Crow village. He might there represent the -case, the chief said, to Bad Eye, the chief of the village, who -would be sure to sympathize with him, and would probably -place a body of warriors under his control, for an expedition -against the Blackfeet.</p> - -<p>These arguments were so strongly advanced, and appeared<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> -so reasonable, that Benning reluctantly consented to accompany -the Crow warriors, and set out with a heavy heart.</p> - -<p>It must be said, although George Benning would not have -liked to make the admission, that he felt very ill at ease concerning -the company in which Flora Robinette had left the -Blackfeet. He had hoped to rescue her himself; but another -had been before him, and that other was a handsome, brave, -and impulsive fellow, who might be as energetic and victorious -in love as Benning knew him to be in war. What could -be more likely than that he should fall in love with fair Flora -Robinette, and what better opportunity could a man have for -pressing his suit, than just when he had rescued the lady of -his love from captivity among savages?</p> - -<p>The more Benning thought of this, the more it troubled -him. From what he had seen and heard of Fred Wilder, he -had formed a high opinion of him; but he now began to torture -himself with doubts and suspicions, which were not flattering -to the character of Silverspur. If that person should -succeed in getting Flora safely out of the clutches of the Blackfeet, -there was no knowing what mean advantage he might -take of her position and his achievement. Benning had never -declared his love to Flora. He had thought that she had perceived -it, and he had seen indications that led him to hope that -his love was returned; but that was all. It would be only -natural, if Wilder should address her, that she should feel herself -bound in honor to listen favorably to the man who had -saved her from a fate that might have been worse than -death. It was highly probable, indeed, that she would consent -to marry him, if she found that no objection could be -urged against him.</p> - -<p>These thoughts troubled the young partisan so much, that -he had little rest during his journey with the Crows, and he -was glad indeed when they reached their village.</p> - -<p>When the ceremony of reception was over, and while the -whole village was lamenting for the fallen braves, he sought -the head chief, Bad Eye, to whom he told his story, declaring -that he believed Flora Robinette to be still in the possession -of the Blackfeet, and beseeching aid to deliver her from their -hands.</p> - -<p>Bad Eye was a fine-looking Indian, considerably past middle<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span> -age, differing somewhat in features from the rest of the -Crows, if not in color. His left eye was sightless, from which -peculiarity he had received his cognomen; but the remaining -eye was unusually bright and keen.</p> - -<p>He listened to Benning’s tale very attentively, and the -partisan, knowing the usually stolid nature of the Indian -character, was surprised at the emotion which he manifested.</p> - -<p>“The white-haired chief, then, is dead,” he said. “Some -worse men have died, and many better men. He was hard in -his dealings with the red-men, but did not treat them as badly -as some traders have done. The Blackfeet must not keep -his scalp, to dry in their lodges, if Bad Eye can take it from -them. But his daughter is safe, I think. I know something -of Silverspur, and I know that he always does what he undertakes -to do. I must think of this matter. I can do nothing -without consulting the counselors. When I know -what to do, I will tell you.”</p> - -<p>Benning was obliged to be satisfied with this answer, and -he waited impatiently to learn the intentions of the chief.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE PASS.</span></h2> - - -<p>Flora Robinette, with her white and red companions, rode -rapidly away from the Blackfeet. It was her wish, as Wilder -had ascertained, that she might be taken direct to her father’s -usual trapping rendezvous, on the head-waters of Green River. -In accordance with this wish, they soon crossed the Missouri, -and shaped their course toward the south, intending to keep -near the hills, in order to avoid wandering parties of Crows -or other Indians.</p> - -<p>White Shield, with a gloomy countenance, led the way, -seldom speaking unless he was spoken to. Wilder and Flora -followed, with little to say to each other.</p> - -<p>The Blackfoot came to the conclusion, in the course of -the night, that it would be better to cross the mountains at a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span> -pass near the waters of the Missouri than to remain on the -eastern side of the range. The route, therefore, was again -changed toward the west.</p> - -<p>When morning came, they halted to prepare some food. -Flora was so exhausted by loss of sleep, and by the long and -rapid ride of the night, that she needed rest; but she was so -fearful and excited that she was unable to snatch a few moments’ -sleep. She sat by the fire, and conversed with Wilder, -while White Shield, moody and meditative, sat apart, and -smoked in silence.</p> - -<p>“I hope you have forgiven me,” she said, “for distrusting -you when you first offered me your assistance. I heard that -you had joined the Blackfeet, and I was afraid of you.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps you were afraid that I would fall in love with -you, and that I would try to push George Benning from the -throne. You need not have entertained such a fear, as it is -not at all likely that I will fall in love with you.”</p> - -<p>“That is consoling, if not complimentary.”</p> - -<p>“You are beautiful enough, no doubt; but I believe I am -proof against beauty. If you happened to have a sister, and -if she happened to be as beautiful as yourself, and a little -older, and not quite so highly civilized, I might fancy her; -but you are not wild enough, Miss Robinette, for Fred Wilder.”</p> - -<p>“Unfortunately, I have no sister. I hardly know for which -I ought to be the most grateful, for my deliverance from the -Indians, or for your kindness in not falling in love with me.”</p> - -<p>“It must be a satisfaction to know that you have not jumped -out of the frying-pan into the fire. But this is too serious a -subject to joke about, Miss Robinette. You are not safe yet. -It is a long journey to the rendezvous, and God only knows -what enemies we may meet before we reach it. The Blackfeet, -too, will be likely to follow us; but I hope we have too -good a start to let them overtake us.”</p> - -<p>“We ought to make sure that we escape, at least. Ought -we not to continue our journey?”</p> - -<p>“I suppose we must, if you really can not rest. My Blackfoot -brother seems to be getting uneasy.”</p> - -<p>In fact, White Shield came up at that moment, and told -them that they must delay no longer, that Good Ax and his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span> -warriors would be on their trail, and that it was necessary to -cross the mountains before they should be overtaken. They -mounted, accordingly, and set forward at a smart pace.</p> - -<p>A few hours’ ride found them fairly within the hills, and -they halted on the summit of the highest they had reached, -for a brief rest.</p> - -<p>Their rest was very brief. The Blackfoot, looking back on -their trail, pointed out to Wilder some dark objects that were -speeding across the plain in the distance. It was soon evident -that the dark objects were men on horseback, and that they -were following the trail of the fugitives.</p> - -<p>The white and red friends looked at each other. They -knew that those Indians were Blackfeet who were bent upon -their capture, and their looks denoted a determination to die -rather than be taken.</p> - -<p>“What shall we do, White Shield?” asked Wilder. “For -my part, the Blackfeet shall not take me alive. I will fight -them to the last.”</p> - -<p>“White Shield will fight with his brother. He can do -nothing else. The Blackfeet hate me worse than they hate -you. If we were only men, we might escape; but we have a -woman with us, and she is now very tired.”</p> - -<p>Flora Robinette, who had listened to the conversation, and -who had seen the approaching enemies, begged her friends to -make haste to escape while there was time to do so. She was -not tired, she said. She could ride as fast as they wished to -ride, and they need not be afraid that she would hinder -them.</p> - -<p>“There is but one thing to do,” said the Blackfoot. “The -pass is a difficult one, and there is a place at which one man -can defend it against a hundred. We will stop there, my -brother, and will fight.”</p> - -<p>“Let us make haste, then, and reach it.”</p> - -<p>The lapse of an hour found them in a narrow defile in the -heart of the mountains. With difficulty they forced their -horses up a steep incline, to the summit of the declivity, beyond -which the trail was broad and easy. The Indian stopped -and looked back, pointing down the defile.</p> - -<p>“There are not enough warriors with Good Ax,” said he, -“to take this pass, while it is defended by one brave man.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span></p> - -<p>“But they might surround us,” replied Wilder, “or they -might starve us out in time.”</p> - -<p>“I shall not stay here long enough to get hungry; but we -will gain time. I will defend the pass, while my white brother -and sister ride on and get far from their enemies.”</p> - -<p>“You will do no such thing, White Shield. We can not -allow you to sacrifice yourself for us, or to fight the Blackfeet, -who are your brothers.”</p> - -<p>“I am no longer their brother.”</p> - -<p>“But you must not fight them. I will defend the pass, -while you ride forward with Miss Robinette. You need not -object, for I am determined that it shall be so. Is there any -way by which the Blackfeet can get behind me?”</p> - -<p>“There is a way; but it would take them several hours to -get behind you.”</p> - -<p>“Ride on, then, and I will keep them off as long as I can. -Don’t be afraid, Miss Flora. You may safely trust yourself -with my brother.”</p> - -<p>The Indian reluctantly consented to this arrangement, -and pointed to a white-topped peak, far to the westward.</p> - -<p>“The trail is plain enough,” said he, “and it leads to that -peak. If you do not find us there, you will find an arrow, to -show you which way we have gone.”</p> - -<p>Flora rode away with the Indian, after a few words of encouragement -from Wilder, who then set himself at work to -strengthen his position.</p> - -<p>His first care was to collect a number of bowlders, as large -as he could lift or roll. These he placed at the head of the -declivity, blocking up the defile, until the pile was breast -high.</p> - -<p>This done, and the condition of his rifle and ammunition -carefully examined, he sat down to fortify his inner man, -while he calmly awaited the approach of the Blackfeet.</p> - -<p>It was about noon when he heard them coming, and soon -he saw them, and was able to count them, as they entered the -defile. They were twenty in number, including the chief, who -was conspicuous in the advance. All had led horses, so that -they could change when the animals they rode became weary, -which accounted for the rapidity with which they had followed -in pursuit.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span></p> - -<p>On they came, urged forward by the chief, uttering guttural -exclamations as they forced their animals up the incline.</p> - -<p>It must be said, to the credit of Fred Wilder, that he was -unwilling to cause the death of any of the red-men whose -hospitality he had lately shared, unless self-defense should compel -him to do so. He hailed them, therefore, and ordered -them to halt.</p> - -<p>A parley ensued between him and Good Ax, by whom he -was at once recognized. The chief demanded that Flora -Robinette and White Shield should be given up, promising the -white man that he would be allowed to go his way. Wilder -declared that nothing of the kind should be done, adding that -his red brother and the lady were far beyond pursuit. If the -Blackfeet attempted to force the pass, he said, they would do -it at the peril of their lives. As he did not wish to hurt them, -he advised them to go home.</p> - -<p>Good Ax was so enraged that he ordered an immediate attack. -The Blackfeet led their horses down the slope, to be -out of the way, and rushed up to the assault; but Wilder was -ready for them.</p> - -<p>Having arranged his bowlders for immediate use, he sent -one of them whirling down the declivity, and followed it with -another. The Indians, unable to escape the ponderous missiles -that came bounding and thundering among them, screamed -and yelled like demons, and all who were able to do so made -a precipitate retreat.</p> - -<p>Wilder took advantage of the pause that ensued, to again -advise them to go home, assuring them that it went quite -against his grain to harm his good friends, the Blackfeet. A -volley of execrations was the only answer he received, and the -Indians, unwilling to face the rolling stones, sought such cover -as they could find, hoping to pick him off with their guns.</p> - -<p>Safe behind his barricade, Wilder watched their proceedings -very composedly, not deigning to reply to their fire unless -they showed a disposition to approach him, when a well-directed -shot from his rifle warned them to keep their distance.</p> - -<p>Affairs continued in this condition for upward of half an -hour, and the young man was beginning to wonder when -there would be a change, when he was startled by a slight -noise above him, and a piece of stone fell at his feet. Knowing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> -that there must be some cause for such an effect, he looked -up, and saw an Indian clinging to the side of the rock, and -another making his way in the same direction. They had -gone thus far unobserved; but the foremost had stepped on -a narrow ledge, which had shaken under his weight, causing -him to utter a slight exclamation.</p> - -<p>Seeing the looseness of the ledge, Wilder pried it out from -the main rock with his tomahawk, and it fell with a crash, -dropping the Indian at his feet. It took Wilder but an instant -to dispatch this foe with his tomahawk, and then, seizing -his rifle, he shot down the other, who was still clinging -helplessly to the face of the cliff.</p> - -<p>The Blackfeet, who had counted on the attempt of their -two braves to divert the attention of Wilder from their main -attack, rushed fiercely up the defile, but soon found that he -was not to be taken unawares. Rolling over two of his -bowlders, he sent them crashing down among his assailants, -sweeping them away at a serious loss of life and limb.</p> - -<p>Then came another season of comparative quiet, which -lasted until Wilder began to suspect that the Indians, or a -portion of them, had gone around by the route which White -Shield had spoken of, with the intention of getting in his rear. -Reconnoitering as well as he could, he came to the conclusion -that his suspicions were correct, and that it would be best for -him to make his exit as speedily as possible.</p> - -<p>Collecting more bowlders, he piled them up in front of him, -jamming them in for the purpose of blocking up the defile as -well as he could, and of concealing his movements from the -enemy. As he would have several hours’ start of the Blackfeet -who had gone around, he had nothing to fear but from -those who might have been left in front to watch him. It -would probably be some time, he calculated, before the latter -would discover that he had evacuated the position. Then it -would take them half an hour to get up the slope with their -horses, and about as much longer to demolish his barricade. -This would give him plenty of time to get out of the way.</p> - -<p>He quietly led his horses down to the plain and broad trail, -where he mounted and rode off at a gallop. He did not -slacken his speed, except when he stopped to change from one -horse to the other, as he was anxious to reach before night<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span> -the peak which White Shield had pointed out to him. It -was further off than he had supposed it to be, and it was dusk -when he found himself at its base.</p> - -<p>He was soon convinced that White Shield and Flora were -not in the vicinity, and he found, after a little search, a split -stick with an arrow stuck in it, pointing toward the south. -They could not have got very far ahead of him, he thought, -and he hoped that he might be able to overtake them where -they had stopped to rest for the night.</p> - -<p>He rode on; but he soon learned that following their trail -was slow work to a man in the saddle, although the moon -was shining. He then took his course by the stars, and rode -south at a gallop, believing that he could not go far out of the -way, and every minute expecting to overtake his friends.</p> - -<p>He rode until the night was half gone, and the moon was -down, without seeing a sign of a human being. Sure that he -must have overtaken them if he was on the right track, and -being greatly fatigued, he deemed it best to camp where he -was for the night, and to hunt for the trail in the morning.</p> - -<p>He tethered his horses, wrapped himself in his blanket, and -laid down to sleep. Thoughts of his missing friends troubled -him for a while; but they were soon swallowed up in -a deep and dreamless slumber.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">MARTIN LAURIE’S LITTLE SCHEME.</span></h2> - - -<p>In the morning Fred Wilder set out to seek for the trail of -his companions; but, after a long and careful search, he was -unable to find it, and he abandoned the quest in despair. As -he had seen or heard nothing of the Blackfeet, he concluded -that they had given up the pursuit, and had returned to their -village.</p> - -<p>The disappearance of the Blackfoot and Flora Robinette -was not incomprehensible to him, for it was very likely that -he had lost the trail; but he could not help fearing that it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span> -was to be attributed to some other cause. It was possible -that White Shield had been troubled in conscience concerning -the manner in which he had left his tribe, and that he might -have gone back to meet the pursuers, hoping to make peace -with them by delivering Flora to Good Ax. It was possible, -also, that he might have taken a fancy to the fair prize, and -that he might have determined to secure her for himself, thus -cheating his white brother, as well as his tribe.</p> - -<p>Fred Wilder’s manly heart made him reject these unworthy -suspicions as fast as they arose in his mind. He could not -believe that the Indian, who had sworn brotherhood to him, -and who had so thoroughly proved his friendship, would so -easily turn traitor. In fact, he felt sure that he could trust -him, whatever appearances might be against him. The probability -was, Wilder thought, that he had lost their trail, -which must lead direct to Mr. Robinette’s rendezvous. Still, -it seemed strange that they had not waited for him, or tried -to find him, as he supposed they might easily have done.</p> - -<p>Stifling his fears as well as he could, he rode toward the -south, shaping his course for the rendezvous, where he hoped -to find his missing companions.</p> - -<p>It was a long journey, and there was not a little peril connected -with it; but, by the use of vigilance and caution, he -contrived to keep clear of any predatory bands of Indians, -and the end of two weeks found him on a stream which he -believed to be one of the head branches of Green River.</p> - -<p>The sun was nearly on the meridian when he was riding -along the pleasant stream, in the shade of the cottonwoods -and willows, meditating on his vagrant life, and wondering -whether he would ever settle down and become a quiet and -steady citizen. Thoughts of dinner were also in his mind, -and were further provoked by the sight of a thin column of -blue smoke, curling up above the tree-tops before him. He -stopped at once, with a true woodman’s caution, and speculated -upon the smoke and its cause.</p> - -<p>He thought that he could not be far from the rendezvous, -and it was not likely that there would be any hostile Indians -so near a large assembly of white men. It was more -probable that some hunters had chosen the spot for the purpose -of enjoying their noon meal. Wilder was willing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> -enough to join them; but he thought it best to use caution, as -he could not be certain whether he was to meet friends or -enemies.</p> - -<p>He dismounted, tethered his horses, and quietly picked his -way through the undergrowth toward the smoke. He was -soon near enough to perceive two white men seated by the -remains of a fire. Near them was the carcass of an antelope, -from which they had made their meal. Both men were smoking, -and a flask that lay between them denoted that they were -not destitute of another creature comfort much prized in the -wilderness.</p> - -<p>Wilder was about to step forward and join them, when he -was stopped by an exclamation that one of them made. He -heard Flora Robinette’s name, used in a manner that strongly -attracted his attention, and made him anxious to hear more -of the conversation.</p> - -<p>Crawling up closer, and concealing himself behind the -trunk of a large cottonwood, he looked and listened. He -knew both of the men, one of whom was Martin Laurie, Mr. -Robinette’s agent, and the other was Jacob Farnsworth, also -one of the trader’s employés.</p> - -<p>“You think, then, that you can find the girl?” asked -Farnsworth.</p> - -<p>“I am pretty certain of that,” replied the Scotchman.</p> - -<p>“What will you do with her when you get her?”</p> - -<p>“It seems to me, my friend, that you are becoming inquisitive.”</p> - -<p>“I suppose I am; but it is a matter that concerns me a -little.”</p> - -<p>“How so?”</p> - -<p>“Look here, Martin Laurie. You might as well be open -and straight-forward; for I know you as well as you know -yourself. You expect to rescue the girl, and to have the fingering -of old Robinette’s money.”</p> - -<p>“You may think what you please about it. Suppose that -what you say were true, how would it affect you?”</p> - -<p>“More than you may think. I might hinder or help you -as I chose. You don’t want to tell me your plans; but you -will have to do it. The Scotch are very keen; but they are -no sharper than the Yankees. I can tell you that you will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span> -never touch the old man’s money-bags, unless you change -your plans.”</p> - -<p>“You are only trying to pump me, Jake Farnsworth.”</p> - -<p>“I am not. I am speaking for your own interest. I know -what I am saying; for I have the will.”</p> - -<p>“The will! What will?”</p> - -<p>“Paul Robinette’s will.”</p> - -<p>“The deuce! I didn’t know that he left a will.”</p> - -<p>“I have one copy, and the other copy is in St. Louis.”</p> - -<p>“What does it say?”</p> - -<p>“Don’t you wish you knew? I will tell you, on condition -that you will give me a third of what you make by the operation. -Your plans will amount to nothing, unless you know -what is in the will. You might go to St. Louis, and examine -the other copy; but your chances would be all gone before -you could get back. If you will come to terms I will tell you -what I know, and will help you with your plans. If you -won’t, you may as well load up your traps and quit the -ground.”</p> - -<p>“I will agree to what you say, if your information really -causes me to change my plans.”</p> - -<p>“That is fair enough. I will guarantee that it will surprise -you.”</p> - -<p>“Very well. Out with it.”</p> - -<p>“The will is a strange one, and perhaps there is a touch -of hypo in it; but I have no doubt that it would stand in the -courts. In fact, it was drawn by a lawyer, who ought to have -known his business. It seems that the old man was quite a -monomaniac on the subject of being killed by Indians. -He had a presentiment that he would be scalped by them -some day, and the fear that his scalp would remain in their -possession, and be smoke-dried in their lodges, always preyed -upon his mind.”</p> - -<p>“It may have been second-sight, for he was killed and -scalped after escaping for so many years.”</p> - -<p>“I know that; but listen to the arrangement he made by -his will. He divided his property into two equal portions, -one of which is to be given to the man who recovers his -scalp from the Indians. The other half is to be his daughter’s, -on condition she marries the man who recovers his scalp.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span></p> - -<p>Fred Wilder uttered an involuntary exclamation, and felt -in the breast-pocket of his hunting-shirt, to see whether the -gray scalp was secure.</p> - -<p>“I thought I heard something,” said Farnsworth, looking -around. “It must have been one of our horses. If she refuses -to marry that man, she will get but the income of her -share during life, and at her death it will go to a charity in -St. Louis.”</p> - -<p>“Suppose the scalp should not be recovered.”</p> - -<p>“Then that share is to go to the same charity. You can -judge, now, whether the will changes your plans.”</p> - -<p>“I must confess that it will change them considerably. It -will be of more importance to me to secure the scalp than -the girl. It is a queer will. The old man must have been -crazy.”</p> - -<p>“His head was clear enough, as you well know, and we -need make no question about the will. If you can recover -the scalp, the girl will be obliged to marry you, or she will -get nothing from the property worth speaking of. The two -halves, put together, would make a right handsome pile.”</p> - -<p>“They would, indeed, and I could afford to give you a share. -I must secure both the scalp and the girl. I see no objection -that Miss Flora could have to marrying me. I have always -been considered a proper man.”</p> - -<p>“Proper enough, no doubt; but young ladies have strange -fancies sometimes. Where do you expect to find her?”</p> - -<p>“Among the Crows.”</p> - -<p>“That is strange.”</p> - -<p>“Rather strange, I admit, but none the less true. Pap -Byers, who was one of the party when we were attacked, -picked up a Crow blanket and a Crow moccasin after the -fight, and he was sure that they were Crows who stampeded -us.”</p> - -<p>“But the Crows never molest white people.”</p> - -<p>“Very seldom, it is true; but this may have been a party -of young braves who were returning from an expedition which -had not resulted to suit them, and they may have wanted to -carry home a few horses or scalps, thinking that they would -not be found out. War-parties dislike to return empty-handed.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span></p> - -<p>“That is true, and you are probably right in supposing that -the assailants were Crows. If so, they have the scalp and -Miss Flora. But how will you get them?”</p> - -<p>“George Benning wanted to go in search of the young -lady, and I let him take Pap Byers and Sam Glass and a -green young Irishman. If they found her, they were to bring -her to the rendezvous; but I have neither seen nor heard any -thing of them.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps they have been rubbed out.”</p> - -<p>“It is very likely. They were afoot, and their first movement -would have been to steal some horses from the Indians. -That might have brought them into trouble.”</p> - -<p>“If Benning is out of the way, it will be all the better for -you, as I have heard that he was getting fond of Miss Flora, -and he is, or was, a likely young fellow.”</p> - -<p>“It would pain me greatly to hear of his death.”</p> - -<p>“None of your hypocrisy, Martin Laurie. We know each -other too well for that. What do you mean to do now?”</p> - -<p>“I can do nothing until after the next rendezvous, in August. -Then I shall go up among the Crows, and have no doubt that -I shall be able to trade with them for both the girl and the -scalp, giving them to understand that they shall not be troubled -about that little affair.”</p> - -<p>“Very well. I will keep your counsel, and will help you -all I can. We had better be getting back to camp, before they -send out a party to search for us. Shall we take the rest of -this antelope?”</p> - -<p>“It is not worth while. We will leave that much for the -wolves.”</p> - -<p>The two men mounted their horses, and rode down the -stream. Fred Wilder waited until they were out of sight, -when he also mounted, and followed them slowly, reflecting -on what he had heard.</p> - -<p>He soon reached the camp, where he saw both Laurie and -Farnsworth, together with a number of trappers and friendly -Indians; but he kept his own counsel, saying nothing of his -late adventures, or of Flora Robinette or the gray scalp.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A DOG IN THE WAY.</span></h2> - - -<p>It was evident to Wilder, from the first of the conversation -that he listened to, between Laurie and Farnsworth, that -White Shield had not brought Flora Robinette to the rendezvous. -He was not really surprised at this; but his fears were -awakened and strengthened, and he could not avoid an oppressive -feeling of anxiety. He made no inquiries about them, -but remained a week at the encampment, hoping that they -might come in.</p> - -<p>At the end of that time, as he had heard nothing of them, -he was forced to the conclusion that his suspicions had been -too well founded, and that White Shield had betrayed him. -It was possible that they might have been captured by some -roving band of Indians; but it was not at all probable that so -brave and wily a warrior as the Blackfoot would have suffered -himself to be taken by any enemy. Wilder could only believe -that he had gone back to the Blackfeet, or that he had taken -possession of Flora for purposes of his own.</p> - -<p>Quite despondent, the young man sallied out one morning -on a hunting-excursion. He went alone, hoping to meet with -some excitement that would prevent his mind from brooding -over his half-accomplished achievement. He was by no means -prepared to abandon the object with which he had left the -Blackfeet. On the contrary, he was determined that he would -not be so easily outdone, and it was his intention to seek for -the missing companions of his flight, to rescue Flora from the -Indians, and to punish White Shield for his treachery.</p> - -<p>He had poor luck with his hunting that morning, the reason -being, probably, that his mind was too much occupied with -other matters. Somewhat discouraged, he ascended a hill, -from which he could have a good view of the surrounding -country, and looked to see whether any game was visible.</p> - -<p>In the distance he descried a dark object, slowly moving -over the plain. He was sure that it was no four-legged<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span> -animal, and was soon convinced that it was a man on foot; but -he could not tell whether it was an Indian or a white man.</p> - -<p>Curious to know who the solitary traveler could be, he descended -the hill, and rode toward the object. The man discovered -him, and seemed to wish to avoid him; but there was -no way of escaping on the prairie, and at last he stopped, -waiting the approach of the horseman.</p> - -<p>As he drew near to the stranger, Wilder perceived that he -was an Indian. Nearer yet, he thought that he discovered a -resemblance in his features to those of White Shield. Yes; it -must be his red brother; for the Indian recognizes him, and -runs eagerly forward to meet him. Wilder is surprised; he -can not believe that this is the athletic and fine-looking warrior -from whom he lately separated; for the form of White -Shield is fearfully emaciated, his eyes are hollow, he is entirely -without arms, and the few garments that remain to him hang -about him in tatters.</p> - -<p>Instead of advancing to meet him, Wilder reined in his -horse, and leveled his rifle at the Indian.</p> - -<p>“Shall I shoot you now?” he said; “or shall I wait until -I hear what you have to say?”</p> - -<p>The Blackfoot, who did not attempt to conceal his surprise, -advanced no further, but looked steadily at the leveled rifle.</p> - -<p>“If my brother wishes to kill me,” he replied, “let him -shoot. White Shield is ready to go to the spirit-land.”</p> - -<p>“Are you sure that you are ready? Is there nothing you -have done that frightens you?”</p> - -<p>“White Shield is not afraid. His heart is clean, and his -tongue is straight. The path is broad before him. Let my -brother shoot.”</p> - -<p>“Why have you betrayed me?”</p> - -<p>“White Shield betrayed his own people, to please his -brother. Is it for that reason that he is called a traitor? Let -Silverspur shoot.”</p> - -<p>Wilder could not contain himself any longer. The truth -and affection of the Indian were so manifest, that he felt that -he could not blame himself sufficiently for his suspicions. He -leaped from his horse, threw his rifle upon the ground, ran to -the Indian, and fairly hugged him.</p> - -<p>“The heart of Silverspur was hot,” he said. “A little bird<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span> -whispered to me, and told me lies. I have done wrong; but -my brother will forgive me.”</p> - -<p>“The heart of White Shield is warm. What did the little -bird say to my brother?”</p> - -<p>“Where is the white maiden?”</p> - -<p>“With the Indians of the south—with the Arapahoes.”</p> - -<p>“Why is she there?”</p> - -<p>The Indian proceeded to relate his adventures since he had -parted from his friend.</p> - -<p>He had gone to the peak which he had pointed out, and -had waited there a while. Fearing that Silverspur had been -killed, and that the Blackfeet might follow on the trail, he had -judged it best—for the safety of Flora Robinette, which he -supposed to be the chief consideration with his friend—to continue -his flight toward the south, and he left an arrow to indicate -that he had gone in that direction.</p> - -<p>When night came on, he encamped, and waited for his -friend. There could be no doubt that Wilder had wandered -widely from the trail, as White Shield, when he considered -himself out of danger from the pursuing Blackfeet, had searched -for him in vain. Concluding that Silverspur had lost his life -in the defense of the pass, the Indian had no alternative but -to push on toward the rendezvous, to which his friend had -promised to take the young lady. Flora was greatly grieved -at the loss of her friend and deliverer, but made no other complaints, -and went on bravely, trusting implicitly in her Blackfoot -guide.</p> - -<p>It was a long journey, the Indian said, and the young lady -could not travel very rapidly. He guarded her as well as he -was able to; but it was impossible to ride all day and watch -all night. One night, when he had fallen asleep, he awoke -to find himself surrounded by Indians. He discovered them -before he was seen by them; but they were in such numbers -that escape was impossible, and he and his charge were captured -by them.</p> - -<p>The captors were Arapahoes, who were on their way home, -whither they carried their prisoners. White Shield was recognized -as a Blackfoot brave who was responsible for the -death of many of their warriors, and he was reserved for the -torture. He succeeded in escaping, and set out, without food<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span> -or weapons, toward Robinette’s rendezvous, where he hoped -to find Silverspur. He had experienced great sufferings and -privations, and had eaten nothing but roots for three days -previous to meeting his friend.</p> - -<p>Wilder could not control his emotion at this recital.</p> - -<p>“Is it possible,” he exclaimed, “that I was on the point of -shooting you, after you had endured so much for me? You -must be starving, and I have been with you nearly an hour, -without offering you a morsel to eat!”</p> - -<p>He opened his haversack, and spread its contents before his -half-famished friend, who devoured them greedily. He gave -the Indian his pipe to smoke while he rested, and then forced -him to mount his horse, and walked by his side to the rendezvous.</p> - -<p>Wilder persuaded White Shield to remain at the rendezvous -until his strength was recruited, and furnished him, in the -mean time, with a full outfit of clothing, weapons, ammunition -and horses. The Indian appeared to be even more -anxious than Wilder to recover Flora Robinette from the -Arapahoes, and they soon set out in search of her, without -informing any one of their purpose.</p> - -<p>The young lady was still among the Arapahoes, and that -was all that White Shield could say upon the subject with -certainty. He had not seen her while he was among them, -but did not doubt that she was safe, nor did he believe that -she had suffered any harm.</p> - -<p>Wilder and his friend crossed the mountains at the South -Pass, and struck out in a southerly direction. After passing -the Republican Fork of the Platte, they found themselves in -the heart of the country claimed by the Arapahoes.</p> - -<p>White Shield took his companion in a direct course to the -village to which he had been carried as a prisoner, but discovered, -upon his arrival at the place where it had stood, that -it had recently been removed. Following the lodge-pole -trail, which was plain enough, they found the village in its -new location, near the base of the mountains.</p> - -<p>At nightfall the two friends prepared to reconnoiter, for -the purpose of discovering the whereabouts of Flora Robinette. -It was arranged that White Shield should disguise -himself and enter the village, where he should saunter about<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span> -and mix with the Arapahoes as much as possible, while Silverspur -remained and awaited his return, at the place where -their horses were concealed.</p> - -<p>The Indian threw his blanket over his head, and walked -boldly toward the village, leaving Wilder to wait and watch. -The night was dark, quite favorable to the purposes of the -spy, and Wilder had no doubt that he would soon see him -returning in safety, whether he made any discovery or not. -But hours passed away; the night grew darker, until it was -so black that the outlines of the neighboring trees could -scarcely be discerned, and the young man became anxious -and impatient. Notwithstanding White Shield’s experience -and reputation as a woodman and warrior, it was possible -that he might have lost his way in endeavoring to return to -his friend, or that he might have been discovered and captured -by the Arapahoes.</p> - -<p>At last Wilder heard a rustling in the timber. He bent -forward and listened, striving to look through the darkness, -but not doubting that it was his friend who was approaching.</p> - -<p>The noise ceased, and again it commenced; but it did not -seem to draw any nearer. It might be some animal scratching -among the leaves, or it might be White Shield feeling his way -in the darkness. Wilder thought it best to try to find out -what it really was.</p> - -<p>“Is that you, White Shield?” he asked, in a whisper.</p> - -<p>In reply, he was startled by the growling of an Indian dog, -and the next instant the animal came running up to him, barking -most vociferously.</p> - -<p>“Confound this noisy little pest!” he exclaimed. “I must -put a stop to his racket, or he will bring the red-skins on -me.”</p> - -<p>He aimed a blow at the brute with the butt of his rifle, but -missed it, and the dog ran toward the village, and then ran -back, barking as spitefully and as loud as it could.</p> - -<p>Wilder knew well that he would be compelled to change -his location; but he greatly disliked to do so before the return -of White Shield, as they would then be separated, and -might not be able to come together again. He had no doubt -that the noise would be heard at the village, and that the Indians, -knowing from the dog’s manner of barking that it had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span> -not started any game, would sally out to see what was the -matter. In that event he would be compelled to fly; but he -hoped that White Shield might arrive before that step should -become necessary.</p> - -<p>Soon he heard steps approaching, and an Indian speaking -to the dog.</p> - -<p>“It is only one,” thought Wilder, and he decided that he -could easily put that one out of the way, and might then wait -a little longer for his friend. He concealed himself, therefore, -behind the trunk of a large tree, confident that the dog would -bring the Indian to him.</p> - -<p>So it happened. The Indian followed the dog to the tree, -which he approached, cautiously at first, and then boldly, having -convinced himself that the dog had only discovered some -animal, which had taken refuge there. As soon as he was -near enough, Wilder stepped out, and struck at him with his -knife.</p> - -<p>In the darkness the blow was badly aimed. It made a -mortal wound; but the Arapaho had strength enough before -he fell to clinch his adversary, and to utter a piercing yell. -Wilder hastened to give him his death-blow; but the mischief -was done, and the dog ran toward the village, barking more -violently than ever.</p> - -<p>It was time to be gone. With a muttered imprecation on -his bad luck and on the miserable dog, Wilder hastened to his -horse, cast loose the hopple, and sprung upon his back. He -was none too soon. Already the air resounded with the shouts -of the Arapahoes, and he could hear them hastening through -the forest toward the point from which the yells had proceeded. -He spurred his horse and rode rapidly away from -the voices, with the villainous dog close at his heels.</p> - -<p>The timber was so close, the darkness was so dense, and -the overhanging boughs were so troublesome, that Wilder did -not make such progress as he wished to make, and he knew -that his pursuers were gaining on him. The dog would keep -them on the trail, in spite of the darkness, and it was evident -that they must overtake him, unless fortune should favor him -in some way.</p> - -<p>It was with great joy, therefore, that he emerged from the -forest, and found himself on a level plain, unbroken by tree<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span> -or shrub. The dog was still barking at his heels; but he felt -that he could now easily distance his pursuers, and with a -shout of triumph, he gave his horse the spur, and galloped -furiously away.</p> - -<p>He had kept up this headlong pace but a few minutes, when -his horse suddenly stopped, with his fore feet planted on the -verge of a precipice, and stood still as a stone, trembling all -over with fear.</p> - -<p>Wilder, carried on by the momentum which he had acquired -from the rapid motion of his horse, did not participate in this -sudden stoppage, but was thrown violently forward over the -head of the animal. He felt himself falling swiftly through -the air; then his breath left him, and he knew no more.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">CROSS-PURPOSES.</span></h2> - - -<p>George Benning thought himself compelled to remain -with the Crows until he could learn the intentions of Bad -Eye, their chief. He was confident that the Blackfeet warriors -would return from their pursuit with Flora Robinette, -if not with Silverspur and his red companion. He must look -for Flora among them, and, as he could not expect to effect -any thing alone, he was obliged to seek the aid of the -Crows.</p> - -<p>Bad Eye expressed, and appeared to feel, a great interest -in Benning’s enterprise, but was in no haste to afford him such -aid as he desired. He frequently declared his belief that Silverspur -(whose name had become really hateful to George -Benning) would not fail to accomplish any thing that he undertook, -and that the girl was probably safe, if she had not -been carried to her friends. But the scalp of the white-haired -chief, he said, should not dry in the lodges of the Blackfeet, -and sooner or later he would wrest that trophy from them.</p> - -<p>Although this promise had been often made, the chief seemed -to be in no hurry to keep it, and Benning, discouraged and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span> -out of patience, had resolved to leave the village, when Bad -Eye at last yielded to his importunities. A war-party was -dispatched to the Blackfoot village, with orders to attack if a -fair opportunity should present itself. One of the first of the -Crow warriors headed the expedition, and Benning accompanied -it as a volunteer.</p> - -<p>The Blackfoot village was found to be deserted, its occupants -having removed further to the north. The Crows followed -the trail, and discovered that the village had been united -with another, and that the combined force was too formidable -to justify an attack. After hovering a few days in the vicinity, -during which time they captured some Blackfeet women, -and ran off some horses, the Crows returned to their own village, -to avoid reprisals from their enemies.</p> - -<p>The chief and George Benning questioned the prisoners, -and learned from them that the former had been correct in -his surmises concerning the escape of Silverspur and the safety -of Flora Robinette. Their warriors had returned from the -pursuit, the women said, after suffering great losses. They -had followed the fugitives into the mountains, and had nearly -overtaken them, when they were stopped at a narrow pass, -which was obstinately defended by Silverspur. They were at -last obliged to send a party around to turn his position, when -he had decamped. They then followed the trail a considerable -distance, but at last gave up the pursuit in despair, and -returned to mourn their losses. As for the scalp of the white-haired -chief, they had danced over it; but it was not drying -in any Blackfoot lodge. It had disappeared; no one knew -what had become of it, and the heart of Good Ax was very -hot.</p> - -<p>Thoroughly convinced that Silverspur had accomplished -the object upon which his own heart had been set, and grieved -that he had uselessly spent so much time among the Crows, -Benning decided to set out at once to join Flora. Whatever -his feelings toward Wilder might be, he could not doubt that -Flora had requested him to convey her to the place which -her father had appointed as a rendezvous, and that he would -faithfully obey her request. Benning had no fear that his -supposed rival would act toward Flora otherwise than as a -gentleman and a true friend; but therein lay the peril of his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> -own hopes. Wilder was so evidently a gentleman, and had -had such a splendid opportunity to prove himself a friend! -Flora could not fail to be touched by his chivalry and devotion, -and, if he should press his suit, it was not to be supposed -that she could have the heart to refuse him, especially as Benning -had never declared his love.</p> - -<p>In this mood the young partisan had bid farewell to Bad -Eye, and was about to leave the country of the Crows, when -there was an arrival at the village, the new-comers being Mr. -Martin Laurie and a band of trappers.</p> - -<p>Benning was greatly surprised to see the agent at that time -and place, and Laurie was no less surprised at meeting the -partisan.</p> - -<p>“I was afraid you were dead,” said the Scotchman. “I -heard nothing of you, and all of us supposed that you had -been rubbed out by the red-skins.”</p> - -<p>“Not yet,” coolly replied Benning, who was suspicious of -the Scotchman, and felt unwilling to give him any information -until he could learn what his intentions were.</p> - -<p>“Have you been able to do any thing for Miss Flora?”</p> - -<p>“Nothing at all.”</p> - -<p>Laurie, to whom Flora had now become a secondary object -to the possession of her father’s scalp, here dropped the -subject, which he found Benning quite willing to avoid. He -was shrewd enough to guess that the young partisan would -not be so cool and unexcited about the matter, unless he knew -that Flora was safe. If she was safe, and Benning was remaining -quietly among the Crows, it was reasonable to suppose -that the young lady was not far off. Laurie had as yet -heard nothing to move him from the belief that a party of -Crows had made the night-attack upon Mr Robinette’s encampment, -and he was still convinced that Flora was to be -found among them. Benning doubtless knew where she was; -but he was not rich enough to buy her from them, or influential -enough to insure them immunity for the outrage. If -the Crows had Flora, it was probable that they also had the -scalp of Paul Robinette. The way seemed clear to Martin -Laurie, who soon left the young man, and hastened to the -lodge of the chief, for the purpose of opening negotiations.</p> - -<p>George Benning had been led to quite different conclusions,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span> -which were as groundless as those of Laurie. When we reason -upon false premises, the reasoning can not fail to deceive. -Convinced that Silverspur had taken Flora to the rendezvous, -he saw, from the light and easy manner in which Laurie mentioned -her, that he knew of her safety and had seen her. It -was evident to him that the shrewd Scotchman wished him -to remain ignorant of her rescue, in order that he might be -kept away from her as long as possible. He could not help -smiling at the shortsightedness of Laurie, in expecting to conceal -the truth from him, when he could so easily learn it -from the trappers whom he had brought from the rendezvous.</p> - -<p>He went among them to satisfy himself, but was doomed to -disappointment. None of the men who came with Laurie -had been at the rendezvous while Silverspur was there, and -they knew nothing about him. Consequently they were unable -to understand the hints which Benning (not wishing to -ask openly about Flora) threw out concerning that person.</p> - -<p>At last he was compelled to ask them openly whether Flora -had reached the rendezvous, and the answers that he received -were decidedly in the negative. None had seen her, none -knew any thing about her, and all were sure that Laurie was -as ignorant as themselves.</p> - -<p>Benning could not help believing the statements of the -trappers, except so far as they related to Laurie’s ignorance, -on which point he reserved a doubt. Whatever he might -think of Silverspur, he was sure that he was not a man whom -Martin Laurie could buy. It was possible, however, that the -Scotchman might have convinced him of the justness of his -claim upon Flora, and that Silverspur had given her up, in -which case Laurie had concealed her for purposes of his own. -Filled with this thought, the young man hastened to seek -Laurie, and met him as he was coming out of the chief’s lodge, -looking crestfallen and indignant.</p> - -<p>As both were angry, they gave utterance to their thoughts -with less coolness than had marked their first interview.</p> - -<p>“I think we had better have an understanding, Mr. Benning,” -said Laurie.</p> - -<p>“I have come here for the purpose of having an understanding<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span> -with you. I want to know what crooked purpose -has brought you to this place.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t be angry, my young friend. It will be to your interest -to keep on the right side of me, and I am sure that you -will gain nothing by flying into a passion. I don’t know why -you should impute crooked purposes to me.”</p> - -<p>“I supposed, from the way you spoke about Miss Robinette, -that she was safe at the rendezvous.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know how she should have got there. I supposed, -from your manner of speaking, that she was safe here, -among the Crows; but the old chief tells me that she has not -been here. He says that none of his people have ever attacked -any party of white men, and that no white scalps have -been brought into the village.”</p> - -<p>“Did he tell you nothing more?” asked Benning, as the -Scotchman paused.</p> - -<p>“He said that he had learned that they were Blackfeet who -made the attack upon our camp, and that he had no doubt -that Miss Flora had been carried off by them.”</p> - -<p>“Was that all?”</p> - -<p>“That was all. I am afraid that the old rascal has been -lying to me. Can you tell me whether he spoke the truth?”</p> - -<p>“I suppose he did,” replied Benning, wondering at the -reticence of Bad Eye. “He ought to know whether his own -people are clear.”</p> - -<p>“He may know, but may be unwilling to speak the truth. -Come, Benning; I am convinced that you know more about -this matter than you are ready to tell. We are in the same -boat, and you will lose nothing by rowing with me. Do you -know any thing about Miss Flora?”</p> - -<p>“First answer me a question or two, and then I will tell -you what I know.”</p> - -<p>“Shoot them out.”</p> - -<p>“Will you promise to answer them truly?”</p> - -<p>“I will, so help me God!”</p> - -<p>“Do you know a man named Fred Wilder, whom the Indians -call Silverspur?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Has he been at the rendezvous lately?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Did he not bring Miss Flora with him?”</p> - -<p>“Miss Flora? No, indeed. Why do you ask such a question?”</p> - -<p>“Did he say nothing about her?”</p> - -<p>“Nothing at all. He remained with us a few days, and -then went away with a stray Indian.”</p> - -<p>“Of what tribe was the Indian?”</p> - -<p>“I think he was a Blackfoot.”</p> - -<p>“It is plain enough now. I feared as much. We have -both been cheated, and Silverspur has carried off the prize.”</p> - -<p>Benning then related his own adventures, and what he -knew of those of Flora, winding up his account by declaring -that he had had no doubt that the young lady had arrived -safely at the rendezvous, until Laurie had convinced him to -the contrary. Both agreed in thinking it very strange that -Wilder had not spoken of Flora at the rendezvous, and could -only attribute his silence to the intention of foul play.</p> - -<p>“The old chief told me the truth; then,” remarked Laurie, -“and the Blackfeet were the rascals who stampeded our camp. -Do you think it likely that that young chap, when he stole -Miss Flora away from them, would also have carried off the -old man’s scalp?”</p> - -<p>“Of course not. That is a strange question to ask.”</p> - -<p>“To tell you the truth, Benning, I am interested in obtaining -that scalp. If you can manage to get it for me, by trading -or in any other way, I will resign my claim to Flora in -your favor.”</p> - -<p>“Of what use can the scalp be to you?” asked Benning, -thinking that the agent had suddenly become very generous.</p> - -<p>“If you had known Paul Robinette as well as I knew -him, you would have known that he had some very queer -points. One of his queer points was the fear that he would -be scalped. He could not bear to think that his scalp should -dry in an Indian lodge. He made me promise him most -solemnly that if he should be killed, I would recover his -scalp, and he gave me three thousand dollars as a fund to be -applied to that purpose. I have no need of the money, but -I am a man of my word, George Benning, and I will gladly -transfer the amount to you if you will carry out the wish of -my old friend, and will deliver the scalp to me. As for Flora,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span> -I don’t suppose that I am giving you much in that quarter. -The desire of her father would weigh with her, no doubt, -and I have told you what that was; but the young are not -likely to mate with the old.”</p> - -<p>“Nor the eagle with the buzzard,” thought Benning; but -he did not put his thought into words. It seemed to him -that the Scotchman was rather too generous, and he was -silent, wondering what motive had urged this strange proposition.</p> - -<p>As he stood there, looking at Laurie, he felt a hand laid on -his shoulder. He turned, and was confronted by the Crow -chief.</p> - -<p>“I have heard the talk of my white friends,” he said. -“They seem to think that Silverspur is a bad man; but I -know him. The sun may rise in the west some day. When -it does so, I may believe that the ways of Silverspur are -crooked; but not until then. In what direction did he go -after leaving the rendezvous?”</p> - -<p>“I heard that he recrossed the mountains by way of the -South Pass,” replied Laurie. “He was seen traveling toward -the south.”</p> - -<p>“To the country of the Cheyennes, or the Arapahoes, or perhaps -further. Wherever he is, he can be found. Bad Eye -has said that the scalp of the white-haired chief shall not remain -in a Blackfoot lodge, and the words of Bad Eye are not -wind. Let my young friend stay with me. As for you, Red -Hair, your tongue is not straight, and your talk does not please -me.”</p> - -<p>Martin Laurie, rebuffed by the Crow chief, left the village -in high dudgeon, and George Benning remained, waiting impatiently -for the development of Bad Eye’s intentions.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">DOVE-EYE.</span></h2> - - -<p>Fred Wilder, after his involuntary leap, remained a long -time insensible. When he awoke, he thought that he might as -well have remained insensible. It was so dark that he could -not see what sort of a place he was in. If he had seen, he -could have not explored it, as he soon discovered that he was -unable to move. He knew that his left leg was broken, and -he feared that his left arm was as badly injured. He felt -bruised and sore all over; but that was nothing; the wonder -was that he was alive.</p> - -<p>As he could not get away, he tried to resign himself to his -situation; but the more he reflected upon it, the less resigned -he became. The Indians, believing that he had been killed -by the fall, would surely come to seek him as soon as it was -light, and it would be impossible for him to escape. All his -peril and suffering would be for nothing, as he would at last -fall into their hands an unresisting victim.</p> - -<p>Hours of darkness must have an end. Light will come, -though suffering does not cease. Daylight came to Fred -Wilder; but he could not feel that he ought to be thankful -for it, as it would bring his enemies in search of him. It -enabled him to see the location into which his lot and his -body had fallen.</p> - -<p>On one side was a precipice, so lofty that he shuddered as -he thought of his fearful fall from its brink. Just around -him was a green and grassy spot, upon the soft turf of which -he had fallen. The grass stretched toward the east, until it -melted into the prairie. In all other directions were ragged -and rocky hills, beyond which towered grand mountain ranges.</p> - -<p>It was near the head of a ravine that the young man had -fallen. A crystal spring bubbled up near him, and its plentiful -waters formed a little stream, that ran laughing down the -ravine. By the side of the stream, a few steps from the -wounded man, lay the body of the Indian dog that had been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span> -the cause of his trouble. Wilder smiled grimly as he looked -at the dead animal.</p> - -<p>“You are dead, then, you miserable little wretch,” he said. -“There must be what my old tutor used to call a providential -dispensation in this. I, who was the heaviest, have fallen upon -a soft spot, and am alive. You, who were the lightest, -and the most likely to survive the fall, struck your head upon -a stone, and dashed out your wretched brains. It follows, -that you were in the wrong, and I was in the right. Your -death is a judgment upon you for having given me an overdose -of bark. Ah, well! I ought not to exult over you, as -my fix will be worse than yours.”</p> - -<p>Having seen all that was within the range of his vision, -Wilder had nothing to do but to make himself as easy as -possible, and to wait for the coming of the Indians. This -was unpleasant occupation, and he soon fretted himself into -such a weak and feverish state, that he fainted.</p> - -<p>When he again opened his eyes, a rare vision greeted them. -By his side stood an Indian girl, who seemed to him, at that -moment, the most beautiful creature he had ever seen.</p> - -<p>Her features were perfect, and her complexion was a -delicate brunette, very different from that of any forest maiden -he had yet seen. She had not the high cheek-bones peculiar -to the aboriginal race, and her nose was decidedly of the -Grecian order. Her hair, too, though black as the raven’s -wing, was wavy, with a strong inclination to curl. Her lips -were rosy and rich, and there was an evident dimple on her -chin; but her large brown eyes, as they were opened to -their widest, with an expression of amazement and compassion, -were to Wilder her most wonderful feature.</p> - -<p>He ran over these particulars with an artistic eye; but he -had only an instant to observe them, as the girl uttered a little -startled scream when he looked up at her, and turned to fly.</p> - -<p>He called to her, in the Dahcotah dialect, as loudly as his -weak state would permit him to call; but his voice was very -feeble. She stopped, and after a little hesitation, came to him.</p> - -<p>“I am wounded,” he said. “I fell from the top of that -cliff last night, and am badly hurt. I can not move.”</p> - -<p>This appeal was sufficient to excite the sympathy of the girl. -Telling Wilder that she would soon return, she hastened away.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span></p> - -<p>Within half an hour—though it seemed much longer to -Wilder, who was anxious to see her again, and who feared -that the Indians might arrive before she returned—she came -back, accompanied by two men. One of these was a negro, -and the other was an old Indian, whose hair was as white as -snow, and whose face and hands and garments were painted -with strange devices.</p> - -<p>They brought with them a sort of litter, upon which the -wounded man was laid very carefully and tenderly. The -negro carrying one end of the litter, and the old man and the -girl the other, they ascended a steep hill, and, after winding in -and out among the rocks, came to a lodge, made of skins -stretched upon poles, at the foot of the cliff. They entered -the lodge, and Wilder saw nothing more. His rough journey -had exhausted him, and he fainted.</p> - -<p>When he again awoke, he found himself in a dark apartment, -lying upon a couch of furs. From what the darkness -permitted him to see, he judged that the apartment was a -cavern, or a portion of a cavern; but he was not able to -form any opinion of its shape or size.</p> - -<p>He heard voices near him, which he believed to be those -of the old Indian and the girl; but he could see no one, and -he concluded that they were in another room. They were -talking in the Indian tongue, of which he understood enough -to enable him to follow their conversation.</p> - -<p>“It shall be as you say, my child,” said the old man; “but -if I do this thing, you must promise me that you will not -leave me while I live.”</p> - -<p>“You know that I have no wish to leave you, my father; -but I will promise; only save the life of this white man. It -must be him whom the warriors were chasing last night, -when there was such a noise in the direction of the village. -He was nearly killed by the fall from that cliff.”</p> - -<p>“I will dress his wounds, and we will take care of him.”</p> - -<p>“But the warriors will seek for him this morning. They -will go to the spot where we found him, to see his body and -to take his scalp. Not finding him there, they will follow our -trail, and will come here.”</p> - -<p>“It is true. He must be hid.”</p> - -<p>“But where can he be hid? He is too weak to be moved.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span></p> - -<p>“He shall remain where he is, in the sacred room, which -the warriors never enter. I will tell them that the white man -was killed by his fall, and that I buried him. I found a -scalp upon him, which I will give to the warriors, and I will -tell them that it is his scalp.”</p> - -<p>The old man drew from the breast of his robe the scalp of -Paul Robinette, and showed it to the girl, who shuddered as -she looked at it.</p> - -<p>“But that is a gray scalp,” she said, “and this is a young -man.”</p> - -<p>“The warriors had not seen him, José tells me, and they do -not know whether he is young or old.”</p> - -<p>“But this is not a fresh scalp. It is old, and the warriors -will know that they are imposed upon.”</p> - -<p>“I will tell them that I have dried it, and they will believe -me.”</p> - -<p>“They always believe you. I now believe that the young -man will be safe. Do you think that he took that scalp—that -he killed the man to whom it belonged?”</p> - -<p>“Why not?”</p> - -<p>“He looks too good to take scalps.”</p> - -<p>“I am afraid that it is because of his looks that Dove-eye -wishes to save his life.”</p> - -<p>“Listen, my father! The warriors are coming!”</p> - -<p>When the question of the gray scalp was brought up, -Wilder felt a very lively interest in the conversation. The -possession of that article seemed to him, at the moment, of -more importance than the preservation of his life. He was -about to speak to his red friends and to demand the restoration -of the trophy, when the announcement that the warriors -were coming compelled him to hold his peace.</p> - -<p>The announcement was immediately followed by the arrival -of a large party of Indians, whom he could easily hear as -they entered the lodge, talking volubly in their own tongue. -A curtain of skins was let fall over the opening of the apartment -in which he lay, and he was left in total darkness.</p> - -<p>Darkness was favorable to meditation, and he soon convinced -himself that it was for the best to let the scalp go. -If the hair of Paul Robinette could save his own, that was -probably the best use it could be put to. Besides, if the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span> -Indians should discover him, they would take his own scalp and -that of the old trader, and he would be none the better off -for having kept it.</p> - -<p>A great jabbering was kept up in the outer room for a -while; but the warriors seemed to be satisfied, as they soon -left, and the man and the girl came to his couch.</p> - -<p>After a little conversation, in which Wilder informed his -friends that he had overheard their plan for saving his life, -and thanked them for their successful efforts, the old Indian -sent away the girl, and called in the negro. An examination -of Wilder’s wounds was then made, and the old man, to his -great astonishment, set the broken limb in very good style. -His leg was properly bandaged, his bruises were attended to, -and he soon felt quite comfortable. His situation was so much -better than it had been at night, when he was lying on the -ground alone, in pain, and in expectation of death at the -hands of merciless savages, that he felt that he could desire -nothing more, except the company of the beautiful Indian -girl.</p> - -<p>She soon came, and another came with her. The room -was so dark that Wilder could not see her face or that of her -companion; but he was sure that the latter was a woman.</p> - -<p>“Perhaps he is sleeping, and we had better not disturb -him,” said Dove-eye, as she came in.</p> - -<p>“Oh no! I must see him and speak to him.”</p> - -<p>Surely Wilder knew that voice. There was no mistaking -its low, but clear and melodious tones.</p> - -<p>“Flora! Miss Robinette!” he exclaimed. “Can it be -you?”</p> - -<p>“And who are you, sir? Is it Mr. Wilder?”</p> - -<p>“It is what is left of him.”</p> - -<p>“You are badly wounded. Perhaps it was in trying to -assist me that you were injured. Let me have some light, -Dove-eye. I must see him.”</p> - -<p>“My sister knows him,” said the Indian girl. “Perhaps -she loves him.”</p> - -<p>“He has been very good to me, Dove-eye; but he is no -lover of mine.”</p> - -<p>The curtain was removed from the opening, and Wilder -was able to distinguish the faces of his friends, who seated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> -themselves at his side. Flora Robinette expressed the deepest -sympathy when he related the manner in which he had been -injured, and was hardly less anxious concerning White Shield. -In response to his questions, she gave an account of her adventures -since she had parted from him the mountains. -The Arapahoes had brought her to their village, where she had -been seen by Dove-eye, who had taken such a fancy to her, -that she had begged the old medicine-man to bring her to his -lodge. As he was easily persuaded by her, and as his influence -was great in the tribe, the request was granted, and -Flora had since been the constant companion of Dove-eye. A -warm affection had sprung up between the two, and Flora, -although a captive, had become somewhat reconciled to her -captivity, as she was happy in the friendship of the Indian -girl.</p> - -<p>Wilder, whose thoughts and eyes had been wandering to -Dove-eye while Flora was speaking, thanked her for her kindness, -and could not avoid calling to Flora’s remembrance an -expression which he had used in conversation with her.</p> - -<p>“Do you remember that I said to you, that if you happened -to have a sister, and she happened to be as beautiful as yourself, -and a little older, and not quite so highly civilized, I might -fancy her? If Dove-eye was your sister, my words would -now be verified.”</p> - -<p>“But we are sisters; are we not, Dove-eye?” said Flora, -taking the hand of her companion.</p> - -<p>“We are sisters,” replied the Indian girl, looking down -and blushing.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">A BLIND TRAIL.</span></h2> - - -<p>White Shield joined the Arapahoes in the chase of Silverspur.</p> - -<p>With the Blackfoot paint washed from his face, and with -his blanket over his head, he had entered the village, and had -had no difficulty in going where he pleased, and making such<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span> -examinations as he wished to make. He mingled with the -Arapahoes on the street of the village, entered some of their -lodges, and even conversed with them. But he did not find -Flora Robinette, nor did he see or hear any thing to lead him -to suppose that she was still among the Arapahoes.</p> - -<p>Desiring to make his search as thorough as possible, he remained -longer than he had expected to when he parted from -Silverspur. The barking of the dog made him anxious concerning -his friend, and presented him at the same time, as he -thought, a good opportunity to get clear of the village.</p> - -<p>“That is my dog,” he said, as some of the warriors began -to show signs of uneasiness at the continued barking of the -animal. “I will go and see what is the matter with him.”</p> - -<p>This expression, by which the Blackfoot hoped to cover his -friend, nearly brought him into trouble. It so happened that -there was only one dog in the village, and that its owner was -standing by when White Shield spoke. This Indian turned -upon him angrily, and he could only avoid the consequences -of his damaging remark by passing it off as a joke. The -owner of the dog went to look for the animal, and White -Shield sidled away from the group of Indians who had begun -to suspect him.</p> - -<p>Shortly there came from the forest a yell, piercing and full -of anguish, that was at once recognized as the death-cry of -the man who had gone to the dog.</p> - -<p>The savages bounded away to avenge the death of their -comrade, and White Shield joined them, hoping to get -clear himself, if he could do nothing to aid his friend. Although -several of the warriors were ahead of him, he soon -perceived that Silverspur had mounted his horse, and was rapidly -flying from his pursuers.</p> - -<p>Believing that his friend on horseback could easily distance -the Indians on foot, he thought it best to look to his own safety.</p> - -<p>In their eager pursuit the Arapahoes had passed the place -from which Silverspur had started, and where the horse of -the Blackfoot was still concealed. Profiting by their negligence, -White Shield lingered behind until all had passed him. -He then untethered his horse, and quietly led him away until -he was out of hearing of the Arapahoes, when he mounted, -and rode off into the prairie, where he hoped to find his friend.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span></p> - -<p>When he believed himself to be at a safe distance, he halted -and listened anxiously; but he heard nothing of the wild triumphant -yell that would have announced the death or capture -of the fugitive. Concluding, therefore, that Silverspur -had escaped, he rode about until daylight, expecting to meet -him. In this he was disappointed, as he could not find even -a trail. He at last perceived that it would be necessary to -commence the search at the beginning—to start at the place -from which Silverspur had started.</p> - -<p>He concealed his horse, and went to the spot where he had -left Silverspur the night before. It was easy to track the fugitive -by the footprints of his horse, and White Shield followed -them through the forest and over a piece of level ground beyond, -until they abruptly terminated at the edge of a precipice.</p> - -<p>The Blackfoot looked over the precipice, and saw that it -was a fearful leap to the bottom. It was not to be supposed -that a man could take such a leap and live. He was forced -to the conclusion that Silverspur had taken this leap in the -dark, and had been killed.</p> - -<p>By a circuitous route White Shield reached the ravine at -the foot of the bluff, and there saw abundant evidence of the -truth of his surmise. There were spots of blood upon the -stones, and an indentation of the turf showed that a heavy -body had fallen upon it. There were many footprints in the -vicinity, and a trail led up one of the hills that surrounded -the ravine. The Arapahoes had carried away the body, no -doubt, and their silence the previous night was occasioned by -the fact that they had not then descended into the ravine to -search for their victim.</p> - -<p>White Shield did not follow the trail that led up the hill, -as he supposed that it only went around to the village. It -was possible that his friend might still be living, though terribly -mangled. If he was dead, it would be some satisfaction -to recover his scalp from his enemies. To this purpose White -Shield now devoted himself.</p> - -<p>After dark he went to the Arapaho village, and prowled -about their lodges, confident that there would be some sort of -a celebration over their victory, if the death of Silverspur -could be so regarded. He was not mistaken. Bonfires were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span> -blazing, and preparations were being made for a grand jubilee, -which soon commenced.</p> - -<p>Near the largest bonfire was a pole, from which a single -scalp was hanging. Around this men and women, mingled -together, danced and sung, and every now and then, at the tap -of a drum, one of the warriors would step forward and recount -his exploits.</p> - -<p>White Shield did not long witness this scene from concealment. -He felt sure that Silverspur was dead, and that the -Arapahoes were rejoicing over his scalp. This awakened in -him a desire to snatch the trophy from their possession, and -to take vengeance upon them for the death of his friend. He -was just in the mood for such an achievement. He had deserted -his tribe, Silverspur was gone, and there would be no -one to mourn for him if he should fall. In fact, he was desperate, -ready at any moment to sing his death-song and pass -to the spirit-land.</p> - -<p>He threw his blanket over his head, and mingled with the -Indians of the village. He was not foolhardy enough to join -the dance; but he forced his way into the circle, and walked -up to the pole from which the scalp was hanging.</p> - -<p>To his great surprise he perceived that the scalp was dry, -as if it had long hung in the smoke of a lodge. The hair, -moreover, was thin and gray, almost white. White Shield had -never heard any of those tales of civilized men whose hair -has suddenly turned gray from the effect of terrible fright or -severe suffering. If he had read them, he would not for a -moment have believed that any thing could change the long -and waving masses of Silverspur’s brown hair to those thin -gray threads.</p> - -<p>It was not Silverspur’s scalp. His friend was living; or, if -he was dead, the Arapahoes had not been able to outrage his -remains. White Shield was no longer desperate. He had an -object to live for, and his caution returned to him. His entrance -into the circle, his examination of the gray scalp, and -the train of thought which followed from that examination, -had occupied only a few moments of time; but he felt that he -was in a dangerous position, from which he would find it difficult -to extricate himself.</p> - -<p>The warriors were already scrutinizing him, with glances<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span> -full of suspicion. If he should step out as he had come in, -he would be followed and questioned, and it would soon be discovered -that he was a stranger and an enemy. He might run -for his life; but his chances of escape would be very poor, -and, if he should succeed, the Arapahoes would be put on their -guard against his subsequent movements.</p> - -<p>His resolution was as audacious as it was sudden. At the -tap of the drum he threw off his blanket, and stepped forward.</p> - -<p>“Arapahoes!” he exclaimed, “do you remember that, at the -last season of the falling leaf, you lost a tall warrior at the -Black Fork of the Platte? He was very strong, and a great -brave. I killed him.”</p> - -<p>“We remember,” responded some of the Arapahoes, looking -up at the speaker in surprise.</p> - -<p>White Shield proceeded to mention other Arapahoes who had -fallen by his hand, and the same response followed each narration. -At the fifth, which filled the number allowed to each -relator, a warrior started up.</p> - -<p>“Are you speaking the truth?” he said. “It was White -Shield, a great brave of the Blackfeet, who killed Red Bear.”</p> - -<p>“I am White Shield,” replied the Blackfoot. “I am a warrior, -as you know, and a great brave. I have left the Blackfeet, -and they would kill me if they should see me. I have -come to the Arapahoes, who are great warriors, to make them -my brothers, and to fight for them. Do you want me, Arapahoes? -If you do, I will stay with you. If not, I am ready -to sing my death-song and go to the spirit-land.”</p> - -<p>The audacious warrior had not to wait a moment for a response. -The Arapahoes thronged about him tumultuously, -embracing him, and covering him with presents.</p> - -<p>His initiation into the tribe was completed; but it must be -confessed that he did not intend to remain an Arapaho. He -had joined them for the purpose of saving his own scalp and -rendering assistance to his friend. Further than this he did -not then look.</p> - -<p>He soon made inquiries concerning the scalp which had -been the occasion of the dance, and was told the story of the -chase of an unknown white man who had been discovered by -a dog, and who had been killed by a fall from a cliff.</p> - -<p>White Shield was puzzled. The Arapahoes described the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span> -pursuit of Silverspur; but the scalp was not his. Who had -the old medicine-man buried, and whose scalp had he given -to the warriors? Surely it could not be Silverspur. White -Shield said nothing more concerning the scalp, but determined -to investigate the matter quietly.</p> - -<p>As soon as it was dusk he left the village, and went to the -place where he had concealed his horse. The animal was -safe; but the keen eye of the Blackfoot quickly detected signs -of some presence besides his own. Somebody had been there -during his absence, and, unless his penetration was greatly at -fault, somebody was still concealed in the vicinity.</p> - -<p>White Shield applied himself to find out who this somebody -was. While he affected to busy himself about his horse, -his bright eyes searched the forest, and took note of every -tree, twig, leaf and blade of grass within the range of his -vision. In the course of this searching investigation he saw -another pair of eyes, twinkling from behind a leafy hedge of -bushes. He was sure that those eyes belonged to a white -man, and the white man could not be Silverspur, who would -have recognized him and spoken to him. Any other white -man was his enemy, and this one had been lying in wait for -him.</p> - -<p>The Blackfoot left the horse, and walked toward the thicket -in which he had seen the eyes glisten. He walked slowly, looking -about him upon the ground, as if searching for something -he had lost. He passed the thicket, and then, with the quickness -of lightning, turned and threw himself upon his concealed -foe.</p> - -<p>A brief struggle followed, in which both of the combatants -came crashing out of the bushes, and fell upon the ground. -But the red-man had the advantage of surprise—of the first -attack—and he kept it. In a few seconds his enemy was -under his knee, and his right hand was raised, ready to strike -with his glittering knife. The white man closed his eyes, and -muttered one word:</p> - -<p>“Flora!”</p> - -<p>The Indian started. His knife was lowered harmlessly, and -the grasp of his left hand was relaxed. “Flora!”—he had -heard the name used by Silverspur, and perhaps this white -man might be a friend of her whom Silverspur called Flora.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Who are you?” he asked in plain English. “Who is Flora?”</p> - -<p>A thought occurred to the white man. A hope dawned -upon him, and his eyes brightened as they opened. This red-skin -knew the name of Flora; he was a Blackfoot, as was -evident from his paint and his garb; he was among the -Arapahoes.</p> - -<p>“Who are you?” asked the white man. “Are you the -Blackfoot who went off with Silverspur?”</p> - -<p>“I am. Are you a friend to Silverspur?”</p> - -<p>“I am not his enemy. I am George Benning,” replied the -white man, who was not sure in what position he stood toward -Silverspur.</p> - -<p>“Let my brother rise. Silverspur is my brother, and his -friends are my friends.”</p> - -<p>The two men, forgetting their late conflict, seated themselves -amicably upon the ground, and conversed about the -matters in which both were deeply interested. White Shield -related all he knew of Flora and Silverspur, and enlightened -the mind of Benning on some points that had been dark to -him; but there was nothing to show him that Silverspur had -or had not gained the love of Flora, and on this subject his -anxiety was still intense.</p> - -<p>The question was, what had become of Flora and Silverspur? -Believing that two heads are better than one, and that -his own was better than the Blackfoot’s, Benning proposed to -accompany White Shield to the place at which Fred Wilder -was supposed to have been killed by falling from the cliff.</p> - -<p>They went there, and made a careful examination of the -locality; but Benning was obliged to admit that he was as -much in the dark as the Indian was. It was unreasonable to -suppose that a man could have fallen from such a hight without -being killed, and it was equally unreasonable to suppose -that the gray scalp that had been exhibited among the Arapahoes -had belonged to Silverspur. Both agreed that the only -chance of solving the mystery lay in following the trail that -led up the hill; but both agreed that it was useless to undertake -the enterprise that night.</p> - -<p>Benning then informed the Blackfoot that he had come with -a band of Crow warriors, under the leadership of Bad Eye,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span> -their chief, who were ready to aid him in any enterprise -against the Arapahoes. They were encamped at a little distance -to the northward, and he had come on in advance, to -spy about the village of the Arapahoes.</p> - -<p>White Shield was not entirely pleased with this communication, -although he showed no signs of displeasure. The -Crows were the enemies of his tribe, and the Arapahoes were -now his friends. He was ready to shake off his allegiance to -them if he might thus benefit Silverspur; but he was not -willing to betray them to the Crows. He made no reply to -Benning, except to protest against any hostile act before the -whereabouts of Silverspur could be discovered.</p> - -<p>On this point Benning was uncertain, as he feared that -his own plans and those of the Blackfoot might run counter -to each other. He said that the discovery must soon be made, -if at all, as it would be impossible for the Crows to remain -long in the vicinity without a conflict.</p> - -<p>It was settled that they should commence the search together -in the morning, and White Shield returned to the -village, as he could not be absent from the Arapahoes the first -night after his admission to the tribe. Benning concluded to -remain where he was, as he could hide there as well as elsewhere, -and would be at hand to take up the trail in the -morning.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">LIGHT AHEAD.</span></h2> - - -<p>Fred Wilder bore his captivity patiently; but this does -not prove that he possessed the gift of patience in a very -remarkable degree. Dove-eye was with him daily and hourly, -and his admiration for the forest maiden had strengthened into -a passion. His heart was enthralled in such a sweet captivity, -that he took no thought of the captivity of his body.</p> - -<p>He had not yet had time or occasion to think how this -was to end. He had given himself no uneasiness concerning<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> -the fate of White Shield; he had not attempted to form a -plan for the release of Flora Robinette and her return to her -friends; nor had he even guessed how he should take Dove-eye -away from the Arapahoes, if she should be willing to -leave them. Love, if not really a selfish feeling, is apt to -crowd out other thoughts and feelings.</p> - -<p>It is probable that he would not have related to Flora his -adventures since she left him at the pass in the mountains, if -she had not questioned him upon the subject. When he -recounted the conversation which he had overheard between -Martin Laurie and Jake Farnsworth, so many emotions were -excited in Flora’s bosom, that she at last burst into tears.</p> - -<p>“Why need you be so greatly troubled about it?” asked -Wilder, when she had wiped away her tears. “Those fellows -can’t hurt you.”</p> - -<p>“My father’s scalp! To think that it should be made the -price of my hand!”</p> - -<p>“But you are not obliged to give your hand to the man -who happens to recover the scalp.”</p> - -<p>“To think that he should be scalped, after having dreaded -it all his life, and that his scalp should now be drying in -some Blackfoot lodge. It is too horrible!”</p> - -<p>“You are mistaken there. The scalp is not among the -Blackfeet. I brought it with me when we left their village.”</p> - -<p>“<em>You</em> did?” exclaimed Flora, opening her eyes very wide.</p> - -<p>“I did; but it does not follow that I am to marry you,” -replied Wilder, with a smile at Dove-eye.</p> - -<p>“No; for the medicine-man took it from you, and gave it -to the Arapaho warriors.”</p> - -<p>“You guessed right that time. I suppose you had rather -George Benning had taken it from the Blackfeet; but he did -not happen to be there, as I was. Your father’s scalp has -saved my scalp, and I am well rewarded for the freak of -stealing the trophy from the Blackfeet—for it was nothing -but a freak, you perceive, as I then knew nothing of the -conditions of your father’s will. As the matter now stands, -you have a much better chance to recover the scalp than either -George Benning or I.”</p> - -<p>“How so? What can I do?”</p> - -<p>“I am disabled, as you see, and it may be many weeks<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span> -before I am able to walk. George Benning is searching for you, -no doubt, if he is the man I take him to be; but we don’t -know where he is, and it is very doubtful whether he is on -the right trail. You alone are at liberty and able to act.”</p> - -<p>“What shall I do?”</p> - -<p>“Persuade Dove-eye to get the scalp from the Arapahoes. -The warriors have had their dance over it, no doubt, and it -is a small matter to them now. She might ask for it as a -curiosity. If they should not be willing to give it to her, -she could soon find it hanging about somewhere, unnoticed, -and there would be no excitement about it if it should be -missed. I think she would gladly consent to get it for you, -and then the trophy will be with you, to whom it rightfully -belongs. When it is in your possession, I see nothing to -hinder you from bestowing it, and the legacy that accompanies -it, where you bestow your hand.”</p> - -<p>Dove-eye, who had understood a portion of the conversation, -answered the appealing look of her friend with a smile. -When Flora had fully explained the case to her, and had implored -her aid in recovering the scalp, she at once consented, -glad of an opportunity to serve her white sister.</p> - -<p>“But I can do nothing for two or three suns,” she said. -“I can not go to the village now.”</p> - -<p>“Why not?” asked Flora, to whom the scalp had become -precious, not only because it was her father’s, but because her -own fate was so nearly affected by it.</p> - -<p>“Because I have so much to do here, that I can not get -away. I must conceal both of you in some other place, as -my father is going to the spirit-land, and this lodge will be -full of warriors.”</p> - -<p>“What do you mean?” asked Wilder. “Is the old medicine-man -so near dead? I had not known that he was -sick.”</p> - -<p>“He is not sick. He goes to the spirit-land when he wishes -to go, and the warriors come and look at him while he is -dead, and go away. Then he comes back from the spirit-land, -and they visit him again, when he tells them what he -has seen and what will happen to them.”</p> - -<p>“What an imposture! Do you believe that he dies, Dove-eye?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span></p> - -<p>“He goes to the spirit-land. The warriors pinch him, and -prick him, and are sure that he is dead.”</p> - -<p>“Very well done for a red-skin! When will he take leave -of us?”</p> - -<p>“To-morrow night he will go to the spirit-land, and the -next morning the warriors will come to look at him. After -that day I will do what my sister has asked me to do.”</p> - -<p>“And then, Miss Robinette,” said Wilder, “you will be -obliged to marry yourself, or give up half your fortune.”</p> - -<p>“I wish you would not speak of the matter so lightly,” -replied Flora. “Of what use will it be to me, if I am always -to remain here? How can I ever escape?”</p> - -<p>“That is a question for the future. For my part, I can do -nothing until I am able to walk. I hope that a way will -open for all of us.”</p> - -<p>Wilder looked meaningly at the Indian girl, who held down -her head, and turned away.</p> - -<p>The old medicine-man and the negro came in, at the request -of Dove-eye, to remove Wilder to another place of concealment. -There was another small cave, a short distance from -that in front of which the lodge was built, to which the -wounded man was carried, with the assistance of the girls. -Dove-eye and Flora arranged a comfortable couch for him, -and the medicine-man hung up before the entrance a dressed -buffalo-skin, painted with strange devices, indicating that the -place was sacred. Flora was told that she also must enter -that cave when the warriors came from the village, and must -remain there until the ceremonies were completed, but would -be free, until that time, to go about as she had usually done.</p> - -<p>The next morning Flora went early to the spring for water. -The promise of Dove-eye, and the confident tone in which -Fred Wilder spoke of the future, had given her hope, and her -heart was light and cheerful for the first time in many weeks. -She was singing as she descended the hill, so gayly that she did -not hear her name pronounced in a low voice, and she started -when the voice assumed a louder tone.</p> - -<p>“Who is it?” she asked, as she stopped and looked around, -not knowing whom to expect, unless it might be White Shield.</p> - -<p>“A friend,” was the answer, and a young man in hunter’s -costume stepped out into the path before her.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span></p> - -<p>Joy and surprise were mingled in the exclamation which -she uttered as she recognized George Benning. Fearing that -she was about to faint, the young partisan stretched out his -arms to keep her from falling; but she quickly recovered herself, -and gave him her hand.</p> - -<p>“Where did you come from, Captain Benning?” she asked. -“How did you get here? Is any one with you?”</p> - -<p>“You ask more questions than I can answer at a breath. -I have been searching for you ever since you were lost.”</p> - -<p>“I did not know who it could be, when you spoke, unless -it might be White Shield.”</p> - -<p>“Who is White Shield?”</p> - -<p>“An Indian who helped me to escape from the Blackfoot -village.”</p> - -<p>“I have seen him. He will be here presently. I was -waiting for him when you came singing down the hill. Here -he is.”</p> - -<p>White Shield rose up, as if from the earth, and presented -himself before the young lady, who welcomed him like an -old friend. The Blackfoot caused his friends to step aside into -a sheltered nook, where mutual explanations were given, -Flora declaring that she could only remain there a few moments, -as search would be made for her if she should not -soon return to the lodge.</p> - -<p>“Why should you return?” asked Benning. “I have come -to save you, to take you away. There is a large band of -friendly Indians with me, and you have only to mount my -horse and ride a short distance, when you will be in the -camp, safe from the Arapahoes.”</p> - -<p>“Can you also save Mr. Wilder, and take him with you?”</p> - -<p>“You are first to be considered. I can place you in safety, -and will then see what I can do for your <em>friend</em>.”</p> - -<p>Benning laid such an emphasis on the word “friend,” that -Flora noticed it.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Wilder saved me from the Blackfeet,” she said. “He -came here to save me from the Arapahoes, and was badly -wounded in the attempt, so that he is unable to move. Do -you think I could desert him? There is another matter to be -considered. My father’s scalp is in the Arapaho village, and -it is of the greatest importance to me that it be recovered from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span> -them. If you wish really to serve me, can you not get possession -of that relic?”</p> - -<p>“God knows that I wish to serve you! The Crows are -eager to fight, and will be glad of the opportunity; but there -will be a battle, and I feared that you might be carried away -during the struggle.”</p> - -<p>“There need be little or no danger. I have a plan, of -which I think both you and White Shield will approve.”</p> - -<p>Flora then told her companions of the scene that was to be -acted next morning, at the lodge on the cliff. She accurately -described the situation and surroundings of the lodge, showing -that there would be an excellent opportunity to lay an ambuscade, -by which the Arapaho warriors could be attacked and -routed as they left the lodge of the medicine-man. The -victory would be an easy one, she thought, as the Arapahoes, -being surprised and mostly unarmed, would be readily dispersed. -Benning and his friends once in possession of the -village, they might recover the gray scalp, and might at their -leisure remove Wilder and herself, with Dove-eye, if she -would accompany them.</p> - -<p>Benning had listened with surprise when Flora spoke of her -father’s scalp, and remembered the anxiety which Martin Laurie -expressed to obtain possession of that trophy. He fell in -with her views the more readily, as she had given him some -clue to the strange conduct of the Scotchman. He highly approved -of her plan, and thought that there could be no possible -difficulty in carrying it out.</p> - -<p>White Shield also pricked up his ears when the gray scalp -was mentioned. He was rejoiced to hear that Silverspur, although -badly wounded, was alive and likely to live; but he -was still puzzled concerning the scalp.</p> - -<p>“The Arapahoes told me,” said he, “that they were dancing -over the scalp of Silverspur; but I knew they did not speak -the truth.”</p> - -<p>Flora was obliged to tell him how her father’s scalp had -been brought from the Blackfoot village, and how it had saved -the life of his friend. White Shield expressed his approval -gutturally. If he had been a Yankee, he would have whistled; -as he was an Indian, he grunted most emphatically.</p> - -<p>It was necessary for Flora to hasten back to the lodge, lest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span> -she should be missed. Assuring her friends that she would -pray for their success, she ran away to tell the news to Fred -Wilder.</p> - -<p>White Shield wished to remain in the vicinity of the village, -so that he could be near Silverspur; but Benning persuaded -him to accompany him to the camp of the Crows, so that he -might take part in the expected attack. It was for the benefit -of Silverspur, Benning argued, and White Shield need trouble -himself no further about the Arapahoes.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">THE AMBUSCADE.</span></h2> - - -<p>Flora was careful not to go near Dove-eye when she returned -to the lodge on the cliff. She was so much excited at -meeting Benning, that she knew her friend would notice her -state of mind and inquire the cause, and she was by no means -sure that it would be good policy to inform the Indian girl of -the plot that had been laid to destroy her tribe.</p> - -<p>She went, therefore, as quickly as possible, to the cave in -which Fred Wilder was concealed, and astonished that young -man by bursting in upon him suddenly.</p> - -<p>“What is the matter, Miss Robinette?” he asked. “You -look as if you had seen a ghost; but it must have been a -pleasant one, to judge from your countenance.”</p> - -<p>She astonished him again, by running to the entrance, and -peering out carefully, to see if any one was in sight or hearing, -before she composed herself sufficiently to take a seat by his -side and answer his question.</p> - -<p>“I have not seen a ghost,” she replied; “but I have seen -a man. White Shield is alive and safe.”</p> - -<p>“That is nothing very wonderful. I was not afraid that -the Arapahoes would rub out that red-skin, and I expected to -hear from him before long. Is that all?”</p> - -<p>“George Benning is here. I saw him this morning.”</p> - -<p>“Ah! That accounts for the milk in the cocoanut. No<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span> -wonder you are excited. What has he been doing this long -time? Is he alone?”</p> - -<p>“He has been searching for me, and he has a band of Crow -warriors to back him, and we are all going to be released and -carried home, and I have told him what to do.”</p> - -<p>“You would not be so confident of release, I suppose, unless -you had told him what to do. Pray tell me what instructions -you gave him.”</p> - -<p>Flora detailed the plan of the proposed ambuscade and attack -upon the Arapahoes as they returned from their visit to -the medicine-lodge. Wilder listened with a pleased countenance, -but became grave at last.</p> - -<p>“Very well planned!” he said. “No one could have hit -upon a better idea. There is only one difficulty.”</p> - -<p>“What is that?”</p> - -<p>“Dove-eye.”</p> - -<p>“I have not told her.”</p> - -<p>“No; and you must not. Of course it would not do to -trust her with the plan of a campaign against her own people. -My only fear is that she will be killed in the melée, or will -fly with the rest.”</p> - -<p>Flora’s countenance fell. She had not thought of this.</p> - -<p>“Could I not watch her?” she suggested.</p> - -<p>“No. You must stay here with me; because such are your -orders, and because you must keep out of danger. You would -only run the risk of another captivity. It is very selfish in -me, Miss Robinette; but I almost feel like wishing that this -help had not come, and that we were not to be released. As -it is, I am helpless, and must take my chances.”</p> - -<p>“Could I not give her a hint that you wished her to remain?”</p> - -<p>“It would be impossible to do so without disclosing your -design, and you must be very careful of your looks as well -as your words, or she will guess it. Don’t let my selfishness -trouble you. You must know that I did not speak in earnest.”</p> - -<p>Flora left the little cave with a heavy heart. It went hard -with her to give pain to the man who had rescued her from -the Blackfeet, and who had always shown himself so kind and -considerate. She had not thought of the possibility of being -separated from Dove-eye, when she and Wilder should be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span> -released, and the thought troubled her when it was forced upon -her. Dove-eye would not then have guessed, from her joyful -and excited manner, that she had received some very good tidings; -on the contrary, she would have been likely to ask what -had happened to make her so sad and woebegone. But the -Indian girl was too much occupied in preparations for the -morrow to notice the changes in the demeanor of her friend.</p> - -<p>The day passed off pretty much as usual, and at night the -old medicine-man went into a trance. That is, he stretched -himself out in state in the principal room of the lodge, and -Dove-eye declared that he had gone to the spirit-land. José -was sent to the village to inform the warriors that they might -come and visit him, and Flora, after a tender leave-taking with -Dove-eye, repaired to Wilder’s cave.</p> - -<p>She seated herself by the side of the invalid, and waited -anxiously and impatiently for the issue of her plans. Wilder -told her that a yell would be the signal of the onset, and -both listened, eagerly and painfully, for the savage slogan.</p> - -<p>Wilder said nothing more of his fears concerning the probable -loss of Dove-eye, and Flora did not mention the subject. -Both were too much absorbed in listening for the yell, which -she longed but almost dreaded to hear. When it came, at -last, their nerves had been so strained by their long suspense, -that it fell upon them like a thunderbolt.</p> - -<p>The Arapaho warriors had come from the village, in a long -and solemn procession, to look upon their great medicine-man, -who, as they firmly believed, had the power of going to the -spirit-land and returning whenever he chose to do so—in -others words, of dying and coming to life. George Benning -and White Shield had stationed the band of Crows in a -ravine near which the procession must pass, and the warriors -from the north gazed from their hiding-place at their enemies, -gloating over the rich prospect of scalps.</p> - -<p>The Arapahoes entered the lodge on the cliff, and looked -at the old medicine-man as he lay stretched out on his couch, -with his eyes closed and his face of a ghastly color, to all -appearances dead. As they defiled past him, they pulled his -hair, they pinched him, they pricked him with their knives; -but the figure lay cold and motionless, without sign of life, -and they were satisfied that he was dead.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span></p> - -<p>When all had seen him, they set out to return to the village, -in slow and solemn procession as they had come, leaving -Dove-eye alone with the old man. As he usually lay in the -trance until noon, and there was time enough, the girl thought -that she might as well pay a visit to Flora and Wilder.</p> - -<p>She took a parting look at the old man, and was about to -leave the lodge when she was startled by a shot from the -valley below, followed by a series of wild and unearthly -yells. Then came a volley of musket and rifle-shots, with -screams of pain and rage; and shouts of triumph and vengeance.</p> - -<p>She knew well what it meant. She knew that the Arapahoes -had been attacked by a hostile tribe, and she stood -irresolute, when the medicine-man, to her great surprise, leaped -from his couch, and ran out at the door to see what was the -matter.</p> - -<p>Dove-eye followed him, and as they looked down into the valley, -they stood aghast at the scene which presented itself to their -astonished eyes. The Arapahoes, taken at a disadvantage, -and mostly unarmed, had been seized with a panic that -could not be checked. But few remained to fight, and these -were rapidly falling under the weapons of their adversaries. -The rest were flying, helter-skelter, in every direction, some -up into the hills, some toward the village, and some into the -recesses of the ravines, followed by the victorious Crows.</p> - -<p>Among those who scampered up the hills was a tall and -stalwart warrior, with blood streaming from his head and -breast. As he came in sight of the old man and the girl, -he warned them to fly, as his pursuers were close behind, and -they turned and ran into the lodge.</p> - -<p>The warrior did not follow them, but ran on until he came -to the cave in which Flora Robinette and Fred Wilder were -concealed. He must have known the place, for he went -direct to the entrance, although it was hidden by bushes. -The painted skin made him hesitate a moment; but he tore -it aside and entered the cave.</p> - -<p>Flora and Wilder were not a little startled at the sudden -entrance of this bleeding and panting savage. The girl -screamed, and stepped closer to the invalid, forgetting that he -was even more helpless than herself. The Arapaho was also<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> -astonished; but the light of vengeance began to gleam in his -wild eyes; he could at least have the satisfaction of slaying -a pale-face before he died.</p> - -<p>Wilder, who divined his intention, put out his unbandaged -arm, as if he would shield Flora from violence. At the same -time he was cool enough to notice a gray scalp that hung from -the Indian’s waist-belt, and he was sure that he knew that -scalp. How he longed, in that brief moment, to be free and -strong again, instead of lying there, unable to move, compelled -to submit to whatever fate the infuriated savage should choose -to visit upon him and the almost equally helpless being at his -side!</p> - -<p>He had little time for reflection. The Arapaho sprung forward -and seized the young lady, whom he dragged from the -couch. Pulling back her head by the hair, he raised his knife, -with threatening look and gesture. Flora sent forth scream -upon scream, and Wilder, nearly beside himself with rage, -shouted for help at the top of his voice.</p> - -<p>The Indian’s blow was never struck. A form came bounding -into the little cave; a tomahawk sunk, with a harsh, dull -sound, into the skull of the Arapaho; and Flora was lifted -in the arms of George Benning. Behind the partisan came -White Shield, who coolly proceeded to relieve the fallen warrior -of his scalp.</p> - -<p>Flora had fainted, and Benning’s attention could not be -withdrawn from her until she recovered her consciousness. -Then he turned to the invalid, who had spoken to him.</p> - -<p>“You were just in time, Benning,” said Wilder. “I was -helpless here, and the red-skin had it all his own way. You -have not only saved the life of Miss Robinette, but have -gained something else. Do you see a gray scalp in that fellow’s -belt? Take it out and keep it as you would your life, -for much depends upon it.”</p> - -<p>Benning obeyed, and looked at Flora as he did so.</p> - -<p>“Is this the scalp you spoke to me about?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“I suppose so,” she replied. “Mr. Wilder knows.”</p> - -<p>“Do you wish me to keep it?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, indeed—that is, it will be safer with you, I -think.”</p> - -<p>“Why must it be kept?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span></p> - -<p>“My father wished—indeed, I don’t really know, but it -must not be lost.”</p> - -<p>“I will take care of it. And now we must leave this place. -The Arapahoes have been badly whipped, and are scattered -over the country; but they will get together again, and they -may give us trouble. You can’t move, I see, Wilder, but you -can be carried, no doubt.”</p> - -<p>Wilder looked at Flora, and muttered the name of Dove-eye.</p> - -<p>“What does he mean?” asked Benning.</p> - -<p>Flora told him, in a few words, about the Indian girl, and -explained the reason of Wilder’s anxiety concerning her.</p> - -<p>“We will go and look for her,” said Benning. “She can’t -be far away. You will be safe with me now, and White -Shield can stay and take care of Silverspur.”</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br /> -<span class="cheaderfont">CONCLUSION.</span></h2> - - -<p>George Benning searched faithfully for Dove-eye. He -was so glad to learn that he had not to fear Wilder as a rival, -that he thought he could not do too much to help that young -gentleman to the dusky maiden upon whom he had really set -his heart.</p> - -<p>But all their search was in vain. With Flora to guide him, -he ransacked the empty lodge, and hunted in every nook and -crevice among the rocks. Flora made the hills echo with -the name of her friend, and Benning pressed into the search -all the Crows he met, but no trace could be found of Dove-eye -or the old medicine-man.</p> - -<p>Wilder knew, as soon as they entered the cave, that the Indian -girl had not been found. The sorrowful countenance of -Flora told him this, and he felt as one who has sustained a -great loss.</p> - -<p>“You need tell me nothing about it,” he said. “I felt sure<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> -that it would be so. She is lost, and here I am, on my back, -more helpless than a child.”</p> - -<p>“You are not helpless while we are here to help you,” -replied Benning. “White Shield and I will do all that any -man can do; but we can stay here no longer. The Crows -are anxious to leave, and we will only have time to make a -litter to carry you in.”</p> - -<p>“Never mind me. Leave me here. I am of no use to -myself or any one else, and I may as well die here as elsewhere.”</p> - -<p>“You must go with us,” protested Flora. “Do you suppose -I could think of leaving you here to die—you, who saved -me from the Blackfeet, and who have been so kind to me? -You will soon get well if you go with us, and you would be -sure to perish here.”</p> - -<p>“I have no wish to go. I had rather be left here. Dove-eye -will return when you are gone, and I will see her.”</p> - -<p>Flora looked appealingly at White Shield.</p> - -<p>“Silverspur must go,” said the Blackfoot. “The Great -Spirit has taken away his mind. We will carry him.”</p> - -<p>White Shield and Benning went out, and soon constructed -a horse-litter, making a bed by stretching a blanket across the -poles and piling furs upon it. They then procured the assistance -of some Crows to help them lift the invalid.</p> - -<p>Wilder protested against the removal; but he was carried -out, in spite of his protests, and placed in the litter, to which -horses were hitched in front and rear, and the party set out -to join the Crows, who were collecting together on the prairie -beyond the mountain.</p> - -<p>Flora wished to be taken to her father’s old rendezvous on -Green River, and Bad Eye was willing that the Crows should -escort her to that place and encamp a while at the rendezvous. -Wilder, as he had been brought against his will, had -no choice but to accompany the rest. George Benning was -bound to go where Flora went, and White Shield wished to -be with Silverspur.</p> - -<p>The Crows set off that evening in high glee. They had -taken many scalps, and had captured numbers of horses, and -were sure to meet with a grand reception at home. They -were in strong force, too, and had no reason to fear any reverse<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span> -on the way. Straggling parties of Arapahoes hung -around them during the first four days, hoping to recover -some of the horses that had been taken from them, but the -Crows kept such a good guard, that they abandoned the attempt.</p> - -<p>The journey was very pleasant to most of the travelers, -and quite safe to all. George Benning had liberty and time -enough to make Flora acquainted with the state of his feelings -toward her, and he soon learned that she was not indifferent -to him. In fact, before they had traveled many days together, -he had asked her to allow him to be her protector through -life, and she had granted the request.</p> - -<p>Their happiness did not prevent the lovers from paying -proper attention to Fred Wilder. His wounds were carefully -dressed by Benning and the Crow chief, and Flora neglected -no opportunity of providing for his comfort. White Shield -was continually at the side of Silverspur, and Bad Eye was -so evidently absorbed in Flora, that George Benning declared -that he was almost inclined to be jealous of the old chief.</p> - -<p>In due course of time they reached the rendezvous. The -Crows encamped in the valley, and Bad Eye, with the Blackfoot -and his white friends, entered the inclosure that surrounded -the post which had been erected at that place.</p> - -<p>Martin Laurie was greatly surprised at the arrival of Flora, -in such company, and with such an escort; but he was very -glad to see her, or pretended to be, and treated her with the -greatest deference. In accordance with her wishes, he fitted -up a room in the fort for Silverspur, and the wounded man -was made as comfortable as possible. The Scotchman remained -very obedient to Flora—servilely so, indeed—until -he perceived her intimacy with Benning, and was informed -of the relations that had been established between them. Then -he thought it was time for him to drop the mask, and his demeanor -became unbearably insolent, as if he desired a rupture -with the daughter of his late employer. Benning wished to -chastise him; but was withheld by Flora, who remembered -her father’s respect for the man.</p> - -<p>The rupture soon came, nevertheless. He entered Silverspur’s -room, where the young lady was seated, with Benning -and White Shield and the Crow chief. His behavior was so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span> -overbearing, that she was forced to tell him that she had borne -his insolence as long as she could, and must give him notice -that he was no longer wanted there.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know that you have to say any thing about it, -Miss,” replied Laurie.</p> - -<p>“Am I not my father’s daughter?”</p> - -<p>“I suppose you are; but that don’t give you any say-so -about his property. I am in trust here under the directions -of Mr. Robinette, and I may have to continue in trust under -the law. It is certain that you will have no right to the -property until you marry, and it is very doubtful whether you -will have any right to interfere with it then.”</p> - -<p>“I propose to marry.”</p> - -<p>“That fellow there? Very well. Under your father’s -will, half of his property will go to the man who recovers his -scalp from the Indians, and you will have to marry that man, -whoever he may be, or you will get nothing but the income -of the other half. I am of the opinion that I will have to -remain in charge here, under the law, until we hear from Paul -Robinette’s scalp.”</p> - -<p>“Here it is,” said George Benning, unwrapping a cloth that -he had taken from his breast, and showing the gray scalp.</p> - -<p>Laurie started back in astonishment. He recognized the -thin white hair of his late employer; but by what fatality -had it come into the possession of George Benning?</p> - -<p>“It is an imposition!” he exclaimed. “I don’t believe it. -How can you prove that that thing is genuine?”</p> - -<p>“I can prove it,” said Fred Wilder.</p> - -<p>“I may as well tell you, Mr. Laurie,” said Flora, “that your -conversation with Farnsworth, when he told you the provisions -of my father’s will, was overheard. The revelations -that were then made have placed us in the position we now -occupy. I suppose you will no longer object to my having -a voice in the management of my father’s property.”</p> - -<p>“If there should be any objection, I can quiet it,” said -Bad Eye, speaking in very good English. “As the nearest -living relative of this young lady, I am her natural guardian.”</p> - -<p>All looked at the Crow chief in surprise, and Flora begged -him to explain.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span></p> - -<p>“It would be a long story, if I should tell it all, and I will -be content with a few words. I am William Robinette. I -was in business with my brother, in my younger days; but he -always hated me and persecuted me. After he married, he -drove me away, appropriating my share of the business. I -determined to be revenged upon him. When I left the country, -I took with me his first-born child, a daughter, who, if -she were alive, would be nearly two years older than Flora.”</p> - -<p>“Is she dead?” asked Flora.</p> - -<p>“I do not know. I took up my abode among the Indians, -and cared for her tenderly, until she was five years old, when -she disappeared, and I was never able to find the least trace -of her. My love for her had become so strong, that my vengeance -was turned against myself. I have risen to be a chief -of the Crows, and am thoroughly an Indian. If Martin -Laurie is inclined to dispute my identity, there are old trappers -in the mountains who can prove that I am William -Robinette.”</p> - -<p>The Scotchman, relying on the assistance of the employés -of the post, would have resisted the authority of Flora and -her uncle; but Bad Eye was backed by a strong force of -warriors, and he submitted with as good a grace as he could -assume. His submission did not come soon enough to save -his position. Flora Robinette turned over the management -of her business to George Benning, and Laurie and Farnsworth -soon left for the East.</p> - -<p>It was not long before Benning and Flora followed them, -with a sufficient escort of mountain-men, Fred Wilder having -become so far convalescent as to be able to take charge of the -business at the rendezvous. Bad Eye accompanied them some -distance on their journey; but they in vain endeavored to -persuade him to return to civilized life.</p> - -<p>“I am no longer a white man,” he said. “I love the Crows, -and the remainder of my life shall be spent among them.”</p> - -<p>At St. Louis the young couple were married, the provisions -of Paul Robinette’s will were fairly complied with, and his -gray scalp, after being subjected to such severe vicissitudes, -found a quiet resting-place in consecrated ground.</p> - -<p>White Shield remained with Silverspur at the rendezvous, -feeling that he had nowhere else to go.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span></p> - -<p>“I have left the Blackfeet,” he said, “I have betrayed the -Arapahoes, and I have no people.”</p> - -<p>“Am I not your people, my brother?” asked Silverspur.</p> - -<p>The Blackfoot was content to stay with his friend, although -he was not satisfied at the rendezvous. Neither was Silverspur -satisfied; for he could not forget Dove-eye.</p> - -<p class="center p2">THE END.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p class="center xlargefont">STANDARD<br /> -<span class="xxlargefont">Games and Pastimes for 1870.</span></p> - -<p class="center largefont p1 boldfont">BEADLE’S DIME SERIES.</p> - -<p class="center xlargefont">HAND-BOOK OF CROQUET.</p> - -<p>A complete guide to the Principles and Practice of the Game. This popular pastime -has, during the few years of its existence, rapidly outgrown the first vague -and imperfect rules and regulations of its inventor; and, as almost every house at -which it is played adopts a different code of laws, it becomes a difficult matter for a -stranger to assimilate his play to that of other people. It is, therefore, highly desirable -that one uniform system should be generally adopted, and hence the object -of this work is to establish a <em>recognized method of playing the game</em>.</p> - -<p class="center xlargefont">CRICKET AND FOOT-BALL.</p> - -<p>A desirable Cricketer’s Companion, containing complete instructions in the -elements of Bowling, Batting and Fielding: also the Revised Laws of the game; -Remarks on the Duties of Umpires; the Mary-le-Bone Cricket Club Rules and Regulations; -Bets, etc., etc. By <span class="smcap">Henry Chadwick</span>, author of “Base-Ball Player.”</p> - -<p class="center xlargefont">YACHTING AND ROWING.</p> - -<p>This volume will be found very complete as a guide to the conduct of watercraft, -and full of interesting information alike to the amateur and the novice. The chapter -referring to the recent great rowing race of the Oxford and Cambridge clubs, on -the Thames, will be found particularly interesting.</p> - -<p class="center xlargefont">RIDING AND DRIVING.</p> - -<p>A sure guide to correct Horsemanship, with complete directions for the road and -field; and a specific section of directions and information for female equestrians. -Drawn largely from “Stonehenge’s” fine manual, this volume will be found all -that can be desired by those seeking to know all about the horse, and his management -in harness and under the saddle.</p> - -<p class="center xlargefont">GUIDE TO SWIMMING.</p> - -<p>Embracing all the rules of the art for both sexes. Illustrated. By Captain Philip -Peterson, comprising Advisory Instructions; Rules upon entering the water; -General Directions for Swimming; Diving; how to come to the surface; Swimming -on the Back; how to Swim in times of Danger; Sea-bathing—how to manage the -waves, the tides, etc.; a Chapter for the Ladies; a Specimen Female Swimming-School; -how to manage cases of Drowning; Dr. Franklin’s “Code” for Swimmers.</p> - -<p>For sale by all Newsdealers and Booksellers; or will be sent singly or in packages -by mail, post-paid, on receipt of price—<span class="smcap">Ten Cents</span> each.</p> - -<p class="alignright boldfont"><span class="largefont">BEADLE AND COMPANY, Publishers,</span><br /> -98 William Street, New York.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<p class="xlargefont center">BEADLE’S STANDARD DIME PUBLICATIONS.</p> - -<p class="center" style="margin-bottom:-0.5em"><em>One Hundred Pages 12mo. Ten Cents Each.</em></p> - -<div class="boxad"> - -<p class="adcaption">Dime Novels.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">1. Malaeska.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">2. The Privateer’s Cruise.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">3. Myra.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">4. Alice Wilde.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">5. The Golden Belt.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">6. Chip, the Cave Child.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">7. The Reefer of ’76.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">8. Seth Jones.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">9. The Slave Sculptor.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">10. The Backwoods Bride.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">11. Prisoner La Vintresse.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">12. Bill Biddon, Trapper.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">13. Cedar Swamp.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">14. Emerald Necklace.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">15. The Frontier Angel.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">16. Uncle Ezekiel.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">17. Madge Wylde.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">18. Nat Todd.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">19. Massasoit’s Daughter.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">20. Florida.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">21. Sybil Chase.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">22. The Maid of Esopus.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">23. Winifred Winthrop.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">24. The Trail Hunters.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">25. The Peon Prince.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">26. Brethren of the Coast.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">27. Daughter of Liberty.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">28. King Barnaby.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">29. The Forest Spy.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">30. Put. Pomfret’s Ward.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">31. The Double Hero.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">32. Irona.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">33. Maum Guinea.<a href="#Ref_star">*</a></p> - -<p class="numberitem2">34. Ruth Margerie.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">35. East and West.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">36. Riflemen of the Miami.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">37. Godbold, the Spy.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">38. The Wrong Man.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">39. The Land Claim.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">40. Unionist’s Daughter.<a href="#Ref_star">*</a></p> - -<p class="numberitem2">41. The Hunter’s Cabin.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">42. The King’s Man.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">43. The Allens.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">44. Agnes Falkland.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">45. Esther.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">46. Wreck of the Albion.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">47. Tim Bumble’s Charge.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">48. Oonomoo, the Huron.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">49. The Gold Hunters.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">50. The Black Ship.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">51. The Two Guards.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">52. Single Eye.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">53. Hates and Loves.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">54. Myrtle.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">55. Off and On.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">56. Ahmo’s Plot.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">57. The Scout.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">58. The Mad Hunter.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">59. Kent, the Ranger.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">60. Jo Daviess’ Client.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">61. Laughing Eyes.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">62. The Unknown.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">63. The Indian Princess.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">64. Rangers of Mohawk.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">65. The Wrecker’s Prize.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">66. The Hunter’s Vow.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">67. Indian Jim.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">68. The Brigantine.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">69. Black Hollow.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">70. The Indian Queen.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">71. The Lost Trail.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">72. The Moose Hunter.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">73. The Silver Bugle.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">74. Cruiser of Chesapeake.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">75. The Hunter’s Escape.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">76. The Scout’s Prize.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">77. Quindaro.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">78. The Rival Scouts.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">79. Schuylkill Rangers.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">80. Eagle Eye.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">81. The Two Hunters.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">82. The Mystic Canoe.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">83. The Golden Harpoon.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">84. The Seminole Chief.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">85. The Fugitives.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">86. Red Plume.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">87. On the Deep.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">88. Captain Molly.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">89. Star Eyes.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">90. Cast Away.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">91. The Lost Cache.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">92. The Twin Scouts.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">93. The Creole Sisters.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">94. The Mad Skipper.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">95. Eph Peters.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">96. Little Moccasin.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">97. The Doomed Hunter.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">98. Ruth Harland.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">99. Overboard.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">100. Karaibo.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">101. Maid of Wyoming.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">102. Hearts Forever.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">103. Big Foot, the Guide.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">104. Guilty or Not Guilty.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">105. The Man in Green.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">106. Simple Phil.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">107. The Peddler Spy.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">108. The Lost Ship.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">109. Kidnapped.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">110. The Hidden Home.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">111. The Shawnee’s Foe.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">112. The Falcon Rover.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">113. Rattlepate.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">114. Ned Starling.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">115. The Sons of Liberty.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">116. Port at Last.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">117. The Mohegan Maiden.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">118. The Water Waif.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">119. The Five Champions.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">120. The Hunchback.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">121. Vailed Benefactress.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">122. Barden, the Ranger.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">123. The Missing Bride.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">124. Sumter’s Scouts.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">125. The Hunted Life.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">126. Old Jupe.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">127. Bald Eagle.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">128. The Gulch Miners.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">129. Blackeyes.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">130. Brave Heart.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">131. Wrecker’s Daughter.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">132. Old Honesty.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">133. Yankee Eph.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">134. Foul-weather Jack.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">135. The Cherokee Chief.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">136. The Indian-Hunters.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">137. The Traitor Spy.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">138. Tim, the Scout.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">139. The Border Foes.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">140. Sheet-Anchor Tom.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">141. The Helpless Hand.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">142. The Sagamore of Saco.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">143. The Swamp Scout.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">144. The Prairie Trappers.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">145. The Mountaineer.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">146. Border Bessie.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">147. Maid of the Mountain.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">148. Outward Bound.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">149. The Hunter’s Pledge.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">150. The Scalp-Hunters.<a href="#Ref_star">*</a></p> - -<p class="numberitem3">151. The Two Trails.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">152. The Planter Pirate.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">153. Mohawk Nat.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">154. Rob Ruskin.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">155. The White Squaw.<a href="#Ref_star">*</a></p> - -<p class="numberitem3">156. The Quakeress Spy.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">157. The Indian Avenger.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">158. The Blue Anchor.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">159. Snowbird.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">160. The Swamp Rifles.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">161. The Lake Rangers.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">162. The Border Rivals.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">163. Job Dean, Trapper.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">164. The Giant Chief.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">165. The Unseen Hand.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">166. Red-Skin’s Pledge.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">167. Shadow Jack.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">168. The Silent Hunter.<a href="#Ref_star">*</a></p> - -<p class="numberitem3">169. The White Canoe.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">170. The Border Avengers.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">171. The Silent Slayer.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">172. Despard, the Spy.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">173. The Red Coyote.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">174. Queen of the Woods.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">175. The Prairie Rifles.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">176. The Trader Spy.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">177. The Pale-face Squaw.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">178. The Prairie Bride.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">179. The White Vulture.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">180. Giant Pete, Patriot.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">181. Old Kyle, the Trailer.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">182. Jabez Hawk.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">183. The Phantom Ship.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">184. The Red Rider.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">185. The Dacotah Scourge.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">186. The Red Scalper.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">187. The Outlaws’ Plot.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">188. The Black Rover.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">189. The Yellow Chief.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">190. Phantom Horseman.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">191. Red Slayer.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">192. The Specter Skipper.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">193. The Swamp Riders.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">194. Graylock, the Guide.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">195. The First Trail.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">196. Eagle Plume.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">197. Shawnee Scout.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">198. Burt Bunker.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">199. Red Outlaw.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">200. Prairie Pathfinder.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">201. White Serpent.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">202. Phantom Foe.</p> - -<p class="numberitem3">203. Masked Guide.</p> - -<p class="adcaption">Dime School Series.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">1. American Speaker.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">2. National Speaker.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">3. Patriotic Speaker.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">4. Comic Speaker.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">5. Elocutionist.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">6. Humorous Speaker.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">7. Standard Speaker.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">8. Stump Speaker.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">9. Juvenile Speaker.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">10. Spread-Eagle Speaker.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">11. Dime Debater.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">Dialogues, Nos. 1 to 9.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">Melodist.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">School Melodist.</p> - -<p class="adcaption">Dime Biographies.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">1. Garibaldi.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">2. Daniel Boone.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">3. Kit Carson.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">4. Anthony Wayne.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">5. David Crockett.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">6. Winfield Scott.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">7. Pontiac.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">8. John C. Fremont.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">9. John Paul Jones.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">10. Marquis de Lafayette.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">11. Tecumseh.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">12. George B. McClellan.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">13. Parson Brownlow.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">14. Abraham Lincoln.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">15. Ulysses S. Grant.</p> - -<p class="adcaption">Dime Game-Books.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">Base-Ball Player for 1870.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">Curling and Skating.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">Ball-room Companion.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">Book of Pedestrianism.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">Book of Croquet.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">Cricket and Foot-ball.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">Yachting and Rowing.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">Riding and Driving.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">Guide to Swimming.</p> - -<p class="numberitem2">Chess Instructor.</p> - -<p class="adcaption">Dime Hand-Books.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">1. Letter-Writer.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">2. Book of Etiquette.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">3. Book of Verses.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">4. Book of Dreams.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">5. Fortune-Teller.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">6. Ladies’ Letter-Writer.</p> - -<p class="numberitem1">7. 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Price 20 cents.</p> - -<p class="center" style="margin-right:6.5em">☞ For sale by all Newsdealers; or sent, post-paid, to any address, on receipt of price.</p> - -<p class="center largefont boldfont">BEADLE AND COMPANY, Publishers, 96 William St., N. Y.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="chapter"></div><!--Page break for ePub--> - -<div class="transnote"> -<h2 id="TN_end" style="margin-top: 0em">Transcriber’s Notes:</h2> - -<p>Punctuation has been made consistent.</p> - -<p>Variations in spelling and hyphenation were retained as they appear in -the original publication, except that obvious typographical errors have -been corrected.</p> - -A sequel to this story appears in Edward Willett, <cite>Silverspur; or, the -Mountain Heroine</cite>, Beadle’s Dime Novels, No. 212, Beadle and Company, -New York, 1870. -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Gray Scalp, by Edward Willett - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GRAY SCALP *** - -***** This file should be named 56175-h.htm or 56175-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/6/1/7/56175/ - -Produced by Craig Kirkwood, Demian Katz and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(Northern Illinois University Digital Library at -http://digital.lib.niu.edu/) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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