ouring mound, and watched the
watcher.

Their patience was not put to a severe test. Ere long a distant sound
was heard. As it drew near it became distinctly like the pattering
sound of galloping steeds. The heart of Moonlight beat high, as she
drew closer into the shelter of the tree and clasped her hands. So did
the hearts of the Bounding Bullers, as they drew closer under the brow
of the mound, and fitted arrows to their bows.

Moonlight was right in her estimate of the effect of disappointment on
her lover. He was evidently letting off superfluous steam through the
safety-valve of a furious pace. Presently the cavalcade came sweeping
into the pass, and went crashing through it--Rushing River, of course,
in advance.

No cannon ball was ever stopped more effectually by mountain or
precipice than was our Indian chief's career by Moonlight's kerchief and
knife. He reined in with such force as to throw his steed on its
haunches, like the equestrian statue of Peter the Great; but, unlike the
statuesque animal, Rushing River's horse came back to the position of
all-fours, and stood transfixed and trembling. Vaulting off, the chief
ran to the kerchief, and picked it up. Then he and Eaglenose examined
it and the knife carefully, after which they turned to the track through
the bushes. But here caution became necessary. There might be an
ambuscade. With tomahawk in one hand, and scalping-knife in the other,
the chief advanced slowly, step by step, gazing with quick intensity
right and left as he went. Eaglenose followed, similarly armed, and
even more intensely watchful. Umqua brought up the rear, unarmed, it is
true, but with her ten fingers curved and claw-like, as if in readiness
for the visage of any possible assailant, for the old woman was strong
and pugnacious as well as kindly and intellectual.

All this was what some people call "nuts" to Moonlight. It was equally
so to the Bounding Bullers, who, although mightily taken by surprise,
were fully alive to the fact that here were two men and two women of
their hated Blackfoot foes completely at their mercy. They had only to
twang their bowstrings and the death-yells of the men would instantly
resound in the forest. But burning curiosity as to what it could all
mean, and an intense desire to see the play out, restrained them.

Soon Rushing River came upon the tied-up horse, and of course
astonishment became intensified, for in all his varied experien