n that the cruel practice of deserting the aged
was not altogether unknown in his tribe. It may be that the supposition
of his being capable of such cruelty nettled him. At all events, he
said nothing more except to tell his mother to be ready to start at
once.

The old woman herself, who seemed to be relieved that her proposition
was not favourably received, began to obey her son's directions by
throwing a gay-coloured handkerchief over her head, and tying it under
her chin. She then fastened her moccasins more securely on her feet,
wrapped a woollen kerchief round her shoulders, and drew a large green
blanket around her, strapping it to her person by means of a broad strip
of deerskin. Having made these simple preparations for whatever journey
lay before her, she warmed her withered old hands over the embers of the
wood fire, and awaited her son's pleasure.

Meanwhile that son went outside to see the preparations for flight
carried into effect.

"We're all ready," said Little Tim, whom he met not far from the wigwam.
"Horses and dogs down in the hollow; Brighteyes an' a lot o' youngsters
lookin' after them. All you want now is to get hold o' her, and be off;
an' the sooner the better, for Blackfoot warriors don't take long to get
over scares an' find out mistakes. But I'm most troubled about the old
woman. She'll niver be able to stand it."

To this Whitewing paid little attention. In truth, his mind seemed to
be taken up with other thoughts, and his friend was not much surprised,
having come, as we have seen, to the conclusion that the Indian was
under a temporary spell for which woman was answerable.

"Is my horse at hand?" asked Whitewing.

"Ay, down by the creek, all ready."

"And my brother's horse?"

"Ready too, at the same place; but we'll want another good 'un--for
_her_, you know," said Tim suggestively.

"Let the horses be brought to my wigwam," returned Whitewing, either not
understanding or disregarding the last remark.

The trapper was slightly puzzled, but, coming to the wise conclusion
that his friend knew his own affairs best, and had, no doubt, made all
needful preparations, he went off quietly to fetch the horses, while the
Indian returned to the wigwam. In a few minutes Little Tim stood before
the door, holding the bridles of the two horses.

Immediately afterwards a little Indian boy ran up with a third and
somewhat superior horse, and halted beside him.

"Ha! that's it at l