their having
spared his life thus far proved that they did not intend to put him to
instant death.

It was with singular emotions that he recognized among the last arrivals
the Carlisle student Starcus, who had saved his life the preceding
morning by his timely shot when the grizzly bear was upon him. The
presence of the "civilized" youth among the hostiles told its own story.

"Ye've got me foul," said Tim, looking straight at Starcus as he spoke;
"and now ye may do wid me what ye loikes."

Starcus, knowing the words and look were meant for him, made no answer,
but kept in the background.

He was grim and silent. Who shall say what thoughts were stirring his
heart at that trying moment! He had sat with this youth at the table of
George Starr and his family.

He had partaken of their hospitality, and had claimed to possess the
civilization which he was anxious his own race should adopt, but here he
was, taking part in the pursuit and attack of two youths who not only
had never done him harm, but had always acted the part of friends toward
him.

There was one curious fact (and yet, perhaps it was not so curious after
all) which was evident to the captured youth. The Sioux admired the
brave fight he had made for himself. Trained for ages to regard physical
prowess as above all virtues, the American race cannot fail to revere
it, even when they are the sufferers therefrom.

The warrior who had first felt the weight of Tim's fist now began
clambering to his feet. He was dazed and bewildered, for the blow was a
terrific one. Landing squarely in his face, it had brought considerable
crimson, which, mingling with the daubs of paint already there, gave him
a frightful appearance.

He assumed the upright posture, and standing uncertainly for a few
seconds, fixed his eyes on the prisoner.

Then grasping the situation, and recognizing him as the individual that
had treated him so harshly, he suddenly emitted a shout, whipped out his
hunting-knife, and rushed at him like a fury. Tim instantly threw
himself into a pugilistic attitude, and no doubt would have given a good
account of himself had he been permitted, for he was skilled in the art
of self-defence, and such a person always has the advantage over a foe,
no matter what his weapon, provided it is not a firearm.

But the collision did not take place. Three Indians interposed,
restraining the fierce red man; among the foremost being Starcus, who
roughly seized the