t free."

"True, but you know that Spooner is already on his way here to replace
me, my resignation having been accepted. In a week, or two at farthest,
he will arrive, when I shall be absolutely free to go where I please.
Meanwhile, to prevent even a shadow of impropriety, I ask your majesty
for a fortnight's leave of absence to go a-hunting. Surely you won't
refuse so small a favour? I will be sure to find Waboose, and bring her
back by that time."

"Well, Max, my boy, I won't refuse. Go, and God go with you. I shall
expect to see you again in two weeks, if not sooner."

"Unless, of course, circumstances render my return so soon impossible."

"Of course, of course," said Lumley.

Thus we parted, and thus it was that Salamander and I found ourselves at
last in the Indian camp. The pursuit, however, had been much longer
than I had expected. More than the stipulated fortnight had already
passed.

But to return from this digression. After we had looked at each other
silently for a few seconds in the council tent, as already described, I
advanced to Big Otter and held out my hand. I then shook hands with the
old chief, sat down beside him, and expressed a hope that I did not
intrude.

"We palaver about the disappearance of Waboose," said the old chief.

"Disappearance! Waboose!" I exclaimed, turning abruptly to Big Otter.

"Attick has fled," said the Indian, sternly, "carrying Waboose and her
mother along with him."

"And you sit here idly talking," I exclaimed, almost fiercely, as I
sprang up.

Before I could take action of any kind, the young Indian, Mozwa, entered
the tent abruptly, and said a few words to Muskrat. At the same moment
the councillors rose.

"We go in pursuit," whispered Big Otter in my ear. "Mount, and join
us."

Almost bewildered, but feeling perfect confidence in my Indian friend, I
ran out, and vaulted into the saddle. Eager and quick though I was, the
redskins were mounted as soon as myself. No one seemed to give orders,
but with one accord they put their horses to the gallop, and swept out
of the camp. The last words of the old chief as we darted off, were--

"Bring her back, my braves, and don't forget the scalps of Attick and
his men!"

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO.

THE CHASE, THE CAPTURE, AND THE REVELATION.

A stern chase is usually a long one. There are not many proverbs the
truth of which comes more powerfully home than this--at least to those
who have had th