and she's the only one who ever rides it.
The Captain gave it to her because she grieved so about you. I
wouldn't wonder if he'd travel nigh as fast as he used--when he run
away before. I never saw the beat of you two young ones! As fast as a
body catches up to you, off you run!"

Even amid the anxiety now renewed in Abel's mind regarding Kitty, the
humorous side of the situation appealed to him; but there was no
answering smile on Gaspar's face; only an anxiety and yearning beyond
the comprehension of either of these honest, simple souls.

"Well, go on, then. Run your beatingest, in a bee line, due west.
That's the way she took, and that's the trail you'll find her on, if
so be you find her at all."

Those at the Fort looked, wondered, but did not object, as this dark
_voyageur_ strode straight into the stables and to a box stall where
Tempest enjoyed a life of pampered indolence. They realized that this
was no stranger, but one to whom all things were familiar--even the
animal which answered so promptly to the cry:

"Tempest, old fellow!"

It was a voice he had never forgotten. The black gelding's handsome
head tossed in a thrill of delight, and the answering neigh to that
love call was good to hear. In a moment Gaspar had found a saddle,
slipped it into place, and, scarcely waiting to tighten its girth, had
leaped upon the animal's back.

"Forward, Tempest! Be true to your name!"

Those who saw the rush of the gallant creature through the open gates
of the stockade acknowledged that he would be.

CHAPTER XVIII.

WESTWARD AND EASTWARD OVER THE PRAIRIE.

"Fast, Tempest, fast!"

The sunshine was in his eyes, and a warmer sunshine in his heart, as
Gaspar urged the gelding forward.

Fast it was. The faithful creature recognized the burden he carried,
and his clean, small feet reeled off the distance like magic, till the
village by the lake was left far behind, and only the limitless
prairie stretched beyond. Yet still there was no sign of the Snowbird
along the horizon, nor any point discernible where an Indian
encampment might be.

At length the rider paused to consider the matter.

"It's strange I don't see her. If she were crossing the level,
anywhere, I should, for my eyes are trained to long distances. It must
be that Abel gave me the wrong direction. I'll turn north, and try."

But, keen-sighted though he was, for once the woodsman blundered.
Between him and the lowering sun the prairie