wards the rising sun. That has been known by the red men
since the Great Spirit gave them their hunting grounds; and at that
time he told my fathers they were built by a people whom he had
destroyed in anger. And to this day they are strewn with bones and
utensils of the lost people."

"Is this story of the opening a tradition, or have you seen it, and
what is the appearance of the interior of the cavern?"

"I have been through it often. In some places it is rough, and in
others as smooth as sleeping water. It is a long, toilsome journey; and
at its end opens at the base of a hill a day and a half's journey
towards the west," replied the chief.

"Then you think this cavern is similar to the one you have seen, and
that, if we enter it, we shall escape in safety?"

"Were I alone, I should not be afraid to venture in it. Whirlwind is
not a coward, and pines in captivity. If he escapes, it is good, he
will then be a free chief. If he dies, he will go to the hunting
grounds of the Great Spirit, where the deer, beaver, and buffalo are as
plenty as the leaves in the forest."

"For one, I am willing to make the trial, and am certain the children
will be also. We must provide some food and light before we try it. It
would never do to venture in unprovided with these."

"My brother would betray us if we should attempt to conceal either, for
the Pah-Utah are as vigilant as brave, and would be sure to know it and
determine our fate on the instant. Our only way of escape is to fast,
and be fleet of foot."

"Perhaps you are right. When would it be prudent for us to make the
trial, do you think? For my part, I am ready at any moment. It is five
days since these demons made one of their horrid feasts; and as we came
by the chief's lodge, I saw him in council with his warriors, and I
thought they looked very suspiciously towards us as we passed."

"Whirlwind also saw it; but his heart was then almost dead within him.
It is alive now, and we will enter the cavern. My white brother will
tell the children of our design, and lead them to the mouth of the
cavern, and keep his eye on the sentinel. The moment he sees this
around his enemy's neck, roll away the rock, and have it ready to put
in its place again as soon as I enter," said the chief, taking from
beneath his tunic a strong, long cord made of hide, formed into a
lasso.

"He will blow his horn, and draw the whole tribe on us if you attempt
to strangle him. I think we had be