nd guarded with
lynx-eyed watchfulness by some of the old squaws.

I found that this was only one of the parties of braves, and that
another was expected shortly with more prisoners. As far as I could
understand, these prisoners were said to be white men; but I concluded
that they were some of the Mexican outlaws who had accompanied the
Arrapahas on their marauding expedition.

While looking out for them, I saw a solitary figure, rifle in hand,
approaching the camp, whom I recognised as Maysotta, accompanied by her
dog Keokuk. I hastened to meet her, and told her of my anxiety at the
non-appearance of Clarice.

"If they do not come, I will go in search of them," she said.

She had killed a deer, so she sent off some of her people, under the
guidance of Keokuk, to bring it in. Her dog would, she said, lead them
to the spot.

Shortly afterwards, the second band, who were expected, made their
appearance in the distance, and, as before, the warriors hurried out to
meet them.

I was still talking to Maysotta, when I saw her look towards the
approaching party, and an expression of astonishment take possession of
her countenance.

"What have our braves been doing?" she said. "They have made a prisoner
of our friend the young white chief."

As she spoke, I looked in the same direction, and I too was greatly
astonished, and also much alarmed, at seeing Lieutenant Broadstreet,
with his arms tied behind him, in the midst of the warriors--his two
troopers following, closely guarded.

"What can have happened?" I exclaimed. "What can have become of
Clarice and Rachel? My dear sister! some accident must have befallen
her."

"I will learn what has happened," said Maysotta.

I hurried to Winnemak, and explained that his people had made prisoners
of those who were on their way to visit his camp.

He thought I was mistaken; but I assured him that I was not, and that
his daughter would corroborate my statement. On hearing this he ordered
the prisoners to be brought forward, when, at once recognising the
lieutenant and the two troopers, he ordered them to be set at liberty.

Hurrying up to my friend, I eagerly inquired for Clarice and her
attendant.

His emotion would scarcely allow him to reply. He seemed dreadfully
cast down, as well as weak and faint from want of food.

"We had encamped two nights ago," he said, "in a secure spot, as I
supposed, and were in hopes the next day of reaching our destination,
whe