and because
of the care of a little Indian child, she herself had been saved from a
terrible fate. She thought of the arrow Dane had given her. She knew
that it had a great deal to do with her rescue, but not all. The care
of the baby was back of that. But did Dane know? Had he any idea that
the baby and the arrow were so closely connected? Was that the meaning
of his words when he had given her the arrow? Did he think that some
day she might need protection, and that the Love-Token would prove of
great value?

"Dane told you about this, didn't he?" and she touched the brooch.

"A-ha-ha. Dane tell Injun."

"And you knew me by this?"

"A-ha-ha. Injun know all sam' white woman take care babby."

She paused abruptly, sprang to her feet, and pointed excitedly to the
high hill.

"See! See!" she cried. "Pu-kut! Pu-kut!"

Jean hastened to her side, and her eyes followed the woman's
outstretched arm. Up on the dazzling, sun-crowned peak a wreath of
smoke was ascending beyond the tops of the highest trees. It rose
straight into the air like a tall shaft ere it spread and fell in wavy,
fairy-like curls, and slowly disappeared from view.

"What is it?" the girl asked, feeling certain that it meant something
important.

"Slashers come," Kitty explained. "Sam call Injun."

"Now I understand," Jean replied, while a great fear smote her heart.
"The slashers are near, and Sam wants help; is that it?"

"A-ha-ha. Smoke call Injun."

"Will the Indians see it?"

"A-ha-ha."

"Will they know what it means?"

"Injun know."

"But suppose there are no Indians near?"

"Plenty Injun see pu-kut. Beeg hill. Injun know."

"Will the Indians come?"

"Bimeby."

"In time to save us from the slashers?"

"Mebbe. Sam come bimeby. Sam know."

Curiously and anxiously Jean watched that signal flaring from the high
hill. She asked Kitty many questions, and learned how in times of
danger the Indians sent up the smoke-wreath from certain hill tops. At
night a blazing fire was used, and in this manner news was carried many
miles in a remarkably short time.

Several hours wore slowly away as the two anxious women kept watch upon
the hill. When at length the smoke ceased to ascend. Kitty's face
brightened.

"Sam come soon," she said. "Injun come bimeby."

"How do you know?" Jean asked.

"Injun mak' pu-kut. Injun say 'come.'"

"Did the Indians reply by sending up smoke? Is that what you mean?"

"A-h