VERED BY SANDY--JACK
PIPE--OUR MEETING WITH OPOIHGUN--SANDY STARTS AFTER MR. JACK PIPE--THE
FUGITIVE PARTY--BLACKFEET ON THE WAR-PATH--THE FORT IS BESIEGED--ROBIN'S
COURAGEOUS PROPOSAL--HE STARTS TO WARN SANDY.

Some time after Robin had arrived, one evening an Indian was seen
approaching the fort.

The gate, as was our custom at that time of day, had just been closed,
to prevent the risk of surprise, as there was sufficient cover in the
neighbourhood to conceal a body of enemies, who might have taken it into
their heads to try to possess themselves of our property.

As the stranger, however, came boldly up to the gate, it was supposed by
Pat Casey, who was on watch, that he could have no sinister intentions;
still, Pat, wishing to be on the safe side, shouted out, "Arrah! now,
Mr Injun, whoever you may be, halt now, and tell us your name and
business."

Though the Indian could not have understood a word Pat said, he guessed
the meaning of the hail. I, hearing Pat shout, joined him, when the
stranger replied in his own language, "I am Miskwandib. I received a
kindness from a young pale-face some time back, and come to return it."

On hearing what the stranger said, I recognised him as "Copper-Snake,"
to whom I had given a portion of food when Pat and I had lost ourselves.
I immediately went down with Pat to admit him. He knew me at once, and
entering the gate without hesitation, took my hand.

"I am glad to find that you have got safe back to your friends," he
said. "I knew that you had, for I tracked your footsteps, that I might
be able to guard you from danger. My people never forget a kindness
received, and wishing to show my gratitude, I now come to warn you that
there are those on the war-path who will before long attempt to take
your fort, and possess themselves of the arms and powder and shot, and
the rest of your property in it. They are cunning as the foxes, and it
may be soon or it may be some moons hence before they appear, and
they'll take good care not to give you warning. Miskwandib has spoken
the truth."

"I feel very sure that you have, my friend," I observed; "and I'll get
you to repeat your account to my brother." Copper-Snake willingly
accompanied me, and I introduced him to Alick, who, after he had offered
him some food and a pipe, requested him to repeat all he had said to me.
He gave also further particulars which induced us fully to believe that
he spoke the truth.

Alick invited