watching his opportunity for revenge. In savage life this dogging
process would not have been possible, but in a comparatively crowded
settlement, and in the midst of all the surprising novelties that
surrounded the Palefaces, it was all too easy; for Kateegoose took care
to keep as much as possible in the background, and well under cover of
houses, cottages, carts, stacks, and wigwams; besides which he had
painted his face in such a manner, and so modified his costume, that his
own acquaintances among the settlers--he had no friends--failed to
recognise him. They, in their comparative ignorance of savage life, set
him down as one of the visitors, while the visitors, if they noticed him
at all, esteemed him one of the cross-breeds of the Settlement.

The only man who saw through the disguise of Kateegoose was Okematan,
who could not understand why he had adopted it, and who resolved to keep
a sharp eye on him.

The enemy of Kateegoose was one of the younger Sioux chiefs. He led the
party which visited Prairie Cottage.

The garden of the Cottage, at its lower end towards the river,
approached close to the confines of a thick coppice. It formed the
extremity of a belt of woodland which at that time bordered the river.
There a small summer-house had been erected by Dan and Peter Davidson
for the benefit of their mother and their sister Jessie.

Kateegoose, while dogging his foe, recognised this as a spot very
suitable for his fell purpose, as the contiguous wood afforded a ready
means of escape after the deed should be done.

While old McKay was conducting the Sioux slowly through the garden,
Kateegoose glided swiftly through the thicket to the spot where the
summer-house stood, and took up a position behind it, so that the party
in making the round of the garden would necessarily pass close to him.

From the window of Dan's room, Little Bill observed part of these
mysterious movements and suspected mischief. Without uttering a word he
left the room, opened the front door, and gave a low whistle, which had
been set up as a private signal between him and Okematan. In a few
seconds the Cree chief was by his side.

"Oke, there's mischief intended. You'll have to be quick," he said,
quickly explaining what he had seen.

"Rejoin the party at once," he added, "and look out--sharp."

The chief nodded and walked away. So swift, yet so quiet, had been his
movements that none of the whites of the party had observed