ll do this for his
brother Thunder-maker. Thunder-maker would have revenge against the
pale-faces in yonder teepee, for they face Medicine Man--bravely when he
would have had Dacotahs slay them. This will Red Fox do, for he would
gladly wear the ermine robe."

"The papooses will never again see their fathers?" interrupted the
Medicine Man eagerly. He forgot etiquette and totem alike in the
excitement of knowing that the success of one part of his evil plans
was practically assured. Red Fox was known to be a man of little
conscience though great determination, and it was only his enormous
strength of arm that allowed him to keep a place within the clan of the
really kindly Dacotahs.

"The Red Fox will blind the trail, that the white boys never follow? For
Mighty Hand weak--like woman. He listen to soft words, and it may be
that he will not light fire in Pleasant Valley. The robe must return to
tent of Thunder-maker if boys find their fathers."

"Let Thunder-maker take his way in peace. By another sun Red Fox will
have found the young pale-faces; by two suns he will return to the camp
of Mighty Hand--alone. I have spoken."

CHAPTER XIV

THE BATTLE OF WITS!

It was only to be expected that Bob was not fit for much exertion after
his experience with the muskeg, and it was Skipper Mackintosh's decision
on returning to camp that the boy should proceed no farther that night.

"But that will be a longer time before we get on the track of our
fathers," protested Arnold, to whom the thought of inactivity for even
twelve hours was irksome.

"Better to bide quiet for a night at present than be laid up for days
later on," was the Scotsman's response. "But you can set your mind
easy-like. The time will no' be lost, for Haggis and me will set oot on
a wee scouting expedition to the place where we found yon hanky. We'll
be back by midnight."

This plan was a relief to the boys' minds, for though it entailed a
certain delay in the forward journey, the result of the scouting might
curtail matters in the long-run. Mackintosh's report might enable them
to make more definite plans than were possible at present.

So, after a few preparations for the journey, the two men set off,
accompanied by the faithful Bannock, early in the afternoon.

"Don't you go and disappear like the others did!" laughed Holden, to
which the "ceevilised" Haggis replied--

"Fox lose trail in bush easier than me!"

It was a hot afternoon, so,