Captain Norton had hitherto said nothing about Juanita or Rochford. He
hoped apparently that, should the Indian know anything of them, he would
himself introduce the subject. At last he was obliged to ask Spotted
Wolf whether he had seen a Paleface girl and a young man in company with
the Indians, either together, or separately, or had heard of them.

"I have not seen any Palefaces such as you describe, nor have I heard of
them," answered Spotted Wolf positively; or, at all events, he gave us
to understand as much, for I cannot exactly describe the language in
which he spoke.

"Can you, however, serve us by learning whether such persons as I
mention are in this part of the country?" asked Captain Norton. "Though
you may not have heard of them, your friends may, and you can bring us
the information we require."

The Indian, resting his chin on his hand, appeared to consider what had
been said. He then replied that he would, if it were the wish of his
Paleface brother, endeavour to gain tidings of the girl, although, as
there were many of his people who looked upon him as an enemy, he might
have great difficulty in accomplishing his object.

"Spotted Wolf will do his best, and look for his reward," answered
Captain Norton; "we can expect no more."

The Indian gave the usual "Ugh," signifying that he fully understood
what was required of him.

I had been all the time on the look-out for the return of my father.
The sun had just set, and darkness was rapidly coming on. I went
outside the camp in the direction whence I thought he would appear.
Nowhere was he to be seen. I resolved, therefore, to go in search of
him. Carlos and Lejoillie agreed to go also, and several others
volunteered to accompany us. Captain Norton said that he would be glad
to go, but he could not venture to leave the camp. He told me that
although Spotted Wolf might be a very honest fellow, he would have a
strict watch kept upon him; and, in case any other Indians should
appear, he would not allow them to enter the camp.

On this occasion we took two of the dogs, which had been kept tied up
until now, lest they should disturb the game in the hummock. They ran
on before us with their noses to the ground, clearly understanding what
was required of them. They were well acquainted with my father, and the
man who had accompanied him, so that we had no fear of their attacking
them. On they went towards the western end of the hummock. Instea