s when the two stand in front of each
other."

"He might have thought that yesterday, or at any time before the games
to-day, but after he saw Deerfoot perform he must have some doubt."

"Deerfoot did not fight. Taggarak knows naught of his skill in doing
that, even though he has been told he killed a grizzly bear in a fair
struggle. He would feel ashamed if he asked for any help against the
Shawanoe."

Deerfoot calmly rose to his feet. Those who looked up at him noted a
peculiar flash of his dark eyes that was not often seen, and, when
seen, told of the hidden fires he was holding in subjection. He raised
his hand for silence.

"Let Deerfoot speak. He knows where the rock is that Taggarak says
shall be the meeting place between him and me. His command shall be
obeyed. Deerfoot will be there, with only his knife to defend himself.
He has said he does not fear the Blackfoot chieftain. Let my brothers
speak of something else."

The boys and even Mul-tal-la were so full of the theme that it was hard
for them to talk or think of anything beside. They would have
questioned the Shawanoe as to his plans and intentions, but he would
not permit. The hour was growing late, and the Blackfoot remained but a
short time, when he bade all good-night and passed out of the tepee.

Respecting the mood of Deerfoot, neither Victor nor George made any
further reference to the momentous morrow. They disrobed and stretched
out on their soft couches, while the Shawanoe, taking his Bible from
the bosom of his hunting shirt, reclined on one elbow--his favorite
attitude at such times--so that the light fell on the printed page. He
read in his low, musical voice until, suspecting the truth, he paused
and looked across at the brothers. Both were asleep. He smiled, read
awhile longer to himself and then joined them in the land of dreams,
sinking into slumber as quickly as they, and within the ten minutes
following his own prayer.

The morning dawned dull, chilly and clouded, with threats of snow in
the air. The Shawanoe was the first to awake, and busied himself in his
usual noiseless fashion with renewing the fire and preparing the
morning meal from the antelope meat, of which enough was on hand to
last for several meals. The salt and pepper brought by the boys from
home had been used up long before, and they had accustomed themselves
to get on without the condiments which seem so much of a necessity with
us.

The breakfast was eaten wit