had kindled the fire were still there, for they could not leave by the
"back door" without being seen by the vigilant Shawanoe. He was
surprised that none showed himself during these hours. The couple who
had first caught his eye had disappeared long before in the wood and
remained out of sight.

His interest led Deerfoot to continue edging forward until, by the
close of the afternoon, he was within a mile of the camp. He had
accomplished this by taking advantage of all the protection possible.
Since plenty offered, and the Assiniboines were not apprehending
anything of that nature, the task was not so hard as it might seem.

The weather remained clear, though still keen and cold. The Shawanoe
had not eaten food for a long time, but he gave no thought to that. He
was ready to wait until the morrow before satisfying his hunger. His
one resolution was to regain Whirlwind, if such a feat was within the
range of human possibility.

The young Shawanoe did not forget that he was acting upon a theory that
might prove a rope of sand. The camp which he was reconnoitering with
such care might be that of another party, even though they were
Assiniboines. The probabilities, however, justified him in believing he
was on the right track.

A curious feature of the situation was that he had not as yet seen a
single horse. When a company of Indians stopped to rest, even for a
short time, they were accustomed to allow their animals to graze.
Between the margin of wood and the lake the dull green of grass was
plainly perceptible. Perhaps there was some open spot among the trees
which offered better pasturage for the horses. Deerfoot could not feel
clear in his own mind as to the explanation of the absence of all sight
of the animals.

He was speculating as to the cause of this singular fact when six
horses issued from among the timber and came frolicking and cavorting
down to the water's margin, where they thrust their noses into the lake
to drink. No Indians showed themselves, the training of the animals
making it unnecessary to guard them.

One of the steeds emerged from a point several yards to the right of
the others and kept apart from them, as if he felt too proud to
associate with those of common blood. When he lowered his head he was
fully a couple of rods from his companions. This horse was the stallion
Whirlwind.

[Illustration: "This Horse was Whirlwind."]

The sight of his peerless creature threw the Shawanoe into