them off. I have, as yet, had few opportunities
of showing my gratitude. I failed to assist you, when I wished to do so,
against the Arrapahas; but in this matter I can, at all events, render
you a service."

"Where will Maysotta remain while you are up in the mountains?" asked
Uncle Jeff, after he had accepted Winnemak's offer.

"Oh, let her come with us!" exclaimed Clarice. "I wish to show her that
I am grateful for the service which she rendered me; and she may perhaps
be pleased with the life we lead. She has several times expressed a wish
to know how white people spend their time."

The chief, who seldom interfered with the movements of his daughter,
replied that she was at liberty to do as she wished, and that we should
find her in the camp at the foot of the mountains.

Lieutenant Broadstreet had to rejoin his men as soon as possible, and no
time, therefore, was lost in commencing our journey down the mountain.
Winnemak and several of his people were left in charge of Uncle Jeff's
hut and stores.

We had not a few difficulties to encounter on our return, but Clarice,
by whose side Manley rode whenever the path would permit, endured them
bravely; and we ultimately, without accident, reached the foot of the
mountains, where we found Maysotta encamped with the remainder of her
people. She was well pleased with the proposal Clarice made to her; and
her baggage being put into little bulk, she mounted her horse and
accompanied us forthwith.

CHAPTER XIII.

ON OUR WAY WE VISIT PIOMINGO--HE TELLS US OF BARTLE'S
CAPTIVITY, AND OFFERS TO ASSIST US IN HIS RECOVERY--GIDEON,
PIOMINGO, AND I SET OUT, FOLLOWED BY A STRONG PARTY UNDER
SERGEANT CUSTIS--WE DISCOVER THE TRAIL, AND FOLLOW IT
UP--HORRIBLE CRUELTIES PRACTISED BY INDIANS ON THEIR
PRISONERS--THE TRAIL LEADS ALONG THE MOUNTAIN--WE SEE A FIGURE
ABOVE US--IT IS BARTLE--IS HE ALIVE?--JUST IN TIME--GIDEON AND
I STAY BY HIM--I AFTERWARDS SET OFF TO OBTAIN HELP--PIOMINGO
HAS SENT A LITTER--WE ARRIVE SAFE AT ROARING WATER--HARD AT
WORK REBUILDING THE HOUSE--A FORT ESTABLISHED--BARNEY AND KLITZ
JOIN US--A VISIT FROM MANLEY--A PROPOSAL, AND CONFESSION--UNCLE
JEFF APPROVES OF THE ENGAGEMENT OF MANLEY AND CLARICE--WINNEMAK
AND PIOMINGO BECOME CHRISTIANS, AND INSTRUCT THEIR PEOPLE--THE
HOUSE REBUILT--SETTLERS GATHER ROUND US, AND UNCLE JEFF'S FARM
BECOMES THE MOST FLOURISHING IN THE NEIGHBOURHO