ian, whose course was rather peculiar. He had
stepped from the woods into the clearing, and was standing facing the
other way, with his attention fixed on something too far off to be seen
by the couple that were watching him.

Hay-uta was astounded almost into betraying himself again when he saw
that the Indian was Deerfoot the Shawanoe. He was watching the two
Pawnees near the camp-fire, and was in the act of discharging the first
arrow which broke the pipe of Red Wolf and threw him and Lone Bear into
such consternation.

It may have been because the youth carried a bow and arrow, instead of
firearms, that the Pawnee thought he was a wanderer from beyond the
Rocky Mountains, who had drifted into that section and was now making
his way home. Certainly he could have had no suspicion of the prowess of
the Shawanoe, nor could he have dreamed that he had been the sole cause
of the hubbub that had reigned among the Pawnees, and even then was
hardly ended. He appeared to believe, however, that he was one of a
party who were their enemies, for he signed to Hay-uta that he meant
that the stranger should not escape him.

CHAPTER XI.

A REVERSAL OF SITUATION.

The situation was most peculiar for all three concerned. Despite the
vigilance and woodcraft of Deerfoot the Shawanoe, he had allowed an
enemy to creep up behind him and secure an advantage which could not be
overcome. In the common parlance of the West, the Pawnee had the drop on
the Shawanoe.

But Hay-uta the Sauk was too deeply attached to the matchless young
warrior to permit harm to befall him. He learned from his companion that
it was not his purpose to shoot Deerfoot, but simply to keep him covered
with his gun until he surrendered. Hay-uta decided to permit this,
because he believed no harm to his friend could result, and he saw the
possibility of showing a chivalry toward the Pawnee which might win his
friendship.

Having made sure the warrior did not mean to fire, Hay-uta kept a few
paces in the background, while the two noiselessly advanced a half-dozen
steps or more. It would have been the easiest thing in the world for the
Sauk to apprise Deerfoot of his danger! a slight rustling of the leaves
was all that was wanted. But it was not done, for, as I have said,
Hay-uta was convinced that no immediate danger threatened his friend.

Sauk and Pawnee stood motionless until Deerfoot was seen to be shaking
with silent laughter. The sight of the two wa