“She can not return.”
“That’s true; ag’in.”
“Once in the forest, dead, a prey to the wolves, she never more will rival me.”
“Wal, I don’t know but what I like it better that way myself. It’ll worry Girty, and that will jest suit me,” said Kendrick, thoughtfully.
“I’ll enter the wigwam at once and prepare the girl.”
“And arter you go in I’ll tackle the Injun. I’ve got an idea for to git shet of him. When I cough, you’ll know that he’s out of the way, and that you kin fetch the little gal out.”
So without further words, Kate left her father and entered the lodge. Kendrick waited until she was fairly inside, and then he walked, leisurely, to the Indian on guard and sat down by his side.
The brawny chief acknowledged the approach of the renegade with a nod of recognition.
“Ain’t this kinder dull work for my brother?” asked the renegade.
“Ugh!” and the Indian gave vent to a grunt of dissatisfaction.