To the very center of this camping-ground, where it abutted against an abrupt precipice of immense height, he led the horse and assisted her to dismount. The wide table-rock lay stretched before them in every direction; he had chosen this position because he could not be suddenly attacked while occupying it, nor could an enemy approach undiscovered. There was no danger of an ambush or surprise there. After freeing his horse from his equipments, that he might browse freely, he commenced preparation for the noonday repast.
Hardly however had he gathered the light wood, a task in which Esther, glad of exercise after her tedious ride, blithely assisted, when the sound of a horse coming down the path on the opposite side from which they had entered upon the rocky plain startled them, and while the girl fled to the concealment of the bushes, Osse ’o hastily snatched his arms and prepared to defend her. A cheerful, ringing voice followed the hoof-tramp they had heard.
“Come, old feller, don’t be going to sleep. A half-a-dozen rods further, and you can roll in clover. Whew! it has been an orful long trail though. Come on and—” here the speaker came in full sight of the plateau as he spoke. Instantly changing both his manner and his voice, he continued:
“Ef thar hain’t one of them blasted red-skins! I only hope it’s that cus—blessed Black Eagle! Maybe thar won’t be a scrimmage then,” and his rifle was at his shoulder. “By thunder, I know that are horse; it’s the only one I ever saw that could range with my black. Hullo! Show your hand, stranger—friend or foe?”
The Indian dropped his rifle, and holding out his hand, palm foremost, in token of amity, slowly advanced.
“Ef you’re the rightful owner of that horse, you must be Osse ’o.”
“And you Waltermyer!”
“Just as true as shootin’. Give me your hand, old chap. Here, Waupee, jump down, it’s all friendly. I didn’t know at first but that there mought be a chance of a fight, but it’s all right now. But I say, Osse ’o, what in the name of goodness brought you here?”
“Let my brother wait and look,” and proceeding to the bushes, after a very brief explanation to Esther, Osse ’o led her forward.
Waltermyer dashed forward and grasping the hand of the white girl, shook it with enthusiastic warmth, exclaiming in his deep, trumpet-like voice: