Yet they were determined to accomplish the task before them, or lose their lives in the attempt.
The scout knew that it could not be done by mere strength of arms alone; but more than once had he accomplished his ends by outwitting the savages and he meant to succeed in this way now.
Slowly the minutes went on and higher and higher the sun rose up into the cloudless sky.
Suddenly the sound of a footstep struck upon the watchful ear of the scout.
Glancing hastily out from their hiding-place, he saw a savage slowly advancing toward the spot where they lay.
He did not seem to be seeking for any trail; but his head was bowed and his eyes fixed upon the earth as though some grave subject occupied his mind.
Sam Wilson’s gaze fell upon him a moment after, and as it did so he gave a great start.
“It is Rushing Water,” he exclaimed in surprise. “Where is Ruth? What could he have done with her?”
“You are right,” exclaimed the scout in a whisper. “It is the chief himself. Now, boys, he must not leave us alive; but we must get him into our hands unharmed, if the thing can be done. When he is close to us we must spring out upon him. If we can get hold on him we are all right. Stand by me, and I guess there is enough of us here to match any savage that ever burned a cabin.”
Slowly the savage came on, apparently in deep thought, and unconscious of all that was passing around him. They could see a look upon his face that told something pained and troubled him.