Could it be that the red-skins had slain them all thus quickly?
A fear took hold upon his heart that this was so.
A moment more and his fear was confirmed. Another war-whoop rung out, and went echoing away through the forest-aisles.
It was a shout of triumph.
There was no mistaking that.
It told the scout so, plainer than words could have done.
His worst fears were realized.
All the trouble and fatigue they had undergone that night had been for naught. Their bright hopes of escape were at an end.
Rushing Water had secured the prize he coveted, and a worse fate than that of death was in store for Ruth.
Still, it might be death after all, for had not the Indian girl made a league with the Wizard to accomplish that end?