The foot of no savage save his own had ever crossed the threshold, and the chief looked into his face as though to ask if he would be allowed to bear his burden in, and thereby catch a glimpse of its mysteries. But this he evidently would not admit for he held out his arms, saying:
“Let the chief give the pale-face maiden into the keeping of the Medicine. He will work his strongest charms and do all that he can to bring her back to life. Let him come hither on the morrow at this time, and he shall know whether the Great Spirit has claimed her for his own.”
He took the cold and rigid form of Ruth in his arms, and the chief watched him until he had disappeared within the rocks. Then he turned his back upon the spot, and bent his steps once more toward the village.
CHAPTER XII.
WINDING UP THE WEB.
Let us now return to the scout and his companions, and see how it has fared with them since we parted company at the spot where Dick had dealt the blows which delivered his friends from the savages.
The reader will remember that they had turned their backs upon this place; and had set out to endeavor to find the other trail in the moonlight, in the hopes of following it on, and overtaking Rushing Water before he could reach the Indian village with his captive.
But that they had not succeeded in coming up with them, the reader already knows, for he has seen what passed in the lodge after they had gained it.
Aided by the moonlight, Dick had struck the trail without much difficulty, and they had followed on, as fast as they could under the circumstances.
But the chief and his companions were so far in advance that they stood no show of coming up with them.
In fact the night was far gone when they drew near the Indian village.