Jack Harding volunteered.
Few words were spoken by any of the men, as they made their way back to camp.
Pete Tompkins had noisily boasted that he would kill the Indian; but, hearing no reply from any one, he subsided. In spite of his coarseness and vulgarity, he was touched by the tragic ending of the young teacher's life, and by the evident sorrow of his companions. He looked at the still, white face, and something tugged at his heart.
As they passed Keith's house, Mrs. Keith ran out.
"'Ere!" she said. "Wrap 'er in this 'ere warm shawl."
Wathemah ran after them, asking anxiously:
"Me teacher sick?"
"Yes, very sick, Wathemah," answered Clayton.
Just as they reached the Clayton home, Esther roused, and said in a dazed way:
"Where am I?"