"Sh-sh!" he said softly, and the gentle animal understood and made no further sound. But she gladly rubbed her soft nose up and down his neck to signify her pleasure.
"Good Bonnie Bird," he whispered. "I'll be with you soon again," and went on after Yellow Elk.
The Indian had now come to a halt and was striking a match. Soon some dry brush was set on fire and the redskin heaped upon it some stout tree branches, for the air in the cave was chilly.
"Now me and white girl have long talk," said Yellow Elk, as he motioned Nellie to a seat.
"Where is the boomers' camp?" she faltered, hardly knowing how to answer him.
"Camp ten miles from here," came the short reply. "You here all alone with Yellow Elk."
At this the frightened girl gave a scream of terror.
"You base wretch!" she sobbed. "Take me back at once."
"No take back—Yellow Elk no fool. White girl stay here—make Yellow Elk good squaw, maybe," and he grinned into her pretty face.
But now an interruption came which all but stunned Yellow Elk. Leaping from his hiding place, Pawnee Brown pounced upon the redskin, caught him by the throat and hurled him backward and almost into the midst of the fire!