“Yes.”
The first warrior drew a long breath and then brought from his girdle a keen hunting knife. He felt of its edge with satisfaction.
“Mist of the Lake has come to the aid of Cushina and has brought the white man to grief,” said he, looking at the other closely. “Does Mist of the Lake claim the scalp?”
At this query the second Indian shrugged his shoulders.
“Does Cushina still wish to linger in the footsteps of Laughing Eyes and make her his bride?” he asked, after another pause.
Cushina winced at this question. Both he and Mist of the Lake were in love with the same Indian maiden. As Mist of the Lake had saved his life he was bound, according to the laws of his tribe, to give his rival a clear field in his wooing.
“Laughing Eyes is Mist of the Lake’s—if she will have him,” he said, in a low voice.
“And the scalp of the white man belongs to Cushina,” was the prompt reply of the other warrior. “He can take it at his pleasure.”
CHAPTER XI
IN WHICH WHITE BUFFALO APPEARS
“Something must surely have happened to Sam, or he wouldn’t stay away as long as this,” said Rodney to Casbury, after half the night had passed without the old frontiersman reappearing.