“Hello! something is up!” exclaimed Hammond. “What does that mean?”
The Blackfeet who had so suddenly cut off their advance were now seen in the greatest consternation. They were shrieking, yelling, leaping from their horses, tumbling over each other—all wild and frantic to get out of the cañon! There seemed to be something in the very center of them that was like an exploding bombshell, and that caused all this panic.
While the whites were gazing spell-bound, they suddenly discerned the cause. A huge body, ringed and spotted in that unmistakable manner, was plunging among them, uttering short, sharp barks, while in the space of half a minute not a Blackfoot remained! Every one had fled!
“It is Jerval! it is Jerval!” exclaimed Lamora, as she descried the creature. “He has not forgotten me! thank heaven!”
The brute seemed to hear her voice, and came lumbering down the cañon toward her.
“B’ars and bufflers!” growled Black Tom, looking uneasily about him, “I don’t fancy you any more than the other varmints.”
“He won’t harm you,” said Lamora; “he is my pet.”
“And mine, too, as the gals always remarked whin they sot eyes on me,” added Teddy. “I allers liked that critter, and now I love him. Come here, let me embrace yees.”
“Go on, Jerval!” called out Lamora, pointing down the cañon toward the other Blackfeet; “drive them away, too.”