CHAPTER X.
THE TORTURES OF THE MEDICINE.
With the white Medicine completely in his power and at his mercy, the red one determined to make him reveal every secret charm and mystery—every trick of juggling that he could possibly turn to account to extend his influence over the tribe.
To do this he must be certain that no one should be any the wiser—that there was no spy upon his movements, and so he gave public notice that the Manitou would be very angry with any one who even visited the vicinity where he was confined.
In this respect at least he was obeyed, for there was no longer any interest taken in his fate, and the more especially as they believed the scout was dead, and the white girl had stolen away, and most likely perished in the wilderness.
With matters thus arranged it was easy for him to carry out his purposes without danger of molestation, and he secretly took his departure for the cavern, removed a sufficiency of the wall to enable him to creep through, replaced it again to baffle any curious eyes, and lighting a taper (formed of wax and bear's grease) took his place by the fettered and helpless prisoner, and began tormenting him, though at first by words.
"How does the pale-faced dog like the prison-house of the red-man?" he questioned, in a sneering voice.
"It is a good place to die as any other," replied the physician, somewhat cheered even by his presence, and resolved to show bravery if he did not feel it, and find out, if possible, what had become of his lost love.
"Would he live?"
"Who would not?"