"Me carry pappoose," replied the Sioux, moving toward the little one.
"Dot," said her brother, "which would you rather do—ride on Saladin with me or let Red Feather carry you?"
"A riderless horse came out of the gloom."
"It's a good deal nicer to have him carry me; take me, Red Feather," she added, reaching out her arms.
Melville was glad to hear this answer, for he knew it would touch the chieftain, whose heart had become wrapped up in the sweet little one.
Before he could lift her, however, he paused, and, saying "Wait," again knelt down with his ear to the ground.
The result was satisfactory, and, remarking that he heard nothing more, he stood upon his feet, stooped over, and lifted the little one to her old place. Then the flight was taken up as before.
Melville held Saladin back, so as to follow the leader, who reached the side of the stream a few minutes later. Objects were indistinct, but the youth was so familiar with the spot that he recognized it as the Upper Crossing. When the lad would have lost himself the Sioux had gone as unerringly to the spot as though the sun were shining overhead to guide him.
"Now," said Melville, as they waited a minute or two on the brink, "there is no need for you to wade across, and wet your leggings to the knees; it can be easily fixed."