“Shall I tell him you’ve got another feller?” asked the trapper, with all the simplicity imaginable.
“No; tell him no such thing for I have not!”
Little did Florence Brandon dream of the vast happiness produced by that declaration in the breast of a certain young hunter standing near her, with his eyes fixed upon her face with almost the keen eagerness of the Apache lover himself.
The latter was made to believe, at length there was no hope for his suit; and mounting his horse, he and his followers rode away sullen, lowering and vengeful, while the whites breathed freer, when the troublesome visitors were fairly out of the range of the camp.
CHAPTER IX.
AN AUDACIOUS PROCEEDING.
When the Indians, including the lover-like Apache were fairly beyond hearing of the emigrants, they ventured to indulge fully in their mirth.
There was something so inexpressibly ridiculous in the facts of this courtship, which could only find expression of laughter. None enjoyed it more than the fair one concerned; she considered it the greatest adventure of her life, and never wearied of listening to all its particulars, from those who had taken a closer observation of Cherouka’s actions than she had.
But after all there was a serious side to this matter,—at least the trappers concluded there was. They understood perfectly well the treacherous nature of these redskins, were certain that this chief would neglect no means of securing the prize which had been so decidedly refused him.
Believing it inadvisable to alarm their friends, they discussed the matter among themselves. The conclusion was that all three should stand guard that evening; and that through the day, one or two of them at least should keep unremitting watch.
When the suppers were eaten, several of the leaders of the emigrant train were acquainted with the facts of the case, while the others believed that only a prudential course was taken to guard against the thieving propensities of the redskins.