“That Wetzel is a trump, and understands what he is about, but the men hadn’t a chance.”
“The boldness of the Indians will no doubt be increased by their triumph.”
“I don’t know as their boldness will require much increase, but the way they walked into the retreating soldiers did credit to their cruelty.”
“This is a sad thing if Kingman is lost. He was a fine noble-hearted, promising young man, and his loss will be deeply felt by all. But, beside his parents, there is one to whom the blow will be terrible.”
“Who is that?”
“Irene Stuart. You know her. She came with you.”
“Yes; but why should she feel it?”
“There is something more than friendship”—
“Umph! I understand. He’s gone in there. Yes; I understand. But, I don’t believe he’s gone under, because his being absent at the same time with Moffat shows pretty certain that they are together, and they do say that that long, spindle-shanked fellow that I once kicked clear of the ground is one of the best Indian fighters in the parts. He can run like a deer, and is as cunning and wide-awake as that Mingo, Logan. No; I think they’re in some scrape but he’ll bring both out all right.”
“I do earnestly pray that he will. Irene asked me to inquire when she heard some of the men had arrived, and I must now go to her. You think, then, there is nothing wrong done, if I encourage her to hope?”