“There are not enough warriors with Good Ax,” said he, “to take this pass, while it is defended by one brave man.”
“But they might surround us,” replied Wilder, “or they might starve us out in time.”
“I shall not stay here long enough to get hungry; but we will gain time. I will defend the pass, while my white brother and sister ride on and get far from their enemies.”
“You will do no such thing, White Shield. We can not allow you to sacrifice yourself for us, or to fight the Blackfeet, who are your brothers.”
“I am no longer their brother.”
“But you must not fight them. I will defend the pass, while you ride forward with Miss Robinette. You need not object, for I am determined that it shall be so. Is there any way by which the Blackfeet can get behind me?”
“There is a way; but it would take them several hours to get behind you.”
“Ride on, then, and I will keep them off as long as I can. Don’t be afraid, Miss Flora. You may safely trust yourself with my brother.”
The Indian reluctantly consented to this arrangement, and pointed to a white-topped peak, far to the westward.