“Where did you come from, Captain Benning?” she asked. “How did you get here? Is any one with you?”
“You ask more questions than I can answer at a breath. I have been searching for you ever since you were lost.”
“I did not know who it could be, when you spoke, unless it might be White Shield.”
“Who is White Shield?”
“An Indian who helped me to escape from the Blackfoot village.”
“I have seen him. He will be here presently. I was waiting for him when you came singing down the hill. Here he is.”
White Shield rose up, as if from the earth, and presented himself before the young lady, who welcomed him like an old friend. The Blackfoot caused his friends to step aside into a sheltered nook, where mutual explanations were given, Flora declaring that she could only remain there a few moments, as search would be made for her if she should not soon return to the lodge.
“Why should you return?” asked Benning. “I have come to save you, to take you away. There is a large band of friendly Indians with me, and you have only to mount my horse and ride a short distance, when you will be in the camp, safe from the Arapahoes.”
“Can you also save Mr. Wilder, and take him with you?”
“You are first to be considered. I can place you in safety, and will then see what I can do for your friend.”