[CHAPTER XXII.]
A DESPERATE STRUGGLE.
Tom Mitchell had told the truth. The plantation of Joshua Dickson had been attacked by a numerous party.
This is how it had come about.
Tubash-Shah and the squatter, Lagrenay, excited by a common hatred, had come to an understanding.
The old wretch, whose whole thoughts were bent on the vast treasure concealed in the valley, had promised the Indian, not only his share of the gold, but the possession of a beautiful white girl, at least as beautiful as Evening Dew.
He further suggested that as Numank-Charake would be sure to join Clinton, he could kill him too.
He would then have the two most beautiful wives on the prairie.