"By heavens, they have seized him!" cried Price, as he approached the outer lines of the camp, where stood the guard tent.
So it was. Just as Fall-leaf reached a narrow defile which led along the mountain's side and down to the river below, the detail ordered by Price as a pretended escort, were starting for headquarters. They met the Indian face to face, and comprehending the state of affairs, the corporal ordered,
"Seize him!"
A large knife flashed in the sunlight, which the Indian suddenly drew from concealment, and, as two of the guard sprang forward, it fell with crushing weight upon the brain of each. A third and a fourth shared the same fate.
But, at this instant one of the guard levelled a terrible blow at the head of the Indian, with the but of his musket.
Fall-leaf, staggering back, fell to the earth. Half a dozen bayonets were instantly pointed at his heart, but, as Price approached the spot at this moment, he cried:
"Alive! alive! take him alive! I will question him first—then torture him!"
In an instant the Indian was bound and helpless.
Price, as he rode up, followed by his aids, ordered Fall-leaf to arise. The Indian was only partially stunned by the blow, and obeying the summons, he stood erect.
"Now, dog!" said Price, "you shall confess."