"Let us trace the path. Here it runs, up this slope, toward this rock. And look! here the earth has been disturbed. Do you not remember there was a cave here? And its mouth or entrance is filled with rock and earth, which has been newly thrown there. Fall-leaf has been killed, and buried here!"
"Why buried? These rebels are not in the habit of burying those whom they murder. Why should they bury Fall-leaf?"
"Because he is of a powerful tribe, and his death, if known, would make eternal enemies of all the Delawares."
"He was their friend, was he not?"
"No! He met Fremont at Tipton. He had formerly been his friend, having often met him on the plains between this and the Rocky Mountains. His whole tribe is deeply attached to the general, and will do all in their power to assist him. And if the Delawares should learn of his death, I believe that tribe alone would almost annihilate Price and his army."
The work of removing the stone and earth which obstructed the entrance of the cave, now began.
They toiled on in silence. At length the last obstacle was removed, and William called:
"Fall-leaf! Fall-leaf!"
There was no answer.
"He is dead, or not here!" said Johnson.