"I'm waiting for my partner, who went to visit a big hill over to the north-east. He was going to stay until morning, but that smoke will bring him as soon as he sees it; anyhow, I won't go without him!"
"It is right for White Panther to be true to his brother, but the Sioux will be upon our trail before morning."
"Well, let them come. If they do, you can make a big addition to your stock of scalps."
Suddenly the sound of footsteps was heard, and in a moment Jehiel Filkins stood before them.
"Glad you are back, for we have got some work to do."
"I thought there was something up," he replied, "though I was on my way back when I see'd your smokes. Then, you just bet, I traveled! But say, I'm awful hungry! Who is that handsome creetur'?" he asked, as he set about getting his dinner.
"Oh! she is the daughter of that old cub who lays in there with a broken leg."
"It strikes me I have seen him somewhere, before, but I never see'd such a pretty gal as that, any place."
"Well," replied Kelly, "pitch in and make love to her if you want to, and marry her if you can. I'm sure you need some one to mend your clothes. But I have not told you yet that we have got to escort them to their village."
"Yes, we will," said Jehiel, "and lose our scalps for our kindness!"