"A chief of the Sioux does not fear to die! Let the Blackfoot lead the way!"
Gray Eagle was about to reply when Red Pine broke from his grasp, and sprung in the direction of the rear entrance.
All was darkness there, and he seemed to have forgotten the existence of the chasm.
He made the discovery too late!
The yell of defiance changed to one of terror as the Sioux went whirling down to the bottom of the chasm, and the pursuers were only in time to hear the echoes of the dull thud as he struck the rocky bottom, a shapeless mass of flesh.
Gray Eagle recoiled in horror from the brink of the chasm and the party returned to the fire.
"Come," said the old chief to his daughter—but she did not stir.
"Snowdrop loves the White Panther, and will never leave him again!"
Gray Eagle did not know what to say or do, neither did the scout; but he saw that something must be done, and he dreaded a scene. He approached the Indian girl, and taking her hand said:
"It may be a disappointment to you, Snowdrop, but it is one you will live through. You must obey your father! In the morning I shall start for my home, and you can not go along! I shall probably never see you again—so you may as well give up this love notion of yours. I would rather be a brother to you, and will always be your friend—nothing more. Now go with your father!"