After the Indian girl had departed on her mission, Kelly rode his horse into a thicket of willows beside the stream, and tied him. The scout then ascended the hill and looked in the direction of the late battle-field, but it was not yet light enough for him to discern any thing.
A tall, bushy oak stood near.
"Just the thing," said the scout. "I'll climb this tree, and then perhaps I can see what they are about. They are too quiet to suit my idea, and I shouldn't wonder but they are up to some new deviltry. Of course they have not found Snowdrop, and as that is about all they are after they will not give up the search. Then they'll be tramping around on my trail. But let them come; they will not find the Indian girl, for she is a good piece toward home by this time."
The scout was now among the branches of the trees, from which he could get a good view of the surrounding country, and there, for a short time, we will leave him and take a look at the camp of the victorious Sioux.
Upon the ground sat Gray Eagle, Curtiss, and Jehiel Filkins, while in front of them stood Red Pine, the Sioux chief.
"Ugh!" he said, addressing Gray Eagle, "Red Pine has got you at last; and now as soon as he gets Snowdrop he will start for home!"
"Red Pine will never get her. She is far toward the village of the Blackfeet, with the White Panther, and will bring enough of the warriors of Gray Eagle upon the trail of the cowardly Sioux that will sweep them from the face of the earth!"
"Waugh! Gray Eagle talks brave! He forgets that he is the prisoner of Red Pine."
"No, Gray Eagle does not forget. He is ready to die; he does not care as long as his daughter is safe."
"Before the sun goes down Snowdrop will be a prisoner like her father. Sioux warriors are on her trail, and she rides alone. The pale-face has left her to take care of herself, and she shall yet sit in the lodge of Red Pine!"