The other three were too astonished to move, and soon fell victims to the skill of the scouts.
"There!" said Kelly, "I guess there are no more after us, and we might as well go back."
"Go back!" exclaimed Jehiel. "What in the Old Scratch do you want to go back for?"
"To release Gray Eagle, and get the scalp of that dusky nigger, Red Pine!"
"Why, Lew Kelly, are you crazy? If you want scalps there's five of 'em out there; though I can't see what in thunder you want with the dirty things!"
"I believe I told you I had promised Gray Eagle I would get the Sioux chief's scalp for him, and I'm going to do it, or lose my own."
"Cor-reck! You ain't in such a hurry to get home as you was, are you, Lew?"
"Yes, I am just as anxious as ever, but I have pledged my word, and you know I never lie. More than that, I consider that if we can secure the friendship of the Blackfeet at so small a cost, I shall be doing the country a good service. So I shall make a desperate effort to get the scalp of the Sioux chief, and—perhaps lose my own in trying."
"Wal, wherever you go, you can depend on yours truly, Jehiel Filkins!"
"Thank you. But I want you to go the other way," replied the scout.