"Well, I don't know but that is about all you can do, and I will trust you; though if Jehiel was here he would say, 'Shoot him and let the Sioux keep the gal.' But I will carry you to my camp, and then I will go for Snowdrop; and I'll get her, too, if I have to follow Red Pine clear home!"
The scout raised the chief in his arms and carried him to the camp.
"There," he said, as he laid the chief upon a blanket, "you keep quiet until I come back."
He called his horse, a beautiful black stallion, and mounting, started on the trail of the Sioux.
CHAPTER II.
SMITTEN.
The daughter of Gray Eagle was one of the very few handsome Indian women. Though not more than sixteen years of age, she deserved the proud distinction she had won of being the flower of the Blackfoot nation, and the only really beautiful girl in the tribe.
Dozens of chiefs had sought in vain to win her heart; even brave warriors from other tribes had offered fabulous gifts for her; but her father gave them all the same answer—that Snowdrop was the idol of his heart, and that he would not force her to marry a brave she did not like.
As for Snowdrop herself, she had never loved any one except her father, and consequently none of the braves received any encouragement.