While they were yet conversing they heard the report of a gun, which Jehiel recognized as that of his companion.
"What in thunder does that mean?" he asked.
Just at that moment there came a loud whoop from the same direction.
"It means that she has been taken prisoner by the Pawnees," said the scout.
"Waal, I'm goin' to find out for sure," returned the Yankee. "Come with me, Lew."
The two men proceeded down the stream until they came within sight of the place where Jehiel had parted with the Indian girl. Kelly caught him by the arm and drew him back behind a projecting rock, at the same time whispering:
"See—there goes a lot of them, and they have taken Snowdrop prisoner. They are not Pawnees, either, but Sioux! I wonder what it all means?"
Then he thought of a plan by which he hoped to entrap them, and rescue the Indian girl.
"Is your gun loaded, Jehiel?" he asked.
"Sartin! Do you think I'm a fool?" replied Jehiel.