“Where did he obtain the ring?”
“I don’t know. He has had it for years. Come on.”
Together the two sauntered away from the vicinity of the Prophet’s cabin.
The day passed quietly. Several hunting-parties returned to camp, laden with game. The savages had an abundance of meat for supper and retired to rest at an early hour. Bradford and Douglas stretched upon the earthen floor of their hut and fell asleep. Duke occupied his usual place. At the door, stood the two copper-colored guards. About midnight Bradford was aroused by the sound of voices outside. He arose, softly opened the door, and stepped out into the darkness. It was raining steadily. The two guards were parleying with a company of braves who demanded that the hound be brought out and given to them.
“What are you doing here?” Bradford asked sharply.
The leader advanced and answered shortly:
“The big dog.”
“Who sent you?”
“Lone Jack, the Delaware chief.”