"The savages have discovered the flight, and they are now in pursuit. Can you speak much Cree, Julie?"
"Not much."
"Well, then you are to be my brother and a dummy; for I must meet the Indians."
"Mademoiselle must not put herself in danger. The Indians may know that you fired at the brave; perhaps he has given the alarm."
"Fear not, Julie. That poor savage has told no tales. But Monsieur Stephens must be saved, and if this band is not checked, both he and his friends are doomed. Half a mile below there are a hundred canoes upon the bank, and thither those screaming fiends are bound. Now, follow me, unless you care to ride back again to the hollow. I will impose no duty upon you except to remain dumb."
Then she struck her heels into her horse and rode full for the yelling band. As she drew near she raised her hand and shouted in perfect and musical Cree.
"Let the braves stand and hear their brother."
Big Bear who was leading, surrounded by two or three of his wives, stopped, and shouted to his braves to be still.
"What has our little brother to say?"
"Myself and my dumb brother have just escaped a great army of soldiers at Souris Creek."