"No—only four. One Eye says that the young squaw must go to his lodge, or he will not help us."
The other demurred a little at this, but he was overruled by his comrades. Fred clutched his rifle with fingers that itched to be at the throats of the plotting scoundrels; but he restrained himself, and then glided stealthily away, thus losing information that would have still further increased his anxiety, for a diabolical plan was commented upon, concerning his own family.
But the young settler had heard enough to set him half-wild. He knew that the maiden whom he loved, was in great peril, and that thought, for the time, drove all other considerations away.
He understood the allusion to One Eye, the Indian name of Sloan Young, the half-breed, whose left eye had been destroyed in a drunken fight. And he, too, was the Long Hair mentioned. Fred knew that the villain had been prowling around the cabin quite frequently of late, though the thought of his daring to look upon Jennie in such a light, never once occurred to him, before this.
The one called Bob-tailed Horse, Fred also knew by reputation, as being a reckless, unscrupulous rascal, drunken and worthless, unless in just some such manner as the one hinted at. But this plan he would foil, at all hazards.
So when once safely beyond ear-shot, Fred arose and dashed through the forest with nimble feet, but yet using a degree of caution, for since hearing the revelations of the plotters, he knew not where or when he might encounter deadly enemies, who would scruple little in taking his life, provided they could do so without incurring too much risk to themselves.
In half an hour more, Wilson neared the cabin belonging to Wesley Stevens, and when almost at the door, he met John, who was just sallying out to visit the Wilsons. Fred drew him aside and quickly detailed what he had overheard.
The young man was greatly excited by these tidings, but managed to control his feelings, in a measure.
"Are you sure you heard those words? May there not be some mistake?" he asked, dubiously.
"I only wish there was—but I know better. Depend upon it, it is true. Is that Indian in the house?"