But then with an effort he aroused up. Though sick at heart, his hands were steady as he struck another match. He had nerved himself to bear the worst, now.
The light cast a faint glow around, but the dreaded sight did not meet his staring eyes. As he strode around the spot hope sprung up in his heart, once more.
A whip-like report broke the stillness of the air, so close that Fred started back and dropped the match, believing that he had been the target. But then he beheld his mistake, as another and yet another shot rung out at some little distance to his left. He also heard shrill yells, that he knew could only proceed from the throats of red-skins.
His eyes flashed instinctively and he clutched his rifle with a firm grip. He remembered now the second series of shots and yells he had heard; these were probably a continuation of those. If so, then the savages who had slain his friends were yet at hand, and if Jennie was taken a prisoner, she must be there also.
If so, perhaps he could effect her rescue now. But then who could be the ones at whom the shots were fired? His family? Fred uttered a low cry of eager hope as this idea flashed across his mind.
The young scout listened for a moment, and then glided forward in the direction from whence came the sounds. Scarcely had he made the first step, when the cries died away. But still advancing, Fred soon caught a glimpse of a bright light before him.
More cautiously he crept on, every sense upon the keen alert, until he paused beside a huge tree whose butt was surrounded by a dense growth of bushes, and then gazed out upon the scene. He beheld a huge bonfire, blazing upon a slight knoll. But not a living figure was in sight.
Then as he gazed, a dark figure glided between him and the fire; the light shining brightly, revealed the features of an Indian. Then, like, a shadow, this melted away. The stillness began to be oppressive, and Fred could scarcely comprehend the drama that was being enacted before him.
Leaving the tree, he glided stealthily along through the gloom, intending to incircle the bonfire, and discover, if possible, who were attacked by the Indians. He knew there were enemies close about him, and he brought his keenest powers into play, making scarcely more noise than would have done a serpent.
He had gone but a few yards, when he heard a slight rustling a little to one side, and, pausing, he speedily distinguished the form of a man, evidently a red-skin. It seemed as though he must be discovered, and Fred drew his limbs together for the emergency; but the savage brushed past him, almost close enough for their extended arms to have met. If he saw the dusky figure of the young scout, he evidently mistook it for one of his own comrades.