"That is strange. But it is a woman's way, I suppose, which no man need try to fathom."
"That is severe, not gallant, Lieutenant Kit Carey; but I see that you misunderstand me wholly, so I will explain, if you will believe me."
"Will you tell me the truth this time?"
"Yes."
"No losing the trail?"
"Honest Injun, no!" she said, with a bright smile that lighted up her face wondrously.
But instantly a shadow came upon it, and she said, seriously:
"I told you a story because I wished to save Red Hatchet, and I will tell you why, though thus far it has been a secret to all save four persons."
"And they are——"
"First, Red Hatchet and myself, afterward my father and my brother were let in the secret; but now you shall know it."