The night passed miserably enough to the whites, and it was a great relief to their minds when morning dawned bright and pleasant.
Breakfasting on roasted venison, the party was soon ready for departure.
Mahaska and some of his warriors were to accompany the whites to Clontarf’s Post, and to them were given the two bodies for conveyance to the trader’s cabin.
Town. gave his attention to Clara Bryant, who, after all, he discovered he loved, though he was almost ashamed to admit it, even to himself, since he had acted so unfaithful toward her in his fancied love for the fascinating and wicked Madge Taft.
When all were ready for starting, Town. drew the maiden’s arm within his own and set off in advance. He did not tell her of the fate of Sherwood and Madge, as she had been kept beyond sight of the bodies while at the lake; but, while moving along through the woods, she happened to glance back and saw the savages in the rear of the procession bearing something upon litters. This aroused her curiosity and she inquired of Town. what it meant.
Town. gently broke to her the news of the death of Sherwood and Madge.
“Thank God, I am free then!”
The words burst involuntarily from Clara’s lips, and they were no sooner spoken than she seemed to have regretted their utterance.
“Why, yes, Clara,” laughed Town., “you are free. Did you think I was Sherwood?”
Clara smiled as she raised her eyes and gazed into Town.’s face.