So saying, the scout turned and walked to his horse, which was hidden not far away, and then rode down the glen, while Pearl, delighted at having warned him of danger, yet dreading to have him risk his life in the spirit valley, walked with rapid steps back to her cabin, determined to discover the plans of her wicked father to bring ruin and death upon the palefaces who had invaded the Black Hills.
CHAPTER XXXI.
BAD BURKE’S TREACHERY.
Let us again go back a little. When Kansas King rode out from his camp toward the hills, he was accompanied by his lieutenant, Bad Burke, and others of his men. The sun was nearing the western skies when they halted in a gulch.
“Well, Burke,” said Kansas King, “I have discovered with my glass the home of the old hermit chief, and I will go up the gorge alone and endeavor to speak with him. A girl has just left the cabin and is coming down this way, so I will head her off.”
“She is the girl they call the Pearl of the Hills, and is the daughter of the old hermit. She can show her claws, so the Injuns tell me who have been in this country,” said Bad Burke.
“I will have to clip her claws for her, then. You follow slowly on, and be ready to support me if you hear me call,” and Kansas King tapped lightly on a small silver bugle hanging to his belt.
“I’ll be on hand when you need me,” answered Bad Burke, and Kansas King mounted his horse and rode on alone, leaving his companions in the gorge.
Hardly had he been gone ten minutes when Bad Burke said bluntly: