“We lost one of our men, Wish-has-ta, and as he was to marry Enona, daughter of the chief, when he returned, we thought it our first duty to look him up, and so started back to see what had become of him.�
“And did you find him?�
“Well, yes, in town. He had become separated from us by buffalo. The mad little mustang he rode kept along with the herd, in spite of him, for several miles, or until at last he came to a ravine and managed to fall into it. He narrowly escaped being trampled to death as the herd went over him, but he got out with only a few injuries. He lost his pony, however, and instead of following us, made his way back to camp. He left word at C—— that he was safe, as he knew we’d be looking for him.�
“And did you see Nathan,� asked Lissa.
“Yes, he’ll be home to-night too. I came into C—— early and called at his place of business. That’s a fine place Nathan has, with the Major. Good pay and light duties. Much better than his position at the post.�
“Yes, only it keeps him away from home more. And so you will both be here to-night after all. Professor Russell, you have in this case proven a true prophet.�
“I trust I am in every case,� he replied, with an expressive gesture of the hand. “I do not rely upon lying spirits for my information.�
“Well,� said Lissa, not perceiving Mark’s frown of disapproval, “if we have a seance here to-night we must get word to our neighbors.�
“I will myself go and call Mrs. McCleary and good Auntie Dearborn,� said Russell, “and will get word to the Jenkinsons and Sol Garrett, if you wish.�
“Be sure and have Esther McCleary present,� said Mrs. Clyne. “I am greatly interested in that girl.�