The quartette started back with exclamations of wonderment at the heap of coin.
“If I could reward you with this heap, willingly would I do it,” said Silver Rifle, turning to the young Destroyer. “To your bravery I owe the happy thoughts of this hour.”
“Girl, I do claim a reward,” and Dorsey Webb took her hand. “This,” and he raised the petite member to his lips, “this, Silver Rifle, is the reward I claim, but I ask too much.”
Then the beautiful eyes dropped to the ground, and after long silence, the lips murmured:
“If this hand can reward thee, White Tiger, it is thine!”
He drew her to his heart in the ecstasy of his joy.
“Ahdeek ask Clearwater long ago,” said the half-breed at this juncture. “He take her beyond Gitche Gumee now.”
“Yes, Ahdeek, Clearwater is my sister,” and Silver Rifle—Marie Knight—embraced the Indian Girl. “The light has broken at last.”
“No, not yet,” shouted the half-breed, suddenly throwing himself before the girls. “The red dogs come once more!”
His rifle flashed as he spoke, and a savage staggered forward in the agonies of death.