“They’re between me and Clearwater now,” groaned the girl, rising silently. “Heaven help my poor, weak sister, and grant me strength enough to aid her.”
With her last words, she griped her rifle with stern determination, and had taken a step toward the lake, when the sound of a single footstep greeted her ear.
It came from the south, and the owner thereof was on the trail of the Indians.
Quickly, then, Silver Rifle dropped earthward again, and waited for the trailer.
He was eager to come up with the savages, for his speed was considerable, and when Silver Rifle caught the outlines of his form, she quickly sprung to her feet, and the next moment thrust forth her hand.
It touched the trailer’s bare arm, and he stopped suddenly, like one shot, then stepped back a pace. Silver Rifle followed him.
“’Tis I,” she whispered, in a low tone.
A cautious ejaculation of surprise followed, and the next moment Silver Rifle and the plumed man stood face to face, with clasped hands.
“The red-men are near Clearwater,” he said, with fear.
“Ahdeek came upon them in the forest, and he saw them joined by a chief. He listened, and heard the new chief speak the name of Ahdeek’s love. How came Silver Rifle here?”