As he spoke, the Indian held forth his hands, in one of which lay a pistol, in the other a knife.
Artena’s eyes fell to the weapons, and the death of silence filled the cavern.
“Reesa isn’t there!” said Kit South, with a groan, at this juncture. “Where in the name of mercy is my child?”
“We’ll find out directly, Kit,” said McKay, without moving his eyes from the scene in the cave. “Look! the girl takes the knife!”
Sure enough, the arm of the Squaw Spy had left her side, and was pointing to the shining blade in Jack’s right hand.
The following moment the Modoc thrust the pistol in his belt, and stepped forward with uplifted knife.
“Shall he kill her?” whispered Kit.
“No!” and McKay’s lips closed determinedly over the little monosyllable.
“He is going to make the attempt.”
“Then the Modocs shall not boast of a chief to-morrow.”