She described several mad circles toward the wall, and with a cry of shame for the brutal act, Captain Jack bounded forward to snatch her from the stones.
But he did not succeed, and striking the wall a fearful blow with her head, ’Reesa South sunk to the floor, again bereft of consciousness. Then the red rebel sprung toward the ruffian, and whirled him around until they stood face to face.
“Bob must treat pale girl better,” said Jack, calmly. “If he fling her away any more, he shall leave Lava-Beds.”
An oath shot from the torturer’s lips.
“What is she to you?” he demanded, with flashing eyes. “Does Mouseh stoop from the Generalship of a great war to interfere with the business of one of his spies? The girl is mine! I sent the young bucks to the Lost River, and paid them to bring her to me. So, Mouseh, attend to the conduct of the war, and I’ll attend to my own affairs. I think we understand each other perfectly, now.”
He did not wait for Jack to reply, but turned to the young ranger, who, lying on the ground, had heard with strange emotions the angry words of the twain.
“Get up,” said Baltimore Bob, addressing him. “I want to talk with you.”
Slowly, for the loss of blood had told seriously on his strength, the ranger rose to his feet, and calmly faced the rascal.
“White man, there’s an enemy near who has a blood score to settle with you,” said Bob. “He saved you from the vengeance of Mouseh last night, for, let me tell you that it is now day. Perhaps you can guess who that enemy is. I will summon him hither.”
The Indian turned with a curious smile and had advanced a step toward the corridor, when the youth strode forward, and put forth his hand, for he was unbound.