But, midway, she suddenly paused.
“This is your work, Rafe Todd,” she cried. “I know you shot him, and so certain as my name is Theresa, I’ll pay you for this deed, if he’s dead.”
He laughed derisively in her face, and, still laughing, looked at the Indians, whose faces were stern, for they had watched the scene, with their sympathies on the side of the girl.
’Reesa dropped beside her lover, and had just lifted one of the hands, when, with one accord, the savages sprung toward the mouth of the corridor, from which several hours before they had emerged into the cave.
The cause of their sudden action and the ejaculations of delight which filled the cavern, was revealed by two Klamath Indians, who had suddenly made their appearance.
“Back!” shouted Captain Jack, when he had hastily pressed the new-comers’ hands. “Give the runners breathing-space! We will hear the better what Arrow-Head has said.”
The Indians, eager to hear the message which the two runners seemed anxious to deliver, drew back, and paused between ’Reesa and the fire, thus effectually screening her from the eyes of the new arrivals.
“Who does Arrow-Head send to Mouseh, and what does he say?” asked Jack, breaking the silence that followed the forming of the red ranks.
“He sends Coquil and Wiaquil,” answered one of the Klamaths, in his native language, which is almost as intelligible to the Modoc as his own. “He says that he can not send his braves to Mouseh until the moon puts on a new dress of silver.”
Without a smile, but with delight in his eyes, the Modoc glanced at his warriors and chiefs.