“At last I’ll end the Modoc war!” she cried, and impulsively pulled the trigger as she thrust the muzzle of her revolver against the breast of Captain Jack.
But no report followed—alas! the hammer had descended upon the portals of an empty chamber, and in the twinkling of an eye she found herself in the grip of the Modoc chief.
Then the new-comers hurled themselves upon the struggling Cohoon, who was soon overpowered.
He was picked from the ground, and yells of mingled rage and vengeance burst from the Indians’ throats when they saw that he and Wiaquil the Klamath were identical.
But what of Kit South?
His absence proclaimed his escape.
Once he sprung to the rescue of his child, but discovering that he could do nothing, had retired. But as he gained the starlight again, he shouted back:
“I’ll come again, ’Reesa—never fear. They’re too much for me now.”
His daughter heard not the words; but some of the savages did, and they felt that he had promised future succor.
They sprung after him, but soon returned empty-handed, and declaring that he had borne away the body of a man.