ull-headed
redcoat is likely to get a surprise!" he thought.

In less than ten minutes the half-breed returned. Macfarlane warmly
grasped his hand.

"It's all right," said Strange. "I went straight up to them. I had no
trouble. Even now the older heads are thinking of the consequences. I
think they'll be gone directly."

After some further talk in low tones Strange went back into the
library, and Macfarlane sat down with his gun across his knees.

Once more quiet ruled the house. Ambrose's head fell forward on his
breast and he slept uneasily.

He was roused by the cry they had waited all night in dread of hearing:
"They're coming!"

Strange and Pringle ran out into the hall. Low as the cry was it was
heard above. Colina and Giddings came flying down-stairs. Ambrose had
already joined the others.

In the face of the deadly danger that threatened the men forgot their
animosity for the moment. They were all crowded together in the narrow
passage, far enough back from the closed door to see through the panes
without being seen.

The five whites were afraid, as they might well be--but without panic.
The half-breed was suspiciously calm. They lacked an unquestioned
leader.

"That is Myengeen leading them," said Strange; "a bad Indian!"

"Macfarlane--tell us what to do," said Giddings.

"They're quiet now," said Colina. "I shall speak to them!"

Macfarlane put out a restraining hand. "Leave this to me!" he said
quickly.

"We're in each other's way here," cried Ambrose. "Let us spread
through some of the rooms."

"Right!" said Macfarlane. "Doane, Giddings, and Miss Colina--go into
the library and throw up the windows on this side. Shoot between the
boards if I give the word. The guns are inside the door."

A cry from Strange brought them out into the hall again. "They've
raised a white flag! They want to parley not to fight."

The others murmured their relief.

"Open the door!" cried Strange. "I will speak to them."

Ambrose fell back a little. The other men crowded around Strange,
urging him to be careful of himself. Strange was doing the modest hero!

It was a pretty little play. At the sight of it a harsh jangle of
laughter rang inside Ambrose. Colina took no part in the scene.

Strange stepped out on the porch. Ambrose heard him speaking the
uncouth Kakisa tongue, and heard the murmur of replies. He would have
given a bale of furs to understand what was being said.

T