a that Ambrose had been a prisoner
among the Indians.

It occurred to Colina as strange, since she could understand English,
that she should use signs. "I know he was a prisoner," she said.
"Will you come with me and tell the police that?"

Nesis turned and with a despairing gesture called Colina's attention to
the gathering Indians who would prevent her. Not a sound issued from
her lips.

"Never mind them," said Colina scornfully. "Are you willing to come?"

Nesis lifted her eyes to Colina's--eyes luminous with eagerness and
emotion--and quickly nodded again.

"Why doesn't she speak!" thought Colina. Aloud she said: "All right.
Tell them I am going to take you. Tell them anybody that interferes
does so at his peril." She pointed to her rifle.

To Colina's astonishment, the girl lowered her head and flung an arm up
over her face.

"What's the matter?" she cried. "I'll take care of you." She drew the
arm down. "Speak to them!" she said again.

Nesis slowly raised her head. Her eyes crept to Colina's, humble and
unspeakably mournful. She opened her mouth and pointed within.

Colina looked--and sickened. A little cry of utter horror was forced
from her, and she fell back a step, She saw why Nesis did not speak.
The disclosure was too sudden and dreadful.

For the first and last time during that hazardous enterprise her strong
spirit failed. She became as pale as snow and her hands flew to her
breast. Cora, watching her, slipped out of the saddle and glided to
her aid.

The weakness was momentary. Before Cora got to her the color came
winging back into Colina's cheeks. She thrust the half-breed girl from
her and, striding forward, faced the assembled Indians with blazing
eyes.

"You cowards!" she cried ringingly. "You pitiful, unmanly brutes! I
don't know which one of you did it. It doesn't matter. You all
permitted it. You shall all suffer for it. I promise you that!"

Under the whips of her eyes and voice they cringed and scowled.

Colina thrust her riding-crop into the hands of Nesis. "Get on that
horse," she commanded, pointing to the pack-animal. "Mount!" she cried
to Cora.

Meanwhile, from her own saddle she was hastily unfastening her rifle.
She resolutely threw the lever over and back. At the ominous sound the
Indians edged behind each other or sought cover behind convenient
teepees.

Nesis and Cora were mounted. Colina, keeping her eyes on the Indians,
said to them: "