f them.

"I agree with you that it is not safe to go out of the camp, but there
can be no harm in letting the savage in. He is unarmed, and at the
first appearance of hostility, he must be dispatched," replied Howe.

"If he enters the camp to-night, he must not return until daylight,"
said Mr. Duncan.

"Certainly not! Hark! he is close to us; see, he pauses: what can he
mean?"

"Arapahoe! white man's friend," distinctly they heard him pronounce.

"What are you doing here, then?" said Howe, "don't you see I could
shoot you like a dog, that comes stealing around, as if afraid of
daylight?"

"The son of the 'Great Medicine' would not hurt Whirlwind," replied the
Indian.

"Ha! Whirlwind, what are you doing here, you are indeed, safe," said
Howe, lowering the barrel of his rifle.

"Whirlwind, returning to his village with his braves, found a snake
encircling his white brother's wigwam, and has crept within the circle
to save them," returned the Indian.

"What is that you say? are there other Indians beside your own, about?"

"The hills are dark with 'Crows,' who stand ready at the sound of the
war-whoop, to sweep down on my brothers, drink their blood, and steal
their goods."

"Perhaps it is not so easily accomplished," said Howe, "you know we are
no cowards, to give our lives and property without striking a blow to
save them."

"My brothers are a handful, the Crows cover the hills; but my warriors,
though but few, are brave and will fight for their white brothers."

"If things are as bad as you represent, this is very kind of you; but,
how are we to know that the 'Crows' are around in large numbers to
attack us?"

"The tongue of Whirlwind is not forked; he cannot lie;" returned the
Indian proudly.

"I know it, Whirlwind, I know you are true, as well as brave. The
danger forced the thought, though I really did not doubt your truth for
a moment. I will take your advice, Whirlwind. What is the most
effectual mode of protecting ourselves?"

"My white brothers will guard their camp, and should the Crows press us
too hard, help to repel them," said the Indian, and by his tone, he
evidently had not forgotten the suspicion cast upon his veracity.

"You do not intend to stand the brunt of the fight, do you?" said Howe.
"No, Whirlwind, I can't allow that."

"The braves of the Arapahoes have, for many moons longed to meet the
'Crows' in battle; now, surely, my white brother will not go between
them."

"I cer