asked, in an
awed voice:

"Did you see his face when he turned toward you just before walking
away?"

"Yes; and I have seen handsomer ones."

"You may make light of it, Fred, but I was much nearer than you, and
that expression will haunt me for many a day and night to come."

To the astonishment of the elder, Fred began laughing, as if he found it
all very amusing. Jack, in surprise, asked the cause of his mirth.

"If Motoza had only known the truth! There isn't a cartridge either in
the magazine or the chamber of my rifle, which reminds me."

And still laughing, the younger proceeded to fill the magazine from his
belt and to put his Winchester in condition for immediate use.

"We have been told many times, Jack, that the first thing to do after
firing a gun is to reload, and I see how much more important it is here
than at home."

When Jack came to examine his weapon he found a half-dozen cartridges
remaining in the magazine, and he, too, placed the weapon in the best
form for use. They changed their position, returning to the spot where
the crisis had taken place with the grizzly, for both felt some
misgiving concerning the Sioux, who could not be far off.

"Jack, what about the feelings of Motoza _now_?"

"It begins to look as if Hank was right. I am sure the Indian doesn't
hold much friendship for either of us. He is bad clean through."

"He may have some regard for _you_, but there wasn't much tender
affection in the last lingering look he gave _me_."

Jack shuddered.

"I never saw anything like it. If he had had the power he would have
killed you with that look. I feel like urging Hank, when we next see
him, to make a change of quarters."

"Why?"

"That we may find some section where we are not likely to meet Motoza
again. I don't understand why so many Indians are off the reservation.
There must be a number of them that are friends of Motoza, and they will
try some other trick on us."

"He has tried one or two already," replied Fred, much less impressed
with the danger than his friend.

"True, we have had remarkably good fortune, but it can't last. Motoza
will learn to be more cunning next time."

"If you feel that way, Jack, the best thing for us to do is to go home."

"Your words are hardly worthy of you, Fred," replied Jack, hurt at the
slur.

"I ask your pardon. I know it is your friendship for me that speaks, but
I cannot feel the fear that disturbs you. Suppose we drop the questio