returned. Glen met him at the
door, and enquired anxiously about her father and Reynolds. She spoke
in the Indian language, and this always pleased Sconda. His face
brightened, and as he looked at the animated face before him his lips
parted in a smile.

"The white men are safe," he told her. "They will come into camp by
and by."

"And where is Dan?" Glen enquired. "Did you see him?"

"Ah, ah. Dan tried to shoot the white men, but Sconda was too quick.
Dan now all same sleep."

"Not dead, is he?"

"No, no; all same sleep."

"Unconscious, eh?"

"Ah, ah."

"And so you came to tell me that daddy and Mr. Reynolds are safe?"

"Sconda ran away. Big White Chief wanted Sconda to help carry Dan into
camp. But Sconda run away fast."

"Why?"

"Sconda think maybe Curly here. Sconda was right, eh?"

"Oh, I understand," Glen replied. Her eyes were shining with gratitude
as she turned them upon the face of her valiant protector. "You
thought I might be in danger. You knew that Dan and Curly had plotted
together, and that when Curly was not out there he must be here trying
to harm me. How can I thank you, Sconda, for what you have done for me
to-day? I do not know what would have happened had you not come just
when you did."

"Missie Glen hold up Curly, all same man, eh?" and Sconda smiled.

"Indeed I did. But I could not have stood it much longer, I was afraid
that I would have to shoot him."

"Why did Missie Glen not let Sconda shoot Curly?"

"Because it would be murder, that's why. If you had shot Curly, the
Mounted Police would take you away, and most likely hang you. Just
think of that."

"But Curly bad, ugh!"

"I know that, Sconda. But it wouldn't make any difference. You would
be considered a murderer, and I don't want to lose you yet. And,
remember, Sconda, don't you dare to tell anyone that Curly was here."

"Sconda no tell! Why?"

"Because if daddy hears of it, he will be so angry that he will kill
Curly. You must not tell anyone, so daddy and Mr. Reynolds will know
nothing about it. You will promise, won't you, Sconda?"

With considerable reluctance Sconda agreed to keep the secret. He knew
that it was not the wisest thing to do, for he was fully convinced that
Curly should be punished. But he would do anything rather than
displease his young mistress, for whom he had such an unbounded
admiration.

"Missie Glen hungry, eh?" he unexpectedly asked.

"I really don't kno