d,
notwithstanding his tired appearance, at a speed which soon brought him
up with us.

As we rode up to the house, Uncle Jeff appeared at the door.

"What has brought you back?" he exclaimed, with a look of surprise.
"Glad to see you, at all events; for we have had our friend Winnemak
here with news sufficient to make our hair stand on end, if it were
addicted to anything of that sort. He declares that the Arrapahas are
coming on in overwhelming force, and that, unless we are well prepared
for them, we shall one and all of us lose our scalps. He has gone off
again, though, promising to make a diversion in our favour, as he has
been unable to get his people to come and assist in defending the farm,
which would have been more to the purpose. However, as you have
returned,--and brought your two deserters, I see,--we shall be able to
beat the varmints off. No fear of it, though they may be as thick as a
swarm of bees."

A few words explained how we had fallen in with the runaways.

The Indian who accompanied us then stepped forward. He told Uncle Jeff
that he was a Pawnee, that his name was Piomingo, and that, having a
warm affection for the Palefaces, he had come to warn us of the danger
in which we were placed, and to advise us forthwith to desert the farm
and take to the mountains, for that we had not a chance of defending it
against the numerous bands of Arrapahas who were advancing to attack us.
They had, he said, put to death all the white men, as well as women and
children, they had met with in their progress, as their manner was to
spare no one; and they would certainly treat us in the same way.

"We have already heard something of this," said Uncle Jeff, looking as
unconcerned as he could; "but how did you happen to know about it?" he
asked.

"I was taken prisoner by the Arrapahas while on my way to visit a young
squaw, who is to become my wife. But on the night before I was to be
tortured and put to death I managed to make my escape, and came on here
at once to tell the Palefaces of their danger, of which I had heard when
in the camp of the enemy."

I suspected that Uncle Jeff did not altogether believe the account given
by the Indian. At any rate, he received it with perfect composure.

"We thank you, friend Piomingo, for your good intentions. You are now
at liberty to pursue your journey on your intended visit to the young
squaw of whom you speak," he answered.

"I would follow the advice of