ere sitting alone in the teepee that
had been assigned for their use. Neither was speaking, for the day was
drawing to a close, and they were almost hopeless of seeing any avenue
of escape from the fate that the Indian superstition had ordained for
them.

We said "almost hopeless." Of course it was necessary to make that
proviso, for no one is ever hopeless in extremity, so long as he retains
faith in Providence. But every scheme that they had planned had been
proved void on consideration. Though free to a certain extent, they were
well watched. Escape was impossible, and their only remaining hope was
that when they were led forth for the sacrifice they might be able to
take advantage of some opportunity to make a last stand for freedom.

"It would not matter so much for ourselves, if it were not for the
boys," Arnold said at last. "Their position is too terrible."

"Of course they will be able to find their way back to Edmonton, when
they see that there is no hope of our returning----"

"_No_ hope?" repeated Arnold. "Don't say that. I don't want to give up
hope until the very last moment. Something _may_ turn up, and in any
case I intend to make a good fight for freedom."

"I suppose I do, too, when I think about it," returned Holden, with a
short forced laugh. "We both mean to kick up a bit of a dust when the
exciting moment comes----"

"And you may bet it will be exciting for the first redskin who comes
against my fist. I promised myself to have a go at that skunk
Thunder-maker, before I make my bow to the world. But for him, I believe
this trouble would never have gone so far."

"He certainly did his best to pile it on," agreed the younger man. "I
imagine that he was rather in hot water this morning, for I thought I
heard him yelling. There's no mistaking that harsh voice of his. And
there were sounds, too, for all the world as if some person were
getting a jolly good spanking. You were dozing at the time, so I didn't
disturb you. But I know I nearly waked you with laughing at the thought
of Thunder-maker receiving a good old-fashioned correction."

"It would take more than that to do him good," said Arnold, with a
frown. "The man is a cheat and a scoundrel of the worst sort. He showed
us what he was worth when he told us, two nights ago, that he had the
tribe by the nose. Even now, after telling us that he knew better, I
suppose he's working up the people for to-night's show."

Holden grunted contemptuous