here might be in the
vicinity, who had left the reservation without permission; it was likely
all who were there would be in war paint ready to kill him on sight.

"The reds who train with Yellow Elk are not to be trusted," he muttered.
"Yellow Elk wouldn't like anything better than to scalp me just for a
taste of his old blood-thirsty days. Making a 'good Indian' out of such
a fellow is all nonsense--it simply can't be done."

Pawnee Brown had dropped down in the long grass and was now wiggling
along like a snake through the bushes and between the rocks. Soon the
entrance to the cave was gained, hidden by more bushes. He hesitated,
looked to see that his pistol was all right, shoved the bushes aside and
slipped within.

It was so dark inside that for a moment he could distinguish nothing.
But his ears were on the alert and he heard the footsteps of Yellow Elk
resounding at a distance of fully fifty yards. He could hear nothing of
Nellie, and rightfully concluded that the Indian had been compelled to
pick her up and carry her.

An instant later he stumbled close to his mare. Bonnie Bird recognized
him with a snort of joy.

"Sh-sh!" he said softly, and the gentle animal understood and made no
further sound. But she gladly rubbed her soft nose up and down his neck
to signify her pleasure.

"Good Bonnie Bird," he whispered. "I'll be with you soon again," and
went on after Yellow Elk.

The Indian had now come to a halt and was striking a match. Soon some
dry brush was set on fire and the redskin heaped upon it some stout tree
branches, for the air in the cave was chilly.

"Now me and white girl have long talk," said Yellow Elk, as he motioned
Nellie to a seat.

"Where is the boomers' camp?" she faltered, hardly knowing how to answer
him.

"Camp ten miles from here," came the short reply. "You here all alone
with Yellow Elk."

At this the frightened girl gave a scream of terror.

"You base wretch!" she sobbed. "Take me back at once."

"No take back--Yellow Elk no fool. White girl stay here--make Yellow Elk
good squaw, maybe," and he grinned into her pretty face.

But now an interruption came which all but stunned Yellow Elk. Leaping
from his hiding place, Pawnee Brown pounced upon the redskin, caught him
by the throat and hurled him backward and almost into the midst of the
fire!

"You miserable dog!" came from the scout's lips.

"Oh, sir, save me from that Indian!" came from Nellie, as she quickly
turn