ivilization," he
explained, "Nothing like preparing one's self, when we have the chance."

"It's a shame to leave such a beautiful bear skin robe behind," answered
Nellie. "But I suppose it cannot be helped. Oh, if only we were safe
once more."

Again they set off on their weary tramp northward, and thus nearly two
miles were covered. The sun was now coming out strongly, and Dick saw
that his fair companion was beginning to grow tired.

"We will rest a little, Nellie," he said, "I think perhaps we can afford
to take it easy now."

"I am so fearful that Indian is following us!" answered the girl with a
shudder. "If he should find that bear, and--Oh, Dick, look!"

Nellie leaped to her feet from the seat she had just taken, and pointed
behind her. Dick gave one look and his heart sank within him. Yellow Elk
was bearing down upon them as swiftly as his long legs would permit!

In his hand the Indian chief carried a gun, and as Nellie arose he
caught sight of the pair and pointed the weapon at Dick's head.

"White boy throw down pistol!" he called out, when within speaking
distance.

"Let Yellow Elk throw down his gun," answered Dick. His pistol was up
and now he shoved Nellie behind him.

"White boy fool--cannot shoot against Yellow Elk," growled the redskin.
He had been following their trail since sun-up and was somewhat winded.

"Perhaps I can shoot. Did you see that bear I brought down?" rejoined
Dick.

At this the Indian frowned.

"Bear must have been sick--white boy no bring game down like that if
well--too powerful."

"I brought him down and I'll bring you down if you don't stop where you
are," was the steady answer.

"Oh, Dick, he'll shoot you," whispered Nellie. She wanted to get before
him, but he would not allow it.

By this time Yellow Elk had arrived to within a dozen steps of them.
Now he stopped and the frown upon his ugly countenance deepened.

"Did white boy hear what Yellow Elk said?"

"I did."

"Does white boy want to die?"

"Does Yellow Elk want to die? I can shoot as straight as you."

The words had scarcely left Dick's mouth than there came a clear click.

The redskin had fired point-blank at the lad, but the gun had failed to
go off, the weapon being an old one the Indian had found at the fort--a
gun some soldier had discarded as useless.

Following the click Nellie uttered a scream. Then came a crack as Dick
fired, and Yellow Elk uttered a yell of pain, having received a pa