ompass in turn,
whistled so shrilly that in the afternoon stillness the sound awoke the
echoes for miles in every direction. Then he stood in the attitude of
intense attention. Certain that the stallion had not gone far of his
own accord, he knew these calls would bring him dashing to the spot,
provided no person had had a hand in his disappearance.

But the minutes passed without anything of this nature occurring, and
the Shawanoe sprang down from the slight elevation and came back to
where his sympathizing friends awaited him. They were silent, for none
could say aught to comfort him.

"We will look for Amokeat," he quietly remarked, leading the way to the
village. There the inquiries of Mul-tal-la brought the first definite
information of the missing horse. It was of anything but a pleasant
nature.

It has been said that about a score of Nez Perce warriors were absent
on a scouting or hunting expedition. They were under the lead of
Amokeat, who rode away on the back of Whirlwind. They had been gone
several days and were liable to return at any hour, or they might be
absent for a week or more longer.

When Deerfoot gained this information he was filled with indignation.
Without speaking, he turned his back upon his friends and walked to and
fro for several minutes. He was striving to gain control of his
emotions, and some time passed before he could do so. When he succeeded
he rejoined his comrades, several of the Nez Perces gathering round and
watching the four with no little curiosity.

"Amokeat did not ask Deerfoot that he might ride Whirlwind," said the
Shawanoe, the flash not fully gone from his eyes, and a slight
tremulousness showing in his voice.

"He had no business to do so," added the impulsive Victor; "I wonder
that the horse allowed anyone to ride him except you."

George Shelton tried to soothe his troubled friend.

"I understand how you feel, Deerfoot, but it looks to me as if it will
come out all right. The Nez Perces rode off on their horses, with
Whirlwind in the lead. Why should they not come back the same way, with
Whirlwind none the worse? Amokeat did not expect you for some time, and
who can wonder that he wished to ride such a steed?"

Deerfoot turned and looked in the face of the lad.

"Does my brother wish Deerfoot to sit down and fold his hands and wait
for days and weeks, all the time not knowing whether Whirlwind will
come back again or not? Does not my brother see that there is