a flutter,
and it required all his self-control to restrain himself from running
forward and calling to Whirlwind to meet him, but he resolutely held
his ground, sheltered behind the projection of the boulder he had used
as a screen in keeping the camp under surveillance. The situation was
so critical that Deerfoot perhaps was over-cautious.

He reasoned keenly. A mile separated steed and master. The latter could
have no thought that the youth from whom he had been separated for
weeks was near. If Deerfoot emitted his piercing whistle the call would
not be recognized on the instant, and the animal would be confused. The
dress of Deerfoot and his appearance were so similar to those of other
Indians that Whirlwind would not be likely to identify him until they
came considerably nearer each other. The Assiniboines were in camp.
They, too, would hear the signal and be quick to discover what it
meant. Rather than have the black stallion escape from their possession
they would shoot him as he ran. A red man always prefers to slay a
captive rather than surrender him. With the horse shot Deerfoot would
be forced to have it out with the warriors at such disadvantage that
only one result could follow, for the Assiniboines were not only armed
with guns--at least several were thus equipped--but they were daring
and resolute.

It was these fears which caused the young Shawanoe to decide to remain
in hiding until nightfall, which was now at hand. It is quite probable
that the plan of calling Whirlwind to him would have succeeded, as the
youth afterward admitted; but it certainly would have been attended
with risk of failure, and he never regretted the decision he made
within the same minute that he caught sight of his equine friend.

Like the king that he was, the stallion, having drank his fill, wheeled
and with dignified step passed back among the trees, keeping apart from
the others, who would have felt (as had Zigzag felt) the impact of the
fiercely driven heels had they ventured upon any familiarity.

So it came about that Deerfoot the Shawanoe stayed in concealment until
the gathering gloom shut out the grove and its occupants. There was no
moon, but the star-gleam was strong and gave him all the light he
wished. He preferred that to stronger illumination.

During the slow passing minutes that the youth waited he reached the
conclusion that the Assiniboines in the timber were only a part of the
horsemen that had overthrown