we'll put another
down at the gap, reg'lar fort fashion, with a gate and loop-holes."

Just then a whoop rang out from the braves at the gap and was followed
by a chorus of them.

"I'd call it!" said Pine. "Knock off work, boys. Time's come."

Not quite, but a brave had ridden swiftly in with notice of the approach
of the Apaches, and all the other scouts were fast following his good
example. The first whoop had been given by the Big Tongue from behind
the largest rocks of the barrier, but he was soon calmly walking up and
down outside, as if waiting for the whole Apache nation, and also ready
to be admired by somebody. One-eye was also beyond the barrier, for some
reason, but he came in at the call of Two Arrows. There was no danger
but what the Big Tongue would come in without any calling.

Na-tee-kah and Ha-ha-pah-no had done very little that morning but recite
to their Nez Perce friends and relatives the wonders of their visit in
the pale-face camp, and exhibit their rich store of ornaments and other
presents. They had also combed and brushed each other's hair in a way
that excited no little envy. They were yet busy at it when the voice of
the Big Tongue was first heard at the barrier, and every squaw knew what
it signified.

"Two Arrows," exclaimed Na-tee-kah, "has rifle now; kill heap."

"Big Tongue great brave," said Ha-ha-pah-no. "Shoot mouth; 'Pache heap
die."

The horses, mules, and ponies of both Nez Perces and miners were all
driven by the squaws away up the notch, under some trees, to be as
secure as might be from stray bullets, if any should be fired. The
squaws themselves were generally very willing to be as safe as were the
animals; but Na-tee-kah's dusky cheeks were almost red with excitement.
In spite of all prohibition, she broke away from under the trees and
darted off towards the rocks on the side of the notch opposite the mine.
It was only a minute before Ha-ha-pah-no followed her, with no idea of
bringing her back, whatever she said to the rest on starting.

"See fight. Squaw shoot, too, sometime. Na-tee-kah heap brave."

Na-tee-kah did not utter a sound until she had gained a spot behind a
huge bowlder, from which she could peer out and down, and see what was
going on at the barrier and beyond it. She felt well paid for her
trouble. The braves of the Nez Perces were all there or behind the rocky
fragments on either side, and mingled with them here and there were the
red shirts and slou