d I tell you? It is wisdom. We will go. Tell the braves to
get ready. Tell all the squaws to pack up. Send on hunting braves.
Good many. Kill plenty meat."

There was no opposition. The only objection that could reasonably be
raised was that so sudden a departure gave no opportunity for a grand
celebration of their victory over the Lipans. They could attend to
that some other time, and there was no doubt but what all the whooping
and boasting in the band would keep safely till it should be called for.

"Come, Steve," said Murray. "We want an hour by ourselves."

They were quickly inside their own lodge, and were sure there were no
listeners.

"Steve!"

"What is it, Murray?"

"That little girl is my own daughter!"

"I've suspected it. And this was the very band of Apaches that broke
up your home and your mine."

"Yes, and it is a wonder they have not recognized me. If Apaches of
some other band were to join them, some of them might remember me.
They have seen me in more than one of their fights with the Lipans."

"It would be all over with us then."

"Of course it would. I am dressed differently, to be sure. I can
change a little more. Must crop my hair and beard closer. They know
me for a long-bearded old man. I must turn myself into a short-haired
young one."

"Can't you dye your hair?"

"Not till we get to the settlements. There are no barbers among the
Apaches."

"How will we ever get her away, Murray?"

"Oh, my girl! My poor, dear little girl! I dare not think about my
wife. No wonder my hair is white. Steve, I must not let her live and
die among these wild people. They have been kind to her, she says; and
I do not hate them so much now I know that, but she shall not be an
Indian."

He was getting feverishly excited, and Steve replied,

"Now, Murray, of course we will get her away. Haven't you some plan?"

"Only to draw the whole band nearer the frontier, or nearer to some
fort or other."

"That's good. We should have a shorter distance to run, if we should
escape."

"Now, Steve, I'm all upset and unstrung. That's the reason I came in
here. I've got to get my wits about me again, or I can't plan
anything."

"Sit down and read."

"Read? Do you suppose I could do that just now? Why, Steve, I've
found my little daughter!"

"So you have. I don't wonder you're excited. I am myself. Here, give
me a magazine. I'd like to find out how much of my reading will com