multaneously.

Once more the crier's voice was heard calling "Wakono!"

"Brothers!" again spoke the chief: "it is for this I would stay your
judgment. My son is not in the camp; he went back upon the trail, and
has not returned. I know not his purpose. My heart is in doubt--but
not in fear Wakono is a strong warrior, and can take care of himself.
He will not be long absent; he must soon return. For this I ask you to
delay the judgment."

A murmur of disapprobation followed this avowal. The allies of the
renegade evidently mustered stronger than the friends of the young
chief.

Hissoo-royo once more addressed the council.

"What trifling would this be, warriors of the Hietan? Two suns have
gone down, and this question is not decided! I ask only justice. By
our laws, the judgment cannot stand over. The captives must belong to
some one. I claim them as mine, and I offer witnesses to prove my
right. Wakono has no claim, else why is he not here to avow it? He has
no proofs beyond his own word; he is ashamed to stand before you without
proof--that is why he is now absent from the camp!"

"Wakono is not absent," cried a voice from among the bystanders; "he is
in the camp!"

This announcement produced a sensation, and I could perceive that the
old chief partook equally with the others of the surprise created.

"Who says Wakono is in the camp?" inquired he in a loud voice.

An Indian stepped forth from the crowd of spectators. I recognised the
man, whom I had met crossing from the horse-guard.

"Wakono is in the camp," repeated he, as he paused outside the circle.
"I saw the young chief; I spoke with him."

"When?"

"Only now."

"Where?"

The man pointed to the scene of our accidental rencontre.

"He was going yonder," said he; "he went among the trees--I saw him not
after."

This intelligence evidently increased the astonishment. It could not be
comprehended why Wakono should be upon the ground, and yet not come
forward to assert his claim. Had he abandoned it altogether?

The father of the claimant appeared as much puzzled as any one; he made
no attempt to explain the absence of his son: he could not; he stood
silent, and evidently in a state of mystification.

Several now suggested that a search be made for the absent warrior. It
was proposed to send messengers throughout the camp--_to search the
grove_.

My blood ran cold as I listened to the proposal; my knees trembled
beneath me.