.

The night was still, and, as he moved silently along, he often paused
and listened, hoping to hear the familiar rattle of the wheels, as the
youngster sped over the prairie.

Without either party knowing it, he passed within a few yards of Duff
McIntosh, the huge trapper, whom he had known so intimately years
before.

But had he been aware of the fact, he would only have turned further
aside, to avoid him; for, when the two trappers, several years
previous, separated, they had been engaged in a deadly quarrel, which
came near resulting fatally to both.

At length the faint rattle of the wheels caught his ear, and he bent
his steps toward the point where he judged the steam man to be.

CHAPTER XVI. THE REPULSE.

A FEW minutes more satisfied the trapper that he was right. Gradually
out from the darkness the approaching figure resolved itself into the
steam man.

Johnny Brainerd, after leaving the huge trapper so neatly, continued
wandering aimlessly over the prairie at a moderate speed, so as to
guard against the insidious approach of the Indians, or the hunter who
had threatened to confiscate his property in so unjustifiable a
manner.

Fortunately he did not see Baldy until the latter cautiously hailed
him, otherwise he would have fled before ascertaining his identity;
but the moment he recognized his voice he hastened toward him, no less
surprised than pleased at meeting him so unexpectedly.

'Where are Mickey and Ethan?' he inquired, as he leaped alongside of
him.

'In the cave.'

'How is it you are here?'

The trapper briefly explained that he had crept out to hunt him up;
but as there seemed no imminent danger, he deemed it best to leave his
companions there, as if the Indians once gained possession of the
golden ravine, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to displace
them.

Besides, in order to carry out the scheme which he had formed, it was
necessary that two at least should remain in the cave, while the
others were on the outside.

Under the direction of the trapper, the steam man slowly approached
the ravine, keeping at a respectful distance, but so near that if any
sudden emergency should arise, they would be able to render assistance
to their friends.

The boy gave several whistles so as to inform the Irishman and Yankee
of their whereabouts. A few seconds after, and while the noise of the
instrument was echoing over the prairie, a fainter whistle reache