had had enough of the business, and refused to
go further.

But among the party were four, who either were braver, or were impelled
by a more rancorous hatred, for, as we have learned, they pressed toward
the ridge, overtook the fugitives, and paid the penalty of their
rashness by losing two of their number. The other couple fled in wild
haste down the slope, and one of them never paused until he rejoined his
comrades, to whom he told his terrifying tale. The fourth stopped when
he had run a short distance, and, after a brief rest, began making his
way back to the ridge again.

It probably occurred to him that, since their enemies would not believe
it possible for any of the Pawnees to return so soon, then was the
opportunity to do effective work, and to get safely away. Accordingly he
made his way with great care through the woods to the ridge, from which
he had just fled in such mortal fear.

The return of this Pawnee (who was the one held captive by Deerfoot and
Hay-uta the night before), was executed with such skill, that the
Shawanoe learned nothing of it. He believed none of the hostiles was
near, though he acted as though he suspected the contrary.

Deerfoot now devoted himself to finding Hay-uta. He emitted several
signals, such as the two were accustomed to use, and he was disturbed
because they brought no reply. Knowing the territory given his friend,
he decided to make search through it. Possibly some accident had
befallen him and he needed help.

Fortunately Deerfoot had not hunted long when he was more successful
than he expected to be. He caught sight of Hay-uta, who was sitting on
the ground with his back against a rock, his arms folded, and his gaze
fixed on the western horizon, toward which the sun was sinking. His fine
rifle was leaning against the rock beside him, and his other weapons
were in place.

The position of Deerfoot was such that he had a view of the face of the
Sauk, and it took him but a moment to understand the meaning of the
action, or, rather, want of action on the part of his dusky friend. Many
days before Deerfoot had spoken strange words to the Sauk whom he
vanquished; they were words that lingered in his memory, and finally
sent him in quest of the youth, that he might learn more of their
wondrous meaning. He had sought and had obtained that knowledge, and its
length and breadth and depth were so infinite, that at times it mastered
the warrior, who gave himself up to meditat