Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1896-10-01
CHAPTER XXX.

ADOGSCh AoNA SNiiS oAA N'iN EANAiANaNL VI
Kyle's valley to the camp of which Patch
was then in charge. He expected to hear
of Henry Kyle's death on his return.
He was angry with Black Eagle for not
having annihilated the herders, and he
became wild with rage when FoI.;;
Robb told them the herClers had made
their escape the moment he withdrew
his men at the order Of the Shoshone.
"It's the Prophets doin's s." said Font
Robb.
1.-The Prophet!'
Eyes, Boutnn. He's over thar with
Louis Kyle" and Font Robb pointed to
where the men were standing.
Bouton drew n pistol and urged his
horse over but if he had any purpose to
shoot he changed his mind when he
saw the Prophet standing with the long
rifle resting in the hollow Of his arm
and his blue eyes glittering with light
that meant mischief. Nora Kyle after
her cry on seeing her brother, tried to
reach him, but Bouton ordered his men
to take her back Bouton dismounted
after returning his pistol to. his belt,
and assuming an air of bravado that
did not indicate his feelings he asked:
where did you come from?''
From the scene Of your robbery and
outrage said the Prophet without
hesitation.
And why did you come here?"
''To tell your people that the hour of
vengeance is approaching-to find Hen
ry Kyle and tell him that Bouton's
torch has fired his fathers home and
to assure Louis Kyle that more than
one friend was watching him from the
mountains round
and have you done all this?"
II visited your camp left in charge of
the renegade Patch, and l there learned
that Henry Kyle had fled from his vile
associates Before this he has learned
Of your deeds and taken the oath Of an
Inhalation.
DESTROYS Of talking alone with the
Prophet, Bouton motioned for his COM
panions to get back, then sinking his
voice without lessening the malignity
of his expression he said:
'Did I not tell you never to come
near my camp:'
"What if you did? Think you that I
am to be ordered by you-that l, who
for long years have been free man III
these hills, am to be controlled by
goddess heather and red handed bandit?
I come and go as do the winds, and you
might as well try to stop them as to
control me- replied the Prophet, his
bearing more defiant and his strong
right hand pressed against the lock OF
his rifle
81 have never been so foolish to try
to check the wind or alter its course,
but no man ever defied me who did not
find me ready to resist or oppose. l have
never crossed your path. l have let you
have your OWE way, but you have Sc
fit to cross my path, and you must take
the consequences.
'I never shirk any consequences. If
YOU think to restrain me it must be ut
your own peril. "
The Prophet raised his voice, and every
man within 100 yards Of where they
stood heard him.
Bouton dreaded this man as he did no
other man in the world, but he well
knew that to show fear would be to lose
control over his equally superstitious
men. He had told them before to shoot
the Prophet ON sight, but they had not
done so. He now resolved that they
should keep him a prisoner II he could
not prevail on them to kill him. Now,
if ever, he must be strong, and he was
equal to the occasion. Turning to his
men he called out:
The Prophet and Louis Kyle are
prisoners. If they attempt to escape,
shoot them down.
He pointed to the men who were to
do this work ard then went over to
| where Black Eagle was talking to Nora
KYLE, whom he had assisted from her
| horse.
Miss Kyle, O." said Bouton, removing
| his cap, 81 regret that my desire fol
your continued safety should force NE
| to seem harsh. l request that you SPEAK
to no person in this party but myself. y
''I was speaking to her about Ku-
shat, >" said Black Eagle, "and the white
maiden does not tell me the story you
did. "
Because she knows nothing about
| it. How should she?"
"She should know all, " said the In
dian.
| ''Yet she does not Hark! What
shouting is that up the hill?'' asked
| Bouton.
my braves are chasing the herders .
II thought 1 heard woman's cry. .
Bouton listened again, and as the cry
was not repeated he turned to Nora
and said:
my conduct seems harsh, but i'll the
end you will see that / am your best
friend. -
To this Nora made no reply-indeed
her attention was that moment attract
ed by tbs rapid discharge of rifles and