Western news and the Libby times. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1920-1933, 1931-03-19
CHAPTER VIII

vealed their hiding place Jeems and
Toinette were standing In the sun.
Mysterious things had happened In
this time Unseen hands had dragged
the warrior from under the rocks. An
interval had followed In which excite
menf gave way to solemn and low
voiced talk outside Then some one
had called in cultural. broken French
commanding them to come out. They
had obeyed Jeems first. Toinefte after
him. and Odd last with the duwncast
air OF beast who knew he was In
disgrace
Ii was an astounding and unex-
pected reception by enemies at whose
belts scalps were hanging. There
we're between twenty md thirty Of the
Senecas. splendidly built. keen-eyed,
leanfaced' most of them young men.
Even In the shock of the moment.
Tonette surveyed them in startled adj
mlration. They were like runners
ready for race. Staring at the youth
with his how and nj the girl with her
tangled. shining hair. the Indians re-
turned their gaze with look of amaze
ment not unmixed with approval.
They seemed scarcely able to believe
these two had fooled them 80 com
pletely. capturing one OF their number
In the bargain. yet conceded the fact
with glances In which passion was
held snhaued.
A young savage who stood before
them seemed largely responsible for
this attitude Purplish lines were
around his throat MS II rope had
choked him. Two or the eagle feath-
ers In his tuft were broken, and his
shoulder was bleeding where the skin
had been torn by n Jagged tooth OF
rock. Evidently he held considerable
Influence In the war party OF which he
was member Beside him was
much older man of even more power
full figure,
II was he WHO spoke In Seneca to
the younger.
so this Is the hoy who made my
brave nephew n captive to be saved
by the vaiee II Il 10. =
The other scnWled III tie tannt In
his voice
lie could have Killed me He
spared my life"
This Is The young hefawn to whom
yon owe a feather from yonr mft T.
II owe him iwn--one for himself and
one for the maiden whose presence.
must hive stayed his hand"
The older man grunted.
lie looks strong and may stand to
travel With us. But the girl is like
broken flower ready TO fall In our
path. She will cnmber ont feet and
make DIR way more difficult and great
haste must he our choice. Use your
Ratchet on one and we will take the
other
Al this command Jeems gave a sud.
nen cry. and the faces OF the sayages
relaxed in establishment when he be
gan to speak In their language. Hen
sibah Adams schooling had prepared
him for this hour. His tongue stun
lied, some OF his words were twisted,
here we're gaps which only the imag-
nation could FIJI, but he told his
tory. The Indians listened with an
interest which assured Jeems they had
lot been part OF the force that had
nassacred his and Toinette's people.
lie pointed to the girl. He related
low the Mohawks had destroyed his
ather and mother and all who had
elonged to Toinette how they had
led together, how they had hidden In
he old house, and that with an arrow
e had killed the white man who had
red the gun. Bronzed and disheveled,
he long bow In his hand Jeems made
vivid picture OF courage and elo-
uence that would remain with Toi-
ette as long as she lived. She drew
erself up a little proudly, sensing
hat he was fighting for her. She
TODD straight, her chin high gazing
nth unafraid eyes at the leader OF
be war party.
With the courtesy which Tiaoga had |
lready established for himself In bor-
erland history, the chieftain listened
ttentively, and when the youth had
nished, he spoke words which sent
NO OF his men running down the
ldge In the direction Of Lussan's
lace. Then he asked questions which
i Jeems know the Senecas had not
one as far as Lussan's, but that they
ad heard the gun. and In seeking for
1e one who had fired It, had stun
led upon their trail In the hardwood
ope half mile from the abandoned
ouse.
When his brief questioning was over,
iaoga turned his attention once more
} the young man beside him.
Il think the boy Is a great liar, and
have sent back for proof Of II" he
lid. III he has not sped an arrow
trough this friend Of the Mohawks,
he claims, he shall die. II he has
)oken the truth In the matter, which
Ill be proof that he has spoken 1t
! others, he may travel with VI, and
% companion also, until her feet tire
} that death II necessary to bring
or r6at."
Tolnette began to prepare herself !