Part 14 (1/2)

It was so dark inside that for a

But his ears were on the alert and he heard the footsteps of Yellow Elk resounding at a distance of fully fifty yards He could hear nothing of Nellie, and rightfully concluded that the Indian had been compelled to pick her up and carry her

An instant later he stunized him with a snort of joy

”Sh-sh!+” he said softly, and the gentle aniladly rubbed her soft nose up and down his neck to signify her pleasure

”Good Bonnie Bird,” he whispered ”I'll be with you soon again,” and went on after Yellow Elk

The Indian had now co a match Soon some dry brush was set on fire and the redskin heaped upon it some stout tree branches, for the air in the cave was chilly

”Nowtalk,” said Yellow Elk, as he motioned Nellie to a seat

”Where is the boo how to answer him

”Camp ten miles from here,” came the short reply ”You here all alone with Yellow Elk”

At this the frightened girl gave a scream of terror

”You base wretch!” she sobbed ”Take me back at once”

”No take back--Yellow Elk no fool White girl stay here--rinned into her pretty face

But now an interruption ca place, pawnee Brown pounced upon the redskin, caught him by the throat and hurled him backward and al!” came from the scout's lips

”Oh, sir, save me from that Indian!” came from Nellie, as she quickly turned to the man she felt sure would assist her

”I will, Miss Winthrop, don't fear,” answered pawnee Brown ”So, Yellow Elk, we ain I reckon you reency two years ago because you tried to steal his new pair of boots?”

”Ugh!” grunted Yellow Elk He had justout the flaarments ”pawnee Brown”

He ue Then, before pawnee Brown could stop hiht He took aih the action of the Indian chief was quick, the movement of the boomer was quicker

Many times had he been under fire, and he had learned to drop when occasion required as rapidly as it could be done

With the pressure upon the pistol trigger he went down like a flash and the bullet intended for his head razed the top of his hat and flattened itself upon the cave wall opposite

”Bah!” hissed Yellow Elk, when he sa he had missed He attempted to take him once more, but now pawnee Brown hurled hi the barrel of the weapon aside, and both went to the stone flooring with a crash Nellie Winthrop let out a shriek of terror

”Do not let him shoot you! Make hi her hands She would have liked to assist pawnee Brown, but could not see how it could just then be done

CHAPTER XIII