"But suppose there are no Indians near?"

"Plenty Injun see pu-kut. Beeg hill. Injun know."

"Will the Indians come?"

"Bimeby."

"In time to save us from the slashers?"

"Mebbe. Sam come bimeby. Sam know."

Curiously and anxiously Jean watched that signal flaring from the high
hill. She asked Kitty many questions, and learned how in times of
danger the Indians sent up the smoke-wreath from certain hill tops. At
night a blazing fire was used, and in this manner news was carried many
miles in a remarkably short time.

Several hours wore slowly away as the two anxious women kept watch upon
the hill. When at length the smoke ceased to ascend. Kitty's face
brightened.

"Sam come soon," she said. "Injun come bimeby."

"How do you know?" Jean asked.

"Injun mak' pu-kut. Injun say 'come.'"

"Did the Indians reply by sending up smoke? Is that what you mean?"