tree without betraying himself. The lad half suspected that the sound
was made by some wild animal that was stealing through the wood, or
what was more likely, that it was no more than a falling leaf; but,
whatever it was, he was determined to learn if the thing were among
the possibilities.

A veteran Comanche, himself, could not have picked his way through the
undergrowth any better than did he; and, when at last he stood upon
the edge of the open space and looked around, he was morally certain
that no other creature was aware of his movement. Nor was he aware of
the action of the other party, if there was really such a one, which
had been the means of bringing him thither. If some wild animal or
wild Indian were lurking in the vicinity, he knew how to remain
invisible.

"I'll stay here a little while--"

Fred at that moment was looking at the cottonwood tree, which, it will
be remembered, had been felled directly across the opening, when, to
his speechless terror, the figure of an Indian warrior suddenly rose
upright from behind it, and stood as motionless as a statue. His
action indicated that he was not aware that any one was standing so
near him. He had probably crept up to the log behind which he
crouched, until, believing he was not in danger of being seen, he
arose to his feet and assumed the attitude of one who was using his
eyes and ears to their utmost extent.

He was of ordinary stature, without any blanket, his long, black hair
hanging loosely down upon his shoulders, his scarred and ugly
countenance daubed and smeared with different colored paint, his chest