in the battle. He was slightly wounded, and under the influence of
liquor.

"Who's that you've got with you?" he demanded, looking down at
Linna, who saw no danger in the act.

"A friend of Alice and me."

"She looks like an Injin," added the soldier, scowling threateningly
at her; "if she is, I want her."

"I told you she is a friend of ours--get out of my way!"

The soldier's condition enabled Ben to tumble him over on his back
by means of a vigorous shove. Before he could steady himself and
get upon his feet again, the others were beyond reach.

I am sure he would not have acted that way, had he been in the
possession of his senses.

When Ben parted from Omas, he was without a rifle, but on joining
him again, the warrior had a fine weapon in his hand. It was not
the one with which he appeared at the house. The lad might have
guessed how he got it, but he did not ask any questions, nor seem
to notice it.

As the party came up, Omas merely glanced at Mrs. Ripley and her
child, but did not speak. As for his own little girl, he gave her
no notice. Young as she was, she understood him, and did not claim
any attention from him. If they had been alone, she would have been