Near that point Indians, probably Arapahoes coming across the mountains to attack the Utes, had captured or killed the occupants of a prairie-schooner.

There was no other clue.
The miners took the child to their camp, fed and cared for it, and, after the manner of their kind, named it Columbine.

Then they brought it to Belllounds.
"Collie," said the old rancher, "it needn't never have been told, an' wouldn't but fer one reason.

I'm gettin' old.

I reckon I'd never split my property between you an' Jack.