A COUNCIL OF CHIEFS I was on my feet in an instant, forgetful of everything excepting my duty to this girl whom I had come so far to find, and who now was plainly a prisoner in Indian hands.

At the entrance of the tepee, a scowling warrior pushed me roughly back, pretending not to understand my eager words of expostulation, and, by significant gesture, threatening to brain me with his gun-stock if I persisted.

A slight return of reason alone kept me from striking the fellow down and striding over his prostrate body.

While I stood struggling with this temptation, Captain Heald grasped me firmly.
"Are you mad, Wayland ?" he muttered, dragging me back into the dark interior of the tepee.

"For God's sake, don't anger these fellows! Think of all the helpless lives depending on the success of our errand here! What is the girl to you ?" "I will wait," I answered, calmed by his earnestness, and ashamed of my boyish impetuosity; "but I am here at Dearborn seeking this young woman, whom I had supposed rather to be a young child.