Vengeance is to the Indian even more precious than
plunder; and the tribe would not have grudged a far higher price
even than had been paid for the gratification of thus avenging
themselves upon their enemy. The news flew from mouth to mouth, and
triumphant whoops resounded throughout the camp; and Ethel inside
her tent felt her blood run cold at the savage exultation which
they conveyed.
She was greatly troubled by the fire, for she saw that it must
efface all signs of the trail, and render the task of her friends
long and difficult, and she felt greatly depressed at what she
looked upon as a certain postponement of her rescue. She lay
thinking over all this for a long time, until the camp had subsided
into perfect quiet. Then the skins were slightly lifted near her
head, and she heard a voice whisper:
"Me, Tawaina--friend. Great chief come to look for girl. Two
trails--eyes blinded. Tawaina make sign--point way. Give piece
dress that great chief may believe."
Ethel at once understood. She cautiously tore off a narrow strip
from the bottom of her dress, and put it under the skin to the
speaker.
"Good," he said. "Tawaina friend. Ethel, hope."
Greatly relieved by knowing that a clew would be now given to her
friends, and overpowered by fatigue, Ethel was very shortly fast
asleep.
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