little from its usual resting place, and she now missed it. In spite
of being alone on the snow-covered prairie, with two strangers, her
first thought was of the little talisman White Mink had given into her
keeping. Oh! she could feel it pressing against her waist, and she
gave a happy sigh.

In the meantime, the men had decided that it would be best to take the
child to their camp. The rest could be settled afterwards.

"Can you trust yourself to your snowshoes again?" the man whom his
friend called Tom asked her gently.

She nodded, and with the help of one of her companions, they were bound
on her feet. A biscuit was now given her--she had never tasted its
like before--and she ate greedily. This was followed by another
swallow of the cordial, and the little girl was ready for the start.

Many miles were before her, but the men often took hold of her hands to
give her fresh courage. Besides, she was greatly excited. What was
coming? Were these strangers bringing her back to the village of the
Dahcotas, or guiding her to something far different? From time to time
one of the men struck a match--such a wonderful thing it seemed to
Timid Hare--and looked at a tiny instrument he carried in his pocket.
It seemed to tell him if they were travelling in the right direction.
"How wise," thought Timid Hare, "the white people must be! Perhaps
they are as wise as the medicine men!"

And she--why, she was of their own race, though her stained skin did
not show it! At the thought, she lifted her hand to her side. Yes,
her treasure was safe!