you in any way? Answer." And he gave the stamp of the foot that I had
heard once before.

How could I answer but with laughter? "You are a leopard, and a lamb,
and a bantam cock all in one," I jeered at him. "No wonder that I feel
you need a priest to shrive you;" and I laughed again, and would not
notice the hurt shining of his eyes as I went away.




CHAPTER VII

THE BEGINNING

I had not vaunted idly when I told the prisoner that our plans were
ready. I had scarcely dropped the latch of the commandant's door when
I saw Singing Arrow sauntering near.

She was graceful in her finery. Even a white man might commend. Her
skin garments looked soft and clean, and draped her cunningly. In the
dusk and the firelight with the bright blanket falling from her hair,
she looked so winning that I thought the guards could find excuse if
the prisoner loitered at the window.

And loiter he did. I sauntered and watched while the prisoner and
Singing Arrow threw glances that proved them no tyros in the game of
love and life. The comedy was pleasing, and I did not wonder that the
guards tilted their heads to one side, and looked on with grins.
Singing Arrow bridled, and drew away and then drew near. All was going