"I am delighted to see you," he said, recalling the amazing stories
told of Deerfoot by Ned Preston, and beginning to think that, after
all, they may have contained more truth than fiction.

Before Jack could add anything more, Otto Relstaub, who was staring
at the two, heaved a great sigh, as if fearing some danger would
come upon them.

"What is the matter with my brother?" asked Deerfoot, looking
inquiringly toward him with his old smile.

"I asks mineself if we stands here till all last night, don't it?"

"I suppose we may as well seek more comfortable quarters," remarked
Jack Carleton, who turned to the young warrior and added, "When
Deerfoot is present no one else dare lead. What says he?"




CHAPTER V

AROUND THE CAMP-FIRE


On a tempestuous night in midwinter the little settlement of
Coatesville, in Kentucky, was assailed by a fierce band of Shawanoes
and Hurons. The pioneers were surprised, for the hour was near
daybreak, and, accustomed as they were to the forays of the border,