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Starcus explained that the parties for whom they were looking were at no great distance, having left the ranch the night before to hasten to the fort. One of the ranchmen had been killed, and the rest were in great peril. Starcus said he had started to ride to the fort for help, and it was most fortunate that he encountered it so near, when the passing moments were beyond importance.
Starcus, knowing the words and look were meant for him, made no answer, but kept in the background. He was grim and silent. Who shall say what thoughts were stirring his heart at that trying moment! He had sat with this youth at the table of George Starr and his family.
The captive was too wise to place a favorable construction on the interference of Starcus, despite the additional fact of his kindly offices of the morning. The rest of the Sioux had shown a wish to take him prisoner, for certainly the chance to bring him down had been theirs more than once.
"But I am not the first white man that has shown mercy to a helpless foe; they know that as well as you and I." "You are waiting too long, Warren; they will soon be here," added the warrior, with an apprehensive glance toward the ridge, from which his people were approaching with alarming swiftness. "Well, good-by, Starcus."
But I have no wish to reproach you; your arm is badly hurt; let me give you what help I can." "I want no help," replied the Sioux, resolutely compressing his thin lips; "go away and leave me alone." "I shall not; I am your master, and shall do as I please with you." "I tell you to leave me alone; I do not want your help," added Starcus fiercely.
He did a rare thing for an Indian indulged in a grin of pleasure at the prize which his companions had passed by to allow it to fall into his possession. In his trying situation, Tim Brophy could not avoid a feeling of curiosity concerning Starcus. To him the fellow's conduct was inexplicable.
Starcus had left such accurate directions, and the Indian guides were so familiar with everything, that little delay was probable. The distant sound of firing spurred him to still greater speed, and he ran so fast and hard that ere long he was compelled to drop to a walk to regain his breath. Great as was his hope, he felt much misgiving.
His singular experience with Starcus had a softening effect, and he was resolved to attempt no injury against the men unless compelled to do it in actual self-defence. Jack, being put to his best paces, quickly carried him beyond any further peril, and when far enough to feel safe he checked the pony and looked back.
"Wal, ye're so sartin about it that I can't help belaving ye; but if it was Starcus, why did he act that way? Why didn't he spake, and why didn't he coom forward and shake hands wid us?" "That's what troubles me; it wasn't like him. It makes me believe he has joined the hostiles." "But if that is the case why did he interfere whin the grizzly was about to chaw me up?"
As the party moved back toward the base of the ridge there was a consultation among them as to what was best to do. Starcus expressed a more venomous rancor than ever against the white people, and especially against the one that had brought him low. He regretted that he was to be helpless for weeks to come, with a permanent injury for life.
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