Over six feet in height, straight as an arrow, with broad shoulders and massive breast, and clad in a suit of buckskin, he was a majestic specimen of manhood, a manhood marred by a certain inquietude of manner, nervous restlessness of the eyes, and a look of cruelty and avariciousness upon his face. Besides his rifle, one of the Spencer pattern, he carried in his belt a revolver, knife, and large hatchet, and as he came down the hill at a long, swinging pace, he seemed a dangerous foe to meet. Upon his face rested an exultant smile, as if he rejoiced in his work, and he advanced toward the scout with a look hard to read. But the bullet sent in search of life had missed its aim. Only momentarily stunned, Red Hand suddenly sprang to his feet, and with drawn knife rushed upon his would-be slayer. Unexpected as was the movement, the stranger leaped back quickly, and, drawing his knife, met the blade of his assailant in mid-air. With a loud clash, the weapons rang together. Then each man stood at bay, eyes glaring, breath hard drawn, and muscles nerved to iron firmness. Both men were tall and of powerful build, and whatever their sins might be, they were as brave as desert lions, and the struggle between them must be one of life and death, for neither would yield an inch to the other. As for Red Hand, he had not sought the combat. A man he did not recognize had ruthlessly attempted to shoot him down. If, in return, he could avenge himself, he intended to do so, though why the other sought his life he could not understand. For an instant thus stood the two men, their knives held firmly together. Then the glitter of Red Hand’s eyes proved that he meditated action. But before he could make the slightest motion there came a loud cry of alarm, and the next moment a form bounded in between the two men. It was the girl. As she bounded in between the two men her uplifted hands seized a wrist of each, and her voice fairly rang, as she cried out: “Hold! This must not be!” “Back, Pearl, back! I will have his life, for you know my vow!” cried the stranger. “No, father; lower your knife, for not half an hour ago this man saved my life--see?” The girl addressed as Pearl pointed to the dead bodies of her Indian enemies. “Ha! You were in danger, Pearl, and he saved you?” The man spoke in earnest tones, and turned his gaze again upon Red Hand, who had stepped back at the approach of the girl, yet still held his knife ready for defense. “Yes, father; this brave man rescued me when those Sioux would have taken my life.” “True, I did assist the girl, after she had already sent two of the red devils to their happy hunting grounds; but if you have anything against me, comrade, let not that act of mine stand in the way, for twice you have attempted my life now.”