Instantly a dense smoke began to curl upward in a column, and he kept it from blazing by piling on more straw. Then he suddenly threw over it his India rubber blanket, and the smoke was cut off. Taking off the blanket he let the smoke ascend again, then shut it off, and repeating this three times, he quickly put out the fire. The redskins had noted the very first curl of the smoke upward, and came to a halt. They saw the column cut off and rise again, and this was done for the third time, when the smoke disappeared altogether. Not a word had been spoken among them until the smoke floated away, and did not reappear. Then the chief said something in a low tone, wheeled his horse straight toward the hill, and his warriors followed in silence. As they neared the base of the hill they stretched out into a line and so approached the pines, peering closely into every covert. But suddenly a horseman rode out into view upon the hill-top, and though it was a pale-face, and naturally to be expected, a foe, they did not seem to so regard him, for the chief went toward him at a canter, his braves following, while not the slightest preparation was made for battle. As he approached the steeper part of the hill the chief dismounted, and went on foot, his warriors following his example. Then amid the pines he found Herbert Bernard, and the latter said: "I am glad the Red Hatchet has come, for I was seeking for him." "The Red Hatchet is glad to see his brother. He was going on the trail to see if the pale-face foes of the Sioux were still pressing upon his people." "He will find that the soldiers are still marching forward to surround the Bad Lands; but the Sioux are safe there, for no soldiers can drive them away. But I would ask a favor of my red brother?" "The Red Hatchet is ready to obey." "If the Red Hatchet will go near to my house I will see that he finds the Snow Flower. Let him carry her to his people in the Bad Lands, and there keep her until I come for her. If the Red Hatchet will do this for me he shall find me the true friend of himself and his people, and the soldiers shall not harm them. But the Red Hatchet must remember that the Snow Flower shall not be harmed by his people, for she is the daughter of his friend the white chief, and the sister of his friend Herbert. Does he understand that it is only to keep the Snow Flower from running away with a soldier chief that he is to hide her away among his people, where she cannot escape." "The Red Hatchet understands and will obey. The Snow Flower shall know no harm, for she is the friend of the Sioux. And the Red Hatchet's friend will let the Sioux know when the soldiers come closer upon them?" "Yes." The chief stretched forth his hand in token that it was a compact, and grasping it Herbert Bernard said a few more words in explanation of his plan, and mounting his horse rode back toward the ranch. And Red Hatchet and his band slowly followed upon his trail. CHAPTER XXVII.