"Yes, I know you. You are a spy, and direct from the federal camp. You pretended sleep as you were lying at the foot of yonder rock, that you might hear all my conversation and report it. You have heard too much. Are there any here who have seen this fellow before?" asked Price, turning to his soldiers. "I have seen him, and know him," replied one of the men, stepping forward. "He is called Fall-leaf, and is chief of the Delaware tribe." The Indian sprang forward, and in an instant had broken through the crowd which encircled him, and with the speed of a deer, dashed toward the distant cliffs. "Fire upon him!" shrieked Price. A hundred rifles were raised, but the Indian was darting among the tents in such a manner, that no opportunity for accurate aim could be had. "Curses on it, he will escape!" yelled Price. "Here Barclay, Rains, all of you, mount and follow. I must have that red devil, dead or alive. If he escapes, he will bear important information to Fremont." Price sprang into his saddle and dashed forward in pursuit. He was soon followed by a score of others. "By heavens, they have seized him!" cried Price, as he approached the outer lines of the camp, where stood the guard tent. So it was. Just as Fall-leaf reached a narrow defile which led along the mountain's side and down to the river below, the detail ordered by Price as a pretended escort, were starting for headquarters. They met the Indian face to face, and comprehending the state of affairs, the corporal ordered, "Seize him!" A large knife flashed in the sunlight, which the Indian suddenly drew from concealment, and, as two of the guard sprang forward, it fell with crushing weight upon the brain of each. A third and a fourth shared the same fate. But, at this instant one of the guard levelled a terrible blow at the head of the Indian, with the but of his musket. Fall-leaf, staggering back, fell to the earth. Half a dozen bayonets were instantly pointed at his heart, but, as Price approached the spot at this moment, he cried: "Alive! alive! take him alive! I will question him first--then torture him!" In an instant the Indian was bound and helpless. Price, as he rode up, followed by his aids, ordered Fall-leaf to arise. The Indian was only partially stunned by the blow, and obeying the summons, he stood erect. "Now, dog!" said Price, "you shall confess." "Me no confess!" answered Fall-leaf. Price stamped his foot from very rage. Turning to the guard he said: "Throw that hell-hound upon the fire between those burning logs!" The Indian glanced at the burning mass, and then upon the objects by which he was surrounded. The guard were about to seize him, when, turning to Price, he said: "Me tell all!" "You will tell me all you know of the federal army, and of your own plans?" asked Price. "Yes! Me hate you. Me fight you. You steal pale-face--Alibamo--" Price started, turning pale as death, as he shrieked: "Pitch him into the fire this instant!"