“There is no need of standing here,” said Hammond, a few minutes later, “huddled together like a parcel of sheep, waiting to be shot down. Can one not make terms with them?” “What’ll you offer?” was the pertinent response of old Stebbins. “Suppose I go forward, and voluntarily surrender the whole party, what then?” “If its any enj’yment to you, yer kin do it. Them Blackfeet ain’t used to that kind of business, and bein’ as we bored a hole in one of ’em yesterday, I don’t think it’s likely they’ll think this ar’ a good time to begin; howsumever--” “Hello! something is up!” exclaimed Hammond. “What does that mean?” The Blackfeet who had so suddenly cut off their advance were now seen in the greatest consternation. They were shrieking, yelling, leaping from their horses, tumbling over each other--all wild and frantic to get out of the cañon! There seemed to be something in the very center of them that was like an exploding bombshell, and that caused all this panic. While the whites were gazing spell-bound, they suddenly discerned the cause. A huge body, ringed and spotted in that unmistakable manner, was plunging among them, uttering short, sharp barks, while in the space of half a minute not a Blackfoot remained! Every one had fled! “It is Jerval! it is Jerval!” exclaimed Lamora, as she descried the creature. “He has not forgotten me! thank heaven!” The brute seemed to hear her voice, and came lumbering down the cañon toward her. “B’ars and bufflers!” growled Black Tom, looking uneasily about him, “I don’t fancy _you_ any more than the other varmints.” “He won’t harm you,” said Lamora; “he is my pet.” “And mine, too, as the gals always remarked whin they sot eyes on me,” added Teddy. “I allers liked that critter, and now I _love_ him. Come here, let me embrace yees.” “Go on, Jerval!” called out Lamora, pointing down the cañon toward the other Blackfeet; “drive them away, too.” But they had caught sight of the hideous creature, and they waited for no further driving, but went tearing down the cañon, with the speed of the wind. “Now, out of hyar, afore they kin cotch us ag’in!” exclaimed Black Tom; “let’s git on the open prairie as quick as lightning.” The horses were put to their full gallop, and a few seconds later stood upon the high, level ground, free from all threatened peril. The Indians had vanished with such precipitous haste that not one of them was in sight. Our friends halted a few seconds, while Jerval came plunging up the cañon after them. When he had fairly reached them, and began frisking around Lamora in his awkward way, Hammond dismounted, and said, addressing the three trappers: