Scarcely had he finished ere Oliver and the chief disappeared. "Beware of my vengeance," cried Bright-eye, "if you have spoken falsely." "I have spoken the truth," said the wounded man, and fainted. CHAPTER XI. EXPLANATIONS. We must go back a little in order to explain how the three hunters were driven to seek hospitality in the hut of George Clinton, and what were the motives of the deadly hatred they had vowed against the wounded, almost dying, man. At the time of which we write nearly the whole American continent, north and south, was owned by Spain, which ruled her provinces with a yoke of iron, closed to all other nations with as much jealousy as ever was shown by China. The United States alone stood free, independent. The newly enfranchised people were, however, well aware that as long as the rest of the land was not free their work was unfinished. Besides, it became necessary to give employment to the restless spirits let loose by the close of the war. The Government at once set to work. The territory of the new republic was already immense, but thinly peopled, almost unknown, and occupied in many instances by wandering Indian tribes. These must first be got rid of. The activity of the Americans is known. They rushed off into the desert, they erected forts to awe the redskins; hardy pioneers traversed the prairies and established settlements in the very heart of the Indian country. Every encouragement was given to emigrants from Europe, who were received most hospitably. The Government was favoured by circumstances; it was a rising power while Spain was falling to pieces. The American Government at once offered to buy Louisiana of France, and meanwhile sent out small companies of free corps to attack the frontier of the Spanish colonies. But alongside those recognised by the authorities were other bands, men isolated from all civilisation, having no control to fear, recruited from the scum which froths up during troublous times; these bands made war on their own account, pillaged friend and foe, burned haciendas, and allied themselves with the redskins, taking their dress in order the more readily to carry out their nefarious designs. Among these bands was one more formidable than all the others of sad and monstrous celebrity. This troop of two hundred desperadoes, called themselves outlaws, and, it was believed, though no one exactly knew their headquarters, were established on the Missouri, whence they carried their depredations far and near. Powerfully organised, submitting to strict discipline, this band had spies in every direction, who kept them well informed, not only as to the number and strength of caravans about to cross the desert, with their destination, but as to the expeditions sent out by Government against themselves. By these means they were always on their guard and never taken by surprise.