CAPTAIN TOM MITCHELL, THE AVENGER. The marriage of Evening Dew with Numank-Charake was to be celebrated with unusual splendour. Invitations had been sent in all directions, and, two days before the ceremony was to take place, numerous deputations from all the tribes were collected around, and were received with the splendid hospitality essential in such a case. At least five hundred strange warriors had come. Some hours later a new troop appeared on the verge of the plain; it was very numerous, three hundred men at least, in the picturesque costume of Mexican rancheros, all armed to the teeth, and admirably mounted. Four cavaliers rode in front; these were Tom Mitchell, Pierre Durand Camotte, and Tête de Plume. It was the full force of the outlaws. On nearing the village two other men were seen; these were Clinton and Charbonneau. Nothing was omitted to give _éclat_ to such a reception. The most renowned of the sachems, with the three Canadians, Bright-eye, and Oliver, advanced to meet them, and give them a most cordial and sincere welcome. Captain Pierre Durand, who had given up his disguise, kept a little in the background. Having exchanged compliments, Tom ordered his men to camp outside, and entered the village with the others. As soon as all were collected in the hut of the Canadians, Tom Mitchell closed the door carefully. "Gentlemen," he said, in a low and solemn tone, "I owe you no explanation for coming, but for coming in such force." "You owe no explanation. You are welcome." "Listen. Not a moment is to be lost. Spies are on all hands. You are surrounded by treachery and traitors. You are all to be made the victims of an execrable plot concocted by two wretches, Lagrenay and Tubash-Shah." All were stupefied. While the other spoke, Pierre Durand slipped into Bright-eye's own room to rest. "Yes. Tubash-Shah hates Numank; but that is not all. He loves your gentle daughter, Evening Dew." "Horrible!" cried the old man. "The capture of Miss Angela was a thing arranged between Lagrenay and Tubash-Shah, who thought to get her from me." "Thanks to you, the plot is exploded." "He still hopes to kill his rival, steal his wife, become possessor of the treasure you know of," cried Tom Mitchell, "and become chief of the tribe. With these schemes in their heads, Lagrenay and Tubash-Shah are allies." "It is a horrible plot. How did you discover it?" "No matter; my spies have served me well. I knew the plan of the conspirators, and hence have come in such force. I shall be able to thwart them. Do you now attend to the immediate safety of the chiefs of this nation and people." "I will take measures at once." "Above all, be cautious. You have to deal with desperate and cunning rascals," urged Tom Mitchell. The three Canadians, grandfather, father, and son, went out, leaving behind only George Clinton and his friend. "Now, Mr. Clinton," said the outlaw, "though we met under unpleasant circumstances, we are friends."