"Stop!" said Lagrenay, in a firm and solemn voice; "I know your inflexible will too well to ask my life of you. You have decided on my death. Good. But I will not die at your hands. You say the honour of the family requires that justice should be done. Well, it shall be done. Still I could not die like a dog. Give me ten minutes to pray. You will not refuse this?" "Heaven forbid!" said the old man, "And may heaven have mercy on you for all your sins." "Thanks, cousins and friends," cried the squatter, "and now, wife, on your knees. Let us beg forgiveness of our sins." The two old men went out, tears in their eyes, and almost inclined to be merciful. Stern will prevailed. Five minutes later, a double shot was heard. They rushed in. Both lay dead upon the floor. Justice was done. The two hunters kneeled down beside the bodies, and said a silent prayer over them. Then, in the room itself, they dug a grave, and, after some little time, interred the husband and wife. Then, dragging away by main force the wounded dog, they collected a lot of brushwood and other fuel. This they piled against the house and then fired. In a few minutes the whole was in flames. The dog got away, and plunged into the burning pile. When all was over and nought remained but cinders and ashes, the two men wiped away a tear and retired. CHAPTER XXII. A DESPERATE STRUGGLE. Tom Mitchell had told the truth. The plantation of Joshua Dickson had been attacked by a numerous party. This is how it had come about. Tubash-Shah and the squatter, Lagrenay, excited by a common hatred, had come to an understanding. The old wretch, whose whole thoughts were bent on the vast treasure concealed in the valley, had promised the Indian, not only his share of the gold, but the possession of a beautiful white girl, at least as beautiful as Evening Dew. He further suggested that as Numank-Charake would be sure to join Clinton, he could kill him too. He would then have the two most beautiful wives on the prairie. The Indian was easily seduced by this radiant project, which the old squatter fluttered before his eyes. An alliance defensive and offensive was struck up. It was Tubash-Shah who suggested the treacherous visit of the redskins on the occasion of the great marriage. In order to facilitate the attack on the settlement, old Lagrenay sent a secret message to the squatters, who fell into the trap prepared for them. Tubash-Shah was outside, waiting to take them, when he himself was made prisoner. This nearly spoiled all. But, after only half an hour's detention, Tubash escaped. He joined his expectant companions, and the plantation was at once attacked on all sides by Indians. But the Americans were on the watch, and received the redskins in a way that rather surprised them. Tom Mitchell, warned by his spies, had given them sufficient hints, while himself preparing.