"That is why he came!" the boy cried, as he leaped to his feet, holding a
parchment in his hand. "The halfbreed had undertaken to arrest me, and
here is his warrant."
Not until Stephen had examined the document carefully was he satisfied the
statement was correct, and then he said, holding the parchment over the
fire,-
"We can dispose of this easily enough, but what shall be done with Jim is
more than I can decide."
Before he could drop the document from his fingers Sewatis leaped from his
couch, seized the warrant, and went back to his slumbers, saying, as he
did so,-
"Heap big rascal! me keep talkin'-skin."
"We shall have to let the Indian take care of Jim and his belongings
whether we want to or not," Walter said, with a mournful smile. "The whole
affair shows me, however, that I am not secure from Sam Haines even here
in the woods. He has found one messenger, and can readily get another."
"Now, don't despair. Your red friend has some scheme in his head, or I'm
mistaken. He has taken such good care of the fellow that we needn't worry
about him, and if I am to leave this place at daylight, it's time I got
some sleep."
Stephen resumed his place on the bed, and Walter followed his example, but
not to rest.
He had believed himself free from all pursuit while he remained in the
forest; and during the past hour had been shown how vain was that idea.
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