Page:Hendryx--Connie Morgan with the Mounted.djvu/233



the back trail of Sam Spotted Raven's valiant band, Connie and Ick Far came to the site of the deserted village. That the departure of the Indians had been a hasty departure was evidenced by the litter of abandoned goods and utensils with which the ground was bestrewn. In the dusk of evening, the depressing atmosphere of abandoned habitation enshrouded the deserted encampment.

Supper was eaten in silence. On the trail Connie had ridiculed the old chief's story, and assured Ick Far they would unearth a perfectly simple explanation of the events that had struck fear to the hearts of the Indians. But the boy knew that Ick Far believed the story of Sam Spotted Raven, and as he glanced at the old scout he noted that his features were gloomy with forebodings of evil.

After carefully drawing a circle about his blan-