Page:The trail of the golden horn.djvu/171

Rh trees. Here his extra supply of provisions was safe from prowling animals. He carried with him a small ladder which he placed against one of the trees, mounted it and brought down such things as he needed. These he at once took over to Tom’s cabin and laid them on the floor.

“I bring these to pay you back for what you gave me,” he explained. “You will find some tea there, too. How is Zell?”

“Better this morning, Gikhi,” the Indian replied. “Her eyes see, and her tongue speaks straight.”

“Ah, that is good, Tom. You and Kate have done well.”

He walked over to the bed on the floor where the girl was lying, stooped down and looked into her face. Then he took one of her hands in his, and gave it a slight pressure.

“Do you know me, dear?” he asked.

For a few seconds Zell stared straight at him, as if trying to recall something. Then a slight expression of understanding dawned in her eyes, and her brow wrinkled. This was followed immediately by a look of fear as she raised her right hand and struck feebly at the missionary.

“Go away, go away!” she cried. “Don’t, Bill, don’t! Oh, let me go!”

“Hush, hush,” Norris soothed. “You are safe here with friends. Don’t you know me, Zell? It is your own Gikhi who has come to you.”

“Gikhi! Gikhi!” the girl repeated. “Not Bill?”

“No, no. Bill is not here. Just Gikhi, Tom, and Kate.”

With a sigh Zell closed her eyes and remained very still. The missionary watched her for a few minutes