"Zane Grey - Betty Zane" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grey Zane)

"We are in for more trouble from the Wyandots and Shawnees. But, Bessie, I
don't believe it will come soon. We are too well protected here for anything
but a protracted siege."

Colonel Zane's light and rather evasive answer did not deceive his wife. She
knew her brother and her husband would not wear anxious faces for nothing. Her
usually bright face clouded with a look of distress. She had seen enough of
Indian warfare to make her shudder with horror at the mere thought. Betty
seemed unconcerned. She sat down beside the dog and patted him on the head.

"Tige, Indians! Indians!" she said.

The dog growled and showed his teeth. It was only necessary to mention Indians
to arouse his ire.

"The dog has been uneasy of late," continued Colonel Zane "He found the Indian
tracks before Wetzel did. You know how Tige hates Indians. Ever since he came
home with Isaac four years ago he has been of great service to the scouts, as
he possesses so much intelligence and sagacity. Tige followed Isaac home the
last time he escaped from the Wyansdots. When Isaac was in captivity he nursed
and cared for the dog after he had been brutally beaten by the redskins. Have
you ever heard that long mournful howl Tige gives out sometimes in the dead of
night?"

"Yes I have, and it makes me cover up my head," said Betty.

"Well, it is Tige mourning for Isaac," said Colonel Zane

"Poor Isaac," murmured Betty.

"Do you remember him? It has been nine years since you saw him," said Mrs.
Zane.

"Remember Isaac? Indeed I do. I shall never forget him. I wonder if he is
still living?"

"Probably not. It is now four years since he was recaptured. I think it would
have been impossible to keep him that length of time, unless, of course, he
has married that Indian girl. The simplicity of the Indian nature is
remarkable. He could easily have deceived them and made them believe he was
content in captivity. Probably, in attempting to escape again, he has been
killed as was poor Andrew."

Brother and sister gazed with dark, sad eyes into the fire, now burned down to
a glowing bed of coals. The silence remained unbroken save for the moan of the
rising wind outside, the rattle of hail, and the patter of rain drops on the
roof.