Annette - The Metis Spy

Annette did not lower her arm, but she shut one of her eyes and

fired, once, twice at the running savage. Up went the wretch's arms

and he fell upon the plain.

"Let us away Julie, the shots may bring some stragglers," and the

two girls bounded along for nearly half a mile, when they were again

in line with the barge.

"Boat ahoy," shouted Annette. "When you near the first island keep

away to your right. There is a bar with sharp rocks in your way." A

low musical, "Merci mon petit ami" came to the shore; and Annette whispered: "It is Monsieur Stephens who gives me thanks." Then straightening

herself up, "It is time we got our horses; come." They hastened away

to the little grove, folded the tent, saddled the horses, and in a

few moments were galloping again towards the river. As they neared

the bank they heard a tempest of yelling up the plain toward the

Fort: and after listening for a moment, Annette said, "The savages have discovered the flight, and they are now in

pursuit. Can you speak much Cree, Julie?"

"Not much."

"Well, then you are to be my brother and a dummy; for I must meet

the Indians."

"Mademoiselle must not put herself in danger. The Indians may know

that you fired at the brave; perhaps he has given the alarm."

"Fear not, Julie. That poor savage has told no tales. But Monsieur

Stephens must be saved, and if this band is not checked, both he and

his friends are doomed. Half a mile below there are a hundred canoes

upon the bank, and thither those screaming fiends are bound. Now,

follow me, unless you care to ride back again to the hollow. I will

impose no duty upon you except to remain dumb."

Then she struck her heels into her horse and rode full for the

yelling band. As she drew near she raised her hand and shouted in

perfect and musical Cree.

"Let the braves stand and hear their brother."

Big Bear who was leading, surrounded by two or three of his wives,

stopped, and shouted to his braves to be still.

"What has our little brother to say?"

"Myself and my dumb brother have just escaped a great army of

soldiers at Souris Creek."

The chief's eyes became blank with fright.

"Where were the white braves going?"

"Marching for Fort Pitt; and they will be here in fifteen minutes,

for they are mounted on swift horses. If you go down to fight yonder

boat, you will be attacked in rear."

"The boy speaks well," muttered the chief to his prettiest wife who

was standing by his side; and that dainty Cree was feasting her eyes

upon the beautiful face of the Indian lad. It might not have been so

well for Annette had the chief seen the way in which his young wife

stared at the little Indian scout.