Frankly he admitted
that from the moment he met the girl he fell under the influence of a
powerful fascination. Within twenty-four hours of his return from the
Laramie trip they were riding together, and during that ride she asked
to be taken to Stabber's village, and there had talked long with that
magnificent young Sioux. Later, Field surprised her in tears, and then
she told him a pitiful tale. Eagle Wing had been educated, she said, by
her aunt and uncle,--was indeed their nephew and her own cousin. He had
been wild and had given them much trouble, and her aunt was in bitter
distress over his waywardness. It was to plead with him that she,
Nanette, had gone. "Moreau" had been taught mining and mineralogy, it
seems, and declared that he had "located" a most promising mine in the
Black Hills. He could buy off every claim if he had a thousand dollars,
and the mine might be worth millions. Hay pooh-poohed the story. Mrs.
Hay could not persuade him. Then "Moreau" became threatening. He would
join the hostiles, he swore, if his aunt would not help him. Indeed, and
here Field's young face burned with shame, Nanette told him that she
understood that he, Field, was an only son who might inherit wealth in
days to come, and could draw upon his father now for any reasonable sum;
and, within the week of his meeting her, he was on the point of offering
everything she needed, but that he disbelieved the Indian's story.
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