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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0ad85cb --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #66227 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/66227) diff --git a/old/66227-0.txt b/old/66227-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 771773e..0000000 --- a/old/66227-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4525 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Delaware Tom; or The Traitor Guide, by -Harry Hazard - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Delaware Tom; or The Traitor Guide - Beadle's Pocket Novels No. 71 - -Author: Harry Hazard - -Release Date: September 6, 2021 [eBook #66227] - -Language: English - -Produced by: David Edwards, Stephen Hutcheson, and the Online - Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - (Northern Illinois University Digital Library) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DELAWARE TOM; OR THE TRAITOR -GUIDE *** - - - - - - DELAWARE TOM; - OR, - THE TRAITOR GUIDE. - - - BY HARRY HAZARD, - AUTHOR OF THE FOLLOWING POCKET NOVELS: - No. 38. The Heart Eater, - No. 43. The White Outlaw, - No. 54. Arkansas Jack, - No. 66. Rattling Dick. - - - NEW YORK: - BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS, - 98 WILLIAM STREET. - - Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1872, by - FRANK STARR & CO., - In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. - - - - - CONTENTS - - - I An Altercation 9 - II The Storm-Cloud Breaks 19 - III A Wild Race 30 - IV The Forlorn Hope 34 - V Delaware Tom 43 - VI Tom Maxwell Turns Indian 50 - VII A Tangled Trail 59 - VIII Savage Tactics 68 - IX Bound to the Stake 77 - X The Winding Trail 83 - XI Reunited 88 - XII Dog Eat Dog 96 - - - - - DELAWARE TOM; - OR, - THE TRAITOR GUIDE - - - - - CHAPTER I. - AN ALTERCATION. - - -Mid-afternoon of an oppressively hot and sultry day, in the year ’54. - -We call the reader’s attention to a scene, that, if not romantic, is at -least attractive and interesting; a wagon-train of emigrants, as is -attested by the quantity of driven stock—horses, cattle and sheep. The -presence of women and children is still further evidence. - -It moved slowly and drearily along over the vast, almost barren stretch -of level plain, as though the nearly spent day had been one of hard and -unremitting toil. The horses or mules, their heads hanging down, with -drooping ears and tails, their hides damp with sweat and covered with -the fine sand cast upon the air by the trampling hoofs, or the slowly -revolving wheels, scarcely heed the stinging lash or the impatient -exclamation of their drivers. - -The loose stock move dejectedly along, cured of their morning propensity -of running from the trail to snatch a mouthful of grass, or nip the tops -of a bush, while more than one of the boys, whose duty it is to keep -them within proper limits, dozes in their hard saddles. - -But there are three persons who appear full of life and free from the -general weariness of mind and body. There: one of them a woman—a girl; -the others men. - -The first, who rode at several hundred yards in advance, if closely -scrutinized, proves to be an old man, who has numbered his half-century, -or perhaps nearly a decade more. A close scrutiny, we say, for his -figure was as erect and vigorous, his motions as free and supple, the -fire of his keen gray eye as clear and penetrating as a generation -since. - -His hair and long flowing beard were gray, although the thickly clinging -dust effectually disguised this. From his position, his arms, his -actions, it was plain he acted as guide to the wagon-train. - -The next figure, about half-way between this man and the foremost wagon, -was also a man, and merits a brief description at our hands for more -than one reason. - -In stature he was about the mean hight, of a rather slight figure, but -with a muscular and active development, clothed in a plain and well-worn -suit of gray. His dusky, olive complexion, black hair and eyes like a -sloe, had given him the sobriquet of “Dusky Dick,” a name that was -already famous throughout the West. - -Although not much, if any beyond his third decade, Richard Rouzee, or -“Dusky Dick,” had followed the calling of a guide for a number of years, -and gained the repute of being peculiarly unfortunate, having lost -one-half the trains he had acted as pilot for, and rarely escaped -without at least one fierce and desperate struggle. - -More than one dark rumor had been put in circulation, and some more -boldly declared that he was in league with the red-skins, and only acted -as guide, the more surely to compass his purpose. But this was only -conjecture, and could not be substantiated by any valid proof. - -The third person, who rode at some little distance to the right, so as -to escape the annoying dust, was a young woman of more than common grace -and beauty, although the latter quality was somewhat obscured by the -long, weary day’s travel. - -Rather above the medium hight, of a superbly rounded and developed form, -that was admirably displayed by her neatly-fitting riding-habit of -black, she sat her horse with the ease and grace of an accomplished -_equestrienne_, although he chafed and fretted at the restraint of a -tightly-drawn rein, caracoling and prancing in proud strength and -spirit. - -It was a clear-cut profile and beautiful complexion that Dusky Dick -beheld from the corner of his dark, sinister eye, that glared with a -fire of unusual admiration. But this his slouched hat concealed, and his -smooth, beardless face gave no outward sign of the dark and troubled -thoughts that filled his brain. - -Then he pricked his half-wild mustang viciously with his spur, and -darted suddenly up beside the lady, who uttered a half-suppressed -exclamation of annoyance, and made no attempt to conceal the expression -of dislike and impatience that clouded her usually sunny features. - -“It has been a wearisome day, Miss Clara,” began the guide, speaking in -a low and remarkably musical voice although his eyes flashed as he -noticed her evident aversion. “But we are almost at the end of our day’s -journey. See—that long dark line yonder, a little to the left, is our -stopping-place, beside a clear and beautiful stream. I know the spot, -well.” - -“So we camp there? Well, I am glad of it, for more than one reason,” -replied the lady, in an impatient tone. - -“And may I ask why so?” - -“Do you wish to know the truth?” asked Clara, with a slight emphasis. - -“Certainly; the truth will be doubly pleasant, coming from such winsome -lips,” Dusky Dick returned, with a half-mocking bow and smile. - -“Well then, the main reason is that once there, you will have other -things to attend to, and will not have so much leisure to annoy others -by impertinent and unwelcome attentions,” curtly replied Clara, urging -her high-mettled horse ahead, as if desirous of escaping the company of -the swarthy guide. - -“And another reason is—that a certain baby-face, Buenos Ayres by name, -will not be long in feeding his horses, and then, of course, will hasten -to pay his respects to the belle of the wagon-train,” sneered Dusky -Dick, keeping close to Clara, whether she rode fast or slow. - -“Mr. Rouzee,” at length exclaimed Clara, her eyes flashing angrily, and -her cheeks flushing, “your place as guide is yonder, along with Tom -Maxwell, and not out here. If I appear rude, you force me to be so.” - -“A guide’s place depends greatly upon circumstances, Miss Calhoun; and -just now I prefer this position.” - -“Then occupy it alone; I will go back to the wagon,” she added, reining -in her horse. - -“Stay, Miss Clara,” cried Rouzee, his black eyes glittering. “Keep your -place, but mark me, the time will come—and soon too—when you will repent -these haughty airs, and solicit as a favor, what you now affect to -scorn. I tell you that the time is not far distant when you will crouch -at my feet—when you will hang around me for a word—a smile; when you -will call me _master_. Do you hear?” - -“And I tell you, sir, that when we camp to-night, you will have to -answer to the charge of being drunk while upon duty,” haughtily retorted -Clara, her eyes flashing. “Will you go, sir, or must I appeal to my -father?” - -The guide did not reply, but plunging his long, cruel spurs into the -flanks of his mustang, he dashed rapidly up alongside of the old -borderer, Tom Maxwell, who received him with a cold, half-suspicious -start. Evidently there was little love lost between the two men. - -Just before sunset, the long line of trees was reached, that bordered -upon a small stream, and preparations were immediately begun for -encamping, while Dusky Dick and Tom Maxwell galloped off to hunt for -“sign.” - -The mules and horses were ungeared and turned loose, after being -hoppled, and the wagons were formed into a rude sort of corral, one line -covering the joints in the other. All was bustle and apparent confusion, -although each person knew his duty and busied himself about that alone. - -Fires were built, and over them stooped the women, preparing supper for -the different messes; while the children brought wood and water, or else -rolled and tumbled over each other with merry shouts, in their play, -little recking what the morrow might bring forth. - -To one of these fires, a little apart from the remainder, we now turn. -Over it was bending the form of an old negro woman, whose wrinkled -features and gorgeous red and orange head-gear, looked weird and wild -through the flame-tinted smoke. - -A little to one side of this sat three persons, or rather half reclining -against the moss-covered roots of the gigantic oak tree, idly watching -the motions of “Aunt Medora,” as she turned the hissing bacon, or the -nicely browning “hoe-cake.” One of these was Clara Calhoun; the others -were men. - -The eldest one—tall, portly and of a soldierly bearing—was her father, -the leader or captain of the wagon-train. Of perhaps fifty years in age, -his muscular frame gave no evidence of decay, and the fire of youth -still seemed to shine in his large dark eyes. The heavy, grizzled -mustache and beard, gave a somewhat stern cast to his features, that -were massive and regular, and his voice, used to command, enhanced this -idea; but at heart he was kind and gentle. - -The other was a young man, between his fifth and sixth _lustrum_, with a -handsome, manly face and form; with a calm, steadfast look in his gray -eye that instinctively commanded one’s respect, and told that he could -be depended upon in any emergency, however dangerous or trying. - -His garments were plain and almost poor, but there was an air of -conscious independence and freedom in his bearing and demeanor, that -attracted one, despite himself. - -“Father, do you know that I think you made a great mistake in hiring -this Dusky Dick, or whatever may be his name, to act as guide?” - -“Why so, Clara?” asked her parent, with an air of surprise. - -“Well, you may laugh at me, or call me visionary, but I shudder whenever -he comes near me. I believe he is a traitor, and that he has some deep -purpose of his own that means danger to us all. If you ask my reasons, I -can only say what I have; I only feel that he’s not what he seems, and I -shall never rest easy until we are well rid of him.” - -“I don’t like him overly well, myself,” slowly replied Calhoun, “but -still, I think he is honest and trustworthy.” - -“Then why does he not attend to his business, instead of intruding where -he can’t help but see his presence is unwelcome?” warmly cried Clara. - -“Why, daughter, what do you mean? What has he been doing?” - -“Just this. I can’t stir a step from the wagons, but what he is at my -side, with his disagreeable smile and worse compliments. At first I did -not appear to mind them, but of late he has grown still more impudent, -and the worse I rebuff him, the more he persists, until now, unless it -is put a stop to, I will feel obliged to keep within the wagon all the -time.” - -“You never spoke of this before, Clara,” uttered Calhoun, slowly. “If he -has troubled you so much, why not have told me?” - -“Because I thought he would desist, and then there would be no trouble. -But to-day he grossly insulted me.” - -“Stay, Buenos,” commanded the major, placing a hand upon the young man’s -arm, as he made a motion of anger—“let me settle this. He insulted you, -Clara?” - -“Yes. He told me that the time was not far distant when I would crouch -at his feet, and be glad to call him _master_!” exclaimed the maiden, -her eyes flashing. - -“But what led to this?” - -“I hardly remember, but I told him he had other duties to perform, that -would become him better than forcing his company upon those to whom it -was unwelcome. I had tried to leave him by riding faster, to one side, -or by falling back; but he kept close beside me.” - -Major Calhoun arose and glanced around upon the animated scene. The two -guides had returned, and were awaiting supper, meanwhile smoking their -pipes. - -“Tom Maxwell, come here for a moment,” called the leader, and the tall -guide sprung nimbly to his feet and approached the group, doffing the -dirty felt hat, with an almost reverential bow to Clara. - -“Maxwell, my man, I wish to ask your advice, and I trust you will be -plain and candid, in your reply,” began Calhoun. - -“Maje, I’m Tom Maxwell, an’ you’ve hearn tell o’ me afore now; but did -you ever hear ’at I lied, or made a prac_tyce_ o’ any sech a dirty, -sneakin’ business? The truth is a mighty broad an plain trail, boss, to -them which is clear in the sight, an’ my ol’ mother l’arnt me to squint -true ’long that trail, tellin’ me—‘Now, sonny, jest foller your nose, -an’ go ahead!’ An’ ever sence then, I’ve did so, on’y, mayhap, steppin’ -a lettle to one side in the matter o’ a red-skin, or sech like; but I -al’ays tuck it up jest whar I left it. I’ll tell you the truth ef it -bu’sts me—go on!” - -Calhoun appeared used to the somewhat rambling style of the old guide, -and resumed: - -“We were just talking about this Dusky Dick, as you call him; what is -your opinion of him, Tom?” - -“H-u-m! As a guide, or a man?” - -“Well—both.” - -“Ya—as,” drawled Maxwell, smoking rapidly. “Fust, as a guide. He’s quick -an’ sharp-witted, knows a buffler-chip from a ant-hill; he is dead shore -on a trail or fer sign; a bully shot, rider, an’ all that; kin tell you, -or mark down like a printed map, every river, crick an’ waterhole that -is atween here an’ Salt Lake. Or to sum it up, as the lawyers o’ St. -Louey ’d say, he knows every feet o’ the trail, kin tell whar to ixpect -Injuns, or not to ixpect ’em, ekil to anybody what lives an’ breathes.” - -“You praise him up very highly, Tom,” remarked Buenos Ayres. - -“Do I, then? That’s jest as folks thinks. But honest, I don’t know a -single man ’at I’d ruther hev along ’th me, ’n this very Dusky Dick, -_pervidin’_, mind ye, thet he hed some strong intrust in the train’s -gittin’ through right side up, all hunky. But ef so be he hed a spite -ag’inst anybody, then I’d ruther hev the devil hisself fer a chum,” he -said, earnestly. - -“Well, as a man,” added Major Calhoun. - -“Wal, fust; he shoots off his mouth too durned much; he’d talk the ha’r -off ’m a buffler bull’s hump, an’ not more’n hafe try. He’s wuss ’n old -Daddy Lapyear, the preacherman which used to keep camp meetin’ nigh to -whar I lived when a little shaver; an’ more’n that couldn’t be said. -Look at his eyes—look at his face—look at his motion; look at him all -over, well. The hull outfit sais _snake_, jest as plain as geese-goose; -an’ the wust kind o’ sarpint, too—the ongainly, sneakin’ copperhead. - -“Ef he tuck a dislike to a feller, would he come right out flatfooted -an’ tell him so? Nary time—not muchly! He’d lay low an’ bite ’em in the -heel. He’s pizon, I tell ye, pizon from head to toe, an’ sartin death. -Ef he gives you a black look, jest putt your heel on his head an’ squash -it. But look to your boots, fust. Gi’ me a match, youngster.” - -Calhoun then repeat the threats of Dusky Dick, he had that day addressed -to Clara, and then awaited Tom’s reply, in some anxiety of mind. - -“An’ he said _that_—_he_ did?” slowly returned Maxwell, his brow -knitting, as he puffed furiously at his relighted pipe. - -“Those words, or to the same effect.” - -“Wal then, thar’s snags ahead, boss, you kin jest bet your high old -ocean ware!” exclaimed Tom. “What’re you goin’ to do ’bout it?” - -“I don’t know, just yet. That is what I asked your opinion for.” - -“Wal then, ef he said them words, he _meant_ somethin’. He ain’t the -sort o’ feller to shoot his mouth off at nothin’, when he’s mad, jest -fer the fun o’ hearin’ hisself talk. Look here—do you know ’at he’s lost -_four_ trains in the last two years? an’ that one more jest got through -by stud-hoss luck, a’ter two days’ hard fightin’? I don’t say ’at he’s -in cahoot ’th the reds, not a-tall; but ef I hed a spite ag’in’ this -’ere train, an’ wanted to git it wiped out, I’d jest go to Mister Dusky -Dick, _Es_quire, an’ say—_whar’s the brigynees, Dick?”_ significantly -replied Tom, tapping one horny finger against the other palm. - -“Then what do you advise, Maxwell?” somewhat anxiously asked Major -Calhoun, deeply impressed by the earnest words of the veteran guide. - -“What do I ’vise? Now thar you’ve _got_ me, as Joe Nerr said to the -whale when he sucked him in. What _d’you_ think?” - -“I thought some of discharging him,” was the thoughtful reply. - -“The very wust thing you could do! ’Cause why. Ef he _is_ a runnygade, -thet is jest what he’d choose hisself, an’ then he’d hold high, low, -jack in his hand, ’th a fa’r show o’ ketchin’ the game, to boot. No, -sir! You must keep him, an’ say nothin’ to make him ’spicious, an’ -then—_watch ’im_. You’ll watch—the young feller, _he’ll_ watch, an’ -_I’ll_ watch, an’ it’s hard but what we kin manidge to keep him in -trim.” - -“’S—st!” cautioned Ayres, rising erect, with hand upon his ready -revolver. “So, Mr. Dusky Dick, this is a specimen of your manners, is -it? Eavesdropping!” he added, as the form of the guide stepped out from -behind the tree beneath which the party were sitting. - -“Should the _criminal_ be absent when he is being tried?” sneered -Rouzee, with a slight emphasis on the word italicized. “I was passing -by—I heard my name coupled with treachery—and so I paused.” - -“Jest so—I was hungry—I saw a fat goose—I stole it, said the fox!” -murmured Tom, carelessly hitching his belt around. “I told you he was a -snake!” - -“And what did you hear?” demanded Calhoun, arising. - -“I heard myself accused of treachery—of being a renegade, and in -collusion with the Indians. If not in so many words, at least plainly -enough to be understood,” said Dusky Dick, deliberately. - -“Well then—what is your answer?” - -“What can it be! You are dissatisfied with me, and condemn me unheard. I -will not serve any man who does not trust me fully. Tom Maxwell, yonder, -knows the route quite as well as I do, and is capable of acting alone. I -will bid you good-by, now.” - -“You mean to leave us?” - -“Yes.” - -“If you heard so much, Mr. Rouzee, as you say, surely you heard -Maxwell’s last words?” coldly added Major Calhoun. “We prefer not to -part with you; at least, not until we have reached a safer portion of -the country than this is.” - -“True as preachin’!” softly interjected the old guide. - -“Do you mean to detain me against my will?” said Dusky Dick, stepping -back a pace. - -“If necessary—yes.” - -“By force?” - -“By force, if you compel us to adopt harsh measures,” impatiently -exclaimed the major. - -“Now look here, Mr. Calhoun,” began Rouzee, in a firm tone. “I’m a free -man, and not bound to you in any way. I have honestly performed my part -of the contract, thus far, and if I choose to leave you now, all you can -do is to retain my wages. Do this if you will, but I’ll not stay with -you any longer.” - -“Ef I hed a jass-ack what wouldn’t go, d’y’ think I’d wallop ’im?—bet -your monkey-musek I _would_!” gently whistled Tom Maxwell, eying Dusky -Dick with a benignant smile from beneath his battered slouch hat. - -“You are but one—we are three—or if but one word is spoken aloud, -fifty.” - -“And I am Dusky Dick!” cried the guide, in a defiant tone. “You have -heard of me before now, but you will _know_ me, if you persist in this -outrage. I tell you that I _will_ go, and there is but one thing that -can stop me—_death_!” and as he spoke, he leaped back so as to place the -trio in front of him, and drawing a brace of revolvers, he cocked them -with a clear, significant click. - -“That long-legged beauty yonder told you that I could shoot true, and -for once he told the truth. You may keep me here, but it will not be -while I can draw trigger or sight along a barrel. Stop!” he added, -sternly, as the three men made a motion toward advancing. “The first -weapon drawn, or the first step toward me, will be the death-warrant of -Miss Clara yonder! Before God, I will shoot her, if I am molested!” - -They saw that he was in terrible earnest, and instinctively shrunk back. - -“Shell I take him, maje—shell I take him?” hoarsely whispered the old -guide, his form crouching and trembling with anger, at the rebel’s -audacity. - -“No—no, don’t stir, Tom—for your life, don’t!” cried Calhoun, fearfully. -“The devil will shoot her if you do! Go, then, if you wish it, but if -you harm one of the party, I will hunt you down like a dog! Go, while -you can,” he added, bitterly. - -“Ha! ha!” laughed Dusky Dick, “you are very generous, Major Calhoun, and -I congratulate you upon the facility with which you reverse your -decision. I _will_ go, but you may expect me again, very soon. I love -Miss Clara too greatly to abandon her so abruptly, for good.” - -“Shoot him, father!” cried Clara, as she sprung up behind the huge -tree-trunk. “Never mind me—don’t let him brave you so!” - -The three men abruptly turned around at this sudden interruption, and -then as they saw that the maiden’s maneuver placed her in comparative -safety, they quickly drew their weapons; but the guide had vanished, and -his taunting laugh of defiance echoed back through the woods. - -“After him, Tom—Buenos! and shoot him like a wolf, if you find him!” -shouted Calhoun, as the three men dashed through the timber, in the -direction from whence had come the insolent laugh. - -But their efforts at Dusky Dick’s capture were all in vain, although the -majority of the now fully aroused campers set out in pursuit of the -fugitive; and one by one they returned to their now cold supper, silent -and filled with a dim foreboding of impending peril. - -“It’s a bad job, maje, a pesky bad job,” quoth Tom Maxwell, as he helped -himself to a fresh supply of the rude but wholesome viands; “an’ I’m -dub’ous that it hain’t all over yit. He never shed ’a’ got away—never! -But who under the sun would ’a’ thunk he’d ’a’ p’inted them pistils at -Miss Clary? The dratted sarpint! Burnin’s too good for sech as _he_ is! -Lord—Lord! what’s this world a-comin’ to, when sech pesky critters is -made?” - -Double guards were posted that night, and an unusually strict watch was -kept, but the long night passed by without further event worthy of -record, and as the sun arose, it shined down upon the party slowly -trailing along their weary way. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - THE STORM-CLOUD BREAKS. - - -The next day and the next passed by without any event other than such -usually attendant upon an emigrant’s daily toil along the almost endless -trail, and the majority of the party were inclined to laugh at the -parting words of Dusky Dick, as mere vaporings, proceeding from chagrin. - -But not so with all. Tom Maxwell did not take this view of it, nor did -the major or Buenos Ayres, and a steady, unremitting watch was kept up, -both night and day, while great precautions were used in selecting the -nightly encampment. - -Toward night of the second day succeeding the departure of Rouzee, the -veteran guide paused until the wagon driven by young Ayres, in which -also sat Major Calhoun, came up beside him. - -“What’s up now, Max?” - -“Nothin’, maje, as I knows on,” replied Tom. “But look yonder—d’ y’ see -them ’ar trees, jest beyon’ that peint o’ risin’ ground?” - -“Certainly.” - -“Well, that’s the place to camp to-night. Plenty of wood, water an’ -grass.” - -“Well?” queried the leader, seeing that something lay beyond the guide’s -words. - -“I don’t know, boss, but what you’ll laugh at me, an’ think I mought be -in better biziness, but—” hesitated Tom, a little nervously. - -“Why should I, Tom? I certainly should not if you are in earnest. But -what’s the matter?” - -“Jest this: you hain’t forgot what Dusky Dick said, nor hain’t I -n’ither. It’s be’n a-runnin in my mind all day, an’ I can’t help -thinkin’ that thar’s so’thin’ in it. You know he said that we’d see him -ag’in, an’ his eyes said, jest as plain as a nigger’s heel, that if we -did, it would not be _alone_.” - -“Then you think—?” - -“I reckon; leastways I ’spect so. Ef you ax _what_, why I’ll bet a -buffler’ hump ag’in’ a turkey buzzard, that we’ll ’ither see or hear -so’thin’ o’ Mr. Dusky Dick, afore another sun. I feel it all over me.” - -“What are you going to do?” somewhat impatiently asked Major Calhoun. - -“First, I’m goin’ to scout ’round ontel dusk. I know the lay right well -around here, an’ it’s jist the out-doin’est place you ever did see, for -’bushments and Injun deviltries. It’s a plain shoot for the river thar, -an’ you won’t need me for that.” - -“Well, don’t be gone long, nor run any more risk than is absolutely -necessary, Maxwell,” earnestly added Calhoun; “for you are our only -dependence, now. I don’t believe there is one of us all that has the -slightest idea of where we are, or the road necessary to take, in order -to reach safety.” - -“Maje,” slowly said the old guide, “I’m a rough old coon, what ain’t o’ -much a’count one way nor t’other; I hain’t got no kin, nor ’lations -livin,’ as I knows on. I never hed a wife—leastways, nobody ’cept it -mought be a squaw, now an’ then, for a week or so, an’ I never hed a -child who could call me pap; but for all that, I know how you must feel -when you look at Miss Clary, an’ think ’at she’s in danger. - -“I ain’t o’ much a’count, as I said, for I’m old an’ most wored out, but -still I’d fou’t as hard as the best, for the few drops o’ blood in my -karkidge, an’ I say sooner than let _her_ get hurt, even to her -teentiest finger, why I’d be shot, burnt, cut to pieces an’ then -swallered hole! I would, by ge-mently!” - -“I believe you, Tom, but I hope there’ll be no call for your doing all -that,” laughed Calhoun. - -“Wall, jist follow your nose, an’ stop yonder ontil I git back,” and -then loosening the tightly drawn rein against which his half-wild -mustang was chafing, the grizzled old guide sped swiftly away from the -wagon-train. - -Once beyond sight of the trail, Maxwell proceeded more slowly and with -greater precaution. Veering to the right, so as to embrace as much -ground as possible in his contemplated _detour_, he closely scrutinized -the ground for sign, while keeping a wary look-out upon either hand and -in front, not caring to run blindfold into an ambush should there in -reality prove to be enemies in his vicinity. - -He was proceeding thus, when his horse suddenly gave a snort and stood -still in his track. Quickly raising his eyes from the ground, the old -guide sent a keen glance around him, and then uttered a long, low -whistle, as he perceived the evident cause of his animal’s alarm. - -Just debouching from the hills, or rather from behind them, was a large -body of horsemen, and though at nearly a mile’s distance, he had no -hesitation in pronouncing them to be Indians, from the long spears and -various trappings, together with their peculiar style of riding. They -were to the right, and at the same time a little in his front, being -nearly in a direct line with himself and the place where the emigrants -intended to camp for the night. - -They had evidently observed him, and had paused, as if in irresolution, -thus allowing Maxwell a moment for deliberation. - -They might be friendly, but he did not believe it, and felt little -inclined to cultivate their close acquaintance. Still he did not like to -run, for he well knew the truth of the old adage—a fleeing form invites -pursuit—and that should he flee, the rogues would assuredly chase him. - -Then were they hostile, as he more than suspected, the emigrants would -undoubtedly be the sufferers, as they had not yet had time to encamp and -corral the wagons, in order of defense. Outnumbered and taken by -surprise, they would be massacred without mercy. - -Tom Maxwell did not believe that their exact position was known by the -Indians, from the unguarded movements of the latter, and resolved to -draw them away, if possible, or at least detain them until the emigrants -would be better prepared for the meeting. - -“Come, Ebenezer,” he muttered, drawing up the reins and settling himself -firmly in the deep saddle; “you hain’t any much tired as yit, an’ kin -hold your own with these scalawags, for a bit, anyhow. Now you jest git -up an’ _git_!” - -As he spoke, Maxwell urged the sturdy mustang onward, uttering a wild -yell and bending low down. - -As if decided upon their course by the old man’s action, the Indians -dashed after him, _in silence_. The look of anxiety upon Maxwell’s face -deepened, as he noted this fact, for it served to confirm his already -strong suspicions. - -He knew that only some great and powerful motive could induce an Indian -to suppress the vindictive, exultant yell usual when their foe and an -anticipated victim is before them; and what could that motive be, unless -it was a desire not to alarm the company of emigrants whom he had been -guiding? More than ever he believed that Dusky Dick was connected with -this new phase, and if so, he would need to be doubly wary and -foresighted. - -Instead of riding direct toward the camp, Maxwell pursued a course that -would carry him past it, at about a mile’s distance, with a considerable -ridge intervening, intending to draw the savages entirely away from the -wagon-train, if possible, but at any risk to protract the race until a -more favorable moment. - -His thorough knowledge of the surrounding country now stood him in good -stead. The hills loomed up before him, and the valley he was now in -appeared to extend clear through beyond the high ground, but in reality, -it ended in a _cul de sac_, from which escape would be almost -impossible. - -Veering a little to the right, he dashed on, with an occasional glance -back at his pursuers. He was gratified to see that he at any rate had -maintained his vantage-ground, and, barring an accident, he felt -confident of baffling pursuit until the shades of night afforded him -secure cover. - -Maxwell knew that by rounding the now near hill, he would find a clear -route to the plains beyond, whose small _mottes_ of timber were -scattered at short intervals. Close along the further side of these -hills, the river ran; then making an abrupt turn, flowed through the -level ground. - -Maxwell was much attached to “Ebenezer,” his horse, but when it was -placed against the welfare of the train, and that of Clara Calhoun, for -whom he had taken a deep and fervent liking, he did not hesitate. He -resolved to abandon the mustang, and trust to good fortune to recover -him again. - -Still, at nearly a mile in advance of his pursuers, the guide rounded -the hill, and reached the river side. Dismounting, he struck the horse a -sharp blow, and thus turned him loose. True to his plans, Ebenezer -dashed madly away up the river, toward the nearest clump of timber, with -a wild snort of alarm and pain. - -Running along a few yards in an opposite direction, Maxwell crouched -down in a rocky hollow, with a fast-beating heart and an anxious face. -He knew that, was his ruse discovered too soon, his life would be -forfeited, beyond all doubt. True, he still held his rifle and -revolvers, but what would his one arm avail against those of over -three-score savages? - -He saw the mustang disappear behind the _motte_, at full speed, and -hoped that his pursuers had not yet gained a position from whence they -could note the absence of its rider. If they had not, then he felt that -he was safe. - -Then the enemy spurred swiftly by, following keenly upon the plain -trail, without a pause or single glance around the point. Then they, -too, passed behind the timber island. - -Chuckling heartily, Tom arose and entering the water, ran lightly along -its edge, until he came to a small log, lying upon the shore. Rolling -this into the water, the guide secured his rifle upon it, and then -entering the swift current, swam rapidly down-stream, pushing the float -before him, thus keeping his gun and powder dry. - -As he came in view of the wagon-train, he uttered a loud, clear shout, -and leaving the water, ran lightly toward the camp, which was all -confusion. - -“What is it, Tom? Where’s your horse?” excitedly asked the major, as he -met the old scout. - -“Boun’ for Salt Lake, takin’ a wheen o’ pesky red-skins to visit ol’ -Brigham!” - -“What do you mean?” - -“Jest what I say. But we hain’t got no time to talk now—thar’s work to -be did. Dusky Dick an’ a wheen o’ red imps is on the rampage, red-hot -fer ha’r, an’ ’ll pay us a visit afore sun-up to-morry.” - -“How do you know?” anxiously queried Calhoun. - -“’Ca’se I see’d ’em. Don’t jabber—_work!_” impatiently added Tom, as he -entered the little corral. - -He glanced around, anxiously taking in every detail, and then added, in -a voice of disgust: - -“What on airth was you fellers a-thinkin’ about, anyhow? Don’t you see -you’d orter bin out yander, away from the river? They kin swim down in -the dark, an’ take us in the r’ar, now. But it’s too late to mend _that_ -now, so do as I do. They’ll be here in less’n a-nour now, fer they’ll -know we’re on the look-out, soon’s they find Ebenezer.” - -The corral had been formed close to the river-bank, in a half-circle, -and in the usual manner; that is, in two rows of wagons, the one -covering the joints in the other. By Tom Maxwell’s directions, the -wheels were let down in holes hastily dug, so that the axles rested upon -the prairie, and the openings were still further barricaded by articles -taken from the wagons. - -The fires were extinguished and the women and children stowed away in as -perfect security as could be obtained, in the inner tier of vehicles. -But while doing so, a startling discovery was made. - -There was one missing—Clara Calhoun was in no place to be found! A few -minutes’ quest showed them that she was not within the corral! - -And then Maxwell found that his horse was also missing from the others. -In an agony of apprehension, Calhoun hastened to and fro, eagerly -questioning each one as to when they had last noticed her. - -All he could learn was simply this: Clara had been riding, as usual, and -at some little distance to one side of the train, just before Tom -Maxwell started out on his reconnoissance. During the confusion anent -the encamping, she had been lost sight of. No one could say more than -this. - -“What can we do, Tom?” anxiously asked Calhoun, to the gloomy guide. - -“Not much, onless she comes in o’ herself. The reds is snoopin’ ’round, -an’ ’ll be most sartin to gobble up any as goes out to hunt fer her. But -I’ll resk it, anyhow, fer a bit. Keep the boys to work, an’ don’t git -fooled, ’fore I come back.” - -Then the old guide left the corral and hastened along the back trail, -soon disappearing amid the fast-gathering shadows. And thus an hour -passed by, when the whistle of Maxwell was heard, followed in a few -moments by himself; but he was _alone_. - -“Where is she, Tom?” - -“The good Lord on’y knows, boss. Leastways, _I_ don’t. Didn’t see hide -nor ha’r o’ her. But the reds is a-comin’.” - -“Do they know where we are?” - -“Reckon so; but ef not, they’ll soon find us.” - -“If they _do_ find us, how do you think it’ll end, Maxwell?” queried an -emigrant, in a tone of anxiety. - -“I kin tell better a’ter it’s over, fri’nd,” dryly replied Tom, with a -significant shrug. “But ef they don’t git no more to help ’em, why we -stand a fa’r show. They’re on’y three to one.” - -“_Only!_ And isn’t that enough, for conscience sake?” - -“Fri’nd, where a feller is fightin’ fer his wife an’ lettle ones, he’s -ekil to _four_, what’s on’y themselves,” and then silence once more -reigned throughout the corral, at least so far as conversation was -concerned. - -But as may be imagined, the suspense and misgiving of the father, with -others, was terrible, when they thought of what might have befallen the -missing maiden. It was well that the welfare of the train helped to -divide their thoughts. Without some such duty, their thoughts would have -been doubly distracting. - -It was plain that nothing more could be done, until after the threatened -peril had passed. Until then, they could only hope and pray that no -serious evil might befall the wanderer. - -Thus far, nothing had been seen or heard of the savages, and a number of -the emigrants half-believed that the old guide had been deceived, and -that the party of red-skins had been peaceable ones, who had no designs -upon the train. - -The sky was clear and unclouded, and the full moon had already arisen. -Whether this last fact was a blessing or otherwise, was an open question -to the emigrants, for if it served to betray the enemy in case they -attempted a surprise, it would likewise furnish sufficient light by -which the death-dealing bullet, or the scarcely less to be dreaded -arrow, could be directed with almost the certainty of one at midday. - -As an off-set to the error in corraling the wagons upon the river-bank, -there were no trees or bushes within short gunshot of the encampment, -while the plain was level and smooth almost as a floor, so that, for -over an hundred yards, the savages would be forced to advance right in -the teeth of their enemy. - -Old Tom Maxwell was regarded by all as a sort of leader, and each word -he spoke was earnestly listened to, and every hint or direction promptly -obeyed, without a murmur or a protest. - -It was some two hours or more, after the moon had arisen, that the first -sign of the enemy’s presence was observed, and only the well-trained eye -of the old guide could at first discern the suspicious object. He -quickly glided from man to man, whispering to each: - -“Thar’s a red out yon’, snoopin’ ’round, to diskiver ef so be we’re on -the look-out. Now don’t spile it all, but take it cool an’ do jest as I -say. Ef he on’y keeps to the outside, why let ’im go, but ef he a’tempts -to enter, then wipe him out as quickly as you know how. Don’t make no -n’ise, nor don’t let him make none, nyther.” - -As he returned to his post, old Tom saw that the spy had drawn -considerably nearer, until the paint-bedaubed face could be distinctly -seen, as the moon’s bright rays streamed full upon the cautiously -uplifted head. - -The eyes of the veteran scout began to glisten, and his hands nervously -clutched at his rifle, as though eager to put a final period to the -night-prowling of the painted demon, but then his habitual coolness -returned, and he calmly awaited the denouement. - -The spy gradually drew nearer to the double row of wagons, and paused -close beside the outer line, just in front of Maxwell. He uttered a low -grunt as of disgust, as he found that the beds were almost upon a level -with the ground, and that he could not pass beneath them, as he -evidently intended. - -Then he turned aside and slowly began skirting the corral. Although it -was a trying ordeal, the emigrants obeyed their leader’s orders to the -very letter, even suspending their breath as the spy gently stole along -the line. - -Apparently this worthy became fully convinced that the emigrants were -soundly sleeping in false security, for he at length began to climb over -the barricade. Perhaps he was after plunder, or mayhap he was a young -brave, burning to distinguish himself and to win a name among his -people, by taking the first scalp. - -But if so, he was doomed never to realize his dream, for as he leaped -lightly to the ground, a pair of strong hands were instantly twined -around his throat, effectually checking all outcry, while another of the -emigrants plunged a keen knife deep into the broad, swelling chest. One -faint, gurgling groan, a convulsive quiver, and the spirit of the -red-man fled from the ghastly wound and took up the trail to the happy -hunting-grounds. - -Tom Maxwell glided quickly to the scene of death, and bent eagerly over -the corpse, scanning its features closely by the clear moonlight. - -“It’s a dratted ’Rapahoe, boys, but I don’t know him. You did it up -slick, but it’s on’y jest a beginnin’; they’ll send out another, when he -don’t come back on time, to l’arn what’s up. So hunker down an’ wait. -Don’t one o’ you fire, though, ontel I give the word.” - -Perhaps another half-hour slowly dragged its weary length along, before -any thing more occurred to break this painful suspense, and then another -dusky form was observed coming from much the same direction as that -followed by the ill-fated spy. They all knew that the crisis was now -close at hand, and every nerve was steeled, and though many a heart beat -faster than usual, there was none that fluttered with fear. - -The second spy had advanced to within a dozen yards of the corral, when -one of the eagerly watching emigrants fell forward, and accidentally -touched the trigger of his cocked rifle. The sharp report rung out upon -the still night-air, sounding to the startled men like the roar of -artillery. - -At the same moment the spy arose to his feet and turned to flee, -uttering a wild whoop of alarm. But it was his last cry upon earth, for -the quick eye of Maxwell directed the unerring rifle, and at the red -skin’s second leap, the quick report rung out, and the second victim of -the list that was yet to follow, died without a groan. - -Like an accompaniment to the double shot, there came a blood-curdling -chorus of yells and whoops, and a horde of dusky fiends were seen to -spring up as if from the bowels of the earth, upon the level plain -beyond. - -“Look out, boys! here they come!” yelled old Tom, as he sprung to his -feet and began rapidly reloading his rifle. “Take it cool, but gi’e them -h—l. It’s fer life, now!” - -As the dusky fiends swarmed close to the barricade, a blinding flash -rose along the line, and at such near quarters, the effect was deadly in -the extreme. Shrill cries of agony were blended with yells of rage, as a -number of assailants fell, dead or dying, before the scathing volley. - -The savages paused, as if in stupor, and then as the terrible -quick-repeating revolvers began to play upon their crowded ranks, their -ardor suddenly cooled, and as if by magic they disappeared, leaving -their fallen as they lay, upon the field. A wild exultant shout followed -them, for it seemed as if the repulse was complete. - -“Save your breath, boys,” said the veteran guide, with a silent but -joyous laugh; “fer you’ll need it, every smich, afore day. This is on’y -the primin’, an’ the rail airnest work is yit to come. Fodder up an’ -look out fer breakers!” - -“Then you think they’ll make another attack?” anxiously queried Major -Calhoun, who stood beside Maxwell, reloading his weapons with the -rapidity of an expert. - -“Bet Ebenezer ag’in’ a jack-rabbit—which is long odds—that they will. -They didn’t know we was ready for ’em, but they’ve l’arnt a lesson now, -an’ they never need more’n one o’ thet kind to open thar eyes.” - -This was probably the reason of the strange recklessness and want of -caution that the Indians had exhibited, for such is not their usual -nature. They most likely believed that the shots had been fired by an -alarmed sentinel, and then made their quick rush, hoping to overpower -the startled and bewildered emigrants before they were well awakened and -aware of the real facts. - -And then, when greeted in such a deadly manner, they perceived the error -they had fallen into, fleeing in confusion and momentary dismay. But as -the old guide had predicted, the worst was yet to come, and the savages -would be doubly desperate now, from the heavy loss they had experienced. - -Their approaches now would be all the more to be dreaded, because they -would be conducted with all caution and subtleness. - -During the entire assault and repulse, the savages had scarce fired a -dozen shots, and not one of the emigrants was harmed, so well were they -sheltered. But one of the horses, who had all been tethered at either -end of the barricade, near the banks of the river, had been struck by a -random bullet, and killed. - -As it alarmed the others, by Maxwell’s direction, the body was pushed -over the bank into the river. And then each man returned to his post, -while those detailed to watch the water side, retained their position. - - - - - CHAPTER III. - A WILD RACE. - - -Meanwhile, where was the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun? Let us glance -back and learn. - -The information gleaned by Major Calhoun from the emigrants was correct, -so far as it went. Clara had been riding, as usual, and when she had -learned the spot chosen for the encampment, which she could already -locate by the neighboring grove of trees, she resolved to enjoy a little -gallop ere night fell, and by this means she would also avoid much of -the disagreeable noise and confusion attendant upon halting. - -So she bore abruptly to the right, and with loosened rein dashed merrily -away, the proud mustang tossing his head gladly, at this unusual -relaxation. But Clara’s little ride was destined to be carried out upon -a scale of far greater importance than she had anticipated, and ere it -was ended, she was fated to undergo a season of peculiar trial. - -From before her horse’s feet there sprung up a rabbit—one of that -overgrown breed popularly known as “jack-rabbits,” which, if not often -palmed off on greenhorns as full grown mules, as Westerners frequently -assert, are sufficiently large to astonish those used only to the more -diminutive species common to “the States”—and dashed away over the short -grass, clearing fully half a score yards at each jump. - -Clara’s eyes sparkled, and bending forward she spoke to her horse in a -low tone, gently touching his flanks with her switch. The game creature -bounded forward with a wild snort, while the maiden laughed long and -loudly at this unique race. - -The jack-rabbit, like his more diminutive brother of the States, -invariably resorts to one ruse, in order to escape an enemy. It will -flee for a considerable distance in a direct line, but then will -“double,” and return by a _detour_ to near the starting-point. - -And this one was not an exception to the general rule. For fully a mile -it leaped ahead, with astonishing speed, leaving Clara far behind, and -then doubled. - -But Clara did not detect this last move, and urged her horse on at full -speed. Then, however, having lost sight of the animal, she drew rein and -turned as if to retrace her steps. - -She glanced around, but the point toward which she believed was the -camping-ground was bare and like that upon either hand. Not a tree was -to be seen. The plain was nearly level, but she was now in a slight -depression, that was from right to left, like the trough between two -huge waves. - -“Come,” she said, us she twitched the reins and turned the mustang’s -head toward the crest, “we must hurry, or we’ll be too late for supper. -It’s almost sundown.” - -But then, as she paused upon the ridge, a wild cry broke from her lips. -A startling sight met her gaze. - -Before her, at not more than one-half mile distance, were a number of -horsemen, coming toward her at full speed. And even her untrained eyes -could tell that they were Indians; their trappings and peculiar manner -of riding, outlined upon the red sky beyond, as they crossed a slight -swell, told her that. - -“My God! I am lost!” gasped Clara, for she believed that these forms -were directly between her and her friends, unknowing how the chase after -the rabbit had caused her to deviate from a true line. - -But then as a shrill cry came to her ears, borne over the intervening -space by the light breeze, she wrenched her horse’s head around and -dashed down the slope at a break-neck pace. Only one thought possessed -her now: to increase the distance between her and these dusky fiends, of -whose daring she had heard so many frightful incidents. - -And now the race was begun in sober earnest. It was no longer one of -mere sport; freedom, perhaps even life depended upon her retaining the -vantage-ground thus fortunately gained. - -The truth may be told in a few words. These savages were but part of the -band that had pursued old Tom Maxwell, who, after discovering the -riderless horse, had suspected the ruse, and were searching for the -emigrant train. They had caught sight of Clara, just after she set off -in pursuit of the rabbit, and a band of them immediately spurred forth -to effect her capture. - -There was one circumstance in Clara’s favor, though she did not think of -it then. The sun had already sunk behind the western horizon, and in a -short time more, the shades of night would hide her from her enemies, -provided she could elude their clutches for so long. - -But then she knew not whither she was going. Ignorant of what lay before -her, in a strange and wild region, what hope was there for her? - -Even supposing she should escape these enemies, how could she subsist in -that wide prairie, destitute of food, or even the means of procuring -any? She would only starve to death, die by slow degrees! - -And thus she sped on, carefully assisting her noble horse, as he labored -on. Fortunate indeed it was for her that he was a mustang, prairie born -and bred; tough and hardy, though not remarkably fleet at a short -stretch. - -But one of this race will easily tire out and even kill one of the -larger breed from the States, and yet, after a short rest and mouthful -of short grass, be as well and fresh as ever. For hours they can be -urged on at full speed, without giving way beneath the strain. - -And so, though beneath the saddle well-nigh that entire day, Clara’s -horse sped on without flinching, and the maiden saw with joy that she -was nearly, if not quite, maintaining her vantage ground. - -But still, of what avail? How would it all end? She was fleeing further -with each moment, from her friends, and in trying to avoid one death, -seemed but rushing upon another, scarcely less terrible. - -For fully an hour the race swept on, without any great change in the -relative positions. The shades of night were now upon the prairie, and -the moon not yet having risen, all around was dark and gloomy. - -Clara could see that she was nearing high ground, but as she looked to -see if she could not skirt it, the dim outlines of a long range met her -eye, extending for miles upon either hand. Though fearful of losing -ground, there was nothing for it but to dare the steep ascent. - -In a few minutes more, the fugitive was at the base of a rugged hill, -and then as the shrill yells of exultation came up from the pursuers -behind her, Clara urged her laboring horse up the steep ascent. - -It was hard work for the already overtasked animal, but it nobly -responded to the call, and although more than once stumbling, it -struggled on until the extreme crest was gained. But then as it dashed -down the steep declivity, the mustang’s hoof rested upon a loose stone, -and it pitched forward, head-first, flinging its rider violently to the -ground. Then arising, it still kept on, snorting wildly. - -Clara felt a shock, then that she was falling—falling down what seemed -an interminable depth, and then, with a frightful shock her downward -course seemed to be checked. This; and then followed a blank. - -A blank, so far as any definite sensation was concerned, and yet not -entirely one, either. For it seemed—faint and indistinct, as in a -dream—as though she was shortly afterward surrounded by phantom figures, -and a far-away hum as of human voices in consultation, was also in the -vision, if vision it was. - -The figures seemed to raise her from the ground and then convey her -gently through the air for what seemed an almost interminable length of -time. Then she was placed upon the cool ground beside a murmuring -rivulet, when cool water was sprinkled over her face, while warm, soft -hands chafed her own. - -Then with a feeble cry she started up and gazed wildly around her. The -phantom forms were now more substantial—the voices sounded more clearly -upon her ear, and she knew that the visionary dream had been a reality. - -Then she uttered a feeble cry and sunk back, with a convulsive shudder. -Before her she beheld a hideous face, dusky, it seemed, with nodding -plumes surmounting it, that she knew could only belong to an Indian! - -She felt that she was lost—that her pursuers had overtaken her, and that -now she was helpless in the power of the merciless fiends! - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - THE FORLORN HOPE. - - -“Do you think that Dusky Dick is with them, Maxwell?” - -“I would sw’ar it, boss, ef that wasn’t ag’in my natur’,” promptly -replied the old borderer, as he seated himself beside his loop-hole, and -coolly began cutting a plug of tobacco into bits, to fill the pipe that -he held in his mouth, as he spoke. “But I tell you he’s _thar_. I didn’t -see him when those galoots was a’ter old Ebenezer, but they was in a -crowd, an’ I didn’t hev time to look good. But I kin _smell_ him, now.” - -“Smell him!” echoed Calhoun, somewhat astonished at the positive tone of -the old guide. - -“Yas, sir,” quoth Tom, cramming the tobacco into the pipe-bowl. “You -know thar _is_ sech a thing as _smell_, don’t ye? Wal, then, one thing -smells like somethin’ else, an’ then ag’in another _don’t_. See?” -selecting a match from a small pocket-safe. - -“You won’t risk a light here, now, Tom?” - -“No danger, boss, fer as you’ll see, when _I_ make a light, thar hain’t -a smich o’ light to be see’d; that is, onless you look whar it is, an’ -then you won’t see it, nuther,” laying his old slouched hat upon the -ground, over the handle of his knife. - -Then he lay down, protruding his pipe-bowl beneath the hat, and striking -a match, ignited the pipe without betraying a light larger than that of -a glow-worm. - -“You see, some things kin be did ’s well ’s others, ef so be you know -jest how to do it. But as I was sayin’, I kin smell that pesky varmint, -Dusky Dick. Dif’rent folks is dif’rent, you know, but then they’re all -alike, too, a’ter all. Now then thar’s Miss Clary; she smells jest like -a gre’t big bnn’le o’ posies, figur’tively speakin’, in course. Then -thar’s you—sorter like a persimming. Ef a feller bites you at the wrong -time, why he’d a heap ruther squat down bar’-legged onto a big ho’nets’ -nest than to do it ag’in. But ef the sign is right, then it’s jest like -b’iled honey, unly more so. Then ag’in, furder an’ more so, thar’s Jack -Wilson. _He_ smells jest like a bottle o’ pepper-sass. A lettle is -mighty good, but ef you gits too much, why you’re boun’ to sneeze an’ go -a-milkin’. So Dusky Dick smells like a copperhead or a rattler. I tell -you he’s _thar_, all ready for bitin’, for _I smells ’im_!” earnestly -declared Maxwell, smoking vigorously. - -“Look out yonder, Tom, where that little ridge of sand ends,” suddenly -whispered Calhoun, touching the old guide upon the shoulder. “What is -that long, dark thing?” - -After a moment’s scrutiny of the suspicious-looking object, Maxwell -replied: - -“It looks su’thin’ like a chunk cut out o’ a black cloud, don’t it? -Reckon ’tain’t, though, come to think. Would be a Injun ef ’twasn’t -somethin’ else. ’Sides, it’s too big an’ too long an’ too much so all -over, for a red. ’Tain’t a canoe, nuther, ’cause thar hain’t no water -thar. I’d go out an’ ax its name, on’y I’m ’feered it’d rare up an’ -onsettle my supper,” slowly drawled the old guide, evidently talking -from mere force of habit, without heeding what he said. - -“It surely moves—see! It’s closer now than when I first noticed it!” -anxiously added Calhoun, nervously handling his rifle. - -“Easy—easy, boss, or you’ll skeer the durned thing so bad it’ll run off, -right spang-a-diddle through us,” continued Tom, the while keenly eying -the nondescript. “It _does_ move, by ge-mently! but I don’t see no legs, -an’ it ain’t no sarpint, ’less it’s swallered its own head an’ tail. -Mebbe it’s a whale?” - -One of the emigrants now came up beside them, and called their attention -to a similar object at a little distance to the left, that had puzzled -the others in the same manner. - -“Good gracious, boss,” exclaimed Tom, in a vexed tone, “thar’s jest the -biggest set o’ fools ’round these diggin’s as was ever got together in -one heap, I jest bet my pile! _They_ was fools for thinkin’ they could -fool us with them, an’ we was bigger fools for gittin’ fooled by them -dratted fool logs! It’s the beatin’est foolery ’at I _ever_ knowed!” - -These words explained the mystery, and the others were as greatly -surprised as had been the old scout, that they had not penetrated the -ruse sooner. - -The Indians had procured a number of logs, and were now busied in -rolling them up toward the corral, evidently hoping to thus gain a -position from whence they could securely pick off the defenders of the -wagon-train at their own leisure. - -“What is to be done, now, Tom?” and the major could not entirely conceal -his uneasiness as he spoke. - -“Why, jest kill a dozen o’ them loggerheads, an’ then the others’ll take -the hint an’ leave.” - -“But how?” - -“Shoot ’em, in course. You don’t s’pose they’ll let you git cluss enough -to do any thin’ else, do ye?” - -“But they’re hid behind the logs.” - -“Ef they keeps hid all the time, they won’t do overly much damage -a-shootin’, shore. No, _sir_! When a feller shoots, his head hes got to -be as high as the bar’l, an’ ef _it’s_ atop o’ the log, why don’t you -see? his head must be thar too, in course, onless he’s cross-eyed an’ -kin shoot roun’ the corner,” argued Tom. - -“Then you mean to—?” - -“I reckon. We’ll try it, anyhow, jest for beans. You feller, go an’ send -Wilson an’ Texas Joe here, quicker!” - -In a few moments the two men designated were at hand, and then Maxwell -directed them what to do. The logs were now within fifty yards of the -outer wagons, and were still drawing yet nearer, though slowly. - -“Hunker down here, boys, an’ see that you’re well kivered. Ready? Now -one o’ you fire to’rds that log afore us. Don’t make no differ’ whether -you aim at it or that big star yonder, jest so you shoot; an’ then dodge -down, quick.” - -The gun was discharged as directed, at one of the stationary logs, and -instantly there came a return shot, evidently aimed at this flash, for -the bullet plowed up the dirt in close proximity to the men. - -Then like an echo the rifle of the guide spoke, and was blended with a -wild yell of death-agony, that told it had not been discharged in vain, -while a dark figure sprung high up into the air, and falling, lay -motionless upon the ground, out in the open moonlight. - -“See, boss,” exultantly cried Maxwell, rolling quickly aside from his -loop-hole in time to avoid a return shot. “I told you ’at something -could be did ’s well ’s others, an’ now you see they kin, an’ better, -too!” - -A chorus of vindictive hoots and cries announced that the enemy were any -thing but pleased at the working of their scheme, and then a general -volley was fired from behind the logs. - -This time a cry uprose from the interior of the corral, and then the -word was passed around that one of the men was killed. At this -calamity—the first one of any importance—a heavy gloom settled over the -spirits of the defenders, for they knew not but that ere the morning’s -sun should arise, they would all have met the same dread fate. - -But their attention was speedily diverted from this sad thought, and -their every energy required to avert the threatened doom. The cry went -up that another onset was at hand. - -With the never-failing yells and screeches, the foe sprung up from -behind their coverts, and swarmed forward like so many phantoms of -death; and then the air was filled with the hissing bullets and hurtling -arrows. - -As before, a dazzling line of flame shot along the entire length of the -barricade, and so deadly was its effect that the desperate onslaught was -momentarily checked. Only momentarily, though, and then there came a -simultaneous shock against the outer row of wagons, as the assailants -gained this shelter. - -Then the enemies were separated by only a few feet, and for a few -fast-fleeting seconds there was a pause. It was broken, however, by a -shot from the corral, and as an Indian uttered the death-shriek, his -companions strove desperately to scale the barricade. - -Did they reveal their persons to the keen eyes of the besieged, a bullet -was speedily sent upon its deadly mission; did they essay to crawl -beneath or over the wagons, they were met by pistol-shots, knife thrusts -or clubbed rifles. - -Nor were the defenders unscathed. More than one still and ghastly form -incumbered the interior of the corral, while here and there writhed one -in mortal agony, shrieking aloud, but with fast weakening accents, the -names of his loved ones; of those, who were even then, perchance, -praying for his safety, that he might pass that terrific ordeal -unharmed. - -Although old Tom Maxwell and Major Calhoun were desperately busy, their -voices were silent. There was little need of orders then, for each man -was nobly doing his duty, and that lay plainly before him. - -Then there came a loud shout from those men who were stationed close to -the extremities of the barricade, so as to overlook the water’s surface. -A cry that announced some new peril threatening their safety; a cry that -was echoed exultantly back by the demons in front, who now seemed to -redouble their efforts to scale the barrier. - -Maxwell quickly gained one end of the corral, and beheld the river’s -surface above their position, as well as directly in front, close to the -water’s edge, dotted with sundry black objects that needed but one -glance to be recognized as logs, bearing the firearms of savages, who -were evidently sheltered behind them, but at the same time drawing -nearer to their anticipated prey. - -Those who exposed themselves first, on going to the shore, were -instantly saluted with a deadly volley of pistol-balls, and for a brief -space, the others hesitated, as if disconcerted. They had evidently -counted upon effecting an entrance into the corral by surprise, while -the emigrants were engaged in repelling the attack of the main body, and -then overpowering their obstinate foes, but the forethought of the -veteran guide had baulked them. - -Then rallying, they made a desperate rush, gaining the shore, and -several of them actually gaining the bank, entering the corral, only to -be hurled back, dead or dying, into the water. For a brief space, it was -a wild, horrible _melee_, desperate and bloody. - -The report of fire-arms—the occasional ringing of steel against steel, -as two foemen met in close contest—the confused trampling to and fro—the -shrill yell, either of rage or else of death-agony—the defiant shouts -and hoarse oaths—the affrighted screams of the snorting horses—or the -wail of some terrified infant, all combined into one fearful tumult! - -Then there came a long-drawn, quavering cry, and as if by magic the -savage assailants vanished, like hoar-frost before the sun’s warm -breath. But there followed no exultant shout from the emigrants. - -As they glanced fearfully around upon the forms of their dead and dying -comrades, their hearts were rent with anguish and apprehension. They saw -but too plainly, that another such triumph would be almost equivalent to -a defeat. - -While the majority still retained their posts, keenly vigilant, others -of the little band removed the dead into one place and ministered to the -wants of the wounded, to the best of their ability. It was a sad and -heart-rending task, but their own peril was such that they had no time -for bewailing their comrade’s sad fate, and then once more they returned -to their posts. - -For nearly an hour all was silence within the little corral, and even -the sorely wounded, despite their agony, heroically suppressed their -moans of pain, lest they should tend to weaken the nerves of the -defenders still left. And the latter were far too deeply occupied with -their own thoughts upon the impending peril to feel like conversing. - -But, at the end of this time, there was one who could maintain silence -no longer—the old guide, Tom Maxwell. A voluble talker, he seemed -totally at a loss while his tongue was idle, and, unlike most people, he -appeared to think better and more closely while dilating upon some -entirely foreign subject. - -Upon one side of him was stationed Major Calhoun; upon the other, the -young man, Buenos Ayres. It was with them, either or both, that he -spoke. - -“Wuss’n a Quaker meetin’, this is, ’specially a’ter sich lively doin’s -as was jist now. ’Pears like I’d bu’st ef I was to hold in any longer; -the words scroudge each other so’t they hain’ got room to kick in. What -d’you think o’ the sitivation, any how, boss?” - -“It’s bad—very bad!” gloomily responded Calhoun. - -“That’s true as gospil; but then ’tain’t quite so bad as it mought be ef -it was wuss, anyhow, which is a gre’t consolation. I thought I was once -in the wuss fix ’at ever could be hatched up, when I was in the middle -o’ a bayou, down in Texas, with a passel o’ red-skins on ’ither hand, -an’ three in a canoe, cluss ahind me. But then a corntwisted alligator -poked his nose right up from the water, against mine, which mixed things -up a little more so. - -“But I div’—the canoe ran smack inside the critter’s mouth—thar was a -scrunch, an’ then mebbe thar wasn’t some splashin’! I swum in ’mongst -the reeds, while the reds was flustrated, an’ so fooled ’em. All of -which goes to prove that we ain’t cotched yit.” - -“Are you sure that Dusky Dick is with these devils, to-night? I have -neither seen nor heard him.” - -“Bet yer life he is. But he hain’t nobody’s fool, an’ knows well enough -that ef he should show his ugly mug, it’d bring a dozen bullets a’ter -it. Most like, he’s painted up like one o’ the rest; but he’s _thar_, -shure. I smell him, I tell ye. - -“You never heerd tell o’ _two_ sech attacks as them, right tergether, -’thout somebody hed a partic’lar grudge to work out, or objeck to gain. -’Tain’t Injun nature, _it_ ain’t. Most like they’re a gang o’ outcast -an’ vaggarbonds as he’s picked up somewhars, to do his dirty work, an’ -this ’ere ain’t the _fust_ time, nuther, you mark _me_. No wonder he’s -called an unlucky guide fer the _trains_,” added Maxwell, significantly; -and then he proceeded once more to fill his pipe. - -“I had hoped he was not with them, for then I should not feel so uneasy -about the result. I think we can beat them off once more, anyhow, and if -they were only after plunder, their loss would soon sicken them. But if -_he_ is there, I fear the worst,” added Calhoun, thoughtfully. - -“Jest so; you talk right to the spot, _you_ do—a’ter my own style. Never -did fancy them fellers what jabbered so much ’mongst sech a heep o’ -words; ’t stands to reason thar must be _some_ lyin’; an’ I hate a liar -like all ge-mently—I do _so_!” - -“It was a sad mistake, our leaving the regular trail,” observed young -Ayres. - -“As it turns out, yes. But ’twar fer the best, then. Water’s sca’ce on -that route this dry weather. We did it fer the best. But why so?” - -“Because we might hope for help from some other train. As it is, we’re -too far off for them to hear the fuss.” - -“Yas; thar ears hain’t long enough. Ketch a lot o’ jack-rabbits an’ -chouge ’th ’em. Mules, too. Lord, yas!” - -“Why, Maxwell, what do you mean?” and Calhoun gazed anxiously at the old -scout, whose eyes appeared fixed intently upon a bright star, while a -vacant stare rested upon his countenance. - -“Don’t—let him alone, major,” whispered Buenos. “He don’t know he’s -talking. I believe he sees some way to fool these devils, and is -settling the details.” - -And such was indeed the case. The words of Ayers had given a hint to the -quick-witted guide, that he was not slow to take hold of. From mere -force of habit, his tongue shaped words of which he was unconscious. - -“Thar! I’ve got it! We’ll fool the imps yit, by ge-mineezers! That is, -we will ef we do; an’ ef we don’t, why, we will, _any_how. No use -talkin’—we _must_ do it,” and the guide uttered a deep sigh of relief, -as he glanced, first at one, then at the other, of his companions. - -“Do what? What do you mean, Tom?” - -“Lis’en. I said we’d fool them imps, an’ I b’lieve we kin do it. I don’t -say we kin, _fer shore_, but I think so. A feller mustn’t—” - -“But your plan—what is it?” impatiently interrupted Calhoun. “There is -no time to lose.” - -“Thar’s another day a-comin’, boss,” coolly added Maxwell, his tones -telling that his mind was still busied with the details of his plan. “No -need to be in a hurry. Know’d a feller to _die_, onc’t, ’cause he was in -too big a hurry. Got lost thar—starved to death afore he could find his -way out. Thar, it’s _did_—_now_ listen. - -“Fust, we’re here—_they’re_ thar, an’ somebody else is in t’other place. -We must find that t’other somebody. See?” hastily spluttered Maxwell. - -“But _how_?” - -“You ’member the train we left at Dutchman’s Crick—the sojer one? It -couldn’t travel much faster ’n we did, so it must be not very fur away -now, on t’other trail. We must get word to them. Now fer the _how_. - -“One o’ us—a volunteer ef thar is one—ef not, I’ll try it—must drop over -thar in the drink, an’ swim down ontel he kin git out ’thout the reds -seein’ him. Then he must putt out, hot fut, an’ not stop fer nothin’ -ontel he strikes t’other trail Then ef the big train hes goed by, he -must ketch up ’th it. Ef not, then he must go t’other way ontel he finds -it. That did, he’ll tell o’ our sitivation an’ bring help—twenty sojers -’ll do, ’th what we hev here. See?” - -“But can the trail be found, Tom? Won’t whoever attempts it, get lost?” - -“Thar’s the no’th star—he kin keep that on his right shoulder. He -_cain’t_ miss it—the trail runs from eend to eend—onless he goes t’other -way. You stay here, an’ I’ll go see what the boys say ’bout it.” - -“No need of that, I will make the venture,” said Buenos, calmly. - -“You—no, lad. I’d ruther go myself. It’ll be resky—no two to one a -feller’ll git through. Think o’ Miss Clary,” earnestly responded -Maxwell. - -“I do—I have. She is lost, and every moment that we let go by but adds -to the danger of our never finding her. The sooner we are free to search -for her, the better her chances are. I will not lose any time, and the -thought that I am working for her, will help me through.” - -“He is right, Tom,” answered Calhoun. “He can do this as well as you -can, and besides, he can hardly fill your place here. We need some one -who is up to the dodges of the red devils, or we are lost indeed. You -must stay.” - -“You’re right, but I don’t like it. Still, it may be best. I’d ruther -trust him then ary other one as would go, now Texas Joe is rubbed out.” - -“Have you any further instructions to give?” asked Ayres, as he -tightened the belt around his waist. - -“No—on’y take keer o’ yourself. ’Member that the life o’ the hull pack -o’ us—and mebbe that o’ Miss Clary, too—depends on your gittin’ through -all hunky. It’d be too late to try a-nother one, ef you—thunder! you -_won’t_ git rubbed out! Ef you do, durned ef I don’t jest up an’ swaller -every pesky red-skin out yender, alive, an’ then send Dusky Dick down -a’ter, to keep ’em stirred up lively. I will so!” - -“Well then, I’ll go now. I wouldn’t tell the boys how it is, till you -know whether I get through safe or not.” - -“Leave your rifle here—tie a ’volver on top o’ your head, so it’ll be -dry an’ ready fer use, ef you should chaince to run ag’in’ any o’ the -varmints. Swim cluss to the bank, whar it throws a shadder, an’ take -your time ontel you git a safe distance. Then let your legs went. Don’t -stop to look ef you’re goin’ to tread on ary bug or nothin’—let ’em -squ’sh ef they don’t git outen the way. Onderstand?” - -“Yes. Good-by.” - -“Good-by, and God bless and protect you, my boy,” uttered Calhoun, -chokingly. - -“Thar—git out! You’ve filled my eyes full o’ bugs or so’thin’, a’ready. -Ef the reds come now, I couldn’t shoot a mite. Thar—now you’re gone,” -and the old guide pressed the young man’s hand warmly, while he brushed -one sleeve across his eyes, now dimmed by a suspicious moisture. - -Cautiously Ayres glided along the barricade, and slipping down the -bank—here several yards high—entered the water. Then sinking low down, -and keeping within the narrow belt of dark shadow, he slowly floated -down-stream, fairly bound upon his truly perilous mission. - -And with painfully-throbbing hearts the two men listened, dreading lest -there should come to their ears with each passing moment, the exultant -shout of their savage foes, announcing the discovery of the young man, -thus foiling their last hope—a truly forlorn one! - - - - - CHAPTER V. - DELAWARE TOM. - - -Clara uttered a wild cry, and sunk back, with a shudder. She believed -her pursuers had overtaken, and now held her captive; but in this she -was mistaken. - -“Do not be alarmed, lady,” uttered a low voice, close beside the maiden. -“You are among friends here, who will protect you with their lives, if -there be any need.” - -“But he—he is an Indian!” half unconsciously murmured Clara. - -“True, but he is far different from those who were chasing you. He is a -true friend, and would fight in your defense quite as readily as I -would.” - -“Bes’ git back little furder. Injun shoot plenty straight by dis light. -Ketch hoss—den be back, bumbye. Bes’ hide in bushes up dere, den Injun -go by—won’t see um,” interrupted a guttural voice, evidently proceeding -from the lips of the Indian alluded to. - -“You’re right, Tom. They’ll be apt to follow back on their own trail, to -see where she gave them the slip. Do you think you can walk, Miss?” he -added, turning toward Clara; “or shall I carry you? There is danger in -lingering here.” - -“Thank you—I will walk. If you lend me your arm I think— Ah!” - -Clara rose to her feet by clinging to the strong arm of her new-found -friend, but then, with an agonized groan, she would have fallen to the -ground, had not his arms encircled her fainting form. The violent fall -had evidently injured the maiden far more severely than she had at first -believed. - -“Lead the way, Delaware,” muttered the man, as he raised the girl in his -arms. “Quick!” - -The Indian turned and glided along the level plat for a few yards, then -began ascending a steep incline. Up this for a considerable distance; -then he paused before a dense growth of bushes, that seemed to shoot out -from the very face of the bank. - -The man bearing Clara was quickly beside his red companion, and then -they all entered the bushes, disappearing from sight. - -This spot was upon a hillside, at whose base ran a clear stream of -water. Beyond this, again, was a level strip of ground, studded thickly -with little clumps of trees and undergrowth. - -The three persons were ensconced within the bushes, close against the -rocks, that uprose, bare and gray, for nearly a dozen yards, sloping so -that a stone dropped from the escarpment above, would touch the ground -several yards out from the base. This cliff, however, only extended for -a short distance upon either hand; then it ran out into a steep -hillside, down which, on one hand, Clara had been cast by the stumbling -of her horse. - -“How do you feel now?” asked the white man, after a moment’s rest. - -“Better, though still faint and dizzy. But how— I remember falling, and -then all is blank. How did you find me, and where am I? There were some -Indians chasing me; where are they?” confusedly asked Clara, in a faint -tone. - -In a few quick words the stranger explained the part he had played in -the adventure. - -He was an officer of a Government train of supplies, and had started out -on a scout, together with one of their guides, an Indian named Delaware -Tom, but had become belated while following up a trail. They had -resolved to encamp for the night, when they were aroused by wild yells -and the sound of hoof-strokes. - -Then they saw a woman rise the hill’s crest, and almost immediately fall -from her horse, as it stumbled. He sprung forward and caught her, while -Delaware Tom crept to the hill-top to learn what had so alarmed her. - -He soon made out the figures of the pursuing savages, and then the two -scouts had hidden in the bushes, with the unconscious maiden, until the -war-party had thundered by, in hot pursuit of the riderless horse. Then -they had hastened with Clara to the creek, where they succeeded in -restoring her to consciousness, by the plentiful use of water, aided by -a stronger fluid incased in a flask carried by the captain. - -And then Clara briefly detailed her portion of the adventure, adding: - -“If I do not thank you for this service, it is because I can not find -words to express my feelings. I would rather die than fall into _their_ -power!” - -“Thanks are not needed, believe me. I am amply repaid already for the -trifle I was enabled to do, by knowing you are safe from those fiends. -But you spoke of your father—is it possible that he is my old -commandant, Major John Calhoun?” - -“He served in Mexico, and his given name is John.” - -“It must be the same, then! Did you never hear him speak of Harold -Travers? He saved my life at Cerro Gordo,” eagerly added the captain. - -“Indeed I have; he often mentions your name. And now you repay that debt -by saving the life of his daughter. He has often wondered where you -were, and it will be a happy meeting; one that I trust will take place -very soon.” - -“Bes’ not mek talk now,” interrupted Indian Tom, significantly. -“’Rapahoe he come back plenty soon. Find hoss—mad like de debble ’cause -don’t fin’ squaw, too. Hunt fo’ her heap, mebbe. Won’t git her, dough, -’less kin whip _us_.” - -“You’re right, Delaware. I can hear the sound of their horses’ hoofs on -the rocks.” - -“Are they coming? My God! I thought I had escaped them for good!” moaned -Clara, fearfully. - -“Have no fear, Miss Calhoun,” returned Travers. “They shall not harm -you, even if they chance to discover us. There are only half a dozen in -all, and surely we two can manage them. Can’t we, Delaware?” - -“Yeh, fo’ sure. Don’t know much how mek fight, ’Rapahoe. Big cowards, -dey is. Got white man ’long, dough.” - -“Are you sure, Tom?” - -“See um. Know um, too. Name Dusky Dick. Big decoy. White Injins—plenty -bad—more so dan oders. Play snake fo’ train, so Injin git ’em,” tersely -added the Indian. - -Clara uttered a faint cry of apprehension, at the sound of his name, for -she knew that now indeed she was in danger. The threats of Dusky Dick -came back to memory with renewed force, and knowing, as he must, that -she was astray in the mountains, he would spare no pains in order to -make his words good. - -“I see you know him, too; but never mind now. We must not converse any -more. See! the devils are in sight, down yonder by the creek.” - -Cautiously peering through the leafy screen before them the three -fugitives could just distinguish the faint, shadowy outlines of a number -of horsemen, down in the valley. These soon crossed the creek, and then -one being left in charge of the horses, the rest—six in -number—dismounted and began quartering over the ground, like hounds -searching for a lost scent. - -The soldier tightly compressed his lips, and grasped his rifle with -deadly determination. He saw that the enemy had evidently divined the -manner in which their anticipated victim had escaped them—at least in -part—and believed she was still hiding in some place in the vicinity. - -It was not probable they were aware of the presence of other foes in the -neighborhood, else they would have displayed more caution. Evidently -they believed Clara had abandoned her failing horse, and sought safety -by lying in concealment. - -The moonlight was too faint and uncertain for the savages to learn aught -from a trail upon the rocky ground, and that fact was in favor of the -fugitives. Still, there could be no denying that they were in imminent -peril of their lives. - -The Arapahoes scattered and began a close and systematic search of the -ground, peering behind each bowlder, into every bush and cranny where a -human form might possibly have sought refuge. The six were widely -scattered, the better to compass their purpose. - -Upon the movements of one of the savages in particular, was the -attention of the three friends riveted. He alone of the party was in -close proximity to the hidden prey. - -He was a large, brawny warrior, and was now gliding along the hill-side, -gradually approaching the covert of our friends, carefully scrutinizing -every yard of ground as he proceeded. Presently he paused and glanced -keenly around him. Then his piercing gaze rested fairly upon the line of -bushes that screened the base of the cliff. - -His tall, muscular frame, drawn rigidly erect, in all the pride of -war-paint and plumes, looked grandly terrible in the glimmering -moonlight, and even the eyes of Delaware Tom emitted a momentary gleam -of admiration as they dwelt upon the perfect figure. But then this gave -place to a glare of deadly hatred as if he recognized a bitter personal -enemy in the warrior. - -The Arapahoe stood thus for a moment, and then began gliding up the -hill-side, his eyes seeming to pierce through and through the screen, so -keen was their glance. He saw that this was a good cover, and believed -or hoped that the fugitive had taken refuge there. - -Travers crouched down and drew his revolver, with a stern demeanor, but -then a light touch upon his shoulder caused him to turn his head. The -Delaware made a peculiar gesture, and then hissed: - -“No shoot—mek too much noise. Let Delaware tek him. Know um—he -kisch-kouch—big t’ief—me kill him heap sure. Tom’hawk mek no noise.” - -“You’re right, Tom, I forgot,” muttered Travers, below his breath; and -then fearing to say more, they watched the red-skin’s progress in -perfect silence. - -The Arapahoe did not pause, but kept on until he could touch the bushes -with his outstretched hand. Evidently he did not dream of danger to -himself, for he believed the fugitive maiden was alone. - -Then he reached out and parted the bushes. This he did at a point some -yards to the left of where the trio were concealed, and a grunt of -disappointment broke from his lips, as he discovered nothing but bare -rocks. - -Then he moved nearer, parting the bushes at each step, steadily nearing -those which concealed the three friends. His hand rested upon them, and -then they were gently pressed aside. - -The Delaware was prepared for this move, and as the moonlight shot into -the aperture his uplifted hand fell, clutching the heavy tomahawk, whose -keen edge alighted fairly upon the bowed crest of the savage. The blow -was delivered with a sure aim, and was deadly in its effects. - -But as the left hand of Delaware Tom shot out to clutch the throat of -the Arapahoe, to check any outcry, the stricken savage bounded back and -uttered his thrilling death-cry. This was done so quickly that it could -not be prevented. - -But then, ere the lifeless body could touch the ground, it was seized by -the Delaware and pushed into the bushes. Then, for a moment, all was -still. - -Only for a moment, however, for then the comrades of the slaughtered -brave took up the yell, and echoed it long and loud, as they intuitively -drew together, in wondering alarm. They well knew it was a cry from -death-stricken lips, but what had caused it, or from what direction it -had come, they knew not. - -The cry had echoed through the hills, sounding from several different -points, and no two of the party could agree upon which one was the -right. A glance told them that one of their number was missing—the best -and bravest warrior among them all. - -They were within fair view of the spot where the brave had met his -death, although, of course, ignorant of that fact, and had the fugitives -deemed it prudent, they could easily have sent a brace of rifle-bullets -into the little crowd. But, as long as the savages did not molest them, -Travers was willing to do likewise, now that a helpless woman was under -his protection. - -Though he did not greatly fear the result of a collision with the six, -he did not deem it prudent to invite such, under the circumstances. A -random shot might work incalculable harm. - -Clara shuddered convulsively as a peculiar sound met her ear, from where -Delaware Tom was crouched. She knew he was scalping the dead brave, -although she could not see the action, as the thick-matted screen of -bushes effectually shut out the light of the moon. - -With a grunt of satisfaction, Delaware Tom affixed the reeking trophy to -his girdle, and then turned toward the soldier. Side by side, they -peered out upon their foes in the valley. - -“Big fools plenty skeered,” chuckled Tom, as he noted the irresolute air -of the enemy. “Little more mek ’um run like de debble. S’pose shoot one, -two time, dey run way off. Git scalp, too. Kin hit ’um from dis,” he -added, eagerly fingering his rifle as though longing to begin the -affray. - -“No, Tom, you mustn’t do it. It would not be safe. Were we alone, I -wouldn’t care how soon you began it, but now we have another to look out -for, besides ourselves. _She_ might get hurt.” - -The Delaware did not reply, but he was evidently dissatisfied. He had -tasted blood, and it had aroused all the worst passions of his -half-tamed nature. - -The savages appeared to be undecided as to the course best for them to -pursue, and for several minutes conversed earnestly together, closely -watched by their hidden foes. But then there was a decided move on the -part of the former. - -One of their number moved toward the horses, and, mounting, rode rapidly -off up the valley, soon disappearing from view. - -Travers and Toni exchanged glances. Right well they divined the meaning -of this move, and it evidently caused them not a little uneasiness. - -“He’s gone after help,” muttered the soldier. - -“Yeh. Dat’s it. S’pose we stay here, den dey ketch us all, same like -buff’lo. S’pose we don’t like dat, den we mus’ git ’way, ’fore dey gits -back ag’in. Dat right, eh?” - -“Yes; we must make a move. Surely we can manage those fellows, yonder. -If we do, and can catch some of the horses, we can ride back to camp -to-night. But how shall we do it, Tom?” - -“Stop—me t’ink a little. Plenty time—no hurry,” and then the Delaware -appeared deep-buried in thought. - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - TOM MAXWELL TURNS INDIAN. - - -Major Calhoun and Tom Maxwell “listened with all their ears,” for a -sound they fervently hoped would never come—the wild yells of -exultation, telling that their messenger had been captured by the -Indians, and the dissipation of their last hope. - -And thus they remained for several minutes, without a sound to greet -their hearing, save the usual ones of the night. But then, just as they -were congratulating themselves upon the complete success of the venture, -their blood was fairly curdled and their hearts wrung by a startling -alarm. - -From some distance came the noise, then arose a wild tumult and outcry, -as of human voices, the owners of which were engaged in a bitter -struggle for life and death. And then from the prairie around the -beleaguered train, there sounded the shrill cries and signals of the -aroused warriors, followed by the rapid tread of several horses in full -gallop, all tending toward the point below, where had first sounded the -alarm. - -“My God! Tom, the boy is lost!” groaned Calhoun, agonizedly, as he sunk -back and covered his face with his hands. - -“I’m feared he is, boss, but look up. Don’t give way now, jest when we -need our wits the wust. What’s did is did, an’ cain’t be ondid, nuther. -Think o’ the rest—o’ Miss Clary—an’ ’member ef we go under, so’ll she, -’thout a doubt. Ha! look—they’re comin’!” he added, suddenly, as several -figures appeared in view upon the prairie beyond. “Look out, boys—gi’ -the pesky imps a lettle thunder, jest to let ’em know what they’ve got -to ixpect herea’ter!” - -As he yelled these words, Maxwell discharged his rifle at a prominent -Indian, who suddenly paused in his onward career, tottered for a moment, -then fell heavily forward upon his face. And along the line of -smoke-begrimed wagons there was another flash, like those which had -preceded it, with a like deadly effect. - -But the one volley was all that was needed, for then the savages -appeared to melt away and disappear from view. This had evidently been -no concerted assault, but the red-skins had rushed forward, alarmed by -the tumult below, no doubt fearing their intended prey were attempting -to escape by way of the river. - -When the temporary confusion had in a measure subsided, the two men -listened anxiously for some sound from below, to tell them of the -probable fate of their messenger, but all was still. The event had -evidently decided, in one way or another, during the brief assault. - -And they naturally dreaded the worst. The first yells told them that -Buenos Ayres had been discovered, and had been engaged in a -death-struggle with the enemy. He could scarcely have escaped. - -“Now we are indeed lost,” bitterly uttered Calhoun, to the old guide. - -“It looks dub’ous—durned dub’ous, I must say. But then mebbe ’tain’t so -bad as it looks. We may fool ’em yit. It’s my turn, now,” added Tom, -with a sudden increase of confidence. - -“What? you would not be foolish enough to attempt that? They will be -watching the river so close after this that a fish could scarcely pass -their lines. It would be suicide, man!” - -“Jest so; ef I tried it—which I don’t ’tend doin’. No sir, I ain’t sech -a fool—_yit!_” - -“Then what do you intend doing?” - -“Walkin’ out thar an’ j’inin’ them imps,” coolly returned Maxwell. - -“This is no time for fooling, Tom. Our situation is far too serious to -admit of that. Such a move would be even worse than the other.” - -“Not much. Anyhow, I’m goin’ to try it. They cain’t do much more’n kill -a feller, anyhow, an’ ef we stay here they’re bound to do it, shore. So -what matter? I’m goin’ out thar, an’ they hain’t a-goin to hurt me, -nuther,” confidently added the scout. - -“But how—what do you mean?” asked Calhoun, seeing that his companion was -undoubtedly in earnest in what he said. - -“I’m goin’ to turn Injun fer a bit, jest to see how that pesky Dusky -Dick must feel. But don’t talk. Watch the perayrie cluss—watch fer both -on us, fer I cain’t do my shar’ now.” - -The old scout left the side of the puzzled soldier, and glided toward a -pile of dead savages, who had been carelessly heaped together, after the -second assault, so as to clear the way. These comprised all those who -had fallen inside the corral. - -As he rudely turned these over with his foot, Tom uttered a grunt of -approval, and then catching one of the dead braves by the arm, he -dragged it to the spot where crouched Calhoun. - -“What are you going to do with that, Tom?” - -“Goin’ to skin it, fust. Then putt on the hide an’ walk out yender an’ -tell those imps as how I was dead, but hev come to life ag’in,” chuckled -the old guide. - -Calhoun uttered an exclamation of disgust. - -“Don’t git huffy, now, boss, ’cause I speak sorter mixed-up like. You -know my way, or had orter by this time. But lis’en an’ you’ll see what I -mean. You see this ’ere carr’on is—or was, I’d orter say, mebbe, seein’ -as he’s dead—a Delaware Injun. That proves what I said ’bout Dusky -Dick’s hevin’ picked up a band of runnygades to do his dirty work, fer -thar is ’Rapahoe, Cheyenne, Pawnee, an’ Delaware ’mongst them dead -critters over yon. - -“Now I kin jabber a lettle o’ most all o’ them, but better Delaware, fer -as you may know, I hed one—Delaware Tom they called the cuss—fer a -pardner, well-nigh two years. So as the lad—_durn_ the luck!—hes got -rub—inter trouble I mean, an’ cain’t go fer help, why I ’termined to try -an’ sneak through them imps thar. I knowed thar was no use tryin’ to -play the runnygade as he did, fer the imps’ll be on the keen look-out -thar, an’ this was the only chaince. An’ a durned slim one, too, but -better’n stayin’ here.” - -“We will try, but I fear ’tis a hopeless case. If they make another -steady rush, we must go down before it. If we do, and you get free, Tom, -promise me one thing: that you’ll not forget Clara? You’ll hunt for -her?” - -“No, I won’t, nuther.” - -“What!” - -“Jest so. Give a fool answer fer a fool question, is my motter, al’ays. -Ain’t I a man—a _white_ man, too, ef so be you rub a lettle o’ the -outside dirt off? Then in _course_ I’ll do it—I ain’t a dog nor nothin’, -I reckon. But don’t fret. We’ll all hunt together. I’ll git you free. -See ef I don’t, now.” - -As he spoke, the old guide glided toward the river, accompanied by -Calhoun. But as he hung his legs over the edge of the bank, Maxwell -suddenly added: - -“Look here—ef you see or hear a feller shoot this-a-way, from out thar, -nigh to the river, don’t you shoot back, onless you aim at that big -star, yonder. Mought hurt somebody, ef you did. He’s a powerful poor -shooter, that fellow’ll be, when he minds to. Shouldn’t wonder ef he’ll -miss the hull intire train, wagons an’ all,” chuckled Tom. - -“You mean you’ll fire from there?” - -“Yas. Must throw dust in the red-skins’ eyes, ye see, or else they’ll -some on ’em be snoopin’ ’round to see who I be, which moughtn’t be -pleasant. Ef they see me a-shootin’ this-a-way, they’ll natur’lly s’pose -it’s one o’ themselves, slid out to play a lone hand. See?” - -“Yes—I understand.” - -“Then keep my rifle. I cain’t han’le it the way I must go; ’volvers must -sarve me. But don’t let nobody tetch it. I’d be plum lost ef any thin’ -was to happin to it; I would _so_!” - -Then Maxwell slid down into the water, that here was but little over -knee-deep, and crouching low down he glided rapidly up the river, bound -upon a mission that could scarcely succeed, now that the enemy had their -eyes opened by a somewhat similar attempt. And once more Calhoun went -back to his post, with a heavy gloom resting upon his heart. - -Tom stealthily pursued his way up-stream until he was fully a hundred -yards above the corral, when he gained the spot for which he had aimed. -This was a little depression that ran from the water’s edge, some few -yards into the level prairie. - -Here he hesitated for a moment. He glanced along in the direction he had -been pursuing, and debated earnestly in his own mind whether it would -not be better for him to keep on, and by thus rounding the hill, avoid a -probable meeting with those beleaguering the corral. - -But this hesitation lasted only for a moment. He saw that the -contemplated change was now impossible. That the savages had guarded -against any such attempt upon the part of their intended victims. - -His keen eye caught sight of several dusky figures that he felt assured -were none other than Indians, who had been detailed to guard the stream -above. And this was not all. - -He also saw enough of their movements to tell that he was discovered; -that his progress had not been so cautiously made as to escape the -prying eyes of his enemies. A quiver agitated his frame, and for a -moment his heart was sick within him. - -Not with personal fear, however. There could scarcely be found one who -was more utterly reckless of his own life than this same guide. For -nearly two score years he had lived with his life in his hand. At dawn -he knew not whether he would ever again look upon the setting sun. - -And all this had rendered him utterly reckless and devoid of fear, so -far as he was concerned alone. But now he had others to think of and -work for. Upon the success of this venture probably hung the lives of -the entire company of emigrants. Were he slain or captured, he believed -that ere the sun arose all would be over; that his friends would be -swept from the face of the earth. - -For a moment he half resolved to spring to his feet and dash swiftly -away over the plain, trusting to his great endurance and fleetness of -foot to escape. But then this idea was as quickly discarded. - -He knew that such an action would but too surely betray his identity, -and that a cry would be raised and immediate pursuit instituted. -Pursuit, too, upon horseback; fleet though he undeniably was, and long -of wind, he could not hope to cope successfully with the fiery, -half-wild mustangs, especially when bestrode by those rare jockeys, the -Prairie Indians. - -Maxwell resolved upon a bold course of action; or rather fell back upon -the old plan. Its success mainly depended upon one thing. - -How long had the red-skins been watching him? Had they observed his -leaving the interior of the corral? If so, then his fate was indubitably -sealed. - -But had they only noted him recently—as he hoped; for he had been -careful to keep low down within the dense shadow of the bank of the -river, where the moon’s rays could not reach him—he thought he might yet -succeed in deceiving them. And upon this hope he acted. - -With one glance behind him, at the dim, phantom-like figures that were -still stealthily approaching him, Maxwell emerged from the hollow, upon -the side toward the corral, and, upon his hands and knees, began -crawling quite rapidly toward the wagon-train. Then he dropped down -quite flat upon his face, casting a glance behind him as he did so. - -The red-skins in pursuit had just crossed the ditch, and were crawling -after him. They had gained rapidly in the last few minutes, and their -dress, as well as weapons, could now quite plainly be seen. - -Then Tom leveled his revolver toward the corral, taking care to aim -above it, so that the bullet could by no possibility inflict harm upon -any of his friends, he fired. Almost like an echo, there came a return -shot from the train, and Tom fairly chuckled with delight. - -This was just what he had hoped for, though he feared Calhoun would not -risk a shot, knowing the circumstances, at least in part. But now, -nothing could be better calculated to allay any suspicions the red-skins -behind him might have entertained. - -Tom glanced backward, beneath one arm. To his delight, he saw that the -Indians had paused, and were now closely hugging the ground, evidently -trying to lessen the mark their bodies presented, lest a bullet from the -corral should bury itself beneath their precious hides. - -“Ef that much works so well, reckon I’ll go a leetle furder ’th it, -though it ’d jist be partic’lar ge-mineezers ef some o’ the boys should -shoot me fer a red. But I reckon the boss ’ll look out fer that. Anyhow, -I must shake off them pesky imps. Let ary one o’ them git a glimpse o’ -my mug, an’ it’ll be all night ’th _this_ coon, shore!” muttered the old -guide, as he gradually worked himself still nearer the corral. - -This move, though not a little hazardous to himself, had the desired -effect, and as he once more glanced back, Tom saw that his red-skinned -followers had retreated, and were hidden from view. He now fired again, -and while reloading the empty chambers, he busied himself by peering -keenly around him, to discover, if possible, some point through which he -could pass with the least delay, and consequently peril, to himself and -important mission. - -He dared not dally long, for the night was rolling on apace, and he must -be miles away from this spot ere the sun arose above the eastern -hill-tops. Then, with sternly-compressed lips and finely-strung nerves, -he started anew upon his errand. - -He turned, and still crouching far down, with head bowed so that the -dried grass was blended with his hair and long beard, completely hiding -his features, he glided slowly away from the corral, shaping his course -so as to carry himself to one side of the main body of Indians, as he -calculated. - -Already a chuckle of delight was tickling his throat, as he saw how -finely he was progressing, for he believed that his _ruse_ would -succeed, when an incident occurred which changed his exultation to angry -apprehension. - -From a dense mass of dried grass, almost directly in his path, there -uprose the figure of a stalwart savage, who had doubtless been observing -the scout’s movements. He was now so close that Maxwell could not avoid -him without exciting suspicion, which would bring with it investigation -and consequent discovery. - -So he kept on in his course, that would carry him a few feet to one side -of the Indian. But the other did not seem disposed to allow his seeming -ally and brother to pass by unquestioned. - -He spoke in a harsh voice that also expressed suspicion. The words were -uttered in the Arapahoe dialect, with which Tom was sufficiently -conversant to comprehend their purport. But he well knew that this -knowledge was not perfect enough to carry him through a conversation -with a native undetected, and so he replied in Delaware: - -“I am wounded. The accursed pale-faces saw me as I crept up out yonder -to try and kill them, and shot me. The bullet made me sick,” he said, in -a husky tone. - -“Where were you going?” demanded the other, also using the dialect. - -“I was hunting the medicine-grass,” added Tom, fearing to lose any more -time, and again crawling forward. - -“Stop! Let me see your hurt. I may stop the blood, and then I will find -the grass for you,” added the Arapahoe, in a kind voice, evidently -swallowing the lie, and feeling no further suspicion concerning the -identity of his seeming ally. - -And, then, in the kindness of his heart, he strode forward and placed -his hand upon the disguised scout’s head. The act was a fatal one; the -fastenings of the grass head-dress became unloosened, and the mass came -off in the Indian’s hand. - -A wild cry broke from the red-skin’s lips, as the bright moonlight fell -fully upon the features of the guide. There could be no possibility of -mistaking them for other than those of a white man. - -But that cry was his last upon earth; for, with an angry howl of furious -rage, Tom Maxwell sprung erect, and grappled with his foe. His powerful -arms bore the savage to the ground like an infant, while his hands were -clasped tightly around his throat. - -As they fell heavily to the ground, the warrior appeared to recover from -his surprise, and struggled desperately for dear life. His arms were -wound around the scout’s body with crushing pressure, and he writhed -like a wounded snake in the endeavor to turn his foe. - -Tom dared not relax his grasp upon the throat of the Arapahoe, lest he -should cry out and give the alarm, to bring an overwhelming force upon -him; then his fate would be assuredly sealed. And thus he could only try -to throttle his enemy in time to flee from the spot before any other -should be alarmed by the struggle. - -For several seconds this continued; but then, to his horror, Tom heard a -wild cry, and then the rapid rush of many feet, plainly coming toward -him. He knew that the savages were alarmed, and had caught sight of the -struggling foemen. - -With a howl of rage, he freed one hand, and drew his knife. Then it -glowed for a brief instant in the bright moonlight before falling with a -heavy _thud_, sinking to its very haft in the broad chest of the Indian. - -But still, even in the throes of death, those muscular arms held him -firmly, despite Maxwell’s efforts to break the grip. With a desperate -effort, Tom sprung to his feet, lifting with him the dead man, whose -horribly-convulsed features stared him full in the face. - -Then, with a fierce curse, Tom wrenched free, and made a step forward as -if to flee. But he was too late. - -The enemy were upon him, and the tall scout was cast heavily to the -ground, with a dozen hands clutching him. A brief, furious struggle, and -the savages arose, while the counterfeit Indian lay beside the body of -his dead foe, a helpless captive. - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - A TANGLED TRAIL. - - -Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril that would -attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, on his journey -toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the beleaguered emigrants. - -And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last person who -should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although he was undeniably -brave, and usually, keen-witted and far-seeing. But now these latter -qualities were in a measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to -perform his mission with the least delay possible, in order that a -thorough and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, -Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and caution -to a degree nearly fatal. - -He swam rapidly down-stream, though the water was not waist-deep, but, -in this manner he could proceed more silently than by wading. He lay low -down in the water, that he might present a less fair mark for prying -eyes to rest upon, and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could -succeed in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen. - -In this manner he had gained the edge of the timber, before-mentioned, -that extended nearly to the verge of the river-bank. But then he suddenly -paused in his advance. - -Before him lay something dark, evidently resting in or upon the water, -and at only a few yards’ distance. For a moment Buenos believed that -this was the head of a man, whose body—like his own—was covered in the -water. - -But then a movement on the part of the object undeceived him. It slowly -swung around, as though under the influence of the feeble current, and -he could see that it was a log; evidently one of those upon which the -savages had descended the river, in order to gain and attack the rear of -the emigrants. - -With a low laugh at his unnecessary fright, Ayres advanced, swimming -rapidly, intending to use the log in his further progress. But he -speedily saw that this action had been made too quickly for his own -safety. - -His keen eyes detected a suspicious circumstance connected with the log, -and he instantly paused. From the further side of the stick he beheld an -object that had escaped his eyes before, or else had recently made its -appearance there. - -There seemed to be a roundish knob or protuberance upon the side of the -log. True, this might possibly have been beneath the water until then, -and was only revealed by the rolling of the log, but Ayres felt -confident that the _log had not rolled_. He could tell that from the -quiet water. - -Then it must be— So far he had reasoned, but then, quick as thought, he -ducked his head beneath the water. - -A sudden movement beside the log had caused this. He beheld the round -object raise still higher, and then with an abrupt movement a dark tube -was whirled around from the top of the log, until its muzzle pointed -toward the young adventurer’s head. - -The knob was the head of a savage—the tube was a rifle, and Ayres knew -that he was discovered. All this flashed athwart his mind like a -revelation of light, and, as he dove beneath the surface, his plan of -procedure was fully determined upon. - -He must dispose of this enemy or die. The alarm once given, escape would -be almost impossible, and with his capture, the hopes of the emigrants -would be crushed. - -Then he must silence this foe before he could fire his rifle or give the -alarm otherwise. But could he do it? That was doubtful; still, as a last -hope, he resolved to attempt the feat. - -As he sunk beneath the surface, Buenos drew his knife, and then swam -with swift, strong strokes toward the spot where he knew the Indian must -be crouching. And his calculations proved correct. - -His head struck violently against the half-submerged log, and springing -up he dashed the water from his blinded eyes. - -The savage was taken by surprise, and evidently had not expected such a -bold move. Quite likely he had been in doubt whether the advancing -figure was that of an enemy or a friend, as the small bundle fastened -upon Ayres’ head, added to the gloom, rendered it impossible for a -glimpse to be obtained of his features. His action in throwing forward -his rifle-muzzle, had simply been one of prudence, in case it was really -an enemy who approached. - -Then when the young man sprung up so suddenly before him, the log being -driven against his body with considerable violence, the savage gave vent -to a grunt of mingled surprise and bewilderment. But from this he -quickly recovered. - -Buenos—his first thought being to prevent an alarm—seized upon the -rifle-barrel, and with an adroit movement, wrenched it from the grasp of -his foe, with the same gesture casting it out into deep water. Then his -left hand shot out and clutched the throat of the red-skin with a grip -strengthened by the great interests at stake. - -But the Indian was a brawny fellow, and as he grappled fiercely with his -foeman, he freed his throat sufficiently to emit, loud and clear, the -thrilling war-whoop of his tribe. With a curse of bitter vexation, Ayres -wrenched his right arm free, and then dealt the savage a swift, vicious -blow with the heavy knife. - -It penetrated deep, but the wound was not mortal. Once more the shrill -yell resounded through the air, awaking echoes far and wide; once again -the crimsoned steel rose and fell, with a dull, sickening _thud_. - -With a wild shriek of mortal agony, the death-stricken savage sunk -backward, but still his bony fingers clutched the white man with a grip -nerved by death. And from the prairie beyond, Ayres could hear the -shrill cries of the alarmed red-skins, and then the rapid thud of -horses’ hoofs approaching the spot at a full gallop. - -Then he plunged over the log, head-foremost, and sunk in the water. This -action freed him from the dead Indian, and then arising to the surface, -Buenos swam for dear life, down-stream. - -But he knew that did he continue on in this course, he must be -discovered by the rapidly approaching red-skins, and so he turned toward -the bank, half resolved to enter the timber and seek safety in flight by -land. In this, however, he was disappointed. - -Scarcely had he touched shore, when his quick eye detected several dusky -figures upon the bank, near the spot where he had slain the Indian. He -knew they were the dead man’s comrades; one glance told him that. - -And the same glance also showed him the form of the dead Indian, his -face, horribly distorted with the last agony, upturned toward the -star-studded vault of heaven, slowly floating down with the stream, -nearing its slayer, with each passing moment. Then there uprose a wild -cry from those upon the shore, telling that they, also, had discovered -the slain man. - -It now seemed as though the fate of the young man was indubitably -sealed. Escape from being discovered seemed impossible, and to be -captured now, with that terribly significant witness of his deeds lying -there before the eyes of all, meant _death_. - -Several heavy splashes were heard, and Ayres saw that while some ran -along the bank toward him, others had entered the water, to drag forth -their dead comrade. And now the corpse was within a few yards of where -he crouched, while almost directly over his head he could hear the heavy -tramp of other foes. - -Ayres shrunk back against the bank, where the water was still several -feet deep. He clutched his knife with desperation, resolved to sell his -life dearly, should he be discovered. But then his heart thrilled with a -gleam of joy. - -In the bank beside him was a small hole or depression, that had -evidently been washed out by the action of the water. Instantly one hand -was extended to ascertain its size. - -It only reached a few inches above the surface, and was over a foot in -depth, running back into the bank. Below, it was still larger, and Ayres -believed that by its aid he could still escape his foes. - -All this occurred in a breath of time, and the water was still agitated -by the heavy plunges, when Buenos glided back and into the fortunately -discovered refuge. By crouching almost double, he managed to stow his -body away in the hole, with his legs doubled beneath his body. - -A quick gesture daubed his face with the soft black mud, and then Buenos -awaited the result in painful surprise. For not only did his own life -depend upon it, but, in all probability, those of his friends in the -besieged corral, as well. - -His head was drawn back into the hole, so that his nose was barely above -water, and his face beyond the surface of the bank. The mud had rendered -his features the color of the dirt surrounding, and only by touching -him, could the savages have discovered the difference. - -Through his half-closed lids, Buenos watched the movements of the -savages, now almost directly opposite him. A shower of dirt rolled down -from above, telling that those he had noticed on shore were still near -at hand. - -Then a new and startling sound came to the ears of the young adventurer. -He heard the shrill yells—the wild outcry—the rattling of rifles, all -telling of another deadly assault upon the wagon-train. - -The savages in the water paused as if startled, and then hastily -grasping the body of their dead comrade, they swam rapidly ashore with -it, landing just below where crouched the young man. Words passed -between them and the others, the purport of which Ayres could only -guess, owing to his complete ignorance of the dialect. - -Then the corpse was handed up the bank, and shortly afterward Buenos -heard the quick trampling of feet, as a number of Indians dashed away -toward the train. He believed they were all gone, and made a movement as -though he would have left his covert, in order to continue his journey, -without any more loss of time. - -But fortunately for him, Ayres recognized the folly of such -precipitation, before it was too late. From almost directly above him, -he heard the low sound of voices, and knew by it that his enemies had -not yet given up the search for the slayer of their friend. - -With wildly beating heart Buenos listened to the progress of the -struggle above; but it speedily died away, and then all was still. The -absence of the red-skins’ yells of triumph, told Ayres that his friends -had successfully repulsed the onset, and his heart lightened -considerably. - -Had he only been at liberty to resume his journey, all might yet be -well. But though he could no longer hear the sound of voices, Ayres felt -assured that the red-skins were still upon the watch. - -They must know that an enemy had stricken them a bitter blow near that -spot, and would reason that he could not have gotten far away, before -their arrival. That he was still hidden somewhere in close proximity to -the spot of death. - -As time passed by, Buenos began to grow still more uneasy. Every moment -was valuable now, and he should even then be miles away upon his -important mission. - -But what if these savages should keep up the watch until day dawned? -Then they would assuredly unearth him. - -Not only would he be doomed, in such a case, but the last hope of the -besieged emigrants would be dashed to the ground. Unassisted, they must -soon succumb to the overpowering force of the red-skins. - -A desperate resolve began to shape itself in the mind of our young -adventurer. He would dare all, and emerge from his covert. It could be -but death, at the most, and that risk he would rather run, than longer -endure this horrible, agonizing suspense. - -Still he could hear no sound of his enemies, and as the moments passed -on, Ayres made the desperate move. Were the Indians still lying in wait -for some such movement on the part of their unknown enemy, he knew that -he was lost. - -They could scarcely fail to hear him, or discover his motions. The line -of shadow was fearfully narrowed, and at but a short distance ahead, -where the belt of timber came to an end, the bright moonlight revealed -every inch of the water’s surface. - -Just as he had straightened out his limbs, preparatory to emerging from -his uncomfortable hiding-place, Ayres paused. Another alarm rung out -upon the air, from beyond the wagon-train. - -Then came a single shrill war-whoop, that he had so often listened to on -that eventful night, followed by wild shouts from the Indians, telling -of some important discovery. And then, from almost directly above his -head, there sounded a guttural exclamation, closely followed by the -tramp of human feet. - -Ayres shuddered convulsively as he realized the extent of the peril he -had so nearly brought upon himself, by his rash action. He knew now that -the red-skins had indeed been lying in wait for him, and only for this -strange diversion, would inevitably have made the desired discovery. - -Though sadly puzzled to account for the outcry—for Ayres well knew that -the latter cries were those of exultation—the young man dared not dally -longer, but slipping forth from his hiding-place, he swam rapidly -down-stream for a few yards, until near the end of the timber-belt -furthest from the corral. - -Then he cautiously scaled the bank, and entered the dense undergrowth. -Pausing, he hearkened intently. - -All was still in his immediate vicinity, although from near the -wagon-train he could hear an occasional rifle-shot, telling that his -friends were still upon the alert. And then he glided stealthily forward -until at the edge of the prairie. - -Cautiously peering forth upon the vast, level expanse thus spread before -him, Buenos saw with delight that as far as his eye could reach, there -was not a single living form to be seen. The road appeared open before -him, and he was about to enter upon it, when a sudden recollection -caused him to pause. - -The revolver was still strapped upon his head, according to the advice -given him by Tom Maxwell, but it was far from being in a condition fit -for use. The sudden dive, on seeing the savage beside the log, added to -several immersions since, had pretty thoroughly saturated it. - -Not knowing at what moment he might be called upon to make use of this, -in order to preserve his life, Ayres’ first move was to draw the -bullets, and wiping the chambers dry, he carefully reloaded them. Then -fitting on the water-proof caps, he replaced it in his belt, and once -more stepped forth upon the prairie. - -Had he not already lost so much time, Buenos would probably have -exercised more precaution than he was now using. But, racked with -anxiety and the dread of being too late to aid his comrades in peril, -rendered him half wild. - -Crouching low down, he ran at a rapid pace out over the level prairie, -in the direction he must follow in order to strike the Main Trail, which -they had so unfortunately—as it proved—deviated from, a couple of days -previously. The moon still shone brightly, and there was great danger of -his being discovered by some of the lynx-eyed savages, who surrounded -the wagon-train. - -But this, Ayres resolved to risk, rather than lose any more time, -although he knew that, in case he should be seen, there could be but one -ending to the affair. - -Fortunately for him, perhaps the suspicions of the red-skins had been -lulled by the recent capture of Tom Maxwell, for they believed him to be -the one who had slain their brother below the corral, as well as the one -beside whose body he had been captured. Thus they did not dream of -another foeman being at liberty so near them. - -As Ayres glanced back over his shoulder, a shudder crept over his frame, -for he now realized the full extent of the great peril he was daring. -Behind him he could quite plainly distinguish the dark corral, and still -nearer, the numerous figures, dusky and phantom-like, moving restlessly -hither and yon, that he knew were none other than savages. - -It seemed as though they could not fail of seeing him, and as he once -more sped on at an accelerated speed, Buenos listened with painful -intentness, expecting each moment to hear the shrill war-cry peal forth, -telling that the bloodthirsty demons were upon his trail. - -But then he crossed the slight rise, and the fear-inspiring sight was -hidden from his view. Then breathing more freely, he took the pole-star -for his guide, and dashed on at break-neck speed, every nerve strained to -its utmost tension, and his heart wildly throbbing with renewed hope of -success. - -For well-nigh an hour he maintained this killing pace, but then Nature -forced him to slacken his gait, and proceed with more prudence. His eyes -were roving upon every side of him, trying to recall some landmark, -though he well knew he was yet far from the Main Trail—the object of his -quest. - -He crossed a slight swell and trotted down the opposite slope, into a -sort of valley, if it may be called such. Then he began ascending the -next rise. - -Suddenly he paused. A suspicious sound saluted his hearing; the -_thud_—_thud_—of a horse’s hoofs beating upon the hard turf in a full -gallop. - -And this, too, he soon found was approaching him, for the trampling grew -louder and more distinct. But it was not coming from the direction of -the corral, though this was Ayres’ first thought. Instead it was coming -from directly in his front. - -Buenos glanced hurriedly around for some cover within which to ensconce -himself, but no such sight rewarded his search. There was not a bush or -bunch of grass to be seen, within reach. - -And at that moment the figure of a horse and rider loomed up, clear and -distinct, upon the ridge, almost directly before the young man. As by an -impulse, Buenos dropped flat to the ground, and drew his revolver, ready -for use in case he was discovered. - -Then the horseman came thundering on, seemingly about to ride directly -over the prostrate form. A collision appeared inevitable, and Buenos, -with tightly-compressed lips, cocked his pistol. - -On thundered the horse, and was within a score of yards of the young -man, when, with a wild snort, it turned to one side, then dashed on with -accelerated speed, in its passage flinging a tiny shower of dust and -sand over Ayres. A hoarse cry broke from the lips of its rider, as he -swayed in his seat, but he did not appear to notice the cause of his -animal’s affright, for he did not once glance around or backward, but -rose the swell and disappeared beyond its crest with the same mad, -reckless gallop. - -Ayres rose with a cry of astonishment, as the man vanished from sight. A -puzzled look rested upon his face. - -In the brief glance he had obtained of the rider’s features, he knew -that it was a white man but wonder had checked the cry of greeting, he -would otherwise have uttered. Buenos did not know that the mad rider was -none other than Dusky Dick, the traitor guide and black-hearted -renegade; but such was indeed the case. - -Had he known it, Ayres would have sent a revolver bullet hissing after -the villain, on the instant, instead of now gazing at the little cloud -of dust that was all there was left to indicate the swift passage. But -then Buenos once more returned his way, with quickened steps. - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - SAVAGE TACTICS. - - -“Look, Tom!” abruptly muttered Travers, gently touching the shoulder of -his ruminating companion. “The red rascals are moving!” - -The Delaware turned his keen eyes toward the valley and gazed for a -moment in silence. Then he answered, in a slightly vexed tone: - -“Yeh, dey go hide, now. Skeered plenty bad, dey is. Don’t know what to -mek ’cause Kisch-kouch git killed. T’ink spirits here, mebbe. Go -hide—den watch plenty sharp. Dat’s it.” - -“But that will not do, Tom,” added Travers, vexedly. “They will keep us -here all night, then. If we venture to move, they’ll pick us off, one -after the other. I wish we had fired at them as they stood out there—but -it’s too late now.” - -“Yeh—see—dey hide now. Ought to shoot _den_—now _can’t_. Shoot—kill one, -two, den oders run ’way off, like de debble. Cap’n he say _no_—see now -dat Delaware was right,” tersely replied the savage. - -“But what shall we do? That fellow has gone for help, no doubt, and when -he comes back they’ll soon make this place too hot for us. As it is, -those devils can hold us here as long as they feel like it. We can’t -move without bringing out a rifle-bullet. Come, find some way, Tom,” -impatiently added Travers, who evidently relied far more upon the -cunning and resources of his companion in times of difficulty like this, -than upon his own powers. - -“Me do it. Skeer Arapahoe _bad_, dis time. Git scalp, too, ef don’t look -out. No fun, dough, skeer _dem_—git skeered too easy—den run plenty -fast. Got long legs, dem Arapahoes,” chuckled Tom, as he drew his knife -from the belt at his waist. - -“What do you intend doing, Delaware?” - -“Keep eyes open wide, den mebbe so you see,” grunted the savage, who -evidently felt his importance in no small degree. - -With his knife he cut several scrubby bushes, and then bound them around -his head and shoulders, but in such a manner that they would not -interfere materially with his sight. This accomplished to his -satisfaction, he turned toward Travers, who was now dividing his -attention between his companion and the valley below, where the -red-skins were hidden. - -“Now you open ear—me tell. Injuns down dere—you here—me go some oder -place. Den me shoot Arapahoe—de oders dey jump up, all same like -rabbit—don’t know where me be—den _you_ shoot—kill ’noder. Den me holler -_loud_—_you_ holler—_dey_ holler an’ run like de debble, ’way off. See?” -hurriedly explained Tom. - -“You mean to crawl around them?” - -“Yeh—dat’s it.” - -“Then shoot one—” - -“You shoot ’noder—den dey run ’way off.” - -“I believe they would,” thoughtfully said Travers. “But it will be -dangerous for you. Can you get down without their seeing you? If they -do, you’re a dead man sure!” - -“No—dey shoot, but can’t hit Delaware. _Can’t_ hit—don’t know _how_ -shoot, dem Arapahoe. Hit hill, mebbe, not’ing else,” laughed Tom, a low, -gleesome laugh, full of joy at the prospect of outwitting his hereditary -foes. - -“I know you think an Arapahoe is fit for nothing but crow-bait, Tom, but -you may get fooled. Some of them are brave and cunning warriors—” - -“No—no, Arapahoe squaw—all squaw!” angrily hissed the Delaware. - -“Well, have it your own way. But be careful. Don’t be foolhardy, man, -and throw away your life uselessly. Better go now; it’s growing late and -there’s no time to lose.” - -The Delaware turned away without a word, and passing his companion, he -disappeared among the bushes beyond. Though he affected to laugh at the -danger of his venture, nevertheless it was a perilous one, and one, too, -that would require not a little caution and skill to carry out -successfully. - -As stated, the line of bushes fringed the base of the cliff, and then -ran out, leaving the hillside bare and devoid of cover, except a few -small bowlders and patches of stunted grass. For nearly fifty yards this -stretch lay beneath the full vision of the warriors hidden below. - -But Delaware Tom felt assured that he could accomplish the feat, and -truly, he, if any one, could do so. Those who were with Kearney in -California can bear me out in this assertion. - -Aided by the leafy screen upon his head, and the bowlders scattered -around, he hoped to pass over this open space unobserved, and this once -done, he would have the best of cover for his further operations. As for -the rest of the programme, he considered that the same as settled. - -He knew that most, if not all the six Indians were Arapahoes, and as -seen, he looked upon them with supreme contempt. He believed that at his -shot, they would act much as he had said, and the way be easily cleared -for his friend’s departure for the camp. - -When he gained the end of the bushes, Tom paused and peered keenly out -upon the valley below. But even his sharp eyes could not detect the -presence of a foe, save in the riderless horses that were feeding on the -bank of the creek. - -Still, he knew pretty well where the savages were hidden, and acted -accordingly. Now he was forced to “crawfish,” or in other words, to -crawl backward, as his head and shoulders were the only parts of his -person concealed by the bush. - -By so doing he calculated upon reaching a little gully that ran down to -the creek, unobserved, as the bush would seem to stand still, from where -the Indians were hidden, for to gain this ditch, Tom would be forced to -back directly from their position. All this had been foreseen by the -Delaware and calculated upon when he spoke so confidently of success in -his bold ruse. - -Slowly and carefully he proceeded—or receded—crouching low down, keeping -the leafy head-dress as steady as possible under the circumstances. His -eyes were riveted upon the spot where he believed the Arapahoes to be -hidden, his muscles in readiness to avoid a shot, should such be -threatened, by a sudden spring. - -But that shot did not come, and it was plain that the savages either did -not notice, or else believed the bush to be a natural one. It would have -required a long and careful scrutiny from the point where they were -lying hid, to tell that the bush moved, for Tom was retreating in an -almost direct line from them. Besides, the moonlight was deceitful and -favored the working of the ruse. - -Then Tom gained the edge of the gully, and gently backed over it, -alighting upon his feet in the soft dirt and _debris_ that covered the -bottom. He listened intently for a moment, but all was still. - -A glow of grim delight swept athwart his features at this, for he knew -that the enemy were still ignorant of the plan on foot to circumvent -them. The Delaware, now that the most difficult portion of his task was -accomplished, felt no doubt but the rest would end as happily. - -With the friendly twigs still upon his head, he turned and glided down -the gully, after unslinging the rifle from his back, and carefully -inspecting the cap. From seeing the enemy disappear, Tom had formed a -pretty accurate idea of where they were hid. - -He knew that they had not recrossed the creek, and consequently they -only had an oblong circle of some two score yards diameter, in which to -conceal themselves. Inside this, then, Tom knew he must find his game. - -Gliding along, crouching so that his head was below the level of the -bank, the Delaware soon gained the bank of the creek, and pausing, he -peered cautiously toward the suspected spot. A low grunt of disgust -broke from his lips, as he saw that a little ridge hid the Indians from -his view, while standing in the gully. - -Then his eyes roved around, restlessly. A brief moment sufficed to form -his plans. - -Removing the revolver from his girdle, he entered the stream, and then -holding the weapon above the water, he glided slowly along toward the -enemy, hidden, as before, by the bank. As many minutes sufficed to carry -him over the few yards necessary to traverse, and then, confident that -he had gained a point whence he could spot the red-skins, Tom prepared -for action. - -The revolver he cautiously shoved upon the edge of the bank, beside a -small bowlder, and then followed it with the muzzle of his rifle. But -then, with a sudden recollection, he paused. - -Along the bank, for a number of yards, there was not a bush or shrub of -any kind to be seen. Although he affected to despise the Arapahoes as -warriors, the Delaware knew right well that the sudden appearance of a -bush where none had grown before, could scarcely escape their keen eyes; -and, under the peculiar circumstances, its appearance would most -probably be greeted with a rifle-ball. - -So he noiselessly untied the thongs that secured the leafy head dress in -place, suffering it to drop into the water, and float away with the -gentle current. Then he slowly raised his eyes to a level with the bank. - -For a full minute nothing suspicious rewarded his gaze; but Tom was by -far too cunning a scout and warrior to risk the success of his plans by -a precipitate movement. Then his eyes slowly roved over each inch of the -ground, again and again. - -The wisdom of this caution was soon apparent. Beside a goodly-sized -bowlder, the Delaware now discovered a portion of a red-skin’s body, -though at first it had appeared part and parcel of the stone. - -This was enough. Tom knew that sufficient was revealed to bury a bullet -in, so that it would touch the seat of life, and that by waiting for a -better target, he might spoil all. - -Slowly and deliberately, as if aiming at a target of wood, the rifle -drew upon the unsuspecting savage, and the black eye of the Delaware -flashed along the dark tube with a deadly glare. And then his finger -tightened upon the trigger. - -The whip-like crack rung out with startling clearness; but it was -blended with a horrible yell of agony, as the stricken savage writhed -upon the ground in his death-throes. Delaware Tom seldom found it -necessary to fire twice at the same object. - -As the sounds broke the air, the horses, that had been quietly cropping -the rich grass, snorted with affright, and after turning their heads -wildly, sprung off a few yards; then stood with trembling limbs, eying -the strange scene. - -As Tom had anticipated, the unexpected shot had so startled the -red-skins that they sprung up from their coverts and glared wildly -around in search of their hidden foe. Cries of wondering fear broke from -their lips. - -Then a spout of flame shot forth from the line of bushes upon the -hillside, and a second messenger of death sped upon its way; another of -the savages reeled wildly, and then fell to the ground, the hot -life-blood gurgling from his chest. - -Delaware Tom snatched his revolver and discharged it, uttering a wild -yell—the war-whoop that had more than once carried terror and confusion -into the hearts of his foemen. Though this shot did not seem to have -taken effect, the bold fellow sprung forth from the water, and pealing -forth his yell, sprung toward the surviving Arapahoes, firing as he -came. - -Simultaneously, there echoed back a hoarse cheer from the hillside, and -Travers sprung into view, his revolver echoing back the quick reports -from that in the hands of the Delaware. - -As yet the Arapahoes had not burned a grain of powder, so greatly were -they confused by this sudden and deadly onset. The two men dashing -toward them, with rapidly detonating pistols, were magnified ten-fold, -and, as with one accord, the survivors turned and fled from the spot of -death, with wild screeches of dismay and terror. - -“Hurrah, Tom! spot them—they’re ours!” shouted Travers, wild with -excitement, as his revolver sent a bullet crashing into the brain of a -third red-skin. “Don’t let one get away!” - -Loud and clear came the answering yell of the Delaware, as he sprung -forward in hot pursuit of the fleeing foe. _He_ only thought that his -enemies were before him, and his heart was filled with ferocious hatred. - -The foremost Arapahoe reached the horses, and it seemed as though the -secondary object of the two scouts would be defeated, after all; but the -frantic haste of the savage favored them, unexpectedly. In his terror, -he made a quick grasp at the trailing halter; but his foot slipping upon -the damp grass, he fell to the ground, even as his fingers tightened -upon the plaited rope. - -The sudden jerk added to the mustang’s affright, and caused him to rear -violently back, half-raising the Indian to his feet; but then the hand -slipped from the smooth rope, and thus freed, the terrified horse turned -with a shrill scream and dashed madly up the valley, followed by its -companions. - -A faint cry broke from the lips of the Arapahoes, at this new -misfortune, but they dared not pause. Close behind them they could hear -the heavy tramp of their enemies, and then came two more shots. - -Without pausing a moment, the savages dashed on, while the one whose -haste had wrought them such harm, scrambled to his feet. But no sooner -was he up, than he was down again. - -Delaware Tom, with a shrill scream of frantic fury, pounced upon his -back, hurling the red-skin violently forward, his face plowing up the -decayed grass and soft dirt. Half-senseless from the shock, he offered -but feeble resistance to his powerful enemy. - -Delaware Tom dug his knees violently into the back of the Arapahoe, -while one hand clutched his neck with the force of a vise. Then the -empty revolver was upraised, for a moment remaining motionless to gather -momentum; then the heavy, brass-bound butt fell with a sickening _thud_ -full upon the bared head of the ill-fated savage. - -Another yell broke from Tom’s lips, as he dashed the clotted blood and -brains from his eyes, and sprung to his feet, glaring ferociously around -in search of another victim. But the carnage was over. - -The two surviving Arapahoes had vanished among the shadows, and Travers -was returning from the pursuit. But Tom darted forward, his eyes glowing -with a diabolical fire. - -“Stop, Tom,” cried the soldier, as he grasped his comrade, “where are -you going? They’ve got clear off by now. You couldn’t find them in the -dark, anyhow.” - -“Let go—me kill Arapahoe debble!” snarled the Delaware, struggling -fiercely in the powerful grasp of the captain. - -“No, they’re gone. Don’t be a fool, man. There’s four scalps, if you -want them. That’s enough for once. Do you hear?” - -The savage suddenly ceased his struggles, though with a ill-grace. But -then his face brightened as he glanced back upon the ghastly forms of -the fallen red-skins. - -“Come, help me catch their horses, first, Tom,” said Travers. “If we -don’t mind they’ll give us the slip altogether.” - -Without a word the Delaware followed his companion up the valley, where -they could hear the frightened horses, still snorting wildly. The -soldier began to fear they would experience not a little trouble in -effecting their capture. - -But both he and the Delaware were old hands among the horses, and Tom -set out to gain the further side of the animals, in order to prevent -their flight. This was quickly accomplished, and then, while Travers -stood still, the Delaware slowly advanced toward the trembling group. - -They permitted his approach without a motion, save to huddle closer -together, until nearly within arm’s length, but then they dashed off -toward the soldier. Travers stood still with outstretched hand, and, -after a few minutes’ delay, one of them came close enough for him to -secure the halter. - -Then it was an easy task to collect the others, which once accomplished, -the two men returned down the valley where had taken place the deadly -surprise. The four dead forms presented a ghastly sight, and even -Travers could not repress a shudder, as he recalled the frightful scene. - -“Take their scalps, if you will, Tom,” he said, as the Delaware drew his -knife. “But be quick about it. And then tumble their bodies into the -creek, before we call the lady. The sight would be horrible enough to -kill her.” - -“Squaw no so soft like dat,” laughed the Delaware, as he shook the first -trophy to free it from the gouts of blood, before securing it to his -girdle. “Stan’ big heap, dey kin. No kill ’um so easy, like dat.” - -“Hurry up—don’t be so long, Tom. There’s a long trail before us, and not -much time to lose. It’s nearly daylight now.” - -But the Delaware seemed to find a peculiar pleasure in his revolting -task, and took his own time about it. This was the reward of his tedious -exercise of Indian tactics. - -But then the job was completed by dragging the mutilated dead to the -stream, and casting them in, when the current quickly swept them away. -As the last corpse disappeared, Travers raised his voice and bade Clara -come down; that all danger was past. - -But there came no reply. Again he called, louder than before. Still the -silence, save in the echoes of his own voice among the hills. - -Travers wondered at this, though he did not think of any serious wrong. -He believed that Clara, frightened by the wild struggle, had not yet -recovered sufficiently to recognize his voice. - -“Here, Tom, hold the horses, and I will go up after her,” said Travers, -a little impatiently. “She’s afraid to come down alone.” - -Muttering at the foolish squeamishness of the white squaw, the Delaware -did as bade, and then the soldier lightly bounded up the steep hillside. -As he neared the line of bushes, Travers called again: - -“Miss Calhoun—Clara, come out. It is all over, and the road is free for -us. Come.” - -Still no answer, save in the echoes of his own voice as before. A -strange fear seized upon the strong-hearted soldier. - -Why this continued silence? Why did not the maiden answer him? Could it -be, that, frightened at the scene of death and bloodshed, she had -fainted? - -Believing this the true solution of the dead stillness, he sprung -forward and parted the bushes. A wild cry broke from his lips. - -The covert was empty—unoccupied, save by the still and lifeless form of -the Arapahoe, who had fallen by the strong hand of Delaware Tom. Where -was Clara? - -“What fo’ you mek holler like dat? Where squaw?” called out the Delaware -from below. - -“My God! Tom, she’s gone! She is not here!” gasped Travers, in wondering -alarm. - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - BOUND TO THE STAKE. - - -The situation of old Tom Maxwell, was not one to be envied. Lying -helplessly bound, surrounded by a score of yelling, exultant red-skins, -who showered kicks and cuffs upon him with merciless celerity. - -Taken in the very act of slaying one of their comrades, he could expect -but little mercy at their hands; indeed he felt some surprise that they -spared his life even for those few moments. - -Suddenly a tall, powerful form strode through the corral, rudely -elbowing the braves aside, all resistance ceasing as they caught sight -of the one who handled them so unceremoniously. Evidently the new-comer -was one high in rank among them, judging from the deference with which -he was regarded. - -Waving back the red-skins, he stood over the form of the captive scout, -gazing keenly at his upturned features. A quick and powerful change -passed over his face, and a hoarse cry broke from his lips, while one -hand nervously clutched the tomahawk that hung at his side. - -“Ugh! Three Scalps!” he uttered in his native tongue; and even then -there seemed to be a tinge of respectful admiration in his voice. - -“Yas, so they call me in your lingo, ’Rapahoe,” coolly returned Maxwell, -as he gazed fixedly at the face of the savage. “I s’pose you know how -you arn’t the name, don’t ye?” - -“Yeh, me know. Big warrior, _you_. Kill heap Arapahoe. Won’t kill no -more, dough. Git kill _self_, bumbye. How like _dat_, eh?” added the -Indian, with a leer of ferocious joy upon his features, as he crouched -over the captive pale-face. - -“Don’t know, chief, ontel a’ter I’ve tried it a time or two. Reckon I’d -like it fust rate, soon’s I git kinder used to it a bit. But you’re -jokin’, ain’t ye, now?” - -“Jokin’—wha’ dat?” - -“Foolin’—makin’ b’lieve—sorter throwin’ dust in a feller’s eyes, like, -ye know, so to speak. What fer do you want to kill me? I hain’t done -nothin’ much, onless it is killin’ a few dozen ’Rapahoes, fer which -you’d orter thank me, ’stead o’ holdin’ any grudge,” and the reckless -old scout chuckled grimly. - -“You kill Arapahoe—Arapahoes kill _you_. Kill Cagoula here, kill oder -brave ober dere. You die fo’ dat.” - -“What other? You ain’t goin’ to blame a feller fer what ain’t his fault, -be ye? Ef I tuck a notion to shoot out here at a bunch o’ grass, an’ one -o’ your durned copper-skins runs ag’inst the bullet, be I to blame? But -I didn’t do it—you cain’t prove ’at I killed any other skunk ’cept this -’ere one.” - -“Kin too, me tell. Kill ’noder brave down dere—in water—stick one wid -knife. Den run ’way like de debble,” angrily added the chief. - -“When—where was that?” asked Maxwell, a sudden hope springing up in his -breast at the last words of the Indian. - -“S’pose you tek good hoss—ride like debble—mek hair all wet on hoss. -_Dat_ long, mebbe,” tersely replied the Arapahoe. - -Maxwell’s form quivered with a new-born hope. He knew that the time -metaphorically stated by the chief, would be about that which had -transpired since the alarm had arose, so closely following the desperate -venture of Buenos Ayres. Could it be that he had been deceived—that the -young man had indeed eluded the vigilance of his enemies, and was still -at liberty? - -For some moments Tom dared not trust himself to speak. He dreaded lest -the swarthy Hercules should suspect the truth from his tones. - -“You mean the feller who tried to stop me down thar? In the water?” he -said, at a venture. - -“Yeh.” - -“You fellers didn’t see me, then, as I swum back up the river?” - -“No. You do dat way?” eagerly asked the chief. - -“In course. You hunted fer me, didn’t you? Ef I’d ’a’ stayed thar you’d -’a’ found me, wouldn’t ye?” - -“Yeh, me see now. Injun he big fool dat time, but got you now. Keep you, -too. Tek scalp bumbye. How you like burn at stake, eh? Laugh plenty -loud, den, eh? T’ink so?” and the chief chuckled diabolically. - -“Me—burn _me_? Git out—you’re crazy, Injun. _Cain’t_ do that. Won’t -burn; ’d putt the fire all out. I’m all frozen water, _I_ be. Tell you -what I’ll do. Bet ye my hat ’at I kin stan’ fire longer ’thout sizzlin’ -’n _you_ kin. Thar now, what sez ye?” - -The savage laughed a little at the sublime impudence of his captive, but -then turned away and entered into conversation with several of the more -prominent braves. - -Maxwell had an object in view in thus chaffing with his captor. He felt -assured now that Buenos Ayres had indeed succeeded in passing the cordon -in safety, and that he was even then far away in search of help. - -Thus, every moment of time gained was invaluable to his comrades. If he -could delay an attack until daylight, he believed that the train would -be saved, as the Indians would scarcely brave an assault in broad -daytime, knowing the great loss they must suffer in such a case. - -Hoping to learn something definite regarding the red-skins’ plans, Tom -keenly strained his ears to catch the words of those who were collected -around the chief, at but a few yards from where stood the captive scout. -His partial knowledge of the dialect stood him in good stead here. - -He heard his own name—or the _sobriquet_ given him for a deed of -peculiar daring some years before, Three Scalps—coupled together with -the emigrant train; and then another name met his ear. That of Dusky -Dick. - -His suspicious, then, were only too true. This desperate attack was -indeed the work of the Traitor Guide. These savages were under his -orders; then where was he? - -But soon other interests riveted his attention upon the savages, once -more. They were debating upon _him_—settling the mode and time of _his -death_. - -Despite his hardihood and great bravery, the old guide shuddered as he -caught the words of the chief. To die—and by such a death—was horrible! - -“His hands are red with the blood of the Arapahoe—he must _die_! But he -is a great brave—his name is Three Scalps. Do you know how he gained -that name? Listen! Four Arapahoe braves attacked him upon the prairie -and shot his horse: he was alone. They were good braves and skillful -warriors, but they were no match for him. He killed and took the scalps -of three—the other fled, with a bullet through his breast. He gained the -lodges of his people, and told his story; then he died. We called the -white warrior Three Scalps. - -“He is a great brave, but he must die. He has fallen into our power at -last—but the death of a man awaits him. He shall die by fire—the wolves -must not pick his bones. Wapashaw has spoken!” - -“The chief is wise,” slowly uttered one of the elder braves. “But does -he not forget? What will the white chief say? He bade us capture this -man and keep him so that he might slay him with his own hand.” - -“Wapashaw is a chief. Who shall say he does wrong? Not a pale-face, with -blood like water. Is the White Snake greater than a chief of the -Arapahoes? No! He does not dare speak hot words to Wapashaw. He knows -that my arm is strong and my tomahawk sharp. Three Scalps must die—I -have said it!” sternly added the chief, as he turned away. - -Where was Dusky Dick? Why did he not put in an appearance, now that one -of his bitterest enemies was helplessly a captive? This fact puzzled Tom -not a little. But then he thought of the imminent peril that threatened -himself. - -“Durned consolin’, that is—I guess _not_!” muttered Tom, disgustedly. -“S’pose I’d orter feel proud, but I don’t—not a mite. B’lieve I’d ruther -they’d think I was a pesky coward, ef so be they’d think I wasn’t wuth -sizzlin’. Ugh! it makes the sweat come, jest to think on it! What’ll it -be _then_, though? Oh, Lord!” - -He watched the movements of the savages with anxious eyes. Although as -brave as most men, there was something fearful in contemplating this -mode of being sent out of the world. - -“Wonder ef it’ll hurt _much_. Bet it will; know it, ’most. Ef -’twouldn’t, I wouldn’t keer so much. Wish to ge-mineezers ’at I’d -stayed in the corral,” grumbled Tom, as he tugged desperately upon his -bonds. - -But this effort was in vain. The hide-thongs had been applied by too -careful a hand, for him to slip them from his wrists, and the tough -cords only sunk deeper into the yielding flesh, with each succeeding -effort. - -It was quite evident that whatever scruples a few of the elder braves -might have entertained as to the advisability of such a decided course, -were quickly overruled by the stern-willed chief, Wapashaw, and then the -necessary preparations for the feast were speedily under way. A score of -savages dashed away toward the timber belt, with drawn hatchets, and -then came the quick, heavy strokes, telling that wood was being -collected. - -Maxwell noted their movements with naturally troubled feelings. He saw -his fate was sealed beyond a doubt, unless he could effect an escape. - -But this seemed impossible. Alone, he was helpless as an infant. There -was nothing for it but to watch and wait. - -In a short time the savages returned from the timber-belt, bearing huge -back-loads of dried wood, which, at a word from Wapashaw, they carried -over to the hill, near whose top it was heaped. There was a double -meaning in this selection of the spot for the sacrifice. - -Of a necessity, there must be a number of braves left around the corral -to guard against another messenger venturing forth, and these would wish -to witness the sport. Did it take place upon the hillside, they could do -so as well as those within the corral. - -The hill, too, was beyond reach of rifle-shot, and so the bright light -could not serve to guide an avenging bullet. For these reasons had the -hill been selected by the astute chief of the Arapahoes. - -Then the form of the old guide was lifted from the ground by several -brawny warriors, and borne toward the rudely-improvised stake. Tom’s -heart sunk anew, for he hoped to be able to break away from his captors, -during the walk to the hill. But Wapashaw knew too well the nature of -the man he had to deal with, to run any unnecessary risks. - -Maxwell uttered a bitter curse of rage as he realized this. But a savage -leer upon the countenance of Wapashaw revealed the delight his chagrin -gave the rascal, and Tom smothered his emotion, until he gave no outward -sign of feeling his position, though his teeth were firmly clenched and -his breath came hard and strong. - -In a few minutes the hill was gained, and the old scout was placed with -his back against the firmly-planted stake. Not until a strong lariat was -twined around both his body and the post, were his feet freed from their -bonds, his hands still remaining tied. - -“Ugh!” grunted Wapashaw, as he stood ordering the proceeding, addressing -Maxwell. “Three Scalps no ’feared _now_? Holler plenty loud, by-’m-by, -when fire burns. T’ink so?” - -“Not much, chief. You’ll only git fooled ef you ’xpect _me_ to holler. -Fire cain’t burn me—_it_ cain’t. I’m proof ag’in’ lead an’ steel, too. -Didn’t know that afore, did ye? Why you mought stan’ thar an’ shoot your -rifle plum ag’in’ my face, an’ the bullit ’d jest bounce back ag’in, -like it hed hit a rock. Your hatchet ’ed break jest like a piece o’ ice, -ef you was to hit me, _hard_. It would _so_!” earnestly responded Tom. -“S’pose you try it an’ see, now, jest fer fun.” - -Wapashaw gazed steadily at the old guide for a moment, but then a grim -smile swept athwart his countenance. He divined the motive that actuated -his captive, but was far from willing to gratify him. - -“S’pose you t’ink Arapahoe chief he big fool, talk like dat? S’pose -shoot—hit ’um wid tom’hawk, den ’um go _dead, quick_. Den no git burn. -Three Scalps brave, plenty cunning, but so Wapashaw. No git fooled _dis_ -time,” and the chief chuckled sardonically. - -“Ah, _git_ out! Think ye’re _some_, don’t ye? Durned smart, you be—whar -the hide’s rubbed off. Fool nothin’—cain’t spile a rotten aigg, you -durned gumphead, you,” retorted Tom, with an angry glare in his eyes. - -He had indeed strove to induce the chief to end all at one blow, by his -boasting, for he had racked his brain in vain to devise some other mode -of escaping the horrible death. Feeling assured that his time to die was -at hand, he wished it over at once. - -Though Maxwell spoke boldly enough, there was a dull, heavy sinking at -his heart, as he noted the preparations for his torture. He knew that -mortal man could never endure that fearful trial, without giving -utterance to his agony. - -He knew that death would come, but it would be lingering; before -oblivion, he must suffer ten thousand deaths. That is what he desired to -escape. - -The dried fagots were piled around at a few yards’ distance from the -stake, so that death should not too quickly claim its victim. Time must -be given them to do ample honor to the great bravery and prowess that -Three Scalps had so frequently displayed, greatly to their harm. - -Tom could look down upon the corral, though it was but faintly outlined -in the dim light, for the moon had sunk low down, and daybreak was close -at hand. He knew that his comrades must be cognizant of his capture, -whether they also knew of his threatened doom or no. - -But he could expect no assistance from them. They would have enough to -do in guarding themselves, and the dear, helpless ones depending upon -their strong arms for safety. - -Then Wapashaw took a torch that had been hastily kindled by one of the -warriors, and holding it to the dry kindlings, the pile of fagots was -soon in a blaze, shooting up from a dozen different points. And around -the funeral pyre danced the yelling and screeching red-skins, apparently -half frantic with demoniac joy. - - - - - CHAPTER X. - THE WINDING TRAIL. - - -At this wild cry from Captain Travers, Delaware Tom abandoned the horses -they had secured after so much trouble and danger, and darted up the -hill-side toward the spot where such a startling discovery had been made -by the soldier. It did not seem possible, and the Indian evidently -believed that Travers had made some mistake in the spot. - -But then he also saw that Clara was gone from the place where she had -been left but a few short minutes before. Gone—where? Why had she fled? -Or had some enemy spirited her away? - -These were the questions that poured from the lips of the soldier, as -his comrade gained his side. For a time Tom made no reply, and bent low -down over the ground, as if trying to read the truth by some sign left -there. - -“She gone—dat all we know now,” grunted the Delaware, as he rose erect. -“Don’t know how—mebbe tell bumbye, when light comes ’g’in.” - -“Do you think that any one has carried her off, Tom?” asked Travers, -agitatedly. - -“Mebbe so—mebbe not so. Don’t know not’ing, me say. Too much dark—can’t -see. She gone, dat all me kin tell now,” persisted the Delaware, -doggedly. - -Travers glanced anxiously up at the heavens. The moon had rolled on, -until the cliff above their heads shut off the light from the hill-side. - -All there was dim and indistinct; light enough to distinguish forms, but -not sufficiently so to trace out a trail, especially when left upon the -rocky ground by so light a foot as that of the missing maiden. As Tom -had said, the truth could not be learned until the day had dawned. - -Fortunately, this period was not far distant. A couple of hours, at -most, and the sun would make its appearance. - -But in that length of time, what might not happen? If the maiden was in -the hands of an enemy, she would be conveyed far beyond their reach -before they could strike the trail. - -And then there was danger to themselves, too, as well. The messenger who -had been dispatched for help, hours before, by the Arapahoes, might -return at any moment, bringing a force that they could not hope to cope -with successfully. Or the two savages who had fled the massacre of their -comrades might chance upon friends, and gathering courage from that -fact, return to avenge the slaughter of their brethren. - -All these thoughts agitated the minds of the two men, as they stood -gazing gloomily upon each other. That they were puzzled was plain; -equally plain was it that not for even a moment did either think of -abandoning to her fate the maiden who had so strangely been thrown upon -their protection, and for whom they had already dared so much. - -“What must we do now, Tom?” muttered Travers, speaking mechanically; not -that he hoped to gain any thing by the reply. - -“Do not’ing now—bumbye do _somefin_. When light come ag’in, we take -trail—foller up till fin’ squaw.” - -“But do you think we can?” - -“Know so—almost. Got eye plenty sharp, Tom. Foller trail in water, ef -try _hard_. Me foller trail—Cap’n ride hoss. Den we git her—go back -camp—laugh like de debble, ’cause skeered when squaw git lost.” - -“But she may have been carried off?” suggested the soldier, taking the -gloomy side of the question as the true one. - -“No—don’t t’ink _dat_. Injun grab her, squaw holler _so_ loud—squeal all -some like pant’er. Den we hear, sure. No holler loud—den Injun no take. -She git skeered, mebbe, ’cause ’um kill Arapahoe. Don’t know much when -skeered. No see straight—t’ink mebbe a _frien’_ git kill—not bad Injun. -Den ’fraid dey git her, too, so run ’way off, plenty fast. Me t’ink -_dat_,” succinctly stated Tom, with the argumentative air of a lawyer -summing up his case. - -“Do you think so?” eagerly cried Travers. “Then she may be hidden -somewhere near here. Surely she could not run far, she was so weak from -her fall. If you call, she may hear and answer.” - -“You holler, if you like. Me go git horses ’g’in. Don’t like much walk, -when kin ride. Plenty better, _dat_,” grinned the Delaware, who begun -descending the hillside toward the captured animals, who had stood still -on being left. - -Travers acted upon this supposition, making the hills echo with the -sound of his voice calling aloud the maiden’s name as clearly as -possible. But there came back no answering call. - -If the Delaware’s supposition as to Clara’s voluntary flight was true, -then she must have run to a great distance, or she could not have failed -hearing the cries. At length the soldier ceased in despair. There was -nothing for it but to await the coming day before proceeding further. - -Tom secured the horses to a bush, and then taking a philosophical view -of the matter, comfortably seated himself in a mossy nook, lighting his -pipe and smoking with the gusto of an epicure. But Travers could not -content himself thus. - -Though he had known the maiden but a few brief hours, as time is usually -computed, that seemed most like a year of ordinary time, so full of -adventure had it been. The bright eyes and sweet face of Clara Calhoun, -had made a vivid impression upon his heart, and he felt this suspense -very keenly. - -No doubt he would have laughed to scorn the idea of his being in love -with her, had it suggested itself, but truly, the feeling he now -experienced was not unlike the first dawning of that subtle sentiment -called _love_. Honestly, the gallant captain was in greater danger then, -than he had ever been before in the whole course of his eventful life, -had he but known it. - -Travers, in his anxiety to be doing something, scaled the hill and kept -a close look out, to guard against being taken by surprise, in case the -Arapahoe’s messenger should return. But Tom sunk into a peaceful doze -beside his rock, no doubt living over again in his dreams the glorious -sport he had so lately had, in outwitting and putting to rout his foes, -the Arapahoes. - -But all things must have an end, and that eventful night was no -exception to the general rule. With the first golden rays of the rising -sun gilding the eastern hill-tops, Travers descended to where Delaware -Tom was awaiting his coming. - -Their preparations for the coming campaign were necessarily very brief. -A long draught from the creek, constituted all their breakfast for the -nonce, as the last bit of food had passed their lips on the preceding -night. - -Then while the soldier secured the horses for marching, Tom quartered -the ground adjoining the covert, where still lay the slaughtered -Kisch-kouch, searching for the trail of the missing maiden. In a few -minutes his glad cry echoed forth, and Travers knew that the quest had -been successful. - -As he hastened to the spot, his eyes, though keen, were at fault, though -Tom declared the trail was remarkably plain—that Clara had passed over -the ground at a rapid pace, though _alone_. A joyous cry burst from the -captain’s lips at this welcome announcement, for now he did not doubt of -being successful in finding the girl in a very short time. - -It also confirmed the supposition of the Delaware, that she had taken -affright at the wild tumult attending the surprise, and perhaps had -fancied her friends were being overpowered. But now Tom stood upon his -dignity as chief trailer, and motioned Travers back, to act as -rear-guard. - -The trail led down the hillside for some little distance, then crossed -the ridge and descended into the level prairie beyond. Now even Travers -could easily note the dainty footprints upon the dew-dampened ground. - -He also saw with pleasure, that its course was one heading almost -directly toward the camping-ground of his own train, so that they were -in reality losing but very little time. This he rejoiced in, for he knew -that his men would be uneasy at his long absence, as they had not -intended stopping out over night. - -For several miles the trail continued, not in a direct line, but zig-zag -hither and yon, as if the girl had become confused and wandered -aimlessly in a roundabout manner. And while Tom traced this out, step by -step, Travers, seated upon a horse, gazed keenly around in every -direction, hoping to thus gain sight of the wanderer, sooner than -otherwise. - -And his search proved successful, for, just as Tom uttered a cry of -surprise, Travers caught sight of a human form, upon the swell of a -hill, perhaps a mile away. Then the figure abruptly disappeared from -view. - -“Ugh! look dere!” muttered Tom, as he came to an abrupt stop. - -Travers followed the direction indicated by the outstretched finger. The -trail they were following suddenly became _a double one_! - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - REUNITED. - - -It was well-nigh daydawn, and Buenos Ayres trudged wearily on, foot-sore -and almost exhausted by his severe toil. His mind was filled with doubt -and fear. - -He believed that he had more than covered the distance mentioned by Tom -Maxwell, as intervening between the corral and the Main Trail, but yet -he had not observed any trace of it. Could it be possible that he had -crossed the Trail, unknowingly? He feared greatly that he had done so. - -“It will not do to turn back on an uncertainty,” he muttered, as he -paused to glance around him once more. “And yet, a mistake, now, would -be awful! If I only knew the country better!” - -But then once more he pressed on, keeping as direct a course as lay in -his power. And as he gained the next ridge he again paused, hoping from -its summit to discover the desired landmark. - -But if he did not see what he sought, another object met his gaze. One -that caused his heart to leap to his very throat, while his brain grew -dizzy with a wild, delirious hope. - -Upon a crest to his left, Ayres beheld a human form, that, in the grim, -gray light, was indistinct and phantom-like. But still he believed that -he could discern the flowing drapery of a woman! - -Ayres had learned a lesson by that night’s events, and still uncertain -that the distant figure was not that of an enemy, he sunk down into the -tall grass, and then peered keenly toward the spot where the vision had -appeared. And, as he awaited, he saw that it was approaching, and was -indeed a woman. - -How his heart leaped, then! A woman—might it not be his lost love, who -had so strangely disappeared from their midst? - -And yet, how could it be? Clara had ridden away on her horse; this woman -was on foot, many miles from the spot where he had last seen his friend. - -Though the coming sun gilded the eastern horizon, the swale in which the -woman now was, still gloomy, and only with the greatest difficulty could -Ayres discern her shape at all. But then she began ascending the hill, -almost directly toward him. - -Trembling in every fiber of his being, the young man awaited the result, -fearful lest his new-born hope should be dashed to the ground, after -all. It did not seem possible that this could be Clara. - -But then a glad cry—a cry so full of joy and heartfelt exultation—broke -from his lips. The light fell full upon the features of her who -approached, and Ayres knew that he beheld his lost love, Clara Calhoun! - -She evidently heard the cry, for she paused and half-turned as if to -flee. Then he sprung up, calling aloud her name, as he darted toward her -trembling figure. - -She stood as if petrified, then, with a glad cry, sunk to the ground, -laughing and weeping at the same time. Her overtasked powers now seemed -to give way before this unexpected happiness, and she sunk into a -deathlike swoon, as her lover clasped her to his broad breast, covering -her pale and haggard face with passionate kisses. - -For a moment Buenos acted like one demented, but then as he found she -did not return his caresses, a great fear assailed him; he feared she -was dead. And indeed, her looks favored this supposition. - -So pale and ghastly, lying against his heart like one utterly devoid of -life. But this great sorrow was spared the young man. - -Soon, beneath the fervid pressure of his lips, the color and warmth came -back to her face, and then her eyes opened. The wild, hunted look -quickly disappeared from them, and with a low, glad cry her arms wound -around his neck. - -“Thank God! you have found me, Buenos!” she murmured, faintly. - -“But where have you been, darling? Why did you leave us so strangely?” - -Whereupon Clara briefly detailed her adventures of the past night, -adding: - -“I saw them all together, shouting and screaming, shooting at each -other, and it frightened me terribly. What could these two men, though -so brave, do against six great Indians? I believed they must both be -killed, and then as I thought of how the savages would hunt for and find -me, it seemed as though I would go crazy! I would rather die than fall -into their hands, and yet I knew that they would capture me if I should -stay there until it was all over. - -“So I turned and fled, not knowing whither I went, but only thinking to -escape from these dreadful savages. I ran on until I fell from weakness, -but then, as I fancied I could hear them coming after me, I arose and -kept on, only knowing that I was running away from _them_. I did not -know where I was, nor whither I was going, and I believe that I must -have died had not you found me, dear Buenos,” she added, with a -hysterical sob. - -“Poor Clara—how you must have suffered!” murmured Ayres, pressing his -lips to her brow. - -“Indeed I have—more than words can tell. But I knew you would come for -me—I felt sure you would not leave me to die here all alone. Poor -father—how he must have suffered from my thoughtlessness!” - -“My God! I forgot—and here I have lost over an hour!” exclaimed Buenos, -springing to his feet in dismay at his remissness. - -“What—what is it, Buenos?” inquired Clara, in vague alarm. - -“The train—I was sent for help. The Indians, under Dusky Dick, attacked -it last night, and I fear my thoughtlessness will be their ruin,” -agitatedly added Ayres. - -“_He_ was with those after me,” shuddered Clara. “But help—where can you -find it here? We are alone—God only knows where!” - -“There was a government train close behind us, when we left the Main -Trail, and I was searching for them, but—” - -“He belonged to one—Captain Travers, I mean. It can not be far away from -here. Ah, if we can only find it!” hastily cried Clara. - -“Do you know in what direction? Did you hear him say where it was?” - -“No—or if I did, I forgot. I was so badly frightened, you know.” - -“We must find it—I must. But you—my poor darling—you are too tired to -walk so far and fast.” - -“No—I am strong now, since _you_ have come. I can walk, oh, so far; -never fear. Besides, it is for father—and our friends. And I could not -stay here—I should die of fear. _They_ would catch me, I know!” - -“Well, we must try it. Remember that your father’s life may depend upon -your own, Clara, and bear up if you can. It will be hard—I wish I could -spare you—but there is no help for it.” - -The sun was now quite high above the hills, for young Ayres had lost a -good hour by listening to Clara’s story, and now they pressed on at a -fair pace, though ignorant whether they were pursuing the right course -or were going widely astray. - -But they were destined to meet with another interruption, right -speedily. They had just gained the next ridge when Clara suddenly -uttered a little cry of affright. - -“Ah! Buenos—look there—the Indians! My God! we are lost!” she gasped, -as, with outstretched hand, she guided the gaze of her companion toward -the ridge they had just left but a few moments before. - -One quick glance satisfied Buenos of the correctness of her fears. He -saw a little group of horsemen, that he believed were mounted Indians. - -“Quick! stoop down Clara! They have not seen us yet, and if we hide they -may pass by without noticing our trail. Follow me—quick!” Ayres hissed, -as, crouching low down, he half-led, half-dragged his companion down the -hill-side, making toward a small clump of timber growing in the bottom -of the vale. - -Toward this they ran at full speed, and had barely gained its shelter -when the horsemen reached the ridge they had just left. A wild cry came -to the ears of the fugitives, and then they saw the horsemen dash -furiously toward their refuge. - -“Keep behind me, Clara,” muttered Ayres, as he closely examined the -condition of his revolver. “They will not find us tame victims. They -must pay a price for our lives.” - -“There are only two—perhaps they are—” - -“See the other horses—four of them? They must have riders, who are -hiding behind their bodies. Look, they stop! I’ll—” - -“No—no; don’t shoot, Buenos,” cried Clara, as she seized the -already-leveled revolver. “See, they are friends—Captain Travers and the -Delaware, who saved me from the Indians!” - -“Are you sure, Clara?” doubtfully replied Ayres; but then a cry from one -of the men settled this doubt, most agreeably. - -“Miss Calhoun, you know us; we are friends. Who is that with you? If an -enemy, we will rescue you from him.” - -Clara and Buenos stepped forth from the cover, and then there ensued a -warm greeting between the quartette, for even the Delaware appeared -overjoyed at beholding the pale-faced squaw, once more. - -“Buenos, tell this gentleman—I know he will help us,” eagerly uttered -Clara, thinking first of her father’s peril. - -In a few brief words Ayres stated the position of affairs at the -emigrant train, as he had left it, and implored assistance. The captain, -though experiencing a momentary sensation something akin to jealousy, at -seeing how confidingly Clara clung to the young man—was greatly excited, -and promptly offered his aid in the matter. - -“Certainly I will. My old commander in danger! Good Lord! how strange! -Quick—help the lady to mount; there’s plenty of horses, fortunately. The -camp is only about two miles away, now. We’ll get there almost before -you know it; and then for these red-skinned devils. No offense, I hope, -Delaware?” - -“No—me all white man, now. Cuss Injins all want, plenty bad, you -like—all but Delaware,” grunted Tom. - -Buenos quickly lifted Clara upon one of the horses, and then, following -suit, the quartette were speedily dashing over the prairie, under the -guidance of Delaware Tom, with the two extra horses following closely in -their wake. - -The spirits of the two lovers rose with every long leap of their -mettlesome horses, though Buenos Ayres could not repress certain -misgivings as he thought on the length of time that had transpired since -he left the emigrant party. Could they have held out through the long, -fearful night? - -He feared they could not have done so; something seemed to tell him that -the rescuing party would arrive only in time to bestow upon his late -comrades a Christian burial. And beneath his breath he swore a deep and -fearful vengeance, should such indeed be the case. - -They had ridden but a short distance, when Delaware Tom uttered a low -whoop, and pointed before them, though he did not slacken his pace. Thus -directed, the eyes of all noted the presence of a small body of -horsemen, just rising the second ridge from them, who had evidently -caught sight of the quartette, at the same time, for they suddenly drew -rein. - -“Don’t stop—they’re friends,” cried Travers. “I can tell my boys as far -as eye can reach. They’re out after me, I don’t doubt; we stayed so much -longer than expected.” - -At about the same time, the soldiers evidently made the same discovery, -for they gave their horses free rein and dashed forward, with loud -cheers. A smile rested upon the captain’s lips, at this. One could -easily see that he was a beloved leader, and proud of his boys in blue. - -“Well Morris,” he said, as the leader of the dozen men saluted, “glad to -see you. How’s all at the camp?” - -“All well, sir, but very anxious because you stayed out so long. I made -bold to take a few of the boys and ride out to see if we could be of any -use,” respectfully replied the sergeant, curiously eying the horses and -the two extra riders. - -“There’s work cut out for you, and hot work, too, if I mistake not. But -I know that _that_ is no drawback,” laughed Travers, as the party again -broke into a rapid gallop. - -“Indeed it ain’t, cap’n. Injuns—if I may ask?” - -“Yes. They’ve attacked the train this lady and gentleman belong to—the -one that passed us at Dutchman’s.” - -In a few minutes more the party had reached the camping-ground of the -government train, where now was all excitement, for the news quickly -spread, and was greeted with loud, hearty cheers, for ’twas not every -day that the boys got a pleasure ride, and a brush with the Indians to -wind up with. The only fear they had, was that, as some must remain -behind to guard the train, they might be the unlucky ones. - -“Boys,” said Travers, riding out a little from the rest, “how many of -you wish to take a skurry after the Indians this morning?” - -With loud cheers, every man, soldiers, teamsters and all, flocked -forward, each striving to be foremost. A glad smile played around their -leader’s lips. - -“Good! though it’s only what I expected from you. But you can’t all go. -Sergeant Morris?” - -“Here, sir.” - -“Pick out thirty men, and see that they’re ready in ten minutes. Never -mind rations; take only arms and plenty of ammunition.” - -“Yes, sir. Half the time’ll do.” - -“Now, Miss Calhoun, if you will come with us, I will see you more -comfortably placed than on that horse. The sutler’s family is with us, -and will see that you have all that you require.” - -“Thank you, captain, but it is needless; I am going to my father, with -the rest of you,” firmly replied the maiden. - -“But think—how we must ride, to do any good, and then there will -probably be hard fighting at the end of it,” he urged, perplexedly. - -“I have thought. Father is in trouble—perhaps dead or badly wounded, and -I not there! I _must_ go!” - -“Clara,” said Buenos, riding to her side, “listen to me. You are nearly -sick now, with what you have passed through. Such a trial as this will -be, would prove your death. You would die before you got half-way. You -must stay here—for _my_ sake, if not your own.” - -“No—I will go!” - -“Clara, you _must_ not. Don’t oblige me to use compulsion, but I know -that you could never stand the ride. You must stay. I will either come -or send you word, as soon as it is all over.” - -With a hysterical sob, the maiden gave way, and allowed the captain to -lead her to the wagon set apart for the family of the sutler. Leaving -her in charge of the worthy wife, he hastened back to the men, who were -now in readiness. - -From the description of the spot, as given by Ayres, Delaware Tom -declared that he knew it well, and could guide the party directly there, -as the crow flies. And then they set off upon their mission, at a pace -that satisfied even Ayres, urgent as was his haste. - -“Keep up, boys,” shouted Travers. “We’re riding for life or death, now, -and if your horses can’t stand the pace, follow on the best you can. You -may be in at the death, anyhow.” - -They numbered some thirty-five, all told, and not one felt a doubt as to -how the affair would turn out, _provided_ the emigrants were still -holding out, when they arrived. But Buenos had grave fears upon this -point. - -And still on they thundered, no longer in a compact body, but strung out -at short intervals, as the better or more speedy horses took the front. -At their head rode Ayres, Travers, and Delaware Tom, the former mounted -upon one of the captured mustangs; a noble brute. - -On until the head grew dizzy with the swift motion; until the foam -dropped from the horses’ lips and flecked their counters; until their -glossy coats were darkened with sweat, together with the dust cast up by -the trampling hoofs. - -It was a wild, fearful ride, and the brains of the men seemed -intoxicated, so wildly did they whirl. Even their horses seemed to catch -the infection, for they thundered on as if mad, snorting and fretting, -with eyeballs wildly staring, fiery and bloodshot. - -Then Delaware Tom abruptly jerked his horse up, casting him upon his -haunches. A motion of his hand checked the others. - -Soaring to their ears, borne upon the light air, came the -confusedly-mingled sounds of rifle-shots, shrill yells and hoarse -shouts, from beyond the swell of the prairie. The cause was but too -evident. - -The savages were desperately attacking the emigrant train. Then all was -not yet over—they might still be in time! - -“Wait until all come up—then one steady charge, and they’re ours!” -whispered Travers to the impetuous Ayres. - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - DOG EAT DOG. - - -The old guide, Tom Maxwell, gave himself up for lost. The fire blazed up -brightly—the smoke blinded his eyes—the heat began to scorch his -garments. His fate seemed indubitably sealed. - -But such was not to be, just then. A sudden interruption came, from an -utterly unlooked-for source. - -The quick clatter of a horse’s hoofs was heard upon the shingle that -covered the base of the hill, and then a foam-flecked steed dashed up -beside the blazing fire. With a hoarse cry, its rider sprung to the -ground, and dashed through the group of startled savages, hurling them -rudely aside to clear a passage. - -Ere a hand could be raised to check him, the blazing fagots were kicked -aside and the daring man stood close to Maxwell. One cut of the gleaming -knife severed the rope that bound him to the stake. - -But then, with a howl, the Arapahoe chief, Wapashaw, sprung forward, and -hurled the man to the ground, ten feet away. - -All this passed so quickly that Maxwell was still blinking to clear his -eyes of smoke, unconscious that his bonds had been partially cut, as his -hands were still bound behind his back. - -The man sprung to his feet with a cry of defiance. And then the features -of Dusky Dick were revealed. Maxwell stared at him in open-mouthed -wonder. - -“How dare you do this, chief?” uttered the White Snake, in a voice low -and even; but oh! what deadly ire that tone contained! “You know our -agreement—this brave was to be given me, unharmed.” - -“Dare! Wapashaw is an Arapahoe chief. What is there he can not dare? Who -shall speak hot words in his ear? Not the pale-faced coward—not the -White Snake!” - -“You should know whether I am a coward or not by this time, chief. If -you say I am, _I_ say you _lie_. This brave is _my_ property—who dares -do him harm until I speak the word?” - -“_I_, Wapashaw, the Arapahoe! _I_ dare harm him! See! I defy you—I kill -him before your very eyes!” yelled the savage, now thoroughly angered, -as he drew his tomahawk and sprung toward the motionless form of the -scout. - -But like a meteor, the form of Dusky Dick glided forward, and then his -small fist alighted with crushing force full between the eyes of the -savage Hercules, hurling him to the ground like a shot. Instantly all -was the greatest confusion. - -Several braves sprung toward the renegade, with flashing weapons, but he -met them boldly, with drawn revolvers. Twice did there come a sharp -report—twice did the death-yell soar upward above the frightful din. - -But then Wapashaw arose, and with a gesture motioned his braves back. -With a gesture that Dusky Dick well understood, and was not slow to -accept, he advanced to the wild duel. - -Casting his pistols aside, the renegade met his foe with equal weapons. -Knife slashed against knife, and the strife began that could end only in -death. - -As Wapashaw sprung upon him, Maxwell had naturally shrunk aside, and to -his surprise he found that he was free, save his hands. That was the -first knowledge he had of the timely act of Dusky Dick. - -Then as the wild strife began, he made a desperate effort to burst the -cords that held his hands. Straining until he thought all was in vain, -the thongs suddenly parted with a sharp twang. - -Unnoticed in the confusion, he darted toward the crest of the hill, that -he knew overlooked the river. Down for nearly a hundred feet, this -abruptly fell. - -It was truly a fearful leap, but the only chance for safety. All other -routes were cut off by the enemy. - -Hesitating not a moment, Tom sprung boldly out over the dizzy hight, -and, shooting down like a stone, entered the water with a sullen thud. - -In another moment he was swimming rapidly down the stream, unharmed by -the frightful descent, toward the corral, unnoticed by all save those -within the barricade. And this he gained in safety, where he was warmly -greeted by his comrades, who had long since given him up as lost, beyond -a doubt. - -Under less favorable circumstances, this feat would have been impossible -to execute successfully. But the attention of all upon the hill was -riveted upon the savage struggle between their two leaders, Dusky Dick -and Wapashaw, and they did not give one thought to their captive, -supposing him to be firmly bound to the stake. - -Then those who were left on guard over the wagon-train, had been -confused by the sudden extinguishing of the fire, and the wild uproar -that followed. Fearing their comrades had been surprised by some foe, -they one and all dashed at full speed toward the spot, either not -observing the leap of Tom Maxwell, or else, in the dim light, believed -it to be one of the combatants. - -Thus it was the old guide performed the seemingly impossible feat -without interruption. - -In a short time the duel ended, but, from the corral, it could not be -seen which had been the victor, and then the disappearance of the -captive was first noticed. The confusion was then really appalling. - -Search was immediately made through the hills, the Indians believing -that he had fled in that direction, as none of them coming from the -plains had met him. - -This search continued for a long time, when, after they had abandoned it -as useless, one brave noticed the dirt displaced by the scout’s feet in -springing over the precipice. That told the tale, and, fairly wild with -anger, the Indians rushed down and attacked the corral, fighting with a -desperate fury worthy a better cause. - -But they were as bravely met. Rifle-shots answered arrow-flights, until -the strife became hand-to-hand. Over the barricades swarmed the painted -demons, until the interior was filled with a confused mass of writhing, -struggling humanity, battling furiously, desperately. - -But then came a glad sound to the ears of the overpowered whites—the -loud, hearty cheer, emanating from unmistakably white men’s throats. -Then the thundering of many hoofs—the sharp cracking of carbines and -revolvers. - -Fully as well did the Arapahoes recognize those shouts; they had heard -similar ones before, and they knew too well the prowess of the boys in -blue, to stand and wait their close acquaintance. - -There uprose the cry of retreat—and, like one man, the red-skins tore -themselves free from their antagonists, and fled, on foot, on horseback, -as fate favored them. - -And among them the soldiers raged furiously, led by Travers, Ayres and -Delaware Tom. The latter fairly outdid himself, and returned with girdle -literally crowded with scalps. - -There is but little more to add. - -That was a glad meeting between Buenos and Calhoun, especially when the -young man announced the safety of Clara. He was truly the lion of the -hour, but he bore his honors with becoming meekness. - -Then when the stragglers had all come in, the dead whites were collected -and afforded a Christian burial. It was a melancholy sight, and not one -dry eye—unless it might be those of Delaware Tom, who was not remarkable -for his sensitiveness—was there in the encampment. - -Taught a sad lesson by the recent events, Calhoun decided to return to -the Main Trail and remain under the protection of his fellow-soldier’s -command until the rest of the road was passed, and the two enjoyed many -an hour, over their recollections. - -Well, the train got safely to its destination, without any more serious -accidents, and, in due time, Clara Calhoun was made Mrs. Buenos Ayres; -and Tom Maxwell was at the wedding, and danced with “pritty.” - -Dusky Dick was supposed to have been killed during his duel with -Wapashaw, for he was never heard of afterward. - -And thus we leave them. - - - THE END. - - - - - DIME POCKET NOVELS. - PUBLISHED SEMI-MONTHLY. - - - 1—Hawkeye Harry. By Oll Coomes. - 2—Dead Shot. By Albert W. Aiken. - 3—The Boy Miners. By Edward S. Ellis. - 4—Blue Dick. By Capt. Mayne Reid. - 5—Nat Wolfe. By Mrs. M. V. Victor. - 6—The White Tracker. By Edward S. Ellis. - 7—The Outlaw’s Wife. By Mrs. Ann S. Stephens. - 8—The Tall Trapper. By Albert W. Aiken. - 9—Lightning Jo. By Capt. Adams. - 10—The Island Pirate. By Capt. Mayne Reid. - 11—The Boy Ranger. By Oll Coomes. - 12—Bess, the Trapper. By E. S. Ellis. - 13—The French Spy. By W. J. Hamilton. - 14—Long Shot. By Capt. Comstock. - 15—The Gunmaker. By James L. Bowen. - 16—Red Hand. By A. G. Piper. - 17—Ben, the Trapper. By Lewis W. Carson. - 18—Wild Raven. By Oll Coomes. - 19—The Specter Chief. By Seelin Robins. - 20—The B’ar-Killer. By Capt. Comstock. - 21—Wild Nat. By Wm. R. Eyster. - 22—Indian Jo. By Lewis W. Carson. - 23—Old Kent, the Ranger. By Edward S. Ellis. - 24—The One-Eyed Trapper. By Capt. Comstock. - 25—Godbold, the Spy. By N. C. Iron. - 26—The Black Ship. By John S. Warner. - 27—Single Eye. By Warren St. John. - 28—Indian Jim. By Edward S. Ellis. - 29—The Scout. By Warren St. John. - 30—Eagle Eye. By W. J. Hamilton. - 31—The Mystic Canoe. By Edward S. Ellis. - 32—The Golden Harpoon. By R. Starbuck. - 33—The Scalp King. By Lieut. Ned Hunter. - 34—Old Lute. By E. W. Archer. - 35—Rainbolt, Ranger. By Oll Coomes. - 36—The Boy Pioneer. By Edward S. Ellis. - 37—Carson, the Guide. By J. H. Randolph. - 38—The Heart Eater. By Harry Hazard. - 39—Wetzel, the Scout. By Boynton Belknap. - 40—The Huge Hunter. By Ed. S. Ellis. - 41—Wild Nat, the Trapper. By Paul Prescott. - 42—Lynx-cap. By Paul Bibbs. - 43—The White Outlaw. By Harry Hazard. - 44—The Dog Trailer. By Frederick Dewey. - 45—The Elk King. By Capt. Chas. Howard. - 46—Adrian, the Pilot. By Col. P. Ingraham. - 47—The Man-hunter. By Maro O. Rolfe. - 48—The Phantom Tracker. By F. Dewey. - 49—Moccasin Bill. By Paul Bibbs. - 50—The Wolf Queen. By Charles Howard. - 51—Tom Hawk, the Trailer. - 52—The Mad Chief. By Chas. Howard. - 53—The Black Wolf. By Edwin E. Ewing. - 54—Arkansas Jack. By Harry Hazard. - 55—Blackbeard. By Paul Bibbs. - 56—The River Rifles. By Billex Muller. - 57—Hunter Ham. By J. Edgar Iliff. - 58—Cloudwood. By J. M. Merrill. - 59—The Texas Hawks. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 60—Merciless Mat. By Capt. Chas. Howard. - 61—Mad Anthony’s Scouts. By E. Rodman. - 62—The Luckless Trapper. By Wm. R. Eyster. - 63—The Florida Scout. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 64—The Island Trapper. By Chas. Howard. - 65—Wolf-Cap. By Capt. Chas. Howard. - 66—Rattling Dick. By Harry Hazard. - 67—Sharp-Eye. By Major Max Martine. - 68—Iron-Hand. By Frederick Forest. - 69—The Yellow Hunter. By Chas. Howard. - 70—The Phantom Rider. By Maro O. Rolfe. - 71—Delaware Tom. By Harry Hazard. - 72—Silver Rifle. By Capt. Chas. Howard. - 73—The Skeleton Scout. By Maj. L. W. Carson. - 74—Little Rifle. By Capt. “Bruin” Adams. - 75—The Wood Witch. By Edwin Emerson. - 76—Old Ruff, the Trapper. By “Bruin” Adams. - 77—The Scarlet Shoulders. By Harry Hazard. - 78—The Border Rifleman. By L. W. Carson. - 79—Outlaw Jack. By Harry Hazard. - 80—Tiger-Tail, the Seminole. By R. Ringwood. - 81—Death-Dealer. By Arthur L. Meserve. - 82—Kenton, the Ranger. By Chas. Howard. - 83—The Specter Horseman. By Frank Dewey. - 84—The Three Trappers. By Seelin Robbins. - 85—Kaleolah. By T. Benton Shields, U.S.N. - 86—The Hunter Hercules. By Harry St. George. - 87—Phil Hunter. By Capt. Chas. Howard. - 88—The Indian Scout. By Harry Hazard. - 89—The Girl Avenger. By Chas. Howard. - 90—The Red Hermitess. By Paul Bibbs. - 91—Star-Face, the Slayer. - 92—The Antelope Boy. By Geo. L. Aiken. - 93—The Phantom Hunter. By E. Emerson. - 94—Tom Pintle, the Pilot. By M. Klapp. - 95—The Red Wizard. By Ned Hunter. - 96—The Rival Trappers. By L. W. Carson. - 97—The Squaw Spy. By Capt. Chas. Howard. - 98—Dusky Dick. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 99—Colonel Crockett. By Chas. E. Lasalle. - 100—Old Bear Paw. By Major Max Martine. - 101—Redlaw. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 102—Wild Rube. By W. J. Hamilton. - 103—The Indian Hunters. By J. L. Bowen. - 104—Scarred Eagle. By Andrew Dearborn. - 105—Nick Doyle. By P. Hamilton Myers. - 106—The Indian Spy. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 107—Job Dean. By Ingoldsby North. - 108—The Wood King. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 109—The Scalped Hunter. By Harry Hazard. - 110—Nick, the Scout. By W. J. Hamilton. - 111—The Texas Tiger. By Edward Willett. - 112—The Crossed Knives. By Hamilton. - 113—Tiger-Heart, the Tracker. By Howard. - 114—The Masked Avenger. By Ingraham. - 115—The Pearl Pirates. By Starbuck. - 116—Black Panther. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. - 117—Abdiel, the Avenger. By Ed. Willett. - 118—Cato, the Creeper. By Fred. Dewey. - 119—Two-Handed Mat. By Jos. E. Badger. - 120—Mad Trail Hunter. By Harry Hazard. - 121—Black Nick. By Frederick Whittaker. - 122—Kit Bird. By W. J. Hamilton. - 123—The Specter Riders. By Geo. Gleason. - 124—Giant Pete. By W. J. Hamilton. - 125—The Girl Captain. By Jos. E. Badger. - 126—Yankee Eph. By J. R. Worcester. - 127—Silverspur. By Edward Willett. - 128—Squatter Dick. By Jos. E. Badger. - 129—The Child Spy. By George Gleason. - 130—Mink Coat. By Jos. E. Badger. - 131—Red Plume. By J. Stanley Henderson. - 132—Clyde, the Trailer. By Maro O. Rolfe. - 133—The Lost Cache. By J. Stanley Henderson. - 134—The Cannibal Chief. By Paul J. Prescott. - 135—Karaibo. By J. Stanley Henderson. - 136—Scarlet Moccasin. By Paul Bibbs. - 137—Kidnapped. By J. Stanley Henderson. - 138—Maid of the Mountain. By Hamilton. - - The following will be issued in the order and on the dates indicated: - - 139—The Scioto Scouts. By Edward Willett. Ready October 21st. - 140—The Border Renegade. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Ready Nov. 4th. - 141—The Mute Chief. By C. D. Clark. Ready November 18th. - 142—Boone, the Hunter. By Frederick Whittaker. Ready December 2d. - 143—Mountain Kate. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Ready December 16th. - 144—The Red Scalper. By W. J. Hamilton. Ready December 30th. - 145—The Lone Chief. By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Ready January 13th. - 146—The Silver Bugle. By Lieut. Col. Hazleton. 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text-align:center; text-indent:0; } -dl.biblio dd { margin-top:.3em; margin-left:3em; text-align:justify; font-size:90%; } -p.biblio { margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; } -.clear { clear:both; } -p.book { margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; } -p.review { margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; font-size:80%; } -p.pcap { margin-left:0em; text-indent:0; text-align:center; margin-top:0; font-size:110%; } -p.pcapc { margin-left:4.7em; text-indent:0em; text-align:justify; } -span.inside { font-size:80%; font-weight:bold; display:block; - float:left; margin-top:.5em; margin-bottom:.5em; - margin-right:1em; max-width:8em; } -span.attr { font-size:80%; font-family:sans-serif; } -span.pn { display:inline-block; width:4.7em; text-align:left; margin-left:0; text-indent:0; } -</style> -</head> -<body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Delaware Tom; or The Traitor Guide, by Harry Hazard</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Delaware Tom; or The Traitor Guide</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em;'>Beadle's Pocket Novels No. 71</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Harry Hazard</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: September 6, 2021 [eBook #66227]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: David Edwards, Stephen Hutcheson, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (Northern Illinois University Digital Library) </p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DELAWARE TOM; OR THE TRAITOR GUIDE ***</div> -<div id="cover" class="img"> -<img id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Delaware Tom; or, The Traitor Guide" width="637" height="1001" /> -</div> -<div class="box"> -<h1>DELAWARE TOM; -<br /><span class="smallest"><span class="smallest">OR,</span> -<br />THE TRAITOR GUIDE.</span></h1> -<p class="tbcenter">BY HARRY HAZARD, -<br /><span class="smallest">AUTHOR OF THE FOLLOWING POCKET NOVELS:</span> -<br /><span class="smaller">No. 38. <span class="sc">The Heart Eater</span>, -<br />No. 43. <span class="sc">The White Outlaw</span>, -<br />No. 54. <span class="sc">Arkansas Jack</span>, -<br />No. 66. <span class="sc">Rattling Dick</span>.</span></p> -<p class="tbcenter"><span class="smaller">NEW YORK:</span> -<br />BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS, -<br /><span class="smaller">98 WILLIAM STREET.</span></p> -</div> -<p class="center smaller">Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1872, by -<br />FRANK STARR & CO., -<br />In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.</p> -<h2 id="toc" class="center">CONTENTS</h2> -<dl class="toc"> -<dt><a href="#c1"><span class="cn">I </span>An Altercation</a> 9</dt> -<dt><a href="#c2"><span class="cn">II </span>The Storm-Cloud Breaks</a> 19</dt> -<dt><a href="#c3"><span class="cn">III </span>A Wild Race</a> 30</dt> -<dt><a href="#c4"><span class="cn">IV </span>The Forlorn Hope</a> 34</dt> -<dt><a href="#c5"><span class="cn">V </span>Delaware Tom</a> 43</dt> -<dt><a href="#c6"><span class="cn">VI </span>Tom Maxwell Turns Indian</a> 50</dt> -<dt><a href="#c7"><span class="cn">VII </span>A Tangled Trail</a> 59</dt> -<dt><a href="#c8"><span class="cn">VIII </span>Savage Tactics</a> 68</dt> -<dt><a href="#c9"><span class="cn">IX </span>Bound to the Stake</a> 77</dt> -<dt><a href="#c10"><span class="cn">X </span>The Winding Trail</a> 83</dt> -<dt><a href="#c11"><span class="cn">XI </span>Reunited</a> 88</dt> -<dt><a href="#c12"><span class="cn">XII </span>Dog Eat Dog</a> 96</dt> -</dl> -<div class="pb" id="Page_9">9</div> -<h1 title=""><span class="smaller">DELAWARE TOM; -<br /><span class="smallest"><span class="smallest">OR,</span> -<br />THE TRAITOR GUIDE</span></span></h1> -<h2 id="c1"><span class="small">CHAPTER I.</span> -<br />AN ALTERCATION.</h2> -<p>Mid-afternoon of an oppressively hot and sultry day, in -the year ’54.</p> -<p>We call the reader’s attention to a scene, that, if not -romantic, is at least attractive and interesting; a wagon-train -of emigrants, as is attested by the quantity of driven stock—horses, -cattle and sheep. The presence of women and -children is still further evidence.</p> -<p>It moved slowly and drearily along over the vast, almost -barren stretch of level plain, as though the nearly spent day -had been one of hard and unremitting toil. The horses or -mules, their heads hanging down, with drooping ears and -tails, their hides damp with sweat and covered with the fine -sand cast upon the air by the trampling hoofs, or the slowly -revolving wheels, scarcely heed the stinging lash or the -impatient exclamation of their drivers.</p> -<p>The loose stock move dejectedly along, cured of their morning -propensity of running from the trail to snatch a mouthful -of grass, or nip the tops of a bush, while more than one -of the boys, whose duty it is to keep them within proper -limits, dozes in their hard saddles.</p> -<p>But there are three persons who appear full of life and free -from the general weariness of mind and body. There: one of -them a woman—a girl; the others men.</p> -<p>The first, who rode at several hundred yards in advance, -if closely scrutinized, proves to be an old man, who has numbered -his half-century, or perhaps nearly a decade more. -<span class="pb" id="Page_10">10</span> -A close scrutiny, we say, for his figure was as erect and -vigorous, his motions as free and supple, the fire of his keen -gray eye as clear and penetrating as a generation since.</p> -<p>His hair and long flowing beard were gray, although the -thickly clinging dust effectually disguised this. From his -position, his arms, his actions, it was plain he acted as guide -to the wagon-train.</p> -<p>The next figure, about half-way between this man and the -foremost wagon, was also a man, and merits a brief description -at our hands for more than one reason.</p> -<p>In stature he was about the mean hight, of a rather slight -figure, but with a muscular and active development, clothed -in a plain and well-worn suit of gray. His dusky, olive complexion, -black hair and eyes like a sloe, had given him the -sobriquet of “Dusky Dick,” a name that was already famous -throughout the West.</p> -<p>Although not much, if any beyond his third decade, Richard -Rouzee, or “Dusky Dick,” had followed the calling of a guide -for a number of years, and gained the repute of being peculiarly -unfortunate, having lost one-half the trains he had acted -as pilot for, and rarely escaped without at least one fierce and -desperate struggle.</p> -<p>More than one dark rumor had been put in circulation, -and some more boldly declared that he was in league with -the red-skins, and only acted as guide, the more surely to -compass his purpose. But this was only conjecture, and -could not be substantiated by any valid proof.</p> -<p>The third person, who rode at some little distance to the -right, so as to escape the annoying dust, was a young woman -of more than common grace and beauty, although the latter -quality was somewhat obscured by the long, weary day’s travel.</p> -<p>Rather above the medium hight, of a superbly rounded and -developed form, that was admirably displayed by her neatly-fitting -riding-habit of black, she sat her horse with the ease -and grace of an accomplished <i>equestrienne</i>, although he chafed -and fretted at the restraint of a tightly-drawn rein, caracoling -and prancing in proud strength and spirit.</p> -<p>It was a clear-cut profile and beautiful complexion that -Dusky Dick beheld from the corner of his dark, sinister eye, -that glared with a fire of unusual admiration. But this his -<span class="pb" id="Page_11">11</span> -slouched hat concealed, and his smooth, beardless face gave -no outward sign of the dark and troubled thoughts that filled -his brain.</p> -<p>Then he pricked his half-wild mustang viciously with his -spur, and darted suddenly up beside the lady, who uttered a -half-suppressed exclamation of annoyance, and made no -attempt to conceal the expression of dislike and impatience -that clouded her usually sunny features.</p> -<p>“It has been a wearisome day, Miss Clara,” began the -guide, speaking in a low and remarkably musical voice -although his eyes flashed as he noticed her evident aversion. -“But we are almost at the end of our day’s journey. See—that -long dark line yonder, a little to the left, is our stopping-place, -beside a clear and beautiful stream. I know the -spot, well.”</p> -<p>“So we camp there? Well, I am glad of it, for more -than one reason,” replied the lady, in an impatient tone.</p> -<p>“And may I ask why so?”</p> -<p>“Do you wish to know the truth?” asked Clara, with a -slight emphasis.</p> -<p>“Certainly; the truth will be doubly pleasant, coming -from such winsome lips,” Dusky Dick returned, with a half-mocking -bow and smile.</p> -<p>“Well then, the main reason is that once there, you will -have other things to attend to, and will not have so much -leisure to annoy others by impertinent and unwelcome attentions,” -curtly replied Clara, urging her high-mettled horse -ahead, as if desirous of escaping the company of the swarthy -guide.</p> -<p>“And another reason is—that a certain baby-face, Buenos -Ayres by name, will not be long in feeding his horses, and -then, of course, will hasten to pay his respects to the belle of -the wagon-train,” sneered Dusky Dick, keeping close to Clara, -whether she rode fast or slow.</p> -<p>“Mr. Rouzee,” at length exclaimed Clara, her eyes flashing -angrily, and her cheeks flushing, “your place as guide is yonder, -along with Tom Maxwell, and not out here. If I appear -rude, you force me to be so.”</p> -<p>“A guide’s place depends greatly upon circumstances, Miss -Calhoun; and just now I prefer this position.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_12">12</div> -<p>“Then occupy it alone; I will go back to the wagon,” she -added, reining in her horse.</p> -<p>“Stay, Miss Clara,” cried Rouzee, his black eyes glittering. -“Keep your place, but mark me, the time will come—and -soon too—when you will repent these haughty airs, and solicit -as a favor, what you now affect to scorn. I tell you that the -time is not far distant when you will crouch at my feet—when -you will hang around me for a word—a smile; when -you will call me <i>master</i>. Do you hear?”</p> -<p>“And I tell you, sir, that when we camp to-night, you will -have to answer to the charge of being drunk while upon -duty,” haughtily retorted Clara, her eyes flashing. “Will you -go, sir, or must I appeal to my father?”</p> -<p>The guide did not reply, but plunging his long, cruel spurs -into the flanks of his mustang, he dashed rapidly up alongside -of the old borderer, Tom Maxwell, who received him -with a cold, half-suspicious start. Evidently there was little -love lost between the two men.</p> -<p>Just before sunset, the long line of trees was reached, that -bordered upon a small stream, and preparations were immediately -begun for encamping, while Dusky Dick and Tom Maxwell -galloped off to hunt for “sign.”</p> -<p>The mules and horses were ungeared and turned loose, after -being hoppled, and the wagons were formed into a rude sort -of corral, one line covering the joints in the other. All was -bustle and apparent confusion, although each person knew his -duty and busied himself about that alone.</p> -<p>Fires were built, and over them stooped the women, preparing -supper for the different messes; while the children -brought wood and water, or else rolled and tumbled over each -other with merry shouts, in their play, little recking what the -morrow might bring forth.</p> -<p>To one of these fires, a little apart from the remainder, we -now turn. Over it was bending the form of an old negro -woman, whose wrinkled features and gorgeous red and orange -head-gear, looked weird and wild through the flame-tinted -smoke.</p> -<p>A little to one side of this sat three persons, or rather half -reclining against the moss-covered roots of the gigantic oak -tree, idly watching the motions of “Aunt Medora,” as she -<span class="pb" id="Page_13">13</span> -turned the hissing bacon, or the nicely browning “hoe-cake.” -One of these was Clara Calhoun; the others were men.</p> -<p>The eldest one—tall, portly and of a soldierly bearing—was -her father, the leader or captain of the wagon-train. Of -perhaps fifty years in age, his muscular frame gave no evidence -of decay, and the fire of youth still seemed to shine in -his large dark eyes. The heavy, grizzled mustache and -beard, gave a somewhat stern cast to his features, that were -massive and regular, and his voice, used to command, enhanced -this idea; but at heart he was kind and gentle.</p> -<p>The other was a young man, between his fifth and sixth -<i>lustrum</i>, with a handsome, manly face and form; with a -calm, steadfast look in his gray eye that instinctively commanded -one’s respect, and told that he could be depended -upon in any emergency, however dangerous or trying.</p> -<p>His garments were plain and almost poor, but there was -an air of conscious independence and freedom in his bearing -and demeanor, that attracted one, despite himself.</p> -<p>“Father, do you know that I think you made a great mistake -in hiring this Dusky Dick, or whatever may be his name, -to act as guide?”</p> -<p>“Why so, Clara?” asked her parent, with an air of surprise.</p> -<p>“Well, you may laugh at me, or call me visionary, but I -shudder whenever he comes near me. I believe he is a traitor, -and that he has some deep purpose of his own that means -danger to us all. If you ask my reasons, I can only say what -I have; I only feel that he’s not what he seems, and I shall -never rest easy until we are well rid of him.”</p> -<p>“I don’t like him overly well, myself,” slowly replied Calhoun, -“but still, I think he is honest and trustworthy.”</p> -<p>“Then why does he not attend to his business, instead of -intruding where he can’t help but see his presence is unwelcome?” -warmly cried Clara.</p> -<p>“Why, daughter, what do you mean? What has he been -doing?”</p> -<p>“Just this. I can’t stir a step from the wagons, but what -he is at my side, with his disagreeable smile and worse compliments. -At first I did not appear to mind them, but of late -he has grown still more impudent, and the worse I rebuff him, -<span class="pb" id="Page_14">14</span> -the more he persists, until now, unless it is put a stop to, I -will feel obliged to keep within the wagon all the time.”</p> -<p>“You never spoke of this before, Clara,” uttered Calhoun, -slowly. “If he has troubled you so much, why not have told -me?”</p> -<p>“Because I thought he would desist, and then there would -be no trouble. But to-day he grossly insulted me.”</p> -<p>“Stay, Buenos,” commanded the major, placing a hand -upon the young man’s arm, as he made a motion of anger—“let -me settle this. He insulted you, Clara?”</p> -<p>“Yes. He told me that the time was not far distant when -I would crouch at his feet, and be glad to call him <i>master</i>!” -exclaimed the maiden, her eyes flashing.</p> -<p>“But what led to this?”</p> -<p>“I hardly remember, but I told him he had other duties to -perform, that would become him better than forcing his company -upon those to whom it was unwelcome. I had tried to -leave him by riding faster, to one side, or by falling back; -but he kept close beside me.”</p> -<p>Major Calhoun arose and glanced around upon the animated -scene. The two guides had returned, and were awaiting -supper, meanwhile smoking their pipes.</p> -<p>“Tom Maxwell, come here for a moment,” called the leader, -and the tall guide sprung nimbly to his feet and approached -the group, doffing the dirty felt hat, with an almost -reverential bow to Clara.</p> -<p>“Maxwell, my man, I wish to ask your advice, and I trust -you will be plain and candid, in your reply,” began Calhoun.</p> -<p>“Maje, I’m Tom Maxwell, an’ you’ve hearn tell o’ me -afore now; but did you ever hear ’at I lied, or made a -prac<i>tyce</i> o’ any sech a dirty, sneakin’ business? The truth -is a mighty broad an plain trail, boss, to them which is clear -in the sight, an’ my ol’ mother l’arnt me to squint true ’long -that trail, tellin’ me—‘Now, sonny, jest foller your nose, an’ -go ahead!’ An’ ever sence then, I’ve did so, on’y, mayhap, -steppin’ a lettle to one side in the matter o’ a red-skin, or -sech like; but I al’ays tuck it up jest whar I left it. I’ll tell -you the truth ef it bu’sts me—go on!”</p> -<p>Calhoun appeared used to the somewhat rambling style of -the old guide, and resumed:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_15">15</div> -<p>“We were just talking about this Dusky Dick, as you call -him; what is your opinion of him, Tom?”</p> -<p>“H-u-m! As a guide, or a man?”</p> -<p>“Well—both.”</p> -<p>“Ya—as,” drawled Maxwell, smoking rapidly. “Fust, as -a guide. He’s quick an’ sharp-witted, knows a buffler-chip -from a ant-hill; he is dead shore on a trail or fer sign; a -bully shot, rider, an’ all that; kin tell you, or mark down -like a printed map, every river, crick an’ waterhole that is -atween here an’ Salt Lake. Or to sum it up, as the lawyers -o’ St. Louey ’d say, he knows every feet o’ the trail, kin tell -whar to ixpect Injuns, or not to ixpect ’em, ekil to anybody -what lives an’ breathes.”</p> -<p>“You praise him up very highly, Tom,” remarked Buenos -Ayres.</p> -<p>“Do I, then? That’s jest as folks thinks. But honest, -I don’t know a single man ’at I’d ruther hev along ’th me, -’n this very Dusky Dick, <i>pervidin’</i>, mind ye, thet he hed -some strong intrust in the train’s gittin’ through right side up, -all hunky. But ef so be he hed a spite ag’inst anybody, then -I’d ruther hev the devil hisself fer a chum,” he said, earnestly.</p> -<p>“Well, as a man,” added Major Calhoun.</p> -<p>“Wal, fust; he shoots off his mouth too durned much; -he’d talk the ha’r off ’m a buffler bull’s hump, an’ not more’n -hafe try. He’s wuss ’n old Daddy Lapyear, the preacherman -which used to keep camp meetin’ nigh to whar I lived -when a little shaver; an’ more’n that couldn’t be said. -Look at his eyes—look at his face—look at his motion; look -at him all over, well. The hull outfit sais <i>snake</i>, jest as plain -as geese-goose; an’ the wust kind o’ sarpint, too—the ongainly, -sneakin’ copperhead.</p> -<p>“Ef he tuck a dislike to a feller, would he come right out -flatfooted an’ tell him so? Nary time—not muchly! He’d -lay low an’ bite ’em in the heel. He’s pizon, I tell ye, pizon -from head to toe, an’ sartin death. Ef he gives you a black -look, jest putt your heel on his head an’ squash it. But look -to your boots, fust. Gi’ me a match, youngster.”</p> -<p>Calhoun then repeat the threats of Dusky Dick, he had -that day addressed to Clara, and then awaited Tom’s reply, in -some anxiety of mind.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_16">16</div> -<p>“An’ he said <i>that</i>—<i>he</i> did?” slowly returned Maxwell, his -brow knitting, as he puffed furiously at his relighted pipe.</p> -<p>“Those words, or to the same effect.”</p> -<p>“Wal then, thar’s snags ahead, boss, you kin jest bet your -high old ocean ware!” exclaimed Tom. “What’re you goin’ -to do ’bout it?”</p> -<p>“I don’t know, just yet. That is what I asked your opinion -for.”</p> -<p>“Wal then, ef he said them words, he <i>meant</i> somethin’. -He ain’t the sort o’ feller to shoot his mouth off at nothin’, -when he’s mad, jest fer the fun o’ hearin’ hisself talk. Look -here—do you know ’at he’s lost <i>four</i> trains in the last two -years? an’ that one more jest got through by stud-hoss luck, -a’ter two days’ hard fightin’? I don’t say ’at he’s in cahoot -’th the reds, not a-tall; but ef I hed a spite ag’in’ this ’ere -train, an’ wanted to git it wiped out, I’d jest go to Mister -Dusky Dick, <i>Es</i>quire, an’ say—<i>whar’s the brigynees, Dick?”</i> -significantly replied Tom, tapping one horny finger against the -other palm.</p> -<p>“Then what do you advise, Maxwell?” somewhat anxiously -asked Major Calhoun, deeply impressed by the earnest -words of the veteran guide.</p> -<p>“What do I ’vise? Now thar you’ve <i>got</i> me, as Joe -Nerr said to the whale when he sucked him in. What <i>d’you</i> -think?”</p> -<p>“I thought some of discharging him,” was the thoughtful -reply.</p> -<p>“The very wust thing you could do! ’Cause why. Ef -he <i>is</i> a runnygade, thet is jest what he’d choose hisself, an’ -then he’d hold high, low, jack in his hand, ’th a fa’r show o’ -ketchin’ the game, to boot. No, sir! You must keep him, -an’ say nothin’ to make him ’spicious, an’ then—<i>watch ’im</i>. -You’ll watch—the young feller, <i>he’ll</i> watch, an’ <i>I’ll</i> watch, an’ -it’s hard but what we kin manidge to keep him in trim.”</p> -<p>“’S—st!” cautioned Ayres, rising erect, with hand upon his -ready revolver. “So, Mr. Dusky Dick, this is a specimen of -your manners, is it? Eavesdropping!” he added, as the form -of the guide stepped out from behind the tree beneath which -the party were sitting.</p> -<p>“Should the <i>criminal</i> be absent when he is being tried?” -<span class="pb" id="Page_17">17</span> -sneered Rouzee, with a slight emphasis on the word italicized. -“I was passing by—I heard my name coupled with treachery—and -so I paused.”</p> -<p>“Jest so—I was hungry—I saw a fat goose—I stole it, said -the fox!” murmured Tom, carelessly hitching his belt around. -“I told you he was a snake!”</p> -<p>“And what did you hear?” demanded Calhoun, arising.</p> -<p>“I heard myself accused of treachery—of being a renegade, -and in collusion with the Indians. If not in so many words, -at least plainly enough to be understood,” said Dusky Dick, -deliberately.</p> -<p>“Well then—what is your answer?”</p> -<p>“What can it be! You are dissatisfied with me, and condemn -me unheard. I will not serve any man who does not -trust me fully. Tom Maxwell, yonder, knows the route quite -as well as I do, and is capable of acting alone. I will bid -you good-by, now.”</p> -<p>“You mean to leave us?”</p> -<p>“Yes.”</p> -<p>“If you heard so much, Mr. Rouzee, as you say, surely you -heard Maxwell’s last words?” coldly added Major Calhoun. -“We prefer not to part with you; at least, not until we have -reached a safer portion of the country than this is.”</p> -<p>“True as preachin’!” softly interjected the old guide.</p> -<p>“Do you mean to detain me against my will?” said Dusky -Dick, stepping back a pace.</p> -<p>“If necessary—yes.”</p> -<p>“By force?”</p> -<p>“By force, if you compel us to adopt harsh measures,” impatiently -exclaimed the major.</p> -<p>“Now look here, Mr. Calhoun,” began Rouzee, in a firm -tone. “I’m a free man, and not bound to you in any way. -I have honestly performed my part of the contract, thus far, -and if I choose to leave you now, all you can do is to retain -my wages. Do this if you will, but I’ll not stay with you -any longer.”</p> -<p>“Ef I hed a jass-ack what wouldn’t go, d’y’ think I’d wallop -’im?—bet your monkey-musek I <i>would</i>!” gently whistled -Tom Maxwell, eying Dusky Dick with a benignant smile -from beneath his battered slouch hat.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_18">18</div> -<p>“You are but one—we are three—or if but one word is -spoken aloud, fifty.”</p> -<p>“And I am Dusky Dick!” cried the guide, in a defiant tone. -“You have heard of me before now, but you will <i>know</i> me, if -you persist in this outrage. I tell you that I <i>will</i> go, and -there is but one thing that can stop me—<i>death</i>!” and as he -spoke, he leaped back so as to place the trio in front of him, -and drawing a brace of revolvers, he cocked them with a -clear, significant click.</p> -<p>“That long-legged beauty yonder told you that I could -shoot true, and for once he told the truth. You may keep -me here, but it will not be while I can draw trigger or sight -along a barrel. Stop!” he added, sternly, as the three men -made a motion toward advancing. “The first weapon drawn, -or the first step toward me, will be the death-warrant of Miss -Clara yonder! Before God, I will shoot her, if I am molested!”</p> -<p>They saw that he was in terrible earnest, and instinctively -shrunk back.</p> -<p>“Shell I take him, maje—shell I take him?” hoarsely whispered -the old guide, his form crouching and trembling with -anger, at the rebel’s audacity.</p> -<p>“No—no, don’t stir, Tom—for your life, don’t!” cried Calhoun, -fearfully. “The devil will shoot her if you do! Go, -then, if you wish it, but if you harm one of the party, I will -hunt you down like a dog! Go, while you can,” he added, -bitterly.</p> -<p>“Ha! ha!” laughed Dusky Dick, “you are very generous, -Major Calhoun, and I congratulate you upon the facility with -which you reverse your decision. I <i>will</i> go, but you may expect -me again, very soon. I love Miss Clara too greatly to -abandon her so abruptly, for good.”</p> -<p>“Shoot him, father!” cried Clara, as she sprung up behind -the huge tree-trunk. “Never mind me—don’t let him brave -you so!”</p> -<p>The three men abruptly turned around at this sudden interruption, -and then as they saw that the maiden’s maneuver -placed her in comparative safety, they quickly drew their -weapons; but the guide had vanished, and his taunting laugh -of defiance echoed back through the woods.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_19">19</div> -<p>“After him, Tom—Buenos! and shoot him like a wolf, -if you find him!” shouted Calhoun, as the three men dashed -through the timber, in the direction from whence had come -the insolent laugh.</p> -<p>But their efforts at Dusky Dick’s capture were all in vain, -although the majority of the now fully aroused campers set -out in pursuit of the fugitive; and one by one they returned -to their now cold supper, silent and filled with a dim foreboding -of impending peril.</p> -<p>“It’s a bad job, maje, a pesky bad job,” quoth Tom Maxwell, -as he helped himself to a fresh supply of the rude but -wholesome viands; “an’ I’m dub’ous that it hain’t all over -yit. He never shed ’a’ got away—never! But who under -the sun would ’a’ thunk he’d ’a’ p’inted them pistils at Miss -Clary? The dratted sarpint! Burnin’s too good for sech -as <i>he</i> is! Lord—Lord! what’s this world a-comin’ to, when -sech pesky critters is made?”</p> -<p>Double guards were posted that night, and an unusually -strict watch was kept, but the long night passed by without -further event worthy of record, and as the sun arose, it shined -down upon the party slowly trailing along their weary way.</p> -<h2 id="c2"><span class="small">CHAPTER II.</span> -<br />THE STORM-CLOUD BREAKS.</h2> -<p>The next day and the next passed by without any event -other than such usually attendant upon an emigrant’s daily -toil along the almost endless trail, and the majority of the -party were inclined to laugh at the parting words of Dusky -Dick, as mere vaporings, proceeding from chagrin.</p> -<p>But not so with all. Tom Maxwell did not take this view -of it, nor did the major or Buenos Ayres, and a steady, unremitting -watch was kept up, both night and day, while great -precautions were used in selecting the nightly encampment.</p> -<p>Toward night of the second day succeeding the departure -of Rouzee, the veteran guide paused until the wagon driven -<span class="pb" id="Page_20">20</span> -by young Ayres, in which also sat Major Calhoun, came up -beside him.</p> -<p>“What’s up now, Max?”</p> -<p>“Nothin’, maje, as I knows on,” replied Tom. “But -look yonder—d’ y’ see them ’ar trees, jest beyon’ that peint -o’ risin’ ground?”</p> -<p>“Certainly.”</p> -<p>“Well, that’s the place to camp to-night. Plenty of wood, -water an’ grass.”</p> -<p>“Well?” queried the leader, seeing that something lay -beyond the guide’s words.</p> -<p>“I don’t know, boss, but what you’ll laugh at me, an’ -think I mought be in better biziness, but—” hesitated Tom, -a little nervously.</p> -<p>“Why should I, Tom? I certainly should not if you are -in earnest. But what’s the matter?”</p> -<p>“Jest this: you hain’t forgot what Dusky Dick said, nor -hain’t I n’ither. It’s be’n a-runnin in my mind all day, an’ -I can’t help thinkin’ that thar’s so’thin’ in it. You know he -said that we’d see him ag’in, an’ his eyes said, jest as plain as a -nigger’s heel, that if we did, it would not be <i>alone</i>.”</p> -<p>“Then you think—?”</p> -<p>“I reckon; leastways I ’spect so. Ef you ax <i>what</i>, why -I’ll bet a buffler’ hump ag’in’ a turkey buzzard, that we’ll -’ither see or hear so’thin’ o’ Mr. Dusky Dick, afore another -sun. I feel it all over me.”</p> -<p>“What are you going to do?” somewhat impatiently asked -Major Calhoun.</p> -<p>“First, I’m goin’ to scout ’round ontel dusk. I know the lay -right well around here, an’ it’s jist the out-doin’est place you -ever did see, for ’bushments and Injun deviltries. It’s a -plain shoot for the river thar, an’ you won’t need me for that.”</p> -<p>“Well, don’t be gone long, nor run any more risk than is -absolutely necessary, Maxwell,” earnestly added Calhoun; -“for you are our only dependence, now. I don’t believe -there is one of us all that has the slightest idea of where we -are, or the road necessary to take, in order to reach safety.”</p> -<p>“Maje,” slowly said the old guide, “I’m a rough old -coon, what ain’t o’ much a’count one way nor t’other; I -hain’t got no kin, nor ’lations livin,’ as I knows on. I never -<span class="pb" id="Page_21">21</span> -hed a wife—leastways, nobody ’cept it mought be a squaw, -now an’ then, for a week or so, an’ I never hed a child who -could call me pap; but for all that, I know how you must -feel when you look at Miss Clary, an’ think ’at she’s in -danger.</p> -<p>“I ain’t o’ much a’count, as I said, for I’m old an’ most -wored out, but still I’d fou’t as hard as the best, for the few -drops o’ blood in my karkidge, an’ I say sooner than let <i>her</i> -get hurt, even to her teentiest finger, why I’d be shot, burnt, -cut to pieces an’ then swallered hole! I would, by ge-mently!”</p> -<p>“I believe you, Tom, but I hope there’ll be no call for -your doing all that,” laughed Calhoun.</p> -<p>“Wall, jist follow your nose, an’ stop yonder ontil I git -back,” and then loosening the tightly drawn rein against which -his half-wild mustang was chafing, the grizzled old guide sped -swiftly away from the wagon-train.</p> -<p>Once beyond sight of the trail, Maxwell proceeded more -slowly and with greater precaution. Veering to the right, so as -to embrace as much ground as possible in his contemplated -<i>detour</i>, he closely scrutinized the ground for sign, while -keeping a wary look-out upon either hand and in front, not -caring to run blindfold into an ambush should there in reality -prove to be enemies in his vicinity.</p> -<p>He was proceeding thus, when his horse suddenly gave a -snort and stood still in his track. Quickly raising his eyes -from the ground, the old guide sent a keen glance around -him, and then uttered a long, low whistle, as he perceived -the evident cause of his animal’s alarm.</p> -<p>Just debouching from the hills, or rather from behind -them, was a large body of horsemen, and though at nearly a -mile’s distance, he had no hesitation in pronouncing them to -be Indians, from the long spears and various trappings, together -with their peculiar style of riding. They were to the -right, and at the same time a little in his front, being nearly -in a direct line with himself and the place where the emigrants -intended to camp for the night.</p> -<p>They had evidently observed him, and had paused, as if in -irresolution, thus allowing Maxwell a moment for deliberation.</p> -<p>They might be friendly, but he did not believe it, and felt -little inclined to cultivate their close acquaintance. Still he -<span class="pb" id="Page_22">22</span> -did not like to run, for he well knew the truth of the old -adage—a fleeing form invites pursuit—and that should he -flee, the rogues would assuredly chase him.</p> -<p>Then were they hostile, as he more than suspected, the -emigrants would undoubtedly be the sufferers, as they had not -yet had time to encamp and corral the wagons, in order of -defense. Outnumbered and taken by surprise, they would -be massacred without mercy.</p> -<p>Tom Maxwell did not believe that their exact position was -known by the Indians, from the unguarded movements of the -latter, and resolved to draw them away, if possible, or at least -detain them until the emigrants would be better prepared for -the meeting.</p> -<p>“Come, Ebenezer,” he muttered, drawing up the reins and -settling himself firmly in the deep saddle; “you hain’t any -much tired as yit, an’ kin hold your own with these scalawags, -for a bit, anyhow. Now you jest git up an’ <i>git</i>!”</p> -<p>As he spoke, Maxwell urged the sturdy mustang onward, -uttering a wild yell and bending low down.</p> -<p>As if decided upon their course by the old man’s action, -the Indians dashed after him, <i>in silence</i>. The look of anxiety -upon Maxwell’s face deepened, as he noted this fact, for it -served to confirm his already strong suspicions.</p> -<p>He knew that only some great and powerful motive could -induce an Indian to suppress the vindictive, exultant yell -usual when their foe and an anticipated victim is before them; -and what could that motive be, unless it was a desire not to -alarm the company of emigrants whom he had been guiding? -More than ever he believed that Dusky Dick was connected -with this new phase, and if so, he would need to be doubly -wary and foresighted.</p> -<p>Instead of riding direct toward the camp, Maxwell pursued -a course that would carry him past it, at about a mile’s distance, -with a considerable ridge intervening, intending to draw -the savages entirely away from the wagon-train, if possible, -but at any risk to protract the race until a more favorable -moment.</p> -<p>His thorough knowledge of the surrounding country now -stood him in good stead. The hills loomed up before him, -and the valley he was now in appeared to extend clear through -<span class="pb" id="Page_23">23</span> -beyond the high ground, but in reality, it ended in a <i>cul de -sac</i>, from which escape would be almost impossible.</p> -<p>Veering a little to the right, he dashed on, with an occasional -glance back at his pursuers. He was gratified to see -that he at any rate had maintained his vantage-ground, and, -barring an accident, he felt confident of baffling pursuit until -the shades of night afforded him secure cover.</p> -<p>Maxwell knew that by rounding the now near hill, he -would find a clear route to the plains beyond, whose small -<i>mottes</i> of timber were scattered at short intervals. Close along -the further side of these hills, the river ran; then making an -abrupt turn, flowed through the level ground.</p> -<p>Maxwell was much attached to “Ebenezer,” his horse, but -when it was placed against the welfare of the train, and that -of Clara Calhoun, for whom he had taken a deep and fervent -liking, he did not hesitate. He resolved to abandon the mustang, -and trust to good fortune to recover him again.</p> -<p>Still, at nearly a mile in advance of his pursuers, the guide -rounded the hill, and reached the river side. Dismounting, -he struck the horse a sharp blow, and thus turned him loose. -True to his plans, Ebenezer dashed madly away up the river, -toward the nearest clump of timber, with a wild snort of -alarm and pain.</p> -<p>Running along a few yards in an opposite direction, Maxwell -crouched down in a rocky hollow, with a fast-beating -heart and an anxious face. He knew that, was his ruse discovered -too soon, his life would be forfeited, beyond all doubt. -True, he still held his rifle and revolvers, but what would his -one arm avail against those of over three-score savages?</p> -<p>He saw the mustang disappear behind the <i>motte</i>, at full -speed, and hoped that his pursuers had not yet gained a position -from whence they could note the absence of its rider. -If they had not, then he felt that he was safe.</p> -<p>Then the enemy spurred swiftly by, following keenly upon -the plain trail, without a pause or single glance around the -point. Then they, too, passed behind the timber island.</p> -<p>Chuckling heartily, Tom arose and entering the water, ran -lightly along its edge, until he came to a small log, lying upon -the shore. Rolling this into the water, the guide secured his -rifle upon it, and then entering the swift current, swam rapidly -<span class="pb" id="Page_24">24</span> -down-stream, pushing the float before him, thus keeping -his gun and powder dry.</p> -<p>As he came in view of the wagon-train, he uttered a loud, -clear shout, and leaving the water, ran lightly toward the -camp, which was all confusion.</p> -<p>“What is it, Tom? Where’s your horse?” excitedly asked -the major, as he met the old scout.</p> -<p>“Boun’ for Salt Lake, takin’ a wheen o’ pesky red-skins to -visit ol’ Brigham!”</p> -<p>“What do you mean?”</p> -<p>“Jest what I say. But we hain’t got no time to talk now—thar’s -work to be did. Dusky Dick an’ a wheen o’ red -imps is on the rampage, red-hot fer ha’r, an’ ’ll pay us a visit -afore sun-up to-morry.”</p> -<p>“How do you know?” anxiously queried Calhoun.</p> -<p>“’Ca’se I see’d ’em. Don’t jabber—<i>work!</i>” impatiently -added Tom, as he entered the little corral.</p> -<p>He glanced around, anxiously taking in every detail, and -then added, in a voice of disgust:</p> -<p>“What on airth was you fellers a-thinkin’ about, anyhow? -Don’t you see you’d orter bin out yander, away from the -river? They kin swim down in the dark, an’ take us in the -r’ar, now. But it’s too late to mend <i>that</i> now, so do as I do. -They’ll be here in less’n a-nour now, fer they’ll know we’re -on the look-out, soon’s they find Ebenezer.”</p> -<p>The corral had been formed close to the river-bank, in a -half-circle, and in the usual manner; that is, in two rows of -wagons, the one covering the joints in the other. By Tom -Maxwell’s directions, the wheels were let down in holes -hastily dug, so that the axles rested upon the prairie, and the -openings were still further barricaded by articles taken from -the wagons.</p> -<p>The fires were extinguished and the women and children -stowed away in as perfect security as could be obtained, in -the inner tier of vehicles. But while doing so, a startling -discovery was made.</p> -<p>There was one missing—Clara Calhoun was in no place to be -found! A few minutes’ quest showed them that she was not -within the corral!</p> -<p>And then Maxwell found that his horse was also missing -<span class="pb" id="Page_25">25</span> -from the others. In an agony of apprehension, Calhoun -hastened to and fro, eagerly questioning each one as to when -they had last noticed her.</p> -<p>All he could learn was simply this: Clara had been riding, -as usual, and at some little distance to one side of the train, -just before Tom Maxwell started out on his reconnoissance. -During the confusion anent the encamping, she had been lost -sight of. No one could say more than this.</p> -<p>“What can we do, Tom?” anxiously asked Calhoun, to the -gloomy guide.</p> -<p>“Not much, onless she comes in o’ herself. The reds is -snoopin’ ’round, an’ ’ll be most sartin to gobble up any as -goes out to hunt fer her. But I’ll resk it, anyhow, fer a bit. -Keep the boys to work, an’ don’t git fooled, ’fore I come -back.”</p> -<p>Then the old guide left the corral and hastened along the -back trail, soon disappearing amid the fast-gathering shadows. -And thus an hour passed by, when the whistle of Maxwell -was heard, followed in a few moments by himself; but he was -<i>alone</i>.</p> -<p>“Where is she, Tom?”</p> -<p>“The good Lord on’y knows, boss. Leastways, <i>I</i> don’t. -Didn’t see hide nor ha’r o’ her. But the reds is a-comin’.”</p> -<p>“Do they know where we are?”</p> -<p>“Reckon so; but ef not, they’ll soon find us.”</p> -<p>“If they <i>do</i> find us, how do you think it’ll end, Maxwell?” -queried an emigrant, in a tone of anxiety.</p> -<p>“I kin tell better a’ter it’s over, fri’nd,” dryly replied Tom, -with a significant shrug. “But ef they don’t git no more to -help ’em, why we stand a fa’r show. They’re on’y three to -one.”</p> -<p>“<i>Only!</i> And isn’t that enough, for conscience sake?”</p> -<p>“Fri’nd, where a feller is fightin’ fer his wife an’ lettle -ones, he’s ekil to <i>four</i>, what’s on’y themselves,” and then silence -once more reigned throughout the corral, at least so far -as conversation was concerned.</p> -<p>But as may be imagined, the suspense and misgiving of the -father, with others, was terrible, when they thought of what -might have befallen the missing maiden. It was well that -the welfare of the train helped to divide their thoughts. -<span class="pb" id="Page_26">26</span> -Without some such duty, their thoughts would have been -doubly distracting.</p> -<p>It was plain that nothing more could be done, until after -the threatened peril had passed. Until then, they could only -hope and pray that no serious evil might befall the wanderer.</p> -<p>Thus far, nothing had been seen or heard of the savages, -and a number of the emigrants half-believed that the old -guide had been deceived, and that the party of red-skins had -been peaceable ones, who had no designs upon the train.</p> -<p>The sky was clear and unclouded, and the full moon had -already arisen. Whether this last fact was a blessing or -otherwise, was an open question to the emigrants, for if it -served to betray the enemy in case they attempted a surprise, -it would likewise furnish sufficient light by which the death-dealing -bullet, or the scarcely less to be dreaded arrow, could -be directed with almost the certainty of one at midday.</p> -<p>As an off-set to the error in corraling the wagons upon the -river-bank, there were no trees or bushes within short gunshot -of the encampment, while the plain was level and smooth -almost as a floor, so that, for over an hundred yards, the savages -would be forced to advance right in the teeth of their -enemy.</p> -<p>Old Tom Maxwell was regarded by all as a sort of leader, -and each word he spoke was earnestly listened to, and every -hint or direction promptly obeyed, without a murmur or a -protest.</p> -<p>It was some two hours or more, after the moon had arisen, -that the first sign of the enemy’s presence was observed, and -only the well-trained eye of the old guide could at first discern -the suspicious object. He quickly glided from man to -man, whispering to each:</p> -<p>“Thar’s a red out yon’, snoopin’ ’round, to diskiver ef so be -we’re on the look-out. Now don’t spile it all, but take it -cool an’ do jest as I say. Ef he on’y keeps to the outside, -why let ’im go, but ef he a’tempts to enter, then wipe him -out as quickly as you know how. Don’t make no n’ise, nor -don’t let him make none, nyther.”</p> -<p>As he returned to his post, old Tom saw that the spy had -drawn considerably nearer, until the paint-bedaubed face -<span class="pb" id="Page_27">27</span> -could be distinctly seen, as the moon’s bright rays streamed -full upon the cautiously uplifted head.</p> -<p>The eyes of the veteran scout began to glisten, and his -hands nervously clutched at his rifle, as though eager to put -a final period to the night-prowling of the painted demon, -but then his habitual coolness returned, and he calmly awaited -the denouement.</p> -<p>The spy gradually drew nearer to the double row of -wagons, and paused close beside the outer line, just in front -of Maxwell. He uttered a low grunt as of disgust, as he -found that the beds were almost upon a level with the -ground, and that he could not pass beneath them, as he evidently -intended.</p> -<p>Then he turned aside and slowly began skirting the corral. -Although it was a trying ordeal, the emigrants obeyed their -leader’s orders to the very letter, even suspending their breath -as the spy gently stole along the line.</p> -<p>Apparently this worthy became fully convinced that the -emigrants were soundly sleeping in false security, for he at -length began to climb over the barricade. Perhaps he was -after plunder, or mayhap he was a young brave, burning to -distinguish himself and to win a name among his people, by -taking the first scalp.</p> -<p>But if so, he was doomed never to realize his dream, for -as he leaped lightly to the ground, a pair of strong hands -were instantly twined around his throat, effectually checking -all outcry, while another of the emigrants plunged a keen -knife deep into the broad, swelling chest. One faint, -gurgling groan, a convulsive quiver, and the spirit of the red-man -fled from the ghastly wound and took up the trail to the -happy hunting-grounds.</p> -<p>Tom Maxwell glided quickly to the scene of death, and -bent eagerly over the corpse, scanning its features closely by -the clear moonlight.</p> -<p>“It’s a dratted ’Rapahoe, boys, but I don’t know him. -You did it up slick, but it’s on’y jest a beginnin’; they’ll send -out another, when he don’t come back on time, to l’arn -what’s up. So hunker down an’ wait. Don’t one o’ you -fire, though, ontel I give the word.”</p> -<p>Perhaps another half-hour slowly dragged its weary length -<span class="pb" id="Page_28">28</span> -along, before any thing more occurred to break this painful -suspense, and then another dusky form was observed coming -from much the same direction as that followed by the ill-fated -spy. They all knew that the crisis was now close at -hand, and every nerve was steeled, and though many a heart -beat faster than usual, there was none that fluttered with -fear.</p> -<p>The second spy had advanced to within a dozen yards of -the corral, when one of the eagerly watching emigrants fell -forward, and accidentally touched the trigger of his cocked -rifle. The sharp report rung out upon the still night-air, -sounding to the startled men like the roar of artillery.</p> -<p>At the same moment the spy arose to his feet and turned -to flee, uttering a wild whoop of alarm. But it was his last -cry upon earth, for the quick eye of Maxwell directed the -unerring rifle, and at the red skin’s second leap, the quick report -rung out, and the second victim of the list that was yet -to follow, died without a groan.</p> -<p>Like an accompaniment to the double shot, there came a -blood-curdling chorus of yells and whoops, and a horde of -dusky fiends were seen to spring up as if from the bowels -of the earth, upon the level plain beyond.</p> -<p>“Look out, boys! here they come!” yelled old Tom, as -he sprung to his feet and began rapidly reloading his rifle. -“Take it cool, but gi’e them h—l. It’s fer life, now!”</p> -<p>As the dusky fiends swarmed close to the barricade, a -blinding flash rose along the line, and at such near quarters, -the effect was deadly in the extreme. Shrill cries of agony -were blended with yells of rage, as a number of assailants -fell, dead or dying, before the scathing volley.</p> -<p>The savages paused, as if in stupor, and then as the terrible -quick-repeating revolvers began to play upon their crowded -ranks, their ardor suddenly cooled, and as if by magic they -disappeared, leaving their fallen as they lay, upon the field. -A wild exultant shout followed them, for it seemed as if the -repulse was complete.</p> -<p>“Save your breath, boys,” said the veteran guide, with a -silent but joyous laugh; “fer you’ll need it, every smich, -afore day. This is on’y the primin’, an’ the rail airnest work -is yit to come. Fodder up an’ look out fer breakers!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_29">29</div> -<p>“Then you think they’ll make another attack?” anxiously -queried Major Calhoun, who stood beside Maxwell, reloading -his weapons with the rapidity of an expert.</p> -<p>“Bet Ebenezer ag’in’ a jack-rabbit—which is long odds—that -they will. They didn’t know we was ready for ’em, but -they’ve l’arnt a lesson now, an’ they never need more’n one -o’ thet kind to open thar eyes.”</p> -<p>This was probably the reason of the strange recklessness and -want of caution that the Indians had exhibited, for such is -not their usual nature. They most likely believed that the -shots had been fired by an alarmed sentinel, and then made -their quick rush, hoping to overpower the startled and bewildered -emigrants before they were well awakened and aware -of the real facts.</p> -<p>And then, when greeted in such a deadly manner, they -perceived the error they had fallen into, fleeing in confusion -and momentary dismay. But as the old guide had predicted, -the worst was yet to come, and the savages would be doubly -desperate now, from the heavy loss they had experienced.</p> -<p>Their approaches now would be all the more to be dreaded, -because they would be conducted with all caution and subtleness.</p> -<p>During the entire assault and repulse, the savages had -scarce fired a dozen shots, and not one of the emigrants was -harmed, so well were they sheltered. But one of the horses, -who had all been tethered at either end of the barricade, near -the banks of the river, had been struck by a random bullet, -and killed.</p> -<p>As it alarmed the others, by Maxwell’s direction, the body -was pushed over the bank into the river. And then each -man returned to his post, while those detailed to watch the -water side, retained their position.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_30">30</div> -<h2 id="c3"><span class="small">CHAPTER III.</span> -<br />A WILD RACE.</h2> -<p>Meanwhile, where was the missing maiden, Clara Calhoun? -Let us glance back and learn.</p> -<p>The information gleaned by Major Calhoun from the emigrants -was correct, so far as it went. Clara had been riding, -as usual, and when she had learned the spot chosen for the -encampment, which she could already locate by the neighboring -grove of trees, she resolved to enjoy a little gallop ere -night fell, and by this means she would also avoid much of -the disagreeable noise and confusion attendant upon halting.</p> -<p>So she bore abruptly to the right, and with loosened rein -dashed merrily away, the proud mustang tossing his head -gladly, at this unusual relaxation. But Clara’s little ride was -destined to be carried out upon a scale of far greater importance -than she had anticipated, and ere it was ended, she was -fated to undergo a season of peculiar trial.</p> -<p>From before her horse’s feet there sprung up a rabbit—one -of that overgrown breed popularly known as “jack-rabbits,” -which, if not often palmed off on greenhorns as full grown -mules, as Westerners frequently assert, are sufficiently large to -astonish those used only to the more diminutive species common -to “the States”—and dashed away over the short grass, -clearing fully half a score yards at each jump.</p> -<p>Clara’s eyes sparkled, and bending forward she spoke to -her horse in a low tone, gently touching his flanks with her -switch. The game creature bounded forward with a wild -snort, while the maiden laughed long and loudly at this unique -race.</p> -<p>The jack-rabbit, like his more diminutive brother of the -States, invariably resorts to one ruse, in order to escape an -enemy. It will flee for a considerable distance in a direct -line, but then will “double,” and return by a <i>detour</i> to near -the starting-point.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_31">31</div> -<p>And this one was not an exception to the general rule. -For fully a mile it leaped ahead, with astonishing speed, leaving -Clara far behind, and then doubled.</p> -<p>But Clara did not detect this last move, and urged her horse -on at full speed. Then, however, having lost sight of the -animal, she drew rein and turned as if to retrace her steps.</p> -<p>She glanced around, but the point toward which she believed -was the camping-ground was bare and like that upon -either hand. Not a tree was to be seen. The plain was -nearly level, but she was now in a slight depression, that -was from right to left, like the trough between two huge -waves.</p> -<p>“Come,” she said, us she twitched the reins and turned the -mustang’s head toward the crest, “we must hurry, or we’ll be -too late for supper. It’s almost sundown.”</p> -<p>But then, as she paused upon the ridge, a wild cry broke -from her lips. A startling sight met her gaze.</p> -<p>Before her, at not more than one-half mile distance, were -a number of horsemen, coming toward her at full speed. -And even her untrained eyes could tell that they were Indians; -their trappings and peculiar manner of riding, outlined -upon the red sky beyond, as they crossed a slight swell, told -her that.</p> -<p>“My God! I am lost!” gasped Clara, for she believed that -these forms were directly between her and her friends, unknowing -how the chase after the rabbit had caused her to deviate -from a true line.</p> -<p>But then as a shrill cry came to her ears, borne over the -intervening space by the light breeze, she wrenched her -horse’s head around and dashed down the slope at a break-neck -pace. Only one thought possessed her now: to increase -the distance between her and these dusky fiends, of whose -daring she had heard so many frightful incidents.</p> -<p>And now the race was begun in sober earnest. It was no -longer one of mere sport; freedom, perhaps even life depended -upon her retaining the vantage-ground thus fortunately -gained.</p> -<p>The truth may be told in a few words. These savages -were but part of the band that had pursued old Tom Maxwell, -who, after discovering the riderless horse, had suspected -<span class="pb" id="Page_32">32</span> -the ruse, and were searching for the emigrant train. They -had caught sight of Clara, just after she set off in pursuit of -the rabbit, and a band of them immediately spurred forth to -effect her capture.</p> -<p>There was one circumstance in Clara’s favor, though she -did not think of it then. The sun had already sunk behind -the western horizon, and in a short time more, the shades of -night would hide her from her enemies, provided she could -elude their clutches for so long.</p> -<p>But then she knew not whither she was going. Ignorant -of what lay before her, in a strange and wild region, what -hope was there for her?</p> -<p>Even supposing she should escape these enemies, how could -she subsist in that wide prairie, destitute of food, or even the -means of procuring any? She would only starve to death, -die by slow degrees!</p> -<p>And thus she sped on, carefully assisting her noble horse, -as he labored on. Fortunate indeed it was for her that he -was a mustang, prairie born and bred; tough and hardy, -though not remarkably fleet at a short stretch.</p> -<p>But one of this race will easily tire out and even kill one -of the larger breed from the States, and yet, after a short rest -and mouthful of short grass, be as well and fresh as ever. -For hours they can be urged on at full speed, without giving -way beneath the strain.</p> -<p>And so, though beneath the saddle well-nigh that entire day, -Clara’s horse sped on without flinching, and the maiden saw -with joy that she was nearly, if not quite, maintaining her -vantage ground.</p> -<p>But still, of what avail? How would it all end? She -was fleeing further with each moment, from her friends, and -in trying to avoid one death, seemed but rushing upon another, -scarcely less terrible.</p> -<p>For fully an hour the race swept on, without any great -change in the relative positions. The shades of night were -now upon the prairie, and the moon not yet having risen, all -around was dark and gloomy.</p> -<p>Clara could see that she was nearing high ground, but as -she looked to see if she could not skirt it, the dim outlines of -a long range met her eye, extending for miles upon either -<span class="pb" id="Page_33">33</span> -hand. Though fearful of losing ground, there was nothing -for it but to dare the steep ascent.</p> -<p>In a few minutes more, the fugitive was at the base of a -rugged hill, and then as the shrill yells of exultation came up -from the pursuers behind her, Clara urged her laboring horse -up the steep ascent.</p> -<p>It was hard work for the already overtasked animal, but -it nobly responded to the call, and although more than once -stumbling, it struggled on until the extreme crest was gained. -But then as it dashed down the steep declivity, the mustang’s -hoof rested upon a loose stone, and it pitched forward, head-first, -flinging its rider violently to the ground. Then arising, -it still kept on, snorting wildly.</p> -<p>Clara felt a shock, then that she was falling—falling down -what seemed an interminable depth, and then, with a frightful -shock her downward course seemed to be checked. This; -and then followed a blank.</p> -<p>A blank, so far as any definite sensation was concerned, -and yet not entirely one, either. For it seemed—faint and -indistinct, as in a dream—as though she was shortly afterward -surrounded by phantom figures, and a far-away hum as -of human voices in consultation, was also in the vision, if -vision it was.</p> -<p>The figures seemed to raise her from the ground and then -convey her gently through the air for what seemed an almost -interminable length of time. Then she was placed upon -the cool ground beside a murmuring rivulet, when cool water -was sprinkled over her face, while warm, soft hands chafed -her own.</p> -<p>Then with a feeble cry she started up and gazed wildly -around her. The phantom forms were now more substantial—the -voices sounded more clearly upon her ear, and she -knew that the visionary dream had been a reality.</p> -<p>Then she uttered a feeble cry and sunk back, with a convulsive -shudder. Before her she beheld a hideous face, dusky, -it seemed, with nodding plumes surmounting it, that she -knew could only belong to an Indian!</p> -<p>She felt that she was lost—that her pursuers had overtaken -her, and that now she was helpless in the power of the -merciless fiends!</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_34">34</div> -<h2 id="c4"><span class="small">CHAPTER IV.</span> -<br />THE FORLORN HOPE.</h2> -<p>“Do you think that Dusky Dick is with them, Maxwell?”</p> -<p>“I would sw’ar it, boss, ef that wasn’t ag’in my natur’,” -promptly replied the old borderer, as he seated himself beside -his loop-hole, and coolly began cutting a plug of tobacco -into bits, to fill the pipe that he held in his mouth, as he -spoke. “But I tell you he’s <i>thar</i>. I didn’t see him when -those galoots was a’ter old Ebenezer, but they was in a crowd, -an’ I didn’t hev time to look good. But I kin <i>smell</i> him, -now.”</p> -<p>“Smell him!” echoed Calhoun, somewhat astonished at -the positive tone of the old guide.</p> -<p>“Yas, sir,” quoth Tom, cramming the tobacco into the -pipe-bowl. “You know thar <i>is</i> sech a thing as <i>smell</i>, don’t -ye? Wal, then, one thing smells like somethin’ else, an’ then -ag’in another <i>don’t</i>. See?” selecting a match from a small -pocket-safe.</p> -<p>“You won’t risk a light here, now, Tom?”</p> -<p>“No danger, boss, fer as you’ll see, when <i>I</i> make a light, -thar hain’t a smich o’ light to be see’d; that is, onless you -look whar it is, an’ then you won’t see it, nuther,” laying his -old slouched hat upon the ground, over the handle of his -knife.</p> -<p>Then he lay down, protruding his pipe-bowl beneath the -hat, and striking a match, ignited the pipe without betraying -a light larger than that of a glow-worm.</p> -<p>“You see, some things kin be did ’s well ’s others, ef so be -you know jest how to do it. But as I was sayin’, I kin smell -that pesky varmint, Dusky Dick. Dif’rent folks is dif’rent, -you know, but then they’re all alike, too, a’ter all. Now -then thar’s Miss Clary; she smells jest like a gre’t big bnn’le -o’ posies, figur’tively speakin’, in course. Then thar’s you—sorter -like a persimming. Ef a feller bites you at the wrong -<span class="pb" id="Page_35">35</span> -time, why he’d a heap ruther squat down bar’-legged onto a -big ho’nets’ nest than to do it ag’in. But ef the sign is right, -then it’s jest like b’iled honey, unly more so. Then ag’in, -furder an’ more so, thar’s Jack Wilson. <i>He</i> smells jest like -a bottle o’ pepper-sass. A lettle is mighty good, but ef you -gits too much, why you’re boun’ to sneeze an’ go a-milkin’. -So Dusky Dick smells like a copperhead or a rattler. I tell -you he’s <i>thar</i>, all ready for bitin’, for <i>I smells ’im</i>!” earnestly -declared Maxwell, smoking vigorously.</p> -<p>“Look out yonder, Tom, where that little ridge of sand -ends,” suddenly whispered Calhoun, touching the old guide -upon the shoulder. “What is that long, dark thing?”</p> -<p>After a moment’s scrutiny of the suspicious-looking object, -Maxwell replied:</p> -<p>“It looks su’thin’ like a chunk cut out o’ a black cloud, -don’t it? Reckon ’tain’t, though, come to think. Would be -a Injun ef ’twasn’t somethin’ else. ’Sides, it’s too big an’ too -long an’ too much so all over, for a red. ’Tain’t a canoe, -nuther, ’cause thar hain’t no water thar. I’d go out an’ ax -its name, on’y I’m ’feered it’d rare up an’ onsettle my supper,” -slowly drawled the old guide, evidently talking from mere -force of habit, without heeding what he said.</p> -<p>“It surely moves—see! It’s closer now than when I first -noticed it!” anxiously added Calhoun, nervously handling his -rifle.</p> -<p>“Easy—easy, boss, or you’ll skeer the durned thing so bad -it’ll run off, right spang-a-diddle through us,” continued Tom, -the while keenly eying the nondescript. “It <i>does</i> move, by -ge-mently! but I don’t see no legs, an’ it ain’t no sarpint, -’less it’s swallered its own head an’ tail. Mebbe it’s a whale?”</p> -<p>One of the emigrants now came up beside them, and called -their attention to a similar object at a little distance to the -left, that had puzzled the others in the same manner.</p> -<p>“Good gracious, boss,” exclaimed Tom, in a vexed tone, -“thar’s jest the biggest set o’ fools ’round these diggin’s as -was ever got together in one heap, I jest bet my pile! <i>They</i> -was fools for thinkin’ they could fool us with them, an’ we -was bigger fools for gittin’ fooled by them dratted fool logs! -It’s the beatin’est foolery ’at I <i>ever</i> knowed!”</p> -<p>These words explained the mystery, and the others were -<span class="pb" id="Page_36">36</span> -as greatly surprised as had been the old scout, that they had -not penetrated the ruse sooner.</p> -<p>The Indians had procured a number of logs, and were now -busied in rolling them up toward the corral, evidently hoping -to thus gain a position from whence they could securely pick -off the defenders of the wagon-train at their own leisure.</p> -<p>“What is to be done, now, Tom?” and the major could -not entirely conceal his uneasiness as he spoke.</p> -<p>“Why, jest kill a dozen o’ them loggerheads, an’ then the -others’ll take the hint an’ leave.”</p> -<p>“But how?”</p> -<p>“Shoot ’em, in course. You don’t s’pose they’ll let you -git cluss enough to do any thin’ else, do ye?”</p> -<p>“But they’re hid behind the logs.”</p> -<p>“Ef they keeps hid all the time, they won’t do overly much -damage a-shootin’, shore. No, <i>sir</i>! When a feller shoots, -his head hes got to be as high as the bar’l, an’ ef <i>it’s</i> atop o’ -the log, why don’t you see? his head must be thar too, in -course, onless he’s cross-eyed an’ kin shoot roun’ the corner,” -argued Tom.</p> -<p>“Then you mean to—?”</p> -<p>“I reckon. We’ll try it, anyhow, jest for beans. You -feller, go an’ send Wilson an’ Texas Joe here, quicker!”</p> -<p>In a few moments the two men designated were at hand, -and then Maxwell directed them what to do. The logs were -now within fifty yards of the outer wagons, and were still -drawing yet nearer, though slowly.</p> -<p>“Hunker down here, boys, an’ see that you’re well kivered. -Ready? Now one o’ you fire to’rds that log afore us. Don’t -make no differ’ whether you aim at it or that big star yonder, -jest so you shoot; an’ then dodge down, quick.”</p> -<p>The gun was discharged as directed, at one of the stationary -logs, and instantly there came a return shot, evidently -aimed at this flash, for the bullet plowed up the dirt in close -proximity to the men.</p> -<p>Then like an echo the rifle of the guide spoke, and was -blended with a wild yell of death-agony, that told it had -not been discharged in vain, while a dark figure sprung high -up into the air, and falling, lay motionless upon the ground, -out in the open moonlight.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_37">37</div> -<p>“See, boss,” exultantly cried Maxwell, rolling quickly aside -from his loop-hole in time to avoid a return shot. “I told -you ’at something could be did ’s well ’s others, an’ now you -see they kin, an’ better, too!”</p> -<p>A chorus of vindictive hoots and cries announced that the -enemy were any thing but pleased at the working of their -scheme, and then a general volley was fired from behind the -logs.</p> -<p>This time a cry uprose from the interior of the corral, and -then the word was passed around that one of the men was -killed. At this calamity—the first one of any importance—a -heavy gloom settled over the spirits of the defenders, for -they knew not but that ere the morning’s sun should arise, -they would all have met the same dread fate.</p> -<p>But their attention was speedily diverted from this sad -thought, and their every energy required to avert the threatened -doom. The cry went up that another onset was at -hand.</p> -<p>With the never-failing yells and screeches, the foe sprung -up from behind their coverts, and swarmed forward like so -many phantoms of death; and then the air was filled with -the hissing bullets and hurtling arrows.</p> -<p>As before, a dazzling line of flame shot along the entire -length of the barricade, and so deadly was its effect that the -desperate onslaught was momentarily checked. Only momentarily, -though, and then there came a simultaneous shock -against the outer row of wagons, as the assailants gained this -shelter.</p> -<p>Then the enemies were separated by only a few feet, and -for a few fast-fleeting seconds there was a pause. It was -broken, however, by a shot from the corral, and as an Indian -uttered the death-shriek, his companions strove desperately to -scale the barricade.</p> -<p>Did they reveal their persons to the keen eyes of the besieged, -a bullet was speedily sent upon its deadly mission; -did they essay to crawl beneath or over the wagons, they -were met by pistol-shots, knife thrusts or clubbed rifles.</p> -<p>Nor were the defenders unscathed. More than one still -and ghastly form incumbered the interior of the corral, while -here and there writhed one in mortal agony, shrieking aloud, -<span class="pb" id="Page_38">38</span> -but with fast weakening accents, the names of his loved ones; -of those, who were even then, perchance, praying for his -safety, that he might pass that terrific ordeal unharmed.</p> -<p>Although old Tom Maxwell and Major Calhoun were -desperately busy, their voices were silent. There was little -need of orders then, for each man was nobly doing his duty, -and that lay plainly before him.</p> -<p>Then there came a loud shout from those men who were -stationed close to the extremities of the barricade, so as to -overlook the water’s surface. A cry that announced some -new peril threatening their safety; a cry that was echoed -exultantly back by the demons in front, who now seemed to -redouble their efforts to scale the barrier.</p> -<p>Maxwell quickly gained one end of the corral, and beheld -the river’s surface above their position, as well as directly in -front, close to the water’s edge, dotted with sundry black objects -that needed but one glance to be recognized as logs, -bearing the firearms of savages, who were evidently sheltered -behind them, but at the same time drawing nearer to their -anticipated prey.</p> -<p>Those who exposed themselves first, on going to the -shore, were instantly saluted with a deadly volley of pistol-balls, -and for a brief space, the others hesitated, as if disconcerted. -They had evidently counted upon effecting an entrance -into the corral by surprise, while the emigrants were -engaged in repelling the attack of the main body, and then -overpowering their obstinate foes, but the forethought of the -veteran guide had baulked them.</p> -<p>Then rallying, they made a desperate rush, gaining the -shore, and several of them actually gaining the bank, entering -the corral, only to be hurled back, dead or dying, into the -water. For a brief space, it was a wild, horrible <i>melee</i>, desperate -and bloody.</p> -<p>The report of fire-arms—the occasional ringing of steel -against steel, as two foemen met in close contest—the confused -trampling to and fro—the shrill yell, either of rage or else of -death-agony—the defiant shouts and hoarse oaths—the affrighted -screams of the snorting horses—or the wail of some -terrified infant, all combined into one fearful tumult!</p> -<p>Then there came a long-drawn, quavering cry, and as if -<span class="pb" id="Page_39">39</span> -by magic the savage assailants vanished, like hoar-frost before -the sun’s warm breath. But there followed no exultant -shout from the emigrants.</p> -<p>As they glanced fearfully around upon the forms of their -dead and dying comrades, their hearts were rent with anguish -and apprehension. They saw but too plainly, that another -such triumph would be almost equivalent to a defeat.</p> -<p>While the majority still retained their posts, keenly vigilant, -others of the little band removed the dead into one place -and ministered to the wants of the wounded, to the best of -their ability. It was a sad and heart-rending task, but their -own peril was such that they had no time for bewailing their -comrade’s sad fate, and then once more they returned to their -posts.</p> -<p>For nearly an hour all was silence within the little corral, -and even the sorely wounded, despite their agony, heroically -suppressed their moans of pain, lest they should tend to weaken -the nerves of the defenders still left. And the latter were -far too deeply occupied with their own thoughts upon the -impending peril to feel like conversing.</p> -<p>But, at the end of this time, there was one who could maintain -silence no longer—the old guide, Tom Maxwell. A voluble -talker, he seemed totally at a loss while his tongue was -idle, and, unlike most people, he appeared to think better and -more closely while dilating upon some entirely foreign subject.</p> -<p>Upon one side of him was stationed Major Calhoun; upon -the other, the young man, Buenos Ayres. It was with them, -either or both, that he spoke.</p> -<p>“Wuss’n a Quaker meetin’, this is, ’specially a’ter sich lively -doin’s as was jist now. ’Pears like I’d bu’st ef I was to hold -in any longer; the words scroudge each other so’t they hain’ -got room to kick in. What d’you think o’ the sitivation, -any how, boss?”</p> -<p>“It’s bad—very bad!” gloomily responded Calhoun.</p> -<p>“That’s true as gospil; but then ’tain’t quite so bad as it -mought be ef it was wuss, anyhow, which is a gre’t consolation. -I thought I was once in the wuss fix ’at ever could be -hatched up, when I was in the middle o’ a bayou, down in -Texas, with a passel o’ red-skins on ’ither hand, an’ three in -<span class="pb" id="Page_40">40</span> -a canoe, cluss ahind me. But then a corntwisted alligator -poked his nose right up from the water, against mine, which -mixed things up a little more so.</p> -<p>“But I div’—the canoe ran smack inside the critter’s mouth—thar -was a scrunch, an’ then mebbe thar wasn’t some splashin’! -I swum in ’mongst the reeds, while the reds was flustrated, -an’ so fooled ’em. All of which goes to prove that we -ain’t cotched yit.”</p> -<p>“Are you sure that Dusky Dick is with these devils, to-night? -I have neither seen nor heard him.”</p> -<p>“Bet yer life he is. But he hain’t nobody’s fool, an’ knows -well enough that ef he should show his ugly mug, it’d bring -a dozen bullets a’ter it. Most like, he’s painted up like one -o’ the rest; but he’s <i>thar</i>, shure. I smell him, I tell ye.</p> -<p>“You never heerd tell o’ <i>two</i> sech attacks as them, right -tergether, ’thout somebody hed a partic’lar grudge to work out, -or objeck to gain. ’Tain’t Injun nature, <i>it</i> ain’t. Most like -they’re a gang o’ outcast an’ vaggarbonds as he’s picked up -somewhars, to do his dirty work, an’ this ’ere ain’t the <i>fust</i> -time, nuther, you mark <i>me</i>. No wonder he’s called an unlucky -guide fer the <i>trains</i>,” added Maxwell, significantly; and -then he proceeded once more to fill his pipe.</p> -<p>“I had hoped he was not with them, for then I should not -feel so uneasy about the result. I think we can beat them off -once more, anyhow, and if they were only after plunder, -their loss would soon sicken them. But if <i>he</i> is there, I fear -the worst,” added Calhoun, thoughtfully.</p> -<p>“Jest so; you talk right to the spot, <i>you</i> do—a’ter my own -style. Never did fancy them fellers what jabbered so much -’mongst sech a heep o’ words; ’t stands to reason thar must -be <i>some</i> lyin’; an’ I hate a liar like all ge-mently—I do <i>so</i>!”</p> -<p>“It was a sad mistake, our leaving the regular trail,” observed -young Ayres.</p> -<p>“As it turns out, yes. But ’twar fer the best, then. Water’s -sca’ce on that route this dry weather. We did it fer the best. -But why so?”</p> -<p>“Because we might hope for help from some other train. -As it is, we’re too far off for them to hear the fuss.”</p> -<p>“Yas; thar ears hain’t long enough. Ketch a lot o’ jack-rabbits -an’ chouge ’th ’em. Mules, too. Lord, yas!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_41">41</div> -<p>“Why, Maxwell, what do you mean?” and Calhoun gazed -anxiously at the old scout, whose eyes appeared fixed intently -upon a bright star, while a vacant stare rested upon his countenance.</p> -<p>“Don’t—let him alone, major,” whispered Buenos. “He -don’t know he’s talking. I believe he sees some way to fool -these devils, and is settling the details.”</p> -<p>And such was indeed the case. The words of Ayers had -given a hint to the quick-witted guide, that he was not slow -to take hold of. From mere force of habit, his tongue shaped -words of which he was unconscious.</p> -<p>“Thar! I’ve got it! We’ll fool the imps yit, by ge-mineezers! -That is, we will ef we do; an’ ef we don’t, why, we -will, <i>any</i>how. No use talkin’—we <i>must</i> do it,” and the guide -uttered a deep sigh of relief, as he glanced, first at one, then -at the other, of his companions.</p> -<p>“Do what? What do you mean, Tom?”</p> -<p>“Lis’en. I said we’d fool them imps, an’ I b’lieve we kin -do it. I don’t say we kin, <i>fer shore</i>, but I think so. A feller -mustn’t—”</p> -<p>“But your plan—what is it?” impatiently interrupted Calhoun. -“There is no time to lose.”</p> -<p>“Thar’s another day a-comin’, boss,” coolly added Maxwell, -his tones telling that his mind was still busied with the -details of his plan. “No need to be in a hurry. Know’d a -feller to <i>die</i>, onc’t, ’cause he was in too big a hurry. Got lost -thar—starved to death afore he could find his way out. Thar, -it’s <i>did</i>—<i>now</i> listen.</p> -<p>“Fust, we’re here—<i>they’re</i> thar, an’ somebody else is in -t’other place. We must find that t’other somebody. See?” -hastily spluttered Maxwell.</p> -<p>“But <i>how</i>?”</p> -<p>“You ’member the train we left at Dutchman’s Crick—the -sojer one? It couldn’t travel much faster ’n we did, so it -must be not very fur away now, on t’other trail. We must -get word to them. Now fer the <i>how</i>.</p> -<p>“One o’ us—a volunteer ef thar is one—ef not, I’ll try it—must -drop over thar in the drink, an’ swim down ontel he kin -git out ’thout the reds seein’ him. Then he must putt out, -hot fut, an’ not stop fer nothin’ ontel he strikes t’other trail -<span class="pb" id="Page_42">42</span> -Then ef the big train hes goed by, he must ketch up ’th it. Ef -not, then he must go t’other way ontel he finds it. That did, -he’ll tell o’ our sitivation an’ bring help—twenty sojers ’ll do, -’th what we hev here. See?”</p> -<p>“But can the trail be found, Tom? Won’t whoever attempts -it, get lost?”</p> -<p>“Thar’s the no’th star—he kin keep that on his right -shoulder. He <i>cain’t</i> miss it—the trail runs from eend to eend—onless -he goes t’other way. You stay here, an’ I’ll go see -what the boys say ’bout it.”</p> -<p>“No need of that, I will make the venture,” said Buenos, -calmly.</p> -<p>“You—no, lad. I’d ruther go myself. It’ll be resky—no -two to one a feller’ll git through. Think o’ Miss Clary,” earnestly -responded Maxwell.</p> -<p>“I do—I have. She is lost, and every moment that we -let go by but adds to the danger of our never finding her. -The sooner we are free to search for her, the better her -chances are. I will not lose any time, and the thought that -I am working for her, will help me through.”</p> -<p>“He is right, Tom,” answered Calhoun. “He can do this -as well as you can, and besides, he can hardly fill your place -here. We need some one who is up to the dodges of the -red devils, or we are lost indeed. You must stay.”</p> -<p>“You’re right, but I don’t like it. Still, it may be best. -I’d ruther trust him then ary other one as would go, now -Texas Joe is rubbed out.”</p> -<p>“Have you any further instructions to give?” asked Ayres, -as he tightened the belt around his waist.</p> -<p>“No—on’y take keer o’ yourself. ’Member that the life o’ -the hull pack o’ us—and mebbe that o’ Miss Clary, too—depends -on your gittin’ through all hunky. It’d be too late to -try a-nother one, ef you—thunder! you <i>won’t</i> git rubbed out! -Ef you do, durned ef I don’t jest up an’ swaller every pesky -red-skin out yender, alive, an’ then send Dusky Dick down -a’ter, to keep ’em stirred up lively. I will so!”</p> -<p>“Well then, I’ll go now. I wouldn’t tell the boys how it -is, till you know whether I get through safe or not.”</p> -<p>“Leave your rifle here—tie a ’volver on top o’ your head, -so it’ll be dry an’ ready fer use, ef you should chaince to run -<span class="pb" id="Page_43">43</span> -ag’in’ any o’ the varmints. Swim cluss to the bank, whar it -throws a shadder, an’ take your time ontel you git a safe distance. -Then let your legs went. Don’t stop to look ef you’re -goin’ to tread on ary bug or nothin’—let ’em squ’sh ef they -don’t git outen the way. Onderstand?”</p> -<p>“Yes. Good-by.”</p> -<p>“Good-by, and God bless and protect you, my boy,” uttered -Calhoun, chokingly.</p> -<p>“Thar—git out! You’ve filled my eyes full o’ bugs or -so’thin’, a’ready. Ef the reds come now, I couldn’t shoot a -mite. Thar—now you’re gone,” and the old guide pressed -the young man’s hand warmly, while he brushed one sleeve -across his eyes, now dimmed by a suspicious moisture.</p> -<p>Cautiously Ayres glided along the barricade, and slipping -down the bank—here several yards high—entered the water. -Then sinking low down, and keeping within the narrow belt -of dark shadow, he slowly floated down-stream, fairly bound -upon his truly perilous mission.</p> -<p>And with painfully-throbbing hearts the two men listened, -dreading lest there should come to their ears with each passing -moment, the exultant shout of their savage foes, announcing -the discovery of the young man, thus foiling their last -hope—a truly forlorn one!</p> -<h2 id="c5"><span class="small">CHAPTER V.</span> -<br />DELAWARE TOM.</h2> -<p>Clara uttered a wild cry, and sunk back, with a shudder. -She believed her pursuers had overtaken, and now held her -captive; but in this she was mistaken.</p> -<p>“Do not be alarmed, lady,” uttered a low voice, close beside -the maiden. “You are among friends here, who will -protect you with their lives, if there be any need.”</p> -<p>“But he—he is an Indian!” half unconsciously murmured -Clara.</p> -<p>“True, but he is far different from those who were chasing -<span class="pb" id="Page_44">44</span> -you. He is a true friend, and would fight in your defense -quite as readily as I would.”</p> -<p>“Bes’ git back little furder. Injun shoot plenty straight -by dis light. Ketch hoss—den be back, bumbye. Bes’ hide -in bushes up dere, den Injun go by—won’t see um,” interrupted -a guttural voice, evidently proceeding from the lips of -the Indian alluded to.</p> -<p>“You’re right, Tom. They’ll be apt to follow back on -their own trail, to see where she gave them the slip. Do you -think you can walk, Miss?” he added, turning toward Clara; -“or shall I carry you? There is danger in lingering here.”</p> -<p>“Thank you—I will walk. If you lend me your arm I -think— Ah!”</p> -<p>Clara rose to her feet by clinging to the strong arm of her -new-found friend, but then, with an agonized groan, she would -have fallen to the ground, had not his arms encircled her -fainting form. The violent fall had evidently injured the -maiden far more severely than she had at first believed.</p> -<p>“Lead the way, Delaware,” muttered the man, as he raised -the girl in his arms. “Quick!”</p> -<p>The Indian turned and glided along the level plat for a -few yards, then began ascending a steep incline. Up this for -a considerable distance; then he paused before a dense -growth of bushes, that seemed to shoot out from the very face -of the bank.</p> -<p>The man bearing Clara was quickly beside his red companion, -and then they all entered the bushes, disappearing -from sight.</p> -<p>This spot was upon a hillside, at whose base ran a clear -stream of water. Beyond this, again, was a level strip of -ground, studded thickly with little clumps of trees and undergrowth.</p> -<p>The three persons were ensconced within the bushes, close -against the rocks, that uprose, bare and gray, for nearly a -dozen yards, sloping so that a stone dropped from the escarpment -above, would touch the ground several yards out -from the base. This cliff, however, only extended for a short -distance upon either hand; then it ran out into a steep hillside, -down which, on one hand, Clara had been cast by the -stumbling of her horse.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_45">45</div> -<p>“How do you feel now?” asked the white man, after a -moment’s rest.</p> -<p>“Better, though still faint and dizzy. But how— I remember -falling, and then all is blank. How did you find -me, and where am I? There were some Indians chasing me; -where are they?” confusedly asked Clara, in a faint tone.</p> -<p>In a few quick words the stranger explained the part he -had played in the adventure.</p> -<p>He was an officer of a Government train of supplies, and -had started out on a scout, together with one of their guides, -an Indian named Delaware Tom, but had become belated -while following up a trail. They had resolved to encamp -for the night, when they were aroused by wild yells and the -sound of hoof-strokes.</p> -<p>Then they saw a woman rise the hill’s crest, and almost -immediately fall from her horse, as it stumbled. He sprung -forward and caught her, while Delaware Tom crept to the -hill-top to learn what had so alarmed her.</p> -<p>He soon made out the figures of the pursuing savages, and -then the two scouts had hidden in the bushes, with the unconscious -maiden, until the war-party had thundered by, in -hot pursuit of the riderless horse. Then they had hastened -with Clara to the creek, where they succeeded in restoring -her to consciousness, by the plentiful use of water, aided by -a stronger fluid incased in a flask carried by the captain.</p> -<p>And then Clara briefly detailed her portion of the adventure, -adding:</p> -<p>“If I do not thank you for this service, it is because I can -not find words to express my feelings. I would rather die -than fall into <i>their</i> power!”</p> -<p>“Thanks are not needed, believe me. I am amply repaid -already for the trifle I was enabled to do, by knowing you -are safe from those fiends. But you spoke of your father—is -it possible that he is my old commandant, Major John Calhoun?”</p> -<p>“He served in Mexico, and his given name is John.”</p> -<p>“It must be the same, then! Did you never hear him -speak of Harold Travers? He saved my life at Cerro Gordo,” -eagerly added the captain.</p> -<p>“Indeed I have; he often mentions your name. And now -<span class="pb" id="Page_46">46</span> -you repay that debt by saving the life of his daughter. He -has often wondered where you were, and it will be a happy -meeting; one that I trust will take place very soon.”</p> -<p>“Bes’ not mek talk now,” interrupted Indian Tom, significantly. -“’Rapahoe he come back plenty soon. Find hoss—mad -like de debble ’cause don’t fin’ squaw, too. Hunt -fo’ her heap, mebbe. Won’t git her, dough, ’less kin whip -<i>us</i>.”</p> -<p>“You’re right, Delaware. I can hear the sound of their -horses’ hoofs on the rocks.”</p> -<p>“Are they coming? My God! I thought I had escaped -them for good!” moaned Clara, fearfully.</p> -<p>“Have no fear, Miss Calhoun,” returned Travers. “They -shall not harm you, even if they chance to discover us. There -are only half a dozen in all, and surely we two can manage -them. Can’t we, Delaware?”</p> -<p>“Yeh, fo’ sure. Don’t know much how mek fight, ’Rapahoe. -Big cowards, dey is. Got white man ’long, dough.”</p> -<p>“Are you sure, Tom?”</p> -<p>“See um. Know um, too. Name Dusky Dick. Big -decoy. White Injins—plenty bad—more so dan oders. Play -snake fo’ train, so Injin git ’em,” tersely added the Indian.</p> -<p>Clara uttered a faint cry of apprehension, at the sound of -his name, for she knew that now indeed she was in danger. -The threats of Dusky Dick came back to memory with renewed -force, and knowing, as he must, that she was astray -in the mountains, he would spare no pains in order to make -his words good.</p> -<p>“I see you know him, too; but never mind now. We -must not converse any more. See! the devils are in sight, -down yonder by the creek.”</p> -<p>Cautiously peering through the leafy screen before them -the three fugitives could just distinguish the faint, shadowy -outlines of a number of horsemen, down in the valley. These -soon crossed the creek, and then one being left in charge of -the horses, the rest—six in number—dismounted and began -quartering over the ground, like hounds searching for a lost -scent.</p> -<p>The soldier tightly compressed his lips, and grasped his -rifle with deadly determination. He saw that the enemy had -<span class="pb" id="Page_47">47</span> -evidently divined the manner in which their anticipated victim -had escaped them—at least in part—and believed she -was still hiding in some place in the vicinity.</p> -<p>It was not probable they were aware of the presence of -other foes in the neighborhood, else they would have displayed -more caution. Evidently they believed Clara had -abandoned her failing horse, and sought safety by lying in -concealment.</p> -<p>The moonlight was too faint and uncertain for the savages -to learn aught from a trail upon the rocky ground, and that -fact was in favor of the fugitives. Still, there could be no -denying that they were in imminent peril of their lives.</p> -<p>The Arapahoes scattered and began a close and systematic -search of the ground, peering behind each bowlder, into every -bush and cranny where a human form might possibly have -sought refuge. The six were widely scattered, the better to -compass their purpose.</p> -<p>Upon the movements of one of the savages in particular, -was the attention of the three friends riveted. He alone of -the party was in close proximity to the hidden prey.</p> -<p>He was a large, brawny warrior, and was now gliding -along the hill-side, gradually approaching the covert of our -friends, carefully scrutinizing every yard of ground as he -proceeded. Presently he paused and glanced keenly around -him. Then his piercing gaze rested fairly upon the line of -bushes that screened the base of the cliff.</p> -<p>His tall, muscular frame, drawn rigidly erect, in all the -pride of war-paint and plumes, looked grandly terrible in the -glimmering moonlight, and even the eyes of Delaware Tom -emitted a momentary gleam of admiration as they dwelt upon -the perfect figure. But then this gave place to a glare of -deadly hatred as if he recognized a bitter personal enemy in -the warrior.</p> -<p>The Arapahoe stood thus for a moment, and then began -gliding up the hill-side, his eyes seeming to pierce through -and through the screen, so keen was their glance. He saw -that this was a good cover, and believed or hoped that the -fugitive had taken refuge there.</p> -<p>Travers crouched down and drew his revolver, with a -stern demeanor, but then a light touch upon his shoulder -<span class="pb" id="Page_48">48</span> -caused him to turn his head. The Delaware made a peculiar -gesture, and then hissed:</p> -<p>“No shoot—mek too much noise. Let Delaware tek him. -Know um—he kisch-kouch—big t’ief—me kill him heap sure. -Tom’hawk mek no noise.”</p> -<p>“You’re right, Tom, I forgot,” muttered Travers, below -his breath; and then fearing to say more, they watched the -red-skin’s progress in perfect silence.</p> -<p>The Arapahoe did not pause, but kept on until he could -touch the bushes with his outstretched hand. Evidently he -did not dream of danger to himself, for he believed the fugitive -maiden was alone.</p> -<p>Then he reached out and parted the bushes. This he did -at a point some yards to the left of where the trio were concealed, -and a grunt of disappointment broke from his lips, as -he discovered nothing but bare rocks.</p> -<p>Then he moved nearer, parting the bushes at each step, -steadily nearing those which concealed the three friends. -His hand rested upon them, and then they were gently pressed -aside.</p> -<p>The Delaware was prepared for this move, and as the -moonlight shot into the aperture his uplifted hand fell, clutching -the heavy tomahawk, whose keen edge alighted fairly -upon the bowed crest of the savage. The blow was delivered -with a sure aim, and was deadly in its effects.</p> -<p>But as the left hand of Delaware Tom shot out to clutch -the throat of the Arapahoe, to check any outcry, the stricken -savage bounded back and uttered his thrilling death-cry. -This was done so quickly that it could not be prevented.</p> -<p>But then, ere the lifeless body could touch the ground, it -was seized by the Delaware and pushed into the bushes. -Then, for a moment, all was still.</p> -<p>Only for a moment, however, for then the comrades of the -slaughtered brave took up the yell, and echoed it long and -loud, as they intuitively drew together, in wondering alarm. -They well knew it was a cry from death-stricken lips, but -what had caused it, or from what direction it had come, they -knew not.</p> -<p>The cry had echoed through the hills, sounding from several -different points, and no two of the party could agree upon -<span class="pb" id="Page_49">49</span> -which one was the right. A glance told them that one of -their number was missing—the best and bravest warrior -among them all.</p> -<p>They were within fair view of the spot where the brave -had met his death, although, of course, ignorant of that fact, -and had the fugitives deemed it prudent, they could easily -have sent a brace of rifle-bullets into the little crowd. But, -as long as the savages did not molest them, Travers was willing -to do likewise, now that a helpless woman was under his -protection.</p> -<p>Though he did not greatly fear the result of a collision -with the six, he did not deem it prudent to invite such, under -the circumstances. A random shot might work incalculable -harm.</p> -<p>Clara shuddered convulsively as a peculiar sound met her -ear, from where Delaware Tom was crouched. She knew -he was scalping the dead brave, although she could not see -the action, as the thick-matted screen of bushes effectually -shut out the light of the moon.</p> -<p>With a grunt of satisfaction, Delaware Tom affixed the -reeking trophy to his girdle, and then turned toward the soldier. -Side by side, they peered out upon their foes in the -valley.</p> -<p>“Big fools plenty skeered,” chuckled Tom, as he noted the -irresolute air of the enemy. “Little more mek ’um run like -de debble. S’pose shoot one, two time, dey run way off. -Git scalp, too. Kin hit ’um from dis,” he added, eagerly fingering -his rifle as though longing to begin the affray.</p> -<p>“No, Tom, you mustn’t do it. It would not be safe. -Were we alone, I wouldn’t care how soon you began it, but -now we have another to look out for, besides ourselves. <i>She</i> -might get hurt.”</p> -<p>The Delaware did not reply, but he was evidently dissatisfied. -He had tasted blood, and it had aroused all the worst -passions of his half-tamed nature.</p> -<p>The savages appeared to be undecided as to the course best -for them to pursue, and for several minutes conversed earnestly -together, closely watched by their hidden foes. But -then there was a decided move on the part of the former.</p> -<p>One of their number moved toward the horses, and, mounting, -<span class="pb" id="Page_50">50</span> -rode rapidly off up the valley, soon disappearing from -view.</p> -<p>Travers and Toni exchanged glances. Right well they divined -the meaning of this move, and it evidently caused -them not a little uneasiness.</p> -<p>“He’s gone after help,” muttered the soldier.</p> -<p>“Yeh. Dat’s it. S’pose we stay here, den dey ketch us -all, same like buff’lo. S’pose we don’t like dat, den we mus’ -git ’way, ’fore dey gits back ag’in. Dat right, eh?”</p> -<p>“Yes; we must make a move. Surely we can manage -those fellows, yonder. If we do, and can catch some of the -horses, we can ride back to camp to-night. But how shall -we do it, Tom?”</p> -<p>“Stop—me t’ink a little. Plenty time—no hurry,” and -then the Delaware appeared deep-buried in thought.</p> -<h2 id="c6"><span class="small">CHAPTER VI.</span> -<br />TOM MAXWELL TURNS INDIAN.</h2> -<p>Major Calhoun and Tom Maxwell “listened with all -their ears,” for a sound they fervently hoped would never -come—the wild yells of exultation, telling that their messenger -had been captured by the Indians, and the dissipation of -their last hope.</p> -<p>And thus they remained for several minutes, without a -sound to greet their hearing, save the usual ones of the night. -But then, just as they were congratulating themselves upon -the complete success of the venture, their blood was fairly -curdled and their hearts wrung by a startling alarm.</p> -<p>From some distance came the noise, then arose a wild tumult -and outcry, as of human voices, the owners of which -were engaged in a bitter struggle for life and death. And -then from the prairie around the beleaguered train, there -sounded the shrill cries and signals of the aroused warriors, -followed by the rapid tread of several horses in full gallop, -<span class="pb" id="Page_51">51</span> -all tending toward the point below, where had first sounded -the alarm.</p> -<p>“My God! Tom, the boy is lost!” groaned Calhoun, -agonizedly, as he sunk back and covered his face with his -hands.</p> -<p>“I’m feared he is, boss, but look up. Don’t give way now, -jest when we need our wits the wust. What’s did is did, an’ -cain’t be ondid, nuther. Think o’ the rest—o’ Miss Clary—an’ -’member ef we go under, so’ll she, ’thout a doubt. Ha! -look—they’re comin’!” he added, suddenly, as several figures -appeared in view upon the prairie beyond. “Look out, boys—gi’ -the pesky imps a lettle thunder, jest to let ’em know -what they’ve got to ixpect herea’ter!”</p> -<p>As he yelled these words, Maxwell discharged his rifle at -a prominent Indian, who suddenly paused in his onward career, -tottered for a moment, then fell heavily forward upon -his face. And along the line of smoke-begrimed wagons -there was another flash, like those which had preceded it, -with a like deadly effect.</p> -<p>But the one volley was all that was needed, for then the -savages appeared to melt away and disappear from view. -This had evidently been no concerted assault, but the red-skins -had rushed forward, alarmed by the tumult below, no doubt -fearing their intended prey were attempting to escape by way -of the river.</p> -<p>When the temporary confusion had in a measure subsided, -the two men listened anxiously for some sound from below, to -tell them of the probable fate of their messenger, but all was -still. The event had evidently decided, in one way or another, -during the brief assault.</p> -<p>And they naturally dreaded the worst. The first yells told -them that Buenos Ayres had been discovered, and had been -engaged in a death-struggle with the enemy. He could -scarcely have escaped.</p> -<p>“Now we are indeed lost,” bitterly uttered Calhoun, to the -old guide.</p> -<p>“It looks dub’ous—durned dub’ous, I must say. But then -mebbe ’tain’t so bad as it looks. We may fool ’em yit. It’s -my turn, now,” added Tom, with a sudden increase of confidence.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_52">52</div> -<p>“What? you would not be foolish enough to attempt that? -They will be watching the river so close after this that a fish -could scarcely pass their lines. It would be suicide, man!”</p> -<p>“Jest so; ef I tried it—which I don’t ’tend doin’. No sir, -I ain’t sech a fool—<i>yit!</i>”</p> -<p>“Then what do you intend doing?”</p> -<p>“Walkin’ out thar an’ j’inin’ them imps,” coolly returned -Maxwell.</p> -<p>“This is no time for fooling, Tom. Our situation is far -too serious to admit of that. Such a move would be even -worse than the other.”</p> -<p>“Not much. Anyhow, I’m goin’ to try it. They cain’t -do much more’n kill a feller, anyhow, an’ ef we stay here -they’re bound to do it, shore. So what matter? I’m goin’ -out thar, an’ they hain’t a-goin to hurt me, nuther,” confidently -added the scout.</p> -<p>“But how—what do you mean?” asked Calhoun, seeing -that his companion was undoubtedly in earnest in what he -said.</p> -<p>“I’m goin’ to turn Injun fer a bit, jest to see how that pesky -Dusky Dick must feel. But don’t talk. Watch the perayrie -cluss—watch fer both on us, fer I cain’t do my shar’ now.”</p> -<p>The old scout left the side of the puzzled soldier, and glided -toward a pile of dead savages, who had been carelessly -heaped together, after the second assault, so as to clear the -way. These comprised all those who had fallen inside the -corral.</p> -<p>As he rudely turned these over with his foot, Tom uttered -a grunt of approval, and then catching one of the dead braves -by the arm, he dragged it to the spot where crouched Calhoun.</p> -<p>“What are you going to do with that, Tom?”</p> -<p>“Goin’ to skin it, fust. Then putt on the hide an’ walk -out yender an’ tell those imps as how I was dead, but hev -come to life ag’in,” chuckled the old guide.</p> -<p>Calhoun uttered an exclamation of disgust.</p> -<p>“Don’t git huffy, now, boss, ’cause I speak sorter mixed-up -like. You know my way, or had orter by this time. But -lis’en an’ you’ll see what I mean. You see this ’ere carr’on -is—or was, I’d orter say, mebbe, -seein’ as he’s dead—a Delaware -<span class="pb" id="Page_53">53</span> -Injun. That proves what I said ’bout Dusky Dick’s -hevin’ picked up a band of runnygades to do his dirty work, -fer thar is ’Rapahoe, Cheyenne, Pawnee, an’ Delaware ’mongst -them dead critters over yon.</p> -<p>“Now I kin jabber a lettle o’ most all o’ them, but better -Delaware, fer as you may know, I hed one—Delaware Tom -they called the cuss—fer a pardner, well-nigh two years. So -as the lad—<i>durn</i> the luck!—hes got rub—inter trouble I -mean, an’ cain’t go fer help, why I ’termined to try an’ sneak -through them imps thar. I knowed thar was no use tryin’ to -play the runnygade as he did, fer the imps’ll be on the keen -look-out thar, an’ this was the only chaince. An’ a durned -slim one, too, but better’n stayin’ here.”</p> -<p>“We will try, but I fear ’tis a hopeless case. If they make -another steady rush, we must go down before it. If we do, -and you get free, Tom, promise me one thing: that you’ll -not forget Clara? You’ll hunt for her?”</p> -<p>“No, I won’t, nuther.”</p> -<p>“What!”</p> -<p>“Jest so. Give a fool answer fer a fool question, is my -motter, al’ays. Ain’t I a man—a <i>white</i> man, too, ef so be you -rub a lettle o’ the outside dirt off? Then in <i>course</i> I’ll do it—I -ain’t a dog nor nothin’, I reckon. But don’t fret. -We’ll all hunt together. I’ll git you free. See ef I don’t, -now.”</p> -<p>As he spoke, the old guide glided toward the river, accompanied -by Calhoun. But as he hung his legs over the -edge of the bank, Maxwell suddenly added:</p> -<p>“Look here—ef you see or hear a feller shoot this-a-way, -from out thar, nigh to the river, don’t you shoot back, onless -you aim at that big star, yonder. Mought hurt somebody, ef -you did. He’s a powerful poor shooter, that fellow’ll be, -when he minds to. Shouldn’t wonder ef he’ll miss the hull -intire train, wagons an’ all,” chuckled Tom.</p> -<p>“You mean you’ll fire from there?”</p> -<p>“Yas. Must throw dust in the red-skins’ eyes, ye see, or -else they’ll some on ’em be snoopin’ ’round to see who I be, -which moughtn’t be pleasant. Ef they see me a-shootin’ this-a-way, -they’ll natur’lly s’pose it’s one o’ themselves, slid out to -play a lone hand. See?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_54">54</div> -<p>“Yes—I understand.”</p> -<p>“Then keep my rifle. I cain’t han’le it the way I must -go; ’volvers must sarve me. But don’t let nobody tetch it. -I’d be plum lost ef any thin’ was to happin to it; I would -<i>so</i>!”</p> -<p>Then Maxwell slid down into the water, that here was but -little over knee-deep, and crouching low down he glided rapidly -up the river, bound upon a mission that could scarcely -succeed, now that the enemy had their eyes opened by a somewhat -similar attempt. And once more Calhoun went back -to his post, with a heavy gloom resting upon his heart.</p> -<p>Tom stealthily pursued his way up-stream until he was -fully a hundred yards above the corral, when he gained the -spot for which he had aimed. This was a little depression -that ran from the water’s edge, some few yards into the level -prairie.</p> -<p>Here he hesitated for a moment. He glanced along in -the direction he had been pursuing, and debated earnestly in -his own mind whether it would not be better for him to keep -on, and by thus rounding the hill, avoid a probable meeting -with those beleaguering the corral.</p> -<p>But this hesitation lasted only for a moment. He saw that -the contemplated change was now impossible. That the savages -had guarded against any such attempt upon the part of -their intended victims.</p> -<p>His keen eye caught sight of several dusky figures that -he felt assured were none other than Indians, who had been -detailed to guard the stream above. And this was not all.</p> -<p>He also saw enough of their movements to tell that he was -discovered; that his progress had not been so cautiously made -as to escape the prying eyes of his enemies. A quiver agitated -his frame, and for a moment his heart was sick within -him.</p> -<p>Not with personal fear, however. There could scarcely be -found one who was more utterly reckless of his own life than -this same guide. For nearly two score years he had lived with -his life in his hand. At dawn he knew not whether he -would ever again look upon the setting sun.</p> -<p>And all this had rendered him utterly reckless and devoid -of fear, so far as he was concerned alone. But now he had -<span class="pb" id="Page_55">55</span> -others to think of and work for. Upon the success of this -venture probably hung the lives of the entire company of -emigrants. Were he slain or captured, he believed that ere -the sun arose all would be over; that his friends would be -swept from the face of the earth.</p> -<p>For a moment he half resolved to spring to his feet and -dash swiftly away over the plain, trusting to his great endurance -and fleetness of foot to escape. But then this idea was as -quickly discarded.</p> -<p>He knew that such an action would but too surely betray -his identity, and that a cry would be raised and immediate -pursuit instituted. Pursuit, too, upon horseback; fleet -though he undeniably was, and long of wind, he could not -hope to cope successfully with the fiery, half-wild mustangs, -especially when bestrode by those rare jockeys, the Prairie -Indians.</p> -<p>Maxwell resolved upon a bold course of action; or rather -fell back upon the old plan. Its success mainly depended -upon one thing.</p> -<p>How long had the red-skins been watching him? Had -they observed his leaving the interior of the corral? If so, -then his fate was indubitably sealed.</p> -<p>But had they only noted him recently—as he hoped; for -he had been careful to keep low down within the dense shadow -of the bank of the river, where the moon’s rays could -not reach him—he thought he might yet succeed in deceiving -them. And upon this hope he acted.</p> -<p>With one glance behind him, at the dim, phantom-like -figures that were still stealthily approaching him, Maxwell -emerged from the hollow, upon the side toward the corral, -and, upon his hands and knees, began crawling quite rapidly -toward the wagon-train. Then he dropped down quite flat -upon his face, casting a glance behind him as he did so.</p> -<p>The red-skins in pursuit had just crossed the ditch, and -were crawling after him. They had gained rapidly in the -last few minutes, and their dress, as well as weapons, could -now quite plainly be seen.</p> -<p>Then Tom leveled his revolver toward the corral, taking -care to aim above it, so that the bullet could by no possibility -inflict harm upon any of his friends, he fired. Almost like -<span class="pb" id="Page_56">56</span> -an echo, there came a return shot from the train, and Tom -fairly chuckled with delight.</p> -<p>This was just what he had hoped for, though he feared -Calhoun would not risk a shot, knowing the circumstances, at -least in part. But now, nothing could be better calculated to -allay any suspicions the red-skins behind him might have entertained.</p> -<p>Tom glanced backward, beneath one arm. To his delight, -he saw that the Indians had paused, and were now closely -hugging the ground, evidently trying to lessen the mark their -bodies presented, lest a bullet from the corral should bury itself -beneath their precious hides.</p> -<p>“Ef that much works so well, reckon I’ll go a leetle furder -’th it, though it ’d jist be partic’lar ge-mineezers ef some o’ the -boys should shoot me fer a red. But I reckon the boss ’ll -look out fer that. Anyhow, I must shake off them pesky -imps. Let ary one o’ them git a glimpse o’ my mug, an’ it’ll -be all night ’th <i>this</i> coon, shore!” muttered the old guide, as -he gradually worked himself still nearer the corral.</p> -<p>This move, though not a little hazardous to himself, had the -desired effect, and as he once more glanced back, Tom saw -that his red-skinned followers had retreated, and were hidden -from view. He now fired again, and while reloading the -empty chambers, he busied himself by peering keenly around -him, to discover, if possible, some point through which he -could pass with the least delay, and consequently peril, to himself -and important mission.</p> -<p>He dared not dally long, for the night was rolling on apace, -and he must be miles away from this spot ere the sun arose -above the eastern hill-tops. Then, with sternly-compressed -lips and finely-strung nerves, he started anew upon his errand.</p> -<p>He turned, and still crouching far down, with head bowed -so that the dried grass was blended with his hair and long -beard, completely hiding his features, he glided slowly away -from the corral, shaping his course so as to carry himself to -one side of the main body of Indians, as he calculated.</p> -<p>Already a chuckle of delight was tickling his throat, as he -saw how finely he was progressing, for he believed that his -<i>ruse</i> would succeed, when an incident occurred which changed -his exultation to angry apprehension.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_57">57</div> -<p>From a dense mass of dried grass, almost directly in his -path, there uprose the figure of a stalwart savage, who had -doubtless been observing the scout’s movements. He was now -so close that Maxwell could not avoid him without exciting -suspicion, which would bring with it investigation and consequent -discovery.</p> -<p>So he kept on in his course, that would carry him a few -feet to one side of the Indian. But the other did not seem -disposed to allow his seeming ally and brother to pass by unquestioned.</p> -<p>He spoke in a harsh voice that also expressed suspicion. -The words were uttered in the Arapahoe dialect, with which -Tom was sufficiently conversant to comprehend their purport. -But he well knew that this knowledge was not perfect enough -to carry him through a conversation with a native undetected, -and so he replied in Delaware:</p> -<p>“I am wounded. The accursed pale-faces saw me as I -crept up out yonder to try and kill them, and shot me. The -bullet made me sick,” he said, in a husky tone.</p> -<p>“Where were you going?” demanded the other, also using -the dialect.</p> -<p>“I was hunting the medicine-grass,” added Tom, fearing to -lose any more time, and again crawling forward.</p> -<p>“Stop! Let me see your hurt. I may stop the blood, and -then I will find the grass for you,” added the Arapahoe, in a -kind voice, evidently swallowing the lie, and feeling no further -suspicion concerning the identity of his seeming ally.</p> -<p>And, then, in the kindness of his heart, he strode forward -and placed his hand upon the disguised scout’s head. The -act was a fatal one; the fastenings of the grass head-dress -became unloosened, and the mass came off in the Indian’s hand.</p> -<p>A wild cry broke from the red-skin’s lips, as the bright -moonlight fell fully upon the features of the guide. There -could be no possibility of mistaking them for other than those -of a white man.</p> -<p>But that cry was his last upon earth; for, with an angry -howl of furious rage, Tom Maxwell sprung erect, and grappled -with his foe. His powerful arms bore the savage to the -ground like an infant, while his hands were clasped tightly -around his throat.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_58">58</div> -<p>As they fell heavily to the ground, the warrior appeared to -recover from his surprise, and struggled desperately for dear -life. His arms were wound around the scout’s body with -crushing pressure, and he writhed like a wounded snake in the -endeavor to turn his foe.</p> -<p>Tom dared not relax his grasp upon the throat of the Arapahoe, -lest he should cry out and give the alarm, to bring an -overwhelming force upon him; then his fate would be assuredly -sealed. And thus he could only try to throttle his enemy -in time to flee from the spot before any other should be -alarmed by the struggle.</p> -<p>For several seconds this continued; but then, to his horror, -Tom heard a wild cry, and then the rapid rush of many feet, -plainly coming toward him. He knew that the savages were -alarmed, and had caught sight of the struggling foemen.</p> -<p>With a howl of rage, he freed one hand, and drew his -knife. Then it glowed for a brief instant in the bright moonlight -before falling with a heavy <i>thud</i>, sinking to its very haft -in the broad chest of the Indian.</p> -<p>But still, even in the throes of death, those muscular arms -held him firmly, despite Maxwell’s efforts to break the grip. -With a desperate effort, Tom sprung to his feet, lifting with -him the dead man, whose horribly-convulsed features stared -him full in the face.</p> -<p>Then, with a fierce curse, Tom wrenched free, and made a -step forward as if to flee. But he was too late.</p> -<p>The enemy were upon him, and the tall scout was cast -heavily to the ground, with a dozen hands clutching him. -A brief, furious struggle, and the savages arose, while the -counterfeit Indian lay beside the body of his dead foe, a helpless -captive.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_59">59</div> -<h2 id="c7"><span class="small">CHAPTER VII.</span> -<br />A TANGLED TRAIL.</h2> -<p>Buenos Ayres had not overestimated the danger and peril -that would attend his effort to pass by the vigilant red-skin, -on his journey toward the Main Trail, in quest of help for the -beleaguered emigrants.</p> -<p>And then, under the circumstances, he was about the last -person who should have been chosen as the forlorn hope, although -he was undeniably brave, and usually, keen-witted -and far-seeing. But now these latter qualities were in a -measure overpowered by the anxiety he felt to perform his -mission with the least delay possible, in order that a thorough -and systematic search might be made for the missing maiden, -Clara Calhoun, and, to this desire, he sacrificed prudence and -caution to a degree nearly fatal.</p> -<p>He swam rapidly down-stream, though the water was not -waist-deep, but, in this manner he could proceed more silently -than by wading. He lay low down in the water, that -he might present a less fair mark for prying eyes to rest upon, -and, hidden in the shadow, he believed that he could succeed -in passing the lines of the enemy, unseen.</p> -<p>In this manner he had gained the edge of the timber, before-mentioned, -that extended nearly to the verge of the river-bank. -But then he suddenly paused in his advance.</p> -<p>Before him lay something dark, evidently resting in or -upon the water, and at only a few yards’ distance. For a -moment Buenos believed that this was the head of a man, -whose body—like his own—was covered in the water.</p> -<p>But then a movement on the part of the object undeceived -him. It slowly swung around, as though under the influence -of the feeble current, and he could see that it was a log; evidently -one of those upon which the savages had descended -the river, in order to gain and attack the rear of the emigrants.</p> -<p>With a low laugh at his unnecessary fright, Ayres advanced, -<span class="pb" id="Page_60">60</span> -swimming rapidly, intending to use the log in his further -progress. But he speedily saw that this action had been -made too quickly for his own safety.</p> -<p>His keen eyes detected a suspicious circumstance connected -with the log, and he instantly paused. From the further side -of the stick he beheld an object that had escaped his eyes before, -or else had recently made its appearance there.</p> -<p>There seemed to be a roundish knob or protuberance upon -the side of the log. True, this might possibly have been beneath -the water until then, and was only revealed by the rolling -of the log, but Ayres felt confident that the <i>log had not -rolled</i>. He could tell that from the quiet water.</p> -<p>Then it must be— So far he had reasoned, but then, quick -as thought, he ducked his head beneath the water.</p> -<p>A sudden movement beside the log had caused this. He -beheld the round object raise still higher, and then with an -abrupt movement a dark tube was whirled around from the -top of the log, until its muzzle pointed toward the young adventurer’s -head.</p> -<p>The knob was the head of a savage—the tube was a rifle, -and Ayres knew that he was discovered. All this flashed -athwart his mind like a revelation of light, and, as he dove -beneath the surface, his plan of procedure was fully determined -upon.</p> -<p>He must dispose of this enemy or die. The alarm once -given, escape would be almost impossible, and with his capture, -the hopes of the emigrants would be crushed.</p> -<p>Then he must silence this foe before he could fire his rifle -or give the alarm otherwise. But could he do it? That -was doubtful; still, as a last hope, he resolved to attempt the -feat.</p> -<p>As he sunk beneath the surface, Buenos drew his knife, -and then swam with swift, strong strokes toward the spot -where he knew the Indian must be crouching. And his calculations -proved correct.</p> -<p>His head struck violently against the half-submerged log, -and springing up he dashed the water from his blinded -eyes.</p> -<p>The savage was taken by surprise, and evidently had not -expected such a bold move. Quite likely he had been in -<span class="pb" id="Page_61">61</span> -doubt whether the advancing figure was that of an enemy or -a friend, as the small bundle fastened upon Ayres’ head, added -to the gloom, rendered it impossible for a glimpse to be obtained -of his features. His action in throwing forward his -rifle-muzzle, had simply been one of prudence, in case it was -really an enemy who approached.</p> -<p>Then when the young man sprung up so suddenly before -him, the log being driven against his body with considerable -violence, the savage gave vent to a grunt of mingled surprise -and bewilderment. But from this he quickly recovered.</p> -<p>Buenos—his first thought being to prevent an alarm—seized -upon the rifle-barrel, and with an adroit movement, -wrenched it from the grasp of his foe, with the same gesture -casting it out into deep water. Then his left hand shot out -and clutched the throat of the red-skin with a grip strengthened -by the great interests at stake.</p> -<p>But the Indian was a brawny fellow, and as he grappled -fiercely with his foeman, he freed his throat sufficiently to -emit, loud and clear, the thrilling war-whoop of his tribe. -With a curse of bitter vexation, Ayres wrenched his right -arm free, and then dealt the savage a swift, vicious blow with -the heavy knife.</p> -<p>It penetrated deep, but the wound was not mortal. Once -more the shrill yell resounded through the air, awaking -echoes far and wide; once again the crimsoned steel rose and -fell, with a dull, sickening <i>thud</i>.</p> -<p>With a wild shriek of mortal agony, the death-stricken -savage sunk backward, but still his bony fingers clutched the -white man with a grip nerved by death. And from the -prairie beyond, Ayres could hear the shrill cries of the alarmed -red-skins, and then the rapid thud of horses’ hoofs approaching -the spot at a full gallop.</p> -<p>Then he plunged over the log, head-foremost, and sunk -in the water. This action freed him from the dead Indian, -and then arising to the surface, Buenos swam for dear life, -down-stream.</p> -<p>But he knew that did he continue on in this course, he -must be discovered by the rapidly approaching red-skins, and -so he turned toward the bank, half resolved to enter the timber -<span class="pb" id="Page_62">62</span> -and seek safety in flight by land. In this, however, he was -disappointed.</p> -<p>Scarcely had he touched shore, when his quick eye detected -several dusky figures upon the bank, near the spot where he -had slain the Indian. He knew they were the dead man’s -comrades; one glance told him that.</p> -<p>And the same glance also showed him the form of the -dead Indian, his face, horribly distorted with the last agony, -upturned toward the star-studded vault of heaven, slowly -floating down with the stream, nearing its slayer, with each -passing moment. Then there uprose a wild cry from those -upon the shore, telling that they, also, had discovered the -slain man.</p> -<p>It now seemed as though the fate of the young man was -indubitably sealed. Escape from being discovered seemed -impossible, and to be captured now, with that terribly significant -witness of his deeds lying there before the eyes of all, -meant <i>death</i>.</p> -<p>Several heavy splashes were heard, and Ayres saw that -while some ran along the bank toward him, others had entered -the water, to drag forth their dead comrade. And -now the corpse was within a few yards of where he crouched, -while almost directly over his head he could hear the heavy -tramp of other foes.</p> -<p>Ayres shrunk back against the bank, where the water was -still several feet deep. He clutched his knife with desperation, -resolved to sell his life dearly, should he be discovered. -But then his heart thrilled with a gleam of joy.</p> -<p>In the bank beside him was a small hole or depression, -that had evidently been washed out by the action of the water. -Instantly one hand was extended to ascertain its size.</p> -<p>It only reached a few inches above the surface, and was -over a foot in depth, running back into the bank. Below, it -was still larger, and Ayres believed that by its aid he could -still escape his foes.</p> -<p>All this occurred in a breath of time, and the water was -still agitated by the heavy plunges, when Buenos glided back -and into the fortunately discovered refuge. By crouching -almost double, he managed to stow his body away in the hole, -with his legs doubled beneath his body.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_63">63</div> -<p>A quick gesture daubed his face with the soft black mud, -and then Buenos awaited the result in painful surprise. For -not only did his own life depend upon it, but, in all probability, -those of his friends in the besieged corral, as well.</p> -<p>His head was drawn back into the hole, so that his nose -was barely above water, and his face beyond the surface of -the bank. The mud had rendered his features the color of -the dirt surrounding, and only by touching him, could the -savages have discovered the difference.</p> -<p>Through his half-closed lids, Buenos watched the movements -of the savages, now almost directly opposite him. A -shower of dirt rolled down from above, telling that those he -had noticed on shore were still near at hand.</p> -<p>Then a new and startling sound came to the ears of the -young adventurer. He heard the shrill yells—the wild outcry—the -rattling of rifles, all telling of another deadly assault -upon the wagon-train.</p> -<p>The savages in the water paused as if startled, and then -hastily grasping the body of their dead comrade, they swam -rapidly ashore with it, landing just below where crouched -the young man. Words passed between them and the others, -the purport of which Ayres could only guess, owing to his -complete ignorance of the dialect.</p> -<p>Then the corpse was handed up the bank, and shortly afterward -Buenos heard the quick trampling of feet, as a number -of Indians dashed away toward the train. He believed they -were all gone, and made a movement as though he would -have left his covert, in order to continue his journey, without -any more loss of time.</p> -<p>But fortunately for him, Ayres recognized the folly of such -precipitation, before it was too late. From almost directly -above him, he heard the low sound of voices, and knew by -it that his enemies had not yet given up the search for the -slayer of their friend.</p> -<p>With wildly beating heart Buenos listened to the progress -of the struggle above; but it speedily died away, and then -all was still. The absence of the red-skins’ yells of triumph, -told Ayres that his friends had successfully repulsed the onset, -and his heart lightened considerably.</p> -<p>Had he only been at liberty to resume his journey, all might -<span class="pb" id="Page_64">64</span> -yet be well. But though he could no longer hear the sound -of voices, Ayres felt assured that the red-skins were still upon -the watch.</p> -<p>They must know that an enemy had stricken them a bitter -blow near that spot, and would reason that he could not have -gotten far away, before their arrival. That he was still hidden -somewhere in close proximity to the spot of death.</p> -<p>As time passed by, Buenos began to grow still more uneasy. -Every moment was valuable now, and he should even -then be miles away upon his important mission.</p> -<p>But what if these savages should keep up the watch until -day dawned? Then they would assuredly unearth him.</p> -<p>Not only would he be doomed, in such a case, but the last -hope of the besieged emigrants would be dashed to the ground. -Unassisted, they must soon succumb to the overpowering force -of the red-skins.</p> -<p>A desperate resolve began to shape itself in the mind of -our young adventurer. He would dare all, and emerge from -his covert. It could be but death, at the most, and that risk -he would rather run, than longer endure this horrible, agonizing -suspense.</p> -<p>Still he could hear no sound of his enemies, and as the moments -passed on, Ayres made the desperate move. Were the -Indians still lying in wait for some such movement on the -part of their unknown enemy, he knew that he was lost.</p> -<p>They could scarcely fail to hear him, or discover his motions. -The line of shadow was fearfully narrowed, and at -but a short distance ahead, where the belt of timber came to -an end, the bright moonlight revealed every inch of the water’s -surface.</p> -<p>Just as he had straightened out his limbs, preparatory to -emerging from his uncomfortable hiding-place, Ayres paused. -Another alarm rung out upon the air, from beyond the wagon-train.</p> -<p>Then came a single shrill war-whoop, that he had so often -listened to on that eventful night, followed by wild shouts from -the Indians, telling of some important discovery. And then, -from almost directly above his head, there sounded a guttural -exclamation, closely followed by the tramp of human feet.</p> -<p>Ayres shuddered convulsively as he realized the extent of -<span class="pb" id="Page_65">65</span> -the peril he had so nearly brought upon himself, by his rash -action. He knew now that the red-skins had indeed been -lying in wait for him, and only for this strange diversion, -would inevitably have made the desired discovery.</p> -<p>Though sadly puzzled to account for the outcry—for Ayres -well knew that the latter cries were those of exultation—the -young man dared not dally longer, but slipping forth from -his hiding-place, he swam rapidly down-stream for a few -yards, until near the end of the timber-belt furthest from the -corral.</p> -<p>Then he cautiously scaled the bank, and entered the dense -undergrowth. Pausing, he hearkened intently.</p> -<p>All was still in his immediate vicinity, although from near -the wagon-train he could hear an occasional rifle-shot, telling -that his friends were still upon the alert. And then he glided -stealthily forward until at the edge of the prairie.</p> -<p>Cautiously peering forth upon the vast, level expanse thus -spread before him, Buenos saw with delight that as far as his -eye could reach, there was not a single living form to be -seen. The road appeared open before him, and he was about -to enter upon it, when a sudden recollection caused him to -pause.</p> -<p>The revolver was still strapped upon his head, according -to the advice given him by Tom Maxwell, but it was far -from being in a condition fit for use. The sudden dive, on -seeing the savage beside the log, added to several immersions -since, had pretty thoroughly saturated it.</p> -<p>Not knowing at what moment he might be called upon to -make use of this, in order to preserve his life, Ayres’ first -move was to draw the bullets, and wiping the chambers dry, -he carefully reloaded them. Then fitting on the water-proof -caps, he replaced it in his belt, and once more stepped forth -upon the prairie.</p> -<p>Had he not already lost so much time, Buenos would probably -have exercised more precaution than he was now using. -But, racked with anxiety and the dread of being too late to -aid his comrades in peril, rendered him half wild.</p> -<p>Crouching low down, he ran at a rapid pace out over the -level prairie, in the direction he must follow in order to strike -the Main Trail, which they had so unfortunately—as it -<span class="pb" id="Page_66">66</span> -proved—deviated from, a couple of days previously. The -moon still shone brightly, and there was great danger of his -being discovered by some of the lynx-eyed savages, who surrounded -the wagon-train.</p> -<p>But this, Ayres resolved to risk, rather than lose any more -time, although he knew that, in case he should be seen, there -could be but one ending to the affair.</p> -<p>Fortunately for him, perhaps the suspicions of the red-skins -had been lulled by the recent capture of Tom Maxwell, for -they believed him to be the one who had slain their brother -below the corral, as well as the one beside whose body he -had been captured. Thus they did not dream of another foeman -being at liberty so near them.</p> -<p>As Ayres glanced back over his shoulder, a shudder crept -over his frame, for he now realized the full extent of the -great peril he was daring. Behind him he could quite plainly -distinguish the dark corral, and still nearer, the numerous -figures, dusky and phantom-like, moving restlessly hither and -yon, that he knew were none other than savages.</p> -<p>It seemed as though they could not fail of seeing him, and -as he once more sped on at an accelerated speed, Buenos listened -with painful intentness, expecting each moment to hear -the shrill war-cry peal forth, telling that the bloodthirsty demons -were upon his trail.</p> -<p>But then he crossed the slight rise, and the fear-inspiring -sight was hidden from his view. Then breathing more freely, -he took the pole-star for his guide, and dashed on at break-neck -speed, every nerve strained to its utmost tension, and -his heart wildly throbbing with renewed hope of success.</p> -<p>For well-nigh an hour he maintained this killing pace, but -then Nature forced him to slacken his gait, and proceed with -more prudence. His eyes were roving upon every side of -him, trying to recall some landmark, though he well knew he -was yet far from the Main Trail—the object of his quest.</p> -<p>He crossed a slight swell and trotted down the opposite -slope, into a sort of valley, if it may be called such. Then -he began ascending the next rise.</p> -<p>Suddenly he paused. A suspicious sound saluted his hearing; -the <i>thud</i>—<i>thud</i>—of a horse’s hoofs beating upon the -hard turf in a full gallop.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_67">67</div> -<p>And this, too, he soon found was approaching him, for the -trampling grew louder and more distinct. But it was not -coming from the direction of the corral, though this was -Ayres’ first thought. Instead it was coming from directly in -his front.</p> -<p>Buenos glanced hurriedly around for some cover within -which to ensconce himself, but no such sight rewarded -his search. There was not a bush or bunch of grass to be -seen, within reach.</p> -<p>And at that moment the figure of a horse and rider loomed -up, clear and distinct, upon the ridge, almost directly before -the young man. As by an impulse, Buenos dropped flat -to the ground, and drew his revolver, ready for use in case he -was discovered.</p> -<p>Then the horseman came thundering on, seemingly about -to ride directly over the prostrate form. A collision appeared -inevitable, and Buenos, with tightly-compressed lips, cocked -his pistol.</p> -<p>On thundered the horse, and was within a score of yards -of the young man, when, with a wild snort, it turned to one -side, then dashed on with accelerated speed, in its passage -flinging a tiny shower of dust and sand over Ayres. A hoarse -cry broke from the lips of its rider, as he swayed in his seat, -but he did not appear to notice the cause of his animal’s affright, -for he did not once glance around or backward, but -rose the swell and disappeared beyond its crest with the same -mad, reckless gallop.</p> -<p>Ayres rose with a cry of astonishment, as the man vanished -from sight. A puzzled look rested upon his face.</p> -<p>In the brief glance he had obtained of the rider’s features, -he knew that it was a white man but wonder had checked -the cry of greeting, he would otherwise have uttered. Buenos -did not know that the mad rider was none other than Dusky -Dick, the traitor guide and black-hearted renegade; but such -was indeed the case.</p> -<p>Had he known it, Ayres would have sent a revolver bullet -hissing after the villain, on the instant, instead of now gazing -at the little cloud of dust that was all there was left to -indicate the swift passage. But then Buenos once more returned -his way, with quickened steps.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_68">68</div> -<h2 id="c8"><span class="small">CHAPTER VIII.</span> -<br />SAVAGE TACTICS.</h2> -<p>“Look, Tom!” abruptly muttered Travers, gently touching -the shoulder of his ruminating companion. “The red -rascals are moving!”</p> -<p>The Delaware turned his keen eyes toward the valley and -gazed for a moment in silence. Then he answered, in a -slightly vexed tone:</p> -<p>“Yeh, dey go hide, now. Skeered plenty bad, dey is. -Don’t know what to mek ’cause Kisch-kouch git killed. T’ink -spirits here, mebbe. Go hide—den watch plenty sharp. -Dat’s it.”</p> -<p>“But that will not do, Tom,” added Travers, vexedly. -“They will keep us here all night, then. If we venture to -move, they’ll pick us off, one after the other. I wish we -had fired at them as they stood out there—but it’s too late -now.”</p> -<p>“Yeh—see—dey hide now. Ought to shoot <i>den</i>—now -<i>can’t</i>. Shoot—kill one, two, den oders run ’way off, like de -debble. Cap’n he say <i>no</i>—see now dat Delaware was right,” -tersely replied the savage.</p> -<p>“But what shall we do? That fellow has gone for help, -no doubt, and when he comes back they’ll soon make this -place too hot for us. As it is, those devils can hold us here -as long as they feel like it. We can’t move without bringing -out a rifle-bullet. Come, find some way, Tom,” impatiently -added Travers, who evidently relied far more upon -the cunning and resources of his companion in times of difficulty -like this, than upon his own powers.</p> -<p>“Me do it. Skeer Arapahoe <i>bad</i>, dis time. Git scalp, too, -ef don’t look out. No fun, dough, skeer <i>dem</i>—git skeered -too easy—den run plenty fast. Got long legs, dem Arapahoes,” -chuckled Tom, as he drew his knife from the belt at -his waist.</p> -<p>“What do you intend doing, Delaware?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_69">69</div> -<p>“Keep eyes open wide, den mebbe so you see,” grunted -the savage, who evidently felt his importance in no small degree.</p> -<p>With his knife he cut several scrubby bushes, and then -bound them around his head and shoulders, but in such a -manner that they would not interfere materially with his -sight. This accomplished to his satisfaction, he turned toward -Travers, who was now dividing his attention between -his companion and the valley below, where the red-skins were -hidden.</p> -<p>“Now you open ear—me tell. Injuns down dere—you -here—me go some oder place. Den me shoot Arapahoe—de -oders dey jump up, all same like rabbit—don’t know where -me be—den <i>you</i> shoot—kill ’noder. Den me holler <i>loud</i>—<i>you</i> -holler—<i>dey</i> holler an’ run like de debble, ’way off. -See?” hurriedly explained Tom.</p> -<p>“You mean to crawl around them?”</p> -<p>“Yeh—dat’s it.”</p> -<p>“Then shoot one—”</p> -<p>“You shoot ’noder—den dey run ’way off.”</p> -<p>“I believe they would,” thoughtfully said Travers. “But -it will be dangerous for you. Can you get down without -their seeing you? If they do, you’re a dead man sure!”</p> -<p>“No—dey shoot, but can’t hit Delaware. <i>Can’t</i> hit—don’t -know <i>how</i> shoot, dem Arapahoe. Hit hill, mebbe, not’ing -else,” laughed Tom, a low, gleesome laugh, full of joy at the -prospect of outwitting his hereditary foes.</p> -<p>“I know you think an Arapahoe is fit for nothing but -crow-bait, Tom, but you may get fooled. Some of them are -brave and cunning warriors—”</p> -<p>“No—no, Arapahoe squaw—all squaw!” angrily hissed -the Delaware.</p> -<p>“Well, have it your own way. But be careful. Don’t be -foolhardy, man, and throw away your life uselessly. Better -go now; it’s growing late and there’s no time to lose.”</p> -<p>The Delaware turned away without a word, and passing -his companion, he disappeared among the bushes beyond. -Though he affected to laugh at the danger of his venture, nevertheless -it was a perilous one, and one, too, that would require -not a little caution and skill to carry out successfully.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_70">70</div> -<p>As stated, the line of bushes fringed the base of the cliff, -and then ran out, leaving the hillside bare and devoid of -cover, except a few small bowlders and patches of stunted -grass. For nearly fifty yards this stretch lay beneath the full -vision of the warriors hidden below.</p> -<p>But Delaware Tom felt assured that he could accomplish -the feat, and truly, he, if any one, could do so. Those who -were with Kearney in California can bear me out in this assertion.</p> -<p>Aided by the leafy screen upon his head, and the bowlders -scattered around, he hoped to pass over this open space unobserved, -and this once done, he would have the best of cover -for his further operations. As for the rest of the programme, -he considered that the same as settled.</p> -<p>He knew that most, if not all the six Indians were Arapahoes, -and as seen, he looked upon them with supreme contempt. -He believed that at his shot, they would act much -as he had said, and the way be easily cleared for his friend’s -departure for the camp.</p> -<p>When he gained the end of the bushes, Tom paused -and peered keenly out upon the valley below. But even his -sharp eyes could not detect the presence of a foe, save in the -riderless horses that were feeding on the bank of the creek.</p> -<p>Still, he knew pretty well where the savages were hidden, -and acted accordingly. Now he was forced to “crawfish,” or -in other words, to crawl backward, as his head and shoulders -were the only parts of his person concealed by the bush.</p> -<p>By so doing he calculated upon reaching a little gully that -ran down to the creek, unobserved, as the bush would seem -to stand still, from where the Indians were hidden, for to -gain this ditch, Tom would be forced to back directly from -their position. All this had been foreseen by the Delaware -and calculated upon when he spoke so confidently of success -in his bold ruse.</p> -<p>Slowly and carefully he proceeded—or receded—crouching -low down, keeping the leafy head-dress as steady as possible -under the circumstances. His eyes were riveted upon the -spot where he believed the Arapahoes to be hidden, his -muscles in readiness to avoid a shot, should such be threatened, -by a sudden spring.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_71">71</div> -<p>But that shot did not come, and it was plain that the savages -either did not notice, or else believed the bush to be a -natural one. It would have required a long and careful scrutiny -from the point where they were lying hid, to tell that -the bush moved, for Tom was retreating in an almost direct -line from them. Besides, the moonlight was deceitful and -favored the working of the ruse.</p> -<p>Then Tom gained the edge of the gully, and gently backed -over it, alighting upon his feet in the soft dirt and <i>debris</i> that -covered the bottom. He listened intently for a moment, but -all was still.</p> -<p>A glow of grim delight swept athwart his features at this, -for he knew that the enemy were still ignorant of the plan on -foot to circumvent them. The Delaware, now that the most -difficult portion of his task was accomplished, felt no doubt -but the rest would end as happily.</p> -<p>With the friendly twigs still upon his head, he turned and -glided down the gully, after unslinging the rifle from his back, -and carefully inspecting the cap. From seeing the enemy disappear, -Tom had formed a pretty accurate idea of where they -were hid.</p> -<p>He knew that they had not recrossed the creek, and consequently -they only had an oblong circle of some two score -yards diameter, in which to conceal themselves. Inside this, -then, Tom knew he must find his game.</p> -<p>Gliding along, crouching so that his head was below the -level of the bank, the Delaware soon gained the bank of the -creek, and pausing, he peered cautiously toward the suspected -spot. A low grunt of disgust broke from his lips, as he saw -that a little ridge hid the Indians from his view, while standing -in the gully.</p> -<p>Then his eyes roved around, restlessly. A brief moment -sufficed to form his plans.</p> -<p>Removing the revolver from his girdle, he entered the -stream, and then holding the weapon above the water, he -glided slowly along toward the enemy, hidden, as before, by -the bank. As many minutes sufficed to carry him over the -few yards necessary to traverse, and then, confident that he -had gained a point whence he could spot the red-skins, Tom -prepared for action.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_72">72</div> -<p>The revolver he cautiously shoved upon the edge of the -bank, beside a small bowlder, and then followed it with the -muzzle of his rifle. But then, with a sudden recollection, he -paused.</p> -<p>Along the bank, for a number of yards, there was not a -bush or shrub of any kind to be seen. Although he affected -to despise the Arapahoes as warriors, the Delaware knew right -well that the sudden appearance of a bush where none had -grown before, could scarcely escape their keen eyes; and, under -the peculiar circumstances, its appearance would most -probably be greeted with a rifle-ball.</p> -<p>So he noiselessly untied the thongs that secured the leafy -head dress in place, suffering it to drop into the water, and -float away with the gentle current. Then he slowly raised -his eyes to a level with the bank.</p> -<p>For a full minute nothing suspicious rewarded his gaze; -but Tom was by far too cunning a scout and warrior to risk -the success of his plans by a precipitate movement. Then his -eyes slowly roved over each inch of the ground, again and -again.</p> -<p>The wisdom of this caution was soon apparent. Beside a -goodly-sized bowlder, the Delaware now discovered a portion -of a red-skin’s body, though at first it had appeared part and -parcel of the stone.</p> -<p>This was enough. Tom knew that sufficient was revealed -to bury a bullet in, so that it would touch the seat of life, and -that by waiting for a better target, he might spoil all.</p> -<p>Slowly and deliberately, as if aiming at a target of wood, -the rifle drew upon the unsuspecting savage, and the black -eye of the Delaware flashed along the dark tube with a deadly -glare. And then his finger tightened upon the trigger.</p> -<p>The whip-like crack rung out with startling clearness; but -it was blended with a horrible yell of agony, as the stricken -savage writhed upon the ground in his death-throes. Delaware -Tom seldom found it necessary to fire twice at the same -object.</p> -<p>As the sounds broke the air, the horses, that had been -quietly cropping the rich grass, snorted with affright, and after -turning their heads wildly, sprung off a few yards; then -stood with trembling limbs, eying the strange scene.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_73">73</div> -<p>As Tom had anticipated, the unexpected shot had so startled -the red-skins that they sprung up from their coverts and -glared wildly around in search of their hidden foe. Cries of -wondering fear broke from their lips.</p> -<p>Then a spout of flame shot forth from the line of bushes -upon the hillside, and a second messenger of death sped upon -its way; another of the savages reeled wildly, and then fell -to the ground, the hot life-blood gurgling from his chest.</p> -<p>Delaware Tom snatched his revolver and discharged it, uttering -a wild yell—the war-whoop that had more than once -carried terror and confusion into the hearts of his foemen. -Though this shot did not seem to have taken effect, the bold -fellow sprung forth from the water, and pealing forth his -yell, sprung toward the surviving Arapahoes, firing as he -came.</p> -<p>Simultaneously, there echoed back a hoarse cheer from the -hillside, and Travers sprung into view, his revolver echoing -back the quick reports from that in the hands of the Delaware.</p> -<p>As yet the Arapahoes had not burned a grain of powder, -so greatly were they confused by this sudden and deadly onset. -The two men dashing toward them, with rapidly detonating -pistols, were magnified ten-fold, and, as with one accord, -the survivors turned and fled from the spot of death, with wild -screeches of dismay and terror.</p> -<p>“Hurrah, Tom! spot them—they’re ours!” shouted Travers, -wild with excitement, as his revolver sent a bullet crashing -into the brain of a third red-skin. “Don’t let one get away!”</p> -<p>Loud and clear came the answering yell of the Delaware, -as he sprung forward in hot pursuit of the fleeing foe. <i>He</i> -only thought that his enemies were before him, and his heart -was filled with ferocious hatred.</p> -<p>The foremost Arapahoe reached the horses, and it seemed -as though the secondary object of the two scouts would be -defeated, after all; but the frantic haste of the savage favored -them, unexpectedly. In his terror, he made a quick grasp at -the trailing halter; but his foot slipping upon the damp grass, -he fell to the ground, even as his fingers tightened upon the -plaited rope.</p> -<p>The sudden jerk added to the mustang’s affright, and caused -<span class="pb" id="Page_74">74</span> -him to rear violently back, half-raising the Indian to his feet; -but then the hand slipped from the smooth rope, and thus -freed, the terrified horse turned with a shrill scream and dashed -madly up the valley, followed by its companions.</p> -<p>A faint cry broke from the lips of the Arapahoes, at this -new misfortune, but they dared not pause. Close behind -them they could hear the heavy tramp of their enemies, and -then came two more shots.</p> -<p>Without pausing a moment, the savages dashed on, while -the one whose haste had wrought them such harm, scrambled -to his feet. But no sooner was he up, than he was down -again.</p> -<p>Delaware Tom, with a shrill scream of frantic fury, pounced -upon his back, hurling the red-skin violently forward, his face -plowing up the decayed grass and soft dirt. Half-senseless -from the shock, he offered but feeble resistance to his powerful -enemy.</p> -<p>Delaware Tom dug his knees violently into the back of -the Arapahoe, while one hand clutched his neck with the force -of a vise. Then the empty revolver was upraised, for a moment -remaining motionless to gather momentum; then the -heavy, brass-bound butt fell with a sickening <i>thud</i> full upon -the bared head of the ill-fated savage.</p> -<p>Another yell broke from Tom’s lips, as he dashed the clotted -blood and brains from his eyes, and sprung to his feet, -glaring ferociously around in search of another victim. But -the carnage was over.</p> -<p>The two surviving Arapahoes had vanished among the -shadows, and Travers was returning from the pursuit. But -Tom darted forward, his eyes glowing with a diabolical -fire.</p> -<p>“Stop, Tom,” cried the soldier, as he grasped his comrade, -“where are you going? They’ve got clear off by now. You -couldn’t find them in the dark, anyhow.”</p> -<p>“Let go—me kill Arapahoe debble!” snarled the Delaware, -struggling fiercely in the powerful grasp of the captain.</p> -<p>“No, they’re gone. Don’t be a fool, man. There’s four -scalps, if you want them. That’s enough for once. Do you -hear?”</p> -<p>The savage suddenly ceased his struggles, though with a -<span class="pb" id="Page_75">75</span> -ill-grace. But then his face brightened as he glanced back -upon the ghastly forms of the fallen red-skins.</p> -<p>“Come, help me catch their horses, first, Tom,” said -Travers. “If we don’t mind they’ll give us the slip altogether.”</p> -<p>Without a word the Delaware followed his companion up -the valley, where they could hear the frightened horses, still -snorting wildly. The soldier began to fear they would experience -not a little trouble in effecting their capture.</p> -<p>But both he and the Delaware were old hands among the -horses, and Tom set out to gain the further side of the animals, -in order to prevent their flight. This was quickly accomplished, -and then, while Travers stood still, the Delaware -slowly advanced toward the trembling group.</p> -<p>They permitted his approach without a motion, save to -huddle closer together, until nearly within arm’s length, but -then they dashed off toward the soldier. Travers stood still -with outstretched hand, and, after a few minutes’ delay, one -of them came close enough for him to secure the halter.</p> -<p>Then it was an easy task to collect the others, which once -accomplished, the two men returned down the valley where -had taken place the deadly surprise. The four dead forms -presented a ghastly sight, and even Travers could not repress -a shudder, as he recalled the frightful scene.</p> -<p>“Take their scalps, if you will, Tom,” he said, as the Delaware -drew his knife. “But be quick about it. And then -tumble their bodies into the creek, before we call the lady. -The sight would be horrible enough to kill her.”</p> -<p>“Squaw no so soft like dat,” laughed the Delaware, as he -shook the first trophy to free it from the gouts of blood, before -securing it to his girdle. “Stan’ big heap, dey kin. No -kill ’um so easy, like dat.”</p> -<p>“Hurry up—don’t be so long, Tom. There’s a long trail -before us, and not much time to lose. It’s nearly daylight -now.”</p> -<p>But the Delaware seemed to find a peculiar pleasure in his -revolting task, and took his own time about it. This was -the reward of his tedious exercise of Indian tactics.</p> -<p>But then the job was completed by dragging the mutilated -dead to the stream, and casting them in, when the current -<span class="pb" id="Page_76">76</span> -quickly swept them away. As the last corpse disappeared, -Travers raised his voice and bade Clara come down; that all -danger was past.</p> -<p>But there came no reply. Again he called, louder than -before. Still the silence, save in the echoes of his own voice -among the hills.</p> -<p>Travers wondered at this, though he did not think of any -serious wrong. He believed that Clara, frightened by the -wild struggle, had not yet recovered sufficiently to recognize -his voice.</p> -<p>“Here, Tom, hold the horses, and I will go up after her,” -said Travers, a little impatiently. “She’s afraid to come -down alone.”</p> -<p>Muttering at the foolish squeamishness of the white squaw, -the Delaware did as bade, and then the soldier lightly bounded -up the steep hillside. As he neared the line of bushes, -Travers called again:</p> -<p>“Miss Calhoun—Clara, come out. It is all over, and the -road is free for us. Come.”</p> -<p>Still no answer, save in the echoes of his own voice as before. -A strange fear seized upon the strong-hearted soldier.</p> -<p>Why this continued silence? Why did not the maiden -answer him? Could it be, that, frightened at the scene of -death and bloodshed, she had fainted?</p> -<p>Believing this the true solution of the dead stillness, he -sprung forward and parted the bushes. A wild cry broke -from his lips.</p> -<p>The covert was empty—unoccupied, save by the still and -lifeless form of the Arapahoe, who had fallen by the strong -hand of Delaware Tom. Where was Clara?</p> -<p>“What fo’ you mek holler like dat? Where squaw?” -called out the Delaware from below.</p> -<p>“My God! Tom, she’s gone! She is not here!” gasped -Travers, in wondering alarm.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_77">77</div> -<h2 id="c9"><span class="small">CHAPTER IX.</span> -<br />BOUND TO THE STAKE.</h2> -<p>The situation of old Tom Maxwell, was not one to be -envied. Lying helplessly bound, surrounded by a score of -yelling, exultant red-skins, who showered kicks and cuffs upon -him with merciless celerity.</p> -<p>Taken in the very act of slaying one of their comrades, he -could expect but little mercy at their hands; indeed he felt -some surprise that they spared his life even for those few -moments.</p> -<p>Suddenly a tall, powerful form strode through the corral, -rudely elbowing the braves aside, all resistance ceasing as -they caught sight of the one who handled them so unceremoniously. -Evidently the new-comer was one high in rank -among them, judging from the deference with which he was -regarded.</p> -<p>Waving back the red-skins, he stood over the form of the -captive scout, gazing keenly at his upturned features. A -quick and powerful change passed over his face, and a -hoarse cry broke from his lips, while one hand nervously -clutched the tomahawk that hung at his side.</p> -<p>“Ugh! Three Scalps!” he uttered in his native tongue; -and even then there seemed to be a tinge of respectful admiration -in his voice.</p> -<p>“Yas, so they call me in your lingo, ’Rapahoe,” coolly returned -Maxwell, as he gazed fixedly at the face of the savage. -“I s’pose you know how you arn’t the name, don’t ye?”</p> -<p>“Yeh, me know. Big warrior, <i>you</i>. Kill heap Arapahoe. -Won’t kill no more, dough. Git kill <i>self</i>, bumbye. How -like <i>dat</i>, eh?” added the Indian, with a leer of ferocious joy -upon his features, as he crouched over the captive pale-face.</p> -<p>“Don’t know, chief, ontel a’ter I’ve tried it a time or two. -Reckon I’d like it fust rate, soon’s I git kinder used to it a -bit. But you’re jokin’, ain’t ye, now?”</p> -<p>“Jokin’—wha’ dat?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_78">78</div> -<p>“Foolin’—makin’ b’lieve—sorter throwin’ dust in a feller’s -eyes, like, ye know, so to speak. What fer do you want to -kill me? I hain’t done nothin’ much, onless it is killin’ a -few dozen ’Rapahoes, fer which you’d orter thank me, ’stead -o’ holdin’ any grudge,” and the reckless old scout chuckled -grimly.</p> -<p>“You kill Arapahoe—Arapahoes kill <i>you</i>. Kill Cagoula -here, kill oder brave ober dere. You die fo’ dat.”</p> -<p>“What other? You ain’t goin’ to blame a feller fer what -ain’t his fault, be ye? Ef I tuck a notion to shoot out here -at a bunch o’ grass, an’ one o’ your durned copper-skins runs -ag’inst the bullet, be I to blame? But I didn’t do it—you cain’t -prove ’at I killed any other skunk ’cept this ’ere one.”</p> -<p>“Kin too, me tell. Kill ’noder brave down dere—in water—stick -one wid knife. Den run ’way like de debble,” -angrily added the chief.</p> -<p>“When—where was that?” asked Maxwell, a sudden hope -springing up in his breast at the last words of the Indian.</p> -<p>“S’pose you tek good hoss—ride like debble—mek hair -all wet on hoss. <i>Dat</i> long, mebbe,” tersely replied the Arapahoe.</p> -<p>Maxwell’s form quivered with a new-born hope. He -knew that the time metaphorically stated by the chief, -would be about that which had transpired since the alarm -had arose, so closely following the desperate venture of Buenos -Ayres. Could it be that he had been deceived—that the -young man had indeed eluded the vigilance of his enemies, -and was still at liberty?</p> -<p>For some moments Tom dared not trust himself to speak. -He dreaded lest the swarthy Hercules should suspect the truth -from his tones.</p> -<p>“You mean the feller who tried to stop me down thar? -In the water?” he said, at a venture.</p> -<p>“Yeh.”</p> -<p>“You fellers didn’t see me, then, as I swum back up the -river?”</p> -<p>“No. You do dat way?” eagerly asked the chief.</p> -<p>“In course. You hunted fer me, didn’t you? Ef I’d ’a’ -stayed thar you’d ’a’ found me, wouldn’t ye?”</p> -<p>“Yeh, me see now. Injun he big fool dat time, but got -<span class="pb" id="Page_79">79</span> -you now. Keep you, too. Tek scalp bumbye. How you -like burn at stake, eh? Laugh plenty loud, den, eh? T’ink -so?” and the chief chuckled diabolically.</p> -<p>“Me—burn <i>me</i>? Git out—you’re crazy, Injun. <i>Cain’t</i> do -that. Won’t burn; ’d putt the fire all out. I’m all frozen -water, <i>I</i> be. Tell you what I’ll do. Bet ye my hat ’at I kin -stan’ fire longer ’thout sizzlin’ ’n <i>you</i> kin. Thar now, what -sez ye?”</p> -<p>The savage laughed a little at the sublime impudence of -his captive, but then turned away and entered into conversation -with several of the more prominent braves.</p> -<p>Maxwell had an object in view in thus chaffing with his -captor. He felt assured now that Buenos Ayres had indeed -succeeded in passing the cordon in safety, and that he was -even then far away in search of help.</p> -<p>Thus, every moment of time gained was invaluable to his -comrades. If he could delay an attack until daylight, he -believed that the train would be saved, as the Indians would -scarcely brave an assault in broad daytime, knowing the -great loss they must suffer in such a case.</p> -<p>Hoping to learn something definite regarding the red-skins’ -plans, Tom keenly strained his ears to catch the words of -those who were collected around the chief, at but a few yards -from where stood the captive scout. His partial knowledge -of the dialect stood him in good stead here.</p> -<p>He heard his own name—or the <i>sobriquet</i> given him for a -deed of peculiar daring some years before, Three Scalps—coupled -together with the emigrant train; and then another -name met his ear. That of Dusky Dick.</p> -<p>His suspicious, then, were only too true. This desperate -attack was indeed the work of the Traitor Guide. These -savages were under his orders; then where was he?</p> -<p>But soon other interests riveted his attention upon the savages, -once more. They were debating upon <i>him</i>—settling the -mode and time of <i>his death</i>.</p> -<p>Despite his hardihood and great bravery, the old guide -shuddered as he caught the words of the chief. To die—and -by such a death—was horrible!</p> -<p>“His hands are red with the blood of the Arapahoe—he -must <i>die</i>! But he is a great brave—his name is Three -<span class="pb" id="Page_80">80</span> -Scalps. Do you know how he gained that name? Listen! -Four Arapahoe braves attacked him upon the prairie and shot -his horse: he was alone. They were good braves and skillful -warriors, but they were no match for him. He killed -and took the scalps of three—the other fled, with a bullet -through his breast. He gained the lodges of his people, and -told his story; then he died. We called the white warrior -Three Scalps.</p> -<p>“He is a great brave, but he must die. He has fallen into -our power at last—but the death of a man awaits him. He -shall die by fire—the wolves must not pick his bones. Wapashaw -has spoken!”</p> -<p>“The chief is wise,” slowly uttered one of the elder braves. -“But does he not forget? What will the white chief say? -He bade us capture this man and keep him so that he might -slay him with his own hand.”</p> -<p>“Wapashaw is a chief. Who shall say he does wrong? -Not a pale-face, with blood like water. Is the White Snake -greater than a chief of the Arapahoes? No! He does not -dare speak hot words to Wapashaw. He knows that my arm -is strong and my tomahawk sharp. Three Scalps must die—I -have said it!” sternly added the chief, as he turned away.</p> -<p>Where was Dusky Dick? Why did he not put in an appearance, -now that one of his bitterest enemies was helplessly -a captive? This fact puzzled Tom not a little. But then he -thought of the imminent peril that threatened himself.</p> -<p>“Durned consolin’, that is—I guess <i>not</i>!” muttered Tom, -disgustedly. “S’pose I’d orter feel proud, but I don’t—not -a mite. B’lieve I’d ruther they’d think I was a pesky coward, -ef so be they’d think I wasn’t wuth sizzlin’. Ugh! it -makes the sweat come, jest to think on it! What’ll it be -<i>then</i>, though? Oh, Lord!”</p> -<p>He watched the movements of the savages with anxious -eyes. Although as brave as most men, there was something -fearful in contemplating this mode of being sent out of the -world.</p> -<p>“Wonder ef it’ll hurt <i>much</i>. Bet it will; know it, ’most. -Ef ’twouldn’t, I wouldn’t keer so much. Wish to ge-mineezers -’at I’d stayed in the corral,” grumbled Tom, as he tugged -desperately upon his bonds.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_81">81</div> -<p>But this effort was in vain. The hide-thongs had been -applied by too careful a hand, for him to slip them from his -wrists, and the tough cords only sunk deeper into the yielding -flesh, with each succeeding effort.</p> -<p>It was quite evident that whatever scruples a few of the -elder braves might have entertained as to the advisability of -such a decided course, were quickly overruled by the stern-willed -chief, Wapashaw, and then the necessary preparations -for the feast were speedily under way. A score of savages -dashed away toward the timber belt, with drawn hatchets, -and then came the quick, heavy strokes, telling that wood was -being collected.</p> -<p>Maxwell noted their movements with naturally troubled -feelings. He saw his fate was sealed beyond a doubt, unless -he could effect an escape.</p> -<p>But this seemed impossible. Alone, he was helpless as -an infant. There was nothing for it but to watch and wait.</p> -<p>In a short time the savages returned from the timber-belt, -bearing huge back-loads of dried wood, which, at a word -from Wapashaw, they carried over to the hill, near whose -top it was heaped. There was a double meaning in this selection -of the spot for the sacrifice.</p> -<p>Of a necessity, there must be a number of braves left -around the corral to guard against another messenger venturing -forth, and these would wish to witness the sport. Did it -take place upon the hillside, they could do so as well as those -within the corral.</p> -<p>The hill, too, was beyond reach of rifle-shot, and so the -bright light could not serve to guide an avenging bullet. -For these reasons had the hill been selected by the astute -chief of the Arapahoes.</p> -<p>Then the form of the old guide was lifted from the ground -by several brawny warriors, and borne toward the rudely-improvised -stake. Tom’s heart sunk anew, for he hoped to be -able to break away from his captors, during the walk to the -hill. But Wapashaw knew too well the nature of the man -he had to deal with, to run any unnecessary risks.</p> -<p>Maxwell uttered a bitter curse of rage as he realized this. -But a savage leer upon the countenance of Wapashaw revealed -the delight his chagrin gave the rascal, and Tom smothered -<span class="pb" id="Page_82">82</span> -his emotion, until he gave no outward sign of feeling his -position, though his teeth were firmly clenched and his breath -came hard and strong.</p> -<p>In a few minutes the hill was gained, and the old scout -was placed with his back against the firmly-planted stake. -Not until a strong lariat was twined around both his body -and the post, were his feet freed from their bonds, his hands -still remaining tied.</p> -<p>“Ugh!” grunted Wapashaw, as he stood ordering the proceeding, -addressing Maxwell. “Three Scalps no ’feared -<i>now</i>? Holler plenty loud, by-’m-by, when fire burns. T’ink -so?”</p> -<p>“Not much, chief. You’ll only git fooled ef you ’xpect -<i>me</i> to holler. Fire cain’t burn me—<i>it</i> cain’t. I’m proof ag’in’ -lead an’ steel, too. Didn’t know that afore, did ye? Why -you mought stan’ thar an’ shoot your rifle plum ag’in’ my -face, an’ the bullit ’d jest bounce back ag’in, like it hed hit a -rock. Your hatchet ’ed break jest like a piece o’ ice, ef you -was to hit me, <i>hard</i>. It would <i>so</i>!” earnestly responded Tom. -“S’pose you try it an’ see, now, jest fer fun.”</p> -<p>Wapashaw gazed steadily at the old guide for a moment, -but then a grim smile swept athwart his countenance. He -divined the motive that actuated his captive, but was far from -willing to gratify him.</p> -<p>“S’pose you t’ink Arapahoe chief he big fool, talk like -dat? S’pose shoot—hit ’um wid tom’hawk, den ’um go <i>dead, -quick</i>. Den no git burn. Three Scalps brave, plenty cunning, -but so Wapashaw. No git fooled <i>dis</i> time,” and the -chief chuckled sardonically.</p> -<p>“Ah, <i>git</i> out! Think ye’re <i>some</i>, don’t ye? Durned smart, -you be—whar the hide’s rubbed off. Fool nothin’—cain’t -spile a rotten aigg, you durned gumphead, you,” retorted Tom, -with an angry glare in his eyes.</p> -<p>He had indeed strove to induce the chief to end all at one -blow, by his boasting, for he had racked his brain in vain to -devise some other mode of escaping the horrible death. Feeling -assured that his time to die was at hand, he wished it -over at once.</p> -<p>Though Maxwell spoke boldly enough, there was a dull, -heavy sinking at his heart, as he noted the preparations for -<span class="pb" id="Page_83">83</span> -his torture. He knew that mortal man could never endure -that fearful trial, without giving utterance to his agony.</p> -<p>He knew that death would come, but it would be lingering; -before oblivion, he must suffer ten thousand deaths. That is -what he desired to escape.</p> -<p>The dried fagots were piled around at a few yards’ distance -from the stake, so that death should not too quickly claim -its victim. Time must be given them to do ample honor to -the great bravery and prowess that Three Scalps had so frequently -displayed, greatly to their harm.</p> -<p>Tom could look down upon the corral, though it was but -faintly outlined in the dim light, for the moon had sunk low -down, and daybreak was close at hand. He knew that his -comrades must be cognizant of his capture, whether they also -knew of his threatened doom or no.</p> -<p>But he could expect no assistance from them. They would -have enough to do in guarding themselves, and the dear, -helpless ones depending upon their strong arms for safety.</p> -<p>Then Wapashaw took a torch that had been hastily kindled -by one of the warriors, and holding it to the dry kindlings, -the pile of fagots was soon in a blaze, shooting up -from a dozen different points. And around the funeral pyre -danced the yelling and screeching red-skins, apparently half -frantic with demoniac joy.</p> -<h2 id="c10"><span class="small">CHAPTER X.</span> -<br />THE WINDING TRAIL.</h2> -<p>At this wild cry from Captain Travers, Delaware Tom -abandoned the horses they had secured after so much trouble -and danger, and darted up the hill-side toward the spot where -such a startling discovery had been made by the soldier. It -did not seem possible, and the Indian evidently believed that -Travers had made some mistake in the spot.</p> -<p>But then he also saw that Clara was gone from the place -where she had been left but a few short minutes before. -<span class="pb" id="Page_84">84</span> -Gone—where? Why had she fled? Or had some enemy -spirited her away?</p> -<p>These were the questions that poured from the lips of the -soldier, as his comrade gained his side. For a time Tom -made no reply, and bent low down over the ground, as if trying -to read the truth by some sign left there.</p> -<p>“She gone—dat all we know now,” grunted the Delaware, -as he rose erect. “Don’t know how—mebbe tell bumbye, -when light comes ’g’in.”</p> -<p>“Do you think that any one has carried her off, Tom?” -asked Travers, agitatedly.</p> -<p>“Mebbe so—mebbe not so. Don’t know not’ing, me say. -Too much dark—can’t see. She gone, dat all me kin tell -now,” persisted the Delaware, doggedly.</p> -<p>Travers glanced anxiously up at the heavens. The moon -had rolled on, until the cliff above their heads shut off the -light from the hill-side.</p> -<p>All there was dim and indistinct; light enough to distinguish -forms, but not sufficiently so to trace out a trail, especially -when left upon the rocky ground by so light a foot as -that of the missing maiden. As Tom had said, the truth -could not be learned until the day had dawned.</p> -<p>Fortunately, this period was not far distant. A couple of -hours, at most, and the sun would make its appearance.</p> -<p>But in that length of time, what might not happen? If -the maiden was in the hands of an enemy, she would be conveyed -far beyond their reach before they could strike the -trail.</p> -<p>And then there was danger to themselves, too, as well. -The messenger who had been dispatched for help, hours before, -by the Arapahoes, might return at any moment, bringing -a force that they could not hope to cope with successfully. -Or the two savages who had fled the massacre of their comrades -might chance upon friends, and gathering courage -from that fact, return to avenge the slaughter of their brethren.</p> -<p>All these thoughts agitated the minds of the two men, as -they stood gazing gloomily upon each other. That they were -puzzled was plain; equally plain was it that not for even a -moment did either think of abandoning to her fate the maiden -<span class="pb" id="Page_85">85</span> -who had so strangely been thrown upon their protection, -and for whom they had already dared so much.</p> -<p>“What must we do now, Tom?” muttered Travers, speaking -mechanically; not that he hoped to gain any thing by -the reply.</p> -<p>“Do not’ing now—bumbye do <i>somefin</i>. When light come -ag’in, we take trail—foller up till fin’ squaw.”</p> -<p>“But do you think we can?”</p> -<p>“Know so—almost. Got eye plenty sharp, Tom. Foller -trail in water, ef try <i>hard</i>. Me foller trail—Cap’n ride hoss. -Den we git her—go back camp—laugh like de debble, ’cause -skeered when squaw git lost.”</p> -<p>“But she may have been carried off?” suggested the soldier, -taking the gloomy side of the question as the true one.</p> -<p>“No—don’t t’ink <i>dat</i>. Injun grab her, squaw holler <i>so</i> -loud—squeal all some like pant’er. Den we hear, sure. No -holler loud—den Injun no take. She git skeered, mebbe, -’cause ’um kill Arapahoe. Don’t know much when skeered. -No see straight—t’ink mebbe a <i>frien’</i> git kill—not bad Injun. -Den ’fraid dey git her, too, so run ’way off, plenty fast. Me -t’ink <i>dat</i>,” succinctly stated Tom, with the argumentative air -of a lawyer summing up his case.</p> -<p>“Do you think so?” eagerly cried Travers. “Then she -may be hidden somewhere near here. Surely she could not -run far, she was so weak from her fall. If you call, she may -hear and answer.”</p> -<p>“You holler, if you like. Me go git horses ’g’in. Don’t like -much walk, when kin ride. Plenty better, <i>dat</i>,” grinned the -Delaware, who begun descending the hillside toward the captured -animals, who had stood still on being left.</p> -<p>Travers acted upon this supposition, making the hills echo -with the sound of his voice calling aloud the maiden’s name -as clearly as possible. But there came back no answering -call.</p> -<p>If the Delaware’s supposition as to Clara’s voluntary flight -was true, then she must have run to a great distance, or she -could not have failed hearing the cries. At length the soldier -ceased in despair. There was nothing for it but to await the -coming day before proceeding further.</p> -<p>Tom secured the horses to a bush, and then taking a philosophical -<span class="pb" id="Page_86">86</span> -view of the matter, comfortably seated himself in a -mossy nook, lighting his pipe and smoking with the gusto of -an epicure. But Travers could not content himself thus.</p> -<p>Though he had known the maiden but a few brief hours, -as time is usually computed, that seemed most like a year of -ordinary time, so full of adventure had it been. The bright eyes -and sweet face of Clara Calhoun, had made a vivid impression -upon his heart, and he felt this suspense very keenly.</p> -<p>No doubt he would have laughed to scorn the idea of his -being in love with her, had it suggested itself, but truly, the -feeling he now experienced was not unlike the first dawning -of that subtle sentiment called <i>love</i>. Honestly, the gallant captain -was in greater danger then, than he had ever been before -in the whole course of his eventful life, had he but known it.</p> -<p>Travers, in his anxiety to be doing something, scaled the -hill and kept a close look out, to guard against being taken -by surprise, in case the Arapahoe’s messenger should return. -But Tom sunk into a peaceful doze beside his rock, no doubt -living over again in his dreams the glorious sport he had so -lately had, in outwitting and putting to rout his foes, the Arapahoes.</p> -<p>But all things must have an end, and that eventful night -was no exception to the general rule. With the first golden -rays of the rising sun gilding the eastern hill-tops, Travers descended -to where Delaware Tom was awaiting his coming.</p> -<p>Their preparations for the coming campaign were necessarily -very brief. A long draught from the creek, constituted -all their breakfast for the nonce, as the last bit of food -had passed their lips on the preceding night.</p> -<p>Then while the soldier secured the horses for marching, -Tom quartered the ground adjoining the covert, where still -lay the slaughtered Kisch-kouch, searching for the trail of the -missing maiden. In a few minutes his glad cry echoed forth, -and Travers knew that the quest had been successful.</p> -<p>As he hastened to the spot, his eyes, though keen, were at -fault, though Tom declared the trail was remarkably plain—that -Clara had passed over the ground at a rapid pace, though -<i>alone</i>. A joyous cry burst from the captain’s lips at this welcome -announcement, for now he did not doubt of being successful -in finding the girl in a very short time.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_87">87</div> -<p>It also confirmed the supposition of the Delaware, that she -had taken affright at the wild tumult attending the surprise, -and perhaps had fancied her friends were being overpowered. -But now Tom stood upon his dignity as chief trailer, and motioned -Travers back, to act as rear-guard.</p> -<p>The trail led down the hillside for some little distance, then -crossed the ridge and descended into the level prairie beyond. -Now even Travers could easily note the dainty footprints upon -the dew-dampened ground.</p> -<p>He also saw with pleasure, that its course was one heading -almost directly toward the camping-ground of his own -train, so that they were in reality losing but very little time. -This he rejoiced in, for he knew that his men would be uneasy -at his long absence, as they had not intended stopping -out over night.</p> -<p>For several miles the trail continued, not in a direct line, -but zig-zag hither and yon, as if the girl had become confused -and wandered aimlessly in a roundabout manner. And -while Tom traced this out, step by step, Travers, seated upon -a horse, gazed keenly around in every direction, hoping to -thus gain sight of the wanderer, sooner than otherwise.</p> -<p>And his search proved successful, for, just as Tom uttered -a cry of surprise, Travers caught sight of a human form, upon -the swell of a hill, perhaps a mile away. Then the figure -abruptly disappeared from view.</p> -<p>“Ugh! look dere!” muttered Tom, as he came to an abrupt -stop.</p> -<p>Travers followed the direction indicated by the outstretched -finger. The trail they were following suddenly became <i>a -double one</i>!</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_88">88</div> -<h2 id="c11"><span class="small">CHAPTER XI.</span> -<br />REUNITED.</h2> -<p>It was well-nigh daydawn, and Buenos Ayres trudged -wearily on, foot-sore and almost exhausted by his severe toil. -His mind was filled with doubt and fear.</p> -<p>He believed that he had more than covered the distance -mentioned by Tom Maxwell, as intervening between the corral -and the Main Trail, but yet he had not observed any trace -of it. Could it be possible that he had crossed the Trail, unknowingly? -He feared greatly that he had done so.</p> -<p>“It will not do to turn back on an uncertainty,” he muttered, -as he paused to glance around him once more. “And -yet, a mistake, now, would be awful! If I only knew the -country better!”</p> -<p>But then once more he pressed on, keeping as direct a -course as lay in his power. And as he gained the next ridge -he again paused, hoping from its summit to discover the desired -landmark.</p> -<p>But if he did not see what he sought, another object met -his gaze. One that caused his heart to leap to his very throat, -while his brain grew dizzy with a wild, delirious hope.</p> -<p>Upon a crest to his left, Ayres beheld a human form, that, -in the grim, gray light, was indistinct and phantom-like. -But still he believed that he could discern the flowing drapery -of a woman!</p> -<p>Ayres had learned a lesson by that night’s events, and still -uncertain that the distant figure was not that of an enemy, he -sunk down into the tall grass, and then peered keenly toward -the spot where the vision had appeared. And, as he -awaited, he saw that it was approaching, and was indeed a -woman.</p> -<p>How his heart leaped, then! A woman—might it not be -his lost love, who had so strangely disappeared from their -midst?</p> -<p>And yet, how could it be? Clara had ridden away on her -<span class="pb" id="Page_89">89</span> -horse; this woman was on foot, many miles from the spot -where he had last seen his friend.</p> -<p>Though the coming sun gilded the eastern horizon, the -swale in which the woman now was, still gloomy, and only -with the greatest difficulty could Ayres discern her shape at -all. But then she began ascending the hill, almost directly -toward him.</p> -<p>Trembling in every fiber of his being, the young man -awaited the result, fearful lest his new-born hope should be -dashed to the ground, after all. It did not seem possible that -this could be Clara.</p> -<p>But then a glad cry—a cry so full of joy and heartfelt exultation—broke -from his lips. The light fell full upon the -features of her who approached, and Ayres knew that he beheld -his lost love, Clara Calhoun!</p> -<p>She evidently heard the cry, for she paused and half-turned -as if to flee. Then he sprung up, calling aloud her name, as -he darted toward her trembling figure.</p> -<p>She stood as if petrified, then, with a glad cry, sunk to the -ground, laughing and weeping at the same time. Her overtasked -powers now seemed to give way before this unexpected -happiness, and she sunk into a deathlike swoon, as her -lover clasped her to his broad breast, covering her pale and -haggard face with passionate kisses.</p> -<p>For a moment Buenos acted like one demented, but then -as he found she did not return his caresses, a great fear assailed -him; he feared she was dead. And indeed, her looks -favored this supposition.</p> -<p>So pale and ghastly, lying against his heart like one utterly -devoid of life. But this great sorrow was spared the -young man.</p> -<p>Soon, beneath the fervid pressure of his lips, the color -and warmth came back to her face, and then her eyes -opened. The wild, hunted look quickly disappeared from -them, and with a low, glad cry her arms wound around his -neck.</p> -<p>“Thank God! you have found me, Buenos!” she murmured, -faintly.</p> -<p>“But where have you been, darling? Why did you leave -us so strangely?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_90">90</div> -<p>Whereupon Clara briefly detailed her adventures of the -past night, adding:</p> -<p>“I saw them all together, shouting and screaming, shooting -at each other, and it frightened me terribly. What could -these two men, though so brave, do against six great Indians? -I believed they must both be killed, and then as I thought -of how the savages would hunt for and find me, it seemed -as though I would go crazy! I would rather die than fall -into their hands, and yet I knew that they would capture me -if I should stay there until it was all over.</p> -<p>“So I turned and fled, not knowing whither I went, but -only thinking to escape from these dreadful savages. I ran -on until I fell from weakness, but then, as I fancied I could -hear them coming after me, I arose and kept on, only knowing -that I was running away from <i>them</i>. I did not know -where I was, nor whither I was going, and I believe that I -must have died had not you found me, dear Buenos,” she added, -with a hysterical sob.</p> -<p>“Poor Clara—how you must have suffered!” murmured -Ayres, pressing his lips to her brow.</p> -<p>“Indeed I have—more than words can tell. But I knew -you would come for me—I felt sure you would not leave me -to die here all alone. Poor father—how he must have suffered -from my thoughtlessness!”</p> -<p>“My God! I forgot—and here I have lost over an hour!” -exclaimed Buenos, springing to his feet in dismay at his remissness.</p> -<p>“What—what is it, Buenos?” inquired Clara, in vague -alarm.</p> -<p>“The train—I was sent for help. The Indians, under -Dusky Dick, attacked it last night, and I fear my thoughtlessness -will be their ruin,” agitatedly added Ayres.</p> -<p>“<i>He</i> was with those after me,” shuddered Clara. “But -help—where can you find it here? We are alone—God only -knows where!”</p> -<p>“There was a government train close behind us, when we -left the Main Trail, and I was searching for them, but—”</p> -<p>“He belonged to one—Captain Travers, I mean. It can -not be far away from here. Ah, if we can only find it!” hastily -cried Clara.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_91">91</div> -<p>“Do you know in what direction? Did you hear him say -where it was?”</p> -<p>“No—or if I did, I forgot. I was so badly frightened, you -know.”</p> -<p>“We must find it—I must. But you—my poor darling—you -are too tired to walk so far and fast.”</p> -<p>“No—I am strong now, since <i>you</i> have come. I can walk, -oh, so far; never fear. Besides, it is for father—and our -friends. And I could not stay here—I should die of fear. -<i>They</i> would catch me, I know!”</p> -<p>“Well, we must try it. Remember that your father’s life -may depend upon your own, Clara, and bear up if you can. -It will be hard—I wish I could spare you—but there is no -help for it.”</p> -<p>The sun was now quite high above the hills, for young -Ayres had lost a good hour by listening to Clara’s story, and -now they pressed on at a fair pace, though ignorant whether -they were pursuing the right course or were going widely -astray.</p> -<p>But they were destined to meet with another interruption, -right speedily. They had just gained the next ridge when -Clara suddenly uttered a little cry of affright.</p> -<p>“Ah! Buenos—look there—the Indians! My God! we -are lost!” she gasped, as, with outstretched hand, she guided -the gaze of her companion toward the ridge they had just left -but a few moments before.</p> -<p>One quick glance satisfied Buenos of the correctness of her -fears. He saw a little group of horsemen, that he believed -were mounted Indians.</p> -<p>“Quick! stoop down Clara! They have not seen us yet, -and if we hide they may pass by without noticing our trail. -Follow me—quick!” Ayres hissed, as, crouching low down, he -half-led, half-dragged his companion down the hill-side, making -toward a small clump of timber growing in the bottom of -the vale.</p> -<p>Toward this they ran at full speed, and had barely gained -its shelter when the horsemen reached the ridge they had just -left. A wild cry came to the ears of the fugitives, and then -they saw the horsemen dash furiously toward their refuge.</p> -<p>“Keep behind me, Clara,” muttered Ayres, as he closely -<span class="pb" id="Page_92">92</span> -examined the condition of his revolver. “They will not find -us tame victims. They must pay a price for our lives.”</p> -<p>“There are only two—perhaps they are—”</p> -<p>“See the other horses—four of them? They must have -riders, who are hiding behind their bodies. Look, they stop! -I’ll—”</p> -<p>“No—no; don’t shoot, Buenos,” cried Clara, as she seized -the already-leveled revolver. “See, they are friends—Captain -Travers and the Delaware, who saved me from the Indians!”</p> -<p>“Are you sure, Clara?” doubtfully replied Ayres; but then -a cry from one of the men settled this doubt, most agreeably.</p> -<p>“Miss Calhoun, you know us; we are friends. Who is -that with you? If an enemy, we will rescue you from -him.”</p> -<p>Clara and Buenos stepped forth from the cover, and then -there ensued a warm greeting between the quartette, for even -the Delaware appeared overjoyed at beholding the pale-faced -squaw, once more.</p> -<p>“Buenos, tell this gentleman—I know he will help us,” -eagerly uttered Clara, thinking first of her father’s peril.</p> -<p>In a few brief words Ayres stated the position of affairs at -the emigrant train, as he had left it, and implored assistance. -The captain, though experiencing a momentary sensation something -akin to jealousy, at seeing how confidingly Clara clung -to the young man—was greatly excited, and promptly offered -his aid in the matter.</p> -<p>“Certainly I will. My old commander in danger! Good -Lord! how strange! Quick—help the lady to mount; there’s -plenty of horses, fortunately. The camp is only about two -miles away, now. We’ll get there almost before you know -it; and then for these red-skinned devils. No offense, I hope, -Delaware?”</p> -<p>“No—me all white man, now. Cuss Injins all want, plenty -bad, you like—all but Delaware,” grunted Tom.</p> -<p>Buenos quickly lifted Clara upon one of the horses, and -then, following suit, the quartette were speedily dashing over -the prairie, under the guidance of Delaware Tom, with the -two extra horses following closely in their wake.</p> -<p>The spirits of the two lovers rose with every long leap of -<span class="pb" id="Page_93">93</span> -their mettlesome horses, though Buenos Ayres could not repress -certain misgivings as he thought on the length of time -that had transpired since he left the emigrant party. Could -they have held out through the long, fearful night?</p> -<p>He feared they could not have done so; something seemed -to tell him that the rescuing party would arrive only in time -to bestow upon his late comrades a Christian burial. And -beneath his breath he swore a deep and fearful vengeance, -should such indeed be the case.</p> -<p>They had ridden but a short distance, when Delaware -Tom uttered a low whoop, and pointed before them, though -he did not slacken his pace. Thus directed, the eyes of all -noted the presence of a small body of horsemen, just rising -the second ridge from them, who had evidently caught -sight of the quartette, at the same time, for they suddenly -drew rein.</p> -<p>“Don’t stop—they’re friends,” cried Travers. “I can tell -my boys as far as eye can reach. They’re out after me, I -don’t doubt; we stayed so much longer than expected.”</p> -<p>At about the same time, the soldiers evidently made the -same discovery, for they gave their horses free rein and dashed -forward, with loud cheers. A smile rested upon the captain’s -lips, at this. One could easily see that he was a beloved -leader, and proud of his boys in blue.</p> -<p>“Well Morris,” he said, as the leader of the dozen men -saluted, “glad to see you. How’s all at the camp?”</p> -<p>“All well, sir, but very anxious because you stayed out so -long. I made bold to take a few of the boys and ride out -to see if we could be of any use,” respectfully replied the -sergeant, curiously eying the horses and the two extra riders.</p> -<p>“There’s work cut out for you, and hot work, too, if I -mistake not. But I know that <i>that</i> is no drawback,” laughed -Travers, as the party again broke into a rapid gallop.</p> -<p>“Indeed it ain’t, cap’n. Injuns—if I may ask?”</p> -<p>“Yes. They’ve attacked the train this lady and gentleman -belong to—the one that passed us at Dutchman’s.”</p> -<p>In a few minutes more the party had reached the camping-ground -of the government train, where now was all excitement, -for the news quickly spread, and was greeted with -loud, hearty cheers, for ’twas not every day that the boys got -<span class="pb" id="Page_94">94</span> -a pleasure ride, and a brush with the Indians to wind up -with. The only fear they had, was that, as some must remain -behind to guard the train, they might be the unlucky -ones.</p> -<p>“Boys,” said Travers, riding out a little from the rest, -“how many of you wish to take a skurry after the Indians -this morning?”</p> -<p>With loud cheers, every man, soldiers, teamsters and all, -flocked forward, each striving to be foremost. A glad smile -played around their leader’s lips.</p> -<p>“Good! though it’s only what I expected from you. But -you can’t all go. Sergeant Morris?”</p> -<p>“Here, sir.”</p> -<p>“Pick out thirty men, and see that they’re ready in ten -minutes. Never mind rations; take only arms and plenty -of ammunition.”</p> -<p>“Yes, sir. Half the time’ll do.”</p> -<p>“Now, Miss Calhoun, if you will come with us, I will see -you more comfortably placed than on that horse. The sutler’s -family is with us, and will see that you have all that you require.”</p> -<p>“Thank you, captain, but it is needless; I am going to -my father, with the rest of you,” firmly replied the maiden.</p> -<p>“But think—how we must ride, to do any good, and then -there will probably be hard fighting at the end of it,” he -urged, perplexedly.</p> -<p>“I have thought. Father is in trouble—perhaps dead or -badly wounded, and I not there! I <i>must</i> go!”</p> -<p>“Clara,” said Buenos, riding to her side, “listen to me. -You are nearly sick now, with what you have passed through. -Such a trial as this will be, would prove your death. You -would die before you got half-way. You must stay here—for -<i>my</i> sake, if not your own.”</p> -<p>“No—I will go!”</p> -<p>“Clara, you <i>must</i> not. Don’t oblige me to use compulsion, -but I know that you could never stand the ride. You must -stay. I will either come or send you word, as soon as it is -all over.”</p> -<p>With a hysterical sob, the maiden gave way, and allowed -the captain to lead her to the wagon set apart for the family -<span class="pb" id="Page_95">95</span> -of the sutler. Leaving her in charge of the worthy wife, he -hastened back to the men, who were now in readiness.</p> -<p>From the description of the spot, as given by Ayres, Delaware -Tom declared that he knew it well, and could guide the -party directly there, as the crow flies. And then they set off -upon their mission, at a pace that satisfied even Ayres, urgent -as was his haste.</p> -<p>“Keep up, boys,” shouted Travers. “We’re riding for -life or death, now, and if your horses can’t stand the pace, -follow on the best you can. You may be in at the death, -anyhow.”</p> -<p>They numbered some thirty-five, all told, and not one felt -a doubt as to how the affair would turn out, <i>provided</i> the -emigrants were still holding out, when they arrived. But -Buenos had grave fears upon this point.</p> -<p>And still on they thundered, no longer in a compact body, -but strung out at short intervals, as the better or more speedy -horses took the front. At their head rode Ayres, Travers, -and Delaware Tom, the former mounted upon one of the captured -mustangs; a noble brute.</p> -<p>On until the head grew dizzy with the swift motion; until -the foam dropped from the horses’ lips and flecked their -counters; until their glossy coats were darkened with sweat, -together with the dust cast up by the trampling hoofs.</p> -<p>It was a wild, fearful ride, and the brains of the men seemed -intoxicated, so wildly did they whirl. Even their horses -seemed to catch the infection, for they thundered on as if mad, -snorting and fretting, with eyeballs wildly staring, fiery and -bloodshot.</p> -<p>Then Delaware Tom abruptly jerked his horse up, casting -him upon his haunches. A motion of his hand checked the -others.</p> -<p>Soaring to their ears, borne upon the light air, came the -confusedly-mingled sounds of rifle-shots, shrill yells and -hoarse shouts, from beyond the swell of the prairie. The -cause was but too evident.</p> -<p>The savages were desperately attacking the emigrant train. -Then all was not yet over—they might still be in time!</p> -<p>“Wait until all come up—then one steady charge, and -they’re ours!” whispered Travers to the impetuous Ayres.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_96">96</div> -<h2 id="c12"><span class="small">CHAPTER XII.</span> -<br />DOG EAT DOG.</h2> -<p>The old guide, Tom Maxwell, gave himself up for lost. -The fire blazed up brightly—the smoke blinded his eyes—the -heat began to scorch his garments. His fate seemed indubitably -sealed.</p> -<p>But such was not to be, just then. A sudden interruption -came, from an utterly unlooked-for source.</p> -<p>The quick clatter of a horse’s hoofs was heard upon the -shingle that covered the base of the hill, and then a foam-flecked -steed dashed up beside the blazing fire. With a hoarse -cry, its rider sprung to the ground, and dashed through the -group of startled savages, hurling them rudely aside to clear -a passage.</p> -<p>Ere a hand could be raised to check him, the blazing fagots -were kicked aside and the daring man stood close to Maxwell. -One cut of the gleaming knife severed the rope that -bound him to the stake.</p> -<p>But then, with a howl, the Arapahoe chief, Wapashaw, -sprung forward, and hurled the man to the ground, ten feet -away.</p> -<p>All this passed so quickly that Maxwell was still blinking -to clear his eyes of smoke, unconscious that his bonds had -been partially cut, as his hands were still bound behind his -back.</p> -<p>The man sprung to his feet with a cry of defiance. And -then the features of Dusky Dick were revealed. Maxwell -stared at him in open-mouthed wonder.</p> -<p>“How dare you do this, chief?” uttered the White Snake, -in a voice low and even; but oh! what deadly ire that tone -contained! “You know our agreement—this brave was to -be given me, unharmed.”</p> -<p>“Dare! Wapashaw is an Arapahoe chief. What is there -he can not dare? Who shall speak hot words in his ear? -Not the pale-faced coward—not the White Snake!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_97">97</div> -<p>“You should know whether I am a coward or not by this -time, chief. If you say I am, <i>I</i> say you <i>lie</i>. This brave is -<i>my</i> property—who dares do him harm until I speak the -word?”</p> -<p>“<i>I</i>, Wapashaw, the Arapahoe! <i>I</i> dare harm him! See! I -defy you—I kill him before your very eyes!” yelled the savage, -now thoroughly angered, as he drew his tomahawk and -sprung toward the motionless form of the scout.</p> -<p>But like a meteor, the form of Dusky Dick glided forward, -and then his small fist alighted with crushing force full -between the eyes of the savage Hercules, hurling him to the -ground like a shot. Instantly all was the greatest confusion.</p> -<p>Several braves sprung toward the renegade, with flashing -weapons, but he met them boldly, with drawn revolvers. -Twice did there come a sharp report—twice did the death-yell -soar upward above the frightful din.</p> -<p>But then Wapashaw arose, and with a gesture motioned his -braves back. With a gesture that Dusky Dick well understood, -and was not slow to accept, he advanced to the wild -duel.</p> -<p>Casting his pistols aside, the renegade met his foe with -equal weapons. Knife slashed against knife, and the strife began -that could end only in death.</p> -<p>As Wapashaw sprung upon him, Maxwell had naturally -shrunk aside, and to his surprise he found that he was free, -save his hands. That was the first knowledge he had of the -timely act of Dusky Dick.</p> -<p>Then as the wild strife began, he made a desperate effort -to burst the cords that held his hands. Straining until he -thought all was in vain, the thongs suddenly parted with -a sharp twang.</p> -<p>Unnoticed in the confusion, he darted toward the crest of -the hill, that he knew overlooked the river. Down for nearly -a hundred feet, this abruptly fell.</p> -<p>It was truly a fearful leap, but the only chance for safety. -All other routes were cut off by the enemy.</p> -<p>Hesitating not a moment, Tom sprung boldly out over the -dizzy hight, and, shooting down like a stone, entered the water -with a sullen thud.</p> -<p>In another moment he was swimming rapidly down the -<span class="pb" id="Page_98">98</span> -stream, unharmed by the frightful descent, toward the corral, -unnoticed by all save those within the barricade. And this -he gained in safety, where he was warmly greeted by his -comrades, who had long since given him up as lost, beyond -a doubt.</p> -<p>Under less favorable circumstances, this feat would have -been impossible to execute successfully. But the attention -of all upon the hill was riveted upon the savage struggle between -their two leaders, Dusky Dick and Wapashaw, and -they did not give one thought to their captive, supposing him -to be firmly bound to the stake.</p> -<p>Then those who were left on guard over the wagon-train, -had been confused by the sudden extinguishing of the fire, -and the wild uproar that followed. Fearing their comrades -had been surprised by some foe, they one and all dashed at -full speed toward the spot, either not observing the leap of -Tom Maxwell, or else, in the dim light, believed it to be one -of the combatants.</p> -<p>Thus it was the old guide performed the seemingly impossible -feat without interruption.</p> -<p>In a short time the duel ended, but, from the corral, it -could not be seen which had been the victor, and then the -disappearance of the captive was first noticed. The confusion -was then really appalling.</p> -<p>Search was immediately made through the hills, the Indians -believing that he had fled in that direction, as none of -them coming from the plains had met him.</p> -<p>This search continued for a long time, when, after they -had abandoned it as useless, one brave noticed the dirt displaced -by the scout’s feet in springing over the precipice. -That told the tale, and, fairly wild with anger, the Indians -rushed down and attacked the corral, fighting with a desperate -fury worthy a better cause.</p> -<p>But they were as bravely met. Rifle-shots answered arrow-flights, -until the strife became hand-to-hand. Over the barricades -swarmed the painted demons, until the interior was -filled with a confused mass of writhing, struggling humanity, -battling furiously, desperately.</p> -<p>But then came a glad sound to the ears of the overpowered -whites—the loud, hearty cheer, emanating from unmistakably -<span class="pb" id="Page_99">99</span> -white men’s throats. Then the thundering of many hoofs—the -sharp cracking of carbines and revolvers.</p> -<p>Fully as well did the Arapahoes recognize those shouts; -they had heard similar ones before, and they knew too well -the prowess of the boys in blue, to stand and wait their close -acquaintance.</p> -<p>There uprose the cry of retreat—and, like one man, the red-skins -tore themselves free from their antagonists, and fled, on -foot, on horseback, as fate favored them.</p> -<p>And among them the soldiers raged furiously, led by Travers, -Ayres and Delaware Tom. The latter fairly outdid -himself, and returned with girdle literally crowded with -scalps.</p> -<p>There is but little more to add.</p> -<p>That was a glad meeting between Buenos and Calhoun, especially -when the young man announced the safety of Clara. -He was truly the lion of the hour, but he bore his honors -with becoming meekness.</p> -<p>Then when the stragglers had all come in, the dead whites -were collected and afforded a Christian burial. It was a -melancholy sight, and not one dry eye—unless it might be those -of Delaware Tom, who was not remarkable for his sensitiveness—was -there in the encampment.</p> -<p>Taught a sad lesson by the recent events, Calhoun decided -to return to the Main Trail and remain under the protection -of his fellow-soldier’s command until the rest of the road was -passed, and the two enjoyed many an hour, over their recollections.</p> -<p>Well, the train got safely to its destination, without any -more serious accidents, and, in due time, Clara Calhoun was -made Mrs. Buenos Ayres; and Tom Maxwell was at the wedding, -and danced with “pritty.”</p> -<p>Dusky Dick was supposed to have been killed during -his duel with Wapashaw, for he was never heard of afterward.</p> -<p>And thus we leave them.</p> -<p class="tbcenter"><span class="smaller">THE END.</span></p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_102">102</div> -<h2 id="c13"><span class="small">DIME POCKET NOVELS.</span> -<br />PUBLISHED SEMI-MONTHLY.</h2> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0"><b>1—Hawkeye Harry.</b> By Oll Coomes.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>2—Dead Shot.</b> By Albert W. Aiken.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>3—The Boy Miners.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>4—Blue Dick.</b> By Capt. Mayne Reid.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>5—Nat Wolfe.</b> By Mrs. M. V. Victor.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>6—The White Tracker.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>7—The Outlaw’s Wife.</b> By Mrs. Ann S. Stephens.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>8—The Tall Trapper.</b> By Albert W. Aiken.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>9—Lightning Jo.</b> By Capt. Adams.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>10—The Island Pirate.</b> By Capt. Mayne Reid.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>11—The Boy Ranger.</b> By Oll Coomes.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>12—Bess, the Trapper.</b> By E. S. Ellis.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>13—The French Spy.</b> By W. J. Hamilton.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>14—Long Shot.</b> By Capt. Comstock.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>15—The Gunmaker.</b> By James L. Bowen.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>16—Red Hand.</b> By A. G. Piper.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>17—Ben, the Trapper.</b> By Lewis W. Carson.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>18—Wild Raven.</b> By Oll Coomes.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>19—The Specter Chief.</b> By Seelin Robins.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>20—The B’ar-Killer.</b> By Capt. Comstock.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>21—Wild Nat.</b> By Wm. R. Eyster.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>22—Indian Jo.</b> By Lewis W. Carson.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>23—Old Kent, the Ranger.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>24—The One-Eyed Trapper.</b> By Capt. Comstock.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>25—Godbold, the Spy.</b> By N. C. Iron.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>26—The Black Ship.</b> By John S. Warner.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>27—Single Eye.</b> By Warren St. John.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>28—Indian Jim.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>29—The Scout.</b> By Warren St. John.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>30—Eagle Eye.</b> By W. J. Hamilton.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>31—The Mystic Canoe.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>32—The Golden Harpoon.</b> By R. Starbuck.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>33—The Scalp King.</b> By Lieut. Ned Hunter.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>34—Old Lute.</b> By E. W. Archer.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>35—Rainbolt, Ranger.</b> By Oll Coomes.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>36—The Boy Pioneer.</b> By Edward S. Ellis.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>37—Carson, the Guide.</b> By J. H. Randolph.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>38—The Heart Eater.</b> By Harry Hazard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>39—Wetzel, the Scout.</b> By Boynton Belknap.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>40—The Huge Hunter.</b> By Ed. S. Ellis.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>41—Wild Nat, the Trapper.</b> By Paul Prescott.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>42—Lynx-cap.</b> By Paul Bibbs.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>43—The White Outlaw.</b> By Harry Hazard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>44—The Dog Trailer.</b> By Frederick Dewey.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>45—The Elk King.</b> By Capt. Chas. Howard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>46—Adrian, the Pilot.</b> By Col. P. Ingraham.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>47—The Man-hunter.</b> By Maro O. Rolfe.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>48—The Phantom Tracker.</b> By F. Dewey.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>49—Moccasin Bill.</b> By Paul Bibbs.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>50—The Wolf Queen.</b> By Charles Howard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>51—Tom Hawk, the Trailer.</b></p> -<p class="t0"><b>52—The Mad Chief.</b> By Chas. Howard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>53—The Black Wolf.</b> By Edwin E. Ewing.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>54—Arkansas Jack.</b> By Harry Hazard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>55—Blackbeard.</b> By Paul Bibbs.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>56—The River Rifles.</b> By Billex Muller.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>57—Hunter Ham.</b> By J. Edgar Iliff.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>58—Cloudwood.</b> By J. M. Merrill.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>59—The Texas Hawks.</b> By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>60—Merciless Mat.</b> By Capt. Chas. Howard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>61—Mad Anthony’s Scouts.</b> By E. Rodman.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>62—The Luckless Trapper.</b> By Wm. R. Eyster.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>63—The Florida Scout.</b> By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>64—The Island Trapper.</b> By Chas. Howard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>65—Wolf-Cap.</b> By Capt. Chas. Howard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>66—Rattling Dick.</b> By Harry Hazard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>67—Sharp-Eye.</b> By Major Max Martine.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>68—Iron-Hand.</b> By Frederick Forest.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>69—The Yellow Hunter.</b> By Chas. Howard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>70—The Phantom Rider.</b> By Maro O. Rolfe.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>71—Delaware Tom.</b> By Harry Hazard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>72—Silver Rifle.</b> By Capt. Chas. Howard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>73—The Skeleton Scout.</b> By Maj. L. W. Carson.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>74—Little Rifle.</b> By Capt. “Bruin” Adams.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>75—The Wood Witch.</b> By Edwin Emerson.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>76—Old Ruff, the Trapper.</b> By “Bruin” Adams.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>77—The Scarlet Shoulders.</b> By Harry Hazard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>78—The Border Rifleman.</b> By L. W. Carson.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>79—Outlaw Jack.</b> By Harry Hazard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>80—Tiger-Tail, the Seminole.</b> By R. Ringwood.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>81—Death-Dealer.</b> By Arthur L. Meserve.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>82—Kenton, the Ranger.</b> By Chas. Howard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>83—The Specter Horseman.</b> By Frank Dewey.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>84—The Three Trappers.</b> By Seelin Robbins.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>85—Kaleolah.</b> By T. Benton Shields, U.S.N.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>86—The Hunter Hercules.</b> By Harry St. George.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>87—Phil Hunter.</b> By Capt. Chas. Howard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>88—The Indian Scout.</b> By Harry Hazard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>89—The Girl Avenger.</b> By Chas. Howard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>90—The Red Hermitess.</b> By Paul Bibbs.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>91—Star-Face, the Slayer.</b></p> -<p class="t0"><b>92—The Antelope Boy.</b> By Geo. L. Aiken.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>93—The Phantom Hunter.</b> By E. Emerson.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>94—Tom Pintle, the Pilot.</b> By M. Klapp.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>95—The Red Wizard.</b> By Ned Hunter.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>96—The Rival Trappers.</b> By L. W. Carson.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>97—The Squaw Spy.</b> By Capt. Chas. Howard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>98—Dusky Dick.</b> By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>99—Colonel Crockett.</b> By Chas. E. Lasalle.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>100—Old Bear Paw.</b> By Major Max Martine.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>101—Redlaw.</b> By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>102—Wild Rube.</b> By W. J. Hamilton.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>103—The Indian Hunters.</b> By J. L. Bowen.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>104—Scarred Eagle.</b> By Andrew Dearborn.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>105—Nick Doyle.</b> By P. Hamilton Myers.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>106—The Indian Spy.</b> By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>107—Job Dean.</b> By Ingoldsby North.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>108—The Wood King.</b> By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>109—The Scalped Hunter.</b> By Harry Hazard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>110—Nick, the Scout.</b> By W. J. Hamilton.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>111—The Texas Tiger.</b> By Edward Willett.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>112—The Crossed Knives.</b> By Hamilton.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>113—Tiger-Heart, the Tracker.</b> By Howard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>114—The Masked Avenger.</b> By Ingraham.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>115—The Pearl Pirates.</b> By Starbuck.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>116—Black Panther.</b> By Jos. E. Badger, Jr.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>117—Abdiel, the Avenger.</b> By Ed. Willett.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>118—Cato, the Creeper.</b> By Fred. Dewey.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>119—Two-Handed Mat.</b> By Jos. E. Badger.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>120—Mad Trail Hunter.</b> By Harry Hazard.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>121—Black Nick.</b> By Frederick Whittaker.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>122—Kit Bird.</b> By W. J. Hamilton.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>123—The Specter Riders.</b> By Geo. Gleason.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>124—Giant Pete.</b> By W. J. Hamilton.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>125—The Girl Captain.</b> By Jos. E. Badger.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>126—Yankee Eph.</b> By J. R. Worcester.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>127—Silverspur.</b> By Edward Willett.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>128—Squatter Dick.</b> By Jos. E. Badger.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>129—The Child Spy.</b> By George Gleason.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>130—Mink Coat.</b> By Jos. E. Badger.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>131—Red Plume.</b> By J. Stanley Henderson.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>132—Clyde, the Trailer.</b> By Maro O. Rolfe.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>133—The Lost Cache.</b> By J. Stanley Henderson.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>134—The Cannibal Chief.</b> By Paul J. Prescott.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>135—Karaibo.</b> By J. Stanley Henderson.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>136—Scarlet Moccasin.</b> By Paul Bibbs.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>137—Kidnapped.</b> By J. Stanley Henderson.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>138—Maid of the Mountain.</b> By Hamilton.</p> -</div> -<p class="center">The following will be issued in the order and on the dates indicated:</p> -<div class="verse"> -<p class="t0"><b>139—The Scioto Scouts.</b> By Edward Willett. Ready October 21st.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>140—The Border Renegade.</b> By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Ready Nov. 4th.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>141—The Mute Chief.</b> By C. D. Clark. Ready November 18th.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>142—Boone, the Hunter.</b> By Frederick Whittaker. Ready December 2d.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>143—Mountain Kate.</b> By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Ready December 16th.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>144—The Red Scalper.</b> By W. J. Hamilton. Ready December 30th.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>145—The Lone Chief.</b> By Jos. E. Badger, Jr. Ready January 13th.</p> -<p class="t0"><b>146—The Silver Bugle.</b> By Lieut. Col. Hazleton. Ready January 27th.</p> -</div> -<p>☞ <span class="sc">Beadle’s Dime Pocket Novels</span> are always in print and for sale by all newsdealers; or will be sent -post-paid, to any address; single numbers, ten cents; six months (13 Nos.) $1.25; one year (26 Nos.) $2.50.</p> -<p class="center">Address, <b>BEADLE AND ADAMS, Publishers, 98 William Street, New York.</b></p> -<h2 id="trnotes">Transcriber’s Notes</h2> -<ul> -<li>Silently corrected a few typos.</li> -<li>Retained publication information from the printed edition: this eBook is public-domain in the country of publication.</li> -<li>In the text versions only, text in italics is delimited by _underscores_.</li> -<li>Created a Table of Contents based on the chapter headings.</li> -</ul> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DELAWARE TOM; OR THE TRAITOR GUIDE ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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