h an inquiring and somewhat terrified look. It rested upon
the water, still muddy with the trampling of our horses.

One glance was sufficient; and, with a quick, strong jerk upon the
bridle, the savage horseman wheeled, and struck out for the prairie.

Our charging signal had been given at the same instant; and springing
forward, we shot out of the copse-wood in a body.

We had to cross the rivulet. Seguin was some paces in advance as we
rode forward to it. I saw his horse suddenly baulk, stumble over the
bank, and roll headlong into the water!

The rest of us went splashing through. I did not stop to look back. I
knew that now the taking of the Indian was life or death to all of us;
and I struck my spur deeply, and strained forward in the pursuit.

For some time we all rode together in a dense clump. When fairly out on
the plain, we saw the Indian ahead of us about a dozen lengths of his
horse, and one and all felt with dismay that he was keeping his
distance, if not actually increasing it.

We had forgotten the condition of our animals. They were faint with
hunger, and stiff from standing so long in the ravine. Moreover, they
had just drunk to a surfeit.

I soon found that I was forging ahead of my companions. The superior
swiftness of Moro gave me the advantage. El Sol was still before me. I
saw him circling his lasso; I saw him launch it, and suddenly jerk up; I
saw the loop sliding over the hips of the flying mustang. He had missed
his aim.

He was recoiling the rope as I shot past him, and I noticed his look of
chagrin and disappointment.

My Arab had now warmed to the chase, and I was soon far ahead of my
comrades. I perceived, too, that I was closing upon the Navajo. Every
spring brought me nearer, until there were not a dozen lengths between
us.

I knew not how to act. I held my rifle in my hands, and could have shot
the Indian in the back; but I remembered the injunction of Seguin, and
we were now closer to the enemy than ever. I did not know but that we
might be in sight of them. I dared not fire.

I was still undecided whether to use my knife or endeavour to unhorse
the Indian with my clubbed rifle, when he glanced over his shoulder and
saw that I was alone.

Suddenly he wheeled, and throwing his lance to a charge, came galloping
back. His horse seemed to work without the rein, obedient to his voice
and the touch of his knees.

I had just time to throw up my rifle and parry