ward. We knew that the leaden messengers had done
their work.

The pursuers, though at the expense of one of their number, had now
ascertained the fact of our presence, as well as our position; and the
advanced party were seen retreating as they had approached.

The men who had fired reloaded their pieces, and, kneeling down as
before, watched with sharp eyes and cocked rifles.

It was a long time before we heard anything more of the enemy; but we
knew that they were deliberating on some plan of attack.

There was but one way by which they could defeat us: by charging up the
canon, and fighting us hand-to-hand. By an attack of this kind their
main loss would be in the first volley. They might ride upon us before
we could reload; and, far outnumbering us, would soon decide the day
with their long lances. We knew all this; but we knew, too, that a
first volley, when well delivered, invariably staggers an Indian charge,
and we relied on such a hope for our safety.

We had arranged to fire by platoons, and thus have the advantage of a
second discharge, should the Indians not retreat at the first.

For nearly an hour the hunters crouched under the drenching rain,
looking only to keep dry the locks of their pieces. The water, in muddy
rivulets, began to trickle through the shingle, and eddying around the
rocks, covered the wide channel in which we now stood, ankle-deep. Both
above and below us, the stream, gathered up by the narrowing of the
channel, was running with considerable velocity.

The sun had set, at least it seemed so, in the dismal ravine where we
were. We were growing impatient for the appearance of our enemy.

"Perhaps they have gone round," suggested one.

"No; thar a-waitin' till night. They'll try it then."

"Let 'em wait, then," muttered Rube, "ef thur green enuf. A half an
hour more'll do; or this child don't understan' weather signs."

"Hist! hist!" cried several voices together. "See; they are coming!"

All eyes were bent down the pass. A crowd of dark objects appeared in
the distance, filling up the bed of the stream. They were the Indians,
and on horseback. We knew from this that they were about to make a
dash. Their movements, too, confirmed it. They had formed two deep,
and held their bows ready to deliver a flight of arrows as they galloped
up.

"Look out, boyees!" cried Rube; "thur a-comin' now in airnest. Look to
yur sights, and give 'em gos; do 'ee hear?"

As the tr