n view of the high
bluff at the fort, they were yet hidden by a wave of the prairie from
sight of the interceptors, still heading for the ridge the warriors had
just left behind. Only for a second or two, however. A yell of fierce
rejoicing went up from the crowd on the bluff as the easternmost of
Blake's black specks was seen suddenly to check, then to launch out
again, no longer to the north, but straight to his right, followed
almost immediately by every one of the seven. Then, too, swerved the
would-be slayers, in long, graceful circles, away from the wrath to
come. And, while the unconscious courier still rode, steadily loping
toward the desired refuge, away for the breaks and ravines of the
Sleeping Bear lashed the thwarted Sioux,--away in hopeless stern chase
spurred the pursuers, and while women sobbed and laughed and screamed,
and men danced and shouted and swore with delight, one dark face, livid,
fearsome, turned back from the bluff, and Dr. Tracy, hastening to the
side of his enchantress, caught, in amaze, these words, almost hissed
between set and grinding teeth.

"Seven to three--Shame!"

CHAPTER VIII

MORE STRANGE DISCOVERIES

But Frayne was far from done with excitement for the day. For a while
all eyes seemed centred on the chase, now scattered miles toward the
east, and, save for two of the number left behind, blown, spent and
hopelessly out of the race, soon lost to view among the distant swales
and ravines. Then everyone turned to welcome the coming harbinger, to
congratulate him on his escape, to demand the reason for his daring
essay. Gregg and his men were first to reach him, and while one of them
was seen through the levelled glasses to dismount and give the courier
his fresh horse, thereby showing that the gray was well nigh exhausted,
the whole party turned slowly toward the post. Then one of their number
suddenly darted forth from the group and came spurring at top speed
straight for the ford.

"That means news of importance," said Webb, at the instant. "And Gregg
and all of his squad are coming in,--not following Blake. That means he
and they are more needed elsewhere. Come on, Mr. Ross. We'll go down and
meet that fellow. Orderly, have my horse sent to the ford." So, followed
by three or four of the younger officers,--the married men being
restrained, as a rule, by protesting voices, close at hand,--the
commanding officer went slipping and sliding down a narrow, winding
pathwa