knew, of going at any
great speed.

Norman, looking back, however, saw with vexation that the Indian chief,
spurring on his animal, was fast distancing most of his followers,
somewhat scattered, though not far off. There were several other
savages endeavouring to keep up with him. Again and again, Norman urged
Sybil and his sister to give the rein to their steeds.

"Never fear. Stick on; the animals won't come down," he shouted.

They both kept up their courage, though fully alive to their dangerous
position. Sybil, indeed, suspected that Mysticoose was at the head of
the party, and that his object was to capture her. She nerved herself
up, however, for whatever might occur.

Though Norman had assured them that there was no risk of their horses
falling, she saw, as she approached the river, that the ground was
becoming more uneven. Rocks and the stumps of trees, burnt in a recent
fire, cropped up here and there, and fallen logs, some so close together
that the horses in leaping might stumble over others further off.

Beyond, the ground appeared marshy, and though it might not be too soft
for them to get over, they would be delayed until their pursuers had
overtaken them.

Still, the girls holding their reins ready to lift their horses should
they stumble, continued urging them on with their whips, and Norman, as
he looked at them, wondered at their nerve and apparently calm
demeanour.

He carried a brace of pistols in his belt, and the two men had their
buffalo guns, short weapons, useful for a close encounter, and he
resolved to fight to the last rather than let his sister and Sybil be
captured. He knew at the same time, how hopeless it would be to contend
with their numerous, well-armed enemies.

The rough ground was crossed, the marshy spot was reached, and the
horses dashed on, floundering through it, their feet at times sinking so
deep that it appeared impossible to draw them out again, while even
Norman had to stick tight to keep his seat. He scarcely dared look
round, but he fancied that he could hear the clattering of horses hoofs
on the hard ground they had just before passed over.

"Hold on!" he shouted, "we shall soon get through the marsh and the
savages will find it no easy matter to follow us!"

Though he said this, he knew there was the ford to be crossed, and that
could only be done at a walking pace, so that before they could get to
the other side, the savages would already have rea