attacked his savage assailants. The
assistance came only just in time, for the wolves had nearly succeeded
in pulling him to the ground. The dogs at once sprang upon the brute
hanging to his collar, which let go its hold to defend itself, when a
blow on its head from Loraine's rifle prevented it from offering further
resistance. The dogs then flew at the other wolf, which also let go;
while Hector, dashing the burning brands in the faces of the rest of the
pack, put them to flight, enabling him and Loraine to get back almost
breathless to the camp. The brave dogs were following the wolves, and
would probably soon have been torn to pieces had they not promptly been
called back.

"What can have become of Greensnake?" exclaimed Hector, as soon as they
had time and breath to speak. "I hope that he has not played us false,
and gone off with the horses."

"I have no fear of that," answered Loraine. "The old hunter would not
have sent him with us unless he had perfect confidence in his honesty.
Perhaps he heard the wolves coming long before we did, and took them to
some place of security."

"He was more likely to have driven them into the camp, where we could
have assisted in protecting them," observed Hector. "I am afraid that
he has been surprised by a band of Blackfeet, or Sircees, who are
notorious horse-stealers, and that they have carried off him as well as
the animals. If so, we shall be left in a pretty plight."

"We have our guns and dogs, and a fair stock of ammunition, to obtain
food, and our compass to guide us; and if we find that we have lost our
horses, we must push forward on foot," answered Loraine. "But I am
grievously annoyed at the prospect of being unable to reach the fort as
soon as we expected; however, we must try to make our way on foot, and
although we may be longer about it than we had hoped, we may still
arrive in time to be of service. It is useless, however, talking over
the matter at present. The best thing you can do is to lie down, and
get some sleep while I keep watch."

"No, no," said Hector. "I have had my share already; but pray do you
lie down, and I will watch."

At length Loraine consented to do this, expecting to be able to arouse
himself in a short time; while Hector, taking his rifle in hand, began
to walk up and down, anxiously looking out for Greensnake. The wolves,
however, still snarling and yelping a short distance off, would, it at
length occurred to him, pre