nd a hundred and fifty people. He himself is
one of the best Indian shots in the West."

"It's a pity they can't become citizens as well as other folks,"
remarked Darry.

"That's the whole trouble, lad. The United States didn't treat them
right in the first place, and we are bound to suffer in consequence. But
in the end the Injun will be wiped out completely."

As night came on, countless stars shone in the sky, making the trail
fairly light. Old Benson rode in advance, with Darry next and Joe
bringing up the rear.

Presently the old hunter drew rein, and motioned the others to do the
same.

"Somebody ahead," he said in a low voice. "Four or five men on hossback.
If I aint mistaken they're Injuns, too."

"Indians!" exclaimed Joe. "Do they come this way often?"

"No, lad. Fact is, they haven't any right over here, so close to the
fort. It's against Colonel Fairfield's rules."

"Then what can they be doing here?"

"That's for us to find out."

Old Benson led the way to a side trail, and then into the shelter of a
number of trees.

He quickly passed the pelt over to Darry.

"Both of you stay here until I get back," he said. "I'm going to find
out what those redskins are up to."

"You won't be gone long, will you?" asked Joe.

"Don't expect to be gone over an hour at the most. If I aint back in two
hours, make up your mind something has happened. Then you'll have to get
back to the fort the best way you can," concluded the old scout.

A moment later the darkness of the night hid him from their view, and
they were left alone in the bit of timberland.

CHAPTER XXI.

A TRICK OF THE ENEMY.

"I must say I don't fancy this much," observed Joe, after the sounds of
Benson's departure had lost themselves in the distance.

"Nor do I like it, Joe," came from Darry, with a long-drawn sigh. "But I
guess we'll have to make the best of it."

"With what was on that message my brother found in the cave, and what
Benson said about this Indian chief, it looks as if the folks at the
fort might have trouble in the near future."

"That's true, too. I hope Will got through in safety."

Dismounting, the two boys sat down under the trees to wait in the
darkness. The horses were glad enough of the rest, and fell to cropping
the short grass which showed itself in spots in the vicinity.

Thus half an hour passed. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the
occasional note of a night bird or the dismal croaking