r to us. The only
wonder is he got away undiscovered."

"He said he left his blanket in a shape to make them think he was
sleeping under it."

"He must be an old hand to fool them so nicely."

"He doesn't look like it, He doesn't ride like a scout or a
plainsman--he sits his horse too gracefully."

"No matter; one thing is certain. Wild Bill knows him well, trusts him,
and they stick as close together as twins."

"Yes, Captain Jack, I wish you'd take the rear and make those packers
keep up. There must be no lagging. If a horse or mule fails they must be
left. I'll keep the advance going."

Thus the Black Hillers swept on at a gallop, knowing that a merciless
fate was theirs if overtaken by the Sioux.

CHAPTER XVI.
THE PURSUIT.

The young Texan had not dreamed of being followed so soon by Persimmon
Bill and his Indians, and he had lain down to sleep as honestly and
confidently as Willie Pond, when he dropped down by the saddles and
pack.

He was aroused by a touch on his shoulder, when he awoke and was
surprised to find Bill and Addie Neidic standing by his side.

"Where are your Indians?" was the first question the Texan asked, as
Bill whispered, in a low tone:

"I am here. I have followed the trail a little sooner than I thought I
would. The Indians are in the ravine waiting for my signal to come in
and let their horses feed and rest before we attack. Where is your
friend?" continued Bill.

"Sound asleep under that tree up there. He sleeps like a log, and will
not wake till I shake him up. I never saw such a sleeper. Yesterday he
spent most of the day snoring."

"It is well. There is no use of alarming him before we are ready for
work. I will give the signal, and let my warriors file in."

The outlaw waved a blanket in the air, and the Indians silently filed
into the valley. At another signal they turned their horses loose to
graze, and then gathered in groups out on the plain to take food and
rest themselves while their leader conversed with the Texan, whom having
seen before, they knew as his friend.

Meantime, the Texan motioning Addie Neidic and her lover to take seats
on his blanket, conversed with the latter in a low tone on the plan of
attack.

"I shall not make it until just as day dawns--for two reasons," said the
outlaw. "First, then they will keep the most careless guard; second,
when light is coming, we can see how to kill, and how to save the two
whose lives are to be spared. We wi