do same as him."

Melville promptly obeyed, assuming the same posture that his friend had
taken. Closing his eyes, so as to shut out everything that might
distract his senses, he gave all his efforts to that of hearing.

Yes, he _did_ hear something--just the faintest irregular beating on the
ground--so faint indeed that he would not have believed it anything
except for what the Sioux had said.

"Hear nuffin?" asked the other, as the boy came to his feet.

"Yes, I think I did hear a faint noise."

"What him be?"

"That's more than I can tell, Red Feather."

"Hoss--hear hoss walking--dat what hear."

"Is that the fact?" asked Melville, somewhat startled, peering toward
the same point of the compass at which the chief had gazed though the
lad had no other idea of the right course.

"Hoss--he come dis way."

"If that is so there is likely to be someone on him, and I don't think
it is well for us to meet him."

To this wise remark Red Feather gave no answer, but continued peering in
the same direction as before.

"If there is one horseman there is likely to be more----"

Melville cut short his own words, and whistled cautiously, checking that
with equal suddenness, through fear of offending his friend.

But the chief showed no displeasure, and, before anything could be said,
the form of a riderless horse came out of the gloom and trotted forward
with a faint neigh of pleasure.

"Saladin, my own Saladin!" exclaimed the delighted youth, flinging his
arms around the outstretched neck, and actually touching his lips to the
silken nose of the noble steed.

"Saladin, old fellow, I'm proud of you," said Melville; "the Sioux did
their best to steal you away from us, but you were too smart for them.
One was cruel enough to shoot at you, but it don't look as if he did any
damage."

The youth could not resist the temptation to place his foot in the
stirrup, and leap into the saddle, where he was "at home."

"Now, Red Feather," he added, "things are beginning to look up; I can
relieve you of carrying Dot; the truth is that after we cross the stream
I shall feel safe. Under heaven, we owe everything to you; but you need
go no farther with us."

"Ain't safe," said the chieftain sententiously; "Injins all round--Red
Feather go all way home wid pappoose."

"That is very kind, but I can relieve you of your burden."

"Me carry pappoose," replied the Sioux, moving toward the little one.

"Dot," said her brother, "