g some bird
flying high overhead, the lad would take swift aim and discharge each
arrow from his quiver at a certain count. There never seemed any
variation in the distances between the discharged arrows as they made
the arc--upward with unerring aim, and downward in the body of the
bird; hitting it, one by one, at proportionate intervals of time and
space.

The women thought it a cruel sport, and would have prevented it if
they could; but the men knew that it was a wonderful achievement, and
that many fine archers among the surrounding tribes would fail in
accomplishing it. Therefore, it was natural that the Fort's commandant
should be anxious to know if his ward's equipment were in order, on a
morning so full of possible dangers as this.

"There is no talk of dying, Gaspar. You are a man, child, if not full
grown. You are brave and skilful. You have a clear head, too; so
listen closely to what I say. In our garrison are not more than forty
men able to fight. There are a dozen women and twenty children, of
which none have been trained to use a bow as you can. Besides these
helpless ones, there are many sick soldiers to occupy the wagons. I
know you expected to be with your mates, but I have another plan for
you. I want you to ride Tempest, and to sling your bow on your saddle
horn."

"Ride--Tempest! Why, Captain Heald! Nobody--that is, nobody but
you--can ride him. I was never on his back----"

"It's time you were. Lad, do you know how many Indians are in camp
near us, or have broken camp this morning to join us?"

"Oh! quite a lot, I guess."

"Just so. A whole 'lot.' About five hundred, or a few less."

The two were busily at work, packing the last of the few possessions
that the commandant must convey to Fort Wayne, and which he could
entrust to no other hands than his own and those of this deft-fingered
lad, and they made no pause while they talked. Indeed, Gaspar's
movements were even swifter now, as if he were eager to be through and
off.

"Five hundred, sir? They are friendly Indians, though. Black Partridge
and Winnemeg----"

"Are but as straws against the current. Gaspar, I shall need a boy who
can be trusted. These red neighbors of ours are not so 'friendly' as
they seem. They are dissatisfied. They mean mischief, I fear, though
God forbid! Well, we are soldiers, and we cannot shrink. You must ride
Tempest. You must tell nobody why. You can keep at a short distance
from our main band, and act as s