's flanks, he was soon far in
advance of us. An hour's ride, and we came to a halt; our horses reeking
with sweat, and panting like frightened deer.

Once more Jerry crept cautiously to the top of the bluff. Again we saw
his head appear for an moment above the level of the waving grass that
grew on the summit; then he carefully arose upon his feet, and, standing
erect, gazed about him for an instant, to again drop to the earth, and
quickly make his way towards us.

I had watched his movements with a nervous curiosity that I could not
repress; and now, as he came towards us, saw that the time for action had
come. Hurriedly he told us that the party were not a mile away; but he
had failed to discover the two braves with the prisoner, who were
evidently lingering behind for some purpose. His idea was to dash in
between the separated party, and thus prevent them from uniting and
rendering each other assistance.

Jerry took the lead; whispering to Hal to be sure and keep by my side,
whatever might happen; we spurred our horses up the steep acclivity; our
rifles cocked, and ready at the word to pour a volley into the savages.

We were discovered before we reached the top; for, with a yell, the three
Indians who were in advance, turned their horses and galloped furiously
back in the direction of the remainder of their party, who were not yet
in sight.

It was a run for life. Our horses fairly flew over the prairie, as we
rapidly approached each other, almost at right angles. I saw Jerry bring
his rifle to his shoulder. I noticed the long, bright barrel glisten in
the sunlight, and then the little puff of white smoke curl gracefully up
from the end, and knew that the foremost Indian had fallen, without
looking towards him.

His two companions, with a yell of rage, hastily threw themselves over
upon the sides of their horses as though to protect them from our
expected volley. But not a shot was fired. We could neither of us shoot a
rifle with accuracy while our horses were in motion. What should we do?

Jerry made no sign. We must either halt or use our revolvers. We still
followed Jerry, whose horse was travelling at a marvelous pace. Hal kept
close to my side, as we swiftly sped over the beautiful green turf. I
watched every movement of the savages. Were they gaining on us? No: we
seem to have headed them off. Yes: now they turn. They are going to
escape us, surely.

Jerry says, "Now's your time, boys! give 'em one!"