bagauches were between them and the light, and could be
picked off as fast as the guns could be loaded, while they rushed
headlong into the darkness, their only guide the flash from the rifles
that were thinning their ranks at every fire. But, as the savages
gathered closer and closer around them, they were obliged to fall back
towards the pine grove, and as time after time they retreated into the
darkness, they could distinguish their foes with less certainty, and
finally they were obliged to make a scattered flight to save themselves
from being surrounded. Strange to tell not one of them had been
wounded, which could be only accounted for by the gloom, in which they
were enveloped, hiding them from an accurate aim. They were sure fifty
of their foes had been slain.

The Tabagauches retreated to their camp, putting out the fires and
keeping silent, so as not to guide their foes a second time to them.

On gaining the pine grove, a council was held to devise what was the
most prudent step to take.

"I," said Whirlwind, "think it best to hover around them and find out
their next movement and guide ours by it."

"That is impossible," said Mr. Duncan. "They will be so on their guard
that no one can approach without detection, which would be instant
death."

"Whirlwind has said and will do it. Here await his return." So saying,
with noiseless strides the chief vanished in the gloom.

"A strange compound of generosity, bravery, and recklessness!" said Mr.
Duncan.

"Depend upon it, he knows what is for the best," replied Howe.

"Then you think we had better not take any step until the chief
returns?"

"That is my impression. He will return in two hours, or so."

Two, three, and nearly four hours elapsed before the chief returned,
and the suspense had become painful, when, without warning, or their
knowing he was near, he stept into their midst.

"Why, Whirlwind, had you dropt from the clouds you could not have come
more noiselessly. What success did you have?" said Howe.

"The Tabagauches are cowards, they will not fight, but will steal away
like dogs. The pale faced prisoners are even now moving toward the
west, guarded by fifty of their braves."

"We must head them," cried Sidney, springing to his feet. "They shall
never escape thus."

"The pale faced brave has spoken well. We must divide our warriors;
part attack the cowards in the rear, to prevent them joining those in
charge of the white prisoners, while