ere quite unconscious of
their presence.

We had almost gained the clump of trees I have mentioned, when from the
end of the wood about half a mile away, appeared the head of a column of
mounted warriors. The moment they showed themselves, with fierce yells
and shrieks they dashed on towards us. "Forward, my friends, and let us
take up the post I proposed," cried Dick; and, urging our horses into a
gallop, we reached the clump just in time to dismount and arrange our
horses before the Indians got within range of our rifles. We were thus
better able to defend ourselves than we had been on the previous
occasion. The Coomanches came on bravely enough at first, shrieking and
hooting at the top of their voices, but we were prepared to receive them
in a way they did not expect. Before they began to wheel and throw
themselves over on the sides of their horses, Armitage, Story and I, who
were considered the best shots of the party, each singled out a man. We
fired, and three warriors dropped to the ground. At the same moment,
our brave allies dashed forward, with lances in rest, and charged boldly
at the advancing foe, who were discharging a shower of arrows at us.
One of the Coomanches threw himself on the side of his horse and shot an
arrow which pierced our friend's shoulder, but he was himself the next
instant thrust through by his opponent's lance, his horse galloping off,
however, with his dead body. This bold manoeuvre gave us time to
reload. We were able to fire a volley as the rest of the party came
sweeping by. Two more saddles were emptied, and another warrior was
wounded. The latter, however, managed to regain his seat so as to wheel
round and rejoin his companions.

Had we been a more numerous party, and armed with swords and lances, we
might have mounted and pursued the enemy; but as we possessed only our
rifles, it was far more prudent to remain on foot, whence we could take
a steady aim.

It was surprising to see the way our persevering assailants came on, and
threw themselves over the sides of their horses. It was not until we
had an opportunity of examining their trappings, that we discovered how
they managed to do so. We found attached to the mane of each horse a
strong halter composed of horse-hair, which being passed under the
animal's neck, was firmly plaited into the mane, thus leaving a loop
hanging under its neck. When about to fire, the warrior drops into this
loop, and he manages to s