r night on the open prairie, without fire,
food, or shelter, or a drop of water to quench our thirst. That my poor
animal could survive appeared impossible, and even Mr Tidey's horse
suffered greatly.

"It seems doubtful whether my poor brute will be able to move a leg
to-morrow, and if so, we shall all three have to trudge forward on
foot," he observed.

"Then I would advise you to gallop on at once while there is any
daylight, and perhaps you may reach the fort and be able to send us
help," I answered.

"No, no, I cannot leave you and Dio alone on the prairie. Should any
harm happen to you I should never forgive myself," he answered.

"But by going on alone you may obtain assistance, and in reality serve
us more than by remaining behind," I replied. Still I could not
persuade the Dominie to desert us, and we trudged on as before.

Mr Tidey had called Dio to his side and they were some way before me,
when I saw them both stop. Dio pointed ahead, while Mr Tidey leaned
eagerly forward. Presently a large animal came out of a hollow in which
it had previously been concealed. Moving on I saw to my satisfaction
that it was one of a herd of tame cattle feeding at the bottom of the
hollow. Instead of running away when we approached, they came lowing
up, as if well accustomed to the sight of white men.

"Hurrah! the fort cannot be far off unless the herd has strayed away
from it," exclaimed Mr Tidey; "at all events it is some encouragement
to move forward, and perhaps before long we shall find ourselves among
friends."

"It is not likely that we should be able to distinguish the fort at any
great distance, but I see a hill rising up against the sky, and perhaps
we shall find it in that direction," I observed.

While I was speaking, Mr Tidey's horse made a bolt down the slope, and
presently, as the cattle moved aside, I saw a pool of water which,
though muddy from the animals having trod in it, afforded a refreshing
draught to his poor steed. Mine was too weak even to drink, and I
feared that if it once got into the pool it would not have strength to
get out again. We now advanced in somewhat better spirits than before.
The condition of my horse, however, delayed me; but, in the hopes of
obtaining some remedies to save its life, I still led it on. We had not
got far when Mr Tidey, who, as usual, was looking about in every
direction, exclaimed--

"I see a party of horsemen in the distance. If they are Indian