three in
one. Go on, lads, go on."

Urging on our horses, we had already reached the ground over which we
had previously hunted on our first expedition, and knew the way
perfectly, but still the fort was far distant, and we could not yet
distinguish the flag which waved above it.

"We shall get in safe enough now, and perhaps be laughed at for running
away from an imaginary foe," cried Dan.

I was about to answer, when Dio, who had turned in his saddle to look
behind him, exclaimed--

"Dare am de Indians. I see de heads of dem an' de horses 'bove de green
grass far 'way."

We all looked, to be certain that the black was right. There could be
no doubt about the matter. To escape them by concealing ourselves was
impossible, even though the sun might have prevented them as yet from
seeing us.

They had got hold of our trail and were following that up. All we could
do was to trust to the fleetness of our steeds and endeavour to reach
the fort before they should overtake us. Martin proposed that we should
let go the laden animals as they detained us considerably.

"We will not do that until the enemy are much nearer than they are now,"
answered the Dominie. "On, boys, on! we will still keep ahead of them."

We used our spurs and whips to encourage our poor beasts, which were
already showing signs of "knocking-up."

From a glance I took of the pursuing foe, I saw that they were a large
band, against whom it would be useless to make a stand. If overtaken
they would to a certainty kill us for the sake of our scalps. They were
getting nearer and nearer; I looked out anxiously for the fort. At
length the flag appeared in sight; it was a cheering spectacle.

"Oh, massa, massa, go on!" I heard Dio cry out in an anxious tone. I
turned round; it seemed to me that already the savages were almost near
enough to reach us with their arrows. None of us required urging, but
our panting beasts could scarcely keep their legs. A few moments more
and we might have a shower of missiles whizzing about our heads. On we
went until we could see the top of the stockades and the buildings in
the fort. Still the Indians followed, their dreadful war-whoop burst on
our ears, making our horses tremble. It was enough to do so, for no
more terrific sound had I ever heard. At length, when it seemed that we
had no chance of escaping, I saw the gate of the fort open, and a party
of horsemen streaming forth came galloping towards