a glade, in which we could distinguish
several horses feeding. Unfortunately, however, but few trees
intervened between them and the fire, and, should we alarm them, the
quick eyes of the Indians would probably observe their movements. It
was impossible in the dark to distinguish our own animals from the
others. We waited, in the hope that they might come near us, and,
recognising our voices, allow us to mount them; whereas, the Indians'
horses, knowing us to be strangers, would keep at a distance. Still it
was important not to lose time. The chief might bring his speech to an
end, and there would be a greater chance of our being discovered. To my
satisfaction I saw that the heads of some of the animals were directed
towards us, and, as they turned up the snow to get at the grass beneath,
they came nearer and nearer. I could hear my heart beat with eagerness.
Presently one of them stopped feeding, and, looking about, gave a low
whinny, then shuffled forward. Directly afterwards another, a little
way behind, did the same, and I felt assured that they were our own
horses, which had scented us out.

"You catch the first, I'll look after the other," I whispered to Dio;
"steer for that star appearing above the trees, it will at all events
take us clear of the forest."

The first horse, from a white patch on his shoulder, I recognised as
Dio's, and knew that it would readily consent to his mounting. I had
little doubt that the other was mine. We had our knives ready to cut
the hobbles, the work of a moment. If we could once mount we should get
a good start, as the Indians would be delayed in catching their steeds
and setting their legs at liberty.

"Now is your time," I said to Dio.

We both crept forward on our hands and knees, so that we might perform
the first necessary operation of cutting the thongs which secured our
horses' legs, before showing ourselves. I saw Dio reach his horse,--in
an instant his sharp knife had set its legs free; following my
directions, he mounted. Mine gave another whinny, and came up to me.
The Indians must have heard the sound, for I saw them start, and several
who had been seated round the camp-fire sprang to their feet.

"On, Dio, on; I'll follow you in an instant," I cried out, as I worked
away with my knife; but it was blunter than usual, and I had to make
several hacks before I could cut through the tough hide. Ere I had done
so, Dio, urging on his animal, was already at