as I placed it with the
legs over a chair, it was allowed that, on a dark night, it might
deceive those not prepared for the trick to be played upon them.

Jack, who had been busy munching his hay in a corner of the room, was
now saddled, and the figure placed in position, and secured with straps
round the body; while Uncle Jeff himself, stripped to his trousers, hung
over in the attitude he proposed. Looking across the dimly-lighted
room, we could scarcely perceive him.

"That will do," cried Bartle enthusiastically; "it will give you a
better chance of escape, at all events."

We had reason to be thankful that the Indians gave us so long a time for
preparation. The night was now advancing, and any doubts that we might
have entertained as to their having taken their departure were soon
dissipated, for once more showers of fiery arrows came flying over and
against the house--shot, however, from a distance. Several whistled
through the loopholes, but none of us were hit, and these were of course
immediately extinguished.

I was in the upper story, when, looking up, to my dismay I saw a bright
light overhead; the roof had been set on fire. Under other
circumstances we might have attempted to extinguish it; as it was, I ran
to tell Uncle Jeff what had occurred.

"Then the time has come, my lads, when we must cut our way out. God
protect one and all of us. Would that I could help you further."

We shook hands round, and Bartle and Gideon stood by with their axes to
knock away the barricade. Uncle Jeff mounted Jack, and secured the
figure behind him. Some time passed, however, before he gave the word.
The enemy were close at hand, but they were concentrated, as far as we
could judge by the sounds which reached us, on one side of the house,
and Uncle Jeff would be able to pass by them, and thus leave the road
open for us.

A few strokes cleared away the barricade. Uncle Jeff was to dash out
first, Bartle and Gideon were to follow, they understanding that I
should keep between them, while Klitz and Gillooly were to bring up the
rear.

"Now open the door!" cried Uncle Jeff.

Just as he spoke I looked around, and discovered that neither Klitz nor
Gillooly was behind me. What had become of them I could not tell; and
there was no time to consider, for the door was thrown open, and out
dashed Uncle Jeff, directing his course by the path down the valley.

For some seconds he was not observed by the enemy, unti