nt of
pounding.

Suddenly the tactics of the Indian changed. Knowing that he was in
immediate danger of death by choking, and feeling how unlikely it was
that he could throw off his assailant, he let fall his pistol and caught
the boomer around the body. Then he began to roll toward the fire, which
was now blazing up more brightly than ever.

The scout saw the redskin's intention instantly, but before he could
stop it both he and his enemy were close to the flames.

"Me die you die too!" hissed Yellow Elk, and gave another roll, which
took both himself and Pawnee Brown into the very edge of the blaze.

"Take care! You will be burnt up!" cried Nellie Winthrop, and gave a
scream. Rushing forward, she caught Pawnee Brown by the arm and
attempted to draw him back.

But of this there was no need, for the great scout had already changed
his tactics, feeling convinced that to choke Yellow Elk was now
impossible. His hand left the redskin's throat, to double up and sail
forth into a crushing blow, which took the Indian chief beneath the eyes
and made him see more stars than were ever beheld in the blue canopy of
heaven. As Yellow Elk fell back Pawnee Brown did likewise, but in a
different direction.

The Indian was now in the midst of the flames and the cry he let out was
truly blood-curdling. Excited as he was, Pawnee Brown did not let the
intonation of that cry escape him. Understanding the Indian language
well, he knew it was more than a cry of terror or pain, it was a call
for help! Other Indians must be somewhere in the vicinity.

"You had better run for it!" he said, turning to Nellie. "Mount my
horse--the mare the Indian had--and ride down the ravine."

"Run?" she faltered.

"Yes, and hurry. Hark! As I thought! Other Indians are coming!"

The boomer was right. The footsteps sounded from the opposite end of the
cave, which had two entrances, similar to each other.

By this time Yellow Elk had rolled out of the fire and was dancing
around like a madman, trying to beat out the flames which had
communicated to his clothing.

As Nellie ran off, Pawnee Brown drew his pistol, resolved to not only
defend himself but cover the girl's retreat as well.

Little did he dream of the fresh perils which awaited Nellie. What those
perils were the immediate chapters which follow will relate.

As Yellow Elk danced around, Pawnee Brown leveled his revolver at him.

Crack! went the weapon and the Indian chief fell back with