he nature of the
ground permit us. We kept a look-out over our left shoulders in the
direction in which it was possible the Indians might appear. They might
also, if they suspected the route we should take, have hurried on and
formed an ambush; and although they were without fire-arms, their arrows
at a short distance were as dangerous as bullets. We therefore kept at
a distance from any clumps of trees or shrubs which would afford them
shelter. Our steeds showed abundance of mettle; and by the time night
approached we had every reason to believe that we had out-distanced all
pursuers.

As the sun set we saw an open prairie before us, with here and there
clumps of pine. The night was clear, and the stars would serve to guide
us. Rochford offered to lead the way, that he might warn us of any
danger. Carlos rode on one side of Juanita, and I on the other; and the
captain and Tim brought up the rear. On we went, though at a slower
pace than that which we had pursued during the day-time.

"But how in the world did you allow yourself to be carried off, and give
us all this trouble?" asked Carlos, who was accustomed to speak in a
somewhat brusque manner to his sisters.

"Depend upon it, I could not help myself," she answered, not apparently
wishing just then to enlighten him.

He, however, again and again pressed her.

"It is a painful subject, and I would rather not think about it," she
answered. "However, if you insist upon knowing, I will tell you. You
remember when we were out riding how I galloped on ahead. I did so
under the belief that the others were following; when, looking round, I
saw that I was alone, and to my horror directly afterwards found myself
in the presence of five mounted Indians, one of whom I recognised as the
chief who had come to the judge's house while we were there. He
advanced and addressed me, courteously enough, in a long speech full of
flowery language, the tenor of which was that I must become his wife. I
answered, with as much composure as I could command, that such a thing
was impossible, and that I must beg to decline the honour he intended
me. I avoided, as I thought, saying a word to annoy him; but I suppose
I exhibited the indignation I felt. Suddenly seizing the bridle of my
horse, and ordering his braves to follow, he set off at a gallop. I
screamed out, threatening to throw myself to the ground; but I was
afraid of doing so lest I should break my neck, or that the