for the present."

"No, you're not. You were for a while, but they've changed their cry
now. Listen closely! Can't you make out a new word?"

"Now that you call my attention to it, I do. It sounds like 'canwanka.'"

"'Canwanka' it is. That's the new name they're calling us and it's not
complimentary. 'Canwanka' means coward. First we were women, then worms
and now cowards, because we won't give up the aid of our fortifications
and allow ourselves to be overpowered by the Sioux numbers. Do you hear
anything among the cottonwoods on the creek, Giant?"

"Nothing yet, Jim. They keep up such an infernal yelling out thar in
front that it will drown out any light sound."

"Doubtless that's what it's for."

"I think so, too. You don't hev to see them imps among the cottonwoods
to know what they're up to. They hev dismounted on both wings, an'
they're creepin' forward from the north an' from the south close to the
banks o' the creek, hopin' to ketch us nappin'."

The Little Giant was facing the south and suddenly his figure became
taut.

"See something?" whispered Boyd.

"I think so, but I ain't quite sure yet. Yes, it's the head o' a
warrior, stickin' up 'bout a foot from the ground, an' he'll be the fust
to go."

Will was startled by the sharp crack of a rifle almost at his elbow, and
he heard the Little Giant's sigh of satisfaction.

"Straight an' true," muttered the terrible marksman.

Then the rifle of Brady, who faced the south, spoke also and his aim
was no less deadly. Boyd, meanwhile, held his fire, as the advancing
bands among the cottonwoods sank from view. But the band in front in the
open uttered a tremendous shout and galloped about wildly. Will,
watching them cautiously, thought one of the riders in his curvetings
had come within range, and, taking good aim, he fired. The rider fell to
the ground, and his pony ran away over the plain.

"Good shot, Will," said Boyd approvingly. "And it speaks all the better
for you because you were watching for your chance and were ready when it
came."

After such a hint the shouting band drew back and shouted less. Then the
four listened with all their ears for any sound that might pass among
the cottonwoods, though they felt that the attack would not come again
there for a long time, as the first result had been so deadly. Will took
advantage of the interlude, and, creeping past the barrier they had
built, went among the horses and mules, soothing them with low v