The old Indian ran with an ease that was astonishing, considering his years.
Looking back, they could see torches moving swiftly here and there through the town, telling that the search for them was being carried on.
Soon they came to a steep gully that led upward, and the ascent was very difficult, even at first. It grew more and more difficult as they ascended, and it became necessary for them to work slowly in the darkness, the girl being passed upward from time to time, as one after another took turns at creeping ahead.
Joe did not seem to have much trouble, but he did not bother with the girl. Finally he said:
"Here come bad palefaces! Make some big hurry!"
It was true that a party of men were running toward the gully. Their torches danced and flared, showing them with some distinctness.
To the right and left in other parts of the valley were clusters of torches.
"Heap try to stop us," exclaimed Crowfoot. "One way to go up there, 'nother way down there, this be[Pg 315] 'nother way. They know all. That how um come here so fast."
By the time the men with the torches reached the foot of the gully Frank and his comrades were so far above that they were not betrayed by the torchlight. But one of the ruffians bade the others listen, and at that very moment Ephraim Gallup dislodged a stone that went clattering and rattling downward with a great racket.
Instantly a wild yell broke from the lips of the ruffians below.