Borne to them on the wind came the distant but distinct sound of a horse’s feet, as he galloped over the hard prairie.
The rapid clamp of the hoofs were heard for an instant, and then the varying wind swept the sound away from their ears, and all was still.
But in a moment they rallied out again with startling distinctness—then grew fainter—died away and rung out once more.
“Some one is riding fast,” said Beers.
“And he is coming this way,” added Hammond.
A few minutes convinced them of the truth. A single horseman was riding at great speed over the prairie, and was manifestly aiming straight for the grove where the emigrants had halted for the night.
As a matter of course, all the sentinels had observed it by this time, and there was great excitement among them. They gathered about Hammond to receive his directions.
“Go back to your stations,” said he. “Keep your eyes and ears open for others, whether they be mounted or afoot, and I will attend to this one.”
His orders were obeyed, for he was looked upon as having authority in this matter, and with an interest difficult to understand they awaited the coming of the horseman.
As the latter came nearer, he seemed to be heading straight for the point where Hammond and Beers were standing.