They tarried to urge him to save his life by such a course, but he ended the argument by abruptly turning about and hurrying along the path, where he speedily vanished.
“There’s no use of waiting,” said the captain, starting Thunderbolt forward; “I can’t understand his obduracy.”
“He must be afraid of our men.”
“But he knows the danger is a thousandfold greater among his own people––hark!”
The sharp report of a rifle rang among the hills behind them, accompanied by a wild cry of mortal pain.
“He has paid with his life for his friendship!” whispered the captain, instantly spurring up Thunderbolt to a dead run.
Such was the truth. Shackaye could offer no excuse for what he had done, nor did he attempt to do so. His act was discovered sooner than he anticipated, and he died at the hands of the infuriated chieftain Wygwind, before those whom he had saved were beyond reach of the sound which told of the completion of the tragedy.
The Comanches attempted pursuit, but the 313 start obtained by the fugitives, brief as it was, sufficed, and they had not ridden far when they met the whole band of cowboys galloping to their defence. Gleeson and his comrades would have been glad had the red men ventured out upon the plain beyond the shelter of the hills, but Wygwind and his warriors were too wise to do so.
THE END.
No. 2 of the Forest and Prairie Series will be “The Path in the Ravine.”