No time was lost in following the prudent suggestion. The wife was helped upon the back of the mare, Dot still remaining asleep, and the husband, mounted on Dick, placed himself in front.
"There is only one place, and that lasts but for a few steps, where you will have to raise your foot to protect it from the water," he said, as they were about to enter the stream.
"I will remember," she nervously replied; "don't wait."
Once again the faithful pony entered the water, the mare so close behind that husband and wife could have touched each other, and the fording of the current began.
The rancher did not forget that it was impossible in the darkness to follow precisely his own course. Having emerged at a different point from where he entered, he was in reality following a different course, which might be the same as if it were a half mile farther up or down stream.
This proved to be the case, though the disappointment was of an agreeable nature, for the ponies struck a shallower part than that which was first forded. At no portion did the water do more than barely touch the bodies of the animals, and then only for a few steps. Once the mare slipped on a smooth stone, and came within a hair of unseating her rider, but the latter's skill enabled her to retain her seat, and a few minutes later the two came out on the other side, without a drop of moisture on their garments.
"Thank Heaven!" was the fervent ejaculation of the husband as the fact was accomplished. "It is better than I expected."
"But don't forget that they may have done the same thing, and perhaps are awaiting us near at hand."
"You may be right, Molly, and we cannot be too careful."
The words were barely uttered when the splashing of water behind them left no doubt that the Sioux were again on their trail.