“Geronimo’s band is short one member,” was the cool observation of Decker, who instantly changed his position to a prone one, in which he hugged the ground as closely as he could.
The precaution was not taken a second too soon. Quickly recovering from their shock, the other two Apaches fired at the point where they had seen the flash of the rifle, the missiles whistling so close that but for the act of the young man he must have been struck.
Decker proved his nerve by holding his position for several minutes. His hope was that his enemies in their exasperation would dash into the stream to cross to him, in which event he would have them at his mercy, but they were too wily for that. Instead of advancing, they retreated, evidently fearing another shot from the one who had outwitted them.
“Geronimo’s band is short one member,” was the cool observation of Lieutenant Decker.—[Page 66.]
—The Young Scout.
Meanwhile Maurice Freeman was a prey to the gravest anxiety. Much as he admired his companion, he was almost certain that his rash bravery would involve both in fatal disaster. He questioned more and more the prudence of lingering in the neighborhood, when it was certain the Apaches were seeking their overthrow.
This uneasiness was intensified during the minute following the discharge of the lieutenant’s rifle by the proof that something was amiss. Both horses flung up their heads and sniffed, looking not toward the stream, but away from it.
“It’s a wonder we have escaped so long,” was the impatient thought of Freeman; “now we are going to catch it. Lieutenant,” he called, “come here at once.”