Although at the moment of starting there was no danger in sight, and the supply train did not seem to have been disturbed, Nicholas Jackson was too experienced to forget every precaution, and while he studied the scene in front, he kept glancing toward the other parts of the compass.
And it was well he did so, for a few hundred yards only were passed when he said in a low voice, in which no excitement could be noted—
"It looks as if them bucks would like to j'in our company."
Brinton glanced back, and saw the half-dozen hostiles with whom he had had his stirring experiences the night before dashing towards them from the direction of the Cheyenne.
There was no need to engage them in a fight: indeed, it would have been the height of imprudence to do so. Jackson and Brinton were well mounted, and they instantly struck their horses into a run. The Indians shouted on perceiving that they were discovered, and they also urged on their animals. Several shots were fired, but the distance was too great to do execution.
The race had continued but a little while when it became apparent that the pursuers were gaining, Jackson's horse was doing his best, but Brinton's was not. He could draw away from the Indian ponies, but his rider held him back to keep the scout company.
The chase could not last long, for the camp was comparatively near at hand, but the bucks were coming up alarmingly fast.
"There's no use of both of us being overhauled," said Jackson; "ride ahead and save yourself."
"But I can't desert you."
"Faugh! don't be foolish; you can't help me, and you're sure to be shot if you stay; off with you!"