"But, Captain——" Fraser was holding back. "There was a cry. I heard——"

"Come on, Fraser." Oliver's horse broke into a trot.

"Captain!"

A third time Oliver called sharply. Behind he heard the cayuse following.

Farther along, however, he turned to address his lieutenant—and saw that "Buckskin" carried no rider.


CHAPTER XXXIX

STANDING AT BAY

And now through the dusk of the coulée the Indians advanced toward the Throat. Single file, they came, their leader a stalwart brave who ran unsteadily.