CHAPTER XVII—PURSUED BY THE ENEMY
The Delawares bounded through the woods like frightened deer, for they knew that the Mohawks were close at their heels. Then they heard something that filled them with dread. The dogs were baying fiercely on their trail.
“Listen, the Mohawks have sent their dogs after us,” Running Fox cried, savagely. “They will follow us like wolves. It will be hard to get away.”
“Well, if they come up with us, we will stop and kill them,” said Spotted Deer.
“We have few arrows,” Running Fox warned him.
“Perhaps we will not need them,” replied Spotted Deer. “These dogs have seen us there in that camp many days. Perhaps when they find out who we are they will not trouble us.”
“That may be true,” Running Fox agreed, hopefully.
They noted that the savage baying had already grown weaker in volume, and they believed that most of the dogs had abandoned the chase, and were barking from the edge of the camp. There were some, however, that seemed intent upon overtaking the fugitives. In fact it was only a few moments before the lads heard them bounding through the undergrowth a short distance behind them. Realizing that flight would only invite an attack, the lads instantly stopped and waited for the dogs to come up with them.
“Here they are—watch sharp!” cried Running Fox.
The next moment four great wolf-like creatures overtook them. As the lads faced them and ordered them off the curs seemed to recognize them. They circled cautiously about them, sniffing and bristling, but showed no disposition to attack. There was one, however, that suddenly grew threatening as the Delawares attempted to resume their flight. It snarled viciously, and rushed toward Spotted Deer. He waited until it came within arm’s reach, and cracked its skull with the Mohawk war-club.