Bang, bang, bang!
Three rifle shots rang out in quick succession, and the boys imagined they could hear the bullets sing over their heads.
"Hi-yi-yip—yah-hi-yah!"
"They're gaining on us. They're gaining, Phil. Ride for your life!"
The shrill yells of the Indians sounded much closer. The boys believed that their enemies had picked up the trail.
"We have got to do something, and do it quick. We've got to outwit them," shouted Tad.
"What—what"——
"I'll tell you. When we think they are getting too near, I'll pull over by you and take you on my pony. We'll send the other one flying on while we turn off," decided Tad.
The time for the change came a few moments later. The Indians were gaining on them every second. Now the "hi-yi-yip—yah-hi-yah" sounded as if it was being shrieked into their ears.
Tad drove Pink-eye right against the other pony.