Foaming with anger, and almost wild with disappointment, Bill Ashbey turned his excited steps toward his own cabin. The prisoner had fled. Dumfounded, he stood for a moment, unable to speak or move.
Then his self-possession seemed to return. He had forgotten that Emily was left without a guard while they had joined in the pursuit of David. Such was the fact, and one which Emily in her fear had not been slow to discover. Sall Simms was absent, and, hardly realizing what she did, the maid stole from the hut, and took her way toward the forest with all speed.
The renegade readily comprehended these facts, and he knew that the maiden could have been gone but a moment. It was easily to find her trail, and he at once assembled his remaining braves. Ten of the number had been killed or disabled; eight only remained. Of these two must be left to guard the prison, and, as Wild Bill took the trail, a feeling of fear passed over him. What if they should again meet the scout? Well he knew a mortal terror possessed his few remaining braves, and but the appearance of their dread foe would send them back in utter affright.
Yet his savage heart knew no relenting, and nothing but death itself could shake his villainous resolves. In an hour they came upon the fleeing maiden. She had sunk upon a log, unable to continue her weary flight. At sight of her cruel pursuers, she started to her feet, and endeavoured to flee, but with yells of delight, the savages intercepted her.
“Ye needn’t try tew run any furder,” howled the miscreant, as he bounded toward her. “Ye’ve led me a good chase out here intew the woods, an’ I’ll jist take ye back, an’ maybe ye’ll git another chance o’ runnin’ away. Maybe ye will!” he added with emphasis.
“Remember what I told ye!” broke in a loud voice at no great distance.
Before any one could move, there came the sharp report of a rifle—the dull “thud” of a bullet, and the renegade fell back, motionless, to the earth. The warriors gazed around in horror, but, before they could form any idea of the danger which threatened them, two more reports followed, and two warriors fell beneath the deadly aim of the borderers.
With wild yells three athletic figures dashed from a cover near by, and, with clubbed rifles, rushed upon the fleeing natives. David Barring was foremost, and, with a sweep of his ponderous weapon one unlucky Indian measured his length upon the earth. The remainder flew with fear-given speed over the ground, and Charles and Alfred soon returned from the pursuit.
We need not describe the fond meeting between the lovers. No pen could do justice to the emotions of those happy hearts. After the first fond greeting was given, the maiden turned to Alfred.
“How did you escape?” she asked. “I supposed you still imprisoned.”