“My God! I forgot—and here I have lost over an hour!” exclaimed Buenos, springing to his feet in dismay at his remissness.
“What—what is it, Buenos?” inquired Clara, in vague alarm.
“The train—I was sent for help. The Indians, under Dusky Dick, attacked it last night, and I fear my thoughtlessness will be their ruin,” agitatedly added Ayres.
“He was with those after me,” shuddered Clara. “But help—where can you find it here? We are alone—God only knows where!”
“There was a government train close behind us, when we left the Main Trail, and I was searching for them, but—”
“He belonged to one—Captain Travers, I mean. It can not be far away from here. Ah, if we can only find it!” hastily cried Clara.
“Do you know in what direction? Did you hear him say where it was?”
“No—or if I did, I forgot. I was so badly frightened, you know.”
“We must find it—I must. But you—my poor darling—you are too tired to walk so far and fast.”
“No—I am strong now, since you have come. I can walk, oh, so far; never fear. Besides, it is for father—and our friends. And I could not stay here—I should die of fear. They would catch me, I know!”