“Clara,” said Buenos, riding to her side, “listen to me. You are nearly sick now, with what you have passed through. Such a trial as this will be, would prove your death. You would die before you got half-way. You must stay here—for my sake, if not your own.”
“No—I will go!”
“Clara, you must not. Don’t oblige me to use compulsion, but I know that you could never stand the ride. You must stay. I will either come or send you word, as soon as it is all over.”
With a hysterical sob, the maiden gave way, and allowed the captain to lead her to the wagon set apart for the family of the sutler. Leaving her in charge of the worthy wife, he hastened back to the men, who were now in readiness.
From the description of the spot, as given by Ayres, Delaware Tom declared that he knew it well, and could guide the party directly there, as the crow flies. And then they set off upon their mission, at a pace that satisfied even Ayres, urgent as was his haste.
“Keep up, boys,” shouted Travers. “We’re riding for life or death, now, and if your horses can’t stand the pace, follow on the best you can. You may be in at the death, anyhow.”
They numbered some thirty-five, all told, and not one felt a doubt as to how the affair would turn out, provided the emigrants were still holding out, when they arrived. But Buenos had grave fears upon this point.
And still on they thundered, no longer in a compact body, but strung out at short intervals, as the better or more speedy horses took the front. At their head rode Ayres, Travers, and Delaware Tom, the former mounted upon one of the captured mustangs; a noble brute.
On until the head grew dizzy with the swift motion; until the foam dropped from the horses’ lips and flecked their counters; until their glossy coats were darkened with sweat, together with the dust cast up by the trampling hoofs.
It was a wild, fearful ride, and the brains of the men seemed intoxicated, so wildly did they whirl. Even their horses seemed to catch the infection, for they thundered on as if mad, snorting and fretting, with eyeballs wildly staring, fiery and bloodshot.