Before the day broke he had gained the open prairie, and then paused in a clump of trees, in order to see if the coast was clear for his further progress, as soon as the sun should arise. To hasten this end, he scaled a tall tree, and from its top-branches, he eagerly scanned the prairie, as well as the dim light would admit.
But until the sun had fairly arisen, his search was useless. Then, however, his heart beat rapidly, and he saw how wise had been his precaution.
At nearly a mile's distance, he could just distinguish the forms of a number of human beings. Keenly observing them, he first saw that they were in the direct Trace, and were approaching him at a rapid pace. Then he perceived that they were Indians.
Fred hastily descended a few feet to where the limbs were thick, and then crouched down, his eyes once more bent fixedly upon the foe. The sun shone full upon them now, and he counted over a score in all.
As they descended into the hollow, he lost sight of them for a moment, but then they reappeared upon the crest, next to the one upon which stood the grove he had sought refuge in. The Trace ran within a few yards of this motte, and the young man began to feel apprehensive as to his own safety.
The savages kept on, and now Fred could distinguish the form and features of a white man; of Dusky Dick, and his teeth grated fiercely together as he felt a stern desire to avenge the supposed destruction of his family upon the renegade. But to do so now would be equivalent to his own death.
Then the party gained the ridge, and paused; some pointing toward the motte where the young man was concealed. As Fred anxiously watched their every motion, he heard them yell wildly, and believed he was discovered.
Throwing forward his rifle-muzzle, he glanced along the barrel. The double sights drew full upon the head of the renegade, and only a slight pressure of the forefinger would have sounded Dusky Dick's death-knell.
But that pressure was not given, for just then the red-skins, led by Dusky Dick, turned and dashed down the hillside, with long, loud yells. In surprise Fred glanced at the further ridge, and a cry of wonder broke from his lips.
He could quite plainly distinguish another party; these unmistakably white. He also noted the flowing drapery of women; three in number. And then the truth burst upon his mind like a revelation.