The animal plunged, reared, and then struck off at right angles from the band.
Half a dozen of the Indians and white men instantly separated from the party, and with shouts and yells of wild glee spurred after the cut-off fugitive, whose horse had become crazed with pain.
We must now return to Frank and Charley.
Frank had just decided to put on a full head of steam in order to make a final effort, when his cousin hailed him with a signal whistle.
Frank shut off steam and allowed Charley to drive the man up close to the horse.
“What’s the matter?” asked Frank.
“Pomp just took a peep with the telescope,” said Charley, “and he saw a band of murderous reds and whites about four miles ahead. They are the worst on the plains, and I move that we try to clean ’em out alone. What do you say?”
“How many are there?”
“Eight or ten.”