As they drew nearer the hills it became almost a certainty that the savages had sought refuge there.
A long stretch of plain intervened to the hills.
This was easily to be inspected with a glass, and Frank did so. There was no sign whatever of the Indians.
All hope was thus given up of overtaking the redskins before reaching the hills.
It seemed a certainty that they had reached their caves, and the only alternative left was to scour them thoroughly.
But when quite near an entrance between high hills, suddenly the pursuers topped a rise in the prairie and were rewarded with a startling sight.
Just below, in a depression, was the band of savages, seemingly engaged in making camp.
A small creek ran through this depression,
As is well known, Indians always encamp upon the banks of a stream. Yet it was a surprise to the pursuers that they should venture to camp in this open spot.
At sight of their foes the astonished redskins were thrown into a tumult.