“Why, Sandy, what do you mean?”
“They’re coming now!”
Sandy staggered to his feet; Toma raced to get the pony. It was not until the packs had been lifted and tied into place, that Dick was made aware of the danger which threatened them.
“Indian encampment over there in the ravine. Ran right into it. Dick, I’m afraid they saw us.”
Dick’s pulses quickened perceptibly as he received the disconcerting news.
“We’ll cross the river. Better there. Don’t bother with the pack-horse.”
“No, Toma thinks we’ll be safer among those high rocks behind us.”
As Dick paused for a brief space undecided, Toma seized the lead rope, motioning frantically.
“I see ’em first fellow already. Look out!”
He raced forward, pressed the lead-rope in Dick’s hands, then fell back to cover their retreat. His rifle roared intermittently as they made their way up the slope.