But, as the reader knows, Jesse had seen them and, with his pals, was scurrying from their path.
The Indians slowed up as they reached the edge of the ravine, then descended, crossed, mounted the other side, and swept on in the trail of the soldiers.
Pausing as he heard the bucks plunge into the gorge, Jesse parted the bushes at his side, peering at the dark, tossing forms.
Cautiously his pals followed his example.
Never had men seemed to move so slowly as did the Indians in crossing the gulch.
But at last only a few stragglers had not mounted to the plains.
"Quick, boys! Crawl to the top of the bank, only keep under cover!" whispered the world-famous desperado.
With alacrity his companions obeyed.
A rod he led them, still on their hands and knees, after they had gained the level.