The one that weakened first, however, was Deerfoot. His opponent had grasped him by the throat and shut off his breath. With his breath gone Deerfoot’s strength ebbed quickly. Little by little his resistance ceased until by a supreme effort his opponent gained the upper hand and in a short time he sat upon Deerfoot’s chest, his hands still clutching the Pottowattomie’s windpipe. Deerfoot’s conqueror leered exultantly as he reached for his knife to complete his work.
This move, however, was Robert’s cue to act and he responded at once. Grasping his rifle by the barrel with both hands the young volunteer stepped out from behind the tree. He moved noiselessly and so intent was his foe upon what he was doing that Robert’s actions escaped unnoticed. He raised his gun and swinging it twice around brought it squarely down upon the shaved head of his enemy.
That was all. The Sac, without even so much as a groan, rolled over and lay still upon the ground. His knife slipped from his hand and not a muscle in his body quivered. He was dead.
“Come, Deerfoot!” cried Robert. “Come quickly!”
He grasped his friend by his hand and lifted him to his feet. For a moment Deerfoot seemed dazed and he passed his hand over his throat.
“Come on! Come on!” urged Robert. “Joe is lying out here wounded, and we must look after him.”
“Me come,” replied Deerfoot huskily. He turned and looked at his fallen opponent, but Robert grasped his arm. He knew what was passing in his red ally’s mind and he forestalled the impulse.
“No scalping now,” he exclaimed. “We’ll be killed if we stay here any longer. Please come, Deerfoot.”
The bullets still sang about their heads. One struck Robert’s gun, scarring the stock and tearing it almost from his grasp. Evidently there was no time to lose. He caught hold of Deerfoot’s arm and half dragging him hurried his friend from the perilous place.
As they emerged from the shelter of the trees a shout of welcome from their comrades and a yell of rage from their enemies at the same time greeted them. The sound, however, scarcely made any impression upon the two daring men. So intent were they upon the task at hand that nothing else seemed of any consequence to them.