As some of the ponies were much swifter than others the volunteers were soon strung out in a long line over the prairie. To his dismay, Joseph suddenly noticed that man after man was passing him and leaving him behind. He could not be sure whether or not the shouts of the Indians sounded closer, but he was greatly alarmed to see himself being outdistanced by so many of his comrades.
His pursuers were not yelling as much as they had been. That they had not given up the chase, however, was manifest by the fact that above the pounding of the horses’ hoofs could be heard the frequent bark of the rifles. Joseph knew that it would be a long time before the Indians would relinquish such an opportunity to avenge themselves upon their enemies, the Americans.
He could see that his pony was tiring fast and that his predicament would soon be desperate unless something speedily occurred to aid him. It was only a question of time before his horse would break down under the strain and then the young pioneer’s case would be almost hopeless. Joseph raised his head and glanced about him.
A short distance ahead, and a little to one side, he spied a ravine. A narrow gully, filled with bowlders and scrubby trees, appeared to Joseph’s gaze and he quickly decided to enter it, for perhaps he might find a place of refuge. He turned his horse and plunged into the ravine.
As he urged his horse to a final effort his mind turned to Robert and Deerfoot. What had become of them? If they had been killed, or far worse, captured, Joseph would be left all alone in the world. A lump arose in his throat at the thought. This was no time for sentiment, however, and he quickly suppressed his feelings and devoted his whole attention to his own safety.
A short distance in advance of him he spied a thick clump of bushes. Toward these Joseph hurried and upon reaching the spot was overjoyed to find that they would afford a screen sufficient to hide him from the gaze of anyone who should pass that way. On the other hand he could look out from his refuge and see all that was taking place around him.
He tethered his horse to one of the roots of a large tree, which had been torn from its place by some great wind. Making sure that in his hiding place he and his horse were well concealed, he crawled cautiously along the trunk of the fallen tree, until he reached a spot from which he could see the surrounding country.
Hardly had he been in his place a moment when he heard the clatter of hoofs and not fifty feet from him he spied five Indians riding past at full speed in pursuit of the flying volunteers.
CHAPTER XIII
THE WHINNY OF A HORSE
Close behind these Indians came five more and then a little squad of three. Next appeared one solitary brave, his war paint shining while he shouted at the top of his voice. Joseph shuddered as he saw these savages dash past him and involuntarily he drew back further on the tree trunk. He had no desire to be seen by any one of his bloodthirsty foes, especially at this time when they were so filled with confidence and their desire to kill.