"It's not dangerous," answered Dacres. Neither was it. Nevertheless, should complications ensue owing to the lack of proper medical attention the result might easily prove to be fatal but for the present all that could be done was to cheer his wounded comrade and persuade him to attempt to continue his toilsome journey.
"How goes it?" asked Dacres, having assisted Henri to his feet.
"I feel so: my head goes round and round, but I shall be all right soon. Try to catch the horse," he persisted.
"Suppose I must tackle the brute, if it's only to humour Henri," thought Dacres, then, with considerable misgiving, he approached the animal.
Greatly to his agreeable surprise he found that the horse allowed itself to be quietly led away from its former master. The change of ownership did not seem to matter so long as the animal had a human being to assert his authority.
The knowledge that the food supply was running short, prompted Dacres to examine the bodies of the slain Indians in the hope of finding something in their possession that would sustain him and his companion; but he was disappointed.
"Are you fit to make a start?" he asked.
"Yes," replied Henri.
"Then I'll lift you on to the horse's back."
"But you?" objected de la Fosse. "We can both ride."