indicated the existence of trees to Joe's practised eyes,

and feeling that if the horses broke down they could

better make a last manful stand in the wood than on

the plain he urged his steed towards it. The savages

noticed the movement at once, and uttered a yell of

exultation, for they regarded it as an evidence that the

fugitives doubted the strength of their horses.

"Ye haven't got us yet," muttered Joe, with a sardonic

grin. "If they get near us, Dick, keep yer eyes

open an' look out for yer neck, else they'll drop a noose