the intent to strike the poor horse to the earth, but his

better nature prevailed. He checked the uplifted hand,

and with, a groan dropped the reins, and sank almost

helplessly forward on the saddle; for several of the Indians

had left the main body and were pursuing him

alone, so that there would have been now no chance of

his reaching the place where Crusoe fell, even if he could

have turned his horse.

Spiritless, and utterly indifferent to what his fate

might be, Dick Varley rode along with his head drooping,