overwhelming force, his best policy was to assume an

air of confident courage. He therefore approached them

at his utmost speed.

The effect upon the advancing band was electrical;

and little wonder, for the young hunter's appearance

was very striking. His horse, from having rested a

good deal of late, was full of spirit. Its neck was

arched, its nostrils expanded, and its mane and tail

never having been checked in their growth flew wildly

around him in voluminous curls. Dick's own hair, not