as if of distant thunder, was heard; but the flying

hunters paid no attention to it, for the led horses gave

them so much trouble, and retarded their flight so much,

that the Indians were gradually and visibly gaining on

them.

"We'll ha' to let the packs go," said Joe, somewhat

bitterly, as he looked over his shoulder. "Our scalps'll

pay for't, if we don't."

Henri uttered a peculiar and significant

hiss