The man was muttering to himself as he watched the Indians go past.
“The poor fellow,” said he, “he’s doomed to the stake. I came out here for adventures and fun, and now I have a chance for both and to do a good deed at the same time. As sure as my name is Barry Le Clare, the champion bareback rider, jumper, et cetera, I’ll do it. What d’ye say, Snow Cloud, shall we put up our posters announcing that we will give an exhibition free to-morrow?” turning as he spoke, to his horse. The intelligent animal seemed to understand every word that was spoken, and gave a low whinny as it rubbed its velvety muzzle against the cheek of its master.
His words explained the strange appearance of the horse, and also the bundle on its back. The man had been a circus actor all his life, and having made lots of money and saved it too, he had with his celebrated horse left the circus life and come out West to enjoy himself. He could not bear a saddle even if the horse would have one on, which it certainly would not, having an antipathy against them. Just at break of day, while Barry, as we must call him, was still cogitating, leaning on his beautiful steed, he heard more yells in the village and knew that one or more new prisoners had been brought in. Who they were he knew not, for he could not see them, as they had entered the village from the opposite side.
He resolved, however, to try and save them all, and after making this resolve he left his horse’s side, taking the bundle from his back, and began to change his clothes.
Fifteen minutes passed away and then a horseman emerged from the grove of trees and began to ride toward the village.
He was at once discovered by the Comanches and the whole village was soon staring at him.
And indeed he did present a curious sight.
He was attired in regular circus costume, tights of flesh-colored stuff being on his body and limbs, and the blue cloth covered with spangles about his loins. He wore a jaunty cap, and his curly black hair was put back behind his ears.
The white horse was the same as before, only it carried no bundle.
The clothes of the circus-rider had been left in the woods, together with his rifle, revolvers and knife.