He had loaded the rifles of both his comrades who carried them, and in a few disjointed sentences he told them of his plan.
It was an old one, but was the only thing our friends could do, as there was not a tree in sight.
Waiting until they got to a place where, on account of the buffaloes, the prairie-grass for several acres around was very short, the four men suddenly jerked up their horses.
The guide quickly threw himself from the back of his horse on the side opposite to the Indians, and with his rifle in his hands, looked over the back of his animal at the foe.
The three others followed his example, and the Comanches divided and went on both sides of them. Not an Indian was in sight, they having disappeared behind their horses.
At a word from Ralph the four horses were put into a form like a square, and then the whites waited for the attack.
The Indians were not ready to fire when they rode past our friends. Had their rifles been loaded, they would most assuredly have given them a volley, aiming from beneath the necks of their horses. As it was, they rode off a good distance, and then coming together in a group, they sat upright on their horses.
They commenced talking and gesticulating wildly, and Ralph, as he looked at them, gave a chuckle of delight.
“I believe my ole Betsy Jane kin throw a chunk of lead over to them fellers. Anyhow, I’m goin’ ter try it. Jest watch, now,” said he.
His rifle was resting on the back of his mustang, and as he spoke, he took a careful aim along the gleaming barrel.