flattening out like hunted squirrel,
for as the foremost in the dash came thundering on within good carbine
range, all on a sudden the watch dogs of the little plains fort began to
bark. Tiny jets of flame and smoke shot from the level of the
prairie, from over dingy mounds of sand, from behind the trunks of
stunted trees, from low parapet of log or leather. Then the entire grove
seemed veiling itself in a drifting film of blue, the whole charging
circle to crown itself with a dun cloud of dust that swept eastward over
the prairie, driven by the stiff, unhampered breeze. The welkin rang
with savage yell, with answering cheer, with the sputter and crackle of
rifle and revolver, the loud bellow of Springfield, and then, still
yelping, the feathered riders veered and circled, ever at magnificent
speed, each man for himself, apparently, yet all guided and controlled
by some unseen, yet acknowledged, power; and, in five minutes, save
where some hapless pony lay quivering and kicking on the turf, the low
ground close at hand was swept clean of horse or man. The wild attack
had been made in vain. The Sioux were scampering back, convinced, but
not discomfited. Some few of their number, borne away stunned and
bleeding by comrade hands from underneath their stricken chargers,--some
three or four, perhaps, who had dared too much,--were now closing their
eyes on the last fight of their savage lives.

To Ray and to many of his men it was all an old story. Stabber would
never have counselled or permitted attack on seasoned troopers, fighting
behind even improvised shelter. Something, perhaps, had occurred to
blind his younger rival to the peril of such assault, and now, as three
or four little parties were seen slowly drifting away toward the ridge,
burdened by some helpless form, other couriers came thundering down at
Red Fox, and wild excitement prevailed among the Elk Teeth. More signals
were flashing. More Indians came popping into view, their feathered
bonnets streaming in the rising wind, and about the prairie wave, where
the savage general had established field headquarters, a furious
conference was going on. Stabber had again interposed, and with grim but
hopeful eyes, Ray and his fellows watched and noted. Every lull in the
fight was so much gain for them.

"Twelve fifty-two," said the dark-eyed commander, swinging his watch
into the pocket of his hunting shirt, and sliding backward into the
stream bed. "All serene so far.