d, as she ran to meet the rider, with Pond's
blanket, hat, and rifle in her hand.

"Gone at full speed with his warriors on the trail of the Black Hillers,
who have been alarmed in some way, and, have got at least two hours
start. He sent me back to bring you and Pond along."

"Here is all of Mr. Pond that can be found," said Addie, holding up what
she had found. "I went to the nest, the bird had flown, and the nest was
cold."

The Texan rode quickly to the spot, and in a moment saw the trail over
the ridge made by Pond when he had escaped.

"It was he who gave the alarm--him whom I believed so sleepy!" he
muttered. "He must have seen Bill and the Indians when they first came,
arranged his blanket and hat as you found it, and crept over the hill.
When I cautioned him to keep quiet, I told him how near and in what
direction they were. I see it all. Green as I took him to be, he has
outwitted us all!"

"It is so. This is his horse--a noble animal, too. We will take that
with us."

"Of course; and we must hurry on, for Bill is miles on the trail
already. He will be even more surprised than we when he knows how the
Black Hillers got warning. I'll not give much for Mr. Pond's hair," said
the Texan.

In a few seconds the horse which Addie had ridden was saddled and ready,
and, leaving his pack-horse behind, but leading the Black Hawk, the
young Texan, with Addie Neidic by his side, dashed at full speed over
the valley, and out of the ravine.

Once out on the open plain, they could see far away to the west a cloud
of dust. It was made by the Sioux under the White Elk, who were pushing
the horses to their wildest speed on the trail of the fugitives. This
trail the Texan and Addie Neidic followed at their utmost speed.

The double trail made by the Black Hillers and the pursuing Indians
would have been plain indeed to follow had not the column of dust served
as a guide.

With their horses at full speed, and better than the general run of
Indian ponies, the Texan and his fair companion gained slowly but surely
on the Indians, and within an hour had passed the rear of their column,
and were pressing well to the front.

Yet it was noon when they ranged alongside of Persimmon Bill himself,
and reported the discovery Addie Neidic had made.

"One more scalp ahead of us," was all he said, when he heard the report.

And he pressed on still faster.

CHAPTER XVII.
UNLOOKED-FOR AID.

With their heavily-laden pack-hor