, turning round.

"Do not mind yourself either," answered the lieutenant. "The lives of
our friends are at stake, and if we are to help them we must get to the
farm without delay."

Whack, whack, whack went Barney's stick. The German also urged forward
his mustang in the same manner--his feet, from the length of his legs,
nearly touching the ground. Indeed, when passing through long grass,
his feet were so completely hidden, that, as he kept moving his legs
about all the time, it appeared as if he were running along with his
horse under him.

At length the mountains which rose above Roaring Water appeared in
sight. As we neared them I looked out eagerly from the summit of a
ridge we had reached, to ascertain if any Indians were in the
neighbourhood; but as none were to be seen, I hoped that we might reach
the farm before any attack had been commenced.

As we passed the confines of the property I saw none of our people
about; but, as the evening was drawing on, I thought it probable that
they had gone home from their work. Still, I felt somewhat anxious; my
anxiety being also shared by the lieutenant, who was making his tired
beast breast the hill faster than he, as a humane man, would otherwise
have done.

As we got close to the house, an Indian started up from behind a copse
which grew on the side of the hill. He had neither war-paint nor
ornaments on, and looked weary and travel-stained. He was a young,
active man; but, at the first glance, I did not like his countenance. A
person unaccustomed to Indians cannot easily distinguish one from
another, although in reality they vary in appearance as much as white
men do; as does also the expression of their countenances.

"Are you going to the farm?" he asked, addressing me. He knew at once
by my dress that I was a settler.

"Yes," I replied. "Why do you put the question?"

"I wish to go there too," he answered. "I want to tell the Palefaces
living there that they are likely to be attacked by enemies who have
sworn to take their scalps, and that unless they run away they will all
lose their lives."

"You do not bring us news," I replied; "but you can accompany us to the
farm and speak to the white chief, telling him what you know--although I
do not think it likely that he will follow your advice."

"Come on, come on, Ralph," cried the lieutenant; "do not lose time by
talking to that fellow."

I quickly overtook my companion; while the Indian followe