ht obtain a view over the plain, and thus the more
easily escape from those who by this time, they must have known through
their scouts, were in pursuit of them, although they could not be aware
that our small party was so close at their heels. In a few hours more,
we believed, we should probably be up with them; and we hoped that while
they were in camp we might find some means or other of releasing Bartle.

Though generally keeping our eyes ahead, or down on the plain, I
happened on one occasion to look up the mountain. On the height above
me was the figure of a human being. I pointed it out to my companions.

"There is no doubt about it," exclaimed Gideon; "what you see is a
cross, with a man, well-nigh stripped, bound to it."

The spot was one difficult of access, but it had been reached shortly
before, and, Piomingo declared, by Indians, whose trail he discovered on
the hard rock, where Gideon and I could not perceive the slightest
marks.

"That is Bartle," cried Gideon as we were climbing on. "Little chance,
however, of the poor fellow being alive. The cruel varmints! I'll
punish them one of these days for what they have done."

The expressions which his indignation drew forth were very natural, but
they were not in accordance with the precepts I had been endeavouring to
inculcate on Piomingo.

As we hastened on Gideon cried, "I think I saw his head move; if so, he
must be alive. We are coming! cheer up, cheer up, Bartle; we are coming
to your help!" he shouted.

The faint sound of a human voice was heard in return.

"He is alive," I exclaimed; "he is alive!" and I waved my cap as we
rushed to our friend's assistance.

Another minute, and we were by Bartle's side. We could perceive no
wound, but his eyes were starting from his head, and his tongue
protruded. Not a moment was lost in cutting the lashings with which he
was bound to the stump of a small tree, with another rough piece of wood
fastened across it. A few minutes later, and I believe he would have
breathed his last. We had fortunately brought with us a bottle of water
and some spirits, some of which we poured down his throat, and in a
wonderfully short time he revived, and was able to tell us what had
happened to him. He had rendered one of his captors a service on some
occasion, and this man had sufficient influence with the others to
preserve his life. When, however, they found themselves closely pursued
by our troops, they were a