ove. The Mexicans fired several
musket shots at him, but the bullets all went wild. He did not undertake
a reply, as he was straining every effort to reach the trees. Several
pistols also were emptied at him, but he yet remained unhurt.

Nevertheless, the horsemen were coming alarmingly near.

He heard the thunder of hoofs in his ears, and he heard also a quick
hiss like that of a snake.

Ned knew that the hissing sound was made by a lasso, and as he dodged he
felt the coil, thrown in vain, slipping from his shoulders. He whirled
about and fired at the man who had thrown the lasso. The rider uttered a
cry, fell backward on his horse, and then to the ground.

As Ned turned for the shot he saw that Urrea was the leader of the
horsemen. Whether Urrea had recognized him or not he did not know, but
the fact that he was there increased his apprehension. He made a mighty
effort and leaped the next instant into the protection of the trees and
thickets. Fortune favored him now. A wood alone would not have protected
him, but here were vines and bushes also.

He turned off at a sharp angle and ran as swiftly and with as little
noise as he could. He heard the horses floundering in the forest, and
the curses of their riders. He ran a hundred yards further and, coming
to a little gully, lay down in it and reloaded his rifle. Then he stayed
there until he could regain his breath and strength. While he lay he
heard the Mexicans beating up the thickets, and Urrea giving sharp
orders.

Ned knew that his hiding place must soon be discovered, and he began to
consider what would be the best movement to make next. His heart had now
returned to its normal beat, and he felt that he was good for another
fine burst of speed.

He heard the trampling of the horses approaching, and then the voice of
Urrea telling the others that he was going straight ahead and to follow
him. Evidently they had beaten up the rest of the forest, and now they
were bound to come upon him. Ned sprang from the gully, ran from the
wood and darted across the prairie toward the next little grove.

He was halfway toward the coveted shelter when Urrea caught sight of
him, gave a shout, and fired his pistol. Ned, filled with hatred of
Urrea, fired in return. But the bullet, instead of striking the
horseman, struck the horse squarely in the head. The horse fell
instantly, and Urrea, hurled violently over his head, lay still.

Ned caught it all in a fleeting glance, an