had
been mounting the fagots hurried back, while the last who had been seen
approaching retreated. We plied them more rapidly than ever with our
musketry. We could hear their chiefs issuing their orders, and in
another minute the whole line scampered off and disappeared in the
darkness.

Not many minutes afterwards we heard Sandy's voice shouting out, "We
have brought some Indian friends to your assistance."

We now, without hesitation, threw open the gate, and the next instant
Robin sprang forward and shook our hands, while Sandy with his six men
appeared directly afterwards.

"No time to stop," exclaimed Sandy. "The youngster found us, and we
fell in with some friends in time of need, who agreed to come along with
us. There they are; but they're afraid to come near, lest you should
mistake them for the foe, and pepper them. They and we must be after
the rascals who have been attacking you. Can't stop to ask questions;
only hope you are all safe. Keep Robin fast, or he'll be running after
us, and there is no need to let the lad run his nose into unnecessary
danger. I hope you are all right, though?"

"Yes, thank you; none of us hurt badly," answered Alick.

"That's well," exclaimed Sandy; and without more ado he and his men
hurried after the Indians, who were already cautiously moving on in the
direction our late assailants had taken.

"Don't pursue them too far, or you may fall in with fresh bands, and may
have a hard matter to fight your way back," shouted Alick.

"Ay, ay!" answered Sandy; "trust me and the Indians for that," and he
and his men were soon lost to sight in the gloom.

Several of our men eagerly begged for leave to go out and join Sandy's
party. Alick would, however, only allow six of them, including three of
the hunters to whom we had given refuge, to go. All being well armed,
we had no doubt that they would drive back the Sioux, and probably kill
or capture a number of them.

Robin, as Sandy had supposed he would, wanted to go also; but Martin and
I held him fast till the gate was closed.

"Now go and lie down, my boy," said Alick. "You have been on your legs
a good many hours, and have done us service enough for one day, or for
many days for that matter."

Robin somewhat unwillingly obeyed, having first taken some food, of
which he stood in need; and as he dropped off to sleep immediately, it
was evident that he was pretty well worn out.

We had now to wait for the return o