y stays not to hear more, but again urges his horse to speed, with
head in the direction indicated.

Darting on, he is soon out into the clear atmosphere; there to see two
horsemen going off over the plain, pursued and pursuer. In the former
he recognises Borlasse, while the latter is Woodley. Both are upon
strong, swift, horses; but better mounted than either, he soon gains
upon them.

The backwoodsman is nearing the brigand. Clancy sees this with
satisfaction, though not without anxiety. He knows Jim Borlasse is an
antagonist not to be despised. Driven to desperation, he will fight
like a grizzly bear. Woodley will need all his strength, courage, and
strategy.

Eager to assist his old comrade, he presses onward; but, before he can
come up, they have closed, and are at it.

Not in combat, paces apart, with rifles or pistols. Not a shot is being
exchanged between them. Instead, they are close together, have clutched
one another, and are fighting, hand to hand, with _bowies_!

It commenced on horseback, but at the first grip both came to the
ground, dragging each other down. Now the fight continues on foot, each
with his bared blade hacking and hewing at the other.

A dread spectacle these two gigantic gladiators engaged in mortal
strife! All the more in its silence. Neither utters shout, or speaks
word. They are too intent upon killing. The only sound heard is their
hoarse breathing as they pant to recover it--each holding the other's
arm to hinder the fatal stroke.

Clancy's heart beats apprehensively for the issue; and with rifle
cocked, he rides on to send a bullet through Borlasse.

It is not needed. No gun is to give the _coup de grace_ to the chief of
the prairie pirates. For, the blade of a bowie-knife has passed between
his ribs, laying him lifeless along the earth.

"You, Charley Clancy!" says Sime, in joyful surprise at seeing his
friend still safe. "Thank the Lord for it! But who'd a thought o'
meeting ye in the middle of the skrimmage! And in time to stan' by me
hed that been needful. But whar hev ye come from? Dropt out o' the
clouds? An' what o' Dick Darke? I'd most forgot that leetle matter.
Have ye seed him?"

"I have."

"Wal; what's happened? Hev ye did anythin' to him?"

"The same as you have done to _him_," answers Clancy, pointing to the
body of Borlasse.

"Good for you! I know'd it 'ud end that way. I say'd so to that sweet
critter, when I war leevin' her at